In the tech world, a lot happens in a week. So much news goes on that it’s almost impossible for mere mortals with real lives to keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of the top 10 tech stories from this week. Everything from Apple’s WWDC rumors to a guide on strange hotels around the world, it’s all here.
Apple’s WWDC 2016 is coming — here’s everything you need to know
Are you wondering when Apple will hold its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC)? Just ask Siri. The virtual assistant used to answer coyly when you asked her about WWDC, pretending that she knew as little about Apple’s plans as your average Joe. But now she’s announcing the date and location for the conference: June 13-17 in San Francisco, California.
Facebook may be listening in on your conversations, and here’s how to stop it
Big Brother is listening, and his name is Facebook. The social media giant has never denied that it’s eavesdropping on conversations you have in the vicinity of your phone (if the Facebook app is open, that is), but now, one expert has told NBC that Mark Zuckerberg’s empire may be keeping tabs on you at a more regular cadence. According to Professor Kelli Burns, who teaches mass communication at the University of South Florida, Facebook may be listening more often than it lets on.
Scientists prove playing ‘Super Mario Bros.’ can be as hard as complex math
If you’ve found that solving the most challenging levels of Super Mario Maker can be as taxing as your toughest college mathematics problem sets, you’re not alone, and now there’s scientific research to back you up. According to MissOpen, a team of artificial intelligence and computer science researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently published a study showing that beating a level in Nintendo’s seminal platformer is “as hard as the hardest problem in the ‘complexity class’ PSPACE.”
It’s official: Prince died of an opioid overdose
The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Ramsey, Minnesota, has completed the autopsy of recently deceased music icon, Prince, and the full results of the procedure reveal that the singer did indeed die of an opioid overdose, according to the Associated Press.The autopsy reportedly began at 10 a.m. ET on April 22 and lasted about four hours, with toxicology reports eventually confirming opioid overdose with the drug fentanyl. The drug is reportedly as much as 50 times as powerful as heroin.
Pope Francis reveals his favorite type of YouTube videos at meeting with web stars
Pope Francis appears to have the same YouTube viewing habits as a millennial. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church professed his admiration for beauty vlogs during a private Vatican meeting with a host of global web stars. Among the 12 popular YouTubers in attendance was fashion and style vlogger Louise Pentland, creator of the Sprinkle of Glitter channel on Google’s video platform.
Tesla says the Model X’s falcon wing doors are almost useful
Tesla surprised consumers and competitors alike when it announced plans to launch the Model X crossover with science fiction-esque falcon doors. Fine-tuning the system has been more difficult than the carmaker originally anticipated, but CEO Elon Musk has revealed that the kinks are almost ironed out. Tesla recently released an over-the-air software upgrade that allows Model X owners to close every door simultaneously by simply pushing a button on the key fob.
You can thank Portland for this giant silicone tongue to ‘lick’ your cat with
Some people will do almost anything to satisfying their pet, from letting dogs sleep on half of the bed to cleaning litter boxes without complaint. A new Kickstarter campaign hopes to capitalize on this devotion with Licki: a device that lets humans bond with their feline friends by ‘licking’ them — without having to worry about hairballs.
We simulated the entire NBA Finals in NBA 2K16, and the winner is …
With Steph Curry and Lebron James leading their respective teams after a competitive playoff series, it’s now time to see who will take the trophy home. The Finals tip off Thursday night, but NBA 2K16 gives players an early look at how the series could end up. Digital Trends’ Josh Smith picks up the controller and runs the numbers to simulate the season’s biggest series in the game. Which team does it predict? You’ll have to watch.
From ice rooms to inside the Eiffel Tower, 7 of the coolest hotels on Earth
Building a posh hotel? That’s easy. What’s challenging is making ones that are unusual or original, without being schticks or too wacky (you can find plenty of those on Airbnb) – that requires a bit more creativity. Like Las Vegas hotels, the following accommodations required a bit of imagination during the conception process, but they offer something unique that’s only theirs. If you’re looking for a room that is one-of-a-kind, here are the more interesting options.
Will swarm intelligence predict America’s next president?
Swarm intelligence has generated quite a buzz this year by predicting the outcome of events more accurately than experts have. In February, a swarm of 7 laymen predicted 11 out of 15 Oscar winners, outperforming the New York Times’ film buffs by 18 percent. In May, a group of 20 Kentucky Derby fans correctly placed the race’s top four finishers, besting even Churchill Downs’ equestrian experts. And now, it’s trying the presidential race.
