Sonos took Google to the International Trade Commission last year to stop Google importing devices like Pixel phones, Chromecasts and smart speakers that Sonos claims infringes on its patents. The ITC has now finalised a ruling agreeing with Sonos, so unless Google settles with Sonos or removes features from those devices in the next 60 days, they can't be imported into the USA. The features in question are "synchronizing multiple devices over a network" and "setting up a playback device (such as a Wi-Fi speaker) for communication over the network" along with "adjusting volume of devices over a local area network".
Mozilla decided to remind people that they accept cryptocurrency donations a few days ago, upsetting people like Jamie Zawinski, one of the Mozilla originals. Mozilla has now decided to stop taking cryptocurrency donations, explaining in a series of tweets that while "decentralized web technology continues to be an important area for us to explore", they "are reviewing if and how our current policy on crypto donations fits with our climate goals". I remember when accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment was cool and trendy. Now it's a sign you're out of touch and ignorant of cryptocurrency's side effects.
I write for a living, which means I read fuckloads of websites for a living, which then means I have like 5,000 tabs going in my web browser during the processing of crafting an article or an issue of The Sizzle (5,000 might be a slight exaggeration). A plug-in I've found handy to help me keep track of all those tabs is Tree Style Tab. Like it says in the name, it's a sidebar that gives you a hierarchical view of the tabs you've been opening, with the source at the top. When you've got dozens of tabs open, this style of view is damn useful. Tree Style Tab even has its own extensions that make it even more useful! I like Tree Style Tab Mouse Wheel, TST Indent Line and TST Tab Search.
Here's five interesting discussions over on The Sizzle's paid subscriber forum for you to enjoy over the weekend. If you are not a paid subscriber but want to get involved, visit https://thesizzle.com.au/payme to get onboard.
📻 Country Member - The Beefs
😎 The Sizzle is curated by Anthony "@decryption" Agius and emailed every weekday afternoon.
💬 Checked out the paid subscriber only forum? It's a tidy little place to discuss tech with like minded Aussies.
👋 Forums not your thing? The Sizzle has a Slack group you can procrastinate in and chat with other nerds bored at work.
💳 Paid subscriber looking to manage your billing info or change email address? Visit the customer portal.
📚 Browse The Sizzle Archive. A few issues are missing and it's not searchable, but it's better than nothing.
The Sizzle is created on Wathaurong land and acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. I pay my respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present.