Amazon has discontinued its secretive "Encore" project to develop an at-home fertility tracker, resulting in layoffs for around 100 employees. The project, part of Amazon's Grand Challenge division, aimed to launch a device and app that would predict fertility through saliva testing but was ultimately terminated to control costs. CNBC reports: The project was born out of the company's 2020 acquisition of Wisconsin-based startup bluDiagnostics, the sources said. BluDiagnostics was founded in 2015 by Weibel, Katie Brenner and Jodi Schroll, all of whom joined Grand Challenge. The startup had developed a thermometer-like device, called FertilityFinder, to help women track their fertility from home by testing their saliva and measuring two key hormones, estradiol and progesterone. The results of the test were viewable through a corresponding app. Business Insider reported on aspects of the fertility device in 2022, when its codename was Project Tiberius. The team was working to develop its own saliva collection device and mobile app, which could predict when a user might be in the fertile window. Users could also log their period symptoms, sexual activity and other data to assist with tracking their fertility. There are similar offerings on the market from companies including Inne, Oova, Ava and Mira, along with fertility and ovulation tracking apps such as Flo, Clue and Max Levchin's Glow. Amazon initially aimed to release the product this year, but the timing was pushed out after the team encountered technical issues with the device, one of the people said. It was a costly endeavor and required significant upfront investments for lab research and development, in addition to the high salaries for scientists and engineers, the sources said, adding that the team's weekly overhead was roughly $1.5 million. Amazon didn't comment on the figure. Only one project now remains active within Grand Challenge. Its focus is on health tech, the people said. "We regularly review our businesses to ensure we focus on areas where we can make the biggest difference for customers," said Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan. "Following a recent review, we've decided to discontinue this project within Grand Challenge, and we're working directly with employees whose roles are impacted to support them through the transition and help them find other opportunities within Amazon."

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An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: The classic PC games market is "in a sorry state," according to DRM-free and classic-minded storefront GOG. Small games that aren't currently selling get abandoned, and compatibility issues arise as technology moves forward or as one-off development ideas age like milk. Classic games are only 20 percent of GOG's catalog, and the firm hasn't actually called itself "Good Old Games" in 12 years. And yet, today, GOG announces that it is making "a significant commitment of resources" toward a new GOG Preservation Program. It starts with 100 games for which GOG's own developers are working to create current and future compatibility, keeping them DRM-free and giving them ongoing tech support, along with granting them a "Good Old Game: Preserved by GOG" stamp. GOG is not shifting its mission of providing a DRM-free alternative to Steam, Epic, and other PC storefronts, at least not entirely. But it is demonstrably excited about a new focus that ties back to its original name, inspired in some part by its work on Alpha Protocol. "We think we can significantly impact the classics industry by focusing our resources on it and creating superior products," writes Arthur Dejardin, head of sales and marketing at GOG. "If we wanted to spread the DRM-free gospel by focusing on getting new AAA games on GOG instead, we would make little progress with the same amount of effort and money (we've been trying various versions of that for the last 5 years)." What kind of games? Scanning the list of Good Old Games, most of them are, by all accounts, both good and old. Personally, I'm glad to see the Jagged Alliance games, System Shock 2, Warcraft I & II, Dungeon Keeper Gold and Theme Park, SimCity 3000 Unlimited, and the Wing Commander series (particularly, personally, Privateer). Most of them are, understandably, Windows-only, though Mac support extends to 34 titles so far, and Linux may pick up many more through Proton compatibility, beyond the 19 native titles to date. [...] [I]f you see the shiny foil-ish GOG badge on a game, it's an assurance that GOG has done all it can to bring forward a classic title. It's important work, too. "Preserving" games doesn't just mean locking a stable media in a vault, but keeping games accessible, and playable.

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Bluesky has reached 15 million users, driven by a recent surge in U.S. signups following the presidential election. It's currently the top free app on iOS. The Verge reports: The platform, which rests on the decentralized AT Protocol, added about a million new users in the last week. Bluesky COO Rose Wang recently told The Verge that the "majority" of new users flocking to the platform have been from the US. Meta's Threads is still outpacing Bluesky, having recently hit 275 million monthly users and growing at a rate of over a million signups per day. But Bluesky offers a very different experience. Both are ad-free (for now), but whereas Threads uses a single Meta-made algorithmic feed, Bluesky offers user-created algorithmic feeds in addition to its "Discover" and "Popular With Friends" ones.

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The FBI raided Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan's Manhattan apartment, seizing his phone and electronic devices. A source close to the matter told The New York Post it was politically motivated due to Polymarket's successful prediction of Trump's election win. It's "grand political theater at its worst," the source said. "They could have asked his lawyer for any of these things. Instead, they staged a so-called raid so they can leak it to the media and use it for obvious political reasons." Although no charges were filed, the raid has sparked controversy, with speculation of political retribution and concerns over potential market manipulation, as Polymarket faces scrutiny both in the U.S. and from French regulators. The New York Post reports: Coplan was not arrested and has not been charged, a Polymarket spokesperson told The Post on Wednesday evening. "Polymarket is a fully transparent prediction market that helps everyday people better understand the events that matter most to them, including elections," the rep said. "We charge no fees, take no trading positions, and allow observers from around the world to analyze all market data as a public good." Coplan posted on X after his run-in with the feds: "New phone, who dis?" Polymarket does not allow trading in the US, though bettors can bypass the ban by accessing the site through VPN. The FBI's investigation comes a week after Coplan said Polymarket is planning to return to the US. [...] In 2022, the online gambling platform was forced to pause its trading in the US and pay a $1.4 million penalty to settle charges with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that it had failed to register with the agency. [In France, regulators are investigating Polymarket's compliance with national gambling laws, with concerns about unauthorized gambling activities within the country.] A Fortune report published a week before the election found widespread evidence of wash-trading on Polymarket. "Polymarket's Terms of Use expressly prohibit market manipulation," a Polymarket spokesperson told Fortune in a statement.

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During a public joint hearing today titled "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth," four experts testified that the U.S. is running secret UAP programs, including crash retrieval and reverse-engineering programs for advanced nonhuman technology. Although the Pentagon maintains there's no evidence of alien spacecraft, witnesses like Luis Elizondo and Michael Gold argue that UAPs represent an intelligence enigma and call for open, stigma-free study to address potential security concerns and unknown scientific possibilities. NPR reports: Tim Gallaudet, retired rear admiral, U.S. Navy; CEO of Ocean STL Consulting, LLC "Confirmation that UAPs are interacting with humanity came for me in January 2015," Gallaudet said in his written testimony (PDF). He describes being part of a pre-deployment naval exercise off the U.S. East Coast that culminated in the famous "Go Fast" video, in which a Navy F/A-18 jet's sensors recorded "an unidentified object exhibiting flight and structural characteristics unlike anything in our arsenal." He was among a group of commanders involved in the exercise who received an email containing the video, which was sent by the operations officer of Fleet Forces Command, Gallaudet said. "The very next day, the email disappeared from my account and those of the other recipients without explanation," he said. Luis Elizondo, author and former Department of Defense official Elizondo's written testimony (PDF) was brief and alleged that a secretive arms race is playing out on the global stage. "Let me be clear: UAP are real," he wrote. "Advanced technologies not made by our Government -- or any other government -- are monitoring sensitive military installations around the globe. Furthermore, the U.S. is in possession of UAP technologies, as are some of our adversaries." Elizondo is a former intelligence officer who later "managed a highly sensitive Special Access Program on behalf of the White House and the National Security Council," according to his official bio (PDF). "By 2012, [Elizondo] was the senior ranking person of the DOD's Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, a secretive Pentagon unit that studied unidentified anomalous phenomena," his bio states, adding that he resigned in 2017. Michael Gold, former NASA associate administrator of space policy and partnerships; member of NASA UAP Independent Study Team Gold's written testimony (PDF) stressed the need for government agencies and academics to "overcome the pernicious stigma that continues to impede scientific dialogue and open discussions" about unexplained phenomena. "As the saying goes, the truth is out there," Gold said, "we just need to be bold enough and brave enough to face it." Michael Shellenberger, founder of Public, a news outlet on the Substack platform Shellenberger's testimony (PDF) ran to some 214 pages, including a lengthy timeline of UAP reports from 1947 to 2023. Shellenberger pressed the White House and Congress to act, calling for the adoption of UAP transparency legislation and cutting funds for any related programs that aren't disclosed to lawmakers. "UAP transparency is bi-partisan and critical to our national security," his written testimony stated. You can watch the proceeding here.

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Equatorial Guinea qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without kicking a ball after Togo fall to a 1-0 defeat in Liberia.

Punishments for those found to have abused horses are being strengthened by the body which governs equestrian sports globally.

Seven-weight world champion Amanda Serrano speaks to BBC Sport before her rematch against Katie Taylor in Texas on Friday.

Manchester United battle for Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane, Liverpool some way off with Mohamed Salah contract, La Liga giants interested in Nottingham Forest's Murillo.

BBC Sport previews Saturday's "box office" showdown between the Women's Super League's top two sides - Chelsea and Manchester City.

Neil Robertson claims a 6-4 win over world number one Judd Trump to move into the semi-finals of the Champion of Champions.

England interim manager Lee Carsley believes there are no issues when it comes to club and country.

1. With more young obese patients, focus now on diabetes reversal  The Times of India
2. Does Diabetes Impact Mental Well-being? 5 Key Insights You Need to Know, According To Doctor  HerZindagi English
3. 86% diabetics in India facing anxiety, depression; women more affected: Report  Gujarat Samachar
4. Diabetes affects mental well-being of more than 4 in 5 Indians living with conditions, IDF survey reveals  The Financial Express
5. Diabetes-related Depression: How to work your way around the two Ds  Mint

1. Trump meets Biden at White House for transition talks  The Indian Express
2. "Welcome Back": Biden Congratulates President-Elect Trump At White House  NDTV
3. Joe and Donald warm up by the White House fireplace  The Times of India
4. The Hindu Morning Digest, November 14, 2024  The Hindu
5. Trump praises ‘very gracious’ Biden after WH meeting they ‘both really enjoyed’: Here's what they talked about  Hindustan Times

1. Delhi Air Pollution: AQI at 426; continues to be in the ‘severe’ category on Thursday  The Hindu
2. Delhi AQI 'severe': Capital turns ‘gas chamber’, residents breathing toxic air plead for help  Hindustan Times
3. "We Just Have To Do Something": Priyanka Gandhi's Delhi 'Gas Chamber' Post  NDTV
4. Delhi Airport issues advisory for passengers as smog reduces visibility  The Times of India
5. Delhi IGI Airport: Nearly 400 flights delayed as thick layer of smog envelopes national capital  The Financial Express

Donald Trump said he would staff his second White House differently. His early selections make clear how much loyalty matters this time.

With the GOP retaining control of the House, Trump will enjoy a trifecta for at least the first two years of his term.

The standard 2022 iPad remains the top tablet for most users, while the 2024 iPad Air offers a boost in power for those with more demanding workloads.

To pay tribute to his wife, Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg got in the recording booth with T-Pain for the heavily autotuned track.

The NWSL semifinals kick off this weekend. We'll show you how to watch the NWSL Playoffs from home.

"The Russian economy is effectively facing the threat of stagflation — simultaneous stagnation or even recession and high inflation."

Inflation accelerated slightly for the month of October, sparking concern the Fed could pause its interest rate-cutting cycle in January.

Carnival's budget-friendly cruises are a stark contrast from its sister brand Seabourn's luxury voyages.

Nvidia, the AI-chip giant, petitioned the nation's highest court after a lower court permitted a 2018 class action lawsuit to move ahead.

The billionaire hedge funder sold two luxury condos for $19 million after paying about $37 million. He's going all in on Florida real estate instead.

We've rounded up the best stocking stuffers under $20 that are both fun and functional.

Joan makes her choice tonight in the Season 1 finale of The Golden Bachelorette, and we'll show you where to watch it at home.

Selena Gomez has starred in a variety of shows and movies, from "Only Murders in the Building" to "Emilia Pérez." Here's how her roles stack up.

"The entertainment value will be epic," the billionaire said.

Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is an Army veteran and conservative commentator who's been skeptical of US support for the NATO alliance and Ukraine.

The nomination of Rubio, a China hawk who's been sanctioned by Beijing, comes at a tense moment in the Indo-Pacific region.

After getting eliminated during week six of "The Bachelorette," Grant Ellis will return as the next Bachelor. Here's what to know about season 29.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun was celebrating a production milestone of 100,000 units of the SU7, his company's EV.

The authoritarian country is spending billions on international athletics, from Formula 1 to combat sports, to boost its bottom line and image.

The decentralized social media network Bluesky announces one million people have joined the platform within just one week, with it… Continue reading Bluesky adds one million new users in a week

The post Bluesky adds one million new users in a week appeared first on ReadWrite.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in Nvidia’s bid to appeal a securities fraud lawsuit today, just days after… Continue reading US Supreme Court to hear bid by Nvidia to appeal securities fraud lawsuit

The post US Supreme Court to hear bid by Nvidia to appeal securities fraud lawsuit appeared first on ReadWrite.

Coinbase has officially listed PEPE, marking a historic shift given the platform’s past controversy with the PEPE community. In May… Continue reading Coinbase Lists PEPE, Robinhood Brings Back Top Altcoins

The post Coinbase Lists PEPE, Robinhood Brings Back Top Altcoins appeared first on ReadWrite.

AI start-up Perplexity has confirmed it is “experimenting” with advertising on its free search engine tool. In a blog post… Continue reading AI search engine Perplexity is introducing ads

The post AI search engine Perplexity is introducing ads appeared first on ReadWrite.

Wednesday 13 November 2024 – Pepe Unchained ($PEPU), the next big meme coin, has already raised $28 million in what’s shaping… Continue reading Pepe Unchained (PEPU) Sees Whale Interest as the Largest Meme Coin Presale Nears Its End in 30 Days

The post Pepe Unchained (PEPU) Sees Whale Interest as the Largest Meme Coin Presale Nears Its End in 30 Days appeared first on ReadWrite.

While owning a console requires a lot less tinkering than a gaming PC, for example, there are times when you… Continue reading How to factory reset your PS5 console

The post How to factory reset your PS5 console appeared first on ReadWrite.

Pepe has recently experienced a price rally, fueled by both increased market capitalization and a remarkable surge in the trading… Continue reading This Trader Predicted The Pepe Coinbase Listing: What Meme Coins Is He Watching Next

The post This Trader Predicted The Pepe Coinbase Listing: What Meme Coins Is He Watching Next appeared first on ReadWrite.

Hamish Wilson, 18, from Crowborough, had just started university and was studying Philosophy.

Watch the most notable moments from the press conference before the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on Friday night.

…and meets Biden in the White House

Sir Mark Rowley says he is "deeply troubled" by negotiations so far on the force's funding next year.

A.F. Branco Cartoon – Trump appoints Elon and Vivek to clean house in Washington D.C. of excess Regulations, Bureaucracy, and waste from Government. DOGE BREAKING: Trump Announces Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will Head Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) by Cristina Laila – Nov 12, 2024 President Trump on Tuesday announced Elon Musk and Vivek […]

The post Cartoon of the Day: Cleaning House appeared first on Liberty Unyielding.

By Hailey Gomez President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday evening that Fox News host and veteran Pete Hegseth will be his pick for secretary of defense in his upcoming administration. Since last week, Trump has been releasing names for his cabinet after winning both the Electoral College and popular vote. He announced his decision of the […]

The post Trump Taps Fox News Host, Combat Vet For Secretary Of Defense appeared first on Liberty Unyielding.

Many iPhone users have discovered that Wi-Fi is turning itself on automatically on their iPhone, usually after they install a system software update to iOS, restart the iPhone, or turn the iPhone back on. This is frustrating to many iPhone users because not everyone wants to have wi-fi turned on for any number of reasons, ... Read More

Thursday's weather brings a mix of conditions across the country, with severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and extreme fire danger in certain areas, according to the South African Weather Service.

Uber is enhancing its driver partner training programmes following claims from a 22-year-old Gauteng woman that one of its drivers discriminated against her because of her disability by cancelling the trip and charging her a cancellation fee.