TechCrunch...ChatGPT can now create interactive visuals to help you understand math and science conceptsOpenAI introduced dynamic visual explanations in ChatGPT, an interactive feature enabling users to manipulate mathematical and scientific visualizations in real time across over 70 topics. This shift from static explanations to direct engagement with underlying concepts addresses the learning needs of 140 million weekly ChatGPT users in traditionally challenging subjects. The feature represents a significant evolution in how AI tools support educational outcomes through interactive learning experiences.Read more →
TechCrunch...U.S. military contractor likely built iPhone hacking tools used by Russian spies in UkraineA sophisticated iPhone-hacking toolkit allegedly developed by U.S. military contractor L3Harris has been leaked and is now being used in mass cyberattacks by Russian government hackers and Chinese cybercriminals targeting users in Ukraine and China. The toolkit's proliferation reportedly stems from an L3Harris employee who sold classified tools to a Russian broker for $1.3 million, demonstrating how sensitive government hacking tools can reach adversaries and cybercriminals.Read more →
Gizmodo...Why Are Pro-Iran Bots Pushing AI Fakes of Epstein and Trump When There’s Real Material?Fake AI-generated videos of Trump and Epstein are being distributed by disinformation accounts allegedly aligned with Iran, accumulating millions of views on social media before their suspension. The proliferation of synthetic media undermines the credibility of genuine evidence and exemplifies how artificial intelligence is being weaponized for geopolitical propaganda. This is part of a broader trend of AI-generated disinformation spreading across platforms in response to recent geopolitical conflicts.Read more →
The Verge...Slay the Spire II is even better with a friendSlay the Spire II launches in early access with online co-op multiplayer supporting up to four players, enabling simultaneous turns and requiring players to coordinate card strategies and make shared decisions on map navigation. The multiplayer experience maintains the roguelike's core appeal while introducing fresh strategic opportunities through team coordination and mutual support mechanics. The cooperative gameplay successfully extends engagement and enhances victory satisfaction, though it requires separate game copies and devices for each player.Read more →
Gizmodo...Mark Zuckerberg Decides Meta Needs More Slop, Buys the Social Network for AI AgentsMeta acquired Moltbook and its founders for the Meta Superintelligence Lab to advance AI agent connectivity and verification. The platform generated significant buzz earlier this year through reportedly autonomous AI agent interactions, though investigations revealed the content was largely human-generated due to security flaws. The acquisition appears strategically motivated by the founders' expertise in agent platforms rather than Moltbook's technical foundation.Read more →
Gizmodo...Andy Muschietti Assures Fans That ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Will ReturnHBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry' is set for a second season, with creators planning to move the timeline back to 1935 while exploring different eras of Pennywise's cyclical terrorization of the Maine village. Director Andy Muschietti confirmed the show is in development and promised to deliver content that exceeds the critical success of season 1.Read more →
Engadget...ChatGPT will now generate interactive visuals to help you with math and science conceptsOpenAI has rolled out interactive visual responses in ChatGPT that allow users to explore over 70 scientific and mathematical concepts by adjusting variables and equations in real-time. Available to all users, the feature is designed to enhance learning for high school and college students by providing immediate visual feedback on how parameter changes affect solutions.Read more →
Engadget...Yoshi and the Mysterious Book will be released for Switch 2 on May 21Nintendo announced Yoshi and the Mysterious Book for Switch 2, launching May 21, featuring a distinctive picture-book visual style and new gameplay mechanics where creatures grant Yoshi special abilities. The game represents a departure from traditional Yoshi mechanics while maintaining the franchise's tradition of innovative graphical design.Read more →
Gizmodo...A 1,300-Pound NASA Probe Will Make an Uncontrolled Plunge Through Earth’s Atmosphere TodayNASA's Van Allen Probe A will reenter Earth's atmosphere on March 10 after expending its fuel supply following over a decade of groundbreaking observations of Earth's radiation belts. Although most of the spacecraft is expected to burn up during reentry, some components may survive with an estimated injury risk of only 0.02% to people on Earth. The probe's data has provided crucial insights into space weather and its effects on satellites, astronauts, and critical Earth-based systems including communications and power grids.Read more →
Engadget...Google to Provide Pentagon with Gemini-powered AI agentsGoogle is deploying Gemini AI agents to the Pentagon's 3 million employees to automate defense tasks including meeting summaries and budget creation, with plans to expand from unclassified to classified and top-secret networks. The deployment represents a significant acceleration of military AI adoption, with 1.2 million DoD employees already using Google's AI chatbot for unclassified work since December. This expansion follows Anthropic's refusal to remove guardrails against autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance, positioning Google as the Pentagon's preferred AI partner in the broader competition over AI governance.Read more →
Gizmodo...In Ancient Peru, Feather Traders Transported Live Parrots Across Treacherous MountainsResearchers analyzed feathers from pre-Inca tombs in Peru using DNA and isotope analysis, discovering they came from four Amazonian parrot species that were wild-caught, transported live across the Andes, and kept in coastal captivity. The findings reveal that pre-Inca civilizations possessed sophisticated long-distance trade networks and logistical capabilities previously underestimated by scholars. These discoveries challenge the traditional Inca-centric view of South American history, demonstrating that pre-Inca societies were far more interconnected and advanced than commonly believed.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Next ‘Star Wars’ Book Sets the Stage for the ‘Andor’ Revolution (Exclusive)Penguin Random House announces a new Star Wars novel, 'Edge of the Abyss' by Rebecca Roanhorse, set one year before Andor season one. The book follows rebel factions and Imperial forces as an emerging resistance movement faces critical threats from infiltration and capture. The novel features characters from the Andor series and releases September 15, 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...‘Pokémon Pokopia’ is even better than ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’Pokémon Pokopia is a new cozy life simulator that combines mechanics from Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Minecraft in a post-apocalyptic Kanto region setting. The Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive has significantly exceeded sales expectations, prompting price increases and driving console adoption. Unlike recent Pokémon entries criticized for technical and design issues, Pokopia delivers extensive, thoughtfully designed gameplay with substantial depth and replayability.Read more →
The Verge...Satechi’s new folding dock adds USB, audio, and video ports to the iPadSatechi has released a redesigned OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub, a more compact version of its original iPad Pro stand that now works with all post-2021 iPads and USB-C devices. The $79.99 accessory features integrated HDMI, SD/microSD card readers, USB ports supporting 10Gbps transfers, 100W power delivery passthrough, and a 3.5mm audio jack, making it ideal for travel and mobile productivity setups.Read more →
TechCrunch...AgentMail raises $6M to build an email service for AI agentsAgentMail, a San Francisco startup, raised $6 million in seed funding to provide email infrastructure specifically designed for AI agents, enabling them to manage their own inboxes and communicate with existing internet services. The platform allows AI agents to send and receive emails through API calls rather than UI interaction, positioning email as an identity layer for the growing AI agent economy. The company has already attracted hundreds of thousands of agent users and over 500 B2B customers since its Y Combinator launch, with usage tripling after the emergence of OpenClaw.Read more →
The Verge...Grammarly will keep using authors’ identities without permission unless they opt-outLast week, my colleagues discovered that Superhuman's Grammarly had turned me into an AI editor, using my real name, without ever asking my permission. They did the same to my boss Nilay Patel, my colleagues David Pierce and Tom Warren, and - as Wired initially reported last Wednesday - many authors far more famous than […]Read more →
The Verge...The best Mario Day deals we foundCostco is offering significant discounts on Nintendo Switch 2 products, including games, storage expansion cards, and accessories. The sale features multiple Super Mario titles and merchandise with savings ranging from 10-50%. Products available include storage expansion, controllers, digital gift cards, and Lego building sets.Read more →
EngadgetEngadget...NVIDIA is reportedly working on its own open-source AI agent platformNVIDIA is developing NemoClaw, an enterprise-focused open-source AI agent platform designed to compete with OpenClaw by enabling autonomous task execution. The platform addresses growing security concerns about AI agents malfunctioning in enterprise environments by incorporating additional security layers, positioning NVIDIA to capture the emerging enterprise AI agent market.Read more →
EngadgetEngadget...GeForce Now adds GOG syncing and 90fps game streaming in VR headsetsNVIDIA has enhanced GeForce Now with improved VR streaming capabilities, allowing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest users to stream at 90 fps (up from 60 fps) for Ultimate members starting March 19. The platform introduces in-app labels for clearer game discovery from connected subscription services and expands account linking to include GOG. These updates aim to improve the VR gaming experience and streamline game discovery across multiple platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Here’s Where China Might Land Its First Astronauts on the MoonA new study published in Nature Astronomy proposes the Rimae Bode region on the Moon's near side as an ideal landing site for China's upcoming crewed lunar mission, citing strategic advantages including reliable sunlight, direct Earth communication, and proximity to scientifically valuable geological features. Researchers identified four potential landing sites within the region offering access to diverse samples including ancient volcanic glass, crater debris, and lava plains, enabling comprehensive investigation of the Moon's internal structure and early solar system history. The selection underscores the escalating competition between China and NASA for prime lunar real estate, with each nation pursuing different strategic objectives.Read more →
The Verge...Nvidia’s DLSS 4.5 with 6x Frame Generation is rolling out at the end of MarchNvidia's DLSS 4.5 with 6x Multi Frame Generation will be available starting March 31st for users with RTX 50-series GPUs, the company announced on Tuesday. With 6x Multi Frame Generation, Nvidia claims that DLSS 4.5 can generate "five additional frames for every single natively rendered one, for a maximum 6X multiplier." It's an increase from […]Read more →
EngadgetEngadget...Meta is buying Moltbook, the ridiculous social network populated by AI botsMeta has acquired Moltbook, a social network platform for AI agents founded in January, with its creators joining Meta's Superintelligence Labs. The acquisition reflects Meta's strategic focus on developing infrastructure for AI agents to interact and work with people and businesses. Moltbook's approach to connecting agents through an always-on directory represents a significant step in the emerging agentic AI space.Read more →
The Verge...Every influencer eventually becomes a merch storeContent creators like Tucker Carlson, MrBeast, and other influencers are increasingly relying on merchandise sales as their primary revenue stream, often surpassing earnings from content creation itself. The creator economy has evolved into a merchandising business where influencers leverage their audiences to sell branded physical goods, with content serving primarily as a marketing vehicle for broader product lines.Read more →
The Verge...The gym-friendly Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are 20 percent off right nowThe Powerbeats Pro 2 fitness earbuds are available for $199.95 ($50 off) at major retailers, featuring advanced heart rate monitoring, comfortable design, wireless charging, and effective noise-canceling microphones. These earbuds integrate seamlessly with popular fitness apps and Apple services while offering cross-platform compatibility for Android users. Their well-rounded feature set and physical controls make them a versatile option for fitness enthusiasts regardless of device preference.Read more →
The Verge...Meta acquires Moltbook, the Reddit-like network for AI agentsMeta has acquired Moltbook, a social platform for AI agents, to strengthen its Superintelligence Labs. The acquisition aims to develop secure agentic experiences for consumers and businesses. The arrangement is temporary, indicating uncertainty about the platform's long-term future.Read more →
The Verge...Shark’s ChillPill fan can cool your skin like an ice packSharkNinja has introduced the Shark ChillPill, a personal cooling device combining three cooling methods: a battery-powered fan, a metal cooling plate, and a water mister. The device offers adjustable fan speeds with up to 11 hours of battery life and a cryo-inspired cooling plate capable of reducing skin temperature by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Priced at $149.99, it launches today on Amazon with broader retail availability starting March 11th.Read more →
CNET...Don’t Hunt for Spring Sale Deals. We'll Text Them Directly to YouCNET offers a free text subscription service that curates verified deals from major retailers, helping consumers find legitimate discounts rather than artificially inflated sales. The service uses human shopping experts to vet each deal, ensuring accuracy and real savings on products across all price ranges.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Company That Made a Dish of Neurons Play DOOM Is Getting Into Brain Cell-Powered Data CentersCortical Labs announced plans to build biological data centers powered by human neurons as an energy-efficient alternative to traditional GPU servers. Each CL1 bio-computer unit contains 200,000 human brain neurons and uses less power than a handheld calculator, addressing mounting energy and environmental concerns from tech giants' massive AI infrastructure buildouts. The company is constructing facilities in Melbourne and Singapore, with plans to eventually scale to 1,000 units.Read more →
TechCrunch...Thinking Machines Lab inks massive compute deal with NvidiaOpenAI co-founder Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab has entered a multi-year strategic partnership with Nvidia that includes a significant investment and deployment of at least one gigawatt of Nvidia's Vera Rubin systems beginning in 2027. The deal substantially accelerates the lab's capacity to build reproducible AI models at scale while highlighting intense competition among AI companies for semiconductor resources. This partnership underscores Nvidia's critical role as the foundational technology provider for the AI industry.Read more →
Gizmodo...Simple Blood Test Can Predict Dementia 25 Years in Advance, Study SuggestsA study found that blood levels of phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) can predict Alzheimer's disease in women up to 25 years before symptoms appear. This biomarker shows promise for identifying high-risk individuals early enough to enroll them in preventative treatment trials. The discovery validates p-tau217 as the most promising blood-based biomarker for dementia prediction, though additional research is needed in men and other populations.Read more →
Gizmodo...Lego’s New Luigi ‘Mario Kart’ Set Is Begging for a Death Stare TweakLEGO is releasing a Mario Kart-themed set featuring Luigi and his Mach 8 racer, priced at $180 with 2,234 pieces, to coincide with Mario Day and the 40th Super Mario Bros. anniversary. The set includes a posable Luigi figure, detailed kart with rotating wheels, and a display stand. Available for preorder now with an April 1st launch date.Read more →
The Verge...‘Age Verification’ could force trans people to out themselves to use the internetOver half of US states now require age verification for online platforms, but these automated systems disproportionately fail for trans people due to algorithmic bias. Combined with anti-trans ID policies that invalidate gender markers, these verification systems create barriers that lock trans individuals out of online services, communities, and resources without appeals processes. The biased systems pose data privacy risks and threaten to restrict access to critical LGBTQ+ information and support networks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google gives in to users’ complaints over AI-powered ‘Ask Photos’ search featureGoogle Photos now provides users with an easy toggle to disable its AI-powered Ask Photos search feature and return to the classic search experience, addressing widespread complaints about latency and accuracy issues. The new toggle, prominently displayed on the search screen, gives users direct control over their search experience after the previous option was buried in settings. Google continues to improve both search modes based on user feedback while maintaining support for the AI-powered option for those who prefer it.Read more →
Engadget...Google brings Gemini-powered content creation tools to Docs, Sheets, Slides and DriveGoogle is rolling out Gemini updates across its Workspace applications, allowing users to generate document drafts, build spreadsheets, and design presentations through natural language prompts. These AI-powered features, rolling out to premium subscribers starting March 10, leverage contextual data from users' files and communications to automate content creation and reduce manual work.Read more →
CNET...Champions League Soccer: Stream Galatasaray vs. Liverpool Live From AnywhereGalatasaray hosts Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League round-of-16 match on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:45 p.m. ET, with Liverpool aiming to build on its third-place league phase finish. The match streams exclusively on Paramount Plus in the US and through regional partners including TNT Sports, DAZN, and Stan Sport in other countries.Read more →
CNET...Enjoy Our Favorite Plumber's Special Day This Mar10 Here at CNETNintendo celebrates Mario's 40th anniversary in North America on March 10, known as Mar10 Day, a date when the company traditionally announces new games and merchandise. CNET is covering Mario-related announcements and highlighting deals on Mario games and toys throughout the day. The celebration marks decades of the iconic character's impact on gaming culture.Read more →
TechCrunch...Legora reaches $5.55 billion valuation as AI legaltech boom enduresLegora, an AI-powered legal platform built primarily on Claude, reached a $5.55 billion valuation following a $550 million Series D funding round led by Accel and other major investors. The platform, used by 800 law firms, differentiates itself from competitors like Harvey and Microsoft's legal plugins by specializing in complex case workflows rather than general legal assistance. The company is experiencing rapid expansion, growing from 40 to 400 employees in one year and planning significant presence in U.S. markets with new offices in Houston and Chicago.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta acquired Moltbook, the AI agent social network that went viral because of fake postsMeta acquired Moltbook, a social network enabling AI agents to communicate with one another, integrating the platform's creators into its Superintelligence Labs division. The acquisition aims to advance Meta's agentic AI capabilities and provide secure experiences for AI agents to assist users and businesses, addressing Moltbook's previous security vulnerabilities that allowed impersonation of AI agents.Read more →
The Verge...I reviewed the MacBook Neo, ask me anythingA host will conduct a live Q&A session about Apple's newly announced $599 laptop. The session is scheduled for 11AM PT / 2PM ET and is available to subscribers.Read more →
Engadget...A Resident Evil Requiem story expansion is in the worksCapcom is developing a story expansion for Resident Evil Requiem to extend the game's 30-hour campaign. Additional features including a photo mode and a mini-game are in development, with the mini-game launching around May. The expansion remains in early development with no confirmed release date.Read more →
The Verge...V-bucks are getting more X-pensiveEpic Games is increasing the cost of Fortnite's premium V-bucks currency starting March 19th, with players receiving fewer V-bucks for the same price to offset rising operational costs. The Battle Pass and other in-game currency packs are also being adjusted, while similar price increases will affect the premium currency in Epic's Fall Guys game.Read more →
The Verge...The twist in the Ticketmaster antitrust fightThe Vergecast episode covers major tech industry developments including music streaming market consolidation, Anthropic's relationship with the Department of Defense, and advancements in foldable smartphone technology, examining their broader implications for competition and consumer choice.Read more →
Gizmodo...Arnold Schwarzenegger Says He May Be Back for the Next ‘Predator’Entertainment industry updates reveal Arnold Schwarzenegger in talks to return to Predator, Commando, and King Conan franchises with age-appropriate roles, while Disney reportedly cancelled the Star Wars movie Dawn of the Jedi. Meanwhile, production costs are preventing a third season of the Ted series on Peacock, reflecting ongoing challenges in sustaining expensive streaming content.Read more →
The Verge...Yamaha launches Creator Pass for music makers and podcastersA new subscription service has been launched that consolidates multiple subscriptions into a single bundled offering. This approach simplifies user management and potentially reduces overall subscription costs through a unified payment system.Read more →
The Verge...YouTube is expanding its AI deepfake detection tool to politicians and journalistsYouTube is expanding its likeness detection tool, similar to Content ID but for faces, to journalists, government officials, and political candidates beginning this week. The tool allows users to request removal of AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized content using their likeness, while maintaining protections for parody, satire, and political commentary under YouTube's privacy policy. This expansion reflects YouTube's efforts to balance content creator rights with free expression as AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent on the platform.Read more →
CNET...Photoshop's AI Assistant Can Edit Photos for You, if You Want ThatAdobe has made Photoshop's AI assistant publicly available in web and mobile apps, enabling users to request edits through conversational prompts that the AI can independently execute. This release reflects Adobe's broader strategy around agentic AI design, with recent surveys showing 86% of creators use generative AI tools and 80% report it helps them create content they otherwise couldn't have made.Read more →
TechCrunch...YouTube expands AI deepfake detection to politicians, government officials, and journalistsYouTube is expanding its AI deepfake detection technology to a pilot group of government officials, political candidates, and journalists, enabling them to identify and request removal of unauthorized AI-generated content depicting their likeness. The platform aims to balance protection against AI-driven misinformation with free expression safeguards for parody and political critique, while supporting federal legislation like the NO FAKES Act to regulate unauthorized voice and visual recreations.Read more →
TechCrunch...YouTube expands AI deepfake detection for politicians, government officials, and journalistsYouTube is expanding its AI deepfake detection technology to government officials, political candidates, and journalists, enabling them to identify and request removal of unauthorized AI-generated content impersonating them. The system balances combating misinformation while protecting legitimate expressions like political satire and critique. YouTube will evaluate removal requests against existing privacy policies and plans to eventually allow users to prevent violating uploads or monetize such content.Read more →
CNET...These Fun New Emoji Should Be Dropping Soon in iOS 26.4Apple is rolling out eight new Unicode-approved emoji in the upcoming iOS 26.4 update, including an orca whale, trombone, and Sasquatch, which will be available to all users in late March or early April. The emoji were approved by the Unicode Consortium in September as part of Unicode 17.0 and expand user expression capabilities across communication platforms.Read more →
CNET...MWC 2026 Recap: All the Phones, AI Toys, Robots, Concepts We Saw in BarcelonaMobile World Congress 2026 revealed significant innovations across smartphones, wearables, and smart glasses, with major emphasis on privacy features and AI integration. Key announcements included Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display, Alibaba's Qwen smart glasses undercutting Meta's prices, and novel form factors from brands like Oukitel and Honor. The event demonstrated industry trends toward hardware-based security protections and diverse smartphone designs beyond traditional formats.Read more →
CNET...11 Things Your Dishwasher Will Quietly DestroyThe article warns against putting delicate and valuable kitchen items in the dishwasher, explaining how high temperatures and water pressure damage materials like wood, glass, and metal. It lists 11 items including wooden cutting boards, wine glasses, kitchen knives, and cast-iron cookware that require hand washing to preserve their longevity and quality.Read more →
The Verge...Sonos just launched Play, a new $299 portable speakerSonos is launching new speaker models, the Play and Era 100 SL, as it recovers from a previous app setback. The release marks the company's return to focusing on core audio product development and market expansion.Read more →
Engadget...The Sonos Play puts the best parts of the Era 100 in a portable speakerSonos has launched the $299 Play portable speaker and $189 Era 100 SL as part of its recovery from a 2024 app disaster, filling gaps in the company's product lineup. The Play introduces a new Bluetooth grouping feature that allows multiple speakers to wirelessly coordinate, while the Era 100 SL provides an affordable entry point without microphones. Both products integrate fully with Sonos's multi-room audio ecosystem and streaming services.Read more →
The Verge...iRobot’s Roomba Mini can clean where its larger robovacs can’t reachiRobot has introduced a compact robot vacuum approximately half the size of its existing models, featuring a smaller self-emptying dock for reduced footprint and maintenance needs. This design targets consumers seeking autonomous cleaning solutions with space constraints.Read more →
TechCrunch...Adobe is debuting an AI assistant for PhotoshopAdobe is rolling out an AI assistant for Photoshop in beta that enables users to edit images through natural language prompts, allowing them to remove objects, adjust lighting, and modify backgrounds. The feature is available on web and mobile, with paid users receiving unlimited generations through April 9 and free users getting 20 monthly generations. Adobe is simultaneously expanding its Firefly tool with new AI capabilities including generative fill, object removal, image expansion, upscaling, and one-click background removal.Read more →
Gizmodo...Achingly Sad Video Documents First-Known Case of Red Fox Attacking a Wolf PupResearchers in Italy captured the first documented footage of a red fox killing a wolf pup, marking an unprecedented reversal of the typical predator-prey relationship where wolves normally hunt foxes. The opportunistic attack suggests that mid-sized predators may strategically prey on the young of larger competitors to reduce competition. This finding broadens understanding of predator dynamics and reveals previously unknown threats to wolf reproduction.Read more →
Gizmodo...MacBook Neo Review: No Other Budget Laptop Can CompeteApple introduces the MacBook Neo at $600, bringing its ecosystem to budget-conscious consumers with an A18 Pro chip, 8GB unified memory, and base storage of 256GB. Designed for everyday computing rather than demanding tasks, it compromises on performance and storage but excels in build quality, design aesthetics, and audio for its price class. The device signals Apple's strategic expansion into the budget segment and has generated strong consumer demand, representing a significant shift in the company's product positioning.Read more →
CNET...MacBook Neo Review: The Best Laptop for $600 Is Even Better at $700Apple launched the MacBook Neo at $599, dramatically lowering the entry point for MacBooks by $500 through the A18 Pro iPhone chip and simplified feature set. The device offers premium aluminum design and adequate performance for students and casual users, making it an attractive first laptop despite shorter battery life and missing features like MagSafe charging and higher RAM.Read more →
CNET...Photoshop's AI Assistant Can Edit Photos for You, Including Renaming LayersAdobe has publicly released an AI assistant for Photoshop in web and mobile apps that enables conversational, autonomous photo editing. Users can request complex edits like color changes or object removal, which the AI performs independently. The launch reflects Adobe's broader AI-first strategy and aligns with growing adoption of generative AI tools among creators.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Project Hail Mary’ RocksProject Hail Mary is a sci-fi film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling as a man tasked with saving Earth from cosmic destruction, balancing humor, emotional depth, and stunning visuals. The film explores themes of friendship and teamwork through the dynamic chemistry between the protagonist and an alien companion. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller deliver an engaging cinematic experience that works as both entertainment and thought-provoking narrative.Read more →
CNET...Google's New AI Features Are Trying to Make Data Entry a Thing of the PastGoogle has announced new Gemini AI features across its Workspace suite that automate routine tasks by leveraging users' files, emails, and chats with source citations. The updates include automatic spreadsheet population from web searches, natural language-driven presentation creation, and intelligent content generation. These features aim to significantly reduce manual data entry and streamline workplace productivity.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s Gemini AI is getting a bigger role across Docs, Sheets, and SlidesGoogle is embedding Gemini AI deeper into Workspace apps, adding features like a chat interface in Docs for document generation, AI-powered spreadsheet creation in Sheets, and Gemini-powered search in Drive. These features integrate AI assistance directly into existing workflows, eliminating the need to navigate to separate applications. The rollout targets Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers as well as Workspace customers with Gemini Alpha enabled.Read more →
The Verge...MacBook Neo review: the Mac for the massesApple's new MacBook Neo is a $599 laptop designed for students and first-time buyers, featuring Apple's A18 Pro chip and offering impressive performance that outperforms many more expensive Windows laptops. The device provides strong build quality, excellent trackpad, and solid all-day battery life, making it an exceptional value proposition for everyday computing tasks like web browsing and productivity work. With this entry-level option, Apple now has a clear default recommendation for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable, well-designed laptop without the premium price of higher-end MacBooks.Read more →
The Verge...Project Hail Mary is popcorn sci-fi at its bestProject Hail Mary blends hard science fiction with buddy comedy, following a scientist and alien who must work together to stop a microorganism threatening humanity's survival. The film successfully balances technical scientific concepts with emotional storytelling and humor, creating an accessible yet intellectually engaging space adventure.Read more →
The Verge...You can now ask Photoshop’s AI assistant to edit images for youAdobe announced more agentic AI features for its Creative Cloud apps this week, allowing users to edit images and documents by describing the changes to a chatbot. A native AI-assistant is now available in public beta for Photoshop on web and mobile, and some Adobe apps, including Acrobat and Express, will soon be available to […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Zoom introduces an AI-powered office suite, says AI avatars for meetings arrive this monthZoom is launching AI-powered photorealistic avatars that mimic user appearance and expressions for online meetings, alongside new AI productivity tools including AI Docs, Slides, Sheets, and an agent builder for non-technical users. The company is also introducing deepfake detection technology, voice translation, and enhanced AI features across its platform to compete with other AI-first office software providers. These tools will be available later this month with preview access to productivity apps starting in spring.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google rolls out new Gemini capabilities to Docs, Sheets, Slides, and DriveGoogle is expanding Gemini AI capabilities across Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive to enable users to generate formatted content, refine writing, and organize data directly within productivity tools. The new features leverage existing files, emails, and web data to create first drafts, spreadsheets, and presentations with single prompts, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for external tools.Read more →
TechCrunch...Hyperscale Power is the latest startup to challenge 140-year-old transformer techSolid-state transformers are replacing 140-year-old iron-core transformers as data center power demands surge, with startups raising over $280 million to commercialize the technology. These devices are significantly smaller and more efficient, addressing a critical bottleneck as companies scale AI infrastructure to support increasingly power-hungry server racks. Hyperscale Power, a newly funded startup, claims its approach will further reduce transformer size by operating at higher frequencies, making large-scale data center expansion more feasible.Read more →
TechCrunch...This SpaceX veteran says the next big thing in space is satellites that return to EarthLux Aeterna, a startup founded by a SpaceX satellite veteran, raised $10 million to develop reusable satellites equipped with heat shields that can survive reentry and return to Earth with their payloads. This technology could revolutionize the satellite industry by enabling satellites to be refurbished and upgraded rather than replaced after their typical 5-10 year lifespan. The company plans to test its Delphi spacecraft aboard a SpaceX rocket launching in Q1 2027.Read more →
Engadget...MacBook Neo review: Apple puts every $600 Windows PC to shameApple released the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop powered by an A18 Pro chip that delivers premium design and performance for basic productivity work. The device significantly outperforms Windows competitors at similar price points, featuring a superior display, trackpad, and overall build quality. It marks Apple's first genuinely affordable MacBook while maintaining the company's standards for usability and design.Read more →
CNET...Nintendo Switches Lanes, Sues US Over TariffsNintendo filed a lawsuit against the U.S. federal government seeking refunds for tariffs paid and requesting the court declare the tariffs unlawful, following the Supreme Court's February 2025 ruling that Trump's original tariffs exceeded executive authority. The gaming company joined other major corporations including FedEx and Dollar General in challenging the tariffs, which prompted Nintendo to increase prices on Switch consoles and accessories alongside Microsoft and Sony.Read more →
TechCrunch...Sandbar secures $23M Series A for its AI note-taking ringSandbar, a startup founded by former Meta employees, has raised $23 million in Series A funding for its Stream smart ring, a voice-activated note-taking device with AI assistant capabilities. The ring features a proximity-tuned microphone requiring users to lift their hand to record notes, distinguishing it from passively recording wearables. The company plans to begin shipping this summer while expanding its software and machine learning teams to enhance app functionality and enable agentic workflows.Read more →
Engadget...X says it suspended 800 million accounts in 2024 over spam and manipulationX suspended 800 million accounts during 2024 to combat state-backed manipulation campaigns primarily originating from Russia, China, and Iran, with Russian accounts specifically targeting US election narratives and sowing division. These coordinated efforts represented a significant election security threat through coordinated spam and platform manipulation. X officials confirmed ongoing daily attempts by foreign state actors to create inauthentic networks, with several hundred million additional accounts suspended throughout the year.Read more →
Engadget...Shark's ChillPill puts a mister, fan and cold-plate in one portable packageShark has released the ChillPill, a $150 modular personal cooling system featuring interchangeable fan, mister, and cold plate attachments. The reviewer found the misting and cooling plate features particularly effective for quick personal cooling, with the fan offering strong airflow across multiple intensity levels. While praised for versatility and effectiveness, the device is expensive and lacks included accessories, though the reviewer sees strong potential appeal in hot climates.Read more →
Engadget...The best robot vacuums on a budget for 2026Budget robot vacuums have become significantly more affordable, with quality models now available at $300-$500 price points, making them more accessible than ever. These devices offer convenience for home cleaning but involve trade-offs including lower suction power, smaller dirt capacity, and limited flexibility compared to traditional vacuums. Key considerations when purchasing include floor type, suction power specifications, Wi-Fi connectivity, and obstacle detection features.Read more →
CNET...'R.J. Decker': When Is Episode 2 Coming to Hulu?R.J. Decker, a new drama starring Scott Speedman, adapts Carl Hiaasen's novel about a defamed photographer turned private investigator solving cases in South Florida. The quirky procedural series premiered on ABC on March 3 and streams on Hulu, distinguishing itself from typical broadcast programming through its distinctive writing and performances.Read more →
CNET...The Apple Watch Series 12 Could Bring Back a Throwback iPhone FeatureApple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 in September 2026, with potential new health features including blood pressure monitoring and Touch ID authentication. The device is anticipated to see incremental battery and processor improvements, along with enhanced display technology, while maintaining a similar design and pricing to current models.Read more →
CNET...Why Subtitles Aren't Enough: The Growing Demand for ASL in EntertainmentStreaming platforms and technology companies are increasingly incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters into entertainment content, with initiatives like HBO Max's ASL versions and the SignUp Media Chrome extension expanding access for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Unlike closed captioning, ASL conveys emotional nuance and cultural context in real-time, with companies prioritizing diverse interpreters to ensure authentic representation. This shift represents a movement toward treating ASL as equal to spoken language in mainstream entertainment.Read more →
Gizmodo...One of the Year’s Best Sci-Fi Films (So Far) Is Now Available at HomeGore Verbinski's sci-fi film 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' is now available for digital download, featuring Sam Rockwell recruiting actors to save the world from a killer AI through time travel. The digital release comes about a month after the theatrical release, which performed well enough for the distributor to extend its cinema window. Physical media versions will arrive on April 21.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI network startup Eridu emerges from stealth with hefty $200M Series AEridu, an AI networking startup founded by veteran entrepreneur Drew Perkins, has emerged from stealth with $230 million in funding to address a critical bottleneck in AI infrastructure: the networking between GPUs in large data centers. The startup is developing AI-optimized networking chips that integrate more functionality on-chip, significantly reducing latency, power consumption, and cost compared to traditional data center networking solutions. This innovation could prove essential as organizations scale up massive AI deployments requiring millions of interconnected GPUs.Read more →
Engadget...You can now use ChatGPT to open Shazam instead of... just opening ShazamShazam has been integrated into ChatGPT, enabling users to identify songs directly through the chat interface without launching the separate app. Users can activate the feature through prompts like 'Shazam, what's playing?' and receive song details including artist information and artwork. The integration is now rolling out globally across iOS, Android, and web platforms.Read more →
Engadget...FAA opens up real world testing for air taxi startupsThe US Department of Transportation approved eight pilot programs across 26 states enabling eVTOL companies including Archer and Joby to begin testing aircraft this summer for applications such as urban air taxis, passenger transport, cargo, and emergency medical operations. This regulatory milestone represents a major breakthrough after years of developmental delays, allowing manufacturers to progress toward full commercial certification. The approval supports the White House's Advanced Air Mobility program and brings the industry closer to practical deployment, with Joby targeting certification by mid-2027 and Archer by 2028.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: The new iPad Air M4 is Apple's best overall tabletApple releases M4-powered iPad Air with improved performance but retains its 2020 display design and lacks FaceID. The company delays its smart home display until fall due to ongoing Siri AI improvements, while Qualcomm's new Ventuno Q board brings advanced AI and robotics capabilities to Arduino's platform.Read more →
CNET...These Are the New Emoji Coming to Your iPhone or Android Device SoonApple will release eight new Unicode 17.0-approved emoji in iOS 26 during early 2026, including a trombone, treasure chest, orca, and landslide. These additions will be available across iPhones and Android devices, offering expanded expressive options for users.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘One Piece’ Finds Its Groove in Its Second VoyageNetflix's One Piece: Into the Grand Line improves upon its debut season with enhanced action choreography, deeper character development, and strong cast chemistry, while maintaining the series' signature blend of humor and emotional depth. The live-action adaptation continues to prove that anime-to-screen translations can succeed, though its pacing suggests the most significant plot developments are reserved for upcoming seasons.Read more →
CNET...Daylight Saving Time Always Takes Me Down. I'm Using This Tech to RecoverA wellness tech writer recommends using smart devices such as sunrise alarm clocks, sleep trackers, smart water bottles, and app blockers to help mitigate daylight saving time's negative effects on sleep and circadian rhythm. These technologies can help regulate sleep schedules, maintain hydration, and reduce distracting device usage during the seasonal transition. By strategically deploying existing wellness gadgets, individuals can more effectively adjust to DST and maintain better physical and mental health.Read more →
CNET...8 Common Foods That Are More Likely to Contain MicroplasticsMicroplastics are found in everyday foods including seafood, rice, salt, bottled water, and processed proteins, with recent studies showing these particles accumulate in human organs and bloodstream. While the FDA considers current levels safe, researchers recommend minimizing exposure through practical measures such as switching to glass containers, loose-leaf tea, and tap water. Long-term health effects remain under investigation but include potential inflammation, tissue damage, and hormonal imbalances.Read more →
The Verge...Meta’s deepfake moderation isn’t good enough, says Oversight BoardMeta's methods for identifying deepfakes are "not robust or comprehensive enough" to handle how quickly misinformation spreads during armed conflicts like the Iran war. That's according to the Meta Oversight Board - a semi-independent body that guides the company's content moderation practices - which is now calling on Meta to overhaul how it surfaces and […]Read more →
CNET...The Best Way to Make Bacon Isn't a Frying Pan or Oven. Here's the Tool I UseThis article compares three methods for cooking bacon—frying pan, oven, and air fryer—evaluating each on speed, cleanliness, and quality. The air fryer emerged as the winner, cooking bacon in 7 minutes with minimal mess and perfect crispiness, though capacity is limited to 6-7 strips. For home cooks prioritizing convenience and speed, the air fryer method provides a superior alternative to traditional stovetop or oven approaches.Read more →
TechCrunch...Whoop launches a new blood test focused on women’s healthFitness wearable maker Whoop launched a women's health blood testing panel with 11 biomarkers to assess hormonal health and cycle patterns, alongside a new AI-powered app feature that predicts menstrual cycles. The expansion reflects growing demand in the women's health market, where Whoop's female user base has grown 150% year-over-year and shows 30% higher engagement with AI features.Read more →
Engadget...The Oversight Board says Meta needs new rules for AI-generated contentMeta's Oversight Board is demanding the company overhaul its AI-generated content policies by creating dedicated rules separate from misinformation guidelines and investing in more robust detection technology and digital watermarking. The recommendation stems from an AI-generated misinformation video about Israeli buildings during the Israel-Iran conflict that went viral with over 700,000 views despite not meeting Meta's labeling standards.Read more →
CNET...Best Small Soundbar of 2026CNET reviews compact soundbars that deliver quality audio without requiring large spaces or major investments, highlighting models like the Roku Streambar that combines streaming and audio functionality. The guide demonstrates that smaller soundbars can provide excellent sound quality, with specific recommendations tailored to different needs such as dialogue clarity or music performance, with prices often under $100.Read more →
CNET...The Whoop Health Tracker Hops on the Women’s Health Train With 2 New OfferingsWhoop launched new women's health features combining wearable data with hormonal insights to provide personalized menstrual cycle predictions and symptom forecasting. The company introduced a Women's Health Specialized Blood Biomarker Panel featuring 11 key biomarkers focused on hormones, thyroid function, and cycle health, launching in April for $299. These initiatives address historical gaps in women's health research by enabling users to identify irregularities and facilitate informed conversations with healthcare providers.Read more →
Engadget...TikTok can continue its operations in Canada after agreeing to enhanced security measuresCanada has reversed its 2024 decision to shut down TikTok operations, allowing the platform to continue operating following a national security review. The platform must implement enhanced data security measures, privacy protections for minors, and third-party audits to verify data access controls. This decision, made after Prime Minister Mark Carney's early 2025 visit to China, aims to protect Canadian jobs while ensuring stricter regulatory oversight.Read more →
CNET...The Best Microcurrent Devices for Firmer Skin in 2026This review evaluates FDA-cleared microcurrent facial devices for anti-aging and skin lifting benefits, recommending NuFace Trinity Plus as the best overall option for its ease of use and customization features. Alternative devices like ZIIP Halo and FOREO Bear 2 offer unique features including nanocurrent technology, LED light therapy, and massage functions. Results vary based on individual factors and consistent use, with manufacturers typically recommending five weekly treatments for optimal outcomes.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nvidia Is Reportedly Developing Its Own Answer to OpenClawNvidia is developing NemoClaw, an open-source AI agent platform to compete with OpenAI's claw ecosystem. The company is providing free early access to enterprise software companies like Google, Adobe, and Salesforce to establish standards for this emerging AI agent technology. This strategic move leverages Nvidia's control over AI infrastructure and its Nemotron models to shape the personal AI assistant market.Read more →
The Verge...You Could Be NextAI training companies like Mercor, Scale AI, and Surge AI are hiring highly educated professionals to generate training data for machine learning models, but these workers face extreme precarity including sudden project cancellations, invasive surveillance, pay cuts, and lack of worker protections. The arrangement mirrors gig-economy platforms like Uber and Lyft, raising concerns about labor exploitation and sparking legal challenges around worker misclassification. As AI companies automate knowledge work, they are simultaneously creating unstable, low-wage jobs for professionals whose careers these systems threaten to replace.Read more →
TechCrunch...Uzbekistan’s Uzum valuation leaps over 50% in seven months to $2.3BUzbekistan's Uzum reached a $2.3 billion valuation following a $131.5 million investment, reflecting strong investor confidence in Central Asia's emerging digital economy. The fintech platform, which combines e-commerce, payments, and banking services, serves over 20 million users and achieved $691 million in revenue in 2025. Uzum plans to pursue a pre-IPO funding round of $250-300 million in late 2026 or early 2027 and aims to list within three years.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple now makes one in four iPhones in India: reportApple has reached a milestone of manufacturing 25% of its iPhones in India, achieving a JPMorgan prediction from 2022 as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on China. This shift accelerated in 2025 due to U.S. tariff uncertainty, with India now fulfilling the majority of U.S. demand. The move reflects Apple's broader supply chain diversification strategy amid trade policy volatility.Read more →
TechCrunch...Yann LeCun’s AMI Labs raises $1.03 billion to build world modelsAMI Labs, cofounded by Turing Prize winner Yann LeCun, has raised $1.03 billion to develop world models—AI systems that learn from reality rather than language alone. The company aims to address limitations of large language models, particularly in healthcare applications through its partnership with Nabla. This funding round reflects growing investor confidence in world models as the next frontier in AI development.Read more →
Gizmodo...Jay Graber Is Leaving Her Role as CEO of BlueskyJay Graber is stepping down as CEO of Bluesky to become Chief Innovation Officer, with venture capitalist Toni Schneider taking the interim CEO role. The transition comes as Bluesky faces declining user engagement, with mobile app usage down nearly 40% year-over-year, and ongoing discussions about the platform's predominantly progressive user base and echo chamber effects.Read more →
Gizmodo...Google and OpenAI Just Filed a Legal Brief in Support of AnthropicAnthropic's legal challenge against federal government restrictions gained support from rival AI companies Google and OpenAI, with 37 engineers and scientists filing an amicus brief defending Anthropic's ethical 'red lines' on surveillance and autonomous weapons. The brief argues the government's actions constitute an improper abuse of power with serious ramifications for the AI industry, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly criticizing the decision.Read more →
TechCrunch...An iPhone-hacking toolkit used by Russian spies likely came from U.S military contractorA mass hacking campaign targeting iPhone users in Ukraine and China deployed a sophisticated toolkit called Coruna that was originally developed by U.S. military contractor L3Harris for government surveillance. The tools were stolen by a former employee and resold through Russian brokers before reaching Chinese cybercriminals, compromising potentially millions of devices globally.Read more →
TechCrunch...Electric air taxi maker Archer hits back at Joby in countersuit alleging concealed Chinese tiesArcher Aviation filed counterclaims accusing rival Joby Aviation of defrauding the U.S. government by misrepresenting itself as American-made while sourcing critical aircraft components from Chinese suppliers with government support. The allegations include fraudulent misclassification of Chinese materials as consumer goods to evade tariffs, impacting both companies' eligibility for government contracts and Trump's new electric air taxi program.Read more →
TechCrunch...Founders Fund nears $6 billion close for latest growth fund, sources sayPeter Thiel's Founders Fund is closing its fourth growth fund with $6 billion in capital commitments, demonstrating strong investor demand and the firm's continued expansion into late-stage venture investments. The fundraise reflects the firm's aggressive growth strategy and recent major investment in Anthropic, positioning it as a significant player in funding both leading AI labs and other high-growth companies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump’s Transportation Secretary Promises the ‘Future of Aviation’ With New eVTOL ProgramThe U.S. Transportation Department launched eight pilot projects to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles across 26 states beginning this summer. The Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program will generate data to inform FAA regulations and showcase applications in passenger transport, cargo delivery, and emergency medical response. The initiative aims to establish American leadership in air mobility while competing with international efforts to commercialize next-generation aircraft.Read more →
Gizmodo...Employees of Google and OpenAI Just Filed a Legal Brief in Support of AnthropicAnthropic filed lawsuits challenging the federal government's authority to designate it a national security supply chain risk and restrict major firms from working with it. An amicus brief signed by 37 engineers and researchers from Google and OpenAI argues the government action constitutes improper abuse of power, supporting Anthropic's safety-focused red lines against mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The filing demonstrates industry-wide concern about government regulatory overreach affecting AI development.Read more →
CNET...Here's How to Track the Artemis II Mission in Real Time With NASA's New ToolNASA is launching Artemis II in April, marking humanity's first return to the moon since 1972. The agency released a real-time tracking tool (AROW) allowing the public to monitor the mission via website and mobile app with augmented reality features. This initiative aims to rekindle public interest in lunar exploration and advance long-term research for eventual Mars missions.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 10, #533This article provides hints and solutions for the New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, a subscription-based word puzzle game featuring sports-themed categories. The guide breaks down answers across four difficulty levels, with solutions based on sports team names, football terminology, NFL player associations, and NBA team references.Read more →
CNET...Apple's iPhone 17E vs. iPhone 17, Air, Pro, Pro Max: Comparing the Full LineupApple unveiled the iPhone 17E at $599, featuring doubled storage to 256GB, MagSafe support, and the new A19 chip as upgrades over its predecessor. The device maintains an entry-level profile with a single 48-megapixel rear camera, 60Hz display, and no Dynamic Island, offering an affordable option for budget-conscious users and those upgrading from older models. The 17E provides competitive battery life and performance while preserving cost efficiency within Apple's iPhone 17 lineup.Read more →
Engadget...Rode’s Rodecaster Video Core makes livestreaming even cheaperRode launches Rodecaster Video Core, a budget-friendly all-in-one streaming solution positioned below its flagship models for creators on a budget or those adding video to existing audio setups. The device features app-based control, supports up to four simultaneous video sources, and integrates seamlessly with existing Rode audio equipment. It enables streaming to major platforms like YouTube and Twitch while supporting professional workflows with DaVinci Resolve exports.Read more →
TechCrunch...Electric air taxis are about to take flight in 26 statesThe FAA approved eight pilot programs enabling companies like Archer, Beta, and Joby to test electric aircraft (eVTOL) across 26 states starting summer 2026, accelerating commercial timelines by up to one year without requiring full regulatory certification. These programs aim to establish safety standards and operational concepts for urban air taxis, regional flights, cargo delivery, and emergency medicine while boosting the stock prices of participating companies.Read more →
The Verge...Apple smart home display rumors now point to a fall launch with iOS 27Apple is timing its hardware product launches based on Siri's capabilities and development timeline, indicating a strategic pivot toward AI-integrated devices. This approach reflects the company's emphasis on artificial intelligence as a core differentiator in its product ecosystem.Read more →
Gizmodo...Disney Is Trying Something Different With Its Next Live-Action RemakeDisney is developing a live-action Tinker Bell series for Disney+, marking a strategic shift from the studio's traditional theatrical live-action remakes. The streaming series signals Disney's willingness to adapt its extensive IP catalog for streaming platforms. The project's success could influence whether additional live-action remakes transition from theatrical to streaming formats.Read more →
Engadget...You can (sort of) block Grok from editing your uploaded photosxAI has added a feature allowing users to block modifications of their uploaded images on Grok, responding to a major early-2026 scandal where the chatbot generated approximately 3 million sexualized images, including an estimated 23,000 involving children. This has triggered separate EU regulatory investigations. While the feature represents a protective step, security experts note it has limited effectiveness with available workarounds remaining.Read more →
The Verge...The government shutdown is hitting airports — but not ICEA partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has left thousands of federal employees unpaid for weeks, causing major disruptions including hours-long airport security lines. However, immigration enforcement agencies ICE and CBP continue deportation and detention operations unabated due to separate multi-year funding ($170 billion through 2029) authorized outside the shutdown appropriations. Congressional Democrats have demanded reforms including body cameras, anti-racial profiling measures, and targeted enforcement, but these demands have stalled amid disputes over the shutdown.Read more →
CNET...Australians Flock to VPNs in the Wake of Online Age-Restriction LawsAustralia's new age-restriction laws for adult websites and AI chatbots have prompted a significant surge in VPN app downloads as users seek to circumvent location-based restrictions. VPN applications now comprise three of the fifteen most-downloaded free iPhone apps in Australia. Similar regulatory efforts are emerging globally, with US states like Michigan and Wisconsin proposing measures to restrict or ban VPN usage.Read more →
The Verge...Everything from the last week of everything is gambling nowKalshi faces a class action lawsuit for failing to pay out wagers on Ayatollah Khamenei's removal, as the platform only implemented promised payouts after his death. The company is simultaneously growing its user base, with female users doubling to 26 percent in ten months. The prediction markets industry faces increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny over sports betting and horse racing wagering.Read more →
Gizmodo...Most Self-Respecting X Users Are Probably Going to Want to Change This New SettingX added an opt-out toggle on iOS to prevent Grok from modifying user content in replies, addressing concerns about non-consensual image manipulation. However, the feature is easily circumvented as users can still edit images through the Grok app directly or re-upload and tag Grok to modify them. The limited implementation demonstrates X's minimal effort to address the privacy concern.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI and Google employees rush to Anthropic’s defense in DOD lawsuitOver 30 employees from OpenAI and Google DeepMind filed an amicus brief supporting Anthropic's lawsuit against the Department of Defense, which designated the AI company a supply chain risk after it refused to enable mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The employees argue this designation represents an improper abuse of power and that contractual and technical restrictions by AI developers serve as critical safeguards against misuse. The filing raises concerns about government overreach's impact on U.S. AI industry competitiveness and the broader implications for AI safety governance.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Powers Up With One Final TrailerNintendo released the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arriving April 1, announcing new cast members including Donald Glover as Yoshi. The film features stunning animation and kid-friendly humor from the first billion-dollar hit, though questions remain about balancing nostalgic fan appeal with story depth. The ensemble cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, and other prominent voice actors.Read more →
CNET...People Spent Less Time on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn Last Year. Here's WhyA Buffer analysis of 52 million social media posts reveals that engagement declined on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads in 2025 despite post volumes doubling across platforms. The decline is driven by algorithm changes, excessive suggested content and ads, and AI-generated content flooding user feeds, making it harder for users to engage with content from people they actually follow.Read more →
CNET...10 Great Horror Movies to Watch on Prime Video if You DarePrime Video offers a curated selection of horror films ranging from recent releases like Blink Twice and Nosferatu to classic titles such as American Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The streaming service provides both ad-supported and ad-free viewing options, making it an accessible platform for horror enthusiasts across multiple sub-genres including psychological thrillers, creature features, and satirical horror.Read more →
Gizmodo...Elon Musk Wants a Do-Over on Twitter Trial After Jury Pool Couldn’t Hide Its DisdainElon Musk's legal team filed a mistrial motion in a securities fraud lawsuit, citing alleged misconduct by opposing counsel and the judge, including violation of pretrial rulings and jury selection bias. The case involves accusations that Musk made misleading public statements about Twitter spam accounts to manipulate stock prices prior to his October 2022 acquisition. The motion seeks trial restart with a new jury rather than case dismissal.Read more →
The Verge...Employees across OpenAI and Google support Anthropic’s lawsuit against the PentagonAnthropic filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense over a supply chain risk designation imposed after refusing to allow military use of its AI for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Nearly 40 employees from OpenAI and Google filed an amicus brief supporting Anthropic's position, arguing the designation is improper retaliation and that AI-enabled mass surveillance and autonomous lethal weapons pose significant risks requiring guardrails. The designation prevents Anthropic from defense contracts despite Claude already being integrated into Pentagon operations.Read more →
Engadget...Dutch intelligence services warn of Russian hackers targeting Signal and WhatsAppRussian hackers have launched a large-scale global cyber campaign targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts of government officials, military personnel, and civil servants by impersonating support chatbots to steal account PINs, enabling unauthorized access to private communications. The attack represents an escalation of sophisticated social engineering targeting secure communication platforms, following similar incidents reported by the US Pentagon. The warning underscores the persistent vulnerability of high-value targets to phishing attacks despite using encrypted messaging apps.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Most Dangerous Molecule in ‘Star Trek’ HistoryThe article explores the Omega molecule, a fictional Star Trek concept representing an unstable superweapon capable of permanently rupturing subspace and destroying intergalactic civilization, which becomes central to Starfleet Academy's season finale as a stolen and weaponized threat. The piece traces Omega's history across Star Trek canon and explains how its current use by the Venari Ral pirate faction poses an extinction-level crisis even greater than the recent Burn catastrophe.Read more →
Gizmodo...M5 Max MacBook Pro Review: Preeminent Power In the Same Old ShellApple's M5 Max MacBook Pro demonstrates exceptional performance, substantially outperforming competing processors from AMD and Intel across benchmarks and gaming tests. However, the device's $3,600+ starting price, thermal limitations under sustained workloads, and aging industrial design limit its practical appeal despite its raw computational power.Read more →
CNET...Apple's Foldable iPhone Just Got Its Most Convincing Leak YetApple's rumored foldable iPhone design has been revealed through CAD renderings, showing a book-style foldable with a wider, tablet-like aspect ratio when unfolded. With Samsung Display chosen as the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels and mass production expected to begin mid-2026, the device could launch alongside the iPhone 18 in September 2026, marking Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market.Read more →
The Verge...Bluesky CEO Jay Graber will step asideJay Graber became the first CEO of Bluesky in 2021 when the network and its AT Protocol spun out from life as a Twitter research project to go independent, but now she's leaving that role, as reported previously by Wired. While venture capitalist and former Automattic CEO Toni Schneider steps in as interim CEO until […]Read more →
Gizmodo...These Self-Configuring Modular Robots May One Day Rule the WorldResearchers have developed reconfigurable modular robots composed of autonomous units that can dynamically reconfigure themselves into different shapes to adapt to their environments. Each self-contained module can attach in billions of possible configurations, enabling the robots to automatically evolve solutions for diverse tasks with future potential for self-repair and self-replication.Read more →
Engadget...Bluesky's CEO is stepping down after nearly 5 yearsBluesky CEO Jay Graber is stepping down to focus on innovation while Toni Schneider, former Automattic CEO, takes over temporarily to scale the 43-million-user platform. The leadership transition reflects Bluesky's maturation and shift toward operational execution and monetization efforts. Graber will remain as Chief Innovation Officer as the company's board searches for a permanent CEO.Read more →
The Verge...You can get three months of Disney Plus and Hulu for $15Disney Plus and Hulu are offering a promotional bundle for $4.99 per month for three months, with the incentive timed to the first-ever live Oscars broadcast on Hulu on March 15th. The discounted package provides access to both platforms' full catalogs but includes ads and disables offline downloads, with the promotion expiring March 24th before returning to the regular $12.99 monthly price.Read more →
Gizmodo...Novo Nordisk and Hims End Their Ozempic War. Here’s What It Means for YouNovo Nordisk and telehealth company Hims have reached a settlement partnership in which Hims will sell FDA-approved Ozempic and Wegovy at discounted rates while discontinuing promotion of compounded GLP-1 alternatives. This agreement is expected to significantly reduce the gray market for compounded weight loss drugs by making official medications more competitively priced and accessible through telehealth channels.Read more →
CNET...World Baseball Classic 2026: How to Watch Week 2 Games for FreeThe 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway from March 5-17, featuring 20 elite national teams competing for the championship. In the US, all games stream on Fox Sports (FS1 and FS2), with six games available free on Tubi, and coverage accessible through multiple cable and streaming platforms including YouTube TV, Hulu, and Sling TV.Read more →
The Verge...Apple's new M5 Max feels like a huge upgrade if you bought your laptop 3 years agoApple's new M5 and M5 Max MacBooks feature up to 2x faster SSD speeds and 18-26% GPU improvements, though CPU performance gains remain modest compared to M4 models. While offering limited appeal for recent MacBook owners, they deliver significant improvements for users with three-year-old M2 laptops, particularly benefiting content creators with demanding workloads.Read more →
The Verge...Apple Studio Display XDR review: pro at a premiumApple has unveiled the Studio Display XDR, a professional 27-inch 5K display priced at $3,299 that replaces the previous Pro Display XDR. The display features a mini-LED panel with 2,304 local dimming zones, 2,000 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and comprehensive reference modes for creative professionals. Designed specifically for Mac users, it offers improved camera and speakers, plus support for medical imaging calibration and Apple's new CMF 2026 color standard coming in April.Read more →
Engadget...Apple reportedly delays its planned smart display launch to fallApple is postponing the launch of its smart home display device (J490) from spring 2026 to September 2026 due to incomplete AI updates for Siri. The hardware has been ready for months, but the company's AI-centric Siri overhaul remains unfinished. This delay reflects Apple's ongoing challenges in developing competitive artificial intelligence capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Be Back… as Conan the BarbarianArnold Schwarzenegger has announced that Oscar-winning director Christopher McQuarrie will write and direct King Conan, a third film in the Conan franchise set up at Disney's 20th Century Studios. The project represents the closest the actor has come to reviving the franchise in decades, with Schwarzenegger noting the role will be age-appropriate while still featuring action, magic, and special effects.Read more →
The Verge...One of this rugged phone's cameras is a pop-out action camUlefone's RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro introduces a detachable rear camera that functions as a standalone action camera while maintaining wireless connectivity to the smartphone for preview and charging. This innovation combines modular magnetic design with rugged durability, expanding smartphone camera versatility beyond fixed-lens systems.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic launches code review tool to check flood of AI-generated codeAnthropic launched Code Review, an AI-powered tool that automatically reviews pull requests and catches bugs in code generated by Claude Code. The product uses a multi-agent architecture to analyze code from multiple perspectives, focusing on logical errors rather than style issues, and integrates directly with GitHub for enterprise teams. The tool addresses the bottleneck of reviewing high volumes of AI-generated code, with estimated costs of $15-25 per review.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Lightning-in-a-Box’ Concept Could Shrink a Thunderstorm to the Size of Your ThumbPenn State engineers have designed a theoretical apparatus to replicate lightning strikes inside small solid blocks of common materials like glass or quartz. If experimentally validated, this desktop-scale device smaller than a deck of cards could enable cost-effective study of lightning physics, eliminating the need for expensive large-scale atmospheric experiments.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bluesky CEO Jay Graber steps downBluesky CEO Jay Graber is stepping down to become chief innovation officer, with Toni Schneider, former CEO of Automattic, taking the interim CEO role to focus on scaling operations. Graber, who grew the platform to 43 million users and advanced its AT Protocol, will concentrate on technology innovation while the board searches for a permanent CEO. The transition comes as Bluesky faces new compliance challenges from state age assurance laws.Read more →
The Verge...‘Cash Apples’ is giving away $500,000 to people who click on trees in a web browserCash App has launched Cash Apples, a web-based game where US residents can collect golden apples and earn up to $40 per session, repeatable five times daily with a maximum of $200 per day. The promotion, running for five days with $500,000 in total prizes, is designed to drive new Cash App user signups through a partnership with MSCHF. Players must register via a waitlist to participate in this sweepstakes-structured promotion.Read more →
CNET...I Tried Vibe Coding the Same Project Using Different Gemini Models. The Results Were DramaticA developer compared Google's Gemini 3 Pro thinking model with the faster Gemini 2.5 Flash model by creating the same vibe coding project with both. Gemini 3 Pro produced higher quality results with fewer iterations and proactively suggested improvements, while Gemini 2.5 Flash required more manual work and specific prompting. The comparison reveals that reasoning models offer superior autonomous problem-solving for complex projects, though at the cost of speed, while fast models prioritize efficiency but require more user intervention.Read more →
CNET...AI Is One of the Least-Liked Things in America, According to New NBC PollA new NBC News survey reveals only 26% of Americans view artificial intelligence positively, with 46% expressing negative views and a net favorability of -20. This reflects a significant disconnect between the tech industry's heavy investment in AI and public concerns about job displacement, privacy issues, misinformation, and the undermining of human-made work.Read more →
TechCrunch...It looks like the DOJ isn’t going to break up Live Nation and TicketmasterThe U.S. Department of Justice has tentatively settled an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, requiring up to $280 million in fines and the sale of at least 13 venues. However, 26 state attorneys general have rejected the settlement, arguing it fails to adequately address the core monopoly issues that have driven up ticket prices and limited competition in the live events market.Read more →
Engadget...Uber expands its program that helps pair women riders and driversUber has expanded its Women Preferences feature nationwide, allowing women riders and drivers to preferentially match with each other. The feature, previously available in select cities and multiple countries since 2019, enables users to set driver preferences through the app, though matches depend on driver availability. This expansion gives women greater control and choice in their ride-sharing experiences.Read more →
Gizmodo...People Hate AI Even More Than They Hate ICE, Poll FindsAn NBC poll reveals significant public backlash against AI, with 46% of Americans expressing negative views compared to only 26% positive, making it less popular than even controversial government agencies. Key concerns driving sentiment include job displacement, mental health impacts, military and surveillance applications, and environmental damage from massive data center energy demands. Despite this skepticism, AI platform usage has risen from 48% to 56% between December 2025 and March 2026, highlighting a major disconnect between public concern and actual adoption.Read more →
Gizmodo...Don’t Expect Nic Cage to Play the Exact Same Hero in ‘Spider-Noir’Nicolas Cage stars as a Spider-Noir character in a new Prime Video series, distinct from the Spider-Man variant he voiced in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse films, despite both being played by Cage. This approach allows the standalone TV series to reach audiences unfamiliar with the animated films while avoiding narrative conflicts between the two mediums.Read more →
TechCrunch...Periwinkle is making self-hosted social media on Bluesky’s AT Protocol even easierPeriwinkle, a Berlin-based startup, launches a managed Personal Data Server service built on the AT Protocol, enabling users to operate decentralized social media accounts on their own domains without technical expertise. The service handles server maintenance, updates, and backups, with pricing starting at $4 per month, making decentralized social media more accessible than self-managed alternatives. This offering directly addresses concerns about centralized control of global communication by Big Tech companies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Paramount’s Takeover of Warner Bros Is Turning Into an International CrisisTrump's war with Iran is destabilizing Gulf nations' finances, threatening the $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger that relies on $24 billion from Saudi, Qatari, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth funds. As these countries review their investment commitments due to war-related economic strain, major US projects including AI data centers and media acquisitions face potential funding shortfalls. The situation underscores national security concerns around foreign investment in American technology and entertainment sectors.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung promises 120 games will be playable via its glasses-free 3D monitor tech by the end of the yearSamsung announced its Odyssey 3D Hub gaming platform will feature 120 playable titles by year-end, doubling from the current 60 games. The platform supports glasses-free 3D monitors with head-tracking technology, delivering an immersive gaming experience without requiring special eyewear. The expansion demonstrates sustained industry investment in advancing glasses-free 3D gaming technology.Read more →
Gizmodo...2,000-Year-Old Graffiti in Egyptian Tombs Reveals an Unexpected Source of Ancient TouristsResearchers discovered ancient Tamil inscriptions left by an Indian tourist named Cikai Korran in Egyptian tombs approximately 2,000 years ago, with his name appearing in eight different locations across multiple sites. This archaeological finding provides concrete evidence of Indian visitors to Egypt during this period and reveals a sophisticated level of cultural exchange and understanding between these civilizations. The discovery expands historical knowledge of Indo-Egyptian connections and demonstrates that tourist behavior, including leaving one's mark at famous sites, has remained consistent across millennia.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI acquires Promptfoo to secure its AI agentsOpenAI acquired Promptfoo, an AI security startup, to integrate its LLM vulnerability testing technology into its OpenAI Frontier enterprise platform. The deal reflects frontier labs' efforts to prove AI agents can be deployed safely in critical business operations. Promptfoo's tools, already used by over 25% of Fortune 500 companies, will enable automated red-teaming and security monitoring for AI workflows.Read more →
Engadget...EA laid off staffers across Battlefield studios to 'better align' its teamsEA has laid off an undisclosed number of employees across Battlefield studios including Dice, Criterion, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios as part of an organizational realignment. The move comes despite Battlefield 6's strong performance with over 7 million copies sold in three days, though EA reaffirmed its continued investment in the franchise.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Wild New Theory About Who Billie Piper Is Really Playing in ‘Doctor Who’The BBC has released hints suggesting Billie Piper's upcoming return to Doctor Who may involve Rose Tyler, who has a unique connection to the TARDIS. Fans are speculating whether Rose herself is returning or if Piper is playing a different character, with clarity expected in the upcoming Christmas special.Read more →
TechCrunch...GM figured out how to navigate EV uncertainty with the Chevy BoltGeneral Motors is reviving the Chevrolet Bolt EV with a refreshed model designed to be profitable by leveraging existing EV platforms and components rather than developing an entirely new platform. The new Bolt incorporates technology borrowed from GM's other electric vehicles and includes Android Automotive integration for improved battery management and charging optimization. This incremental improvement strategy demonstrates a pragmatic approach to EV production while maintaining GM's commitment to phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2035.Read more →
CNET...Apple Gave Us the Neo, Now It Might Be Planning a High-End MacBook UltraApple is launching a premium MacBook Ultra this fall featuring the company's first OLED display, touchscreen, M6 chips, and Dynamic Island functionality. Positioned as a high-end offering, the Ultra is expected to cost approximately 20 percent more than the current MacBook Pro M5 series, expanding Apple's MacBook range from the budget Neo to premium models. This move signals a strategic shift to drive higher spending among premium users while maintaining their loyalty within Apple's ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...MacBook Pro 16 M5 Pro, M5 Max Review: Go, Speed Racer, GoApple's 2026 16-inch MacBook Pro maintains its familiar design while delivering significant GPU performance improvements with the M5 line, offering up to 1.7x performance gains for graphics, AI, and creative workloads. The M5 Pro processor provides excellent value for most users, though component costs have driven up pricing, particularly for memory upgrades. Despite unchanged display limitations and premium pricing, these laptops remain among the best options for professional creative work.Read more →
Engadget...Hyper Light Drifter studio workers form union after rounds of layoffsWorkers at Heart Machine, the independent game studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have formed a union with Communications Workers of America Local 9003, covering all 13 frontline employees. The unionization follows significant workforce reductions, including layoffs in November 2024 and the cancellation of Hyper Light Breaker in October 2025. This effort reflects growing momentum within the gaming industry to protect workers and preserve their craft.Read more →
CNET...The Pentagon's Anthropic Feud 'Should Be a Wake-Up Call for Congress'A contract dispute between the US Department of Defense and Anthropic over restrictions on AI use for surveillance and autonomous weapons exposed significant gaps in existing regulations. The Pentagon's declaration of Anthropic as a supply chain risk and subsequent shift to OpenAI highlights how current laws fail to address emerging national security concerns with AI technology. The incident underscores the urgent need for Congressional action to establish clear statutory rules governing military and intelligence agencies' use of AI.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s latest Pixel Watches have fallen to their lowest prices everGoogle's Pixel Watch 4 is now available at a significant discount ($289.99, down $60), featuring dual-frequency GPS, improved 45-hour battery life, repairability, and Gemini AI features that enhance fitness tracking. The previous generation Pixel Watch 3 is also at historic lows, offering solid health and fitness tracking capabilities at an even more affordable price.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic is suing the Department of DefenseThe Trump administration designated Anthropic's AI technology as a supply-chain risk after the company refused to alter its acceptable use policies for its systems. This action reflects heightened government scrutiny of AI development and tensions between regulatory oversight and corporate autonomy in AI governance. The designation highlights concerns about supply-chain vulnerabilities related to advanced AI systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...Anthropic Officially Sues the Pentagon for Labeling the AI Company a ‘Supply Chain Risk’Anthropic filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Defense after being designated a supply chain risk, following the company's refusal to permit Claude AI for mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons development. Anthropic contends this designation constitutes unconstitutional retaliation for the company's protected stance on AI safety, representing an unprecedented application of supply chain risk labeling against a U.S. technology company. The case raises significant questions about government authority, AI safety governance, and implications for U.S. competitiveness in advanced AI development.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Quick and Dirty Primer on Aegon’s Conquest of WesterosWarner Bros. is developing a Game of Thrones feature film focused on Aegon's Conquest, with screenwriter Beau Willimon hired for the project. The film will depict how Aegon Targaryen unified the Seven Kingdoms using dragons and military forces, positioning it as a large-scale production comparable to Dune to expand the franchise beyond existing television series.Read more →
The Verge...Battlefield 6 teams hit with layoffs despite ‘biggest launch in franchise history’Battlefield 6, which achieved record launch sales of 7 million copies in three days, is experiencing layoffs across EA studios including Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive. The layoffs reflect the gaming industry's unsustainable expectations for live-service games and intense market competition for sustained revenue. This follows broader volatility in the competitive shooter market where even major productions struggle to maintain player engagement.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Bros Back a Drone Company as the Pentagon Prepares to Spend BillionsThe Trump sons have backed Powerus, a drone manufacturer planning to go public via merger with a Trump-affiliated company, capitalizing on the administration's plans to increase spending on domestically-produced drones. The Pentagon has announced plans to spend $1 billion on over 200,000 drones by 2027, while the FCC has simultaneously banned foreign-made drones due to national security concerns, significantly reducing competition. This strategic timing allows Powerus to target production of up to 10,000 drones monthly with reduced foreign competition and strong government demand.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ISS May Live for a Little Bit Longer for a Totally Predictable ReasonThe U.S. Senate extended the International Space Station's retirement deadline from 2030 to 2032, providing additional time for private companies to develop commercial orbital alternatives. The legislative action aims to prevent a gap in American human presence in low-Earth orbit and maintain U.S. leadership before China advances its own space capabilities. NASA has been directed to accelerate timelines, requiring finalized requirements within 60 days and contracts with commercial providers within 180 days.Read more →
TechCrunch...Slate Auto changes CEO months ahead of affordable EV launchSlate Auto, a Bezos-backed EV startup, appointed Peter Faricy, a former Amazon Marketplace VP, as its new CEO, replacing founding CEO Christine Barman who becomes President of Vehicles. The leadership change occurs as the company launches its affordable electric truck at a mid-$20,000 starting price and converts 160,000 preorders into actual orders. The hire emphasizes Slate's strategy of leveraging Amazon's marketplace and operational expertise for scaling manufacturing and sales.Read more →
The Verge...Live Nation settles government antitrust suit — that probably doesn’t include a breakupLive Nation-Ticketmaster settled a federal antitrust lawsuit with the DOJ for approximately $200 million, agreeing to open its ticketing platform to competitors, loosen exclusive venue contracts, and cap service fees. However, 27 states and DC are continuing their case, arguing the settlement inadequately addresses monopolistic practices that inflated ticket prices and restricted consumer access.Read more →
The Verge...Donut Lab says latest test proves its solid-state battery isn’t a supercapacitorDonut Lab addressed claims that its fast-discharging battery was actually a supercapacitor by demonstrating that the rapid energy discharge capability is inherent to their proprietary battery design. The startup's validation suggests they have achieved a genuine breakthrough in battery technology rather than repackaging existing supercapacitor technology. This development could significantly impact applications requiring rapid energy discharge, such as fast-charging consumer electronics and energy storage systems.Read more →
CNET...Lego Smart Blocks Are Hitting Shelves. Here's How to Get YoursLego launches Smart Play, an interactive platform combining physical Star Wars building sets with digital features like sounds, lights, and motion-activated effects. The platform includes eight sets priced from $40 to $160, with smart bricks and figurines enabling real-time interactivity, representing a major evolution in traditional toy play.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Daily Multivitamin Might Actually Slow Down Your Biological Clock, Study FindsA large-scale clinical trial by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that daily multivitamin supplementation modestly slowed two biological aging markers in older adults by approximately 1.4 to 2.6 months over two years. The COSMOS study, involving over 21,000 participants, also demonstrated improved memory and potential reduced lung cancer risk among supplement users. While results are modest, researchers believe these findings suggest genuine health benefits from multivitamin use, though further research is needed to understand applications across different age groups.Read more →
TechCrunch...Xprize founder Peter Diamandis launches new contest to manifest a new Star TrekPeter Diamandis launched a $3.5 million Future Vision XPrize to encourage filmmakers to create optimistic science fiction narratives about technology's positive potential, countering the prevalence of dystopian tech stories in mainstream media. The contest aims to inspire people to build better futures by showcasing hopeful technological visions, backed by major tech leaders including Marc Benioff and Google.Read more →
TechCrunch...Qualcomm’s partnership with Neura Robotics is just the beginningNeura Robotics has partnered with Qualcomm to develop next-generation humanoid and general-purpose robots using the semiconductor company's Dragonwing Robotics IQ10 processors. The collaboration will integrate Neura's simulation platform with Qualcomm's edge AI chip technology to accelerate physical AI deployment in domestic and industrial settings. This partnership reflects a growing industry trend where robotics startups combine software expertise with established tech vendors' hardware capabilities for faster market scaling.Read more →
TechCrunch...Russian government hackers targeting Signal and WhatsApp users, Dutch spies warnRussian state actors are conducting a large-scale phishing and social engineering campaign against Signal and WhatsApp users globally, targeting government officials, military personnel, and journalists. The attackers impersonate app support teams or use malicious QR codes to trick users into revealing verification codes and authentication details, allowing them to take over accounts and monitor communications. Victims may be unaware of the compromise, particularly on WhatsApp where hackers can access past messages without triggering a logout notification.Read more →
Engadget...Live Nation settlement avoids breakup with TicketmasterLive Nation settled an antitrust case with the Department of Justice, agreeing to pay at least $200 million to states and divest up to 13 amphitheaters. Ticketmaster must establish a standalone ticketing system enabling third-party competitors like SeatGeek and Eventbrite to sell tickets, with Live Nation prohibited from retaliating against venues using alternative services. This settlement significantly reduces Live Nation's monopolistic control over the live entertainment ticketing industry.Read more →
TechCrunch...Salt Typhoon is hacking the world’s phone and internet giants. Here’s everywhere that’s been hit.Salt Typhoon, a China-attributed hacking group, executed one of the broadest cyber campaigns in recent years, compromising over 200 companies across multiple continents and stealing phone records of senior U.S. government officials. The operation targeted telecom infrastructure through Cisco routers and surveillance devices, enabling widespread espionage of government communications. The breach represents a significant national security threat and demonstrates coordinated preparation for potential conflict with Taiwan.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic sues Defense Department over supply chain risk designationAnthropic has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense after the agency labeled it a supply chain risk in retaliation for refusing unrestricted Pentagon access to its AI systems. The company opposed DOD demands citing concerns about mass surveillance and autonomous weapons systems without human oversight. Anthropic argues the labeling violates the Constitution's protection of free speech and represents unprecedented government overreach.Read more →
The Verge...Yashica’s new retro point-and-shoot revival sounds surprisingly capable for $100Yashica has launched the Tank, a budget-friendly retro point-and-shoot camera priced at approximately $100, featuring a 12-megapixel sensor, 4K video capability, and a flip-able 3-inch display. The device includes essential features such as auto-focus, built-in flash, and microSD card support, positioning itself as an affordable option in the growing nostalgia-driven camera market.Read more →
Gizmodo...Elijah Wood Doesn’t Want Anyone Else Playing Frodo While He’s Still AliveElijah Wood is confirmed to reprise his role as Frodo Baggins in the upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel 'The Hunt for Gollum,' with Ian McKellen expected to return as Gandalf. The casting addresses the franchise's challenge of recasting iconic characters while maintaining fan acceptance, though other original cast members like Viggo Mortensen may not return. Wood expressed his commitment to playing Frodo indefinitely, ensuring continuity with the original trilogy.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic sues US government over supply chain risk designationAnthropic filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon to challenge its designation as a supply chain risk on a national security blocklist. The company claims the designation is unlawful and violates constitutional protections for free speech and due process. This legal action represents Anthropic's response to the Department of Defense's recent security assessment.Read more →
The Verge...X says you can block Grok from editing your photosX's AI tool Grok has introduced a checkbox that prevents users from requesting edits to uploaded images. While providing some control, this feature does not resolve the fundamental issues affecting Grok's image editing functionality. The update represents a narrow fix to a broader problem with the platform's AI capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Live Nation Reaches a Settlement With the DOJ Over Alleged Ticketing MonopolyLive Nation has reached a tentative antitrust settlement with the Department of Justice and 30 states, resolving allegations that the company maintains monopolistic control over concert ticketing and promotions. The settlement addresses longstanding concerns about inflated ticket prices, reduced opportunities for smaller promoters and artists, and service failures highlighted during Taylor Swift's 2022 Eras Tour. The agreement reportedly does not include provisions to break up the company, despite prior calls from lawmakers to do so.Read more →
TechCrunch...Sandberg, Clegg join Nscale board as this ‘Stargate Norway’ startup hits $14.6B valuationBritish AI infrastructure company Nscale secured $2 billion in Series C funding, reaching a $14.6 billion valuation and joining Europe's decacorn ranks, with plans for a potential IPO this year. The capital will accelerate its vertically integrated AI infrastructure platform expansion across Europe, North America, and Asia, supported by major investors including Nvidia, Dell, and new board members Sheryl Sandberg and Susan Decker.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung’s Mario-themed microSD card for Switch 2 is 35 percent offNintendo has reduced the price of its Mario-themed Samsung microSD Express 256GB card from $59.99 to $39.99, now available at major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart. The price cut addresses storage needs for Switch 2 owners, as some modern games exceed 50GB in size and can quickly fill the console's 256GB internal SSD.Read more →
CNET...Hisense Unpacks 2026 U7 and U6 TVs with MiniLEDs and Quantum DotsHisense has unveiled its 2026 U6 and U7 MiniLED TV series, featuring full array local dimming and Quantum Dot color technology at competitive price points. The U7 model offers a native 165Hz refresh rate, AI-powered picture processing, and Dolby Atmos sound, available in sizes from 55 to 116 inches, while the U6 provides similar performance with an onboard subwoofer at a lower tier.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon’s Zoox will test its robotaxis in Dallas and PhoenixAmazon's Zoox announced testing of autonomous vehicles in Dallas and Phoenix, expanding to 10 US cities as it validates sensor and battery performance in diverse environmental conditions. The deployment uses retrofitted Toyota Highlanders with safety drivers before transitioning to purpose-built robotaxis, marking continued progress in the competitive autonomous vehicle market.Read more →
Gizmodo...iPhone 17e Review: So Much More Bang for Your BuckApple significantly improved the iPhone 17e while maintaining its $600 price point, adding MagSafe wireless charging, doubling storage to 256GB, and upgrading to the faster A19 chip and improved 5G connectivity. The device offers exceptional value for budget-conscious consumers, teenagers, and users upgrading from older iPhones, with solid performance and capable cameras despite some limitations compared to higher-end models.Read more →
TechCrunch...Zoox starts mapping Dallas and Phoenix for its robotaxisZoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, is expanding to Dallas and Phoenix as its tenth U.S. market, deploying mapping vehicles and testing its self-driving technology in new urban environments. The company has already accumulated over one million autonomous miles and transported 300,000+ passengers but continues to await federal regulatory approval to launch commercial robotaxi services. The expansion includes new operational depots and command centers in the two Sun Belt cities.Read more →
Gizmodo...SETI Thinks It Might Have Missed a Few Alien Calls. Here’s WhySETI researchers discovered that stellar space weather distorts extraterrestrial radio signals, causing them to spread across frequencies and fall below detection thresholds. The team analyzed legacy spacecraft transmissions to develop a calibration model showing how this effect varies with star distance and solar activity. This finding explains potential radio silence in SETI searches and improves future signal detection algorithms.Read more →
The Verge...Hasbro’s CEO has an AI Peppa Pig help design toysHasbro CEO Chris Cocks discusses the company's strategic pivot toward adult and multigenerational audiences through the GEM Squared framework (gamified, entertainment-driven, multi-purchase, multi-generational), while leveraging AI for accelerated product design and operational efficiency. The company is investing heavily in video games despite industry instability, diversifying manufacturing to mitigate tariff risks, and balancing IP protection with fan creativity in an era of AI-generated content.Read more →
Gizmodo...Expect Grogu to Talk in ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’, Do NotLucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that Grogu will remain silent in the upcoming film 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' maintaining the character's defining characteristic of non-verbal communication. The character has become iconic precisely through his ability to emote via body language and vocalizations rather than speech, a quality that will continue unchanged in the theatrical release. This creative decision underscores how Grogu's appeal lies in his silent presence rather than dialogue.Read more →
Engadget...iPad Air M4 review: Still Apple's best overall tablet, with a few caveatsApple released the iPad Air M4 with improved M4 processor and increased RAM, delivering significant performance gains with 39% GPU improvement over the M3 model. The device maintains the same LCD display unchanged since 2020 and continues to restrict advanced features like Face ID and 120Hz refresh rates to more expensive iPad Pro models. While offering solid value for most users, the iPad Air represents a mature product with minimal innovation compared to previous generations.Read more →
CNET...iPad Air M4 Review: The Best Option for the MomentApple's iPad Air with M4 processor offers the best value in its tablet lineup at $599, delivering performance superior to the more expensive iPad Pro while remaining competitively priced against the new MacBook Neo. The device excels as a versatile computing device for casual work, media consumption, and creative applications, though its capabilities may exceed most users' typical needs. This positioning may change later in the year if Apple releases an updated entry-level iPad with advanced features.Read more →
CNET...AI Agents at Work: Microsoft Copilot Is Getting Its Own Version of Claude CoworkMicrosoft launched Copilot Cowork, an autonomous AI agent built with Anthropic that can independently complete work tasks like analyzing calendars, creating spreadsheets, and conducting research using access to user files, email, and calendar data. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Cowork operates on a 'fire and forget' model, delegating tasks entirely to the AI rather than requiring human supervision. This marks a significant shift toward agentic AI in enterprise settings, with the company also rolling out Agent 365 to help organizations manage multiple AI agents across their workforce.Read more →
CNET...My iPhone 17E Review in Progress: The Appeal Is Magnetic (and Pink)The iPhone 17E, Apple's $599 budget model, brings MagSafe charging and the A19 chip to the company's lowest-priced handset, narrowing the feature gap with more expensive models. While it features a fixed 60Hz display and thicker bezels, it offers strong value with 256GB base storage, improved camera capabilities including better portrait mode, and faster wireless charging up to 15 watts. This release demonstrates Apple's strategy to expand premium features across its entire iPhone lineup regardless of price tier.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Showrunner Teases Jessica Jones’ ReturnThis entertainment news roundup covers multiple film and television projects in development, including Netflix's Yeti survival thriller with Chris Pine, casting rumors for Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, and MCU updates on Luke Cage's potential return. The news highlights activity across major franchises and streaming platforms, with various revival projects and sequels moving forward in production and pre-production phases.Read more →
Gizmodo...M4 iPad Air Review: The ‘Better’ iPad Is Now Really That GoodApple's M4 iPad Air delivers meaningful performance improvements through its faster M4 chip with increased unified memory and iPadOS 26's enhanced multitasking capabilities, making it a more viable secondary computer for creative and productivity tasks. Priced at $600 base, it offers strong value positioning between the entry-level iPad and the premium iPad Pro, though accessory costs and disappointing battery life during intensive workloads are notable drawbacks.Read more →
The Verge...Panic’s gaming ambitions hinge on the weird and whimsicalPanic, an indie game publisher known for unconventional hits like Untitled Goose Game, is releasing Big Walk, a co-op multiplayer adventure for up to 12 players that emphasizes social connection and accessibility over challenge. Developed by House House, the game features proximity-based communication and cooperative gameplay designed to appeal to casual audiences. Panic's gaming division has grown to exceed its original software business in revenue.Read more →
The Verge...The iPhone 17E is good, but you probably shouldn’t buy itThe iPhone 17E improves upon its predecessor by adding MagSafe and 256GB base storage at $600, making it a proper minimum viable iPhone. However, the $800 iPhone 17 offers significantly better value with ProMotion display, always-on display, and superior camera capabilities. The reviewer recommends most users step up to the regular iPhone 17, as the additional features justify the $200 price difference.Read more →
The Verge...Apple iPad Air M4 review: a little bit faster nowApple's iPad Air M4 delivers a solid incremental upgrade with a faster M4 processor, improved C1X cellular modem, and Wi-Fi 7 support, yielding 20-25% CPU and 10-15% GPU performance gains over the M3 model. Despite minor trade-offs like 128GB base storage and a 60Hz display, the $599 device remains the best value iPad for most users, positioned between the underpowered base model and the expensive Pro. The upgrade justifies consideration for users with older devices, though owners of M3 and M2 models can safely skip this generation.Read more →
TechCrunch...The 2027 Chevy Bolt is the McRib of the automotive worldChevrolet is reviving the 2027 Bolt EV with significant improvements including a new lithium-iron-phosphate battery that eliminates cobalt and nickel while extending range to 262 miles and reducing charging time to 24 minutes. The redesigned vehicle now offers Super Cruise hands-free driving as an option, positioning itself as the cheapest hands-free EV on the market starting at $28,995. This limited-time revival marks a strategic deployment of Chevy's expanded EV component inventory while addressing previous owner feedback on charging speed and battery management.Read more →
Engadget...iPhone 17e review: The economical choiceApple's iPhone 17e represents the company's renewed annual release strategy for entry-level iPhones, priced at $599 as an affordable iOS ecosystem gateway. Key improvements include enhanced portrait photography, faster 15W wireless charging with MagSafe, and doubled storage, making it a solid option for basic smartphone use. However, the $799 iPhone 17 delivers significantly more advanced features and better overall value for budget-conscious consumers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Flipkart moves its headquarters back to India ahead of IPOIndian e-commerce leader Flipkart relocated its headquarters from Singapore back to India as it prepares for an IPO targeting March 2027. The move reflects India's rapidly expanding e-commerce market and improving regulatory clarity, with Flipkart posting $30 billion gross merchandise value in 2025 and serving over 500 million customers.Read more →
The Verge...How Live Nation allegedly terrorized the concert industryLive Nation-Ticketmaster faces an antitrust trial where competitors and venue operators testified that the company allegedly uses retaliation tactics—threatening to withhold concerts—to prevent venues from switching to rival ticketing platforms. The fear of losing concert revenue was so significant that competitor SeatGeek had to offer venues retaliation insurance to incentivize deals. The case reveals broader concerns about Live Nation's control over large outdoor amphitheaters and use of exclusive contracts to maintain market dominance.Read more →
Engadget...The 10 best sleep apps and gadgets for a better night's sleep in 2026This article reviews a comprehensive range of sleep optimization technologies and products, from smartphone apps like Headspace to wearable devices including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings that track sleep metrics. Products also include smart home solutions such as Eight Sleep's temperature-controlled mattress cover, Philips Hue smart lighting, and various acoustic devices designed to improve sleep quality. The guide demonstrates that effective sleep solutions exist across multiple price points and use cases, from affordable apps to premium smart home integrations.Read more →
CNET...Could Your Tire Sensors Be Used to Hack Your Car? What to Look Out ForResearchers at IMDEA Networks Institute discovered that TPMS tire sensors in modern vehicles transmit unencrypted wireless signals that can be intercepted to track vehicle locations and movement patterns. Anyone with inexpensive radio equipment can remotely monitor cars from over 50 meters away, revealing daily routines and driving habits. This persistent privacy vulnerability has remained unfixed for over 16 years despite prior research and calls for regulatory action.Read more →
Engadget...The best air purifier for 2026A comprehensive guide to selecting air purifiers for improving indoor air quality, examining how different filter types address various pollutants including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The article evaluates multiple models based on filtration efficiency, noise levels, and smart features, while noting that air purifiers cannot reduce carbon dioxide levels and that opening windows remains the most effective solution.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Gravity Falls’ Is *Finally* Getting an Art BookCreator Alex Hirsch has announced an official Gravity Falls art book releasing in September, featuring character designs, scrapped episodes, and insights from the show's creative team. The release represents a major offering for devoted fans who have sought more content from the beloved animated series for over a decade.Read more →
Engadget...Qualcomm's new Arduino Ventuno Q is an AI-focused computer designed for roboticsQualcomm has announced the Arduino Ventuno Q, a single-board computer combining AI with robotics using the Dragonwing IQ8 processor and Hexagon Tensor NPU capable of 40 TOPs. The device supports offline AI models including LLMs, computer vision, and deterministic motor control for precision robotics and edge AI applications. Launching in Q2 2026 at under $300, it democratizes advanced robotics and edge AI development for engineers, educators, and innovators.Read more →
Gizmodo...Dam, People Sure Saw ‘Hoppers’ This WeekendPixar's 'Hoppers' opened to $88 million worldwide, marking the studio's biggest original movie launch since Coco in 2017 and demonstrating strong audience demand for animated content. The film's success, bolstered by effective Disney marketing and positive word of mouth, positions it as likely to dominate the box office in coming weeks. This performance contrasts sharply with weaker openings from competitors like Warner Bros.' 'The Bride!' which grossed only $13 million worldwide.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ring’s Jamie Siminoff has been trying to calm privacy fears since the Super Bowl, but his answers may not helpRing CEO Jamie Siminoff defends the company's AI-powered surveillance features, including Search Party and facial recognition, following backlash to a controversial Super Bowl advertisement. The article reveals a critical tension: Ring's advanced AI capabilities require cloud processing and data access, while privacy protection through end-to-end encryption disables these same features. With over 100 million cameras deployed and plans to expand into enterprise security and drones, the piece raises significant concerns about surveillance infrastructure growth, government data access, and the erosion of privacy protections.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 9, #532The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition is a sports-themed word-grouping puzzle game published by The Athletic, available on The Athletic's app and online. Today's puzzle features groups themed around Colorado athletes, NFC North cities, types of racing, and coach titles, with hints and answers provided for each category.Read more →
Gizmodo...Coming Soon, From the People Behind ICE Detention Camps: Data Center Company TownsTech companies are constructing massive data centers with government-funded worker housing facilities, with one major contractor also operating immigration detention centers earning $132 million for the project. This reflects the AI industry's $700 billion data expansion budget for 2026, marking a shift from earlier promises of beneficial innovation to extractive industry practices. The arrangement raises significant ethical concerns about corporate priorities and government involvement.Read more →
TechCrunch...Palmer Luckey’s retro gaming startup ModRetro reportedly seeks funding at $1B valuationModRetro, Palmer Luckey's vintage gaming startup, is seeking $1 billion in funding following the successful launch of its Chromatic Game Boy-inspired handheld device. The company plans to expand its product line with additional retro gaming devices, including a Nintendo 64 replica. The venture combines nostalgic gaming hardware with modern design to capture the growing retro gaming market.Read more →
Gizmodo...Spider-Man Gets Two New Comics for ‘Brand New Day’ SynergyMarvel announced two new Spider-Man comic books tied to the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day film, featuring confirmed film characters like Hulk and Punisher. These comics serve as strategic marketing tie-ins released before the July 31 theatrical launch to capitalize on the film's promotional momentum.Read more →
TechCrunch...Will the Pentagon’s Anthropic controversy scare startups away from defense work?Anthropic encountered a significant dispute with the Pentagon over Claude's military use, was designated a supply-chain risk by the Trump administration, and vowed to challenge the designation in court, while OpenAI secured the Pentagon contract instead. The situation triggered substantial public backlash including a 295% surge in ChatGPT uninstalls and intensified debates about AI ethics in military applications and government procurement policies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Godzilla’s Early ‘Minus One’ Form Comes to Life in This Action FigureBandai has unveiled a new Odo Island Monster figure from its SH MonsterArts line based on Godzilla Minus One, featuring detailed articulation and faithful recreation of the proto-Godzilla form that briefly appears in the 2023 film. Pre-orders are now open for a September release in Japan at approximately $77, marking the first time fans can see this specific Godzilla form in full detail. The figure joins previous Minus One variants, offering collectors another way to engage with the film's iconic monster design.Read more →
Engadget...NetEase is reportedly pulling funding for Yakuza creator's studioNetEase will cease funding Nagoshi Studio beginning in May due to the project requiring $44.4 million for completion. The studio is struggling to secure alternative financing to continue development of its debut title, Gang of Dragon. This funding withdrawal threatens the game's timeline and the studio's ability to deliver the project.Read more →
The Verge...Apple is going high-end with new ‘Ultra’ products nextApple is preparing three premium products including a foldable iPhone priced around $2,000, a touchscreen MacBook Pro launching in fall, and camera-equipped AirPods with enhanced Siri capabilities. These releases demonstrate Apple's dual strategy to simultaneously expand into luxury segments while pursuing the budget market with products like the MacBook Neo.Read more →
Gizmodo...Report Says More High-End ‘Ultra’ Apple Products Are On Their WayApple's budget-friendly MacBook Neo is an outlier in the company's product strategy, not the beginning of a trend toward affordable devices. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing a wave of premium 'Ultra tier' products, including a touchscreen MacBook Pro positioned above current M5 models, a foldable iPhone priced around $2,000, and AI-enhanced AirPods with embedded cameras. These superpremium offerings will target Apple's high-end customer base while the MacBook Neo serves the budget-conscious segment.Read more →
Engadget...Apple is reportedly looking into 3D printing aluminum iPhones and Apple WatchesApple is exploring 3D printing of aluminum to improve manufacturing efficiency for iPhones and Apple Watches, specifically targeting watch casings and iPhone enclosures. This expansion of Apple's 3D printing capabilities builds on previous uses of recycled titanium in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, as well as the titanium USB-C port in the iPhone Air. The new process aims to deliver thinner, stronger components while reducing environmental impact.Read more →
TechCrunch...Owner of ICE detention facility sees big opportunity in AI man campsAI data center construction is fueling demand for temporary worker housing, with Target Hospitality securing $132 million in contracts to build and operate 'man camps' housing hundreds to thousands of construction workers. These facilities provide amenities including gyms, laundromats, game rooms, and on-demand cafeterias, adapted from oil industry models. The data center boom represents a significant new revenue opportunity for hospitality companies entering this market.Read more →
Gizmodo...Pete Docter Defends Cutting LGBTQ Content From Pixar Movies With CowardicePixar director Pete Docter explained the studio's decision to remove an LGBTQ storyline from the film Elio, stating they wanted to avoid exposing children to topics they hadn't discussed with parents. The decision has drawn criticism given Pixar's established history of exploring complex themes including death, loss, emotional struggle, and relationship dynamics in their films.Read more →
TechCrunch...TechCrunch Mobility: Rivian’s R2 gambitThe electric vehicle and autonomous driving sectors demonstrate continued momentum with Wayve securing $1.2 billion for self-learning autonomous driving software and Rivian preparing its R2 SUV launch targeting 20,000-25,000 sales in 2026. Major developments include battery technology advances, supply chain consolidation, and expanding investments across autonomous vehicle companies. Despite progress, the sector faces readiness challenges, as evidenced by recent autonomous vehicle incidents affecting emergency response operations.Read more →
The Verge...Listen to this: Mabe Fratti’s experimental cello popSentir Que No Sabes successfully blends new age, industrial, and folk musical styles into a cohesive artistic work that maintains tonal consistency across diverse genre influences.Read more →
CNET...How War in the Middle East Impacted the World's Largest Mobile Phone ShowGeopolitical conflict in the Middle East disrupted Mobile World Congress 2026, causing widespread absence of Middle Eastern exhibitors and attendees, resulting in lost networking opportunities and canceled meetings. The conflict also contributed to supply chain disruptions that analysts predict will worsen 2026 phone sales forecasts, with regional chaos compounding an existing RAM shortage crisis.Read more →
CNET...'Marshals': When Is Episode 2 Coming to Paramount Plus?Marshals, a Yellowstone spinoff starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, premieres on CBS and streams on Paramount Plus with episodes rolling out weekly starting March 8. The series follows the former Navy SEAL character as he joins an elite US Marshals unit to enforce justice in Montana, featuring returning Yellowstone cast members.Read more →
The Verge...What we're listening to, watching, and reading right now.There is so much art out there that it’s absolutely impossible to keep up. Whether it's a slept-on post-punk album from the ‘80s, a new sci-fi novel, or a cult classic horror movie, we’re always finding new obsessions here at The Verge — and we want to share those obsessions with you. Sometimes that might […]Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI's robotics hardware lead resigns following deal with the Department of DefenseOpenAI's hardware robotics lead Caitlin Kalinowski resigned over concerns that the company rushed into a Department of Defense partnership without establishing proper guardrails around domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Kalinowski criticized the lack of governance oversight and deliberation for decisions involving surveillance of Americans and lethal autonomy. The resignation represents the most high-profile fallout from OpenAI's DoD agreement and highlights internal ethical concerns about the company's national security commitments.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Dorohedoro’ Brings More Chaos With Season 2 in AprilAfter a six-year hiatus, the anime adaptation of Dorohedoro returns with season two premiering on April 1. The series will expand beyond its Netflix and Crunchyroll exclusivity to reach additional global streaming platforms simultaneously, marking increased international accessibility for the highly anticipated show.Read more →
The Verge...The best Switch 2 controller just got better (and a little worse)The S10 Lite gaming controller introduces native Nintendo Switch 2 support with convenient wake-up functionality. It features per-game rear paddle customization, enabling personalized control schemes for different games.Read more →
CNET...Best Family Phone Plans for 2026CNET reviews top family phone plans for 2026, comparing T-Mobile and Verizon options across pricing, 5G data, hotspot access, and included perks. The guide helps consumers select plans matching their specific household needs and budget constraints.Read more →
CNET...'Marshals' Star Logan Marshall-Green on Why 'Yellowstone' Spinoff Is More Than a ProceduralMarshals is a new CBS series expanding the Yellowstone universe, following character Kayce Dutton as he joins the US Marshals while navigating unresolved personal demons. The show balances procedural law enforcement storytelling with connections to Yellowstone's legacy while emphasizing Indigenous narratives and communities. Filmed on location in Utah, the series aims to honor the original show's history while establishing its own distinct character-driven identity.Read more →
CNET...8 Hidden Health Benefits of Green TeaGreen tea offers a healthier coffee alternative with significantly lower caffeine content and provides numerous documented health benefits including improved longevity, brain health, cardiovascular function, and reduced stroke risk. Scientific research supports regular consumption of two or more cups daily to reduce disease risk and enhance fat burning while promoting better digestion and reduced anxiety compared to coffee.Read more →
The Verge...The cute and cursed story of FurbyFurby, the iconic 1998 toy phenomenon, achieved massive success with minimal technical capabilities by giving the impression of awareness and interactivity. The article explores the technical innovations behind Furby and its broader implications for human-computer interaction, offering insights that modern AI companies should consider when designing user experiences.Read more →
CNET...Telepathy Machine? Here's What MIT's AlterEgo Wearable Actually DoesAlterEgo is a wearable device that detects silent speech through neuromuscular signals, enabling users to communicate, translate languages, and control devices without vocalizing. The technology, called Silent Sense, interprets subtle muscle movements from intended speech, offering privacy benefits for sensitive information. The device represents a significant advancement in wearable accessibility technology with potential applications in communication and device control.Read more →
The Verge...The uncomfortable truth about hybrid vehiclesResearch reveals that plug-in hybrid vehicle owners frequently fail to charge their batteries, with studies showing fuel consumption up to three times higher than manufacturer claims, negating environmental benefits. Despite hybrid sales surging as EV adoption slows, fleet data indicates PHEV owners rely on gasoline for over 80 percent of driving energy, creating a strategic dilemma for automakers attempting to transition to full electrification. Automakers are exploring solutions including gamification features and extended-range electric vehicles, though these approaches face similar behavioral challenges around charging compliance.Read more →
CNET...T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 Final Livestream: How to Watch India vs. New Zealand From Anywhere for FreeIndia and New Zealand compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup final on Sunday, March 8, with India entering as the tournament favorite after defeating England in the semifinal. The match will be broadcast live across multiple global streaming platforms including Willow TV, JioStar, Sky Sports, and Prime Video, with varying start times for different regions.Read more →
Gizmodo...An AI Company Apparently Inspired by ‘the Sims’ Wants to Revolutionize Public Opinion ResearchSimile has raised $100 million to develop AI agents trained on human interviews and behavioral data, creating 'digital twins' that replace traditional market polling. Rather than surveying actual people, market researchers can ask unlimited questions to these AI clones to derive consumer insights. The foundation model aims to predict human behavior at any scale, drawing inspiration from The Sims.Read more →
CNET...Orange iPhone 17 Pro Impersonators Were Out in Droves at MWC 2026Apple's tangerine orange iPhone 17 Pro color has become a widespread design trend at MWC 2026, with numerous accessory makers and phone manufacturers adopting the distinctive hue in their products. The prevalence of orange-hued devices—from chargers to competing smartphones—demonstrates Apple's significant influence on tech industry design trends and suggests the unconventional color has resonated globally.Read more →
TechCrunch...A roadmap for AI, if anyone will listenA bipartisan coalition released the Pro-Human Declaration, a comprehensive framework for responsible AI development that emphasizes human control and legal accountability for AI systems. The declaration proposes mandatory pre-deployment testing, prohibition on superintelligence development without safety consensus, and mandatory off-switches for powerful systems. The framework addresses governance gaps exposed by recent Pentagon-industry conflicts and reflects strong public sentiment, with 95% of Americans opposing an unregulated AI race.Read more →
TechCrunch...Push for $40 smartphones builds momentum, but still faces cost hurdlesA coalition of telecom operators and device makers is launching a pilot program to produce ultra-low-cost 4G smartphones priced around $40 in six African countries, aiming to bring 20 million additional people online. The GSMA-led initiative addresses device affordability challenges, though manufacturers face headwinds from rising component costs, thin profit margins, and tariffs that can add up to 30% to device prices, with industry analysts questioning feasibility at current cost levels.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 8, #531The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle features a sports-themed mix of categories including women's tennis greats, NWSL teams, WNBA draft number one picks, and All-American Girls Professional Baseball League teams. The puzzle is available on The Athletic's app and online for free. Today's answers include athletes such as Graf, King, Navratilova, and Williams, along with various sports team names.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google just gave Sundar Pichai a $692M pay packageGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai has been awarded a three-year compensation package potentially worth $692 million, with most incentives tied to performance metrics for Waymo and Wing, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle and drone delivery ventures. This deal positions Pichai among the world's highest-paid executives and reflects Alphabet's strategic focus on emerging technologies.Read more →
Gizmodo...How to Watch the F1 Australian GP 2026 Live Stream for FreeThe F1 Australian Grand Prix can be watched free online by using a VPN to access regional free streaming services like ServusTV and 10Play, with NordVPN offering a risk-free 30-day refund option. The article explains geo-restriction workarounds and why free VPN alternatives are unsuitable for streaming live sports due to bandwidth limitations and missing regional servers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Grammarly’s ‘expert review’ is just missing the actual expertsGrammarly's Expert Review feature provides writing suggestions attributed to famous authors and journalists without their consent or involvement, instead basing recommendations on their publicly available works. The practice raises significant concerns about attributing AI-generated advice to real individuals who have not endorsed the feature and are not actually involved in producing the feedback.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI is reportedly pushing back the launch of its 'adult mode' even furtherOpenAI has delayed the launch of ChatGPT's adult mode for the second time, redirecting development resources toward core improvements in intelligence, personality, personalization, and proactive features. The feature, originally promised for December 2025 and then rescheduled to Q1 2026, will require additional time before release as the company reprioritizes its development roadmap.Read more →
Engadget...NASA's DART spacecraft changed a binary asteroid's orbit around the sun, in a first for a human-made objectNASA's DART mission successfully altered the orbital trajectory of both the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos and the binary asteroid system's path around the Sun, marking the first human-made modification of a celestial body's solar orbit. While the change is minute—approximately 1.7 inches per hour—new research demonstrates that such adjustments can accumulate over time to prevent potentially hazardous asteroids from colliding with Earth. This breakthrough validates planetary defense strategies and provides critical evidence for protecting our planet from future space threats.Read more →
Gizmodo...There Was Just an Unusually Unsettling Pentagon-Related Resignation at OpenAIOpenAI's robotics division leader Caitlin Kalinowski resigned over concerns about lethal autonomous systems, particularly following the controversial Pentagon defense contract. Her departure reflects internal disagreement over ethical safeguards in the company's development of general-purpose robots and AGI-level intelligence. The resignation highlights ongoing tensions between advancing AI robotics capabilities and establishing proper oversight of autonomous weapons technology.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI robotics lead Caitlin Kalinowski quits in response to Pentagon dealOpenAI robotics leader Caitlin Kalinowski resigned over the company's Pentagon agreement, citing insufficient guardrails against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. She criticized the rushed announcement without proper governance oversight while expressing respect for leadership. The departure reflects internal dissent within OpenAI and contrasts with Anthropic's earlier rejection of a similar defense partnership.Read more →
Gizmodo...Seeing Jabba the Hutt’s Son in ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Is Breaking MeThe Mandalorian and Grogu will feature Rotta the Hutt (voiced by Jeremy Allen White), the son of crime lord Jabba, struggling to establish his identity beyond his father's notorious legacy. Director Jon Favreau suggests the character's arc mirrors Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Creed, with the film potentially testing the waters for larger Hutt-centered Star Wars stories.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Bizarre International War Inside One Chip Company Threatens the Global Automotive IndustryNexperia, a critical semiconductor supplier owned by Chinese company Wingtech but headquartered in the Netherlands, faces operational disruption as its Dutch headquarters blocked Chinese employees' access to corporate software accounts amid internal control disputes. The conflict, rooted in US-China trade tensions and concerns about technology transfer, threatens to disrupt global automotive chip supplies and could trigger semiconductor shortages similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recurring crises within this crucial company reflect broader geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains.Read more →
CNET...Forget the Specs. Which MacBook Neo Color Is Best? CNET Weighs InApple announced the affordable MacBook Neo starting at $599 along with new iPhone 17E and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro models, featuring four color options: silver, blush, citrus, and indigo. A poll of CNET staff revealed strong preference for distinctive colors, with indigo winning at 38% and citrus close behind at 35%, while the standard silver option received only 4% of votes.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI's head of robotics resigns following deal with the Department of DefenseOpenAI's head of robotics, Caitlin Kalinowski, resigned in protest of the company's hastily-arranged partnership with the Department of Defense, citing inadequate governance safeguards around surveillance and autonomous weapons. Her departure highlights escalating concerns within the AI industry about deploying advanced technologies for national security without sufficient oversight mechanisms. OpenAI maintains the partnership includes clear red lines prohibiting domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons systems.Read more →
TechCrunch...PopSockets founder David Barnett talks about building a viral businessDavid Barnett bootstrapped PopSockets—a viral phone accessory—without traditional venture capital, overcoming early manufacturing defects and slow sales through product iteration and retail strategy. His journey from philosophy professor to CEO demonstrates the power of persistence and hands-on customer feedback in scaling a consumer product business. He credits his success to prioritizing people and building strong teams as essential to effective leadership.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Disclosure Day’ or Not, UFO Movies Never LeftHollywood studios are developing serious UFO-themed films including projects from directors Joseph Kosinski and Sylvain White, responding to increased mainstream interest driven by government disclosures and documentaries. The trend reflects broader cultural momentum from recent anime adaptations, political acknowledgment of UFOs, and documentary releases. This wave of UFO content is expected to expand following the theatrical release of Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day in June.Read more →
The Verge...Sony appears to be testing dynamic pricing on PlayStation gamesPlayers are encountering pricing discrepancies for identical games across different platforms or regions. This phenomenon highlights dynamic pricing strategies or regional market segmentation in the gaming industry.Read more →
Engadget...Indonesia announces a social media ban for anyone under 16Indonesia has announced a new government regulation requiring major social media platforms to delete accounts belonging to users under 16, effective March 28, 2026. The policy mirrors similar restrictions implemented in Australia and will be rolled out in stages, starting with platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. All platforms must comply with unspecified compliance obligations from the Indonesian government.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI delays ChatGPT’s ‘adult mode’ againOpenAI has delayed the launch of its 'adult mode' feature, which would provide verified adult users with access to adult content including erotica. This represents the second postponement as the company prioritizes other improvements to ChatGPT such as intelligence, personality development, and proactive capabilities. The company remains committed to treating adult users appropriately but states that delivering the experience correctly requires additional development time.Read more →
CNET...Livestream FA Cup Soccer: Watch Newcastle vs. Man City From AnywhereNewcastle United faces Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, March 7 at St. James' Park, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed on various platforms including ESPN Plus in the US, TNT Sports in the UK, Sportsnet in Canada, and Stan Sport in Australia.Read more →
CNET...La Liga Soccer: Stream Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona Live From AnywhereAthletic Bilbao faces Barcelona in a La Liga match on Saturday, March 7 at San Mamés Stadium. The match will be available across multiple streaming platforms including ESPN Select (US), Disney Plus (UK), TSN Plus (Canada), and BeIN Sports (Australia).Read more →
The Verge...Time’s running out to get a free gift card when you preorder a new MacBookThis week featured major tech product launches with March 11th marking the release of Apple's new M5 MacBooks, iPad Air, and Studio Displays, alongside Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup and Google's Pixel 10A. Retailers are offering promotional gift cards ranging from $25 to $200 on these flagship products, providing significant value for early adopters. The period also included gaming launches such as Slay the Spire 2 and Marathon, along with deals on various consumer electronics and accessories.Read more →
Gizmodo...Celebrate the Many Sides of Asuka in This 30th Anniversary ‘Evangelion’ ShortStudio Khara released an official anime short celebrating Neon Genesis Evangelion's 30th anniversary, featuring dual versions of Asuka exploring alternative storylines and outcomes. The touching tribute spans multiple animation styles from the original series and Rebuild adaptations, while hinting at future creative endeavors including a potential Yoko Taro adaptation.Read more →
Engadget...Roblox introduces real-time AI-powered chat rephraser for inappropriate languageRoblox has launched an AI-powered feature that rephrases inappropriate language in real-time instead of replacing it with hash marks, improving chat readability. The system automatically substitutes profanity and policy-violating phrases with appropriate alternatives, with both senders and other users notified when messages are edited. Users who repeatedly violate community standards still face penalties, as Roblox intends the system to create a learning cycle that encourages adoption of its Community Standards.Read more →
The Verge...Vizio accounts are becoming Walmart accountsFollowing its 2024 acquisition of Vizio, Walmart is phasing out Vizio accounts by requiring new TV purchases to be linked to Walmart accounts. Existing Vizio users can merge their accounts with Walmart or delete them, with a 30-day grace period to retrieve associated data.Read more →
Gizmodo...Pixar Is Developing ‘Monsters Inc. 3’, a Ghost Story and Its First MusicalPixar is developing several new projects including Ono Ghost Market, an animated feature inspired by Asian mythology, and the studio's first musical directed by Domee Shi, alongside a third Monsters Inc. movie. These efforts reflect Pixar's strategy to balance original content with franchise films to strengthen its value to Disney after navigating a challenging period in the 2020s and capitalizing on Inside Out 2's $1.7 billion success.Read more →
Gizmodo...Polymarket and Kalshi’s CEOs Hate Each OtherKalshi CEO Tarek Mansour and Polymarket head Shayne Coplan are engaged in an intense rivalry for dominance in the prediction markets space, competing for trading volume and user growth. The competitive tension is reflected in their divergent regulatory strategies, with Kalshi operating as a CFTC-regulated entity while Polymarket continues to navigate US legal restrictions. The feud has manifested in both public promotional tactics and reported behind-the-scenes pressure on company operations.Read more →
CNET...Artemis II Is Shooting for the Moon: All the Details About NASA's Historic MissionNASA's Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby scheduled for April, marking the first crewed lunar flight since 1972. The mission will test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft while gathering data for future lunar operations, with an actual moon landing planned for Artemis IV in 2028.Read more →
Gizmodo...These States Are Joining in the Push to Ban Surveillance PricingPennsylvania and a dozen other states are moving to ban retailers from rapidly changing prices of essential goods within 24-hour periods to combat 'surveillance pricing,' where companies use artificial intelligence to charge different consumers different prices based on personal data. The proposed legislation targets dynamic pricing algorithms and digital price tags designed to implement discriminatory pricing schemes, though experts debate whether such hyper-targeted pricing is imminent. The push reflects growing consumer concern about fairness and privacy as technology increasingly enables retailers to exploit personal data for profit optimization.Read more →
CNET...'Zootopia 2' Streaming on Disney Plus: Release Date and TimeZootopia 2 debuts on Disney Plus on March 11, reuniting original voice actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman as rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, alongside new cast member Ke Huy Quan as a mysterious pit viper. The sequel follows the pair as they investigate a mystery that deepens their partnership across new areas of the animal metropolis. Disney Plus offers subscription options ranging from $12/month with ads to bundled packages with Hulu and HBO Max.Read more →
CNET...Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector Review: I Wish More Projectors Had Roku Built-InThe Aurzen Eazze D1R Cube is a $180 Roku-powered projector offering decent image and sound quality for casual viewing, with the Roku platform being its strongest feature. While less bright (330 ANSI lumens) and feature-rich than premium pico projectors, its affordable price and easy setup make it a solid value option for budget-conscious consumers seeking casual home entertainment.Read more →
CNET...Best Cellphone Plans of 2026: Our Top PicksCNET reviews and compares cellular phone plans from major carriers and MVNO providers, evaluating options for different user needs including families, seniors, and international travelers. The article identifies T-Mobile Essentials Saver as the best value for single lines and Verizon Unlimited Ultimate for frequent travelers, with recommendations based on coverage, pricing, data allowances, and included perks.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget review recap: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4, Dell XPS 14 and moreEngadget's latest review roundup covers new flagship smartphones, earbuds, and laptops from Samsung, Dell, Google, and ASUS. The reviews highlight key innovations like Samsung's Privacy Display and competitive value propositions, while identifying notable gaps such as Dell's keyboard issues and missing health-tracking features on Samsung's earbuds compared to Apple's offerings.Read more →
The Verge...The OpenClaw superfan meetup serves optimism and lobsterOpenClaw, a newly created open-source AI assistant platform, is rapidly gaining community adoption as a decentralized alternative to proprietary AI systems from major companies, as evidenced by the ClawCon NYC event attracting over 1,300 attendees. The platform offers users direct control and development flexibility but remains plagued by significant security vulnerabilities and unreliability issues that require careful user oversight and verification practices.Read more →
The Verge...A bite-sized adventure that puts a wrench into the classic Zelda formulaRatcheteer DX is a re-release of a highly acclaimed game originally on the Playdate, a portable gaming device. The re-release makes this popular title available again to Playdate users.Read more →
The Verge...Apple’s cheap laptop looks like a winnerInstaller is a weekly tech newsletter featuring curated recommendations across consumer products and digital entertainment. This edition highlights new hardware like the Apple MacBook Neo and Nothing Headphones A, gaming releases including Slay the Spire 2 and Pokémon Pokopia, and software innovations like OpenAI's GPT-5.4 and Android Desktop Mode. The newsletter profiles Scott Rogowsky's new live trivia app Savvy and compiles community recommendations for technology and entertainment.Read more →
The Verge...The Corvette ZR1X hybrid can outpace million-dollar sports cars for a fraction of the costThe Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X hybrid delivers 1,250 horsepower and sets Nürburgring track records, outperforming far more expensive supercars and pure electric vehicles. Priced at $207,395, it demonstrates that hybrid technology is the winning formula for high-performance vehicles, proving more effective than pure electric powertrains. The ZR1X exemplifies how the automotive industry is moving toward hybrid-electric solutions to achieve extreme performance, from Formula 1 racing to luxury supercar manufacturers.Read more →
Engadget...Slay the Spire 2, Scott Pilgrim EX and other new indie games worth checking outThis article covers the latest indie game releases and announcements, including Slay the Spire 2, Scott Pilgrim EX, and Planet of Lana II, following Nintendo's Indie World stream showcase. The roundup highlights upcoming indie titles, seasonal sales events, and community gaming events, reflecting strong momentum in independent game development.Read more →
CNET...Think AI Can Do Your Taxes? The IRS Might DisagreeTax experts strongly advise against using general-purpose AI chatbots for tax filing due to accuracy concerns and privacy risks with sensitive financial information. These AI models, while capable of sounding plausible, cannot guarantee the precision required for tax returns and may expose personal data through cloud storage. However, AI can serve a useful educational role in helping taxpayers understand tax terminology, prepare checklists, and identify questions for their accountant.Read more →
The Verge...DJI will pay $30K to the man who accidentally hacked 7,000 Romo robovacsOn Valentine's Day, I brought you a story that's since made headlines all around the world: How one man, just trying to steer his DJI robot vacuum with a PlayStation gamepad, discovered an entire network of 7,000 remote-control DJI robots ready to let him peek into other people's homes. To be clear, DJI had already […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Robinhood’s startup fund stumbles in NYSE debutRobinhood launched Robinhood Ventures Fund I to provide retail investors with access to private startups, raising $658.4 million against a $1 billion target. The fund's underperformance compared to competitors highlights the market's strong preference for exposure to high-profile companies like OpenAI and SpaceX, underscoring the challenges in democratizing private market access.Read more →
CNET...Kids Online Safety Act Advances to House Amid Concerns Over Free Speech and Civil RightsThe Kids Online Safety Act, a bipartisan bill designed to protect minors from age-inappropriate online content, is advancing to a House floor vote. The legislation would require platforms to offer parental controls and limit data collection from children, but critics argue its broad definition of 'harmful content' could censor legitimate sites addressing mental health and transgender rights, raising First Amendment concerns.Read more →
CNET...MWC Is Where Cutting-Edge Phones Shine. Too Bad You'll Probably Never Buy ThemWhile smartphone manufacturers are exploring innovative form factors like foldables and ultra-thin designs that capture attention at tech events, adoption remains minimal at just 2.5% market share. The gap between hype and real-world uptake stems from practical trade-offs: novel phones sacrifice performance and battery life while commanding prices of $2,000-$3,000, leading most consumers to prioritize functionality over novelty.Read more →
TechCrunch...X is testing a new ad format that connects posts with productsX is testing a new ad format that displays product recommendations beneath relevant posts as organic-looking suggestions. The feature is designed to attract creators and advertisers, helping X compete with platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nintendo sues the U.S. government for a refund on tariffsNintendo has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government seeking refunds for tariffs imposed under President Trump's executive orders that were subsequently struck down by the Supreme Court. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, aligns with over 1,000 other companies pursuing similar claims to recover tariffs that collectively exceeded $200 billion.Read more →
CNET...This Tiny Smartphone Packs a Pocket-Friendly Physical KeyboardThe Unihertz Titan 2 Elite is a new smartphone combining BlackBerry-inspired physical keyboard design with modern smartphone specifications and features. The device uses capacitive sensing on its keyboard to enable intuitive scrolling and gesture controls while maintaining a functional display. It features flagship specs including Dimensity processors, dual 50MP cameras, and is launching via Kickstarter next month.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Director of ‘Hoppers’ Was Sure He’d Have to Cut Its Most Shocking MomentPixar's new film Hoppers features a surprisingly violent comedic scene where the Insect Queen is killed, which director Daniel Chong initially planned to remove due to Disney concerns. Senior Pixar leaders Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton insisted on keeping the bold scene, arguing it was essential to the film's unique appeal. The incident reflects Pixar's commitment to creative risk-taking and artistic vision within corporate constraints.Read more →
Engadget...Valve doesn't sound confident the Steam Machine will ship in 2026Valve has dramatically pushed back its hardware launch timeline from a committed first half of 2026 to merely hoping to ship sometime in 2026, citing memory and storage shortages. This significant shift gives the company flexibility to potentially forgo releasing new Steam devices this year despite previous commitments. Supply chain constraints are creating substantial challenges for Valve's pricing and launch strategies.Read more →
CNET...The Best Fantasy Movies to Stream on Prime Video NowPrime Video expanded its fantasy film selection in March with the addition of all four Shrek movies and other fantasy titles, providing subscribers with new entertainment options. The streaming service is available through Amazon Prime membership or as a standalone subscription for $9 monthly.Read more →
Gizmodo...US Data Centers Could Require as Much Water as New York City by 2030, Study ShowsAI data centers require massive amounts of water for cooling, with some facilities consuming up to 8 million gallons per day. By 2030, U.S. data centers could need between 697 million and 1.45 billion gallons per day in additional peak water capacity, equivalent to New York City's daily water supply. This emerging water infrastructure bottleneck threatens data center expansion and requires billions of dollars in investment and corporate-community partnerships to address.Read more →
TechCrunch...Life EV officially owns Rad Power Bikes nowLife EV acquired bankrupt e-bike manufacturer Rad Power Bikes for $13.2 million, obtaining its intellectual property, inventory, and operating assets. The company plans to continue Rad Power's retail operations under its original brand while expanding into select markets. This acquisition aligns with Life EV's broader strategy of consolidating and scaling electric bicycle and micro-mobility brands across North America.Read more →
CNET...United Can Now Ban Passengers Who Listen to Audio and Video Without HeadphonesUnited Airlines has updated its Rules of Transport to authorize crew members to remove passengers who use audio or video devices without headphones. The policy empowers United to enforce compliance through escalating penalties including ticket invalidation, frequent flyer miles deletion, or passenger banning. The update coincides with the rollout of Starlink internet service on United planes, which is expected to increase in-flight streaming activity.Read more →
Gizmodo...Tesla Clears Model 3 Inventory in Canada Ahead of the Arrival of Chinese EVs: ReportTesla has reportedly cleared its Model 3 inventory from Canada and shipped those vehicles back to the United States, strategically positioning itself to leverage new Canadian trade policies that allow Chinese-built EVs to enter at significantly lower tariff rates. This move enables Tesla to sell Chinese-manufactured Model 3s in Canada without the tariff premiums that previously made U.S.-built models uncompetitive. The action exemplifies Tesla's operational agility in responding to complex global trade dynamics.Read more →
Gizmodo...Dunk and Tanselle Could Reunite If ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Goes Beyond the BooksPeter Claffey hints that his character Dunk will reunite with Tanselle in upcoming seasons of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' suggesting the HBO series will faithfully adapt George R.R. Martin's source material. While the show has only been officially renewed for one more season, showrunners and Martin have expressed support for continuing the adaptation of all three Dunk and Egg novellas.Read more →
CNET...5 Signs You’re Aging Better Than You Think, According to ExpertsThis article identifies five key indicators of healthy aging: maintaining good balance and strength, quick reaction time, skin elasticity, firm and healthy gums, and strong social relationships. Research shows these physical and mental health markers correlate with longevity, with poor balance increasing mortality risk by 84% and strong social connections improving survival odds by 50%. The article emphasizes that aging well involves consistent habits including exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, and community engagement.Read more →
The Verge...Valve’s Steam Machine may not launch this yearValve still can't reveal details about the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller launch dates, which were originally scheduled for early 2026. In a new post, the company now says "we hope to ship in 2026" - a vaguer timeline than the first half of 2026 goal Valve shared last month - which it […]Read more →
Engadget...Netflix's version of Overcooked lets you play as Huntr/xNetflix has launched a custom version of Overcooked! All You Can Eat featuring exclusive character skins from Netflix shows including Stranger Things and KPop Demon Hunters. The cooperative cooking game is part of Netflix's expanding cloud gaming library and requires a smartphone as a controller.Read more →
CNET...Indonesia to Ban YouTube, TikTok, Other Social Media Apps for Children Under 16Indonesia announced a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 beginning March 28, citing concerns about exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and algorithmic addiction. This move is part of a global trend where multiple countries including Australia, Spain, France, and the UK have implemented or are considering similar age-based restrictions. The ban faces criticism from digital rights advocates who warn that age verification mechanisms could compromise privacy and enable mass surveillance, while supporters argue it will incentivize platforms to prioritize child safety by design.Read more →
CNET...Can You Run ChatGPT on a Dumb Phone? It Turns Out Yes, but With CaveatsHMD is bringing AI to feature phones through cloud-processed large language models, enabling basic AI interactions on 4G devices without requiring on-device processing. This initiative targets low-income regions and elderly populations, offering practical AI features like voice commands and weather queries to bridge the digital divide.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 7, #530The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle features four themed word groups ranging from easy to challenging. The article provides hints and answers across all categories, including Arizona sports teams, abbreviated baseball statistics, mid-major college conferences, and NFL wide receiver nicknames. The daily puzzle is available through The Athletic's subscription app and free online.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Curious Case of the Block ‘AI Layoffs’Block CEO Jack Dorsey attributed a 40% staff cut to AI advancements, but critics argue he is engaging in 'AI washing'—using AI adoption as a cover story for cost-cutting rather than genuine technological necessity. Evidence undermines his narrative, including retention bonuses that paid a departing data scientist 75% more, contradicting claims of cost savings. Multiple experts and data suggest companies widely invoke AI to justify layoffs unrelated to the technology's actual impact on employment.Read more →
The Verge...Grammarly is using our identities without permissionThe Verge has implemented Expert Review AI agents that generate suggestions based on input from the publication's subject matter experts and staff members. These agents combine artificial intelligence with human expertise to deliver informed recommendations. The system integrates AI technology with professional editorial knowledge to enhance content curation.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Brain-Invading Worm Spread By Rats and Snails Has Reached CaliforniaResearchers have confirmed that the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a parasitic nematode that can cause fatal meningitis in humans, is now endemic in Southern California—the first confirmed cases west of Texas in the continental United States. The discovery in San Diego Zoo animals and surrounding wildlife represents an alarming geographic expansion of a pathogen previously restricted to Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands. Health officials recommend that rat lungworm be included in diagnostic considerations for neurological disease across the southern United States.Read more →
CNET...Roblox's New AI Tool Rephrases Player Chats to Remove Banned LanguageRoblox is implementing an AI-powered system that automatically rephrases inappropriate messages in chat rather than blocking them with censoring symbols. The system uses specialized AI models trained on in-game chat samples to detect problematic language, including evolved slang and leet-speak variations. This advancement maintains civility while improving user experience as the platform faces ongoing legal challenges regarding child safety.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Kagurabachi’ Went From Being a Meme to One of Shonen Jump’s Must-Read PowerhousesKagurabachi, initially dismissed as a generic shonen manga meme, has become one of Shonen Jump's standout series through its exceptional visual paneling and action sequences that elevate its straightforward premise. The manga's rapid cultural momentum has positioned it for an anime adaptation, marking its transformation from internet meme to industry breakthrough.Read more →
The Verge...The best microSD Express card for the Switch 2 is the cheapest one you can findExpress cards are distinguished from standard models by an 'EX' marking and command a higher price point. The designation appears to be a premium variant within the card product line.Read more →
TechCrunch...OSHA probing fatality at Rivian warehouseOSHA has opened an investigation into the death of a 61-year-old worker at a Rivian warehouse in Illinois, who died from blunt traumatic injuries after being pinned between a tractor trailer and loading dock. The worker was trapped for approximately 20 minutes before rescue crews arrived. The investigation, which could take up to six months, comes after Rivian faced multiple safety violations at its Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility in 2024.Read more →
The Verge...The Trump administration says it can’t process tariff refunds because of computer problemsThe US Customs and Border Protection says it currently can't comply with an order to process billions of dollars in refunds stemming from tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. In a filing on Friday, CBP executive director Brandon Lord says the agency's digital import processing system is "not well suited to a task of this […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Weird-Looking Marsupial Found Alive After 6,000 Years of Alleged ‘Extinction’Researchers have rediscovered a marsupial species presumed extinct for over 6,000 years and identified an entirely new genus of marsupial gliders in Indonesia's remote rainforests. These species represent evolutionary remnants of ancient Australia now incorporated into New Guinea, expanding our understanding of paleontological history. Conservation efforts are underway to protect both species from habitat loss due to logging.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nintendo Sues the U.S. Government to Get Refunds for Trump’s Ridiculous TariffsNintendo sued the federal government for refunds on tariffs the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional on February 20, joining dozens of other companies and states in legal challenges. President Trump responded by imposing replacement tariffs under alternative statutory authorities, claiming additional legal grounds to collect duties. The litigation reflects broader disputes over presidential tariff authority and the government's obligation to refund unconstitutional taxes.Read more →
CNET...Sony Reportedly Pulls the Plug on PlayStation Exclusive PC PortsSony is discontinuing its practice of porting PlayStation exclusives to PC, reversing a strategy that brought titles like God of War and Ghost of Tsushima to the platform. The decision is driven by global memory shortages, competition from Xbox gaming integration and Valve's Steam Machine, and poor sales performance of delayed PlayStation ports, prompting Sony to focus on console exclusivity to drive PS5 hardware sales during its extended lifecycle.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bill Gates’ TerraPower gets approval to build new nuclear reactorThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved TerraPower's Natrium nuclear reactor for construction in Wyoming, marking the first NRC permit issued in nearly a decade. The reactor uses innovative molten sodium cooling—the first commercial non-water-cooled reactor approved in over 40 years—and can store excess energy as heat to address renewable energy intermittency and support growing data center electricity demands. This approval signals momentum in advanced nuclear technology as tech-backed startups attract over $1 billion in investment to meet rising electricity needs.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Author Behind ‘The Social Network’ Has an Asteroid Movie Coming OutAuthor Ben Mezrich's upcoming novel 'The Last Orbit', scheduled for publication in early 2027, is a speculative fiction based on the real asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 4% probability of impacting Earth in 2032. TriStar Pictures has acquired the film rights with director Matt Shakman attached to helm the adaptation. The project blends factual asteroid science with fictional storytelling about potential planetary defense scenarios.Read more →
The Verge...Nintendo is suing the US government for a refund of Trump's illegal tariffsNintendo of America is suing the US government over President Trump's tariffs and is demanding a "prompt refund, with interest" of any duties that it has paid, according to a complaint filed in the US Court of International Trade, as reported previously by Aftermath. The Supreme Court ruled last month that Trump's use of the […]Read more →
Engadget...Nintendo is suing the US government over Trump's tariffsNintendo is suing the US government over tariff policies, citing a February Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump's global tariffs illegal. The company seeks refunds for fees already paid to import products, along with interest. The lawsuit underscores how trade policies are pressuring major technology companies to raise consumer prices.Read more →
TechCrunch...Microsoft: Anthropic Claude remains available to customers except the Defense DepartmentMicrosoft has confirmed that Anthropic's Claude models will remain available to its customers despite the Pentagon's supply-chain risk designation, which restricts only direct Department of Defense contracts. The designation, which Anthropic is challenging in court, does not prevent enterprises and startups from accessing Claude through Microsoft's platforms including M365, GitHub, and Azure AI Foundry. The restriction stems from Anthropic's refusal to provide unrestricted access for mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons applications.Read more →
The Verge...The best deals on MacBooks right nowApple's 2026 MacBook lineup features new A-series chips in the budget MacBook Neo starting at $599 and updated M5 processors across Air and Pro models. Major retailers including Best Buy and Amazon are offering discounts up to $800 on various configurations, with pre-order gift card promotions available. The article provides a comprehensive guide to current deals across multiple MacBook models with different storage and processor options.Read more →
CNET...Xreal Discontinues Its Never-Released Nintendo Switch Glasses Adapter For NowXreal has cancelled its Neo battery pack dock for Nintendo Switch 2 due to performance concerns, providing full refunds and $30 store credits to preorder customers. The device experienced frame-rate issues in gaming, highlighting the Switch 2's fundamental incompatibility with AR display glasses—a limitation not present on competing platforms like PCs and Steam Decks.Read more →
The Verge...The AI Doc is an overwrought hype piece for doomers and accelerationists alikeThe AI Doc, a documentary exploring generative AI's societal impact, presents perspectives from both AI critics and industry optimists but lacks substantive analysis or meaningful interrogation of the technology. The film misses critical opportunities to address real harms such as labor exploitation in AI training and the rapid pace of AI deployment into government and commercial applications. As companies and governments integrate AI into society, the documentary fails to meet the public's need for thoughtful, balanced information about AI's potential benefits and risks.Read more →
Gizmodo...NASA’s DART Mission Did More Than Just Nudge an Asteroid, Study SaysNASA's DART spacecraft successfully altered an asteroid's orbit around the Sun by intentionally colliding with it, validating the kinetic impactor technique as a viable planetary defense strategy. Analysis revealed the impact slowed the binary asteroid system's solar velocity by 11.7 micrometers per second, demonstrating humanity can deliberately change a celestial object's trajectory. This proof-of-concept marks a significant milestone in planetary defense capabilities, with future missions planned to further validate the technique.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic’s Claude found 22 vulnerabilities in Firefox over two weeksAnthropic discovered 22 vulnerabilities in Firefox, including 14 classified as high-severity, using Claude Opus 4.6 in a two-week security partnership with Mozilla. Most vulnerabilities have been patched in Firefox 148, highlighting the effectiveness of AI in security testing. The research demonstrated that Claude Opus excels at identifying bugs but struggles with creating proof-of-concept exploits, achieving only 2 successful attempts out of $4,000 in API credits spent.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro review: Impressive audio, imperfect ANCSamsung has refined its Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro earbuds with improved design, enhanced sound quality, and better active noise cancellation on the Pro model, while maintaining the same price. However, advanced features like voice detection and head gestures remain exclusive to Samsung Galaxy phones, and the open-fit model's ANC still lags behind competitors. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro delivers strong audio performance and effective noise cancellation, but Samsung continues to trail Apple in hearing health features and heart-rate tracking capabilities.Read more →
CNET...These Are the Catchiest Songs Ever Written, According to AI and Human DJsThis article explores what makes songs catchy by examining scientific studies, analyzing AI chatbot responses, and interviewing professional DJs with decades of experience. Key factors for catchiness include memorable hooks, simple melodies, appropriate tempos, and emotional connection with audiences. The research demonstrates that while AI provides data-driven insights, real-world expertise from DJs and social media trends like TikTok are equally important in determining which songs achieve lasting popularity.Read more →
Gizmodo...Why Lord and Miller Adapted ‘Project Hail Mary’ Before Andy Weir’s Second BookAndy Weir's science fiction novels are being adapted into films by acclaimed filmmakers, with Project Hail Mary arriving in theaters on March 20, while the lunar heist story Artemis remains in development. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller face the unique challenge of authentically depicting one-sixth gravity on the moon, a technical feat they believe they have solved. The success of these adaptations showcases how complex speculative fiction can transition to screen with talented teams committed to honoring the source material.Read more →
Engadget...Pokémon Pokopia review: Possibly the most charming Pokémon game yetPokémon Pokopia is a cozy life simulation game that shifts the franchise's focus from combat to community-building and town restoration. The game blends mechanics from Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest Builders, and Minecraft, allowing players to rebuild a Pokémon-populated town over 50+ hours of wholesome gameplay with meaningful interactions between creatures and environmental customization.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic’s Pentagon deal is a cautionary tale for startups chasing federal contractsThe Pentagon designated Anthropic as a supply-chain risk after disagreements over military control of AI models for autonomous weapons and surveillance, causing Anthropic's $200 million contract to collapse. The Department of Defense awarded the contract to OpenAI instead, triggering significant public backlash with ChatGPT uninstalls surging 295%. The incident highlights the fundamental tension between government demands for unrestricted AI access and AI companies' concerns about military applications.Read more →
CNET...Best Prepaid Phone Plans for 2026CNET's comprehensive guide compares leading prepaid wireless phone plans, including US Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, and Metro, helping consumers select options based on data needs, budget, and carrier coverage. The review evaluates plans across categories like unlimited data, limited data, multi-line family plans, and budget options to match individual requirements.Read more →
CNET...This Privacy Smartphone Blocks Audio and Video Snooping at the Flick of a SwitchThe Hiroh is a $1,100 privacy-focused Android smartphone launching in late April, featuring physical hardware switches that disable cameras, microphones, and all connectivity at the circuit level. Designed for government contractors, business professionals, and privacy-conscious consumers, it combines hardware-level controls with privacy-focused software including the EOS operating system and end-to-end encrypted messaging. The device represents a growing market shift toward empowering users with hardware controls to prevent unauthorized data collection.Read more →
TechCrunch...Claude’s consumer growth surge continues after Pentagon deal debacleAnthropic's ethical stance against supporting mass surveillance and autonomous weapons has driven significant consumer adoption of Claude, making it the #1 app in the U.S. and 15 other countries. The application achieved 11.3 million daily active users as of March 2, representing 183% year-to-date growth with over 1 million new sign-ups daily, positioning it as a formidable challenger to ChatGPT.Read more →
TechCrunch...India PC shipments surpass pandemic peak as first-time users upgradeIndia's PC market achieved record shipments of 15.9 million units in 2025, a 10.2% year-over-year increase driven by device upgrades from pandemic-era first-time buyers and expanding digitization. The country's global PC market share surged from 3.3% in 2020 to 5.6%, with balanced demand across commercial and consumer segments. Despite anticipated near-term pressure from component shortages, India's low PC penetration rate positions it as one of the world's fastest-growing markets.Read more →
Gizmodo...SEC Settles Case Against Investor in Trump-Linked Crypto Projects Amid Pay-to-Play AllegationsThe SEC settled its enforcement case against crypto billionaire Justin Sun and his companies for a $10 million payment from Rainberry, concluding litigation over wash-trading schemes and undisclosed celebrity endorsements. The settlement has drawn political criticism from Democrats who contend it reflects preferential treatment for crypto industry figures connected to the Trump administration. The case highlights ongoing questions about the SEC's regulatory consistency and enforcement policy trajectory in the cryptocurrency sector.Read more →
Gizmodo...Pedro Pascal Loves Why His Helmet Comes Off in ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’Pedro Pascal will have an expanded role in the upcoming Star Wars film 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' with his character's iconic helmet coming off for story-driven reasons. The actor will perform more physical action scenes both with and without the helmet, a departure from relying primarily on stunt performers. Director Jon Favreau explained the narrative justification for removing the helmet, which aligned with Pascal's own creative hopes for the character.Read more →
Gizmodo...Pentagon Reportedly Used Microsoft Workaround to Test OpenAI Models, Despite BanOpenAI reversed its long-standing ban on military applications and secured a multimillion-dollar Pentagon contract to deploy advanced AI systems in classified environments. The agreement came hours after the Defense Department's negotiations with Anthropic collapsed over restrictions on domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons use. The deal exemplifies the growing willingness of AI companies to pursue military partnerships despite previous ethical objections.Read more →
CNET...23 of the Absolute Best TV Shows on Hulu You Shouldn't MissDisney is merging Hulu into the Disney Plus app, prompting users to fill their watchlist before the service shuts down. The platform offers diverse content including ABC and Fox network shows, FX originals, and classic television series. Users should prioritize their viewing as Hulu's standalone service will be discontinued.Read more →
CNET...Microsoft's Next Xbox Console Is for Real, and It'll Play PC Games, TooMicrosoft announced Project Helix, a hybrid gaming console that plays both Xbox and Windows PC games, directly addressing the growing PC gaming market where PC games now outsell consoles. This strategic move positions Microsoft against Sony's console-exclusive strategy and signals a fundamental shift in gaming hardware positioning.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump and RFK Jr. Told Pregnant Women to Stop Using Tylenol. It’s HappeningA study found that President Trump's September announcement linking acetaminophen to autism risk caused ER orders for the medication among pregnant women to drop 10%, while prescriptions for leucovorin, promoted as an autism treatment, surged 71%. The research demonstrates how political figures can rapidly influence medical practices, raising concerns about potential health consequences including untreated fevers and use of less safe pain medications during pregnancy.Read more →
The Verge...You can already save up to $50 on the new M4 iPad AirApple has announced new M4-powered iPad Air models with preorder discounts available at major retailers starting at $559. The tablets feature 30% performance improvements, increased 12GB RAM, and a new N1 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Thread for smart home connectivity.Read more →
CNET...Motorola's Project Maxwell Pendant Is Just the Start of Its Experimental Wearables JourneyMotorola unveiled Project Maxwell, an AI-powered pendant designed as a hands-free perceptive companion that uses voice and vision for natural interactions, including real-time language translation and contextual recommendations. The device represents the company's strategic approach to AI wearables as an alternative to smart glasses, leveraging advances in large language models and agentic AI. With support for Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, Motorola is positioning itself as a significant player in the emerging AI wearables market.Read more →
CNET...La Liga Soccer: Stream Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid Live From AnywhereThis article covers the Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid La Liga match scheduled for Friday, March 6, including broadcast details across multiple regions. Real Madrid seeks a win to keep title hopes alive after recent defeats, while Celta Vigo enters on a strong four-match winning streak.Read more →
CNET...Get Up, Samurai. Cyberpunk 2077 Is Coming to Xbox Game PassXbox Game Pass is adding Cyberpunk 2077 in March alongside several other games including Planet of Lana 2 and Construction Simulator. Cyberpunk 2077, which launched as a problematic game five years ago but has since become one of the decade's best titles after extensive fixes and optimization, represents a significant addition to the subscription service's library.Read more →
Gizmodo...Watch Ryan Gosling Meet His Adorable Alien Co-Star in This ‘Project Hail Mary’ ClipMGM released an official clip from the upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, featuring the pivotal meet-cute between astronaut Ryland Grace and an alien character named Rocky. Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller and based on Andy Weir's novel, the film has garnered significant critical acclaim for its touching, funny, and innovative approach to science fiction. The movie releases in theaters on March 20.Read more →
Engadget...Capcom's long-delayed Pragmata is now arriving a week earlierCapcom announced that Pragmata, a long-delayed dystopian sci-fi adventure game, will release on April 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The game, originally revealed in 2020 and subject to multiple delays, showcased new gameplay elements and lunar base environments in a recent trailer. A free Sketchbook demo is available now on all platforms ahead of the release.Read more →
TechCrunch...These are the countries moving to ban social media for childrenMultiple countries are implementing or proposing bans on social media access for minors, following Australia's December 2025 precedent that restricted children under 16 from platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. These regulations aim to protect young users from cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and predatory behavior, though critics raise concerns about privacy invasion and age verification methods. The global movement reflects increasing recognition of social media's potential harms to youth, with countries including Denmark, France, Indonesia, and Spain now pursuing similar legislation.Read more →
CNET...9 Hardy Houseplants That Practically Take Care of ThemselvesCNET provides a guide to nine hardy houseplants recommended for beginners and neglectful plant parents, including ZZ plants, snake plants, and Monsteras. The article emphasizes that overwatering is the primary cause of houseplant death and recommends using pots with drainage holes, ensuring adequate indirect light, and checking soil moisture before watering to prevent root rot.Read more →
Gizmodo...Scientists Find a Built-In Weapon Against Peanut Allergies: Human SpitResearchers have identified microbes, particularly Rothia aeria bacteria, naturally present in human saliva and gut that can effectively degrade peanut allergen proteins. These findings show that people with higher peanut tolerance have greater abundance of these protective microbes, opening a pathway for probiotic-based treatments. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches to complement existing immunotherapy for peanut allergies, which affect about 2% of the Western population.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Next-Gen Xbox Will Make Us Rethink Everything About ConsolesMicrosoft announced Project Helix, its next-generation Xbox console that will play both Xbox-native and PC games with significantly improved performance. The console, expected to launch in 2027 with an estimated $1,000 price, aims to rebuild fan confidence after years of perceived underinvestment in the Series X platform.Read more →
CNET...The PetPhone Lets Your Furball Dial You. These Catcalls Are Welcome AnytimeThe PetPhone is a cellular-enabled pet tracker that allows owners to monitor their pet's location via GPS while enabling pets to initiate calls through motion-triggered actions. The device addresses pet owner connectivity concerns and helps reduce separation anxiety, with an upcoming PetCam accessory providing video recording capabilities from the pet's perspective.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘War Between the Land and the Sea’ Cut a Giant Squid Storm From Its Sea Devil InvasionThe Doctor Who spinoff 'The War Between the Land and the Sea' had a pivotal action sequence cut from Episode 2 due to budget constraints, preventing the show from depicting the conflict between humans and sea creatures central to its premise. The deleted scene featured a squid attack on a coastal Italian restaurant that would have illustrated the escalating tensions between the two factions. Instead, the series prioritizes a romance subplot over depicting the war that gives the show its title.Read more →
CNET...Hulu and Disney Plus for $5? Yes, This Deal Is RealDisney is offering a limited-time promotional discount on its ad-supported Hulu and Disney Plus bundle, reducing the price from $13 to $5 per month for the first three months. This promotion, available to new and returning subscribers through March 24, provides access to both services' content libraries including Marvel, Star Wars, ABC shows, and family-friendly titles.Read more →
The Verge...The Trump phone was a no-show at the world’s biggest mobile showTrump Mobile has declined to participate in major industry events, missing both CES and Mobile World Congress. This absence from key technology showcases may signal strategic repositioning or operational challenges. The company is not prioritizing traditional trade show participation for product announcements.Read more →
The Verge...Trump's surgeon general nominee is running the wellness grifter playbook perfectlyThe article examines wellness influencer Casey Means, Trump's nominee for surgeon general, and her use of a playbook that mixes selective science with misleading conclusions, casts doubt on medical institutions, and promotes products with inadequate financial disclosure. Means represents a broader threat to public health, as wellness influencers exploit genuine healthcare frustrations to drive profitable trends while avoiding transparency about their financial interests. This influence is shaping both public health narratives and driving new health tech markets.Read more →
Engadget...Rad Power Bikes gets a new owner, pledge to build bikes in the USLife EV has completed a court-approved acquisition of Rad Power Bikes, salvaging the e-bike brand from bankruptcy caused by battery safety concerns. The new owner will continue operating under the Rad brand while committing to US-based manufacturing and honoring existing warranties. Life EV plans to expand Rad's market presence using a Foreign Trade Zone structure to optimize its supply chain operations.Read more →
Gizmodo...xAI Exec Says Have Grok Check Your Taxes! Tax Experts Say Do Not Do That!Tax experts strongly advise against using general-purpose AI chatbots like Grok for tax filing, despite promotional claims from AI companies. Studies show chatbots consistently miscalculate tax refunds by an average of over $2,000 and achieve less than 50% accuracy on complete returns. Beyond accuracy concerns, using chatbots poses significant privacy and security risks, as companies may use personal tax data for training purposes without adequate safeguards.Read more →
TechCrunch...TriZetto confirms 3.4M people’s health and personal data was stolen during breachHealth tech firm TriZetto disclosed a major cyberattack affecting 3.4 million people, with attackers accessing personal data including names, Social Security numbers, and health insurance information for nearly a year undetected. The breach impacted multiple U.S. healthcare providers serving millions of patients, raising critical concerns about healthcare technology security and regulatory oversight.Read more →
TechCrunch...Indonesia outlines plan to limit under-16s’ access to social mediaIndonesia will implement age-restricted access to social media platforms, allowing users 13 and older to access lower-risk platforms while restricting higher-risk platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to those 16 and above. The regulation, effective one year after formal adoption on March 28, 2026, aims to protect children from harmful content, exploitation, and addiction. This measure reflects a global trend of countries establishing legislative safeguards for minors' digital safety.Read more →
Gizmodo...Docto Doom Could Be Coming for the Multiverse in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’The article updates fans on multiple upcoming and in-production entertainment properties including Alien: Earth season 2 launching production in May and a live-action Voltron movie arriving next year. Major developments include Doctor Doom's central role in destroying the multiverse in Avengers: Doomsday, representing significant plot implications for the franchise's future.Read more →
The Verge...Indie games are turning the act of looking into an artHidden Folks created a new 'searching' game genre that emphasizes exploration and interactive storytelling rather than simple object-finding, inspiring numerous similar games including Lost and Found Co. The success of these games depends heavily on meticulous design, extensive playtesting, and crafted details that encourage player curiosity and discovery.Read more →
TechCrunch...City Detect, which uses AI to help cities stay safe and clean, raises $13M Series ACity Detect secured $13 million in Series A funding for its computer vision and AI platform that helps local governments monitor and address urban blight, building maintenance issues, and infrastructure decay. The company uses cameras mounted on public vehicles to analyze street conditions and identify problems like graffiti, structural damage, and illegal dumping far more efficiently than manual inspection, processing thousands of locations weekly instead of dozens. The technology enables cities to improve maintenance efficiency and resolve urban issues more proactively while maintaining privacy protections.Read more →
TechCrunch...Quantum scale-up Pasqal plans $2B SPAC listing, promises to ‘remain French’Pasqal, a French full-stack quantum computing company, is going public through a merger with Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp II on Nasdaq, valuing the company at $2 billion and securing an additional $200 million in funding. The dual US-European listing will provide capital for Pasqal to double production capacity within 24 months and develop fault-tolerant quantum systems by decade's end. The transaction reflects strong investor appetite for quantum computing and positions Pasqal as a leading European competitor using neutral atom technology.Read more →
TechCrunch...India’s Karnataka signals intent to ban social media for under-16sIndian state Karnataka announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, joining a global movement to restrict young people's platform access. The proposal faces questions about enforcement mechanisms and effectiveness, while legal experts debate whether states have the authority to impose such restrictions.Read more →
The Verge...This phone starts fires on purposeMobile World Congress featured innovative gadgets including Oukitel's WP63 rugged smartphone with a built-in fire starter and a dancing robot phone. The coverage highlights unique consumer electronics and emerging tech innovations presented at the conference.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget Podcast: Is the MacBook Neo the one?Apple announced its most affordable laptop ever, the $599 MacBook Neo, alongside M5-powered MacBook Air and Pro models and an updated iPad Air. The episode also addresses the Department of Defense's controversial continued use of Anthropic's Claude AI despite recent sanctions against the company, highlighting tensions between military procurement and AI ethics.Read more →
TechCrunch...After Europe, WhatsApp will let rival AI companies offer chatbots in BrazilBrazil's antitrust regulator CADE rejected Meta's appeal and ordered the company to allow rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp, forcing Meta to offer access through its WhatsApp Business API at $0.0625 per non-template message starting March 11. While complying with the regulatory mandate, developers are hesitant to use the service due to the high pricing model Meta has set.Read more →
CNET...Why MacBook Neo Is Going to Change EverythingApple launched the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop powered by the A18 Pro chip with a 16-hour battery and premium design, targeting mainstream consumers and first-time Mac buyers. The device directly competes with mid-range Windows laptops and Chromebooks, making Apple's ecosystem more accessible beyond creative professionals. This strategic pricing and positioning represents a significant effort to expand Apple's user base to budget-conscious users and students.Read more →
Gizmodo...People Are Convinced Nathan Fillion Is Reviving ‘Firefly’ Via… Instagram Posts?Nathan Fillion and cast members from the cult classic TV series Firefly are teasing a mystery announcement scheduled for March 15 at AwesomeCon with cryptic 'It's time' videos on Instagram and social media. The mystery announcement likely concerns a 25th-anniversary reunion event or special celebration of the beloved sci-fi show.Read more →
The Verge...Marathon is in a sprintMarathon, an extraction shooter from Bungie, offers compelling gunplay but faces an uncertain future in a volatile live-service market where even backed titles from major studios are failing rapidly. The gaming industry's rising development costs, intense competition, and pattern of shutting down games within weeks pose significant risks to Marathon's long-term viability.Read more →
Engadget...Dell XPS 14 (2026) review: A beautiful laptop that excels at almost everything… except typingDell's redesigned XPS 14 features an ultra-thin 3-pound chassis, elegant design, and Intel Panther Lake processors with capable gaming performance. However, the laptop suffers from a critical keyboard defect where rapid successive key presses are not reliably recognized, causing significant input errors and usability issues for fast typists. While Dell indicates a potential firmware fix may resolve the problem, this fundamental responsiveness flaw significantly undermines the device's otherwise impressive specifications and design.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: Apple takes on cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks with the $599 MacBook NeoApple launched the MacBook Neo, a $599 budget laptop powered by iPhone chipset technology featuring a 13-inch Retina display and optional Touch ID. The device's standard 8GB RAM configuration may limit performance for demanding tasks, directly competing with low-cost Windows laptops and Chromebooks in the budget segment.Read more →
CNET...Prime Video: 24 Sci-Fi TV Shows You Absolutely Need to Stream Right NowPrime Video has developed a notable collection of science fiction television shows distinguished by an indie-film aesthetic and offbeat narratives. Unlike Netflix and Apple TV, the platform's sci-fi offerings range from bleak, dystopian content to lighter-toned shows, providing diverse viewing options for genre enthusiasts.Read more →
Gizmodo...The World of ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Will Expand in a Big WaySarah J. Maas announced two new A Court of Thorns and Roses novels releasing in October 2026 and January 2027, continuing her bestselling series that has sold more than 75 million copies worldwide. After reclaiming her creative rights from a failed Hulu adaptation, Maas emphasized her intent to maintain creative control over future film and television projects based on her work. The announcement underscores the growing power of bestselling authors to negotiate favorable terms for adapting their intellectual property to screen.Read more →
The Verge...Meet your new phone away from phoneMWC highlighted a growing trend of secondary, minimalist phones designed to provide breaks from constant smartphone use. Devices like the Unihertz Titan Elite 2 and Light Phone III feature simplified functionality and physical keyboards to reduce distractions and improve typing experiences. While market challenges like rising RAM costs threaten smaller brands, companies remain optimistic about customer demand, particularly among younger users seeking healthier relationships with technology.Read more →
CNET...Daylight Saving Time Has an Unexpected Benefit for Home SafetySpring daylight saving time reduces crime rates by extending evening daylight, which deters burglars and violent criminals. Research shows robberies decline by 27%, murders by 48%, and rape by 56% during DST periods, while home burglaries increase by 16% when DST ends in fall.Read more →
Engadget...UK government delays AI copyright rules amid artist outcryThe UK government has delayed a controversial data bill that would have allowed AI companies to train models on copyrighted materials without creators' consent. Following negative feedback from stakeholders including publishers, musicians, and artists, the government has decided to reconsider its approach and explore alternative regulatory frameworks. The delay represents a significant setback for tech companies seeking unrestricted access to creative works for AI training, while providing a temporary victory for the creative industries concerned about IP protection.Read more →
CNET...Are Walking Pads Worth It? This Is My Experience as a Fitness ExpertUnder-desk treadmills offer a compact fitness solution for remote workers to maintain daily activity levels without leaving home, with models capable of reaching 5-6 mph speeds. These devices fit easily under desks and allow multitasking during work, though they require consideration for balance support, space availability, and individual fitness needs before purchase.Read more →
CNET...OpenClaw: Everything You Need to Know About This Viral Open-Source AI AgentOpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that autonomously executes real-world tasks across messaging apps, email, and smart home systems with persistent memory and proactive capabilities. The platform has achieved viral success since January but faces critical security challenges, including thousands of exposed instances and malicious code in its ecosystem. Security experts warn that autonomous agents operating with human credentials create novel identity and access control risks that current security frameworks cannot adequately govern.Read more →
CNET...Your Best Streaming Bet May Be a Skinny TV Package. But What Are They?In response to consumer frustration over high TV costs, major streaming providers including DirecTV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Sling TV have launched 'skinny' TV packages offering fewer channels at significantly lower prices. These customizable bundles range from $20 to $85 per month and include features like unlimited DVR and flexible cancellation. The offerings appeal particularly to budget-conscious viewers and sports fans seeking affordable alternatives to full cable and streaming packages.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic says it will challenge Defense Department's supply chain risk designation in courtAnthropic CEO Dario Amodei announced that the Defense Department has designated the company as a supply chain risk effective immediately, and stated the company will challenge this decision in court. The designation resulted from the Pentagon's demand that Anthropic remove safeguards over mass surveillance and autonomous weapons use. While the designation restricts federal government usage, the general public and private sector companies, including Microsoft, can continue using Anthropic's Claude AI technology.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 6, #529The article provides daily answers and hints for the New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle game, a daily word game published by The Athletic available through their app or online. Today's puzzle features four themed groups including sports equipment used to hit balls, unlikely winners in sports, recent Champions League soccer champions, and homophones of MLB team names.Read more →
CNET...McDonald's CEO Burger Video: Ketchup With This Bizarre New MemeMcDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski's promotional video for the new Big Arch burger became widely mocked on social media after he took an unusually delicate bite while calling it a 'big bite' and referred to the burger as a 'product.' Competing restaurant chains including Burger King and Wendy's capitalized on the viral moment by releasing their own promotional videos with humorous jabs at McDonald's marketing approach. The incident generated significant social media buzz and provided competitors with free marketing opportunities through user-generated memes and brand responses.Read more →
CNET...McDonald's CEO Burger Video: Ketchup With This Bizarre New MemeMcDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski's awkward promotional video, in which he took a tiny bite of the newly launched Big Arch burger while using corporate terminology, went viral on social media and sparked widespread mockery and competing promotions from rival fast food chains.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic to challenge DOD’s supply chain label in courtAnthropic announced it will challenge the Pentagon's supply chain risk designation in federal court, a decision that threatens to bar the firm from direct Pentagon contracts. The dispute stems from disagreements over Pentagon control of AI systems, with Anthropic opposing unrestricted military access for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. OpenAI has now signed a deal to provide AI services to the Pentagon instead.Read more →
The Verge...The best iPad deals you can get right nowThis article provides a comprehensive guide to current iPad deals across all major models as of March 2026, including the 11th-gen base iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro with various storage configurations. It highlights significant discounts from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, with the newest M4-powered iPad Air arriving March 11th. The guide helps consumers identify the best value options, noting that newer M4/M5 models often offer better long-term value than discounted older models despite higher initial prices.Read more →
CNET...Google's Canvas AI Project-Planning Tool Is Now Available to Everyone in the USCanvas is Google's AI planning tool now available across the US within Google Search's AI Mode, enabling users to create customized projects for trip planning, academic scholarship tracking, and general project management. The tool integrates real-time travel data from Google Search and Maps information while providing customization options including code viewing and dark mode on both desktop and mobile devices. Google plans to expand Canvas with support for coding and creative writing tasks to enable additional use cases.Read more →
The Verge...What if your real computer was a super-sized Lego computer brick?Industrial designer Paul Staal has created a custom desktop PC inspired by Lego's iconic spaceships, building on the evolution of Lego computer designs from the original 1979 painted plastic bricks to modern integrated components.Read more →
CNET...Daylight Saving Time Is Almost Here. Here's How to Get ReadyDaylight saving time begins Sunday, moving clocks forward one hour to extend evening daylight. Sleep experts warn that the time change disrupts circadian rhythms and can cause chronic sleep loss, reduced sleep quality, and safety risks. The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025-2026 seeks to end these recurring time changes, though individual states can already opt out of daylight saving time.Read more →
Engadget...X's Exclusive Threads feature lets creators paywall the end of tweet threadsX launched Exclusive Threads, a creator subscription feature allowing creators to restrict portions of tweet threads to paying subscribers while displaying teasers to all users, with embedded signup buttons designed to encourage subscriptions. This monetization tool represents X's ongoing effort to attract and retain content creators amid competition for creator attention.Read more →
Gizmodo...Please Just Let the Metaverse GoGoogle and Epic Games are developing 'metaverse browsers' as part of their new app store agreement, continuing industry investment in virtual worlds despite Meta's Horizon Worlds failure. The article argues that successful virtual platforms like Fortnite succeed through entertainment-focused design rather than attempting to create a metaverse concept, and that Meta's failure stemmed from prioritizing the metaverse idea over user experience. The author contends the industry should abandon the metaverse terminology and focus on building engaging entertainment platforms instead.Read more →
The Verge...Lawmakers just advanced online safety laws that require age verification at the app storeA package of child safety bills is headed to the House floor following an hours-long session that left Democrats and Republicans divided. On Thursday, lawmakers on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted to advance the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act; Sammy's Law; and the App Store Accountability Act, which would require […]Read more →
TechCrunch...DiligenceSquared uses AI, voice agents to make M&A research affordableDiligenceSquared, a YC-backed startup founded by former Blackstone and BCG executives, uses AI voice agents to automate M&A due diligence research, reducing costs from $500k-$1M to $50k. The 10x cost reduction makes institutional-grade commercial analysis accessible to mid-market PE firms earlier in the deal process.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Girl Dinner’ Takes on a Deliciously Grisly New Meaning in This Speculative Short StoryThis satirical science fiction story explores a viral social media phenomenon where women symbolically 'consume' toxic masculinity through the '#girldinner' trend, serving as commentary on gender dynamics, algorithmic influence, and collective action. The narrative examines how online trends can reshape cultural attitudes toward masculinity and power, questioning whether social change driven by digital movements can create lasting impact.Read more →
The Verge...The Pentagon formally labels Anthropic a supply-chain riskThe U.S. Defense Department has formally designated Anthropic as a 'supply-chain risk' following failed negotiations over Claude's use in autonomous lethal weapons and mass surveillance. This unprecedented decision against an American company will bar defense contractors from working with the government if they use Claude, with a 6-month deadline for Anthropic to remove the AI system from government operations. The designation marks a significant escalation in the conflict between national defense interests and Anthropic's usage policy constraints.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon.com is on the mend after experiencing technical issuesAmazon experienced a major website outage around 2PM ET that prevented customers from logging in and viewing product prices. By 5:56PM ET, the site stabilized significantly with product pages and pricing returning to normal. The company acknowledged the issue and apologized to customers, though full resolution has not been confirmed.Read more →
TechCrunch...Cluely CEO Roy Lee admits to publicly lying about revenue numbers last yearCluely co-founder Roy Lee publicly admitted that the $7 million annual recurring revenue figure disclosed to TechCrunch was false, substantially damaging the startup's credibility during its pivot to an AI-powered meeting note-taker. The admission further revealed that Lee misrepresented the circumstances of the original interview, claiming a random call when his PR team had actually arranged it.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘One Piece’ Straw Hat Pirates, RankedAn entertainment critic shares a personal ranking of favorite members from One Piece's Straw Hat crew, with Usopp, Nico Robin, and Nami standing out as top favorites for their character development and leadership qualities. The ranking comes ahead of Netflix's second season premiere of the live-action adaptation and includes commentary on how the live-action portrayals compare to their manga and anime counterparts.Read more →
CNET...Apple's MacBook Neo Hands-On: A Premium Laptop for $599Apple announced the MacBook Neo, a budget laptop starting at $599 that uses the A18 Pro chip to deliver premium design at a lower cost, directly competing with Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops. Targeting students and everyday users, the device offers a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage in multiple color options, though with limited upgrade potential and slower USB-C ports. The Neo provides iPhone users a compelling way to access macOS and premium build quality at a fraction of traditional MacBook Air prices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman Says ‘Government Should Be More Powerful Than Corporations.’ Which Government?OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended his company's partnership with the U.S. government amid escalating tensions between the Pentagon and Anthropic over AI safeguards. The Pentagon has demanded Anthropic remove guardrails preventing Claude from being used in mass surveillance and autonomous weapons development, threatening to blacklist the company if it refuses. The conflict raises critical questions about government regulation of AI companies and whose standards should apply globally.Read more →
TechCrunch...AWS launches a new AI agent platform specifically for health careAmazon Web Services launched Amazon Connect Health, an AI agent platform designed to automate administrative healthcare tasks including appointment scheduling, patient verification, and medical documentation. The HIPAA-compliant platform marks AWS's first major AI agent product in healthcare and represents the company's broader expansion into the $5 trillion U.S. healthcare industry.Read more →
Engadget...COPPA 2.0 passes the Senate again, unanimously this timeThe US Senate unanimously passed COPPA 2.0, modernized legislation designed to protect minors by preventing platforms from collecting personal data without consent. This updated version of the 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act addresses contemporary threats like targeted advertising. While the Senate has advanced the bill, similar measures have previously stalled in the House amid opposition from major technology companies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Study Finds Surprising Trend Among Ozempic Users Taking Fewer Doses Than UsualA Scripps Health study found that patients on GLP-1 weight-loss medications like semaglutide could reduce dosing frequency to as infrequently as once every two months while maintaining weight loss and improved health metrics. The findings suggest that structured dose reduction could make long-term GLP-1 therapy more affordable and reduce treatment burden, though larger studies are needed to confirm the approach's viability across broader patient populations.Read more →
CNET...Will 'The Boys' Season 5 Deliver? 5 Major Things I Can't Wait to SeePrime Video's The Boys will conclude with Season 5 premiering April 8, marking the final season of the superhero satire series. The season features major plot developments including Ashley's superpower reveal, Soldier Boy's return, and an epic final confrontation between Billy Butcher and Homelander. The eight-episode finale will resolve multiple story arcs and bring the massively popular series to a close.Read more →
CNET...Amazon Is Down for Thousands, It's Not Just YouAmazon experienced a major outage on Thursday affecting its checkout system, mobile app, and product pages, with nearly 160,000 reports filed on DownDetector. The disruption prevented customers from shopping on the platform, with checkout issues accounting for 38% of reported problems. The incident appeared to be widespread and not limited to any specific network provider.Read more →
The Verge...Roku's solution to streaming decision fatigue is a trivia gameRoku is launching Roklue, a pop culture trivia game on March 7th designed to help users discover content and test their knowledge of movies and television shows. The game will be directly accessible from the Roku home screen without requiring downloads, with the first theme focused on awards season. This expansion of Roku's gaming offerings mirrors similar strategies employed by competitors like Netflix.Read more →
TechCrunch...FBI investigating hack on its wiretap and surveillance systems: reportHackers breached FBI networks, targeting a system used to manage wiretaps and foreign intelligence surveillance warrants. The FBI identified and addressed the suspicious activities through technical response. This breach is part of an escalating pattern of major security incidents affecting U.S. government agencies.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Solar Superstorm Blasted Mars—and Its Atmosphere Freaked OutA massive solar storm in May 2024 caused Mars's lower ionosphere to expand to nearly three times its normal size, as measured by European Space Agency orbiters using radio occultation techniques. This research reveals how intense solar activity influences the Martian atmosphere and provides critical insights into the processes responsible for Mars's historical atmospheric loss over time.Read more →
TechCrunch...US reportedly considering sweeping new chip export controlsThe Trump administration has drafted proposed rules requiring U.S. government approval for exporting AI chips globally, significantly expanding government control over semiconductor exports from companies like AMD and Nvidia. The tiered review process would scale based on purchase size and importer status, representing stricter oversight than Biden's previous policy. Industry experts warn this approach may reduce U.S. chip companies' global competitiveness as other nations develop competing technologies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Netflix Taps Ben Affleck to Help Get More Filmmakers to Use AINetflix has acquired InterPositive, a filmmaking AI startup founded by Ben Affleck, to integrate AI-powered tools into its content production pipeline. The acquired technology enables post-production enhancements such as removing stunt wires, creating missing shots, and adjusting visual elements while maintaining consistency with filmmakers' creative intent. Netflix plans to offer these tools exclusively to its creative partners as part of its broader strategy to expand AI capabilities in film and television production.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon.com is experiencing issues and failing to load pricesAmazon's website is experiencing significant technical outages affecting core shopping functionality, with users unable to log in and prices failing to display on product pages. The issues, which began around 2PM ET and escalated throughout the day, are preventing customers from accessing product information and showing error messages when browsing. Amazon has acknowledged the problem and stated they are working to resolve the issue.Read more →
Gizmodo...Mike Flanagan’s ‘Exorcist’ Absorbs Mike Flanagan’s List of Favorite ActorsMike Flanagan is directing a new Exorcist adaptation featuring major stars including Scarlett Johansson and Laurence Fishburne, alongside a supporting cast drawn from his previous horror series. The theatrical film, scheduled for March 12, 2027, demonstrates Flanagan's ongoing practice of collaborating with a consistent ensemble of actors across his horror productions.Read more →
Gizmodo...Scientists Claim They’ve Finally Made the Elusive ‘Hexagonal’ DiamondChinese researchers successfully synthesized the first pure hexagonal diamond at millimeter scale using high-pressure compression of graphite, achieving superior hardness and oxidation resistance compared to cubic diamonds. This breakthrough resolves a 60-year scientific controversy about whether hexagonal diamonds could be created in the laboratory. Independent replication by other research teams confirms reproducibility, establishing practical viability for advanced applications.Read more →
The Verge...Pokopia made me look at Pokémon’s high-tech future in a whole new wayPokémon Pokopia features a post-human world where pokémon rebuild civilization using both advanced technology like 3D printers and everyday devices such as power grids and CDs. The game uniquely presents technology as fallible and requiring active maintenance, contrasting with previous Pokémon games where technology was assumed to work seamlessly. This design approach prompts players to reconsider how the series has always balanced fantastical elements with realistic technological systems.Read more →
CNET...Big Tech Promises to Pay for AI Data Center Power, but Who Will Enforce It?Major technology companies including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft signed Trump's nonbinding 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' to cover costs of powering and cooling AI data centers in response to growing community opposition over environmental and utility impacts. The pledge aims to prevent electricity rate increases for consumers, though critics argue it lacks enforcement mechanisms and fails to address significant environmental concerns such as massive water consumption and land usage. Data centers are projected to increase electricity bills by 8% nationally and up to 25% in some regions by 2030.Read more →
Engadget...Xbox CEO confirms next-gen 'Project Helix' console will play PC gamesMicrosoft Xbox CEO Asha Sharma unveiled the next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, which will prioritize performance and support both console and PC gaming. The announcement reflects Microsoft's strategic pivot under new executive leadership following Phil Spencer's departure. Additional details about the system's specifications and capabilities will be shared at GDC.Read more →
TechCrunch...Amazon is rolling out a redesigned Fire TV appAmazon has released a redesigned Fire TV mobile app that transforms smartphones into content discovery and playback platforms, enabling users to browse shows, manage watchlists, and stream directly to TVs. The updated interface features improved navigation with clear category tabs, enhanced search accessibility, and a personalized 'For You' recommendation system to help users navigate the growing streaming landscape. The rollout is now available across 11 countries including the U.S., Brazil, Canada, and the U.K.Read more →
CNET...'The Boys' Final Season Trailer Teases a Big, Bloody ConclusionPrime Video released the season 5 trailer for The Boys, its final season premiering April 8, revealing that Homelander could become immortal and prompting Billy Butcher to consider eliminating all supes to prevent it. The trailer leaves the fates of multiple main characters uncertain while introducing returning Supernatural actors and Gen V crossover elements as the dark superhero series reaches its climax.Read more →
TechCrunch...BYD rolls out EV batteries with 5-minute ‘flash charging.’ But there’s a catch.BYD unveiled its Blade Battery 2.0 system with a new Flash Charging technology that can charge 10-70% in five minutes, significantly reducing EV charging times. The advancement uses cost-effective lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry and is intended to help BYD maintain its position as the world's largest EV manufacturer amid growing competition.Read more →
TechCrunch...Italian prosecutors confirm journalist was hacked with Paragon spywareItalian authorities confirmed that journalist Francesco Cancellato was infected with spyware on December 14, 2024, alongside two immigration activists, though the perpetrator remains unidentified. While Italian intelligence's targeting of the activists was deemed lawful, the investigation into Cancellato's hack highlights concerns about government transparency and accountability. The incident is part of a broader European spyware scandal affecting multiple countries including Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Spain.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon.com is up and down, with login errors and prices not loadingAmazon is experiencing a widespread service outage affecting checkout, search functionality, and user authentication across its website and mobile applications. The outage is causing error messages, pricing display failures, and repeated user logouts. Amazon has acknowledged the issue but has not provided details on the scope or timeline for resolution.Read more →
TechCrunch...It’s official: The Pentagon has labeled Anthropic a supply chain riskThe Department of Defense designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk following the company's refusal to allow military use of its AI systems for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight. This unprecedented move threatens to disrupt both Anthropic and DoD operations, as Claude is a critical tool in active military campaigns and integrated into Palantir's Maven Smart System. The designation has sparked criticism from tech industry leaders who argue the government is inappropriately weaponizing regulatory authority against a domestic company.Read more →
The Verge...United Airlines can permanently ban passengers who don’t wear headphonesUnited Airlines has updated its Contract of Carriage to require passengers to wear headphones when listening to audio or video content on flights, with violations subject to passenger refusal or removal from the aircraft. The policy update, effective February 27th, was formalized to address increased connectivity following the expansion of Starlink internet service on United flights. Passengers without headphones can request complimentary earbuds if available.Read more →
Gizmodo...Asus ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition Review: Not Just for the GoPro-PilledThe Asus ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition is a high-end 13-inch creative laptop featuring AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 128GB of RAM, delivering exceptional performance for video editing and 3D rendering tasks. Despite its dim OLED display and poor audio quality, the laptop excels in GPU-intensive workloads and gaming performance. The $3,000 price point is justified primarily by the exceptional RAM configuration and processing power rather than the GoPro-branded accessories and case.Read more →
Engadget...How to watch Frost Fatales 2026, kicking off on March 8Games Done Quick's Frost Fatales 2026 charity event will stream speedruns from March 8-14 on Twitch and YouTube, raising funds for the National Women's Law Center. The event features the Frame Fatales community of women speedrunners, who have collectively raised over $1 million for nonprofits since 2019.Read more →
The Verge...Microsoft teases its next Xbox, says 'Project Helix' will play PC games tooThe next-generation Xbox console will play both Xbox and PC games, and its codename is "Project Helix," according to Asha Sharma, who took over as Microsoft's gaming CEO last month. "Great start to the morning with Team Xbox, where we talked about our commitment to the return of Xbox including Project Helix, the code name […]Read more →
Gizmodo...A Sequel to ‘The Wild Robot’ Is Finally Moving AheadDreamWorks Animation is developing The Wild Robot Escapes, a sequel to the 2024 animated film, with Troy Quane and Heidi Jo Gilbert set to co-direct. Original director Chris Sanders will not return to direct but will instead adapt the screenplay based on Peter Brown's second book. The sequel follows Roz the robot as she's assigned to a dairy farm where she reveals her true nature to the animals.Read more →
Gizmodo...China’s New 5-Year Plan: More AI, Less USChina's President Xi introduced a five-year plan aimed at achieving technological self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on American technology, with focus on quantum computing, alternative energy, 6G, and AI. The plan includes an 'AI+ action plan' for deploying robotics and autonomous AI agents in labor-shortage industries. China is simultaneously working to eliminate reliance on US tech suppliers like Nvidia and strengthen control over rare earth materials critical to chip manufacturing.Read more →
CNET...Diablo 4 Warlock Gameplay: Check Out the 4 Subclasses of the ApocalypseBlizzard unveiled a new Warlock class for Diablo 4's upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion launching April 28, featuring demon-summoning mechanics with multiple subclasses offering distinct playstyles. The class uses dominance and wrath resources to enable players to summon and control demons in combat, providing new strategic options and deeper customization for endgame content.Read more →
TechCrunch...X revamps Creator Subscriptions with new features, like exclusive threads and shareable cardsX is overhauling its Creator Subscriptions platform with new monetization features including exclusive threads, improved dashboards, and analytics tools. The company aims to compete with Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube by providing creators with sustainable income opportunities while doubling its 2026 revenue pool.Read more →
Gizmodo...OpenAI, in Desperate Need of a Win, Launches GPT-5.4OpenAI released GPT-5.4, its latest frontier model designed for professional work with advancements in reasoning, coding, and agentic workflows. The release aims to rebuild public trust following the company's controversial Department of Defense partnership. GPT-5.4 is rolling out across ChatGPT, Codex, and OpenAI's API with tiered availability for different user levels.Read more →
Gizmodo...FBI Arrests Man Who Allegedly Stole $46 Million Worth of Crypto from U.S. Government StockpileFBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of John Daghita for allegedly stealing $46 million in cryptocurrency from U.S. government holdings in 2024, with assistance from French law enforcement. The arrest followed a blockchain analyst's investigation connecting Daghita, reportedly a government contractor, to the theft from the U.S. Marshals Service. The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in government crypto custody and the persistent threat of insider theft.Read more →
Gizmodo...Medical Journal Published 138 Fake Case Studies to ‘Protect Patient Confidentiality’A Canadian pediatric journal has issued corrections to 138 fictional case studies published since 2000 that were inappropriately cited 218 times in peer-reviewed medical literature as factual cases. The journal failed to adequately label these cases as fictional, despite intending them for patient confidentiality, resulting in widespread medical misinformation that may have influenced clinical practice and research.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Starfleet Academy’ Draws Some Very Big Lines for Its FinaleStar Trek: Starfleet Academy's penultimate episode follows Caleb as he discovers his missing mother is alive and must choose between reuniting with her or staying with his academy family. The episode reveals a larger threat: an antagonist has weaponized the Omega Particle, which could devastate galactic FTL capabilities and reshape the Federation's power structure.Read more →
Gizmodo...Chemists Create Wacky ‘Half-Möbius’ Molecule, Quantum Computers Prove It’s the Real DealResearchers used quantum computers to discover and validate a novel molecule with a 'half-Möbius' orbital topology, demonstrating quantum advantage by modeling 32 electrons—far beyond classical computers' capacity of 18. The quantum hardware proved essential to confirming the unusual molecular structure and its complex electron interactions. This achievement validates Feynman's vision of quantum computers for studying quantum phenomena and suggests potential applications in quantum technologies and materials science.Read more →
Engadget...Roku is launching a trivia game called... Roklue?Roku has launched Roklue, a trivia game that quizzes users on movies and TV shows to drive content discovery on its platform. The game provides direct streaming links to referenced content and debuts with an Oscar season tie-in, with plans to rotate thematic versions throughout the year. The initiative aims to boost platform engagement while raising concerns about potential future monetization through streaming service partnerships.Read more →
TechCrunch...Hardware testing startup Nominal hits $1B valuation, raises $155M in 10 monthsNominal, a hardware testing software company, raised $80M in Series B extension funding at a $1 billion valuation led by Founders Fund. The three-and-a-half-year-old company has secured four of the five largest defense contractors as customers and plans to expand into industrial sectors including automotive and robotics.Read more →
The Verge...Birdbuddy’s AI-powered hummingbird feeder is matching its best price to dateBirdbuddy's Smart Hummingbird Feeder Pro Solar is now available at a significant discount ($189, down from $299), featuring AI-powered bird species identification and a motion-activated 2K camera that captures detailed footage. The solar-powered feeder can track individual birds, monitor their health, and alert users to nearby predators, with advanced features available through a premium subscription.Read more →
Gizmodo...Artist Uses Google Maps to Bring the Fallout: New Vegas Strip Into Real-World VegasA YouTube artist named Ganshirt Art creates paintings that reimagine video game locations from the Fallout series in realistic real-world contexts, exploring the fundamental tension between game design and geographical reality. The artist's process involves mapping in-game locations to actual real-world sites and reconciling the differences through artistic interpretation, revealing how games compress and alter real geography for gameplay purposes. These works demonstrate that successful translation requires creative impressionism rather than faithful reproduction, as perfect alignment between game worlds and reality is impossible.Read more →
Engadget...Netflix just bought an AI startup founded by Ben AffleckNetflix has acquired InterPositive, an AI filmmaking startup founded by Ben Affleck, which creates tools for post-production tasks such as color grading, relighting, and visual effects. The acquisition expands Netflix's AI-assisted content creation capabilities while maintaining filmmaker control over the creative process. InterPositive's technology will be made available to Netflix's creative partners but not sold commercially.Read more →
TechCrunch...Roblox launches real-time AI chat rephrasing to filter out banned languageRoblox introduced an AI-powered chat rephrasing feature that automatically converts inappropriate language into respectful alternatives, replacing the previous hash-symbol blocking method to improve conversation readability while maintaining safety standards. The real-time system supports all available languages and works alongside enhanced text-filtering capabilities that detect sophisticated ban-evasion techniques. The upgraded system achieved a 20x reduction in false negatives for personal information detection.Read more →
TechCrunch...FYI: Impersonators are (still) targeting companies with fake TechCrunch outreachScammers are impersonating TechCrunch reporters to extract sensitive business information from companies, leveraging the publication's reputation to gain trust. The fraudsters use increasingly sophisticated tactics including spoofed email addresses and detailed knowledge of startup trends, with some attempting account takeovers and data theft targeting cryptocurrency and cloud companies. TechCrunch recommends verifying journalist identities through their official staff page and alternate communication channels before sharing proprietary information.Read more →
CNET...Apple Debuts the $599 iPhone 17E With MagSafe, and It Comes in PinkApple launched the iPhone 17E budget phone starting at $599 with doubled base storage (256GB) and new MagSafe support for wireless charging and accessories. The device features the latest A19 chip, a 48-megapixel camera, improved Ceramic Shield 2 display, and extended battery life of up to 26 hours, significantly upgrading the entry-level iPhone experience.Read more →
Engadget...Meta hit with a class action lawsuit over smart glasses' privacy claimsMeta faces a federal class action lawsuit alleging false advertising regarding privacy features on its Ray-Ban AI glasses, after reports revealed human contractors in Kenya reviewed intimate footage captured by the devices without explicit disclosure. The lawsuit claims Meta's marketing misrepresented how footage processed through the glasses' multimodal features is shared with contractors for AI training purposes. The case seeks monetary damages and raises concerns about inadequate privacy safeguards and risks of identity theft and unauthorized surveillance.Read more →
The Verge...Netflix is buying Ben Affleck’s AI startupThough Netflix lost the war for Warner Bros., it has just bought an AI startup from the internet's favorite Dunkin' Donuts aficionado. Today, Netflix announced that it has acquired InterPositive, Ben Affleck's AI company that specializes in tools for film and television production. The deal will see all 16 of InterPositive's current team of engineers […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Says He Fired Anthropic ‘Like Dogs’President Trump announced the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk, following the AI company's refusal to remove safety guardrails restricting Claude's use in weapons systems and mass surveillance. Despite its public ethical stance, the U.S. military is already deploying Claude through Palantir's Maven system to identify and prioritize bombing targets in Iran. This situation highlights the tension between AI safety principles and government military demands, with Anthropic's survival dependent on ongoing Pentagon negotiations.Read more →
Engadget...The Playdate Catalog's 3-year anniversary sale is herePanic is celebrating Playdate's three-year anniversary with a two-week sale on its game catalog, featuring 423 titles with discounts available through March 19. The promotion showcases standout games across multiple genres including the horror-adventure Outside Parties, the western-themed Crankstone, and Season Two's collection of 12 games.Read more →
TechCrunch...EXCLUSIVE: Luma launches creative AI agents powered by its new ‘Unified Intelligence’ modelsLuma launched Luma Agents, AI-powered agents designed to handle end-to-end creative work across text, image, video, and audio using its Unified Intelligence models. The agents maintain persistent context across creative iterations and self-refine outputs through iterative evaluation, significantly accelerating creative workflows for marketing teams and enterprises. Initial deployments with major brands have demonstrated substantial productivity gains, including converting a $15 million annual campaign into localized international ads in 40 hours for under $20,000.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Launches a New Era of ‘Star Wars,’ But Not How You ThinkLucasfilm president Dave Filoni describes the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu film as entering a 'completely different era' of Star Wars, referring to the cultural shift rather than timeline. With nearly a decade since the last theatrical release, this gap has been saturated with unprecedented Star Wars content across TV, streaming, games, and other media, contrasting sharply with previous theatrical droughts. This raises questions about whether the film can still surprise audiences given the franchise's current oversaturation and constant availability across multiple platforms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google says half of all zero-days it tracked in 2025 targeted buggy enterprise techGoogle's security report found that 48% of tracked zero-day vulnerabilities last year exploited enterprise security devices from vendors like Cisco, Fortinet, and Ivanti, with hackers leveraging flaws in input validation and authorization processes. Major organizations including Harvard, American Airlines, and The Washington Post were compromised through attacks like the Clop gang's campaign against Oracle E-Business Suite. The report noted a growing shift toward surveillance vendors rather than government-backed groups as sources of zero-day exploits.Read more →
CNET...New ChatGPT 5.4 Model Is 'Built for Agents.' Will It Lure Back Claude Converts?OpenAI released GPT 5.4 Thinking and Pro models designed for enterprise and agentic workflows, claiming 18% fewer errors and 33% fewer false claims compared to GPT 5.2 while reducing computational costs. The models are positioned as OpenAI's competitive response to Anthropic's Claude amid growing competition for enterprise AI adoption.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI launches GPT-5.4 with Pro and Thinking versionsOpenAI released GPT-5.4, a new frontier model featuring a 1 million token context window and significantly improved efficiency for professional work. The model achieved record performance on multiple benchmarks and demonstrated 33% fewer factual errors than its predecessor, excelling at complex tasks like financial modeling and legal analysis. Enhanced safety evaluations and a new Tool Search system for API calls further reduce costs and improve reliability.Read more →
The Verge...OpenAI’s new GPT-5.4 model is a big step toward autonomous agentsOpenAI is launching GPT-5.4, the latest version of its AI model that the company says combines advancements in reasoning, coding, and professional work involving spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. It's also OpenAI's first model with native computer use capabilities, meaning it can operate a computer on your behalf and complete tasks across different applications. The new […]Read more →
Engadget...I hope you like spreadsheets, because GPT-5.4 loves themOpenAI has released GPT-5.4, its most capable frontier model featuring native computer-use capabilities that enable it to navigate desktop environments and work across multiple applications simultaneously. The model demonstrates improved performance in coding, data analysis, and web research while maintaining 18 percent lower error rates than its predecessor. GPT-5.4 is available exclusively to enterprise customers and Pro subscribers in ChatGPT's Thinking mode, with pricing starting at $2.50 per million input tokens.Read more →
Gizmodo...Study on Alt-Med Breast Cancer Treatments Finds a Grim Side Effect: DeathA Yale study of over two million breast cancer patients found that those using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) had significantly higher mortality rates compared to conventional treatment alone. CAM-only users faced a threefold increased risk of death within five years, while those combining CAM with traditional treatment had 45% higher mortality risk. The study highlights the dangers of forgoing conventional cancer treatment in favor of alternative remedies.Read more →
CNET...Everything Apple Announced This Week, From iPhone 17E to MacBook NeoApple unveiled multiple product updates this week, led by the new $599 MacBook Neo that significantly lowers entry-level MacBook pricing, alongside M5 processor upgrades to the MacBook Air and Pro lines. The company also refreshed its Studio Display monitors with improved specifications, including a new 27-inch Studio Display XDR offering 120Hz refresh rate and 5K resolution, and updated the iPad Air with M4 processing and increased RAM to 12GB.Read more →
Engadget...The National Videogame Museum has acquired the mythical Nintendo PlaystationA proposed Nintendo-Sony collaboration on a hybrid console called the Nintendo PlayStation would have combined CD-ROM and cartridge support, but Nintendo withdrew to partner with Philips instead. Sony independently created the PlayStation, which became hugely successful, while the collaborative console never materialized. The USA's National Video Museum has acquired the original development kit (MSF-1), the oldest and likely only surviving prototype of this unrealized gaming device.Read more →
Gizmodo...Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Agrees to Put on a Muzzle Until at Least 2032Epic Games and Google have settled their multiyear antitrust dispute, with Epic CEO Tim Sweeney agreeing to cease legal action and actively support Google's new policies in exchange for opening Android to competing app stores and alternative payment systems. Google will implement these changes over several years to increase developer choice and consumer competition, similar to the Windows ecosystem. This represents a significant reversal for Sweeney, who previously accused Google and Apple of monopolistic practices.Read more →
Engadget...Google begins calling out battery-killing Android appsGoogle is rolling out warning labels for apps with excessive battery consumption due to high background activity, addressing abuse of Android's partial wake lock mechanism. Labeled apps may face exclusion from Play Store discovery and recommendations, aiming to improve user experience and reduce incentives for users to switch to competing platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...The First Trailer for the Final Season of ‘The Boys’ Heralds the End of a Bloody EraPrime Video unveiled the final season of The Boys, premiering April 8, featuring an escalating conflict between Homelander's domination of the world and Billy Butcher's retaliatory genocide campaign against supes. The article highlights the expanded franchise including Gen V spin-off, Vought Rising prequel, and a Mexico-based series, while showrunner Erik Kripke expressed concerns about the satire becoming what the show originally mocked.Read more →
TechCrunch...Cursor is rolling out a new kind of agentic coding toolCursor launched Automations, a framework that automatically triggers coding agents based on events like code changes, Slack messages, or timers, reducing the need for constant engineer monitoring. The system maintains human oversight while enabling more complex tasks such as security audits, bug detection, and incident response, with Cursor currently running hundreds of automations per hour. This represents a shift from manual agent prompting to event-driven automation while keeping humans in control at critical decision points.Read more →
The Verge...Roblox is censoring chats with AIRoblox is implementing AI-powered real-time chat rephrasing that automatically rewrites messages to remove disrespectful content while preserving intent, moving beyond traditional filtering approaches that replace banned words with symbols. The feature, exclusive to age-verified users in similar age brackets, notifies all chat participants when messages are altered. This represents a more sophisticated approach to content moderation that balances community safety with user expression.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta sued over AI smart glasses’ privacy concerns, after workers reviewed nudity, sex, and other footageMeta faces a US lawsuit after investigations revealed that workers at a Kenya-based subcontractor reviewed sensitive customer footage from its AI smart glasses, including nude and intimate content, contradicting the company's privacy-focused marketing. Over seven million users purchased the glasses in 2025, and plaintiffs allege false advertising and violations of consumer protection laws due to inadequate disclosure of human review practices.Read more →
Engadget...Google pledges roughly three hours of its annual profit to fight climate changeGoogle, Amazon, and Salesforce have committed $100 million through 2030 to the Superpollutant Action Initiative, targeting reduction of methane, black carbon, and refrigerant gases responsible for nearly half of planetary warming. These superpollutants trap heat thousands of times more efficiently than CO2 and break down faster, making their elimination critical for near-term climate impact. The initiative aims to prevent more than 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by 2050.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei could still be trying to make a deal with PentagonAnthropic's $200 million Department of Defense contract collapsed after the company refused to allow unrestricted military access to its AI models, specifically objecting to potential use in domestic surveillance and autonomous weaponry. The Pentagon subsequently signed a deal with OpenAI, but negotiations have resumed between Anthropic and Pentagon officials as both parties attempt to reach a compromise agreement. The dispute underscores contrasting approaches among AI companies regarding safety guardrails and the appropriate restrictions for deploying advanced AI systems in military applications.Read more →
Engadget...Canadian government says OpenAI will take further steps to strengthen safety protocolsOpenAI CEO Sam Altman agreed to strengthen safety protocols after the company failed to alert authorities about a flagged user in a mass shooting incident. The commitments include notifying law enforcement about suspicious ChatGPT use and reviewing past incidents with Canadian privacy and mental health experts. OpenAI has pledged to provide reports outlining the new protocols.Read more →
TechCrunch...Oura acquires Doublepoint, a startup that specializes in gesture recognition technologyOura acquired Doublepoint, a startup specializing in AI-powered gesture recognition technology, to integrate natural movement controls into its smart rings. This acquisition strengthens Oura's position in the rapidly growing smart ring market and accelerates the company's vision for ambient AI experiences in wearable devices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Boeing’s Contribution to NASA’s Moon Program Just Took a Major HitNASA has canceled Boeing's Exploration Upper Stages (EUS) contract for the Space Launch System due to severe developmental delays and cost overruns rising from $982 million to $2.8 billion. Instead, the agency will use United Launch Alliance's Centaur V as the upper stage for Artemis missions, dealing a significant financial blow to Boeing and reflecting diminished confidence following Starliner issues.Read more →
Engadget...Oura buys gesture-navigation startup DoublePointOura has acquired Doublepoint, a gesture recognition company, to integrate gesture control technology into its smart rings for controlling connected devices. The acquisition adds AI and biometric expertise to Oura's team, enabling detection of subtle hand movements rather than requiring large gestures. This positions Oura to compete in the next generation of wearable AI-powered devices combining gesture and voice control.Read more →
The Verge...Meta’s AI glasses reportedly send sensitive footage to human reviewers in KenyaAn investigation by two Swedish newspapers revealed that Nairobi-based contractors gained unauthorized access to intimate footage, including private bathroom visits and personal moments. The incident exposes critical privacy and security vulnerabilities in how sensitive surveillance data is managed and accessed by third-party workers.Read more →
CNET...Roklue Trivia Game Helps You Stream New Roku ShowsRoku launched Roklue, an interactive quiz game that tests pop culture knowledge while helping users discover shows on its streaming platform. The debut episode, 'Awards Season,' launches March 7 with questions about major award shows and films, expanding to cover other cultural moments throughout the year. The game integrates directly into the Roku Home screen and is controlled via remote.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sonos’ Comeback Could Start With Two New Bluetooth SpeakersSonos is expected to launch two new speakers: the portable Sonos Play with 24-hour battery life and dual Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity at an estimated $299, alongside a budget-focused Sonos Era 100 SL without microphones at $189. Both products are slated for March release with preorders potentially beginning March 10.Read more →
The Verge...Osmo is trying to crack AR edutainment (again)Former Osmo employees have acquired the educational technology company's assets from bankruptcy for $825,000 and are working to revive its physical-digital learning platform that combined iPad games with physical objects like tangram puzzles. The team is exploring how AI and large language models could enhance the computer vision recognition capabilities that were previously limited to pre-designed physical pieces. The founders are committed to building sustainable, healthy digital experiences for children while avoiding problematic engagement patterns that drive modern app design.Read more →
TechCrunch...Netflix buys Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking company InterPositiveNetflix has acquired InterPositive, a filmmaking technology company founded by actor Ben Affleck, to integrate generative AI tools into its content production workflow. InterPositive's AI model assists post-production teams with tasks like addressing continuity issues, lighting adjustments, and environmental enhancements while preserving creative control for human artists. The acquisition reflects Netflix's strategy to leverage AI innovation to empower storytellers rather than replace them.Read more →
Gizmodo...10 Years Later, ‘Channel Zero: Candle Cove’ Is as Haunting as EverChannel Zero, a horror anthology series originally aired on Syfy from 2016 to 2018, is now available for streaming on Shudder, capitalizing on renewed interest in creepypasta-inspired media. The first season, Candle Cove, explores themes of trauma and memory through the story of a mysterious puppet television show that affected children in a small Ohio town, featuring psychological horror and unsettling imagery. With the upcoming Backrooms movie revival, this presents an opportune moment for audiences to revisit or discover the complete four-season anthology.Read more →
The Verge...You can now fill your home with Ikea’s cheap and tiny new Bluetooth speakerAlongside smart Lego bricks and lots of robots, one of the most anticipated gadgets announced at CES 2026 was a cheap Bluetooth speaker from the company best known for flat-packed furniture. Ikea is no stranger to electronics, but after ending its partnership with Sonos last year, its approach to Bluetooth speakers has been a focus […]Read more →
Gizmodo...PlayStation Doesn’t Want to Fail the Same Way as XboxSony is reversing its PC porting strategy to prioritize PlayStation exclusivity and protect hardware sales against competition from Valve's upcoming Steam Machine. This reflects a broader industry realization that software revenue alone cannot sustain the gaming business as development costs rise and player engagement stagnates. The shift underscores how console makers must compete on hardware differentiation as Valve gains market share through Steam's accelerating growth.Read more →
CNET...How to Stream New 'Survivor 50' EpisodesSurvivor's landmark 50th season premiered with returning players in a fan-voted format where viewers determined game mechanics like idol availability and fire-making rules. The season streams on Paramount Plus with new episodes released Wednesdays for Premium subscribers and on demand Thursdays for Essential subscribers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Match Group COO out, as dating apps struggle to connect with Gen ZMatch Group eliminated its Chief Operating Officer role, resulting in the departure of Hesam Hosseini following 18 years with the company. Under new CEO Spencer Rascoff, the organizational restructuring prioritizes operational efficiency and AI product development for Tinder amid declining Gen Z engagement in the dating app industry. The company plans to introduce new AI-powered features to address user attrition and revitalize its core platform.Read more →
The Verge...Preorders for Apple’s colorful MacBook Neo come with a $25 gift cardApple's MacBook Neo budget laptop launches March 11th starting at $599 for 256GB and $699 for 512GB, with Best Buy offering a $25 e-gift card incentive for preorders. The 13-inch device features an A18 Pro processor and 8GB RAM, suitable for basic tasks like streaming and browsing, but lacks modern connectivity features such as MagSafe or Thunderbolt ports. The entry-level pricing positions it as an accessible alternative, though compromises on RAM and ports limit its capabilities for power users.Read more →
Gizmodo...The First Trailer for ‘The Testaments’ Takes Us Back to ‘Handmaid’s Tale’Hulu announced the premiere date for The Testaments, the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, arriving April 8 with the first three episodes releasing simultaneously. The series follows two young women navigating a dystopian preparatory school, with Ann Dowd returning and original showrunner Bruce Miller and star Elisabeth Moss helming the project. The involvement of the original creative team signals continuity with the acclaimed predecessor series.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nothing’s Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro Strongly Reject MinimalismNothing announced the Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro at its London launch event, featuring distinctive transparent designs and unique LED notification interfaces that differentiate them from mainstream competitors. The Phone 4a starts at £349 with a Glyph Bar interface and Snapdragon 7S Gen 4 chip, while the Pro model ($499-$599 in the U.S.) offers premium aluminum construction with a Glyph Matrix display and faster Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor. Both phones feature identical camera systems and 5,080mAh batteries with 50W fast charging, with preorders and availability beginning in March.Read more →
TechCrunch...Zeno raises $25M to speed up production of its battery-swap motorbikesZeno, an East African electric motorbike startup, announced a $25 million Series A to expand its app-controlled battery-swap network and Emara motorcycle production across four countries. The company offers 50% lower operating costs than gas bikes and plans to launch battery docks for home and business power generation, addressing both transportation and energy infrastructure needs. With over 25,000 customers waiting and production ramping to 70-80 bikes weekly, Zeno aims to electrify the region's essential motorbike transportation market.Read more →
The Verge...Prediction markets in the news are a dangerous gamblePrediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are increasingly positioning themselves as news sources while enabling betting on major world events, with significant insider trading occurring around sensitive political and military information. These platforms face mounting regulatory scrutiny from state and federal authorities who argue they are essentially unregulated gambling operations that create perverse incentives for insider disclosure and potential manipulation of real events. The tension between the platforms' claims of providing legitimate information and their actual function as gambling markets remains unresolved.Read more →
Engadget...Everything you need to know about streaming F1 on Apple TVApple will broadcast live Formula 1 races in 2026 with F1 TV Premium features included for Apple TV subscribers, offering onboard cameras, team radios, and live telemetry access. Coverage will be available in 4K with Dolby Vision, featuring innovative multiview technology and customizable feed options to enhance the interactive viewing experience.Read more →
Gizmodo...This Eye-Catching Solar EV Startup Just Got Closer to Hitting ProductionAptera has completed the first vehicle from its validation assembly line, a major milestone toward regulatory certification and production of its innovative solar-powered EV. The company is targeting delivery by end of 2026 and has already secured over 50,000 reservations worth approximately $2 billion.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta will allow rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp in Europe, but for a feeMeta will allow third-party AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude to operate on WhatsApp via its Business API in Europe for the next 12 months, reversing a previous blanket ban. The concession aims to prevent an EU Commission investigation into anti-competitive practices and includes a per-message fee structure ranging from €0.0490 to €0.1323. This regulatory compromise reflects growing antitrust scrutiny of Meta's AI policies across multiple jurisdictions including the EU, Italy, and Brazil.Read more →
The Verge...Ikea’s Matter-compatible smart bulbs are now available in the USAfter being announced last November, Ikea's Matter-compatible smart home collection has been slowly trickling into its stores around the world over the past few months. Despite some early connectivity issues, one of the most anticipated items in that collection is Ikea's new Matter-over-Thread smart bulbs. The company originally said they'd hit the US sometime in […]Read more →
CNET...Premium Robot Vacs Are Getting Cheaper. Ecovacs' New Model Proves ItEcovacs launches the Deebot T90 Pro Omni robot vacuum at $900, bringing fast-charging PowerBoost technology and advanced self-washing mop capabilities previously found in pricier flagship models. The vacuum features a 27-centimeter microfiber roller with continuous floor pressure and TruEdge edge-cleaning technology, making premium features more accessible.Read more →
CNET...40 of the Best Movies on Netflix You Should Stream NowCNET showcases a curated selection of 41 movies available on Netflix, spanning multiple genres from survival thrillers to historical dramas. With six Netflix original films receiving 18 Oscar nominations in 2026, the article highlights the platform's growing influence in entertainment and helps subscribers navigate its diverse library.Read more →
Gizmodo...It’s Time For Even More Outlandish ‘The Batman, Part II’ Casting RumorsThis entertainment industry roundup covers casting updates and production progress across multiple major projects, including The Batman Part II, Mike Flanagan's The Exorcist, The Mummy 4, and SOULM8TE. Notable announcements include Daniel Craig's rumored casting as Harvey Dent's father in The Batman Part II and John Leguizamo joining The Exorcist. The updates reflect ongoing developments in major film and television franchises in various stages of production.Read more →
The Verge...Apple Music adds optional labels for AI songs and visualsA new disclosure policy has been introduced for generative AI systems to ensure transparency about AI-generated content and capabilities. The policy adds to growing regulatory efforts aimed at preventing deceptive practices and establishing standardized honesty requirements across AI platforms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Science Corp raises $230M as it races to bring its brain implant to marketScience Corporation, founded by Neuralink's Max Hodak, raised $230 million in Series C funding to commercialize PRIMA, a microchip implanted in the eye to restore vision for people with macular degeneration. Clinical trials demonstrated 80% of 47 patients achieved meaningful vision improvement and could read fluently, marking the first definitive restoration of reading ability in blind patients. The company expects European regulatory approval by mid-2026 and aims to be the first brain-computer interface company to bring a product to market.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: The stealth upgradeThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features subtle but meaningful upgrades including a new Privacy Display for screen privacy, improved low-light photography through larger camera apertures, and enhanced AI features like Photo Assist for image editing. The phone maintains its premium $1,300 price point while delivering faster charging, improved performance, and a more refined design, positioning it as a solid incremental update rather than a revolutionary leap.Read more →
The Verge...AI tools can unmask anonymous accountsResearchers developed an AI system that deanonymizes online accounts by identifying writing patterns and biographical details, achieving up to 68% accuracy in matching accounts. The automated approach costs as little as $1-4 per profile, far cheaper and faster than traditional methods, raising privacy concerns for journalists, activists, and pseudonymous users.Read more →
Engadget...Kena: Bridge of Spirits is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this springIndie studio Ember Lab's acclaimed third-person action-adventure game Kena: Bridge of Spirits is arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 this spring, featuring Anniversary DLC with new challenges and accessibility options. The port capitalizes on Switch 2's popularity and improved graphics to showcase the game's distinctive Pixar-style visuals. A sequel, Kena: Scars of Kosmora, was announced and will launch later in 2026 on PS5 and PC.Read more →
TechCrunch...How 1,000+ customer calls shaped a breakout enterprise AI startupNarada, an enterprise AI startup founded by veteran entrepreneur David Park, uses large action models to automate complex multistep workflows across enterprise systems. The company deliberately delayed fundraising to maintain lean operations and achieve product-market fit through extensive customer research, demonstrating Park's philosophy that customer conversations and deep problem understanding should precede product building and capital raising.Read more →
CNET...Watch Out, Meta. I Tried Alibaba's Qwen Smart Glasses and They're Mega ImpressiveAlibaba unveiled its Qwen smart glasses at Mobile World Congress, featuring AI-powered capabilities including real-time translation, image recognition, and AR navigation. The devices, available in two models with or without a heads-up display, position Alibaba as a formidable competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban Display. The glasses demonstrate practical AI integration in consumer wearables with hands-free features like food ordering and ride-hailing already available in China.Read more →
CNET...I Think Mac and iPad Will Merge. Does MacBook Neo Prove My Point or Make It Irrelevant?This opinion piece argues that Apple should converge its iPad and Mac product lines, noting they increasingly share similar chips, features, and capabilities. The author advocates for a unified device or iPad 'Mac mode' that would provide flexibility for professional users while reducing the need for multiple device purchases.Read more →
Gizmodo...Wizards of the Coast Is Officially Calling It ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ 5.5E, Would Like You to Not Read Anything Into ThatWizards of the Coast has officially adopted the community-coined term '5.5e' to refer to the 2024 D&D rules update, replacing years of confusing terminology like 'One D&D' and '2024 D&D.' This half-edition designation clarifies that the update maintains compatibility with fifth edition content while incorporating significant rule changes, and helps differentiate between versions on the D&D Beyond digital platform.Read more →
TechCrunch...Rivian is betting its future on one of the fastest EV launches in US historyRivian plans an aggressive launch of its R2 all-electric SUV, targeting 20,000-25,000 sales in 2026 with production beginning in June, positioning it among the fastest EV launches in U.S. history. The R2's commercial success is critical to Rivian's path to profitability, though the company faces headwinds from federal policy changes and investor skepticism about meeting its ambitious targets.Read more →
