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More popular Fire TV Stick streaming apps are BLOCKED as Amazon issues serious warning to all users

More popular Fire TV Stick streaming apps are BLOCKED as Amazon issues serious warning to all users

The Sun27-06-2025
AMAZON has blocked several popular but dodgy streaming apps from Fire TV Sticks in a fresh crackdown.
The tech giant had already blacklisted Flix Vision and Live NetTV, confirming to The Sun this week that the pair "exhibited malicious behaviour".
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It now seems that the firm has targeted more potentially dangerous apps.
Blink Streamz and Ocean Streamz are the latest to be disabled, according to AFTVNews.
A message apparently appears on screen warning users that the two apps "can put your device or personal data at risk".
Ocean Streamz's website already flashes up as dangerous when trying to access it on Google Chrome.
People are able to download shady apps because of Amazon 's open source tech on Fire TV Sticks, meaning you can download apps from outside the company's own app store as you please.
Amazon has faced growing criticism for its response to illegal streaming.
Broadcaster Sky has hit out at the US firm, saying it does not do enough to tackle piracy.
Illegal streaming is estimated to be costing the industry "hundreds of millions of dollars".
Nick Herm, chief operating officer at Sky, recently accused Amazon of failing to do "enough engagement to address some of those problems, where people are buying these devices in bulk".
He also believes that modified Fire Sticks "probably" make up "about half of the piracy" in the UK alone.
Warning over 'jailbroken' Fire Sticks
Illegal streaming can be delivered by a number of devices by one of the most common are 'jailbroken' Fire Sticks, which means a third-party media server software has been installed on to it.
The software most commonly used is called Kodi.
It can grant users unrestricted access to new features and apps the normal version of the device wouldn't allow – but it is not legal to use in the UK.
But it becomes illegal when a box is used to stream subscription channels for free.
It is also illegal to buy or sell these modified devices which have become known as "fully-loaded" - a term that describes how the software has been altered to allow access to subscription-only channels.
"These devices are legal when used to watch legitimate, free to air, content," the government said at the time.
"They become illegal once they are adapted to stream illicit content, for example TV programmes, films and subscription sports channels without paying the appropriate subscriptions."
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Self-driving cars are coming to UK in 2026 & serious concerns remain – but there's also 5 incredible benefits
Self-driving cars are coming to UK in 2026 & serious concerns remain – but there's also 5 incredible benefits

The Sun

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  • The Sun

Self-driving cars are coming to UK in 2026 & serious concerns remain – but there's also 5 incredible benefits

AN EXPERT has opened up on the challenges the UK faces as it approaches the adoption of self-driving technology. Recently, mega-brand Tesla revealed footage of two major test runs of one of its cars negotiating central London and Swindon's Magic Roundabout - without human intervention. 4 4 4 4 The clips showed a Tesla Model 3 navigating past iconic locations in central London, as well as Swindon's Magic Roundabout - a complex system of five mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle around a larger central one - while the person in the driver's seat was not holding the steering wheel. But the technology's potential and its imminent nationwide rollout - which could be by spring 2026 - have understandably sparked public concerns about safety, while also bringing up discussions on the transformative impact on the automotive industry. John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at the National Accident Helpline, has been closely following these developments. He recently spoke to Sun Motors about how the tech could enhance safety and revolutionise transportation, although he remains cautious about its readiness for widespread adoption - citing public mistrust, regulatory hurdles and the necessity for greater transparency from manufacturers. Indeed, John emphasises that brands, such as Tesla, need to do a lot of work in addressing public mistrust. 'Everything has got to be transparent and I think that's where it has been lacking,' he said. 'If we look at Diesel-Gate as an example, if we leave it to companies, it will always be seen as in their best interest to hide any issues rather than show them in hope that they'll get away with it. 'None of us really know how self-driving cars work because they use massively complex software and AI in the background to make decisions - so we're never going to understand that. 'We have to be sure that the companies understand it and then they're going to act in our best interest.' To address the public's potential mistrust, John believes manufacturers will have their work cut out to show they're willing to be open with the public - including the way they record and display their data, especially around accidents. He also highlights the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to manage self-driving technology, explaining how regulators like the DVSA are not yet prepared to handle the complexities of self-driving vehicles. 'They'd have to up their game,' said John. 'You need some quite high-tech solutions to this because you're going to need to be having pretty regular updates to their systems.' One particular concern is legal and regulatory barriers, such as grey areas around liability when the car transitions control back to the driver. John explains that liability depends on the mode in which the car was operating. If the vehicle is in self-driving mode during an accident, the manufacturer is liable. However, if the driver takes over control, the responsibility shifts to them. He highlights grey areas where self-driving assistance fails or where the car detects it cannot operate properly and passes control back to the driver. Quoting a report by Faction, a company focused on developing autonomous vehicle technology, he said: 'If it's in self-driving mode and it has an accident, then the liability goes on to the manufacturer. 'If the driver has taken over control, then it's going to be on them. 'The grey area will be where it's assisted and the assistant doesn't work properly. 'There's also going to be situations where a car's in self-driving mode but it then detects that it can't work properly or it doesn't understand the layout, and it passes over to the driver. 'That's where you'd have to be able to say, have they been given enough time? Has anyone else taken over? If not, then the liability goes on the driver.' Indeed, John warns that any major accidents during the rollout of self-driving cars could severely harm public perception and slow adoption. He stresses the importance of careful implementation to avoid catastrophic incidents. Another problem that John points out is the UK's older and more complicated road infrastructure, which poses significant challenges for self-driving technology. Narrow roads, potholes, and rural areas make it harder for autonomous vehicles to operate reliably, compared to places in the US like Arizona or San Francisco, where self-driving cars are currently in operation. John said: 'In Arizona, it's a classic, you're not going to see many cars passing you, they're nice straight roads and San Francisco's, with a lot of those roads built on grids. 'That does make it easier. It is much harder where you've got potholes, which can then make the vehicles react in an unpredictable way. You've got narrow roads. 'How are the rules going to go, where you really have not got quite enough space for two vehicles? Is it just going to stop and not do anything? 'You've got all sorts of more complications here, because we've got older roads, we've got narrower roads, more rural roads. 'I also think we're slower to adopt energy. Once we see self-driving cars operating successfully in certain circumstances, I think public perception will start to shift.' FIRST STEP John, though, also believes self-driving tech could significantly reduce accidents by eliminating human error. He also believes that autonomous vehicles can learn from real-world data and improve their performance over time, making roads safer. "The good thing about this sort of technology is that you've got the ability to learn over time, and for that learning to stick,' John added. 'You can use technology to learn what happens in different circumstances and it can then help avoid accidents." 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Additionally, shared self-driving taxis could be cheaper than owning and maintaining a personal vehicle. John added: "For the sake of argument, if you're using an automated mode three-quarters of the time, you're actually driving less, so in theory the price should come down." What's clear is that self-driving technology offers the promise of safer roads, reduced congestion and transformative changes to transportation, although significant challenges remain. As John emphasises, "it's all about that first step. If you don't take it, you'll never get there."

Argos shoppers rush to buy Apple AirPods worth £229 as they plummet in flash sale
Argos shoppers rush to buy Apple AirPods worth £229 as they plummet in flash sale

Daily Mirror

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Argos shoppers rush to buy Apple AirPods worth £229 as they plummet in flash sale

Apple's AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a six-hour battery life and adaptive noise cancellation for the best listening experience. Apple users know all too well how expensive the products are. One of the tech giant's most popular accessories is its AirPods, which are seldom reduced. However, for a limited time only, Argos has reduced the price of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) to £189, down from £229 - a saving of £40. Designed with Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio, the AirPods automatically tailor noise-control in different environments so wearers get the best listening experience. They also have a built-in speaker and lanyard loop so they can be attached at a user's leisure. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) feature touch-activated side controls and a battery life of up to six hours. Handy teeth whitening gadget shoppers take on nights out that makes them 'so much whiter' Amazon slashes £150 off VAX pet carpet cleaning machine that 'leaves the carpet like new' Elsewhere, Amazon sells wireless earbuds that are compatible with Apple and Android devices. For instance, these JLab Go Air Sport+ Running Headphones (£29.99) feature a hook on each bud for a secure fit. They also have nine hours of playtime in each earbud and 26 extra hours from the charging case. Shoppers looking to go the whole hog can invest in Apple's AirPods Max headphones, which are on sale on EE for £465, normally £495. Described as the 'ultimate listening experience', they are offered in five colourways and feature Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation tech and a Digital Crown to play and pause music. Returning to the Argos deal on Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), one buyer commented: "I absolutely love my AirPods. The noise cancellation and conversation awareness are an absolute delight." Another person commented: "Bought this a couple of months ago. I'm so happy with the product, very good and amazing." A third buyer described them as 'good, comfy with seamless connectivity', but found issues with them syncing to an iPhone, commenting: "The only issue I've had so far is when I open the case, my flatmates iPad and iPhone have a pop up saying 'not your AirPods' no way of stopping it happening. So, on that one fault, I can't recommend." An additional buyer said: "It's been over two months since I bought this device, and it's been awesome." A fifth buyer wrote: "Upgraded from the Pro1s that I bought back in 2021, these are a massive upgrade." Another Argos shopper concludes: "I bought these a couple of months ago and they work amazingly. They have loads of features, such as noise cancellation. In addition, the battery life is outstanding. One charge lasts me a week." Android users can opt for a pair of Galaxy Buds3 Pro for £219. Offered in silver or white, they have a two-way speaker for enhanced audio quality or call-taking, Galaxy AI-boosted Noise Control technology and small, angled heads for wearer comfort. For a cheaper option, these Galaxy Buds FE are on sale at Currys for £69, down from £99. They also have noise-cancellation and a six-hour battery life.

NHS patients to be discharged using AI notes for the first time
NHS patients to be discharged using AI notes for the first time

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NHS patients will be discharged from hospital using notes made by AI for the first time. Information on a person's condition, care and medication will be made by AI and checked by a doctor to help speed up the process. Currently health workers have to deal with the laborious and time-consuming task of filling out notes, leading to prolonged time on wards. A trial at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital starting this autumn will kick off the three-month pilot project using live data for real patients. Officials hope this will help get patients home, free up doctors' time and create more beds for other patients while standardising the notes. The AI is a large language model (LLM) similar to ChatGPT but has been created in-house by the NHS. The Telegraph understands patient data will not be shared with third parties or used to train the computer model. The tool, called 'AI Discharge Summaries', is one of the Government's so-called 'AI exemplars' alongside technology which promises to halve the time probation officers spend organising notes and software to support teachers in marking and lesson planning. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said: 'We're using cutting-edge technology to build an NHS fit for the future and tackle the hospital backlogs that have left too many people waiting too long. 'Doctors will spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients, getting people home to their families faster and freeing up beds for those who need them most.' Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, said: 'This is exactly the kind of change we need: AI being used to give doctors, probation officers and other key workers more time to focus on delivering better outcomes and speeding up vital services.' The AI tool for discharge summaries promises to improve efficiency within hospitals and provide medical staff with the 'gift of time'. The software enables doctors to draft discharge documents faster by using the LLM to find key information from medical records – such as diagnoses and test results. It aims to improve what has been described as an 'outdated system' in which busy hospital staff were forced to sit down and fill out forms. The Government hopes to use AI to 'modernise' services across health, justice, tax and planning. Elsewhere, technology will be rolled out to speed up planning approvals by converting hand-written documents into data within minutes. The Government claims this will slash the hours spent by planning officers who have to manually check such documents. The technology is one of a number of projects backed by Sir Keir Starmer. Earlier this year, the Prime Minister said AI will be used to 'turn around' the economy and public services. Referring to the entirety of AI exemplars – not just the NHS – Mr Kyle said when the scheme is rolled out in full, it will unlock some £45bn in 'productivity gains'.

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