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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on YouTube Features Remain Intact as Google Enhances Ad Blocker Limitations
    YouTube Features Remain Intact as Google Enhances Ad Blocker Limitations

    Downdetector reported over 1,300 incidents around that time before 9:00 a.m. ET.

    While some quickly assumed that YouTube was down, it seems users on Reddit may have identified a different cause (via Windows Central). Rather than a problem with the YouTube site or Google’s servers, it appears the issue could be related to ad blockers within the Opera GX browser, as several users noted the problem continuing in Opera GX but not in other browsers.

    There have been, of course, varying reports on which browsers encountered problems with YouTube, as some indicated that any Chromium browsers logged into YouTube with an ad blocker faced similar challenges. Sadly, without any official statements from Google or YouTube, we are left only with conjecture.

    Not a technical issue

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/no-y

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Fresh Investigations Indicate ChatGPT Malfunction Resulting in Unintentional Prompt Exposures
    Fresh Investigations Indicate ChatGPT Malfunction Resulting in Unintentional Prompt Exposures

    A Malfunction Led ChatGPT To Expose Prompts In Surprising Locations, Recent Reports Suggest

    This isn’t the first instance where OpenAI has been in the spotlight regarding personal and private interactions with its AI chatbot inadvertently spilling over into unintended areas. However, this may be one of the more captivating reports we’ve encountered, as these allegations indicate that ChatGPT conversations were actually surfacing in Google Search Console (GSC), making individuals’ private inquiries to the AI accessible to anyone utilizing the Google platform.

    For those unfamiliar with GSC, it’s primarily a mechanism that enables developers to track search traffic. Therefore, it’s obviously not where one would anticipate their conversations with OpenAI’s chatbot to appear. Fortunately, a report from Ars Technica mentions that this complication has been addressed, and OpenAI states that it was due to a glitch that only impacted a “small number of search queries” being funneled through GSC, where they were visible to others.

    This specific problem could be linked to allegations that OpenAI was scraping Google to respond to user prompts. While OpenAI neither confirmed nor denied this theory, Jason Packer, the proprietor of the consulting firm Quantable — which was among the first to highlight the issue in October — noted in the firm’s report that this activity could help clarify why these queries appeared in GSC.

    AI chatbots are not entirely private

    Although OpenAI claims it has rectified the situation, Packer appears skeptical that it has fully resolved, particularly if OpenAI is indeed scraping Google for responses. Online scraping has emerged as a convenient method for AI companies like Perplexity to assist in uncovering answers to the inquiries made by users, and some have even faced legal repercussions for unlawfully scraping sites that have prohibited such practices.

    Like many of the challenges faced by chatbots such as ChatGPT — including demands from the legal system to disclose complete chat histories in certain legal matters — this serves as yet another reminder of the continuously evolving risks associated with online chatbots and their growing role in our lives. Some individuals have started to depend on ChatGPT and other AI chatbots as substitutes for friends or even therapists. While OpenAI has adopted more stringent positions on this, particularly following a lawsuit from parents of a deceased teenager, problems persist.

    Engaging with an online chatbot lacks privacy, and you hold little control over the distribution of your data after entering it into the query system. Therefore, if you intend to use ChatGPT or any AI chatbot frequently, exercise caution regarding what you disclose, as those prompts might just find their way to places they should not be.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV’s Fresh Pluribus Series: A Possible Highlight in Sci-Fi Entertainment
    Apple TV’s Fresh Pluribus Series: A Possible Highlight in Sci-Fi Entertainment

    # Pluribus: Apple TV’s Fresh Sci-Fi Hit

    Apple TV has experienced an impressive year, and the excitement persists with the debut of **Pluribus**, a much-anticipated sci-fi series from the renowned creator of *Breaking Bad*, Vince Gilligan. The series has sparked considerable interest, and initial reviews indicate it might meet expectations.

    ## Pluribus: An Innovative Idea

    The concept of *Pluribus* is captivating: “The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.” This logline creates the foundation for a storyline that promises both richness and wit. Apple has maintained secrecy around details at Gilligan’s request, heightening anticipation through a mystery-laden marketing strategy akin to what was utilized for *Severance*.

    With the first pair of episodes now released, critics have had the opportunity to express their opinions, and the feedback has been largely favorable. *Pluribus* currently enjoys an immaculate score on Rotten Tomatoes, a rare achievement for a debut series.

    ### Critical Praise

    Critics have lauded *Pluribus* for its creativity and insightful themes. Notable remarks from reviews include:

    – The *Pittsburgh Tribune-Review* called it “the most original, unexpectedly thought-provoking and often humorous series of 2025.”
    – Alan Sepinwall remarked, “Vince Gilligan is at his finest with Pluribus.”
    – The *Times (UK)* emphasized the potential for an Emmy-winning performance from the lead actress, celebrating Gilligan’s distinctive writing style.

    This praise indicates that *Pluribus* has not only fulfilled expectations but could also transform the sci-fi genre on television.

    ## A New Player in Sci-Fi

    After watching *Pluribus*, it’s evident that Apple TV may have another potential success. The series has drawn comparisons to *Severance*, which has already made its mark as a significant triumph. With its captivating story and high production quality, *Pluribus* might just emerge as the next major hit in sci-fi television.

    As the series progresses in the upcoming weeks, viewers can anticipate a mix of entertainment that fuses Gilligan’s hallmark storytelling with a fresh spin on the sci-fi genre.

    ### Conclusion

    With *Pluribus*, Apple TV continues to reinforce its standing as a provider of premium content. The show is available for streaming at a subscription cost of $12.99 per month, alongside other favorites like *Ted Lasso* and *The Morning Show*. As the series unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how it connects with viewers and if it can sustain its initial success.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on How to Buy Seized Items from the TSA
    How to Buy Seized Items from the TSA

    electronics that the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage, and if no alternative packing option is available, they must be relinquished. Nonetheless, not all items on GovDeals are sourced from airports. The merchandise is obtained from various government organizations, covering a wide range from construction and agricultural tools to confiscated items and properties. As stated in the site FAQs, the relationship between the seller and buyer resembles that of eBay, with GovDeals managing the transaction while the seller determines the conditions.

    Purchasing confiscated TSA items

    <img class="gallery-image" src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/you-can-buy-confiscated-items-from-the-tsa-heres-how/how-to-buy-confiscated-tsa-goods

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple TV Leaders Share 2026 Content Approach, Advertising Strategies, and Further Insights
    Apple TV Leaders Share 2026 Content Approach, Advertising Strategies, and Further Insights

    Apple TV is poised to conclude its most successful year to date, and in the latest edition of Screen International, Eddy Cue and others discuss the streamer’s plans for 2026, ad-supported offerings, film strategy, and more.

    ### Eddy Cue and Others Reflect on Apple TV’s Recent Triumphs and Future Goals

    This year has truly been a breakthrough for Apple TV. The streamer launched with *Severance*, maintaining a series of successful releases throughout the year, including a box office triumph with *F1*. The most recent premiere—*Pluribus*—appears to have all the elements of another significant hit.

    Following a robust 2025, executives Eddy Cue, Zack Van Amburg, and Jamie Erlicht were interviewed by *Screen International* about everything related to Apple TV.

    The complete interview is definitely worth reading. Here are some key points.

    Regarding the Apple TV content schedule for 2026, Van Amburg shared: “We have a fresh original almost every week

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Amazon Fire Tablet Gets 50% Price Cut Before Black Friday
    Amazon Fire Tablet Gets 50% Price Cut Before Black Friday

    The newest Fire HD 10 tablet from Amazon is creating a buzz with its remarkable performance boost, enjoying a 25% speed enhancement over its earlier model. This upgrade is a key element of Amazon’s plan to provide increased value to its users as the holiday season draws near.

    The Fire HD 10 boasts a 10.1-inch LCD display, making it a perfect selection for family use, smart home management, or as an economical work device. It comes with 32GB of storage, which can be expanded to 64GB, alongside a microSD slot that allows extra expansion up to 1TB. The tablet is outfitted with 3GB of RAM and a 5MP front camera, ensuring seamless performance for daily tasks.

    A key highlight of the Fire HD 10 is its battery longevity, with Amazon asserting it can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. Charging is quick, thanks to the included USB-C cable, which delivers a full charge in roughly 4 hours, or 3 hours when utilizing a separately purchased 15W cable.

    Currently, this tablet can be found at a considerable discount, with Amazon reducing the price by 50% prior to Black Friday, lowering it to just below $70. This positions it as an appealing choice for those in search of a dependable tablet without overspending.

    The Fire HD 10 is suggested for individuals seeking a basic tablet for streaming, internet browsing, and casual gaming. However, users requiring more robust devices for high-end gaming or demanding tasks might want to look into alternative options.

    In summary, the Fire HD 10 presents a captivating combination of performance, features, and affordability, making it a formidable player in the budget tablet arena.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on YouTube Restricts Access for Users Utilizing Ad Blockers on Certain Browsers
    YouTube Restricts Access for Users Utilizing Ad Blockers on Certain Browsers

    A number of reports indicate that YouTube completely shuts down when an ad blocker is identified.

    What you ought to know:
    – YouTube’s video service is allegedly creating difficulties for users with ad blockers, but these issues appear to be confined to one specific browser: Opera GX.
    – Users assert that even with ad blockers in Chrome, they are able to access YouTube; however, the built-in blocker in Opera GX conflicts with the platform.
    – YouTube, particularly YouTube TV, is already facing challenges due to its ongoing dispute over Disney content, with users expressing willingness to abandon the service entirely if the issue remains unresolved.

    Amid the current situation with YouTube (specifically YouTube TV), users are now reporting that the site has ceased functioning, possibly due to ad blockers.

    There is an expanding discussion thread on the YouTube subreddit where users are addressing the recent difficulties in accessing the platform (via 9to5Google). The persistent issues seem very targeted, as users with the Opera GX browser are reporting widespread problems. The OP (original poster) mentioned they were streaming music on YouTube in the background, but then everything abruptly stopped working.

    The website became unresponsive, and the thumbnails for the videos disappeared.

    While users initially suspected this meant that YouTube was down or possibly experiencing server issues, additional reports suggest that ad blockers could be the culprit. One user mentions that trying to access YouTube through Opera GX encounters the same issue, while others note that using a different browser presents no problems. Another report states, “Mine was also broken, seems to be Adblock related, as the site loads fine without it, and completely breaks with it. At least on my end.”

    Interestingly, one user explains they’ve been unable to access YouTube via Opera GX with ad block activated; however, using Google Chrome (with ad block) works without issue. User SH4DE_RL claims it’s the integrated ad blocker in Opera GX that is creating the difficulty and that deactivating it “resolves the issue.”

    The issues continue to escalate:
    These complications were surfacing for users earlier this morning (Nov 7). If these problems are ongoing for you while using the Opera GX browser, consider trying the solutions some users have indicated on Reddit. This may potentially rectify the situation, but it’s not as if users with ad blockers on YouTube haven’t faced their share of challenges.

    Earlier this summer, there was a concern involving users and ad blockers, with reports claiming that YouTube was “slowing down” their videos. The platform reportedly opted to throttle or reduce the speed of videos for those using ad blockers. Reports indicated that the platform would delay videos and also attempt to direct users to a Google support page, as if it were a separate issue. Naturally, the support page recommended removing any extensions (like ad block).

    YouTube has been in this ongoing battle against ad blockers for several years and has employed various tactics. One of the most visible efforts by the platform was its trial of completely halting all video streaming unless users disabled the blocker or subscribed to YouTube Premium.

    YouTube is already facing enough challenges at this moment, as users become exceedingly frustrated with its TV streaming service. Recent reports suggest that users are seriously contemplating discontinuing the service, considering they are missing channels offered by Disney, such as ESPN and ABC. Moreover, a significant number of users reportedly surveyed indicate that if this situation continues, they will seek alternative options.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on How to Pin Up to 20 Conversations in Google Messages for Android Users
    How to Pin Up to 20 Conversations in Google Messages for Android Users

    The limit for pinned conversations has been increased twofold.

    (Photo credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Google Messages is increasing its supported pins for the second time.
    • Now, users can pin as many as 20 conversations, keeping them at the forefront of their Google Messages inbox.
    • Previously, Google had raised the cap from three to five, and then ten, before implementing the new 20-pin limit.
    Notice

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Price Predictions for the Samsung Galaxy S25 After the Launch of the Galaxy S26
    Price Predictions for the Samsung Galaxy S25 After the Launch of the Galaxy S26

    Here’s my forecast.

    As the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series draws near, the excitement is evident. Anticipated to be announced in Q1 2026, the upcoming lineup is expected to deliver major upgrades, featuring a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and enhanced AI functionalities. With the Galaxy S26 series projected to be available by mid-March, consumers are keen to observe how these improvements will stack up against the current Galaxy S25 models.

    The forthcoming release brings up questions regarding the future of the Galaxy S25 series. Traditionally, flagship devices do not experience permanent price reductions when their successors are introduced. Instead, price cuts are typically observed during significant sales occasions, such as Black Friday. Consequently, prospective buyers may discover the best offers on the Galaxy S25 series just ahead of the S26’s market debut.

    Although the Galaxy S26 is likely to carry a higher price tag, starting at approximately $899, the upgrades may warrant the expense for those in search of state-of-the-art technology. Nonetheless, for shoppers prioritizing value, the Galaxy S25 continues to be an attractive choice, particularly if Black Friday promotions lead to a considerable price drop.

    In summary, while the Galaxy S26 series offers thrilling innovations, astute shoppers might find the Galaxy S25 series to be a valuable acquisition during forthcoming sales events.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on tvOS 26.2 Brings Two Fresh Features for Apple TV 4K Users
    tvOS 26.2 Brings Two Fresh Features for Apple TV 4K Users

    **tvOS 26.2 Updates: User Profiles and Content Restrictions for Apple TV 4K**

    tvOS 26 debuted earlier this autumn, showcasing user profiles for Apple TV 4K. The latest tvOS 26.2 beta brings major advancements, enhancing the accessibility and customization of profiles, especially for families.

    ### Major Features of tvOS 26.2

    1. **Profile Setup Without Apple Account**:
    A prominent update in tvOS 26.2 is the capacity to set up user profiles independently of an Apple Account. Previously, profile creation was mainly intended for Family Sharing, requiring that each family member possess their own Apple Account. This restriction has been removed, allowing profiles to be generated merely by entering a name and selecting content ratings. This update brings Apple TV’s profile framework in line with popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+.

    2. **Content Restrictions for Children’s Profiles**:
    Another key improvement is the addition of content restrictions within the Apple TV app, specifically tailored for children’s profiles. When a profile intended for a child is active, the Apple TV app will curate content according to the approved ratings connected to that profile. This capability features standard ratings such as TV-Y and TV-Y7, giving parents a more regulated viewing atmosphere for their children.

    ### Summary

    The modifications in tvOS 26.2 signify Apple’s dedication to improving user experience on the Apple TV 4K, particularly for families. By streamlining profile setup and implementing content restrictions, Apple facilitates easier management of viewing preferences and helps ensure a secure environment for younger audiences. As these features become available, they are anticipated to greatly enhance the functionality of the Apple TV platform.

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