At least three early backers of Libra, a cryptocurrency Facebook unveiled plans for earlier this year, are discussing ways to distance themselves from the project, the Financial Times reported Thursday. The move stems from intensifying regulatory scrutiny of the digital currency, FT said. Facebook and 27 partners unveiled plans for Libra in June. Since then, the …

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday put out a notice reminding the general public that it’s illegal to operate a drone with a dangerous weapon attached. Among the things you shouldn’t stick on a drone, according to the FAA: guns, bombs, fireworks and flamethrowers. “Perhaps you’ve seen online photos and videos of drones with attached guns, bombs, fireworks, flamethrowers, …

Google on Thursday revealed that the next generation of its mobile operating system, previously called Android Q, will be ditching the dessert monikers that have been a part of its system updates for years. It will simply be known as Android 10. “As a global operating system, it’s important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the …

Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhones next month. As we get closer to September, rumors continue to pour out about the iPhone 11, as well as possible updates for the iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod speaker.  Apple’s next iPhones are expected to look a lot like the current ones, but the new high-end models may get a matte finish in …

Google is apparently tightening its grip on some Android data. The search giant shut down its Mobile Network Insights service, which provided wireless carriers with data on signal strengths and connection speeds in their coverage areas, according to Reuters.  Google reportedly decided to shutter the program over concerns that sharing this Android data could draw further scrutiny from users and …

Alleged Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant will no longer be allowed to send and receive mail after a letter he wrote while in jail was posted this week to 4chan, one of many imageboards that have become destinations for people espousing hateful and extremist views. Tarrant is accused of killing 51 people at two mosques in New Zealand this March, in …

Samsung may be working on an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for its phones. The company hopes to have at least one phone with a graphene battery ready next year or by 2021, according to reporter and frequent Twitter leaker Evan Blass. “Samsung is hoping to have at least one handset either next year or in 2021, I’m told, which will …

Facebook plans to launch a feature in the US later this year to offer people a better news experience. A dedicated news tab will appear prominently alongside core features like the news feed, Messenger and Watch, according to CNBC. Facebook confirmed its plans to CNBC after The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that the social network had approached news outlets, …

Microsoft contractors listen to recordings of some Skype conversations to help improve its translation feature, Motherboard reported Wednesday. Skype’s website does state it “collects and uses” conversations that utilize the translation feature in order to improve products and services, but according to Motherboard it doesn’t specify that this includes human review. Microsoft’s practice with Skype appears similar that of Apple, Amazon and …

Samsung may be working on a new Windows laptop. Images of a purported Galaxy Book S, shared Friday by reporter and frequent Twitter leaker Evan Blass, show a thin laptop with few ports. The images also show its keyboard and trackpad in a somewhat grey-purple color. The laptop appears to have a USB Type-C port on the left edge and …