Akool Live Camera can translate video calls in real time, swap faces, and get live virtual avatars to mimic human movements

Going on vacation should be fun, not stressful—so this article shares 11 practical ways to make your home less tempting to burglars while you're away. From simple tweaks like smart porch lights to double-checking your alarm system, these tips help you relax instead of worrying about what’s happening back home.

Editor’s Note: Let’s face it, nobody wants to cut a trip short because of a break-in. These tips are straightforward enough for anyone to try, and they’re a reminder that a little prep can save a lot of hassle. In a world where package thefts and porch pirates are everywhere, this is the kind of advice that actually feels useful.

A new report from Gen Threat has uncovered some alarming cybersecurity stats—over a million high-risk records were exposed just in the first quarter of 2025. The findings highlight how vulnerable personal and sensitive data still is, urging everyone to check if they might be caught up in a breach.

Editor’s Note: Data leaks aren’t slowing down, and this report is a wake-up call. Whether it’s your passwords, financial info, or private details, a breach can hit anyone. Staying alert and taking basic security steps (like updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication) is no longer optional—it’s essential.

This piece dives into the nostalgic yet surprisingly resilient world of player piano rolls—those perforated paper sheets that brought music to life in early 20th-century homes. The discussion, sparked by a Hacker News thread, explores how these analog "programs" for mechanical pianos were essentially the first music streaming service, blending artistry with engineering. Enthusiasts and historians chime in on their cultural impact, technical ingenuity, and even modern revival efforts.

Editor’s Note: While player pianos might seem like relics, their story is a fascinating lens into how technology and creativity intersect. It’s a reminder that today’s digital innovations—like algorithmic music or streaming—have roots in much older ideas. For music buffs or tech historians, it’s a quirky case study in how "old tech" can still strike a chord.

Elon Musk is stepping back from his role in Washington after making waves during his short time in the Trump administration. His influence was particularly notable through his unconventional approach at the so-called "DOGE agency," though details on its exact impact remain fuzzy. Now, with Musk out of the picture, the question is whether Trump’s agenda will lose momentum or shift direction without his tech-billionaire flair.

Editor’s Note: Love him or hate him, Musk’s presence in politics was anything but boring. His departure raises questions about how much his star power—and maybe his meme-friendly antics—actually shaped policy. For Trump, it could mean losing a high-profile ally or just clearing the way for a different kind of influence. Either way, it’s a reminder of how unpredictable the intersection of tech and politics can be.

The U.S. government has slapped sanctions on a cloud service provider called Funnull, accusing it of being a major enabler of "pig butchering" scams—a type of fraud where victims are lured into fake investment schemes and drained of their savings. The move highlights how cybercriminals are exploiting legitimate tech infrastructure to run large-scale cons.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another warning about online scams—it’s a crackdown on the behind-the-scenes players making them possible. By targeting Funnull, authorities are signaling they’ll go after the digital landlords hosting these schemes, not just the scammers themselves. For everyday internet users, it’s a reminder that even seemingly legit services can be weaponized for fraud.