Privacy watchdog launches probe into China-based company behind Kmart ‘pervert glasses’ app 07. October 2026 (01:58) Commissioner said Shenzhen Qingcheng, the app maker behind the HeyCyan app in the smartglasses, failed to respond to her inquiriesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian privacy regulator has opened an investigation into the China-based software company behind the HeyCyan app in Kmart’s $89 smartglasses, following public outrage over the covert use of the devices.In August, Guardian Australia reported Kmart had sold out of the Anko-branded discount version of Meta’s smartglasses that can capture images and record high-definition video, which led to widespread concern and calls to ban or restrict their use. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
LA and San Diego residents ‘horrified’ by Trump suggesting Iran bomb them 07. October 2026 (01:45) As Angelenos bemoan ‘sad situation’, those in San Diego say remark a ‘disservice’ to town with multiple naval basesDonald Trump’s extraordinary implication that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego have sparked condemnation across the political spectrum. As residents of the two major west coast cities awoke on Tuesday to another sweltering day in a record-breaking heatwave, the president’s comments sent blood boiling even higher.Jessica, a 28-year-old Los Angeles hair stylist, was scrolling through social media early on Tuesday morning and was shocked to see that Trump had just suggested Iran should decimate her home town. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New Zealand greenhouse gas levels hit record highs threatening catastrophic glacier melts 07. October 2026 (01:11) Government report finds the country could be hit with more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as damaging storms and cyclonesNew Zealand could be hit with more frequent and intense heatwaves and catastrophic glacier melts in the near future, as greenhouse gas levels hit record highs, a new report about the nation’s climate has revealed.Released on Wednesday, the Our Atmosphere and Climate 2026 report shows New Zealand is experiencing mounting climate pressures, which will have wide-reaching implications for the environment, native species and communities. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ikea to pilot online buyback service for secondhand furniture 07. October 2026 (01:01) Service to be tested in Spain and Portugal this year, with a UK rollout if successful, as pre-loved markets boomIkea is to test an online version of its buy-back service where the retailer offers vouchers for unwanted secondhand furniture.The service will be tested in Spain and Portugal before the end of December and will be launched in the UK if it proves successful. Ikea already offers buy-back in stores, including in the UK. The online version will extend it to a much wider audience, with Ikea predicting pre-owned goods are likely to grab 16% of the UK homewares market by next year Continue reading...(The Guardian)
