#IoT

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Hackers Stalked Me by Hijacking a Smartwatch for Kids

Security researchers tracked and eavesdropped on a WIRED reporter using vulnerabilities in a pink plastic smartwatch. It’s just one piece of a deeply insecure supply chain of GPS-enabled gadgets.

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Chrome’s On-Device AI Uses 20GB Free Space; How To Stop It

Google has detailed official hardware and system requirements for integrating the Gemini Nano AI model locally within the Chrome browser. While intended to enable on-device artificial intelligence processing, the update introduces steep local storage demands. High Storage Thresholds According to official documentation, Chrome requires 20 GB of free disk space to initiate downloading the generative AI models. * Post-Installation Footprint: The actual AI models consume approximately 4 GB of SSD space once installed. * Minimum Requirement: The browser actively blocks the initial download unless the full 20 GB buffer is available. * Base Comparison: A standard Chrome installation utilizes roughly 1.5 GB of storage, making the new threshold over ten times the browser’s baseline footprint. This requirement poses a significant storage constraint for entry-level laptops equipped with 128 GB or 256 GB SSDs. Hardware Detection and Disabling On-Device AI Alongside storage space, Google specifies that devices must have an unmetered internet connection and sufficient hardware performance. While exact RAM and CPU core specifications were not disclosed, Chrome will automatically assess system performance before attempting to fetch the files. For users seeking to save disk space or prevent automatic downloads, deleting local model files manually is ineffective, as Chrome will automatically re-download them. To permanently remove the models and regain storage space, users must adjust their browser settings: Image: WindowsReport   * On your computer, open Chrome. * At the top right, select More Settings System. * Turn On-device AI on or off. Deactivating this setting safely uninstalls the local AI models and blocks future background downloads. Chrome’s On-Device AI Uses 20GB Free Space; How To Stop It , original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

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Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Conquistadorio, Boxville 2, TLOTS, Macabre Journey, more

Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready, including titles like Conquistadorio, Boxville 2, TLOTS: Gold Edition, The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D, Sentinels of Earth-Prime, and more. On your way down, check out the best launch day deals on the Fold 8 series Galaxy phones (Best Buy has the best deals right now if you’re not bundling) and, in case you missed it, the official 25W Google Pixelsnap Charger with Stand just plummeted to $35 (50% off). The apps await below.

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Cloudflare launches Kitesurf, a browser built for AI agents

Cloudflare has introduced Kitesurf, a cloud-hosted browser designed for AI agents instead of people. The company says the browser uses less computing power than Chromium for common automation tasks, helping developers build browser-based AI agents more efficiently.

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My Cup of IT: Federal IT Gets Real About AI, Cloud and the Cost of ‘Efficiency’

The federal IT beat had a busy week. Again. GSA is changing the playbook. Instead of waiting years for standards and policy reviews, GSA is testing technology first. Then it feeds the lessons learned back into the standards process. CIO David Shive says the old approach could take two to three years. OneGov has already signed more […]