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Trump’s tariffs killed his TikTok deal

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Trump’s tariffs killed his TikTok deal

Earlier this week, when it seemed as though TikTok’s fate in the US would actually be decided by April 5th, everyone — from Amazon to the founder of OnlyFans — was coming out of the woodwork to buy it.

As it turns out, none of them had a chance. And now, thanks to President Donald Trump’s tariff war, no one may get to buy TikTok.

People familiar with the matter tell me that, despite all of the bids for the app, the White House was only seriously considering an Oracle-led consortium, which included many of ByteDance’s biggest investors who were set to roll their stakes into a new, US entity.

The proposal, which would have licensed the app’s algorithm from China and shuffled some shareholder money around to make TikTok look more independent from ByteDance, was set to be announced before President Trump went nuclear on tariffs. As others have reported and I’ve independently confirmed, his tariff announcement on Wednesday torched any immediate chance of the TikTok proposal being blessed by the Chinese government.

On Friday, less than an hour after Trump said he was pushing back the clock on banning TikTok by another 75 days to finish working out a deal, ByteDance issued its first statement on the situation, saying that “any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law.”

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After suggesting on Thursday that China would approve a TikTok deal in exchange for tariff relief, the president seemed less confident on Friday: “We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!).”

Anyone who has been closely following this tortured saga that is the TikTok ban is exhausted. Now, five years after he first tried to ban it, Trump has seemingly torpedoed the plan that was finally going to keep TikTok running.

His friend Larry Ellison was going to secure more business for Oracle by reviving the broad strokes of the Project Texas security proposal that was made to the previous administration (albeit this time with fewer security guarantees, since this administration doesn’t really care about national security threats the app may or may not pose). TikTok’s investors and employees were finally going to get certainty about the app’s fate. ByteDance was going to effectively stay in the driver’s seat while maintaining control of its algorithm. And Trump was going to get to say that he saved TikTok.

TikTok gets to continue operating in the US for a while longer, thanks to Trump’s Department of Justice not enforcing a ban that was passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court. TikTok’s US hosting providers, including Apple, Google, and Oracle, are seemingly still okay with this situation despite the fact that they are very much breaking the law. And unless Trump ultimately eases on tariffs against China, TikTok may end up banned after all.

Some noteworthy job changes in the tech world:

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The latest Blink Video Doorbell is over 50 percent off

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The latest Blink Video Doorbell is over 50 percent off

With Black Friday and the holiday season approaching, packages will start piling up, making now a good time to take steps to protect your doorstep from porch pirates. Thankfully, multiple retailers are already offering early Black Friday discounts on smart security devices to help you keep tabs on deliveries, with Amazon’s and Best Buy’s deal on the latest Blink Video Doorbell standing out at just $28.99 ($31 off) until 12AM ET on November 7th. You can also buy it with Blink’s Sync Module Core, which allows for on-demand live view, two-way audio, and improves battery life, for $34.99 ($35 off) at Amazon and Best Buy.

The latest Blink Video Doorbell simply builds on what already made its predecessor our top pick for a cheap video doorbell. The battery-powered doorbell still delivers all the essentials, including motion detection and night vision, and even the option to hardwire it. However, the new model now adds a sharper 1440p resolution — up from 1080p — and a 150-degree field of view with a 1:1 aspect ratio, which means you get a wider, head-to-toe view of packages and visitors on your porch.

The latest model also can distinguish people from pets, even sending alerts for visitors at your door if you pay the $3.99 monthly Blink subscription plan fee (or $39.99 a year). That subscription also gets you 60 days of cloud storage for recorded video, up to 90 minutes of continuous live view per session, and other advanced features.

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Sheriff’s office tests America’s first self-driving police SUV

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Sheriff’s office tests America’s first self-driving police SUV

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The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office recently announced a bold experiment that could redefine the future of law enforcement. The department introduced the Police Unmanned Ground Vehicle Patrol Partner, or PUG, which it claims is America’s first fully autonomous patrol vehicle. 

Developed with the nonprofit Policing Lab and Perrone Robotics, the SUV can drive itself, detect suspicious activity through artificial intelligence-powered cameras and even deploy drones for aerial surveillance.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the year-long pilot program is designed to explore how advanced technology can improve public safety, extend deputy resources and increase efficiency. The vehicle will initially operate on predetermined patrol routes and will have a deputy seated in the front during testing. Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz called it a way to “set the standard for what will be the future of law enforcement in this country.”

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AI-powered sensors and drones provide officers with real-time awareness as the community observes this new approach. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service)

Inside the Police Unmanned Ground Patrol Partner 

The PUG Patrol Partner is packed with high-tech features. It integrates with police databases, license plate readers and crime analytics software in real time. Its 360-degree cameras and thermal imaging sensors allow it to identify people or vehicles in restricted areas, even in low-light conditions. The vehicle can also launch drones equipped with thermal cameras to monitor larger areas or assist in active incidents.

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A community tablet installed on the PUG lets residents interact with the vehicle and offer feedback during public events. This interactive component is a way to bridge the gap between technology and trust, helping people understand how the system works while giving them a voice in shaping its use.

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Miami skyline

Miami-Dade’s new autonomous patrol vehicle begins its first trial run and offers a look at the future of modern policing. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg)

Why the PUG matters

The PUG represents a new approach to community safety. Advocates call it a “force multiplier” that automates routine patrols, increases situational awareness and frees deputies to focus on complex human interactions. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office sees it as a partner, not a replacement, for human officers.

Still, questions remain about privacy, data collection and long-term costs. Although the first unit was donated, future vehicles could cost between $150,000 and $200,000 each. The trial period will measure the vehicle’s impact on response times, deterrence, officer safety and public confidence. If the results are positive, Miami-Dade could become a national model for autonomous policing.

A Miami-Dade police cruiser

What begins in Miami-Dade today could soon expand across the country and reshape how safety and surveillance work together. (Giorgio Viera/AFP)

What this means to you

For people in Miami-Dade County, the arrival of the PUG could reshape how everyday policing looks and feels. You may soon see the self-driving vehicle patrolling neighborhoods, monitoring events and collecting information through its network of cameras and sensors. Its AI systems can process and respond to situations faster than human officers, raising new questions about transparency, accountability and how data from public spaces will be managed.

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However, this project reaches far beyond Miami-Dade. Other law enforcement agencies are paying close attention to see whether the program succeeds. If it performs well, similar vehicles could begin appearing in major cities across the country. Communities from coast to coast may soon face the same discussions about safety, surveillance and trust that Miami residents are having today. People will need to decide what balance they want between innovation and privacy and how technology should support public safety.

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As the pilot continues, community participation will matter more than ever. Residents, civic leaders and advocacy groups can shape how this technology develops by speaking up about clear rules, fair data use and transparency. The results from Miami-Dade could influence how police departments nationwide use automation in the years ahead. This is a moment to pay attention, ask questions and help guide the direction of modern policing before it becomes standard practice everywhere.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The debut of the autonomous patrol vehicle marks a milestone in American law enforcement. It blends innovation with controversy, hope with hesitation. Supporters believe it can enhance safety and efficiency, while critics worry about surveillance overreach and cost. The truth will emerge over the next year as data and public feedback shape the path forward. Change has arrived on four wheels, powered by code and cameras. The question is whether society will guide that change responsibly or let technology take the wheel.

Are you ready for a self-driving police SUV patrolling your neighborhood, or does the idea of robotic law enforcement cross the line for you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now

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Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now

Apple recently launched its latest fleet of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3. Each wearable offers something a little different (their prices indicate their breadth of features). A new generation of watches means we probably won’t see big price drops soon, but we’re officially beginning our watch so we can note any change in price. Additionally, we’re still recommending some recent predecessors in Apple’s portfolio, including the Series 10 and Ultra 2, for which discounts are fairly common.

But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, launched in September on the Series 6 and newer models. That means those still using a Series 5 or older — including the original Apple Watch SE — are getting left behind in terms of features.

Apple Watch Series 11 deals

The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update of the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s last-gen flagship may not necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That being said, the newest model does tout a more power-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications out of the gate, which you can also now leverage on the Series 9 and Ultra 2.

If you’re looking to be an early adopter, however, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 10 in the 42mm configuration with GPS at Amazon and Walmart for $389 ($10 off), which represents a slight launch discount (it’s also available at Best Buy for $399). If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s currently available at Amazon and Walmart for $419.99 ($9 off), or at Best Buy for its full retail price of $429.

Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 review.

Apple Watch Series 10 deals

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Person looking at music widget on Apple Watch Series 10Person looking at music widget on Apple Watch Series 10

If you’re looking for a real deal — and you’re not particularly tempted by what the Series 11 offers — the Series 10 still holds its own. The last-gen smartwatch packs the same S10 SiP chip that’s in the Series 11, as well as support for fast-charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display, and a design that’s still significantly slimmer and lighter than previous models. It also features both depth and water temperature sensors, along with an FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection feature and the aforementioned hypertension notifications, courtesy of watchOS 26.

Thankfully, the Series 10 remains on sale at Amazon in the 42mm sizing with GPS starting at $279.99 ($120 off), which matches prices from Amazon’s most recent Prime Day. The 46mm GPS variant, meanwhile, is available at Amazon for $309.99 ($120 off) — $10 shy of its all-time low — while the LTE models can be found at Walmart starting at $329 ($170 off).

Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review.

While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduce a handful of iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, letting you take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast-charging, and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist.

On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score that breaks down time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications — those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.

In terms of deals, the Apple Watch Series 3 is currently available from Amazon in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for $199.99 ($50 off), which is the lowest price we’ve seen since the watch arrived in mid-September. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model at Amazon and Walmart starting at $269.99 (also $9 off), though there currently are no discounts available on the 5G models.

Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 review.

Apple Watch SE (second-gen) deals

Woman in floral dress with hand on hip modeling Apple watch SE (2022)Woman in floral dress with hand on hip modeling Apple watch SE (2022)
Woman looking at the app grid on the Apple Watch SE (2022).Woman looking at the app grid on the Apple Watch SE (2022).

If you don’t need the latest upgrades, the last-gen SE remains a solid buy if you can pick it up at a significant discount. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which still holds up well, but has fewer sensors (meaning fewer features), no always-on display, and a slightly outdated design compared to Apple’s newer watches. Those omissions might take it out of the running for some people, but it still may be exactly what you’re after.

Right now, the best deal on the last-gen SE can be found at Walmart and Target, where you can pick up the 40mm model with GPS starting at around $169 ($80 off), its best price to date. The 44mm / GPS configuration, meanwhile, is available at Amazon and Walmart starting at $199 ($80 off), matching its all-time low. If you want the LTE configuration, the 44mm model is even cheaper at Walmart starting at $189 ($110 off).

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Read our Apple Watch SE (second-gen) review.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals

Unsurprisingly, the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available thus far. It features a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as both satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 hours to 42 hours — a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a bit more life when necessary.

As far as deals are concerned, the Ultra 3 is currently down to an all-time low price of $699.99 ($100 off) when you buy it with an an Ocean Band at Amazon. You can also buy it with an Alpine Loop for $779.99 ($19 off).

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 on grass.The Apple Watch Ultra 2 on grass.

If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re after, you can save some money by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t vastly different than Apple’s latest top-of-the-line model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, but that may not matter to you since it still offers precise GPS tracking, a range of diving-friendly sensors, and long-lasting battery life.

Right now, you can buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Best Buy with an Alpine Loop starting at $639 ($150 off), which is its best price to date. Unfortunately, the models with a Trail Loop or Ocean Band aren’t on sale.

Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.
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