Apple reveals biggest update to 27-inch iMac in years

Apple's future may lie in the move to Apple silicon but that transition will take at least two years with the first Apple silicon-powered devices coming early 2021. For those that can't wait, or whose workflows are tied into Intel Macs, the biggest update to the 27-inch 5K iMac just happened. 

Apple today revealed a new series of 27-inch iMacs featuringfaster Intel processors up to 10 cores, double the memory capacity, next-generation AMD graphics, superfast SSDs across the line with four times the storage capacity, a new nano-texture glass option for an even more stunning Retina 5K display, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, higher fidelity speakers, and studio-quality mics. Starting at $2,399, the new iMacs are ideal for creative studios, animators, students, or anyone looking for a versatile all-in-one that will soon run macOS Catalina. 

Renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 leak once more ahead of Aug. 5 launch

We're a day away from Samsung's Unpacked 2020, but that doesn't mean the leaks have stopped. Evan Blass shared higher resolution renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in its new rose gold colour. 

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New Google Chrome extension displays detailed ad-tracking data

Google has released a new Chrome extension that shows you how advertisers are targeting you. Ads Transparency Spotlight displays the number of ads loading on a page, what advertisers and ad tech companies are present, and what personal data is being used to serve advertisements (like demographics, remarketing, interests, location, etc.). It also shows links to the privacy policy of companies and services present on the page, how each collects and stores data, and why the ads are displayed on a page. According to Engadget, the extension might work differently in regions outside of the US. Some European users can see the advertisers and number of ads, but not the personal tracking info.

This early version of the extension only shows the information on Google-served ads that used Google's Ad Disclosure Scheme. It's designed to help advertisers share how they're using your data. This new extension is part of Google's push to improve its ad transparency and avoid additional privacy-oriented legislation (like the European Union's GDPR laws).

Source: 9to5Google

Google partners, invests with ADT to boost smart home security plans

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Google has announced a partnership and US$450 million investment into security firm ADT, giving it a 6.6% share of the company. The plan is to let ADT's technicians sell and install Google Nest products, which could help attract customers who are intimidated by setting up smart home products on their own. At the same time, ADT gets to use Google's smart home and AI technology expertise to develop its home security product range. Google wants to become the "cornerstone of ADT's smart home offering." 

"Over time, Nest's devices, powered by Google's machine learning capabilities, will enhance ADT's security monitoring," Google said. "The goal is to give customers fewer false alarms, more ways to receive alarm events and better detection of potential incidents inside and around the home." It isn't clear, though, if this partnership will extend beyond the US.

Source: Engadget