# I am the Watcher. I am your guide through this vast new twtiverse.
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# Usage:
#     https://watcher.sour.is/api/plain/users              View list of users and latest twt date.
#     https://watcher.sour.is/api/plain/twt                View all twts.
#     https://watcher.sour.is/api/plain/mentions?uri=:uri  View all mentions for uri.
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# twt range = 1 1782
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Venture capital fund Rampersand ramps up hunt for next Aussie unicorn
Success stories such as Canva and Culture Amp are more than a decade old, and this fund says it’s time to find and fund the next crop of billion-dollar start-ups. ⌘ Read more
‘Parents already have the tools’: Snapchat boss pushes back on social media ban
Tech billionaire Evan Spiegel is the first global CEO to weigh in and says parents – not tech companies – should carry most of the responsibility for their kids’ screen time. ⌘ Read more
Why Sony’s $1200 PS5 Pro is not as ridiculous as you may think
Most PS5 players will not upgrade, and that suits Sony just fine – but the most dedicated gamers absolutely will. ⌘ Read more
Has Apple’s AI ‘glow up’ made Siri better?**
Apple’s digital assistant is 13 years old and one of its original inventors says it’s about time it got a makeover. ⌘ Read more
If we’re going to ban kids off social, what on earth will they do outside?**
Banning access to social media for young people is an honourable idea, but we need to make sure they have other things to do instead. ⌘ Read more
‘The next threat’: Former UK cybersecurity chief’s warning for Australia
Disruptive attacks on the nation’s hospitals and airlines will be far more damaging than any data breach, according to the UK’s former cybersecurity chief. ⌘ Read more
The PM is sigma, but his social media ban belongs in the skibidi toilet
Of course Albanese was right when he declared “parents are worried sick” about social media, but we cannot return to the golden days when it didn’t exist. ⌘ Read more
Meta admits Australians cannot opt out of ‘predatory’ AI data scrape
Senators are calling for stronger privacy laws to give Facebook users the ability to block the company from using their posts to train its AI models, as users can in the EU. ⌘ Read more
Take that, Apple: China’s Huawei unveils its $4200 ‘trifold’ phone
Just hours after Apple launched its latest iPhone, China’s Huawei made a bid to steal the spotlight. ⌘ Read more
SpaceX launches Polaris Dawn crew on daring mission into Earth's radiation belts
SpaceX launches daring new space mission into radiation belts around Earth. ⌘ Read more
First look at brand new iPhone 16
Apple is set to release its newest iPhone in the next week. ⌘ Read more
Apple launchs slew of new devices
Apple has just launched a slew of new devices at its annual product conference in California. ⌘ Read more
As a Gen Z wanting to get off social media, I lived for a week using a ‘dumb phone’**
As a 19-year-old, I’m sceptical about the government’s proposed social media ban. But a more effective alternative is gaining traction among Gen Zers. ⌘ Read more
The five biggest announcements from Apple’s iPhone 16 event
A lot was packed into the pre-recorded announcement video that you might not have caught at first glance. ⌘ Read more
Apple unveils its AI-enabled iPhone 16 with new camera controls, longer battery life
Apple’s new phones are slightly less expensive and more powerful and will arrive in a matter of weeks, though its generative AI features won’t be there at launch. ⌘ Read more
Apple unveils iPhone 16 and new AI features
Apple launches iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence' AI technology. ⌘ Read more
Apple unveils its AI-enabled iPhone 16 with new camera controls, longer battery life
Apple’s new phones are slightly less expensive and more powerful and will arrive in a matter of weeks, though its generative AI features won’t be there at launch. ⌘ Read more
Google’s folding phone perfects the design Samsung innovated
The Galaxy Z Fold has improved every generation, but Google just leapfrogged it with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. ⌘ Read more
Why iPhone 16 could be Apple’s biggest leap since Siri
The tech giant is banking on generative AI to bring its phones back on track in the competition on digital assistants. ⌘ Read more
Dad’s ‘third daughter’ always came to look after him. Then a computer said no
Some aged care providers are turning to artificial intelligence to make decisions best made by someone with a heart. ⌘ Read more
MP Ed Husic discusses federal government’s bid to make AI safer
Today federal politics reporter Liz Daniels speaks to MP Ed Husic about the Albanese government’s bid to regulate the booming AI industry. ⌘ Read more
‘A vacuum for your head?’: Dyson makes looking different sound good
Dyson is making plenty of noise with its new OnTrac headphones. So, we put them to the Sabrina Carpenter test. ⌘ Read more
No, your mobile phone is not giving you brain cancer
A World Health Organisation review of more than 5000 studies, led by Australian scientists, found no increased risk of several cancers associated with mobile phone use. ⌘ Read more
The far-right is the only place left for Elon Musk’s X-rated ego
Many are wondering how the poster boy for futurism ended up sounding like a conspiracy-theory-spouting uncle. But what if we’re all missing the point? ⌘ Read more
The free speech billionaires are losing the war
Elon Musk and Pavel Durov have been asking for trouble. It has found them. ⌘ Read more
Can this repairable smartphone deliver a perfect social media detox?**
The HMD Skyline has a killer pair of special features, which may or may not be as good as they sound. ⌘ Read more
Inside Australia’s love affair with the iPhone
The handheld marvel was perhaps the world’s first ‘smartphone’ and it’s more popular here than nearly anywhere else. ⌘ Read more
‘We have a lot of issues’: Billionaire tech boss lifts lid on staff turnover
Airwallex CEO Jack Zhang says a lack of resources means he can’t compete with the likes of Canva or Atlassian in work perks. ⌘ Read more
I’m hearing the call, it’s time to switch back to landline phones
Preferring a text message is fine when the topic of conversation is which mall to hang out, but try telling a potential employer to send you a voice note instead of calling. ⌘ Read more
Star Wars meets Grand Theft Auto in stunning but patchy new heist
The Star Wars underworld is a great fit for Ubisoft’s open-world checklist formula, but this criminal syndicate caper has a few major flaws. ⌘ Read more
Apple announces launch date for new iPhone 16, watches and AirPods. Here’s what to expect
Apple has sent out invitations for a product launch event at its headquarters on September 9 in California, when it’s set to announce details of the iPhone 16 and other new devices. ⌘ Read more
Apple’s new iPhone 16, watches and AirPods set to land in weeks. Here’s what to expect
Apple is planning to hold its biggest product launch event of the year on September 10, when the company will unveil the latest iPhones, watches and AirPods, according to people familiar with the situation. ⌘ Read more
Confessions of an e-scooter commuter
Many believe that e-scooters and similar devices will play a big role in how we get around in the future, but the path remains bumpy. ⌘ Read more
The Facebook problem that only hurts Australians
Frances Haugen made global headlines when she blew the whistle on Facebook. She says the company treats Australia differently to other markets. ⌘ Read more
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro approaches AI overload, but it’s still a fantastic phone
As well as providing brilliant hardware, the best version of Android and fantastic cameras, the latest Pixel introduces a raft of generative AI. ⌘ Read more
Fresh look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
New gameplay and story details have been revealed for the upcoming game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, set to release on Xbox and PC in December. ⌘ Read more
This new LG TV puts many pricier models to shame
For the fifth consecutive year, LG’s C-series ticks every box despite coming in a lot cheaper than the highest-end models. ⌘ Read more
AI chatbot lands Google execs in a pickle at Senate hearing
One of Google’s top executives was facing questions about AI when she was interrupted by a chatbot. ⌘ Read more
James built a $28b fortune after inventing Dyson vacuums. Here is his next radical idea
Britain’s fifth-richest man says there’s a good reason he’s been growing out his hair. ⌘ Read more
Telstra profits slide by 13 per cent, dividend rises
Higher operating costs and poor performance of the telco’s giant’s enterprise unit have weighed on its annual results. ⌘ Read more
Telstra profits slide by 13 per cent
Higher operating costs and poor performance of the telco’s giant’s enterprise unit have weighed on its annual results. ⌘ Read more
Google adds a foldable, smaller Pro model to its Pixel smartphone line-up
The Pixel 9 is joined by three Pro versions, as the web giant also unveils new watches and earbuds. ⌘ Read more
The billionaire-backed ‘people’s bid’ to buy TikTok is gaining steam
A move to buy TikTok’s US arm could radically reshape the controversial social media app and its mysterious algorithms. ⌘ Read more
Earbud maker Nuheara falls into administration
This tech company was once a takeover target for Samsung. It’s now in the hands of administrators. ⌘ Read more
Can a Wi-Fi electric blanket and smart tracker really improve your sleep?**
With its ability to heat and cool in line with your body, and maintain separate temperatures for your partner, Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 brings AI analysis to your bed. ⌘ Read more
The EV haters have a point
Driving from Melbourne to Sydney in BYD’s latest plug-in hybrid underscores why electric vehicles sales are slowing down. ⌘ Read more
Creator of trading card game Disney Lorcana speaks to new Shimmering Skies set
Disney Lorcana is the latest trading card phenomenon, with the new set bringing Australia in line with the rest of the world. Shimmering Skies sees characters from Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and Brother Bear join the game, 9News.com.au caught up with creator Ryan Miller to learn more. ⌘ Read more
Two of the best new take-anywhere speakers
Apple’s Beats Pill has returned better than ever, but Ultimate Ears’ Boom 4 leads a very competitive pack of similar Bluetooth speakers. ⌘ Read more
Telstra, Optus committed to 3G shutdown despite public safety fears
The telcos say they will close their networks next month, despite a Senate inquiry recommending a delay. ⌘ Read more
Is the AI bubble about to burst?**
As the AI arms race rages, one deal has likely altered Australia’s trajectory in one fell swoop. ⌘ Read more
Samsung’s Fold is still the best phone of its kind, but it’s becoming familiar
The sixth Z Fold is giving the impression that Samsung has reached the limits of what it can do with the form factor for now. ⌘ Read more
Xero outage hits small businesses nationally
The outage has caused chaos for thousands of Australian businesses and their accounting teams. ⌘ Read more
Hands on with Star Wars Outlaws' exciting open world
Ubisoft is pushing the boundaries of what a Star Wars game can be, blending storytelling and exploration in an unprecedented way. 9News.com.au caught up with Massive Entertainment's Julian Gerighty and Lucasfilm's Steve Blank to talk all about Outlaws. ⌘ Read more
Could the next tech meltdown lock us out of our smart homes?**
Rumours of the recent CrowdStrike outage hitting smart homes may have been exaggerated, but with more internet-connected devices in our home it’s a scenario worth exploring. ⌘ Read more
‘The world is in meltdown’: Inside the front lines of the CrowdStrike outage
It was at about 3.30pm on an otherwise quiet and uneventful Friday that Ashwin Pal’s phone began blowing up. ⌘ Read more
Melbourne lab on the brink of new mental health treatment option
A world-first laboratory in Melbourne is on the brink of delivering a new treatment option for mental health. ⌘ Read more
Esports for old folks: Nintendo turns classic games into bite-sized challenges
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition challenges you to practice getting mushrooms as Mario or the Triforce as Link, faster than anyone else. ⌘ Read more
Apple’s first folding iPhone could arrive as early as 2026: report
The people cited in a new report said Apple’s foldable iPhone had progressed from the ideation stage. ⌘ Read more
Adelaide pool using artificial intelligence to help stop drownings
An Adelaide pool has become the first in South Australia to use AI to help stop swimmers drowning. ⌘ Read more
Giving it away: Optus’ novel plan to win back customers
The telco is letting anyone use its network for a week for free, in a bid to move on from its year from hell. ⌘ Read more
Is ROG Ally X the best new portable PC for gaming on the go?**
A huge battery and powerful internals make ASUS’ handheld a great choice for taking your PC games library with you, even though Windows holds it back. ⌘ Read more
Massive outage shows the vulnerability of the global tech ecosystem
The CrowdStrike episode is chilling because it highlights how a single, flawed update from a trusted source can cause large parts of the global system to fail. ⌘ Read more
Gold mine or Wild West? Equity crowdfunding in the spotlight
Individual investing is proving resilient, despite controversies and an intervention from the corporate watchdog. ⌘ Read more
Why robot vacuums still have plenty of tricks to learn
Robot vacuums are getting smarter all the time – but they still need a human operator. Manufacturers have plenty of work to do if they are ever to clean your floors autonomously. ⌘ Read more
How close are we to chaos? It turns out, just one blue screen of death
Tech meltdowns like CrowdStrike look like the new normal, and we will need to prepare better backup plans, such as cash. ⌘ Read more
I never felt emotional about my email address, until they tried to take it from me
This shake-up by the telcos goes beyond practical inconvenience. It’s an emotional wrench – a loss of identity. ⌘ Read more
CrowdStrike IT meltdown a nightmare scenario that may have been inevitable
New cyber threats against software networks appear every hour and fixes are needed just as often. They can and will go wrong. ⌘ Read more
‘Time and time again I’m overlooked’: Women locked out of tech funding
Funding to female entrepreneurs is at its lowest level in five years, and those in the sector are at odds over what to do next. ⌘ Read more
Here’s a brain teaser: Will AI ever reach consciousness?**
First, we need to understand: what is consciousness? And if the answer is yes, who’d be willing to switch off that artificial intelligence? ⌘ Read more
Global IT outage: What caused the CrowdStrike incident affecting banks, airlines and media outlets?**
A mass outage has crippled airlines, TV stations and supermarkets. What do we think is behind it, and is there a fix? ⌘ Read more
Global IT outage: What caused the CrowdStrike incident affecting banks, airlines and media outlets?**
A mass outage has crippled airlines, TV stations and supermarkets. What do we think is behind it, and is there a fix? ⌘ Read more
Global IT outage: What caused the CrowdStrike incident affecting banks, airlines and media outlets?**
A mass outage has crippled the airlines, banks and supermarkets. What do we think is behind it, and is there a fix? ⌘ Read more
Aussie-first tech for holistic treatment lands in Perth
An Australian-first technology holistically helping mental and physical recovery has landed in Perth. ⌘ Read more
Meet Len: The hacker with 10 implants in his body
This American can copy your credit card or hack your smartphone using microchips embedded under his skin. ⌘ Read more
Which phone plan is right for you?**
The nation’s “big three” telcos have lifted their prices – so there’s never been a better time to ditch your provider. ⌘ Read more
Quirky wearables come full circle with Samsung’s ‘smart ring’**
The Korean tech giant has unveiled a new line of folding phones, along with a ‘health ring’ designed to be worn at all times. ⌘ Read more
Telstra lifts prices amid cost-of-living crunch
More than a quarter of Australians have struggled to pay their phone bill in the past 12 months, survey data shows. ⌘ Read more
Apple Vision Pro review
9News tech expert Trevor Long gets a hands-on look at the Apple Vision Pro. ⌘ Read more
Impressive but is it essential? The reality of Apple’s Vision for the future of work and play
Both an immersive digital media viewer and a device to transport you to other places, the Apple Vision Pro is an impressive debut that most people will likely skip. ⌘ Read more
How Apple chief Tim Cook wants you to use the new Vision Pro mixed reality headset
Apple’s first new product in almost eight years is about to launch in Australia, and the tech giant’s boss wants users to try doing normal things, such as browsing the internet or emailing, to find out whether it’s for them. ⌘ Read more
The new ‘Shark Tank’ app for newbie tech investors
Mum and dad investors are being urged to back the next Canva or Atlassian rather than buy another investment property. ⌘ Read more
‘Couldn’t see the mainstream appeal’: How the world’s best-selling video game defied expectations
Minecraft’s lead developer Jens Bergensten speaks on the global phenomenon that has lasted for 15 years. ⌘ Read more
Elder Scrolls expands online world with Gold Road
With the latest Elder Scrolls Online expansion, Gold Road, in the hands over gamers around the world, 9news.com.au caught up with ZeniMax Online Studios' Bill Slavicsek and Michael Zenke to learn all about it. ⌘ Read more
Is Atlassian’s year-long experiment the future of work?**
Australia’s largest technology company’s new workspace has just 12 desks in total and barely any meeting rooms. But its workers love it. ⌘ Read more
NAB suffers internet banking outage
Thousands of the bank’s customers have been locked out of their accounts due to an unknown issue. ⌘ Read more
Microsoft’s latest MacBook-beater is the real deal, with an asterisk
A phenomenal laptop with incredible battery life, Microsoft’s new Surface is perfect for many users, but a definite non-starter for others. ⌘ Read more
Inside the AI ‘deepnude’ apps infiltrating Australian schools
The websites are currently legal in Australia, but many do not have adequate controls preventing them from generating images of children. ⌘ Read more
Free fibre-to-your-home upgrades a game-changer for Australians
As part of the NBN Co initiative, SpinTel is offering free FTTP upgrades to eligible customers, playing a pivotal role in this national digital transformation. ⌘ Read more
Apple’s future could be shaped outside the US amid $57b threat in Europe
Apple has just become the first tech giant to be accused of breaching new European competition laws designed to rein in Big Tech. ⌘ Read more
Why your next laptop will be the smartest of the lot
In the 1980s, the best laptop let you edit documents on the go. Today they can produce their own documents and images on demand, and process anything they see and hear. ⌘ Read more
‘Careful who you get into bed with’: Sleeping Duck case rocks start-up sector
The mattress maker’s court trial, which resembled a real-life episode of Shark Tank, offered a rare glimpse into how the start-up sausage is made. ⌘ Read more
How this small non-profit group beat a malicious cyberattack
Hackers attempted to commit credit card fraud against UN Women Australia, but its chief executive says the group managed to beat the attackers with the help of its technology partners. ⌘ Read more
New horror game is The Thing on a Scottish oil rig
Cosmic forces visit a deep-sea drilling operation in this evocative but slightly too-thin Scottish horror story. ⌘ Read more
AI not eating jobs at Telstra says tech boss
Telstra’s top tech executive Kim Krogh Andersen says there’s a fundamental misunderstanding about the telco’s use of AI, as the company joins a UN working group on the issue. ⌘ Read more
Social media age limits would ‘exacerbate the problem’, says expert
A ban on social media for children under 16 is technically unfeasible and would not work, according to one US technology veteran. ⌘ Read more
It’s Apple v Microsoft as tech titans battle for AI supremacy
Apple Intelligence will go head-to-head with Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs, which are being launched this week. ⌘ Read more
Facebook, Instagram are using your data – and you can’t opt out
If you’re one of the millions of Australians using Facebook or Instagram, Meta is using your data to train its AI – and unlike people in the European Union, you can’t stop them. ⌘ Read more
We tried the $2000 baby tech dividing parents
We road-test the controversial Snoo smart bassinet: how much tech is too much for your baby? ⌘ Read more
Telstra ditches carbon credits to push harder on direct emissions
The telco giant, one of Australia’s largest electricity users, has beefed up its 2030 emissions reduction targets and won’t use carbon offsets to get there. ⌘ Read more
Thirteen is too young to be on social media. We have an idea to fix that
At present, there is no minimum age requirement under Australian law to access social media. That needs to change. ⌘ Read more