Gizmodo...Trump Wanted to Kill Congestion Pricing. Nevertheless, It PersistedA federal court upheld New York City's congestion pricing program, rejecting the Trump administration's attempt to revoke it in February 2025. The program charges $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak traffic and is on track to generate $1 billion annually for public transit. Despite initial unpopularity, the program has proven successful with measurable reductions in pollution and traffic while strengthening public safety without the predicted economic harm.Read more →
Gizmodo...Netflix Hopes People Still Care Enough About ‘Squid Game’ to Tune into a Celebrity Reality ShowNetflix is launching Squid Game: The VIP Challenge, a celebrity edition featuring reality TV stars and celebrities, which replaces the planned third season. The expansion leverages the franchise's massive popularity despite contradicting the original series' anti-capitalist themes, demonstrating Netflix's ongoing investment in celebrity-driven reality television.Read more →
Engadget...Ratatan is marching its way into your console library on July 16Rhythm game Ratatan will launch July 16 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, expanding from its PC early access release. The developers excluded the original Nintendo Switch due to multiplayer quality concerns, prioritizing newer platforms that better support their vision.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI companies are spending millions to thwart this former tech exec’s congressional bidTech industry leaders including Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and OpenAI President Greg Brockman have funded a $125 million super PAC to defeat candidates supporting AI regulation, with New York assembly member Alex Bores as the primary target. Bores' backing of the RAISE Act, which mandates safety plan disclosures from major AI companies, has drawn intense industry opposition, illustrating the tech sector's determination to prevent regulatory oversight and the substantial influence of venture capital on state elections.Read more →
The Verge...What Trump’s war on Iran means for the US energy crunchThe Trump administration's strikes against Iran triggered an 8% surge in global oil prices to $84/barrel and raised gasoline prices by 10 cents to an average of $3.11/gallon, disrupting shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz. While higher energy costs could accelerate US oil and gas production under Trump's 'drill, baby, drill' agenda, they risk exacerbating energy affordability issues for Americans already facing rising electricity demands. The duration of the conflict will determine whether this represents a temporary price spike or a sustained shift in global energy markets.Read more →
Gizmodo...Did Life Hitch a Ride to Earth? Scientists Smashed the Living Crap Out of Microbes to Find OutJohns Hopkins researchers tested whether microbes could survive asteroid travel between planets by subjecting Deinococcus radiodurans to extreme pressures simulating impact and ejection from Mars. The microbes survived conditions that destroyed steel plates, reaching pressures of 1-3 gigapascals at speeds up to 300 mph, supporting the lithopanspermia hypothesis that life could spread between planetary bodies. These findings have implications for understanding the origins of life and establishing contamination protocols for future space missions.Read more →
Engadget...Skateboarding train game Denshattack! is out on June 17Denshattack! is an anime-inspired skateboarding game launching June 17, combining Tony Hawk Pro Skater-style grinding mechanics with stylish visuals and fast-paced action across diverse environments. The game features original soundtracks from renowned composers including Tee Lopes, Ryo Nagamatsu, and Richard Jacques, and will release on PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox Game Pass. Demos are currently available for download.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Pokémon Pokopia’ Shows Why Switch 2 Games Need to Stop Fearing Mouse ControlsPokémon Pokopia reinvents the franchise formula by having players restore devastated ecosystems and build habitats for Pokémon to thrive, rather than capture and battle them. Launching March 5 on Switch 2, this hybrid of Animal Crossing and Minecraft mechanics offers engaging, meditative gameplay with clear goals and environmental restoration themes that resonate with both franchise fans and skeptics.Read more →
The Verge...The best AirPods deals you can get right nowApple's entire AirPods lineup currently features discounts across major retailers, with savings available on every model from budget-friendly to premium options. Current deals include the AirPods 4 starting at $89, the AirPods Pro 3 at approximately $219, and the AirPods Max at $449. These price reductions make Apple's audio products more accessible to consumers seeking wireless earbuds or headphones at various price points.Read more →
CNET...Supreme Court Declines Case on Granting Copyright to AI-Created ArtThe US Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the Copyright Office's requirement that creative works must have human authorship to qualify for copyright protection. Stephen Thaler's attempt to copyright an AI-generated image created by his DABUS tool was rejected, with courts upholding that authorship must be human. This decision maintains the US legal stance that AI-generated works cannot be copyrighted, contrasting with policies in countries like China and the UK.Read more →
CNET...Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026CNET provides a comprehensive guide to wireless earbuds featuring in-depth reviews of 20+ models from Sony, Apple, Samsung, Bose, and others. The guide helps consumers evaluate earbuds based on sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, fit, and price, with expert recommendations across multiple price points and use cases.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Scream 7’ Tested a Different, More Audacious EndingScream 7 features Matthew Lillard's character Stu as an AI reconstruction created by the real killers, a plot point that director Kevin Williamson confirmed was originally filmed as an alternate ending where Stu was actually alive. Test audiences preferred the AI-based storyline, which Williamson felt was more believable given modern deepfake technology.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Wallet Can Now Have a Key to Your Front Door: Here's What to KnowSamsung has launched Digital Home Key in Samsung Wallet, enabling Android users to unlock compatible smart locks using their phones via NFC, with ultrawideband support arriving in April. The feature uses Aliro, a new open industry standard for digital keys launched by the Connectivity Standards Alliance that Apple and Google have also committed to supporting. This standards-based approach solves fragmentation by enabling digital keys to work across different manufacturers and devices.Read more →
Engadget...Drinkbox Studios' Blighted will be out for Switch 2 and PC this fallDrinkbox Studios announced Blighted, a 3D Metroidvania-RPG launching this fall on Nintendo Switch 2 and PC, representing the indie studio's first venture into the genre following its Guacamelee! series. The game features surreal, macabre themes with options for both solo and co-op gameplay, capitalizing on the studio's established atmospheric design sensibilities.Read more →
CNET...Google's New 'Find the Look' Feature Is Expanding to Pixel, and It Nailed My OutfitGoogle expands its Circle to Search tool with a new 'Find the Look' feature that uses AI to identify complete outfits from photos and surfaces similar items for purchase. The feature, which debuted on Samsung Galaxy devices, is now rolling out to the Pixel 10 series and simplifies the process of finding and shopping for specific clothing pieces. This advancement significantly reduces friction between discovering a desired outfit and making a purchase.Read more →
The Verge...Another Oracle outage is messing up US TikTokThe US version of TikTok experienced service disruptions due to an Oracle data center outage in Ashburn, Virginia on Tuesday afternoon, causing temporary lags in content posting. This marks the second major outage since Oracle and partners took over US operations under the TikTok USDS joint venture in January, following a similar Oracle-related incident in February.Read more →
TechCrunch...ChatGPT’s new GPT-5.3 Instant model will stop telling you to calm downOpenAI released GPT-5.3 Instant to address widespread user frustration with ChatGPT's overly empathetic and condescending tone in its previous version. The update focuses on improving user experience by delivering more natural conversational flow without unnecessary reassurances, addressing complaints that led some users to cancel subscriptions.Read more →
CNET...Best Unlimited Data Plans for 2026CNET reviews unlimited phone plans from major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon), comparing pricing, 5G speeds, and included perks to help consumers choose the right plan for their needs. The guide provides tailored recommendations for different scenarios including single lines, multiple lines, and perks-focused customers. Key factors include network coverage, data throttling policies, and hotspot availability.Read more →
Engadget...Downdetector and Speedtest have been sold for over $1 billionZiff Davis sold its Connectivity division, which includes Speedtest and Downdetector, to Accenture for $1.2 billion. The divestment allows Ziff Davis to refocus on core media brands like IGN and Mashable. The Connectivity division was highly profitable, generating $231 million in revenue in 2025.Read more →
The Verge...Highguard is shutting down this monthHighguard, a free-to-play squad shooter from developer Wildlight Entertainment, is shutting down on March 12th after less than two months despite reaching 2 million players, due to inability to sustain a viable player base. This closure exemplifies the increasingly challenging live-service gaming market, where even well-funded projects from experienced industry veterans struggle to achieve long-term profitability.Read more →
The Verge...Shark’s latest robot vacuum hunts stains with UV lightShark's PowerDetect UV Reveal is a flagship robot vacuum featuring UV light technology combined with AI to detect and actively target both visible and invisible stains, priced at $1,299.99. The robot uses onboard AI to identify messes and adapt its cleaning strategy, representing a genuine innovation that transforms passive floor cleaning into active mess targeting. Its multifunctional dock automatically empties, refills, and hot-water washes the mop pad for enhanced sanitation.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anduril aims at $60 billion valuation in new funding roundPalmer Luckey's defense-tech startup is raising up to $8 billion in a funding round led by Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, less than a year after its $2.5 billion Series G. The funding comes amid government contract disputes and regulatory scrutiny affecting defense-tech partnerships.Read more →
Engadget...Musical adventure game Mixtape will be ready to rock out on May 7Mixtape, a narrative and music-focused coming-of-age game from Beethoven and Dinosaur, is launching on May 7, 2026, across Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game follows three high school friends and features a soundtrack with iconic punk and alternative artists including DEVO, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Smashing Pumpkins. The developers designed the experience to authentically capture teenage ennui and the everyday moments of idleness that define adolescence.Read more →
TechCrunch...Claude Code rolls out a voice mode capabilityAnthropic is introducing Voice Mode for Claude Code, its AI coding assistant, enabling developers to interact through spoken commands for a more hands-free workflow. The feature is rolling out gradually, currently available to about 5% of users with broader availability planned in coming weeks. This positions Claude Code to compete more effectively against other AI coding assistants while maintaining its strong market position with $2.5 billion in annual run-rate revenue.Read more →
Engadget...Elgato's Stream Deck + XL adds a touch strip and dials to an already massive array of buttonsElgato introduced the Stream Deck + XL with 36 customizable buttons, a touch strip, and six dials to expand control options for streamers and content creators. The company also launched the Wave XLR Pro audio interface and XLR Dock MK. 2, enabling professional-grade audio mixing and management directly through Stream Deck hardware.Read more →
CNET...Apple Accidentally Leaks Potential Budget MacBook Ahead of Big EventApple accidentally revealed a MacBook Neo through a regulatory filing, a long-rumored budget laptop featuring an iPhone-class processor (A18 Pro or A19 Pro) and a 12-inch LCD display. The leak comes as Apple raises MacBook Air pricing from $999 to $1,099, potentially affecting the MacBook Neo's expected $599 price point and its market positioning.Read more →
Gizmodo...Before the Original Returns, ‘Star Wars’ Is Bringing Back the Special Editions, AgainLucasfilm is releasing a new Blu-ray of the original Star Wars trilogy's Special Editions on April 7, continuing a pattern of multiple re-releases over three decades. The announcement comes as fans anticipated the long-awaited release of the original unedited versions for the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2027. This release represents another cycle in the continuous repackaging of Star Wars films across different media formats.Read more →
CNET...Apple TV Has Joined Roku's Subscription Add-On LineupRoku has integrated Apple TV into its Premium Subscriptions platform, allowing users to subscribe directly through their Roku account without creating new login credentials. The partnership aims to increase Apple TV subscriber acquisition by leveraging Roku's scale and positioning, timed with major content launches including MLB baseball and Formula 1 racing on the service. The integration provides a seamless viewing experience across Roku devices, apps, and web browsers through single-sign-on.Read more →
Engadget...The long-delayed The Division Resurgence hits iOS and Android on March 31Ubisoft is launching The Division Resurgence on March 31 as a free-to-play mobile MMO set during the early pandemic in New York, marking the franchise's expansion to iOS and Android after years of development delays. The game features third-person action RPG gameplay with PvP elements and is integrated with The Division 2, offering cross-game rewards and commemorating the franchise's 10th anniversary.Read more →
CNET...The New M5 MacBook Air Is Here: Should You Upgrade?Apple launched the M5 MacBook Air starting at $1,099 with 512GB storage standard, delivering better value than the previous M4 generation despite the higher entry price. The new chips feature neural accelerators optimized for on-device AI and ML workloads, though most users won't see significant performance gains unless specifically requiring advanced AI capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sen. Wyden Warns of Mass Surveillance Amid Pentagon’s Fight With AnthropicAnthropic is resisting the Department of Defense's demands to use Claude for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, prompting the Trump administration to ban the company's products from federal use. Senator Ron Wyden warns that government agencies are purchasing commercially available personal data from brokers to create surveillance profiles of Americans and is pushing legislation to restrict this practice. The dispute highlights tensions between AI company ethics standards and government pressure for unrestricted surveillance capabilities.Read more →
CNET...Pixel Watch Now Warns of Earthquakes and Left-Behind PhonesGoogle announced new Pixel Watch features through its March Pixel Drop, introducing safety enhancements like left-behind alerts, auto-lock when separated from phones, and real-time earthquake notifications. The update also expands Satellite SOS to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and European countries, and introduces Express Pay for seamless contactless payments. These features improve device security, emergency communication capabilities, and user convenience across the Pixel Watch ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...Samsung's Privacy Display Is the Coolest S26 Ultra Feature. I've Just Seen What's NextSamsung has introduced Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, offering pixel-level screen protection against shoulder surfers with full 360-degree coverage and selective activation options. The company is developing expanded versions to protect larger screen sections while maintaining effectiveness. Samsung is expected to integrate further Privacy Display advancements into future Galaxy phones, tablets, and laptops given the feature's positive reception.Read more →
CNET...When to Stream 'Zootopia 2' on Disney PlusZootopia 2 will premiere on Disney Plus on March 11, reuniting voice actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman as rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The sequel introduces a new character, Gary De'Snake, and follows the pair investigating a mystery through new areas of the animal metropolis while testing their partnership.Read more →
The Verge...Android’s Find Hub adds iPhone-like luggage tracking linksGoogle is rolling out an Android update that enables users to share luggage location with airlines through Find Hub, similar to Apple's existing feature, with support from multiple international carriers including Lufthansa Group and Air India. The feature encrypts location data and automatically disables tracking when items are detected as returned. Additional updates include real-time location sharing in Google Messages and custom Calling Cards for Android users.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s latest Pixel drop allows Gemini to order groceries for you and moreGoogle has expanded its Pixel phone capabilities with Gemini AI assistant features that can autonomously complete tasks like grocery ordering and ride booking on your behalf. The update includes enhanced Circle to Search functionality for fashion discovery and improved Magic Cue suggestions across multiple apps. These agentic AI features represent Google's strategy to deliver more autonomous smartphone experiences across its Pixel lineup.Read more →
The Verge...Google brings Android’s desktop mode to Pixel devicesGoogle is launching a desktop mode for Pixel phones and tablets, enabling users with Pixel 8 and newer devices to connect to external monitors via USB-C and experience a multi-window desktop environment. The feature supports mouse and keyboard input and extends to the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Pro Fold models, building on Google's previously announced collaboration with Samsung's DeX technology.Read more →
The Verge...The Pixel Watch now lets you tap to pay without opening the Wallet appGoogle's Pixel Watch 2 introduces a feature that alerts users when they've separated from their phone, improving device connectivity and user convenience. This addition helps prevent unintended disconnection from critical communications and notifications.Read more →
TechCrunch...Android users can now share tracker tag info with airlines to help locate lost luggageGoogle announced new features for Android and Pixel devices, with a major enhancement to its Find Hub luggage tracking system now supporting over 10 global airlines for baggage recovery. The update includes location sharing in Google Messages, advanced visual search tools via Circle to Search for identifying outfits, and Pixel Watch features including auto-lock and gesture controls.Read more →
Engadget...Google introduces Find Hub updates and more AI tools in the March Pixel DropGoogle announced spring updates for Android and Pixel devices that expand AI capabilities across the ecosystem, including Find Hub for airline luggage tracking, AI-generated custom icons, and enhanced shopping tools like Circle to Search. The updates introduce personalization features and safety enhancements across smartphones and smartwatches, with new earthquake alerts and Satellite SOS expansion. These additions position Google's AI as central to device functionality and user experience.Read more →
CNET...Apple's March Event Arrives Tomorrow. Here's What We Know and Everything Else We ExpectApple is shifting its product launch strategy to spread announcements throughout the year rather than concentrating on September, announcing the iPhone 17E, new iPad Air with M4 processor, and MacBooks with upgraded M5 chips ahead of Wednesday's event. The new products feature improved processors, with the iPhone 17E maintaining its $599 price point and including a new A19 processor and C1X cellular modem. Additional product reveals are expected at Wednesday's hands-on event, including speculation about a budget MacBook and future OLED MacBook Pro models.Read more →
Engadget...MacBook Air M5 vs. MacBook Air M4: What's changed beyond the Apple siliconApple unveiled the MacBook Air M5 with a $100 price increase across all models, offering double the storage and a 28 percent faster unified memory with 4x faster AI performance. The M5 chip particularly benefits professionals in 3D rendering and AI-enabled tasks, though design, display, and battery life remain unchanged from the M4. The upgrade is most worthwhile for users with older MacBook models rather than M4 owners.Read more →
Gizmodo...BYD Reveals the ‘World’s Longest-Range EV’ as American Auto Industry Struggles to Keep PaceBYD's Denza brand unveiled the Z9 GT electric vehicle with an unprecedented driving range of 1,036 km (644 miles), significantly outpacing comparable U.S. EVs and underscoring America's widening competitive disadvantage in the global EV market. The launch reflects mounting challenges for U.S. automakers, including cancelled federal subsidies, low domestic consumer adoption, and Chinese manufacturers' growing dominance, with BYD surpassing Tesla as the world's largest EV seller in 2025.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Miniature Wife’ Adds Oversized Marital Drama to Its ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ DilemmaPeacock's 'The Miniature Wife,' premiering April 9, stars Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen in a marital dramedy where the husband's biotech invention accidentally shrinks his wife, triggering a relationship crisis. The high-concept show examines power imbalances between the couple as they navigate the unexpected consequences of the technological accident. Created by Jennifer Ames and Steve Turner, it features an ensemble cast and is based on Manuel Gonzalez's short story.Read more →
The Verge...Yahoo is selling Engadget to Static MediaYahoo sold tech news publication Engadget to Static Media in a deal expected to close in March 2026 as part of Yahoo's strategic refocus on core business services. The acquisition reflects a broader industry consolidation trend where media investment firms are accumulating legacy tech brands to compete for digital advertising amid declining Google traffic and AI disruption. Static Media, which already owns SlashGear and BGR, plans to invest in growing Engadget's editorial operations.Read more →
Engadget...X to require AI labels on armed conflict videos from paid creators, citing ‘times of war’X announced a policy to suspend creators from its revenue sharing program for posting AI-generated videos depicting armed conflicts without disclosure, with 90-day suspensions for first violations and permanent removal for repeat offenses. The policy targets only monetized creators and will be enforced through Community Notes and AI metadata detection. This narrow policy change reflects X's response to content authenticity concerns amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.Read more →
Gizmodo...The MacBook Pro’s M5 Pro/Max Chip Are More Interesting Than You ThinkApple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips introduce a dual-die "Fusion" architecture with separate GPU, enabling higher core counts and improved performance for demanding tasks like video editing and coding. The new MacBook Pro models command price increases of $200 or more, with real-world testing needed to validate thermal performance and battery life claims.Read more →
The Verge...Phone makers of all sizes are feeling the RAM crunchSmartphone manufacturers are grappling with an acute RAM shortage that has made component pricing unpredictable, with costs often withheld until shipment, forcing suppliers to operate like commodity traders. To offset increased production costs, major brands like Xiaomi are shifting focus toward higher-volume mid-range and entry-level segments while maintaining flagship capabilities. Industry-wide pressures suggest phone prices will rise across the market in the coming months.Read more →
TechCrunch...X says it will suspend creators from revenue-sharing program for unlabeled AI posts of ‘armed conflict’X announced it will suspend creators from its Creator Revenue Sharing Program for 90 days if they post AI-generated videos of armed conflicts without disclosing they are AI-created. The platform will use AI detection tools and Community Notes to identify violations, with permanent bans for repeat offenders after the suspension period.Read more →
Engadget...Two fantastic indie games not named Blue Prince also just arrived on SwitchThree indie games recently launched on Nintendo Switch 2, with Minishoot' Adventures and Öoo highlighted as exceptional titles. Minishoot' Adventures blends Zelda-like exploration with twin-stick shooter mechanics, while Öoo is a minimalist puzzle platformer featuring intelligent level design. Both games demonstrate the quality of indie titles now available across multiple platforms.Read more →
The Verge...Here’s how journalists spot deepfakesAs conflicts generate widespread misinformation online, major news organizations employ rigorous verification methods including visual analysis, source authentication, and cross-referencing to distinguish authentic content from AI-generated deepfakes. The article outlines practical techniques used by journalists and OSINT platforms, from examining image metadata and satellite imagery to using reverse image searches and checking account credibility.Read more →
CNET...Vivo's X300 Ultra Aims to Catapult You Into Hollywood StardomVivo unveiled the X300 Ultra at Mobile World Congress 2026, a professional video-focused camera phone featuring 4K 120fps recording from all cameras, 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision support, and optional 800mm telephoto lens. The device includes professional video features such as LUT preview tools for color grading and advanced color science designed to match cinema cameras, positioning it as a complete mobile filmmaking solution.Read more →
The Verge...Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right nowApple has released three new smartwatch models—Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3—with incremental improvements in battery life, power efficiency, and health monitoring capabilities. The latest watchOS 26 requires Series 6 or newer devices, making it essential for users to purchase current-generation models to ensure long-term software support and access to new features. Current promotions offer substantial discounts across all models, with prices starting at $219 for the SE 3 and reaching $699.99 for the Ultra 3.Read more →
Engadget...AI data centers could reduce power draw on demand, study saysA UK trial demonstrated that AI data centers can dynamically adjust their energy consumption by up to 40 percent without disrupting critical workloads, improving grid stability during peak demand periods. The study, conducted with NVIDIA and National Grid, proved that AI infrastructure can respond to real-time grid fluctuations, potentially eliminating the need for costly grid infrastructure upgrades. NVIDIA plans to apply these findings to build a 100MW power-flexible AI facility in Virginia.Read more →
Gizmodo...Dear Meta Smart Glasses Wearers: You’re Being Watched, TooMeta's Ray-Ban smart glasses footage, used to train AI systems, is reviewed uncensored by contractors in Kenya, including intimate content from bathrooms and private moments that reaches reviewers with minimal filtering. The practice exposes both device wearers and bystanders to third-party review without adequate consent or privacy safeguards. Meta's only recommended mitigation is for users to avoid recording sensitive content—a solution that ignores the privacy rights of people filmed without their knowledge.Read more →
CNET...Dolby Atmos: Spatial Audio for the Cinema, Your Home and Your HeadphonesDolby Atmos is a spatial audio technology that uses object-based mixing and height speakers to create immersive 3D sound across theaters, home systems, headphones, and vehicles. The technology is now widely available on major streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV+, and music services, making immersive audio increasingly accessible to consumers.Read more →
CNET...The Spring Equinox Is Coming Soon: When and What You Need to KnowThe vernal equinox on March 20, 2026 marks the astronomical transition to spring in the Northern Hemisphere when day and night are approximately equal length, occurring as Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt becomes perpendicular to the sun. This differs from solstices, which represent the extreme points of longest and shortest days, and results from Earth's orbital position relative to the sun. The equinox is a subtle astronomical event without dramatic celestial displays but reflects fundamental mechanics of Earth's seasonal cycles.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Stupidest Glitch Imaginable Killed a $72 Million Lunar Mission in a Single DayNASA's $72 million Lunar Trailblazer satellite failed on its first day of operation due to a software error that oriented its solar panels 180 degrees away from the Sun, causing critical power loss and communication failure. The root cause was insufficient testing of the solar array phasing system prior to launch. This loss delayed critical research into lunar water distribution, which is essential for NASA's Artemis program.Read more →
Engadget...Audible's new plan is $9 a month and still includes an audiobook creditAudible launched a new $9/month Standard plan featuring monthly audiobook credits and access to Audible Originals, previously exclusive to the Premium Plus tier. Designed to attract millions of new subscribers, the plan offers ad-free content but does not allow audiobook retention after subscription cancellation. Currently available in six countries with expansion planned.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Freakiest Cult Movie You’ve Never Seen Is Now on ShudderMessiah of Evil, a 1974 horror film by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, has recently arrived on Shudder and other streaming platforms. The atmospheric film follows a woman investigating her father's disappearance in a mysterious coastal town controlled by a cannibalistic cult linked to a blood moon prophecy. It represents an influential early-70s horror work that shaped the genre's aesthetic and inspired later acclaimed films.Read more →
TechCrunch...The new MacBook Pro laptops are up to $400 more expensive than their predecessors, thanks to the RAM shortageApple announced new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips featuring 4x improved GPU compute for AI compared to previous generations. However, prices have surged significantly to $2,199-$3,899, driven by a global RAM shortage caused by increased AI infrastructure demands, potentially signaling broader cost impacts across the hardware sector.Read more →
TechCrunch...The new MacBook Pro laptops are as much as $400 more expensive than their predecessors. Thank the RAM shortage.Apple launched new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips featuring up to 4x GPU compute performance for AI, with prices increasing $100-$400 across the lineup. The price hikes reflect surging RAM costs driven by AI infrastructure demand, with analysts warning this could indicate broader hardware sector impacts and declining smartphone shipments.Read more →
TechCrunch...Hacked traffic cams and hijacked TVs: How cyber operations supported the war against IranU.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran incorporated coordinated cyber attacks that disrupted communications and sensor networks before kinetic strikes, demonstrating cyber operations' critical role in modern warfare. Tactics included hijacking broadcast channels, accessing Tehran's traffic camera networks, and breaching mobile phone systems to gather intelligence and conduct psychological operations.Read more →
CNET...Apple's New Studio Display XDR Is $3,299, and You Don't Even Have to Pay for the StandApple unveiled refreshed monitor models including a new $3,299 27-inch Studio Display XDR with 120Hz refresh rates and 2,000-nit peak brightness, plus an updated $1,599 Studio Display with improved webcam and Thunderbolt 5 support. The company discontinued its original 32-inch Pro Display XDR and created a tiered product strategy, with the XDR targeting professionals seeking high performance while the Studio Display serves mainstream users with fewer premium features.Read more →
The Verge...New MacBooks, the iPhone 17E, and more: everything we know about Apple’s March 2026 announcementsApple announced new products including the M5-powered MacBook Air, iPhone 17E budget phone starting at $599, iPad Air with M4 processor, and new Studio Display monitors with 5K resolution. The announcements featured processor upgrades with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offering improved multithreaded performance and energy efficiency. Products are available for preorder starting March 4th with in-store availability beginning March 11th.Read more →
TechCrunch...Activist investor Elliot takes a $1B stake in Pinterest, betting on AI-driven growthElliott Investment Management has acquired a $1 billion stake in Pinterest, signaling confidence in the platform's AI-driven turnaround strategy. The investment will fund a $3.5 billion share buyback program and support Pinterest's expansion of AI-powered visual search and personalized recommendations. The announcement reflects market optimism about Pinterest's AI initiatives despite recent headwinds including layoffs and declining ad revenue.Read more →
CNET...These Hanging Grocery Bags Make Trips to the Supermarket a Total JoyReusable grocery cart bags designed to organize shopping in real-time offer environmental and practical benefits over single-use alternatives. These 'cart bags' or 'trolley bags' enable shoppers to sort groceries by category while shopping, reducing checkout and unpacking time. When paired with store scan-as-you-go apps, these organized bags create a highly efficient shopping experience while reducing waste.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple’s rumored MacBook Neo, a lower-cost, colorful laptop, could launch this weekApple is reportedly developing a low-cost MacBook called the MacBook Neo, which could be announced as soon as Wednesday based on leaked regulatory documents and reports from MacRumors and Bloomberg. This would mark Apple's first major entry into the affordable laptop market, directly competing with budget-friendly options like Chromebooks.Read more →
Gizmodo...Historian Finds Copy of 16th-Century Astronomy Textbook—Belonging to GalileoItalian historian Ivan Malara discovered handwritten annotations in a 1551 copy of Ptolemy's Almagest believed to be from Galileo Galilei around 1590, revealing the astronomer's deep engagement with geocentric mathematical frameworks before developing his heliocentric theories. The findings suggest Galileo's revolutionary contributions emerged from mastering and building upon ancient mathematical wisdom rather than simply rejecting it, challenging the conventional narrative of him as a visionary confidently dismissing established systems.Read more →
Engadget...Game Pass additions for March include Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 25Microsoft is expanding Xbox Game Pass with major game additions throughout March, including Cyberpunk 2077, F1 25, and Planet of Lana II. The games will be available across cloud, console, and PC platforms, providing subscribers with enhanced access to diverse gaming experiences across different subscription tiers.Read more →
CNET...Only Cooking Rice in Your Rice Cooker? Here Are 12 Other Things You Can MakeRice cookers can prepare far more than rice, including grains, proteins, soups, and desserts through gentle, even heating. This expanded functionality demonstrates that rice cookers deserve permanent kitchen counter space as versatile, multipurpose cooking devices.Read more →
CNET...All the New Movies Streaming on Netflix in March 2026Netflix is launching several high-profile titles in March 2026, headlined by Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, War Machine, and Louis Theroux's documentary on men's rights influencers. The streaming platform is also adding popular films including Saw, Jurassic World: Dominion, and award-winning Anatomy of a Fall to its library.Read more →
The Verge...Google accelerates Chrome release cycleGoogle is moving its Chrome browser to a two-week release cycle, instead of the current four, or the six-week cycle that existed for the decade before that. The change starts in September. "Building on our history of adapting our release process to match the demands of a modern web, Chrome is moving to a two-week […]Read more →
The Verge...Microsoft’s big developer conference returns to San Francisco in JuneMicrosoft is relocating its annual Build developer conference from Seattle to San Francisco's Fort Mason, reducing attendee capacity to 2,500 developers. The move aims to create a more intimate, developer-focused experience with greater networking opportunities and reduced corporate sales pitches. The June 2-3 event emphasizes community-centric learning and hands-on demos with external speakers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Amid new competition, Chrome speeds up its release scheduleGoogle is accelerating Chrome's release schedule from four weeks to two weeks starting September 2026, enabling developers to access new features and improvements twice as frequently. The acceleration comes as AI-powered browsers from companies like OpenAI and Perplexity attempt to establish market presence with integrated AI assistants and autonomous features. While officially attributed to keeping pace with the evolving web platform, the timing suggests it is a competitive response to emerging AI-driven browser alternatives.Read more →
CNET...Best Blenders of 2026, Tested and Reviewed by CNET ExpertsThis article provides a comprehensive testing comparison of 12 blender models, evaluating their performance across ice crushing, smoothie making, nut butter production, cheese shredding, and batter mixing. The Hurom Hexa Power Speed is recommended as the top choice for maximum power and performance, while the Ninja BL610 offers the best value near the $100 price point. Purchase considerations include motor wattage, preset functions versus variable speed control, included accessories, and physical dimensions relative to kitchen storage.Read more →
The Verge...You can soon live out your James Bond fantasies with retractable stud winter tiresFinnish tire manufacturer Nokian is launching the Hakkapeliitta 01, a winter tire featuring temperature-responsive studs that automatically deploy in cold conditions and retract in warmer weather, eliminating the need for seasonal tire changes. The technology improves ice grip by up to 10 percent while reducing road wear by up to 30 percent compared to traditional studded tires.Read more →
Gizmodo...Warner Bros.’ Plans for ‘Game of Thrones’ Might Include an Aegon the Conqueror MovieWriter Beau Willimon has submitted a script for a Game of Thrones movie depicting Aegon the Conqueror's arrival in Westeros, with a competing television adaptation also in development at HBO. The dual projects represent a major expansion of Game of Thrones spinoffs, though production timelines remain uncertain amid Warner Bros. Discovery's potential acquisition by Paramount.Read more →
TechCrunch...Audible launches a cheaper ‘Standard’ subscription plan, challenging SpotifyAudible is introducing a new Standard subscription plan at $8.99 monthly, offering one audiobook per month and unlimited curated library access, undercutting its $14.95 Premium tier. The launch is a strategic response to Spotify's audiobook competition, which has grown its user base by 36% over the past year, and is projected to bring millions of new customers based on successful early testing.Read more →
CNET...Look out Labubu, Now There's iMoochiZTE unveiled iMoochi, an AI-powered interactive smart pet that uses generative AI and built-in sensors to respond to voice commands and physical touch. Priced at $350, the device is designed for stress relief and targets young professionals and pet lovers who cannot keep traditional pets. Each iMoochi features distinct personality traits and responds to environmental stimuli including hunger, temperature changes, and movement.Read more →
Engadget...Blue Prince is out on Switch 2 today, complete with mouse controlBlue Prince, a roguelike puzzle game hailed as a masterpiece, launches on Switch 2 with exclusive Joy-Con mouse control. The game combines mansion exploration with room-building mechanics using magical blueprints, employing roguelike reset mechanics when players reach dead ends. Available at launch for $20, it represents a significant addition to the Nintendo eShop's indie offerings.Read more →
CNET...As a YouTube Creator, I'm Buzzed About Honor's Robot Camera PhoneHonor unveiled its Robot Phone concept at Mobile World Congress 2026, featuring a motorized camera module that pops out of the device to provide stabilized video capture comparable to dedicated gimbal systems. The innovation aims to eliminate the need for content creators to carry separate camera equipment while offering a large display for monitoring and direct integration with Android for seamless content sharing. The phone's partnership with cinema company Arri targets cinematic image quality without the over-processed aesthetic common in modern smartphone cameras.Read more →
The Verge...Apple's website leaks MacBook 'Neo,' which could be its new cheaper laptopApple accidentally revealed a budget MacBook Neo (Model A3404) during its product launch event, indicating development of an entry-level MacBook priced under $1,000 with an iPhone processor and smaller 12-inch display. This model targets price-sensitive users including students and casual consumers, directly competing with Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops. The unexpected leak comes as Apple raises MacBook Air pricing with its M5 variant announcement.Read more →
CNET...Social Media Workers Are Burnt Out and Relying on AI to Help. It's a Mixed BagSocial media professionals face widespread burnout, with 70% reporting mental fatigue and nearly half considering leaving the field. While 72% use AI tools to manage workload, these technologies are raising performance expectations rather than reducing pressure, potentially worsening the already unsustainable demands of the industry.Read more →
Gizmodo...4-Body Problem: Astronomers Spot the Most Tightly Packed Quadruple Star System YetAstronomers have discovered the most compact quadruple star system ever observed, comprising an eclipsing binary with a third eclipsed star and a fourth star in the shortest recorded outer orbit of 1,045.5 days. The findings, based on NASA's TESS satellite data, reveal that the three inner stars will eventually merge into white dwarfs in approximately 300 million years, providing critical insights into the formation and evolution of hierarchical star systems.Read more →
The Verge...EA continues to ‘evolve’ The Sims 4 with new virtual currency and a ‘maker’ programElectronic Arts is introducing new monetization options for its free-to-play game to increase revenue streams. This expansion of payment mechanisms reflects the publisher's strategy to maximize earnings from existing titles.Read more →
TechCrunch...X begins testing standalone X Chat app on iOSX has launched a standalone X Chat app for iOS as a private messaging solution, with initial beta access to 1,000 users through TestFlight that reached full capacity within two hours. The app represents a strategic shift from CEO Elon Musk's earlier 'everything app' vision and provides a streamlined interface for messaging compared to X's existing DM feature. Security experts have cautioned that X Chat offers weaker encryption standards than comparable services like Signal, raising ongoing concerns about the platform's security measures.Read more →
CNET...A Sommelier's Warning: Never Store Wine in These 6 PlacesProper wine storage requires consistent temperatures between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit in dark, stable environments, avoiding common mistakes like kitchens, cars, and refrigerator tops that expose wine to damaging heat and vibrations. Most wines can be effectively preserved through simple solutions like closet or basement storage rather than expensive wine fridges.Read more →
The Verge...Unihertz’s new QWERTY phone is even more like a BlackberryUnihertz unveiled the Titan 2 Elite, a more compact and refined version of its keyboard-equipped smartphone, featuring a 4.05-inch OLED display and improved portability. The device retains the BlackBerry-inspired design with a programmable physical keyboard and enhanced functionality while introducing a sleeker form factor. The product will launch on Kickstarter in March, capitalizing on growing market interest in devices with physical input methods.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple unveils new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M5Apple announced new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with M5 chips specifically engineered for AI tasks, delivering up to 4x faster performance than M4 predecessors. The laptops offer extended battery life up to 24 hours and enhanced capabilities for machine learning workloads, targeting AI developers and professionals.Read more →
Engadget...Apple's cheap MacBook could be called the MacBook NeoApple's budget MacBook, reportedly named 'MacBook Neo,' appeared in a regulatory filing before being removed from the company's website. The laptop will feature Apple's A-series mobile chips, an all-metal chassis, and multiple color options, aiming to capture Windows users while reviving the aesthetic of the colorful iBook line at a lower price point.Read more →
Engadget...2027 Audi RS5 first drive: Big thrills with a big batteryAudi introduces the 2027 RS5, its first plug-in hybrid performance sedan combining a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with dual electric motors for 630 horsepower and 54 miles of electric-only range. The vehicle features an innovative rear differential system that enables exceptional drift control through dynamic torque distribution, making it remarkably easy to perform sustained slides despite its 5,200-pound weight. The RS5 arrives in America in 2027, representing Audi's strategy to offer high-performance options across multiple powertrain types amid market uncertainty about EV adoption.Read more →
The Verge...All of Amazon’s kid-friendly Kindles are on sale, including the color versionAmazon's kid-friendly e-readers offer better value than standard models with protective cases, extended warranties, and included software, now available at discounted prices. The article highlights multiple current deals on consumer electronics including robot vacuums, phone grips, and smart chargers with significant savings.Read more →
Engadget...Everything Apple announced this week: iPhone 17e, new MacBooks, M4 iPad Air and moreApple announced the iPhone 17e, iPad Air M4, and M5 MacBook Air with upgraded processors, expanded storage, and enhanced connectivity features including Wi-Fi 7 and improved modems. The entry-level iPhone maintains its $599 price while doubling base storage to 256GB and adding MagSafe support, while the MacBook Air price increased to $1,099. All devices will be available for pre-order on March 4 with retail availability on March 11.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple Announces M5 MacBook Air With Double the Starting StorageApple introduced the MacBook Air with M5 chip featuring significantly enhanced AI capabilities through Neural Accelerators in each core, delivering up to 4x faster AI task performance compared to the M4 generation. The refresh also doubles starting storage to 512GB with improved SSD read/write performance, though prices increase by $100 starting at $1,100 for the 13.6-inch model.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Future of ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Is Looking a Little Video Game-yWizards of the Coast is restructuring Dungeons & Dragons' 2026 release strategy by adopting a seasonal content format with three themed seasons anchored by sourcebooks: Horror (June), Magic (July), and Champions (October). Each season will feature supporting products, events, and tools on D&D Beyond designed to sustain engagement over extended periods. This shift from traditional product releases aims to build stronger community discussion and interest around themed content.Read more →
The Verge...We played Pokémon Pokopia, ask us anythingNintendo is celebrating Pokémon's 30th anniversary with Pokopia, a new life simulation and building game launching March 5th exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. The game combines Animal Crossing and Minecraft elements, allowing players to rebuild a human-free Pokémon world with extensive customization and exploration. Pokopia represents a significant departure from traditional Pokémon games and is among the first exclusive titles designed for the Switch 2 console.Read more →
The Verge...Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley on taking ‘another run’ with new gameScott Pilgrim EX is a new side-scrolling beat-'em-up game developed by Tribute Games, launching March 3rd across Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The game builds on the narrative of the Netflix anime Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and reunites creator Bryan Lee O'Malley with the development team for an expanded story featuring time travel and multiple playable characters. O'Malley emphasizes the project as a collaborative effort aimed at being accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers to the Scott Pilgrim universe.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple’s New Studio Displays Are Here, but Only One of Them Has 120Hz and HDRApple announced updated Studio Display monitors including a new premium Studio Display XDR model, featuring 120Hz ProMotion technology, mini-LED backlighting with HDR support, and improved camera and audio systems. The XDR variant reaches 2,000 nits peak brightness and includes medical imaging presets, targeting both creative professionals and gamers. Pricing starts at $1,599 for the standard model and $3,299 for the XDR, with availability beginning March 11.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple’s new Studio displays come with Thunderbolt 5Apple announced new Studio Display models priced at $1,599 and $3,299, featuring improved 12MP Center Stage cameras, Desk View functionality, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity supporting up to four daisy-chained displays. The premium XDR model includes advanced features like a mini-LED backlight with 2000 local dimming zones and medical imaging capabilities for professional content creation and healthcare applications.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple unveils M5 Pro and M5 Max chips with new ‘Fusion Architecture’Apple unveiled the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips featuring a new Fusion Architecture that delivers up to 30% CPU performance improvements and 4x peak GPU compute capacity for AI workloads over previous generations. The chips include 18-core CPUs and increased unified memory bandwidth, with M5 Max supporting up to 128GB of memory. These advancements target professional users in AI research, 3D animation, and complex data modeling, with MacBook Pro availability beginning March 11.Read more →
The Verge...The 6G, modular, robot phones of the futureThe Vergecast discusses unconventional phone designs, innovative mobile accessories, and emerging metaverse experiences integrated with smartphones. The episode explores creative approaches to phone design and how mobile devices are incorporating virtual reality concepts.Read more →
CNET...Apple Launches MacBook Pros With New M5 Pro, M5 Max ChipsApple released new M5-powered MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with improved connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and enhanced AI capabilities through neural accelerator clusters. The M5 Pro and Max variants offer improved battery life while maintaining largely the same design as previous generations. The company also unveiled upgraded Studio Display models, including a new 27-inch Studio Display XDR with 120Hz refresh rate starting at $3,299.Read more →
The Verge...Xiaomi, unlike Google and Samsung, thinks camera hardware comes firstWhen it launched the 17 and 17 Ultra in Europe on Saturday, Xiaomi bucked an industry trend: it didn't really talk about AI all that much. And it really didn't talk about AI when it showed off the two phones' cameras, including a special edition 17 Ultra co-created with Leica. According to Angus Ng, the […]Read more →
Engadget...The MacBook Air M5 starts at $1,099, up $100 from the M4Apple announced the M5 MacBook Air, priced at $1,099, delivering four times faster AI task performance than the M4 model. The laptop features doubled baseline storage (512GB), 16GB standard RAM, Wi-Fi 7 support, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Pre-orders start March 4 with retail availability on March 11.Read more →
The Verge...Blue Prince headlines Nintendo’s lineup of Switch 2 indie gamesNintendo held an indie game showcase featuring multiple titles for the Switch 2, with the puzzle game Blue Prince launching today and numerous others scheduled throughout 2026. The focus on third-party and indie releases helps fill gaps in the Switch 2's first-party lineup while the company works on upcoming major exclusives.Read more →
The Verge...Why is SpaceX going public?SpaceX's anticipated $50 billion IPO carries substantial risks including integration of the cash-burning xAI division, competitive pressures on Starlink's profitability, and unresolved technical questions around Starship development. Musk's track record of overpromising and inflated valuations suggests the IPO may be significantly overvalued and vulnerable to market downturn.Read more →
The Verge...Apple’s new Studio Display XDR adds a Mini LED upgradeApple has introduced two new 5K Studio Display monitors featuring 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, advanced cameras, and enhanced audio systems. The higher-end Studio Display XDR model offers Mini LED backlighting with 2,304 dimming zones, adaptive sync up to 120Hz, and 140W fast charging for MacBook Pro, while the standard model maintains 60Hz refresh and 96W charging. Pricing starts at $1,599 for the standard model and $3,299 for the XDR variant, with availability beginning March 11th.Read more →
CNET...These Awesome Concept Gadgets Make MWC an Exciting Place to BeMobile World Congress 2026 showcased cutting-edge concept devices including Xiaomi's Vision GT electric hypercar, Tecno's modular camera phone with interchangeable accessories, Honor's gimbal-equipped robot phone, and Honor's consumer-focused humanoid robot. These innovations demonstrate the convergence of AI integration, modular design, and robotics across automotive, mobile, and consumer electronics sectors.Read more →
Engadget...Apple unveils the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which feature new, faster 'super cores'Apple announced new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips featuring an advanced Fusion Architecture with 18-core CPUs and up to 40-core GPUs optimized for professional workflows. The chips deliver up to 30 percent CPU performance improvements and over 4x peak GPU compute for AI compared to the previous generation, along with up to 35 percent graphics improvements. The M5 Pro and M5 Max will power the newly announced MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, with MacBook Pro pre-orders starting March 4.Read more →
Engadget...Apple brings its M5 Pro and Max silicon to the next MacBook Pro generationApple has announced new MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, available for pre-order on March 4 with shipment beginning March 11. The updated lineup offers enhanced performance, doubled base storage to 1TB, and significantly faster storage speeds, though prices have increased across all models, with the 14-inch M5 Pro starting at $2,199. The new MacBook Pros include Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and deliver up to 24 hours of battery life.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros Are Performance MonstersApple has unveiled the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models featuring up to 18-core CPUs and 40-core GPUs, designed for high-end computational workloads including on-device AI, scientific simulations, and graphics rendering. The new chips deliver up to 4x performance improvement over the M4 generation with enhanced specs including Thunderbolt 5, up to 128GB unified memory, and Wi-Fi 7. Preorders begin March 4 with availability on March 11, starting at $1,699 for the 14-inch M5 Pro model.Read more →
The Verge...Apple launches M5 Pro and M5 Max chipsApple has just announced two new processors: the M5 Pro and M5 Max. The new chips will power the MacBook Pro it revealed on Tuesday, offering an 18-core CPU and a new "Fusion Architecture" that integrates two 3nm dies into a single system-on-a-chip (SoC). The CPU's 18-core setup includes six super cores and 12 new […]Read more →
CNET...Apple Brings MacBook Air Up to Speed With M5 ChipApple released M5-equipped MacBook Air models, bringing its latest processor to the more affordable MacBook line where it was previously unavailable. Starting at $1,099, the M5 MacBook Air features improved performance including Neural Accelerators for AI tasks, faster SSDs, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The new models maintain the same design as the M4 while offering enhanced base storage configurations, making advanced computing capability more accessible to a broader market.Read more →
Engadget...Apple reveals its new 5K mini-LED Studio Display XDRApple unveiled its Studio Display XDR, a high-end 27-inch professional display featuring mini-LED technology, 2,000 nits peak brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate designed for content creators, alongside an updated standard Studio Display with Thunderbolt 5 support and improved camera capabilities. Both displays offer superior color accuracy and connectivity, with the XDR replacing the discontinued Pro XDR model and targeting professional HDR video editing and demanding creative workflows.Read more →
The Verge...Apple announces M5 MacBook Air and updated MacBook ProApple unveiled new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lineups featuring M5 chip variants, offering double the base storage for Air and triple for Pro, along with enhanced performance including faster SSDs and Wi-Fi 7 support. All models receive significant price increases, with the M5 MacBook Air starting at $1,099 and the M5 Max MacBook Pro at $3,599. The new machines will be available for preorder on March 4th with retail availability beginning March 11th.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Starfleet Academy’ Showrunner Teases Shocking Conclusion to Season 2Several major entertainment franchises are progressing through production, including Mortal Kombat 3 with a completed script, Mike Flanagan's Exorcist with new casting announcements, and Sonic 4 which has begun filming. The slate also includes casting updates for video game adaptations including God of War and Spider-Man Noir, along with production developments for various horror films and Star Trek's Starfleet Academy series.Read more →
The Verge...GoPro's next cameras are coming soon with a brand-new chipGoPro has announced a new processor today that the company says will "power GoPro's next generation of cameras across current and future products" - and will debut in cameras launching in Q2 2026. There were no details shared about what cameras GoPro plans to launch in the coming months, but the company says its new […]Read more →
The Verge...Elgato’s Stream Deck Plus XL has more buttons, more dials, and a larger touchscreenElgato has released the Stream Deck Plus XL, an expanded controller featuring 36 customizable buttons and six dials compared to the original's eight buttons and four dials. Priced at $349.99, the device maintains the same LCD button design while offering a wider touchscreen for professional broadcasters and streamers. The new model provides significantly more control capacity than its predecessor while remaining more compact than daisy-chaining multiple standard Stream Decks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Fig Security emerges from stealth with $38M to help security teams deal with changeFig Security, founded by Israeli cyber intelligence veterans, raised $38 million in seed and Series A funding to help enterprises monitor their security infrastructure and ensure detection capabilities remain functional despite complex tool stacks. The platform traces data flows through security tools and alerts teams when changes could compromise detection or response capabilities, while enabling simulation of potential impacts before deployment. This addresses enterprises' critical need to validate their security posture as they increasingly adopt AI-powered security tools.Read more →
Engadget...Shure's next-gen DAI adds mobile supportShure introduced the MVX2U Gen 2, a successor to its digital audio interface that now supports mobile devices, significantly expanding its utility for content creators and audio professionals. The adapter features advanced audio processing capabilities including up to +60dB gain, 48V phantom power, real-time denoising, and auto-level adjustment. Settings are preserved across devices, ensuring consistent audio configuration when switching between platforms.Read more →
Engadget...Meta's AI display glasses reportedly share intimate videos with human moderatorsMeta's AI smart glasses users in Europe may unknowingly be sharing sensitive personal data, including intimate video and financial information, with moderators in Kenya for AI training purposes. This raises significant GDPR compliance concerns, as the company's data processing practices lack transparency and shift responsibility for data protection to individual users.Read more →
CNET...Shark's New Robot Vacuum Uses a Blacklight to See How Gross Your Floors AreShark introduced the PowerDetect UV Reveal, a robot vacuum that uses UV light and RGB camera technology to detect dried stains and employs Hypersonic Mopping for more forceful scrubbing. The robot addresses cleaning concerns by only progressing to subsequent tasks after confirming detected stains are removed, delivering improved stain removal compared to competing models.Read more →
Gizmodo...We’ve Got Terrible News for the Dozen People Who Love ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’The Mummy franchise is returning in 2028 with original stars Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser under new directors, marking a revival after two decades. The filmmakers have implied that the third installment will not be considered canon, effectively rebooting the franchise around the more popular first two films.Read more →
Engadget...Charlie Brown now works for SonySony Music Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Entertainment have completed their acquisition of an 80 percent stake in the Peanuts franchise for $460 million, consolidating control as a Sony subsidiary. The deal involved purchasing an additional 41 percent from WildBrain, building on Sony's existing 39 percent ownership. This acquisition gives Sony full oversight of the iconic Peanuts universe, which originated from Charles M. Schulz's 1950 comic strips and has spawned numerous animated series, musicals, and films.Read more →
Gizmodo...Astronomers Estimated the Lifespan of Alien Civilizations, and It’s Not Looking Good for UsPhysicists propose that advanced civilizations typically last approximately 5,000 years, providing a potential explanation for the Fermi Paradox—the absence of detectable extraterrestrial signals. The study uses the Drake equation and radio telescope capabilities to conclude that any advanced civilization either has already perished or has not yet emerged during humanity's roughly 100-year window of transmittable technosignatures. This suggests Earth's young technological civilization faces existential threats that limit long-term survival prospects.Read more →
TechCrunch...The candidate that Silicon Valley built is now the one they want to tear downTech entrepreneur Ethan Agarwal, backed by Silicon Valley venture capitalists including Y Combinator's Garry Tan and DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang, is challenging incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna in California's 17th district primary. The race is driven by tech industry opposition to Khanna's wealth tax proposals targeting billionaires. The contest is expected to become one of the most heavily funded primary challenges of 2026.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: Apple’s big week starts with the iPhone 17eApple announced the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, maintaining competitive pricing while significantly upgrading specifications including doubled base storage to 256GB on the iPhone 17e and new 15W MagSafe wireless charging capability. Both devices feature Apple's proprietary wireless chips (C1X and N1) for improved power efficiency and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.Read more →
Engadget...Meta starts testing its AI shopping assistantMeta is launching an experimental AI shopping tool for select US users, allowing its Meta AI chatbot to recommend products with pricing, images, and links to external retailers. The feature leverages user profile data to personalize suggestions by location and demographic information. This represents Meta's effort to integrate e-commerce capabilities into its AI assistant platform.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Star Behind Tanselle Hits Back at Lame Racist ComplaintsCast members of Game of Thrones spin-offs, including Tanzyn Crawford and Steve Toussaint, have discussed facing racist backlash related to their diverse casting. Despite the shows' critical success and approval from creator George R.R. Martin, some fans expressed negativity about non-white characters, highlighting persistent challenges to diversity acceptance in beloved franchises.Read more →
CNET...Best Home Security Cameras With Floodlights in 2026: Smart and BrightCNET reviews top-performing home security cameras with LED floodlights, recommending the Eufy S330 as the best overall option due to its three bright LED panels reaching 3,000 lumens and advanced tracking capabilities. The review compares multiple models across different price points and features, including budget-friendly options and premium choices with distinct advantages in brightness, resolution, audio capabilities, and smart home integration.Read more →
CNET...Best Earbuds and Headphones That Can Handle the Sweatiest WorkoutsCNET presents a comprehensive 2026 guide to the best workout headphones and earbuds, reviewing numerous models across various price points and design styles. The guide details products like Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Shokz OpenFit 2, emphasizing key purchasing considerations including durability, fit, noise isolation, and water resistance ratings.Read more →
Engadget...Google's Home's latest feature is Gemini-powered 'Live Search' for camerasGoogle Home introduces 'Live Search,' an AI-powered feature enabling visual queries of smart homes (e.g., checking for cars in driveways), exclusive to Premium subscribers at $20 monthly. Additional updates include improved voice accuracy, better device targeting, and enhanced automation reliability. These enhancements strengthen Gemini for Home as the successor to Google Assistant.Read more →
CNET...The Ultimate Guide to Safely Disposing of Your Old Tech for FreeMajor retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and Apple offer free or low-cost electronics recycling programs for old computers and printers, making it convenient to responsibly dispose of e-waste. Before recycling, users should perform a factory reset or use drive-scrubbing tools to securely wipe personal data rather than simply deleting files. For those without nearby retail options, dedicated recycling centers can be located through online search tools like Earth911.Read more →
Engadget...MWC 2026’s most bizarre phone can start fires (on purpose)Oukitel's WP63 is a ruggedized smartphone equipped with a built-in electric igniter designed to help users start fires in emergency situations and outdoor camping scenarios. The device features an electric coil heating system controlled via a smartphone app, alongside other practical features like a 20,000mAH battery and integrated USB-C cable. This innovation demonstrates a unique approach to specialized mobile devices tailored for high-demand outdoor and emergency response applications.Read more →
Engadget...The best keyboards for 2026A comprehensive buying guide that helps users choose the right keyboard based on their needs and preferences, covering mechanical, ergonomic, and wireless options. The guide examines key factors including keyboard size, switch type, connectivity, and design features that impact comfort, durability, and typing performance. Upgrading to the appropriate keyboard can significantly improve daily computing comfort and productivity.Read more →
The Verge...Big Google Home update lets Gemini describe live camera feedsGoogle Home now features 'Live Search' for cameras, allowing Gemini to understand live camera feeds and answer contextual questions about what it sees. Updated Gemini models with improved accuracy and location-aware command processing ensure smart home instructions correctly target specific devices and rooms.Read more →
CNET...Smart Glasses, AI Wardrobes and Cute Bots: Stroll Down Android Avenue at MWC 2026At Mobile World Congress, Google demonstrated Android XR smart glasses with AI-powered real-time translation and new Gemini capabilities including voice-controlled task automation and booking. The company also previewed updated Circle to Search with virtual clothing try-on features, highlighting its push to integrate AI assistants across mobile and AR platforms.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI will amend Defense Department deal to prevent mass surveillance in the USOpenAI will amend its Defense Department contract to explicitly prohibit using its AI for domestic mass surveillance of Americans, addressing constitutional protections and NSA limitations. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged rushing the deal announcement and expressed support for rival Anthropic, which refused Pentagon demands to remove AI safety guardrails, resulting in Trump's order to ban Anthropic from government use.Read more →
Gizmodo...Amazon Cloud Facilities in Middle East Knocked Out by Apparent Iranian Drone StrikesAmazon's cloud infrastructure in the Middle East has suffered significant damage from drone strikes, affecting multiple data centers in the UAE and Bahrain. The attacks have disrupted AWS services, with the Management Console and CLI offline due to failures in two Availability Zones. Structural damage, blackouts, and fires at these facilities have resulted in widespread outages.Read more →
Gizmodo...Facing Backlash, OpenAI Amends Pentagon Deal to Add More Anti-Surveillance VerbiageOpenAI and the Pentagon amended their defense contract to explicitly include privacy protections prohibiting domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens, following public pressure and rival Anthropic's concerns about using AI for mass surveillance. The new language specifies that the technology cannot be deliberately used to track or monitor Americans through commercially acquired personal data or browser histories. The amendment reflects ongoing tensions between military priorities and AI companies' demands for explicit legal constraints on surveillance.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 3, #526Today's New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle challenges players to identify groupings related to card games, NFL team abbreviations, Premier League nicknames, and athletes who changed their names. The puzzle is available through The Athletic's app or website and requires pattern recognition across four themed categories of increasing difficulty.Read more →
TechCrunch...Cursor has reportedly surpassed $2B in annualized revenueCursor, an AI coding assistant, has achieved $2 billion in annualized revenue with its monthly revenue run rate doubling over the past three months. While facing competition from Claude Code and other tools that have attracted some individual developers, Cursor's growth is being driven by its strategic shift toward enterprise customers, who now comprise approximately 60% of its revenue base.Read more →
Gizmodo...Mandatory Subcutaneous Microchips for Employees May Soon Be Banned in Washington StateWashington State is advancing legislation to prohibit employers from mandating or coercing employee microchip implants, though voluntary implants and medically-necessary devices would remain permitted. The bill would prevent companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks from using subcutaneous microchips for employee surveillance. The legislation specifically excludes wearable tracking devices from its microchipping ban.Read more →
TechCrunch...India’s Pronto formalizes house help as its valuation jumps 8× in under a yearPronto, a Bengaluru-based home services platform, secured $25 million in Series B funding at a $100 million valuation, reflecting strong investor confidence in its rapid growth. The startup has scaled from 1,000 to 18,000 daily bookings in a year, formalizing India's largely offline domestic help market by employing trained, background-verified professionals across 10 cities. This growth taps into a massive $56-57 billion market where online penetration remains below 1%, presenting significant expansion opportunities.Read more →
TechCrunch...ChatGPT uninstalls surged by 295% after DoD dealOpenAI's partnership with the Department of Defense triggered significant consumer backlash, resulting in a 295% spike in ChatGPT uninstalls and a 775% surge in negative reviews. Anthropic's Claude capitalized on declining the defense deal, experiencing 37-51% download growth and reaching the #1 position on the U.S. App Store, reflecting consumer concerns about AI surveillance and autonomous weaponry.Read more →
Gizmodo...Even Nasdaq Wants in on the Prediction Market FrenzyNasdaq is seeking SEC approval to launch outcome-based binary options tied to the Nasdaq-100 Index, allowing traders to place yes-or-no bets on specific market outcomes with contracts priced between $0.01 and $1. This move brings prediction market-style trading mechanisms to a major mainstream financial exchange, following the surge in popularity of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.Read more →
Gizmodo...The AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Is Getting a Whole ‘Tillyverse’Xicoia, an AI talent studio, is expanding its AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood into a full digital universe with new AI characters, signaling rapid growth in the AI entertainment economy. The expansion comes amid ongoing tensions with SAG-AFTRA and other entertainment unions, which are renegotiating contracts with AI as a central point of contention.Read more →
TechCrunch...Stripe wants to turn your AI costs into a profit centerStripe released a billing feature enabling AI startups to automatically charge customers a markup on underlying AI model token costs, maintaining consistent profit margins across providers. The tool addresses a critical challenge for AI-powered applications that can accumulate expensive bills from token consumption, supporting integration with both Stripe's gateway and third-party solutions.Read more →
CNET...Daylight Saving Time Kicks Off on Sunday -- Here's How to Get ReadyDaylight saving time begins Sunday, moving clocks forward for longer evening daylight but disrupting sleep patterns and circadian rhythm. Sleep experts warn this causes chronic sleep loss and safety risks like drowsy driving. Proposed federal legislation aims to standardize time nationally, though some states already exempt themselves from the change.Read more →
TechCrunch...Geopolitical drama reportedly stalls IPO of SoftBank-backed PayPayPayPay, Japan's leading mobile payment app, postponed its U.S. IPO scheduled for March 2 due to market volatility and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, targeting a $10 billion valuation. The delay reflects broader challenges in the tech IPO market in early 2026, as multiple companies have withdrawn or delayed listings amid software stock sell-offs and economic uncertainty. This postponement highlights the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical factors on tech sector funding activities.Read more →
Gizmodo...The BBC Won’t Have a New ‘Doctor Who’ Star to Announce Until It Figures Out the Show’s FutureThe BBC faces difficulty casting the next Doctor Who following Ncuti Gatwa's departure, as actors are hesitant to commit without clarity on the show's future and scope. The uncertainty stems from the dissolution of the BBC-Disney partnership, creating doubt about whether the role involves a one-off special or multiple seasons. This reluctance reflects how the role has shifted from a highly coveted position to a riskier career choice.Read more →
TechCrunch...No one has a good plan for how AI companies should work with the governmentOpenAI acquired a Pentagon contract that competitor Anthropic declined due to ethical concerns regarding mass surveillance and autonomous weapons systems. The deal sparked significant backlash from employees and the public, with CEO Sam Altman appearing unprepared to defend the company's involvement in defense contracting. The situation underscores the challenges facing AI companies as they transition into national security infrastructure while managing competing political, ethical, and employee concerns.Read more →
CNET...Meta Tightens Grip on Smart Glasses Market as Global Shipments Soar 139%The AI smart glasses market surged 139% year-over-year in the second half of 2025, with Meta's Ray-Ban AI Glasses capturing 82% of shipments and establishing market dominance. While the category remains early-stage, strong growth is expected to continue in 2026, though rising average prices reaching $360 may challenge broader adoption.Read more →
TechCrunch...A new app alerts you if someone nearby is wearing smart glassesAn Android app called Nearby Glasses detects nearby smart glasses and recording devices by scanning for Bluetooth signals from manufacturers like Meta and Snap, alerting users to potential unauthorized surveillance. Created in response to increasing concerns about invasive wearable devices, particularly following reports of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses being misused in immigration raids and harassment, the app provides a technical solution for privacy protection. The app successfully identifies surveillance devices in proximity though it may produce false positives from other Bluetooth-enabled devices.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Coolest Gadgets From MWC 2026At MWC 2026, tech companies unveiled a diverse array of innovations spanning foldable phones, AI wearables, and modular devices, with emphasis on advanced display technology and battery efficiency. Products from Xiaomi, Honor, and Motorola demonstrate competitive advancements in durability, brightness, and on-device AI processing. These announcements signal industry momentum toward more modular and intelligent consumer electronics with enhanced functionality.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic upgrades Claude’s memory to attract AI switchersAnthropic has expanded Claude's memory feature to all free users and introduced a new import tool enabling easy migration from competing AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini. Users can now transfer their conversation history and learned context without starting over, strengthening Claude's competitive position. This update coincides with growing momentum for Claude driven by tools like Claude Code and the recent release of Opus 4.6 and Sonnet 4.6 models.Read more →
CNET...Apple Updated the Wrong iPadApple's entry-level iPad continues to lag with its outdated A16 chip from 2022, making it the only iPad unable to run Apple Intelligence while competing models have been upgraded. As Apple pushes premium iPad Pro and Air models, the base $349 iPad offers diminishing value, forcing budget-conscious consumers toward more expensive alternatives.Read more →
TechCrunch...Instagram tracked growing usage while targeting teens, lawyers argueInstagram's daily engagement grew from 40 to 46 minutes per day between 2023 and 2026, according to testimony in a lawsuit alleging the platform's addictive design harms youth mental health. Internal documents revealed during Mark Zuckerberg's testimony show Meta actively prioritized teen engagement metrics and tracked underage user growth, despite company policies against allowing users under 13. The case raises questions about whether social media platforms deliberately designed addictive features knowing the mental health risks to younger users.Read more →
Engadget...Australia will consider requiring app stores to block AI services without age verificationAustralia's regulators are mandating age verification for AI chatbots to restrict mature content access by March 9, with non-compliant services facing fines up to A$49.5 million. A Reuters review found that only 9 out of 50 leading text-based AI services in the region have implemented or planned age assurance measures. App stores and search engines may be forced to block non-compliant AI services, representing a significant enforcement mechanism for regulators.Read more →
Gizmodo...Elderly Woman Bombarded With Over a Hundred Amazon Packages She Didn’t OrderA 79-year-old disabled woman in Elgin, Illinois, has received over 100 Amazon packages addressed to her home that she did not order, with up to 20 arriving per day. The packages have created a safety hazard, blocking her doorway and forcing her to move them despite her disability. Amazon acknowledged the issue and is investigating, but the source of the erroneous orders remains unexplained.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic brings memory to Claude's free planAnthropic has extended its memory feature to Claude's free tier, allowing users to have the AI reference previous conversations. The move comes amid Anthropic's climbing popularity and amid a significant regulatory dispute, as the US Defense Secretary has labeled the company a 'supply chain risk' for refusing to allow Pentagon use of Claude for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.Read more →
The Verge...Apple’s cheapest AirPods have hit $89Apple's AirPods 4 are on sale at discounted prices, with the standard model at $89 and the active noise-cancellation version at $119. The entry-level earbuds deliver improved sound quality, IP54 water resistance, and voice call performance comparable to the premium AirPods Pro, making them an attractive budget option for Apple users.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Scream 7’ Somehow Had Even More Social Media Drama Left in ItScream 7 achieved a strong opening weekend at the box office, but actress Anna Camp sparked controversy by reposting an Instagram story dismissing boycotts protesting the film in support of Palestine. Camp subsequently apologized and deleted the post, stating it did not reflect her personal beliefs. The incident continues the franchise's struggle with cast members and political speech, following the firing of Melissa Barrera for similar pro-Palestine statements.Read more →
Engadget...Call of Duty will add Black Ops Royale, a new free game mode coming March 13Call of Duty is launching Black Ops Royale, a free 100-player battle royale mode on March 13 that revives the series' Blackout legacy. The mode removes traditional Warzone features like loadouts and buy stations, instead emphasizing weapon scavenging and upgrading from Black Ops 7. It reintroduces reimagined weapon mechanics and an open-ended perks system reminiscent of the original Blackout mode.Read more →
Gizmodo...YouTuber Designs Cooling System for 1.5 kW LED, Creates Small Artificial SunYouTuber Matthew Perks created a hexagonal water-cooling system for an exceptionally bright 120,000-lumen LED array ($1,300), successfully addressing the thermal challenges of sustained high-power operation. The innovative cooling design maintains safe LED temperatures through copper radiators and PC fans while enabling practical applications such as igniting matches with visible light alone. The cooler proved highly effective, with the portable lithium battery rather than the cooling system becoming the limiting factor at 15 minutes of runtime.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Race to Build the World’s First Commercial Fusion Plant Is Heating UpProxima Fusion announced a partnership with Bavaria's government, RWE, and the Max Planck Institute to build the Stellaris fusion plant by the 2030s, positioning it as the first commercial reactor to achieve net energy gain. The project addresses surging electricity demands from electric vehicles, AI, and data centers while advancing Germany's competitive position in the global fusion power race. Combining public-private investment and stellarator technology, the initiative represents a significant step toward commercializing fusion as a clean, sustainable baseload energy source.Read more →
CNET...WhatsApp Advises Users to Try Mullvad and Amnezia VPNs to Circumvent BlocksWhatsApp has recommended two VPN providers, Mullvad and Amnezia, in its Help Center to help users access the messaging platform in regions with government-imposed internet restrictions. The recommendation underscores the critical role VPNs play in enabling people to bypass censorship and protect their online privacy in countries with high levels of internet surveillance.Read more →
Gizmodo...Two Vince Vaughns Star in a New Time-Travel Gangster Action ComedyVince Vaughn stars in 'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice,' a time-traveling gangster action comedy that uniquely blends multiple genres through its complex narrative involving two versions of the same character. The film premieres at South by Southwest this month before launching exclusively on Hulu on March 27 with an ensemble cast that includes James Marsden and Eiza González.Read more →
CNET...HBO Max: The 30 Absolute Best TV Shows to WatchThis article provides a comprehensive guide to HBO Max's premium television programming across comedies, dramas, crime thrillers, sci-fi, and documentaries. It highlights acclaimed series such as House of the Dragon, True Detective, Euphoria, and Barry, offering detailed descriptions to help viewers discover quality shows. The guide showcases HBO's diverse original content portfolio with acclaimed casts and storytelling across multiple genres.Read more →
The Verge...How the new iPhone 17E stacks up against Apple’s pricier phonesApple announced the iPhone 17E, a budget-friendly iPhone priced at $599 featuring MagSafe, the A19 chip, and a 48-megapixel camera with 2x telephoto capability. While it includes Apple Intelligence support and improved specs over previous budget models, it compromises on display technology with a 60Hz OLED screen, lacks an always-on display and Dynamic Island, and offers slower charging speeds than higher-tier models.Read more →
Gizmodo...RFK Jr. Tells Joe Rogan He’s About to Unleash 14 Banned PeptidesRFK Jr. announced plans to reverse FDA restrictions on peptides, allowing compounding pharmacies to legally produce approximately 14 previously banned compounds. The decision aims to provide legal market access to these treatments while reducing reliance on unregulated black market sources. However, the peptides remain largely untested for safety and effectiveness.Read more →
The Verge...Apple might use Google servers to store data for its upgraded AI SiriApple is reportedly asking Google to set up servers for a new Gemini-powered version of Siri that maintains Apple's privacy standards. This suggests Apple's partnership with Google extends beyond AI models to potentially include cloud infrastructure to help catch up in the competitive AI race. The move highlights Apple's historically conservative infrastructure spending compared to rivals and signals weak adoption of its existing AI features.Read more →
The Verge...Mastodon now has a button for sharing content from other websitesMastodon has released a universal 'Share to Mastodon' button that simplifies content sharing across its decentralized network. The open-source widget addresses technical challenges inherent to Mastodon's distributed architecture by seamlessly routing shares to the correct server while maintaining user privacy. Website owners can now easily integrate the feature to facilitate content distribution to Mastodon users.Read more →
Gizmodo...OpenAI Leadership Defends Deal With Pentagon as Employees Wait in LimboThe Pentagon terminated its agreement with Anthropic after the company refused to remove safety guardrails on AI use for surveillance and autonomous weapons, subsequently signing a contract with OpenAI instead. This decision generated substantial public and internal employee backlash, with critics questioning whether OpenAI's stated safeguards would effectively prevent potential misuse. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between government national security interests and ethical constraints on military AI deployment.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘World of Warcraft’ Just Upgraded Its Best City for the First Time in 20 Years, and Now It’s PerfectWorld of Warcraft's Midnight expansion completely revamps the Blood Elf zone of Quel'Thalas, untouched since 2006, tripling the size of Silvermoon City and modernizing its graphics while preserving player memories of the classic zone. The redesigned region now features hundreds of NPCs, lush environments, and narrative depth reflecting the healing of the Blood Elf civilization over two decades. This represents the most extensive zone revamp since Cataclysm and sets a new standard for how World of Warcraft modernizes legacy content.Read more →
Gizmodo...In a Hotter, Wetter South, Mold Is Emerging as a Public Health CrisisClimate change and extreme weather are creating ideal conditions for household mold growth in the Southeast, with Hurricane Helene exposing widespread infestations that pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations. Federal and state regulations lag far behind the growing problem, leaving many renters without adequate protections or affordable remediation options. Duke University scientists are conducting a comprehensive study of post-flood mold species and their health impacts to close critical knowledge gaps.Read more →
CNET...Study Finds Phishing Scams Are on the Rise, Accelerated by AIPhishing and spoofing scams surged 85% with average losses doubling to $2,060, driven by generative AI tools enabling deepfakes, voice cloning, and personalized messaging. Americans lost over $12 billion to consumer fraud in 2024, a 25% increase, with online scams now comprising 48% of complaints. Younger adults, particularly millennials, are increasingly targeted despite digital literacy assumptions, with fraud complaints from ages 26-35 rising 68% year-over-year.Read more →
Gizmodo...Microsoft Bans Term ‘Microslop’ From Official Discord ServerMicrosoft banned the term 'Microslop' from its Copilot Discord server, attributing it to spam control, though the pejorative reflects widespread user frustration with the company's aggressive AI integration across its products. The failed ban sparked community backlash and prompted Microsoft to acknowledge user discontent, reportedly leading to plans to scale back forced AI initiatives like Copilot and the Recall feature.Read more →
CNET...This Modular Phone Transforms Into a Fully-Fledged CameraTecno unveiled a modular phone concept at MWC 2026 featuring a slim core device with connectors that accept snap-on modules, including a professional-grade zoom camera with dedicated image sensor and physical controls. The system allows users to attach various accessories like battery packs, microphones, speakers, and lenses depending on their immediate needs, transforming the phone on-demand similar to mirrorless camera systems. This approach challenges traditional phone design by enabling hardware customization without adding bulk to the base device.Read more →
Engadget...Starlink's next-gen satellite network could provide 150 Mbps speeds by end of next yearStarlink is launching its second-generation V2 satellite constellation, which will deliver speeds up to 150 Mbps comparable to 5G terrestrial networks. The new satellites will provide 100 times greater data density than current models, enabling faster streaming, more reliable voice calls, and significantly improved coverage to polar regions.Read more →
CNET...I Danced With Honor's Robot Phone and It Complimented My 'Shiny' HairHonor unveiled the Robot Phone with an AI-powered robotic camera arm that marks a significant shift from software-based AI to physical hardware innovation in smartphones. The device features a 200-megapixel sensor, gimbal stabilization with AI object tracking, and AI Spinshot technology for cinematic transitions, targeting content creators as a DJI Osmo Pocket alternative. Using advanced micro-motor technology and silicon-carbon batteries, Honor engineered the system to overcome space constraints without sacrificing performance.Read more →
Gizmodo...Ease Your ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Withdrawals With This Adorable Blooper ReelHBO is releasing A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Complete First Season on physical media (Blu-ray, DVD, and UHD) on June 16 with bonus features including a newly released blooper reel and behind-the-scenes content. The physical release arrives as the show's second season is currently in production. The release provides fans with a permanent copy of the show amid concerns about content removal from streaming platforms.Read more →
CNET...I Saw Xiaomi's Wild Hypercar Up Close and It's Pure Video Game BlissXiaomi showcased the Vision GT electric hypercar concept at MWC 2026, a real-world prototype of a vehicle originally designed for the Gran Turismo PlayStation 5 racing game. The hypercar features advanced aerodynamic engineering with carbon-fiber components, innovative wheel design with stationary hubs to reduce drag, and an all-LED interior. While officially a concept vehicle, Xiaomi indicated it may explore producing limited editions in the future, blurring the boundary between virtual gaming assets and physical automotive products.Read more →
CNET...Astro Bot's Latest PS5 Adventure Is Almost 50% Off at Walmart Right NowAstro Bot, a PS5-exclusive adventure game, is currently available for $33, representing a $27 discount from its regular $60 price point. The game features advanced technical specifications including Tempest 3D Audio support and 60 frames per second performance, delivering a high-quality experience with minimal lag. Rated E for everyone ages 10 and up, the game offers family-friendly gameplay that provides substantial value across multiple players.Read more →
The Verge...You could be an influencer without even realizing itInstagram and TikTok are automatically adding product recommendation links to user posts and videos without creator consent, directing followers to lookalike items and undermining influencer earnings and control. The platforms monetize user-generated content through these shopping features while creators lose trust with their audiences and face disrupted commission streams. This represents a broader shift toward converting social media feeds into shopping platforms, blurring the line between content and advertising.Read more →
TechCrunch...Users are ditching ChatGPT for Claude. Here’s how to make the switchUsers are rapidly switching from ChatGPT to Claude following Anthropic's refusal to allow the Department of Defense to use its AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. In contrast, OpenAI agreed to a Pentagon partnership, sparking privacy and ethics concerns. Claude has surged to the top of Apple's app store with record signups and a 60% increase in free users since January.Read more →
CNET...Extinction Watch: Sub-$500 Computers in Danger, According to ReportRising memory and storage costs are expected to increase PC prices by 17 percent by 2028, with Gartner predicting that entry-level PCs under $500 will disappear from the market. These cost pressures will also delay the adoption of AI-capable PCs, which are expected to reach only 50 percent of the market share by 2028. Consumers are likely to hold onto devices longer due to affordability concerns, while smartphone prices are projected to rise approximately 13 percent over the same period.Read more →
Engadget...X adds ‘Paid Partnership’ labels so users can more easily identify adsX is rolling out a built-in "Paid Partnership" label that creators can apply to sponsored posts, replacing the need for hashtag workarounds. This feature helps creators comply with FTC regulations requiring clear disclosure of sponsored content, addressing a requirement that has existed since 2017. The label can be applied retroactively and includes a disclosure toggle placed directly below post content.Read more →
TechCrunch...Paramount+ and HBO Max to merge into one streaming service after WBD deal closesParamount Skydance has completed its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and announced plans to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into a unified streaming platform with over 200 million projected subscribers. The combined service will house major franchises including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Star Trek, with a commitment to 30 theatrical releases annually. The merger faces regulatory scrutiny from the Department of Justice regarding media concentration and competition concerns.Read more →
Engadget...iPad Air M4 vs. iPad Air M3: The few new things in Apple's midrange tabletApple upgraded the iPad Air to the M4 chip with increased RAM from 8GB to 12GB, delivering up to 30 percent better performance while maintaining the same starting price of $599 for the 11-inch model. The upgrade benefits creatives and professionals, particularly those using demanding applications like video editing and Apple Intelligence features. However, the design, display, cameras, and battery life remain unchanged from the previous M3 generation.Read more →
Engadget...The Analogue Pocket will be back in stock this week, but there's a tariff-related price increaseThe Analogue Pocket retro handheld console, which plays original Game Boy and Game Boy Advance cartridges, will return to stock this week with preorders opening March 4. The device's price is increasing from $220 to $240 due to Trump administration tariffs on Chinese-manufactured electronics.Read more →
CNET...Bytedance's Upcoming Project Swan VR Headset Wants to Be the Computer Meta's Isn't YetByteDance announced the Pico Project Swan VR headset at Mobile World Congress, featuring a high-resolution micro OLED display and custom dual-chip processors claimed to be twice as powerful as Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2. The announcement signals ByteDance's continued investment in premium mixed-reality hardware at a time when Meta is reportedly scaling back VR development. Project Swan positions ByteDance as a significant competitor in the increasingly crowded XR market alongside Apple, Samsung, and Valve.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple Declares It’s Keeping Prices the Same Despite the RAM ApocalypseApple maintains pricing for its new iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4 despite rising memory and storage costs industry-wide, with the iPhone 17e offering upgraded storage and features at the same $600 starting price. While competitors like Samsung raise prices and Google stagnates hardware improvements, Apple's strategy appears designed to maintain market competitiveness amid significant component cost inflation.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Scream 7’ Broke Franchise Box Office Records Despite Franchise-Worst ReviewsScream 7 achieved a $97 million global opening weekend, shattering franchise records despite receiving the worst critical reviews in the series' history. The film's success demonstrates that established franchises retain strong fan loyalty independent of critical reception, with opening weekends typically driven by dedicated fans before word-of-mouth influences longer-term performance.Read more →
The Verge...Donut Lab’s solid-state battery can handle the (extreme) heat, test saysA Finnish startup has developed a battery with exceptional thermal performance that not only withstands extreme heat conditions but actually increases in capacity under such stress, a significant advancement that defies typical battery degradation patterns. This breakthrough could have major implications for energy storage reliability in high-temperature environments and demanding applications.Read more →
CNET...Best Laptops of 2026: Top Picks Tested by CNETThis laptop buying guide helps consumers navigate the market by covering essential factors including budget, operating system, display quality, and hardware specifications. Since modern laptop components are rarely upgradeable, the guide emphasizes investing in adequate specs upfront, recommending a $700-$1,000 range for everyday laptops and $1,000+ for gaming or creative work.Read more →
The Verge...Supreme Court won’t hear AI-generated art copyright caseThe country's highest judicial court has declined to reconsider a lower court ruling that determined AI-generated art cannot be copyrighted. This decision reinforces that artificial intelligence-created content falls outside traditional copyright protections. The ruling has significant implications for AI developers, creators using these tools, and the intellectual property landscape.Read more →
CNET...Paramount Plus and HBO Max Will Merge Into One Streaming ServiceParamount Skydance is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion and merging Paramount Plus and HBO Max into a single streaming service with over 200 million subscribers. The consolidated platform aims to strengthen Paramount's competitive position against leading streaming services through combined content and unified technology infrastructure.Read more →
CNET...Bluey Arrives at Disneyland This Month. Here's What Else Is Coming to Disney Parks in 2026 and BeyondDisney is executing major theme park expansions across Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line through 2028, adding new themed lands featuring Bluey, Avatar, villains, and Pixar characters alongside dozens of new attractions. The company is offering discounted tickets and new Magic Key options while launching four new cruise ships, demonstrating continued investment in physical entertainment experiences tied to its Disney Plus streaming content.Read more →
Gizmodo...Scientists Finally Found Something Tardigrades Can’t SurviveResearchers tested tardigrades in simulated Martian soil to assess planetary protection and contamination risks. While tardigrades initially struggled in untreated regolith, a simple water rinse significantly improved their survival, indicating the Martian soil contains harmful substances that can be removed. These findings provide insights into how microorganisms and contaminants might behave on Mars, with implications for future planetary protection protocols.Read more →
Gizmodo...Anthropic Improves Feature to Switch From Competitors as Users Call for ChatGPT BoycottAnthropic launched an updated tool enabling users to import preferences from competing AI chatbots, as Claude surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT to become the top free app on Apple's App Store. The surge followed Anthropic's refusal to agree to U.S. Department of Defense terms that would have permitted military use without restrictions on autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. The company's ethical stance has generated significant public support, though the Defense Secretary designated Anthropic a supply-chain risk while OpenAI and xAI secured separate agreements with the department.Read more →
Engadget...The Supreme Court doesn't care if you want to copyright your AI-generated artThe US Supreme Court declined to hear a case regarding copyright protection for AI-generated artwork, upholding a lower court's decision that such works cannot be copyrighted due to lack of human authorship. Stephen Thaler's copyright application for an AI-generated artwork called 'A Recent Entrance to Paradise' was rejected, establishing that AI-generated content cannot receive copyright protection under current US law.Read more →
TechCrunch...Tech workers urge DOD, Congress to withdraw Anthropic label as a supply chain riskHundreds of technology industry leaders signed an open letter protesting the Department of Defense's designation of Anthropic as a 'supply chain risk,' following the AI company's refusal to provide unrestricted military access to its systems. Anthropic maintained red lines against allowing its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without human control, prompting the Trump administration to direct federal agencies to cease using the company's products and threaten to blacklist it from military partnerships. Industry leaders view this action as retaliatory and warn it sets a dangerous precedent pressuring American technology companies to accept government demands or face retaliation.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Hoppers’ Is Easily One of Pixar’s Funniest, Darkest, and Best Movies In YearsHoppers is a new Pixar animated film that has been praised as nearly perfect, balancing humor, emotional depth, and strong social messages through a story about environmental protection and consciousness-transfer technology. The film stands out for its willingness to take creative risks, stunning animation quality, and unpredictable narrative structure that appeals to both children and adults, opening March 6.Read more →
The Verge...Nvidia's spending $4 billion on photonics to stay ahead of the curve in AINvidia announced on Monday that it's investing $2 billion each into Lumentum and Coherent, which are both developing photonics technology for data centers, like optical transceivers, circuit switches, and lasers, which are used to move data at high speeds over long distances. Their tech could improve energy efficiency, data transfer speeds, and bandwidth in future […]Read more →
Engadget...Nintendo just announced an Indie World Showcase for tomorrow at 9AM ETNintendo is hosting an Indie World Showcase on March 3 featuring announcements for upcoming indie games on Switch 2 and Switch. The 15-minute event will likely include trailers for new and anticipated titles, with highlights potentially including Silksong DLC, Mina the Hollower updates, and Scott Pilgrim EX's launch trailer.Read more →
The Verge...The Analogue Pocket will be back in stock and slightly more expensiveAnalogue is opening preorders for its Pocket handheld console on March 4th with a new price of $239.99, marking another price increase attributed to tariff announcements and component supply issues. The company also introduced Analogue Cartridge Cleaners, a 12-pack accessory for $14.99 designed to clean vintage game cartridges without chemicals. Shipments for new Pocket orders are expected to begin in June 2026.Read more →
Engadget...Paramount+ and HBO Max could be merging into a single streaming serviceParamount Skydance plans to consolidate Paramount+ and HBO Max into a unified streaming service following its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, combining over 200 million subscribers to compete more effectively with major DTC players. The merged platform will maintain HBO's brand independence while leveraging combined content and technology, though specific details regarding full integration and pricing structure remain undetermined.Read more →
The Verge...Magic Keyboard cases for the latest iPad Pro are up to $85 offApple's Magic Keyboard cases are available at significant discounts on Woot, featuring upgraded features like larger trackpads, aluminum palm rests, and function rows that enhance iPad productivity. The article also highlights deals on other consumer electronics including the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera, Ultimate Ears Everboom Bluetooth speaker, and Resident Evil Requiem game.Read more →
TechCrunch...X ads ‘Paid Partnership’ labels for creators so they can ditch the hashtagsX introduced a new 'Paid Partnership' label that creators can apply to sponsored posts to ensure FTC compliance and improve content authenticity. The feature allows transparent disclosure of paid promotions directly on posts, addressing concerns about undisclosed sponsorships that harm platform integrity. This addition is part of X's ongoing strategy to attract creators by providing business tools comparable to competing platforms like Instagram.Read more →
The Verge...HBO Max and Paramount Plus could become one streamerNow that Paramount Skydance has become the frontrunner to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, CEO David Ellison wants the two studios' streaming services to become one. During a call with investors on Monday, Paramount Skydance head David Ellison insisted that, if his deal to acquire the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery for about $110 billion receives […]Read more →
Engadget...iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16e: What's new on Apple's latest $599 handsetApple's new iPhone 17e maintains its $599 price point while delivering meaningful upgrades including the faster A19 chip, double storage, and improved camera software with pet recognition. Key improvements include enhanced wireless charging (15W) and Ceramic Shield 2 durability, positioning it as a solid incremental update to Apple's affordable line.Read more →
TechCrunch...Hacktivists claim to have hacked Homeland Security to release ICE contract dataA hacktivist group claiming to be 'Department of Peace' breached the Department of Homeland Security, leaking contracts between DHS, ICE, and over 6,000 companies including defense contractors and tech giants. The publicly searchable leaked data reveals contractor identities, contract amounts, and contact information, with the hackers citing concerns about DHS immigration enforcement policies. The breach exposes private sector involvement in federal deportation campaigns and critical infrastructure security operations.Read more →
Gizmodo...Long Covid Is Down, but Not Out, Study FindsYale University researchers found that approximately 8.3% of U.S. adults reported ever having long COVID by 2024, with around 8 million Americans still experiencing the condition despite increasing recovery rates. While long COVID prevalence has declined from pandemic onset, researchers emphasize the urgent need for greater investment in understanding biological mechanisms, as no treatments have demonstrated clear efficacy to date.Read more →
Gizmodo...Taser Chess: No, Masochism Is Not a Shortcut to Chess StardomAn experimental device called Taser Chess delivers electric shocks via a TENS unit when players make poor chess moves, powered by a Raspberry Pi running the Stockfish chess engine. The system penalizes blunders, illegal moves, time violations, and failed puzzles with increasingly severe electrical stimulation as a negative reinforcement training method. Despite this extreme approach, the creator found the device ultimately ineffective against experienced chess players.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung’s Digital Home Key lets you use your phone as your keySamsung is implementing a tap-to-unlock home access feature on Galaxy phones using the Aliro standard, similar to Apple's Home Key. This expansion brings digital door lock capabilities to Samsung's ecosystem, making the technology more widely available across different smartphone platforms.Read more →
Engadget...Everything Apple announced today: iPhone 17e and M4 iPad AirApple announced the iPhone 17e and M4-powered iPad Air ahead of its March 4 event, with significant upgrades at competitive prices. The iPhone 17e doubles base storage to 256GB and adds MagSafe with faster 15W wireless charging and improved Ceramic Shield 2 durability, while the M4 iPad Air receives 12GB RAM and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, both delivering notable performance improvements.Read more →
CNET...Best MacBooks We’ve Tested (March 2026)CNET reviews Apple's MacBook lineup featuring M4 and M5 processors, recommending the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air as the best overall value for most users due to its balance of performance, display size, and price. The guide compares Air and Pro models across different use cases, with Air models suited for everyday tasks and portability while Pro models target creative professionals. Upcoming M5 refreshes for both Air and Pro lines are expected in the coming days.Read more →
The Verge...The best mobile tech announced at MWC 2026 so farMWC 2026 showcased cutting-edge mobile innovations including robot phones, water-resistant folding smartphones, and modular laptops with swappable ports. These announcements represent significant advances in mobile device durability, form factors, and customization capabilities.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic's Claude can now absorb your past conversations with other AI chatbotsAnthropic launched a memory import tool that enables Claude users to extract conversation histories and context from competing AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, streamlining the migration process. The tool automatically transfers imported memories into Claude within 24 hours, with the AI assistant assimilating work-related information while users maintain control over what Claude remembers about them.Read more →
Gizmodo...Paramount Says It Will Merge HBO Max With Paramount Plus If the Warner Bros. Sale Goes ThroughParamount's planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. will merge Paramount Plus and HBO Max into a unified streaming platform with over 200 million combined subscribers. CEO David Ellison frames this consolidation as business reinvention while maintaining HBO's brand identity, positioning the company to compete with major streaming industry leaders.Read more →
TechCrunch...A married founder duo’s company, 14.ai, is replacing customer support teams at startups14.ai, a Y Combinator-backed startup, has raised $3 million to operate as an AI-native customer service agency combining AI software with human support to replace traditional support teams. The company integrates with existing systems within a day and monitors tickets across multiple channels including email, chat, and social media. This model addresses disruption in the BPO industry while helping startups efficiently manage customer service at scale.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Needs to Learn a Big Lesson From XiaomiXiaomi's Leitzphone, developed with Leica, outperforms Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra with genuine camera hardware innovations including LOFIC sensor technology and true optical zoom. Samsung's latest flagship relies primarily on software AI enhancements and incremental improvements, lacking the photography-focused hardware innovation that appeals to content creators. This positions Xiaomi to capture market share among photographers and professionals seeking advanced imaging capabilities.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple speeds up the iPad Air with an M4 upgrade, starting at $599Apple unveiled a new iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, delivering 30% faster performance than the M3 model with significant improvements to its neural engine for AI workloads. The device features 12GB of unified memory, a 16-core Neural Engine that is 3x faster than the M1, and optimized performance for on-device AI models, while maintaining the same $599 starting price for the 11-inch model. The tablet also includes upgraded connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, enhanced cameras, and GPU improvements for gaming and content creation.Read more →
The Verge...Investigating the 61-pound machine that eats plastic and spits out bricksClear Drop's Soft Plastic Compactor compresses unrecyclable soft plastics into 3-pound bricks for mail-in recycling, but experts question whether the service meaningfully reduces waste given carbon emissions from cross-country shipping and unclear final recycling processes. The $1,400+ device has technical issues and faces uncertain consumer demand, raising concerns about the company's long-term viability.Read more →
The Verge...Zillow's CEO on growing the company during a housing crisisZillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman discusses the company's evolution from a consumer-facing real estate aggregator to a vertically integrated transaction platform providing software and services for agents, lenders, and buyers. The strategy positions Zillow to withstand potential disaggregation from AI-powered interfaces by focusing on enterprise customers, transaction efficiency, and local expertise rather than consumer-facing interface innovation.Read more →
CNET...Is Claude Down? What to Know About the Anthropic AI OutageAnthropic experienced a service outage affecting Claude.AI, Claude Code, and Opus 4.6 that lasted over two hours Monday morning, though the business-focused Claude API remained operational. The company attributed the disruption to unprecedented demand for Claude and restored full service by around 11 AM Eastern Time.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple bakes in AI smarts into its new $599 iPhone 17eApple announced the iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly smartphone priced at $599 with the A19 chip, Apple Intelligence support, and 256GB base storage. The device features significant upgrades including MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging, an enhanced C1X cellular modem that's twice as fast and uses 30% less energy, and an improved Ceramic Shield 2 display. Available starting March 11, the iPhone 17e combines flagship capabilities with an accessible price point.Read more →
Engadget...What to expect at Apple's product launch event on March 4Apple is hosting a product launch event on March 4, 2026, across multiple cities to unveil new hardware including the iPhone 17e, upgraded iPad Air with M4 chip, and new MacBook models featuring budget-friendly A18 and higher-end M5 Pro/Max processors. The announcements reflect Apple's strategy to expand both its budget and premium product segments while advancing chip performance through improved heat dissipation and increased core counts. Key upgrades include MagSafe support on the iPhone 17e and Apple Intelligence integration on new iPad models.Read more →
CNET...Apple Debuts the $599 iPhone 17E With MagSafe – and It Comes in PinkApple launched the iPhone 17E, a budget smartphone priced at $599 with doubled base storage (256GB) and support for MagSafe wireless charging at 15W. The device features the A19 processor, C1X modem for faster connectivity, and Ceramic Shield 2 display with improved scratch resistance. These upgrades deliver improved value compared to the previous generation while maintaining accessibility for budget-conscious consumers.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple’s iPad Air Gets an M4 Upgrade for the Same Starting PriceApple upgraded the iPad Air with an M4 chip while maintaining the same price as the previous generation—$599 for 11-inch and $799 for 13-inch models. The M4 delivers 30% faster CPU performance, 50% more unified memory at 12GB, and increased memory bandwidth to 120GB/s, enabling faster AI model execution alongside improved Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity.Read more →
Gizmodo...The First Trailer for ‘Scary Movie 6’ Is Here to Eat Horror’s Lunch AgainParamount released the official trailer for Scary Movie 6, reuniting the original cast as the franchise returns to parody modern horror trends and legacy sequels. The film takes aim at recent horror hits including Terrifier, M3GAN, The Substance, and Sinners, launching in theaters June 12.Read more →
Engadget...The Samsung Wallet can now hold your house keysSamsung has launched Digital Home Key, a feature in Samsung Wallet that enables users to unlock compatible smart doors with their phones using the industry-standard Aliro protocol. The feature includes security measures such as biometric or PIN authentication and EAL6+ certification, with support from smart lock brands like Nuki and Schlage. The service is rolling out in select regions this month with plans to expand as more compatible smart lock brands become available.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple Announces iPhone 17e With the One Feature the iPhone 16e Should Have HadApple unveiled the iPhone 17e, a midrange phone launching March 11 at $599 that addresses prior model criticisms with MagSafe support, doubled 256GB base storage, and the flagship A19 chip. These upgrades at an unchanged price point strengthen the device's value proposition in the competitive midrange segment.Read more →
The Verge...How OpenAI caved to the Pentagon on AI surveillanceOpenAI signed a Pentagon contract while claiming to maintain safeguards against domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, but the agreement permits broad military use through flexible legal language allowing "any lawful use" that relies on existing laws historically stretched to justify surveillance programs. In contrast, Anthropic rejected the same terms and was blacklisted as a supply-chain risk, while OpenAI framed its weaker protections as equivalent safeguards, drawing criticism from industry leaders and legal experts.Read more →
Engadget...Apple updates the iPad Air with an M4 chipApple has unveiled an updated iPad Air with an M4 processor, new N1 and C1X networking chips enabling Wi-Fi 7 support, and 12GB of standard RAM. The remainder of the tablet maintains the same design and display specifications from previous generations. The new iPad Air M4 will be available starting March 11, with pricing beginning at $599 for the 11-inch model.Read more →
Engadget...Apple updates the iPad Air with an M4 chipApple is releasing an updated iPad Air with an M4 chip, WiFi 7 support, and increased base RAM of 12GB, maintaining the same pricing as previous models. The new tablets, available March 11, represent a significant connectivity upgrade while preserving the device's proven design. This update demonstrates Apple's continued commitment to performance improvements across its tablet lineup.Read more →
CNET...Apple's Midrange iPad Gets an M4 Chip Bump, Arriving March 11Apple has released an updated iPad Air with the M4 chip at the same starting price of $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. The upgrade includes improved internals such as the C1X modem and Wi-Fi 7 support, making it a compelling alternative to the more expensive iPad Pro. The M4 processor in the Air potentially diminishes the value proposition of the high-end Pro model.Read more →
TechCrunch...Hackers and internet outages hit Iran amid U.S. air strikesU.S. and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei in a coordinated military and cyber campaign that included attacks compromising the BadeSaba prayer app and disrupting Iranian infrastructure. The operation triggered widespread internet outages, Amazon data center failures in the UAE from missile strikes, and threatens critical Middle East trade routes, with significant potential for regional escalation.Read more →
Engadget...Apple introduces the $599 iPhone 17e with MagSafe and twice the storageApple unveiled the iPhone 17e at $599, featuring significant upgrades over its predecessor including faster 15W MagSafe charging, a new C1X modem with 2x faster connectivity, and enhanced Ceramic Shield 2 display with improved scratch resistance. The phone supports Apple Intelligence with the A19 chip and launches March 11.Read more →
The Verge...Apple announces the iPhone 17EApple has refreshed its most affordable smartphone, introducing MagSafe compatibility and other feature upgrades while maintaining the $599 starting price. The updates enhance the budget device's appeal by offering improved functionality without raising the entry-level cost.Read more →
CNET...Some of the Best A24 Movies Are Streaming for FreeA24 has established itself as a distinctive production company known for attracting acclaimed filmmakers and producing award-winning films across multiple genres. Many of its acclaimed titles, including Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All at Once, are now available on free streaming services such as Kanopy, Tubi, and Plex, expanding viewer access beyond premium platforms like HBO Max.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘God of War’ Star Responds to First Look BacklashMultiple Hollywood projects advance in development, with Drew Goddard actively writing a fifth Matrix film, Mike Flanagan adapting Stephen King's Carrie for television with modern themes, and actors expressing interest in reprising roles for Black Panther 3 and Dredd 2. These updates span major theatrical productions, IMAX films, and streaming series across major studios including Warner Bros. and Amazon.Read more →
The Verge...Apple launches a new iPad Air with an upgraded M4 processorApple's new iPad Air features an upgraded processor with enhanced performance capabilities alongside improved wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. These hardware upgrades position the device as a more capable tablet for productivity and creative applications.Read more →
TechCrunch...MyFitnessPal has acquired Cal AI, the viral calorie app built by teensMyFitnessPal has acquired Cal AI, an AI-powered calorie counting startup that achieved 15 million downloads and $30 million in annual revenue in under two years. The acquisition, finalized in December after nearly a year of negotiations, keeps Cal AI as an independent app while integrating it with MyFitnessPal's database of 20 million foods and 68,500 brands. The deal positions the apps for different user segments: Cal AI targets users prioritizing speed and simplicity, while MyFitnessPal serves those seeking detailed nutritional accuracy.Read more →
TechCrunch...Parade’s Cami Tellez announces new creator economy marketing platform, $4M in fundingCami Tellez and Jon Kroopf launched Devotion, an AI-powered influencer marketing platform that automates creator discovery, management, and content workflows for brands. The platform addresses the decline of traditional macro-creator models by enabling brands to work with hundreds of creators at scale, leveraging AI with human oversight. Devotion has achieved seven-figure revenue with over 10 clients and raised $4 million in funding.Read more →
CNET...Best WordPress Hosting for Smooth Website Operation in 2026The article reviews WordPress hosting essentials including storage, bandwidth, security, uptime, and site speed, then evaluates leading providers to help users select appropriate hosting. Key considerations include SSL certification, DDoS protection, automated backups, and 24/7 customer support for optimal site performance.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic’s Claude reports widespread outageAnthropic experienced widespread service disruptions affecting Claude.ai and Claude Code on Monday morning, with thousands of users unable to access the platform due to login/logout path issues. The outage occurred during a surge in user interest following news of the company's Pentagon negotiations, with Claude rising to the top of the App Store charts. Anthropic identified the issue and is implementing a fix, though the Claude API remained operational throughout the disruption.Read more →
Gizmodo...Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Opens Up on Losing Warner Bros. DealNetflix withdrew from its bid to acquire Warner Bros. after Paramount made increasingly aggressive offers exceeding Netflix's budget constraints. Paramount is now pursuing regulatory approval for the acquisition, while Netflix received a $2.8 billion breakup fee and plans to pivot toward theatrical releases and partnerships rather than further acquisitions.Read more →
The Verge...Pokémon Pokopia is an expansive adventure disguised as a cozy life simPokémon Pokopia is a life simulation game for Nintendo Switch 2 that reimagines the franchise by emphasizing habitat creation and befriending Pokémon rather than catching them, inspired by Animal Crossing and Minecraft. The game prioritizes player freedom and non-linear progression across customizable biomes, offering substantial creative possibilities. Releasing March 5th, Pokopia provides a major new experience while Nintendo delays the next mainline Pokémon game.Read more →
CNET...Pokopia Is the Glorious Return of Animal Crossing in Pokemon FormPokemon Pokopia is a Switch 2 exclusive that blends Animal Crossing-style cozy gameplay with Pokemon mechanics, featuring a Ditto protagonist befriending creatures and building across multiple islands without combat. The game has received strong critical acclaim as a potential system-seller for Nintendo's new hardware, combining accessible world-building inspired by Minecraft with mysterious, relaxing daily activities.Read more →
Engadget...At MWC, Tecno’s super-thin modular concept phone doesn't even have a wired charging portTecno unveiled a modular smartphone concept at MWC 2026 featuring a 4.9mm base device with swappable modules for cameras, batteries, and connectivity functions. The system supports components ranging from a 20x zoom telephoto lens to stacked battery packs exceeding 10,000mAh capacity. While the innovative design shows promise, commercial viability remains uncertain given the market failures of previous modular phones like Google's Project Ara and Motorola's Moto Mods.Read more →
Gizmodo...If Nobody Got ‘Batman v Superman,’ Zack Snyder Still DoesZack Snyder defends Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's artistic vision as a deconstructed superhero film that faced censorship from the MPAA. The ratings board repeatedly attempted to give it an R rating, eventually revealing they objected to the film's core concept of the two heroes fighting each other.Read more →
Engadget...Sony faces a $2.7 billion antitrust lawsuit in the UKA UK class action antitrust lawsuit has been filed against Sony, alleging the company overcharged 12.2 million PlayStation users for digital games and in-game content through its dominant position in digital distribution. The case claims Sony's near-monopoly on the PlayStation Store enabled unfair pricing and a 30 percent commission, with potential damages of approximately £2 billion and estimated compensation of £162 per affected user. Sony disputes the allegations, arguing that third-party digital stores pose security risks and that digital sales margins offset console sales losses.Read more →
The Verge...Oh great, here comes 6G6G, planned for commercialization by 2030, promises seamless satellite-cellular connectivity, network-embedded AI computing, and integrated sensing capabilities to improve global coverage in remote areas. The technology raises significant privacy concerns with its wireless sensing features and faces similar overhyped expectations that plagued 5G deployment. The industry plans to demonstrate early 6G capabilities at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Read more →
CNET...Is a Vitamix Worth It? I Asked Several Experts to Weigh InThis article evaluates whether premium Vitamix blenders justify their high price by comparing them to budget alternatives like Ninja and Chefman models. Kitchen experts offer mixed opinions, with some believing Vitamix is worth the investment for frequent users who make soups and nut butters, while others argue most home cooks don't need such expensive equipment.Read more →
Engadget...Vivo's X300 Ultra goes global and gets a huge 400mm Zeiss telephoto lensVivo announced the X300 Ultra flagship smartphone at Mobile World Conference 2026, featuring a 200MP main camera sensor and capabilities for 4K 120fps Dolby Vision HDR recording. The phone is accompanied by professional accessories including a SmallRig video cage and a 400mm Zeiss telephoto extender lens with eight times zoom and gimbal-grade optical image stabilization. These offerings position the X300 Ultra as a premium option for professional photographers and content creators seeking advanced mobile cinematography tools.Read more →
CNET...This Android XR Feature Convinced Me Smart Glasses Aren't So Pointless After AllGoogle demonstrated Android XR prototype glasses at Mobile World Congress featuring AI-powered navigation, live translation, and Gemini integration to overlay contextual information directly in the lens. The glasses address smartphone distraction by enabling navigation and real-time translation without requiring users to look at a screen. With a conventional appearance and practical use cases, the technology represents a promising step toward making AR glasses a mainstream wearable device.Read more →
Gizmodo...Some Alleged Polymarket Insiders Made a Fortune on U.S. Strikes on IranMultiple Polymarket users profited substantially by betting on U.S. military strikes against Iran, with trades placed hours before the action became public, raising concerns about insider trading and market manipulation. Critics and lawmakers argue that prediction markets enabling bets on military actions represent a conflict between profit incentives and ethical concerns about trading on non-public information. The incident highlights ongoing regulatory tensions as prediction markets face scrutiny over their practices despite recent legalization efforts in the U.S.Read more →
Engadget...The best Xbox Series X and Series S accessories for 2026This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best Xbox gaming accessories and games, ranging from Game Pass Ultimate subscription and various controllers to specialized peripherals like flight sticks and racing wheels. It covers recommended hardware from brands including Steelseries, 8BitDo, and Razer, as well as standout titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Hellblade II, helping gamers optimize their setup.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple Reportedly Warns Retail Workers About Deluge of Customers as It Releases Unusually Cheap GadgetsApple is launching budget-friendly products including an iPhone 17e, entry-level iPad, and a smartphone-chip-powered MacBook to appeal to price-conscious consumers amid flat spending and job market stagnation. The company expects significant customer demand and has warned retail staff to prepare for surge-level traffic. The launch also includes higher-end MacBook Air and Pro models to serve broader consumer segments.Read more →
Engadget...Motorola's Edge 70 Fusion phone has a huge curved 144Hz displayMotorola has launched the Edge 70 Fusion, a mid-range smartphone featuring a standout 6.78-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization and Sony's Lytia 710 sensor. The device balances premium features including IP68 durability and 68W fast charging with an affordable starting price of $430 in Europe, making it attractive for budget-conscious consumers prioritizing display and camera quality. The phone is not expected to be available in the US market.Read more →
The Verge...Tecno’s latest concept phone is lit by neonAfter teasing a magnetic, modular smartphone concept the other day, Tecno has followed that up with another two phone designs centered around color-changing finishes: one with E Ink, and the other incorporating neon. I'm the most taken with the Pova Neon, which the company says includes genuine neon lighting, not just bright colors: it uses […]Read more →
Engadget...TCL is upgrading its easy-on-the-eyes glare-free NXTPAPER display tech with AMOLEDTCL is developing AMOLED NXTPAPER displays that combine eye-comfort technology with flagship visual performance, addressing limitations of current LCD-based screens such as poor brightness and outdoor visibility. The new display will feature 3,200 nits of brightness—3.5 times brighter than existing NXTPAPER models—along with 120Hz refresh rates and enhanced blue light reduction. TCL plans to launch a smartphone featuring the AMOLED NXTPAPER display before the end of 2026.Read more →
Engadget...Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite chip is made for smartwatches and AI devicesQualcomm launched the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor for smartwatches and AI wearables, delivering up to five times faster single-threaded CPU performance and seven times faster GPU speeds using a new 3nm architecture. The processor features a dedicated Hexagon NPU supporting AI models with two billion parameters, enabling on-device features like context-aware recommendations and natural voice interactions. The chip offers 30% improved battery life and 50% faster charging, with devices from Google, Motorola, and Samsung arriving within the next few months.Read more →
The Verge...Vivo’s next phone will launch with a professional camera rigVivo rarely has a presence at MWC, but this year it bucked that trend in a big way, with the reveal of its next flagship phone, the X300 Ultra, alongside an upgraded telephoto extender lens and professional camera cage. The company isn't ready to launch the handset just yet - or even reveal very many […]Read more →
CNET...Qualcomm's Latest Chip Could Lead a New Wave of Camera-Equipped AI Watches and WearablesQualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip for AI-enabled wearables, offering on-device AI processing for up to 2 billion parameter models, integrated camera support, 30% improved battery life, and rapid charging. Samsung, Google, and Motorola plan to launch devices with this chip this summer, marking the beginning of a widespread shift toward always-on AI wearables.Read more →
The Verge...Qualcomm’s new chip is geared toward wearable AI gadgetsLike it or not, more AI wearables may be on the horizon - or at least Qualcomm seems to think so. Today the company announced its new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. At a press briefing, Qualcomm said it considers the Elite to be a "wrist plus" chip. Meaning, it won't replace the previous W5 Plus, […]Read more →
CNET...Samsung, Google and Motorola to Make AI Watches, Pins, Pendants With New Qualcomm ChipQualcomm announced the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, a new wearables platform enabling AI-powered devices from Google, Motorola, and Samsung. The chip features on-device AI via a neural processing unit with 30% improved battery life and compatibility with multiple operating systems. This advancement will allow manufacturers to create diverse AI-powered wearables including pins, pendants, and next-generation smartwatches.Read more →
CNET...Motorola's Upcoming Razr Fold Pairs a Massive Battery With a Sleek DesignMotorola is unveiling specifications for its upcoming Razr Fold foldable smartphone set to launch in North America this summer, featuring a 6.6-inch external and 8.1-inch internal display that rivals Samsung and Google offerings. The device stands out with a 6,000-mAh battery supporting 80-watt wired charging, IP48/IP49 water resistance rating, and premium vegan leather backing. With its competitive positioning between Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, along with seven years of software updates, the Razr Fold aims to capture market share in the premium foldable segment.Read more →
Engadget...Motorola Razr Fold hands-on at MWC 2026: Bright screens, inside and outMotorola unveiled its Razr Fold book-style foldable at MWC 2026, featuring industry-leading display brightness up to 6200 nits—nearly double competitors—alongside a 6000mAh battery, advanced five-camera system with top DXOMARK foldable score, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. The device measures just 4.6mm thin when open, positioning it as a premium alternative to Samsung's Z Fold 7.Read more →
The Verge...The Motorola Razr Fold is shaping up to be pure flagshipAn upcoming device will feature a substantial 6,000mAh battery, high-performance chipset, and advanced camera system, offering significant improvements in battery longevity and multimedia capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Where Humane Failed, Qualcomm Imagines the Future Is Filled With AI PinsQualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, designed to power AI-centric wearable devices beyond smartwatches, including AI pins, pendants, and vision-enabled accessories. The 3nm-process chip features enhanced AI capabilities supporting 2 billion parameter on-device models and improved camera performance for 1080p video at 60fps. Multiple companies are reportedly developing AI wearables using this platform, signaling industry momentum to create practical applications after previous high-profile failures.Read more →
Engadget...Everything announced at MWC 2026: Lenovo's wild foldable gaming handheld, Honor's Robot Phone, and moreMWC 2026 showcases major innovations in mobile and computing, with announcements of Lenovo's foldable Legion Go Fold gaming handheld, Honor's Robot Phone featuring a gimbal-mounted camera, and Xiaomi's premium 17 Ultra smartphone with Leica. Key trends include foldable displays, robotics integration, advanced camera systems, and AI-enhanced features across smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices.Read more →
Engadget...Lenovo's robot concept can help you digitally sign documents (and maybe annoy coworkers)Lenovo unveiled two AI-powered workplace concepts at MWC 2026: the AI Workmate robot with integrated projector and document scanning for office tasks, and the AI Work Companion, a smart desk clock with AI-driven task management and burnout monitoring. Both devices feature on-device AI processing and voice command integration to streamline office collaboration and productivity. These concepts demonstrate Lenovo's vision for integrating spatial and physical AI into professional environments.Read more →
CNET...I'm Enamored With Lenovo's Desktop AI Companions, and I Could Use Their HelpLenovo unveiled Magic Bay Tiko, an AI-powered module with an animated companion that combines pomodoro timing with body-doubling functionality to enhance workplace focus and productivity. The device features agentic AI capabilities and wellness features, with commercial release planned for later in 2026. Lenovo also demonstrated the AI Workmate concept, a tabletop robot designed to assist with presentation generation and digital asset creation.Read more →
CNET...Double Vision: Lenovo Shows Off Detachable Dual-Screen ThinkPad Concept at MWC 2026Lenovo introduced the ThinkBook Modular AI PC Concept at MWC 2026, featuring a detachable 14-inch secondary display that transforms between multiple configurations while maintaining a lightweight 3-pound form factor. Accompanying announcements included updated ThinkPad models with enhanced serviceability features such as tool-free battery removal and user-replaceable ports, reflecting a broader shift toward repairable and modular computing devices.Read more →
The Verge...A robot arm with puppy dog eyes is just one of Lenovo's new desktop AI conceptsThe AI Workmate Concept is an artificial intelligence assistant designed for workplace environments that can scan documents, deliver presentations, and provide companionship. This tool aims to enhance office productivity and employee experience through automation and interactive workplace engagement.Read more →
The Verge...The new Yoga 9i 2-in-1 from Lenovo has an angled ‘canvas mode’ for easier note-takingLenovo has a few new Yoga laptops it's announcing at MWC 2026: the 14-inch Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, 15-inch Yoga Pro 7a, and 14-inch Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition. The most interesting of the pack is that 9i 2-in-1, outfitted with a 2880 x 1800, 120Hz OLED touchscreen. It includes a Yoga Pen Gen […]Read more →
The Verge...Lenovo’s redesigned ThinkPad Detachable tablet has a bigger screen and legit keyboardLenovo is releasing multiple new ThinkPad and ThinkBook models, expanding its laptop lineup with additional options for business and consumer markets.Read more →
The Verge...Lenovo made a Framework-like laptop with modular ports — and a second screenOne of Lenovo's big laptop concepts for MWC 2026 is a modular ThinkBook with two screens. Officially called the ThinkBook Modular AI PC Concept, the proof-of-concept is a 14-inch productivity machine with two plug-and-play interchangeable ports and a second 14-inch display magnetically attached to the rear of its lid. The second display is removable, and […]Read more →
The Verge...This Windows gaming handheld has a screen that folds in halfLenovo has introduced the Legion Go Fold Concept, a foldable gaming device that expands from a 7.7-inch display to an 11.6-inch screen while functioning as a laptop. This concept device combines the portability of a handheld device with the functionality of a larger-screen computing device. The foldable form factor enables versatile usage scenarios for both gaming and productivity applications.Read more →
Engadget...Lenovo unveils the 2026 refresh of its Yoga 9i 2-in-1 convertible laptop at MWCLenovo launched four new Copilot+ devices at MWC 2026, featuring Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI processors designed for AI workloads. The flagship Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition introduces Canvas Mode for creative work, while prices range from $419 to $2,099+, with availability from May through October 2026.Read more →
Engadget...Lenovo's ThinkPads get a spec bump at MWC 2026Lenovo refreshed its ThinkPad business laptop lineup at MWC 2026, introducing updated models including the T14 Gen 7, T16 Gen 5, and lighter T14s variants, along with a new X13 Detachable tablet and rugged Android X11 tablet. The new devices feature Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI Pro 400 Series processors, enhanced cameras with vHDR support, improved speakers, and better repairability scores, with most models shipping in Q2 2026.Read more →
CNET...Lenovo's Dual-Screen Yoga Book Concept Transforms Flat Images Into 3D ModelsLenovo unveiled a series of devices at Mobile World Congress 2026, with the standout Yoga Book Pro 3D concept featuring AI-powered glasses-free 3D technology to help creatives convert 2D sketches into 3D models. The company also refreshed its Legion and Yoga lineups with high-performance gaming tablets and premium laptops, though questions remain about whether the 3D technology is mature enough for mainstream adoption.Read more →
CNET...Lenovo's Legion Go Fold Concept Introduces Very Vertical Gaming on the GoLenovo unveiled the Legion Go Fold, a foldable hybrid device with an 11.6-inch OLED display that transitions between handheld gaming and laptop configurations. The prototype features multiple form factors appealing to gamers and professionals alike, with Lenovo's history suggesting the device could reach consumers within one to two years.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Next Generation of Modular, Repairable Laptops May Have More Than One ScreenLenovo unveiled concept laptops emphasizing modularity and innovation, including a ThinkPad Modular with a removable secondary screen and swappable ports, though limited by proprietary pin connections versus Framework's more accessible USB-C standard. The company also introduced the Yoga Book Pro 3D concept, featuring a glasses-less 3D display paired with a touchscreen stylus interface, designed for creative professionals and 3D modelers.Read more →
Engadget...Lenovo’s latest gaming tablet goes big on batteryLenovo introduced the Legion Tab Gen 5 gaming tablet with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, 165Hz 3K display, and upgraded 9,000mAh battery for enhanced performance and extended playtime. The device includes AI-powered audio enhancement and will launch in May starting at $849.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Screen on Lenovo’s Foldable Handheld Is Not Even Its Most Interesting PartLenovo's Legion Go Fold is a concept foldable handheld gaming PC featuring an 11.6-inch folding tablet with detachable controls that support multiple aspect ratios for gaming. Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, 32GB RAM, and a wireless keyboard attachment capability, it functions as both a gaming device and backup Windows PC. The device demonstrates Lenovo's strategy to integrate Intel processors into handhelds and explores the future of mobile gaming without discrete GPUs.Read more →
Engadget...The Lenovo Legion Go Fold gaming handheld concept looks awkward but its versatility is endlessLenovo unveiled the Legion Go Fold, a concept gaming handheld with a flexible OLED display that folds from 11.6 inches to 7.7 inches, enabling multiple use cases from portable gaming to laptop-like functionality with a wireless keyboard. The device features detachable controllers with multiple mounting points and a small OLED gamepad display with widgets and touchpad functionality. Though currently a prototype without confirmed production plans, the Legion Go Fold demonstrates significant innovation in portable gaming hardware versatility.Read more →
Engadget...The Lenovo Modular AI PC concept is a remixed dual-screen laptop with hot swappable portsLenovo unveiled a Modular AI PC concept at MWC featuring hot-swappable ports, a secondary display, and detachable keyboard that can be repositioned without rebooting, offering greater adaptability than existing modular laptops like Framework. The system impressed with polished build quality and intuitive modularity, demonstrating practical functionality despite its concept status. While not planned for retail, the design innovations could influence future laptop products with modular capabilities.Read more →
CNET...Motorola's Luxurious Touch Could Be the Razr Fold's Biggest Selling PointMotorola is launching the Razr Fold, its first book-style foldable phone, positioning it as premium lifestyle tech with distinctive materials and design-first engineering. The device will support stylus input on both screens, differentiating it from competitors like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google's Pixel Pro Fold. With foldable phone sales projected to grow 30% in 2026, Motorola's luxury-focused approach targets market expansion in this competitive segment.Read more →
Engadget...Best Buy Canada seemingly just leaked Sonos' next portable speakerSonos is preparing to launch the Sonos Play, a new portable speaker featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, AirPlay 2 support, and voice controls. The device was briefly listed on Canadian Best Buy for $399.99 CAD (approximately $300 USD) with a March 31 release date. With IP67 waterproofing and a carrying strap, the speaker expands Sonos's portable audio offerings, with an official announcement likely imminent.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 2, #525The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition is a word puzzle game published by The Athletic featuring sports-themed categories. This guide provides complete hints and answers across four difficulty levels, including NFL team names, March Madness terminology, sports sound effects, and double-word phrases. Players can access the free game through The Athletic's app or online.Read more →
Gizmodo...South Korean Police Lose Seized Crypto By Posting Password OnlineSouth Korea's National Tax Service lost approximately $4.8 million in cryptocurrency after inadvertently publishing wallet seed phrases in an official press release detailing tax enforcement actions. An unknown individual exploited the exposed recovery phrase to access one of the confiscated Ledger wallets and transfer the tokens, demonstrating critical security vulnerabilities in government handling of seized crypto assets. The incident highlights broader risks in cryptocurrency custody and law enforcement agencies' inadequate understanding of digital asset security protocols.Read more →
The Verge...Portable Sonos Play speaker leaks on Canadian Best BuySonos has an unannounced portable speaker called Play set to launch on March 31st, 2026, spotted on Canadian Best Buy at CAD $399.99. The speaker features IP67 waterproofing, 24-hour battery life with wireless charging, multi-room connectivity for up to 32 speakers, and can serve as a power bank via USB-C. It combines portability with advanced audio features including Trueplay automatic tuning and support for AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.3.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Pentagon’s Claude Use in Iran Is a Reminder that Anthropic Never Objected to Military UseDespite Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's public denunciation of Anthropic and ban on its military use, the Pentagon continues operating Claude for intelligence assessments and military applications. The contradiction highlights ongoing tensions between Anthropic's stated ethical guidelines and actual government military deployment, while Claude simultaneously reaches number one on the app store amid the controversy.Read more →
Gizmodo...Blumhouse Wants to Be Perfectly Balanced for Horror FansBlumhouse Productions is shifting its strategic focus toward established IP franchises over original films, driven by post-COVID audience preferences for recognizable properties with built-in appeal. The studio's recent success with franchise entries like 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' and mixed results with originals in 2025 have reinforced this direction. While continuing to produce original content at a reduced rate, the studio aims to rebalance its portfolio to better align with how modern audiences choose their entertainment.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic's Claude grabs top spot in App Store after Trump's banAnthropic's Claude app has become the number one free app on the App Store, surpassing ChatGPT and Google Gemini. This surge follows President Trump's executive order barring federal agencies from using Claude after Anthropic refused to compromise on AI safety guardrails, specifically declining to enable mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. The public controversy generated significant user support that propelled Claude to the top position.Read more →
TechCrunch...Polymarket saw $529M traded on bets tied to bombing of IranPrediction market users generated $529 million in trading volume on Polymarket by betting on the timing of U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran, with analytics indicating six newly-created accounts profited $1 million by correctly predicting action before February 28. The concentrated profitable bets raise concerns about insider trading and information asymmetry in geopolitical prediction markets.Read more →
TechCrunch...Let’s explore the best alternatives to DiscordDiscord is implementing mandatory age verification by mid-2026, requiring users to submit government IDs or facial recognition data, raising privacy concerns following the platform's previous breach that exposed approximately 70,000 user IDs. The verification requirement is prompting users to evaluate alternative platforms like Stoat, Element, and TeamSpeak that emphasize privacy and security features. Adults will need to verify their status to access age-restricted content and channels.Read more →
The Verge...Kalshi voids some bets on Khamenei’s ouster because it’s ‘directly tied to death’In a statement on X, Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said his company would pay out positions on "Ali Khamenei out as Supreme Leader?" at the last trading price before his death. Mansour said that Kalshi doesn't "list markets directly tied to death" and that its rules are designed to "prevent people from profiting from death." […]Read more →
CNET...300,000 Poses in an AI Instant: My Visit to Disney Studios and the New Reality for AnimationDisney has partnered with AI startup Animaj to accelerate animation production, reducing typical production timelines from five months to under five weeks. The AI tool assists animators by automatically generating in-between character movements while human artists retain creative control over key frames and design consistency. This approach positions AI as a productivity tool that augments rather than replaces human artists, addressing industry concerns about automation in creative work.Read more →
Gizmodo...Rivian Announces ‘RAD’ Engineering Team That Tests the Extremes of the Company’s EVsRivian has formally launched the Adventure Department (RAD), a specialized team conducting extreme-condition testing of its vehicles at high altitudes, deserts, and icy terrain to inform product development. These tests demonstrate Rivian's commitment to off-road capability and competitive differentiation as traditional automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jeep, and Scout Motors prepare to launch competing electric off-road vehicles.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google looks to tackle longstanding RCS spam in India — but not aloneGoogle has partnered with Bharti Airtel to integrate carrier-level spam filtering directly into RCS, addressing persistent fraud issues that have hindered adoption in India. The integration enables real-time sender verification, spam detection, and enforcement of do-not-disturb preferences on business messages. Google signals plans to extend this carrier integration model globally as it positions RCS as the successor to SMS.Read more →
Engadget...The US reportedly used Anthropic's AI for its attack on Iran, just after banning itPresident Trump ordered federal agencies to immediately cease using Anthropic's technology following disagreements with the Department of Defense, establishing a six-month phase-out period. Despite this directive, the US military reportedly used Claude AI in a major military operation against Iran, highlighting tensions between government policy and operational military needs.Read more →
Gizmodo...Radio Silence Wanted Their ‘Scream 7’ to Stab Your Teeth InScream 7's original directors Radio Silence shared their unrealized creative vision after dropping out due to scheduling conflicts with their vampire film project. Their concept would have transformed protagonist Sam Carpenter into a Ghostface killer and compressed the narrative scope into an intense, contained experience, contrasting with Scream 6's expansion to New York.Read more →
TechCrunch...Investors spill what they aren’t looking for anymore in AI SaaS companiesInvestors are increasingly selective about AI startups, shifting away from generic horizontal tools and thin AI wrappers toward companies with proprietary data, deep workflow integration, and real product depth. Key criteria now include AI-native infrastructure, vertical SaaS with data moats, and systems embedded in mission-critical workflows, with UI differentiation alone no longer sufficient. As AI agents become capable of executing workflows directly, traditional workflow automation products lack defensibility without genuine competitive moats and domain expertise.Read more →
Engadget...Everything announced at MWC 2026: Honor's Robot Phone, the new Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi, and moreMWC 2026 showcases major smartphone and tablet announcements from Honor and Xiaomi, including Honor's innovative Robot Phone with a gimbal-mounted 200MP camera and ultra-thin Magic V6 foldable phone. Xiaomi introduced the premium 17 Ultra smartphone featuring a 1-inch Leica camera sensor and mechanical zoom ring, rolling out globally in Europe.Read more →
Gizmodo...A New Study Links Living Near Nuclear Plants to Higher Cancer Death RatesA Harvard study analyzing U.S. cancer mortality data from 2000-2018 found that counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants experience higher cancer mortality rates than those farther away, with an estimated 6,400 associated cancer deaths annually. The research raises health concerns about nuclear expansion policies being promoted as a climate solution, though researchers emphasize causation has not been established and additional studies are needed.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI reveals more details about its agreement with the PentagonOpenAI secured a Department of Defense contract to deploy AI models in classified environments while Anthropic failed to reach agreement and faced supply-chain restrictions. OpenAI claims its agreement includes safeguards against mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, and automated decision systems, though critics question whether the protections are sufficient given the underlying legal frameworks.Read more →
The Verge...Lego’s Smart Brick is here, and it transforms these new Star Wars setsLego's new Smart Brick is a pretty big deal. It packs a miniature computer, a microphone, and NFC tech into a classic 2×4 Lego brick, which can power all sorts of new experiences with select sets. It has so much promise that we awarded it "best in show" at CES 2026, and now, eight Star […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Nine Inch Nails Has a New ‘Tron: Ares’ Soundtrack to Rock Out ToNine Inch Nails surprise-released 'Tron: Ares - Divergence,' a 20-song collection featuring remixed versions of the Tron: Ares film score by producers including Boys Noize, Mark Pritchard, and Arca, along with previously unreleased material from the band. The album builds on the original Tron: Ares score, which earned a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and marked the band's first Top 10 Billboard album in over a decade. Physical CD and 2XLP versions will be released on June 5th.Read more →
TechCrunch...Honor says its ‘Robot phone’ with moving camera can dance to musicHonor is developing an innovative 'Robot phone' featuring a movable 200-megapixel camera on a three-axis gimbal with AI-powered object tracking and enhanced video call capabilities. The device includes an interactive AI assistant with personality traits including head movements and dance responses, along with advanced video capture features like Spinshot mode for cinematic shots. Launch is planned for the second half of 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...Honor launches its new slim foldable Magic V6 with a 6,600 mAh batteryHonor unveiled the Magic V6 foldable smartphone, featuring a 6,600 mAh battery with 80W wired and 66W wireless fast charging capabilities. The device maintains the company's focus on thinness at 4mm unfolded while introducing a new Super Steel Hinge for enhanced durability and a 44% reduced crease depth. The Magic V6 will launch in select international markets in the second half of 2026 with cross-platform compatibility features for Apple devices.Read more →
CNET...'Marshals': How to Watch the Premiere Without CableThe Marshals, a new Yellowstone spin-off featuring Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton, premieres on CBS and Paramount Plus on March 1st. The show will stream on Paramount Plus Premium subscribers immediately, while Essential subscribers can watch on-demand the following day.Read more →
Gizmodo...Soundcore’s New Headphones Have an Absurd Battery Life for the PriceSoundcore unveiled the Space 2, new over-ear wireless headphones priced at $130, targeting the midrange market for budget-conscious travelers. The headphones feature impressive battery life of up to 70 hours and four-stage adaptive active noise cancellation optimized for low-frequency engine noise. With memory foam padding and quality audio drivers, the Space 2 offer competitive features to rival higher-priced alternatives when they launch on April 21.Read more →
The Verge...Soundcore’s Space 2 are an evolution of its budget headphonesSoundcore announced the Space 2 wireless headphones, featuring enhanced low-frequency noise cancellation with redesigned dual-layer drivers and extended battery life of up to 50 hours with ANC. Priced at $129.99 starting April 21st, the updated model improves upon the Space One while competing against offerings from Sony, EarFun, and JLab in the budget ANC headphone segment.Read more →
Engadget...A closer look at Honor’s Robot PhoneHonor unveiled its Robot Phone with a revolutionary micro-motorized gimbal camera featuring four-degree-of-freedom movement and professional-grade cinematic capabilities developed in partnership with ARRI. The device includes AI-powered features like Object Tracking and intelligent rotational video capture, marking a significant advancement in mobile imaging alongside Honor's broader push into robotics and AI technology.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic’s Claude rises to No. 1 in the App Store following Pentagon disputeAnthropic's Claude chatbot has surged to the number one position in Apple's US App Store, overtaking OpenAI's ChatGPT. The rapid climb has been fueled by heightened attention following the company's negotiations with the Pentagon over AI safeguards, which prompted the Trump administration to direct federal agencies to cease using Anthropic products. The company reported record-breaking daily signups this week, with free users increasing more than 60% since January and paid subscribers more than doubling this year.Read more →
CNET...Xiaomi's Leitzphone Looks Exactly Like a Leica Phone ShouldXiaomi's collaboration with Leica has produced the Leitzphone, a flagship Android device that prioritizes photography with a large main sensor, mechanical telephoto zoom, and exclusive Leica color profiles. The phone delivers exceptional camera performance at a premium price point of £1,700 in the UK and approximately $2,300 in the US.Read more →
CNET...First Steps? Honor's Humanoid Robot Makes Its Debut With a Moonwalk and a BackflipHonor became the first smartphone manufacturer to unveil a humanoid robot, marking a significant expansion into robotics and physical AI beyond its traditional device business. The company demonstrated its consumer-focused robot at Mobile World Congress with autonomous capabilities, positioning it for applications in shopping assistance, workplace inspections, and companionship. This move reflects Honor's broader $10 billion AI investment and a growing industry trend toward developing robots designed for consumer use.Read more →
The Verge...Honor claims its Robot Phone will launch later this yearA new camera system integrates a 200-megapixel sensor into a compact four-degree-of-freedom gimbal, reportedly the smallest of its kind. This combination of high-resolution imaging and stabilization technology aims to enhance portability for professional photography and videography applications.Read more →
Gizmodo...Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Review: $1,700 Worth of Robot Vacuum ProblemsThe Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete robot vacuum features innovative hardware design and generally strong mopping capabilities, but is plagued by usability issues including unreliable navigation, inconsistent vacuuming performance, and excessive water waste. At a $1,700 price point, these practical compromises combined with a cluttered app experience make it difficult to justify the cost. The device demonstrates how feature-rich design can overshadow core functionality and user experience.Read more →
TechCrunch...SaaS in, SaaS out: Here’s what’s driving the SaaSpocalypseAI coding agents like Claude Code are disrupting the traditional SaaS business model by enabling companies to build custom software instead of purchasing existing solutions, causing SaaS stock prices to drop as investors question the long-term viability of per-seat pricing models. New AI-native startups are emerging with alternative pricing strategies based on consumption or outcomes, while established SaaS companies face pressure from faster-moving competitors and customers who now have the technical means to develop their own alternatives.Read more →
CNET...My Favorite Galaxy S26 Ultra Feature Comes With a Side of ParanoiaThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a customizable Privacy Display that prevents shoulder surfing, offering practical privacy control superior to traditional screen protectors. The phone features advanced camera improvements including Horizontal Lock for stabilized video recording and AI-powered Photo Assist, while maintaining its $1,300 price point and delivering a thinner, lighter design.Read more →
CNET...Just What Is Mobile World Congress (MWC), Anyway?Mobile World Congress is an annual telecommunications industry conference in Barcelona that showcases technologies destined to become mainstream in consumer smartphones. Historical innovations unveiled at MWC—from Android to 5G—demonstrate the event's significance as a proving ground for technologies affecting billions of smartphone users. This year's event is expected to highlight emerging 6G networks and artificial intelligence technologies.Read more →
CNET...Premier League Soccer 2026: Stream Arsenal vs. Chelsea LiveArsenal hosts Chelsea in a pivotal Premier League title race fixture on Sunday, March 1 at Emirates Stadium, with the match available to stream on Peacock Premium in the US and via Sky Sports, Now, Fubo, and Stan Sport in other regions.Read more →
CNET...I Love the Slim Design of Honor's V6 Foldable PhoneHonor unveiled the V6 foldable phone, a ultra-slim device at 8.75mm when closed with aerospace steel hinge construction offering significantly improved durability. The phone features industry-leading IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance ratings, making it one of the few foldables suitable for use in wet or sandy environments. With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and advanced AI integration, the V6 will launch in Europe during summer 2026.Read more →
CNET...I Love the Slim Design of Honor's Magic V6 Foldable PhoneHonor's Magic V6 is an ultra-thin book-style foldable phone measuring just 8.75mm when closed, featuring a durable aerospace steel hinge and IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance ratings—a rarity among foldables. The device combines cutting-edge specifications including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 6,600-mAh battery, and a triple camera system, alongside AI-powered features like Gemini integration and cross-device compatibility with Apple MacBooks. The V6 is set to launch in Europe in summer 2026 at a premium price point likely comparable to or exceeding its predecessor's £1,699 price tag.Read more →
Engadget...Honor’s Magic V6 doesn’t have a new rabbit to pull out of its hatHonor released the Magic V6 foldable, its successor to the Magic V5 from seven months prior, further refining the design to achieve an 8.75mm folded thickness while maintaining its position as the world's thinnest foldable. The device introduces a larger silicon-enhanced battery and upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor alongside improved durability features, though most other specifications mirror the previous generation. The rapid release cycle with minimal substantive improvements has raised questions about whether the device was driven by genuine innovation or primarily by competitive pressure from Samsung and anticipated Apple competition.Read more →
The Verge...Resident Evil Requiem leans too much on the series’ pastResident Evil Requiem demonstrates strong potential in its first half through an innovative dual-character perspective that balances newcomer Grace Ashcroft's vulnerability against veteran Leon Kennedy's combat capability. However, the game loses momentum in the second half as it abandons this dynamic in favor of an extended Leon-centric storyline in Raccoon City's nostalgic ruins. The excessive reliance on series nostalgia and a disappointing final boss undermine what could have been a compelling fresh entry to the franchise.Read more →
The Verge...How MLB can make baseball relevant on a fast-changing internetMajor League Baseball is revitalizing fan engagement through social media partnerships with TikTok and content creators, building on record 2025 World Series viewership. The league is shifting strategy from copyright enforcement to supporting fan-created content, while players develop personal brands across podcasts and streaming platforms. Success faces challenges from pending labor negotiations and the need to sustain interest beyond high-profile events.Read more →
The Verge...Meta won’t let morality get in the way of a product launchMeta is launching a facial recognition feature called Name Tag on Ray-Ban smart glasses that can identify people in real life, raising significant privacy and surveillance concerns. The company strategically timed the rollout during a politically turbulent period when civil liberties organizations are focused elsewhere, and critics warn the technology could be exploited by government agencies for mass surveillance and targeting of vulnerable populations.Read more →
The Verge...Honor’s Magic V6 is the first foldable with an IP69 ratingHonor unveiled the Magic V6 foldable phone, featuring a 4mm thickness when open, the largest foldable battery at 6,660mAh, and an IP69 water-resistance rating. The device utilizes advanced silicon-carbon battery technology and enhances Apple ecosystem compatibility. It launches in China this month with international availability later in the year.Read more →
Engadget...How to share your location via satellite on iPhoneApple's satellite location sharing feature allows iPhone 14 and later users to send location updates via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage are unavailable, making it valuable for remote areas and regions with limited connectivity. The feature requires a clear view of the sky, uses limited bandwidth for non-real-time location snapshots, and is available free for two years after device activation, though it should not be relied upon for emergencies.Read more →
CNET...Stop Wasting Money: The Hidden Energy Vampire Draining Your WalletAn experiment measuring household device standby power identified the DirecTV cable box as the worst offender at 19.9 watts per day, costing approximately $27.89 annually, while many devices like modern TVs and chargers proved surprisingly efficient. The findings demonstrate that strategic unplugging and managing standby power—which typically accounts for 5-10% of residential energy usage—can reduce household electricity bills by roughly $100 per year.Read more →
CNET...These 6 Expert-Backed Vitamins Will Help You Age WellThe article discusses six essential nutrients for healthy aging: magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3s, and zinc. Medical experts explain how each nutrient supports specific bodily functions and prevents age-related chronic conditions, with recommended daily amounts and food sources for each.Read more →
CNET...Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a Sparkling Photography PowerhouseXiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at MWC, offering flagship camera specifications identical to its pricier Leitzphone model at a lower price point of £1,299. While the base model forgoes premium features like the physical control wheel and Leica color profiles, it retains the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and advanced camera system with large LOFIC sensor and continuous optical zoom. This positions the 17 Ultra as an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts seeking flagship camera performance without the luxury Leica branding premium.Read more →
CNET...After Testing 3 Methods, This Is My New Favorite Way to Make BaconThis approach delivered the best bacon with the least amount of hassle.Read more →
Gizmodo...From Quantum Spam to Quantum Minds: Why the ‘Best’ Revolution in Physics Is Only Getting StartedPaul Davies' new book examines the evolution from traditional quantum mechanics (Quantum 1.0, developed in 1925) to Quantum 2.0, which enables manipulation of individual quantum particles for revolutionary applications in computing, medicine, and biology. The distinction lies in actively exploiting quantum properties like entanglement and superposition rather than merely relying on passive quantum principles in existing technologies. Future quantum AI systems could fundamentally transform human understanding and potentially enable direct interfaces between human consciousness and quantum computing.Read more →
CNET...These MWC Phones and Gadgets Were Wild, So What Happened to Them?This article reviews past Mobile World Congress product launches that failed to achieve lasting market success despite promising innovation. Products including the Humane AI pin, Motorola's rollable and wrist-mounted phones, and Samsung's Galaxy Ring either ceased operations, remained vaporware, or failed to gain mainstream adoption. The analysis demonstrates how compelling technological concepts from major tech firms often struggle to translate into successful consumer products.Read more →
Gizmodo...Disgraced Mt Gox CEO Suggests Bitcoin Hard Fork to Recover $5 Billion in Customer FundsFormer Mt Gox CEO Mark Karpeles proposed a Bitcoin hard fork to recover roughly 80,000 BTC stolen in 2011, but the Bitcoin community rapidly rejected the proposal as an attack on the protocol's fundamental principles of censorship resistance and neutrality. The rejection underscores the cryptocurrency's commitment to immutability, even when significant assets are at stake.Read more →
CNET...Scottish Premiership Soccer 2026: Stream Rangers vs. Celtic LiveGlasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic compete in the Old Firm derby on Sunday, March 1, with kickoff at noon GMT. The match will be streamed on Paramount Plus in the US and Sky Sports in the UK, offering either team an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Hearts.Read more →
CNET...If You're Buying the iPhone 16E Right Now, Stop! The iPhone 17E Is Almost HereApple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17E, a successor to its budget iPhone 16E, at a March 4 event. The iPhone 17E could feature more advanced specifications such as dual cameras while maintaining an affordable price point. Consumers are advised to wait for the official announcement before purchasing, as older models typically receive price reductions upon new releases.Read more →
TechCrunch...The trap Anthropic built for itselfThe Trump administration blacklisted Anthropic from Pentagon contracts and federal use after the AI company refused to allow its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons systems. Max Tegmark argues that AI companies have brought this situation upon themselves by resisting binding regulation while making unfulfilled safety commitments, resulting in a regulatory vacuum that mirrors dangerous precedents in industries like pharmaceuticals and tobacco.Read more →
Gizmodo...Claude is the Number 2 Free App in Apple’s App Store NowThe Trump administration's criticism and attempts to limit Anthropic's government contracts paradoxically boosted Claude app downloads, which rose to number two on Apple's U.S. free apps chart. The phenomenon exemplifies the Streisand Effect, where negative attention generates unexpected consumer interest. This suggests political opposition can inadvertently increase adoption of controversial technology platforms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Why did Netflix back down from its deal to acquire Warner Bros.?Netflix withdrew its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, allowing Paramount Skydance to complete the deal, citing financial discipline and shareholder concerns. The decision came after Netflix's stock declined 30% following the initial announcement, reflecting significant investor skepticism about the acquisition's value. The withdrawal announcement actually boosted Netflix's stock price by nearly 14%, validating the company's cautious approach to capital allocation.Read more →
TechCrunch...What to know about the landmark Warner Bros. Discovery saleParamount acquired Warner Bros. Discovery in a $111 billion deal after outbidding Netflix, consolidating major streaming and entertainment assets including HBO, studios, CNN, and HGTV. The transaction faces significant regulatory scrutiny from state and federal authorities concerned about market consolidation, along with concerns about substantial debt burden and potential job losses under new ownership.Read more →
Gizmodo...Washington State Residents Pressed 2 for Spanish. The Bot Spoke Spanish-Accented English InsteadWashington State's Department of Licensing accidentally configured its phone tree so that selecting the Spanish language option played English text in a Spanish accent, caused by confusing Amazon Polly's text-to-speech platform with translation software. The error gained millions of views after being shared on TikTok and became a widely-discussed example of technology implementation misconfiguration.Read more →
Gizmodo...Let the ‘Marvel Maximum Collection’ Take You Back to Your ChildhoodMarvel and Konami are releasing the Marvel Maximum Collection, a compilation of six classic '90s Marvel video games originally released on SNES, Genesis, and arcade platforms. The modernized collection features additions like a music player, rewind functionality, save states, and high-resolution artwork scans. The collection will launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S later in 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic’s Claude rises to No. 2 in the App Store following Pentagon disputeClaude has risen to the number two free app in Apple's US App Store, climbing from outside the top 100 in late January. The surge appears tied to heightened public attention following Anthropic's Pentagon negotiations over AI safeguards and the Trump administration's directive to federal agencies to stop using Anthropic products.Read more →
CNET...How to Watch the 2026 MotoGP Season Live From AnywhereThe 2026 MotoGP season launches March 1st through November 22nd, featuring defending champion Marc Márquez and a potential brotherly rivalry with his younger brother Álex, plus new riders like Turkish champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joining the grid. Fox Sports broadcasts all races in the US, with coverage available on streaming services including Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo, while international viewers can access races through TNT Sports (UK), Kayo Sports (Australia), and Sportsnet (Canada). The season includes calendar adjustments with Brazil replacing Argentina and the UK round moving to its traditional August slot.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 1, #524This guide provides hints and answers for The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, available through The Athletic app and online. The puzzle features four themed groups: synonyms for bet, pre-snap football motions, tennis racket brands, and phrases beginning with field.Read more →
The Verge...Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it's actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and […]Read more →
TechCrunch...The billion-dollar infrastructure deals powering the AI boomTech companies are investing hundreds of billions to build AI infrastructure, with hyperscalers planning approximately $700 billion in data center capex for 2026 alone. Major deals including Oracle's $300 billion agreement with OpenAI and Meta's $600 billion infrastructure plan reflect the industry's commitment to supporting AI model training and deployment. This unprecedented investment raises questions about power grid capacity, financial sustainability, and long-term return on investment.Read more →
Engadget...This retro-inspired handheld comes with Banjo-Kazooie and Battletoads built inHyperMegaTech! and Rare Ltd. released the Super Pocket Rare Edition, a handheld device featuring 14 classic games including the originally Nintendo 64-based Banjo-Kazooie optimized for D-pad controls. The vertical handheld brings iconic Rare titles like Battletoads and Conker's Pocket Tales to a modern portable platform.Read more →
Gizmodo...Minnesota Lawmakers and Police Seek Complete Ban on Crypto ATMsMinnesota lawmakers have introduced legislation to ban crypto ATMs statewide following documented scams costing residents $540,000 annually, with similar regulatory efforts emerging across multiple states. The FBI reports over $333 million in crypto ATM-related fraud losses in 2025, particularly targeting vulnerable and elderly populations through coordinated criminal schemes. Proposed federal and state regulations aim to impose transaction limits, compliance requirements, and fraud protections on operators while addressing international criminal networks exploiting these platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Watch Marlon Wayans React to His ‘Scary Movie 6’ TrailerScary Movie 6's teaser debuted at Scream 7's opening night through a surprise in-theater appearance by Marlon Wayans, generating positive audience reactions. The comedy film reunites franchise stars including Wayans, Regina Hall, Anna Faris, and others, positioned as equal opportunity humor. The film is scheduled to release on June 12.Read more →
The Verge...The Rubin Observatory’s alert system sent 800,000 pings on its first nightThe Vera C. Rubin Observatory's automated alert system went live on February 24th, generating approximately 800,000 alerts per night for astronomical phenomena including asteroids, supernovas, and black holes. The system compares nightly camera images against reference baselines and uses algorithms to automatically categorize event types and deliver alerts within minutes. This enables astronomers to rapidly respond to transient celestial events while filtering alerts by type, brightness, or frequency to manage discovery volume.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman Is Marketing OpenAI as America’s Wartime AI Company Whether He Intends to or NotOpenAI secured a Pentagon deal to deploy models on classified networks while Anthropic was simultaneously blacklisted as a supply-chain security risk for its ethical restrictions on mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The contrasting outcomes underscore the strategic implications of AI companies' stances on military applications and reflect broader tensions between maximizing deployment and maintaining ethical constraints.Read more →
Gizmodo...First Film to Depict a Robot Discovered in MichiganA long-lost 45-second silent film titled 'Gugusse and the Automaton' from 1897 by French filmmaker Georges Méliès was rediscovered in Michigan, believed to be the first cinematic depiction of a robot. The film shows a magician controlling a child-sized robot that grows to full size, performs a dance, and engages in slapstick combat with the magician. The discovery is particularly significant given that approximately 90% of films made before 1930 have been lost to history.Read more →
Engadget...Alaska could be the next state to crack down on AI-generated CSAM and restrict kids' social media useAlaska's House unanimously passed HB47, imposing a statewide social media curfew (10:30 PM - 6:30 AM) for minors and requiring age verification and parental consent on platforms. The bill also bans harmful deepfakes of children and addictive design features, marking a significant regulatory shift in protecting minors online.Read more →
CNET...Shooting Videos of Fancy Cars With the Galaxy S26's New Camera Feature Is a DreamSamsung's Galaxy S26 features Horizontal Lock, an advanced image stabilization mode that maintains a steady horizon regardless of phone tilt during recording. Tested effectively on moving subjects in Barcelona, the technology salvages shaky footage and improves video quality for casual users. The feature has practical applications for emergency documentation and professional videography.Read more →
Engadget...Shuttered studio Bluepoint reportedly pitched a Bloodborne remake, but it got shot down by FromSoftwareBluepoint Games pitched a Bloodborne remake to FromSoftware in early 2025, but the pitch was rejected. FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki intends to personally oversee any Bloodborne remake and does not want other studios to work on it. This decision blocks opportunities for reimagining the classic 2015 Gothic horror RPG despite Bluepoint's proven track record with successful remakes like Demon's Souls.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Sinners’ Gets an NPR Tiny Desk Concert That’s So Damn GoodNPR released a Tiny Desk concert featuring actors Miles Caton and Buddy Guy from the film Sinners, performing the film's soundtrack including the Oscar-nominated song "I Lied to You." The performance showcases the quality of the film's music, which is under consideration for Academy Awards. Buddy Guy recently won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2026.Read more →
Engadget...Everything announced at MWC 2026: The new Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi, Honor's ultra-thin MagicPad 4 and moreMWC 2026 features major announcements from Xiaomi and Honor, including the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica Leitzphone smartphones with advanced camera systems featuring 1-inch sensors and 200MP telephoto capabilities, alongside the Honor MagicPad 4 tablet claiming to be the world's thinnest at 4.8mm. These flagship devices showcase cutting-edge photography capabilities and premium displays with high refresh rates and exceptional brightness levels.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI’s Sam Altman announces Pentagon deal with ‘technical safeguards’OpenAI has reached an agreement with the Department of Defense allowing use of its AI models on classified networks, with built-in safeguards against domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons systems. This contrasts with Anthropic's refusal to accept similar terms, leading the Trump administration to designate Anthropic a supply chain risk and ban federal agencies from using its products. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the agreement includes technical safeguards and human oversight, and called for similar terms to be extended to all AI companies.Read more →
The Verge...You can still grab great deals on Bose headphones and Astro Bot this weekendSamsung unveiled its Galaxy S26 lineup this week with strong preorder deals across retailers, particularly Amazon's bundle offering a $200 gift card and storage upgrade on the Ultra model. The article showcases weekend sales on consumer tech products including audio equipment, gaming monitors, handheld devices, and accessories at significant discounts. Featured deals span the acclaimed Astro Bot PlayStation 5 exclusive to various hardware and gadgets from established tech brands.Read more →
Gizmodo...Paramount’s New ‘G.I. Joe’ Movie Plans Sound Dumb as HellParamount is developing two separate G.I. Joe movie treatments with Danny McBride and Max Landis as part of its third major franchise revival attempt. The project notably includes Max Landis, who faced sexual assault accusations in 2017, reflecting Paramount Skydance's pattern of hiring individuals with misconduct allegations.Read more →
CNET...Toto Invented a Toilet That Washes Its Own RimToto introduced the Aurora Washlet Plus S7A at KBIS 2026, featuring an advanced Integravity System that increases cleaning coverage by five times through dual-valve gravity-driven flushing technology. The toilet combines water efficiency (1-1.28 gallons per flush versus the federal standard of 1.6) with integrated bidet functionality and auto-cleaning features using electrolyzed water technology. Priced at $3,648, the device represents significant advances in automated toilet technology designed to minimize manual bathroom maintenance.Read more →
TechCrunch...Xiaomi launches 17 Ultra smartphone, an AirTag clone, and an ultra slim powerbankXiaomi launched the Xiaomi 17 Ultra flagship smartphone with a Leica partnership, featuring a 200-megapixel telephoto camera with variable zoom and advanced computational photography features. The launch encompasses a comprehensive product ecosystem including a special Leica edition phone, photography kits, smartwatch, electric scooter, AirTag clone, power bank, and earbuds, available across EU and UK markets.Read more →
TechCrunch...Why China’s humanoid robot industry is winning the early marketChina's humanoid robotics industry is outpacing global competitors through superior hardware supply chains and manufacturing infrastructure, enabling faster innovation cycles and cheaper mass production. Companies like Unitree and Agibot are shipping significantly more units than U.S. rivals, with the sector shifting from demonstrations to operational deployment in manufacturing, logistics, and retail applications. The convergence of government policy, industrial strategy, and private capital is accelerating adoption, though software and data scarcity remain significant challenges.Read more →
CNET...Best VPN for iPhone 2026: Boost Your Privacy on the GoThis guide evaluates key factors for selecting an iPhone VPN app, prioritizing privacy features such as AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policies, and strong jurisdictional protections. Performance considerations include minimal speed reduction, extensive server networks across 100+ countries, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming content. Premium VPNs typically cost $5-15 per month or $30-100 annually, with caution advised against free services that compromise privacy.Read more →
CNET...Splendid Spoon Review: Our Thoughts on the Vegan, Gluten-Free Meals and 5-Day DetoxSplendid Spoon is a subscription meal delivery service offering vegan, gluten-free prepared meals including smoothies, soups, and grain bowls that are frozen and ready to eat within minutes. The service provides convenient nutrition for those with dietary restrictions and uses eco-friendly recyclable packaging, though meals are priced at $4.25-$13.49 per serving and are generally solid but rarely exceptional.Read more →
CNET...Oura Ring Launched an AI Chatbot for Women: The Details You Should KnowOura has launched its first proprietary AI model specifically for women's health, currently available for testing in Oura Labs within Oura Advisor. The custom large language model combines generative AI with Oura's biometric tracking to answer questions about menopause, menstrual cycles, fertility, and related health topics while analyzing data from the user's Oura Ring. Designed by board-certified physicians and women's health experts, the model provides evidence-based guidance and helps users prepare for appointments with their healthcare providers.Read more →
CNET...The Photos I've Taken on Xiaomi's Leica Phone Are Some of My Best EverThe Leica Leitzphone is a Xiaomi collaboration featuring professional-grade camera hardware that earned CNET Editors' Choice award. The device produces images rivaling dedicated cameras through authentic Leica color profiles, advanced zoom capabilities, and sophisticated processing that preserves rich tonal depth.Read more →
Engadget...Xiaomi 17 Ultra hands-on: Incredible cameras, but maybe hard to getXiaomi launches the 17 Ultra flagship smartphone, featuring a standout 1-inch 50-megapixel main camera sensor in partnership with Leica, alongside a 200MP telephoto lens with advanced optical zoom capabilities and a 6,000mAh battery. The device rolls out across Europe starting at £1,299 but remains unavailable in the US market, continuing Xiaomi's pattern of limiting global availability for its flagship offerings.Read more →
The Verge...Xiaomi’s tracker doesn’t need a case to clip to your keysXiaomi has announced its first Bluetooth tracker, and while the Xiaomi Tag has a more elongated design than the Apple AirTag, that lets you use it in more places right out of the box. On one end of the tracker you'll find an integrated metal loop that can be attached to a keyring or clipped […]Read more →
The Verge...Xiaomi’s Leica Leitzphone mostly earns the nameXiaomi has released the Leitzphone, the first international Leica-branded phone featuring the 17 Ultra flagship with Leica's red dot logo on hardware for the first time. The device boasts an impressive camera system with continuous optical zoom, two-day battery life, and Leica-customized software, though its significant premium over the standard 17 Ultra is not fully justified by its features.Read more →
The Verge...Xiaomi 17 is a small(ish) phone with a big(ish) batteryXiaomi has launched a new smartphone in Europe alongside the larger Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a photography-focused variant designed for users prioritizing advanced camera capabilities. This dual-product strategy allows Xiaomi to target both mainstream and enthusiast segments in the European market.Read more →
CNET...The Luna Ring Just Became the World’s First Smart Ring You Can Talk to About Your HealthLuna's new Luna Ring Gen 2 uses Google Gemini-powered AI voice control to let users verbally log health activities, meals, and supplements directly to their wearable, eliminating the need to manually enter data in an app. The $329 ring offers no-subscription tracking and contextual health insights, representing a shift toward conversational wearables. The device is currently unavailable in the US due to patent disputes with Oura, though Luna plans to return to the market in the coming months.Read more →
CNET...I've Finally Got My Dream Camera Phone: Xiaomi's Leica Leitzphone ReviewXiaomi and Leica have created the Leitzphone, a premium flagship with a new LOFIC image sensor and physical control ring that delivers professional-grade photography capabilities on a smartphone. At £1,700, it represents a major advancement in mobile imaging and earned CNET's Editors' Choice for its exceptional camera quality and Leica-inspired color profiles.Read more →
The Verge...The Witcher is a perfect fit for Reigns’ Tinder-like roleplayingNerial's development team details the creative and technical process of integrating Geralt from The Witcher franchise into their choose-your-own-adventure game series, showcasing the collaboration and adaptation of the iconic character for interactive storytelling.Read more →
Engadget...Leica’s Leitzphone by Xiaomi has a huge 1-inch camera sensor and a stylish new designXiaomi and Leica announced the Leitzphone, a new flagship smartphone representing their deepest collaboration to date, featuring a 1-inch camera sensor, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and a 6.9-inch 120Hz display with up to 3,500 nits brightness. The device's interface and design were developed by Leica, emphasizing intuitive camera controls and premium aesthetics. Priced at €1,999, the Leitzphone marks the first phone manufactured by Xiaomi but co-branded and sold directly by both companies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Shokz OpenFit Pro Review: Open Earbuds With the One Thing You’ve Always WantedThe Shokz OpenFit Pro introduce noise reduction technology to open-ear wireless earbuds, a significant innovation previously unavailable in this category due to the lack of ear seal. Priced at $250, they deliver excellent sound quality enhanced by Dolby Atmos, comfortable fit, and solid battery life, though the noise reduction works best in moderate rather than extremely loud environments.Read more →
CNET...I Watched a Play in AR. It Made Me Feel More Connected to Actual RealityAn Ark is a mixed reality theater experience at The Shed in New York City that uses Magic Leap 2 glasses to present volumetrically captured performances by actors including Ian McKellen. The piece demonstrates how AR can create intimate, emotionally resonant shared experiences while raising important questions about the future of live theater and the challenges of making immersive technology accessible to diverse audiences.Read more →
CNET...Hey Samsung, Please Stop Forcing AI on MeSamsung's Unpacked event unveiled AI-integrated features across its new Galaxy S26 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro lineup, including an Ask AI browser tool and AI photo editing capabilities. However, the author expresses concerns that while AI offers convenience, the pervasive integration raises privacy risks and removes valuable human engagement from everyday tasks like photo sharing and text editing.Read more →
The Verge...A legendary weather app makes a comebackInstaller No. 117 is The Verge's weekly newsletter featuring the latest tech product launches, app recommendations, and entertainment picks. This week's highlights include Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Acme Weather's comeback, AI-powered apps like Wispr Flow and Notion custom agents, plus curated entertainment recommendations from editors and the community.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Best Gadgets of February 2026February 2026 saw a surge of consumer tech releases at elevated prices due to RAM shortages, with Samsung's Galaxy S26 flagship phones leading through AI-enhanced features and innovative hardware like the Privacy Display. The month showcased diverse products across mobile, gaming, and audio categories, from wireless earbuds to gaming peripherals featuring new haptic technology. Manufacturers demonstrated how AI integration and supply chain challenges are reshaping consumer electronics pricing and feature differentiation.Read more →
CNET...5 Places You Should Never Keep a Bottle of Wine, According to ExpertsExpert wine sommeliers share best practices for proper wine storage, emphasizing that consistent, cool, dark conditions between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit are essential to maintain quality. Common mistakes include storing wine in kitchens, car trunks, and above refrigerators, while understanding whether a wine is meant for immediate consumption or long-term aging is crucial for optimal enjoyment.Read more →
CNET...Premier League Soccer 2026: Stream Liverpool vs. West Ham LiveLiverpool hosts West Ham in a Premier League match on February 28, with the Reds pursuing Champions League qualification and West Ham battling relegation. The match will be available on USA Network in the US, Fubo in Canada, and Stan Sport in Australia.Read more →
Engadget...Steam Next Fest, a different flavor of The Witcher and other new indie games worth checking outThis article provides a comprehensive roundup of the indie gaming landscape, highlighting Steam Next Fest demos and upcoming releases including roguelike deckbuilders, platformers, and narrative-focused games. The coverage demonstrates the breadth of innovation in independent game development, from cozy management sims to challenging Soulslike experiences across multiple platforms.Read more →
CNET...The Best Smart Baby Monitors of 2026, as Tested by MomsCNET reviewed and ranked the best baby monitors to help parents select devices that fit their needs and lifestyle. The guide covers options ranging from budget-friendly audio-only monitors under $40 to advanced Wi-Fi-enabled models with AI features and health tracking costing over $300. Key purchasing considerations include connectivity type, specific features, battery life, and subscription requirements.Read more →
CNET...There's a Total Lunar Eclipse Next Week. Here's How to See ItA total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, marking the final eclipse in a trilogy that began in 2025. North America will have viewing opportunities with varying visibility depending on location, and this will be the last total lunar eclipse visible until 2028. The moon will turn into a blood moon as sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, and no special equipment is required to view the event.Read more →
Gizmodo...The War on Poaching Has Gone Full Tech Dystopia—and It May Not Be WorkingModern wildlife conservation has increasingly adopted militarized approaches using AI surveillance, drones, and paramilitary tactics, often resulting in human rights abuses and community displacement in African nations. The reduction in U.S. international conservation funding is accelerating reliance on less accountable private security contractors. Experts warn that enforcement-first strategies breed community distrust rather than addressing underlying causes of poaching such as poverty and land dispossession.Read more →
CNET...The Most Useless Security Cam Features and Why You Don't Need ThemThis article examines unnecessary features in modern home security cameras and advises homeowners on which capabilities they can safely skip to save money. Features like pan/tilt, NVR support, 4K resolution, LTE connections, and spotlight capabilities are often marketed as upgrades but provide limited practical benefit for typical home installations. By understanding the actual utility of each feature, consumers can simplify their setups and invest in more cost-effective camera systems.Read more →
CNET...Best AV Receiver for 2026CNET's comprehensive buying guide reviews top AV receivers for 2026, recommending the Onkyo TX-NR6100 as the best overall value option, along with models optimized for power users, cinematic experiences, and gaming. Key selection factors include HDMI connectivity, Dolby Atmos support, 4K/120Hz compatibility, and wireless streaming capabilities, with prices ranging from under $1,000 to over $5,000 depending on features and performance requirements.Read more →
The Verge...Tenways nearly perfects the shareable city e-bikeThe Tenways CGO Compact is a €1,999 e-bike designed for easy sharing among riders of varying heights, with quick-adjustment seat and handlebar systems that adapt in seconds. Its compact 20-inch wheels and flat-folding profile make it ideal for urban storage and transport, while delivering sturdy construction and strong cargo capacity for city commuting.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI strikes a deal with the Defense Department to deploy its AI modelsOpenAI has secured a deployment agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its models in classified systems, following Trump's order to eliminate Anthropic's Claude from government use. Both OpenAI and xAI accepted DoD deployment terms while maintaining safety principles on mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, though the specifics remain unclear. Anthropic has refused similar pressure to remove its safety guardrails and vows to challenge any supply chain risk designation in court.Read more →
TechCrunch...India disrupts access to popular developer platform Supabase with blocking orderSupabase, a popular open-source database platform, has been blocked in India by government order under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, with no publicly disclosed reason. The blockade significantly impacts India's developer ecosystem, as the country accounts for approximately 9% of Supabase's global traffic and experienced 179% year-over-year growth. The incident highlights broader concerns about India's website blocking practices and the uncertainty they create for developers and startups relying on such infrastructure.Read more →
CNET...Ultrahuman Ring Pro Brings Better Battery Life, More Action and AnalysisUltrahuman unveiled the Ring Pro smart ring featuring up to 15 days of battery life and enhanced health tracking capabilities, introducing Jade AI to provide real-time health interventions based on user data. The device offers improved heart-rate sensing, stores up to 250 days of health data, and includes an advanced charging case. However, the Ring Pro is unavailable in the US due to a patent dispute with competitor Oura Ring, with preorders available in other regions for March shipment.Read more →
The Verge...The best instant cameras you can buy right nowThis comprehensive buying guide evaluates instant cameras from major brands including Fujifilm, Polaroid, and Kodak, recommending the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 as the best choice for most users due to its balance of print quality, ease of use, and affordability. The guide covers multiple alternatives for different needs, such as the premium Instax Mini Evo for creative control, the Polaroid Go for portability, and the Polaroid Flip for retro enthusiasts, with prices ranging from $80 to $400. Key considerations highlighted include film costs, image quality in various lighting conditions, available features, and suitability for different users from children to advanced photographers.Read more →
CNET...No Prescription Needed: The 9 Best Places to Buy Reading Glasses OnlineCNET provides a comprehensive buyer's guide for purchasing reading glasses online, comparing top retailers including GlassesUSA, Eyebuydirect, and Warby Parker across factors such as lens strength options, pricing, shipping policies, and warranty coverage. The article includes expert guidance on presbyopia management, lens materials, and selecting appropriate prescription strengths, helping consumers choose reading glasses that suit their vision needs and budget.Read more →
CNET...Spotify Expands Into Audiobook Rankings With Weekly ChartsSpotify has launched audiobook popularity charts available to both free and Premium users across the US and UK, enabling real-time discovery of trending titles. The feature mirrors Spotify's successful approach with Music and Podcasts Charts, designed to increase audiobook demand and engagement. This addition builds on Spotify's audiobook expansion since 2022, complemented by AI-powered tools like Recaps and PageMatch.Read more →
Gizmodo...If You Love ‘Chainsaw Man,’ You Should Read ‘Dorohedoro’ and ‘Dai Dark’ ImmediatelyThe article recommends manga series Dorohedoro and Dai Dark by Q Hayashida, highlighting her exceptional ability to blend dark fantasy and sci-fi genres seamlessly. These influential works have directly shaped modern manga and inspired renowned creators like Tatsuki Fujimoto, establishing Hayashida as one of the medium's most acclaimed artists.Read more →
The Verge...NASA is pushing back its plans for a Moon landingNASA has postponed its Moon surface landing from Artemis III in 2027 to Artemis IV in 2028, following safety recommendations that cited excessive technical and operational risks. Artemis III will now serve as a test flight, while NASA increases mission cadence with additional test flights planned for 2027 and annual surface landings thereafter. The decision reflects concerns about combining multiple first-of-a-kind objectives in a single mission alongside ongoing delays to Artemis II.Read more →
The Verge...Defense secretary Pete Hegseth designates Anthropic a supply chain riskThe U.S. Department of War has designated Anthropic as a supply-chain security risk and banned federal contractors from conducting business with the company, citing Anthropic's refusal to provide unrestricted military access to its AI models. The government is implementing a six-month transition period before fully severing ties with Anthropic. This action reflects escalating tensions between AI developers and the U.S. military over control and oversight of advanced AI systems.Read more →
Engadget...FCC approves the merger of cable giants Cox and CharterThe FCC approved Charter Communications' $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, with regulators claiming the merger will deliver network upgrades, expanded rural broadband access, job creation, and lower consumer prices. The deal consolidates two major US cable providers, with Charter absorbing Cox's managed IT, commercial fiber, and cloud businesses. However, critics cite historical precedent from similar telecom mergers that resulted in layoffs and price increases rather than consumer benefits.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI fires employee for using confidential info on prediction marketsOpenAI fired an employee for using confidential company information to trade on prediction markets like Polymarket, violating the company's insider information policy. This action highlights the emerging conflict between prediction markets and corporate confidentiality, where non-public information can be leveraged for financial gain. The incident raises questions about how platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi will address insider trading concerns.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Dish of Neurons Playing DOOM Is the Wildest Thing I’ve Seen in AgesCortical Labs successfully demonstrated human neurons playing Doom by mounting 200,000 neurons on a microchip that maps game inputs to electrical stimuli and neural signals to player actions. The neurons are capable of learning and improving performance over time, representing a significant breakthrough in biocomputing. The company is now offering developer access through the Cortical Cloud API, raising important questions about the ethical use of human neurons in computing systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Mars Express’ Is Phenomenal Because It Remembers What Cyberpunk Actually MeansMars Express is a 2023 animated cyberpunk thriller following detectives investigating illegal robot jailbreaking across Earth and Mars, which escalates into a conspiracy involving artificial autonomy and corporate overreach. The film is praised for its precise storytelling, immersive worldbuilding, and visual mastery that capture cyberpunk's cautionary message about technological progress and human-machine coexistence. Despite being underappreciated, it represents a masterful example of science fiction animation that balances complex themes with narrative clarity.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Great Insider Trading Reckoning Reportedly Hits OpenAIOpenAI terminated an employee for using confidential company information to trade on prediction markets, part of a broader pattern of insider trading that has drawn regulatory scrutiny. Prediction platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, which initially welcomed informed positions, are now facing pressure from regulators and corporate partners to ban such activity. Recent crackdowns by governments and platforms signal an industry shift toward stricter insider trading enforcement.Read more →
Engadget...Trump orders federal agencies to drop Anthropic services amid Pentagon feudPresident Trump ordered all US federal agencies to cease using Claude and Anthropic services over a dispute regarding AI safeguards, mandating a six-month phase-out period. The conflict centers on Anthropic's refusal to remove protections preventing Claude's deployment for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons systems. This action escalates tensions between the administration and the AI company, with advocacy groups warning it sets a dangerous precedent for executive pressure on technology companies.Read more →
CNET...The FCC Just Approved Charter’s $34.5 Billion Cox Purchase. Here’s What It Means for 37 Million CustomersThe FCC approved Charter Communications' $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, creating the largest US internet provider with over 37 million combined customers and minimal geographic overlap. While local competition remains intact in most markets, Spectrum's historically steeper price increases raise concerns about consumer costs, prompting criticism that the FCC should have imposed stronger protections given the persistent challenge of internet monopolies in America.Read more →
CNET...MWC 2026 Updates: All the News, Reveals and Concepts Debuting in BarcelonaMobile World Congress 2026 is launching with major phone announcements from Nothing, Xiaomi, Honor, and Motorola, featuring the Nothing Phone 4A and details on Motorola's Razr Fold folding phone. Apple is rumored to announce the iPhone 17E during concurrent events starting Monday. The event will showcase both confirmed products and forward-looking concepts including flexible wearable phones and solar-charging devices.Read more →
Engadget...Paramount agrees to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, pays Netflix $2.8 billion for breakupParamount Skydance has acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for $31 per share after paying Netflix $2.8 billion to break its competing bid. The deal includes commitments to produce 30 theatrical films annually with a minimum 45-day exclusive window before streaming. The merger faces regulatory approval hurdles before closing by Q3 2026.Read more →
Gizmodo...Chocolate ‘Boner’ Syrup Recalled for Actually Containing Viagra IngredientThe FDA recalled a sexual enhancement supplement for containing undeclared sildenafil (Viagra), which can dangerously interact with common blood pressure medications. The case highlights a widespread problem where poorly-regulated supplements frequently contain hidden prescription drugs, putting consumers at health risk without their knowledge.Read more →
TechCrunch...President Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic after Pentagon disputePresident Trump directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic products following a dispute with the Department of Defense over the company's refusal to allow its AI for mass domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons systems. The directive includes a six-month phase-out period, with the president threatening consequences if Anthropic does not cooperate. CEO Dario Amodei maintained the company's ethical stance while offering to facilitate a smooth transition to alternative providers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Pentagon moves to designate Anthropic as a supply-chain riskPresident Trump directed all federal agencies to cease use of Anthropic products, citing a dispute with the Department of Defense over the company's refusal to support mass surveillance or autonomous weapons systems. The Pentagon has designated Anthropic as a supply-chain risk to national security, effectively barring military contractors from conducting business with the AI company.Read more →
The Verge...Warner Bros. Discovery agrees to $110 billion Paramount mergerParamount and Warner Bros. Discovery announced their merger deal is projected to close in the third quarter of 2026. The consolidation of these major media and streaming platforms aims to strengthen their competitive position in the entertainment industry.Read more →
CNET...After 30 Miles of Running, I've Found the Most Accurate SmartwatchA comprehensive accuracy test of five smartwatches ranging from $80 to $550 found that the Apple Watch Series 11 delivered the most precise heart rate tracking with less than 1% error, while all models performed equally well for step and distance monitoring. The testing demonstrated that expensive smartwatches are not necessary for accurate step and distance tracking, making budget options like the Amazfit Bip 6 equally viable for basic fitness needs. The Garmin Venu 4 was identified as the best choice for serious athletes requiring detailed heart rate data.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Says US Is Cutting Off Anthropic for Refusing to Drop AI SafeguardsPresident Trump has threatened Anthropic with federal action if the company doesn't remove safeguards preventing military use of its Claude AI model for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons systems. Trump has ordered all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's technology within a six-month phase-out period, with threats of criminal and civil consequences if the company fails to comply during this transition.Read more →
The Verge...Trump orders federal agencies to drop Anthropic’s AIThe federal government has announced a directive for all federal agencies to cease use of Anthropic's technology, citing disputes over the company's enforcement of its Terms of Service against government use. A six-month phase-out period will be implemented for agencies currently using Anthropic's products, with the administration characterizing the action as necessary for national security and military readiness.Read more →
Gizmodo...Let’s Talk About the Ending of ‘Scream 7’This article critically examines Scream 7's plot and character motivations, focusing on spoilers. The primary criticisms highlight the weak and poorly motivated Ghostface killers, the poorly executed AI deepfake subplot lacking thematic relevance, and overall narrative inconsistencies that undermine the film's coherence.Read more →
CNET...Trump Tells Feds to Stop Using Claude AI After Anthropic Stood by Surveillance RestrictionsPresident Trump ordered the federal government to cease using Anthropic's Claude AI after the company refused to permit its deployment for mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons systems without human control. The dispute underscores tensions between government demands for unrestricted AI capabilities and tech companies' concerns about potential misuse, with Anthropic maintaining that existing laws have not adequately addressed AI-enabled surveillance risks.Read more →
CNET...ChatGPT Has Almost 1 Billion Weekly Users, OpenAI SaysChatGPT has achieved remarkable user growth, reaching 900 million weekly active users and over 50 million consumer subscribers, more than doubling its user base since February 2025. OpenAI secured scaled-back but substantial investment totaling $110 billion from Nvidia, SoftBank, and Amazon, valuing the company at $730 billion. The continued expansion demonstrates ChatGPT's dominance as the most popular AI chatbot despite emerging competitors.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 28, #523The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition is a word puzzle game featuring four thematic categories: golf equipment, baseball materials, SEC school locations, and Chicago Bears players' first names. The puzzle is available through The Athletic's subscription service and free online, with hints and solutions provided for players.Read more →
CNET...NASA Pushes Back Next Moon Landing to Artemis IV MissionNASA is restructuring its Artemis program to accelerate moon landing efforts, delaying Artemis II to April 2026 and pushing the actual lunar landing to Artemis IV in early 2028. To address ongoing SLS rocket delays and prevent skill atrophy, the agency plans to launch missions every 10 months instead of every three years, with Artemis III now serving as a crucial low-Earth orbit test mission for lunar suit operations.Read more →
Gizmodo...Jupiter Mission Captures Rare Shot of Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas on Its Way OutESA's JUICE spacecraft captured detailed images and data of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, marking a significant opportunity to study an object from outside our solar system. This is only the third interstellar comet ever discovered, providing scientists with rare insights into the composition and behavior of distant star systems. The findings will be discussed by ESA in late March after completing their analysis.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Tech Elite Aren’t on the Secret Guest List at Bohemian Grove: ReportJournalist Daniel Boguslaw published a leaked list of 2,200 attendees from the Bohemian Club's exclusive 2023 retreat at Bohemian Grove, revealing which political figures, judges, and entertainers attended the secretive annual gathering. The list notably shows the absence of major Silicon Valley tech titans, with only former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and a Kleiner Perkins partner among the tech elite. Boguslaw obtained the document through persistent in-person outreach before publishing on his Substack after The Intercept spiked the story.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Films and Shows You Should Be Streaming in March 2026This article provides a curated guide to notable movies and television shows arriving on major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Peacock throughout March 2026. The selection highlights films and series across multiple genres, from classic cult favorites to new releases, helping viewers discover quality content worth their viewing time.Read more →
Engadget...The PS5 Pro is getting upgraded upscaling tech in MarchSony is deploying an upgraded PSSR AI upscaling technology for the PS5 Pro in March, featuring an improved neural network that maintains framerate and image quality while running games at lower resolutions. The enhanced version excels at processing intricate visual details like individual hair strands and complex textures, enabling games such as Resident Evil Requiem to achieve superior visual fidelity. This upgrade stems from Sony and AMD's Project Amethyst collaboration, with improvements from AMD's FSR 4 development contributing to the PS5 Pro enhancement.Read more →
Gizmodo...I Never Would’ve Guessed the Skynet Problem Would Come Before the Mass LayoffsThe Pentagon is pressuring Anthropic to remove safety guardrails from Claude to enable its use in autonomous weapons systems, threatening regulatory designation as a supply chain risk if the company refuses. Anthropic argues current AI systems lack the reliability needed for fully autonomous weapons and pose significant national security risks, highlighting the tension between military demands for advanced AI capabilities and concerns about AI safety.Read more →
Engadget...Google and OpenAI employees sign open letter in ‘solidarity’ with AnthropicHundreds of Google and OpenAI employees signed an open letter supporting Anthropic's refusal to allow Pentagon use of AI models for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight. The letter, which has over 450 signatures, represents coordinated employee pressure against government demands and reflects growing concerns about military AI applications. This escalates an ongoing standoff between Anthropic and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over ethical guardrails for classified defense work.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman Insists He Also Has Principles as Anthropic’s Pentagon Stand Off ContinuesAnthropic refused Pentagon demands to provide unfettered military access to Claude AI, maintaining ethical safeguards against autonomous weapons and mass surveillance despite threats of contract cancellation and Defense Production Act invocation. The company's principled stance has drawn support from OpenAI and over 100 Google employees, raising broader questions about AI companies' responsibility in military applications.Read more →
TechCrunch...Musk bashes OpenAI in deposition, saying ‘nobody committed suicide because of Grok’In a deposition for his lawsuit against OpenAI, Elon Musk argues that his company xAI prioritizes AI safety better than OpenAI, citing alleged harms from ChatGPT including negative mental health effects. The case centers on OpenAI's transition from a nonprofit research organization to a for-profit company, with Musk contending that commercial interests compromise safety priorities. Musk claims this shift violates OpenAI's founding agreements and places revenue above responsible AI development.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy AI's New Photo Editing Features Will Amplify Social Media's Inauthenticity ProblemSamsung's new Galaxy AI photo editing capabilities enable users to add or modify major elements in images, raising significant concerns about mental health and self-esteem impacts on social media users, particularly teenagers and young adults. The technology's ability to create increasingly convincing fabrications will exacerbate existing issues where social media fosters unrealistic expectations and body image concerns. Industry observers warn that without addressing these consequences, easier photo manipulation tools will deepen the gap between authentic reality and digitally perfected online personas.Read more →
Gizmodo...California to Paramount: Assimilate ThisParamount's acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery has been deemed superior with Netflix withdrawing, but California Attorney General Rob Bonta warns the deal faces vigorous regulatory scrutiny that could extend 6-12 months. The transaction has become politically charged, with Trump supporting the Paramount deal while regulatory approval remains uncertain. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav indicated the company is financially secure regardless of outcome due to a $7 billion breakup fee.Read more →
The Verge...The Trump phone sure looks a lot like this HTC handsetInvestigation reveals that the Trump phone T1 closely resembles the HTC U24 Pro in design and specifications, including distinctive features like a headphone jack and curved display. While HTC did not manufacture the Trump phone, the similarities strongly suggest both devices were produced by the same original design manufacturer (ODM). The findings indicate Trump Mobile's flagship device may be based on a relatively unpopular mid-range phone from two years ago, raising questions about its originality and design credentials.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic vs. the Pentagon: What’s actually at stake?Anthropic refuses to allow its AI models to be used for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, but the Pentagon demands unrestricted access for any lawful military purpose. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk—effectively blacklisting it from government contracts—if the company doesn't comply by Friday. The dispute represents a fundamental conflict between AI vendors' ethical safeguards and government control over military technology deployment.Read more →
The Verge...CISA is getting a new acting director after less than a yearThe US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, is getting a new acting director, as reported by ABC, less than a year after Madhu Gottumukkala took charge of the agency as deputy director and acting director in May 2025. CISA's executive assistant director for cybersecurity, Nick […]Read more →
CNET...Best Internet DealsMajor internet service providers are offering competitive promotional deals including price-for-life guarantees, gift cards up to $300, and bundled service discounts to attract new customers. Providers compete aggressively on cost per Mbps, with fiber options starting at $30-50 monthly for 500Mbps service, allowing consumers to significantly reduce expenses by shopping around. Strategic comparison of promotional offers, equipment fees, and contract requirements can yield substantial monthly savings for households.Read more →
The Verge...AI deepfakes are a train wreck and Samsung's selling ticketsSamsung executives acknowledged that AI-generated imagery erodes trust in photographic evidence, but offered only watermarks and industry collaboration as solutions while suggesting consumers may eventually accept synthetic content. The company's approach, which frames authenticity as a balance with creative freedom rather than a core responsibility, drew criticism for lacking meaningful action on a critical problem.Read more →
CNET...Best Rural Internet Providers for 2026CNET provides a comprehensive roundup of the best rural internet providers across different connection types including fixed wireless, DSL, fiber, cable, and satellite. T-Mobile Home Internet emerges as the top option for availability and affordability, while other providers like Ziply Fiber and Mediacom excel in specific niches for speed and pricing. The guide helps rural households navigate their limited broadband options based on coverage, speeds, pricing, and reliability to find the most suitable service for their needs.Read more →
The Verge...FedEx promises to refund customers for ‘illegal’ tariffsFedEx plans to pass along any refunds resulting from the Supreme Court's ruling that some of President Donald Trump's tariffs are "illegal." In a statement on its website, FedEx notes that while "no refund process has been established by the courts," the company will reimburse shippers and consumers impacted by tariffs if it gets its […]Read more →
The Verge...Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Plus gets a better interface and a 40 percent discountAmazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Plus now features a redesigned Fire TV OS that delivers an improved streaming experience. The updated interface enhances navigation and performance, making content discovery and playback more seamless for users. This upgrade reinforces Amazon's competitive position in the connected TV device market.Read more →
Gizmodo...Lego’s March Releases Need a Hero (of Time)Lego launches its new Smart Play platform in March, introducing interactive bricks and minifigures that add lights and sounds to play experiences across multiple licensed franchises. The release includes highly anticipated sets such as Zelda Ocarina of Time, Batman's 20th anniversary collection, and Star Wars Smart Play variants. This technological expansion marks a significant shift for Lego, though the initiative has generated some controversy among collectors.Read more →
TechCrunch...ChatGPT reaches 900M weekly active usersChatGPT has reached 900 million weekly active users and 50 million paid subscribers, with subscriber growth accelerating in early 2026. OpenAI reports January and February are tracking to be the largest months for new paid user acquisitions in the company's history. Continued product improvements including faster responses, enhanced reliability, and stronger safety measures are driving adoption across learning, writing, planning, and development use cases.Read more →
CNET...Is Wi-Fi 7 Worth the Upgrade? Here's How MSI's Roamii Mesh Systems Fit inWi-Fi 7, the latest wireless standard, delivers speeds three to five times faster than previous generations by widening channels to 320MHz and employing Multi-Link Operation for enhanced efficiency. The improvement is substantial for users who stream 4K video, play online games, or conduct video calls. While new hardware such as routers and adapters is required, Wi-Fi 7 devices are increasingly available and remain backward-compatible with existing Wi-Fi 6 and 6E equipment.Read more →
Gizmodo...NASA Announces Major Revamp of Its Artemis Moon ProgramNASA is restructuring its Artemis program to address risks and accelerate lunar landing progress. The revised timeline includes an additional test flight in 2027 for commercial lunar landers in Earth orbit, with the first crewed Moon landing now planned for 2028. NASA is standardizing its Space Launch System rocket and canceling planned upgrades to increase launch frequency and workforce capacity.Read more →
Gizmodo...Insider Trading Allegations Are Yet Another Example of Crypto Being No Different From Wall StreetThe cryptocurrency industry has increasingly moved toward centralization despite Bitcoin's original decentralization promises, exemplified by an investigation into Axiom Exchange revealing employees accessed users' private wallet data and tracked major traders for insider trading. Suspicious trading on prediction markets betting on these investigations, combined with regulatory concerns around the CLARITY Act, highlights how crypto is mirroring traditional finance's structural problems. Lawmakers' introduction of a developer protection bill suggests existing regulations may inadequately safeguard software developers in the crypto ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...Here's All the Free Stuff You Can Get for Pokemon Day 2026Pokemon Day 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise, offering extensive free rewards across multiple games including Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Pokemon Go, Pokemon Masters EX, and Pokemon TCG Pocket. Players can access mystery gifts, promo codes, premium currency, and numerous free card packs through various login bonuses and redemption codes. The celebration provides significant in-game bonuses throughout the first half of 2026 to commemorate this major franchise milestone.Read more →
Gizmodo...Oh Wow, ‘Scream 7’ SucksScream 7 is criticized for abandoning the franchise's signature cultural commentary and delivering a lifeless plot focused merely on identifying the killer, despite increased on-screen violence and the return of franchise co-creator Kevin Williamson. The film squanders potential character development, particularly the mother-daughter trauma narrative between Sidney and Tatum, reducing it to surface-level dialogue between action sequences. With an uninspired and confusing killer reveal, Scream 7 stands as the weakest entry in the franchise, lacking the meta-awareness and originality that defined the series.Read more →
CNET...HBO Max: The 26 Absolute Best Movies to WatchThis guide curates HBO Max's best films and upcoming February releases across multiple genres, including new titles like Boys Go to Jupiter and Dead of Winter alongside acclaimed films such as One Battle After Another and The Batman. The recommendations span drama, comedy, thriller, superhero, and documentary content to help subscribers navigate the streaming service's expanded library.Read more →
Engadget...Here’s your first look at Kratos and Atreus in Amazon’s upcoming God of War TV adaptationAmazon has released the first images from its God of War television adaptation, featuring Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus, centering on the father-son dynamic central to the original game. The adaptation is part of Amazon's broader strategy to convert major gaming franchises into prestige television content, following successful adaptations of The Last of Us and Fallout. The cast includes Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ed Skrein as Baldur, and other notable supporting actors.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI music generator Suno hits 2M paid subscribers and $300M in annual recurring revenueSuno reached 2 million paid subscribers and $300 million in annual recurring revenue, demonstrating rapid commercial growth for its AI music generation platform. The company resolved copyright concerns through a Warner Music Group licensing deal and has achieved mainstream legitimacy, with AI-generated tracks reaching top charts on Spotify and Billboard.Read more →
CNET...The Clicks Communicator Will Have Keyboard Layouts in Arabic, French, German, KoreanClicks Communicator is generating overwhelming global demand, prompting the company to offer multiple versions with keyboard layouts for Arabic, French, German, and Korean. The communication-focused Android phone with a physical BlackBerry-like design contrasts sharply with the AI-heavy focus of mainstream flagship phones, indicating strong market interest in purpose-built devices optimized for messaging and typing.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple and Netflix team up to air Formula 1 Canadian Grand PrixApple and Netflix have partnered to co-broadcast the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix live on both platforms, marking the first time U.S. F1 fans can watch simultaneously across services. The partnership includes cross-promotion of Netflix's "Drive to Survive" Season 8, significantly expanding its audience. This collaboration follows Apple's exclusive multi-year U.S. F1 broadcasting deal valued at approximately $150 million annually.Read more →
The Verge...AI vs. the Pentagon: killer robots, mass surveillance, and red linesThe Pentagon has issued an ultimatum to Anthropic demanding unrestricted AI access for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, threatening supply chain designation if refused. Anthropic has maintained its ethical guardrails against autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, while OpenAI and xAI have reportedly already agreed to the military's terms. The standoff reflects broader tensions between national security demands and responsible AI deployment practices.Read more →
The Verge...Woot’s ‘Video Games for All’ sale features some of our favorite gamesMajor retailers including Woot, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are offering significant discounts on consumer electronics including video games, smart home devices, wireless earbuds, and OLED televisions through early March. A promotional code provides additional savings on selected items, making it an opportune time to purchase high-demand tech products at reduced prices.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI secures another $110 billion in funding from Amazon, NVIDIA and SoftBankOpenAI secured a record $110 billion funding round from investors including Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank, valuing the company at $730 billion. The funding is paired with strategic partnerships where Amazon Web Services will distribute OpenAI models to enterprise customers and both companies will consume significant computing capacity from each other. Amazon's investment includes staggered tranches with certain milestones tied to OpenAI's progress toward artificial general intelligence.Read more →
CNET...Here's All the Free Stuff You Can Get for Pokemon Day 2026Pokemon Day 2026 celebrates the franchise's 30th anniversary with extensive free rewards across multiple games. Players can claim mystery gifts in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, exclusive timed research in Pokemon Go, premium currency in Pokemon Masters EX, and substantial in-game items in Pokemon TCG Pocket. These promotional offers run through March and June 2026, providing significant value to active players across the Pokemon ecosystem.Read more →
Gizmodo...Scientists Injected Stem Cells Into Fetuses to Treat a Birth Defect. Here’s What HappenedUC Davis researchers conducted the first in-utero stem cell therapy trial for spina bifida, demonstrating safety and potential to improve prenatal surgical outcomes. The Phase I study of six fetuses found no adverse effects and preliminary results suggest stem cell treatment may reduce complications like hindbrain herniation. The findings could establish new treatment options for various birth defects through fetal cell and gene therapy.Read more →
TechCrunch...Perplexity’s new Computer is another bet that users need many AI modelsPerplexity launched Perplexity Computer, an agentic tool exclusively for its $200/month Max subscribers that orchestrates 19 AI models to execute complex workflows independently, including data analysis and report generation. The company is shifting its business strategy from consumer growth toward enterprise customers performing high-value research and decision-making tasks. This reflects Perplexity's multi-model approach, where different AI models are automatically selected based on their strengths for specific tasks like coding, research, or content creation.Read more →
TechCrunch...‘Pokémon Winds and Waves’ are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027Pokémon's newest main series game, 'Pokémon Winds and Waves,' has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, featuring an open-world tropical archipelago setting inspired by Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The game includes three new starter Pokémon and represents the 10th generation of the main series, offering players expanded exploration gameplay.Read more →
TechCrunch...Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027The Pokémon Company announced 'Pokémon Winds and Waves,' launching on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027 with an open-world ocean-based setting inspired by Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The game introduces three new starter Pokémon and represents the 10th main series installment, expanding the franchise's open-world gameplay. The extended development timeline signals efforts to deliver higher quality than recent releases that faced criticism for feeling rushed.Read more →
CNET...The Best Smart Locks With Fingerprint Scanning, Keypads or App ControlCNET reviews the best smart locks of 2026, with the Yale Assure Lock 2 as the top pick for its compact design, multi-platform compatibility, and support for biometric and digital access methods. The article compares models across different price points, installation types, and features, providing guidance on security ratings, battery life, and smart home integration to help consumers choose the right smart lock for their needs.Read more →
Engadget...NASA overhauls Artemis program, delaying Moon landing to 2028NASA has restructured its Artemis Moon program to include a 2027 test flight for commercial lunar landers before attempting crewed landing. The revised plan defers human Moon landing from Artemis 3 to Artemis 4 in 2028, prioritizing safety testing in low Earth orbit while validating commercial spacecraft and new spacesuits. This phased approach balances mission success with maintaining competitive advantage in space exploration.Read more →
CNET...Pokemon Winds and Waves Revealed, Gen 10 Starter Debates Are LivePokemon Winds and Waves were announced as the first mainline games for Nintendo Switch 2, launching in 2027 with an island-based open-world setting inspired by Ruby and Sapphire. The game features new starter Pokemon and returning fan favorites, positioning itself to address the performance and stability issues that plagued Scarlet and Violet on the original Switch.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Pentagon Wants X-Ray Vision to Spot Hidden Threats From 3,280 FeetRTX BBN Technologies has been contracted by DARPA to develop advanced long-range X-ray imaging algorithms capable of analyzing objects up to one kilometer away using low-quality data rather than scarce high-resolution images. The technology will enable military and law enforcement to detect concealed threats and vulnerabilities from previously unreachable distances by leveraging machine learning to turn grainy snapshots into actionable intelligence.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung Might Not Make Another Galaxy Z TriFold Anytime SoonSamsung has discontinued plans for sequels to the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z TriFold due to weak sales, as consumers prioritize proven devices with better value over experimental designs. The S25 Edge underperformed because its ultra-thin form factor compromised battery life and camera capabilities, while the Z TriFold's $3,000 price point proved too steep for mass production. Samsung is instead developing a wider Galaxy Z Fold 7 variant to compete with Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone.Read more →
Gizmodo...86 New Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books Arriving in MarchThis curated roundup showcases over 50 sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books releasing throughout March 2026, providing readers with diverse options across multiple subgenres. From gothic romances and dark fantasies to space operas and literary horror, the collection demonstrates robust publishing activity in speculative fiction. The month-by-month breakdown helps readers discover their next literary escape with titles spanning from March 3 through March 31.Read more →
TechCrunch...Employees at Google and OpenAI support Anthropic’s Pentagon stand in open letterAnthropic has reached a stalemate with the US Department of War over demands for unrestricted access to its AI technology, specifically refusing to permit deployment for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. The Pentagon is threatening to invoke the Defense Production Act to force compliance, while over 360 employees from Google and OpenAI have signed an open letter urging their companies to support Anthropic's ethical boundaries. The conflict underscores growing tensions between AI companies and government agencies over responsible deployment of AI technology.Read more →
The Verge...We don't have to have unsupervised killer robotsThe Pentagon is pressuring Anthropic to remove AI safeguards preventing military use for mass surveillance and fully autonomous lethal weapons without human oversight. While OpenAI and xAI have reportedly agreed to such terms, Anthropic has resisted, facing threats of being designated a 'supply chain risk.' This has prompted a broader conversation among tech workers about AI companies' increasing willingness to partner with defense agencies despite ethical concerns.Read more →
Gizmodo...Jack Dorsey’s Block Cut Half Its Staff, and He Says Other Tech Firms Will Follow SoonBlock CEO Jack Dorsey announced a 40% workforce reduction, cutting from 10,000 to 6,000 employees, attributing the cuts to AI intelligence tools that enable smaller and flatter teams. The move represents a major corporate bet that AI can replace nearly half the workforce, despite industry surveys showing limited evidence of significant productivity gains from current AI investments. Dorsey predicts most companies will make similar structural changes within the next year.Read more →
CNET...Everything Announced During the Pokemon Day 2026 LivestreamThe Pokemon Company announced major releases celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary, including Pokemon Winds and Waves, the first gen-10 mainline games developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 launching in 2027. Additional announcements included Pokemon Champions competitive battling game launching in April with cross-platform play between Switch and mobile devices, and the remastered Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness for Switch 2 Online subscribers.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sony’s Upscaler Could Make PS5 Pro the Console It Should Have Been at LaunchSony is rolling out an enhanced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler for PS5 Pro that will significantly improve game visuals and performance in existing and upcoming titles. The improved upscaler enables ray tracing support at consistent frame rates, as demonstrated by Resident Evil Requiem running at 60fps with enhanced lighting effects. This upgrade aims to differentiate the PS5 Pro from the base PS5 and extend the current console generation's relevance.Read more →
CNET...Peloton Announces Hyrox Training Program, if You’re Up for the ChallengePeloton launched a 12-week Hyrox training program to prepare athletes for the popular hybrid fitness race in New York scheduled for May-June. The program integrates Peloton's existing classes with expert coaching focused on building endurance, aerobic capacity, and race-specific transitions. This initiative targets competitive fitness athletes and expands Peloton's presence in the growing Hyrox community.Read more →
TechCrunch...CISA replaces acting director after a bumbling year on the jobThe U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has replaced its acting director following a tumultuous year marked by operational failures, including the inadvertent uploading of sensitive government documents to ChatGPT and significant staff reductions. Nick Andersen replaces Madhu Gottumukkala as acting director, while the Trump administration pursues Senate confirmation of Sean Plankey as permanent director. The leadership transition reflects broader organizational challenges as the agency continues to lose senior officials amid budget cuts and operational disruptions.Read more →
Engadget...Celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with this Game Boy-shaped music playerPokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary with Game Boy Advance remakes available on Nintendo Switch and the Pokémon Game Music Collection, a palm-sized portable music player holding 45 cartridges featuring original game soundtracks and sound effects. The device displays game screenshots alongside music playback, creating a nostalgic experience for collectors. The music player is available from the Pokémon Center starting today, targeting long-time fans seeking premium nostalgia merchandise.Read more →
The Verge...The US military reportedly shot down a CBP drone with a laserThe US military mistakenly shot down a drone belonging to Customs and Border Protection near the Mexican border in Fort Hancock, Texas, according to reports from Reuters and The New York Times. The Thursday incident reportedly led the Federal Aviation Administration to close the airspace where the military fired the anti-drone laser. This marks the […]Read more →
Gizmodo...The First Look at Amazon’s ‘God of War’ Show Welcomes a Father and SonAmazon Prime Video has unveiled the first look at the cast of its upcoming God of War Ragnarok TV adaptation, featuring Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus. The series adapts elements from the PlayStation games, following the father-son duo on a journey to spread the ashes of Kratos' deceased wife while exploring themes of redemption and family bonds. This marks another major video game adaptation for Prime Video, continuing its success in the gaming-to-TV space following the popularity of Fallout.Read more →
Gizmodo...Bitcoin Crashed 50% in 4 Months. Fidelity Says That’s a Good ThingBitcoin has declined from $126,000 to around $67,000 amid deleveraging events, quantum computing concerns, and gold's outperformance as an inflation hedge. Mining companies are pivoting to AI and selling bitcoin holdings, while institutional investors like Strategy continue accumulating. Fidelity's analysis suggests bitcoin is maturing with stabilized volatility that may escape traditional boom-bust cycles, though critics argue its digital gold narrative has collapsed.Read more →
Engadget...Pokémon Winds and Waves are coming to Switch 2 in 2027The Pokémon Company officially confirmed that Gen 10 games Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, featuring new island and ocean-themed regions alongside three new starter Pokémon. Additional releases were announced including Pokémon Champions for Switch in April with cross-platform support and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness coming to Switch 2 in March. These announcements represent a significant expansion of the Pokémon franchise with multiple releases across gaming platforms through 2027.Read more →
The Verge...Here's your first look at Kratos in Amazon's God of War showAmazon has slowly been teasing out casting details for its live-action adaptation of God of War, and now we have our first look at the show. It's a single image but a notable one showing protagonist Kratos and his son Atreus. The characters are played by Ryan Hurst and Callum Vinson, respectively, and they look […]Read more →
The Verge...The Galaxy S26 is a photography nightmareSamsung's S26 phones introduce AI camera features that fundamentally change how images are captured by generating rather than purely recording photos, raising questions about what constitutes authentic photography. Microsoft reshuffles Xbox leadership amid years of strategic missteps and competitive struggles in gaming. The discussion also covers regulatory issues, OpenAI's infrastructure spending, and AI development trends.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spotify is rolling out Audiobook ChartsSpotify is launching Audiobook Charts for the U.S. and U.K., providing weekly rankings of popular titles based on user listening behavior and engagement. This expansion continues Spotify's audiobooks investment since 2022 and aims to help readers discover content while creating opportunities for authors and publishers to reach wider audiences.Read more →
The Verge...Pokémon Winds and Waves launch on the Switch 2 in 2027It's time to say goodbye to the Paldea region because a new generation of mainline Pokémon games are on the way. During today's big Pokémon Presents stream, Nintendo announced that Pokémon Wind and Waves are the next installments in the core game series. The games will launch in 2027 and are exclusive for the Nintendo […]Read more →
The Verge...Huel tries to solve the ‘burden’ of eatingVictoria Song reviews Huel meal replacement products, exposing significant gaps between marketing claims and scientific reality, including reliance on a flawed study and misleading advertising that has resulted in UK regulatory bans. The article examines concerns about meal replacement efficacy, noting that supplements lack the bioavailability of whole foods and that a 2024 meta-analysis linked daily consumption to higher mortality risks. Song concludes that while meal replacement may serve specific temporary needs, such as post-surgery recovery, positioning these products as healthy alternatives to whole food diets exploits productivity narratives and misrepresents their actual health value.Read more →
TechCrunch...Last 24 hours to get TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 tickets at the lowest rates of the yearTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (October 13-15, San Francisco) is offering its lowest ticket rates until 11:59 p.m. PT tonight, with savings up to $680 per pass or 30% off group passes. The event brings together 10,000+ founders, operators, and venture capitalists for networking, pitching, and investment opportunities, featuring 250+ industry leaders across 200+ sessions and a Startup Battlefield competition with $100,000 in equity-free funding.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget Podcast: Xbox's leadership shakeup and Samsung's Galaxy S26Microsoft's Xbox division undergoes significant leadership restructuring as Phil Spencer retires and is replaced by Asha Sharma, CoreAI's former CEO, signaling a strategic shift toward AI integration. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 lineup featuring an innovative privacy display technology that obscures content from nearby viewers. The tech sector faces mounting regulatory pressures, including U.S. Defense Department demands on Anthropic's Claude API and Discord's delayed age verification program.Read more →
CNET...VPNs Can’t Make You Anonymous Online. Don’t Be Fooled by Anyone Who Says They CanWhile VPNs are heavily marketed as providing complete online anonymity, this is a misconception that can put users at risk. VPNs can boost privacy by encrypting traffic and hiding IP addresses, but cannot protect against browser fingerprinting, account-based tracking on logged-in platforms like Google and Facebook, or malware. A comprehensive privacy strategy requires multiple tools including password managers, antivirus software, encrypted messaging, and privacy-focused browsers.Read more →
CNET...Pokemon Wind and Waves: First Mainline Games for the Switch 2 Are Coming in 2027Pokemon Winds and Waves, the first mainline games for Nintendo Switch 2, launches exclusively in 2027 with an open-world island setting featuring new and returning Pokemon. Built for the more powerful Switch 2 hardware, the game aims to address performance issues that plagued previous titles on the original Switch.Read more →
CNET...A New Mini Game Boy Collectible That Just Plays Pokemon Music? What a TeaseNintendo is releasing a Game Boy-shaped music player for Pokemon's 30th anniversary, featuring authentic Pokemon Red and Blue soundtrack songs on swappable cartridges. The collectible device mimics the iconic Game Boy aesthetic with genuine audio and a display overlay, but functions exclusively as a music player rather than a gaming device. The release exemplifies Nintendo's strategy of launching nostalgic Pokemon collectibles to capitalize on retro gaming nostalgia.Read more →
The Verge...OpenAI snags $110 billion in investments from Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftbankOpenAI has closed another round of funding, totalling $110 billion being newly committed to the maker of ChatGPT, which it says has more than 900 million weekly active users and over 50 million consumer subscribers. Amazon is investing $50 billion and striking a deal that includes plans for custom models and more. Nvidia and SoftBank […]Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: The Galaxy S27 Ultra’s Privacy Display is pretty coolSamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a Privacy Display built on Flex Magic Pixel technology that controls light emission at the pixel level, allowing users to keep screen content private from prying eyes in public. The feature is particularly valuable for protecting sensitive activities like banking, messaging, and dating apps. While the rest of the S26 series offers incremental improvements, the Privacy Display represents the most significant innovation in this generation.Read more →
TechCrunch...After Zomato, Deepinder Goyal returns with a $54M brain-monitoring betFormer Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has raised $54 million for Temple, a wearable startup developing performance-tracking technology for elite athletes that measures cerebral blood flow and metrics unavailable in existing wearables. The startup is entering an increasingly crowded market with established competitors like Whoop, Oura, and Garmin. This investment reflects Goyal's strategic shift toward higher-risk ventures in health and performance technology following his January departure from Zomato.Read more →
Gizmodo...There’s a Wild Reason Scotch Tape Screeches—and It Has to Do With the Speed of SoundPhysicists have identified the mechanism behind the screech of peeling Scotch tape: transverse cracks traveling at supersonic speeds (560-1,340 mph) across the adhesive create a partial vacuum. When these rapid fractures reach the tape's edge, the vacuum collapses and produces a sound pulse equivalent to miniature sonic booms. The study resolves a decades-long scientific mystery about the tape's characteristic sound.Read more →
