Tech News

The URLs needed to share chat histories have been indexed. Of course

Google's Bard chatbot is currently being re-educated to better understand privacy.…

Reason for the ban still a mystery – but most have their guesses

Memory maker Micron Technology's revenue nearly feel by almost half year-on-year, partly thanks to the effect of China's unpexplained bans on some of its products.…

No longer super-cheap, but boasts better graphics and swifter storage

The Raspberry Pi 5 arrives in October with both a leap in performance and an incremental price rise. But will you be able to get your hands on one?…

Made-In-China social network’s attempts to merge sales and socials stalled in the market all web giants covet

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous nation, has decided to ban social commerce – the practice of embedding e-commerce facilities in social media platforms.…

He's also worried about alliances that freeze out Chinese tech

Chinese minister for national security Chen Yixin has penned an article rating the digital risks his country faces and rated network security incidents as the most realistic source of harm to the Chinternet – both in terms of attacks and the dissemination of fake news.…

Rubio spent 371 days on the ISS, the longest any American has been aloft

NASA astronaut Dr. Frank Rubio has returned home after a 371-day stint aboard the International Space Station, setting a new record for the longest time an American has stayed in space.…

If the chatbot doesn't know what you need, it'll 'Bing It!' for paying customers

ChatGPT can now scan the internet and provide users with up-to-date responses to their queries, OpenAI revealed Wednesday.…

Factories and offices are going nowhere, fast

Some of Volkswagen’s operations have screeched to a halt after some sort of cyber incident, according to German media reports.…

Enlarge (credit: Getty | Thomas Trutschel )

In an utterly firm effort to undercut plant-based rivals, big players in the dairy industry are again putting the squeeze on lawmakers to outlaw the use of the term "milk" for non-dairy beverages—or, in Food and Drug Administration lingo, beverages that are not the "lacteal secretion of cows."

Earlier this year, the dairy industry's blood curdled when the regulatory agency released a draft guidance stating that plant-based milk alternatives can keep using the term. It was a move that followed years of sour resentment over the labeling.

The FDA did humbly admit that almonds and other sources of plant-based milk don't, in fact, lactate; therefore, they don't meet the agency's own "standard of identity" for products labeled milk. Still, the FDA made a legal argument for keeping the names. It determined that "non-standardized" foods, such as plant-based milks, can legally be marketed with names that are "established common usage," such as "soy milk" and "almond milk."

Read 6 remaining paragraphs | Comments

The pen is (slightly) mightier than the algorithm

The Writers Guild of America has ended its 148-day strike after reaching an agreement with Hollywood's TV and film studios to increase pay and regulate the use of generative AI in ways that mean writers are paid regular rates even if they work on machine-generated material.…

[AIR HORN BLAST] Attention, elite beverage enthusiasts: We interrupt your Wednesday to announce that the John Gotti (aka “The Don”) of natural prebiotic sodas, Olipop, has officially launched a new flavor. That’s right—the functional beverage company whose root beer is more popular than A&W has finally gifted us with its own version of the oldest and most comforting soda pop on the planet, Ginger Ale. Seriously, what other spicy-sweet beverages do you give to gourmands, people on planes, and sick people that also make an excellent mixer for whiskey? (Hint: not Gatorade).

Leave it to the creators of Minion-inspired banana cream soda to come up with a not-so-average ginger ale with a blend of sweet lime, tart quince, and real ginger. But that’s not the only way Olipop’s ginger ale differs from the other name brands—it also contains nine grams of prebiotic plant fiber to support digestive health and only five grams of sugar. For perspective, your “traditional ginger ale can contain almost 35 grams of sugar,” according to Olipop.

As we’ve previously discussed, we’re huge Olipop fans at VICE, so this is big news. We’re addicted to the Strawberry Vanilla. We’ve witnessed countless hot girls in LA guzzling the Tropical Punch. So our old buddy ginger ale, in Olipop form? Sensational.

While we’ve yet to get our hands on a can, the brand’s Ginger Ale is officially available to order right this minute. (Oh, and before we forget: While we’re ordering a case, you know we will also be adding in Olipop’s recently re-released, limited-edition Crisp Apple soda, just in time for fall.)

It’s whiskey-ginger season, people!

Olipop is available on Olipop.com and Amazon.

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

I always feel like I have nothing to wear. It’s most likely because I end up buying trendy pieces, like retro Marimekko prints and vintage Y2K gems, that are better suited for the club in Bushwick than they are for picking out toothpaste at Target. I think it would be a little much to wear my Emilio Pucci threads to grab a coffee or to pick up my weekly supply of kale at the grocery store. That’s what wardrobe staples—think oversized tees and hoodies—are for. Besides being supremely comfy and go-to streetwear, they pair well with everything. Basics can get mundane, but I discovered Elwood has a way of elevating the classics. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand: Elwood was first established as a skate brand in the 90s, but has since transformed into a line filled with organic cotton basics for slaying on the streets and on the couch. Elwood is allegedly a major fave of A-listers like Justin Bieber, with its comfortable, well-cut, neutral-colored basics standing apart as some of the brand’s most popular items. 

So, why are we talking about it now? Because its Core Collection has just been restocked after selling out five times(!). There’s no better time to stock up and indulge in the LA-based brand’s vintage, understated aesthetic—its best-seller is the Oversized Core Tee, which is garment-washed, has zero shrinkage and is only $30 (or $75 for a three-pack!). 

There’s nothing more satisfying than a complete monochromatic loungewear set. To match its take on the perfect basic tee, Elwood’s Core Hoodie, Core Sweatpants, Oversized Core Crewneck, and Core Sweatshorts belong in your cart. Its four classic colorways are all neutrals, including classic black, white, and grey, and a vibey vintage brown. Seasonal colors are launched every season, although its summer hues are almost sold out; the new fall colors will drop on October 27. 

To reiterate, the Core Collection has sold out five times, so if you’re in the market for fresh tees or the perfect sweatsuit to carry you through the chilly months, hop on the chance to dress like a Melrose swag lord and stock up on wardrobe staples while you can.  

Shop the entire Core Collection on Elwood’s website.

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

Enlarge / Firefighters tackle a wildfire at Vale de Abelha village in Macao, Portugal, on August 16, 2017. (credit: AFP Contributor / Contributor | AFP)

The largest climate case ever raised before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) kicked off Wednesday in Strasbourg, France, Reuters reported. It's an "unprecedented" effort from six young Portuguese people—ages 11 to 24—who allege that 32 European governments have failed to honor the Paris Agreement and mitigate climate change impacts, causing significant harms and violating their human rights.

Filed in 2020 after a devastating 2017 Portuguese wildfire that killed 120, the complaint alleged that inadequate state measures to reverse climate change have resulted in more frequent heatwaves and wildfires, increasing the risks of heat-related morbidity and fatal illnesses. The plaintiffs also argued that their rights to life, privacy, and family life are being violated, as well as their rights to a life free of discrimination. And because states are unlikely to act fast enough, they've alleged that any current risks are "set to increase significantly over the course of their lifetimes and will also affect any children they may have."

A victory in the ECHR could lead to a ruling forcing European governments to act faster to meet ambitious climate goals—likely by phasing out fossil fuels, reducing emissions, restricting companies from contributing to emissions released overseas, and limiting imports of goods produced by releasing emissions.

Read 12 remaining paragraphs | Comments

Look, I’m a high-brow, low-brow type person; I’ve had some amazing meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, but I also go hard on some Taco Bell. That’s why when it comes to loungewear, I’m typically just as happy in some $20 Champion jawns as I am in barb-wire Givenchy joggers (I mean, would be—please buy me those). But sometimes a piece of comfy clothing comes along that’s so magical, so wildly cozy, that it transcends that spectrum entirely—and for me, that happened when I tried on my boyfriend’s silk-blend sweatpants from Lunya. 

If you’re unacquainted with Lunya, the best three-word summary for the brand is this: the coziest stuff. Lunya makes amazing washable silk pajamas, an incredible weighted washable silk eye mask that I wear almost every night (and even travel with), and a wide array of ridiculously comfortable men’s and women’s loungewear and home goods. Even just looking at its website is relaxing. Last winter, when my boyfriend let me lounge around in his Lunya Cotton-Silk Joggers, I was instantly addicted to their dreamy feel. They’re the perfect weight and cut (somehow for him and also for me, even though he’s, like, a foot taller than me—I like things oversized), with a true fusion of comfort and luxury. 

Now, Lunya is releasing its new collection of men’s and women’s SilkSweats, the latest version of this truly premium chill-wear experience. Crank some Sade (or at least some Washed Out) and light a scented candle, because it’s time to fully unwind in sweats that are silk, baby. 

Available in white and grey, the new SilkSweats have a reversible sherpa interior fabric so you can decide whether you wanna go drapey/breathable or crazy-cozy (while looking cool as hell either way). The collection launched on September 12, and is sure to sell out, so score your set (and a set for your boo and anyone in your life who deserves a Very Nice Gift™) ASAP. 

Cueing up “Smooth Operator” as we speak. 

The new SilkSweats collection is now available at Lunya.

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

Do you feel that fall crisp air? It’s officially pumpkin spice latte season (PSL if you’re a die-hard fan). But even if you’re an unapologetic Starbucks fan, the megachain loses brownie points over the price. A latte can average $7, and if you’re treating yourself every morning, that means spending upwards of $49 on coffee alone every week. That math is a wake-up call, but I promise there’s a light at the end of the caffeine-filled tunnel. I found (and own) another $7 purchase that’s an incredible kitchen deal, so you can continue making all your festive drinks at home while saving your precious dimes: the Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother for 54% off.

Zulay Kitchen makes a truckload of affordable kitchen tools and appliances—including personal blenders, veggie peelers, juicers, and even humidifiers—without sacrificing quality. You would never think this milk frother is under $10 given its workhorse status at my at-home coffee bar. I use it to make a copycat version of Starbucks cold foam, cappuccinos, lattes, and even to mix salad dressings and froth eggs. It’s a very practical multi-purpose kitchen gadget.

To get into the specs, the motor uses a whopping 13,000 rotations per minute and 25 spiral rings on the whisk to achieve light, creamy froth in seconds. Frothing plant-based milk can be notoriously difficult, but not with this nifty device—I kid you not when I say my pistachio milk turns into a velvety froth within one minute. The Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother has a 4.4-star average and over 73,000 reviews on Amazon, which is no surprise. “It's brilliant, very robust, and doesn't use up much battery power,” one reviewer said.

It’s also so portable I bring it to the office to make my afternoon cappuccinos. You just press one button and it works its magic. When it comes time to clean it, I just wash it with soap and water, then sanitize it with a disinfectant wipe for extra cleanliness. It’s made with rust-resistant stainless steel, so it will last quite a while without discoloration.

Enjoying fall drinks doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg, and this $7 Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother makes the case for 54% off. Sorry, Starbucks.

You can buy the Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother at Amazon.

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

Leather was once a status symbol. Decades ago, wearing a leather jacket either meant that you loved The Ramones or the early-1960s Beatles (before they got soft, SMH), that you actually rode a motorcycle, or that you just had a lot of money; owning a leather couch meant that you were some sort of Don Draper-like figure, or at least that you liked cigars and Scotch (i.e., you were wealthy and cool). These days, however, leather’s pretty accessible to everybody. Whether you’re crying crushing skulls at the Death Cab for Cutie/The Postal Service tour in your Doc Martens or reaching for your classic leather wallet so you can invest in some Le Creuset cookware, leather goods have become a pretty normal part of everyday life, even for us 99 percenters. For many, though, leather couches still seem like a final frontier. Are they worth it, or are they simply too nice for normal people like us? Are they actually worthwhile purchases that’ll keep you comfortable on Tinder dates and while binging Law & Order for years to come, or do they wear out too quickly?

When it comes to leather couches, I’ve been burned before. A couple years before the pandemic, my brother was moving away and gave me his weathered, old leather couch (brand unknown). I wasn’t really a leather guy at that point, and begrudgingly took it to help him out. I came to enjoy the couch, finding it comfortable; but when the 2020 stay-at-home orders hit, it quickly became clear that my leather couch wasn’t up to the challenge of supporting a big man working, watching The Sopranos, and looking at, uh… websites… on it for 16 hours a day. It quickly started to wear, and, before long, my beautiful leather couch had become a dilapidated relic. Still, I’ve considered investing in a newer, higher quality one strictly for normal use (i.e. not literally living on it for two years straight). Straight away, I knew I had to look into the legendary Sven sofa by Article, a piece of furniture that had been recommended to me by numerous people, but that I’ve never had the pleasure of sitting on.

The leather version of the Sven (there are also fabric and velvet options) comes either as a full sofa or a loveseat. It has a solid wood frame, two bolster pillows, loose fabric-backed cushions with removable covers, and an overall vintage-MCM look. Its tufted, bench-style seat makes it at least appear pretty comfortable, and its Charme leather comes in four colors: Charme tan, Oxford black, Oxford blue, and Charme “chocolat” (pronounced “shock-o-lahh”). The width of the couch is 88 inches, or just over seven feet long, and Article claims that it takes “approximately five minutes” to put together, which [checks Guinness Book of World Records] would make it the quickest furniture assembly of all time. In any case, on paper, the Sven gives the impression of being a good couch.

The cult status of the couch is still surprisingly strong, however. Somehow, the Sven has somehow topped New York magazine’s list of the overall best sofas, and is constantly named as a favorite of surprisingly prestigious arbiters of taste given its moderate price tag ($1,899, for the leather model). It’s also a frequent topic of discussion on furniture Reddit, with some healthy skepticism about its popularity. “I read a TON of reviews for the Article Sven velvet sectional when I was thinking of buying one. Most of them were sponsored,” one post reads. “Those that weren't seemed to be split into two categories: glowing reviews after two days, horrible reviews after a year.” Yet, it’s still jocked hard by interior design experts. (In all fairness, the conclusion of that poster’s review is: “I love this sofa!!!!! It's beautiful, comfortable, durable, spacious, and easy to move. If you're like me—someone who cares about comfort and style but is also relatively easygoing about your furniture and not too picky about minor stains or the color changing a little with time—this is a really good option for a couch.”) So the question is: Is it really that great?

How do you test out a couch that nobody in your immediate circle owns? It’s an interesting question for an age where, instead of malls and outlet stores, people simply purchase big ticket mattresses, couches, and clothes on the internet, sight unseen. And since you can’t simply take an expensive couch to your closest Kohl’s to have it sent back to Amazon, you should be reasonably sure you want it before smashing that “order” button. I admittedly do own a number of Article… uh, articles (sorry), including the Lenia nightstand, the Nera bed frame, and the Seno media unit—and I love them all. Needing to know more about whether the storied Sven was actually worth adding to my collection, I took to the streets, asking anybody who’d ever owned, sat on, or even been near one about their experiences. Here’s what happened.

First, I heard from the former roommate of our editorial director, Suze W., who owned the couch for several years. “Comfort-wise, it’s good, and good if you have a cat,” she told me. (She and her partner have two cats.) “We had it for like four years before upgrading to a bigger couch. I would say the leather started wearing, but we also sat on it a lot during COVID.” Overall, Suze liked the Sven, but ultimately had the same experience I did with spending too much time on its leather. “But the price was decent for a leather couch and it looks good,” she concluded.

I also consulted our senior staff writer Mary Frances “Francky” Knapp, another former Sven owner. She really liked the couch, finding it versatile and durable. “Yes, it’s a classic MCM design, but I think it can really be styled up or down. It can be Japandi, Frank Lloyd Wright-core, or maximalist with the right pillows and throws,” she pointed out. Francky recalled enjoying napping on the couch, and, though she no longer owns it due to a tragic apartment move in which it was given away, she still thinks about its “good lumbar support” and nice smell. “It smells like crisp leather, without the overwhelming musk scent of some other leathers,” she explained. Satisfied with real, positive reviews from actual colleagues in the shopping game, I decided to ask a bunch of friends and social media acquaintances what they thought of the Sven. Here are some of the highlights.

“We have this one at the studio and it’s very comfortable!!! Bought it four years ago and it has worn in perfectly!!” – Julia C.

“We used to have an Article couch like this. It was really easy to resell, so that was chill.” – Cody N.

“I miss it every day.” – Frank C.

“Comfy, but over time it definitely shows signs of wear. If you like worn leather, that’s fine. I slept on it as well!!!!!” – Mary M.

“I farted on it once. Loud sound, and lots of reverb.” – Kenny E.

As you can see, people praise the Sven’s ubiquity, comfortability, resale value, and the integrity of its leather (as demonstrated by Kenny E.’s review), while noting that it will begin showing signs of wear within a few years. This may explain why it’s so popular, but also why there are those who eventually replace it; its versatile good looks, ease of care, and affordable price point are major components of its allure, but not everyone likes the look of a broken-in leather sofa, or may wish to upgrade to a bigger couch with time since its size is best for apartment living.

TL;DR: People feel that the Sven is definitely a worthwhile investment if you plan to use the sofa as a relaxing seat for reading, watching TV, and chatting rather than as a second bed; people also agree that it’s made of nice leather that wears well and looks attractive. Some said it’s a supportive piece of furniture, meaning it probably won’t give you debilitating back pain if you choose to sit on it for a few hours while working, like some couches do [turns around to glare at current couch]. Does it deserve its status in the pantheon of passionately loved cult products alongside Fly By Jing condiments, the New Balance 990, Vitamixes, and Dyson vacuum cleaners? Kenny E. and thousands of other devotees think so. Maybe you will, too.

The Sven sofa is available for purchase at Article.

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

Information could come to light as the moon in Pisces opposes Mercury in Virgo at 2:18 AM, and we might be ready to make a surprising choice and try something new as the moon aligns with Uranus in Taurus at 8:35 AM. The moon meets Neptune in Pisces at 1:54 AM, inspiring a day-dreamy atmosphere. Inspiration is easy access! The moon connects with Pluto in Capricorn at 4:58 PM, which can find us exploring deep and powerful emotions. The moon enters Aries at 8:17 PM, inspiring courage and bringing an uptick of excitement!

All times ET.

Read your monthly horoscope for September!

Stay in the cosmic loop with the VICE horoscopes newsletter. Get horoscopes straight to your inbox when you sign up here!

Aries: March 20, 2023 - April 20, 2023

A surprising gift may be shared as the moon in Pisces connects with Uranus in Taurus. The moon enters your sign today, too, encouraging you to connect with your emotions and finding the world on your emotional wavelength.

Taurus: April 20, 2023 - May 21, 2023

The moon in Pisces connects with Uranus in your sign, Taurus, which can find you connecting with a surprising group of people. The moon enters Aries later, too, encouraging you to slow down and rest.

Gemini: May 21, 2023 - June 21, 2023

The moon in Pisces opposes your ruling planet Mercury in Virgo, which can find you having an important discussion about your goals in life. The moon enters Aries, perhaps also stirring excitement in your social circles.

Cancer: June 21, 2023 - July 22, 2023

You might connect with surprising people as the moon in Pisces aligns with Uranus in Taurus. The moon enters Aries later on, bringing your focus to your career. Your popularity and visibility get a boost!

Leo: July 22, 2023 - August 23, 2023

The moon in Pisces aligns with Pluto in Capricorn, which can find you ready to break old habits. The moon enters fellow fire sign Aries, perhaps bringing new and exciting opportunities your way!

Virgo: August 23, 2023 - September 23, 2023

An important discussion with a partner could come to a head as the moon in Pisces opposes Mercury in Virgo. The moon enters Aries, too, which can find you cutting ties with the past in some significant way.

Libra: September 23, 2023 - October 23, 2023

The moon meets Neptune in Pisces, which can find you making brilliant art today, dear Libra. Your focus turns to relationships as the moon enters your opposite sign Aries. This is a great time to connect deeply with a partner or meet new people.

Scorpio: October 23, 2023 - November 22, 2023

The moon meets Neptune in Pisces, inspiring a hugely romantic atmosphere! You could be swept off your feet. Or if you’re not looking for love, this can simply be a wonderful time to make art. Your focus turns to your to-do list as the moon enters Aries.

Sagittarius: November 22, 2023 - December 21, 2023

You might be in a sentimental mood as the moon meets Neptune in Pisces; try to stay present, and don’t over-romanticize the past. Your present day love life and creative practice can be energized by the moon entering Aries today, too.

Capricorn: December 21, 2023 - January 20, 2024

A discussion could come to a head as the moon in Pisces opposes Mercury in fellow earth sign Virgo. Your focus turns to your home, family, and personal life as the moon enters Aries. This might be a good time to spruce up your space!

Aquarius: January 20, 2023 - February 18, 2023

The moon in Pisces aligns with your ruling planet Uranus in Taurus, which could find you enjoying an upgrade of some sort in your life! Communication gets a boost as the moon enters Aries.

Pisces:  February 18, 2023 - March 20, 2023

The moon meets your ruling planet Neptune in your sign, Pisces, which can find you reconnecting with your inner voice in a profound way. Your focus also turns to themes like security and wealth as the moon enters Aries.

BlackTech crew looking to steal sensitive data traffic

Chinese government spies may be hiding in your Cisco routers and using that access to steal intellectual property and other sensitive data, according to officials in the US and Japan.…

Enlarge / NASA astronaut Frank Rubio smiles and waves moments after arriving back on Earth to wrap up more than a year in orbit. (credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and two Russian crewmates parachuted to a landing on the remote steppe of Kazakhstan Wednesday, capping a 371-day mission at the International Space Station, the longest single spaceflight ever undertaken by an American.

It was also the third-longest mission off the planet in the history of human spaceflight, eclipsed only by two Russian cosmonauts who lived on the Mir space station in the 1990s.

Rubio, a US Army lieutenant colonel who grew up in El Salvador and Miami, was supposed to spend about six months in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station. He launched September 21 of last year on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft with commander Sergey Prokopyev and flight engineer Dmitri Petelin.

Read 29 remaining paragraphs | Comments

Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | NurPhoto )

Disinformation is more prevalent on Twitter (aka X) than on Facebook and other social networks, according to a European Union report.

The report released yesterday is a pilot study conducted as part of the voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation that was created before Elon Musk bought Twitter, which he renamed to X. Musk pulled his social network firm out of the voluntary disinformation pact in May 2023, but it was still included in the pilot study.

"Partway through the study, X withdrew from the Code of Practice on disinformation," the report said. Twitter also changed its name during the study period; aside from a few X mentions, the 72-page report refers to the social network as Twitter throughout.

Read 17 remaining paragraphs | Comments