Birdfy Discount Code: Save Up to 40% on Smart Bird Feeders
Birdfy is currently offering significant discounts on its range of smart bird feeders and related products, with savings of up to 40% available on select items. Customers can purchase Birdfy’s classic smart feeder, the Polygon smart nest box, and the camera-equipped Bath Pro at reduced prices directly from the Birdfy website without needing a discount code. New customers can also receive an additional 8% off their first order by using the coupon code WELCOME8 at checkout, valid through the end of the year. Birdfy further enhances its appeal by providing free standard shipping on all U.S. orders. In addition to discounts, Birdfy has introduced a rewards program that allows customers to earn points, referred to as “coins,” through purchases, social media engagement, and referrals. These coins can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or accessories such as suet ball holders and perch extensions. Top-tier members of the program gain access to exclusive products and gift cards, encouraging ongoing customer loyalty and engagement with the brand. The timing of these offers coincides with the Mother’s Day season, making Birdfy’s smart feeders an attractive gift option. The company is promoting special Mother’s Day bundles that include discounts of up to 50%, along with free gift bags and cards, aiming to make high-tech bird watching more accessible. These feeders feature integrated cameras and bird identification technology, allowing users to observe and record bird activity conveniently via smartphone apps, blending nature appreciation with modern technology. Birdfy’s combination of innovative products, promotional discounts, and customer incentives positions it as a competitive player in the growing market for smart home and outdoor gadgets. The company’s focus on user-friendly technology and rewards programs reflects broader trends in consumer electronics aimed at enhancing everyday experiences through connected devices.
Florida surgeon charged with killing man after removing liver instead of spleen
A Florida grand jury has indicted surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter charges following the death of 70-year-old William Bryan during a botched surgical procedure. Bryan, who was visiting from Alabama, was scheduled for a minimally invasive spleen removal in August but instead underwent an open abdominal surgery in which his liver was mistakenly removed while his spleen remained untouched. The operation resulted in severe bleeding after Shaknovsky severed Bryan’s largest vein, leading to his death. Shaknovsky was arrested and released on bond, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The incident unfolded at a hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida, where Shaknovsky was the on-call general surgeon. Bryan initially declined surgery, preferring to seek care in Alabama, but later agreed after reportedly being pressured by Shaknovsky. The procedure, originally planned as laparoscopic, was converted to an open surgery due to a distended colon obstructing the surgeon’s view. During the operation, the colon protruded unexpectedly, and Shaknovsky’s errors culminated in the removal of Bryan’s healthy liver and fatal blood loss. The spleen, the intended organ for removal, was left intact. Following the surgery, the Florida State Surgeon General ordered an emergency suspension of Shaknovsky’s medical license amid a health department investigation. Authorities, including the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, coordinated the probe that led to the indictment. The case has drawn attention to surgical oversight and patient safety, highlighting the consequences of medical negligence and the importance of proper procedural protocols. The indictment marks a significant legal step in addressing the fatal medical error, with prosecutors emphasizing accountability for the loss suffered by Bryan’s family. The case underscores ongoing concerns about surgical standards and the pressures faced by patients and providers in critical care decisions, particularly in emergency and rural hospital settings.
Jury finds Live Nation/Ticketmaster is illegal monopoly that overcharged fans
A federal jury has ruled that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary operate an illegal monopoly, overcharging fans for concert tickets and violating antitrust laws. The verdict, delivered after a five-week trial in the Southern District of New York, found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in ticketing services at major concert venues, while Live Nation holds a monopoly over large amphitheaters used by artists. The jury also determined that Live Nation forces artists who use its amphitheaters to employ its event promotion services, contributing to inflated ticket prices nationwide. The trial was initiated by a coalition of 33 states, which continued the case after the Trump administration withdrew and reached a separate settlement with Live Nation. Evidence presented included testimony from a Live Nation regional director who admitted to exploiting fans through excessive fees for ancillary services. The jury found that Ticketmaster overcharged consumers by approximately $1.72 per ticket in 22 states, a figure that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Judge Arun Subramanian will decide on the final damages and potential remedies in a forthcoming proceeding. Beyond financial penalties, the lawsuit seeks structural changes, including the possible breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster to restore competition in the concert industry. Live Nation reported revenues of $25.2 billion in 2025, underscoring the scale of its market dominance. The Trump administration’s settlement, which included civil penalties and business practice reforms, was accepted by only six states, while the remaining states, led by New York and Arizona, continued the litigation. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes criticized the administration’s withdrawal, emphasizing the ongoing fight to protect consumers from overcharges. The ruling marks a significant development in antitrust enforcement within the live entertainment sector, potentially reshaping how tickets are sold and how concert venues operate. It highlights growing scrutiny of dominant platforms that control critical aspects of the entertainment supply chain, with implications for artists, fans, and the broader market.
Microsoft's new college deal is a half-hearted answer to the $500 MacBook Neo
Apple's MacBook Neo is a $600 (or $500 for students) shot across the bow at affordable Windows laptops, and it seems like Microsoft has ready its first response. The newly announced "Microsoft College Offer" is a bundle of Microsoft 365 Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, custom Xbox controller and discounted laptop that the company thinks could woo students away from Apple's new deal. With the purchase of a discounted machine directly from Microsoft, retailers like Amazon and Best Buy or PC makers like HP, ASUS and Acer, you can get what the company says is an extra $500 of value from its bundle. The laptop deals include a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x with a Snapdragon X chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $500 from Best Buy, around $250 off the laptop's usual $750 price. Or if you wanted something even cheaper, Walmart is selling an HP Omnibook 3 for $429, a discount of $270 off its usual $699 price. Microsoft is less generous with the deals on its own laptops and tablets, but you can even get a discount on a Surface Laptop as part of the offer.A discounted laptop is great, but where the value of the Microsoft College Offer gets harder to define is with the services the company is packing in. Getting what would normally be a $200 year-long subscription to Microsoft 365 Premium for free is a meaningful deal, but many colleges give their students access to Microsoft's apps (and other software) with the cost of their tuition. A year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $30 per month as of October 2025, sounds like significant savings, but the offer is only valid for new subscribers. That leaves the free custom Xbox controller as the simplest bonus of the bunch, a value of around $76.Windows PC makers are expected to make more serious attempts to compete with the Neo over the next year. For now, though, the Microsoft College Offer isn't exactly a bad deal, but it's certainly not as straightforwardly appealing as an Apple-quality laptop for $500 with a college discount.The Microsoft College Offer is available to students starting April 15 and runs through June 30, 2026. Microsoft says redemption of the full bundle of services and accessories it’s offering needs to happen by July 31, 2026.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/microsofts-new-college-deal-is-a-half-hearted-answer-to-the-500-macbook-neo-215336362.html?src=rss
Federal jury finds concert business Live Nation is a monopoly
Live Nation, which operates the Ticketmaster platform, has been determined to be a monopoly. A federal jury handed down its decision today that the company violated federal and state antitrust rules. This finding won't surprise anyone who has used Ticketmaster and been sticker-shocked by their final bill. However, it's unclear what the jury’s decision will mean in practice. For starters, the judge overseeing the case hasn't determined what remedies will be applied. The actions could go as far as requiring Live Nation to sell off Ticketmaster. There are also monetary damages to be awarded, which haven't been set yet. And whatever the judge decides, it's likely that Live Nation will appeal the decision. In a statement released by Live Nation today, the company noted that there are other motions still pending that could also impact the jury's ruling. "Of course, Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions," it said.The Department of Justice and a group of state and district attorneys general sued Live Nation on monopoly claims in 2024. The government agency reached a settlement with Live Nation last month, but the other parties continued their action. There's also a separate case being waged by the Federal Trade Commission questioning whether Live Nation colluded with ticket resellers.Update, April 15, 2025, 6:31PM ET: Added statement from Live Nation.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/federal-jury-finds-concert-business-live-nation-is-a-monopoly-203924011.html?src=rss
The Download: NASA’s nuclear spacecraft and unveiling our AI 10
NASA is developing the first nuclear reactor-powered interplanetary spacecraft, aiming to launch a mission to Mars by 2028. This initiative, revealed shortly before the Artemis II mission’s lunar flyby, represents a significant advancement in space propulsion technology. If successful, the nuclear-powered spacecraft could enable faster, more efficient travel beyond Earth’s orbit, potentially giving the United States a strategic advantage in the ongoing space race with China. The project remains largely under wraps, but experts consulted by MIT Technology Review suggest that the spacecraft will use a compact nuclear reactor to generate heat, which will then be converted into thrust. This method could dramatically reduce travel time to Mars compared to conventional chemical rockets, making longer and more ambitious missions feasible. The development of nuclear propulsion aligns with NASA’s broader goals of sustainable deep space exploration and establishing a human presence on Mars. In parallel with NASA’s space ambitions, MIT Technology Review is preparing to release a new list focused exclusively on artificial intelligence. Titled “10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now,” the list will highlight the most impactful AI technologies and trends shaping the future. This follows challenges in compiling the annual Breakthrough Technologies list, which saw an overwhelming number of AI candidates. The AI-focused list will be unveiled at the EmTech AI conference, underscoring the growing importance of AI in technological innovation. Additionally, a separate story highlights experimental gene therapies aimed at muscle growth and radical longevity, currently under clinical trial by the company Unlimited Bio. While promising in their potential to extend human lifespan and treat conditions like baldness and erectile dysfunction, these therapies have sparked debate among experts regarding their safety and ethical implications. This reflects broader discussions about the future of biotechnology and human enhancement.
Cyberscammers are bypassing banks’ security with illicit tools sold on Telegram
A growing number of cyberscammers are circumventing banks’ security measures by using illicit hacking tools sold on Telegram to bypass facial recognition “Know Your Customer” (KYC) checks. These safeguards, designed to verify that an account holder’s face matches their identity documents, are being defeated through virtual camera software that replaces live video feeds with prerecorded images or deepfakes. This allows criminals to open fraudulent accounts, often used as mule accounts for money laundering. The tools are widely advertised on Telegram channels in multiple languages, with some boasting thousands of subscribers and demonstrating successful hacks. An investigation revealed at least 22 Telegram groups offering these bypass kits and stolen biometric data, targeting banking apps and crypto platforms globally. The software exploits vulnerabilities in phone operating systems and banking applications to evade compliance checks from major financial institutions, including well-known banks like Spain’s BBVA. Despite Telegram’s efforts to remove some offending accounts for violating terms of service, similar channels continue to operate, highlighting the challenge of policing these online marketplaces. The availability of such tools represents a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between financial services and cybercriminals. This surge in KYC bypass techniques coincides with the rise of “pig-butchering” scams, a form of cyber fraud that lures victims into investing in fake crypto schemes before stealing their funds. Financial regulators in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand have responded by tightening customer verification and anti-money-laundering regulations, particularly within the crypto industry. The increased scrutiny reflects growing concerns over the use of illicitly obtained funds flowing through banks and crypto platforms, underscoring the urgent need for more robust security measures. The evolving tactics of cybercriminals exploiting biometric verification systems pose a serious threat to the integrity of financial institutions worldwide. As criminals adapt to new security protocols, banks and regulators must continuously innovate to prevent fraud and protect customers from increasingly sophisticated scams. The persistence of these illicit services on encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of current digital law enforcement strategies.
Amazon Buys Globalstar, Delta to Add Leo, The Apple Angle
Amazon has acquired Globalstar, a satellite communications company, as part of its expanding efforts to enhance its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network capabilities. This move aligns with Amazon’s broader strategy to strengthen its satellite internet services, complementing its existing Project Kuiper initiative aimed at providing global broadband coverage. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Amazon’s deployment of LEO satellites and improve connectivity options worldwide. In parallel, Delta Air Lines is also planning to integrate LEO satellite technology into its operations, aiming to enhance in-flight connectivity and customer experience. This development highlights a growing trend among major corporations to leverage satellite networks for improved communication infrastructure. The involvement of companies like Amazon and Delta underscores the increasing commercial interest in LEO satellite systems, which promise lower latency and broader coverage compared to traditional geostationary satellites. Apple’s role in the evolving satellite communications landscape is also notable, as the tech giant explores ways to incorporate satellite technology into its devices and services. Apple’s interest signals potential consumer-facing applications that could revolutionize how users access connectivity in remote or underserved areas. Together, these moves by Amazon, Delta, and Apple reflect a competitive and rapidly evolving market for satellite-based internet and communication services. The acquisition of Globalstar by Amazon and the concurrent adoption of LEO satellite technology by Delta and Apple mark significant milestones in the satellite communications sector. These developments could reshape global connectivity, enabling faster, more reliable internet access across diverse environments. As satellite technology advances, it also raises questions about regulatory frameworks, spectrum management, and the long-term sustainability of satellite constellations in orbit.
Patch Tuesday, April 2026 Edition
Microsoft released a major set of security updates addressing 167 vulnerabilities across its Windows operating systems and related software, including a critical zero-day flaw in SharePoint Server and a publicly disclosed privilege escalation bug in Windows Defender known as "BlueHammer." The SharePoint vulnerability, CVE-2026-32201, is actively exploited and allows attackers to spoof trusted content or interfaces over a network, increasing risks of phishing, unauthorized data manipulation, and social engineering attacks. Microsoft also patched BlueHammer (CVE-2026-33825), with recent exploit code rendered ineffective following the update. In addition to Microsoft’s extensive patch release, Google Chrome fixed its fourth zero-day vulnerability of 2026, while Adobe issued an emergency update to address an actively exploited remote code execution flaw in Adobe Reader (CVE-2026-34621) that has been targeted since late 2025. Experts highlight that April’s Patch Tuesday marks the second-largest update cycle for Microsoft, with nearly 60 browser-related vulnerabilities included. The surge in disclosed flaws is partly attributed to advances in AI-driven bug detection, such as those anticipated from Anthropic’s upcoming Project Glasswing, which enhances vulnerability discovery across software platforms. Security analysts caution organizations to prioritize applying these patches promptly due to the active exploitation of some vulnerabilities, particularly in SharePoint Server and Adobe Reader. The widespread nature of the flaws underscores the growing complexity and risk landscape in software security, driven by both increasing attack sophistication and improved detection technologies. Users are also advised to regularly restart their web browsers to mitigate risks associated with lingering vulnerabilities and session persistence. This patch cycle highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software defenses amid evolving cyber threats. The large volume of fixes and the presence of zero-day exploits emphasize the need for vigilant security practices by enterprises and individual users alike to prevent potential breaches and data compromise.
OpenAI’s Memos, Frontier, Amazon and Anthropic
OpenAI has recently circulated internal memos highlighting its strategic priorities and competitive positioning amid intensifying rivalry in the artificial intelligence sector. Key players such as Frontier, Amazon, and Anthropic are actively advancing their AI capabilities, signaling a rapidly evolving landscape. These developments underscore the urgency for OpenAI to refine its product offerings and partnerships to maintain leadership in AI innovation. Frontier, a notable AI startup, continues to attract attention for its cutting-edge research and potential to disrupt established players. Meanwhile, Amazon is leveraging its vast cloud infrastructure and data resources to integrate AI more deeply into its services, aiming to enhance both consumer and enterprise applications. Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI researchers, is focusing on building safer and more interpretable AI systems, reflecting growing industry concerns about ethical AI deployment. The competition among these entities is driving accelerated innovation but also raising questions about regulation, safety, and the broader societal impact of AI technologies. OpenAI’s internal communications reveal a heightened awareness of these challenges, as well as a commitment to balancing rapid development with responsible stewardship. This dynamic environment is shaping the future trajectory of AI, influencing investment flows, talent acquisition, and global technological leadership.