A consumer thread


Yeah I had heard this about those roombas at least 2 years ago. that's when I decided I will never have one or an Alexa or a ring camera nor will I ask Siri anything. I know that we already have a lot of data available to all and sundry just by the fact of using smartphones. I just don't wish to exacerbate it with video/recorded audio. Along with I think it's pretty bullshitty that all of those devices are recording you basically without your consent or knowledge if you're a visitor to someone's house.
 
The CPSC originally issued a recall notice for approximately 1,060,000 Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers back on Feb. 13, stating at the time that 'the tow handle can pinch consumers' fingertips against the cooler, posing fingertip amputation and crushing hazards.' The agency issued a recall expansion notice on May 8 for the additional Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers, citing similar hazards.

Igloo expands recall of coolers due to risk of "fingertip amputation"
 
At least 10 people have been hospitalized with a deadly food-borne illness tied to to-go sandwiches, according to an ongoing federal investigation.

FDA investigators found listeria on company equipment at a factory run by Fresh & Ready Foods, based out of San Fernando in California.

According to the Daily Mail, over 80 different products have been pulled, including sandwiches, pastas, and snack boxes...

At least 10 hospitalized with deadly food-borne illness tied to popular sandwiches
 
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A London-based insect protein plant, once a flagship for 'climate-friendly' food, has entered court-supervised restructuring. Aspire Food Group, the world's largest cricket-processing facility, has gone into receivership, halting its insect-based food production.

Billed as the world's largest cricket processing facility, Aspire's 150,000 square-foot facility sold crickets for human consumption beginning in October 2022. It was only sold as a pet food additive until that point.

The company envisioned crickets as a powder for drinks, in baked goods and protein bars. However, it fell flat despite millions invested by taxpayers, reported the Western Standard...

According to a Research and Markets report, the edible insect market was expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2029 and grow 28.6% annually between 2022 to 2029.

However, Canada's edible insect industry struggles with public acceptance despite investment. Aspire laid off 100 of 150 employees last November after claims of high cricket demand.

Former CEO Mohammed Ashour anticipated demand reaching 13 million kilograms annually by early 2024, but lower-than-expected growth led to production scaling back and uncertainty about a second facility...

Canada's largest cricket farm under receivership, despite millions in subsidies
 
@everyone



SAN FRANCISCO — There are only a few weeks left to make a claim in the “snooping Siri” settlement with Apple and possibly get your cut of the settlement.
Apple agreed to pay a $95 million settlement after claims its Siri feature recorded user conversations without their consent. Apple settled without admitting any wrongdoing.

Impacted Apple customers have until July 2 to file their claim in the settlement.
Customers could receive up to $20 per device, if eligible after filing a claim. The law firm who initiated the suit in 2019 set up a page for claims, which can be accessed here.
Here's what you need to know ahead of the claim deadline.

Who is eligible to file a claim for the Apple Siri settlement?​

Tens of millions of U.S. consumers who owned or purchased Apple devices equipped with Siri from September 17, 2014, through the end of 2024 will be eligible to file claims.

How to file a claim for the settlement​

A website is up for Apple customers who used a device with Siri on it between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2024 to file a claim in the Lopez v. Apple Inc. settlement.
To submit one, click “Submit Claim” on the top header, then fill out the boxes. Many customers would have received an email with a confirmation code and notice ID, but if you have not, click “New Claim” at the bottom of the page. To file a new claim, you will have to submit your name, address, the serial number and model of the device you’re claiming.
Up to five devices can be claimed per impacted customer. Customers will receive funds later this year, once the court reveals the final approved amount in August.
Once you submit a claim, you’re waiving the right to sue Apple for related issues to this case. If you’d like to file a separate lawsuit, you can opt out of the settlement.

How much will claimants get?​

It’s not entirely clear the exact amount, but estimates are up to $20 per device with a limit of five claimed devices. The final amount could be affected by two factors: the number of claims and how much of the settlement fund is reduced to cover legal fees and costs.

When do I have to file the claim against Apple by?​


All claims must be submitted by July 2 to see any of the settlement.

When will I get my payment?​

According to the settlement site, the court will hold a hearing on Aug. 1, 2025 to decide whether to approve the settlement. However, even if the settlement is approved, there could be appeals that delay payments going out.

Why does the settlement exist?​

The 5-year-old lawsuit revolves around allegations that Apple secretly used Siri to record conversations through devices equipped with the virtual assistant.
The alleged recordings occurred even when people didn't seek to activate the virtual assistant with the trigger words, “Hey, Siri." Some of the recorded conversations were then shared with advertisers in an attempt to sell their products to consumers more likely to be interested in the goods and services, the lawsuit asserted.

How to disable Siri (if you want to)​

You can turn Apple’s virtual assistant off by following these simple steps:
  1. Navigate to Settings then Siri.
  2. Click “Talk to Siri” and choose “Off”
  3. Toggle off “Press Side Button for Siri.”
You can also disable individual apps' access to your iPhone's mic by doing the following: Navigate to Settings (select the app) then toggle off Microphone.
The above instructions make it so the assistant is entirely off, but you can adjust as you wish.
 
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