1. Google Continues to Hand Over Keyword Search Data to Police

It's not a new practice, but court records in an arson case show that Google is sharing keyword search data with law enforcement. It seems as if the data was sent to police without a search warrant, showing the need for better legislation around this whole issue.

2. 5G Phone Sales on the Rise

New sales data shows that 5G phone sales have risen to 14 percent of total phone sales in August. Even though 5G is not fully implemented anywhere, and coverage is spotty and regional at best, people are still sold on the hype. Go figure.

3. DuckDuckGo Launches Walking and Driving Directions

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has a brand-new feature: driving and walking directions. If you don't want to rely on data-sharing Google, you can search for your destination in DuckDuckGo and get turn-by-turn instructions (using the far-more private Apple Maps system).

🦑 Go Deeper

Instagram's new anti-bullying features are a good first step, but they don't go far enough, according to experts. Our very own Joshua Hawkins has a deeper look at the new systems and criticism alike.

Even without lots of reliable 5G network capacity, people are buying smartphones to handle it when it comes. Seems like the marketing buzz has been pretty effective. Are you planning on getting one here soon?

🤓 Nerd Out

"I'm still not over this, to be honest." -Kyree Leary, Associate Editor

Look, we don't like it any more than you do, but we gotta face the facts. Pluto isn't a planet (still). Sorry, but that's just the truth. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

This thing is huge

Image: Vizio

Everyone seems to be upgrading their TV lately, with prices on 4K and higher sets coming down across the board. Take this Vizio 65-Inch OLED monster, under $2K with an extra $100 off at Best Buy. Take it home today!

🎥 Behind the Scenes

The machines... they're getting smarter

It's not just hordes of animators and giant server farms worth of rendering computers that have made CGI characters and sets as realistic as possible. Rather, there's a new production tool that's all the rage in Tinsel Town: Artificial Intelligence. Here are four big AI initiatives behind our favorite films.

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