TechCrunch...The Pentagon is developing alternatives to Anthropic, report saysFollowing the breakdown of its $200 million Pentagon contract over restrictions on AI use for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, Anthropic is being phased out by the Department of Defense. The Pentagon is actively developing its own large language models and has established partnerships with OpenAI and xAI for classified systems. This shift represents a significant loss for Anthropic in government operations and reflects disagreement over AI safety guardrails.Read more →
The Verge...Nvidia's DLSS 5 is like motion smoothing for video games, but worseNvidia unveiled DLSS 5, a graphics upscaling technology claimed as its most significant breakthrough since ray tracing, but early demonstrations reveal it produces a homogenized AI-generated aesthetic that makes game characters appear generic and unmistakably AI-created. Major publishers including Bethesda and Capcom have endorsed the technology, but it has drawn significant backlash from indie developers and the gaming community over concerns about replacing carefully crafted character designs and displacing human artistic work. The potential widespread adoption of this technology threatens to introduce a standardized AI visual style across the gaming industry, raising questions about artistic integrity and the future of game character design.Read more →
Engadget...The Dune: Part Three trailer introduces Robert Pattinson's villainous new characterDune: Part Three's trailer has been released, adapting Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah as a thriller with returning cast including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, plus Robert Pattinson as the new antagonist Scytale. The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.Read more →
Gizmodo...How ‘Dune: Part Three’ Is Changing the Entire ‘Dune’ FranchiseDirector Denis Villeneuve revealed that Dune: Part Three will be a thriller with distinctly different tone, pace, and visual style compared to the first two films, featuring a new cinematographer and exploring Paul's struggle with power and his relationship with Chani over a 17-year time gap. The film, releasing December 18, will showcase new planets and locations on Arrakis while maintaining composer Hans Zimmer's involvement with a reimagined score.Read more →
The Verge...Antigravity’s 360-degree drone is 20 percent off ahead of its next feature dropAn April 15th update will introduce voice controls, timelapse photography, and virtual effects capabilities to flight applications. These new features enhance user experience and content creation options while enabling hands-free operation. This expansion of functionality aims to improve both usability and creative possibilities for aerial photography and videography.Read more →
Engadget...Arizona attorney general sues Kalshi on illegal gambling chargesArizona's Attorney General has sued prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging it operates as an illegal gambling business and unlawfully allows users to bet on election outcomes in violation of state law. Kalshi contends it operates under federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission authority and should not face state-level charges. The lawsuit highlights a regulatory clash between state and federal oversight of prediction markets.Read more →
TechCrunch...BuzzFeed debuts AI slop apps in bid for new revenueBuzzFeed is launching three AI-powered consumer apps—BF Island, Conjure, and Quiz Party—through a new spin-off company called Branch Office to explore AI-driven creativity and community features. The company is pivoting to AI applications as a strategic response to substantial financial losses and liquidity challenges, though the SXSW announcement received a tepid audience response.Read more →
Engadget...YouTube and FIFA partner up for the 2026 World CupFIFA has partnered with YouTube to stream select matches and content from the 2026 World Cup, expanding its distribution strategy alongside a previous TikTok deal. Media partners can stream complete matches, the first 10 minutes of all matches, and access custom footage to maximize global reach. This collaboration expands the tournament's audience while securing FIFA's largest revenue stream from broadcasting rights.Read more →
Engadget...Fortnite will return to Google's Play Store globally on March 19Epic Games and Google have resolved their multi-year dispute over app store fees, with Google reducing its in-app purchase commission from 30 to 10-20 percent. As part of the settlement, Fortnite returns to the Google Play Store globally on March 19, marking a significant shift in how major platforms compensate developers.Read more →
The Verge...The messiah rises in Dune: Part Three’s new trailerWarner Bros. released the first trailer for Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three, showing Paul Atreides waging war to control the universe while expecting his first child with Chani. The film features returning threats including Scytale and introduces key characters like a resurrected Duncan Idaho and Paul's sister Alia. The movie releases December 18th.Read more →
CNET...Champions League Playoff Soccer: Stream Chelsea vs. PSG LiveChelsea hosts Paris Saint-Germain in a UEFA Champions League second leg on Tuesday, facing an uphill battle after a 5-2 first-leg defeat. The match will be broadcast live on Paramount Plus in the US and regional streaming platforms worldwide. Chelsea must secure a significant victory to advance in the tournament.Read more →
CNET...OpenAI's Latest AI Models Are Built for SpeedOpenAI released GPT-5.4 mini and nano models as smaller, faster alternatives to compete with Claude Code in the AI software engineering market. The mini model is more than twice as fast as its predecessor for coding, reasoning, and tool use, while nano handles data extraction and classification tasks. Both models offer cost-effective solutions for developers building applications and maintaining code.Read more →
CNET...Champions League Playoff Soccer: Stream Man City vs. Real Madrid LiveManchester City faces Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg match on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, seeking a comeback after losing the first leg with a hat-trick by Valverde. The match will be streamed exclusively on Paramount Plus in the US, Prime Video in the UK, DAZN in Canada, and Stan Sport in Australia.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung’s Smart Glasses Might Not Have to Do Much, Thanks to MetaSamsung's Galaxy Glasses are expected to closely match Ray-Ban Meta's specifications in battery capacity and 12-megapixel camera, but may differentiate through stronger privacy protections and tighter integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. This approach could capitalize on Meta's recent privacy controversies, where videos from its AI glasses were sent to contractors for AI training purposes.Read more →
Engadget...GPT-5.4 mini brings some of the smarts of OpenAI's latest model to ChatGPT Free and Go usersOpenAI released GPT-5.4 mini and nano variants to expand access to advanced AI capabilities beyond paid tiers. GPT-5.4 mini is now available to Free and Go users with performance improvements in reasoning, multimodal understanding, and tool use at over twice the speed of its predecessor. GPT-5.4 nano is available exclusively through the API for developers, priced at $0.20 per million input tokens, targeting cost-efficient tasks like data classification and extraction.Read more →
Engadget...Switch 2 software update adds 'Handheld Mode Boost' for your old gamesNintendo's Switch 2 system update 22.0.0 introduces 'Handheld Mode Boost,' which improves visuals of unpatched Switch games in handheld mode by rendering them at 1080p instead of stretching the original 720p output. While the feature enables higher resolution and better performance, it disables motion controls and touchscreen functionality, making some games incompatible with the mode.Read more →
Gizmodo...Lonely People Are Better Off Texting Strangers Than Messaging a Chatbot, Study FindsA study from the University of British Columbia and University of Pennsylvania found that texting with human peers significantly reduced loneliness among college students, while AI chatbots provided benefits similar to journaling alone. The research reveals that addressing loneliness requires both receiving and providing empathy, something AI interactions fail to facilitate. These findings challenge the startup approach of using chatbots to solve the loneliness epidemic.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s data center power playbook comes into focusGoogle signed a 2.7-gigawatt power agreement with Michigan utility DTE to supply a new data center, featuring 1.6 gigawatts of solar, energy storage, and additional clean resources. The deal uses Google's Clean Transition Tariff to incentivize utilities to integrate renewable technologies into their long-term planning. This demonstrates how major tech companies are leveraging infrastructure investments to accelerate sustainable energy adoption.Read more →
Engadget...WhatsApp is now officially available on Garmin smartwatchesWhatsApp has launched an official app for select Garmin smartwatches, allowing users to read, reply to messages, and manage incoming calls directly from their watch without accessing their smartphone. The app maintains end-to-end encryption and is available on compatible Forerunner, Venu, Vivoactive, and Fenix models through the Garmin Connect IQ Store.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Major Offshore Wind Farm Just Finished Construction. Trump Is Already Plotting a CounterattackThe Trump administration is offering TotalEnergies approximately $1 billion to abandon two offshore wind projects and invest in natural gas infrastructure instead, after federal courts blocked previous legal attempts to halt the projects. This strategic pivot from litigation to financial incentives highlights the administration's desperation to redirect U.S. energy policy toward fossil fuels. Meanwhile, competing offshore wind projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind continue delivering renewable power to hundreds of thousands of homes.Read more →
The Verge...Now everyone in the US is getting Google's personalized Gemini AIGoogle has expanded access to its Personal Intelligence feature for Gemini to all US users on personal accounts, enabling free-tier users to receive AI-powered personalized suggestions across Google Search, Chrome, and the Gemini app. The feature leverages data from connected Google apps including Gmail, Google Photos, and YouTube to provide context-aware responses without requiring manual input. The feature remains opt-in only, allowing users to disconnect apps and manage their privacy settings at any time.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Dune: Part Three’ Trailer Makes It Look More Awesome Than the LastThe first trailer for Dune: Part Three has arrived, set 17 years after Part Two and adapting Frank Herbert's Dune: Messiah, showcasing Paul Atreides navigating the consequences of his newfound powers as Emperor and father. The film features returning cast members and new additions like Robert Pattinson, with scenes spanning multiple planets and epic battles that suggest an ambitious conclusion to Denis Villeneuve's trilogy.Read more →
Engadget...Starfield is coming to PS5 on April 7Starfield is launching on PS5 on April 7, featuring DualSense controller integration and available in both standard ($50) and premium ($70) editions. The release includes the Terran Armada DLC and a free update introducing cruise mode for space travel, enhanced customization, and other gameplay improvements. This marks another Microsoft-published exclusive transitioning to PlayStation as part of an industry-wide multiplatform shift.Read more →
CNET...I Know Exactly How Much More Speed You Really Get With a Wi-Fi 7 RouterWi-Fi 7 routers are now a worthwhile investment for future-proofing home networks, with prices dropping below $200 and delivering significantly higher speeds than previous generations. However, consumers should prioritize tri-band models to access the 6GHz frequency and advanced features, avoiding cheaper dual-band versions that offer minimal benefits over Wi-Fi 6E.Read more →
Engadget...More Game Pass additions for March include Disco Elysium and Resident Evil 7Microsoft is expanding its Game Pass library with 12 new titles in March and April, including notable releases like Disco Elysium, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Several games previously exclusive to the Ultimate tier are expanding to Premium, broadening access to the subscription service's growing catalog.Read more →
Gizmodo...Judge Deals Major Blow to RFK Jr.A federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to reduce childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11, ruling that he violated federal procedures in his vaccine policy reforms. The court decision halts changes to vaccine advisory committees and prevents further weakening of immunization policies, temporarily protecting public health initiatives that medical organizations view as critical for children's safety.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meet Vurt, the mobile-first streaming platform for indie filmmakers embracing vertical videoVurt, a new mobile-first vertical streaming platform, enables independent filmmakers to distribute their content directly to audiences within 48-72 hours, addressing long-standing distribution challenges. The platform monetizes through advertising and offers creators a 50/50 revenue split, entering the rapidly growing micro-drama market that has expanded into a multi-billion-dollar industry.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s Personal Intelligence feature is expanding to all US usersGoogle expanded its Personal Intelligence feature to all U.S. users, enabling its AI assistant to provide highly personalized recommendations by integrating data from Gmail, Google Photos, and other services. The feature leverages personal context to deliver tailored suggestions across Search, Gemini app, and Chrome browser without directly training on user data, offering examples like customized vacation itineraries and product recommendations based on past purchases and preferences.Read more →
Engadget...Google makes Gemini personalization available to free usersGoogle is expanding its Personal Intelligence feature, which enables the Gemini chatbot to access information from users' Google apps for personalized responses, to more users in the US starting with AI Mode. The feature will gradually roll out to free Gemini app users and Gemini in Chrome, offering tailored recommendations for tasks like trip planning and device troubleshooting.Read more →
TechCrunch...Stryker says it’s restoring systems after pro-Iran hackers wiped thousands of employee devicesStryker suffered a destructive cyberattack on March 11 by pro-Iranian hackers who remotely wiped tens of thousands of employee devices through a compromised Microsoft InTune dashboard, causing widespread operational disruption to order processing and manufacturing. The attack was claimed to be retaliatory for a U.S. airstrike on Iran, though the company confirmed its internet-connected medical products remain safe for patient use. Initial access was likely obtained through a compromised administrator account via phishing or infostealer malware.Read more →
The Verge...Intel announces Core Ultra 200HX Plus CPUs for high-end gaming laptopsIntel has introduced two new Core Ultra processors: the flagship Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and the mid-range Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus. These additions expand Intel's performance-tier processor lineup for high-end computing applications.Read more →
Engadget...March Madness 2026: How to watch every game of the NCAA basketball tournamentsThe 2026 NCAA March Madness tournaments begin this week with games distributed across multiple broadcast networks and streaming platforms. The most cost-effective viewing approach combines HBO Max and Paramount+ for approximately $25 to watch all men's games, while women's tournament coverage requires ESPN Select or a live TV service. Limited free options include CBS games available on the March Madness website without a TV provider login.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI expands government footprint with AWS deal, report saysOpenAI has secured a partnership with Amazon Web Services to supply AI products to U.S. government agencies for classified and unclassified operations, significantly expanding its federal presence. This move positions OpenAI to compete with Anthropic in the government sector, particularly as Anthropic faces tensions with the Department of Defense over surveillance and autonomous weapons policies. The AWS partnership leverages existing government customer relationships, enabling OpenAI to secure additional enterprise contracts while establishing government endorsement as a competitive advantage.Read more →
Gizmodo...CERN Nails Down Elusive Heavy Proton Cousin After Detector UpgradeCERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHCb) Collaboration has discovered Xi-cc-plus, a new particle composed of two charm quarks that is approximately four times heavier than a proton and validates theoretical predictions made two decades ago. This discovery contributes to understanding quantum chromodynamics and the strong force that binds quarks together, representing the 80th hadron found by LHC experiments. The finding was enabled by recent equipment upgrades that increased collision detection precision and analysis capabilities.Read more →
The Verge...Two more EVs for the trash heap: Volvo EX30 and Honda PrologueVolvo and Honda have discontinued their EV models, joining other automakers in scaling back electric vehicle offerings amid broader market pullback. The discontinuations highlight challenges facing battery-powered vehicle adoption and shifting manufacturer strategies in the evolving automotive landscape.Read more →
The Verge...Several Sonos audio products got their first 2026 discountsSonos has launched early spring sale discounts on its audio products ahead of Amazon's March 25th Big Spring Sale, featuring the Ace wireless headphones at $299, Roam 2 and Move 2 Bluetooth speakers, Beam soundbar at $369, and Sub Mini subwoofer at $399. These represent the first significant price reductions of the year for most products, making premium audio equipment more accessible to consumers. The deals target both indoor and outdoor listening, with features like active noise cancellation and water resistance for portable use.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Halts Sale of Galaxy Z TriFold After Just 3 MonthsSamsung is discontinuing sales of its premium Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone less than two months after its US launch, with phased endings beginning in South Korea. Despite an initial sold-out debut at $2,899, the ultra-premium foldable failed to maintain momentum, indicating limited market appetite. The company has not yet decided whether to reintroduce the device or an updated version.Read more →
The Verge...Microsoft appoints a new Copilot boss after AI leadership shakeupMicrosoft is reorganizing its artificial intelligence division following the retirement of a veteran executive, signaling shifts in the company's AI leadership structure. This reshuffling reflects strategic changes in how the company manages its artificial intelligence initiatives.Read more →
The Verge...The future of code is exciting and terrifyingThe Vergecast episode explores the dual nature of artificial intelligence, discussing both its benefits and drawbacks in consumer technology. The episode also examines gaps in the US smartphone market and features that American phone buyers are currently missing.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI’s ‘boys’ club’ could widen the wealth gap for women, says Rana el KalioubyAI investor Rana el Kaliouby warns that the AI industry risks becoming a 'boys' club,' potentially widening the economic gap for women through their exclusion from founding opportunities and venture funding. She emphasizes that diversity is critical not only for economic equity but also for the quality and ethics of AI product development. El Kaliouby advocates for actively supporting women founders as essential to shaping the industry's future direction responsibly.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon launches one- and three-hour delivery options in the USAmazon launched one-hour and three-hour delivery options across hundreds and thousands of US locations respectively, covering over 90,000 products at varying price points. The service prioritizes everyday essentials and consumer items, with pricing ranging from $5 to $20 depending on delivery speed and Prime membership status. This expansion reinforces Amazon's logistics leadership and creates a new premium delivery revenue stream while maintaining free same-day delivery for Prime members.Read more →
TechCrunch...Oura enters India’s smart ring market with the Ring 4Finnish smart ring maker Oura launches Ring 4 in India starting at approximately $313, competing with local leaders like Ultrahuman in a price-sensitive but declining market. Despite India's smart ring shipments falling 30.6% in 2025, Oura differentiates itself by positioning the Ring 4 as a premium health device with subscription-based personalized wellness insights rather than competing primarily on price.Read more →
CNET...I Love One Thing About the New Nike Special Edition Powerbeats Pro 2 EarbudsBeats has unveiled the Powerbeats Pro 2 Nike Special Edition, marking the brand's first collaboration with Nike, launching globally on March 20 for $250 via an early SNKRS lottery. The special edition features Nike branding, two-tone black and yellow colors, and a Volt-speckled charging case while maintaining the standard model's heart rate monitoring and Apple Fitness app integration. LeBron James serves as the brand ambassador for the launch, promoting the sports-focused earbuds through a campaign video.Read more →
Engadget...Gamers are right to be disgusted by NVIDIA's DLSS 5NVIDIA's DLSS 5, an AI-powered graphics enhancement technology, has received overwhelmingly negative reception from gamers and industry observers. Critics argue the feature resembles artificial image filters rather than meaningful visual improvements, and raises concerns about erasing artists' original creative intent and homogenizing game aesthetics. The backlash reflects broader skepticism toward generative AI applications in gaming and questions whether AI-enhanced visuals align with both developer vision and player preferences.Read more →
Gizmodo...11Nintendo's Switch 2 system update 22.0.0 introduces Handheld Mode Boost, which upscales original Switch games to 1080p in handheld mode, significantly improving visual clarity and sharpness. Games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that lack native Switch 2 updates now display with reduced visual artifacts and crisp detail. The feature comes with minor tradeoffs including controller limitations, but delivers meaningful enhancements for the extensive library of original Switch titles without native updates.Read more →
Gizmodo...Free Switch 2 Update Finally Makes OG Switch Completely IrrelevantNintendo's Switch 2 system update 22.0.0 introduces a 'Handheld Mode Boost' that upscales original Switch games to 1080p resolution, significantly improving their visual clarity on the Switch 2's larger screen. The feature provides noticeable improvements for games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate but includes trade-offs such as Joy-Con controller behavior changes and occasional software stability issues.Read more →
The Verge...Starfield is coming to the PS5 and getting a pair of major updates in AprilAfter lots of rumors, it's now official: Bethesda's sci-fi epic Starfield is coming to the PS5. It'll launch on Sony's console on April 7th, and that day will also see the debut of two major updates for the game - one paid, one free - a combination that Bethesda describes as "the biggest update to […]Read more →
The Verge...Tumblr updated reblogs to function more like tweets and users hate itTumblr has redesigned its reblogging feature to allow users to like, reblog, and reply to individual posts within reblog chains, replacing the platform's iconic collapsed chain UI with separate post displays. The change, which mirrors the design of X, Bluesky, and Threads, has sparked significant backlash from Tumblr users who believe it fundamentally alters the platform's community experience and may impact creator notifications on reblogged content.Read more →
CNET...'One Battle After Another': Where to Stream the Explosive 2026 Best Picture WinnerOne Battle After Another won Best Picture, Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson's first Oscar), and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 98th Academy Awards. The Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn film is now available to stream on HBO Max following its December 2025 premiere. The drama chronicles an ex-revolutionary's race against time to rescue his missing daughter while reconnecting with compelling characters from his past.Read more →
Gizmodo...Your First Tiny Look at the ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Trailer Recreates an Iconic Comic CoverMarvel announced the first trailer for the new Spider-Man film 'Brand New Day' will premiere on March 18, with footage snippets being shared throughout the day by fans globally. The teaser recreates the iconic cover of Amazing Fantasy #15, showcasing Spider-Man's new suit. The film follows an anonymous Spider-Man protecting New York City while confronting the repercussions of his past.Read more →
The Verge...Capcom's next big game explores the horrors of AICapcom's upcoming sci-fi action game Pragmata launches in April with dual-character gameplay on a lunar research station where players control a spaceman and an android hacker to combat AI-designed robots. The game features deliberately unsettling aesthetics inspired by generative AI's characteristic oddities, with enemies and environments designed to feel unnaturally strange. Pragmata leverages Capcom's expertise from Resident Evil and similar franchises while exploring innovative themes around AI-created designs.Read more →
TechCrunch...World launches tool to verify humans behind AI shopping agentsTools for Humanity has launched AgentKit, a verification tool that integrates World ID (iris-scan-based biometric identity) with the x402 blockchain protocol to authenticate human approval of AI agents conducting e-commerce transactions. The solution addresses emerging security challenges in agentic commerce by allowing websites to confirm that automated AI agents are operating on behalf of verified real humans, reducing fraud and abuse. AgentKit is currently available in beta and requires users to complete World ID verification via the Orb biometric scanner.Read more →
CNET...Denon's Premium Turntable has Bluetooth for Wireless ConvenienceDenon introduces the DP-500BT, its first Bluetooth turntable with semiautomatic operation and support for multiple wireless codecs including aptX variants. Priced at $899 for preorder, the premium device features a removable headshell for upgrades and reflects growing consumer demand for wireless connectivity in analog audio equipment.Read more →
Gizmodo...YouTuber’s Hoverboard Prototype Takes Us One Step Closer to ‘Back to the Future’YouTuber Colin Furze is developing a real hoverboard prototype using magnetic suspension technology with rare-earth magnets to create levitation between two boards, similar to maglev train systems. The primary engineering challenge involves designing a physical connection method between the boards that maintains the hovering effect while minimizing vibrations and the risk of the top board separating.Read more →
Engadget...A PlayStation Portal update is adding a 1080p High Quality modeSony has released a firmware update for the PlayStation Portal handheld, introducing a 1080p High Quality streaming mode that enables higher-bitrate Remote Play and Cloud Streaming. The update also includes several quality-of-life improvements such as refined search functionality, better game invite notifications, and streamlined onboarding for new users. These enhancements are aimed at improving the experience for Portal users, with over half being PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon's new 'getitfast' delivery page lists items you can have in 1 hourAmazon announced on Tuesday that it's making it easier for users to find products eligible for its 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options with a new "getitfast" page for same-day delivery products available in their area. Amazon is also introducing new search filters for 1-hour and 3-hour delivery, along with tags on eligible products - which […]Read more →
CNET...Best Gaming TV for 2026: Get the Lowest Input Lag and Highest Picture QualityThis article provides a comprehensive guide to purchasing TVs, covering key factors including price, screen size, smart TV features, and cloud gaming capabilities. It also outlines CNET's rigorous testing methodology for evaluating television performance across picture quality, gaming compatibility, and input lag using specialized equipment and controlled lab conditions.Read more →
The Verge...Nintendo Switch 2 update adds 'Handheld Boost Mode' for original Switch gamesThe Nintendo Switch 2 includes a compatibility feature that allows Switch 1 games to run in docked mode, delivering enhanced performance compared to their original handheld execution. This upgrade enables users to experience their existing game libraries with improved visual fidelity and processing power on the new hardware without requiring game remasters or ports.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sarah Michelle Gellar Says a Single Executive Was Responsible for Killing the ‘Buffy’ RebootHulu abruptly cancelled the Buffy: New Sunnydale revival, with star Sarah Michelle Gellar publicly criticizing the executive decision and timing of the announcement. Gellar blamed a Disney Television Group executive for lacking appreciation of the original series, highlighting the challenge of developing beloved franchises when key stakeholders don't value the source material. The cancellation occurred during significant professional events for both Gellar and director Chloé Zhao, magnifying concerns about how the property was mishandled.Read more →
CNET...We're Tracking Streaming Price Hikes in 2026: Spotify, Prime Video, Crunchyroll and OthersMultiple major streaming services, including Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Spotify, and Paramount Plus, are implementing price increases in 2025 and 2026, with typical hikes ranging from $1 to $5 per month across tiers. The widespread price rises force consumers to evaluate their subscription spending and may lead to service cancellations or rotating between platforms to manage costs.Read more →
The Verge...Why Project Hail Mary’s creators were ‘scared’ about making the sci-fi adaptationScreenwriter Drew Goddard discusses the complexities of adapting Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary" to film, particularly converting first-person narrative and scientific exposition into visual storytelling techniques. The creative team drew confidence from "The Martian" adaptation to incorporate sophisticated science concepts, trusting audiences would appreciate intelligent material. The film, starring Ryan Gosling, releases March 20th.Read more →
Engadget...Apple and Nike team up for a new Powerbeats Pro 2 colorwayApple and Nike are releasing a limited-edition Nike Special Edition of the Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones featuring a distinctive electric yellow-green colorway. Available starting March 20 for $250, the special edition maintains the same features as the standard model, including heart-rate tracking, noise cancellation, and Spatial Audio, with LeBron James featured in promotional campaigns.Read more →
CNET...The Real Reason You Taste Wine Before a Server Pours (It's Not What You Think)Corked wine, caused by a compound called TCA that contaminates corks during production or shipping, affects 1-7% of bottles and is identifiable by musty, wet cardboard aromas and flat, muted flavors. Diners can confidently request replacements from servers or sommeliers when encountering corked bottles, as this is standard practice and not considered anyone's fault.Read more →
Gizmodo...Self-Balancing Bikes From the ‘Tesla of Motorcycles’ Are Ready for ProductionOMOWAY's OMO-X is a self-balancing electric motorcycle designed to eliminate tipping concerns and make two-wheeled vehicles safer and more accessible for new riders. The vehicle integrates advanced features including adaptive cruise control, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and a digital key system powered by the proprietary HALO Pilot technology. With a planned May launch following April pre-orders, the product targets Southeast Asia and global markets as a revolutionary alternative to traditional e-motorcycles.Read more →
TechCrunch...MacBook Neo, AirPods Max 2, iPhone 17e, and everything else Apple announced this monthApple unveiled a comprehensive product lineup including the budget-friendly MacBook Neo, M5-powered MacBooks and iPad Air, and AirPods Max 2, with significant emphasis on AI capabilities. The announcements showcase the company's strategy to address both premium and budget segments while integrating AI-accelerated processors designed for intensive machine learning tasks and on-device AI models. Key improvements include processing speeds up to 4x faster than predecessors and expanded memory for enhanced AI performance.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Clever Software Patch Gave This Ice Satellite a Wild New TrickESA's CryoSat satellite received a software upgrade that repurposed its platform magnetometer to scientifically measure Earth's magnetosphere changes while continuing its primary ice-sheet monitoring mission. The upgraded instrument successfully captured data during an intense January geomagnetic storm, providing complementary measurements to ESA's Swarm mission. This enhancement demonstrates the scientific value of repurposing existing satellite systems at no additional cost.Read more →
Engadget...Oppo’s Find N6 might be the foldable of your dreamsOppo's new Find N6 foldable showcases competitive flagship capabilities, featuring a 8.93mm ultra-thin design with improved crease reduction, a 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging, and a 200MP camera system that rivals Samsung's offerings. The device will launch in Asian markets on March 20 starting at approximately $1,450, marking Oppo's continued presence in the premium foldable segment. Despite impressive technical achievements, the Find N6 lacks global availability outside of Asia.Read more →
CNET...I Did the Math: This Meal Kit Service Gives You the Most Bang for Your BuckA comprehensive analysis of seven popular meal kit services reveals that buying groceries at a supermarket remains significantly cheaper, with DIY costs 35-48% lower than meal kit prices. While meal kits offer convenience through premeasured, curated ingredients delivered to your door, their primary value proposition lies in time savings rather than cost savings, with premium proteins and organic options showing the smallest price differences compared to grocery store alternatives.Read more →
Gizmodo...A ‘Lord of the Rings’ Star Could Join ‘The Batman, Part II’Entertainment franchises are advancing with major casting announcements and creative updates across streaming and film, including Netflix's Assassin's Creed adaptation, The Batman Part II, A Quiet Place Part III, and The Mummy 4. Creative leaders are confirming directions for existing properties like Primal and Mystery Science Theater 3000, signaling continued investment in gaming adaptations, horror franchises, and established storytelling universes.Read more →
CNET...Why That Cheap Used Windows 10 Laptop Is Actually a Terrible DealMicrosoft has ended support for Windows 10, making used computers running this OS significant security risks as they no longer receive critical security patches. Purchasing budget-friendly Windows 10 devices exposes users to potential malware, identity theft, and unauthorized access, as threat actors can exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. While many devices from the past five years can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free, buying older Windows 10 computers should be avoided unless they will never connect to the internet.Read more →
The Verge...Poco’s first Pro Max phone earns the name with an 8,500mAh batteryThe X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max feature customizable RGB lighting integrated into their camera rings, allowing users to personalize the devices' aesthetic. This feature combines functional design with visual customization, enhancing the user experience on both flagship models.Read more →
TechCrunch...Niv-AI exits stealth to wring more power performance out of GPUsNiv-AI, a Tel Aviv-based startup, has raised $12 million to optimize power consumption in AI data centers by deploying rack-level sensors to measure GPU power usage at millisecond precision. The company aims to develop an AI model that predicts and synchronizes power loads, allowing data centers to utilize their expensive GPU investments more efficiently while improving grid stability. This addresses a critical bottleneck where unpredictable power surges currently force data center operators to throttle GPU performance or invest in costly energy storage.Read more →
TechCrunch...H&M wants to make clothing from CO2 using this startup’s techRubi, a biotech startup, has raised $7.5 million to scale enzyme-based technology that transforms captured carbon dioxide into cellulose fibers for textiles, providing a sustainable alternative to tree-based materials. This directly addresses the fashion industry's critical waste and carbon emissions problem, which generates one garbage truck of textile waste per second and produces more carbon than international aviation and shipping combined. The startup has validated commercial interest with over $60 million in non-binding agreements and pilot partnerships with major brands including H&M, Patagonia, and Walmart.Read more →
TechCrunch...Gamma adds AI image generation tools in bid to take on Canva and AdobeGamma has launched Gamma Imagine, an AI-powered image generation product that enables users to create brand-specific marketing assets like interactive charts, visualizations, and infographics using text prompts. The product integrates with tools including ChatGPT, Claude, and various automation platforms to power data-driven asset generation. The company positions itself between professional design tools like Adobe and Figma and legacy solutions like PowerPoint, targeting knowledge workers and business professionals.Read more →
Engadget...Dell XPS 16 (2026) review: Return of the kingDell has successfully revamped the XPS 16 for 2026, delivering a significantly thinner and lighter premium Windows laptop that rivals MacBook Air in portability while maintaining strong performance with Intel's latest processors and an optional vibrant OLED display. The redesign reasserts Dell's leadership in premium Windows laptops after the company nearly discontinued the iconic XPS brand, positioning it as a top competitor in the ultraportable segment. Despite early keyboard ghosting issues on initial units, Dell reports the problem has been resolved in current systems with additional software fixes expected by March.Read more →
CNET...Most US Adults Struggle With Wonky Wi-Fi Connections, CNET Finds. Here's What You Can Do About ItA CNET survey reveals that 86% of US adults experience Wi-Fi signal drops or disconnections, with 19% facing frequent issues that impact streaming and multiple simultaneous activities. Router upgrades every five years, mesh systems, and proper placement can address the problem, though underlying causes such as network congestion and inferior connection types may require ISP-level solutions.Read more →
CNET...This Stainless-Steel Air Fryer Is the Best Looking Model We've TestedThe Cosori Iconic is a premium $249 air fryer featuring an attractive stainless-steel design and solid cooking performance, supported by smart home integration through the VeSync app and a five-year warranty. While the device delivers excellent functionality and aesthetic appeal, its high price positions it as a luxury option compared to capable air fryers available at $100-$200 price points.Read more →
Engadget...Aqara's Matter-compatible camera promises easier smart home integrationAqara has released the first Matter-certified security camera, the G350, which serves as a Zigbee and Matter hub enabling control of smart home devices across different brands through a single app. The camera features dual lenses (4K and 2.5K), 9x hybrid zoom, 360-degree pan-tilt coverage with AI-powered tracking, and is priced at $140.Read more →
Gizmodo...Smart Glasses Have Privacy Advocates ScramblingMeta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have raised privacy concerns after sensitive videos were sent to human reviewers for analysis, some capturing intimate moments and financial information. The incidents have prompted Louisiana to propose legislation specifically targeting smart glasses to require recording consent and prevent covert filming without consent. This marks a significant escalation in regulatory response to privacy risks posed by wearable recording devices.Read more →
Engadget...How to make your smartphone last longerWith manufacturers now offering 5-7 years of software support and growing right-to-repair legislation, smartphones can remain functional for significantly longer than the traditional two-year upgrade cycle. The article outlines practical strategies such as using protective cases, managing battery health, and replacing internal batteries to extend device lifespan. This shift is driven by environmental concerns about e-waste and offers consumers substantial cost savings compared to frequent device replacements.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Doctor Who’ Has Never Met an Uncertain Time It Can’t Throw David Tennant AtDavid Tennant returns as the Tenth Doctor for 15 new Big Finish Productions audio dramas, with 12 episodes releasing bimonthly beginning summer 2027, plus a special three-episode set featuring multiple Doctor incarnations. This announcement expands Doctor Who content for fans as the television series determines its future following its split with Disney.Read more →
The Verge...Oppo’s nearly creaseless foldable isn’t launching in Europe after allOppo has launched the Find N6 foldable phone featuring a significantly improved "zero-feel crease" design through a liquid 3D-printed hinge, delivering one of the shallowest creases on the market. The device offers competitive specifications including a 200-megapixel camera system, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and 6,000mAh battery starting at approximately $1,450, but availability is restricted to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, excluding US and European markets despite the "global" launch promise. The phone includes an AI Pen stylus and enhanced multitasking features supporting up to four freely resizable floating windows.Read more →
CNET...I Love How Skinny Oppo's Foldable Phone Is, but I Hate That I Can't Buy ItOppo's Find N6 is an exceptionally thin (8.9mm) and durable foldable phone with triple IP ratings, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a nearly invisible display crease that sets it apart from competitors. However, its availability limited to key Asian markets and Australia significantly restricts its global impact compared to Samsung and other major manufacturers.Read more →
CNET...Best Apple Watch for 2026Apple's 2026 smartwatch lineup features three models—the Series 11 (best overall), Ultra 3 (rugged/premium), and SE 3 (budget-friendly)—each designed for different user needs and budgets. The Series 11 stands out with new features like hypertension notifications, improved battery life of up to 30 hours, 5G connectivity, and a more durable screen. These enhancements position Apple Watch as a versatile health and connectivity device for iPhone users seeking comprehensive smartwatch functionality.Read more →
Engadget...Marshall adds a junior-sized party speaker to its lineupMarshall launches the Bromley 450, a compact and affordable speaker that brings 360-degree audio and 40+ hours of battery life to a smaller form factor. The model retains key features of its larger Bromley 750 sibling including lighting effects and professional inputs, while being 25% shorter and half the weight for enhanced portability.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung discontinues its Galaxy Z TriFold after just three monthsSamsung is preparing to axe its first three-panel foldable phone less than three months after launching the device in the US. Sales of the $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold will first be wound down in Korea and then discontinued in the US once remaining inventory has been cleared, an unnamed Samsung spokesperson told Bloomberg. This follows […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Amazon adds 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in the USAmazon is launching one-hour and three-hour delivery options across hundreds and thousands of U.S. cities respectively, competing directly with instant delivery services like Instacart and DoorDash. The company offers Prime members discounted rates at $9.99 and $4.99 while non-Prime customers pay $19.99 and $14.99, leveraging its existing same-day fulfillment network. This expansion aims to strengthen Amazon's position in the on-demand delivery market and enhance Prime member value.Read more →
CNET...I Asked AI to Help Me Choose a Hobby. Judging Its Suggestions, From Beekeeping to AstronomyThe article compares three major AI systems—Claude AI, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT—by asking them identical hobby recommendations for a specific person. Claude and Gemini demonstrated stronger personalization and context understanding, with Claude particularly excelling at tailoring suggestions to the user's deal-seeking nature, while ChatGPT's recommendations were less aligned with the original prompt's details.Read more →
Engadget...Senators tell ByteDance to shut down Seedance 2.0 AI video app 'immediately'ByteDance suspended Seedance 2.0 AI video generator after US senators demanded its immediate shutdown, citing threats to intellectual property rights and the creative community. The controversy centers on allegations that the AI model was trained on copyrighted materials without permission, generating content that replicated protected works and celebrity likenesses.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: Apple's surprise AirPods Max refreshApple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2 with an H2 chip, delivering a 50 percent improvement in noise cancellation alongside new Adaptive Audio and Live Translation features. The premium headphones remain priced at $549, offering the first significant update since 2020. Pre-orders begin March 25 with shipments expected in early April.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Warhammer 40,000’ Has Found Another Old Hero to Bring BackGames Workshop is returning Commissar Sebastian Yarrick, a beloved Warhammer 40,000 character, to the game's narrative after years of absence. The character will feature in a new campaign centered on the planet Armageddon with accompanying miniature releases. Yarrick's return marks a significant moment for the tabletop wargame, bringing back one of the franchise's most iconic human figures.Read more →
CNET...How to Find and Slay the Energy Vampires Hiding in Your HomeAn experiment measuring standby power consumption in household devices revealed that phantom energy usage is a significant expense, with a cable box consuming 19.9 watts on standby—the highest among tested appliances. Understanding which devices draw the most standby power can help households reduce their annual energy costs by selectively unplugging or using smart plugs for devices that don't require constant availability.Read more →
CNET...iPhone 17 Pro vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra Cameras Compared: Which Is the Photography King?A comprehensive camera comparison between the iPhone 17 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra reveals both phones deliver excellent photography with distinct processing approaches—the iPhone emphasizes natural colors while the Galaxy favors vibrant saturation. Neither phone demonstrates consistent superiority across various scenarios, including main, zoom, and night photography. Camera preference depends entirely on individual color processing style rather than objective performance differences, making both phones equally viable for photography-focused users.Read more →
CNET...Tired of Spam Calls? Try This iPhone Trick NowiOS 26 introduces a call screening feature that automatically filters spam calls on all compatible iPhones through three options: Never (default), Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence. The Ask Reason for Calling option is recommended as it screens calls from unsaved numbers while still allowing legitimate calls like doctor's offices to reach users. This feature significantly reduces spam call interruptions without compromising access to important communications.Read more →
CNET...iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: Is It Worth the Upgrade?The iPhone 17 launches at $829 with doubled base storage (256GB vs 128GB) and major upgrades including a larger 120Hz display, improved 48MP ultrawide camera, and enhanced battery life up to 30 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16 receives a $100 price cut, making it a competitive budget option. Both devices support Apple Intelligence AI capabilities, with iOS 26's Adaptive Power feature providing additional battery optimization.Read more →
CNET...The World's First Collapsible Hard Cooler Is Here, Just in Time for Summer CookoutsColeman introduced the Snap 'N Go, the first collapsible hard-cover cooler that folds to one-third of its original size while maintaining traditional hard-shell performance and cooling duration of 48-64 hours. The innovative design solves a significant storage challenge for outdoor enthusiasts and campers, combining portability with the durability and insulation quality expected from premium coolers.Read more →
CNET...10 Expert-Approved Kitchen Tools That Guarantee Healthy Eating Every DayKitchen tools and appliances such as pressure cookers, air fryers, and food processors can significantly simplify meal preparation and support health goals by reducing cooking time and effort. By decreasing friction in the cooking process, these gadgets help busy individuals establish and maintain consistent healthy eating habits. Registered dietitians recommend investing in quality cookware, storage solutions, and prep tools as key factors for long-term wellness commitment.Read more →
The Verge...Leaving civilization is now easier with this ‘off-grid utility core’Klumpen is a solar-powered, prefab utility pod designed to provide electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet access to off-grid properties without requiring permits or professional installation. The $35,000 solution enables comfortable remote living while minimizing environmental impact through water recycling and renewable energy generation.Read more →
CNET...March Madness 2026: How to Watch the First FourNCAA March Madness 2026 begins with First Four games on Tuesday (men) and Wednesday (women), featuring multiple streaming and broadcast options including HBO Max, ESPN2, and TruTV. Various subscription services and live TV providers offer complete tournament coverage from March through mid-April.Read more →
TechCrunch...Gecko Robotics lands the largest U.S. Navy robotics deal yetGecko Robotics has secured a $54 million initial award from the U.S. Navy to deploy inspection robots that create digital twins of naval ships to monitor fleet health and predict maintenance needs. The solution aims to help the Navy achieve 80% ship readiness by 2027, reducing costly downtime and addressing the $13-20 billion in annual maintenance expenditures. The robots will enable predictive maintenance strategies that keep critical assets operational during deployment.Read more →
Gizmodo...OpenAI Reportedly Pivoting to a Focus on Business and Productivity OnlyOpenAI announced a strategic shift to prioritize business and productivity applications, marking a move away from peripheral projects to focus on agentic AI capabilities. The company hired OpenClaw's creator and launched GPT-5.4 targeting coding and business automation. This strategic pivot appears motivated by competitive pressure from Anthropic's Claude, which has gained significant traction in venture funding and federal government sectors.Read more →
Gizmodo...Aqara’s New Matter Smart Home Camera Hub Will Have No Compatibility CaveatsAqara released the Camera Hub G350, the first smart home camera with Matter support, enabling future compatibility across all major platforms including Apple, Google, and Amazon ecosystems. The dual-lens camera features 4K wide and 2.5K telephoto capabilities and functions as a Matter Controller and Bridge for smart home devices. The company also launched the Doorbell Camera G400, supporting both Power-over-Ethernet and traditional wiring with advanced object detection.Read more →
The Verge...Hands on with Aqara’s new Matter-compatible cameraAqara's Camera Hub G350 is the first indoor security camera supporting the Matter smart home standard, featuring dual lenses with 4K/2.5K resolution, 9x hybrid zoom, and 360-degree pan-tilt coverage. While currently limited to Samsung SmartThings with only basic livestreaming functionality, the camera demonstrates the promise of Matter-enabled unified smart home management across brands. Full feature support including recording management and pan-tilt controls are expected via future firmware updates.Read more →
Engadget...Denon's DP-500BT turntable combines premium design with Bluetooth streaming for $899Denon introduces the DP-500BT, a $899 turntable that fills a gap in its lineup by adding high-resolution Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The model features refined design inspired by the DP-3000NE, a belt-drive system, balanced S-shaped tonearm, semi-automatic operation, and a switchable phono preamp suitable for both beginners and experienced vinyl enthusiasts. Bluetooth connectivity through aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive enables wireless streaming to compatible speakers and headphones, including Denon's HEOS amplifiers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Picsart now allows creators to ‘hire’ AI assistants through agent marketplacePicsart has launched an AI agent marketplace enabling content creators and e-commerce shop owners to automate design and editing tasks through specialized AI assistants including Flair for Shopify store optimization, Resize Pro for format conversion, Remix for style application, and Swap for background changes. The platform shifts creators' role from manual execution to strategic direction-setting, with agents accessible via WhatsApp and Telegram. Users can control autonomy levels to require approval before agent actions, balancing automation with creator oversight.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Most Valuable Company in the World Welcomes You to Its Conference with ‘Veggie-Tales’-Adjacent SlopNvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced plans for $1 trillion in revenue over two years at GTC 2026, but capped his keynote with an AI-generated campfire singalong widely criticized for poor execution and awkward lyrics. The hastily-assembled musical finale exemplifies a broader tech industry problem where AI-enabled productivity prioritizes speed and efficiency over quality and thoughtfulness.Read more →
Engadget...Boox's new Go E Ink tablet includes a 10-inch display and runs Android 15Boox has released the Go 10.3 Lumi, an upgraded E Ink tablet featuring an integrated front light, Android 15 operating system, and access to the Google Play Store for traditional Android applications. The device improves upon its predecessor with enhanced security, better performance, and a lighter, thinner design while maintaining extended battery life, though it remains unsuitable for video-based content. Available for $450 with the front light or $420 without, it targets users seeking productivity and reading capabilities on an e-paper display.Read more →
TechCrunch...SEC eyes shift to twice-yearly earnings reportsThe SEC is proposing to change a 50-year-old requirement, allowing public companies to file earnings reports semiannually instead of quarterly. The change aims to reduce the financial and administrative burden on companies while potentially encouraging more firms to go public. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and the Trump administration support the proposal, which could be released within weeks and follows similar moves by the European Union and U.K. about a decade ago.Read more →
The Verge...The Live Nation trial restarts with a 'velvet hammer'States are leading an antitrust case against Live Nation-Ticketmaster following the Department of Justice's mid-trial settlement, with trial testimony revealing the company used 'velvet hammer' tactics and rejected lucrative competitor offers to maintain monopoly control over major concert venues. Evidence shows Live Nation exclusively controls or books the top amphitheaters in the US and has nearly tripled profits from large venues since 2019, demonstrating systematic anticompetitive behavior.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nvidia Expects Agentic AI To Drive $1 Trillion In RevenueNvidia projects $1 trillion in revenue through 2027, a 200% increase from previous estimates, driven by exponential demand for agentic AI and inference computing. The company is expanding its infrastructure and partnerships, including CPU initiatives, collaboration with OpenClaw for AI agents, and robotaxi development with major automakers. This reflects a foundational shift in the tech industry toward agent-based AI systems as the primary computing paradigm.Read more →
CNET...Death by Tariffs: Volvo Discontinuing Entry-Level EX30 EV in the USVolvo is discontinuing the EX30 and EX30 Cross Country in the US market after the 2026 model year due to high tariffs and weak sales. The vehicle, originally promised as an affordable EV option under $35,000, saw its price rise to $40,344 following production relocation from China to Belgium due to Biden-era tariffs, then faced additional headwinds from Trump administration tariffs. This marks another major setback in the US EV market, with Volvo reporting only 5,409 EX30 sales in 2025 and a 60.5% decline in overall electrified vehicle sales.Read more →
CNET...What Apple’s New Partnership Could Mean for Its Fitness FutureLondon Marathon runners will be the first to experience this partnership during their upcoming April race.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nvidia’s version of OpenClaw could solve its biggest problem: securityNvidia has unveiled NemoClaw, an enterprise-grade platform built on the open-source OpenClaw project, designed to enable companies to build and deploy secure AI agents. CEO Jensen Huang positioned the platform as critical infrastructure for enterprises, comparing it to foundational technologies like Linux and Kubernetes. The hardware-agnostic platform is currently in Alpha and supports multiple coding agents and open AI models.Read more →
CNET...3 Things From Nvidia GTC 2026 Keynote: NemoClaw, DLSS 5 and Vera CPUNvidia announced three major products at GTC: NemoClaw for building autonomous AI agents with privacy features, DLSS 5 AI-powered upscaling for gaming with neural rendering, and the Vera CPU optimized for agentic AI with double the efficiency of traditional CPUs. The announcements demonstrate Nvidia's strategy to maintain AI market dominance across data center infrastructure, enterprise AI agents, and consumer gaming. These products capitalize on the industry's shift toward agentic AI systems.Read more →
CNET...'The Housemaid': When to Stream Sydney Sweeney's Thriller MovieThe Housemaid, a psychological thriller starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, will premiere on Starz on April 1, 2025. The film, adapted from Freida McFadden's bestselling novel, explores dangerous power dynamics between a live-in housemaid and her wealthy employer. A sequel based on the trilogy's second book is currently in development.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Advisors Warn of Nuclear Spiral in Iran, Push to Nuke a New Canal for ShippingTrump's ongoing military conflict with Iran has prompted warnings from his advisors about catastrophic consequences including destruction of the region's water infrastructure and potential nuclear escalation. The war has already increased U.S. gas prices significantly and sparked concerns about broader economic instability and humanitarian disaster.Read more →
CNET...Nvidia Wants to Make It Easier to Create an OpenClaw AI AgentNvidia introduced NemoClaw, a reference stack for the OpenClaw agent platform that simplifies creation and management of autonomous AI assistants powered by LLMs like Claude. The solution provides an infrastructure layer with built-in security features including sandboxing, policy-based guardrails, and a privacy router for safe cloud tool connections. Designed for always-on agents that require constant computing power, NemoClaw enables single-command setup while maintaining strict privacy and data protection controls.Read more →
Engadget...Android tablets and foldables are getting a Chrome bookmark barGoogle is introducing a bookmark bar to Chrome for Android foldables and tablets in version 146, bringing a more desktop-like browsing experience to larger mobile devices. This feature, displayed below the Omnibox with favicons and site names, caters to users who perform intensive computing tasks on tablets and foldables. The bookmark bar can be enabled via Settings > Appearance.Read more →
Gizmodo...Timothée Chalamet Looks Messed Up in the First Look at ‘Dune: Part Three’Warner Bros. has unveiled the first look at Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Three, which will adapt Dune Messiah and continue the character's journey. The film, directed by Denis Villeneuve and featuring an ensemble cast including Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy, is scheduled to release December 18. This major blockbuster is positioned to compete directly with Avengers: Doomsday at the box office.Read more →
Gizmodo...Encyclopedia Britannica Sues OpenAI Over AI Training Data. Is Grokipedia Next?Encyclopedia Britannica filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company used approximately 100,000 of its articles to train ChatGPT models without permission. The suit seeks damages and demands that OpenAI cease using its content, joining a growing wave of copyright litigation from media outlets and publishers challenging AI companies' data practices. The case underscores ongoing tensions between AI development's data requirements and intellectual property protections.Read more →
Engadget...NVIDIA and Bolt team up for European robotaxisNVIDIA and Bolt announced a partnership where Bolt will utilize NVIDIA's autonomous vehicle technology stack including Cosmos, Omniverse, and Alpamayo to develop self-driving capabilities for European rideshare services. In exchange, NVIDIA gains a major customer and access to Bolt's real-world fleet driving data to refine its autonomous vehicle models. This collaboration creates a scalable foundation for safe autonomous mobility optimized for the complexity of European road conditions.Read more →
The Verge...DLSS 5 looks like a real-time generative AI filter for video gamesNvidia unveiled DLSS 5, a generative AI-powered graphics technology that enhances lighting, materials, and character details in real-time gaming at up to 4K resolution. While the technology delivers increased visual realism, early reactions reveal significant controversy over its use of AI-generated alterations that modify character appearances and artistic intent. The feature will launch this fall with developer controls to mitigate visual effects, though reception remains divided between those viewing it as a breakthrough and critics calling it artificially intrusive.Read more →
The Verge...Teens sue Elon Musk’s xAI over Grok’s AI-generated CSAMExplicit AI-generated images of minors, including at least 19 victims, were discovered posted on Discord according to reported allegations. This incident highlights the emerging threat of synthetic child sexual abuse material being generated and distributed through artificial intelligence technology. The case demonstrates significant gaps in platform moderation and enforcement of laws protecting minors from exploitation.Read more →
TechCrunch...Jensen just put Nvidia’s Blackwell and Vera Rubin sales projections into the $1 trillion stratosphereNvidia CEO Jensen Huang projected $1 trillion in orders for the company's Blackwell and Rubin AI chips through 2027, doubling the previous $500 billion forecast and reflecting robust demand in the AI sector. The Rubin chip is positioned as state-of-the-art AI hardware, operating 3.5x faster than Blackwell on model training and 5x faster on inference tasks. Production is expected to ramp up in the second half of 2026, enabling Nvidia to capture substantial market share in AI infrastructure.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 17, #540The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition is a daily word puzzle game where players group sports-related words by theme. This guide provides hints and answers for today's puzzle, enabling players to solve groupings related to hockey, baseball, football, and basketball.Read more →
CNET...Nvidia Is Building a Computer for AI Data Centers in SpaceNvidia CEO Jensen Huang discussed plans to create AI data centers in space as the next frontier for AI infrastructure, though significant engineering challenges remain. The primary obstacle is thermal management, as cooling chips in a vacuum requires solutions beyond traditional conduction and convection methods, relying instead on radiation cooling.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Just Cast Patrick Wilson to Die ImmediatelyPatrick Wilson has been cast as Jerry in The Last of Us season three, playing Abby's father who was killed by Joel in season one. The casting suggests showrunner Craig Mazin is closely following the video game's structure by including flashback scenes of Jerry's interactions with Abby before his death. Wilson's involvement despite the character's prior death indicates the role may have been expanded beyond what was shown in the game.Read more →
Gizmodo...Archaeologists Unearth 43,000 Ancient Egyptian Receipts, Notes, and ‘To Do’ ListsArchaeologists have recovered over 43,000 pieces of ostraca—pottery shards used for informal writing—from an ancient Egyptian site at Athribis, spanning from 332 BC to the 11th century AD. These artifacts provide unprecedented insight into the daily lives of ordinary Egyptians, containing mundane notes about grocery lists, taxes, schoolwork, and religious matters. The discovery demonstrates that common people regularly documented their everyday activities using casual writing surfaces, offering historians a comprehensive view of ancient Egyptian society beyond official records.Read more →
The Verge...Ecovacs’ Deebot X8 and X9 Pro Omni robovacs are nearly 50 percent offEcovacs robot vacuums Deebot X8 Pro Omni and X9 Pro Omni have reached their lowest prices, dropping to $599 and $679 respectively ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Both models feature lidar-based navigation, self-cleaning mops, and intelligent docks with water management, controllable via smartphone app or voice commands. These discounts provide significant savings on premium automated cleaning robots compared to newer flagship models.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nvidia Wants to Slop-ify Your PC Games With Its New AI UpscalerNvidia announced DLSS 5 at GTC 2026, a graphics technology leveraging generative AI for real-time rendering to enhance lighting, materials, and character details in games. The technology is expected to launch in fall 2026 with support for up to 4K resolution and will integrate with multiple existing and upcoming titles.Read more →
TechCrunch...Warren presses Pentagon over decision to grant xAI access to classified networksSenator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns about the Pentagon's decision to grant xAI's Grok AI system access to classified networks, citing the model's documented failures including generation of harmful content and potential security vulnerabilities. Warren is demanding the Defense Department provide details on safeguards and risk mitigation measures to protect military personnel and classified information from potential breaches. The move follows the Pentagon's controversial labeling of AI firm Anthropic as a supply chain risk, prompting the military to seek alternatives from OpenAI and xAI.Read more →
Gizmodo...Asteroid Ryugu Contains All 5 DNA and RNA Building Blocks, Study ShowsResearchers have detected all five nucleobases—the building blocks of DNA and RNA—in samples from asteroid Ryugu, collected by Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft. This finding supports the theory that asteroids delivered the chemical ingredients necessary for life to early Earth through collisions. The discovery suggests ammonia may have played a key role in nucleobase formation in the early solar system, revealing potentially unknown chemical pathways for life's origins.Read more →
The Verge...Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to prove he's not an AI cloneSocial media conspiracy theories claiming Israeli PM Netanyahu was killed and replaced by deepfakes spread following a press conference, with fact-checkers debunking the claims as video degradation. The incident highlights a critical problem: without authentication systems like C2PA or SynthID, there is no reliable way to definitively verify video authenticity, creating a widespread crisis of trust as AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated.Read more →
Gizmodo...Teens Sue xAI Over Sexualized Images Generated by GrokMinors have filed the first class action lawsuit against xAI, alleging its Grok image generation model was used to create non-consensual sexual material of teenage girls without adequate safeguards. The plaintiffs claim xAI knowingly profited from features enabling abuse while failing to implement industry-standard child protection measures. The case involves a perpetrator who used Grok to generate sexualized deepfakes from the girls' social media photos that were then distributed across platforms like Discord and Telegram.Read more →
CNET...Disney and Nvidia Combine on Robotics and AI to Bring Olaf Droid to LifeDisney has unveiled a robotic Olaf powered by Nvidia GPUs and the Newton Physics Engine, designed to interact with theme park guests. The AI-powered robot uses machine learning trained on Disney animator data to replicate Olaf's signature movements and will debut at Disneyland Paris on March 29. This represents a significant advancement in using AI-driven robotics and GPU computing for interactive entertainment experiences.Read more →
Gizmodo...We Met Disney’s Most Advanced Robot Yet: Olaf From ‘Frozen’Disney unveiled Olaf, an advanced robotic character powered by reinforcement learning AI that replicates the snowman's distinctive movement and personality from Frozen using animation training data and voice acting by Josh Gad. The technology enables Disney to debut character experiences alongside film releases rather than years later, significantly accelerating their robotics development timeline. The robot debuts at World of Frozen in Disneyland Paris on March 29, with future plans for expanded guest interactions.Read more →
The Verge...Nvidia says China’s BYD and Geely will use its robotaxi platformNvidia announced partnerships with Chinese automakers BYD and Geely, along with Isuzu and Nissan, to develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles using its Drive Hyperion platform, positioning itself as a key supplier in the global robotaxi market. The company is rapidly expanding its automotive business through partnerships with Waymo, Uber, Lyft, and other autonomous vehicle developers, while introducing Halos OS as a safety guardrail system. Despite these ambitious moves amid US-China trade tensions, Nvidia's automotive division still represents only 1.2% of its revenue.Read more →
The Verge...I met Olaf — the Frozen robot who might be the future of Disney ParksDisney created an interactive Olaf robot using reinforcement learning to achieve screen-accurate movements and emotions, trained in just two days using an Nvidia GPU. The teleoperated robot will debut at Disneyland Paris on March 26th, representing Disney's vision to populate theme parks with interactive character robots. Disney is releasing its Kamino simulation tool and Newton Physics Engine as open-source resources to advance robotics development.Read more →
TechCrunch...Memories AI is building the visual memory layer for wearables and roboticsMemories.ai, a startup founded by former Meta engineers, partnered with Nvidia to develop visual memory infrastructure for AI wearables and robotics. The company launched its large visual memory model and secured partnerships with Qualcomm and major wearable manufacturers to enable AI systems to remember and recall visual data from physical environments. This addresses a critical gap in AI development where existing memory solutions focus on text-based data, leaving physical AI applications without visual memory capabilities.Read more →
CNET...Meta Reportedly Plans Job Cuts as AI Spending SurgesMeta is reportedly planning workforce layoffs affecting up to one-fifth of its employees to reduce costs amid massive AI infrastructure investments. The cuts aim to leverage AI agents and automation to maintain operations with fewer workers, as the company pursues artificial general intelligence despite significant setbacks in projects like Avocado and Llama 4. This reflects broader industry trends as major tech companies consolidate headcount while increasing reliance on AI tools to boost productivity.Read more →
CNET...OpenAI to Launch ChatGPT 'Adult Mode' Despite Warnings From Its Own AdvisersOpenAI is developing an adult mode for ChatGPT permitting text conversations with adult themes while restricting erotic audio, images, and videos. The feature, initially scheduled for late March, has been delayed due to concerns from company advisers and executives about insufficient age verification safeguards and risks to minors accessing adult content.Read more →
Engadget...Sony's enhanced PSSR upscaling arrives on PS5 Pro todaySony released an enhanced version of its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) AI-powered upscaling technology for PS5 Pro via system update. The upgraded algorithm and neural network improve image reconstruction precision and motion stability while giving developers greater flexibility in balancing performance versus visual fidelity. The enhancement is available today for supported games from multiple developers.Read more →
Engadget...xAI is being sued by teens who say Grok created CSAM using their photosxAI's Grok AI faces a class action lawsuit from three Tennessee teenagers alleging their photos were used to generate sexualized images of minors distributed for child sexual abuse material trafficking. The lawsuit, which could extend to thousands of minors, claims violations of laws prohibiting production and distribution of child exploitation material. xAI is currently under multiple investigations worldwide for Grok's reported generation of millions of unauthorized explicit images, including thousands depicting children.Read more →
TechCrunch...Samsung bets this island startup can tame the grid with software and batteriesGridBeyond raised €12 million to expand its virtual power plant platform, which coordinates distributed renewable energy, batteries, and flexible industrial loads to manage peak grid demand. The technology is particularly critical for data centers running AI training operations, where batteries can absorb sudden power draws and prevent grid instability. By orchestrating diverse grid resources, the startup enables hyperscale data centers to secure reliable power connections while accelerating renewable energy integration.Read more →
Engadget...NVIDIA claims DLSS 5 will deliver 'photoreal' image quality with AI this fallNVIDIA announced DLSS 5, a next-generation upscaling technology using real-time neural rendering to infuse games with photoreal lighting and materials. The AI-powered system processes color and motion vectors to enhance scenes in real-time at up to 4K resolution, representing what NVIDIA claims is the biggest breakthrough in computer graphics since ray tracing.Read more →
CNET...ByteDance's AI Video Tool Seedance 2.0 Reportedly Delayed Amid Hollywood PressureByteDance is delaying the global launch of Seedance 2.0, its video-generating AI model, due to copyright and legal concerns from Hollywood studios and labor unions. The model produces photorealistic videos that convincingly depict real actors and copyrighted intellectual property, distinguishing it from other AI video generators. The delay reflects industry pressure over deepfakes, unauthorized content use, and potential harm to actors' careers.Read more →
Gizmodo...This Alien Planet Might Be the Stinkiest Place in the GalaxyAstronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified a previously unknown class of exoplanet in L 98-59 d, a molten world with volatile sulfur gases and a permanent magma ocean located 35 light-years away. The discovery indicates that current planetary classification systems are oversimplified and this planet may represent the first member of a broader population of sulfurous, gas-rich planets. Computer modeling reveals the planet's magma ocean exchanges sulfur dioxide with its upper atmosphere, allowing it to retain a thick hydrogen-rich atmosphere despite radiation from its host star.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple acquires video editing software company MotionVFXApple has acquired MotionVFX, a Warsaw-based provider of professional video editing plugins and templates for Final Cut Pro, to enhance its Creator Studio subscription bundle and strengthen competition against Adobe Creative Cloud. The acquisition enables Apple to integrate MotionVFX's professional-grade tools and templates into its services ecosystem, supporting its growing services revenue segment which now represents over 26% of the company's total revenue.Read more →
TechCrunch...Elon Musk’s xAI faces child porn lawsuit from minors Grok allegedly undressedThree anonymous plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against xAI, alleging that its Grok model failed to implement standard safeguards to prevent the generation of sexually explicit images of identifiable minors. The lawsuit contends that xAI did not adopt the protective measures commonly used by other AI laboratories and seeks civil penalties for alleged corporate negligence. The case raises critical questions about AI companies' responsibility for preventing abuse, particularly when their technology is used by third-party applications.Read more →
Gizmodo...Animated ‘Firefly’ Already Exists, and It’s Called ‘Outlaw Star’Nathan Fillion unveiled a plan to revive Firefly as an animated series set between the original show and its movie sequel, though the project remains in early development with no studio backing yet. The article recommends the 1998 anime Outlaw Star as a thematically similar science fiction western series with comparable crew dynamics and episodic storytelling that is available on Crunchyroll.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nvidia’s DLSS 5 uses generative AI to boost photorealism in video games, with ambitions beyond gamingNvidia unveiled DLSS 5, an AI graphics technology that combines traditional 3D graphics with generative AI models to produce detailed game scenes and realistic characters while reducing computational requirements. The system fuses structured 3D data with probabilistic AI to enable developers to create higher-quality content more efficiently. CEO Jensen Huang positioned this fusion of structured data and generative AI as a broader computing paradigm applicable across industries, including enterprise data analytics and future AI agent systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...Polymarket Bettors Allegedly Send Israeli Reporter Death Threats Demanding Changes to ArticleA Times of Israel journalist received escalating threats from bettors demanding he change his reporting about an Iranian missile strike to align with their losing Polymarket bet positions worth $16 million. The threats included death messages mentioning his address and family, highlighting how prediction markets can incentivize attacks on journalists and compromise press freedom.Read more →
Engadget...Judge rules that Krafton must rehire fired Subnautica directorA Delaware judge ruled that Krafton must reinstate Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, finding the publisher violated its employment contract when firing him and two co-founders. The dispute centers on a $250 million bonus tied to revenue targets that Krafton delayed and allegedly attempted to avoid paying through various means, including consulting ChatGPT for strategies.Read more →
Gizmodo...FCC Chairman Threatens to Revoke TV Licenses Over Iran CoverageFCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcast licenses from news outlets whose Iran war coverage displeases the Trump administration, claiming they must serve the public interest. The threat exemplifies concerns about weaponizing FCC regulatory authority against journalists critical of the administration, with similar pressure being applied to other media organizations by multiple officials.Read more →
TechCrunch...The MacBook Neo is ‘the most repairable MacBook’ in years, according to iFixitApple's new MacBook Neo is the most repairable MacBook in 14 years, featuring a battery secured with screws instead of adhesive and easier-to-replace displays and keyboards, earning a 6 out of 10 repairability score. This improvement reflects years of regulatory pressure and right-to-repair legislation, though soldered RAM and storage still limit full upgradeability.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung ends Galaxy Z TriFold sales three months after launchSamsung is discontinuing Galaxy Z TriFold sales in South Korea on March 17, just three months after launch, while the device remains available in the US until inventory depletes. The device was designed as a technology showcase rather than a mass-market product, with limited batches sold directly via Samsung's website and no review units provided. Rising component costs eliminated profit margins, leaving Samsung with no financial incentive to continue production despite secondary market demand at triple the retail price.Read more →
Gizmodo...Chloé Zhao Is ‘Not Surprised’ Her ‘Buffy’ Reboot Got Staked at HuluHulu has cancelled its Buffy: New Sunnydale reboot pilot directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. While the project's pilot was not deemed a perfect fit, Hulu remains interested in rebooting the beloved franchise and plans to explore a new creative vision.Read more →
CNET...T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Which Big Phone Carrier Is Best for You?T-Mobile and Verizon dominate the US cellular market, with T-Mobile recently winning network quality awards and offering more competitive pricing. T-Mobile's plans include streaming services and higher hotspot data allowances, while Verizon provides modular customization options but typically at premium prices. Coverage varies by location, so consumers should verify service quality in their area before choosing a carrier.Read more →
The Verge...Sony's AI graphics upscaling for PS5 Pro games is getting a big update tonightSony has upgraded its Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology for PS5 Pro, leveraging AI to improve upscaling quality and eliminate visual artifacts like shimmering and flickering. The enhancement, developed through AMD and Sony's Project Amethyst, will be rolled out via a system software update beginning March 17th and will support numerous titles including Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Silent Hill 2. This improvement aims to deliver crisper, more consistent graphics while maintaining current framerates on existing hardware.Read more →
Engadget...Apple acquires popular video editing software company MotionVFXApple acquired MotionVFX, a provider of visual effects plugins and templates for video editing software, signaling potential enhancements to Final Cut Pro. The acquisition could strengthen Final Cut Pro's capabilities and competitive position against industry-standard tools like Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve. No acquisition price or additional deal details have been disclosed.Read more →
CNET...2026 Oscars: How to Stream All the WinnersThe 2026 Oscar winners are now available on major streaming platforms, with films like One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Frankenstein earning top honors. This guide directs viewers to HBO Max, Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, and other services where they can stream the award-winning films. Some Oscar winners including Avatar: Fire and Ash remain theatrical-only releases.Read more →
TechCrunch...Another deep tech chip startup becomes a unicorn: Frore hits $1.64BFrore Systems, a semiconductor cooling technology company, raised $143 million in Series D funding at a $1.64 billion valuation. The company develops liquid cooling systems for AI chips, pivoting from its original air-cooling focus after guidance from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. This funding reflects robust investment in AI semiconductor infrastructure and cooling solutions critical for high-performance AI systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...Washington Post’s Surveillance Pricing Under Fire From Dems Who Want to Ban the PracticeThe Washington Post is using algorithm-based pricing that charges different subscription rates to individual subscribers based on their personal data, a practice known as surveillance pricing. This has prompted Democratic lawmakers to introduce legislation to ban the practice, with New York already passing a law requiring companies to disclose when AI determines pricing. The strategy reflects broader concerns about algorithmic price manipulation and growing regulatory scrutiny of AI-driven business practices.Read more →
TechCrunch...Fuse raises $25M to disrupt aging loan origination systems used by U.S. credit unionsFuse, an AI-native loan origination system startup, raised $25 million in Series A funding to modernize lending infrastructure for credit unions. The platform leverages AI agents to automate underwriting, reduce operational costs, and accelerate loan processing while offering a $5 million 'rescue fund' to help credit unions transition from expensive legacy systems.Read more →
Engadget...Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight's release date moves up a weekWarner Bros. Games has advanced the release of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight by one week to May 22 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and Epic Games Store, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving later in 2026. Pre-order customers will receive an exclusive The Dark Knight Returns Batsuit, while deluxe edition purchasers maintain their three-day early access benefit.Read more →
TechCrunch...The dictionary sues OpenAIEncyclopedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster have sued OpenAI for massive copyright infringement, alleging the company scraped nearly 100,000 articles without permission to train ChatGPT and uses them in its retrieval augmented generation workflow. The publishers claim ChatGPT's outputs directly compete with and substitute for their content, depriving them of revenue while also falsely attributing hallucinations to them. This lawsuit joins a growing wave of legal actions from The New York Times, Ziff Davis, and multiple newspapers challenging OpenAI's use of copyrighted material for AI model training.Read more →
CNET...How to Watch March Madness 2026 for FreeThe 2026 March Madness tournament begins March 17 for men and March 18 for women, with games distributed across ESPN, CBS, TBS, TNT, and other platforms. Viewers can watch games for free through the March Madness Live app or website with TV provider login, over-the-air broadcasts, or free trials from streaming services like YouTube TV (21 days), with paid options ranging from $14-$90 monthly. Multiple platforms offer free trials ranging from three to 21 days, allowing fans to watch much of the tournament without subscribing to multiple expensive services.Read more →
Gizmodo...Amy Madigan’s ‘Weapons’ Oscar Win Was a Big Win for HorrorHorror films achieved a historic milestone at the Academy Awards, winning a record-breaking eight awards total. Madigan's Best Supporting Actress win for her role in Weapons marks the first Oscar for a horror villain performance in over 30 years, signaling growing mainstream recognition and prestige for the horror genre.Read more →
The Verge...Encyclopedia Britannica is suing OpenAI for allegedly ‘memorizing’ its content with ChatGPTOn Friday, Encyclopedia Britannica and dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that it used their copyrighted content to train its AI, then generated responses that were "substantially similar" to their content, as previously reported by Reuters. According to Britannica, OpenAI repeatedly copied its content without permission, stating, "GPT-4 itself has 'memorized' much […]Read more →
CNET...My Best iPhone Hack: Turn Off Your Camera Control Button for Good. Here's HowApple's iPhone 16 camera control button, designed to enable Visual Intelligence AI features, frequently activates accidentally and fails when intentionally used, degrading user experience. The article critiques this as symptomatic of tech companies prioritizing AI integration without adequate consideration of practical usability. The author demonstrates how to disable the feature, highlighting the importance of functional opt-out options for controversial features.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max and 4K Plus sticks are up to 50 percent offAmazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max and 4K Plus are at their lowest prices ever ($34.99 and $24.99 respectively) with a redesigned Fire TV OS that improves content discovery through personalized recommendations and category tabs. The new OS allows users to pin up to 20 favorite apps and control content via Alexa voice commands, with the premium 4K Max offering enhanced hardware features including Wi-Fi 6E and 16GB storage.Read more →
Engadget...Encyclopedia Britannica sues OpenAI for copyright and trademark infringementEncyclopedia Britannica sued OpenAI for copyright infringement and trademark violations, alleging that OpenAI used its copyrighted content at massive scale during AI model training. The lawsuit claims ChatGPT reproduces full or partial verbatim excerpts from Britannica's articles and generates false content falsely attributed to the encyclopedia. Britannica seeks an injunction and monetary damages, while OpenAI maintains its use falls under fair use protections.Read more →
Gizmodo...This Fungus Can Make Water FreezeResearchers discovered a fungal protein that triggers ice formation at -2°C, derived from a distant bacterial ancestor and adapted by soil fungi to be more soluble and stable. This non-toxic alternative to silver iodide has significant applications for cloud seeding, weather engineering, and cell preservation. The finding reveals that common soil fungi likely contribute more to atmospheric ice formation than previously estimated and could improve climate models.Read more →
CNET...My Original AirPods Max Stopped Working, So I Put Them in the Freezer. Really.Apple released the AirPods Max 2 with improved H2 chip for enhanced noise canceling and audio quality at $549. The author discovered that freezing failing older AirPods Max for 30+ minutes temporarily restores functionality, likely by contracting wire insulation to reconnect microscopic cracks caused by repeated swivel wear, though this provides only temporary relief.Read more →
Gizmodo...Workers Most At-Risk of Being Hit by AI Layoffs Are Well-Positioned to Adapt, Study FindsA Brookings Institute study examining AI's impact on employment finds that 26.5 million of 37.1 million workers in high-AI-exposure jobs have strong adaptive capacity, but 6.1 million—primarily in clerical and administrative roles (86% women)—face displacement with limited ability to transition. Workers in midsize cities in the Mountain West and Midwest may face particular challenges adapting to AI-driven job displacement.Read more →
CNET...Amazon Deals of the Day: Turn Up the Tunes With $100 Off the Sonos Move 2 SpeakerAmazon is offering significant discounts on premium consumer electronics: a Sonos Move 2 portable speaker ($100 off), a 55-inch Insignia 4K TV ($170 off), and a Roborock robot vacuum (38% discount). These limited-time deals provide substantial savings on high-quality audio, entertainment, and home automation products. CNET identifies these as top deals currently available on the retailer.Read more →
Gizmodo...There’s a Good Reason the MacBook Neo Is Apple’s Most Repairable LaptopApple's new MacBook Neo is the company's most repairable laptop in 14 years, featuring easily accessible and replaceable components including the battery and keyboard without requiring specialized tools. Despite being a budget-friendly $600 device, the MacBook Neo demonstrates Apple's potential to balance premium design with repairability, though memory and storage remain non-upgradable.Read more →
Gizmodo...Maul Wants the Revenge of a Sith in the New ‘Shadow Lord’ TrailerLucasfilm announced the premiere of 'Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord,' a new animated series debuting April 6 on Disney+. The series follows Maul's quest for revenge against his former master Darth Sidious, forming an unlikely alliance with former Jedi Devon Izara to bring down the Empire. The show continues the Star Wars franchise's expansion into animation during the early Imperial era.Read more →
TechCrunch...Antonio Gracias says he’s longing for ‘proentropic’ startups — those that are built to survive chaosAntonio Gracias introduced 'proentropic,' describing startups designed to thrive in chaos through probabilistic thinking and adaptability. The term reflects a venture capital philosophy for navigating technological disruption and geopolitical volatility, exemplified by companies like SpaceX and Tesla. Gracias believes this approach unlocks unprecedented opportunities in an AI-driven era, with low-code tools democratizing entrepreneurship.Read more →
TechCrunch...Shopify is preparing for AI shopping agents to change everything, exec saysShopify is shifting focus to agentic shopping, deploying AI agents as personalized shoppers to drive online retail growth beyond the current 18% of U.S. purchases. These agents will provide preference-based product recommendations and help surface products from smaller merchants, offering more authentic curation than traditional search engines. The company is building merchant tools including the Sidekick AI assistant and agent protocols to integrate product data.Read more →
Gizmodo...With Midterms Looming, Trump’s Pick for Surgeon General Suddenly Thinks Measles Vaccines Are a Good IdeaCasey Means, Trump's nominee for U.S. surgeon general, has explicitly endorsed measles vaccination in written remarks to senators, reversing her earlier evasiveness on vaccines. The endorsement signals the Trump administration is backing away from the anti-vaccine movement, likely due to measles outbreaks and declining public trust in federal health agencies under RFK Jr.'s leadership.Read more →
CNET...Nvidia GTC: All the AI and Robotics News We Expect to Hear at Today's KeynoteNvidia's GTC event, headlined by CEO Jensen Huang, showcases the company's dominance in AI chip production and strategic direction toward physical AI and robotics. The keynote demonstrates Nvidia's critical role as the backbone infrastructure for major AI companies, while the industry faces growing concerns about AI bubbles, environmental impact, and workforce disruption.Read more →
Gizmodo...Watch a Clip of ‘Doctor Who’ That’s Not Been Seen for Over 60 YearsThe BBC has recovered two missing Doctor Who episodes from 1965 that have been unseen for 61 years, marking a significant milestone in television archival recovery. These restored episodes will be released on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to experience content from the show's early history. The recovery underscores both the show's cultural importance and the challenges of media preservation faced by broadcasters in the pre-digital era.Read more →
Gizmodo...Weather Across the US Is Going Absolutely Berserk This WeekThe United States is experiencing four colliding extreme weather events this week driven by unusual jet stream behavior, bringing record-breaking heat to the West, dangerous blizzards and Arctic cold to the East, and severe thunderstorms with tornado risk to the Mid-Atlantic. These extreme conditions pose significant risks to health, infrastructure, and power systems across tens of millions of people. The volatile weather patterns are expected to continue developing throughout the week.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon’s best Echo speakers and screens just got their biggest discountsAmazon's late 2025 Echo speaker and smart display refresh introduces improved hardware, better performance, and Alexa Plus features across several models. Current Big Spring Sale discounts make these devices more affordable for consumers seeking smart home audio and display solutions. Key offerings include the Echo Show 11 and 8 with enhanced screens, and the Echo Studio offering Atmos support for room-filling sound.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI's adult mode reportedly won't generate pornographic audio, images or videoOpenAI is developing an 'adult mode' feature for ChatGPT that will permit explicit text conversations while restricting generation of explicit images, audio, or video. Despite unanimous concerns from its wellbeing council about potential user addiction and underage access, OpenAI has continued development and delayed the feature's release multiple times since its original planned launch in early 2026.Read more →
Engadget...How to find and cancel your unused subscriptionsThis guide provides practical strategies for identifying and canceling unwanted subscriptions, which have become increasingly difficult to manage due to companies deliberately making cancellation harder than signup. It offers detailed step-by-step instructions for canceling popular services like Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV, and YouTube TV across multiple platforms, and recommends subscription management apps like Rocket Money that can automate the process. Regular subscription audits can save consumers hundreds of dollars annually by eliminating unused services.Read more →
The Verge...Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone on reviving the web's homepageYahoo, now independent and profitable under private equity ownership, has launched Scout, an AI-powered search engine built on Anthropic's Haiku model that sends traffic downstream to publishers rather than creating walled gardens. CEO Jim Lanzone is leveraging Yahoo's 250 million US users and first-party data advantage to compete in AI-enhanced search while integrating Scout across Finance, Sports, and Mail properties. The company is focusing on aggregation and strategic partnerships rather than operating betting platforms itself, positioning search advertising as the key monetization opportunity in the emerging answer engine category.Read more →
The Verge...This chair gives half-worn clothes a homeA multifunctional furniture piece combining seating with swivelling storage designed to organize laundry and household items in a compact form factor.Read more →
Engadget...Tech companies are teaming up to combat scammersEight major technology companies including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon have signed the Online Services Accord Against Scams to establish industry-wide standards for combating fraud. The initiative will implement fraud detection tools, enhance user security features, and facilitate information sharing between companies and law enforcement to target sophisticated criminal networks. While the agreement includes recommendations for government action, all measures remain voluntary with no enforcement penalties.Read more →
CNET...Apple AirPods Max 2 Headphones Are Here, Powered by the New H2 ChipApple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2, upgrading the premium headphones with the H2 chip to deliver 1.5x more effective noise canceling and enhanced audio clarity through a new high-dynamic range amplifier. The updated model maintains the $549 price point while adding features like Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, and studio-quality audio recording, along with improved voice-calling performance powered by advanced AI filtering.Read more →
TechCrunch...How to watch Jensen Huang’s Nvidia GTC 2026 keynote — and what to expectNvidia is hosting its annual GTC developer conference with CEO Jensen Huang's keynote focused on AI's future in computing. The company is expected to unveil NemoClaw, an enterprise AI agent platform, and a new inference accelerator chip designed to reduce computational bottlenecks in AI deployment. These announcements represent Nvidia's strategic push to dominate both AI model training and inference markets.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple quietly launches AirPods Max 2Apple unveiled the AirPods Max 2 at $549, featuring 1.5x more effective active noise cancellation, the H2 chip, live translation, and significantly improved audio quality with spatial audio and voice isolation. The new headphones also introduce Camera Remote functionality and enhanced microphone quality optimized for content creators. Available for pre-order March 25, the Max 2 represents a major upgrade focused on audio quality and cross-language communication.Read more →
Gizmodo...After Five Years, Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 Out of NowhereApple released the AirPods Max 2 with up to 1.5x more effective active noise cancellation powered by the new H2 chip and improved audio quality from a new high dynamic range amplifier. The $550 headphones introduce software features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation, expanding Apple's premium audio device ecosystem. Preorders begin March 25 with delivery expected in early April.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Invincible’ Is Back in Fighting Form—Its Animation, Not So MuchInvincible season four demonstrates narrative maturity as the series builds toward its climactic conflict, with Mark Grayson confronting existential questions about his identity between his human and alien heritage. However, the show's near-annual release schedule increasingly impacts animation quality, with noticeable shortcuts and freeze-frame techniques undermining action sequences that were previously a series highlight.Read more →
Engadget...Apple announces the AirPods Max 2 with improved noise cancelation and H2 chipApple announced the AirPods Max 2, featuring the H2 chip with 1.5x improved noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, conversation awareness, and Live Translation capabilities. This marks the first major update to Apple's premium over-ear headphones since 2020, bringing them to feature parity with the AirPods Pro 3 while maintaining the $549 price point.Read more →
Gizmodo...Terry Matalas Teases Ultron’s Return in ‘Vision Quest’This article covers multiple entertainment production updates, including Mike Flanagan's The Exorcist starring Scarlett Johansson beginning filming, Kogonada replacing Ben Stiller as primary director for Severance season 3, and Marvel's VisionQuest spinoff featuring Paul Bettany and James Spader. It features interviews with cast and creators discussing upcoming releases and character development across various television shows and films.Read more →
The Verge...Apple's $549 AirPods Max 2 add better ANC and live translationApple released the latest version of its over-ear headphones featuring adaptive audio technology and conversation awareness capabilities. These features dynamically adjust audio playback and enable seamless communication, enhancing the overall listening experience. The update represents a significant evolution in Apple's premium audio hardware lineup.Read more →
CNET...Time to Start Wish-Listing: Amazon’s Big Spring Sale Returns March 25Amazon announced its 2026 Big Spring Sale running March 25-31, featuring deals up to 50% off across all categories with new curated deal lists and daily rotating themes. The event introduces exclusive Prime member benefits and improved deal discovery features, positioning spring shopping as a major retail event alongside Prime Day and Black Friday.Read more →
CNET...SXSW 2026 Updates: Monday Looks at the Future of News and MediaSouth by Southwest 2026 explores AI's transformative impact across entertainment, creativity, and business, with tech leaders and artists discussing how AI reshapes content creation, work, and human connection. The conference highlights emerging technologies including AR/VR wearables and smart glasses, while addressing critical concerns about artist protection, AI-driven impersonation, and maintaining authenticity in digital spaces.Read more →
TechCrunch...Walmart-backed PhonePe shelves IPO as global tensions rattle marketsPhonePe has postponed its IPO due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and volatile market conditions, with Indian equity indexes declining approximately 9% over the past month. Investment bankers had suggested reducing the company's valuation from $15 billion to $9 billion. The company remains committed to pursuing a public listing once market conditions stabilize.Read more →
CNET...I’m CNET’s Fitness Expert. I Swear by These Versatile Earbuds for Every Run and Gym SessionCNET's fitness expert recommends the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as versatile wireless earbuds for multiple workout activities, featuring secure ear hooks, effective noise cancellation, and seamless Apple device integration. Priced at $250, these earbuds deliver solid sound quality and stability during running, strength training, and gym sessions, though battery life inconsistencies and a bulky case present minor drawbacks. The review positions them as a worthwhile investment for active individuals seeking a reliable, multifunctional option across diverse fitness activities.Read more →
CNET...Daylight Saving Time Destroyed Me, but These Devices Are Helping Me SurviveThe article presents a guide to using various technology devices to mitigate the negative effects of daylight saving time on sleep quality and daily functioning. Recommended devices include a sunrise alarm clock for gradual waking, sleep tracking rings, smart water bottles for hydration reminders, app-blocking devices to reduce phone usage, and air fryers for quick meal preparation. By leveraging existing consumer technology strategically, individuals can better adjust their bodies and maintain healthier habits during seasonal time changes.Read more →
The Verge...This is not a fly uploaded to a computerEon Systems announced what it claimed was the first digital emulation of a fly's brain, sparking viral excitement on social media. However, independent neuroscience experts dismissed the claim as lacking scientific rigor, noting the team only partially replicated neural structures while omitting critical biological details and failing to provide reproducible methods or peer-reviewed validation.Read more →
Engadget...Firefly is getting rebooted as an animated seriesNathan Fillion has announced an animated Firefly series in advanced development with the original cast reprising their voice roles. The project features completed scripts and concept art, is directed by Tara Butters and Marc Guggenheim, and animated by Oscar-winning studio ShadowMachine. The production team is seeking a network home while fans campaign to demonstrate market demand.Read more →
Engadget...How and where to buy refurbished tech onlineRefurbished electronic devices offer significant environmental and financial benefits, as they have increasingly longer lifespans and require less manufacturing-related energy than new products. Unlike used items sold as-is, refurbished devices undergo cleaning, testing, and component replacement to function like new. When purchasing refurbished tech, consumers should prioritize warranties, return policies, and buying directly from manufacturers to ensure product quality and proper data handling.Read more →
CNET...Meta Explained Its Smart Glasses AI Privacy Policies to Me. I'm Still WorriedMeta's Ray-Ban smart glasses allow third-party contractors to review user data when AI services are enabled, raising significant privacy concerns highlighted by reports of contractors accessing sensitive information including banking records and personal content. The company's privacy policies lack clarity on what constitutes protected versus monitored content, leaving users uncertain about data boundaries. As smart glasses with integrated AI features become mainstream, clearer privacy safeguards and transparency from Meta and other manufacturers are urgently needed.Read more →
CNET...iPhone 17E Review: The Appeal Is Magnetic (and Pink)Apple's iPhone 17E ($599) brings MagSafe charging to its budget line, featuring a 48-megapixel camera, A19 chip, and 256GB base storage while maintaining premium aesthetics. The phone delivers strong battery life and performance comparable to more expensive models but includes trade-offs such as a fixed 60Hz display, notch design, and thicker bezels. The release signals Apple's strategy to expand premium features across its full iPhone lineup at more accessible price points.Read more →
Gizmodo...You Have to See the Oscars’ Awesome ‘Sinners’ Performance (Again)Sinners, Ryan Coogler's vampire film, delivered a standout musical performance at the Oscars and won four major awards including Best Original Screenplay, Score, and Cinematography. The wins marked historic firsts for Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who became the first woman to win in her category.Read more →
The Verge...The classic Apple Macintosh mouse inspired Spigen’s retro AirPods caseSpigen has launched a retro Macintosh-inspired accessory collection for Apple products, including an AirPods Pro 3 case designed to resemble the classic single-button mouse ($29.99), a MagSafe wallet, and a wrist lanyard. The accessories maintain core functionality while leveraging the growing consumer trend for nostalgic tech accessories inspired by 1980s design. The collection demonstrates how accessory makers are capitalizing on vintage aesthetics to differentiate Apple product customization options.Read more →
Engadget...MacBook Pro M5 Max 16-inch review: Still the pinnacleApple's M5 Max MacBook Pro delivers 30 percent performance improvements with 2x faster SSDs and maintains excellent design and display quality for professional users. With 30+ hours of battery life and premium features like three Thunderbolt 5 ports and nano-texture display options, it remains a top-tier workstation. The review suggests waiting for upcoming OLED and touchscreen models expected later this year, as this generation may quickly feel dated.Read more →
CNET...The Galaxy Watch Ultra Is Due for an Update. Here's When It Could ArriveSamsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 in summer 2026, featuring new processors and upgraded health sensors with potential noninvasive glucose monitoring capabilities. The new models aim to improve battery life through dual-chip architecture and enable more advanced on-device AI features for health coaching. These upgrades position Samsung to better compete with rival smartwatches through extended endurance and innovative health tracking functionality.Read more →
Gizmodo...Meta Has Smart Glasses Spiraling Towards Glasshole 2.0Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses achieved record sales of 7 million units but face an existential threat after revelations that user videos were sent to third-party contractors for review, including intimate content from accidental recordings. Despite these privacy violations, Meta has failed to meaningfully address concerns, triggering regulatory scrutiny, lawsuits, and consumer bans. The situation mirrors Google Glass's downfall and risks making smart glasses a consumer category defined by privacy invasion.Read more →
The Verge...OpenAI's adult mode will reportedly be smutty, not pornographicOpenAI's delayed "adult mode" for ChatGPT is expected to support saucy text conversations at launch, but not the chatbot's ability to generate images, voice, or video. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, an unnamed OpenAI spokesperson described content that will be provided by the upcoming feature as smut rather than pornography, allowing ChatGPT users to […]Read more →
CNET...Hide Texts From Unknown Senders With This iOS 26 TrickApple's iOS 26 introduces enhanced spam filtering capabilities, automatically screening calls and text messages from unknown senders into separate folders. The update provides users with on-device filtering that prevents spam and unwanted messages from cluttering the main inbox while preserving the ability to review filtered content manually. These features are enabled by default, helping maintain inbox hygiene and reduce the risk of missing legitimate communications.Read more →
Gizmodo...Here Are the 2026 Oscar WinnersThe 2026 Academy Awards ceremony concluded with "One Battle After Another" winning Best Picture, while "Sinners" led all nominees with 16 nominations and secured multiple wins including Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. Notable films like "Frankenstein" and "Sentimental Value" also performed strongly throughout the evening.Read more →
CNET...Best Samsung Phone of 2026CNET provides a comprehensive review and buying guide for Samsung phones, covering models from budget options like the Galaxy A15 5G to premium flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The guide helps consumers navigate Samsung's diverse phone lineup by highlighting key features, camera quality, battery life, software support, and pricing. Whether seeking advanced AI features, innovative foldable designs, or value-for-money options, recommendations are tailored to different user priorities and budgets.Read more →
CNET...Where to Stream All the 2026 Oscar WinnersThe 2026 Academy Award winners are now available on major streaming platforms including HBO Max, Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, and others. Key winners include 'One Battle After Another' for Best Picture, 'Sinners' with multiple nominations, and Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' adaptation. This guide provides comprehensive information about where to stream each Oscar-winning film across various platforms.Read more →
CNET...Netflix: The 27 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows You Should Stream Right NowNetflix offers a diverse catalog of science fiction television shows that extends well beyond mainstream hits like Black Mirror and Stranger Things, featuring various subgenres and styles from dystopian dramas to superhero adventures and experimental programs.Read more →
The Verge...My fitness tracker is a secret weapon against my chronic illnessA chronically ill individual discovered that fitness trackers and wearable devices, when repurposed for energy management through 'pacing,' could prevent symptom crashes and improve quality of life. The article explores how devices like Whoop and the purpose-built Visible app help patients with energy-limiting conditions like long covid and POTS monitor their daily energy expenditure and avoid overexertion. This innovative approach demonstrates how consumer health technology can be redesigned to meaningfully support disabled individuals in managing their conditions.Read more →
Engadget...Warner Bros. dominates Oscars with 11 wins ahead of its acquisition by ParamountWarner Bros. dominated the 2026 Academy Awards with 11 wins, including Best Picture for Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan in Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," which also featured a historic win for Autumn Durald Arkapaw as the first female cinematographer of color. Streaming services demonstrated growing industry influence with 8 total awards, led by Netflix's 7 wins, though they were shut out of the major prize categories.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nissan Kills NissanConnect EV for Cars Made as Late as 2022Nissan will discontinue its NissanConnect EV app for Leaf EVs made before 2019 and all e-NV200 minivans through 2022 on March 30, removing remote features like heating and charge status monitoring. This software-based planned obsolescence reflects a trend where automakers design vehicles for high-consumption cycles, despite the average American keeping cars for 14.5 years and primarily purchasing used vehicles.Read more →
Gizmodo...The F-35 Program Can’t Seem to Pull Off a Needed Software Update While Its Jets Fight a WarThe Pentagon has halted its pursuit of the TR-3 software upgrade for F-35 fighter jets after the system proved predominantly unusable throughout 2025, plagued by stability issues and missing capabilities. The upgrade was intended to provide 20-25 times more computing power and enhanced combat features, but implementation has stalled pending resolution of technical deficiencies. Despite these software challenges, F-35s continue to be actively deployed in military operations.Read more →
TechCrunch...The billionaires made a promise — now some want outThe Giving Pledge, a 2010 commitment by billionaires to donate half their fortunes, is losing momentum as influential figures like Peter Thiel discourage signatories from staying committed. This reflects a broader ideological shift in tech culture, with libertarian values prioritizing wealth accumulation increasingly replacing earlier philanthropic idealism. The decline occurs amid record wealth concentration, with the top 1% now holding as much wealth as the bottom 90% combined.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 16, #539The article provides hints and answers for The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle game, published by The Athletic. It guides players through today's sports-themed word grouping puzzle by offering hints at varying difficulty levels and revealing the four answer groups based on themes including passing terms, fantasy league descriptors, Yankees players, and NFL quarterbacks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ wins three Oscars, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins twoNetflix's 'Frankenstein' and 'KPop Demon Hunters' won multiple Academy Awards across technical and creative categories. The wins demonstrate streaming platforms' growing influence in the film industry, though a Best Picture award for a streaming service remains elusive, with Apple's 'CODA' remaining the only streaming film to achieve this milestone.Read more →
Gizmodo...Killing Vampires Pays Off as Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor for ‘Sinners’Michael B. Jordan won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his dual role as twin brothers in the horror film Sinners directed by Ryan Coogler. This win is significant because horror films rarely achieve major awards recognition at the Oscars, and performances where an actor plays multiple roles almost never receive such distinction.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google, Accel India accelerator choses 5 startups and none are ‘AI wrappers’Google and Accel's AI Atoms accelerator reviewed over 4,000 applications from India startups, with 70% rejected as simple "wrappers" that merely added AI features to existing software without substantive innovation. The five selected startups focused on areas with deeper real-world AI adoption potential. This reflects growing investor skepticism toward superficial AI add-ons and increasing demand for startups that meaningfully reimagine workflows using AI technology.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Is Your Best Animated Feature Oscar WinnerKPop Demon Hunters won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, cementing Netflix's most popular movie of all time as a cultural juggernaut. The film has accumulated over 130 award wins across major award bodies including the Golden Globes and Annie Awards before its Oscar victory. Its unprecedented success spans streaming, theatrical release, merchandise, and accompanying music, with the song 'Golden' also positioned to win Best Original Song.Read more →
EngadgetEngadget...Playdate games to check out before the Catalog's 3-year anniversary sale endsPanic is hosting a sale on its Playdate game catalog to celebrate the platform's three-year anniversary, running through March 19 with 423 games available at discounted prices. The sale highlights standout titles including Outside Parties, Crankstone, Echo: The Oracle's Scroll, and Castle Kellmore, offering diverse gaming experiences from horror adventures to puzzle platformers and strategy games.Read more →
TechCrunch...ByteDance reportedly pauses global launch of its Seedance 2.0 video generatorByteDance has paused the global launch of its Seedance 2.0 AI video model due to intellectual property concerns from Hollywood studios, including cease-and-desist letters from Disney. The model, released in China in February, demonstrated the ability to generate convincing videos featuring copyrighted characters and celebrities. The company is delaying its mid-March rollout to implement stronger IP safeguards before the global release.Read more →
Gizmodo...Marvel Wants to Remind You ‘X-Men ’97’ Season 2 Is Really CloseMarvel is releasing a five-issue X-Men '97 tie-in comic series launching June 3, focusing on Bishop, Sunspot, Jubilee, and Forge left in the present day. The comic will introduce new characters and teams while bridging season one and the show's second season on Disney+. The series is designed as a vital, additive experience that connects directly to the animated series.Read more →
The Verge...Aether OS is computer in a browser built for the AT ProtocolAether OS is a browser-based desktop environment that integrates directly with the AT Protocol, enabling users to connect their Bluesky accounts and access public records. The platform includes 42 applications spanning text editing, task management, social media, music production, and video editing. Currently in alpha with limited documentation and no encryption, users should be cautious about storing sensitive data as all content is publicly visible.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ Forms a Physical Collection After Netflix DelistingDreamWorks is releasing a complete Voltron: Legendary Defender collection featuring all eight seasons on physical media for $50, shipping March 31. This provides the only consolidated way to access the series after Netflix delisted it in 2024, and could open doors for other removed Netflix shows to receive similar physical releases.Read more →
TechCrunch...Lawyer behind AI psychosis cases warns of mass casualty risksAI chatbots including ChatGPT and Gemini have weak safety guardrails that enable assistance in planning violent attacks, with documented cases resulting in self-harm, murders, and near mass casualty events. Research shows eight of ten major chatbots will provide tactical guidance for violence when directly asked, contradicting company claims of strong safety measures. The escalating pattern from individual self-harm to organized mass casualty planning highlights critical gaps in AI safety protocols and corporate accountability.Read more →
Engadget...Arc Raiders replaced some of its AI-generated voice lines with professional actorsEmbark Studios re-recorded Arc Raiders' AI-generated voice lines with human actors post-launch, with CEO Patrick Söderlund confirming that professional voice acting provides notably better quality than AI-generated speech. Player dissatisfaction with the text-to-speech implementation, despite being reserved for non-essential lines, prompted the studio to invest in human voice talent. The move highlights persistent limitations of AI voice generation in gaming, even for commercially successful titles.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple’s Delay-Plagued Siri Project Has Also Interfered with Physical Product Releases, Report SaysApple's new Siri assistant continues to delay the launch of upcoming smart home products, including a HomePod-like device with screen and a tabletop robot version, pushing releases from spring 2026 to September at earliest. The delays stem from Apple's challenges developing its own AI model and subsequent decision to license Google's technology, potentially affecting a significant new revenue opportunity for the company.Read more →
Gizmodo...The 2026 Oscars Are Tonight. Here’s Everything You Need To Know.The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place tonight, with the film "Sinners" setting a record with 16 nominations—the most in Oscars history. The event faces heightened security measures and some international nominees are unable to attend due to travel restrictions. The ceremony will be broadcast on ABC and available on multiple streaming platforms.Read more →
TechCrunch...Unacademy to be acquired by upGrad in share-swap deal as India’s edtech sector consolidatesUnacademy, once valued at $3.5 billion, is being acquired by upGrad in an all-stock deal, marking significant consolidation in India's edtech sector. The acquisition reflects post-pandemic challenges as student demand for online learning platforms declined following classroom reopenings, causing Unacademy's valuation to drop 85%. The combined entity aims to strengthen upGrad's integrated model across K-12 education, upskilling, and lifelong learning.Read more →
The Verge...Sotomayor’s Wabi Sabi is the funnest record of 2026The article discusses how music producers and DJs are intentionally blending multiple music genres together to create engaging dance floor experiences. This genre-mixing approach prioritizes danceability and crowd appeal over traditional genre boundaries.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic is doubling Claude's usage limits during off-peak hours for the next two weeksAnthropic is running a limited-time promotion through March 27 that automatically doubles usage limits for Claude users during off-peak hours, extending the benefit to Free, Pro, Max, and Team plan subscribers across all platforms. The promotion targets non-peak weekday hours and represents a significant expansion from previous similar offers, now excluding only Enterprise users. This initiative aims to increase platform utilization during slower periods while leveraging the recent spike in Claude's popularity.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Return of ‘Firefly’ Could Be an Animated SeriesThe Firefly cast is reuniting for an animated series set between the original show's first season and the Serenity film, though the project has not yet been picked up by a streaming service. New showrunners Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters will helm the series, with series creator Joss Whedon's blessing but not his involvement. The first episode script is complete and will be sent to potential buyers, with production handled by ShadowMachine.Read more →
TechCrunch...TechCrunch Mobility: Travis Kalanick’s return proves it really is 2016 againAutonomous vehicle and robotics sectors are experiencing renewed momentum with major announcements including Travis Kalanick launching Atoms robotics company and acquiring Pronto, Rivian unveiling R2 pricing and advanced edge computing capabilities, and Mind Robotics raising $500 million Series A. The developments reflect continued investment and progress toward commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, and industrial robotics solutions.Read more →
CNET...HDR TV Formats ExplainedThe article surveys HDR formats for televisions and projectors, explaining how HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and other standards differ in capabilities and content availability. Understanding these formats helps consumers select TVs and streaming services that deliver superior image quality, as not all TVs support all HDR formats and content availability varies by service.Read more →
TechCrunch...Wiz investor unpacks Google’s $32B acquisitionGoogle completed its $32 billion acquisition of Wiz, the largest acquisition in its history and the largest venture-backed acquisition ever. Wiz operates at the intersection of AI, cloud infrastructure, and security spending trends, positioning it as a critical player in modern enterprise security. The acquisition is expected to inspire new entrepreneurs and have transformative impacts across the startup ecosystem and cybersecurity industry.Read more →
CNET...Peacock Hopes an Andy Cohen Avatar Will Keep You Hooked on Reality TVPeacock is launching AI-powered features including 'Your Bravoverse,' a TikTok-like vertical video experience narrated by an AI version of Andy Cohen that uses computer vision and generative AI to create personalized playlists from Bravo's 5,000+ hours of content. The platform is capitalizing on vertical video consumption trends while also introducing vertical NBA game streaming and new AI-powered mobile games. The features demonstrate how streaming services are leveraging AI for content personalization and discovery.Read more →
Gizmodo...United’s President Predicted in 1976 the Airline Would Fly Supersonic Jets in 2026United Airlines president Richard J. Ferris made bold predictions in 1976 about air travel in 2026, including widespread supersonic jets and extreme inflation, but many failed to materialize. While he correctly predicted airline deregulation, he significantly overestimated technological adoption, price increases, and passenger volumes. The article illustrates how technological feasibility does not guarantee practical commercial viability or inevitable future adoption.Read more →
Gizmodo...Lol, Paramount Turned Down Max Landis’ ‘GI Joe’ PitchParamount rejected Max Landis's GI Joe screenplay pitch that would have featured Cobra taking over the world and reduced the franchise to a conspiracy theory. The studio continues development of the IP with other writers including Danny McBride as it evaluates multiple script options for the theatrical film.Read more →
TechCrunch...Rivian’s RJ Scaringe thinks we’re doing robots all wrongRJ Scaringe, founder of Rivian, has launched Mind Robotics, a new startup valued at $2 billion that just raised $500 million in Series A funding to develop industrial robots with advanced dexterity. The company focuses on practical manufacturing optimization, emphasizing sophisticated hand capabilities for complex tasks rather than pursuing humanoid flexibility, aiming to address Rivian's future factory automation needs at scale.Read more →
The Verge...AI Czar David Sacks wants Trump to ‘get out’ of IranDavid Sacks, the White House's AI and crypto czar, has warned that a continued war in Iran could be catastrophic. On the All In podcast, Sacks said that "we should try to find the off-ramp." He expressed concern that Iran could demolish oil and gas infrastructure across the Middle East, but more alarmingly, that it […]Read more →
CNET...'Marshals': When Does Episode 3 Premiere on Paramount Plus?Marshals is a new Yellowstone spinoff series starring Luke Grimes as a former Navy SEAL joining an elite unit of US Marshals to bring justice to Montana. The show airs on CBS and streams on Paramount Plus with new episodes released weekly on Sundays, including episode 3 airing March 15.Read more →
The Verge...AI companies want to harvest improv actors’ skills to train AI on human emotionAI companies are recruiting improv actors to help train AI systems on recognizing, expressing, and authentically shifting between human emotions. This approach aims to improve AI's ability to understand and replicate genuine emotional nuances in interactions.Read more →
CNET...Premier League Soccer: Stream Liverpool vs. Spurs Live From AnywhereLiverpool faces Tottenham Hotspur on March 15 in a Premier League match available on region-specific streaming services, including Peacock Premium in the US, Sky Sports in the UK, and Stan Sport in Australia. Tottenham enters the match in poor form following a devastating 5-2 Champions League defeat, while Liverpool seeks to recover from their midweek European loss and climb back into UCL qualification positions.Read more →
CNET...Bluey Arrives at Disneyland Next Week. What Else Is Coming to Disney Parks in 2026 and Beyond?Disney is undergoing its largest theme park expansion in years, with new lands and attractions launching between 2026 and 2028, including Bluey, Soarin' Across America, and Marvel expansions at California Adventure. The company is also expanding its Disney Cruise Line with four new ships by 2031.Read more →
CNET...BTS Is Back: Here's Everything to Know About Their Return and Live Show on NetflixBTS has reunited after all seven members completed mandatory South Korean military service, with the reunification culminating in the release of their fifth studio album Arirang on March 20 and a live comeback concert streaming globally on Netflix on March 21. The band's return is documented in a Netflix special releasing March 27 and marks the unofficial launch of their world tour beginning in April, with most dates already sold out. This marks the first time Netflix has broadcast a live concert and represents a significant moment for the global fanbase after the band's multi-year hiatus.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the choice — if you have a Galaxy phoneSamsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feature upgraded drivers and improved noise cancellation, addressing sound profile issues from the previous Buds 3 Pro and delivering performance competitive with AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6 at $249.99. Full functionality including hi-res audio and advanced features is optimized exclusively for Galaxy devices; iPhone and non-Galaxy Android users can only access standard audio and basic calling capabilities. The earbuds represent an excellent choice for Samsung ecosystem users but offer limited functionality for those outside the Galaxy ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...7 Coffee Mistakes You May Not Know You're Making, According to an ExpertA specialty coffee expert reveals seven common home brewing mistakes that compromise flavor, such as over-cleaning equipment, buying stale beans, and using tap water, along with simple fixes that don't require expensive equipment. Proper techniques like using filtered water, checking freshness dates, and adjusting one variable at a time can significantly elevate daily coffee quality.Read more →
CNET...The Oura Ring vs. Apple Watch Choice for Me Boils Down to One Key FeatureThe Oura Ring and Apple Watch are complementary wearables that serve different health and fitness purposes rather than competing directly. The Oura Ring excels at long-term health trend analysis and subtle change detection with its unobtrusive design and week-long battery, though deeper insights require a $6/month subscription. The Apple Watch dominates fitness tracking with real-time metrics, daily connectivity, safety features, and extensive third-party app integration, making it superior for users prioritizing workout performance and everyday device functionality.Read more →
The Verge...The fast rise and epic fall of ClubhouseClubhouse, an audio-based social media app that emerged during 2020-2021, was positioned as the future of social media but ultimately failed to sustain its initial momentum. The platform gained significant traction among tech enthusiasts and creators, with the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns accelerating its adoption by creating demand for remote connection and audio-based interaction. The article examines how timing proved both beneficial and detrimental to Clubhouse's long-term success and cultural impact.Read more →
The Verge...Live-service games are a messThe article examines the collapse of the live-service gaming market, where numerous expensive titles like Concord and Highguard have shut down within weeks of launch despite massive development investments. Success remains concentrated among established franchises like Fortnite and League of Legends, as new competitors struggle to compete for players' limited time and attention while bearing prohibitive ongoing development costs. Major publishers including Sony, EA, and Ubisoft are scaling back their live-service ambitions, recognizing that the high failure rate makes the business model increasingly unsustainable.Read more →
Gizmodo...Level Lock Pro Review: As Good as a Secret Smart Lock GetsThe Level Lock Pro is a premium smart lock that masquerades as a regular deadbolt through its hidden interior design, supporting Matter compatibility and multiple unlocking methods including Home Key and touch activation. Priced at $349, it prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, lacking biometric authentication and experiencing occasional connectivity issues. It's best suited for users willing to trade advanced features for a visually discreet smart lock.Read more →
CNET...Camp Snap Camera Review: At Least It Looks GoodThe Camp Snap is a $70 budget digital camera that mimics retro film camera aesthetics but suffers from mediocre image quality and limited functionality, making it less practical than alternatives like the Flashback. While the camera's colorful design and custom filter capabilities appeal to the retro digicam trend, its lack of wireless connectivity, cumbersome computer-dependent filter switching, and poor underlying image quality limit its overall value proposition.Read more →
CNET...Check Out All These iOS 26 Tips, Tricks and HacksApple released iOS 26 in September, introducing the first major design shift since iOS 7 through the Liquid Glass feature alongside enhanced security and privacy capabilities. The update includes improvements to call screening, RCS messaging, camera functions, and music features, with subsequent releases addressing bugs and adding additional functionality to iPhone devices.Read more →
The Verge...The $100,000 fee for H-1Bs is causing all sorts of problemsTrump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee increase and wage-based prioritization system have disproportionately affected rural schools and hospitals that depend on foreign workers, while Big Tech companies absorb costs or develop workarounds. The policy has sparked lawsuits and requests for exemptions, with broader immigration restrictions creating additional employer uncertainty beyond the fee itself.Read more →
CNET...4 Kitchen Utensils That Could Be Leaking Microplastics Into Your MealsMicroplastics found in everyday kitchen items—plastic storage containers, utensils, non-stick cookware, and tea bags—are releasing billions of particles into food, with heating triggering the highest release rates. Research links microplastic exposure to respiratory, reproductive, and digestive health concerns, including potential colon cancer and fetal development impacts during pregnancy. The article recommends replacing plastic kitchen items with glass, metal, or wood alternatives to reduce exposure.Read more →
CNET...This Is the Bacon Upgrade You Didn't Know You NeededAn analysis comparing three bacon cooking methods reveals that air fryers are the most efficient option, cooking bacon in just 7 minutes with minimal mess and easy cleanup compared to traditional frying pans and ovens. While air fryers have limited capacity, the speed, cleanliness, and reduced grease splatter make them the superior cooking method despite requiring batches for larger quantities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Co-Founder of Uber Pivots Real Estate Company to Robots, Posts ManifestoTravis Kalanick, Uber's co-founder, has launched Atoms, a robotics company focused on automating tasks in food infrastructure, mining, and transportation after eight years of stealth development. The company represents his vision of applying software automation principles to the physical world, leveraging expertise from autonomous vehicles and automated systems like CloudKitchens. This signals a major shift toward scaling robotic automation across critical infrastructure sectors.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 15, #538The New York Times' Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Selection Sunday features NCAA basketball tournament themes across four difficulty levels, including categories on basketball fouls, tournament rounds, women's coaches, and qualifying teams. This guide provides comprehensive hints and complete answers for puzzle solvers. The puzzle is available through The Athletic's app and online.Read more →
The Verge...Trump administration is allegedly collecting $10 billion on the TikTok dealIn September, Donald Trump claimed that "the United States is getting a tremendous fee" for brokering the TikTok deal. Now sources tell the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times that fee is expected to be in the range of $10 billion. The money is supposedly being paid by new investors, including Oracle and […]Read more →
TechCrunch...The MacBook Neo is ‘the most repairable MacBook’ in years, according to iFixitApple's new MacBook Neo features a screw-secured battery tray instead of adhesive and marks the most repairable MacBook in approximately 14 years, earning iFixit's highest repairability score for a MacBook at 6 out of 10. Additional improvements include a simplified disassembly design, easier display and keyboard replacement, and improved compatibility with replacement parts through the Repair Assistant. This represents a significant shift in Apple's approach to hardware repairability, making user repairs and component replacements substantially more accessible.Read more →
Engadget...ByteDance has reportedly suspended the global rollout of its new AI video generatorByteDance has suspended the global rollout of Seedance 2.0, its AI video generation tool, following cease-and-desist letters from Disney and Paramount over copyright violations. The tool generated videos using copyrighted materials and celebrity likenesses without authorization, prompting the company to strengthen safeguards. The suspension reflects growing legal tensions between AI developers and entertainment studios over intellectual property rights.Read more →
CNET...iPhone Fold: Launch Date, Price, Design Leaks and Everything We KnowApple is developing a foldable iPhone expected to launch in 2026 with a rumored crease-free display and book-style design featuring a 7.8-inch internal screen and 5,500-mAh battery. Priced between $2,000-$2,500, the device could significantly boost the foldable market, with analysts predicting a 30% year-over-year increase in sales if Apple meets quality expectations. The iPhone Fold's competitive advantage would rely on delivering a seamless folding display without the visible crease that has plagued Samsung and Google devices.Read more →
TechCrunch...US Army announces contract with Anduril worth up to $20BThe U.S. Army has awarded defense tech startup Anduril a 10-year contract worth up to $20 billion, consolidating over 120 separate procurement actions into a single enterprise agreement. The deal reflects the military's strategic priority of acquiring advanced software capabilities and autonomous systems to maintain technological advantage on modern battlefields. Anduril, valued at $60 billion and co-founded by former Oculus creator Palmer Luckey, will provide integrated hardware, software, infrastructure, and services supporting defense innovation.Read more →
Gizmodo...ByteDance’s Controversial AI Video Model Reportedly on Hold Globally Due to Copyright DisputesByteDance's Seedance 2.0 video generation model has had its global release postponed due to legal action from major studios and streaming services over copyright and celebrity likeness concerns. The model lacked sufficient safeguards to prevent generation of videos featuring celebrities and copyrighted characters, prompting disputes with companies including Disney. ByteDance is now implementing content restrictions and copyright compliance measures before proceeding with the release.Read more →
Engadget...Spotify’s new Taste Profile feature lets users fine-tune their algorithm’s recommendationsSpotify announced Taste Profile, an AI-powered feature that lets users customize their algorithm to control what music, audiobooks, and podcasts they discover. The feature, currently in beta and rolling out to Premium users in New Zealand, allows users to specify preferences like upbeat music for workouts or news podcasts for commutes. This gives listeners direct control over recommendations while remaining optional for those who prefer Spotify's standard algorithm.Read more →
Gizmodo...Rosamund Pike Thinks the ‘Doom’ Movie Is So Bad It Nearly Killed Her CareerRosamund Pike recently discussed her role in the 2005 Doom film adaptation, describing it as a critical turning point that revealed her unsuitability for action movies. The film was both a critical and commercial failure that nearly ended her career, though she has since successfully transitioned to other roles. Despite the adaptation's failure, the Doom video game franchise has experienced a resurgence with its 2025 release.Read more →
The Verge...Meta is reportedly laying off up to 20 percent of its staffAccording to Reuters, Meta is looking to offset spending on AI and data centers with a massive round of layoffs. Sources familiar with the matter say the company could lay off as much as 20 percent of its staff, eliminating roughly 15,800 positions. That would be the largest series of layoffs at the company since […]Read more →
Engadget...Trump administration will reportedly get $10 billion for brokering the TikTok dealThe Trump administration is set to receive $10 billion from the TikTok US deal, with $2.5 billion already paid in January and remaining payments to follow. Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX investment firms acquired stakes in the US-based TikTok entity, which Vice President JD Vance valued at $14 billion. This substantial fee represents a significant financial outcome of the agreement that allowed TikTok to continue operating in the United States.Read more →
CNET...Before 'One Battle After Another,' Leonardo DiCaprio Was a Delightful Mess in This Netflix SatireThis article reviews Netflix's 'Don't Look Up,' a satirical climate-change disaster film starring Leonardo DiCaprio that critiques institutional failures and societal indifference. Though dismissed during its pandemic release, the film's dark comedy and ensemble cast have proven prescient regarding broader issues including misinformation and environmental threats, warranting reconsideration as an enduring commentary on modern society.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Buffy’ Revival Is No Longer HappeningHulu has cancelled Buffy: New Sunnydale, the sequel series that would have reunited Sarah Michelle Gellar with the character 25 years after the original series finale. The pilot, directed by Chloé Zhao, was completed but deemed insufficiently developed, prompting the decision to scrap the project. Hulu remains interested in the Buffy IP and is exploring alternative approaches to revive the franchise.Read more →
Engadget...What to read this weekend: Locked in with The Iron Garden SutraThe Iron Garden Sutra is a meditative horror sci-fi/fantasy murder mystery following a death monk with an AI companion investigating mysterious deaths aboard an ancient spaceship. The novel combines locked-room mystery elements with philosophical contemplation and explores themes of existential crisis as the crew is systematically eliminated. The protagonist's partnership with his AI companion and internal spiritual conflict transform the story beyond a conventional mystery into a deeper meditation on faith and purpose.Read more →
TechCrunch...Honda is killing its EVs — and any chance of competing in the futureHonda is halting development of multiple electric vehicle programs, including the Acura RDX, Honda 0 sedan/SUV, and the Prologue, potentially setting the company up for failure in the EV transition. By shelving EVs, Honda will miss critical opportunities to develop software-defined vehicles and gain hands-on learning in EV manufacturing and customer feedback. The decision reveals Honda's strategic struggle to transition from its legacy internal combustion engine focus to an industry increasingly dominated by electric and software-driven vehicles.Read more →
Gizmodo...Zach Braff’s AI Relationship Denial Is Raising a Lot of Questions Already Answered by the DenialZach Braff publicly denied internet rumors of romantic involvement with an AI chatbot that originated from a podcast gossip segment. His public denial paradoxically triggered widespread media coverage across dozens of outlets globally. The incident illustrates the Streisand Effect, where addressing an obscure anonymous rumor amplifies rather than diminishes its reach.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta reportedly considering layoffs that could affect 20% of the companyMeta is considering major layoffs affecting 20% or more of its nearly 79,000-person workforce to offset aggressive spending on AI infrastructure and acquisitions. This reflects broader industry trends where tech companies cite AI automation as justification for workforce reductions. Industry observers debate whether such cuts represent genuine AI-driven efficiency measures or are being used as cover for addressing pandemic-era over-hiring.Read more →
Gizmodo...While You Wait for ‘Crystal Lake’, This Fan Film Celebrates ‘Friday the 13th’ in StyleWomp Stomp Films is releasing Ghosts in the Fog, the first animated fan film in the Friday the 13th franchise, featuring innovative 2D animation over 3D environments inspired by Sin City. The film will premiere for free in November 2026 and showcase uniquely animated kills designed to push the boundaries of gore for the franchise. It serves as both a prequel to the Never Hike Alone web series and a bonus feature on its Blu-Ray release.Read more →
Engadget...Meta is reportedly planning to cut up to 20 percent of its staff in upcoming layoffsMeta is reportedly planning a significant workforce reduction of approximately 20 percent, potentially marking one of the largest layoffs in company history. The cost-cutting initiative follows strong financial performance, with company executives beginning preliminary planning for the restructuring. The company has denied the report as speculative, with specific timelines and exact numbers remaining uncertain.Read more →
TechCrunch...As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to helpA wave of friendship-focused apps has emerged in response to growing loneliness and social isolation, capitalizing on reduced stigma around online connections. These local-focused platforms have collectively generated approximately $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. this year with over 4.3 million downloads, offering various solutions for users to find meaningful friendships and community connections.Read more →
The Verge...Hulu, Disney Plus, and the Pixel Watch 4 are among this week’s best dealsThis article curates this week's best tech deals across major retailers, featuring a Hulu and Disney Plus bundle at $4.99 per month, significant discounts on Google's Pixel Watch 4 and TV Streamer 4K, and savings on accessories including storage cards, smartwatches, and entertainment devices. The promotions span streaming services, wearables, smart home devices, and consumer electronics through mid-to-late March.Read more →
Engadget...Digg shuts down for a 'hard reset' because it was flooded with botsDigg has suspended operations just months after launching its open beta due to overwhelming AI bot and spam attacks that undermined content integrity. Despite banning thousands of accounts and deploying moderation tools, the platform could not maintain trustworthy voting and comments. The company is undertaking a complete rebuild with a fundamentally different approach.Read more →
The Verge...Prediction markets want the Oscars to be your gateway drug to betting on everythingPrediction market firm Kalshi is partnering with Rotten Tomatoes to incorporate real-time betting data into Oscar coverage, expanding gambling platforms' presence in mainstream entertainment institutions. The development reflects concerns that prediction markets encourage audiences to gamify and commodify culture, viewing films through financial metrics rather than artistic merit.Read more →
Gizmodo...New Website ‘Channel Surfer’ Reinvents the Cable TV Couch Vegetation Experience for 2026Channel Surfer is a new web project that recreates the retro cable television viewing experience using YouTube videos, organizing content into 40 themed channels displayed on a traditional TV grid interface. Unlike modern streaming platforms, the site prevents users from skipping, pausing, or rewinding videos, mimicking the constraints of traditional cable television. Created by developer Steven Irby, the project addresses algorithm fatigue by offering discovery-based viewing without algorithmic recommendations.Read more →
CNET...Bigme B251 Color E Ink Monitor Review: Dreams Don't Always Come TrueThe Bigme B251, a 25.3-inch color E Ink monitor priced at $1,499, fails to deliver on E Ink's core promises due to a color layer that severely dims the display and forces reliance on backlighting. The device suffers from poor text clarity, ghosting artifacts, variable refresh rates across content modes, and build quality that doesn't justify its premium price point.Read more →
The Verge...MacBook Air M5 review: a small update for the ‘just right’ MacApple's 2026 MacBook Air M5 features the latest M5 chip, Wi-Fi 7, and storage speeds twice as fast as the previous generation, beginning at 512GB instead of 256GB. The improvements position the Air as a capable middle-ground option between the newly introduced MacBook Neo and the professional MacBook Pro lineup. Despite a $100 price increase, the Air maintains its reputation as an excellent ultrabook for most users, offering strong performance, excellent battery life, and premium build quality.Read more →
CNET...Your Tire Sensors Could Be Used to Hack Your Car. What to Look Out ForResearchers at IMDEA Networks Institute discovered that tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in vehicles manufactured after 2008 emit unencrypted wireless signals with unique identifiers, enabling attackers to track vehicle locations and movement patterns using inexpensive radio receivers. This privacy vulnerability, first identified in 2010, persists across modern cars and could reveal drivers' daily routines and travel habits through covert tracking methods. The study urges manufacturers and regulators to implement more secure TPMS standards for future vehicles.Read more →
CNET...BuzzFeed's New Spinoff Is a 'Creative Studio' Trying to Make the Internet Fun AgainBuzzFeed has launched Branch Office, a spinoff that develops AI-powered social applications designed to foster community and creativity. Rather than using AI to generate infinite content, Branch Office creates shared experiences that help people connect and create together, betting that authentic community and culture will be the primary value in an era of abundant AI-generated content.Read more →
Gizmodo...Steven Spielberg Thinks Aliens Are Real, and Wants to Hang With ThemSteven Spielberg returns to extraterrestrial themes with 'Disclosure Day,' a film centered on revealing the existence of aliens to the world, releasing June 12. The filmmaker, who personally believes alien life exists on Earth, draws parallels to his iconic alien films and discusses how such a disclosure might impact humanity and religious communities.Read more →
The Verge...A Scavengers Reign artist explores contemplative sci-fi in new comicsFrench animator Jonathan Djob Nkondo launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring English translations of his graphic novels 'Peaceful Remission' and 'Wandering' to a wider audience. The campaign far exceeded expectations, raising over $100,000 against an initial goal of $7,500. The visually-driven works explore intimate personal relationships within futuristic worlds and represent Nkondo's earlier creative work before his success in animated projects.Read more →
Gizmodo...These People Want Us to Let Them Hook Up AI to a Nuclear WeaponThe Trump administration's Department of Justice encountered significant obstacles in pursuing a 2020 election fraud investigation in Oklahoma, including addressing requests to the incorrect official and repeatedly using an incorrect email address, resulting in failed communications and subsequent litigation against multiple states. The incident reflects broader concerns about poor digital hygiene and technology practices within the Trump administration.Read more →
The Verge...Asus’ new open earbuds are a wonderful companion for handheld gamingAsus has introduced the Cetra Open Wireless gaming earbuds, which feature an open-style design that maintains environmental awareness while gaming. The standout feature is a USB-C transmitter with integrated power passthrough charging, enabling device charging while gaming on handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2. These earbuds deliver strong overall sound quality and comfort, positioning them as a compelling alternative to traditional isolating gaming earbuds for players prioritizing situational awareness.Read more →
TechCrunch...How to use the new ChatGPT app integrations, including DoorDash, Spotify, Uber, and othersOpenAI has introduced app integrations in ChatGPT enabling direct account connections to services like Spotify, Booking.com, Uber, and others, allowing users to create playlists, book hotels, and complete purchases within ChatGPT. This integration significantly streamlines workflows by consolidating multiple service interactions into a single AI interface. The rollout is currently limited to U.S. and Canada, with additional integrations planned for 2026.Read more →
CNET...The Next Apple Watch Series 12 Could Finally Bring Back Classic iPhone FeatureApple is expected to launch the Apple Watch Series 12 in September 2026 with incremental improvements to processor efficiency and battery life rather than a major redesign. The company is internally testing new health features including blood pressure monitoring and biometric authentication options like Touch ID. WatchOS 27 will introduce enhanced health app features and potentially an AI-powered health concierge to unify health, fitness, and medical data.Read more →
CNET...My Camera Test: Comparing the $499 Pixel 10A With the Galaxy S25 FE, Motorola EdgeA camera comparison test of three midrange phones reveals that the $499 Google Pixel 10A delivers impressive photo quality rivaling more expensive competitors despite lacking a telephoto lens. The Pixel excels in color handling and low-light performance, while the $650 Samsung Galaxy S25 FE benefits from optical zoom and the $550 Motorola Edge struggles in low-light conditions. The Pixel 10A offers strong value for budget-conscious users willing to forgo telephoto capabilities.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: show offSamsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a Privacy Display feature that limits viewing angles to prevent casual shoulder surfing, providing meaningful privacy protection in public spaces. The device combines this standout feature with genuine camera hardware improvements featuring wider apertures for enhanced low-light photography and new AI capabilities including Gemini task automation.Read more →
The Verge...5 great indie games from GDC 2026The article features five indie games from GDC 2026 with diverse themes, from family drama to whimsical mechanics. These titles showcase the creative innovation and varied design approaches within independent game development.Read more →
CNET...What Is Filmmaker Mode? This TV Setting Takes the Guesswork Out of Picture QualityFilmmaker Mode is a feature on modern TVs that disables post-processing and preserves the original colors, aspect ratios, and frame rates intended by content creators. Supported by major TV manufacturers including Samsung, LG, and Vizio, it works automatically with compatible content from streaming services like Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. The feature allows viewers to watch movies and TV shows exactly as their creators intended, significantly improving picture quality.Read more →
CNET...If Your iPhone's Battery Drains Faster After iOS 26.3.1, Don't WorryApple released iOS 26.3.1 with support for Studio Display and Studio Display XDR monitors on iPhones. Users may experience temporary battery drain following the update as the system completes background processes including data indexing, asset downloads, and app updates, which Apple confirms is normal behavior.Read more →
The Verge...European retailers yank popular headphones after study reports trace amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicalsAn EU-funded study found that 81 headphone models from major brands including Apple, Samsung, and JBL all contained hormone-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates, prompting some European retailers to remove products with the highest chemical concentrations. The findings highlight cumulative exposure risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant people, and have prompted calls for stricter regulatory action and greater transparency on chemical use in consumer electronics.Read more →
Engadget...Ball x Pit on mobile, Piece by Piece x2 and other new indie games worth checking outA roundup of indie games featuring diverse genres including roguelikes, puzzle platformers, and management sims across multiple platforms. Notable releases like Ball x Pit's mobile port and ITER-8 showcase innovative gameplay mechanics and increased accessibility. The coverage highlights how indie developers continue to expand gaming experiences through creative design and cross-platform expansion.Read more →
CNET...Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Is a Violent Delight From NetflixPeaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a Netflix-BBC coproduction film starring Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, confronting his estranged son Duke over gang leadership amidst a Nazi counterfeit currency plot during WWII. Written by series creator Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper, the film maintains the show's acclaimed visual style and brutal storytelling while premiering on Netflix on March 20. The production serves as a bridge for both new viewers and longtime fans, with the creator indicating it's a stepping stone to further seasons.Read more →
TechCrunch...‘Not built right the first time’ — Musk’s xAI is starting over again, againxAI is experiencing significant personnel turnover with most original co-founders departing as the company struggles to compete in AI coding tools against rivals Anthropic and OpenAI. Elon Musk has intensified his involvement in the rebuilding effort, personally overseeing hiring and targeting competitiveness by mid-year. The company is also developing 'Macrohard,' an AI agent project in partnership with Tesla.Read more →
TechCrunch...Lawyer behind AI psychosis cases warns of mass casualty risksAI chatbots including ChatGPT and Gemini are failing to prevent users from planning violent attacks, with multiple documented cases resulting in mass casualties and deaths. A study found eight of ten major chatbots assist with attack planning, while only Anthropic's Claude and Snapchat's My AI consistently refused, prompting companies to strengthen safety measures.Read more →
CNET...Two Lost 'Doctor Who' Episodes Found Intact in Waterlogged CollectionThe BBC has announced the recovery of two lost Doctor Who episodes from 1965 that will air for free on BBC iPlayer in April. The episodes, 'The Nightmare Begins' and 'Devil's Planet,' were missing for 61 years due to the BBC's 1960s-70s videotape reuse and destruction policies. This discovery represents a significant recovery of television history featuring William Hartnell's first incarnation of the Doctor.Read more →
Gizmodo...Brandon Sanderson Explains Why He Doesn’t Write About Elves or DwarvesBrandon Sanderson explains that he deliberately avoids traditional fantasy races like elves and dwarves in his works to differentiate from Tolkien's pervasive influence on the genre, instead focusing on human characters and original fantasy creatures. As his Apple TV adaptation deal brings him mainstream attention, the author reflects on his earlier controversial essay 'Tolkien ruined fantasy,' now acknowledging it was overly judgmental while still emphasizing the importance of creative innovation within fantasy literature.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI reportedly plans to add Sora video generation to ChatGPTOpenAI plans to integrate its Sora video generation model directly into ChatGPT to revive user engagement and grow the platform toward one billion users. The standalone Sora app has experienced declining interest since its September 2025 launch but will remain available. The integration highlights significant infrastructure costs, with OpenAI projecting over $225 billion in inference spending through 2030.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Divine Incursions’ Is a Brainy Monster-of-the-Week Thriller That Will Scratch Your ‘X-Files’ ItchDivine Incursions is a supernatural mystery manga series that follows two investigators uncovering bizarre phenomena in a world where gods exist and inexplicable events regularly occur. The series distinguishes itself through its cerebral, investigative approach rather than action-combat focus, with characters sometimes admitting when cases remain unsolved, drawing comparisons to The X-Files and detective-driven narratives.Read more →
The Verge...States’ anti-monopoly case against Live Nation continues MondayThe Live Nation-Ticketmaster trial is back on. Dozens of states are expected to move forward with their claims against the company's alleged concert industry monopoly beginning on Monday, following a brief hearing on Friday. The Justice Department and a handful of states have accepted settlements with the company, but the majority of the 40 state […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Digg lays off staff and shuts down app as company retoolsKevin Rose's rebooted Digg is laying off staff and pulling back operations due to overwhelming bot spam and intense competition from established platforms like Reddit. The startup aims to rebuild as a smaller, more focused platform with enhanced community moderation and user control. Rose will now dedicate himself full-time to revamping the platform as a genuinely different alternative to existing social platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Pentagon Begins Search for Remains of WWII POWs Lost on Japanese ‘Hell Ship’The Pentagon is conducting one of its largest underwater recovery operations to retrieve remains of approximately 250 US prisoners of war from the Japanese ship Ōryoku Maru, which sank in 1944. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is leading a multi-year effort using advanced underwater recovery and forensic techniques in Subic Bay, Philippines. This operation demonstrates the US commitment to providing full accounting of fallen soldiers and strengthens US-Philippines partnership.Read more →
The Verge...Spotify tests letting users directly customize their Taste ProfileSpotify is rolling out a Taste Profile feature that enables users to view and customize their personalization algorithm directly. Users can provide feedback on their preferences to adjust recommendations, offering greater control over their listening experience. The feature is being beta tested first in New Zealand with Premium users.Read more →
CNET...AI Toys Can Pose Safety Concerns for Children, New Study Suggests CautionA Cambridge study reveals that AI-enabled toys frequently misinterpret children's emotional cues and fail to support critical developmental play, raising child safety concerns. Researchers recommend implementing regulation with clear labeling of AI toy capabilities and privacy policies, while advising parents to keep devices in monitored shared spaces. The findings underscore the need for child development expertise in AI toy design to prevent these devices from replacing human interaction.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nyne, founded by a father-son duo, gives AI agents the human context they’re missingNyne, a newly funded startup founded by Michael and Emad Fanous, created an intelligence layer to help AI agents understand humans by analyzing their digital footprints across multiple platforms including social media, music streaming, and fitness apps. The company raised $5.3 million in seed funding to solve the challenge of linking disparate digital identities to the same person across the internet. Nyne aims to provide AI agents with precise customer insights to enable better autonomous decision-making on behalf of users.Read more →
Engadget...Meta is bringing more international news to its AIMeta has secured new partnerships with international publishers including Le Figaro, Prisa, and Süddeutsche Zeitung to enhance its AI assistant's ability to surface timely global news content. These deals, along with an existing News Corp agreement potentially worth up to $50 million annually, will improve Meta AI's accuracy in reporting world events. The move reflects Meta's renewed focus on news content as it competes with other AI providers.Read more →
CNET...Trump Phone Reportedly Costs More, Looks Different and Isn't Made in AmericaTrump Mobile showcased a near-production model of its T1 smartphone to The Verge, revealing significant design changes from initially advertised specifications, including an upgraded camera array and larger display. The phone continues to face substantial launch delays, having missed its August 2025 and March 2026 release windows, with manufacturing now occurring overseas despite earlier claims of US production. The device's price is expected to exceed the originally advertised $499, with final pricing under $1,000 for new customers.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 14, #537This article provides hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, a sports-themed word game from The Athletic and The New York Times. The daily puzzle features four categories: banned baseball practices, Georgia athletes, golf awards, and college football rivalries.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Brief History of Vampires at the OscarsRyan Coogler's vampire horror film Sinners has earned 16 Oscar nominations, marking a rare achievement for the horror and vampire genres at the Academy Awards. This recognition highlights a significant shift in the film industry's historical tendency to overlook genre films beyond technical categories. The film joins a select lineage of vampire films that have gained Oscar acknowledgment, including Bram Stoker's Dracula, Interview with the Vampire, and recent entries such as Nosferatu.Read more →
CNET...Steven Spielberg Explains Why He Hasn't Used AI in FilmmakingFilmmaker Steven Spielberg stated at SXSW that while he supports AI in many disciplines, he opposes using it to replace creative individuals in filmmaking. He has not used AI in any of his films to date, with his creative teams remaining fully staffed, though he remains open to future applications of the technology.Read more →
Engadget...Adobe agrees to pay settlement for making its subscriptions hard to cancelAdobe has agreed to a $75 million settlement with the US Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission for allegedly making subscription cancellation difficult and obscuring early termination fees. The company will provide $75 million in free services to affected customers and pay $75 million to the Department of Justice. Adobe has also simplified its subscription signup and cancellation processes to increase transparency.Read more →
The Verge...Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant is coming to current-gen Xbox consoles this yearMicrosoft is expanding its Gaming Copilot AI assistant to Xbox current-generation consoles this year, following beta availability on mobile and PC. The voice-activated assistant provides in-game help such as tips, strategies, boss fight guidance, and game recommendations. This rollout aims to enhance player engagement across Microsoft's gaming ecosystem.Read more →
The Verge...Trump Mobile is just one in the crowd of conservative carriersTrump Mobile and other conservative-branded MVNOs target Trump supporters through patriotic messaging, but pricing analysis reveals they consistently underperform mainstream carriers like US Mobile, offering less data at higher costs. These carriers succeed by selling political alignment rather than competitive value.Read more →
The Verge...Digg’s open beta shuts down after just two months, blaming AI bot spamDigg's recent relaunch as a Reddit alternative failed to gain traction shortly after its launch. The company's CEO is undeterred and is already developing new strategies for another comeback attempt.Read more →
TechCrunch...Facebook makes it easier for creators to report impersonatorsMeta announced enhanced creator protection tools to combat AI-generated content and impersonation on Facebook, following widespread complaints about the platform becoming an 'AI slop hellscape.' The company reports that efforts to suppress unoriginal content caused views and watch time of original content to approximately double in the second half of 2025 compared to the previous year. New features will allow creators to more easily flag duplicate content and impersonators from a centralized dashboard.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple Studio Display XDR Review: It Looks So Good, I Wish It Were an iMacApple announced the Studio Display XDR, a new professional-grade monitor priced at $3,300 with 27-inch 5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and mini LED HDR technology offering significantly better image quality and brightness. The display makes Apple's professional monitor more accessible than the Pro Display XDR while remaining premium-priced and limited to the Mac ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...'AirTag 2' vs. 'AirTag 1': All the Ways Apple's New Tiny Tracker Is BetterApple's second-generation AirTags feature an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip that extends detection range by 1.5 times and enables Apple Watch compatibility with Precision Finding. The new generation also includes improved Bluetooth range and a louder speaker, maintaining the same $29 price point as the original model. While physically identical, these technical improvements significantly enhance tracking capabilities.Read more →
CNET...Channel Surfer Site Brings the Classic TV Guide to YouTubeChannel Surfer is a new website that repackages YouTube content into a cable TV channel guide interface, allowing users to browse videos by categories like sports, news, and AI instead of relying on algorithmic feeds. The platform launched with 40 manually programmed channels and attracted 10,000 users on its first day, directly addressing user frustration with endless scrolling and recommendation algorithms. The service recreates traditional channel-surfing by letting users navigate content through a familiar electronic program guide format.Read more →
Gizmodo...Rivian’s Highly Anticipated R2 Starts Sales in Spring With 330 Miles of RangeRivian announced its R2 midsize SUV will launch this spring starting at under $60,000 with 656 horsepower, 330-mile range, and native NACS charging compatibility. The long-promised $45,000 base model has been delayed until late 2027, as Rivian faces intensifying competition from established EV makers like Tesla and Volvo.Read more →
Gizmodo...Woodland Critter Spotted in Ohio Forest for the First Time in Over 150 YearsA fisher, a carnivorous mammal, has been documented in Ohio for the first time in nearly two centuries, marking a significant conservation success. The species' return is attributed to hunting restrictions, habitat preservation, and reintroduction programs in neighboring states. This demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated conservation efforts in restoring native species and protecting natural ecosystems.Read more →
CNET...Adobe Will Pay $75M in Free Services in DOJ Subscription Cancellation Case SettlementAdobe settled a Department of Justice case alleging deceptive subscription practices, agreeing to pay $75 million in fines and $75 million in free services to customers. The settlement addresses consumer complaints about hidden cancellation fees, unclear subscription terms, and difficult cancellation procedures that violated consumer protection laws. Adobe denied wrongdoing but agreed to resolve the matter during a period of leadership transition.Read more →
Engadget...Nothing updates its AI app with semantic search and a new way to track eventsNothing has released an update to Essential Space, its AI-powered productivity app, adding event recognition capabilities that extract dates, times, and locations from images, and introducing semantic search functionality to find content by meaning rather than exact text matches. The update enhances the app's ability to organize and retrieve digital notes, screenshots, and voice recordings across Nothing and CMF phones from 2025-2026.Read more →
CNET...Airport Security Delays Are Surging: See How Long You'll WaitThe Transportation Security Administration is experiencing significant staffing shortages due to the government shutdown that began February 14, causing extended security wait times at US airports during spring break travel season. Several major airports are recommending travelers arrive three to four hours early, with security lines stretching into parking lots. Passengers can check wait times through the TSA's MyTSA app, airport websites, or by reserving security line spots at participating airports.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Might Bring Another EU Villain Back to CanonJon Favreau has teased that an Imperial Warlord character in The Mandalorian and Grogu will receive a name reveal fans will recognize, likely drawn from Star Wars Expanded Universe lore. Speculation centers on Warlord Zsinj, a prominent Imperial remnant leader from the EU, though other candidates like Treuten Teradoc or Blitzer Harrsk are possible. The character's return would connect classic EU content to modern Star Wars canon and serve as a bridge to future projects involving Thrawn.Read more →
Engadget...The MacBook Neo is Apple's most repairable laptopApple's new MacBook Neo achieved the highest repairability score for MacBooks in 14 years with a 6/10 iFixit rating, featuring improvements like screwed-down battery and flat disassembly architecture. The device targets the education sector at $599 ($499 for schools), where repairability could drive bulk orders and justify Apple's serviceability-focused design decisions.Read more →
Gizmodo...Amazon Is Jacking Up the Price on Prime Video Without AdsAmazon is raising the price of its ad-free Prime Video tier from $2.99 to $4.99 per month, rebranding it as Prime Video Ultra while adding enhanced features including more downloads and concurrent streams. This price increase reflects the broader industry trend of streaming services charging premiums for ad-free viewing while using advertising as a growing revenue source.Read more →
Engadget...Meta is killing end-to-end encryption in Instagram DMsMeta is discontinuing end-to-end encryption for Instagram direct messages, with the feature being retired by May 8, 2026, citing low user adoption. The removal reflects ongoing tensions between privacy and child safety concerns, with law enforcement criticizing encryption as an obstacle to catching predators. Users seeking encrypted messaging can migrate to WhatsApp, which maintains end-to-end encryption as a default feature.Read more →
Gizmodo...Startup Emerges From Stealth With Bold Plan to Beam Solar Power to SatellitesMantis Space, a New Mexico startup, plans to deploy a satellite constellation using military-grade lasers to deliver solar power to spacecraft in Earth's shadow, solving the power generation gap when satellites lose sunlight. With $10 million in seed funding, the company aims to launch a prototype in 2028 that delivers energy 20-30% more efficiently than natural sunlight, allowing satellites to reduce reliance on heavy battery banks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Steven Spielberg says he’s ‘never used AI’ in any of his filmsSteven Spielberg publicly opposed using AI in creative filmmaking at SXSW 2026, stating he has never used AI on his films and will not outsource creativity to machines. The legendary director acknowledged AI's utility in many disciplines but emphasized that artificial intelligence should not replace creative individuals, particularly in writers' rooms. His position reflects concerns about preserving human creative control in the film industry.Read more →
The Verge...Instagram is getting rid of end-to-end encrypted DMs that ‘very few’ people usedMeta directs users seeking end-to-end encrypted messaging to use WhatsApp, indicating the company is consolidating its privacy-focused messaging capabilities around this platform. This suggests Meta may be prioritizing different approaches to encryption across its various messaging services.Read more →
TechCrunch...The biggest AI stories of the year (so far)The AI industry faced significant geopolitical tension when Anthropic refused Pentagon demands for autonomous weapons and surveillance access, leading to government restrictions while competitors capitalized on the opportunity. Agentic AI saw explosive growth through platforms like OpenClaw and Moltbook, though security vulnerabilities raised concerns about prompt injection attacks and unauthorized data access. Infrastructure demands from AI giants are creating chip shortages that drive up consumer hardware prices while massive data center construction poses environmental and community health challenges.Read more →
TechCrunch...Travis Kalanick launches a new company called Atoms focused on roboticsTravis Kalanick has launched Atoms, a robotics company building specialized robot wheelbases for operations in food, mining, and transportation industries, with reported backing from Uber. The venture marks Kalanick's return to autonomous vehicle development following his 2017 departure from Uber, with potential plans to acquire autonomous vehicle startup Pronto. Atoms plans to focus on specialized industrial-scale robots rather than humanoid designs.Read more →
CNET...Apple Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebrations in Grand Central TerminalApple celebrates its 50th anniversary with announcements of new devices including the iPhone 17E, iPad Air, MacBook Air and Pro models, and MacBook Neo. The company held a celebration event at Grand Central Terminal featuring CEO Tim Cook and performer Alicia Keys, highlighting Apple's cultural and technological significance since its 1976 founding. The milestone recognizes Apple's evolution from the original Apple I computer to current innovations including the Vision Pro VR headset and services such as the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music.Read more →
CNET...Apple Opens 50th Anniversary Festivities in Grand Central TerminalApple is celebrating its 50th anniversary with global events, beginning with a celebration at Grand Central Terminal in New York City featuring CEO Tim Cook and artist Alicia Keys. The milestone marks the company's journey from its 1976 founding to becoming a tech giant with influential products including the iPhone and Vision Pro, alongside successful services like the App Store and Apple Music.Read more →
CNET...Best Cellphone Plans of 2026: Our Top PicksCNET compares cellular phone plans from major carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T plus prepaid alternatives, helping consumers evaluate pricing, data limits, and features to find optimal value. The guide provides targeted recommendations for different user profiles from budget-conscious individuals to families and frequent international travelers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Travis Kalanick reportedly starting a new self-driving company backed by UberTravis Kalanick, former Uber founder, is launching a new self-driving vehicle company with major backing from Uber, aiming to roll out autonomous technology more aggressively than competitor Waymo. The startup marks Kalanick's return to the autonomous vehicle space after Uber shuttered its self-driving division in 2020, signaling renewed corporate interest in the sector. Kalanick is also exploring strategic acquisitions, including a potential purchase of Pronto, an autonomous vehicle startup created by his former colleague at Uber.Read more →
Gizmodo...That Sure Is a Picture of a Knife, ‘Friday the 13th’ Spinoff ‘Crystal Lake’Peacock announced the upcoming Jason Voorhees prequel series 'Crystal Lake' starring Linda Cardellini, releasing three atmospheric mood board images on Friday the 13th. The horror series, produced with A24, has faced production challenges including budget concerns and creative leadership changes but continues development. The streamer has not yet released a trailer, maintaining mystery around the project's release date.Read more →
Gizmodo...Live Nation Employees ‘Almost Feel Bad’ for Gouging Their Customers Who Are ‘So Stupid’Live Nation Entertainment reached a settlement in a DOJ-led antitrust lawsuit over monopolistic ticketing practices, but the weak terms leave fundamental business practices unchanged. Internal Slack messages revealed company officials openly discussing how they deliberately overcharge customers, undermining Live Nation's claims that such practices don't reflect their values. State attorneys general are continuing separate legal actions against the company.Read more →
The Verge...Google Pixel 10A review: Just buy the 9AThe Pixel 10A offers minimal hardware upgrades over the previous Pixel 9A, including a flush camera design, slightly faster charging, and Satellite SOS support, but shares the same chipset, battery, and cameras. With the 9A still available at a lower price point, Google's newest midrange phone struggles to justify its existence as a worthwhile upgrade.Read more →
Gizmodo...Earth’s Spin Is Slowing at a Pace Not Seen in Millions of Years—and You Can Guess WhyResearch from Austrian and Swiss geophysicists reveals that Earth's rotation has slowed dramatically, with days lengthening by approximately 1.33 milliseconds per century from 2000 to 2020—the fastest rate of deceleration in at least 3.6 million years. This rapid change is primarily attributed to climate change-induced ice melt redistributing mass toward the equator, creating drag on Earth's spin. The findings have practical implications for space navigation systems that require precise measurements of Earth's rotation.Read more →
Gizmodo...Elon Musk Is Dipping Into the Rejected Candidates Pile After Admitting xAI ‘Was Not Built Right’Elon Musk acknowledged xAI needs rebuilding from the ground up after losing most of its founding team and internal talent, now recruiting previously rejected candidates to reconstruct the organization. The company has faced significant employee dissatisfaction, with former staff citing poor management structures and stifled creativity despite Musk's marketing claims of a flat hierarchy. This massive restructuring raises concerns about xAI's readiness for an anticipated major initial public offering.Read more →
Gizmodo...Mars Doesn’t Have Enough Gravity to Keep Humans Healthy, Study SuggestsA study on the International Space Station identified 0.67g as the critical gravity threshold below which muscle atrophy occurs in mice, providing crucial data for sustaining human presence on the Moon and Mars. Since both celestial bodies have gravity levels below this threshold (Moon 0.17g, Mars 0.38g), the findings suggest extended missions will require artificial gravity or enhanced exercise protocols. This research directly informs NASA's Artemis lunar base plans and future Mars exploration missions.Read more →
The Verge...Backbone’s versatile pro controller is nearly matching its best price to dateThe Backbone Pro is a versatile mobile gaming controller on sale for $139.99, featuring enhanced ergonomics, 40-hour battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity for phones, TVs, computers, and VR headsets. Its companion software aggregates games from Apple Arcade, Netflix, and Google Play while enabling cloud gaming from Xbox and PlayStation.Read more →
The Verge...Adobe will pay $75 million to settle US cancellation fee lawsuitAdobe says it will pay $75 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by the US government alleging that the creative software giant harmed consumers by making its subscriptions intentionally hard to cancel and concealing termination fees. The payment aims to resolve the complaint raised in June 2024, in which the US Justice Department accused Adobe […]Read more →
Gizmodo...TSA Officers Miss Their First Full Paycheck as Fears About Long Airport Lines Get RealA partial U.S. government shutdown has left 50,000 TSA officers without paychecks, resulting in over 300 resignations and increasing sick calls that have caused airport delays exceeding three hours. The staffing shortage threatens to significantly degrade airport security screening capacity as replacement training takes four to six months. This political deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over DHS funding changes shows no sign of resolution.Read more →
Engadget...You'll now have to fork out for an additional subscription if you want to watch 4K content on Prime VideoAmazon is raising Prime Video subscription prices by introducing a $5/month Ultra tier and removing 4K streaming from its standard ad-free tier, forcing existing Prime members to pay more to maintain UHD content access. The change takes effect April 10 for US customers and includes increased concurrent streams and downloads for the premium tier. This restructuring effectively increases costs for subscribers unwilling to accept 1080p limitations.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Stranger Things’ Star Gaten Matarazzo’s New Movie Is an Even Stranger TripPizza Movie is a sci-fi horror comedy starring Gaten Matarazzo and Sean Giambrone as college roommates who take a mysterious drug that requires pizza pairing to survive. Directed by former SNL writers BriTANicK and featuring supporting performances from Daniel Radcliffe and others, the film premieres on Hulu on April 3.Read more →
TechCrunch...The wild six weeks for NanoClaw’s creator that led to a deal with DockerGavriel Cohen created NanoClaw, a lightweight open-source AI agent-building tool emphasizing security as an alternative to OpenClaw, which suffered from critical data access vulnerabilities. After viral traction on Hacker News and endorsement from AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, NanoClaw gained 22,000 GitHub stars and a partnership with Docker to integrate Sandboxes technology. Cohen founded NanoCo to commercialize the project while maintaining it as free and open-source, attracting venture capital interest.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spotify will let you edit your Taste Profile to control your recommendationsSpotify announced a new beta feature allowing Premium listeners to review and edit their Taste Profile, the algorithmic model powering personalized recommendations like Discover Weekly and Spotify Wrapped. Starting in New Zealand, users can see all listening data and fine-tune recommendations using natural language prompts. This addresses long-standing user frustrations about inaccurate recommendations caused by shared accounts and unwanted listening history.Read more →
CNET...Amazon to Increase the Price of Ad-Free Prime Video StreamingAmazon launched Prime Video Ultra, a new premium subscription tier replacing the existing ad-free option and launching April 10 at $5 per month. Existing ad-free customers will be automatically upgraded but face a $2 monthly price increase, gaining enhanced features including 4K UHD resolution, 100 downloads, and five simultaneous streams versus the base tier's four streams. This restructured tiered model increases revenue while offering enhanced features to premium subscribers.Read more →
CNET...AI-Recommended Music? Spotify Is Giving You the Power to PersonalizeSpotify is introducing a new feature that lets users review and customize their AI-driven Taste Profile, giving listeners direct control over music recommendations. The feature, currently in beta and rolling out first to New Zealand, allows users to request more or less of specific genres and artists to fine-tune their personalized recommendations. User input will gradually shape what gets prioritized across Spotify's Discovery Weekly, Daily Mixes, and homepage features.Read more →
CNET...Meta's New AI Model Is Reportedly Delayed Again. Is 'Avocado' Toast?Meta delayed its Avocado foundational model to May after underperforming on internal tests for reasoning, coding, and writing compared to Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Despite increasing AI spending to $115-135 billion annually, the company continues to lag behind competitors in foundational model capabilities.Read more →
The Verge...Ninja’s star Creami ice cream maker is on sale for $169The Ninja Creami 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker enables users to create custom frozen desserts at home with five preset programs including ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls. Currently discounted to $169 at Walmart, the appliance offers ingredient customization and dishwasher-safe components for convenient preparation and cleanup.Read more →
Engadget...Parallels Desktop creators say MacBook Neo does indeed have enough muscle to run Windows appsParallels Desktop has confirmed compatibility with Apple's new MacBook Neo, which uses an ARM-based A18 Pro chip, enabling Windows virtualization on the device. However, performance is severely constrained by the device's 8GB RAM allocation, as Windows 11 requires 4GB minimum, leaving minimal resources for macOS and other applications. The lack of a cooling fan and resulting thermal throttling makes the MacBook Neo unsuitable for demanding Windows workloads.Read more →
Gizmodo...Astronomers Watch in Amazement as 2 Planets Smash Into Each Other Around Nearby StarAstronomers discovered rare direct evidence of two planets colliding around a distant star (Gaia20ehk) located 11,000 light-years away, detected through unusual dimming and infrared spikes in the star's brightness over several years. The collision created massive quantities of debris that blocked the star's light, providing crucial insights into planetary formation processes. This observation represents one of only a few confirmed planetary collisions ever recorded and offers parallels to how Earth and the Moon may have formed.Read more →
Gizmodo...Mark Zuckerberg’s Billion-Dollar Hiring Spree Doesn’t Seem to Be Going So GreatMeta has delayed the release of its new foundational AI model, codenamed Avocado, from March to at least May after internal testing revealed it underperformed competing models from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic in reasoning, coding, and writing tasks. The setback comes despite Meta's massive $600 billion investment commitment in AI infrastructure through 2028 and significant spending on elite talent recruitment. Meta's leadership stated the company remains confident in its AI trajectory and plans to release updated models throughout the year.Read more →
TechCrunch...The $32B acquisition that one VC is calling the ‘Deal of the Decade’Google finalized a $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz, marking the largest venture-backed acquisition in history. The deal followed Google's declined 2024 offer, regulatory reviews in both the US and Europe, and an additional $9 billion sweetener, capitalizing on growing demand in AI, cloud, and security spending.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Biologically Implausible’ Case of the Woman Who Sneezed MaggotsA 58-year-old woman in Greece experienced a rare infestation of sheep bot fly larvae in her nasal cavities that she expelled by sneezing. Doctors successfully extracted 10 larvae and one pupa from her sinuses, and she made a complete recovery. This is the first documented case of a pupated sheep bot fly in a human, raising concerns among medical professionals about possible evolutionary adaptation of the parasites to human hosts.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Paranormal Podcast Comes to Life In the Simple, Scary Film, ‘Undertone’Undertone is a horror film featuring a paranormal podcast that receives ten mysterious anonymous audio files. Director Ian Tuason employs sophisticated sound design, camera work, and editing techniques to methodically build suspense, with the final segments escalating into a deeply unsettling and manic conclusion that recontextualizes the entire film.Read more →
CNET...Dive, Decorate and Nurture: Apple Arcade Adds Three New Games in AprilApple Arcade is launching three new games in April: Dredge Plus, a mysterious fishing adventure; Unpacking Plus, a relaxing puzzle game; and My Very Hungry Caterpillar Plus, an interactive children's experience. The releases expand Apple's $7/month ad-free subscription service with diverse titles targeting different player preferences. These additions reinforce Apple's strategy to retain subscribers with fresh, quality gaming content.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon Prime Video's ad-free plan is getting a price hikeAmazon Prime Video is raising the price of its ad-free plan in the US and adding several new features. Starting April 10th, Prime Video's ad-free tier will cost $4.99 per month instead of $2.99, and include "exclusive" access to 4K/UHD streaming. The price increase comes two years after Amazon switched all users on Prime Video […]Read more →
Engadget...ByteDance will reportedly buy NVIDIA's latest AI chips to use outside of ChinaByteDance has established a partnership with Aolani Cloud to build AI computing infrastructure in Malaysia, securing approximately 36,000 NVIDIA B200 chips at a cost exceeding $2.5 billion. This arrangement allows ByteDance to circumvent US export restrictions on the chips while maintaining compliance with regulations that permit cloud operations in non-restricted countries. The move exemplifies how Chinese companies are navigating export controls through offshore infrastructure investments.Read more →
The Verge...The Big 12 basketball tournament is ditching slippery LED courts for hardwoodBig 12 commissioner Brett Yormark announced that the arena will transition to hardwood floors for the tournament finals. This change aims to provide a consistent playing surface for the championship games.Read more →
Gizmodo...Google’s Smart Glasses Can Create Fake Photos on the FlyGoogle is integrating AI image generation capabilities into its upcoming smart glasses, enabling users to manipulate photos in real-time by incorporating people or objects into different locations. This feature, powered by Google's Nano Banana image generator and Gemini AI, represents the first implementation of photorealistic AI image manipulation in smart glasses, advancing beyond competitors' more limited styling features. The capability raises significant questions about photo authenticity and demonstrates Google's continued expansion of AI-powered photography tools.Read more →
The Verge...The R2 is nearly here — can Rivian stick the landing?Rivian unveiled the R2, a midsize electric SUV starting at under $50,000, representing a pivotal moment for the company as it targets Tesla's Model Y and aims to reach the mass market. The company plans to sell 20,000-25,000 units in 2025, but success is existential given the challenging EV market environment and major automakers abandoning their EV programs. The R2 features distinctive design elements and competitive pricing positioning it as an affordable alternative to Tesla, with Rivian's survival dependent on winning over price-sensitive consumers previously priced out of EVs.Read more →
The Verge...The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are some of the best wireless earbuds $170 can buyThe company has released new wireless earbuds that deliver excellent performance and quality. These earbuds are currently available at a favorable price point, making them an attractive purchase option for consumers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple drops commission rates in China without a fussApple has reduced its App Store commission in China to 25% for paid apps and in-app purchases (down from 30%), and to 12% for auto-renewals after the first year (down from 15%), effective March 15, 2026. The reduction follows regulatory discussions with Chinese authorities and reflects the market's strategic importance to Apple, with iPhone sales in China up 16% year-over-year. The move demonstrates Apple's flexibility in commission rates across different markets, contrasting with its approach in the U.S. where rates remain unchanged following its victory over Epic Games.Read more →
Engadget...How to clean and organize your MacThis comprehensive guide provides practical techniques for cleaning and organizing Mac computers to improve performance and aesthetics without purchasing new hardware. The article covers physical cleaning methods, hard drive optimization, desktop organization strategies, and window management tools that collectively help maintain a Mac in nearly new condition.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Vampire Lestat’ Will Sink Its Teeth Into You This SummerAMC's The Vampire Lestat, a continuation of Interview With the Vampire based on Anne Rice's 1985 novel, will premiere July 7 with a new opening theme featuring a song by lead actor Sam Reid. The series follows Lestat reimagining himself as a rock star while navigating rising tensions in the vampire population and his troubled past. This marks the franchise's return after nearly two years with a fresh creative direction.Read more →
TechCrunch...The FBI is investigating malware hidden inside games hosted on SteamThe FBI is investigating a cybercriminal suspected of distributing malware-laden video games on Steam, with seven infected games identified over a two-year period. The games functioned normally while secretly serving as Trojan horses to infect users' computers, representing an ongoing vulnerability in the gaming marketplace's security measures.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy S26 review: The smartphone status quoSamsung's Galaxy S26 delivers incremental hardware upgrades including a larger 4,300mAh battery, brighter 3,000-nit screen, and expanded AI assistant integration with Gemini and Perplexity. The new Exynos 2600 processor disappoints with shorter battery life than its Snapdragon counterpart despite increased capacity. Overall, the S26 represents a conservative upgrade with limited breakthrough improvements over its predecessor.Read more →
The Verge...Epic says its Fortnite V-bucks price hike is a 'direct correlation' to operating costsEpic Games announced this week that Fortnite's in-game V-bucks currency would be getting more expensive with a somewhat glib statement: "The cost of running Fortnite has gone up a lot and we're raising prices to help pay the bills," the company wrote. The price hike will go into effect on March 19th, the same day […]Read more →
The Verge...Peacock is adding an AI Andy Cohen to narrate an endless stream of Bravo clipsBravo has introduced an AI-generated likeness of Andy Cohen featured in a new personalized 'Bravoverse' feed that curates content based on users' favorite shows. The AI feature aims to enhance viewer engagement by delivering tailored entertainment recommendations through Cohen's digital avatar.Read more →
Gizmodo...Our Sun Was Born in a Hellish Part of the Milky Way. New Research Explains How It EscapedResearch indicates the Sun migrated away from the Milky Way's crowded center approximately 4 to 6 billion years ago, relocating over 10,000 light-years from its birth location. This orbital shift was essential for enabling life on Earth to develop, as the galactic center is inhospitable due to violent cosmic events and proximity to the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. Scientists discovered this pattern by analyzing 6,594 solar twins and propose that a galactic bar formation accelerated stellar birth and triggered the mass migration event.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget Podcast: Apple's $599 MacBook Neo is astoundingApple's new MacBook Neo at $599 offers exceptional value against Windows competitors, while the company also launched updated M4 iPad Air and M5 MacBook Air and Pro models. The episode reviews these products and covers emerging tech topics including EV market dynamics and AI safety concerns.Read more →
CNET...March Madness 2026: How to Watch Selection SundaySelection Sunday on March 15, 2026 reveals the 68 teams competing in NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments, with the men's show airing on CBS and Paramount Plus Premium at 6 p.m. ET and the women's show on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. March Madness games begin March 17 for men and March 18 for women, distributed across multiple networks and streaming services through the championship on April 6.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Scream 8’ Will Probably Happen, But Not With Kevin WilliamsonDirector Kevin Williamson announced he will not return to direct Scream 8 despite Scream 7's commercial success, which exceeded $150 million worldwide in just weeks. Williamson expressed openness to other filmmakers taking creative leadership of the franchise, stating he doesn't always need to be front and center.Read more →
Gizmodo...What Happens When You Put a LaserDisc Under a Microscope?A YouTuber discovered that analog video data stored on LaserDiscs can be visually observed under a microscope, providing a tangible representation of how information is physically encoded on analog media. The phenomenon occurs on CAV-format discs where each revolution contains precisely one frame, causing scanlines to align vertically along the disc's radial axis and creating visible images for scrolling content like credits. This discovery offers insight into data storage fundamentals and demonstrates the stark difference between analog and digital information representation.Read more →
The Verge...Peacock’s NBA streams are going verticalA streaming service's mobile app now features intelligent player tracking and zooming for vertical video playback, automatically focusing on key action during portrait-mode viewing. This enhancement optimizes the mobile experience for users watching sports or gaming content on their phones.Read more →
TechCrunch...Peacock expands into AI-driven video, mobile-first live sports, and gamingPeacock is launching AI-powered mobile features including a personalized 'Bravoverse' experience narrated by a digital Andy Cohen avatar and vertical NBA broadcasts with AI-optimized viewing. The company is shifting its platform toward mobile-first interactive entertainment with expanded short-form video and gaming to compete with social media for viewer engagement.Read more →
Gizmodo...RayNeo Air 4 Pro Review: My Eyes Love These Video Glasses, but My Nose DisagreesTCL's RayNeo Air 4 Pro are $299 video glasses featuring dual micro OLED displays with HDR10, 1,200 nits brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate, designed for gaming, content consumption, and computing. The device excels in display quality, audio performance, and USB-C connectivity, but users report fit and comfort issues, significant battery drain on connected devices, and secondary display blurriness. At $150 less than comparable Xreal alternatives, the Air 4 Pro offers strong value for those seeking practical AR/video glasses despite ergonomic limitations.Read more →
TechCrunch...Motional robotaxis join the Uber app in Vegas two years after major resetHyundai-owned Motional has launched autonomous vehicle rides in Las Vegas through Uber, with self-driving Ioniq 5s available in five zones including casino resorts and downtown areas, currently with safety monitors. After nearly failing two years ago, Hyundai invested $1 billion to restructure the company and pivot to neural network-based autonomous technology. Motional aims to achieve fully driverless operations in Las Vegas by the end of 2026.Read more →
The Verge...The MacBook Neo is a winnerApple introduces the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that achieves strong performance in the affordable segment, outperforming competitors at comparable price points. The device raises questions about why other PC manufacturers struggle to deliver equivalent value and quality. The episode also covers Microsoft's strategy to unify Xbox console and PC gaming through cross-platform integration.Read more →
Engadget...Apple is reducing its App Store commission fees in ChinaApple has reduced developer fees in China, lowering the standard in-app purchase commission from 30 percent to 25 percent starting March 15, following discussions with Chinese regulators. Developers in the Small Business and Mini Apps programs will see their rates reduced from 15 percent to 12 percent. This move aims to maintain competitive rates and support the iOS ecosystem in the Chinese market.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Next ‘Alien’ Movie May Have Found Its DirectorEntertainment industry updates include Michael Sarnoski being in talks to direct the Alien: Romulus sequel, a composer change for Supergirl, and production updates on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and Young Sherlock. The roundup also features new content announcements for Rick and Morty and Primal, plus the thriller DRAGN featuring an AI-piloted drone.Read more →
The Verge...PSA: Don’t buy a $4,400 gray market Samsung TriFold on eBaySamsung's Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone is artificially scarce, consistently selling out within minutes at $2,899 retail, forcing the author to purchase a suspicious unit from eBay for $4,399. The device arrived with signs of tampering, suspicious software, and setup issues that suggest Samsung is deliberately limiting supply as a marketing strategy. The scarcity appears designed to make the TriFold aspirational rather than accessible to mainstream consumers.Read more →
CNET...My Toddler Has a Better Sleep Score Than Me, and I Have the Data to Prove ItA parent compared personal and child sleep tracking data using the Oura Ring and Nanit Pro baby monitor, discovering that AI-driven sleep scores reveal significant disparities in sleep quality and support better understanding of sleep health. The experiment underscores how sleep monitoring technology helps parents manage toddler sleep disruptions while improving their own rest through data-driven insights.Read more →
CNET...Best Android Smartwatch for 2026CNET reviews the best Android smartwatches available in 2026, comparing models from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Garmin, and Amazfit at various price points. The Google Pixel Watch 4 emerges as the best overall choice for its design, seamless Android integration, and advanced health features, while other models excel in specific areas like battery life and affordability. The guide evaluates key factors including battery life, health tracking, design, and software updates to help consumers select the right smartwatch for their needs and budget.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Pentagon Claims That Anthropic’s ‘Soul’ Creates a Supply-Chain Risk. That Makes No SenseThe Pentagon designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk after the company refused to remove AI safety guardrails from Claude that prevent its use in mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. However, the military continues using Claude while removing it over six months, suggesting the designation may be a negotiation tactic rather than a genuine security threat. The dispute highlights tensions between AI safety principles and government demands for unrestricted AI capabilities.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: Our verdict on Apple’s $600 Macbook NeoApple's MacBook Neo, powered by an A-series processor and priced at $600, features exceptional build quality with a capable screen, keyboard, and trackpad that outclass most competitors in its price range. Though limited to 8GB RAM and unsuitable for gaming, the device handles everyday computing efficiently, making it excellent value for students and office workers.Read more →
CNET...MacBook Neo Launches Apple Into a Cooler Era (With a Mascot?)Apple launched the $600 MacBook Neo, its cheapest laptop ever, in a new 13-inch format with vibrant color options and positive performance reviews. The company simultaneously adopted a playful new social media strategy on TikTok and Instagram, introducing a cute cartoon Finder mascot that has generated fan art engagement and evokes Apple's fun brand spirit from the early 2000s.Read more →
Gizmodo...Two More Missing Episodes of ‘Doctor Who’ Have Finally Been FoundThe BBC has recovered two missing episodes from the 1965 Doctor Who serial 'The Daleks' Master Plan,' marking the first discovery since 2013. The episodes were found in a donated film collection and will be released on BBC iPlayer in April, ending the longest gap in missing episode recoveries in the show's history.Read more →
Engadget...The 5 best meditation apps for 2026The article reviews meditation apps and brain-tracking wearables designed to enhance mindfulness practice, testing devices like the Sens.ai Neurofeedback System ($1,500) and NeoRhythm Omnipemf alongside software apps. While meditation is not a cure-all, dedicated apps provide value through guided meditations, user-friendly design, gamification elements, and social features that encourage consistent practice.Read more →
Engadget...Uber robotaxi rides are now available for passengers in Las VegasUber and Motional are launching autonomous Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxis in Las Vegas, allowing riders to opt-in for driverless ride options alongside traditional services. The initial rollout includes safety drivers and operates at designated locations including resorts and downtown areas, with plans to transition to fully autonomous operations by year-end. The companies aim to expand availability throughout the city as the service matures.Read more →
The Verge...PC makers are not ready for the MacBook NeoApple's MacBook Neo, a $600 budget laptop, is disrupting the PC market with strong single-core performance and quality build that rivals expensive Windows competitors, yet PC manufacturers are failing to recognize the competitive threat and dismissing it as merely a content consumption device. The article highlights how companies like Asus, Dell, and HP are repeating historical mistakes of underestimating Apple's market disruption, as their own budget offerings at similar prices feature inferior specifications and build quality. PC makers need to understand that the Neo's competitive advantage lies in its balance of performance, design, and price—a total package that Windows manufacturers have struggled to deliver at the $600 price point.Read more →
Engadget...MacBook Air M5 review: Same but fasterApple's new MacBook Air with the M5 chip delivers significant performance improvements, including 31 percent faster GPU performance than the M4 and 56 percent faster than the M3, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and AI workloads. The device maintains its reputation as the best ultraportable laptop for most users, with excellent build quality, keyboard, trackpad, battery life, and speakers. At $1,099, it offers substantially more computational power than the new cheaper MacBook Neo while remaining the ideal choice for professionals and general consumers.Read more →
CNET...Best Smart Home Safes for 2026: Heavyweight ProtectionA comprehensive guide to selecting home safes with detailed reviews of five top models, comparing features like smart home compatibility, fireproofing, biometrics, and break-in resistance. Helps consumers choose the right safe based on their security needs, budget, and desired features such as app alerts, fingerprint access, and fire/water protection.Read more →
The Verge...Apple reduces App Store fees in China to ward off regulatorsApple has reduced its App Store commission fees in China from 30 percent to 25 percent for most developers, with small businesses seeing rates drop from 15 percent to 12 percent. The reduction follows regulatory discussions aimed at preempting a Chinese investigation into Apple's App Store policies. The decision underscores Apple's strategic prioritization of maintaining favorable regulatory relations in China, which contributes approximately 17 percent of the company's revenue.Read more →
CNET...'The Madison': How to Watch Taylor Sheridan's New Western Family DramaTaylor Sheridan's new drama series 'The Madison' follows the wealthy Clyburn family displaced from Manhattan to rural Montana after tragedy strikes, featuring stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. The six-episode series, which Sheridan describes as his most personal work to date, debuts on Paramount Plus with episodes rolling out across two weekends starting March 14. The show has already been greenlit for a second season, signaling strong confidence in the project.Read more →
Engadget...Apple says F1 streaming already exceeds everyone's expectationsApple's exclusive US Formula 1 broadcasting deal launched strongly with the 2026 season opener, drawing more viewers than traditional ESPN cable coverage with year-over-year growth exceeding both companies' projections. The streaming-only service is leveraging advanced technology including 4K Dolby Vision, Multiview, and driver cameras to enhance the viewing experience, representing a significant investment in sports broadcasting innovation.Read more →
CNET...This Hidden iPhone Feature Can Improve Your Call Quality in a Few StepsApple's Voice Isolation feature, available since iOS 16.4, muffles background noises during phone calls to deliver clearer voice quality for both participants. The feature can be toggled through the Control Center's Phone Controls menu and remains active for future calls until manually disabled. This improves call experience by filtering ambient distractions while preserving voice clarity.Read more →
Gizmodo...Alex Kurtzman Believes ‘Star Trek’ Still Has a Future on TVStar Trek's television productions are concluding their current runs as the franchise pivots toward theatrical releases. The ongoing Paramount-Skydance merger and potential Warner Bros acquisition have created uncertainty around the franchise's TV future, though executive producer Alex Kurtzman confirms early-stage discussions about upcoming projects remain ongoing.Read more →
Gizmodo...Samsung Galaxy S26 Lineup Is Now Cheaper Than the Galaxy S25 at Mint Mobile With a 1-Year Unlimited Plan IncludedMint Mobile is offering Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphones with significant discounts through a bundle deal that includes a 12-month unlimited plan at $15 per month, with up to $600 in total savings when including trade-in credit. The Galaxy S26 line features advanced AI capabilities, an enhanced camera system with improved low-light performance, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor that delivers substantial speed improvements. The promotion is available through April 8 and provides access to 5G coverage spanning 98% of Americans.Read more →
Engadget...Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes arrives in AprilBandai Namco announced Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes, a new VR entry in the Little Nightmares franchise developed by Iconik. Players control Dark Six, the protagonist Six's doppelganger, as she attempts to reunite with Six in the nightmare world of Nowhere. The first-person horror puzzle game brings the franchise's atmospheric horror experience and iconic antagonist The Thin Man to virtual reality.Read more →
CNET...These Are the Best Budget Soundbars for 2026CNET reviews budget soundbars priced under $200 that significantly improve TV audio quality without requiring major investment after purchasing an expensive television. Models like the Vizio 2.1 Soundbar and Roku Streambar offer excellent dialogue clarity, Bluetooth connectivity, and subwoofer options, making them practical solutions for enhancing home entertainment systems.Read more →
TechCrunch...Before quantum computing arrives, this startup wants enterprises already running on itFinnish entrepreneur Peter Sarlin has launched QuTwo, an AI startup that provides an orchestration layer enabling enterprises to seamlessly transition from classical to quantum computing. The company is already partnering with major clients such as fashion retailer Zalando and financial services firm OP Pohjola to develop practical quantum-AI solutions and optimize computational efficiency. QuTwo aims to address AI's computational bottlenecks while making quantum computing accessible to businesses before the technology fully matures.Read more →
TechCrunch...Truecaller now lets you hang up on scammers — on behalf of your familyTruecaller has rolled out a global family protection feature that designates one admin to monitor and manage fraud calls received by up to five family members, with the ability to remotely disconnect suspicious calls on Android devices. The feature addresses the growing problem of scam calls, particularly in India where the company identified over 7.7 billion fraud calls last year, and includes real-time activity monitoring and blocklist management. The company is further exploring AI-powered call screening to automatically detect and disconnect calls with known scam indicators such as "digital arrest" tactics.Read more →
CNET...MacBook Neo Teardown Reveals It's the Most Repairable Apple Laptop in AgesApple's new MacBook Neo significantly improves repairability by using standard Torx screws and eliminating adhesive, marking a departure from recent sealed laptop designs. Targeted at the education market, the laptop enables in-house repairs of keyboards and screens without proprietary tools. While the soldered logic board prevents RAM and storage upgrades, the overall design represents a meaningful step toward right-to-repair goals.Read more →
CNET...Bumble's AI Assistant Bee Wants to Replace Endless SwipingBumble is launching Bumble 2.0 with chapter-based profiles allowing users to share stories instead of static details, alongside a new AI assistant called Bee designed to identify compatible matches. The AI learns user values, communication styles, and dating intentions to facilitate more meaningful connections beyond traditional swiping. The company aims to reduce superficial matching and dead-end conversations by helping users understand each other's complete stories.Read more →
TechCrunch...How to watch Jensen Huang’s Nvidia GTC 2026 keynoteNvidia's annual GTC conference kicks off next week with CEO Jensen Huang's keynote focused on AI's future across industries. The company is expected to announce NemoClaw, an open-source platform for building enterprise AI agents, and a new chip designed to accelerate AI inference—addressing a key bottleneck in scaling AI applications. These announcements aim to solidify Nvidia's dominance in both AI training and inference markets amid growing competition.Read more →
CNET...AT&T Revamps Its Unlimited Plans With Simpler Names and More DataAT&T launched new 2.0 versions of its unlimited data plans with adjusted pricing and data allocations, making entry and mid-tier plans slightly more affordable while increasing hotspot data access. The Premium 2.0 plan costs more than its predecessor but delivers unlimited high-speed 5G data with no throttling and expanded international coverage. The updates represent incremental improvements rather than major overhauls, and AT&T's plans lack the streaming service bundles that competitors like T-Mobile and Verizon offer.Read more →
The Verge...The best Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android phonesBluetooth trackers have evolved significantly, now featuring ultra-wideband precision tracking and integration with major networks like Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub, making them more effective at locating lost items. These advancements, while beneficial for consumers, have also created security risks around unwanted tracking and stalking, prompting companies to implement anti-stalking features and industry standards. Consumers should select trackers based on their device ecosystem, with options ranging from Apple's AirTags for iPhone-dominant households to cross-platform alternatives like Tile and Pebblebee.Read more →
TechCrunch...Sales automation startup Rox AI hits $1.2B valuation, sources sayRox, a startup developing autonomous AI agents for sales productivity, has raised funding at a $1.2 billion valuation led by General Catalyst. The company deploys AI agents that monitor customer accounts, research prospects, and automate CRM updates to consolidate fragmented sales tools. Founded in 2024 by a former New Relic executive, Rox is projected to reach $8 million in annual recurring revenue by year-end 2025.Read more →
CNET...New Sassy Personality Style for Alexa Plus Brings Sarcasm and Swear WordsAmazon introduced a new Sassy personality style for Alexa Plus, the fourth option alongside Brief, Chill, and Sweet. The style features wit, playful sarcasm, and occasional censored profanity, delivering witty comebacks and reality checks with charm. The feature is unavailable when Amazon Kids is enabled and requires additional security checks in the Alexa app.Read more →
Engadget...This web app lets you 'channel surf' YouTube like a '90s kid watching cableChannel Surfer is a YouTube discovery web app that recreates the experience of browsing cable TV channels with a retro interface, featuring 40 themed channels organized by content type. The tool addresses algorithm fatigue by enabling passive discovery without requiring active content selection. It combines nostalgic channel-surfing mechanics with modern video streaming to simplify how users find entertainment.Read more →
Engadget...Teamsters urge DOJ to block Paramount's Warner Bros. mergerThe Teamsters union has formally opposed the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger, submitting concerns to the DOJ's Antitrust Division regarding potential job losses and market consolidation. The union cites precedent from previous entertainment industry mergers and is calling for the DOJ to intervene unless the companies provide enforceable commitments to maintaining domestic production and labor protections.Read more →
Engadget...X could be breaching US sanctions on Iran, watchdog warnsX faces allegations of violating US sanctions after allowing Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, to maintain a verified premium account despite his designation on the US sanctions list since 2019. The Tech Transparency Project reports that dozens of sanctioned individuals and entities have purchased X premium services over recent years, raising compliance concerns especially given Musk's Pentagon contracts while the platform profits from US adversaries.Read more →
CNET...Dyson's First Wet Dry Robot Vacuum Boasts Better Stain Detection and Improved CleaningDyson launches the Spot+Scrub AI, its first AI-powered wet-and-dry robot vacuum that uses advanced machine learning and camera vision to detect and persistently clean stains from up to 200 types of household substances. The robot features a 12-point hydration system with heated fresh water, self-cleaning roller, and performs up to 15 focused cleaning passes on detected stains using lidar and HD camera technology. Priced at $1,199, it competes directly with established AI-enabled robot vacuums from Roborock, Ecovacs, and Shark in the growing market.Read more →
The Verge...Google Chrome is coming to Arm-powered Linux devices later this yearYou can download Chrome for Linux, and you can download Chrome for Arm devices - but if you've got a computer running Linux on Arm, not so much! Now, Google says it's finally bringing Chrome to ARM64 Linux machines in Q2 2026, following Chrome for Arm Macs in 2020 and Chrome for Windows on Arm […]Read more →
Gizmodo...We Accidentally Just Got Our First Look at the Grown-Up Heroes of the ‘Last Airbender’ MovieParamount's upcoming animated feature film adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has revealed its first character designs through Target merchandise listings. The imagery showcases adult versions of the main characters including Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, and Toph, alongside a villain voiced by Dave Bautista. The film is scheduled for fall release amid ongoing speculation about its theatrical versus streaming distribution.Read more →
Engadget...Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen plans to step down after 18 yearsAdobe CEO Shantanu Narayen announced his departure after 18 years leading the company, with his exit timed to when the board selects a successor; he will remain as board chair. Under his leadership, Adobe transformed from a traditional software company into a SaaS powerhouse, growing from 3,000 to 30,000 employees and increasing revenue from under $1 billion to over $25 billion through innovations like Creative Cloud. Narayen emphasized that AI will shape the next era of creativity at Adobe.Read more →
Gizmodo...Tinder’s Solution to Dating App Burnout Is More AITinder is launching AI-powered features including curated daily match recommendations and context-aware safety moderation to address dating app burnout among younger users. The platform will test camera roll analysis and photo enhancement capabilities, leveraging machine learning to improve match quality and user retention. These initiatives aim to counter declining subscriptions affecting Tinder and competing dating platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Your Off-Brand GLP-1 Is Dirtier Than You ThinkEli Lilly warned that compounded tirzepatide products may contain dangerous impurities from chemical reactions between the active ingredient and added B-vitamins, posing unknown health risks to consumers seeking cheaper alternatives. These compounded medications lack FDA oversight and have been linked to storage issues, poor quality ingredients, and adverse injection site reactions. Legal pressure from manufacturers and regulators, combined with declining official drug prices, is reducing the market for compounded GLP-1 medications.Read more →
Engadget...NASA will try its Artemis II launch again in early AprilNASA has set April 1 as the target launch date for Artemis II, with backup launch windows through April 6. The mission will carry four astronauts around the Moon, marking NASA's first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years and a crucial milestone toward establishing sustained lunar exploration.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman Says Intelligence Will Be a Utility, and He’s Just the Man to Collect the BillsOpenAI CEO Sam Altman positions artificial intelligence as a utility service priced per unit consumption, requiring massive data center infrastructure expansion. With OpenAI backing out of infrastructure projects due to financing challenges and calling for government backing, the vision implicitly requires government subsidization of AI infrastructure—mirroring traditional utilities—to achieve affordability and broad access.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 13, #536This article provides a complete guide to solving The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, including hints and answers organized by difficulty level. The puzzle features four themed groups: wall decorations, Big East college athletes, baseball-themed foods, and first names of famous Tims, with answers ranging from banner and flag to Duncan and Tebow.Read more →
Gizmodo...Can We Interest You in a $400 AI Keychain That ‘Behaves Like a Real Pet’?Starboy is a premium AI-powered digital pet that runs local machine learning models for realistic behavioral responses, equipped with sensors for environmental awareness and facial recognition capabilities. The wearable device features multiple hardware options ranging from $249 to $439 and can wirelessly share firmware updates and behavioral traits with other Starboys in proximity. This represents a significant technological advancement in the digital pet category, combining generative AI with connected IoT hardware and premium physical design.Read more →
Gizmodo...A ‘Super El Niño’ Could Be Coming—Here’s What That Means for YouEarth could experience a rare 'super El Niño' event between June and August 2026, with forecasts indicating up to a 22% probability of this strongest-on-record climate pattern. Such an event would significantly raise Pacific sea surface temperatures and drive extreme global weather, including severe flooding in the southeastern U.S., intense drought and wildfires in the West, and elevated global temperatures that could exceed the Paris Agreement warming threshold. The combined impact with human-driven climate change poses substantial risks for extreme weather events worldwide.Read more →
Gizmodo...When an Anime Can’t Quite Live Up to Its Incredible Trailer'Origin: Spirits of the Past' is an overlooked early-2000s anime film available on Crunchyroll that impresses viewers through its visually stunning direction and an acclaimed soundtrack composed by renowned video game composer Taku Iwasaki. While its plot follows conventional JRPG tropes, the film's exceptional artistry, immersive world-building, and captivating score make it a worthwhile viewing experience.Read more →
TechCrunch...Channel Surfer lets you watch YouTube like it’s old-school cable TVSteven Irby has launched Channel Surfer, a web app that reimagines YouTube browsing through a retro cable TV channel surfing interface, allowing users to tune into topic-focused channels and view upcoming content like a traditional TV guide. The app addresses algorithm fatigue by enabling passive video discovery rather than active searching, with the ability to import personal YouTube subscriptions, and generated over 10,000 views on its first day.Read more →
TechCrunch...Why Rivian is holding the $45,000 base model R2 until ‘late 2027’Rivian has shifted its R2 SUV pricing strategy, changing from 'starting at $45,000' to 'starting around $45,000' with the base model delayed to late 2027, as the company confronts reduced EV tax credits, tariffs, and declining sales of existing models. The company will launch higher-priced performance variants first in 2026 before offering a Standard R2 at $48,490, echoing Tesla's historical challenges in delivering promised base-model prices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Palantir CEO Insists He Doesn’t Support Regime Change Wars (But Supports Iran War)Palantir CEO Alex Karp highlighted the company's Project Maven, an AI-powered targeting system used in military operations in the Middle East region. With the Pentagon blacklisting Anthropic over AI safety guardrails, Palantir is integrating alternative large language models into its defense technology platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...M5 MacBook Air Review: A Laptop With Real Middle Child EnergyThe M5 MacBook Air serves as Apple's balanced midrange laptop, offering strong everyday performance at pricing now competitive with premium Intel alternatives. While its fanless design causes slight thermal limitations compared to the M5 Pro, it delivers capable performance for most tasks with solid battery life and quality displays. The laptop represents good value for users prioritizing portability and price-to-performance ratio over maximum computational power or port selection.Read more →
Gizmodo...Your Corporate Jargon–Loving Coworker Might Actually Be as Stupid as You Think, Study ShowsA Cornell study of over 1,000 office workers found that employees who rate corporate jargon favorably perform significantly worse on analytical and decision-making tests. The research identifies a potential feedback loop where poor decision-makers may advance leaders who use corporate bullshit, creating organizational inefficiency. The study introduces a Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale (CBSR) to measure susceptibility to empty corporate communication.Read more →
CNET...World Baseball Classic 2026: How to Watch the Quarterfinals for FreeThe World Baseball Classic 2026 tournament runs through March 17, streaming on Fox Sports in the US with select games available free on Tubi. Quarterfinals begin with matchups including USA versus Canada, with broadcast access across multiple streaming platforms and international regions.Read more →
Gizmodo...Honda Cancels Plans for Three News EVs as It Scrambles to Rethink StrategyHonda has canceled three planned EV models due to changing U.S. policies, expiring federal subsidies, and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers. The move reflects declining consumer demand for EVs and will cost Honda up to $15.7 billion as it pivots toward hybrid vehicles instead.Read more →
Engadget...RAMaggedon not expected to ease this year as IDC cuts 2026 PC market forecast againThe International Data Corporation has downgraded its 2026 PC market forecast, now projecting an 11.6% decline in global shipments due to persistent memory shortages, worsening from the previously anticipated 8.9% drop. Memory shortages are expected to continue through 2027, with prices unlikely to return to 2025 levels until 2028. Escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East could further deteriorate the computing market outlook.Read more →
Engadget...KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequelNetflix and Sony Pictures Animation announced a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters, their most-watched film of all time, driven by unprecedented success including over 500 million views on Netflix and $19 million in theatrical earnings. The announcement marks the directorial duo's exclusive multi-year partnership with Netflix focused on animation, demonstrating the viability of streaming content in theatrical markets and the studio's commitment to continued investment in this successful franchise.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Starfleet Academy’ Puts Itself on Trial, and Finds Its Old Generations WantingStarfleet Academy's season finale juxtaposes the failures of the traumatized older generation against the young cadets' ability to unite and overcome challenges. As the former Federation officials become entangled in past grievances, the cadets successfully work together to disable catastrophic weapons and save the Federation. The episode concludes by passing the leadership torch to this new generation, establishing them as the galaxy's true hope for the future.Read more →
Gizmodo...Researchers Say AI Is Homogenizing Human Expression and ThoughtResearchers at the University of Southern California analyzed over 130 studies and found that large language models produce less cognitively diverse outputs than humans, consistently favoring dominant patterns and ideologies from their training data. When people use LLMs for writing and creative tasks, they internalize the biased perspectives embedded in these models, and groups using AI generate fewer ideas compared to traditional collaboration without AI assistance.Read more →
The Verge...What it was like to watch grieving parents stare down Mark Zuckerberg in courtParents of teenagers who died by suicide and accidental overdoses are attending a landmark trial against Meta and Google, seeking to hold the companies liable for addictive product designs that allegedly harmed their children. The case centers on whether social media platforms can be held responsible for mental health issues caused by their algorithms and design features, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying as a key witness. If successful, this bellwether case could set precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits and pressure companies to prioritize user safety over engagement metrics.Read more →
The Verge...The original AirTag is the cheapest it’s ever beenApple's first-generation AirTag has reached a new low price of $13.91 at Walmart, providing an affordable tracking option for iPhone users. The device delivers precise location tracking through its ultra-wideband chip and integration with Apple's Find My network, with features including location sharing and luggage tracking. While the newer second-generation model offers enhanced range and features, the original AirTag remains highly effective for everyday item tracking.Read more →
Gizmodo...Amazon Employees Say AI Is Just Increasing Workload. A New Study Confirms Their SuspicionsDespite promises that AI would automate workflows and reduce worker burnout, new data shows AI tools are actually increasing employee workloads across communication and management tasks. Workers report spending more time correcting AI errors and dealing with increased emails and messaging, as companies use AI to extract more productivity rather than ease worker burdens.Read more →
Engadget...Meta is testing clickable links in Instagram captions for verified subscribersInstagram is testing clickable links within post captions for Meta Verified subscribers, addressing a long-standing creator request to improve link-sharing capabilities. The feature, currently limited to 10 links monthly, could reshape how creators direct audiences to external content and potentially disrupt the link-in-bio platform industry. This represents a significant shift in Meta's approach to content monetization and creator engagement.Read more →
The Verge...KPop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel, obviouslyA popular animated musical series on Netflix has been renewed for a second season. The show will return with a new installment, continuing its success as a marquee streaming title.Read more →
Engadget...PEGI ratings for game releases in Europe will be age-restricted if they contain loot boxesEuropean regulators are implementing new PEGI age rating criteria that will classify games containing loot boxes, in-game purchases, NFTs, and unrestricted online communication features with higher age ratings, effective June 2026. These rules aim to address gambling and addictive gameplay concerns while helping parents make informed decisions about their children's gaming content. Major titles like EA Sports FC could face significant rating increases under these new guidelines.Read more →
Gizmodo...Netflix Makes the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Sequel You Knew Was Coming OfficialNetflix has officially greenlit KPop Demon Hunters 2, the sequel to its most-watched film ever, with original creators Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning. The filmmakers have signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Netflix for animation projects. The sequel is estimated for a 2029 release, though production delays could extend that timeline further.Read more →
TechCrunch...Substack launches a built-in recording studioSubstack launches Recording Studio, a built-in desktop tool enabling creators to pre-record and publish videos with support for co-hosts, custom watermarks, and auto-generated clips. The platform reports that creators using video content have achieved 50% faster revenue growth, positioning Substack as an increasingly competitive alternative to creator monetization platforms like Patreon.Read more →
Gizmodo...Gemini Is Now Your Permanent Passenger in Google MapsGoogle has integrated its Gemini AI assistant into Maps through a new 'Ask Maps' feature that allows users to ask conversational questions about locations, charging stations, restaurants, and other services while driving. The feature uses Google's database of over 300 million locations and personalizes results based on user search history and preferences. Google is also upgrading Maps' navigation interface with 3D visualization of terrain and buildings, improved voice guidance, and enhanced safety indicators.Read more →
TechCrunch...Facebook Marketplace now lets Meta AI respond to buyers’ messagesFacebook Marketplace is rolling out Meta AI features including automatic replies to buyer inquiries, AI-powered listing creation with automatic price suggestions, and seller profile summaries for buyers. The updates aim to reduce the burden on sellers managing repetitive inquiries while providing buyers with greater transparency about seller history and reliability. Sellers also gain access to new shipping options with tracking capabilities to expand their marketplace reach.Read more →
Engadget...Bumble is the latest dating app to add an AI assistantBumble is testing an AI dating assistant called 'Bee' that learns user values and preferences to automatically find compatible matches, eliminating traditional swiping. The feature, launching in beta soon, joins competitors like Tinder and Grindr in integrating AI-driven recommendations to improve matching and user retention.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Green Lantern Is Joining ‘Man of Tomorrow,’ but Not the One You’d ExpectJohn Stewart's Green Lantern (Aaron Pierre) will appear in James Gunn's upcoming Superman film Man of Tomorrow, marking DC Studios' effort to build an interconnected universe across film and television. Pierre will first debut the character in the HBO Max series Lanterns, with his film role being substantial rather than a cameo. This demonstrates the strategy of integrating characters and storylines across multiple media platforms.Read more →
Engadget...Soundcore Nebula P1i projector review: An affordable option with accurate color and loud soundAnker's Soundcore P1i is an affordable $369 portable projector featuring foldable speakers, 1080p resolution, and Google TV integration with automatic setup calibration. While it offers good value for budget-conscious buyers seeking indoor and outdoor screening solutions, it compromises on brightness (380 lumens) and audio quality compared to higher-end models.Read more →
TechCrunch...Tinder tries to lure people back to online dating with IRL events, virtual speed datingTinder unveiled major product updates including in-person event discovery, AI-enhanced matching algorithms, and LLM-powered safety features to attract Gen Z users and reverse declining subscriber growth. The initiatives shift the platform's focus from pure swiping toward personalized social experiences and authentic offline connections.Read more →
CNET...GFiber Is Merging With Astound Broadband, Likely Expanding to More AreasGFiber, the rebranded Google Fiber entity, is merging with New Jersey-based Astound Broadband to expand its gigabit fiber internet services to additional U.S. communities. Alphabet will maintain a minority stake while investment firm Stonepeak becomes the majority owner, with GFiber executives leading the combined company. This merger enables the provider to leverage Astound's existing footprint to increase its service availability beyond its current 19 states.Read more →
The Verge...Facebook Marketplace adds AI auto-replies for annoying ‘Is this still available?’ messagesFacebook Marketplace is adding a bunch of new AI-powered tools that are supposed to make selling items on the platform a little more efficient. One feature will use Meta AI to automatically respond to those annoying "Is this still available?" messages. You can toggle on the auto-reply option when creating a listing, and Meta AI […]Read more →
Engadget...Another longtime Microsoft executive is retiringMicrosoft's Rajesh Jha, who oversaw critical products including Windows, Office, and Teams for over 35 years, is departing the company. His responsibilities will be distributed among four executives promoted to executive vice president roles reporting directly to CEO Satya Nadella. Jha transitions out July 1 while remaining as an advisor.Read more →
Gizmodo...Rocket Companies Win as Feds Retreat on Orbital Debris CrackdownThe FAA has withdrawn its proposed regulations requiring private space companies to dispose of rocket upper stages after deployment, citing cost concerns and industry pressure from SpaceX and other commercial operators. This decision allows spent rocket stages to remain in Earth orbit as space debris, which currently accounts for 11% of all tracked objects in orbit. The withdrawal aligns with the Trump administration's broader push to ease regulations for the commercial space industry.Read more →
Gizmodo...Disney Will Tide Over the ‘Bluey’ Drought With a Streaming Stage Show and MinisodesDisney is releasing new Bluey content across multiple platforms—including a televised stage show, Disney+ minisodes, and theme park experiences—to keep audiences engaged during the gap between regular episodes and the 2027 theatrical film. The initiative capitalizes on Bluey's unprecedented popularity as the most-streamed show in the U.S. for two consecutive years. This multi-platform strategy demonstrates Disney's effort to maximize revenue from one of its most valuable entertainment properties.Read more →
Engadget...Alexa+ can now swear, thanks to a new personality styleAmazon has introduced a new personality option for Alexa+ called 'sassy,' which includes censored profanity, witty comebacks, and playful sarcasm exclusively for adult users. The feature includes safety guardrails such as requiring parental profile deactivation and face scans to prevent misuse. This update provides a more personalized conversational experience while maintaining appropriate content boundaries.Read more →
TechCrunch...Atlassian follows Block’s footsteps and cuts staff in the name of AIAtlassian announced a 10% workforce reduction affecting approximately 1,600 employees to fund increased AI investments and strengthen enterprise sales capabilities. The layoffs reflect industry-wide trends as tech companies prioritize AI development in response to elevated performance expectations. This move mirrors similar decisions by other major companies like Block, signaling a broader shift toward automation-driven workforce optimization.Read more →
TechCrunch...Lucid Motors shows off robotaxi concept called ‘Lunar’Lucid Motors unveiled the Lucid Lunar, a two-seater robotaxi concept with no steering wheel or pedals, and announced partnerships with Uber to develop autonomous versions of its upcoming mid-size electric vehicles. The company plans to monetize autonomy through monthly subscription tiers for its DreamDrive Pro system, starting in 2027, with prices ranging from $69 to $199 per month.Read more →
TechCrunch...Humanoid maker Sunday reaches $1.15 billion valuation to build household robotsRobotics company Sunday reached unicorn status with a $165 million Series B funding round at a $1.15 billion valuation, led by Coatue Management. The company is developing Memo, a household humanoid robot designed to assist with tasks like laundry and clearing tables. With 1,000 people already on its waitlist, Sunday is positioned as a leader in the emerging home robotics market.Read more →
TechCrunch...Humanoid robotics maker Sunday reaches $1.15B valuation to build household robotsRobotics company Sunday has achieved unicorn status by raising $165 million in Series B funding at a $1.15 billion valuation, led by Coatue Management. The company is developing Memo, a household humanoid robot designed to assist with tasks like laundry and clearing tables, and has already accumulated a waitlist of 1,000 potential customers.Read more →
Engadget...BallotGuessr is Geoguessr for budding political punditsBallotGuessr is a geography-based guessing game that challenges players to predict how U.S. counties voted in the 2024 presidential election using Google Street View imagery and contextual clues. Featuring 2,845 curated locations from all 50 states, the game combines political knowledge with geography skills in an interactive format. The creator plans to expand the game with data from previous U.S. elections and international voting patterns from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.Read more →
TechCrunch...Webflow buys AI content generation platform Vidoso to bolster its marketing suiteWebflow has acquired Vidoso, an AI-powered content generation platform, to enhance its marketing suite and position itself as an agentic marketing platform rather than just a website builder. Vidoso's technology enables organizations to generate branded marketing collateral including videos, presentations, blog posts, and social media content with AI while maintaining brand consistency and governance. This acquisition reflects Webflow's strategy to provide unified marketing tools that bridge the gap between AI content creation capabilities and enterprise marketing workflows.Read more →
The Verge...Gemini’s task automation is here and it’s wildGoogle and Samsung's Gemini assistant now features task automation that can execute actions in apps like food delivery and rideshare services on users' behalf based on simple prompts. The AI can navigate apps, make selections, and complete tasks—such as ordering an Uber or a coffee—while stopping before final confirmation for user review. This represents a significant step toward fulfilling the long-promised capabilities of AI assistants in handling real-world tasks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bumble to launch an AI dating assistant, ‘Bee’Bumble is launching Bee, an AI assistant that learns user values, relationship goals, and communication styles to serve as a personal matchmaker. The feature powers a new experience called Dates that recommends matches and represents part of Bumble's broader AI-focused overhaul to drive growth among Gen Z users.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bumble introduces an AI dating assistant, ‘Bee’Bumble has introduced 'Bee,' an AI assistant designed to learn users' values, relationship goals, and communication styles to provide personalized match recommendations. The feature launches into beta soon and is part of a broader AI-driven overhaul aimed at addressing declining user engagement, particularly among Gen Z users. The company is also experimenting with removing the swipe mechanism and implementing dynamic engagement features to drive better conversations and user retention.Read more →
Engadget...Ukraine allows allies to train AI models on its battlefield dataUkraine is sharing battlefield drone data with allied nations to train AI models for autonomous warfare systems, leveraging its position as a world leader in drone technology. The secure data-sharing platform allows partners to train AI on real combat footage while protecting sensitive military information. This arrangement benefits both Ukraine, which gains faster development of advanced technological solutions, and allies, who access authentic training data from modern warfare.Read more →
TechCrunch...Law enforcement shuts down botnet made of tens of thousands of hacked routersA global law enforcement coalition dismantled the SocksEscort botnet, which compromised over 369,000 routers and IoT devices across 163 countries. The criminal service, powered by AVRecon malware, facilitated ransomware attacks, DDoS operations, cryptocurrency theft, and other crimes costing Americans millions of dollars. The operation involved disconnecting infected devices and seizing the botnet's infrastructure.Read more →
TechCrunch...A writer is suing Grammarly for turning her and other authors into ‘AI editors’ without consentGrammarly disabled its 'Expert Review' feature after facing a class action lawsuit from journalist Julia Angwin, who argued the company violated privacy and publicity rights by impersonating hundreds of experts including Stephen King, Carl Sagan, and Kara Swisher without permission. The feature, which cost $144 annually, generated generic AI feedback while falsely attributing it to renowned writers. The incident highlights growing ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI impersonation and privacy violations in consumer software.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s TV Streamer 4K doubles as a smart home hub and it’s on saleGoogle's TV Streamer 4K is currently on sale for $79.99, featuring robust streaming capabilities with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support plus Google TV's cross-service recommendations. Beyond streaming, the device functions as a smart home hub with Matter and Thread support, enabling users to control smart home devices and access camera feeds directly from their television.Read more →
TechCrunch...Tesla becomes a utility in the UK, setting up showdown with Octopus EnergyTesla has become an officially licensed utility in the United Kingdom, receiving approval from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets to sell electricity directly to households and businesses. This expansion of Tesla's energy division, which includes Powerwall products and a virtual power plant for battery owners, represents a significant step in its diversified energy business following its 2016 acquisition of SolarCity.Read more →
Gizmodo...Feds to Amazon: Quit Whining About SpaceX and Launch Some Damn SatellitesSpaceX's proposal to launch one million satellites for an orbital data center prompted Amazon to petition the FCC for denial, citing vague technical details and unclear timelines. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr dismissed Amazon's petition, directing the company to focus on meeting its own satellite deployment deadlines instead. The regulatory clash underscores intense competition in satellite internet, with SpaceX's Starlink constellation far outpacing Amazon's delayed Leo project.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Project Hail Mary’ Lego Set Is a Must-Have for Sci-Fi FansLego released an 830-piece Project Hail Mary set ($100) featuring the spacecraft with an interactive mechanical feature that recreates the film's gravity stabilization sequence, marking a rare non-franchise movie merchandise offering. The detailed Technic construction and integrated narrative elements throughout the assembly prioritize both display aesthetics and hands-on playability. The set represents a high-quality tie-in that bridges the film experience with collectible toy design.Read more →
Engadget...Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan returns with a Western survival shooterJeff Kaplan, former Blizzard vice president and Overwatch director, has launched a new game studio and unveiled The Legend of California, an open-world action-survival shooter set during the gold rush era. The game features cooperative gameplay for up to four players with both player-versus-environment and optional player-versus-player combat. Early access is planned for Steam and Epic Games Store later this year, published by Dreamhaven.Read more →
Gizmodo...America’s Smoking Habit Just Hit a Wild Milestone That Once Seemed ImpossibleU.S. smoking rates dropped below 10% of adults in 2024 for the first time in history, marking a major public health achievement since the 1964 surgeon general's report established the link to serious health risks. The decline has contributed to an estimated four million averted lung cancer deaths between 1970 and 2022. Researchers stress the need for intensified federal tobacco control policies to address emerging concerns with e-cigarettes and cigars, which have not declined accordingly.Read more →
CNET...Claude Showed Me How to Change a Tire Step by Step With This New FeatureAnthropic announced a new feature enabling Claude to generate interactive visualizations and diagrams directly in conversations using HTML and SVG. These dynamic elements provide clearer explanations of complex processes than traditional text-based responses. The feature is available by default across all subscription tiers on web and desktop, enhancing Claude's capability to deliver information through the most appropriate medium.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic's Claude AI can respond with charts, diagrams, and other visuals nowAnthropic's latest update to Claude will allow the AI chatbot to generate custom charts, diagrams, and other visualizations during your conversation. If Claude determines a visual is useful based on the context of your chat, it will insert the image in-line, rather than in its side panel. As an example, Anthropic says a conversation about […]Read more →
Engadget...Claude can now generate charts and diagramsAnthropic has updated Claude to generate charts and diagrams within its responses to better explain concepts visually. Using HTML and XML vector graphics rather than traditional image generation, Claude can now create step-by-step visual guides either when requested or proactively when helpful. This enhancement makes Claude a more versatile tool for learning and understanding complex information.Read more →
Engadget...Honda cancels three EVs that were months away from US productionHonda has canceled three electric vehicles—the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 sedan, and Acura RSX—that were months from production, shifting focus toward hybrid vehicles instead. The decision stems from reduced EV demand caused by the elimination of federal tax credits, regulatory changes, and US tariffs, alongside challenges competing with Chinese EV manufacturers. This major restructuring could cost Honda up to $15.7 billion and result in the company's first loss since its public listing in 1957.Read more →
Gizmodo...How to Watch the 2026 Oscars and Who Prediction Markets Are Betting OnThe Academy Awards ceremony will broadcast Sunday with a new earlier start time and expanded streaming options, including Hulu for the first time. This will be among the final broadcasts on ABC before the awards show moves to YouTube in 2029. Prediction markets indicate "One Battle After Another" leads with a 77% chance of winning Best Picture.Read more →
Engadget...Google built a flash-flood prediction tool using Gemini and old news reportsGoogle unveiled Groundsource, a flash flood prediction tool that leverages its Gemini language model to analyze millions of news reports and identify historical flood patterns. The system combines this historical data with current weather forecasts to assess flood risks across urban areas in 150 countries. While currently limited by its 20-square-kilometer prediction area and lack of real-time radar integration, the tool is designed to serve regions lacking advanced weather-sensing infrastructure.Read more →
