Reading List

The most recent articles from a list of feeds I subscribe to.

Canva’s new editing tool adds layers to AI-generated designs

Canva introduced a new feature that separates flat image files and AI-generated visuals into layered, fully editable designs. The Magic Layers tool is launching in public beta today in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, allowing design components like objects, text boxes, and other graphics to be selected individually while preserving the original layout. "After […]

How to ditch Ring’s surveillance network

Recently, Ring ran a Super Bowl ad for its Search Party feature showing how it uses AI to scan footage from Ring cameras and video doorbells to help find lost dogs. It sounds neighborly — until you consider that the same system could theoretically search footage for anything or anyone.  Combined with longstanding concerns around […]

You can’t replace the battery in Lego’s Smart Bricks — and many of its sensors aren’t available yet

The first Lego Smart Brick sets, based on Star Wars, aren't quite what my kids and I hoped, and I suspect much of that's down to programming. But the Smart Bricks may also have some technical limitations out of the gate. The first sets don't ship with a number of their sensors enabled, including the […]

Godzilla Minus One, a very good movie, is $15 on 4K Blu-ray

I love Godzilla Minus One. Granted, it’s only the second Godzilla movie that I’ve watched, the other being 1998’s terrible Godzilla featuring Matthew Broderick (the soundtrack has bangers, though). While I may not exactly be an expert, this is a good movie, whether you’re a first-time Godzilla viewer or a longtime kaiju fan. If you’ve […]

I was interviewed by an AI bot for a job

Millions of people are on the job hunt right now - and for many people, landing a job in the AI era feels more intimidating than ever. That's why the onset of AI avatars running your job interview via one-on-one video call, asking you questions, and analyzing how well you respond has generated a lot […]