The Brick is a device that helps reduce screen time by physically blocking access to social media apps, and it can be shared among household members, making it a cost-effective solution for multiple users, provided they have physical access to the device.
Spotify has introduced five new features including ChatGPT integration for personalized recommendations, track exclusion from Taste Profile, lossless audio streaming, in-app messaging for sharing, and playlist transition customization, enhancing user control and experience.
Google now allows users to share Gemini Gems via Google Drive links, enabling easy collaboration and sharing of prompts and instructions, with the feature available for personal and Workspace accounts.
Amazon is ending its Prime Invitee program, which allowed Prime members to share free, fast shipping with someone outside their household, effective October 1, just before the holiday shopping season.
Amazon is ending its Prime benefit sharing program for non-household members starting October 1, encouraging users outside the household to subscribe independently, and replacing the program with Amazon Family for household sharing. The change is part of Amazon's broader efforts to expand its delivery network and improve service in smaller and rural communities.
Amazon is ending its Prime benefit sharing program for non-household members starting October 1, encouraging users outside the household to subscribe individually at a discounted rate, and replacing the program with Amazon Family for household sharing. This change comes as Amazon expands its delivery network to more rural areas.
Amazon is ending its program that allowed Prime members to share free shipping benefits with people outside their household, effective October 1, 2025. The company is replacing it with Amazon Family, which only allows sharing benefits with household members, likely as a move to increase new subscriptions. This change comes amid efforts to boost Prime signups after missing goals during Prime Day.
OpenAI temporarily allowed ChatGPT conversations to be discoverable via search engines through a share feature, but has since removed this experiment due to privacy concerns, highlighting the risks of unintentionally sharing personal information online.
Google's AI-powered note-taking app, NotebookLM, now allows users to share notebooks publicly via a link, enabling viewers to interact with AI-generated content like audio overviews and FAQs without editing capabilities, enhancing collaborative learning and information sharing.
Google has updated NotebookLM to allow users to share notebooks publicly via links, similar to Google Docs, enabling easier collaboration and content sharing, with options to revoke access and view analytics for paid subscribers.
Google Photos introduces a "Favorite shortcut" feature that allows users to quickly share photos with their favorite person in full quality. The feature is accessible through the Library > Utilities > Add favorite shortcut menu and is available on Android with version 6.76. Users can only have one favorite at a time and can manage it through the Settings menu. However, the feature is not yet available on iOS.
The open-science movement, aimed at freely sharing research materials and data, is gaining momentum, with an increase in the use of data repositories and preprints. However, challenges such as lack of awareness and incentives hinder widespread adoption. Organizations like Addgene and the Center for Open Science are working to facilitate the sharing of laboratory materials and promote a culture of open science. While there are concerns about proprietary rights and reproducibility, advocates believe that open science will lead to reproducible and equitable research, and efforts are being made to engage researchers globally, including in low- and middle-income countries.
A parent seeks advice on a disagreement between their 8-year-old twin daughters, where one reluctantly shared her Halloween candy with her sister who had a leg fracture. The parent believes the argument will blow over, but the other parent insists on intervention. The columnist suggests waiting to see if the girls resolve the conflict on their own, but if it persists, a family meeting can be held to discuss everyone's actions and reinforce family norms. In another letter, a young adult living with their mother expresses concern about a comment their mother made, fearing it means they will have to move away sooner than planned. The columnist advises having a calm conversation with the mother to clarify her intentions and establish a timeline for their plans.
Apple's iOS 17 update introduces the ability to share AirTags with up to five people, allowing for communal tracking of items like luggage. Previously, AirTags could only be attached to one user at a time. To share an AirTag, users can open the Find My app, select the desired AirTag, and tap "Add Person" under "Share This AirTag." The shared AirTag recipient will receive a notification to add it to their Find My app. To stop sharing an AirTag, users can follow similar steps and tap "Remove" next to the person's name.
Paula Dotson of Mocksville, North Carolina, plans to split her $100,000 Powerball prize with her two co-workers, honoring a pact they made 15 years ago. Dotson matched the numbers on four white balls and the red Powerball, winning $50,000, which doubled to $100,000 with the 2X multiplier. After taxes, she took home $71,251 and intends to use her share of the winnings to pay bills and make home repairs.