Daily Discipline

Vivaldi 8 is rolling out with a redesigned interface that focuses more on usability than chasing the latest AI trend. The update cleans up the browser’s look, smooths out navigation, and adds small quality-of-life improvements without changing the core experience too much.

A big part of the release is how intentionally low-key it feels compared to other browsers right now. While Chrome, Edge, and others keep adding AI assistants and automated features into every corner, Vivaldi is still leaning into customization, tabs, privacy settings, and user control instead.

The browser also continues to position itself as an alternative for people who are tired of increasingly cluttered browser ecosystems. The article frames Vivaldi almost as a quiet reaction against the current “everything needs AI” direction happening across tech.

Google is testing Gemini AI inside Maps to help people discover local spots in a more conversational way. Instead of typing basic searches, users can ask for things like hidden gems or niche recommendations, and the AI suggests places based on context and preferences.

In testing, Gemini was able to pull together lists of restaurants, cafes, and attractions that felt more curated than standard search results. It can also refine suggestions through follow-up questions, making the experience feel closer to chatting with a local who knows the area well.

The feature builds on Google’s existing data from reviews, ratings, and location info, but layers AI on top to make it easier to explore without knowing exactly what to search for. It’s part of a broader push to integrate AI across Google’s core apps.

There are still some rough edges, though, with occasional mismatches or overly broad suggestions. But overall, it points toward a more interactive way of navigating cities and finding new places.

Project delays in Hamilton construction jobs often come down to something pretty basic: utility locating gets treated like a last-minute task instead of part of the actual plan. The piece argues that when crews are ready to dig before locates are fully arranged, work can stall fast and costs start piling up.

It also points out that one locate request does not always cover everything. Public infrastructure and private lines may fall under different processes, so assuming the whole site is cleared can leave gaps that only show up once work is already underway.

Another issue is bad project coordination. Vague request details, incomplete site information, trades working out of sync, or scope changes that never get reflected in updated locates can all create avoidable stoppages.

A Silicon Valley startup is working on a wearable beanie that claims to read brain activity and turn it into useful data. The device uses sensors similar to EEG technology, aiming to track things like focus, mood, or mental fatigue while you go about your day.

The pitch leans toward everyday use, not just medical settings. The company suggests it could help with productivity, mental health tracking, or even controlling devices hands-free. It’s being framed as a casual, wearable version of brain-computer interface tech that’s usually confined to labs.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty around how accurate or meaningful the data would be in real-world conditions. Consumer-friendly brain tech has a long history of bold promises and mixed results, especially when it comes to interpreting complex neural signals outside controlled environments.

Picking out glasses isn’t just about what looks good in a display case. The focus here is on matching eyewear to how you actually spend your time, whether that means long hours on screens, driving often, or being outdoors. The idea is that your routine should guide the decision as much as style.

Prescription plays a big role too. Stronger lenses, reading needs, or progressive options can all influence which frames and lens types will feel comfortable and work properly. Keeping prescriptions up to date is also part of getting the most out of a pair.

Fit comes up as a major factor, from how the bridge sits to how the arms rest behind the ears. Materials and weight can make a noticeable difference over a full day of wear. Lens features like anti-glare coatings, UV protection, and scratch resistance are mentioned as practical add-ons depending on your needs.

Algoma Steel has issued layoff notices to about 1,000 workers at its Sault Ste. Marie plant, with the cuts expected to take effect in late March 2026. The layoffs affect roughly one-third of the company’s workforce and come during a major shift in how the company produces steel.

The company says the decision is tied to a combination of factors, including steep U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and its ongoing transition from traditional blast furnace operations to electric arc furnace technology. That transition had already been expected to reduce jobs over time, but the timeline has been pushed forward.

Union representatives say some job losses were anticipated, but the scale and speed are still a blow to workers and the local economy. The steel plant is a major employer in the region, and the layoffs are expected to have ripple effects throughout the community.

The cuts also come despite significant public funding aimed at helping the company modernize and deal with trade pressures, raising questions about how those supports will translate into long-term job stability.