NewsBytes Briefing: The curious case of disappearing NFTs, and more
Even as everyone gets ready to jump on the NFT bandwagon, here's something you might want to know before putting your life savings into them. While NFTs use the magic of blockchain to establish your ownership, that doesn't necessarily store the NFT, but only the URL where it is hosted. That means, if the URL decays for various reasons, so does your precious NFT.
US politicians pretend to act tough with Big Tech
Do you know what else disappears without a trace? The resolve of US Senators to do anything about Big Tech transgressions following the dog and pony show that we otherwise know as Senate hearings. This time it was the Democrats who pretended to talk tough, but so did the Republicans several years ago, and nothing came of that either. Don't get your hopes up.
Razer wants to redefine range anxiety with rechargeable smart mask
Speaking of things that are showy and useless, Razer will actually be putting its concept RGB face masks into production. But if you think RGB lighting is a bad idea, wait till you hear about its "rechargeable ventilator" design. They call it the "smart mask," but we wonder what part of making the critical air filtration system battery-dependent is smart.
Fortunately, Apple Music is leveraging technology for greater good
While Spotify extensively updated its desktop app with an improved UI, Apple Music is taking the platform to unexpected avenues. The music streaming service will leverage the power of algorithms and machine learning to help children with speech disorders. The feature is called Saylists and it encourages such children to sing along to challenging songs that will help them overcome their speech impediments.
Google wants to turn your phone into rechargeable car key
The year is 2025. The pandemic has gotten worse, making Razer's RGB masks mandatory for survival. Your mask blares the low battery alarm. But that's no biggie because you can recharge it in your car. You whip out your Google Pixel 9, which also doubles up as your car keys. But your phone is dead, and so are you in another five minutes.
