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30 Jun 2025

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Watch: Kiwi stops phone thief in UK with brutal tackle
“If you see a crime happening and have an ability to stop it, then you should,“ he said.

Slater lifts lid on Ponga phone call
Billy Slater reveals Kalyn Ponga's dejected reaction to his injury.

Google Gemini is coming for your private apps. Here’s how to stop it
Google recently informed some users that Gemini AI will have access to numerous new apps starting July 7th, 2025. These include messaging apps and messengers such as WhatsApp, and it applies regardless of whether you actually use Gemini as an app assistant or not. In an email shared by Android Authority, Google states that they’ve “made it easier for Gemini to interact with your [Android] device” and that Gemini will “help you use” various apps “whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off.” If you don’t want this, you’ll have to disable the feature in the Apps settings page, but Google hasn’t yet provided an explanation of how this will work. Android Authority Due to the vague wording in the email, the associated data privacy concerns, and the very sudden introduction of this change, many users are understandably concerned, especially since it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether Gemini is activated or not. Gemini comes pre-installed on many smartphones now. Fortunately, at the request of Android Authority, Google has clarified how this email was meant to be read: “This update is good for users: they can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like send messages, initiate phone calls, and set timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, their Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models. As always, users can turn off Gemini’s connection to apps at any time by navigating to https://gemini.google.com/apps.” Basically, this means that starting July, Gemini will behave more like a local assistant on your Android device and it’ll be able to help with simple tasks even if you don’t use Gemini Apps Activity at all. Meanwhile, according to Google, the AI can’t view private chats. How to disable Gemini Apps Activity Even though Google says this change is “good for users,” you may still have reservations about it. Here’s how to disable the feature and prevent Gemini from accessing your private apps. If the Gemini app is installed on your smartphone, you simply need to tap on your profile picture and select Gemini Apps Activity. Alternatively, you can go to the settings via this link and disable the Gemini Apps Activity setting by clicking “Turn Off.” This will also prevent Google from using your Gemini interactions to improve the AI. Be sure to check this setting again on July 7th to be on the safe side, in case it gets flipped back on. On the same page, you can also delete past Gemini App Activity that has already been recorded. However, the easiest option is to disable the Gemini app on your device if it was pre-installed by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to completely uninstall it as it’s a system app.

Can Polaroid pics compete with a decent phone?
A sonar autofocus system and powerful flash can make for great instant shots, but also some unpredictable results.

Score Anker’s fast USB-C charging cables, now 2 for only $8
I don’t know what the situation is like in your home, but I think I have gremlins that come out at night to steal my charging cables. There’s really no other way (cough cough) to explain why they always go missing. Surely it can’t be my tendency to loan them out or shove them into bags I use a couple of times a year and forget all about. Well, if you have gremlins like me, it’s not a bad idea to stock up on charging cables, especially super-fast USB-C cables like this one by Anker. Right now, you can get a two-pack of 3-foot cables for $8 or a two-pack of 6-foot cables for $10. Not bad at all! These are 60W USB-C cables, which means they’ll recharge your devices quite fast as long as you have a power adapter that supports up to 60W of charging. And these are USB-C-to-USB-C, by the way, so you’ll need a USB-C power adapter. They’re covered in braided nylon, so they’re a lot more resistant to twists and bends and will last you longer. Obviously, if you like charging devices while at your desk, you can get away with the shorter ones. But if you like to charge your phone while doomscrolling in bed, the longer ones may fit your needs better. Stock up on charging cables (or upgrade the ones you already have) with these Anker two-packs now that they’re even more affordable. Whether you get the 3-foot cables or the longer 6-foot cables is up to you. Get a 2-pack of 60W Anker USB-C charging cables (3-foot)Buy now at Amazon Get a 2-pack of 60W Anker USB-C charging cables (6-foot)Buy now at Amazon