Meta's new smart glasses can record video without people knowing they're being filmed, and privacy groups worry this makes it too easy for someone to secretly film others without permission. For people your age who value privacy and dignity in public spaces, this is a real concern—women have already reported being filmed by strangers wearing these glasses, and several countries are considering bans. Worth knowing: if you see someone wearing glasses that look unusually bulky or have a visible camera lens, you have the right to ask them directly whether they're recording, and you can also contact your local representatives about privacy laws in your area.
Uber and a self-driving technology company called Wayve have just been approved by London's transport authority to run robot taxis on city streets, starting later this summer. For now, there will still be a human driver sitting in the car to take over if anything goes wrong, so you're not riding completely alone. You can expect to see these autonomous taxis operating in London soon, though they'll likely start in limited areas before expanding more widely.
A growing number of companies are using artificial intelligence to scan women's faces and recommend cosmetic procedures, claiming their advice is scientifically proven when it often isn't. For people going through uncertain times—job loss, stress, or life changes—these services can feel like a quick fix, but they often prey on insecurity rather than offering genuine help. Worth knowing: if you or someone you care about encounters these "facial analysis" services online, remember that no scan can tell you what changes would actually improve your life or happiness.
Google is phasing out its voice assistant tool from Android phones and replacing it with a newer program called Gemini, which will take over the job starting September 4th. If you use Google Assistant to answer questions, control your smart home devices, or set reminders on your phone or watch, you'll need to learn a new system. You can check what version of Google's assistant you have now and start getting familiar with Gemini's features if you use an Android device.
Campaigns are now using AI chatbots that can have long conversations with you to figure out exactly what messages will persuade you, and they're testing countless variations of ads on fake AI voters before showing them to real people. For someone your age, this matters because these same persuasion techniques could be used to influence you on issues far beyond politics—from health decisions to financial choices—so the tactics perfected in elections will spread everywhere. Worth knowing: when you encounter an unusually persuasive message online or a chatbot that seems oddly tailored to your views, pause and ask yourself whether you're talking to a real person or an AI designed to influence your thinking.
MasterCraft, a boat manufacturer, has added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its pontoon boats, letting you use the same phone apps you rely on at home while you're out on the water. For boaters who want navigation, music, messaging, and hands-free calls without juggling multiple devices, this brings real convenience to a day on the lake or river. Worth knowing: if you're shopping for a new boat or planning an upgrade, ask the dealer whether your model year supports these features, as they may only be available on newer models.
Satellites and cameras now spot wildfires faster than ever before, giving firefighters a crucial head start to reach them while they're still small and manageable. For people living in fire-prone areas, this early warning means you might have more time to evacuate safely and communities can better protect homes and property. Worth knowing: if you live in a wildfire zone, check your local fire department's website to see what alert systems they use, so you'll know how warnings reach you.
# Water System Vulnerability Summary
Hackers recently tried to seize control of the small computers that operate water pumps and valves in dozens of American municipalities, potentially threatening drinking water supplies to millions of people. For older Americans who depend on reliable water service, this matters because water systems often lack modern security protections, making them tempting targets for criminals or hostile nations who could disrupt service or contaminate supplies. You can contact your local water utility to ask whether they've updated security on their automated equipment—most utilities are now taking these threats seriously and can explain what safeguards they've put in place.
Some apps you use contain hidden tracking code from advertising companies that collect your location data, even when you've only given permission for other features. If advertisers know where you are, they can target you with ads based on your shopping habits and movements, which raises privacy concerns. Worth knowing: when you grant an app permission to access your location, check what that permission is actually needed for—if a flashlight or note-taking app requests it, that's a red flag.
Wrinkles is a smartphone app that uses artificial intelligence to tell you the fascinating stories and history behind the places around you—think of it as having a knowledgeable local guide in your pocket. For someone exploring a new neighbourhood or revisiting familiar streets, it transforms an ordinary walk into a discovery, letting you learn about the buildings, people, and events that shaped where you live. You can download it free on your phone and try it on your next walk around town to see what hidden gems you've been walking past all these years.
Advertising software built into popular mobile apps is automatically sharing your location data with companies that track people, often without your real knowledge or permission. This matters because your location history reveals sensitive patterns about your life—where you worship, receive medical care, or spend your evenings—information that can be sold to third parties or used to target you with ads. Worth knowing: check your phone's location settings (in Privacy or Settings) and turn off location access for apps you don't absolutely need it for, and be cautious about apps that ask for "always allow" location permission.
Many free apps make money by showing you ads, but the hidden problem is that some advertising tools automatically share your phone's location with data brokers—even when you haven't knowingly agreed to this. Your location history can end up in the hands of people who track individuals for purposes ranging from immigration enforcement to monitoring activists and military personnel, creating serious safety risks beyond just seeing targeted advertisements. Worth knowing: if you use free apps, check your phone's location settings regularly and consider turning off location access for apps that don't genuinely need it (like games or news readers), and ask app developers directly about their advertising practices if privacy matters to you.
