Bizarre rap video from Chinese youth party is propaganda at its most cringeworthy

Here is the latest Personal Tech News from CNET.

Bizarre rap video from Chinese youth party is propaganda at its most cringeworthy – CNET
“Aspiring and friendly” hip hop collective CD REV want to show the world that China is awesome.

The fast fingerprint readers on these phones crush the competition – CNET
Open sesame! Top-speed response times get you into your phone and on with your business.

Marantz SR5011 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Marantz’s new SR5011 receiver offers a raft of features including immersive surround support and eight HDMI ports.

Has technology made us more independent? – CNET
Technically Incorrect: As Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook have risen to become dominant forces, have Americans become more their true, free selves?

Facebook defends content removal policies after Israel calls it ‘a monster’ – CNET
The social network denies claims made by an Israeli government minister that it is sabotaging attempts to track down terrorists.

Start your July 4 with the Steam Summer Picnic Sale – CNET
Get a bargain on a game from Steam then head outside to enjoy your July 4 knowing you’ve got something play when the day ends.

High-tech fillings could actually repair your teeth – CNET
These award-winning new materials for dental fillings could help repair and regenerate parts of your damaged teeth.

Top 5 most anticipated gadgets of 2016 (second-half edition) video – CNET
Some of the most exciting toys aren’t even out yet. These are the ones we want to get our hands on.

Apple is being sued in China again – CNET
This time, a media watchdog is saying that Apple has infringed on copyright by allowing a propaganda film to be viewed through Youku HD, a streaming app available in the App Store.

Trump deletes Star of David tweet after angry response – CNET
The Twitter feed of the presumptive Republican nominee for president drew criticism Saturday after it featured a collage showing Hillary Clinton, a pile of money and the Jewish symbol.

Audeze ups the ante, again, with the EL-8 headphones – CNET
The original Audeze EL-8 arrived just a year ago, but the latest models are distinctly better.

Fujifilm’s instant film printer lets you share your pictures IRL video – CNET
The Instax Share SP-2 connects to your smartphone or tablet so you can make tiny prints from any digital photo on your devices.

Apple and Pebble want to be on your wrist, is Nougat the right dessert for your Android phone? (CNET’s Open_Tab Ep. 5) video – CNET
When will a smartwatch be worth it? What’s it like becoming a virtual reality Ghostbuster? And is Nougat the best treat to represent the next version of Android? CNET’s Scott Stein joins Jeff Bakalar and Joseph Kaminski over drinks, these topics and your comments.

Meet Facebook’s ruthless algorithm mafia – CNET
Technically Incorrect: An amusing new College Humor video suggests that Facebook really, really would like it if you’d “like” certain articles.

Securifi Almond 3 is an affordable, all-in-one Wi-Fi system for the connected home video – CNET
The Wi-Fi system is a combination router, range extender and smart home hub, that’s compatible with hundreds of connected devices.

Lenovo ThinkPad 13 review – CNET
For essential office or school work, this full-HD 13-inch notebook is ready for your daily grind.

Dating sites for Trekkies, vampire lovers and just about anyone else – CNET
From CNET Magazine: There’s a dating site for just about everyone, even if your idea of a perfect mate is a bit…unusual.

Worst cell phone names of all time (pictures) – CNET
What the heck were phone makers thinking with the monikers they gave these handsets? We name and shame.

JBL Clip 2: Top micro Bluetooth speaker goes fully waterproof video – CNET
The new Clip has an improved designed, better battery life, and can now withstand a full dunk underwater.

Millennials admit using phones to avoid talking to people – CNET
Technically Incorrect: A new study suggests that holiday gatherings mean that millennials will use their phones strategically to avoid Uncle Bilbo.

TV presenter impaled on nail, after illusionist persuades her to trust chance – CNET
Technically Incorrect: Even if you think the math is on your side, beware your local illusionist. After this trick that went wrong, the Web has rained nastiness upon the illusionist.

Tesla misses delivery targets despite production boost – Roadshow
Electric-car maker delivers 14,370 vehicles in the second quarter, well short of its own estimates.

10 tips to prevent clothes from fading – CNET
Keep your favorite red shirt from becoming a pink shirt you don’t like nearly as much with these tips.

CXC Motion Pro II with Oculus Rift: Most realistic racing sim and expensive gaming rig I’ve tested – Roadshow
The makers of the most impressive home racing simulator we’ve tested join forces with a leader in VR tech to push digital-racing realism to new heights.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad 13 a solid budget laptop for business users and students video – CNET
This thin-and-light laptop has an excellent keyboard, good performance and battery life, and a tough build to handle your busy work or school life.

Let’s make audio great again – CNET
It may be hard to imagine, but audio was once a much bigger deal in most people’s lives than it is now.

Old cars, NASCARs and way too many red cars: Our week on Instagram – Roadshow
Two weeks in a row! It’s like I actually remembered to write this thing this week.

Furby Connect knows what time it is, and can update itself video – CNET
Hasbro’s newest Furby wants to be smarter by getting updates from a new app automatically. Expect weird surprises, new friends and sometimes poop.

Best tablets under $200 right now – CNET
Tablet shopping on a budget? We’ve got you covered with some of the best slates under $200.

iPad Mini 4 review – CNET
It’s perfectly sized, but not perfectly priced.

This LG fridge has a door in the door, but what is it good for? video – CNET
The LG LSXS26386D Door-in-Door Side-by-Side fridge looks classy, but it’s a pain to use.

The skinny on super-slim laptops – CNET
Full-power processors and high-res screens hit a new generation of laptops just 10mm to 13mm thick.

Google builds superfast internet cable built between US and Japan video – CNET
Google is part of a consortium that helped connect Oregon to Chiba, Japan, over a 5,600 mile cable.

Is it a router? Is it a smart home hub? Securifi Almond 3 is all of that and more – CNET
This home Wi-Fi system is one of the more affordable options available.

Cadillac CT6 sets a new course, without a wreath (CNET On Cars, Episode 93) video – Roadshow
A technology tour of the new Cadillac CT6, why your rear wheels should also steer, and your questions answered about red auto paint and adding fog lights.

FirstBuild Prisma Cold Brew coffee maker First Take Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
The FirstBuild Prisma Cold Brew Coffee Maker uses low pressure to make cold-brewed java in a mere ten minutes.

Switchmate makes the smart light switch simple video – CNET
The $40 Switchmate light switch is a neat concept but it’s missing a few features.

Modular (and modular-like) phones you should know about – CNET
Phones that have swappable hardware parts and accessories are becoming the feature du jour.

If this is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, it sure looks good – CNET
New leaked images that could be Samsung’s next big phone show off a mellow Blue Coral shade.

We played beer pong with robot vacuums video – CNET
Watch our CNET Home and Appliances team put a new twist on the popular frat game.

Will Jay Z be Apple Music’s next big player? (Apple Byte Extra Crunchy, Ep. 44) – CNET
Apple is in talks to buy Tidal, and Spotify versus Apple Music is tech’s latest version of “he said, she said.”

Home networking explained, part 5: Setting up a home router – CNET
CNET editor Dong Ngo explains the best way to set up most Wi-Fi routers: via the web interface. This guide can be applied to all consumer-grade routers in the market, save for those from Apple.

Spying drone sneaks a look at Apple’s nearly complete spaceship campus – CNET
Cupertino, California’s most famous corporate resident hopes to move into its ambitious new home next year, and construction looks to be progressing on schedule.

BlackBerry is reportedly building three new Android phones – CNET
Neon, Argon and Mercury: we’ll see one new BlackBerry each quarter, according to this report.

NFL QB Kaepernick shows it’s hard to tolerate fans who want selfie – CNET
Technically Incorrect: Accosted by supposed fans in an LA hotel, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick shows remarkable restraint.

What happened to the Laser Razor? – CNET
To some, it seemed like an obvious scam. Others believed. Now, Skarp’s Laser Razor is months behind schedule. What’s the story?

Verizon brings back limited offer to pay $300 for your old phone – CNET
Trade in your old phone at Verizon and get up to $300 toward a new phone or your phone bill.

Get the iOS Control Center on your Mac – CNET
This third-party app will put the Control Center you know and love from iOS on your Mac’s desktop for easier access to all your most important settings.

Dell is done with Android — again – CNET
The company is discontinuing all its Android tablets — which means it’s done with Android for now.

US investigating fatal Tesla crash video – CNET
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into an accident involving a tractor trailer and a Tesla Model S in Autopilot mode.

The 404 Show 1667: Ghostbusters VR, cereal/Serial, Peter Ha (podcast) – CNET
Peter Ha returns to the show to talk about Jeff’s Ghostbusters VR experience and interview with Ivan Reitman, Tesla, breakfast cereal and complain about the airport.

The sounds of Juno approaching Jupiter are totally spooky – CNET
The Juno spacecraft has crossed into the magnetic field of Jupiter. NASA’s soundtrack of the moment is out of this world.

Apple to Spotify: You’re not special – CNET
Spotify accused Apple of using its App Store as a “weapon” to stifle competition. Here’s Apple’s response.

Spotify says Apple uses App Store as a ‘weapon’ to choke rivals – CNET
Spotify reportedly says the tech giant is rejecting its new app because it competes with Apple Music.

The tech that could have prevented Tesla’s Autopilot crash is coming in 2018 – Roadshow
For now, you’ll probably want to keep your hands on the wheel.

Beer + tech = awesome – CNET
These 12 hop-happy gadgets promise to make your favorite beverage even better.

Verizon is kicking off July with some sweet deals on accessories – CNET
You can save on the Canary Home Security System, Mophie Power Pack or UE Speakers.

Celebrating independence with robot vacuum beer pong – CNET
It’s the Friday before a long weekend, so here at the CNET Smart Home and Appliances office, we decided to have some fun.

How to turn an old Wi-Fi router into an access point video – CNET
CNET Dong Ngo demonstrates how you can turn that old Wi-Fi router into an external access point and make Wi-Fi sexy, really sexy.

Apple and Tidal: Because only an idiot refuses a meeting with Jay Z – CNET
Tidal offers Apple more star power, but selling out could jeopardize the one thing that makes it valuable.

Facebook will let you post in several different languages at once – CNET
Now you can tell people what you had for breakfast in languages you don’t even know.

There may yet be hope for fixing Volkswagen’s 3.0-liter diesels – Roadshow
While the idea of a full fix for its 2.0-liter models is more of a pipe dream, the 85,000 3.0-liters out there appear to have a better shot at redemption.

Small aesthetic, tech updates underpin 2017 Cadillac CTS – Roadshow
The ATS is also receiving some updates, but we told you about those already.

This Illusion of the Year finalist will blow your mind – CNET
Is it round? It is square? A seemingly miraculous Illusion of the Year finalist plays with your brain and leaves you befuddled.

The cheapest convertible in America is technically a Mercedes-Benz – Roadshow
The Smart ForTwo Cabriolet will be the cheapest top-down fun you can have in the US, with a starting price well below $20,000.

Congress discontinues BlackBerry devices for Senate staffers – CNET
After a 10 year run, the Senate will finally stop issuing BlackBerry smartphones to its staff.

First Build’s Prisma makes cold brew coffee in just ten minutes video – CNET
The new FirstBuild Prisma Cold Brew Coffee Maker uses vacuum pressure to conjure cold brewed joe in ten minutes flat.

Looking back at Honda’s mid-size gem on its ruby anniversary – Roadshow
The Honda Accord is celebrating 40 years of sales. Let’s take a look back at its humble beginnings, and the path it forged to today.

How to take photos of fireworks – CNET
Whether you use a smartphone, compact camera or dSLR, get great photos of fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Katy Perry, Twitter’s most-followed user, crosses 90-million mark – CNET
The American pop icon reaches 90 million Twitter followers, making her the social media network’s top-ranked user.

BMW, Intel, Mobileye hook up to bring self-driving cars to roadways by 2021 – Roadshow
And not just some namby-pamby, semi-automation, either.

10th generation Mercedes-Benz E-class is smart and stylish video – Roadshow
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 has been redesigned for the modern driver.

The new Porsche Panamera is bigger and better than ever video – Roadshow
The Panamera may now win over more car fans with improved looks, tech and performance.

This LG side-by-side fridge has a door in its door – CNET
LG heard you like doors…

Google Map’s new multistop directions are already my favorite – CNET
A new update to Google Maps will let you add extra stops along your route, and reorder them if you throw in another.

Cook dinner (and dessert) in a dishwasher – CNET
Before cleaning those dirty dishes, wrap up everything from chicken to apple pie and cook it in the dishwasher. The Threadbanger YouTube channel shows you how.

Kanye West’s infamous ‘Famous’ music video now on YouTube – CNET
Previously a TIdal exclusive, the controversial NSFW video is now available for everyone (of age) to see.

Feast your eyes upon the first Shelby Cobra ever made – Roadshow
This little piece of history is being sold out of Shelby’s collection for the first time, and something tells me it won’t go for cheap.

Is Evernote Premium’s new price worth it? – CNET
The Evernote online service just increased the price of its Plus and Premium upgrades. Are they worth the cash, or should you look for an alternative?

Spotify and Apple in an App Store spat, says report video – CNET
Spotify’s legal team has some fighting words for Apple, according to a new report.

Get ‘Stripes’ for free and three speakers for $10 – CNET
From the Cheapskate: Start your weekend with a free movie, end it with three Bluetooth speakers for $10. Seriously!

Our emoji etiquette guide schools you on lying, drooling, clown faces – CNET
When’s the right time to send your friend a face with a long nose, or a severed arm taking a selfie? How about a clown face? The answers range from sometimes to never.

Panasonic DMP-UB900 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Panasonic has announced that the DMP-UB900 4K Blu-ray player, which features both disc playback and streaming, is coming in September 2016.

CNET UK podcast 488: Android Nougat, suing Apple for billions and angering Adele – CNET
Android has a sweet new name, a Florida man has his eyes set on Apple and Andy questions what’s inside a Mars bar.

Brazil court freezes Facebook funds over WhatsApp dispute – CNET
A Brazilian judge has blocked access to a portion of Facebook’s Brazilian bank accounts after it repeatedly ignored requests for WhatsApp user data in a drug case.

Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant can now order millions of items – CNET
The Echo smart speaker and Fire TV previously were only able to reorder items purchased previously.

As if! Video pirate hides Clueless movie in 360-degree YouTube clip – CNET
A pirate with the username Thuy Pham surreptitiously inserted a copy of the 1995 teen movie within another 360-degree video on YouTube.

Creepy DJ uses seagull skull as a turntable needle – CNET
Adventures in aural weirdness.

Take a seat at the White Shark Cafe – CNET
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is planning to attach a video camera to a shark’s fin to watch it feed in the Pacific.

‘Crowd Control,’ part 22: Spies in heaven – CNET
In the finale of CNET’s historic crowdsourced sci-fi novel, the war on Earth is over, but the story of the multiverse may just be getting started.

McDonald’s opens branch in Singapore with VR and Kinect-powered fun – CNET
The new restaurant is also brimming with wireless (and wired) chargers for your phone.

Hillarymoji is an iPhone keyboard for pantsuit-starved millennials – CNET
Aiming to reach younger voters, a software developer has released an iOS keyboard with emojis depicting the Democratic candidate.

Securifi Almond 3 Wireless AC Router and Smart Home Hub Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
With Amazon Alexa integration, this router allows you to control your home via voice. It starts at $149.

Why AI’s massive disruptions may be just what you’re looking for – CNET
Artificial intelligence is becoming a serious part of our lives. Get ready for machines that know you — really, really know you.

It’s a snap: This magnetic light switch installs in no time – CNET
The $40 magnetic Switchmate controller snaps over existing light switches so you don’t even have to break out your toolkit during installation.

Amazon picks up exclusive rights to stream PBS Kids shows – CNET
Daniel Tiger and other educational pals will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Faraday Future goes racing in FIA Formula E – Roadshow
Still waiting on that passenger car, though.

How Hollywood sees AI, in 16 films – CNET
From evil computer overlords to helpful droids, here’s a look at how artificial intelligence has been portrayed in movies, for better and for worse.

Zenefits takes a hit to please investors – CNET
As part of a deal for its next funding round the HR software company agreed to slash its valuation and give investors more ownership.

Rosetta’s days are finally numbered as countdown to comet crash commences – CNET
On September 30, the European Space Agency will send the Rosetta spacecraft crashing into Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.