It was during the pandemic. They suddenly started posting daily on Facebook about the dangers of covid vaccines and masks, warning of an attempt to control us.
As a science and technology journalist, I felt that my duty was to respond. I tried, but all I got was derision. Even now I still wonder: Are there things I could have done differently to talk them back down and help them see sense?
I gave Sander van der Linden, professor of social psychology in society at the University of Cambridge, a call to ask: What would he advise if family members or friends show signs of having fallen down the rabbit hole? Read the full story.
This story is part of MIT Technology Review’s series “The New Conspiracy Age,” on how the present boom in conspiracy theories is reshaping science and technology. Check out the rest of the series here. It’s also part of our How To series, giving you practical advice to help you get things done.
If you’re interested in hearing more about how to survive in the age of conspiracies, join our features editor Amanda Silverman and executive editor Niall Firth for a subscriber-exclusive Roundtable conversation with conspiracy expert Mike Rothschild. It’s at 1pm ET on Thursday November 20—register now to join us!
Google is still aiming for its “moonshot” 2030 energy goals
—Casey Crownhart
Last week, we hosted EmTech MIT, MIT Technology Review’s annual flagship conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As you might imagine, some of this climate reporter’s favorite moments came in the climate sessions. I was listening especially closely to my colleague James Temple’s discussion with Lucia Tian, head of advanced energy technologies at Google.
Back in August, Google said that next year, Android will start blocking users from sideloading apps from unverified developers. Basically, that was intended as a means to improve security on the device and to protect Android users from malware and scams. However, as you may imagine, the announcement was met with backlash, and now Google has come up with a solution to keep everyone happy.
Google will allow people to side-load unverified apps while protecting them from risks
The thing is, Google saying it will block sideloading of apps from unverified sources is more or less killing sideloading altogether. Luckily, the Mountain View tech giant has come up with a solution to appease Android fans while still keeping users who don’t know what they’re doing safe from scams and malware.
In a blog post, the company is announcing that it’s building a new “advanced flow” that will let users sideload unverified apps, but they will have to accept the risks of doing so. We believe this means that Android will offer you an option to enable the installation of unverified apps.
Pixel 10 Pro. | Image Credit – PhoneArena
When you enable this option, the OS may warn you about the risks of doing what you intend to do, and once you accept that, the system will let you proceed.
Google says it’s designed this flow mainly to resist coercion of users. That would ensure that users aren’t tricked into bypassing safety checks under the pressure of a scammer. The company says that there will be clear warnings to ensure users fully understand what they’re doing and what the risks are, but luckily, the choice will still be theirs.
Right now, the company is gathering feedback on the design of the feature. We expect it to give us more details about the feature in the coming months.
It’s all about balance between freedom and risk
Basically, Android is the operating system to go to if you want to sideload apps and have more control over your phone. Also, it’s the best OS to choose if you wish to do what you want with your phone, knowing the risks, of course. Apple, Google’s main competitor on the front, has a closed iOS system that basically stops users from doing all sorts of things, like, for example, installing an app from somewhere else.
So, of course, if Google all of a sudden announces it’s going to block users from sideloading, which was a freedom they’ve always had, there’s going to be backlash.
In technology in general, freedom, customization, and risk are related. If you let people customize the system and do what they want, the risks are from bricking a device to getting into trouble with malware. If you try to mitigate risks, however, you end up limiting people’s freedom over their phones. Quite a lot like life, actually.
So, companies are seeking a way to balance things. Still, Google would want Android phones to remain safe and protected, but give people they’re customization and sideloading freedoms. Unlike Apple, which at the moment is choosing to limit iPhone users for the sake of safety.
I like what Google’s doing
I like the fact that you can sideload, and I wish this opportunity to remain for Android users. I’d also wish for Apple to let iPhone users sideload, of course, by accepting the risks, just like Google plans to do.
If it were me, I wouldn’t let my mom do it (because she’ll have me fixing whatever she breaks, after all), but I’ll personally take a calculated risk to play around with an app that isn’t on the App Store. But oh well. Maybe it’s time for me to go back to Android.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
Pre-order now
Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master’s degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She’s also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it’s walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
They spoke about the tech giant’s growing energy demand and what sort of technologies the company is looking to to help meet it. In case you weren’t able to join us, let’s dig into that session and consider how the company is thinking about energy in the face of AI’s rapid rise.
I’ve been closely following Google’s work in energy this year. Like the rest of the tech industry, the company is seeing ballooning electricity demand in its data centers. That could get in the way of a major goal that Google has been talking about for years.
See, back in 2020, the company announced an ambitious target: by 2030, it aimed to run on carbon-free energy 24-7. Basically, that means Google would purchase enough renewable energy on the grids where it operates to meet its entire electricity demand, and the purchases would match up so the electricity would have to be generated when the company was actually using energy. (For more on the nuances of Big Tech’s renewable-energy pledges, check out James’s piece from last year.)
Google’s is an ambitious goal, and on stage, Tian said that the company is still aiming for it but acknowledged that it’s looking tough with the rise of AI.
“It was always a moonshot,” she said. “It’s something very, very hard to achieve, and it’s only harder in the face of this growth. But our perspective is, if we don’t move in that direction, we’ll never get there.”
Google’s total electricity demand more than doubled from 2020 to 2024, according to its latest Environmental Report. As for that goal of 24-7 carbon-free energy? The company is basically treading water. While it was at 67% for its data centers in 2020, last year it came in at 66%.
Not going backwards is something of an accomplishment, given the rapid growth in electricity demand. But it still leaves the company some distance away from its finish line.
To close the gap, Google has been signing what feels like constant deals in the energy space. Two recent announcements that Tian talked about on stage were a project involving carbon capture and storage at a natural-gas plant in Illinois and plans to reopen a shuttered nuclear power plant in Iowa.
AT&T is continuing its mission to wipe out those frustrating dead zones across New York’s subway network, and this time, it’s the G train riders who are getting a major upgrade.
5G now live on the G line
AT&T, teaming up with Boldyn – the global company behind much of the shared communications infrastructure in major cities – has switched on 5G service along the G train route between Court Square in Long Island City, Queens, and Bedford–Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn.This expansion is part of a broader plan to provide seamless mobile service across the city’s entire subway network. Riders traveling along this stretch can now call, text, and stream while their train is moving through tunnels that used to be complete dead zones.
Before the G line rollout, AT&T went live in the Joralemon Street tunnel – the key link for the 4 and 5 trains between Bowling Green in Manhattan and Borough Hall in Brooklyn. Being the first carrier to activate 5G in both the G line and Joralemon Street tunnels shows the pace at which AT&T is expanding its underground network.
Every new section we light up brings us closer to a fully connected New York. By working closely with Boldyn Networks and the MTA, we’re helping ensure reliable, high-speed 5G is part of the everyday transit experience for New Yorkers. We’re proud to be the first and only carrier to deliver that enhanced experience to the G line.
– John Emra, president, Atlantic Region, AT&T, November 2025
Underground “dead zones” are slowly disappearing
One more line now has 5G. | Image credit – Boldyn
Let’s be real – losing service while underground used to feel like part of the subway experience. But now, more and more, those dead zones are turning into live coverage areas. The G line update may cover only a small portion of the full network, but it’s another big step toward making the subway feel like an above-ground environment, connection-wise.
I mean, each time a new tunnel segment goes live, it changes how people use their time underground. For a city that never stops moving, that matters more than it might seem.
There is a bigger plan
Boldyn’s expansion project is huge, and I really like what it’s aiming for – reliable cellular coverage across all 418 miles of New York City’s subway tunnels. There’s already been some solid progress. For example, all major carriers now have live coverage in the 42nd Street Shuttle tunnels and the Canarsie tunnel, the one that runs the L train between Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn and 1st Avenue in Manhattan.Every underground subway station already has both Wi-Fi and cellular service, so now the goal is to close those annoying gaps between stations – the long stretches of tunnel where you still lose signal completely.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
Attention, runners! This is your chance to grab the larger Garmin Forerunner 265 at its best price ever! You read that right — the wearable has landed at a new all-time low on Amazon, following a stupendous 33% discount. And it’s not even Black Friday yet!
Grab the Garmin Forerunner 265 for $150 off
$150 off (33%)
The Garmin Forerunner 265 has been slashed to its best price ever after a massive 33% discount on Amazon. That brings the wearable under the $300 mark. Now, this is an incredibly tempting promo indeed, and not just because of the price cut. The model seldom goes on sale, so it’s an absolute no-brainer right now.
Buy at Amazon
But wait — it gets better. This is the first time we’ve seen the Garmin watch on sale since June. And at the time, you could save $100, while the e-commerce giant currently gives you $150 off. So, if previous deals didn’t seem good enough for you, this offer is definitely worth it.
Featuring a 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen and all the health and wellness features you can possibly need, this is easily one of the best Forerunner models. Firstly, it gives you morning reports as soon as you wake up, with an overview of your sleep, recovery needs, and even weather info, among others.
As you might know, Garmin’s wearables are also renowned for their heart rate accuracy, and the Forerunner 265 is no exception. Beyond these, you get training status and readiness, body battery energy monitoring, sleep insights, multiple race features, and over 30+ built-in activity profiles.
For those who are used to training off the beaten path, the timepiece also supports multi-band GPS. This delivers improved positioning accuracy not just in the great outdoors but also in densely populated areas. No matter how you look at it, this wearable covers all the basics… and then some.
Sure, its OS is slightly less intuitive to navigate, but it certainly works once you get used to it. But unlike popular Samsung and Apple models, this watch comes with an epic 13-day battery life in smartwatch mode. No daily charging needed!
Sounds good enough to you? If so, don’t waste time and save big on the 46mm Garmin Forerunner 265 with this incredible Amazon deal before it vanishes.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
Looking for a cheap way to complete your Samsung ecosystem ahead of Black Friday? Well, this is your chance — the Galaxy Watch 7 has dropped under $170 at Amazon, making it a no-brainer you’ll want to grab fast. For context, that’s a huge 32% off its original price. And here’s the real kicker: the bargain is live on both 40mm color variants.
The Galaxy Watch 7, 40mm: 32% off now
$80 off (32%)
The Galaxy Watch 7 is a very tempting choice at 32% off its original price. Although it’s not the latest or most impressive Galaxy wearable, the device strikes the perfect balance between functionality and style, and that 32% discount only makes it more attractive.
Buy at Amazon
Will this deal last a long time? We have no idea, but we think you should act fast if you want to save. By the way, we’ve also checked prices at Walmart and Best Buy, and both merchants currently sell the wearable at a higher price. Granted, the Galaxy Watch 7 isn’t the most contemporary unit Samsung has launched — the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup has been around for several months. But it still impresses with its 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen and comfortable fit.
And, of course, the Samsung watch packs all sorts of high-class features. You’re getting all the basics, including heart rate and workout tracking, and sleep insights. Aside from those, it packs a special Race feature. This one continuously tracks your workout routines and measures your performance against previous activities. That’s not a must-have extra for everyone, but those who need that extra bit of motivation will certainly appreciate it.
As we’ve pointed out in our Galaxy Watch 7 review, you even get some AI-powered workout suggestions and health information, tailored to you specifically. Factor in the dual-band GPS that’s particularly useful in densely populated areas, and you’ve got a very well-rounded timepiece.
Is the Galaxy Watch 7 the best Wear OS device? Probably not, but it’s really hard to argue against it at its current price. If you don’t mind the fact that it’s not the latest or greatest, now’s the perfect time to grab it at a serious discount. Save 32% at Amazon while it lasts.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
As we told you yesterday, it appears that the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 lines aren’t getting the monthly updates from Google. But if you do own a phone in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 lines and sign up for the Android 16 Beta program, you can still receive the Beta updates for the next Quarterly Platform Releases (QPR), which is essentially the Pixel Quarterly Feature Drop. The next Feature Drop should be released in December.
The new beta is available for Pixel 6 devices and later
The Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 update is now available for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Pixel Tablet series devices. To install the update go to Settings > System > Software update > System update. Follow the directions to download and install the update.
Google releases Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3. | Image credit-PhoneArena
The Pixel 6 series received build number BP41.250916.015 while the Pixel 7 and later series received build number BP41.250916.015.A1. The new Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 release continues to feature the October security patch. It also fixes a Pixel lock screen bug that causes the device to freeze and not respond (Issue #457527675). If you have already enrolled in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta program and yet to opt-out, you will automatically receive QPR2 Beta 3 and any future Beta updates.
How to join the Android 16 QPR2 Beta program
Even though the stable version of Android 16 QPR2 is expected later this month or more likely next month, you might still have some interest in joining the Beta program. To do that, tap on this link to head to the Android Berta program website and tap on the box that says, “View your eligible devices.” When you tap on that box, you’ll be sent to a page with a picture of the Pixel model that you own. Underneath the picture will be a box to click when you want to opt-in to the beta program.
After doing that, check for the update by following the directions we gave you in the second paragraph, and install the update. Once the stable version of Android 16 QPR2 is released, you’ll be able to opt-out of the Beta program without having to wipe the data off of your phone. Or you can remain subscribed to the Beta program and start receiving Beta updates for the March 2026 Pixel Feature Drop.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be Apple’s heaviest iPhone to date, and it will also be thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, according to leaker Instant Digital.
Choosing the other extreme
Machine translation of Instant Digital’s post.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max‘s weight is said to exceed 240 grams. That would surpass the weight of the current heaviest iPhones, the 240-gram iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max.Instant Digital has hinted that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be 10 grams heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which clocks in at 233 grams. This means the 2026 flagship will weigh around 243 grams.
On top of that, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will also be thicker than the model it will replace, which is 8.8 mm thick.
The leaker hints that the iPhone Air’s disappointing performance has convinced Apple that customers prioritize hardware specs over a smartphone’s weight and dimensions.
Why will the iPhone 18 Pro be heavier?
Hardware changes often lead to an increase in heft, and plenty have been tipped for the iPhone 18 Pro. The device will reportedly feature improved camera components, a battery with a steel case, and the Face ID system will be moved beneath the display.
The biggest contributor is usually a larger battery, though it’s not yet known if that’s in the cards.
Assuming this rumor is legit, it can be safely assumed that major changes are on the way, even if we don’t yet have clarity on what they are.
Is this the right choice?
If Apple is basing its design choices on the apparent failure of the iPhone Air, it’s mistaken. The iPhone Air cut too many corners and was priced too high for what it brought to the table.
As an iPhone 14 Pro owner, I cannot overstate the importance of manageable weight. I don’t even want to imagine what the iPhone 18 Pro Max would feel like in my hand.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max‘s weight was a common complaint and one of the main reasons Apple ditched stainless steel. An even heavier iPhone 18 Pro Max would be out of the question for many users.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
Not every Pixel user loves the At a Glance widget. At a Glance shows users relevant information on their Pixel’s lock screens and home screens. Personally, I love it, but there are some who would prefer that Google give them the opportunity to make At a Glance disappear from their home screens.
Well, it turns out that Google is working on a way to make this happen. Spotted by Android Authority, the latest Android Canary build with Android System Intelligence version B.17.playstore.pixel10.825046611 includes a toggle that will apparently be added to the At a Glance widget’s settings.
A toggle was discovered that allows a Pixel user to remove At a Glance from his home screen
The controls read, “Show on home screen” and toggling this setting off would presumably remove At a Glance from Pixel home screens. While Android Authority was able to take a screenshot showing the toggle, it isn’t clear when it will be available for Pixel users. If you’re not familiar with the widget, it will alert you to severe weather and earthquakes on one hand, but will also tell you the status of your phone’s flashlight while doubling as a shortcut to turn it on or off.
Pixel users will soon be able to remove the At a Glance widget from their home screen. | Image credit-Android Authority
For a good idea about how much information you can get from the At a Glance widget, find an empty spot on your home screen and long-press on it. That will result in a popup hitting the screen with three options: Dismiss, Settings, and About this content. Tap on Settings and you’ll see options to manage content relevant to the user such as info about the weather, commuting, and events.
The widget delivers useful information to Pixel users
Toggle buttons allow you to enable or disable custom info on the widget such as:
Weather
Air quality
Severe weather alerts
Earthquake alerts
Upcoming events
Work profile
Food and household orders
Package delivery
Commute traffic and travel time
Time to leave to make an upcoming appointment in time
Ridesharing
Travel on planes, trains and other travel information
Bedtime
Fitness
Safety check
Timer & stopwatch
Connected devices connection and battery status
Cross device time info from your home devices
Doorbell shows images from Nest or Ring doorbell camera
Flashlight
You can see from that list how inclusive the At a Glance widget is and why someone who loves information would want it enabled on his/her Pixel. As for those who just don’t like it, the current way to disable At a Glance involves a long-press on the home screen, tapping on settings, and toggling off Use At a Glance, the very first toggle screen at the top of the settings page. But that won’t completely turnoff the widget as it will still show the time and date on the home screen.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
