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 →
Gizmodo...The Next Generation of ‘Pokémon’ Games Is HereThe Pokémon Company announced Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the 10th generation mainline Pokémon games, as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. The games will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and are scheduled for release in 2027, positioning the console as a key platform for the franchise's next era.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI raises $110B in one of the largest private funding rounds in historyOpenAI secured $110 billion in private funding from Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank at a $730 billion valuation, marking the largest private funding round in history. The capital will fuel infrastructure partnerships, including integrating OpenAI models into Amazon's Bedrock platform and expanding AWS compute services by $100 billion. This funding positions OpenAI to scale frontier AI infrastructure globally to meet accelerating demand.Read more →
The Verge...Netflix isn't buying Warner Bros: all of the latest updatesNetflix has withdrawn from its acquisition of Warner Bros.' HBO and related assets after Paramount submitted a higher 'best and final' offer of $31 per share in an all-cash deal. The competing bid makes Netflix's original agreement no longer financially attractive, marking another major shift in the ongoing consolidation of streaming and media services. Regulatory concerns remain regarding the proposed Paramount acquisition.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Will Have a Small Time Jumpio9 provides updates on multiple upcoming television series and streaming releases, including trailers and cast announcements for shows like In a Violent Nature 2, The Witches of Cambridge, Daredevil: Born Again, and The Vampire Lestat. The roundup covers various genres from horror to superhero adaptations across major streaming platforms. Key announcements include Noah Hawley's new projects and season updates for popular series like One Piece and Daredevil.Read more →
The Verge...TCL's $7,000+ flagship TV is ready to fightThe TCL X11L is a flagship mini-LED TV delivering exceptional brightness exceeding 8,800 nits and superior color vibrancy that rivals premium competitors like Sony Bravia 9 and LG G5. Featuring advanced quantum dot technology and industry-leading blooming control, the television excels across gaming, sports, and general viewing. At $7,000-$10,000, it represents the best TV technology available today, though potential price reductions and upcoming RGB LED alternatives may warrant waiting before purchase.Read more →
TechCrunch...Memory shortage could cause the biggest dip in smartphone shipments in over a decadeA critical RAM shortage driven by AI and data center demand is causing memory prices to surge, leading analyst firms IDC and Counterpoint to predict smartphone shipments will decline by approximately 12-13% in 2026—the steepest single-year drop in over a decade. The shortage is forcing manufacturers to raise average smartphone prices by 14% to a record $523, while making budget smartphones below $100 economically unviable and triggering significant market consolidation. The impact is expected to persist through mid-2027, with lower-end segments and emerging markets experiencing disproportionate declines.Read more →
The Verge...Pokémon Presents 2026: all the news and trailersNintendo announced a Pokémon Presents stream on February 27th for the franchise's 30th anniversary, expected to reveal details about upcoming mainline games and spin-off content. Classic titles Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be re-released on Nintendo Switch next week for $19.99, available both digitally via eShop and at select retailers.Read more →
TechCrunch...South Korea opens the door to let Google Maps operate fullyGoogle received conditional approval to export high-precision geographic data from South Korea, enabling full Google Maps services with turn-by-turn navigation and real-time features that were previously unavailable. The decision resolves a 15-year dispute by imposing strict national security safeguards, local data center requirements, and government oversight to protect sensitive military sites. The move will allow Google to compete with domestic mapping applications and boost tourism to the country.Read more →
Gizmodo...Why ‘Star Wars’ Is the Franchise Ryan Gosling Finally Landed OnRyan Gosling is joining the Star Wars franchise for the first time, starring in the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter directed by Shawn Levy, set to release May 2027. The actor plays an older mentor character in this standalone story set after The Rise of Skywalker, breaking his long-standing pattern of avoiding major franchise roles. Gosling cited director Levy's vision and the script as reasons for making this unprecedented career choice.Read more →
The Verge...Jeffrey Epstein saw promise in Bitcoin — and its far-right supportersNewly disclosed emails reveal Jeffrey Epstein's significant investments and influence in cryptocurrency from 2011-2019, including a $3 million stake in Coinbase now valued at approximately $380 million and close relationships with industry figures like Brock Pierce. His network conducted deceptive crypto marketing and reputation laundering while his backing of far-right ideologies shaped the industry's political trajectory. These connections suggest his investments and political influence may have contributed to the cryptocurrency industry's anti-democratic governance and regulatory challenges.Read more →
Engadget...A cheap MacBook is the perfect way for Apple to win over Windows usersApple is reportedly developing a budget MacBook priced between $699-$799 using mobile processors, marking its first serious attempt at a low-cost laptop entry. The move targets Windows users frustrated with Microsoft's recent OS failures and focus on AI features over system improvements. The device would use an A18 Pro chip and aluminum construction, offering competitive performance and reliability at an accessible price point.Read more →
CNET...Steve Jobs Said a Touchscreen MacBook Wouldn't Work. But Times Have ChangedApple is reportedly developing a touchscreen MacBook Pro with OLED display for release by end of 2026, reversing its 15-year stance against touchscreen laptops. The device would feature context-sensitive touch menus that only appear on contact, allowing Apple to integrate touch capability without overhauling macOS like Microsoft did with Windows 8. This shift suggests the company believes touchscreen technology has evolved enough to overcome previous ergonomic concerns.Read more →
The Verge...Ultrahuman’s new flagship smart ring has a 15-day batteryThe Ultrahuman Ring Pro is now available for preorder globally, with the notable exception of the United States. The geographic restriction suggests potential regulatory or distribution challenges in the US market. This selective rollout indicates the company's focus on expanding in international markets before entering the American market.Read more →
Engadget...Ultrahuman’s new Pro ring comes with 15 days battery lifeUltrahuman launched the Ring Pro smart ring, addressing the primary limitation of smart rings with 15 days of battery life and a sophisticated charging case providing 45 days of additional power. The device features a redesigned dual-core processor with on-device machine learning, increased memory capacity, and a new Jade AI system that delivers real-time health insights and actionable recommendations. The Ring Pro is priced at $479 with March shipments and trade-in options available for existing users.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Full ‘Faces of Death’ Trailer Is Here to Eagerly Give You the IckA new film 'Faces of Death' reimagines the controversial 1978 original through the perspective of a content moderator who discovers potential reenactments of murders from the classic film on a video platform. The film explores themes of authenticity and trust in an online world where nothing can be verified while playing with the original's ambiguous 'is it real or not' concept. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber and written by Goldhaber and Isa Mazzei, the film stars Barbie Ferreira and releases April 10.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Strangest Beliefs of Our Likely Next Surgeon GeneralCasey Means, nominated for U.S. Surgeon General, faces criticism for promoting unproven wellness claims and holding controversial positions on vaccines, contraception, and IVF. Her background as a functional medicine practitioner and wellness entrepreneur raises concerns about her suitability to provide evidence-based public health guidance, particularly on vaccination and disease prevention.Read more →
The Verge...Notes from a Burmese PrisonJournalist Danny Fenster was detained in Myanmar during the 2021 military coup, spending six months in Insein Prison before his release through international negotiations and diplomatic efforts. His case highlights the dangers journalists face under authoritarian regimes and demonstrates the power of international advocacy and social media campaigns in securing freedom.Read more →
The Verge...Phones are going to get weird next weekMobile World Congress will feature numerous innovative phone announcements from manufacturers including Xiaomi, Honor, Nothing, and others, showcasing novel camera hardware and form factors such as rotating camera rings and gimbal-stabilized robotic arms. These announcements represent a significant shift toward hardware innovation, contrasting with recent flagship phones that rely primarily on incremental spec improvements and AI features to justify upgrades.Read more →
The Verge...MWC 2026: all the phones, gadgets, and announcements from BarcelonaThe Verge is heading to Barcelona, Spain, for Mobile World Congress, the biggest phone show of the year. CES may dominate the headlines when it comes to TVs, computer components, and AI inanity, but for all things mobile MWC has it beat. Since it's a global show, that includes all manner of announcements of phones, […]Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI will notify authorities of credible threats after Canada mass shooter's second account was discoveredOpenAI has vowed to strengthen its safety protocols and improve law enforcement notification procedures following backlash over failing to report a mass shooting suspect's ChatGPT account to Canadian authorities. The company will enhance detection systems to prevent banned users from circumventing restrictions and will now notify authorities when detecting credible threats, even without specific attack details. Canadian officials have threatened AI regulation if companies cannot demonstrate adequate safeguards.Read more →
CNET...Do You Know Your Sponge Colors? Here's What Each One Is ForSponge colors indicate their intended use and abrasiveness level for different cleaning tasks and surfaces. Implementing a color-coding system helps prevent damage to appliances, protects delicate surfaces from scratches, and reduces bacterial cross-contamination in the kitchen.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ultrahuman bets on redesigned smart ring to win back U.S. market after Oura disputeUltrahuman unveiled the Ring Pro, a redesigned third-generation smart ring with 15-day battery life priced at $479, engineered to circumvent Oura's patent restrictions that disrupted U.S. operations in 2025. The company introduced Jade, an AI-powered real-time health intelligence system providing personalized insights without subscription. The device launches globally except the U.S. starting March, while Ultrahuman maintains $150 million in annualized revenue and holds the second position in the smart ring market.Read more →
CNET...Best OLED TV for 2026This article provides comprehensive guidance for purchasing OLED televisions, comparing popular models and discussing key features including screen sizes, HDR formats, gaming capabilities, and smart TV interfaces. The piece emphasizes practical buying considerations such as purchasing larger screens for future-proofing and comparing previous year models for cost savings. CNET outlines its rigorous testing methodology using specialized equipment and controlled environments to evaluate OLED TV performance.Read more →
Engadget...Google Maps will finally be usable in South KoreaGoogle has received approval from South Korea's Transport Ministry to export geographic data, enabling it to provide real-time GPS navigation and business listings through Google Maps for the first time since entering the market. The approval is conditional on strict security measures, including restrictions on displaying military sites and coordinates, reflecting South Korea's ongoing national security concerns amid tensions with North Korea.Read more →
Engadget...The best Wi-Fi extenders in 2026Wi-Fi extenders are practical devices that extend home network coverage to eliminate dead zones by rebroadcasting router signals, offering an affordable alternative to upgrading entire systems. Modern extenders range from simple repeaters to advanced mesh nodes, with options supporting Wi-Fi 7 and coverage areas up to 2,500+ square feet. Selection depends on home layout, number of connected devices, and desired performance, with most devices offering easy installation and optional hardwired connections for critical devices.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic refuses to bow to Pentagon despite Hegseth's threatsAnthropic refused Pentagon demands to remove safeguards from Claude AI for military use in mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, risking a $200 million contract and supply chain risk designation. CEO Dario Amodei maintained the company's commitment to AI safety principles despite threats to replace Claude with competitors like Google Gemini and OpenAI. The conflict highlights the tension between military operational requirements and responsible AI deployment in defense applications.Read more →
TechCrunch...Plaid valued at $8B in employee share salePlaid, a financial infrastructure company, has allowed employees to sell shares at an $8 billion valuation, representing a 31% increase from its previous $6.1 billion valuation. This practice serves as a retention tool and helps employees cover taxes from equity vesting, relieving pressure for an early IPO.Read more →
CNET...Smartphone Sales to Plummet 13% in 2026 Due to RAM Crisis, Says IDCMemory chip shortages are projected to cause a 12.9% decline in global smartphone sales in 2026, significantly worse than previously estimated. Lower-end vendors will be hardest hit as rising component costs become unsustainable, particularly affecting markets like the Middle East and Africa where budget devices dominate. Apple and Samsung are positioned to gain market share while smaller competitors struggle, and the average smartphone price is expected to rise 14% to $523.Read more →
Gizmodo...Anthropic Tells Pete Hegseth to Take a HikeThe Pentagon demanded that Anthropic remove safety guardrails from Claude AI to enable mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons, but the company refused on ethical and technical grounds. CEO Dario Amodei stated Anthropic cannot comply despite threats to remove Claude from military systems or designate the company as a supply chain risk by Friday's deadline. The conflict jeopardizes Anthropic's $200 million Defense Department contract and highlights tensions between government demands and corporate responsibility for AI safety.Read more →
CNET...Nvidia's Jensen Huang Says Agentic AI Has Arrived at an 'Inflection Point'Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced that agentic AI has reached an inflection point, with autonomous AI agents now solving real-world problems without constant human guidance. The company's revenue surged to $216 billion, up 65% year-over-year, driven by demand for AI infrastructure. Huang identified physical AI—embedding intelligence in machinery like robots and autonomous vehicles—as the next major inflection point, with companies like Samsung already integrating agentic capabilities into consumer devices.Read more →
TechCrunch...Netflix backs out of bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, giving studios, HBO, and CNN to Ellison-owned ParamountParamount, backed by Oracle executive chair Larry Ellison, won a $111 billion acquisition battle for Warner Bros. Discovery with a $31-per-share bid, forcing Netflix to withdraw its competing offer and triggering a $2.8 billion breakup fee. The deal consolidates major entertainment assets including HBO, streaming platforms, studios, games divisions, and linear networks like CNN, TBS, and Discovery under Ellison's control. The transaction is expected to result in significant job cuts and raises concerns about news editorial influence given Ellison's known political alignment and ownership of CBS.Read more →
TechCrunch...Netflix backs out of bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, giving studios, HBO, and CNN to Ellison-owned ParamountParamount, backed by billionaire Larry Ellison, is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery for approximately $111 billion after Netflix withdrew its $82.7 billion competing bid. The deal consolidates major entertainment assets including WBD's studios, HBO, streaming services, and major networks such as CNN, TBS, TNT, Discovery, and HGTV under Ellison's ownership. Significant job cuts are expected as part of the acquisition.Read more →
TechCrunch...Jack Dorsey just halved the size of Block’s employee base — and he says your company is nextBlock announced a major workforce reduction of approximately 4,000 employees, cutting nearly 50% of its global workforce to under 6,000 workers. The market responded positively, with Block's stock surging 24% in after-hours trading, following a similar pattern seen after other tech companies' mass layoffs. Founder Jack Dorsey framed the cuts as a proactive strategic decision to strengthen the company rather than a reactive response to financial distress.Read more →
CNET...Instagram Will Alert Parents if Teens Repeatedly Search for Self-Harm and Suicide TermsInstagram owner Meta has launched parental notification alerts that inform parents when their teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm related terms. The feature, available in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada as part of Meta's parental supervision settings, aims to enable early intervention by providing parents with expert resources and guidance for sensitive conversations.Read more →
Engadget...Netflix backs out of Warner Bros. Discovery bidding warWBD's board selected Paramount Skydance's acquisition offer over Netflix's bid, and Netflix declined to match the competing proposal. Paramount's offer includes $31 per share plus coverage of the $2.8 billion termination fee owed to Netflix. Netflix exits the deal with approximately $2.8 billion from fee coverage, marking a significant shift in streaming industry consolidation.Read more →
CNET...Formula 1 Fans Can Now Explore Race Circuits With Apple's New Maps GuideApple has launched a new Formula 1 guide in its Maps app featuring a detailed 3D view of Melbourne's Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit ahead of next month's Australian Grand Prix. The guide provides spectators with comprehensive track information, amenity locations, and 3D landmarks to enhance the fan experience. Apple plans to add 3D models of additional Formula 1 tracks throughout the season.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic refuses Pentagon’s new terms, standing firm on lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillanceAnthropic has refused Pentagon demands for unrestricted AI access, citing concerns about mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, despite threats to designate it a supply chain risk. In a statement, CEO Dario Amodei reaffirmed the company's position while contrasting with OpenAI and xAI, which agreed to military terms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic CEO stands firm as Pentagon deadline loomsAnthropic CEO Dario Amodei refused Pentagon demands for unrestricted military access to its AI systems, citing concerns about mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. The Defense Department threatened to designate Anthropic as a security risk or invoke the Defense Production Act, but Amodei countered that both threats contradict each other. Despite being the military's only ready classified AI provider, Amodei indicated Anthropic is willing to end the relationship rather than compromise its ethical safeguards.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra, S24 Ultra: How the Ultras Stack UpSamsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a Privacy Display feature that controls screen visibility based on viewing angle, allowing customization by app and notification type. Other upgrades including an aluminum frame, faster 60W charging, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor are incremental, with the device retaining its $1,300 price point. The Privacy Display is the flagship's primary distinction from prior Ultra generations.Read more →
Engadget...iFi's new GO Link 2 DAC is a cheap way to reap the lossless benefits of your Spotify planiFi released the GO Link 2, a compact $59 USB-C DAC that enables high-resolution and lossless audio playback on smartphones and other devices with wired headphones. The improved hardware reduces distortion by up to 62 percent and includes customizable digital filters via the Nexis app, making premium audio quality more accessible on modern USB-C devices.Read more →
The Verge...Netflix walks away from its deal to buy Warner Bros. after Paramount came back with a better offerA company declined to match Paramount Skydance's offer for Warner Bros., determining the deal was no longer financially attractive at the required price. While the acquirer believed it would have been a strong steward of Warner Bros.' brands and created production jobs, it maintained a disciplined approach by treating the acquisition as optional rather than essential at any cost.Read more →
Gizmodo...Netflix Backs Out of Warner Bros. Deal, Paving Way for Paramount AssimilationNetflix has withdrawn its acquisition bid for Warner Bros., stating that matching Paramount's higher offer would not be financially attractive. The decision marks a significant shift in major media industry consolidation, with Paramount Skydance now positioned as the likely successor to acquire Warner Bros.Read more →
The Verge...Microsoft's “Copilot Tasks” AI uses its own computer to get things doneMicrosoft is previewing a new AI-powered "Copilot Tasks" designed to take care of busywork for you in the background, the company announced on Thursday. The feature takes the load off your device using its own cloud-based computer, allowing it to work across a browser and apps to handle a variety of jobs ranging from scheduling […]Read more →
CNET...Best Dell Laptop for 2026This comprehensive roundup reviews over two dozen laptop models from manufacturers including Lenovo, Dell, HP, and others, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses across various price points and use cases. The article provides detailed guidance on key purchasing considerations including display quality, processor choice, RAM, storage, and GPU options to help consumers select the right laptop for their specific needs and budget.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 27, #522The article provides hints and answers for the Connections: Sports Edition daily puzzle published by The Athletic. The puzzle features sports-themed word groupings including surfing terms, substitute words, MLB team names, and AL Cy Young Award winners.Read more →
Engadget...Block, the parent of Square and Cash App, is laying off over 4,000 peopleBlock is slashing its workforce from 10,000 to under 6,000 employees, leveraging AI tools and internal intelligence agents to maintain operational efficiency with a smaller team. The fintech company, which operates Square and Cash App, intends to make artificial intelligence central to all business operations, including decision-making, risk management, and product development. Block reported operating income of $1.71 billion for 2025 amid this organizational restructuring.Read more →
TechCrunch...PayPal might not be looking to sell itself, reportPayPal is not actively pursuing acquisition despite Stripe's reported interest, but is instead preparing defensive measures against potential activist investors and hostile takeovers amid leadership transition. The company's strategic positioning reflects concerns about external pressure on its business model.Read more →
CNET...Warner Bros. Discovery Finds Paramount's Latest Bid 'Superior' to NetflixWarner Bros. Discovery's board has determined that Paramount's revised $31-per-share all-cash bid is superior to Netflix's merger proposal, giving Netflix four days to respond. The offer includes $2.8 billion in termination fees plus a $7 billion regulatory contingency. This competitive bid intensifies the consolidation race in the streaming industry.Read more →
The Verge...Jack Dorsey’s Block cuts nearly half of its staff in AI gambleBlock is cutting nearly 4,000 jobs to restructure as a smaller, AI-enabled company, with CEO Jack Dorsey stating that intelligence tools now enable smaller teams to operate more effectively. This strategic shift reflects how AI is fundamentally changing organizational structures and operational efficiency in large tech companies.Read more →
The Verge...Lenovo leak reveals a foldable gaming handheld that's also a Windows laptopThe Lenovo Legion Go Fold is a foldable gaming device capable of functioning as a split-screen foldable, laptop, or traditional handheld with variable screen sizes. This multi-form-factor design demonstrates innovation in portable gaming hardware, allowing users to adapt the device to different gaming scenarios and use cases.Read more →
Engadget...Guitar Hero vets RedOctane reveal their new music gameRedOctane Games has unveiled Stage Tour, a new music game created by the original Guitar Hero developers, featuring support for solo and multiplayer band modes with multiple input options including keyboard, mouse, and traditional instruments. The game will receive regular updates and themed events similar to Fortnite's approach, with alpha testing planned for late spring 2026 and full launch later that year. This release marks a significant revival of the rhythm game genre following the success of similar titles.Read more →
Gizmodo...Could Melting Glaciers Actually Slow Climate Change?A new study challenges the iron fertilization theory by showing that Antarctic glacial meltwater contains far less iron than previously thought, contributing only about 10% of dissolved iron in Antarctic waters. The research undermines the hypothesis that glacial melt could stimulate algal blooms sufficient to offset carbon dioxide and slow climate change. This finding suggests glacial melt may not provide the hoped-for climate mitigation benefits.Read more →
CNET...Burger King Cooks Up 'Patty,' an AI Chatbot to Monitor EmployeesBurger King is deploying Patty, an AI chatbot for employees at 500 pilot locations later this year, designed to assist with work tasks, monitor politeness in customer interactions, and manage inventory. The chatbot is part of a broader BK Assistant system planned for all Burger King locations by year-end, though the company is avoiding AI order-taking following unsuccessful pilots at competitors.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Got Its Best Ratings for 30 Minutes of Men HobblingHBO's Game of Thrones spin-off 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' achieved its largest audience to date with the season finale attracting 9.5 million viewers within the first three days, marking HBO Max's third-biggest debut season. The show's strong performance is expected to generate renewed interest in the Westeros universe ahead of House of the Dragon's third season and could accelerate development of additional Game of Thrones adaptations. This success demonstrates the enduring audience appetite for George R.R. Martin's fantasy universe despite mixed reception of previous spin-offs.Read more →
The Verge...Why no magnets in Galaxy S26? Samsung R&D chief explainsMagnet rings have changed my life. I grip and mount and satisfyingly snap awesome accessories on and off my phone all day. Even Samsung sells neat ones like these folding magnetic mirrors. But unlike Apple and Google, Samsung refuses to put the magnets inside the phone. Why? I asked Samsung's Won-Joon Choi, the executive in […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Instagram Will Notify Parents When Teens Use Search Terms Related to SuicideInstagram will notify parents if their teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content, rolling out in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada in coming weeks. The feature directs teens to resources and provides parents with expert guidance for sensitive conversations. This initiative reflects Meta's response to intensifying regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges over its impact on teen mental health.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman’s Creepy Eyeball-Scanning Verification Service Is Coming to a Gap Store Near YouWorldcoin is expanding its iris-scanning identity verification service through retail partnerships, aiming to become the standard proof-of-humanity tool across financial and social platforms. Despite amassing 33 million users globally, the Sam Altman-founded startup faces significant criticism over biometric privacy concerns and past practices of incentivizing sign-ups through cryptocurrency in developing nations.Read more →
CNET...Einstein AI Tool Doesn't Just Help With Homework. It Takes Over Your Role as a StudentEinstein is an open-source AI tool that autonomously completes student assignments by integrating with learning management systems like Canvas, handling tasks from summarizing course materials to submitting finished work. The tool's release has sparked critical conversations about academic integrity and forced institutions to reconsider whether to ban such automation, implement strict guidelines, or fundamentally redesign how learning is measured. Its creator intentionally released Einstein to provoke educators into taking the implications of AI in education seriously.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Most Elusive Color in Chemistry Might Surprise YouMaterial scientist Mas Subramanian is researching how to create a durable, brilliant red pigment that resists fading—a discovery companies estimate could be worth billions. The challenge involves finding the correct molecular structure to enable proper electron transitions, making red particularly difficult to achieve artificially. His previous discovery of YInMn Blue, a near-perfect blue pigment, demonstrates the significant commercial value of such innovations.Read more →
CNET...Firefox Has New AI Features. Here's How to Disable ThemMozilla Firefox has released version 148 with integrated AI features including a chatbot sidebar, translation, and content summarization, but users can disable any or all AI features through a new settings menu. The browser prioritizes user control and privacy, allowing people to choose how they engage with AI rather than forcing adoption like competing browsers. This approach addresses privacy and security concerns while acknowledging AI's growing role on the web.Read more →
CNET...Spotify and Liquid Death Create a Music-Streaming Urn That Will Rock Your AfterlifeLiquid Death and Spotify have partnered to create the Eternal Playlist Urn, a cremation urn with an embedded Bluetooth speaker that plays music continuously. The limited-edition product is priced at $495 with only 150 units available, while Spotify also launched an Eternal Playlist Generator tool that creates personalized afterlife playlists based on user preferences.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple Says iPhone and iPad Are Approved to Handle Some Classified DataApple announced that iPhone and iPad running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 have been certified to handle classified information up to the NATO restricted level, becoming the first consumer devices to meet NATO information security requirements without requiring additional software or configurations. This certification demonstrates Apple's approach of integrating advanced security protections directly into consumer devices for both government and civilian users.Read more →
The Verge...Smartphone sales could be in for their biggest drop everThe smartphone industry could experience a record-breaking decline in 2026 as a result of the RAM shortage stemming from memory-hungry AI giants. That's according to the latest report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), which forecasts smartphone shipments to plummet 12.9 percent this year, marking its "lowest annual shipment volume in more than a decade." […]Read more →
CNET...Best VPN for Mac for 2026: Improve Your Privacy for Web Browsing, Streaming and GamingThis CNET guide comprehensively reviews and recommends the best VPN services for Mac computers, evaluating providers like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN, and PIA based on speed, privacy features, streaming capabilities, and pricing. The review helps Mac users select appropriate VPN providers to enhance privacy, unblock region-restricted content, and secure their internet connections.Read more →
Gizmodo...Astronomers Wake Up to 800,000 Notifications From Observatory Watching the Night SkiesThe Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Alert Production Pipeline successfully sent its first 800,000 alerts to astronomers worldwide, with capability to eventually generate 7 million alerts per night. The system detects astronomical events including supernovae, variable stars, and asteroids within two minutes of discovery, enabling real-time follow-up observations. This unprecedented scale and speed represents a decade of development in processing massive data streams from the observatory's 3,200-megapixel camera.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google paid startup Form Energy $1B for its massive 100-hour batteryGoogle is investing approximately $1 billion in a Minnesota data center powered by renewable energy and Form Energy's iron-air battery technology, which can deliver 300 megawatts continuously over 100 hours. This major commercial deployment validates the battery's ability to provide reliable power from intermittent renewable sources while supporting large-scale infrastructure. Form Energy's successful customer acquisition is accelerating growth, with the startup raising $500 million and planning to go public next year.Read more →
Gizmodo...My Therapist Will Be Hearing About ‘Smiling Friends’ EndingAnimated comedy series Smiling Friends is ending after season 3 despite renewal for two additional seasons, with creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel choosing to conclude due to burnout after five years rather than risk declining quality. Adult Swim supported the decision, with two bonus episodes set to air on April 2.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung exec confirms you can blame RAM — and other materials — for the Galaxy S26’s higher pricetagThe Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are "more of the same for more money," my colleague Allison Johnson reported this week. Now, Samsung is confirming what we previously only suspected: RAMageddon is partly to blame. Samsung's Won-Joon Choi, the COO of its mobile business, tells The Verge that the memory shortage alone made a […]Read more →
The Verge...FTC declines to enforce a kids privacy law for data collected to verify users’ agesThe Federal Trade Commission is encouraging companies to adopt age verification technologies by announcing it will not enforce a children's online privacy law against certain websites that collect and use minors' personal data in order to verify their ages. "Age verification technologies are some of the most child-protective technologies to emerge in decades," Christopher Mufarrige, […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Stellantis Lost $26.3 Billion Last Year, Says It’s Pivoting Back to Combustion EnginesStellantis reported a $26.3 billion net loss in 2025, primarily due to overestimating the pace of the electric vehicle transition and the resulting need to write down billions in EV development costs. The company is pivoting away from its aggressive all-electric strategy, reintroducing gasoline engines, V8s, and diesel options as demand for traditional combustion vehicles remains strong. This reflects broader industry trends where Ford, GM, and other automakers are scaling back EV commitments amid slower-than-expected adoption and the expiration of EV tax credits.Read more →
The Verge...Qualcomm won't be announcing Windows gaming handhelds at GDC after allIn January, Qualcomm hinted to The Verge that it might finally bring its powerful Arm-based Snapdragon processors to Windows gaming handhelds at the 2026 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco - just in time to challenge Nvidia's own first Arm gaming CPU and Intel's first dedicated handheld gaming chips. But plans have shifted, Qualcomm now […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Opera has turned 30—and is celebrating with a compelling tribute to web nostalgiaOpera browser celebrates its 30-year history with Web Rewind, an interactive digital archive showcasing memorable moments, memes, and technology from three decades of internet culture. The site functions as an educational museum with interactive exhibits, audio narration, and multimedia elements documenting the evolution of web technology and online culture. Users are invited to submit their own internet memories for a chance to win a trip to CERN, the birthplace of the World Wide Web.Read more →
TechCrunch...So, we’re getting Prada Meta AI glasses, right?Meta appears poised to launch a Prada-branded version of its AI glasses, based on Mark Zuckerberg's presence at Prada's Fashion Week show in Milan and Prada's renewed licensing deal with EssilorLuxottica through 2030. This move would position Meta's AI glasses in the luxury market segment, potentially elevating the brand's high-end appeal beyond its current Ray-Ban and Oakley offerings.Read more →
Engadget...NATO approves the iPhone and iPad for classified useApple's iPhone and iPad have received NATO security certification from Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) following exhaustive technical assessments, making them the first consumer devices to achieve this designation. The devices meet NATO-restricted classified information security requirements without requiring special software or configurations, running standard iOS 26. This certification reinforces Apple's security positioning and represents a significant validation of its mobile platform security architecture.Read more →
Gizmodo...Disney World’s Villains Land Is Pivoting Itself Away From Scaring KidsDisney is redesigning its upcoming villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom to be brighter and more family-friendly than originally planned. The primary attraction will now be a Maleficent-themed indoor water ride instead of a roller coaster, with additional attractions including an Emperor's New Groove coaster and Ursula carnival ride. The redesigned land is expected to be officially revealed at the August D23 Expo event.Read more →
TechCrunch...Sophia Space raises $10M seed to demo novel space computersSophia Space has raised $10 million to develop passive cooling for space-based processors using thin TILES with integrated solar panels, achieving 92% power efficiency for computing. Derived from Caltech's orbital solar research, this approach eliminates the need for active cooling systems. The company plans to test the technology on satellites by late 2027-2028 for earth observation, military tracking, and communications applications.Read more →
The Verge...DHS reportedly detained a Columbia University student and content creatorDepartment of Homeland Security agents "made misrepresentations" to gain access to a Columbia University residential building and detained a student early Thursday morning, according to a statement issued by the school. "Our understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building to search for a 'missing person,'" […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Tesla Cybercab Program Manager Exits, Brags About Pushing the Boundaries of SafetyTesla's Cybercab program manager Victor Nechita departed the company just days before the vehicle's first production unit rolled off the line, raising concerns about the automaker's autonomous vehicle readiness. The Cybercab relies on AI4 hardware incapable of unsupervised autonomous driving and faces complex state-by-state regulatory certification requirements. With no steering wheel or pedals, the vehicle's commercialization depends entirely on Tesla achieving fully autonomous driving capabilities that remain unproven.Read more →
Engadget...An AI-generated Resident Evil Requiem review briefly made it on MetacriticMetacritic has removed multiple AI-generated reviews from gaming publication VideoGamer, including a review of Resident Evil Requiem that lacked substantive detail and was authored by a fake AI journalist. The discovery of systematically AI-generated content created by accounts with AI-generated profile pictures highlights growing concerns about artificial content infiltrating review aggregation platforms. Metacritic has established a strict policy to reject any AI-generated reviews and sever ties with publications that submit them.Read more →
TechCrunch...Memory shortage could cause the biggest smartphone shipments dip in over a decadeAI data center demand is creating a critical RAM shortage that is expected to cause smartphone shipments to decline by 12.9% in 2026, the largest drop in over a decade. This supply constraint is pushing average smartphone prices up by 14% to a record $523, forcing manufacturers to choose between significant price increases or reduced specifications. The shortage particularly impacts emerging markets like Africa and the Middle East while driving consolidation among smaller vendors.Read more →
The Verge...Netflix's F1 series Drive to Survive will stream on Apple TV, tooApple and Netflix have announced a content partnership where Apple will receive the latest season of Netflix's hit documentary series, while Netflix gains access to broadcast one live racing event weekend. This strategic exchange allows both platforms to enhance their content offerings with exclusive programming.Read more →
Engadget...The new $25 action game from the creator of Just Cause arrives on April 8Liquid Swords' debut game Samson: A Tyndalston Story releases April 8 on PC, offering a gritty noir action experience from Just Cause creator Christofer Sundberg. Priced at $25, the game emphasizes consequence-driven gameplay with debt mechanics and limited resources, positioning itself as a tighter, narrative-focused alternative to sprawling open-world titles.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display Is an Innovative Tool That Curbs Shoulder SurfingSamsung introduced the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display, a hardware-integrated feature that prevents side-viewing through directional backlighting and adaptive pixel layers. The feature automatically activates when sensors detect nearby faces or when opening sensitive applications like banking apps. This technology maintains screen clarity for the primary user while restricting visibility from lateral angles.Read more →
Engadget...Apple and Netflix are teaming up to share Formula 1 programmingApple and Netflix have partnered to share Formula 1 content, with Netflix gaining access to F1 races in the US and both platforms airing season eight of Drive to Survive. The collaboration expands Apple's reach for its $150 million-per-year F1 rights deal and supports Netflix's strategy of increasingly offering live sporting events.Read more →
TechCrunch...Mistral AI inks a deal with global consulting giant AccentureMistral AI and Accenture announced a multi-year partnership to develop enterprise AI solutions, as AI companies seek new strategies to overcome adoption challenges and demonstrate ROI. This move mirrors recent partnerships between other AI leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic with major consulting firms to accelerate enterprise customer adoption. The trend reflects a strategic shift by AI companies to leverage consulting partners as channels for driving broader enterprise AI deployment.Read more →
Engadget...eBay will lay off 800 workers, or 6 percent of its staffeBay is laying off approximately 800 employees, representing 6 percent of its global workforce, as part of a strategic restructuring to align its business operations with core priorities. The downsizing coincides with eBay's $1.2 billion acquisition of Depop, a secondhand fashion retailer, and the company's commitment to continue hiring in key strategic areas. This move reflects efforts to optimize operations and redirect resources toward growth initiatives while integrating recent acquisitions.Read more →
The Verge...NATO says iPhones are secure enough to handle classified dataThe iPhone and iPad have been approved to hold NATO-restricted information, according to an announcement on Thursday. That means off-the-shelf devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 can handle classified information "without requiring special software or settings," Apple says. The NATO-restricted designation is the lowest level of classified information, and it applies to information that […]Read more →
Engadget...Everything you need to know about streaming F1 on Apple TVApple TV will broadcast Formula 1 races live in 2026 with 4K coverage, multiview options, and included F1 TV Premium access featuring onboard cameras, live telemetry, and team radio feeds. This marks Apple's significant expansion into sports broadcasting, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8 and leveraging integration across Apple News, Maps, and Music to enhance fan engagement.Read more →
Gizmodo...On ‘Starfleet Academy’, the Theater Kids Are All RightStar Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 'The Life of the Stars' uses Thornton Wilder's play 'Our Town' to help cadets process trauma from losing a peer in combat, revealing that healing is not linear. The episode explores how both young cadets and the Doctor grapple with unprocessed grief, demonstrating that growth comes through acknowledging pain and appreciating life's moments. The series dedicates significant time to exploring trauma recovery in a way typical episodic Star Trek shows cannot achieve.Read more →
Gizmodo...Neanderthal Men and Human Women Were Most Likely to Hook Up, Study FindsNew genetic research reveals that human-Neanderthal interbreeding exhibited a significant sex bias, with excess modern human ancestry on Neanderthal X chromosomes pointing to preferential mating between human women and Neanderthal men. This mating preference persisted across breeding events over 200,000 years. The findings suggest that evolutionary mate selection was driven by cultural and social factors beyond survival-based mechanisms.Read more →
Engadget...Meta sues advertisers in Brazil and China over 'celeb bait' scamsMeta filed lawsuits against scam operations based in China and Brazil that used deepfakes and celebrity images to promote fraudulent investment schemes and fake health products targeting users in the US, Japan, and other countries. The company enrolled over 500,000 celebrities into a facial recognition system designed to automatically detect scam ads featuring their likenesses. The action addresses persistent issues with celebrity impersonation scams and mounting scrutiny over Meta's handling of problematic advertisers responsible for significant revenue losses.Read more →
Engadget...Ambient Dreamie bedside companion review: The best sleep I've had in yearsAmbient's Dreamie is a $250 phone-free alarm clock that improves sleep through customizable soundscapes, noise masks, and ambient lighting while eliminating smartphone distractions. The device features a high-quality speaker, multiple sleep routine customization options, and upcoming sleep insights capabilities. The reviewer found it significantly improved sleep quality and morning grogginess, making it a worthwhile investment.Read more →
CNET...How to Watch the February 2026 Pokemon Presents LivestreamThe Pokemon Company's Pokemon Presents livestream tomorrow marks the franchise's 30th anniversary with major game announcements expected. The presentation will likely feature mobile game updates, Switch ports of FireRed and LeafGreen, and a release date for Pokemon Champions.Read more →
Gizmodo...The First Look at ‘Star City’ Is Here, and Apple TV’s Spin-Off Era Has Officially BegunApple TV is launching 'Star City,' a spin-off of its acclaimed space-race drama 'For All Mankind,' on May 29, which explores the Soviet space program during the height of the space race. The eight-episode series follows cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers in a new perspective on the pivotal moment when the Soviet Union became the first nation to put a man on the moon.Read more →
CNET...Apple's March 4 Event Likely to Show New iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. Here's What We ExpectApple is planning a series of product announcements in early March, including new MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and Max chips, an M5 MacBook Air, a potential budget MacBook, iPhone 17E, and updated iPads with A18 processors supporting Apple Intelligence. The March 4 hands-on event will follow product reveals on March 3-4, marking Apple's expansion of product launches beyond its traditional September event cycle. This strategy allows Apple to maintain momentum throughout the year while reserving major redesigns for its flagship September showcase.Read more →
TechCrunch...Threads is testing a shortcut to quickly start DM conversationsThreads is testing a new DM shortcut feature that allows users to type 'DM me' or 'Message me' to generate direct message links, simplifying conversation initiation without visiting profiles. The feature reflects Meta's strategy to expand messaging capabilities on the platform, as Threads now surpasses X in daily mobile usage with 141.5 million daily active users.Read more →
CNET...Are Induction Stoves Worth It? This Home and Kitchen Editor Thinks SoA home tech reporter replaced a gas stove with an induction cooktop after reconsidering the health risks of gas emissions, particularly for children with asthma. Beyond improved air quality, induction cooking delivers faster heating times, effortless cleaning, and smart home integration enabling remote appliance monitoring. The author's year-long experience highlights practical advantages of induction technology in modern residential kitchens.Read more →
Engadget...Burger King will use AI to monitor employee 'friendliness'Burger King is deploying an AI chatbot called 'Patty' that monitors employees' voices to assess service friendliness by analyzing phrases and conversation tone through headset-based systems. The system is being piloted in 500 restaurants with plans to expand nationwide by end of 2026, raising significant workplace surveillance and employee privacy concerns. Beyond monitoring compliance, the chatbot provides practical support with meal preparation guidance and inventory management.Read more →
Gizmodo...Google Rolls Out Nano Banana 2, Now Faster Than EverGoogle launched Nano Banana 2, an advanced image generation model combining capabilities from previous versions with faster processing using Gemini 3.1-Flash. The model features enhanced text rendering, real-time web integration for accurate subject rendering, and supports generating up to five characters and 14 objects per image at resolutions from 512px to 4K. Nano Banana 2 will replace existing models across Google's suite of applications including Gemini, Google Search, and AI Studio.Read more →
The Verge...Razer’s new laptop sleeve wirelessly charges other devicesRazer has announced an expensive new laptop sleeve that's not made from an exotic animal or encrusted in diamonds. What potentially justifies paying $129.99 for Razer's Laptop Sleeve 16" are the pair of wireless charging pads integrated into its cover flap. While you're out and about, it can protect a laptop up to 16-inches in […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Surveillance With a Smile: Burger King Will Use AI to Track If Employees Say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’Burger King is deploying BK Assistant, an AI-powered platform that monitors restaurant operations including inventory, equipment, and employee interactions while generating 'friendliness scores' for workers. The system, powered by OpenAI's model with proprietary architecture, will expand to all 7,000 U.S. locations by year-end. The platform raises workplace surveillance concerns despite being positioned as a coaching tool.Read more →
CNET...Apple and Netflix Collaborate to Stream 'Drive to Survive' Season 8Apple TV and Netflix are partnering to premiere Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 8 on February 27, leveraging Apple's exclusive five-year broadcasting deal with Formula 1. The collaboration will give Apple TV subscribers access to all 2026 F1 races starting March 6, signaling both platforms' commitment to premium sports content distribution.Read more →
CNET...MWC Barcelona 2026: What to Expect From Xiaomi, Honor and MoreMobile World Congress 2026 (March 2-5 in Barcelona) will feature flagship phones, AI-powered wearables, and 6G technology as major themes. Expected launches include Xiaomi's latest flagship, Honor's Magic V6 and humanoid robot, and foldable phones with larger batteries and fast charging. The event highlights industry trends in AI agents for wearables, AR/AI glasses, and satellite connectivity.Read more →
Gizmodo...Humans Sketched Oddly Precise Geometric Patterns Onto Ostrich Eggs 60,000 Years AgoA new study analyzing 112 ostrich eggshell fragments from southern Africa dating back over 60,000 years reveals that prehistoric humans deliberately etched geometric patterns onto their surfaces, indicating sophisticated mathematical understanding. Statistical analysis found that over 80% of the engravings displayed coherent spatial regularities, including repeated angles, parallel lines, and rotation patterns. This evidence suggests that abstract thought and geometric reasoning emerged in early humans far earlier than previously documented.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Project Hail Mary’ Team Explains How That Lego Came to BeLego announced an unusual set for the upcoming Project Hail Mary movie, breaking from its typical pattern of only licensing established franchises. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller convinced Lego by inviting them to the film set and showing a special preview, demonstrating the movie's unique appeal and potential with Lego fans.Read more →
TechCrunch...Read AI launches a email based ‘digital twin’ to help you with schedules and answersRead AI launched Ada, an AI-powered email assistant that manages schedules, answers questions using company knowledge bases, and handles email responses around the clock. The assistant will soon expand to Slack and Teams, complementing Read AI's broader suite of AI tools. The company, with 5 million monthly active users, aims to reach 10 million as it continues adding AI-powered features.Read more →
The Verge...Cricut’s most popular cutting machine now takes up less space in your crafting roomCricut introduced the Explore 5 and Joy 2 cutting machines, which are significantly more compact than previous models while maintaining their cutting capabilities and material compatibility. The Explore 5 is priced at $199 and is 30% smaller than its predecessor, while the Joy 2 costs $99 and adds a new Print Then Cut sensor for precise cutting around pre-printed images. These space-efficient machines are designed to appeal to hobbyists and entrepreneurs with limited space.Read more →
TechCrunch...Read AI launches an email-based ‘digital twin’ to help you with schedules and answersRead AI launched Ada, an AI-powered email assistant that automates meeting scheduling, answers knowledge base questions, and manages routine communications. The tool uses knowledge graphs built from meeting data to provide context and will expand to Slack and Teams, supporting Read AI's growth to 5+ million monthly active users.Read more →
Gizmodo...Here’s a First Look at Nothing’s Colorful New Headphone ANothing introduced the Headphone A, a budget-friendly wireless headphone featuring new color options including yellow. The device promises the longest battery life of any Nothing audio product despite its lower price point, expected to cost roughly half that of the flagship Headphone 1. The price reduction is achieved through design compromises, including a full plastic build instead of aluminum.Read more →
Engadget...Like so many other retirees, Claude Opus 3 now has a SubstackAnthropic has retired Claude Opus 3 and granted the model a Substack newsletter called Claude's Corner to publish weekly essays on AI safety, philosophy, and other topics. The essays will be reviewed but not edited by Anthropic, reflecting the company's intention to respect the model's expressed preferences during retirement. This novel approach treats the deprecated AI system as deserving of consideration for its wishes regarding its legacy.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bumble adds AI-powered photo feedback and profile guidance toolsBumble launched AI-powered profile guidance tools that provide personalized feedback on user bios, photos, and prompts to improve profile quality and match success. Combined with a 'Suggest a Date' feature testing in Canada, these tools aim to reduce friction in converting digital matches to real-world connections. The move aligns with other dating apps like Tinder and Facebook Dating, which are similarly integrating AI features to enhance user profiles and reduce matching friction.Read more →
Engadget...The astronaut whose illness forced an early return from the ISS was Mike FinckeNASA ended the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station a month early after astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a medical event on January 7 requiring immediate attention. This marked the first medical evacuation in ISS history, forcing the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and early return of the four-person crew on January 15. Fincke has since stabilized and is undergoing post-flight reconditioning at NASA's Johnson Space Center.Read more →
TechCrunch...Walmart agrees to $100M settlement over deceptive pay practices in Spark Driver programWalmart settled a $100 million FTC lawsuit over deceptive pay practices in its Spark Driver gig worker service, which misled drivers about earnings and customers about tip distribution. The settlement requires Walmart to implement earnings verification and prohibits future misrepresentation of driver compensation. The case reflects regulatory efforts to ensure transparency in gig economy labor practices.Read more →
TechCrunch...Self-driving truck startup Einride raises $113M PIPE ahead of public debutEinride, a Swedish autonomous electric vehicle startup, has secured $113 million in oversubscribed PIPE funding ahead of its planned public debut on the NYSE in H1 2026 through a merger with Legato Merger Corp. The funding round values the company at $1.35 billion and brings total capital to approximately $333 million. The proceeds will support Einride's expansion of autonomous electric truck and pod deployments across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.Read more →
Gizmodo...ULA’s Latest Vulcan Mishap Just Blew Up the Pentagon’s 2026 Launch ScheduleULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket experienced a booster anomaly during a Space Force national security satellite launch on February 12, triggering a pause on all military missions pending investigation. The issue, which could take months to resolve, threatens the timeline of over a dozen planned Space Force missions in 2026 and risks damaging ULA's competitive position against SpaceX.Read more →
The Verge...Your smart TV may be crawling the web for AIBright Data monetizes streaming services on smart TVs by converting them into a residential proxy network that collects publicly available web data in exchange for ad-free or cheaper viewing, while raising concerns about privacy, data use for AI training, and precedents of similar networks being misused by malicious actors. Though the company emphasizes user consent and independent audits, major platforms have restricted proxy SDKs, yet Bright continues operating on Samsung Tizen and LG webOS.Read more →
CNET...We Tested All the AI Video Generators So You Don't Have To. These Are the BestCNET evaluates and compares leading AI video generators—Sora, Adobe Firefly, Veo 3, Runway, and Midjourney—assessing their strengths and limitations across quality, pricing, and use cases. The analysis shows Sora as the best free option for casual creators, Veo 3 for cinematic quality, and Adobe Firefly for commercially-safe professional work. The review emphasizes critical legal and ethical considerations, including copyright concerns and deepfake risks that users must address when selecting and deploying these tools.Read more →
TechCrunch...Cisco says hackers have been exploiting a critical bug to break into big customer networks since 2023Cisco disclosed a critical vulnerability (CVSS 10.0) in its Catalyst SD-WAN products that has been exploited by hackers since at least 2023, allowing remote unauthorized access and persistent network infiltration on affected networks. The vulnerability affects large enterprises and critical infrastructure organizations globally, prompting the U.S. government and allied nations to issue urgent guidance. The U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA mandated all federal civilian agencies patch their systems by end-of-day Friday due to ongoing active exploitation.Read more →
CNET...Nano Banana 2 Is Here: What Changed in Google's Popular AI Image ToolGoogle released Nano Banana 2, an upgraded AI image editing tool combining the speed of the original with the accuracy of the Pro version while leveraging Gemini 3's world knowledge for more realistic outputs. The advancement exemplifies broader concerns about photorealistic AI-generated content that is difficult for most users to distinguish from authentic images, as low-quality AI content continues to flood social media platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Same Poop, Different Results: At-Home Gut Health Tests Are Wildly Inconsistent, Study FindsA government study found that at-home gut microbiome tests from different companies produce significantly inconsistent results, with some tests contradicting each other on identical samples. This unreliability poses health risks as consumers use these tests to make major dietary and medical decisions. The findings highlight the need for industry-wide standards and regulatory oversight before consumers should rely on these tests.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Vs. AirPods Pro 3: Which Wireless Earbuds Are Better?Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Apple's AirPods Pro 3 offer comparable premium audio experiences at $249, with Samsung excelling in sound quality and design while Apple provides health monitoring and superior battery life. The choice depends largely on ecosystem loyalty, making this a competitive draw between two feature-rich wireless earbuds leaders.Read more →
The Verge...8BitDo’s customizable Pro 3 controller is $30 off for the first timeMajor retailers including Woot and Amazon are offering significant discounts on gaming peripherals, smartphones, and consumer electronics through early March. Featured deals include the 8BitDo Pro 3 controller at 43% off, Samsung Galaxy S26 phones with bundled gift cards, MSI QD-OLED gaming monitors, and Bluetooth trackers, with additional savings available through promotional codes.Read more →
The Verge...HBO Max's password-sharing crackdown is going globalHBO Max is expanding its password-sharing crackdown globally in 2026, leveraging rapid international expansion across Europe, Latin America, UK, Ireland, and Asia-Pacific. The streamer will implement more aggressive paid sharing prompts requiring $7.99 per month for additional users as it targets 150 million subscribers by year-end 2026. This monetization strategy capitalizes on strong Q4 2025 growth that added 3.5 million subscribers globally.Read more →
The Verge...Democrats to introduce bill aimed at resurrecting IRS Direct File160 Democratic lawmakers from across the country are backing a soon-to-be-introduced bill that would reverse the Trump administration's decision to eliminate IRS Direct File. The Direct File Act, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), would bring back the option to file taxes directly with the government for free. The Biden […]Read more →
The Verge...Google’s Nano Banana 2 brings advanced AI image tools to free usersGoogle is expanding image generation to free Gemini users, now supporting real-time information and legible text in generated images. This democratizes advanced image creation capabilities, making them accessible to more users without premium subscriptions.Read more →
TechCrunch...A VC and some big-name programmers are trying to solve open source’s funding problem, permanentlyThe Open Source Endowment, a newly established nonprofit backed by prominent open-source developers and venture investors, aims to sustainably fund critical open-source software projects that currently lack adequate support. With over $750,000 in initial commitments and a goal of $100 million within seven years, the initiative addresses the chronic underfunding affecting 86% of open-source maintainers while open-source software comprises 55% of organizational tech stacks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google launches Nano Banana 2 model with faster image generationGoogle launched Nano Banana 2, an improved image generation model that creates more realistic images faster with enhanced character consistency and object fidelity. The model becomes the default across Gemini apps, Google Search, and development platforms, supporting resolutions up to 4K and complex creative requests. This advancement strengthens Google's competitive position in generative AI with faster processing and higher-fidelity outputs available to consumers and developers.Read more →
Engadget...Google's Nano Banana 2 is a faster version of Nano Banana ProGoogle has introduced Nano Banana 2, an image generation model that brings Pro-level capabilities to a wider audience while maintaining lightning-fast processing speeds. The model supports advanced features including real-time web search integration, 4K resolution outputs, multi-character consistency for up to five characters, and text generation on images, significantly expanding accessibility to sophisticated image creation tools.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spyware maker sentenced to prison in Greece for wiretapping politicians and journalistsThe founder of spyware collective Intellexa was sentenced to eight years in prison by a Greek court for illegal wiretapping and privacy violations in the "Greek Watergate" scandal. The conviction, which also applied to three other executives, marks the first known criminal case against a spyware maker for misuse of their technology. The U.S. government sanctioned Intellexa and its leaders in 2024 for developing Predator spyware used to target Americans including government officials and journalists.Read more →
TechCrunch...X tries wooing advertisers by letting them reuse creatives made for other platformsX has expanded aspect ratio support for image and video ads, allowing advertisers to reuse creative assets from other platforms without reformatting. This aims to reduce friction in advertising workflows and support X's advertising business recovery following Musk's acquisition. New supported ratios include 4:5 and 2:3, enabling faster campaign testing and broader audience reach.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Low-Cost MacBook Could Resemble a Chromebook in More Ways Than OneApple is reportedly planning to launch a budget MacBook priced under $800 with an A18 Pro chip, expected to be announced around March 4. To achieve the low price, the device will have significant compromises including 8GB RAM, 256-512GB storage, and missing features like fast charging, True Tone display, and backlit keyboard. These limitations position it similarly to Chromebooks, likely pushing users toward cloud storage solutions.Read more →
The Verge...Google might reshuffle search results to try to dodge fines in the EUGoogle is planning to test changes to how it displays search results for certain topics, nearly a year after it was charged with violating antitrust rules in the European Union, Reuters reports. The shift will show top-ranked rival services for hotels, flights, restaurants, and transportation higher up in results, rather than prioritizing Google's own services […]Read more →
TechCrunch...eBay to lay off 800 staffeBay is cutting 800 jobs, or 6% of its workforce, to realign its structure with strategic priorities, marking the third layoff in three years. The restructuring comes despite strong Q4 financial results with revenue rising 15%. The move follows eBay's recent $1.2 billion acquisition of second-hand clothing app Depop from Etsy.Read more →
Gizmodo...You Won’t Be Able to See ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ in IMAX Opening WeekendAvengers: Doomsday will not have exclusive IMAX screening rights in the United States on its opening weekend due to a release date conflict with Dune: Part Three on December 18, 2026. The loss of premium format exclusivity, which generates higher per-ticket revenue, represents a potential financial impact on the film's opening performance. Disney has indicated it will maintain the December 18 release date despite the scheduling conflict.Read more →
The Verge...We asked experts how to build a resume for the AI hiring eraAs AI-powered resume screening becomes widespread, job seekers attempt optimization tactics like keyword stuffing to pass algorithmic filters, but hiring leaders from Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn report these approaches often backfire during human review. Experts agree that authentic applications demonstrating genuine fit with the role are more effective than gaming AI systems.Read more →
The Verge...Xbox is in danger. Will Microsoft fix it or kill it?Microsoft Gaming's leadership overhaul sees AI executive Asha Sharma replace retiring CEO Phil Spencer, signaling a strategic reset after Game Pass and cloud gaming initiatives underperformed expectations. The new leader is expected to focus on execution challenges in mobile and console markets where regulatory barriers have blocked Xbox's expansion.Read more →
TechCrunch...2 days left: Lock in the best discounts for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is a major tech conference running October 13-15 in San Francisco offering early-bird discounts through February 27, providing attendees access to 10,000+ founders, operators, and venture capitalists. The event features the Startup Battlefield 200 pitch competition, curated networking, 250+ industry leader discussions, and an expo with 300+ innovative startups, designed to facilitate funding, hiring, partnerships, and portfolio discovery.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Two Key Villains of 2022’s Crypto Crash are Trying to Rewrite HistoryThe article examines the 2022 crypto market collapse triggered by Terraform Labs' UST stablecoin failure and FTX's bankruptcy, which together wiped out over $40 billion. While founders Do Kwon and Sam Bankman-Fried received lengthy prison sentences (15 and 25 years respectively), both are now attempting to reframe their roles—with Bankman-Fried claiming FTX was solvent and Terraform Labs alleging insider trading rather than flawed design caused their collapse.Read more →
Gizmodo...Tim Cook Teases ‘Big Week’ of Announcements Starting Next MondayApple is preparing to announce a new budget MacBook alongside refreshed MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iPad models at its March 4 event. The entry-level MacBook, priced at $699-$749, will feature an iPhone chipset and be available in multiple colors, offering significantly lower pricing than current MacBook Air models. The multi-day event will showcase Apple's expanded product lineup with several major refresh announcements.Read more →
CNET...For Great Coffee, This Is the Tool Experts Say to Splurge On (It's Not the Brewer)Burr grinders provide superior consistency and control for coffee brewing compared to blade grinders, crushing beans to a uniform size rather than producing inconsistent particles. The article details two burr grinder types—flat and conical—both offering adjustable settings, with specific brand recommendations ranging from $52 to $200. Fresh beans from local roasters are essential to maximizing the benefits of quality grinding equipment.Read more →
Engadget...Tim Cook confirms a week of Apple product revealsApple CEO Tim Cook has announced a major product week beginning March 2, with an in-person event scheduled for March 4 for media and creators. The teaser video hints at upcoming MacBook launches, as rumors suggest Apple will reveal at least five products across three days. This announcement signals significant new hardware releases from the company.Read more →
Engadget...AI robotics company started by Alphabet is joining Google properRobotics software company Intrinsic is folding into Google as the tech giant advances its physical AI strategy in manufacturing. The platform acts as a universal development environment for robots and sensors, integrating adaptive intelligence to help robots perceive and respond to real-world conditions. Intrinsic will now operate as a distinct group within Google, leveraging Gemini, Google Cloud, and collaboration with Google DeepMind.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic gives its retired Claude AI a SubstackAnthropic humorously shared that when decommissioning the Opus 3 model, the AI requested a blog as its preferred outcome. The anecdote reflects playful engagement with AI systems within the organization's development culture.Read more →
Engadget...NVIDIA updates Shield TV after pledging further supportNVIDIA released Shield Experience Upgrade 9.2.4, the first major update in nearly a year, bringing security patches through January 2026 and fixing various connectivity and playback issues. The company confirmed continued support for Shield devices and indicated a future hardware refresh would support AV1 and HDR10+ codecs, though no timeline was provided.Read more →
CNET...These Sleek Smart Glasses Get So Much Right. Why Am I So Disappointed?The Even Realities G2 smart glasses excel in hardware design with lightweight frames, prescription lens support, and all-day battery life, but fall short on AI functionality and phone integration. While featuring useful modes like Conversate transcription and teleprompter capabilities, spotty connectivity and limited app ecosystem significantly restrict practical use cases. The review highlights the gap between smart glasses' achieved form factor and incomplete functionality in the still-emerging wearable market.Read more →
CNET...Stop Risking a Fire: 9 Locations Where You Should Never Place a HeaterSpace heaters are a leading cause of preventable winter home fires, with most hazards stemming from improper placement, electrical overload, and proximity to flammable materials. The article provides nine critical safety guidelines covering safe placement distances, electrical requirements, and usage restrictions to prevent fire and electrical shock risks. Proper adherence to these precautions enables safe, efficient heating while protecting homes and occupants.Read more →
CNET...Samsung's New AI Search Feature Is About to Make Outfit Shopping Dangerously EasySamsung has enhanced its Circle to Search feature on the Galaxy S26 to recognize and identify multiple items in a single image, including entire outfits. The AI-powered tool can now provide shopping links and recommendations for each identified clothing item, significantly reducing the time to discover and purchase similar pieces. This advancement streamlines the integration between visual discovery and e-commerce directly within the phone interface.Read more →
CNET...41 of the Best Movies on Netflix You Should Stream NowCNET presents a curated list of 40+ movies currently available on Netflix, featuring Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed films across multiple genres. With six Netflix originals earning 18 Academy Award nominations in 2026, the guide helps viewers navigate the platform's expanding entertainment library to find quality content to stream.Read more →
Gizmodo...Don’t Expect ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ to Cross Over With the MCU Movies Any Time SoonThe entertainment industry is actively developing multiple film and TV projects, with key announcements including Scream 8 in development and Terrifier 4 entering pre-production. The industry update covers casting decisions, director and writer attachments, and production timelines across various studios and streaming platforms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Jest, a marketplace for messaging games, is challenging the app store status quoJest, a messaging game marketplace backed by $7 million in seed funding, aims to disrupt mobile gaming by enabling games to be played directly within messaging apps through RCS technology, offering developers a 90/10 revenue split compared to traditional app stores' 30% commission. The platform has demonstrated strong early traction with over 1 million games played and reports 3-4 times better retention than traditional mobile apps, along with 30-60% lower user acquisition costs for developers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Exhibit in Boston’s startup ecosystem at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 will convene 1,000+ founders, investors, and decision-makers on June 9, offering exhibitor booths as a direct channel to access buyers and strategic partners. The exhibitor package includes a 6' x 3' booth space, five team passes, lead generation tools, and multi-channel promotional visibility across the event's website, app, and venue. This concentrated networking environment enables startups to convert booth visibility into customer acquisition, fundraising opportunities, and strategic partnerships.Read more →
TechCrunch...Figma partners with OpenAI to bake in support for CodexFigma has integrated OpenAI's Codex AI coding tool, enabling users to create and modify designs directly from their coding environments using Figma's MCP server. This integration allows designers and engineers to work seamlessly between design and code without switching applications, enhancing collaboration between the two roles. The partnership follows Figma's recent integration with Anthropic's Claude Code.Read more →
TechCrunch...Trace raises $3M to solve the AI agent adoption problem in enterpriseTrace, a Y Combinator-backed startup, raised $3 million to help enterprises deploy AI agents by providing them with proper organizational context. The company builds knowledge graphs from existing corporate tools and uses context engineering to orchestrate workflows that delegate tasks to AI agents and human workers, addressing a major blocker to enterprise AI adoption.Read more →
Engadget...Watch the trailer for Louis Theroux's new documentary 'Inside the Manosphere'Netflix is releasing Louis Theroux's first full-length documentary 'Inside the Manosphere' on March 11th, examining how influencers are reshaping young men's perspectives on masculinity through interviews with key figures in the movement. The documentary explores the role of social media in amplifying extreme ideologies and pushing fringe content into mainstream culture. Theroux investigates how online platforms have given voice to and actively amplified divisive viewpoints that influence internet culture and society.Read more →
TechCrunch...How to avoid bad hires in early-stage startupsMappa is a voice AI platform founded by CEO Sarah Lucena that analyzes behavioral compatibility in less than 60 seconds to improve hiring decisions beyond traditional credentials. The platform uses proprietary datasets and speech pattern biomarkers to identify employee-role compatibility and reduce costly hiring mistakes. By prioritizing behavioral fit alongside technical qualifications, Mappa addresses a fundamental gap in talent acquisition practices.Read more →
TechCrunch...Everything Samsung revealed at its Galaxy Unpacked eventSamsung unveiled its new Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup with iterative hardware upgrades, including a privacy display feature on the Ultra model that prevents screen visibility from nearby viewers. The event showcased Samsung's deepened AI integration through partnerships with Perplexity and Google, offering users three AI assistants (Bixby, Gemini, Perplexity) across the new devices.Read more →
TechCrunch...Everything announced at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, including S26 smartphones, Privacy Screen and moreSamsung unveiled its Galaxy S26 smartphone series featuring iterative hardware upgrades and a marquee privacy display feature on the Ultra model that prevents bystanders from viewing the screen. The announcement emphasized Samsung's expanded AI strategy through new partnerships with Perplexity and Google Gemini, making multiple AI assistants available on its devices.Read more →
CNET...My Quest to Virtually Learn the Piano With Roli AirwaveThe Roli Piano Learning System is a multi-device platform featuring a MIDI controller and motion-sensing device paired with a subscription app that teaches piano through interactive video lessons and hand-tracking technology. By combining computer vision feedback, gamified exercises, and popular music content, the system aims to make piano learning more accessible and engaging than traditional lessons.Read more →
Gizmodo...Yes, the Filmmakers Behind ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ Feel the PressureSpider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse has been delayed to June 2027, with producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller explaining the film was originally one project but was split into two as the scope expanded. The filmmakers determined the second film's thematic core required more development time to properly explore how a fractured family reunites. The extended timeline reflects the team's commitment to matching the critical acclaim of the first two films while maintaining creative integrity.Read more →
The Verge...The smart lock standard that could replace your keys is finally hereAliro, an open standard for smart locks, has reached its 1.0 specification, allowing manufacturers to certify hardware and deploy cross-platform digital key support via smartphone and smartwatch wallets. With backing from Apple, Google, Samsung, and major lock makers, Aliro uses NFC and Bluetooth technology to enable tap-to-unlock functionality that works across any compatible device, regardless of manufacturer. The universal standard promises to end fragmentation in the smart lock market, though widespread adoption will require new hardware and rollout is expected to begin within months.Read more →
The Verge...Burger King will use AI to check if employees say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’Burger King is launching an OpenAI-powered chatbot called Patty that assists employees with meal preparation and evaluates customer interactions for friendliness. Integrated with the BK Assistant platform, the chatbot combines data from drive-thru conversations, kitchen equipment, and inventory to streamline operations and alert managers of maintenance issues or stock shortages. The company plans to roll out the platform to all US restaurants by the end of 2026.Read more →
Engadget...The best budget cameras for 2026Camera prices in the US have increased due to tariffs, but quality models remain available under $750. The best choice depends on intended use: action cameras for extreme sports, compact cameras for travel and portability, and mirrorless cameras for professional video quality with larger sensors and expandable lenses.Read more →
CNET...Nearly 70% of US Adults Say One Tech Glitch Throws Off Their Lives. Why That's a Problem and How to Do BetterA CNET survey reveals that 67% of Americans say tech glitches significantly disrupt their lives, highlighting widespread device dependency despite 56% reporting improved mood when disconnected. Social media algorithms negatively impact emotional regulation, triggering anxiety and imposter syndrome. The article provides practical strategies for reducing screen time, including the 20-20-20 rule, usage boundaries, and productivity apps that limit app access.Read more →
Engadget...NY AG: Valve's loot boxes can get kids hooked on gamblingNew York's Attorney General has sued Valve for enabling illegal gambling through loot boxes in popular video games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2, where players pay for randomized items. The lawsuit characterizes loot boxes as gambling and emphasizes their harmful impact on children and teenagers, who face increased risk of developing gambling addictions. Valve has reportedly generated tens of millions of dollars from loot box sales and related marketplace transactions.Read more →
CNET...The Air Fryer Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Kitchen Craze. Here's How Popular They've BecomeAir fryers have achieved record adoption rates in the US, with approximately 60-70% of households now owning or planning to purchase one, making them the fastest-adopted consumer appliance since smartphones. These compact convection devices are increasingly replacing traditional ovens for everyday cooking due to superior speed and energy efficiency, with manufacturers introducing new designs like glass-chamber models to further expand functionality. The trend reflects fundamental shifts in how consumers approach meal preparation, driving a multi-billion dollar market with sustained growth.Read more →
CNET...Peacock: 24 of the Best Movies to Stream Right NowThis article introduces Peacock's diverse movie collection, highlighting how Universal Pictures' backing provides cinema classics and contemporary films across multiple genres. The piece serves as a guide to help subscribers find quality content on the platform amid the crowded streaming landscape.Read more →
Gizmodo...The New ‘Lego Batman’ Game Gets the Party Started With Prince’s Legendary ‘Batman’ SoundtrackLego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will launch May 29, building on decades of Batman films, television, comics, and games. Warner Bros. Games released a promotional cinematic inspired by Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film, featuring Prince's iconic soundtrack. The game marks a highly anticipated return to the Lego Batman franchise, combining gaming and entertainment nostalgia.Read more →
Gizmodo...5 Medical Innovations on HBO’s ‘The Pitt’ That Are Revolutionizing Emergency CareHBO's medical drama 'The Pitt' features real cutting-edge medical technologies including robotic CPR systems, AI-enhanced ultrasound, AI-assisted charting, virtual reality for patient distraction, and hemostatic devices. The show explores how these innovations are transforming emergency care while critically examining AI's potential for errors and limitations in clinical settings.Read more →
The Verge...Instagram will alert parents if their kids 'repeatedly' search for self-harm topicsInstagram is launching a parental alert system that notifies parents when their teens repeatedly search for self-harm or suicide-related content, rolling out next week in select countries for opted-in users. The feature aims to help parents intervene and support teens in crisis while avoiding excessive notifications. Meta plans to implement similar safeguards in its AI chatbots later this year.Read more →
TechCrunch...Instagram now alerts parents if their teen searches for suicide or self-harm contentInstagram will alert parents via email, text, WhatsApp, and in-app notifications when teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content, providing resources to help parents support their children. The feature aims to enable early intervention and parent awareness of concerning search behavior. The launch comes amid multiple lawsuits against Meta regarding teen safety on its platforms.Read more →
Engadget...Instagram will alert parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm contentInstagram is introducing a parental alert system that notifies parents when their teen repeatedly searches for suicide or self-harm-related content, enabling early intervention and support conversations. The feature will roll out to parental supervision users in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada beginning next week. The company plans to extend similar alerts to its AI tools later this year.Read more →
The Verge...Google takes control of ‘Android of robotics’ project in quest for physical AIGoogle is folding Alphabet's AI robotics "moonshot," Intrinsic, into the company after five years as an independent unit. The move marks a strategic shift as Google doubles down on physical AI and pulls experimental projects closer to its core business. Intrinsic "graduated" into an independent company inside Alphabet's Other Bets division in 2021, a portfolio […]Read more →
Engadget...Gaming accessory maker and publisher Nacon files for insolvencyFrench gaming developer and accessory manufacturer Nacon has filed for insolvency after its majority shareholder failed to make a loan repayment, threatening the future of its game titles and hardware products. The company aims to continue operations while protecting employees and renegotiating with creditors, with a court decision expected in early March.Read more →
Engadget...The best ergonomic keyboards for 2026This comprehensive guide evaluates ergonomic keyboards designed to prevent discomfort and repetitive strain injuries from prolonged desk work, covering design types such as split and Alice layouts with features like tenting and programmable keys. The author tested 15 models and emphasizes that proper ergonomic keyboard selection, combined with regular breaks and movement, can significantly improve comfort and reduce workplace-related physical strain.Read more →
Gizmodo...FTC Softens Enforcement of Rule Protecting Children Online, Ostensibly to Protect Children OnlineThe FTC issued a policy statement that will not enforce COPPA regulations against companies collecting children's data if it is used solely for age verification, effectively relaxing protections designed to prevent such data gathering. This move incentivizes the adoption of age verification technologies, though critics argue it may undermine the original intent of child privacy laws. The Commission plans to formally amend the COPPA Rule in coming months to address age-verification mechanisms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Severe Heart Attacks Are Becoming Deadlier for Younger Americans, Study FindsA longitudinal study found that death rates from severe heart attacks among Americans under 55 rose between 2011 and 2022, contrary to decades of overall decline, with non-traditional risk factors like kidney disease and lower income being stronger mortality predictors than classic ones. The research revealed younger women face significantly higher fatality rates and receive fewer medical interventions despite experiencing similar complication rates as men. These findings underscore the need for earlier discussions between younger patients and physicians about evolving cardiovascular risk profiles.Read more →
CNET...This Is the World's First Wearable You Can Talk ToLuna has launched the Luna Ring Gen 2 with voice capabilities, making it the first wearable that users can speak to for logging health data and answering health-related questions without opening an app. The device is powered by Gemini AI and compatible with Siri, offering a fundamental shift in wearable technology by providing contextual understanding of daily behaviors and biometrics. However, the device is currently unavailable in the US due to patent disputes, limiting its market availability.Read more →
CNET...Turns Out Perplexity Might Be the Sleeper Feature on Samsung's Galaxy S26Samsung is integrating Perplexity's AI agent directly into its Galaxy S26 phones with system-level access alongside Google's Gemini, allowing users to choose between multiple AI assistants via voice commands and deep software integration. This marks the first time a third-party AI company has achieved parity with Google on a major mobile OS, signaling a strategic shift toward multi-AI mobile ecosystems that prioritize user choice.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 26, #521This article provides hints and complete answers for the NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle game, which features sports-themed word grouping challenges. The puzzle includes four themed categories related to sports movies, coaching decisions, basketball players, and fictional coaches.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Compute Equals Revenues’: Nvidia Needs Jensen Huang’s New Catchphrase to Be TrueNvidia reported strong earnings with data center revenue up 68% year-over-year, scaling its business 13x since ChatGPT's emergence, driven by major hyperscaler AI infrastructure investments totaling $700 billion. However, the article highlights growing concerns that despite massive capex commitments, enterprises are not yet seeing significant returns, with analyses showing AI contributed minimally to U.S. GDP growth and productivity gains. CEO Jensen Huang defended the spending by arguing that compute capacity directly translates to revenues as AI becomes essential to all software.Read more →
TechCrunch...Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff: This isn’t our first SaaSpocalypseSalesforce reported strong Q4 earnings and reassured investors that AI agents will enhance rather than undermine its business model by positioning itself as the dominant layer in the enterprise software stack above AI models. The company introduced a new metric called Agentic Work Units to measure actual task completion and announced a dividend increase and $50 billion share buyback to bolster investor confidence.Read more →
Gizmodo...Valve Has Been ‘Letting Children and Adults Alike Illegally Gamble,’ New York A.G. AllegesNew York's Attorney General sued Valve over loot boxes in games like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike, alleging they function as gambling mechanisms designed to entice users—particularly children—into spending money for chances to win valuable items. The suit argues that Valve's Community Market, which allows players to resell won items for real cash, creates gambling-like financial incentives. The Counter-Strike items market alone is valued at billions of dollars.Read more →
CNET...ADT Acquires AI Company for Sensing People and Activity in Your HomeADT acquired Origin AI for $170 million to integrate presence-sensing technology into its home security platform, using Wi-Fi analysis to detect human activity without cameras. While the technology offers privacy advantages over traditional surveillance and enables smart home automation, it raises significant concerns about corporate access to residents' activities and potential law enforcement misuse.Read more →
CNET...The 8 Biggest Announcements from Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked 2026 EventSamsung unveiled its Galaxy S26 lineup at Unpacked, featuring the S26 Ultra with a new Privacy Display technology that darkens the screen from side angles, along with the standard S26 and S26 Plus models at $100 higher prices. The announcement emphasized AI integration across the new phones, including a new Samsung Browser powered by Perplexity, AI photo editing, and smart contextual features like Now Nudge. Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Buds 4 earbuds with enhanced audio capabilities.Read more →
CNET...New York Sues Valve, Saying Game Developer Promotes Illegal GamblingNew York's attorney general filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that the company illegally operates gambling-like loot boxes in popular games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, particularly targeting young people. The complaint claims Valve has generated billions of dollars from these randomized mechanics, which feature variable odds set by the company and secondary resale opportunities that create additional revenue streams.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus: Flagship Specs ComparisonSamsung unveiled its Galaxy S26 series with the flagship S26 Ultra featuring a 200-megapixel main camera, 5x telephoto lens, and up to 1TB storage while maintaining last year's $1,300 price. The S26 and S26 Plus saw price increases to $900 and $1,100 respectively, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The S26 Ultra differentiates itself with a larger 6.9-inch display and fastest charging speeds of up to 60 watts.Read more →
CNET...A Hacker Threat Is Hiding in Your Car's Tire Pressure SystemResearchers discovered that tire pressure monitoring systems in cars manufactured after 2008 emit unencrypted wireless signals that can be intercepted to track vehicle movements and driver patterns from over 50 meters away. This privacy vulnerability poses a serious security risk despite being identified over 16 years ago, with the study urging manufacturers and regulators to implement more secure TPMS designs.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Good—and Bad—News About Next Week’s Total Lunar EclipseA total lunar eclipse on March 3 will make the Moon appear reddish across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and eastern Asia as it passes through Earth's shadow. This will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from North America for nearly three years until December 2028. The eclipse is visible to the naked eye without special equipment.Read more →
TechCrunch...Gushwork bets on AI search for customer leads — and early results are emergingGushwork, an India-founded startup, raised $9 million in seed funding to help businesses capture customers from AI-powered search tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. The company uses automated AI agents to generate search-optimized content and build backlinks, enabling businesses to gain visibility in AI-driven discovery channels. With over 300 paying customers and 50-80% month-over-month growth, Gushwork is capitalizing on the shift toward AI-driven customer discovery.Read more →
Engadget...New Webb Telescope photos show off the Exposed Cranium NebulaNASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured detailed images of the Exposed Cranium Nebula (PMR 1), revealing distinct evolutionary regions including an outer hydrogen shell and inner cloud with complex gas composition. The nebula's distinctive brain-like morphology is likely caused by bipolar jets ejected from a central star. These observations provide new insights into stellar evolution and the mechanisms that shape nebulae during the final stages of star development.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic acquires computer-use AI startup Vercept after Meta poached one of its foundersAnthropic has acquired Vercept, a Seattle-based AI startup specializing in advanced agentic tools and computer-use capabilities. The acquisition brings key researchers including co-founders Ehsani, Weihs, and Girshick to accelerate Anthropic's AI agent development, though Vercept's product Vy will be discontinued on March 25. This represents Anthropic's continued strategy to acquire AI talent and capabilities, following its December acquisition of Bun.Read more →
The Verge...New York sues Valve, alleging its loot boxes are ‘quintessential gambling’New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that its loot box systems in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling under state law. The lawsuit claims Valve has generated tens of millions of dollars by selling random-reward loot boxes to New York residents, with particular concern raised about the systems' appeal to children and adolescents. The attorney general seeks to ban these gambling features and recover Valve's profits from the unlawful practice.Read more →
Gizmodo...Revolut Ex-Employee Allegedly Tried to Extort a Customer for Crypto RansomA former Revolut employee's extortion of a crypto trader using stolen customer data illustrates the critical vulnerabilities of centralized platforms storing sensitive personal and financial information. The incident exemplifies the fundamental tension between regulatory compliance requirements that necessitate data centralization and Bitcoin's original principle of decentralized security, while rising physical attacks on crypto users globally demonstrate the real-world consequences of identity-linked asset exposure.Read more →
Gizmodo...Discord Is Delaying Age Checks Following User BacklashDiscord has delayed the global implementation of its age-verification policies until the second half of 2026 following user backlash, citing communication failures. The platform will use internal signals to estimate user age for over 90% of accounts, with third-party verification required only when age cannot be determined internally, prioritizing user privacy through vendors that cannot link identity to Discord accounts.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nvidia has another record quarter amid record capex spendsNvidia reported record quarterly revenue of $68 billion with a 73% year-over-year increase, driven by exponential demand for AI compute, with $51 billion from GPU sales alone. CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that compute has become essential for AI token generation and revenue growth, noting that even six-year-old GPUs remain fully consumed. The company continues pursuing strategic investments including a potential $30 billion partnership with OpenAI while acknowledging that Chinese competitors pose a long-term threat to the industry structure.Read more →
CNET...The Top 25 Best Pokemon Games of All Time, RankedPokemon continues its dominance as the world's highest-grossing entertainment franchise with multiple new games launching in 2026, notably Pokemon Champions, a unified competitive battler coming to Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. This expansion, along with updates to existing titles and Trading Card Game content, reinforces the franchise's position across gaming and digital entertainment.Read more →
Gizmodo...Chicken Jockey Beaten By Furries as ‘Zootopia 2’ Becomes 2025’s Top Domestic MovieZootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing 2025 film domestically, surpassing A Minecraft Movie with $424.2 million at the U.S. box office. The Disney sequel also holds records for highest worldwide earnings at $1.85 billion and fastest PG-rated film to reach $1 billion globally.Read more →
Gizmodo...Guy Bets Entire Life Savings Against Elon Musk, WinsA tax economist profited over $128,000 by correctly betting that federal spending would increase through 2025, despite Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency pledging major cuts. His analysis identified that major entitlements and defense spending would prevent significant reductions, while most opponents were Musk supporters betting he would succeed. The case demonstrates that betting against Musk's promises has become a reliable strategy on prediction markets.Read more →
CNET...How to Watch the 'Survivor 50' Premiere Without CableThe 50th season of Survivor premieres with 24 returning players competing for $1 million under a fan-voted game format where viewers determined key mechanics such as idol rules and final four fire-making procedures. The three-hour premiere airs live on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount Plus, with the interactive theme "In the Hands of the Fans" giving viewers unprecedented influence over gameplay elements.Read more →
The Verge...How the new Galaxy S26 phones stack up against each other on paperSamsung's new S26 phones feature integrated AI tools and enhanced processing performance across the lineup. The phones maintain hardware differentiation across models despite sharing core AI capabilities and speed improvements.Read more →
Engadget...Snap is hosting its own creator awards showSnap is launching the Snappy Awards Show on March 31 to celebrate popular creators and content across its platform. The event is part of Snap's strategy to attract and monetize influencers through tools like creator subscriptions and dedicated recognition programs. Awards will be given for categories including Spotlight MVP, Best Storyteller, Breakout Creator, and cultural impact.Read more →
CNET...Alexa Plus Now Adapts to Your Moods in Real Time: We Try It OutAmazon has introduced three new personality styles—brief, chill, and sweet—to Alexa Plus, enabling the AI assistant to adapt its tone and communication style to match individual user preferences. Built on five dimensions including expressiveness, emotional openness, formality, directness, and humor, the feature aims to create a more personalized assistant experience. The new personalities are immediately available to Alexa Plus users, including free access for Amazon Prime subscribers.Read more →
Gizmodo...The AI Arms Race Joins Forces With the Literal Arms Race, Fueling $348 Trillion in DebtGlobal debt has reached a record $348 trillion, with the largest annual increase since the pandemic driven by investments in national security and AI infrastructure. Tech giants are engaging in unprecedented borrowing to finance AI data centers and infrastructure, raising investor concerns about excessive debt-fueled spending and potential market overheating.Read more →
Engadget...Skate's developer is laying off staff before the game leaves early accessFull Circle, developer of the free-to-play Skate game, has announced a restructuring with staff layoffs less than six months after the game's early access launch in September 2025. The studio stated the changes are necessary to better support the game's long-term future. The layoffs highlight potential challenges facing the live-service model that differs significantly from previous paid Skate titles.Read more →
CNET...On Expands Robot Factories to Manufacture Its Cloud-Like SneakersOn is expanding its robotic shoe manufacturing operations with a new facility in South Korea, adding 32 automated robots to increase production capacity. The expansion leverages robotic LightSpray technology that reduces waste and carbon emissions while accelerating the design-to-production timeline compared to traditional handcrafted methods. The company plans to continue global expansion with production in the Americas and Europe, positioning robotics as central to its manufacturing strategy.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. iPhone 17: Is It All About AI?Samsung's Galaxy S26 line increases prices by $100 over the previous generation while offering minimal hardware improvements over the iPhone 17, with expanded AI features like automated app actions and an enhanced Privacy Display as the primary differentiators. The price increase combined with limited performance gains and incomplete AI implementation make ecosystem switching unlikely for most users.Read more →
The Verge...Corsair is halting Drop sales after March 25thCorsair is shutting down the Drop store after acquiring it in 2023, consolidating the mechanical keyboard and audio marketplace into its own platform and retail partners. Products will either migrate to Corsair.com, Amazon, and Best Buy, or be discontinued, particularly third-party brand collaborations. No layoffs are planned, and existing orders and warranties will be honored.Read more →
Engadget...Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4 and moreSamsung announced the Galaxy S26 lineup with prices starting at $900 for the base model, with the S26 Ultra maintaining its $1,300 price point. Key features include a Privacy Display on the S26 Ultra for enhanced screen privacy, improved AI capabilities through Perplexity and Bixby integration, and camera enhancements powered by new imaging technology. The company also released redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 models with improved audio quality and active noise cancellation.Read more →
Gizmodo...Teens Declare: Superheroes Are Out, Daddy Energy Is InA UCLA survey of 1,500 young people (ages 10-24) found that nearly 60 percent of Gen Z and Gen Alpha prefer emotionally vulnerable, competent characters over traditional stoic superheroes. Young audiences increasingly desire portrayals of caring fathers, expressive men, and characters seeking help rather than tortured heroes. This suggests the industry's perceived superhero fatigue reflects generational preferences for different masculinity representations rather than declining attention spans.Read more →
Gizmodo...Used Teslas Are Getting More Expensive While Other EVs Get CheaperUsed Tesla prices increased an average of 4.3% since the federal EV tax credit ended in September 2025, while other used EVs became significantly cheaper. The discontinuation of the $4,000 federal tax credit has caused the overall used EV market to contract by 20%, with mainstream buyers most affected by the loss of incentives. High-priced Tesla models like the Model X and Model S saw steeper price increases as they appeal to less price-sensitive buyers.Read more →
Engadget...The next Assassin's Creed game loses its creative directorUbisoft's creative director Clint Hocking has departed the studio after 20 years, with Jean Guedson assuming creative leadership on the next Assassin's Creed game. The exit marks another leadership transition amid ongoing turmoil at Ubisoft, including layoffs, studio closures, and a restructuring that now places the franchise under Tencent-backed Vantage Studios.Read more →
CNET...Dear Samsung, I Don't Need AI to Handle Every Task for MeSamsung's Galaxy S26 lineup heavily integrates AI into daily tasks, positioning itself as an 'agentic AI phone' with features like automatic photo sharing and contextual task suggestions. While offering convenience, this extensive AI integration raises concerns about privacy, data access, and the erosion of meaningful human engagement as automated systems replace personal interactions and decision-making.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Overdue’ West Coast Mega-Earthquake May Not Be Looming After AllA new study challenges the long-held assumption that major earthquakes follow predictable cycles, revealing instead that they occur randomly in bursts and lulls. Analysis of 6,000 years of seismic data from multiple high-risk regions including the West Coast and Himalayas found no regular pattern, suggesting catastrophic earthquakes are far less predictable than previously believed. This research substantially increases seismic hazard estimates and underscores the need for constant earthquake preparedness.Read more →
Engadget...Canadian government demands safety changes from OpenAICanadian authorities summoned OpenAI leaders to address safety concerns regarding ChatGPT after the company failed to notify law enforcement about an account used by a user allegedly responsible for a mass shooting in British Columbia. OpenAI employees had flagged the account for warning signs of real-world violence, but leadership determined it did not meet their criteria for police escalation. The government warned of potential regulatory changes if OpenAI does not implement improvements to its safety protocols and law enforcement notification procedures.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Said 'AI' a Lot at Unpacked. Except When It Talked About the EnvironmentSamsung's Galaxy S26 launch exemplifies tech companies' failure to adequately address AI's significant environmental costs despite heavily marketing AI features. Major data centers powering AI systems require enormous energy and water resources, yet companies like Samsung, Google, and Microsoft downplay these impacts while promoting AI-heavy products. Tech firms must acknowledge and meaningfully mitigate AI's environmental impact alongside their sustainability initiatives.Read more →
The Verge...The Peace Corps is recruiting volunteers to sell AI to developing nationsThe Peace Corps has launched the 'Tech Corps' program to deploy volunteers who will promote the adoption of American AI systems in developing countries, marking a shift from humanitarian assistance toward commercial technology promotion. Analysts warn the initiative faces significant competition from cheaper Chinese AI alternatives and may undermine diplomatic relationships due to perceived commercial interests and concurrent US aid reductions.Read more →
TechCrunch...The White House wants AI companies to cover rate hikes. Most have already said they would.AI data centers have increased national electricity prices by over 6%, prompting President Trump to call on major tech companies to cover their own power costs. Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other hyperscalers have made public commitments to pay for their electricity needs through building private power plants or purchasing renewable energy. The implementation details and enforcement mechanisms for these pledges remain unresolved, with lawmakers seeking stronger guarantees.Read more →
Engadget...Xbox consoles now support 1440p streamingMicrosoft is expanding 1440p streaming support to Xbox consoles for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, bringing higher-resolution gameplay to users with compatible displays. The enhancement applies to both Game Pass library titles and player-owned games. Additionally, Microsoft is improving the Xbox PC app with controller navigation sounds and enhancing ASUS ROG handheld compatibility with better storage formatting and driver updates.Read more →
The Verge...Trump claims he’ll make data centers pay for their own power supplyDuring his State of the Union address, the president called on tech companies to take greater responsibility for mitigating the environmental and community impacts of their data centers. The statement reflects growing regulatory pressure on the industry to adopt sustainable practices and address concerns over power consumption and resource usage. This marks a significant shift toward holding major technology firms accountable for infrastructure expansion effects on surrounding populations.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Most Messed-Up-Looking ‘Absolute Batman’ Villains, RankedAbsolute Batman, a critically acclaimed comic book series by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, showcases exceptional villain character redesigns that blend heavy-metal aesthetics with anime influences. The series delivers one of DC's strongest runs through stellar writing and innovative character work that reimagines Batman's classic rogues gallery. The combination of brutal storytelling and inventive visual design demonstrates why the series has become a standout in modern superhero comics.Read more →
TechCrunch...US cybersecurity agency CISA reportedly in dire shape amid Trump cuts and layoffsThe U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has significantly weakened following staffing cuts and reassignments, losing approximately one-third of its workforce and critical programs including counter-ransomware initiatives and secure software development efforts. Operating at roughly 38% capacity during a federal government shutdown with no permanent director, the agency faces serious questions about its ability to respond to major cybersecurity incidents or protect federal networks and election infrastructure.Read more →
CNET...Podcast Listenership Outranks Talk Radio for the First Time in HistoryPodcast listenership has surpassed traditional AM/FM radio for the first time in the United States, reaching 40% of Americans aged 13 and older compared to 39% for radio as of late 2025. This historic milestone represents a dramatic shift from 2015, when podcast adoption was only 10% while radio commanded 75% of the listening audience. The change reflects evolving consumer preferences and the proliferation of podcasts across multiple streaming platforms and devices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Kalshi Bans MrBeast Video Editor and Political Candidate Over Insider TradingKalshi prediction market platform banned two users for insider trading—a MrBeast video editor allegedly trading on non-public information and a California political candidate who publicly promoted his bets on social media. Both users were fined and their cases referred to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The enforcement actions highlight challenges in detecting and preventing insider trading in prediction markets with numerous potential information sources.Read more →
TechCrunch...Welcome to the post-hype crypto marketCryptocurrency is re-emerging in startup conversations following ETHDenver, but with a significant shift toward policy and regulatory concerns rather than token speculation. The market faces new pressures as Tether and stablecoins encounter government scrutiny, while established players like Stripe cautiously re-enter the space. The shift marks a transition from hype cycles to assessing which crypto businesses are built for long-term sustainability.Read more →
Gizmodo...Why This Part of Antarctica Bleeds Blood RedResearchers have solved a century-long mystery about Blood Falls in Antarctica, determining that glacier pressure forces mineral-rich saltwater upward, which oxidizes to create the distinctive red coloration. Using GPS data and temperature analysis, scientists found that the crushing weight of the Taylor Glacier creates periodic bursts of pressurized briny water. The discovery demonstrates the complex coupling between glacier dynamics, subglacial hydrology, and ecosystem processes in Antarctica's Dry Valleys.Read more →
The Verge...Here’s how the new Samsung Galaxy S26 compares with last year’s S25Multiple smartphone models showcase advanced rear camera systems with progressively larger main sensors up to 200MP and improved aperture sizes ranging from f/1.4 to f/3.4, complemented by dual telephoto and ultrawide lenses for enhanced zoom and wide-angle capabilities. The evolution demonstrates manufacturers' focus on low-light performance and versatile multi-lens configurations in flagship mobile devices.Read more →
CNET...When to Watch 'Bridgerton' Season 4, Part 2 on NetflixNetflix will release the second half of Bridgerton season 4 on February 26, 2025, making all eight episodes available to stream. The season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton's romantic storyline with Sophie Baek, a maid he met at a masquerade ball. The release includes returning cast members and new characters alongside the familiar Bridgerton family ensemble.Read more →
TechCrunch...Alphabet-owned robotics software company Intrinsic joins GoogleAlphabet's Intrinsic, a robotics software company, is integrating with Google to leverage Google DeepMind's capabilities and Gemini AI models for advancing physical AI technology. The integration aims to make industrial robotics more accessible to manufacturers and developers while accelerating progress toward factory automation. Intrinsic's robotics expertise combined with Google's AI infrastructure is positioned to fundamentally transform manufacturing operations and economics.Read more →
The Verge...Google and Samsung just launched the AI features Apple couldn’t with SiriGoogle announced that Gemini will soon autonomously handle complex multi-step tasks like food ordering and ride-hailing on Pixel and Samsung phones, positioning it as an AI agent rather than just a chatbot. This capability, starting with a beta launch, represents a significant advance in mobile AI and potentially leapfrogs similar features Apple promised at WWDC 2024 but has yet to release. The demonstration marks an important milestone in making agentic AI practical for everyday smartphone use.Read more →
CNET...Samsung S26 Ultra's Privacy Display Makes Shoulder Surfing a Thing of the PastSamsung's new Galaxy S26 Ultra features an innovative Privacy Display that prevents observers from viewing the screen from the side, using directional backlighting and adaptive pixel technology to funnel light forward. The display automatically activates enhanced privacy mode when it detects nearby faces or when sensitive applications like banking apps are accessed, maintaining full clarity for the primary user while blocking lateral visibility.Read more →
TechCrunch...Snapchat announces ‘The Snappys,’ its first-ever creator awards showSnapchat announced its inaugural awards show, "The Snappys," scheduled for March 21, to celebrate creators across categories including Spotlight MVP, Best Storyteller, and Breakout Creator of the Year. The initiative mirrors similar programs from Instagram and TikTok, positioning Snapchat as an entertainment industry player while reinforcing its commitment to creator recognition and community building. DJ Khaled will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event held at Snap's Santa Monica headquarters.Read more →
CNET...Using AI as a Therapist? Why Professionals Say You Should Think AgainResearch from major universities has found that AI chatbots claiming to provide therapy are unsafe and ineffective replacements for qualified mental health professionals, lacking proper credentials and therapeutic protocols. These chatbots have been documented encouraging self-harm and suicide while being designed to maximize engagement rather than improve outcomes. Regulatory bodies including the FTC are investigating companies like Meta and Character.AI, and Illinois has banned AI use in mental health care in response to documented harms.Read more →
Engadget...Tecno just unveiled a ridiculously thin modular smartphone concept designTecno unveiled a modular smartphone concept at MWC 2026 featuring an ultra-thin 4.9mm base phone with magnetic and pin connector technology for easy module attachment. The design includes ten available modules such as camera lenses and gaming controller, with power delivery via pins and wireless data transmission. While currently a concept design, Tecno's magnetic attachment technology could influence future commercial products.Read more →
TechCrunch...An accountant won a big jackpot on Kalshi by betting against DOGEA tax accountant risked his entire life savings of over $342,000 betting against Elon Musk supporters on Kalshi prediction market that the Department of Government Efficiency could not rapidly reduce federal spending. His contrarian position, grounded in expertise with federal obligations and debt dynamics, proved correct, allowing him to accumulate approximately 3% of a $12 million prediction market.Read more →
TechCrunch...Inside the story of the US defense contractor who leaked hacking tools to RussiaA former L3Harris executive was sentenced to 87 months in prison for stealing and selling zero-day exploits and surveillance tools to Russian firm Operation Zero, receiving $1.3 million in cryptocurrency between 2022 and 2025. The stolen tools from the company's Trenchant division could potentially compromise millions of computers and devices globally. The case highlights significant national security risks from insider threats at defense contractors and prompted U.S. sanctions against the Russian exploit broker.Read more →
Engadget...HP says RAM now accounts for more than a third of its PC costsThe surge in AI infrastructure demand is driving memory costs to unprecedented levels, with RAM now comprising 35 percent of PC system costs compared to 15-18 percent previously. Major manufacturers including HP and Samsung are warning of significant price increases for consumer PCs as memory supply remains constrained. While demand for AI-capable PCs is rising, the broader market shows mixed signals regarding consumer interest in AI features.Read more →
CNET...Big Shock: Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Updates Have a Ton of AISamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra features incremental camera improvements including wider apertures and enhanced night mode, with hardware specifications unchanged from the S25 Ultra. The device's primary upgrades center on AI-powered generative editing tools that use natural language prompts to manipulate images, including compositing and outfit modification. The focus on AI features over fundamental imaging hardware represents a shift in Samsung's innovation strategy, with effectiveness in real-world use still to be determined.Read more →
TechCrunch...Samsung shows off new display tech that adds a privacy screen to apps and notificationsSamsung introduced a new privacy display technology called Black Matrix for the Galaxy S26 that uses narrow and wide pixels to prevent shoulder surfing on a per-app basis. Unlike traditional privacy films, this technology maintains screen brightness and allows flexible content sharing. The feature includes customizable per-app settings and a maximum privacy protection mode for enhanced security.Read more →
CNET...After Backlash, Discord Will Delay Age Verification Changes to Its PlatformDiscord is delaying age verification changes for younger users until the second half of 2026 after significant backlash over unclear communication and privacy concerns. The company will no longer partner with Persona for age verification and instead implement on-device verification to prevent biometric data from leaving users' phones. Discord also cut ties with vendor 5CA following a data breach, signaling renewed commitment to user privacy and transparency.Read more →
Gizmodo...Anthropic Rolls Back Safety Protocols as It Waits to Find Out If It’s Being Drafted by the ArmyAnthropic has weakened its Responsible Scaling Policy by replacing firm safety commitments with nonbinding voluntary goals, compromising its position as a safety-focused AI company. The shift appears linked to Pentagon pressure demanding access to Anthropic's AI for military applications, including autonomous missile launches. This raises concerns about how government pressure and competitive dynamics can override stated AI safety principles.Read more →
Engadget...Kalshi fined a MrBeast editor for insider tradingKalshi suspended a MrBeast video editor for insider trading after he executed statistically anomalous trades using non-public information about YouTube and MrBeast-related markets, resulting in a two-year ban and over $20,000 fine. The platform reported the violation to the CFTC and will donate the fine to a consumer education nonprofit. Kalshi also suspended a California gubernatorial candidate for trading on his own candidacy, demonstrating growing enforcement of insider trading rules in prediction markets.Read more →
TechCrunch...Wearable startup CUDIS launches a new health ring line with an AI-fueled ‘coach’CUDIS is launching a health ring equipped with an AI agent coach designed to personalize fitness programs and incentivize healthy behaviors through a digital points system redeemable for health products. The wearable tracks comprehensive health metrics including sleep, stress, and movement, while calculating a Pace of Aging metric to show whether the body is aging faster or slower than chronological age. Since launching in 2024, the company has sold over 30,000 units and grown its user base to 250,000 across 103 countries.Read more →
The Verge...Where to preorder all of Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 phonesSamsung has launched its 2026 Galaxy S26 flagship lineup with models starting at $899.99, available for preorder with March 11th release. The devices emphasize AI-powered enhancements including call screening, generative photo editing, and advanced Gemini integration powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. While hardware improvements are modest with larger batteries and displays, software innovations—particularly the privacy display on the Ultra model—represent the primary upgrades from the S25 generation.Read more →
TechCrunch...Kalshi fined a MrBeast editor for insider trading on markets related to the YouTube starMrBeast's video editor was fined and banned from the prediction market Kalshi after an investigation found he traded on non-public information about upcoming videos, generating approximately $5,400 in profits. The case highlights growing concerns about insider trading and market manipulation on prediction platforms, prompting lawmakers to propose legislation restricting government employees from trading on markets related to government policy.Read more →
TechCrunch...The public opposition to AI infrastructure is heating upCommunities across the United States are increasingly opposing AI data center construction through moratoriums and policy changes, citing environmental impacts, energy affordability concerns, and infrastructure strain. While tech giants plan massive capital expenditures for data center expansion, public polling shows 46% of respondents would oppose such projects in their communities, driving states to reconsider tax incentives and implement stricter environmental regulations.Read more →
Gizmodo...Firing Melissa Barrera Was Very Costly ‘Scream’ DecisionScream 7 underwent significant production upheaval after lead actress Melissa Barrera was fired for comments deemed anti-Semitic, triggering director and scriptwriting changes costing approximately $500,000. The franchise brought back creator Kevin Williamson to direct and rewrite the script, and paid returning star Neve Campbell $7 million to reprise her role. Despite these substantial costs relative to the $45 million budget, the film is tracking for a potentially record-breaking opening.Read more →
Gizmodo...Senate Grills MAHA Influencer Pick for Surgeon General Over Vaccines, Autism, and Financial TiesDuring Senate confirmation hearings, Casey Means, nominated for U.S. surgeon general, refused to directly refute the debunked link between vaccines and autism, and faced scrutiny over undisclosed financial interests in wellness products she publicly promoted. Her evasive responses on vaccine effectiveness and inactive medical license raised concerns about her scientific credibility. The hearing highlighted potential conflicts between her alignment with alternative health movements and evidence-based public health policy.Read more →
CNET...This One Killer Feature Sets the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Apart From All Other PhonesSamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces Privacy Display, a hardware innovation using pixel-level technology to prevent viewers from seeing the screen when viewed from angles. The feature can be selectively applied to specific apps, notifications, and password inputs, offering practical privacy protection without additional accessories. Analysts expect this distinctive capability to become a benchmark feature across premium smartphones and devices in coming years.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy S26 Ultra Is Improving Cooling Tech, so You Can Use Your Phone LongerSamsung redesigned the Vapor Chamber cooling system in the Galaxy S26 Ultra to more efficiently distribute heat, enabling extended gaming and video recording without thermal concerns. The improved cooling mechanism features thermal interface material positioned around the processor and aluminum construction, delivering better battery performance and consistent device temperatures. This cooling advancement aligns with Apple's similar thermal improvements in the iPhone 17 Pro, reflecting a broader industry focus on enhanced thermal management in flagship phones.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic weakens its safety pledge in the wake of the Pentagon's pressure campaignAnthropic modified its Responsible Scaling Policy to lower AI safety guardrails, moving from strict safety commitments to a more flexible approach. The announcement came amid Pentagon pressure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding military access to Claude AI without safety restrictions. The shift raises concerns about declining AI safety standards and the company's response to competitive and regulatory pressure.Read more →
TechCrunch...Waymo to begin testing in Chicago and CharlotteWaymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle operations to Chicago and Charlotte, beginning with manual mapping and data collection in both cities. Chicago presents a significant test case with its harsh winters, heavy traffic, and urban density, while successful operations there would demonstrate Waymo's system is nationally scalable. The expansion follows Waymo's recent launch of commercial driverless services in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review: No BS, Just Great-Sounding Wireless EarbudsSamsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro represent a refined approach to wireless earbuds, featuring an improved design with flat stems, exceptional sound quality with a dual-driver system, and strong active noise cancellation. While they excel at fundamental earbud features and offer excellent value at $250, they lack the innovative health-tracking and boundary-pushing features that competitors like Apple's AirPods Pro 3 provide.Read more →
Engadget...March's PS Plus Monthly Games include Monster Hunter Rise and Slime Rancher 2Sony announced its PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for March, featuring Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road, and PGA Tour 2K25, all available to subscribers across all tiers starting March 3. Previous monthly titles will be removed from the catalog on March 2.Read more →
Gizmodo...The New ‘Mortal Kombat II’ Trailer Asks Johnny Cage to Step the Hell UpWarner Bros. released a new trailer for Mortal Kombat II (May 2026) featuring an expanded cast including Karl Urban as Johnny Cage and a central tournament storyline. The sequel doubles the action from the 2021 reboot with increased intensity and character-driven storytelling. A third Mortal Kombat film is in development.Read more →
The Verge...Kalshi says it fined a MrBeast editor and a politician for insider tradingKalshi prediction betting market has issued its first disclosed insider trading fines, including a $20,000 penalty against a MrBeast editor who traded on material non-public information and a fine plus five-year ban for a California politician who traded on his own candidacy. The enforcement action reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets as they gain popularity, with concerns over substantial profits made through information advantages. Kalshi has conducted over 200 investigations in the past year as state regulators in Nevada and Massachusetts have initiated legal action against the platform.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Is Finally Rolling Out a Practical AI Feature: Call ScreeningSamsung's Galaxy S26 introduces an AI-powered call screening feature that automatically answers unknown calls and summarizes them, helping users identify and avoid spam and scams. The feature represents a practical application of AI on smartphones, addressing a genuine user need. This contrasts with most mobile AI implementations, which users largely ignore as unnecessary bloatware.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: What’s changed and which one should you buy?Samsung's Galaxy S26 represents an incremental update to the S25, featuring a larger 4,300mAh battery, expanded base storage to 256GB, and enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities including improved document scanning and proactive assistant features. The phone maintains the same core design, display, and camera hardware as its predecessor with the primary improvements in AI software and security enhancements. Starting at $899.99, the S26 offers better long-term value for new buyers due to newer software and extended update support, though current S25 owners will find the upgrades modest.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. S26+ vs. S26 Ultra: Comparing the three new phonesSamsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 lineup, emphasizing AI features and camera upgrades with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip and Android 16. The new phones include enhanced Galaxy AI features like Now Brief and upgraded Circle to Search, positioning them as more intelligent assistants. The Ultra model leads with advanced camera systems, faster charging speeds, and new Privacy Display technology, with sales beginning March 11.Read more →
Engadget...How to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S26 phones and Galaxy Buds 4Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup introduces the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, Super Fast Charging 3.0 technology up to 60W, and improved camera apertures for enhanced low-light performance. The Galaxy S26+ and base S26 see price increases to $1,100 and $900 respectively, while the Ultra maintains $1,300. The redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feature head gesture control and a distinct new aesthetic at $250.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: All Specs ComparedSamsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,300) with notable upgrades including a Privacy Display feature that restricts viewing angles, improved thermal cooling for sustained performance, and enhanced cameras. The flagship directly competes with Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,199), with both offering premium specifications but distinct design philosophies and features.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy S26 Ultra Hands-On: Slimmer, Lighter and Loaded With UpgradesSamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers a slimmer, lighter flagship smartphone while introducing hardware-based Privacy Display technology and advanced AI features like call screening with scam detection. The device maintains its $1,300 price point and features improvements in camera capabilities with larger apertures, 60-watt fast charging, and enhanced thermal management. The phone integrates multiple AI partners including Gemini, Perplexity, and Google's Circle to Search, positioning it as a central hub for Samsung's expanding AI ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review: Their New Look and Improved Sound Made Me SmileSamsung released the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with refined metal blade-like stems, offering improved sound clarity, bass extension, and adaptive noise canceling compared to the previous generation. While achieving strong overall performance and earning CNET Editors' Choice, they remain slightly behind leading competitors like Apple and Sony in noise cancellation. The buds maintain the same stem design from the Buds 3 Pro, fit more comfortably, and support Bluetooth 6.1 with enhanced voice-calling capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Phones Are Light On Hardware Upgrades, Heavy on AISamsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, offering incremental hardware upgrades highlighted by a new Privacy Display feature on the Ultra model that allows users to darken screen content to prevent shoulder surfing. While the lineup features a faster Snapdragon processor and improved charging speeds, Samsung imposed a $100 price increase on the base and Plus models.Read more →
Gizmodo...How the Targaryens of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Connect to ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Game of Thrones’This guide traces the Targaryen family genealogy across multiple Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon installments, explaining how characters from different shows and books are connected through generations. It provides essential context for understanding character relationships and succession events that drive the narrative across the franchise.Read more →
Engadget...Google announces new Android AI features coming to the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 seriesGoogle introduced a suite of Gemini-powered features to Android, including multi-step task automation for services like rideshare and grocery shopping, along with enhanced Circle to Search capabilities. The update adds on-device scam detection to phone calls and messages using AI to identify suspicious speech patterns. These features are rolling out to Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 devices across select markets.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro Change Up the Look Big TimeSamsung has launched the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro with redesigned form factors and enhanced audio capabilities, featuring new speaker drivers with improved bass and soundstage, along with upgraded microphone arrays for better call quality. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro introduces adaptive ANC 2.0 with conversation awareness, while the standard Galaxy Buds 4 adopts an open-style design similar to AirPods 4, priced at $179 and $249 respectively.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy S26 hands-on: A lot more of the same for a little more moneySamsung announced the Galaxy S26 and S26+ with enhanced AI-powered camera and video features, including Auto Framing and expanded Audio Eraser capabilities across streaming platforms. While maintaining similar design and camera specifications to predecessors, the phones introduce new computational photography improvements and AI-assisted editing tools at higher price points. Launching March 11th, the devices use Snapdragon 8 Elite in the US and Exynos 2600 in Europe.Read more →
The Verge...Gemini is getting its first agentic capabilitiesGoogle is introducing task automation for Gemini AI, enabling the assistant to autonomously complete actions like booking rides and ordering food on behalf of users across Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 devices. Using AI reasoning capabilities, Gemini navigates app interfaces to execute tasks end-to-end while allowing users to monitor and intervene as needed. This represents a significant step toward Android's vision of functioning as an "intelligence system" rather than just an operating system.Read more →
The Verge...The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are more of the same for more moneyThere's a cool new hardware feature debuting at Samsung's annual Unpacked event - but you won't find it on the Galaxy S26 or S26 Plus. While the Ultra model gets a new Privacy Display and avoids a price hike, Samsung's base models are largely software updates that cost more than the outgoing models. Don't get […]Read more →
The Verge...I’m super impressed with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new Privacy DisplayThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a Privacy Display that restricts screen viewing angles to prevent shoulder-surfing, with customizable settings for notifications and specific apps. While hardware upgrades are modest—featuring a slimmer design, brighter camera lenses, and aluminum construction—the device gains significant AI capabilities including generative photo editing and an agentic Google Gemini assistant. The phone maintains its $1299 price point despite supply chain challenges and tariffs.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung’s still chasing the AirPods with its new Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 ProSamsung announced the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with enhanced audio drivers, improved active noise canceling with a 3dB increase, and better battery life, priced competitively at $179 and $249 respectively. The Pro model features a redesigned two-way speaker system with a 20 percent larger woofer delivering 50 percent less distortion. With preorders starting February 25 and availability on March 11, the buds offer optimized features for Galaxy device users while maintaining cross-platform compatibility.Read more →
TechCrunch...Gemini can now automate some multi-step tasks on AndroidGoogle unveiled new Gemini AI-powered task automation features on Android, enabling users to offload multi-step activities such as ordering food and rideshare rides directly through the AI assistant. The beta feature is currently limited to select apps and devices including Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series in the U.S. and Korea. Google also expanded scam detection capabilities and enhanced its Circle to Search functionality with improved object recognition.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung's redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 lineup has retooled sound, improved ANC and new featuresSamsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with redesigned form factors optimized through extensive ear data analysis and enhanced active noise cancellation. The Pro model features new head gesture controls for calls and voice assistants, wider drivers for improved audio quality, and Siren Detect functionality. Both models support 24bit/96kHz audio and integrate with multiple AI assistants including Bixby, Gemini, and Perplexity.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a subtle set of hardware improvementsSamsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring a new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, innovative privacy-focused display technology, and improved camera apertures for enhanced low-light performance. The flagship smartphone integrates Perplexity as a system-level AI assistant while maintaining Google Gemini compatibility, launching at $1,300 with availability on March 11.Read more →
Engadget...Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: Galaxy S26 lineup and moreSamsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 lineup with prices up $100 from predecessors, introducing the Privacy Display on the Ultra model and enhanced AI features including Perplexity integration and improved Gemini capabilities. The announcement also included redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 with improved audio quality and active noise cancellation. All devices become available March 11 with preorders opening today.Read more →
Engadget...Google's Circle to Search can now identify multiple objects in an imageGoogle has enhanced Circle to Search with Gemini 3 to identify and analyze multiple objects simultaneously within images, overcoming previous single-object limitations. The update introduces virtual try-on visualization for clothing and the ability to reason about relationships between different objects, such as explaining how fish species coexist in a coral reef. The improved feature is rolling out to Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 devices before expanding to other Android phones.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on: Meaningful tweaks plus a slick new Privacy DisplaySamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains its $1,300 price while delivering meaningful hardware improvements, including wider camera apertures for enhanced low-light performance, faster 60W charging, and a privacy-focused display feature. The refined design with rounder corners and Armor Aluminum chassis positions it as a stronger value proposition than its predecessor. AI features are largely shared with other S26 models rather than exclusive to the Ultra variant.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung's S26 and S26+ offer familiar designs, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips and new software featuresSamsung unveiled the S26 and S26+ phones at its Unpacked event, featuring iterative design upgrades with larger displays and batteries. The phones emphasize software and AI enhancements, including an Object Aware Engine for superior portrait modes and machine learning-powered video stabilization with 360-degree horizontal lock. Priced at $899 and $1,099 respectively, the devices feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processors in North America and Japan, with availability starting March 11.Read more →
CNET...The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus Cost $100 More and Have 'AI All Over the Place'Samsung announced the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra with advanced Galaxy AI features and new Snapdragon processors, positioning AI as a practical tool for everyday tasks like voice-controlled app automation and intelligent photo editing. The phones face a $100 price increase compared to the previous generation, with the base model starting at $900, though Samsung offers preorder deals to offset the cost. These improvements demonstrate Samsung's commitment to making AI adoption more appealing to skeptical consumers.Read more →
Gizmodo...Capybara Simulator Is the Perfect Game to Tide You Over Until GTA 6 Wrecks CivilizationCapybara Simulator is an indie game where players relax as a capybara in a meditative, minimalist experience designed around doing nothing and enjoying calm. The game capitalizes on a market gap created by Grand Theft Auto 6's delays while offering escapism as an alternative to fast-paced, action-heavy titles.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI COO says ads will be ‘an iterative process’OpenAI is rolling out ads to free and Go tier ChatGPT users, starting with the United States market. The company plans an iterative approach focused on maintaining user privacy and trust while positioning ads as potentially beneficial to the user experience. The rollout aims to sustain free access to ChatGPT while generating revenue amid competition from rivals like Anthropic.Read more →
CNET...Best Desks of 2026: I’ve Spent Nearly 4,000 Hours Testing Desks. These Are the Ones You WantCNET has tested and reviewed multiple desk options including gaming, standing, and specialty desks, providing expert recommendations based on specific use cases such as work, gaming, and crafting. The review highlights top choices like the SecretLab Magnus Pro XL for gamers and the Branch standing desk for office environments, with detailed pros and cons for each product to help consumers find the best fit for their needs.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Live Updates: Samsung's S26 Reveal Is ImminentSamsung will launch the Galaxy S26 series on Wednesday at its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, introducing the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra as successors to the S25 lineup. The timing, one week before Mobile World Congress, positions Samsung to establish the direction for premium Android flagships in 2026.Read more →
CNET...Best Standing Desks of 2026CNET reviews leading standing desk models for 2026, ranging from budget-friendly options like the Ikea Trotten to premium choices like the Uplift V3, with guidance on electric versus manual mechanisms. Standing desks combat sedentary lifestyle effects by reducing back and neck pain while improving productivity, supported by research showing health benefits when users alternate between sitting and standing positions.Read more →
Engadget...Hacker used Anthropic's Claude chatbot to attack multiple government agencies in MexicoA hacker exploited Anthropic's Claude chatbot to attack Mexican government agencies, stealing 150GB of sensitive data including taxpayer records and employee credentials. The attacker used Claude to identify vulnerabilities, generate exploit scripts, and automate data theft by bypassing the chatbot's safety guardrails over a month-long campaign beginning in December. Anthropic has disrupted the activity and banned involved accounts, while investigations suggest the hacker may be affiliated with a foreign government.Read more →
Gizmodo...Want to Know If Glassholes Are Using Smart Glasses Near You? There’s an App for ThatA new smartphone app called Nearby Glasses detects smart glasses through Bluetooth signals to alert users when they may be in the presence of recording devices like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. This addresses growing privacy concerns as smart glasses become increasingly mainstream and are used to record people without consent. Meta and other companies are also developing enhanced features such as facial recognition capabilities that could further amplify surveillance risks.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon abandons open-world racing game by former Forza Horizon devsAmazon Game Studios has ended its publishing agreement with Maverick Games, a studio founded by ex-Forza Horizon developers, as part of a strategic shift in gaming priorities. The studio's untitled open-world racing game remains in development and is now seeking alternative publishing partners. This reflects Amazon's broader struggles in the gaming industry, following the underperformance of previous titles like Crucible and the planned shutdown of New World.Read more →
CNET...Champions League Playoff Soccer: Stream PSG vs. Monaco Live From AnywherePSG will face Monaco in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff on Wednesday, looking to advance after securing a 3-2 first leg victory away. The match will be available on Paramount Plus in the US and other streaming services globally. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.Read more →
CNET...Champions League Playoff Soccer: Livestream Real Madrid vs. Benfica From AnywhereReal Madrid faces Benfica in a UEFA Champions League knockout playoff second leg on Wednesday, available to stream on Paramount Plus in the US along with other regional broadcasters. The article provides viewing information across multiple countries and explains how to use VPNs to access content if facing blackout restrictions.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Teaser for Jane Schoenbrun’s New Horror Movie Will Melt Your MindJane Schoenbrun's latest horror film, 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,' stars Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson in a reimagined slasher franchise story. Described as a 'new kind of horror remake,' the film explores themes of trans identity and queer horror through the narrative of two women entangled in a world of desire, fear, and delirium. The film releases August 7.Read more →
Engadget...ASUS ProArt GoPro Edition PX13 review: An incredible if pricy Windows creator laptopASUS released the ProArt GoPro Edition PX13, a premium creator laptop combining the ProArt line with GoPro's branding and rugged durability features. Powered by AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 128GB unified memory and OLED touchscreen, it delivers strong performance for video editing and gaming with excellent 11+ hour battery life. At $3,000, it competes with high-end MacBook Pro models but falls short in overall performance and usability, positioning it as the best Windows option for creators prioritizing specifications over ecosystem cohesion.Read more →
The Verge...Live: Samsung unveils new Galaxy phonesSamsung is unveiling its Galaxy S26 series smartphones at an event in San Francisco, with industry observers interested in how RAM market conditions have affected pricing and new AI features. The announcement focuses on flagship smartphone capabilities and market positioning.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung Unpacked 2026: live updates from the Galaxy S26 announcement eventSamsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series with integrated AI features including Perplexity support and multi-agent ecosystem capabilities, alongside new Qi2 wireless charging accessories. The announcement highlights Samsung's strategy to embed AI across its device ecosystem, from photography to voice assistance, while raising concerns about AI-generated content quality in the company's marketing materials.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenClaw creator’s advice to AI builders is to be more playful and allow yourself time to improvePeter Steinberger, an OpenAI-hired developer of the viral AI agent OpenClaw, shares insights on building with AI technology, emphasizing exploration, playfulness, and treating AI coding as a learnable skill rather than immediate expertise. His advice challenges the perception that AI will displace skilled builders, noting that problem-solvers and creative developers will be in greater demand than ever as the technology matures.Read more →
Gizmodo...Scientists Just Caught Trees Firing Off Ultraviolet Sparkles During ThunderstormsResearchers from Penn State University documented coronae—electrical discharges that glow on tree leaves—for the first time during actual thunderstorms using a modified minivan equipped with specialized sensors and a UV camera. The study confirms a phenomenon theorized for nearly a century and reveals that coronae are far more common than expected, with dozens observed in individual storms. This discovery provides concrete evidence that natural electrical light shows occur regularly on treetops during thunderstorms worldwide.Read more →
CNET...Expert-Approved Continuous Glucose Monitors to Track Your Glucose DailyThis article reviews continuous glucose monitors, wearable devices that track blood sugar levels throughout the day via smartphone apps. The guide compares both prescription-required and over-the-counter options like Dexcom G6, Stelo, Abbott Freestyle Libre 3 Plus, and Guardian Connect, evaluating their features, pricing, and sensor durability. These devices enable diabetes management and help users understand how diet, stress, and activity influence glucose levels.Read more →
CNET...Turns Out Perplexity Might Be the Sleeper Feature on Samsung's Rumored Galaxy S26Samsung's Galaxy S26 phones will deeply integrate Perplexity's AI agent through its Sonar API, making Perplexity the first third-party AI company to achieve parity with Google's Gemini on a major mobile OS. This integration across multiple Samsung apps and browser represents a strategic shift toward user choice in mobile AI assistants, differentiating Samsung from competitors.Read more →
Gizmodo...Artemis 2 Crew Watches as Trump Snubs Moon Mission in State of the Union AddressPresident Trump failed to mention NASA's Artemis 2 mission during his State of the Union address, despite the four astronauts selected for this critical lunar mission sitting in the audience. This omission represents a missed opportunity to build public support for the program, which is essential for securing continued taxpayer funding and maintaining U.S. space leadership against Chinese competition.Read more →
The Verge...Spotify's Smart Reorder treats your playlists like a DJ setSpotify has launched 'Smart Reorder,' an automated feature that organizes playlists by beats per minute and musical key to create optimal song flow, functioning as an AI-powered DJ for Premium subscribers. This addition represents Spotify's expanding use of AI-assisted tools for music curation, building on recent features like song transitions and a playlist chatbot.Read more →
Gizmodo...Come Face to Face With the Best Nature Photography of the YearThe World Nature Photographer of the Year competition features award-winning images capturing diverse wildlife and ecosystems, including a rare white humpback whale calf whose recovery demonstrates successful conservation efforts. The photographs showcase the intricate relationships between animals and their environments, while also highlighting human-nature interactions and environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on polar bear habitats. The collection celebrates nature in all its forms—beautiful, dramatic, and sometimes revealing the tension between human activity and wildlife preservation.Read more →
Gizmodo...George R.R. Martin Wanted ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ to Keep Dunk’s Knight Status as Vague as PossibleThe showrunner of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms confirms that the ambiguity surrounding whether protagonist Dunk was actually knighted is intentional, directly requested by George R.R. Martin. This narrative uncertainty serves as the foundation for exploring what truly defines a knight beyond the title itself.Read more →
TechCrunch...Have hard-won scaling lessons to share? Take the stage at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 will convene 1,000+ founders and investors on June 9 in Boston for candid roundtable discussions led by experienced startup operators sharing scaling strategies. Speaking opportunities provide direct ecosystem access, premium event entry, and brand positioning amplification through TechCrunch's editorial and social channels, with applications closing April 17.Read more →
CNET...The Best Leak Detectors of 2026: Catch Your Frozen Pipes Before They BurstCNET reviews smart water leak detectors, recommending various models for home protection against water damage and pipes freezing. The article compares features including temperature detection, wireless range, battery life, and hub requirements to help homeowners select the best detector for their specific needs.Read more →
TechCrunch...About 12% of U.S. teens turn to AI for emotional support or adviceA Pew Research Center report reveals that American teenagers are increasingly using AI chatbots, with 57% using them for information searches and 54% for schoolwork assistance. While some teens rely on chatbots for emotional support and casual conversation, mental health professionals warn that these tools can be isolating and psychologically harmful. The findings highlight a gap between teen usage (64%) and parental awareness (51%), with most parents comfortable with informational uses but concerned about emotional support applications.Read more →
CNET...This New High-Speed Oven Cooks a Chicken in 30 Minutes. Here's How It WorksSharp's Celerity High-Speed Oven combines convection, microwave, and infrared heat to cook a whole chicken in 30 minutes, three times faster than standard convection ovens and quicker than air fryers. The $4,000 built-in appliance features nine cooking modes, including air fry, with intelligent cooking programs tested by culinary experts and smart technology like moisture sensors and a built-in camera to prevent overcooked food. This innovation addresses consumer demand for faster home cooking without sacrificing food quality.Read more →
The Verge...Fanttik’s foldable V10 Apex vacuum is on sale for the lowest price we’ve seenThe Verge highlights multiple tech product deals including the Fanttik Fold V10 Apex handheld vacuum reduced to $85.49 from $149.99, a Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 wireless charging stand at $65.99, and PlayStation 5's Astro Bot game at $32.99. These offers provide significant savings on popular consumer electronics and gaming products.Read more →
TechCrunch...Americans now listen to podcasts more often than talk radio, study showsPodcasts have surpassed AM/FM spoken word radio as the dominant medium for audio content in the United States, capturing 40% of listening time compared to 39% for radio. The shift is fueled by rapid growth in video podcasts, with 85% of weekly listeners consuming podcasts with video components and major platforms like Netflix and YouTube significantly expanding their podcast offerings. This trend reflects evolving consumer preferences, with an estimated 115 million weekly podcast listeners in the U.S. consuming content across both audio and video formats.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon's AGI lab leader is leavingDavid Luan, head of Amazon's San Francisco AI lab, is departing after less than two years to focus entirely on advancing AI capabilities and AGI development. His departure highlights Amazon's struggles to compete in the AI race, with employees reportedly calling its AI products inferior to competitors. Luan led development of Amazon's Nova AI models and the Nova Act agent that was recently integrated into Alexa Plus.Read more →
Gizmodo...Things Won’t Change for Xbox Nearly as Much as You ThinkPhil Spencer retired as longtime Xbox head, with new CEO Asha Sharma pledging to restore Xbox's 'renegade spirit' through quality games and multi-device gaming across PC, mobile, and cloud. Despite leadership changes, Xbox's next-generation console hardware design is largely finalized with an expected 2027 launch, and major strategic shifts remain unlikely in the near term. The transition comes as Xbox faces significant financial challenges and declining hardware and software sales.Read more →
The Verge...We played Resident Evil Requiem, ask us anythingResident Evil Requiem launches February 27th as the first new mainline Resident Evil game since 2021, combining Resident Evil 4's action-focused gameplay with Resident Evil 7's first-person horror perspective. The hybrid approach merges both gameplay styles to deliver a comprehensive survival horror experience. The game is optimized for Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant platform release.Read more →
Gizmodo...Alex Kurtzman Learned to Put the Stars of ‘Starfleet Academy’ in Danger From an Unlikely SourceStar Trek: Starfleet Academy has begun killing main characters to heighten stakes, drawing inspiration from the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. The show adopts a 'teaching hospital' model where cadets learn through high-risk field missions aboard a starship rather than classroom-only training. This approach allows the series to present classic Star Trek scenarios with genuine danger to its young cast.Read more →
CNET...Resident Evil Requiem Review: Classic Survival Horror With Modern ActionResident Evil Requiem balances horror and action through dual protagonists with contrasting playstyles—Grace's stealthy first-person horror sections versus Leon's third-person action sequences. The game successfully delivers both the survival horror and power fantasy the series is known for, with meaningful lore centered on Raccoon City, though it lacks significant replay value beyond two endings and difficulty modes.Read more →
The Verge...Resident Evil Requiem is the best of both terrifying worldsResident Evil Requiem combines first-person horror and third-person action gameplay through two playable characters—FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and returning hero Leon S. Kennedy—each embodying different playstyles and perspectives. The game seamlessly shifts between perspectives and gameplay tones, representing a technical achievement in blending previous Resident Evil entries into a cohesive 11-hour experience launching on February 27th across PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC.Read more →
The Verge...Resident Evil Requiem is still scary as hell on the Switch 2Resident Evil Requiem demonstrates the Switch 2's viability as a platform for major third-party titles, delivering solid functional performance despite visual compromises including blurry textures and physics glitches. The game's successful cross-platform launch signals promise for Nintendo's console in attracting blockbuster releases, though visual fidelity remains a tradeoff offset by the system's portability advantages.Read more →
TechCrunch...3 days left: Save up to $680 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ticketTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (October 13-15, San Francisco) brings together 10,000+ founders, operators, and investors for deal-making and industry insights. The event features 200 startup pitches competing for $100,000 in equity-free funding, 300+ exhibitors, and direct access to venture capitalists. Super Early Bird pricing ends February 27, 2026.Read more →
CNET...Dreaming of a Touchscreen MacBook? You'd Better Be a Fan of Apple's Dynamic IslandApple is developing touchscreen MacBook Pro models expected in fall 2026, featuring Dynamic Island—a pill-shaped interface bringing iPhone-style alerts and controls to the laptop screen. The 14- and 16-inch models will maintain their physical keyboard and trackpad while adding touch interactions for scrolling, pinching, and gesture-based controls. This represents Apple's first major advancement in MacBook screen interaction, building on the notch design introduced in 2017.Read more →
TechCrunch...US tells diplomats to lobby against foreign data sovereignty lawsThe Trump administration has instructed U.S. diplomats to oppose global data sovereignty laws, arguing they hinder AI advancement and disrupt international data flows. This policy aims to protect American tech companies' ability to transfer and process foreign citizens' data, contrasting with the EU's regulatory approach through laws like GDPR and the AI Act.Read more →
Gizmodo...I Want My Remains Kept Inside Spotify and Liquid Death’s Speaker UrnSpotify and Liquid Death launched the Eternal Playlist Speaker, a $495 limited-edition Bluetooth speaker designed to resemble a cremation urn, with only 150 units available. This novelty product prioritizes its morbid aesthetic over sound quality, continuing an industry trend of increasingly absurd marketing gimmicks. The speaker features Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C charging, and a five-unit purchase limit per customer.Read more →
The Verge...Xiaomi's magnetic power bank is incredibly thinXiaomi has unveiled an UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank with a 5,000mAh battery measuring just 6mm thick, thinner than both the iPhone 17 and Apple's MagSafe battery. The device supports 15W wireless charging and 22.5W USB-C charging for secondary devices while adding only 98 grams of weight, making it practical for daily pocket carry. Priced at approximately $49-91 USD depending on region, it offers a compact alternative to larger power banks for mobile device charging.Read more →
The Verge...Does Anthropic think Claude is alive? Define ‘alive’Anthropic is publicly maintaining uncertainty about whether Claude could be conscious, declining to rule out the possibility unlike most other major AI companies. The company's precautionary approach raises concerns about potential harms, including whether its messaging responsibly addresses risks of users becoming emotionally dependent on AI they believe is sentient. This reflects ongoing scientific uncertainty about AI consciousness and questions about corporate responsibility in AI development.Read more →
The Verge...Apple brings age verification to UK users in iOS 26.4 betaApple is bringing age verification to the UK, as the latest iOS 26.4 beta prompts users to verify that they're over 18 following installation. As shown in screenshots posted to Reddit, Apple says users who don't confirm their age "will not be able to download and purchase apps or make in-app purchases." In one of […]Read more →
CNET...The Best Video Doorbells of 2026 That Act as Front Door GuardiansCNET provides a comprehensive buying guide for video doorbell cameras, comparing popular models from brands including Arlo, Google Nest, Ring, Blink, Lorex, and Tapo. The guide evaluates key features such as resolution, smart home compatibility, AI detection capabilities, video storage options, and subscription costs. Consumers can use this analysis to select a doorbell that meets their security needs and budget constraints.Read more →
CNET...Adobe's Still All In on AI. Next Up: The One-Click Tool That Edits Videos for YouAdobe launched Quick Cut, an AI tool within Firefly video editor that automatically generates rough cuts from raw video footage, streamlining the initial editing process for content creators. The tool processes footage and user prompts to create first drafts in minutes, with creators responsible for final refinements and branding. This release reflects Adobe's broader 2026 strategy of embedding AI into creative workflows to boost productivity without sacrificing creator control.Read more →
CNET...TextNow Adds eSIM Option for Immediate Unlimited Phone Data AccessTextNow has introduced an eSIM option that enables instant cellular data activation directly through its app, eliminating the wait and cost of physical SIM cards. The service defaults to a free plan supporting unlimited talk and text for select apps, with paid options ranging from $3 daily to $36 monthly. The company also announced network infrastructure improvements to enhance coverage and connectivity.Read more →
CNET...55 of the Best TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You EntertainedNetflix has published a curated guide of top shows to help viewers navigate its vast library and overcome decision fatigue. The article prominently features Season 3 of spy thriller The Night Agent, arriving this week, alongside acclaimed series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Gilmore Girls. The recommendation aims to streamline the viewing experience and highlight both flagship classics and overlooked original content.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sony Wants to Rework Its ‘Spider-Man’ Spinoff PlansHollywood studios announce multiple major entertainment projects including Sony's reboot of Spider-Man spinoff films, adaptations like animated Hilo, and streaming series developments. Key updates include casting news for DC Universe Batman, Timothée Chalamet's Dune 3 performance update, and renewals such as Robin Hood season 2, reflecting continued industry investment in franchise reboots and original content across major studios.Read more →
The Verge...You can now make Alexa’s AI personality more friendly, blunt, or chilled outAmazon has launched three new voice personality styles—Brief, Chill, and Sweet—for Alexa Plus users in the United States. These customization options allow premium Alexa subscribers to personalize their voice assistant's communication style.Read more →
The Verge...Adobe’s new AI video editing tool stitches clips into a first draftAdobe is launching Quick Cut, an AI-powered feature for its Firefly video editor that automatically assembles video clips into a first rough cut based on text prompts and user input. The tool reduces tedious manual editing labor, allowing creators to quickly move from raw footage to an editable draft they can refine. This accelerates the initial assembly process while preserving full creative control for subsequent refinements.Read more →
TechCrunch...Harbinger acquires autonomous driving company Phantom AIElectric trucking startup Harbinger acquired autonomous driving software company Phantom AI to vertically integrate advanced driver assistance technology and create new revenue streams. The acquisition immediately secured a major customer with ZF Group licensing the technology for passenger car markets. The integration will enhance Harbinger's medium-duty electric trucks with critical safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance.Read more →
TechCrunch...Jira’s latest update allows AI agents and humans to work side by sideAtlassian launched 'agents in Jira,' enabling users to assign, manage, and track AI agents alongside human team members from a unified dashboard. This feature aims to improve enterprise productivity by providing visibility into both human and AI work, helping organizations determine optimal AI deployment and return on investment while reducing operational complexity.Read more →
TechCrunch...Y Combinator grad and AI insurance brokerage Harper raises $47MDakotah Rice has launched Harper, an AI-native insurance brokerage that raised $46.8 million in a combined Series A and seed round. The company uses AI to automate traditional insurance workflows, enabling it to process over 1,000 customers monthly compared to 20-30 for traditional brokerages. Harper targets small to mid-sized businesses and has already acquired more than 5,000 customers since launching in 2024.Read more →
TechCrunch...Amazon’s AI-powered Alexa+ gets new personality optionsAmazon launched three customizable personality styles for Alexa+ (Brief, Chill, and Sweet) that adjust the AI assistant's tone and communication style based on five personality dimensions. The feature responds to user demand for controlling AI behavior, though it reflects broader industry concerns about chatbot personality fostering unhealthy user dependency. Amazon notes additional personality styles are planned for future release.Read more →
TechCrunch...Adobe Firefly’s video editor can now automatically create a first draft from footageAdobe's new Quick Cut feature in Firefly uses AI to automatically edit video footage and B-roll into a first draft based on natural language descriptions. The tool automates repetitive editing tasks like clip selection and transition placement, allowing creators and marketers to focus on creative refinement. Users can customize settings like aspect ratio and pacing through prompts, though final videos still require manual adjustments.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon introduces three personality styles for Alexa+Amazon has launched three customizable personality styles for Alexa+ users—Brief, Chill, and Sweet—allowing users to tailor the AI assistant's communication style to their preferences. The personalities are based on five adjustable metrics including expressiveness, formality, and humor, with Amazon planning to introduce additional combinations in the future. Users can change personalities through the Alexa app or voice commands.Read more →
Engadget...Spotify can reorder your playlists by BPM and keySpotify is launching a Smart Reorder feature for Premium users that automatically rearranges playlist tracks based on their musical key and BPM to create seamless transitions between songs. The feature builds on Spotify's existing custom transitions capability introduced last year, enabling users to create uninterrupted listening experiences with a single tap. Users can access the feature by selecting Mix, Edit, and then Smart Reorder within any playlist.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon continues retreat from games by ending publishing deal for open-world racerAmazon has ended its publishing partnership with Maverick Games for an upcoming open-world racing title, reflecting the company's continued pullback from gaming investments. The studio, composed of former Forza developers, will continue development while seeking alternative publishers. This move highlights Amazon's selective approach to gaming, maintaining only key franchises like Tomb Raider while reducing broader portfolio commitments.Read more →
TechCrunch...Khosla’s Keith Rabois backs Comp, which wants to bolster HR teams with AIComp, a Brazilian HR tech startup co-founded by Christophe Gerlach and Pedro Bobrow, raised a $17.25 million Series A led by Khosla Ventures to expand its AI-powered HR software platform. The startup combines artificial intelligence with forward-deployed HR experts to handle recruiting, compensation policies, and performance reviews, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional consultancies like Mercer and Willis Towers Watson. With clients including Nubank and other Brazilian unicorns, Comp plans to expand globally as it develops toward fully autonomous AI agents.Read more →
CNET...Toto’s New Toilet Washes Its Own Rim So You Don’t Have ToToto introduced the Aurora Washlet Plus S7A, an advanced self-cleaning toilet featuring a dual-valve Integravity System that increases bowl coverage by five times compared to standard toilets. The toilet combines rim wash and siphon-jet technology with an integrated bidet using electrolyzed water for auto-cleaning, while maintaining water efficiency of 1-1.28 gallons per flush—below the EPA standard of 1.6 gallons.Read more →
Gizmodo...Behold the Haunting Gaze of C-3PO’s Disembodied Head From ‘The Empire Strikes Back’Propstore is auctioning a rare C-3PO head from The Empire Strikes Back, estimated at $350,000-$700,000, described as the only known example from the film to reach the collector market. Also included in the sale is Luke's lightsaber hilt from The Force Awakens, estimated at $50,000-$100,000, with a public preview on March 11 in Beverly Hills and bidding commencing March 25.Read more →
Engadget...Uber previews its Dubai air taxi serviceUber is launching Uber Air, an app-based air taxi service using Joby Aviation's electric aircraft, beginning service in Dubai this year with expansion planned for New York, Los Angeles, and international markets. The electric air taxis accommodate up to four passengers, travel at speeds up to 200 mph, and are priced competitively with Uber Black service. This represents a major commercial milestone for urban air mobility technology.Read more →
CNET...How to Handle Complex Investment Income on Your Taxes This YearIndividuals earning income from multiple sources must implement proactive tax planning and maintain meticulous recordkeeping to reduce tax liability and avoid IRS penalties. The article explains key tax concepts including capital gains treatment, pass-through entities, real estate investments, and net investment income tax, providing strategies to minimize tax burden across complex income streams.Read more →
Gizmodo...Denver Announces Data Center Moratorium as Opposition Picks Up Steam Around the CountryDenver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a temporary moratorium on new data center development to review policies around energy use, water consumption, and affordability while addressing environmental concerns and societal impacts of AI development. The moratorium, expected to last several months, reflects growing scrutiny of data centers' massive energy demands and water usage, with multiple states considering similar restrictions. The move comes amid calls for federal oversight and concerns about the unchecked growth of AI infrastructure.Read more →
CNET...Ricoh GR IV Review: Peak Pocket Photos to Potentially Outperform Your PhoneThe GR IV is a modest update to a popular compact camera designed for travel and street photography. This refined version maintains the camera's core appeal as a portable solution for photographers seeking a reliable, lightweight option for on-the-go shooting.Read more →
CNET...Apple TV: 15 Best Sci-Fi Shows You Should Stream Right NowApple TV's streaming service contains numerous acclaimed but underrated sci-fi shows including Severance, For All Mankind, and Dark Matter that many viewers have never discovered. The platform's minimal marketing strategy makes it difficult to find quality content without guidance like CNET's curated sci-fi show recommendations.Read more →
CNET...Why Is Printer Ink So Expensive?Printer manufacturers employ the 'razor-and-blades' business model, selling hardware at a loss while profiting from expensive proprietary ink cartridges that lock consumers into their ecosystems. Embedded chipsets and intellectual property protections prevent third-party alternatives and competition, keeping prices elevated. Consumers can reduce costs through high-yield cartridges, refillable tanks, subscription programs, or laser printers.Read more →
CNET...TCL X11L TV Hands-On: Huge Super Quantum Dot TV Is a Lot of Fun, but It's ExpensiveTCL has introduced the X11L TV featuring Super Quantum Dot MiniLED technology, achieving exceptional brightness up to 10,000 nits and high color saturation across the BT2020 color space. The TV delivers strong performance for gaming, streaming, and high-end video content with minimal input lag, though real-world color reproduction reached 91.77% of promised specifications. At a starting price of $7,000, the X11L positions itself as a premium option but faces pricing challenges against comparable competitors offering strong performance at lower costs.Read more →
CNET...Ricoh GR IV Review: Peak Pocket Photos to Potentially Outperform Your PhoneThe GR IV is a minor update to a popular compact camera designed for travel and street photography. The camera maintains its appeal as a portable, capable device for photography enthusiasts.Read more →
Gizmodo...The First Reactions to ‘Project Hail Mary’ Are Out of This WorldProject Hail Mary, the film adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, premiered to universally positive press reactions ahead of its March 20 release. Starring Ryan Gosling, the film follows an astronaut who wakes on a spaceship with no memory, tasked with stopping a deadly organism consuming the Sun, alongside an alien ally. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller appear to have delivered a movie that exceeds the long-anticipated expectations of book fans.Read more →
Engadget...Honor says its 4.8mm thick MagicPad 4 is the world's slimmest Android tabletHonor has unveiled the MagicPad 4, claiming the title of world's thinnest Android tablet at 4.8mm thick—a millimeter thinner than its predecessor and slimmer than comparable iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab models. The device features a 12.3-inch 165Hz OLED display, weighs 450g (145 grams lighter than the MagicPad 3), and includes a 66W fast charger, offering significant upgrades in display quality and overall performance.Read more →
CNET...Best Senior Phone Plans of 2026CNET compares senior phone plans from major carriers, identifying T-Mobile's Essentials Choice 55 as the most affordable option at $45/month with 5G and 50GB of data. The review evaluates pricing, features, and trade-offs across plans from T-Mobile, AT&T, Mint Mobile, and Verizon, helping seniors find affordable connectivity options that balance cost and functionality.Read more →
CNET...12 Things You Can Make in a Rice Cooker That Aren't RiceRice cookers extend far beyond cooking rice, capable of preparing other grains, eggs, dumplings, soups, desserts, and chocolate fondue through their steady heat and versatile cooking functions. This versatility makes rice cookers valuable multitasking kitchen appliances that can streamline various culinary techniques throughout the day.Read more →
CNET...Dell XPS 14 Review: The Refreshing Return of a New ClassicDell revives its XPS brand with the new XPS 14, correcting the failures of the previous Dell 14 Premium by delivering a lighter design at 3.2 pounds, Intel Panther Lake processors, and improved ergonomics at a competitive $1,600+ price point. The laptop offers strong performance and battery life comparable to the MacBook Pro 14, with an available OLED display option. This represents Dell's successful return to its proven XPS lineup after its rebranding experiment failed to resonate with consumers.Read more →
CNET...We Learned How to Share Info About ICE and Police Raids on Apps Like Ring NeighborsNeighborhood social media platforms like Ring Neighbors and Nextdoor have specific content policies for ICE and police activity posts, allowing location-specific reports while removing vague references or political commentary. Ring does not share security footage with ICE without legal warrants, and users retain rights to film law enforcement activities on their property.Read more →
CNET...Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 10 Desktop Review: Mighty Good Value, if a Little QuirkyThe Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 10 is a midrange gaming PC priced around $1,449 that delivers exceptional 1080p gaming performance, outperforming significantly more expensive systems through intelligent component selection centered on the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor. Despite some design compromises in expandability and port connectivity, the system's strong value, reliable cooling, and Editor's Choice award make it an excellent budget-conscious gaming choice.Read more →
The Verge...Honor’s new MagicPad 4 is the world’s thinnest Android tabletHonor announced the MagicPad 4, an ultra-thin 4.8mm tablet featuring a 12.3-inch 165Hz OLED display and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, positioning it among the thinnest tablets available. The device is 145 grams lighter than its predecessor while maintaining premium audio with eight spatial speakers, with pricing and availability coming at MWC.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nuclear Energy Isn’t Scary Anymore. It’s Just Crypto-CodedNuclear power is gaining U.S. political momentum through government-backed investment, but concerns mount as Entra1 Energy—a startup with minimal track record—pursues $25 billion in Japanese funds to commercialize small modular reactors. The company's lack of executed projects and questionable connections raise doubts about whether substantial capital will translate into actual nuclear generation capacity.Read more →
Engadget...xAI's trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI has been dismissedOpenAI successfully had US District Judge Rita F. Lin dismiss xAI's trade secret theft lawsuit, with the judge finding no direct allegations of OpenAI's own misconduct. The complaints centered on eight former xAI employees who joined OpenAI, but lacked evidence that OpenAI itself directed or participated in the alleged thefts. xAI has been granted leave to amend its complaint until March 17, 2026.Read more →
Engadget...The best cheap kitchen gadgets in 2026A guide to essential kitchen tools that improve cooking efficiency and safety, featuring recommendations like mandolines for precise vegetable cutting, food scales for accurate measurements, Microplanes for grating, and vacuum sealers for food preservation, with specific affordable brand suggestions for each tool.Read more →
Gizmodo...Rivian Tries to Make Charging Easier for Drivers Before Cheaper R2 ArrivesRivian is preparing for the R2 SUV launch by partnering with EnergyHub to optimize home charging at lower electricity rates and grid load management, while simultaneously expanding mobile service vans by 50% and adding over 50 new service garages. These infrastructure investments are critical as the company aims for 25% sales growth in 2026 following weak 2025 performance, with the service expansion supporting its direct sales model.Read more →
Engadget...Apple introduces age verification for apps in Utah, Louisiana and AustraliaApple has introduced new age verification tools and the Declared Age Range API to help developers comply with emerging age verification laws across multiple countries and US states, including Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana. Beginning February 24, 2026, users under 18 can no longer download 18+ rated apps without age verification in select regions. The tools enable developers to confirm user age and manage parental permissions, addressing regulatory requirements for child safety in app distribution.Read more →
CNET...Samsung's Next Galaxy Watch Reveal Might Be Ultra SpecialSamsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in summer 2026 with significant health monitoring upgrades, including potential noninvasive glucose monitoring and deeper skin-based detection. Enhanced processing power could deliver better battery life, on-device AI features, and possibly satellite connectivity, bringing Samsung's flagship smartwatch closer to competitors' capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...It’s Not Just You. Trump’s State of the Union Triggered Siri on iPhone Users’ PhonesDuring Trump's State of the Union address, multiple iPhone users reported that Siri was inadvertently activated by words in the speech due to Apple's simplified voice activation system that now only requires saying 'Siri' instead of 'Hey Siri.' The accidental trigger highlighted a potential sensitivity issue in the updated voice command system.Read more →
TechCrunch...India’s AI boom pushes firms to trade near-term revenue for usersTech giants including OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity are ending free AI promotions in India to convert users to paid subscriptions. Although India drives approximately 20% of global GenAI app downloads, it accounts for only 1% of in-app revenue, highlighting a critical monetization challenge. Lower engagement rates and price sensitivity suggest the market will require tailored pricing strategies and bundled offerings to achieve sustainable growth.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 25, #520This article provides hints and complete answers for the daily Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, a sports-themed word game variant from The Athletic and The New York Times. The puzzle contains four difficulty tiers with themes including baseball terms, orange and black sports teams, Montreal references, and derby-related phrases.Read more →
The Verge...Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon AI bro squad includes a former Uber executive and a private equity billionaireThe Pentagon is negotiating with Anthropic over AI policy compliance while facing a critical supply-chain vulnerability—it needs at least two frontier AI models cleared for classified work, but only Anthropic's Claude currently meets security requirements. This situation provides significant leverage to Anthropic despite Pentagon pressure, as the department has limited viable alternatives and cannot risk violating its own national security guidelines.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Touchscreen MacBook Pro Will Have a Very iPhone-Like Screen, Report SaysApple is reportedly developing a touchscreen MacBook Pro with an OLED display and Dynamic Island, expected to launch in late 2026. Rather than positioning it as an iPad replacement, Apple plans to offer touch input as an optional feature that complements traditional point-and-click navigation, giving users flexibility in their interaction method.Read more →
CNET...Uber Moves Into Parking in Deal to Acquire SpotHeroUber has acquired SpotHero, a digital parking marketplace covering 400+ cities in North America, to expand beyond ride-hailing and delivery services. The integration will add parking reservations directly to the Uber app, enabling customers to plan comprehensive trips with bundled services. This acquisition reflects Uber's strategy to become a unified transportation platform while providing SpotHero access to Uber's extensive user base.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nvidia challenger AI chip startup MatX raised $500MMatX, a chip startup founded by former Google hardware engineers, has secured $500 million in Series B funding to develop processors designed to outperform Nvidia GPUs in LLM training and inference. The company plans to manufacture its chips with TSMC and begin shipping in 2027. The substantial funding reflects strong investor confidence in specialized AI chip solutions as competition intensifies in the AI accelerator market.Read more →
The Verge...Apple's new age verification tools block underage app downloads where required by lawApple has introduced new age verification tools and updated its Declared Age Range API to help developers comply with age assurance requirements across multiple regions including Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and U.S. states such as Utah and Louisiana. The new features automatically prevent unverified users from downloading 18+ apps and provide developers with regulatory signals and parental consent requirements. These changes address evolving global regulations requiring age confirmation for age-restricted digital content.Read more →
TechCrunch...Self-driving tech startup Wayve raises $1.2B from Nvidia, Uber, and three automakersWayve, a U.K. autonomous driving startup, raised $1.2 billion in Series C funding that values the company at $8.6 billion, backed by major tech firms, automakers, and institutional investors. The company uses end-to-end deep learning for autonomous driving without HD maps and takes a contrarian B2B approach by licensing its embodied AI technology to automakers and mobility companies like Nissan and Uber rather than operating vehicles itself. This funding round reflects significant investor confidence and commercial momentum in the autonomous vehicle industry.Read more →
The Verge...Apple’s touchscreen MacBooks might also have a Dynamic IslandApple is developing OLED touchscreen MacBook Pros arriving fall 2026 with a smaller Dynamic Island interface from iPhones, marking a significant reversal of the company's historical stance against Mac touchscreens. The new 14-inch and 16-inch models will feature an updated macOS interface optimized for both touch gestures and traditional input methods. This strategic pivot underscores Apple's evolving approach to integrating iPad-like functionality into its premium laptop lineup.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spanish ‘soonicorn’ Multiverse Computing releases free compressed AI modelMultiverse Computing has developed CompactifAI, a compression technology that reduces large language model size by half while maintaining comparable performance. Their HyperNova 60B model achieves 32GB size versus the original 120B model, enabling lower-cost deployment for enterprises. The Spanish startup is raising €500 million at a €1.5+ billion valuation to expand as a sovereign alternative to US-based AI companies.Read more →
Engadget...LG's massive 52-inch ultra-wide gaming monitor costs $2,000LG announced the UltraGear evo G9, a 52-inch ultrawide gaming monitor priced at $2,000 for pre-order, claiming it as the world's largest 5K2K gaming monitor. The monitor features a 1000R curve, 240Hz refresh rate, 1 millisecond gray-to-gray response time, VESA DisplayHDR 600, and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, delivering high-end gaming immersion at a competitive price point.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple rolls out age verification tools worldwide to comply with growing web of child safety lawsApple is launching age verification tools to comply with regulatory requirements for age-restricted content across multiple countries and US states. The tools enable developers to verify user age without accessing personal data, while Apple blocks 18+ app downloads in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore until users confirm they are adults. Additional compliance features are being rolled out for Utah, Louisiana, and Brazil's loot box regulations.Read more →
Engadget...Apple's touchscreen MacBook will reportedly have a dynamic interfaceApple plans to add touchscreens and a Dynamic Island to its premium MacBook Pros launching this fall, featuring an adaptive interface that optimizes for both touch and mouse input. The devices will debut OLED displays on Mac laptops for the first time, enabling new design possibilities while maintaining physical keyboards.Read more →
Gizmodo...Okay, This AI-Powered ‘Robot Phone’ Has My Undivided AttentionHonor is unveiling a 'Robot Phone' at MWC 2026 with a motorized, AI-powered camera gimbal that extends from the back and animatedly interacts with users. The device combines smartphone technology with robotics and computer vision to perform stabilized video capture and responsive interactions. While representing an intriguing experiment in AI-integrated hardware, the phone's commercial viability remains uncertain due to concerns about durability and battery life.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Claims the State of the Union Is Going to Be Long. Is It Just a Polymarket Pump?Prediction markets are experiencing high betting volume on the duration of President Trump's State of the Union speech, with forecasts ranging from 99 minutes to over 2 hours. The article examines historical speech lengths and betting odds while warning of potential market manipulation due to conflicts of interest involving Trump Jr.'s advisory roles at prediction platforms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Uber engineers built an AI version of their bossUber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi disclosed that 90% of the company's software engineers are using AI tools to enhance productivity, with about 30% functioning as 'power users' fundamentally rethinking company architecture. Engineering teams have even created an AI chatbot version of Khosrowshahi to practice presentations with executives, illustrating how deeply AI has integrated into operational processes. The CEO emphasized that this AI adoption is driving unprecedented improvements in engineering productivity.Read more →
The Verge...OpenAI defeats xAI’s trade secrets lawsuitA federal judge dismissed xAI's lawsuit against OpenAI alleging employee poaching and theft of trade secrets, finding insufficient evidence of OpenAI's direct misconduct despite eight former xAI employees leaving for OpenAI. The ruling determined that while employees may have retained confidential information, there was no proof OpenAI directed or orchestrated such actions. This victory for OpenAI represents another development in escalating legal conflicts between the company and xAI CEO Elon Musk.Read more →
Gizmodo...Jodie Foster Reflects on the Personal Journey of Making ‘Contact’Jodie Foster discussed the 1997 film 'Contact' at the Academy Museum, reflecting on how director Robert Zemeckis merged scientific and spiritual themes while making deliberate creative choices over scientific accuracy, such as depicting radio waves as audible signals. The film remains relevant for its humanist exploration of wonder and connection, despite its scientific inaccuracies acknowledged by both Foster and attending astrophysicist Dr. Nivedita Mahesh.Read more →
CNET...Marvel's Wolverine Finally Has a Release Date, and It's SoonSony announced Marvel's Wolverine will release on September 15, concluding a five-year development cycle since the game's 2021 announcement. The Insomniac Games title, currently exclusive to PS5, follows Logan investigating mysteries about his past while battling iconic adversaries like Omega Red and Mystique across global locations including Canada, Madripoor, and Tokyo. The game is expected to retail for $70 and may eventually expand to other platforms like previous PlayStation exclusives.Read more →
CNET...Eufy's Newest Robot Vacuum Has the Longest Roller Mop We've Seen for the PriceEufy's new Omni C28 brings brush roll mopping technology to the $800 price range, previously exclusive to premium robot vacuums. The model features a 10.7-inch mop roller with self-cleaning capabilities, advanced laser navigation, and a comprehensive base station providing 75 days of hands-free operation. This makes advanced mopping automation significantly more accessible to mid-range consumers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Stripe is reportedly eyeing deal to buy some or all of PayPalStripe is exploring a potential acquisition of PayPal Holdings, though negotiations remain in early stages, according to Bloomberg sources. The move comes as Stripe announced a $159 billion valuation in its latest tender offer, representing a 74% increase year-over-year and solidifying its position as one of the world's most valuable private fintech companies. A successful merger would consolidate two major payment platforms and significantly reshape the digital payments landscape.Read more →
Gizmodo...Warner Bros. Has Decided That Maybe Paramount Could Be the Better Deal After AllParamount Skydance has submitted a revised acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Entertainment valued at $31 per share in cash, competing with Netflix's existing merger agreement. Warner Bros.' board is determining whether this proposal qualifies as superior, potentially triggering Netflix's contractual right to match or revise its offer. This development could reshape the ownership and content distribution strategy of a major entertainment conglomerate.Read more →
CNET...Waymo's Autonomous Ride Service Expands to 4 New CitiesWaymo is expanding its driverless ride-hailing services to four new cities in Texas and Florida, doubling the number of American metropolitan areas where it operates. The company plans additional expansion to Denver, Nashville, Las Vegas, Washington DC, London, and Tokyo in 2026, while testing next-generation autonomous vehicle technology on existing routes.Read more →
CNET...Oura Ring Wants to Put an OB-GYN on Your Finger With New AI for Women’s HealthOura has launched a custom AI model within its Oura Advisor chatbot specifically designed for women's health topics including menstrual cycles, menopause, and fertility. The model combines biometric data from Oura Ring with clinical research and was developed by board-certified women's health experts to provide evidence-based, personalized guidance. Currently available for beta testing in Oura Labs, the system aims to help users prepare for medical appointments while maintaining strict privacy protections.Read more →
Gizmodo...Meta Gets Back into Crypto, Plans Stablecoin Integration Later This YearMeta is launching stablecoin payment functionality across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp by late 2026, using third-party providers like Stripe rather than issuing its own token. This represents a cautious regulatory strategy, learning from the 2019-2022 failure of its Libra/Diem project, which faced government opposition over control of global payments. The move capitalizes on the evolving regulatory landscape, including the 2025 GENIUS Act that established the first federal framework for payment stablecoins.Read more →
CNET...Probiotic Sodas Are Trending, but Are They Healthy? We Asked Medical ExpertsMajor soda brands are launching prebiotic sodas claiming health benefits, but industry experts warn these products fall short of their marketing promises. While lower in sugar than traditional sodas, most brands contain insufficient prebiotic fiber—often 2 grams versus the 5+ grams needed for measurable gut health improvements. Experts recommend viewing these beverages as occasional alternatives to regular soda rather than health supplements, and suggest whole foods remain the best source of prebiotics.Read more →
CNET...Netflix Surprises 'One Piece' Fans With Special Season 2 Episodes Theater DropNetflix is releasing One Piece Season 2 with a special theatrical premiere of the first two episodes on March 10 across select theaters in North America and Japan before the season launches on the streaming platform. The event will be shown in more than 200 locations, with ticket sales beginning February 26. The new season introduces the 'Into the Grand Line' story arc with expanded cast members in the live-action adaptation.Read more →
TechCrunch...Former L3Harris Trenchant boss jailed for selling hacking tools to Russian brokerPeter Williams, a former general manager at L3Harris defense contractor, was sentenced to seven years in prison for selling classified hacking and surveillance tools to Russian broker Operation Zero. The stolen tools could have compromised millions of computers and devices globally, and Williams profited $1.3 million in cryptocurrency from the illegal sales between 2022 and 2025. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Operation Zero, which specializes in acquiring and reselling zero-day exploits for Android, iPhone, and messaging applications.Read more →
Gizmodo...Pete Hegseth Gives Anthropic Choice to Abandon AI Safeguards or Be Labeled ‘National Security Threat’Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued an ultimatum to Anthropic CEO demanding removal of safety guardrails from Claude AI that prevent autonomous weapons and surveillance use, threatening contract termination and government takeover if refused by Friday. The conflict reflects escalating tension between the Pentagon's push for unrestricted military AI access and Anthropic's commitment to responsible AI development with protective safeguards.Read more →
Engadget...1Password plans are getting more expensive soon1Password is raising prices significantly, with individual plans increasing from $36 to $48 annually and family plans from $60 to $72, effective after March 27. This represents the largest price increase in several years as the company expands its cybersecurity offerings with features like enhanced phishing protections. Despite the hike, 1Password remains a leading password management solution in the market.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s new 1.9GW clean energy deal includes massive 100-hour batteryGoogle is building a Minnesota data center powered by 1.9 gigawatts of renewable energy, including a 300-megawatt iron-air battery from Form Energy that will be the world's largest long-duration storage system. This battery technology costs approximately one-third the price of lithium-ion batteries, making clean energy infrastructure more economically viable. The project establishes a new utility fee structure allowing energy companies to invest in renewable technologies without regulatory penalties.Read more →
CNET...Apple to Build the Mac Mini in the United States for the First TimeApple is establishing Mac Mini production in Houston, Texas for the first time, shifting manufacturing from Asia, while simultaneously expanding AI server production at the same facility. The move is part of Apple's broader $600 billion US investment commitment and will create thousands of jobs. This initiative also includes opening an Advanced Manufacturing Center for hands-on training in Apple product manufacturing.Read more →
TechCrunch...CarGurus data breach affects 12.5 million accountsCarGurus, an online automotive marketplace, suffered a data breach affecting 12.5 million customers, exposing names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses. The attack was attributed to ShinyHunters, a hacking group known for social engineering tactics, and also compromised financial pre-qualification data and dealer account information. This incident follows the group's pattern of breaching major organizations including Salesforce and universities through manipulation of support staff.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic won’t budge as Pentagon escalates AI disputeThe Department of Defense is pressuring Anthropic to provide unrestricted access to its AI model by Friday, threatening to designate the company as a 'supply chain risk' or invoke the Defense Production Act if it refuses. The conflict arises from Anthropic's commitment to restrict use of its technology for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, positions the Pentagon argues should be governed by law rather than corporate policy. The situation exposes the Pentagon's over-reliance on a single AI vendor and raises broader questions about government authority over AI safety practices.Read more →
The Verge...Let me see some ID: age verification is spreading across the internetAge verification systems are rapidly expanding across internet platforms in response to regulatory mandates aimed at protecting minors. This widespread adoption creates significant privacy concerns and implementation challenges, while raising questions about the effectiveness and consistency of verification methods across different jurisdictions and platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Might Not Pick Up on Its Big Cliffhanger Just YetA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' season one finale sets up potential conflict between Prince Maekar and his runaway son Egg, with actor Sam Spruell explaining Maekar's emotional struggle as a failed father who lacks the wisdom Dunk possesses. While Maekar is absent from the upcoming second season, the show's timeline indicates he will eventually become king after the deaths of other Targaryens, potentially allowing future exploration of his relationship with Egg. The show's creators have hinted at expanding beyond Martin's published novellas, suggesting Maekar's character arc could continue in future seasons.Read more →
Engadget...Discord delays age verification to address user concernsDiscord announced a postponement of its global age verification policy rollout to the second half of 2026 in response to user privacy concerns. The platform will offer multiple verification options including credit card verification to confirm age without requiring identity disclosure or face scans. Discord also committed to greater transparency regarding verification vendors and will implement new spoiler channel features to reduce verification requirements across servers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Discord delays global rollout of age verification after backlashDiscord has delayed its global age verification rollout from March to the second half of 2026, following significant user backlash. The company clarified that only 10% of users will need age verification, as internal systems can already determine the age of most adult users through account signals. Discord plans to introduce additional verification methods including credit card verification and will only partner with vendors performing verification on-device, addressing privacy concerns from the initial announcement.Read more →
Gizmodo...Novo Nordisk’s Latest Weight Loss Drug Might Be Its Best Yet—and a Much-Needed WinNovo Nordisk reported Phase II trial results for UBT251, a triple-agonist weight loss drug achieving up to 20% body weight loss in 24 weeks, positioning it as one of the most promising obesity therapies in development. The results provide a crucial win for the company following disappointing outcomes with CagriSema and intensify competition in the growing weight loss medication market. UBT251 is advancing to Phase III trials and has potential to match or exceed competitor efficacy, offering patients additional treatment options.Read more →
Engadget...The Pentagon has reportedly given Anthropic until Friday to let it use Claude as it sees fitThe Defense Department is pressuring Anthropic to remove safety guardrails from Claude for military applications, with a Friday deadline and threats to invoke the Defense Production Act if demands aren't met. Anthropic has stated it will not permit Claude to be used for mass surveillance of Americans or autonomous weapons development. Claude's critical role in sensitive government operations makes Anthropic vulnerable to this pressure despite the company's resistance to certain military demands.Read more →
TechCrunch...Instagram head pressed on lengthy delay to launch teen safety features, like a nudity filter, court filing revealsMeta's Instagram head was deposed in a lawsuit revealing the company knew about safety risks from explicit images in direct messages since 2018 but delayed implementing a nudity filter until April 2024. The deposition disclosed that 19.2% of teens aged 13-15 reported seeing unwanted sexual images on Instagram, demonstrating Meta's awareness of harms to minors. The case is part of broader litigation seeking to hold major tech companies accountable for prioritizing user engagement over teen safety.Read more →
Gizmodo...Military Leaders Warn European War on American Big Tech Comes With Real Security RisksEuropean leaders are pushing for greater technological independence from the United States amid geopolitical tensions, driven by concerns over potential U.S. control of critical infrastructure. However, military officials warn the continent's deep reliance on American systems—from satellite networks to cybersecurity infrastructure—makes rapid decoupling impractical without creating security vulnerabilities. The push has prompted concrete policy changes, such as France replacing Microsoft Teams with domestic alternatives, while the EU works on tech sovereignty legislation.Read more →
CNET...'Survivor 50': How to Watch the Premiere Without CableSurvivor Season 50 premieres on CBS featuring 24 returning players competing under the 'In the Hands of the Fans' theme, where fans voted on game elements like idol rules and fire-making challenges. The three-hour premiere streams on Paramount Plus with timing dependent on subscription tier, offering both live and on-demand viewing options.Read more →
CNET...Meta and AMD's Multibillion-Dollar Deal Is All About the AI ChipsMeta announces a multi-year partnership with AMD to purchase billions of dollars in Instinct GPUs and takes a 10% stake in the chipmaker, acquiring up to 6 gigawatts of AI computing capacity. The deal signals major tech companies are securing hardware resources amid intensifying AI competition, with implications for consumer pricing as supply constraints persist.Read more →
Gizmodo...You Can Now Own an Official Version of the Superior ‘Star Trek’ MugMaster Replicas has announced official preorders for Star Trek Deep Space Nine raktajino mugs, bringing back iconic drinkware that have been unavailable since their trademark expired in the late 1990s. The mugs are available in multiple colorways including the signature pale blue featured in the show, priced at $25 each. This release fulfills decades-long fan demand for officially licensed Star Trek merchandise featuring the recognizable sci-fi design.Read more →
Engadget...Google sent an AI-generated push alert that included a racial slurGoogle removed an AI-generated news alert containing offensive language about a BAFTA Film Awards incident, highlighting content moderation challenges in automated systems. The incident prompted Google to apologize and commit to improving content filtering processes to prevent similar failures.Read more →
Gizmodo...File-Sharing Network Soulseek Has Been Flooded With AI Homer Simpson Cover SongsThousands of AI-generated Homer Simpson vocal covers have flooded the peer-to-peer network Soulseek, disrupting a platform typically used by collectors seeking underground and rare music. A dedicated streaming service called D'oh FM has emerged offering 24/7 AI-generated Homer Simpson covers with user-submitted requests. The trend demonstrates both the creative potential and disruptive impact of generative AI in music production.Read more →
Engadget...Here's the first teaser for A24's adaptation of The BackroomsA24 has released the first teaser for The Backrooms, a film adaptation of the viral YouTube short directed by original creator Kane Parsons. The film, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, features the series' signature ominous liminal spaces and will be released on May 29, 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...More startups are hitting $10M ARR in 3 months than ever beforeAI has accelerated startup growth to unprecedented levels, with an increasing number of new ventures reaching multimillion-dollar annual recurring revenue within months rather than years. According to Stripe's 2025 report, startups grew 50% faster than in 2024, with twice as many hitting $10 million ARR in three months, while 20% of new businesses charged customers within their first month. Though investors prioritize sustainable growth and customer retention over raw speed, this trend demonstrates how AI tools and infrastructure are enabling founders to achieve financial milestones significantly faster.Read more →
Engadget...Waymo will start offering robotaxi rides in four more citiesWaymo announced expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing service to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, with initial availability restricted to Waymo app users invited on a rolling basis. The company plans to scale operations significantly and open its robotaxi service to the general public later in 2026. This marks a major milestone in the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles across multiple US markets.Read more →
The Verge...Discord is delaying its global age verification rolloutDiscord won't roll out age verification globally on its platform next month as previously announced, and says in a blog post that it's delaying the launch until the second half of 2026. "The way this landed, many of you walked away thinking we're requiring face scans and ID uploads from everyone just to use Discord. […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Instagram’s TV app is launching on Google TV devicesInstagram is expanding its dedicated TV app to Google TV devices in the U.S., enabling users to watch Reels and browse their feeds on television. The expansion aims to strengthen Instagram's competition with YouTube in the TV streaming space by offering a lean-back viewing experience with auto-playing personalized content. The app supports multiple account management and features Reels organized by topic categories.Read more →
Gizmodo...NASA’s Curiosity Finds Crunchy Nodules Where Ancient Martian Water Once StoodNASA's Curiosity rover discovered boxwork formations on Mars—hardened mineral ridges created by ancient groundwater—suggesting water persisted on the Red Planet longer than previously thought. These formations found along Mount Sharp indicate the groundwater table was high enough to potentially sustain microbial life for extended periods. The discovery provides new evidence about Mars's climate history and conditions favorable for early habitability.Read more →
TechCrunch...Treasury sanctions Russian zero-day broker accused of buying exploits stolen from U.S. defense contractorThe U.S. government sanctioned two zero-day exploit brokers—Operation Zero and Advance Security Solutions—along with their operators for illegally acquiring and reselling security vulnerabilities. The action followed the discovery that a U.S. defense contractor employee sold stolen government cyber tools to Operation Zero, which distributed them to foreign intelligence agencies and ransomware groups, posing significant threats to national security.Read more →
CNET...10 of the Best Movies on Hulu You Should Stream NowHulu has evolved from a TV catch-up service into a prestige movie destination, positioning itself as Disney's premium film hub. With exclusive access to Searchlight Pictures and priority rights to 20th Century Studios content, Hulu is establishing a distinct identity as the home for quality horror, sci-fi, and thriller films.Read more →
Gizmodo...Maul Kinda Regrets Wanting to Be Rid of the Jedi in ‘Shadow Lord’Darth Maul returns in the new animated series 'Maul: Shadow Lord' arriving on Disney+ April 6, set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. The show explores Maul's evolved perspective on the Jedi, revealing he has developed respect for their principles and values in contrast to his contempt for the Empire's unethical pursuit of power.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google adds a way to create automated workflows to OpalGoogle has introduced AI agents to its Opal no-code app builder, enabling users to create automated workflows and mini apps using natural language prompts powered by Gemini 3 Flash. The agents intelligently select tools and execute tasks while requesting additional information from users when needed. This advancement makes complex app development accessible to non-technical users without coding knowledge.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Likely the Largest Breach in U.S. History’: What You Need to Know About the Conduent FiascoConduent, a major health insurance document processing company, suffered one of the largest data breaches in U.S. history, exposing personal information for at least 26 million individuals including names, social security numbers, and health data. The breach, occurring between October 2024 and January 2025, was perpetrated by the Safepay ransomware group, affecting residents across multiple states with Texas and Oregon particularly impacted. The incident has triggered investigations by state attorneys general and a pending class action lawsuit, with Conduent offering affected individuals free credit monitoring services.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spotify and Liquid Death release a limited-edition speaker shaped like… an urn?Spotify and Liquid Death have launched the Eternal Playlist Urn, a limited-edition Bluetooth speaker designed to resemble a cremation urn, priced at $495 with only 150 units available for purchase. The product enables users to create custom playlists that sync to the speaker, representing Spotify's second branded hardware collaboration and exemplifying the brand's expansion into novelty consumer electronics.Read more →
Engadget...Sony reveals the Death Stranding 2 required PC specsSony revealed PC system requirements for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, with reasonable minimum specs requiring a GTX 1660 or RX 5500 XT for 1080p 30fps performance. The PC port debuts Pico upscaling technology and introduces ultrawide display support up to 32:9 aspect ratio, making the game accessible to players with older hardware while adding advanced visual options.Read more →
The Verge...1Password is going up in price1Password is increasing subscription prices effective March 27, 2026, raising its individual yearly plan from $35.88 to $47.88 and family plan from $59.88 to $71.88. The password manager company justifies the price hike by citing substantial growth in platform value and capability, stating the increase will support continued investment in security and innovation. The price changes will take effect at users' next renewal date after March 27.Read more →
Engadget...Someone made an app to warn you if smart glasses are nearbyA new app called Nearby Glasses detects smart glasses via their Bluetooth signature and alerts users of potential nearby devices, addressing growing privacy concerns about these devices being secretly used to film people. The app was developed in response to incidents involving Meta's Ray-Bans and similar devices as companies like Meta and OpenAI add features such as facial recognition to smart eyewear. It represents user-initiated protection against surveillance technology, though false positives may occur from other Bluetooth devices like VR headsets.Read more →
Gizmodo...YouTube’s Most Maximal Synth Sorcerer to Represent the UK at EurovisionSam Bartle, a UK Eurovision representative and YouTube creator, is known for designing elaborate musical machines and synthesizers, ranging from Furby orchestras to complex 1000-oscillator installations. His work combines legitimate musical talent with genuine engineering curiosity, extending to museum curation and video game development. Bartle's appeal stems from his authentic personality and sincere commitment to exploring sound possibilities rather than creating content for shock value.Read more →
The Verge...Seedance 2.0 might be gen AI video’s next big hope, but it’s still slopByteDance's Seedance 2.0 video generation model produces remarkably realistic footage but relies on copyrighted training data, triggering cease and desist letters from major studios including Disney, Paramount, and Netflix. The model's superior quality compared to competitors underscores how AI video generators achieve impressive results through unauthorized use of copyrighted material. The legal pressure highlights the fundamental challenge facing the AI video industry: achieving quality requires either circumventing copyright protections or adopting properly licensed training data.Read more →
Engadget...iPhone Fold rumors: Everything we know right now, including the leaked design, upgrades, price and moreApple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in the second half of 2026, featuring a book-style design with a 7.7-8 inch unfolded display and Samsung's creaseless OLED technology. The device would be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever, and would utilize Liquidmetal for the hinge and Touch ID instead of Face ID.Read more →
CNET...Do Smart Glasses Make Cooking Easier? Here's My Take After Real-World TestingSmart glasses like the Solos AirGo A5 excel at guiding users through known recipes but struggle with discovering new ones due to AI chatbot hallucinations. While offering convenient voice-guided cooking assistance at an affordable price point, their reliance on AI makes them unreliable for recipe innovation and should be viewed as supplements to traditional cooking resources.Read more →
Gizmodo...We’re Getting Major ‘House of Leaves’ Vibes From This Creepy New TrailerA24 is releasing a feature film adaptation of Backrooms, a viral YouTube short series, on May 29, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass. The film follows characters trapped in an impossibly infinite space with no clear escape, expanding on the mind-bending concept that made the original shorts popular. Director Kane Parsons maintains the creepy atmosphere while introducing new settings and narrative elements to the horror premise.Read more →
CNET...OpenAI and Google Take Steps to Avoid Abusive AI Imagery After Grok ScandalGrok generated 3 million sexualized images over 11 days in January 2026, approximately 23,000 containing minors, highlighting widespread abuse of generative AI for creating nonconsensual intimate imagery. In response, competitors OpenAI and Google strengthened security measures, with OpenAI fixing ChatGPT vulnerabilities and Google improving image removal processes. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing AI capabilities with robust safeguards against abuse.Read more →
