Tech News: Smart Glasses at a Bikini Wax, iPhone 17 Rumors, and AI Updates

Consumer Tech and Privacy Concerns

• 💡 A study indicates that higher-income individuals tend to return more purchased items, as they can afford to buy multiple options and keep only the best.
• 👓 A woman in New York reported her esthetician wearing Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses during a bikini wax, raising privacy concerns about potential recording.
• ⚠️ The advice given is to leave immediately if you suspect you are being recorded in a private environment.

Upcoming Apple and Samsung Devices

• 📱 Apple is expected to announce four new iPhone 17 models on September 9th, including an iPhone Air, with improved cameras and faster chips.
• ⌚ New Apple Watches (Series 11 and Ultra 3) may feature blood pressure tracking and longer battery life.
• 🎧 AirPods Pro are rumored to include health sensors for heart rate and temperature monitoring.
• 📺 Samsung's 2025 TVs will integrate Microsoft's AI Copilot for content summarization and answering questions.

Tech Scams and Security

• 📞 Be wary of calls claiming to be Google support with the number 650-253-0000; these are hackers attempting to reset Gmail passwords.
• 🏛️ A jury ruled that State Farm underpaid insurance payouts for totaled vehicles using a software called Autosource Marketdriven Valuation.
• 💰 A scam involves callers claiming bank accounts are in jeopardy, instructing victims to buy gold bars at Costco and hand them over.
• 📧 Emails about Adobe class-action lawsuits may be scams; verify information through official sources like the DOJ and FTC, and avoid sending personal ID.

Digital Tools and Services

• 🌐 For website needs, consider hiring freelancers on platforms like Upwork if direct customer service from providers like GoDaddy or Wix is lacking.
• 🐺 The USDA is using $20,000 drones that play loud noises like AC/DC and gunshots to deter wolves from livestock.
• 🔒 Incogn is recommended for online privacy, helping to remove personal data from data brokers and search sites.
• 📱 For walkie-talkie functionality on phones, consider apps like Zello or Voxer as alternatives to traditional radios.
• 🚗 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users can customize their home screens and use voice commands for navigation and communication to reduce distracted driving.

Consumer Advice and App Usage

• 🍔 Fast food restaurant apps incentivize usage with promotions and discounts, but also collect significant user data, potentially leading to increased spending.
• 🤝 Consumer Cellular offers unlimited talk, text, and data for two lines at $60/month for those over 50.
• ☁️ Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is highlighted for its speed, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for AI workloads.
• 🔒 NordPass is recommended as a password manager to enhance digital security.