Places and Things

E-fuels could keep combustion engine cars on the road in the EU past its 2035 climate deadline Luxury carmakers’ push for synthetic e-fuels has weakened the European Union’s plan to get internal combustion engines off the road in the future. Continue Reading . . . https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/28/23660005/e-fuels-internal-combustion-engine-car-european-union-2035-climate-deadline

The race for more battery materials could cause ‘irreversible’ damage under the sea From electric vehicles to renewable energy, the future runs on batteries. That’s driving soaring demand for raw materials used to make batteries, including nickel, cobalt, and copper. Continue Reading . . . https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/27/23658352/ev-battery-deep-sea-mining

Biden administration bans federal agencies from using commercial spyware In an executive order signed Monday, President Biden barred federal agencies from using commercial spyware that threatens US national security or carries a risk of improper use by foreign governments and individuals. Continue Reading . . . https://www.engadget.com/biden-administration-bans-federal-agencies-from-using-commercial-spyware-182812610.html

FTC bans scammy companies from ‘calling about your car’s extended warranty’ Regulators in the US are cracking down on operators of an “extended vehicle warranty” telemarketing scam with action that could see the responsible parties face a lifetime ban from the vehicle warranty industry. Continue Reading . . . https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/27/23657981/ftc-scam-car-extended-warranty-telemarketers-banned

40 obsolete technologies that will baffle modern generations Advancements in technology come in leaps and bounds, meaning it doesn't take long for new gadgets to become obsolete shortly after they reach their target market. Continue Reading . . . https://www.pocket-lint.com/obsolete-technologies-that-will-baffle-modern-generations/

A first look at using iMessage from a PC with Microsoft’s Phone Link app Microsoft is gradually rolling out an updated Phone Link app that finally lets you couple an iPhone to a Windows PC. Continue Reading . . . https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/24/23654672/microsoft-phone-link-hands-on-imessage-ios

FTC wants to make it easier for you to cancel subscriptions You might not have to go to great lengths to cancel subscriptions in the future. The Federal Trade Commission is proposing rule changes that would require providers to make it as easy to cancel subscriptions as it is to sign up, including through the same medium. Continue Reading . . . https://www.engadget.com/ftc-wants-to-make-it-easier-for-you-to-cancel-subscriptions-142649542.html

Kindle Scribe update adds new brushes and better organization Amazon is adding new features to the Kindle Scribe. A new update gives the e-reader / digital notebook new brush types, including a fountain pen, marker and pencil — each with five thickness settings. Continue Reading . . . https://www.engadget.com/kindle-scribe-update-adds-new-brushes-and-better-organization-210011764.html