Technology News Today — July 31, 2026

As technology continues to advance and integrate into our daily lives, concerns around data privacy and security are becoming increasingly prominent. The FTC's lawsuit against Hims & Hers, alleging the sharing of patients' medical data with advertisers Meta and Snap, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting sensitive information. This news comes at a time when companies like LinkedIn are making strategic decisions about their infrastructure, announcing that they won't be expanding their data centers in the next year.

Meanwhile, innovative products like the Friend AI wearable and pendant are pushing the boundaries of how we interact with technology. The revamped Friend AI, now with a new voice and increased price tag, and its pendant counterpart, which can engage in two-way conversations, represent a new wave of AI-powered companions. These devices aim to provide users with a sense of connection, but also raise questions about the potential implications for social interactions and data collection. As we navigate this rapidly evolving tech landscape, it's clear that the intersection of innovation, data security, and user experience will continue to shape the industry.

Today's signal:
• Mattress Firm Coupons: Save up to $700 | (wired.com)
• Friend, the lonely AI wearable, returns with a new voice and a much bigger price tag (techcrunch.com)
• The New Friend AI Pendant Can Now Talk Back to You (wired.com)
• FTC sues Hims & Hers for allegedly sharing patients’ medical data with advertisers Meta and Snap (techcrunch.com)
• LinkedIn Won’t Be Expanding Its Data Centers in the Next Year (wired.com)