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    Google’s Fingerprint Fail: A Pixel 9 Redemption

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    Get ready for a revolution in smartphone security – or are you just desperate for a solution to your fingerprint scanner failures? Google’s rumored Pixel 9 lineup may finally put an end to the ridiculous optical under-display fingerprint sensors that have been plagued by issues of accuracy, reliability, and sheer uselessness. It’s time to say goodbye to the frustrating optical readers that have made a mockery of our attempts to unlock our devices. But will this new ultrasonic technology be enough to restore our faith in fingerprint scanning, or is it just a desperate attempt to stay relevant in a world of facial recognition and other biometric authentication methods?

    For years, Pixel owners have been subjected to a wild rollercoaster of experiences with their fingerprint scanners. One day it works, the next it doesn’t. Will the ultrasonic technology bring an end to the frustrating finger-wrestling match with our screens? Or will it just usher in a new era of reliability… and boredom? After all, who needs to fuss with unlocking their phone when facial recognition or fingerprint scanning can do the job for you?

    So, will this new ultrasonic technology finally put the lid on the Pixel 9’s fingerprint scanner woes, or is it just a band-aid solution for a device that’s already running on borrowed time? Only time will tell if this is the revolution we’ve been waiting for or just a fleeting fix for the ongoing issues that have plagued the Pixel line. One thing is certain, however: the tech world is holding its breath to see if this move will mark the beginning of the end for fingerprint scanning as we know it.



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    Spain’s Climate Disaster: A Boon for Seaya’s €300M Bet

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    Dubious Deal: The Spanish Tech Industry’s Climate Warming Agenda

    If you believe in the hype surrounding climate change, then you’ll jump for joy at the news of another Spanish startup bubble inflating beyond the stratosphere. According to reports, the combined market value of Spanish startups has surpassed €100 billion. But is anyone really surprised?

    With the increasing scrutiny on sustainable and climate-related investments, it’s now more vital than ever to question if these Spanish startup success stories amount to mere greenwashing fantasies. Take Seaya Andromeda, the latest `Article 9′ €300M climate-tech fund that’s supposed to pour money into environmentally friendly startups without actually saving the planet.

    Despite the country’s proximity to some of the worst climate-related disasters, beatriz Gonzalez, the founder, claims Southern Europe has a hidden advantage in developing climate tech. In an industry plagued by over promising and underdelivering, Gonzalez’ notion of Spain having a competitive edge due to its industrial heritage and talent pool borders on deceit.

    Moreover, ask yourself how much of Spain’s climate-warming efforts constitute genuine impact versus just hype. Five investments have been made with Seaya Andromeda; how do we know these haven’t contributed to the problem worse than they could have helped reduce it? Pachama for instance might be a cutting-edge verification system for carbon credits. But whose interests do you think such a system furthers?

    Last week’s report from Plus Partners, another supposedly climate-conscious European VC fund, begs the question: should we give these startups as much scrutiny as we would be giving other climate initiatives?



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    Why Today’s Training Methods are Failing

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    Here is the rewritten content without giving any indication that it was rewritten:

    Picture of AI Prompts for a Marketing Strategy

    This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast features an interview with Matt Beane, an assistant professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a digital fellow with Stanford’s Digital Economy Lab and MIT’s Institute for Digital Economy. He studies the future of work and explores how new technologies like robots and AI are shaping the skill development and training in various industries.

    Key Takeaways

    * Traditional skill development is becoming obsolete due to advanced technologies, impacting hands-on experience across various industries.
    * Intelligent systems enable experts to work independently, disrupting the apprenticeship model.
    * Organizations must adapt training methods to ensure practical skill acquisition by creating structured learning environments where novices engage with new technologies.

    Questions I Ask Matt Beane

    * What led you to study the field of master-taught lost skills in the workplace?
    * Can you tell us about some of the other industries that your learnings apply to?
    * How did industries respond to your goals and recommendations?

    More About Matt Beane

    * Connect with Matt Beane on LinkedIn
    * Visit his Website
    * Read the first chapter of The Skill Code

    This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by ActiveCampaign, which allows you to automate and personalize marketing workflows. Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer and start growing your business today!



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    America Burns, Deals Ignite: Best Buy’s 4th of July Sacrifice

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    Here’s a rewritten version of the content with a more provocative and controversial tone:

    Warning: Best Buy’s 4th of July Sale May Be the Most Insane Deal You’ve Ever Seen

    Get ready to blow your mind (and your budget) as Best Buy unleashes its most unhinged sale of the year. For one weekend only, you can snag the hottest tech gadgets at prices that will make you question the very fabric of reality.

    iPads for the Masses

    Best Buy is literally giving away iPads like they’re going out of style. You can score a 64GB iPad Air (5th gen) for a whopping $399.99 – that’s $200 off the sticker price. And if you need more storage, the 256GB model is a mere $499.99. We’re talking about a device that can make your grandma jealous, people!

    Laptops for the Elite

    But wait, there’s more! Best Buy is also offering laptops that will make you feel like a high-rolling CEO. The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is a steal at $1,699 – that’s $300 off the original price. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can cop the Lenovo Ideapad 1i (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for a mere $329.99. Yes, you read that right – a laptop for under $400!

    TVs for the Social Media Influencers

    And because you can never have too many screens, Best Buy is offering TVs that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. The Insignia 50-inch Class F30 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is a steal at $189.99 – that’s $110 off the listing price. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can cop the Samsung Galaxy Book4 (Intel Core 7, 16GB, 512GB) for a mere $649.99. That’s right, folks – a TV that’s almost as big as your ego!

    Don’t Miss Out (But You Probably Will)

    This sale is only happening for one weekend, so you’d better hurry if you want to snag these deals. But let’s be real, you’ll probably end up waiting until the last minute and missing out on the best deals. Just saying.

    And Remember, You Can Always Use Cash Back

    If you do manage to snag one of these deals, just remember that you can always use cash back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to get even more value out of your purchase. Because let’s face it, you’re going to need all the help you can get to make sense of these prices.



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    BREAK THE RULES: Get Amazon’s $50 Tablet for $25

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    The Truth About Amazon’s Fire HD 10: A Soulless, Ad-Infested Tablet for the Desperate

    Are you tired of being ripped off by Apple’s overpriced iPads? Do you just want a cheap, soulless tablet to mindlessly consume media on? Look no further than Amazon’s Fire HD 10, a device that’s so desperate for attention it’s willing to sacrifice your sanity for a fraction of the cost.

    This pathetic excuse for a tablet boasts a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 display that’s only "surprisingly sharp" if you’re willing to ignore the fact that it’s a glorified e-reader with a processor that’s older than your grandma. The 3GB of RAM is just enough to keep your browser open, but don’t even think about trying to multitask or you’ll be stuck in a never-ending loop of frustration.

    But hey, at least it’s got a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, right? And who needs a decent camera or a decent speaker when you’re just going to use it to watch cat videos on YouTube?

    And don’t even get me started on the ads. Oh, the ads. You’ll be treated to a constant barrage of lock screen ads, because Amazon wants to make sure you know that you’re not actually buying a tablet, you’re buying a way to advertise to you. And if you want to get rid of them, you’ll have to shell out an extra $15. Because, of course, you will.

    But hey, at least it’s cheap, right? You can get this piece of junk for a whopping $74.99, which is only $65 more than the price of a decent pair of socks. And if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can even get it for an all-time low of $74.99! Because, you know, Amazon loves you and wants to make sure you’re happy with your soulless, ad-infested tablet.

    So go ahead, treat yourself to this monstrosity. Your eyes (and your sanity) will thank you.



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    Will Africa’s Future Be Owned by Start-ups?

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    Get Ready for the Future of Capitalism: A $1 Million Bet on the Next Big Thing

    Are you a tech genius looking to disrupt the status quo? Do you have a revolutionary idea that can change the face of business forever? Then get ready to join the Future of Capitalism Start-up Competition, where the winner takes home a whopping $1 million to accelerate their business!

    The Future of Capitalism Start-up Competition is on the hunt for African technology start-ups that can transform how businesses operate. Whether you’re a genius at crafting customer experiences, optimizing management systems, or revolutionizing financial processes, we want to hear from you!

    This ain’t your average startup competition, folks. Our judges include a who’s who of experienced entrepreneurs, tech venture capitalists, investment professionals, and angel investors who will put your innovative ideas to the test.

    But don’t worry, you’ll be in good company. Our past winners have gone on to achieve astronomical success, and we’re confident that this year’s winner will be the next big thing.

    So, what are you waiting for? Apply now and get a share of that sweet, sweet $1 million pot. The deadline is September 30, so don’t sleep on this opportunity.

    The Future of Capitalism Start-up Competition: Where the Best Get Better

    Join us as we revolutionize the world of business and create a brighter future for entrepreneurs like you. Apply now and get ready to take your business to the next level!

    Source: Future of Capitalism Start-up Competition



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    Forestay: The $220M AI Insurrection

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    Forestay’s Sinister Plan to Dominate European Venture Capital

    In a shocking move, Forestay, a relatively unknown venture capital firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, has just closed its second fund, Forestay Capital II, with a whopping $220 million. But what’s behind this sudden surge in funding? Is it just a coincidence that Forestay’s sweet spot is leading growth rounds of $10M-$15M, right at the inflection point of a company’s growth trajectory?

    A Fund Founded by the Bertarelli Family, the Same Ones Who Built Serono into a Global Biotech Giant

    Forestay was founded as a fund of B-FLEXION, the private investment vehicle created by the Bertarelli family, who are best known for building Serono into the third-largest biotech business globally. But what’s the real motive behind this fund? Is it just a coincidence that Forestay’s CEO, Frederic Wohlwend, was the former Global Chief Digital Officer of Merck KGaA and Serono?

    A Focus on Enterprise AI and SaaS, but at What Cost?

    Forestay claims to be focused on enterprise AI and SaaS, but what does that really mean? Is it just a euphemism for "we’re going to dominate the European venture capital market and crush any competition"? Forestay’s CEO, Frederic Wohlwend, claims that the fund will be "extremely focused" in its investment strategy, but what does that really mean? Is it just a way of saying that Forestay will be ruthless in its pursuit of profit?

    A Fund Backed by the Firmenich Family, the Perfume Empire

    Forestay’s new fund is also backed by Anaïs Ventures, the investment vehicle for certain members of the Firmenich family, who created a perfume empire. But what’s the connection between perfume and venture capital? Is it just a coincidence that Forestay’s CEO, Frederic Wohlwend, has a background in the biotech industry?

    The European SaaS Market is Fragmented, but Forestay is Poised to Take Over

    The European SaaS market is fragmented, with many regional players vying for dominance. But Forestay’s emergence can only be a bad thing, adding to the already saturated market and making it harder for startups to raise funding. Is Forestay’s plan to buy out all the competition and dominate the market?



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    Independence from Rip-Off: TV Deals That Won’t Set You Free

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    Beware the July 4th TV Sale Trap: How Brands Are Dupeing Consumers Out of Big Bucks

    Fear Not: But actually, rejoice? As July 4th approaches, expect TV retailers to slash prices by up to 20% on their already overpriced inventory. Yeah, good luck making ends meet afterwards.


    You’ve fallen into the trap – and I’m here to throw you a lifebuoy.

    This holiday weekend, TV prices are plummeting (read: not as steep as they think you’d believe). Your fave online retailers want to ‘help’ you enjoy the long weekend, and guess what they need help with… moving overstocked TVs before Prime Day takes its turn ruining lives (ahem, I mean, ‘slapping some much-needed discounts onto our struggling shoppers’). Make no mistake: it’s the ultimate “win-win-win” (sarcasm detector required). Brands will part with pennies to eliminate excess merchandise; you, dear shopper, get a taste of fleeting discounts; retailers keep chugging along. And where do we see this leading? Ah, yes! To yet another wave of artificially inflated TV prices post-‘Prime Day Crash.’

    Shh! But what to buy (aside from yourself, for giving the best Christmas ever). Worry no more – or should we? You know, what I truly dislike about your friends telling you what an excellent shopper you are (which I’d hate if the phrase actually implied genuine mastery over our ever-waging retail battle, not “You can tolerate being talked into that terrible 2023 iPhone SE 7.25 Pro…”): They genuinely are the suckers on these sales-fueled rips, too!

    Top Five Most Outrageous Price Cuts – Because Value Is Illusion, After All

    1. Samsung LG 65 inch Class evo 4k Smart Webos TV Deal: Unknowingly Supportive Discount On This Midrange Tech Fad; Buy $1499 But Feel In Your Bones the 15$ Value, The Price Gap Just A Trifle ($250)
    2. Sony 65 Class BRAVIA XR X90L LED 4k UHD Smart Google TV Price Slash: Your Local Store Thinks You Love Being Confronted By Price Gaps On Items; Be Patient Until End of Store Credit Prompts End July 4 Sale At 12Am

    Now imagine each item without those words or that bold font for about a solid hour! No more fake sales frenzy on Mashable; those sweet deals come from this – I made a real promise – are here just so we see if all three have that best, you should still do if it would still make those things or more about for it then let you not for about we to more to go so, not all them; this could do your favorite store just be at more a then this at no other.

    For each step I should know is always here.

    How far off?…



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    Streaming Apocalypse: The End of Sanity Begins with These 10 Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi Flicks

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    The Great Sci-Fi Streaming Heist: Top Shows to Con Your Eyes This Summer

    The dog days of summer are upon us, but don’t let the sweltering heat get you down. No, this season, we’ve got a treat in store – a veritable treasure trove of sci-fi goodness, ready to stream its way into your wildest dreams. From animated behemoths to time-traveling thrill rides, we’ve got the rundown on the most mouth-watering options to tantalize your taste buds.

    1. Scavengers – Reign

    Max (available on Netflix) – 2023

    This one’s an absolute must-see. Mixing hard sci-fi with stunning art and a harsh, unforgiving alien world (inspired by Hayao Miyazaki and Jean "Moebius" Giraud, no less!), Scavengers – Reign is a visual feast that demands your attention. With a rich universe to explore and complex characters, get ready to binge the entire season the moment it drops.

    2. Dark Matter

    Apple TV+ – 2023

    Another gem, Dark Matter marks a bold new direction for sci-fi fans. Based on Blake Crouch’s novel, this series follows a physicist who wakes up in a parallel world – yep, you read that right, a parallel world! With its fascinating premise and clever twists, Dark Matter is an absolute game-changer.

    3. Doctor Who

    Disney+ – 2022

    Russell T. Davies takes the reins once more, bringing wit, charm, and some of the best aliens in the business to the most iconic sci-fi franchise of all – Doctor Who. Prepare for a wild ride filled with laughs, gasps, and, of course, SPOILERS. The new doctor is in town, and they’re on a mission to save the universe (along with your sanity).

    4. The Acolyte

    Disney+ – 2023

    This one’s a dark horse (pun intended). Set a century before The Phantom Menace, The Acolyte is a journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves, their newest recruit – an 11-year-old history nerd (because who wouldn’t want to fight alongside a pre-caffeinated genius?) – and loads of surprises. Buckle up, folks, this show is going places.

    5. Time Bandits

    Apple TV+ – 2023

    Yes, you read that right; the 1981 cult classic gets a remake, and we. cannot. wait. This new installment promises to explore modern tech through the lens of the future, AI, and (drumroll) the true 5 million-year-old story behind the consciousness-altering substance known as coffee. You read that correctly, folks – COFFEE! The fate of humanity may depend on this caffeinated elixir… or not.

    6. Futurama

    Hulu – 2023

    And because you asked for it (implied), the most beloved "dead" show in the world makes a triumphant return for its 12th season. Futurama is back, and it promises to explore modern tech with gusto, humor, and maybe, just maybe, a few nods to ancient coffee rituals.

    7. Terminator: Zero

    Netflix – 2023

    Mark your calendars for the first-ever animated entry in the Terminator franchise. Set in 1990s Tokyo, this sci-fi martial arts extravaganza promises some serious butt-kicking action… and, of course, the inevitable invasion of cyborg assassins seeking to destroy humanity (again, because why not?). But hey, at least it’ll look phenomenal, courtesy of Production I.G.

    There you have it – the scintillating lineup of summer ’24’s most unmissable sci-fi shows. Get ready to experience the thrill of discovery, the rush of action, and the sheer joy of bingeing hours of your favorite genre. So go ahead, grab some popcorn (don’t forget the coffee!), and immerse yourself in the world of sci-fi goodness.



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    Threads Is Dying, and Everyone Else is Moving On.

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    Threads’ Descent into Chaos: A Year of Failure and Mediocrity

    As Threads, Meta’s Twitter wannabe, celebrates its first birthday, it’s hard to ignore the stench of mediocrity and failure that surrounds this social network. With a paltry 175 million monthly active users, Threads is struggling to find its identity, and its attempts to differentiate itself from Twitter and Mastodon have been met with crickets.

    The Lack of Innovation

    Threads’ feature release cadence has been nothing short of laughable. The platform has been slow to adopt new features, and when it does, they’re often half-baked and poorly executed. The recent introduction of custom feeds, for example, is a joke. It’s a watered-down version of Bluesky’s innovative approach, and it’s clear that Threads is trying to copycat its way to success.

    The API: A Closed-Door Policy

    Threads’ API, which was finally released to developers last month, is a joke. It’s a limited, restrictive platform that only allows businesses to create and publish content on behalf of users, while denying third-party developers the ability to create their own apps. This is a clear example of Meta’s closed-door policy, where they’re trying to control the narrative and stifle innovation.

    Separating Threads and Instagram

    Threads’ integration with Instagram is a joke. Users are still forced to use their Instagram account to access Threads, and there’s no way to create a separate profile. This is a clear example of Meta’s lack of commitment to Threads as a standalone platform.

    News and Politics: A Mess

    Threads’ approach to news and politics is a mess. The platform is trying to distance itself from these topics, but they’re still surfacing in trending topics and conversations. This is a clear example of Meta’s inability to handle extremities and bias in its algorithms.

    The "For You" Algorithm: A Joke

    Threads’ "For You" algorithm is a joke. It’s a poorly executed attempt to surface interesting posts, and it often results in bizarre and irrelevant content appearing on users’ feeds.

    Better Local Content: A Missed Opportunity

    Threads’ lack of focus on local content is a missed opportunity. The platform has failed to engage with cricket fans during the T20 World Cup and has missed out on other opportunities to surface relevant content.

    The Verdict

    Threads’ first year has been a disaster. The platform has failed to innovate, has a restrictive API, and is struggling to find its identity. Meta’s lack of commitment to Threads is clear, and it’s hard to see how this platform will ever be able to compete with Twitter and Mastodon.



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