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Fox News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Ultra-thin sound blocker cuts traffic noise dramatically
If you live near a busy street, this new breakthrough from Switzerland could offer some long-awaited relief. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed an ultra-thin traffic noise absorber that significantly reduces sound levels while occupying just a fraction of the space required by traditional materials. The new absorber is only about 2.1 inches thick, yet it performs on par with much bulkier products, such as rock wool. Even more impressively, it can be customized to target specific types of noise, making it ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my The innovation lies in the material's composition: a multi-layered mineral foam made from gypsum or cement. Each layer contains pores of different sizes, designed to force air particles to travel in longer, more winding paths. That extended journey helps dissipate sound waves more efficiently than flat or uniform insulation. EMPA researchers also use numerical modeling to simulate how sound will move through the material. By adjusting pore sizes, perforation patterns, and layer thickness, they can fine-tune the acoustic performance for a specific space or type of noise. This kind of control makes the absorber suitable for locations ranging from quiet stairwells to bustling office environments. To test the material in a real-world setting, the EMPA team installed a prototype in a driveway in Zurich. They covered roughly 130 square feet of wall space with panels just over 2 inches thick. One end of the driveway opens onto a busy street, while the other leads into a quieter courtyard. The results were immediate and measurable. Traffic noise dropped by as much as 4 decibels. The sound reduction was most noticeable when cars entered or exited the driveway, since the panels caused the noise to bounce multiple times before reaching the courtyard. For context, a 4-decibel reduction is sufficient to noticeably reduce the irritation caused by street noise, especially in densely populated urban areas. One of the best features of this sound absorber is how little space it requires. Traditional insulation materials tend to eat up valuable inches, limiting where they can be used. This thin, dense material offers more freedom for architects, interior designers, and developers to include noise protection in areas where every inch matters. The panels can also withstand outdoor elements. They are weather-resistant, fireproof, and made of recyclable materials, making them both durable and environmentally responsible. Because they do not release harmful particles, they are also safe for indoor use in places like schools, offices, and apartment buildings. While the design and performance are promising, the current production method poses challenges. The panel perforation is still done manually, which makes it time-consuming and difficult to scale. However, EMPA is already working with Swiss manufacturer De Cavis to streamline production and prepare for broader commercial use. Once automated, this material could become a standard feature in construction projects where noise control and space efficiency are both top priorities. If you're dealing with constant background noise from traffic, nearby businesses, or shared walls, a product like this could be a game-changer. A thinner absorber means you can finally enjoy peace and quiet without sacrificing living or workspace space. Whether you're a homeowner looking to quiet a bedroom wall, a property manager renovating an apartment complex, or an architect designing a new office building, this material opens up possibilities that simply didn't exist with traditional insulation. Noise pollution doesn't just interrupt your day; it affects your health, mood, and productivity. That's why a versatile, slim, and powerful sound absorber like this is more than just a material upgrade. It's a lifestyle upgrade. While it's not yet widely available, the work being done to bring this technology to market suggests that quieter cities, homes, and workplaces may be within reach much sooner than expected. If you could cut the traffic noise outside your window in half using panels thinner than a paperback book, would you do it? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
31-07-2025
- Fox News
Viral rogue robot sparks new AI safety fears
A jaw-dropping video showing a Unitree H1 humanoid robot flailing violently during a test has captured the internet's attention and sparked a new wave of concern about the safety of advanced robotics. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my In the viral clip, the full-sized humanoid robot named DeREX is suspended from a crane inside a factory in China. Surrounded by two handlers, it suddenly starts thrashing its limbs without warning. The force is so intense it knocks over nearby equipment and nearly causes the crane to collapse. As chaos unfolds, one stunned observer shouts, "Oh my god, what the (expletive) was that?" Another technician replies, "What the (expletive) did you guys run?" The dramatic exchange, captured on video, has only deepened speculation. Cix Liv, the robot handler who shared the footage on X, offered a possible explanation, saying, "The technical reason is we ran a full-body policy while the feet weren't touching the ground. Don't do that." In other words, the robot was executing full-body movements without contact with the floor, triggering a dangerous cascade of erratic behavior. We reached out to Unitree for comment but did not hear back before our deadline. This isn't the first viral incident involving a humanoid robot from Unitree. A similar event occurred in May, when another H1 model violently malfunctioned during a test. The robot began flailing in midair, scattering lab equipment and sending engineers scrambling. And, earlier this year, a separate Unitree humanoid startled crowds at a festival in China when it suddenly lurched toward a safety barrier. Although security acted fast, the robot's aggressive motion left many in the crowd visibly shaken. The Unitree H1 is commercially available. It stands nearly 6 feet tall, weighs 104 pounds and can perform backflips, run and lift heavy objects. Each joint delivers a whopping 365 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to cause serious harm if anything goes wrong. Even small glitches in balance or software can appear threatening due to the robot's human-like size and shape. Experts warn that these movements, though technically correct from the robot's perspective, can seem violent or unpredictable to nearby humans. If you've ever wondered whether robots could one day pose a real-world threat, this footage doesn't help ease those fears. As advanced machines move from research labs to commercial use, the risks become more real. Whether it's robot security, AI-powered assistants or automated delivery bots, safety testing will need to scale rapidly to keep up. These incidents demonstrate that powerful hardware combined with flawed software can have dangerous consequences. The rogue robot video was real, unfiltered and unsettling. It's a reminder that while robots are becoming more capable, they're still not perfect and are sometimes unpredictable. As AI and robotics evolve, the line between useful and dangerous is becoming increasingly blurred. Regulation, transparency and safety testing can't be afterthoughts. Are we moving too fast with humanoid robotics, or is this just part of progress? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
29-07-2025
- Fox News
Meta's new wearable lets you control screens hands-free
Forget the mouse. Forget the keyboard. Meta's new gesture control wristband might just be the most seamless way to control a computer yet. And no, it doesn't require surgery, a camera, or even a touchscreen. All it needs is your wrist. This futuristic device uses electrical signals from your muscles to understand what your hand wants to do, even if it never actually moves. Think of it as a translator between your nervous system and your favorite device. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my This wristband was developed by researchers at Meta's Reality Labs, where scientists have been working on non-invasive, wearable tech that helps people interact with computers naturally. Unlike typical gesture systems that need a camera or special lighting, this device picks up on muscle activity alone. That's huge. Especially for people with reduced mobility, muscle weakness, or even limb loss, this opens up new ways to engage with technology. At the heart of this innovation is a technology called surface electromyography or sEMG. The wristband captures tiny electrical signals that fire in your wrist muscles when you intend to move. Meta's team trained AI models on thousands of participants to recognize these signals without needing to calibrate for each person. Thanks to deep learning, the system can now: You can even write in the air at 20.9 words per minute, nearly as fast as typing on your phone. Meta's wearable is a new kind of human-computer interface, one that doesn't need a screen, controller, or touch. That makes it ideal for on-the-go use with smart glasses, phones, or even future AR devices. And because it doesn't require calibration for each user, it's ready out of the box. This could enable wide adoption, especially in public settings or for people who switch devices frequently. Meta's sEMG research device, also called sEMG-RD, was described in Nature. The study highlights both the technical breakthrough and its practical applications. The team achieved over 90% accuracy in recognizing gestures, even across different users, with no tuning required. To encourage further research, Meta is releasing a public dataset of sEMG recordings from 300 participants. This could help accelerate progress in areas like prosthetics, gaming, and accessibility tech. This isn't Meta's first foray into gesture tech. But this wristband represents something bigger: a move toward frictionless, brain-to-device communication, without implants. It builds on years of research in AR, neuromotor interfaces, and AI model scaling. Meta's wristband could change how you interact with your devices, whether you have a disability or just want a faster way to get things done. Instead of tapping or typing, your wrist muscles can now act as the controller. This means less strain, more freedom, and a whole new way to stay connected on the go. If you've ever wished for a simpler way to text, scroll, or select items without touching a screen, this tech makes it possible. And because it works without a custom setup, you can start using it almost instantly. Now, while Meta's wristband shows real promise, it's still in the research phase and not yet available to consumers. However, it offers a glimpse of where everyday tech may be headed. Meta's gesture control wristband offers a fresh way to interact with technology. By reading your wrist muscles, it replaces screens and buttons with simple, intuitive gestures. This kind of wearable reimagines how we access digital tools, making everyday tasks quicker, easier, and more inclusive. Whether you're exploring new AR interfaces or just want a more flexible way to control your devices, this technology brings that vision closer to reality. What if your wrist could replace your keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen all at once? Would you buy and wear Meta's wristband, or do you prefer the current state of things? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
29-07-2025
- Business
- Fox News
AI scam alerts now on Venmo and PayPal: What you need to know
PayPal and Venmo just rolled out something big: AI-powered scam alerts for Friends and Family payments. If you've ever worried about accidentally sending money to a scammer, this new feature is designed for you. The alert system is smarter than the old generic pop-ups. Instead of repeating "watch out for scams" every time you send money, these new alerts adapt in real time to the actual risk level of your transaction. Let's break down how it works and what you can do to stay ahead of scammers. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my The alerts use machine learning models that constantly update and improve. These AI tools analyze billions of data points to detect new scam patterns, even ones they haven't seen before. If a payment seems suspicious, the system will interrupt the transaction with a tailored alert. And the higher the risk, the stronger the warning. Unlike traditional alerts, these messages escalate in urgency depending on the likelihood of fraud. In high-risk cases, PayPal may even block the payment automatically. Scammers constantly shift tactics, especially on social media. Fraudsters will often pressure people to send Friends and Family payments, which aren't eligible for refunds. That's why PayPal designed this system to act before the money leaves your account. According to the company, putting real-time warnings in front of users empowers them to make informed decisions when it matters most. Traditional alerts use a one-size-fits-all approach. PayPal's new system is contextual and dynamic. It adjusts the message based on: That's not just smart tech, it's a better experience for users. These AI scam alerts are now live in all global PayPal markets and across the United States on Venmo. And because the models are self-learning, they'll keep improving as scam techniques evolve. PayPal's alert system is powerful, but your behavior matters too. Here are some simple ways to keep your data safe: Use a different password for every account. Avoid personal details and common phrases. Combine three or more random words for strength. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Limit public access to your phone number and email. Avoid posting travel pics in real time. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Check your credit reports regularly. Set up alerts for changes or unusual activity. Act fast if anything looks suspicious. Install security updates as soon as they're available. Only use trusted app stores and verified downloads. Don't forget to secure your kids' devices too. Avoid accessing financial accounts on public networks: Never share sensitive info over unsecured Wi-Fi. Use a VPN or mobile data connection when possible. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Don't click links or download attachments from unknown senders. Avoid urgent messages pressuring immediate action. If in doubt, don't reply. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Use PayPal or other protected systems for online transactions. Avoid sending Friends and Family payments to strangers. Understand when your payment is and isn't refundable. Online scams aren't going away, but tools like AI-powered alerts from PayPal and Venmo are making it much harder for scammers to win. These intelligent alerts combine speed, adaptability, and user-focused design to warn you before money leaves your account. Pair that with smart personal habits, and you're on the path to safer online spending. Would you trust AI to decide when your money is at risk, or would you rather decide for yourself? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
24-07-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Amazon alerts customers about impersonation scams
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published July 24, 2025 Think twice before clicking that email from Amazon. The company has sent out emails to hundreds of millions of customers warning about phishing scams that are tricking people into giving up their login credentials. The fake messages look real, and they use scare tactics to get you to act fast. Here's how the scam works, how Amazon is responding, and what you can do to protect yourself. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Amazon phishing scam: What you need to know Amazon confirmed that fake emails are circulating. One of the scammers' tactics is falsely claiming that a customer's membership will soon renew at a higher-than-expected rate. These emails often include a "cancel subscription" link. When clicked, the link redirects users to a fake Amazon login page designed to harvest account credentials. Once entered, the scammers can access the user's actual Amazon account, make unauthorized purchases, or exploit the credentials on other platforms where the same login information is used. In some cases, the fake websites also prompt users to enter credit card details and personal information. This data is immediately captured and can be used or sold by the scammers. According to Amazon, these emails may appear convincing because they often contain real personal details obtained from earlier data leaks or breaches. How Amazon is fighting back against prime scam emails Amazon has taken steps to shut down tens of thousands of phishing websites and phone numbers linked to these scams. The company says it has adopted a secure email capability to make it easier for customers to identify authentic emails from Amazon. Cyberguy reached out to Amazon for comment, and a spokesperson clarified that the emails were sent to educate people about the impersonation scam tactics the company is increasingly seeing. "Amazon regularly educates our hundreds of millions of customers about scam prevention best practices to keep them safe from scams," a spokesperson noted. "Our team is diligently working to protect consumers from scammers, including actively sharing information on common scams to avoid and preventative measures every consumer should know." The company stressed that it never asks customers to share sensitive information over email. All legitimate communications regarding account status or membership renewals are directed through Amazon's secure Message Centre or official website. How to spot fake Amazon emails and protect your account 1) Ignore suspicious emails If you receive an unexpected message from Amazon, don't click any links. Go directly to Amazon's website or app to check your account status. 2) Never enter credentials on unfamiliar websites Always double-check the website address before logging in. Fake login pages often look convincing but have slight differences in the URL. 3) Enable two-factor authentication Turn on two-step verification for your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised. 4) Use unique passwords Avoid using the same login credentials across multiple platforms. Use a secure password manager to generate and save strong passwords. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at 5) Install strong antivirus software Use a strong antivirus program that can detect phishing attempts, block fake websites, and alert you to potential threats before you fall for them. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at 6) Remove your personal info from data broker sites Scammers often use personal details, like your name, phone number, or home address, to craft more convincing phishing emails. That information usually comes from data broker websites that collect and sell your data. A personal data removal service can help automatically scrub this information from dozens or even hundreds of these sites. Reducing your digital footprint makes it harder for scammers to target you in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: 7) Report something suspicious If you receive correspondence that you think may not be from Amazon, report it immediately. If you are a customer, you can use the Amazon self-service tool to report something suspicious in just a few quick steps. If you are not a customer, you can still report a suspicious message to us at reportascam@ These reports provide Amazon with the information it needs to identify bad actors and take action against them, enabling the company to stop scams before they occur. Kurt's key takeaway Impersonation scams are very common, and this isn't a problem unique to Amazon. You must be cautious with every email you receive, as it can be difficult to distinguish what's real from what's fake at first glance. Take a moment to review the contents carefully and watch out for anything suspicious, such as a wrong domain name, spelling mistakes, or unusual language Do you think scam messages are getting harder to spot, or are people just not paying attention? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
