Be Safe, T-Mobile Users

T-Mobile is now investigating claims of a data breach that includes millions of SSNs, phone numbers, and more.

AUGUST 17, 2021 It's August 17, 2021. It's Black Cat Appreciation Day! Next time you see an umbra-colored cat, don't give into superstition, and instead appreciate how cute it is. We promise it's better for everyone involved.     ⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to): 291 articles, 9 podcasts, 7 press releases, 351 tweets, and 4 YouTube videos 1. T-Mobile is Investigating Claims of Data Breach T-Mobile is investigating a massive data breach involving millions of social security numbers, phone numbers, and even addresses. The hacker claiming to be behind the breach is asking for 6 Bitcoin (~$275,000) for a portion of the info, and says they'll sell the rest privately. Man. Stay safe, everyone. 2. Twitter Pauses Verifications to 'Improve the Process' Twitter is once again putting its verification process on pause, citing a desire to improve the overall process. These improvements haven't been detailed, but there's speculation the pause itself could be due to the platform recently verifying several fake accounts. Yeah, that's a bad look, Twitter. 3. Android 12 Feature Uses Facial Gestures to Control Your Phone  A new Android 12 beta feature lets you control your phone using facial cues. Simply smile, raise your eyebrows, or something else to do whatever the gesture is assigned to do, like returning to the home screen. Cool! Soon, it'll be hard to tell if someone is posing for a picture, or just trying to open their email. 🦑 Go Deeper The iPhone 13 is rumored to bring Apple's excellent background-blurring portrait mode to video, but Charlie Sorrel suggests there's more going on with the phone's camera that will benefit everyone—not just pro videographers.     🎱 By the Numbers Facebook didn't learn how to share Data: statcounter We spent a lot of time on social media in July, but almighty Facebook saw the most attention, accounting for nearly 75% of social media visits that month. If that's not a sign of how popular the platform still is in a world with Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more, we don't know what is.     🔥 Today's Hot Deal The Echo Dot (4th-gen) is enjoying a small, but appreciated, $15 discount on Amazon right now, dropping it to $35. If you're ready to join the world of smart devices, or want to add more to your smart home. jump on this deal now! Don't Miss This Deal 🤓 Nerd Out "Doesn't everyone have an "old battery" drawer?" —Bob Schulties, Senior Editor Tesla claims to recycle 100% of its batteries, but is that really true? Join Motherboard as it delves into the reality of the company's relationship with old batteries. (Share on Twitter) 💎 You Know You Want It  Finally, a good use for paper Image: uncommon goods Love making paper planes, but can't get them to fly? This smartphone- controlled paper plane is perfect for you. Build the plane following the instructions, attach the bluetooth device, setup the companion app, then takeoff. 10 mins of flight and 25 MPH speeds? With paper?! Yep, that's neat. 🙈 Wait, What? Moderation is important Prolonged use of AirPods and other earbuds has to be bad for us, right? Not exactly. The real concern comes with continued use with the volume turned way up, but as long as you keep it at a low-to-moderate level, you should be fine.     🗞 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]