New-Fangled News for Boomers, Gen X and Anyone Else Trying to Keep Up with Technology

Skelley’s Snippets ✂️

 🍎 CNET columnist Bridget Carey sharply critiques Apple’s recent ads, blaming their loss of “cool” on awkward, tone-deaf campaigns like the quickly-pulled “Parent Presentation.” Carey argues these ads belittle users instead of inspiring them, a stark shift from Apple’s aspirational classics. She urges Apple to stop “punching down” and return to uplifting, product-focused storytelling

🕹️ Steam has grown into a real competitor to Microsoft in PC gaming. Where SteamOS once lagged behind Windows, it now delivers better frame rates, battery life, and a smoother handheld experience on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S. Thanks to Valve’s work on Proton and Linux drivers, classics like Half-Life 2, Portal 2, and The Witcher 3 run great.

🏞️ One of the most interesting features of the AllTrails app is its real-time "wrong turn alerts" for Plus subscribers. If you stray off the marked trail, the app notifies you right away, which can be a real help if you tend to get caught up in the scenery or lose track of the path. Aly Lopez, a wellness writer at CNET, covers this and other thoughtful features in her detailed review.

🕵️ Hidden Tech of the Revolution: Spies, Subs, and Secret Messages

The American Revolution was shaped not only by battles but also by patriots who used intelligence and innovation to outsmart the British. One important example is the Culper Spy Ring, created under George Washington’s direction and organized by Benjamin Tallmadge. Abraham Woodhull led the network on Long Island, while Robert Townsend gathered intelligence in British-occupied New York City.

Couriers such as Austin Roe and Caleb Brewster carried messages across Long Island Sound. The ring used codenames, numerical codes, and invisible ink called sympathetic stain, invented by James Jay. Popular stories claim Anna Strong signaled Brewster’s movements with her clothesline and that dead drops were used, but historians debate these traditions due to limited evidence.

Despite uncertainties, the Culper Ring was effective at keeping Washington informed. While their work was important, historians agree it did not singlehandedly win the war.

Innovation was also seen in technology. In 1776, Yale graduate David Bushnell built the Turtle, the first documented military submarine. It was hand-powered and designed to attach explosives to British ships. Although its attack failed due to technical problems, the Turtle showed the colonies’ willingness to experiment.

Throughout history, war has often driven technological progress. The urgent needs of conflict led to advances in codes, ciphers, and inventions like the Turtle. The legacy of these innovations can be seen long after the fighting ends, shaping technology in peacetime as well. -CP

👨‍⚕️🤖Ready For AI To Be Your Doctor’s Wingman?

A recent article from The Guardian highlights Microsoft’s new AI system that outperforms human doctors in diagnosing complex medical cases, solving 8 out of 10 challenges compared to doctors’ 2 out of 10. Powered by OpenAI’s latest model, this “diagnostic orchestrator” acts like a team of expert physicians. Microsoft says it will complement doctors rather than replace them, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach. Are you ready to trust AI to give your doctor’s advice a second look?

Laugh Lines 🤣

News you’re not getting—until now.

Join 4M+ professionals who start their day with Morning Brew—the free newsletter that makes business news quick, clear, and actually enjoyable.

Each morning, it breaks down the biggest stories in business, tech, and finance with a touch of wit to keep things smart and interesting.

Check it out

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice or any other kind of advice for that matter. This is strictly for entertainment and fodder for occasional thoughtful reflection. The owners of The Skelley may benefit financially when readers click on links in the publication.