The Audacity of Audacity

Audio software Audacity has a new privacy policy that lets it collect personal data, and user are not amused.

July 6, 2021 It's July 6, 2021. It's National Hand Roll Day, and we're officially back! Let's celebrate our triumphant return with some sushi rolls.     ⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to): 337 articles, 6 podcasts, 7 press releases, 286 tweets, and 8 YouTube videos 1. Audacity Is Now Considered Spyware After Privacy Policy Updates Audio editing software, Audacity, is now being labelled as spyware. A privacy policy update now allows it to collect your data and "data necessary for law enforcement, litigation, and authorities' requests." Of course, users aren't thrilled by that, so expect its popularity numbers to shrink considerably. 2. Google Removes Apps That Were Stealing Facebook Passwords Google has removed nine apps from the Play Store after it was discovered they were stealing Facebook login info. Horoscope Daily, Rubbish Cleaner, App Lock Manager, and the rest amassed over 5 million downloads, so if any of those sound familiar, you should probably update your passwords asap. 3. Sony Postpones Launch of New Vlogging Camera Sony was preparing to reveal a new camera on Wednesday, July 7, but has since postponed its unveiling. Why? Apparently, it has to do with a parts shortage. It's unclear if it's the same global chip shortage affecting everything else, but our condolences to Sony and camera fans, regardless. 🦑 Go Deeper Cord cutting used to be a simple choice, but is that still the case with the number of streaming options available? Joshua Hawkins has the deep dive on the situation, and claims it's still a worthwhile move, with a few caveats.     🎱 By the Numbers Too many apps? Nah Data: Business of Apps The Google Play Store has come a long way since 2010 when it had 60,000 apps. Now, Google can look upon its digital store and be proud it now has over 2 million apps to offer. Sure, there are some ups and downs and app removals, but all stores go through that, right? 🔥 Today's Hot Deal Google's Nest Wi-Fi Thermostat is $30 off on Amazon right now, dropping it to an even $100. Who wants better control of their air conditioning? You do. Pick one up now! Don't Miss This Deal 🤓 Nerd Out "Do streets like popping fire hydrants, too?" —Bob Schulties, Senior Editor We all have A/C to help us deal with the heat, but all our poor roads can do is balloon and crack. Why do they do that, you ask? Well, it's all about how roads are made. (Share on Twitter) 💎 You Know You Want It  They're just so cute! Image: Sony Real dogs are cute, but robot ones can be cute, too. Enter Sony's aibo Companion Robot, which Sony claims has "lifelike expressions" and is capable of developing its own personality through interactions with you. We're pretty into that, and for nearly $3,000, we sure hope it's true. 🙈 Wait, What? Extended warranties are good, right? When we buy a new piece of tech, we likely want to keep it as intact as possible. Some may impulse buy the extended warranty, but really, it's not necessary. In most cases where your devices need repairs or replacements, the factory warranty it came with should suffice. Save your money.     🗞 Extra! Extra! We've got you covered with the best in daily tech news! See the latest on our site or follow us on Google News. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here. Have something you'd like us to write about? We're always open for suggestions, too. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Tech Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here .   Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. A Dotdash Brand 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005 2020 Dotdash • All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.   [View in Browser]