Facebook Boosts Privacy Controls

By Digital Trends Staff March 19, 2008

Facebook Boosts Privacy Controls Reuters reports that Facebook has upped its privacy stakes for users. As of this morning, the social network has givenusers more control over what different friends, not to mention friends of friends, can see of their profile. The company has always offered plenty of privacy controls, but they claim that only25% of subscribers really take advantage of those controls. Under the new system, users can create up to 100 different friends lists, a concept that was introduced in December. MattCohler, Facebook’s vice president of product management, said, "We have a lot more users, a lot more types of users, a lot more relationships, we have a lot more types ofrelationships." The company also confirmed that the long-rumored Facebook Chat instant messaging service will be started in just a few weeks, and as it will work in a web browser, won’trequire the downloading of any special software.

Digital Trends Staff

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Smart Home

The 5 best smart sprinkler controllers in 2024

Eva Aqua smart sprinkler controller

Automated sprinklers are convenient and will help you revive a dying lawn, but there's nothing advanced about them. Once you set the sprinkler schedule, that's it, there's nothing more they can do. Smart sprinkler controllers take it to the next level. They automate your in-ground irrigation system, yes, but you'll also get remote access, useful notifications, and much more -- like being able to start or stop your sprinklers with voice commands. That's the best part about smart home products, they push convenience beyond what we've ever experienced before. If you're looking for some help with your lawn, whether you need to bring it back to life or you just want to keep it fresh and green, here are the best smart sprinkler controllers you'll need:
The best smart sprinkler controllers in 2024

Buy the if you want one of the most innovative options overall.
Buy the if you want to save some money without sacrificing the best features.
Buy the if you're all-in on Apple's HomeKit ecosystem.
Buy the if you want a lot of customization options.
Buy the if you're replacing a traditional in-garage controller.

Smart Home

This is your excuse to buy a temperature controlled smart mug

A black Ember Smart Mug 2 on a countertop.

There are a lot of temperature-controlled products out there, such as mugs or water bottles, but the Ember Mug was one of the first, and you can tell from its premium look and pricing. Luckily, there are still quite a few great Black Friday deals floating around, including this deal from Best Buy on the Ember Mug 2. While it usually goes for $130, you can grab it right now for just $100, which makes it a much more reasonably priced mug, if still a slightly bit expensive.

Why you should buy the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug²
Those who like hot drinks know the struggle that comes with having a drink go cold, especially when something comes up that takes your attention away. You might make your nice cup of tea or coffee, get an email or call, and forget about it, only to come back and find it tepid or lukewarm, which is probably worse than if it was just cold. Luckily, the Ember Mug 2 does an excellent job of keeping your drink warm, with a temperature range between 120 Fahrenheit and 145 Fahrenheit. That's a pretty good range for most folks unless you love your hot drink piping hot and nearly boiling, in which case this might be a little bit on the low end for you.

Smart Home

How to use the Privacy Shield on Arlo cameras

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (Gen 2) with the Privacy Shield enabled.

Many Arlo cameras are equipped with built-in privacy shutters, including the new Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (Gen 2). Officially known as a Privacy Shield, this can be activated to physically block the lens of your security camera – ensuring no prying eyes gain a view of your home. But how do you use the Privacy Shield on Arlo cameras? And can it be controlled remotely through the Arlo smartphone app?

Here's a closer look at how the feature works.