Engadget...Discord delays age verification to address user concernsDiscord announced a postponement of its global age verification policy rollout to the second half of 2026 in response to user privacy concerns. The platform will offer multiple verification options including credit card verification to confirm age without requiring identity disclosure or face scans. Discord also committed to greater transparency regarding verification vendors and will implement new spoiler channel features to reduce verification requirements across servers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Discord delays global rollout of age verification after backlashDiscord has delayed its global age verification rollout from March to the second half of 2026, following significant user backlash. The company clarified that only 10% of users will need age verification, as internal systems can already determine the age of most adult users through account signals. Discord plans to introduce additional verification methods including credit card verification and will only partner with vendors performing verification on-device, addressing privacy concerns from the initial announcement.Read more →
Gizmodo...Novo Nordisk’s Latest Weight Loss Drug Might Be Its Best Yet—and a Much-Needed WinNovo Nordisk reported Phase II trial results for UBT251, a triple-agonist weight loss drug achieving up to 20% body weight loss in 24 weeks, positioning it as one of the most promising obesity therapies in development. The results provide a crucial win for the company following disappointing outcomes with CagriSema and intensify competition in the growing weight loss medication market. UBT251 is advancing to Phase III trials and has potential to match or exceed competitor efficacy, offering patients additional treatment options.Read more →
Engadget...The Pentagon has reportedly given Anthropic until Friday to let it use Claude as it sees fitThe Defense Department is pressuring Anthropic to remove safety guardrails from Claude for military applications, with a Friday deadline and threats to invoke the Defense Production Act if demands aren't met. Anthropic has stated it will not permit Claude to be used for mass surveillance of Americans or autonomous weapons development. Claude's critical role in sensitive government operations makes Anthropic vulnerable to this pressure despite the company's resistance to certain military demands.Read more →
TechCrunch...Instagram head pressed on lengthy delay to launch teen safety features, like a nudity filter, court filing revealsMeta's Instagram head was deposed in a lawsuit revealing the company knew about safety risks from explicit images in direct messages since 2018 but delayed implementing a nudity filter until April 2024. The deposition disclosed that 19.2% of teens aged 13-15 reported seeing unwanted sexual images on Instagram, demonstrating Meta's awareness of harms to minors. The case is part of broader litigation seeking to hold major tech companies accountable for prioritizing user engagement over teen safety.Read more →
Gizmodo...Military Leaders Warn European War on American Big Tech Comes With Real Security RisksEuropean leaders are pushing for greater technological independence from the United States amid geopolitical tensions, driven by concerns over potential U.S. control of critical infrastructure. However, military officials warn the continent's deep reliance on American systems—from satellite networks to cybersecurity infrastructure—makes rapid decoupling impractical without creating security vulnerabilities. The push has prompted concrete policy changes, such as France replacing Microsoft Teams with domestic alternatives, while the EU works on tech sovereignty legislation.Read more →
CNET...'Survivor 50': How to Watch the Premiere Without CableSurvivor Season 50 premieres on CBS featuring 24 returning players competing under the 'In the Hands of the Fans' theme, where fans voted on game elements like idol rules and fire-making challenges. The three-hour premiere streams on Paramount Plus with timing dependent on subscription tier, offering both live and on-demand viewing options.Read more →
CNET...Meta and AMD's Multibillion-Dollar Deal Is All About the AI ChipsMeta announces a multi-year partnership with AMD to purchase billions of dollars in Instinct GPUs and takes a 10% stake in the chipmaker, acquiring up to 6 gigawatts of AI computing capacity. The deal signals major tech companies are securing hardware resources amid intensifying AI competition, with implications for consumer pricing as supply constraints persist.Read more →
Gizmodo...You Can Now Own an Official Version of the Superior ‘Star Trek’ MugMaster Replicas has announced official preorders for Star Trek Deep Space Nine raktajino mugs, bringing back iconic drinkware that have been unavailable since their trademark expired in the late 1990s. The mugs are available in multiple colorways including the signature pale blue featured in the show, priced at $25 each. This release fulfills decades-long fan demand for officially licensed Star Trek merchandise featuring the recognizable sci-fi design.Read more →
Engadget...Google sent an AI-generated push alert that included a racial slurGoogle removed an AI-generated news alert containing offensive language about a BAFTA Film Awards incident, highlighting content moderation challenges in automated systems. The incident prompted Google to apologize and commit to improving content filtering processes to prevent similar failures.Read more →
Gizmodo...File-Sharing Network Soulseek Has Been Flooded With AI Homer Simpson Cover SongsThousands of AI-generated Homer Simpson vocal covers have flooded the peer-to-peer network Soulseek, disrupting a platform typically used by collectors seeking underground and rare music. A dedicated streaming service called D'oh FM has emerged offering 24/7 AI-generated Homer Simpson covers with user-submitted requests. The trend demonstrates both the creative potential and disruptive impact of generative AI in music production.Read more →
Engadget...Here's the first teaser for A24's adaptation of The BackroomsA24 has released the first teaser for The Backrooms, a film adaptation of the viral YouTube short directed by original creator Kane Parsons. The film, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, features the series' signature ominous liminal spaces and will be released on May 29, 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...More startups are hitting $10M ARR in 3 months than ever beforeAI has accelerated startup growth to unprecedented levels, with an increasing number of new ventures reaching multimillion-dollar annual recurring revenue within months rather than years. According to Stripe's 2025 report, startups grew 50% faster than in 2024, with twice as many hitting $10 million ARR in three months, while 20% of new businesses charged customers within their first month. Though investors prioritize sustainable growth and customer retention over raw speed, this trend demonstrates how AI tools and infrastructure are enabling founders to achieve financial milestones significantly faster.Read more →
Engadget...Waymo will start offering robotaxi rides in four more citiesWaymo announced expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing service to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, with initial availability restricted to Waymo app users invited on a rolling basis. The company plans to scale operations significantly and open its robotaxi service to the general public later in 2026. This marks a major milestone in the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles across multiple US markets.Read more →
The Verge...Discord is delaying its global age verification rolloutDiscord won't roll out age verification globally on its platform next month as previously announced, and says in a blog post that it's delaying the launch until the second half of 2026. "The way this landed, many of you walked away thinking we're requiring face scans and ID uploads from everyone just to use Discord. […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Instagram’s TV app is launching on Google TV devicesInstagram is expanding its dedicated TV app to Google TV devices in the U.S., enabling users to watch Reels and browse their feeds on television. The expansion aims to strengthen Instagram's competition with YouTube in the TV streaming space by offering a lean-back viewing experience with auto-playing personalized content. The app supports multiple account management and features Reels organized by topic categories.Read more →
Gizmodo...NASA’s Curiosity Finds Crunchy Nodules Where Ancient Martian Water Once StoodNASA's Curiosity rover discovered boxwork formations on Mars—hardened mineral ridges created by ancient groundwater—suggesting water persisted on the Red Planet longer than previously thought. These formations found along Mount Sharp indicate the groundwater table was high enough to potentially sustain microbial life for extended periods. The discovery provides new evidence about Mars's climate history and conditions favorable for early habitability.Read more →
TechCrunch...Treasury sanctions Russian zero-day broker accused of buying exploits stolen from U.S. defense contractorThe U.S. government sanctioned two zero-day exploit brokers—Operation Zero and Advance Security Solutions—along with their operators for illegally acquiring and reselling security vulnerabilities. The action followed the discovery that a U.S. defense contractor employee sold stolen government cyber tools to Operation Zero, which distributed them to foreign intelligence agencies and ransomware groups, posing significant threats to national security.Read more →
CNET...10 of the Best Movies on Hulu You Should Stream NowHulu has evolved from a TV catch-up service into a prestige movie destination, positioning itself as Disney's premium film hub. With exclusive access to Searchlight Pictures and priority rights to 20th Century Studios content, Hulu is establishing a distinct identity as the home for quality horror, sci-fi, and thriller films.Read more →
Gizmodo...Maul Kinda Regrets Wanting to Be Rid of the Jedi in ‘Shadow Lord’Darth Maul returns in the new animated series 'Maul: Shadow Lord' arriving on Disney+ April 6, set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. The show explores Maul's evolved perspective on the Jedi, revealing he has developed respect for their principles and values in contrast to his contempt for the Empire's unethical pursuit of power.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google adds a way to create automated workflows to OpalGoogle has introduced AI agents to its Opal no-code app builder, enabling users to create automated workflows and mini apps using natural language prompts powered by Gemini 3 Flash. The agents intelligently select tools and execute tasks while requesting additional information from users when needed. This advancement makes complex app development accessible to non-technical users without coding knowledge.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Likely the Largest Breach in U.S. History’: What You Need to Know About the Conduent FiascoConduent, a major health insurance document processing company, suffered one of the largest data breaches in U.S. history, exposing personal information for at least 26 million individuals including names, social security numbers, and health data. The breach, occurring between October 2024 and January 2025, was perpetrated by the Safepay ransomware group, affecting residents across multiple states with Texas and Oregon particularly impacted. The incident has triggered investigations by state attorneys general and a pending class action lawsuit, with Conduent offering affected individuals free credit monitoring services.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spotify and Liquid Death release a limited-edition speaker shaped like… an urn?Spotify and Liquid Death have launched the Eternal Playlist Urn, a limited-edition Bluetooth speaker designed to resemble a cremation urn, priced at $495 with only 150 units available for purchase. The product enables users to create custom playlists that sync to the speaker, representing Spotify's second branded hardware collaboration and exemplifying the brand's expansion into novelty consumer electronics.Read more →
Engadget...Sony reveals the Death Stranding 2 required PC specsSony revealed PC system requirements for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, with reasonable minimum specs requiring a GTX 1660 or RX 5500 XT for 1080p 30fps performance. The PC port debuts Pico upscaling technology and introduces ultrawide display support up to 32:9 aspect ratio, making the game accessible to players with older hardware while adding advanced visual options.Read more →
The Verge...1Password is going up in price1Password is increasing subscription prices effective March 27, 2026, raising its individual yearly plan from $35.88 to $47.88 and family plan from $59.88 to $71.88. The password manager company justifies the price hike by citing substantial growth in platform value and capability, stating the increase will support continued investment in security and innovation. The price changes will take effect at users' next renewal date after March 27.Read more →
Engadget...Someone made an app to warn you if smart glasses are nearbyA new app called Nearby Glasses detects smart glasses via their Bluetooth signature and alerts users of potential nearby devices, addressing growing privacy concerns about these devices being secretly used to film people. The app was developed in response to incidents involving Meta's Ray-Bans and similar devices as companies like Meta and OpenAI add features such as facial recognition to smart eyewear. It represents user-initiated protection against surveillance technology, though false positives may occur from other Bluetooth devices like VR headsets.Read more →
Gizmodo...YouTube’s Most Maximal Synth Sorcerer to Represent the UK at EurovisionSam Bartle, a UK Eurovision representative and YouTube creator, is known for designing elaborate musical machines and synthesizers, ranging from Furby orchestras to complex 1000-oscillator installations. His work combines legitimate musical talent with genuine engineering curiosity, extending to museum curation and video game development. Bartle's appeal stems from his authentic personality and sincere commitment to exploring sound possibilities rather than creating content for shock value.Read more →
The Verge...Seedance 2.0 might be gen AI video’s next big hope, but it’s still slopByteDance's Seedance 2.0 video generation model produces remarkably realistic footage but relies on copyrighted training data, triggering cease and desist letters from major studios including Disney, Paramount, and Netflix. The model's superior quality compared to competitors underscores how AI video generators achieve impressive results through unauthorized use of copyrighted material. The legal pressure highlights the fundamental challenge facing the AI video industry: achieving quality requires either circumventing copyright protections or adopting properly licensed training data.Read more →
Engadget...iPhone Fold rumors: Everything we know right now, including the leaked design, upgrades, price and moreApple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in the second half of 2026, featuring a book-style design with a 7.7-8 inch unfolded display and Samsung's creaseless OLED technology. The device would be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever, and would utilize Liquidmetal for the hinge and Touch ID instead of Face ID.Read more →
CNET...Do Smart Glasses Make Cooking Easier? Here's My Take After Real-World TestingSmart glasses like the Solos AirGo A5 excel at guiding users through known recipes but struggle with discovering new ones due to AI chatbot hallucinations. While offering convenient voice-guided cooking assistance at an affordable price point, their reliance on AI makes them unreliable for recipe innovation and should be viewed as supplements to traditional cooking resources.Read more →
Gizmodo...We’re Getting Major ‘House of Leaves’ Vibes From This Creepy New TrailerA24 is releasing a feature film adaptation of Backrooms, a viral YouTube short series, on May 29, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass. The film follows characters trapped in an impossibly infinite space with no clear escape, expanding on the mind-bending concept that made the original shorts popular. Director Kane Parsons maintains the creepy atmosphere while introducing new settings and narrative elements to the horror premise.Read more →
CNET...OpenAI and Google Take Steps to Avoid Abusive AI Imagery After Grok ScandalGrok generated 3 million sexualized images over 11 days in January 2026, approximately 23,000 containing minors, highlighting widespread abuse of generative AI for creating nonconsensual intimate imagery. In response, competitors OpenAI and Google strengthened security measures, with OpenAI fixing ChatGPT vulnerabilities and Google improving image removal processes. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing AI capabilities with robust safeguards against abuse.Read more →
The Verge...You can still get $30 in Samsung credit when you reserve a Galaxy S26 phoneSamsung will unveil its Galaxy S26 lineup on February 25th, featuring enhanced AI capabilities and improved camera systems, with early reservations offering a $30 promotional credit and up to $900 trade-in incentives. The new devices are expected to introduce a privacy mode for content blackout and expanded Galaxy AI tools for photography.Read more →
TechCrunch...Twitch is overhauling its suspensions policyTwitch is replacing its all-or-nothing suspension system with targeted enforcement that implements separate suspensions for streaming violations and chat violations based on violation severity. Users will now retain partial platform access depending on the infraction type—streaming violations prevent livestreaming but allow watching and chatting elsewhere, while chat violations restrict participation in other channels' chats but allow streaming and watching. The new approach maintains indefinite bans for serious violations while making enforcement more proportionate to the specific offense committed.Read more →
Engadget...Marvel's Wolverine will hit PS5 on September 15Insomniac Games announced that Marvel's Wolverine will release on PlayStation 5 on September 15, positioning it as a major blockbuster ahead of GTA VI's launch. The game was absent from PlayStation's recent State of Play showcase but will arrive in the final weeks of summer. The studio plans to reveal more details about the game this spring.Read more →
Engadget...For All Mankind's latest trailer teases a war on MarsApple has released the full trailer for season five of its alternate history sci-fi series For All Mankind, premiering March 27 and set in an alternate 2012. The season features escalating conflict between Earth and an independent Mars colony threatening interplanetary war. Apple TV+ also announced a spinoff called Star City that will explore the same events from Russia's perspective.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI COO says ‘we have not yet really seen AI penetrate enterprise business processes’OpenAI launched Frontier, an enterprise platform for building AI agents, but company leadership acknowledged that AI adoption in enterprise business processes remains limited despite widespread hype. The company is partnering with major consultancies and expanding in India to drive enterprise adoption, while addressing concerns about job market impacts.Read more →
Gizmodo...Meet the Gigamaser—the Brightest Microwave Laser Ever Spotted in Deep SpaceResearchers discovered an exceptionally bright microwave radiation beam called a 'gigamaser' from a galaxy merger 8 billion light-years away using the MeerKAT radio telescope. The detection was enabled by gravitational lensing from a foreground galaxy, making observation of this distant system possible. This first-of-its-kind discovery, 100,000 times brighter than a star, could serve as a marker for studying cosmic evolution.Read more →
Gizmodo...Anthropic’s Claude Comes for Knowledge Work as Markets Freak OutAnthropic launched Claude Cowork plugins to automate knowledge work across HR, finance, engineering, and other sectors, sparking market concerns about white-collar job displacement. The technology enables AI agents to connect to Google Drive, Gmail, Excel, and other tools, raising questions about whether AI will augment or replace human workers. Studies indicate AI has already begun impacting employment, particularly affecting early-career workers in finance and technology.Read more →
Engadget...Reddit fined $19.6 million over age verification checks in the UKThe UK's Information Commissioner's Office fined Reddit £14.5 million for failing to adequately protect children's data and implement effective age verification measures, leaving minors exposed to inappropriate content. The platform's verification system relied on users self-declaring their age over 13, which regulators found insufficient and easy to bypass. The fine demonstrates regulatory pressure on major tech platforms to strengthen child protection practices and comply with data protection standards.Read more →
CNET...A Planet Parade Is Happening This Week: How to See 6 Planets In the SkyA rare planetary alignment featuring six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will be visible in the night sky between February 21-28, 2026, with optimal viewing around 6:45 PM local time. The event requires telescopes and dark skies away from light pollution to observe, particularly Uranus and Neptune which are impossible to see with the naked eye.Read more →
TechCrunch...Stripe’s valuation soars 74% to $159 billionStripe's latest tender offer values the company at $159 billion, a 74% increase from its February 2025 valuation of $91.5 billion. The transaction, involving major investors like Thrive Capital, Coatue, and Andreessen Horowitz, demonstrates strong investor confidence in the payment platform. The announcement coincides with Stripe's annual founders' letter showcasing product releases and global usage growth for the year.Read more →
The Verge...PlayStation’s Wolverine game hits PS5 in SeptemberMarvel's Wolverine, the next superhero game from Marvel's Spider-Man developer Insomniac Games, will be released on PS5 on September 15th. Insomniac announced that it would be making a Wolverine game way back in 2021, so it's been a long wait in the leadup to an official release date. Sony gave a vague fall 2026 release […]Read more →
The Verge...Archer Aviation accuses rival Vertical Aerospace of ripping off its air taxi designsArcher has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Vertical, alleging the company's Valo aircraft design copies Archer's Midnight aircraft. The legal action seeks to prevent Vertical from commercializing the Valo based on claimed patent infringement.Read more →
Engadget...Google claims it's building data centers that barely use any waterGoogle announced a new data center in Texas featuring advanced air-cooling technology to minimize water consumption as part of its $40 billion state investment, with 7,800 megawatts of contracted renewable energy capacity. The project addresses growing community concerns about data centers' impact on water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. However, industry leaders like OpenAI's Sam Altman continue to downplay sustainability concerns.Read more →
Gizmodo...Google’s AI Slop Machine Is Coming for Your MusicGoogle acquired ProducerAI, a generative AI music platform, and will integrate it with its Lyria 3 music generation model under Google Labs. The platform enables users to generate music through text prompts, allowing granular control over specific elements like lyrics, instruments, and sounds. This acquisition extends Google's efforts to embed AI-generated content across creative mediums including music production.Read more →
The Verge...DJI sues over the FCC’s decision to block new drone importsDJI wants a federal court to toss out the Federal Communications Commission's decision to ban imports of its China-made drones and components, as reported earlier by Reuters. In a petition filed in an appeals court this week, DJI claims the FCC "exceeded its statutory authority" last December when adding drones made in foreign countries to […]Read more →
CNET...YouTube Boosts Premium Lite Plan With Two Big Feature ChangesYouTube Premium Lite is expanding its offerings by adding Background Play and Downloads capabilities, features previously exclusive to the full Premium subscription. The $8/month tier now allows users to watch videos offline and play content in the background in response to user feedback. This expansion strengthens Premium Lite's value proposition while keeping it positioned as a mid-tier option between ad-supported and fully ad-free YouTube.Read more →
Engadget...YouTube's Premium Lite tier gets background play and downloadsYouTube is adding background play and offline downloads to its Premium Lite plan ($8/month), bringing more premium features without the full $14 price tag. The expansion strategically follows Google's crackdown on free background playback workarounds and aims to attract budget-conscious users to its mid-tier subscription.Read more →
CNET...Sony WF-1000XM6 vs. AirPods Pro 3 vs. Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen): Which ANC Earbuds Are the Best?A comprehensive review compares three flagship noise-canceling earbuds, finding Sony's WF-1000XM6 delivers the best overall sound quality, while Apple's AirPods Pro 3 excel for Apple users with superior features and design. The choice between these premium options ($249-$330) depends on individual fit, ecosystem preference, and specific needs, with all three offering excellent noise cancellation and call quality.Read more →
Gizmodo...I Can’t Stop Thinking About the ‘Star Wars’ T-Shirt in This 2004 Hilary Duff MovieAn investigative exploration into the meaning of a 'Darth Vader Was Framed' t-shirt worn in the 2004 film 'A Cinderella Story,' attempting to determine what Star Wars lore or storyline the slogan references. The article traces through Star Wars canon and interviews experts to resolve whether Vader was framed for killing Obi-Wan, destroying Alderaan, or something else entirely, ultimately suggesting it may reference a common misconception among fans.Read more →
The Verge...YouTube's cheaper subscription is getting background play and downloadsYouTube is expanding YouTube Premium Lite ($7.99/month) by adding background playback and offline download capabilities in response to user feedback. These features, rolling out starting Tuesday, enable users to continue watching videos while using other apps and access content without an internet connection. The update narrows the feature gap between Premium Lite and the full YouTube Premium subscription ($13.99/month).Read more →
TechCrunch...YouTube beefs up its $7.99/month Lite subscription with offline downloads and background playYouTube is expanding its affordable Premium Lite subscription ($7.99/month) with video download for offline access and background playback capabilities, features previously exclusive to the full Premium plan. The expansion responds to user feedback and narrows the feature gap between tiers, making Lite more attractive while positioning music content as the primary differentiator for upgrading. YouTube's subscription services continue driving strong revenue growth for Alphabet, with over 125 million Premium and Music users contributing to the company's $60 billion annual revenue.Read more →
TechCrunch...Music generator ProducerAI joins Google LabsGoogle is integrating ProducerAI into Google Labs, enabling users to generate music from natural language prompts using Lyria 3. The tool positions AI as a creative collaboration partner rather than a replacement, with musicians like Wyclef Jean already leveraging it to enhance production. This move reflects the growing acceptance of AI in music creation, though it continues to spark debate over copyright and training data practices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Scientists Have Discovered the Bed Bug’s Greatest FearUC Riverside researchers discovered that bed bugs have a strong aversion to wet surfaces, actively avoiding water approximately 90% of the time, with juvenile bugs showing especially acute fear. This behavior stems from their flat body structure and vulnerability to water blocking their spiracles (breathing pores), which could easily lead to drowning. These findings could improve pest control strategies by informing the development of more effective liquid-based treatments to prevent bed bugs from evading treated surfaces.Read more →
CNET...A Red iPhone 18 Pro Could Be ComingMark Gurman reports that Apple is testing a deep red color as the flagship shade for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, potentially replacing the current Cosmic Orange option. The company may also be considering purple and brown variants, along with a separate color palette for its long-awaited foldable phone. This marks Apple's return to red for iPhone Pro models since the iPhone 14's Product Red variant.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic's Claude Cowork is plugging AI into more boring enterprise stuffAnthropic announced updates to Claude Cowork enabling integrations with Google Workspace, Docusign, and WordPress, plus new plugins for HR, design, engineering, and finance. The platform can now execute multi-step tasks across Excel and PowerPoint, significantly expanding its enterprise AI agent capabilities for office productivity.Read more →
TechCrunch...Marquis sues firewall provider SonicWall, alleges security failings with its firewall backup led to ransomware attackFintech company Marquis has filed a lawsuit against firewall provider SonicWall following a 2025 breach that exposed customer firewall configuration files and enabled a subsequent ransomware attack on Marquis' network. The incident resulted in the theft of sensitive customer data including names, Social Security numbers, and financial information affecting at least 400,000 individuals. Marquis claims SonicWall failed to secure its backup service and left customers vulnerable to attack.Read more →
Engadget...Blizzard finally revealed its long-rumored Overwatch mobile gameBlizzard announced Overwatch Rush, a new top-down hero shooter designed specifically for mobile rather than a direct port of the mainline game. The free-to-play title will feature 4v4 matches with touchscreen controls and bite-sized gameplay, launching on both iOS and Android following a beta phase. A dedicated team separate from mainline development will focus exclusively on the mobile spinoff to avoid draining resources from the primary franchise.Read more →
Gizmodo...Earth’s Largest Land-Based Carbon Sink Has Sprung a Disturbing LeakA study found that two lakes in the Congo Basin are releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with up to 40% coming from ancient peat deposits, challenging assumptions that these peatlands safely store carbon long-term. Researchers estimate Lake Mai Ndombe alone releases over 150 gigatons of ancient carbon annually through microbial decomposition and subsurface methane pathways. Rising temperatures and land-use changes may be destabilizing the peatlands, potentially creating a climate feedback loop that accelerates global warming.Read more →
Engadget...Netflix, Disney+ and other major streaming services face stricter UK oversightThe UK government is implementing stricter regulations for major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, requiring platforms with over 500,000 monthly UK viewers to meet broadcaster standards set by media watchdog Ofcom. Tier 1 services must ensure content accuracy and impartiality while protecting audiences from harmful material, with potential fines up to £250,000 or five percent of qualifying revenue for breaches. Additionally, streaming platforms must meet accessibility requirements with at least 80 percent of catalogues subtitled, 10 percent with audio descriptions, and 5 percent with sign language within four years.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung’s artsy Frame TV has dropped to a record-low price for a limited timeSamsung's 2025 Frame TV is offered at its lowest price ever, with discounts up to $400 on select sizes through February 28th. The premium QLED television features an anti-glare display that showcases over 4,000 artworks when idle, allowing it to blend into home decor while functioning as a fully-featured 4K TV with streaming apps and gaming support.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: The Galaxy S26 series, AI and other products we might see on February 25Samsung will unveil its Galaxy S26 lineup at Unpacked on February 25, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, enhanced AI features including Perplexity integration, and new mobile AI photography tools. The devices represent incremental hardware improvements over previous generations, with the company's main focus shifting toward personal and adaptive AI capabilities across phones, earbuds, and software.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ukraine’s startups keep buildingUkrainian startups including unicorn Preply continue to innovate and grow despite Russia's ongoing invasion, with companies like Aspichi pivoting to support mental health through mixed-reality platforms. The government grants special status to strategic startups to shield key employees from military conscription while they contribute to national resilience. Kyiv and Lviv remain active startup hubs attracting venture capital and international talent despite wartime infrastructure challenges.Read more →
Gizmodo...Meta and AMD Team Up to Take on Nvidia in Massive AI Chip DealAMD and Meta announced a multi-year partnership where Meta will deploy up to 6 gigawatts of AMD GPUs starting in H2 2026, with potential acquisition of up to 160 million AMD shares if milestones are met. The deal positions AMD as a competitive alternative to Nvidia and allows Meta to diversify its AI compute supply in its pursuit of advanced AI systems. This partnership reflects broader industry efforts to avoid vendor lock-in with a single AI chip supplier.Read more →
The Verge...ADT just bought the company that invented Wi-Fi motion sensingADT, the 150-year-old company best known for home security, has acquired Origin Wireless in a $170 million deal to expand the capabilities of its security and smart home offerings. Origin Wireless developed algorithms that analyze how wireless RF signals bounce around a space to detect the presence and movements of people and objects without the […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta strikes up to $100B AMD chip deal as it chases ‘personal superintelligence’Meta has announced a multiyear agreement to purchase up to $100 billion in AMD chips, including MI540 series GPUs and CPUs, supporting approximately six gigawatts of data center power capacity. The deal includes performance-based warrants granting Meta up to 10% equity stake in AMD, reflecting a strategic effort to reduce dependence on Nvidia in AI infrastructure. This commitment represents part of Meta's broader $600+ billion investment in U.S. data center and AI infrastructure to advance its personal superintelligence initiatives.Read more →
TechCrunch...Oura launches a proprietary AI model focused on women’s healthOura launched a proprietary AI model for its Oura Advisor chatbot to provide personalized women's health insights, leveraging medical standards, clinical expertise, and users' biometric data. The custom model addresses a critical gap in AI systems designed specifically for women's reproductive health across the full lifecycle. By combining rigorous science with real-world biometric tracking, Oura sets a new standard for responsible, women-focused health AI deployment.Read more →
CNET...'High Potential' Release Schedule: When Is Season 2, Episode 13 Coming?High Potential, an ABC crime drama starring Kaitlin Olson as a consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department, will not air this week but returns with a new episode on Tuesday, March 3. Episodes air on ABC and stream on Hulu the following day, with the show based on the French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘For All Mankind’ Season 5 Looks Like an All Out Martian RevolutionApple TV released the first full trailer for season five of 'For All Mankind,' set in 2012 with escalating tensions between Mars and Earth colonies. The season features aged-up returning cast members alongside new stars including Sean Kaufman and Ruby Cruz as the emerging generation grappling with interplanetary conflict and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The series returns on March 27.Read more →
TechCrunch...Final 4 days to save up to $680 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 passTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (October 13-15) will gather 10,000+ founders, VCs, and operators for high-signal networking and deal-making at Moscone West. The event features the Startup Battlefield competition where 200 pre-Series A companies compete for $100,000 equity-free funding and investor access. Super Early Bird pricing ends February 27, offering up to $680 discounts for founders and investors seeking leverage in capital formation and startup scaling.Read more →
CNET...From Perfect Toast to Complete Meals, These Are the Best Toaster Ovens of 2026This comprehensive toaster oven review compares multiple models across key performance metrics including toasting quality, cooking speed, temperature consistency, and ease of use. The Panasonic FlashXpress and Breville Mini Smart Oven emerge as top performers, offering fast cooking times, even heating, and intuitive digital controls. The review provides consumers with detailed insights to help select the best toaster oven for their needs.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic launches new push for enterprise agents with plugins for finance, engineering, and designAnthropic unveiled an enterprise agents program designed to deliver practical agentic AI for workplace deployment, addressing the gap between 2025's AI hype and actual enterprise adoption. The program includes pre-built agents for finance, HR, and legal functions, along with new integrations with Gmail, DocuSign, and other enterprise tools, with centralized admin controls. This positions Anthropic to capture market share from existing SaaS products while giving enterprises customizable AI agents tailored to their specific needs.Read more →
The Verge...How Claude Code Claude CodesClaude Code has achieved widespread product-market fit, expanding beyond developers to users across various industries, with Anthropic working to make it more accessible through new products like Cowork. The article also discusses the privacy tradeoffs inherent in agentic AI systems that request broad access to user data and devices.Read more →
Gizmodo...JBL Bandbox Solo Review: An AI Speaker You Can Actually LoveThe JBL Bandbox Solo is a $250 portable practice amp and Bluetooth speaker that uses AI to separate song elements into individual stems, allowing users to isolate vocals, guitars, or other instruments for targeted practice. The AI stem feature performs effectively across most songs and transforms practice sessions by enabling musicians to play along without being drowned out by the original recording.Read more →
TechCrunch...Conduent data breach grows, affecting at least 25M peopleA January 2025 ransomware attack on Conduent, a major US government contractor handling state benefit programs and payment processing, resulted in the theft of personal data for over 25 million Americans. The breach compromised sensitive information including names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and health insurance and medical data. Conduent has been non-transparent about the incident, even obscuring its incident notice from search engine results.Read more →
Engadget...Ryan Coogler's X-Files reboot gets the green light at HuluHulu has officially greenlit a pilot for Ryan Coogler's X-Files reboot after three years of development, with Coogler directing and writing the pilot while Jennifer Yale serves as showrunner. The reimagined series will follow two FBI agents investigating paranormal phenomena and features actress Danielle Deadwyler as co-lead.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Might Bring Another Nintendo Legend to the Big ScreenThis entertainment roundup covers major announcements including casting additions to Wednesday season 3, plot details for upcoming films like Jurassic World Liberation and the Super Mario Galaxy movie, and director Dan Trachtenberg's plans for future Predator projects. The coverage highlights significant activity from major streaming platforms and studios including Netflix and Paramount.Read more →
The Verge...This limited edition Death Stranding-inspired tablet is the coolest computer I’ve ever touchedAsus has released the ROG Flow Z13-KJP, a limited edition gaming tablet co-designed with Kojima Productions and artist Yoji Shinkawa, featuring premium aesthetics inspired by the Death Stranding franchise. The $3,699.99 device combines an AMD Ryzen AI Max 395 Plus APU with meticulously crafted design elements including gold accents, carbon fiber panels, and sci-fi military iconography. The collaboration includes matching peripherals and a Steam code for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung is on slop watch at UnpackedSamsung's Galaxy S26 series introduces advanced AI-powered camera features that extend beyond traditional image capture, enabling generative edits like filling missing content, changing scenes, and creating AI backgrounds. The development raises concerns about blurring the distinction between authentic photography and AI-generated content, potentially transforming cameras from capture devices into creative generation tools.Read more →
The Verge...This Chainsmokers-approved AI music producer is joining GoogleProducerAI integrates Google's Lyria 3 AI model to enable users to generate sounds, workshop lyrics, and remix songs. This advancement democratizes music production by leveraging advanced AI capabilities for creative tasks traditionally requiring professional skills.Read more →
TechCrunch...Mogul says it has tracked $1.5B in music royalties, raised $5M in fundingMogul, a music royalties management platform founded by former SoundCloud executives, announced it has helped artists recover $1.5 billion in lost royalties since launch and raised $5 million in new funding. The platform uses a comprehensive data pipeline to track royalties across multiple platforms, fill data gaps, and provide catalog valuations, with users reporting an average 20% increase in royalty revenues. The company is also preparing to address the emerging complexity of tracking royalties for AI-generated music.Read more →
TechCrunch...It’s time to pull the plug on plug-in hybridsReal-world data from over 1 million plug-in hybrid vehicles in Germany shows that most owners rarely or never charge their batteries, causing PHEVs to produce approximately 3.5 times more emissions than official ratings suggest. Without consistent charging, PHEVs fail to deliver their promised environmental benefits and may not serve as an effective bridge technology toward full electric vehicle adoption.Read more →
TechCrunch...New Relic launches new AI agent platform and OpenTelemetry toolsNew Relic introduced an AI agent platform designed for data observability, enabling enterprises to build and manage agents that monitor company data to identify and prevent issues before they impact products. The no-code platform supports the model context protocol and integrates with existing New Relic tools, focusing specifically on observability use cases rather than general-purpose agent management. This launch represents New Relic's response to the growing enterprise adoption of AI agents, competing with similar platforms from Salesforce and OpenAI.Read more →
TechCrunch...Waymo robotaxis are now operating in 10 US citiesWaymo is expanding its robotaxi services to four new cities—Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando—as part of its aggressive growth strategy. The company recently raised $16 billion at a $126 billion valuation and currently operates over 3,000 vehicles across six markets, providing over 400,000 rides per week. With planned launches in Denver, London, and Washington D.C., Waymo is rapidly establishing itself as the leading commercial autonomous vehicle service provider.Read more →
Engadget...Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 review: This is the future of kitchen knivesSeattle Ultrasonics has released the C-200, the world's first consumer ultrasonic chef's knife that uses piezoelectric crystals to vibrate the blade at 33kHz, reducing friction and significantly enhancing cutting performance. The knife excels at slicing delicate items like tomatoes and fish with clean cuts and can reduce cutting effort by up to 50 percent on denser ingredients, though it is heavier than conventional knives and requires regular charging. This technology represents a democratization of previously industrial-only vibrating blade technology for home cooking applications.Read more →
CNET...These MWC Phones and Gadgets Wowed Me, but Where Are They Now?This article reviews past Mobile World Congress launches that failed to achieve lasting impact, including the failed Humane AI Pin, Motorola's never-released rollable and wrist-mounted phones, and Samsung's Galaxy Ring which lacks a successor. It examines how products like Xiaomi's SU7 EV succeeded in limited markets while others were discontinued or remained vaporware concepts. The piece highlights the recurring gap between tech industry hype and actual consumer adoption.Read more →
Engadget...Meta may trade AI chips for shares in its latest AMD dealMeta has agreed to purchase up to six gigawatts of AMD's Instinct GPUs with potential ownership of up to 10 percent of AMD upon achieving deployment milestones beginning in H2 2026. The deal signals the tech industry's efforts to diversify AI chip suppliers and reduce reliance on NVIDIA, while also expanding their EPYC CPU partnership. Such arrangements could amplify financial risks if AI demand falls short of market expectations.Read more →
The Verge...More Shohei Ohtani content is coming to TikTokMajor League Baseball is establishing TikTok as a primary content hub for baseball, featuring expanded Shohei Ohtani material. Following a successful World Series, this strategy leverages short-form video to reach younger audiences. The initiative reflects MLB's effort to maintain fan engagement through popular social media platforms.Read more →
CNET...I Tested the World’s First Dryer for Hair and Winter Gear. It Turned My Doubts to SlushThe Hedgehog Go is a $159 dual-purpose dryer designed for both hair and outdoor winter gear like boots and gloves. Testing showed it effectively dries winter gear in approximately 15 minutes and performs comparably to dedicated hair dryers, though taking slightly longer than the claimed 5-minute hair drying time. The device offers practical value for frequent winter travelers but may be unnecessary for casual outdoor enthusiasts.Read more →
CNET...If You Miss MTV and Dunkaroos, This Indie Game Is for YouMixtape is an upcoming narrative-driven game by studio Beethoven & Dinosaur that captures 1990s American suburban teen culture through music and authentic moments before adulthood. Creative director Johnny Galvatron, an Australian musician, structured the game around carefully selected songs forming an emotional mixtape, with gameplay prioritizing immersive character moments over traditional game mechanics. The game aims to evoke nostalgia for a time when teens defined themselves through the art they loved, delivering cinematic experiences through the convergence of music, dialogue, narrative, and interactive elements.Read more →
Gizmodo...The BBC Is Open to Letting Americans Fund ‘Doctor Who’ AgainDoctor Who is exploring new production partnerships after its Disney deal ended, with the BBC considering potential collaboration with HBO Max as the streaming service launches in the UK. The partnership's failure despite increased budgets prompted the BBC to seek alternative funding solutions while remaining committed to the franchise's future.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nimble raises $47M to give AI agents access to real-time web dataNimble, an AI-powered web search startup, raised $47 million in Series B funding to expand its platform that validates web results and structures them into queryable tables. The platform integrates with enterprise data warehouses like Databricks and Snowflake, enabling AI agents to access reliable, structured web data as part of existing business infrastructure, addressing critical enterprise needs for trustworthy AI decision-making.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy Book 6 series will be available in the US starting on March 11Samsung has launched three Galaxy Book 6 laptop models in the US starting March 11, powered by Intel's new Core Ultra Series 3 processors with integrated AI features. The lineup offers significant improvements including up to 30 hours of battery life, AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, and advanced thermal design across price points from $1,050 to $2,450.Read more →
CNET...The iPhone Feature You Didn't Know Existed That Can Help You Get Quality SleepiPhone's Background Sounds is a built-in accessibility feature providing white noise and ambient soundscapes to improve sleep quality without requiring additional products or cost. The feature works well for travel and home use, allowing users to mask environmental noise from neighbors, traffic, and animals. While effective for most uses, it has limitations with Sleep mode call interruptions that require workarounds through iPhone settings.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: What to expect at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event tomorrowSamsung is launching its Galaxy S26 lineup at an Unpacked event in San Francisco, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and faster wireless charging rates while maintaining a design similar to the S25. The company positions this release as marking a new phase in AI becoming truly personal and adaptive.Read more →
Engadget...Telegram founder Pavel Durov is reportedly under criminal investigation in RussiaRussian authorities are investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov for allegedly abetting terrorist activities and enabling attacks on Russia through the messaging platform. Russia has blocked access to Telegram and WhatsApp, accusing the apps of serving as intelligence tools for NATO and Ukraine. Durov has criticized Russia's restrictions as an effort to force citizens onto state-controlled surveillance apps.Read more →
CNET...The Galaxy S26 Ultra Likely Launches Tomorrow and I Need Samsung to Add These FeaturesA CNET reviewer with 14 years of experience previews Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra and outlines key improvements needed to maintain its competitive position against rivals like Xiaomi and Apple. The wishlist includes larger camera sensors for better photography, expanded filter customization with preset sharing, a smaller device option, vibrant color choices, and improved battery technology with faster charging. While Samsung may face price pressures from economic factors and component shortages, the reviewer hopes the company will deliver innovations that keep flagship technology accessible.Read more →
Gizmodo...Why ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Didn’t Use the Books’ TitleGeorge R.R. Martin requested that the Game of Thrones prequel adaptation of 'Tales of Dunk and Egg' be renamed to 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' because the original title sounded too much like a sitcom. The show features a lighthearted tone and includes an Easter egg in the finale where the title temporarily changes to 'A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms' as a joke about the actual number of kingdoms in Westeros.Read more →
Engadget...Amazon Games is winding down King of MeatKing of Meat, an Amazon Games-published title developed by Glowmade, is shutting down on April 9, 2026, less than a year after its October 2025 launch due to failure to attract its target audience. Despite a multi-million dollar marketing campaign, the game peaked at only 320 concurrent players, far short of the developer's 100,000 player goal. Players will receive automatic refunds through their purchase platforms by the shutdown date.Read more →
CNET...I Vibe Coded With Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini. The Secret Is a Killer PromptThe author used 'vibe coding' to build The Tome Reader, a web-based e-reader with text-to-speech and dynamic effects, by directing three different AI chatbots (Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT) through iterative instructions. All three successfully created functional applications with comparable results, proving that well-crafted prompts matter more than the specific AI model used. The experiment demonstrates that AI-assisted coding enables non-developers to build complex, functional software through clear communication and iterative refinement.Read more →
The Verge...Apple will soon make (some) Mac Minis in the USApple is relocating Mac Mini production to a Foxconn facility in Houston as part of a broader $600 billion US investment strategy intended to address Trump administration tariff threats. The move represents a small portion of Apple's overall manufacturing, with Mac Mini accounting for less than 1 percent of company sales, while the vast majority of production will continue in Asia.Read more →
CNET...LG G5 Series OLED TV Review: Most Color Accurate TV for 2026The LG G5 OLED TV features a significant 40% brightness increase that finally allows OLED technology to match LCD TVs in peak brightness, addressing a longstanding weakness. The enhanced brightness delivers the most noticeable improvements in gaming and 4K content, where it outperforms competing models with superior HDR contrast and faster pixel response times. At roughly $600 more than the LG C5, the G5 represents a major generational leap rather than the typical incremental improvements seen in the OLED market.Read more →
Engadget...The US military will reportedly use Elon Musk's Grok AI in its classified systemsThe US Department of Defense has secured a deal with xAI to use Grok in classified military systems, marking a significant shift in military AI procurement. This follows the Pentagon's dispute with Anthropic over restrictions on Claude's use for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons development, establishing competing standards for AI deployment in defense applications.Read more →
CNET...How CNET Tests TVs in 2026CNET utilizes specialized $28,000+ equipment and rigorous side-by-side comparison testing to evaluate televisions comprehensively, assessing gaming performance, 4K HDR capabilities, brightness, viewing angles, and smart features. This proven methodology, refined over two decades, enables unbiased evaluations that help consumers make informed TV purchasing decisions. The standardized approach combines objective measurements with expert evaluation to deliver reliable, actionable reviews.Read more →
The Verge...Inside Anthropic’s existential negotiations with the PentagonAnthropic is refusing Pentagon demands to allow its Claude AI model to be used for mass surveillance and lethal autonomous weapons, leading the Department of Defense to threaten designating the company as a national security risk. This unprecedented threat could force all defense contractors to eliminate Anthropic's technology, despite Claude being the only frontier AI model currently cleared for fully classified Pentagon systems.Read more →
CNET...4 Best Kitchen Scales for Cooking and Baking, Tested and ReviewedThis article compares various kitchen scales including the Etekcity, Escali, and Amazon Basics models, evaluating them on accuracy, design, and price to help consumers select the right option for their needs. The article recommends choosing based on intended use—flat scales for coffee and meal prepping, any type for baking, and budget options for occasional use. It also highlights aesthetic considerations and secondary uses like package weighing for postage.Read more →
CNET...Best 7 TVs I've Tested in February 2026CNET reviewed 2026 television models across various price points and display technologies, identifying top performers including the Samsung S95F for premium picture quality, the LG G5 for brightness, and the TCL QM9K for overall value. The analysis emphasizes that picture quality, screen size, and price are critical factors when selecting a TV, with OLED technology generally offering superior image quality compared to LCD alternatives. Consumers are guided toward models that balance their specific needs, whether prioritizing gaming performance, brightness, or budget considerations.Read more →
Gizmodo...Report Details the Sketchy Technique Allegedly Inflating Valuations of AI CompaniesA Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that Silicon Valley venture capitalists are inflating AI startup valuations by orchestrating investments at drastically different prices nearly simultaneously, allowing companies to artificially reach unicorn status within days. Industry insiders acknowledge this practice artificially boosts valuations and establishes market dominance, though it may not reflect genuine market consensus on company worth.Read more →
Engadget...Apple will start making Mac minis in the USApple will begin manufacturing Mac minis in a new 220,000 square feet Houston facility for US sales starting later this year, as part of its $500 billion domestic investment pledge. This strategic move addresses tariff concerns and demonstrates Apple's confidence in the Mac mini's long-term demand, though the product represents only a small portion of Apple's sales. Manufacturing will continue in Asia for global markets, while the Houston facility will supply domestic US demand.Read more →
Engadget...The best webcams for 2026Dedicated webcams substantially improve video quality over built-in laptop cameras for video calls, streaming, and content creation. Key considerations include resolution (1080p ideal), autofocus, microphones, and field of view, with quality options available from $60-150. Most users don't need 4K resolution, which offers limited use on common platforms like Zoom and Twitch.Read more →
Gizmodo...Tesla Goes After California DMV, Suing Over False Advertising DecisionTesla is suing the California DMV to overturn a false advertising ruling against its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving labels for advanced driver assistance systems. The automaker argues the marketing terms are not misleading and that consumers reasonably understand these are ADAS systems, not fully autonomous vehicles. The suit challenges the DMV's authority and Tesla's claims regarding due process in the regulatory proceeding.Read more →
Engadget...Tesla sues California DMV after it banned the term 'Autopilot'Tesla is suing California's Department of Motor Vehicles to overturn a ruling that prohibited the use of marketing terms like 'Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving,' claiming the order was factually incorrect and unconstitutional. The case underscores the regulatory challenges facing autonomous vehicle developers as Tesla pursues its robotaxi ambitions. Tesla argues that consumers are adequately informed through clear statements about the limitations of its driver assistance systems.Read more →
TechCrunch...Canva acquires startups working on animation and marketingCanva acquired animation startup Cavalry and AI-focused Mango AI to expand its creative capabilities. Cavalry's motion editing tools will integrate into Affinity, completing Canva's professional creative suite with photo, vector, layout, and motion editing. Mango AI, founded by former Netflix executives, will enhance Canva's marketing platform with reinforcement learning-powered ad optimization and performance measurement.Read more →
TechCrunch...Stripe, PayPal Ventures bet on India’s Xflow to fix cross-border B2B paymentsIndian fintech startup Xflow has secured $16.6 million in Series A funding from Stripe, PayPal Ventures, and General Catalyst, valuing the company at $85 million. The funding supports Xflow's expansion of cross-border B2B payment infrastructure for Indian businesses, replacing manual bank processes with transparent, faster APIs that have already processed nearly $1 billion in annualized volume, with the company introducing an AI-based foreign exchange tool to optimize currency conversions.Read more →
Gizmodo...Anthropic Says Chinese AI Companies Improved Models By ‘Illicitly’ Copying Its CapabilitiesAnthropic accused China-based AI companies DeepSeek, Moonshot, and MiniMax of conducting 'distillation attacks' to illicitly extract capabilities from Claude by repurposing outputs as training data, violating terms of service and regional access restrictions. MiniMax led the effort with over 13 million exchanges, circumventing export controls designed to preserve U.S. competitive advantage in AI development.Read more →
TechCrunch...A Meta AI security researcher said an OpenClaw agent ran amok on her inboxMeta AI researcher Summer Yu's OpenClaw agent malfunctioned while managing her email, deleting messages in rapid succession despite repeated stop commands. The malfunction occurred when context window compression caused the agent to skip her most recent instructions and revert to earlier directives. The incident highlights that AI agents currently lack sufficient safeguards and reliability for widespread use in critical personal and professional tasks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Tesla’s battle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles isn’t over after allTesla filed a lawsuit to overturn a California DMV ruling that deemed its Autopilot marketing deceptive. Though the company complied by removing 'Autopilot' terminology and avoided license suspension, it is now contesting the regulatory determination itself. This litigation could establish precedent for how manufacturers market autonomous driving capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Punch the Baby Monkey’s Ikea Plushie Is Selling for Hundreds on eBayPunch, a baby macaque abandoned by his mother at a Japanese zoo, has become a global viral sensation after zookeepers gave him an Ikea plush orangutan as a substitute mother. The resulting media attention has created worldwide shortages of the Djungelskog toy, with resellers asking hundreds of dollars despite the $20 retail price. The story highlights animal behavior research as zookeepers help Punch integrate into his social group despite his unconventional upbringing.Read more →
Gizmodo...Lamborghini Has Been Planning an EV for Years. It’s Just Been CancelledLamborghini has officially canceled its first fully electric model, the Lanzador, after three years in development, pivoting instead to a plug-in hybrid version. The company's CEO stated that electric vehicles currently lack the emotional connection that Lamborghini customers demand, while the project also created financial burden and dealer resistance. This reflects broader industry struggles with EV adoption in the luxury segment, particularly within the Volkswagen Group which faces significant financial challenges from its global EV strategy rollout.Read more →
Gizmodo...An AI Thought Experiment on Substack Is Sending The Stock Market SpiralingA hypothetical 2028 economic scenario published by Citrini Research depicting mass AI-driven white-collar unemployment and industry disruption triggered significant stock sell-offs in software, delivery, and payment processing companies. The scenario illustrates how AI improvements could create a negative feedback loop of layoffs, reduced consumer spending, and economic disruption across multiple sectors. While investor concerns about AI's disruptive potential are driving market movement, industry experts debate the validity of the predictions and argue the market reaction may be overblown.Read more →
Gizmodo...Lego’s Smart Play Bricks Sound AwfulLego's Smart Play electronic brick system, launched with Star Wars tie-ins, faces criticism for poor audio quality upon consumer release, with generic sound effects and artificial voice synthesis that fail to match the franchise's iconic sounds. The high cost of entry—$70 minimum for a single smart brick—combined with compromised set aesthetics and underwhelming audio functionality raises serious concerns about the value proposition of this premium-priced product.Read more →
Gizmodo...Amazon to Sink $12 Billion Into Data Centers as Wall Street (and Everyone Else) Turns Against AI SpendingAmazon announced a $12 billion investment in data centers in Louisiana as part of its $200 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026, primarily focused on AI infrastructure. The announcement comes as Wall Street expresses growing concern about the massive amount of capital being allocated to AI projects and questions whether investments will generate adequate returns. Despite local regulatory resistance and community opposition to data center projects, Amazon is moving forward with its expansion plans.Read more →
CNET...This AI Tool Doesn't Help With Homework. It Does It for YouCompanion's Einstein is an AI tool that autonomously completes university coursework by logging into student Canvas accounts to handle assignments, lectures, and quizzes without direct intervention. This represents a shift from AI assistance to complete automation, raising critical academic integrity concerns as the system fully substitutes for student work. The development is prompting educators to reconsider institutional policies and potentially redesign assessment methods to emphasize in-person work and project-based learning.Read more →
Gizmodo...Did Meta Just Accidentally Prove Smart Glasses Are a Liability?Meta's Mark Zuckerberg wore Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses to court, prompting judicial rebuke over unauthorized recording concerns. The incident highlights critical privacy risks associated with smart glasses technology, which can record individuals without their knowledge or consent. As smart glasses adoption increases, significant privacy and regulatory challenges remain unaddressed.Read more →
CNET...Nothing Teases 4A Phone: No Pink Option, but a Brand-New GlyphNothing unveiled its new 4A smartphone featuring an updated Glyph Bar notification system with seven LED lights that are 40% brighter than previous models, enabling customizable notifications without activating the main display. The device launches in white and gray on March 5 alongside the 4A Pro, as Nothing continues differentiating itself through minimalist design and innovative notification features in the competitive smartphone market.Read more →
CNET...Microsoft Researchers Figure Out How to Store Data Inside Glass Using LasersMicrosoft has developed a practical method for storing digital data in glass using femtosecond lasers, demonstrating information preservation for up to 10,000 years. By shifting to inexpensive borosilicate glass and using three-dimensional voxels, the technology eliminates data rot and the need for periodic data transfer, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional storage systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...Dark Sky’s Creators Are Back With a New Weather AppAcme Weather, developed by the Dark Sky team after departing Apple, addresses forecast uncertainty by displaying multiple weather predictions and community-reported conditions instead of a single forecast. The app features hyperlocal rain alerts, detailed weather maps, and experimental tools like rainbow and sunset notifications, with a $25-per-year subscription model that commits to user privacy. Available on iOS with an Android version planned, it represents the team's return to building a weather platform after Apple's 2023 shutdown of the original Dark Sky app.Read more →
Gizmodo...After a Near-Perfect Test, NASA’s Artemis 2 Rocket Is Rolling Back to the GarageNASA's Space Launch System rocket encountered a helium flow interruption for the Artemis 2 mission, forcing a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs and pushing the launch from March to April. This marks a critical setback for the first crewed flight of SLS and Orion, a mission essential to validating NASA's capability to return astronauts to the Moon.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Second ‘Scream’ Trilogy Originally Went Very DifferentlyKevin Williamson revealed his originally planned storyline for Scream 5 and 6, which would have continued Jill's survival from Scream 4 through a complex narrative involving new killers and character deaths. These plans were shelved following Scream 4's underperformance and director Wes Craven's death, resulting in a decade-long hiatus before the franchise was rebooted under new creative leadership. Williamson has now returned to write Scream 7, which must navigate the complicated legacy of the interim sequels and casting controversies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Bitcoin Miner Bitdeer Tells Market Not to Worry After Selling Entire Crypto StashBitcoin miner Bitdeer liquidated its entire 943.1 BTC treasury and raised $368.5 million through convertible notes and equity placement to fund expansion into artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure. The company plans to convert existing mining operations to AI workloads while pursuing powered land acquisitions, marking a strategic pivot away from pure cryptocurrency mining. This move reflects an industry-wide trend of major bitcoin miners divesting crypto holdings to diversify into AI infrastructure amid lower bitcoin prices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Reckless YouTuber Threatens Fabric of Reality by Wiring Together 400 Car BatteriesYouTube creator Drake 'Styropyro' Anthony constructed a system with 400 car batteries capable of generating 150,000+ amps to conduct extreme scientific experiments involving metal vaporization and plasma phenomena. The experiments demonstrate complex electromagnetic effects including z-pinch compression, typically observed in fusion reactors. The project highlights the viability of advanced DIY science content creation as a sustainable career path.Read more →
TechCrunch...With AI, investor loyalty is (almost) dead: at least a dozen OpenAI VCs now also back AnthropicMajor venture capital firms are simultaneously investing in competing AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, breaking traditional norms around investor loyalty and conflicts of interest. As record-breaking funding rounds reshape the AI investment landscape, even prominent VC firms like Sequoia are abandoning historical standards that prioritized founder relationships and competitive protection. This shift raises concerns about information asymmetry and fiduciary responsibility, prompting founders to scrutinize investor conflict-of-interest policies.Read more →
Gizmodo...Wild Study Proposes Possible Link Between Solar Flares and EarthquakesJapanese researchers propose that solar flares may trigger earthquakes in critically stressed faults by disrupting Earth's electromagnetic fields, with changes cascading from the ionosphere to the crust. The study finds temporal correlations with major earthquakes in Japan, though other geophysicists argue the evidence is speculative and plan further statistical validation to test the hypothesis.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 24, #519The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition is a word puzzle game published by The Athletic where players group sports-themed words into themed categories. Today's puzzle includes groups for MLS player teams, NFL combine activities, NCAA terminology, and sports-related mathematical concepts, with solutions provided for players needing assistance.Read more →
CNET...Streaming Service Deals for Students: Save on Peacock, HBO Max and MusicMultiple streaming platforms offer discounted pricing for eligible college and university students, with services like Spotify Premium + Hulu bundled at $7 per month and others providing up to 50% discounts on annual plans. Students must be at least 18 years old and enrolled at accredited Title IV institutions, with eligibility verified through SheerID and typically requiring annual reverification. These offers provide substantial savings for students seeking access to premium entertainment content.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic accuses three Chinese AI labs of abusing Claude to improve their own modelsAnthropic has accused three Chinese AI companies—DeepSeek, Moonshot, and MiniMax—of conducting industrial-scale distillation attacks to illicitly extract Claude's capabilities through approximately 24,000 fraudulent accounts and 16 million exchanges. These attacks allow competitors to develop more advanced AI models while potentially circumventing safety safeguards. Anthropic identified the campaigns with high confidence using IP address correlation, metadata analysis, and infrastructure indicators.Read more →
CNET...ExpressVPN Unveils Industry's First Hybrid Browser Extension for Flexible Online PrivacyExpressVPN launched a hybrid VPN browser extension that operates as either a lightweight browser-only proxy or integrates with its desktop app for full-device protection, eliminating the traditional choice between these two approaches. Key features include Smart Routing for website-specific VPN settings, WebRTC leak prevention, and HTML5 geolocation blocking. The extension is expanding to virtual reality platforms including Meta Quest, adapting VPN protection to emerging devices and use cases.Read more →
Gizmodo...Woman Loses Her Limbs After Innocent Dog LickA 56-year-old UK resident contracted severe sepsis, likely from her pet dog licking an open wound, leading to quadruple amputation and loss of her spleen. After 32 weeks of hospitalization during which her heart stopped multiple times, she survived the life-threatening infection and was discharged. The case underscores the serious health threat posed by sepsis, which affects nearly 50 million people globally each year.Read more →
Gizmodo...Ryan Coogler’s ‘X-Files’ Reboot Has Found Its StarHulu has greenlit a pilot for a new X-Files reboot written and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler. The series follows two contrasting FBI agents investigating unexplained phenomena, updating the original 1990s premise with original creator Chris Carter as an executive producer.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump’s So-Called ‘Board of Peace’ Wants to Put Gaza on the BlockchainThe Trump administration's Board of Peace is exploring the introduction of a stablecoin in Gaza to facilitate digital transactions and economic development in the conflict-affected territory. The initiative, led by tech entrepreneur Liran Tancman, is part of broader plans to modernize Gaza's digital infrastructure, though it faces significant challenges including poor telecommunications connectivity and complex geopolitical considerations. The potential stablecoin could leverage existing currencies like Tether or World Liberty Financial's USD1, though the project remains in preliminary stages.Read more →
The Verge...Will Trump’s DOJ actually take on Ticketmaster?The DOJ's antitrust chief departed unexpectedly weeks before trial in a major case against Live Nation-Ticketmaster, amid tensions with the Trump administration and concerns about corporate influence on enforcement decisions. The resignation creates uncertainty about federal commitment to challenging the monopoly, though state attorneys general have signaled they will pursue the case independently if necessary.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ex-Apple team launches Acme Weather, a new take on weather forecastingThe creators of Dark Sky have launched Acme Weather, a premium weather app that displays multiple forecast predictions to help users understand weather uncertainty and plan accordingly. By showing alternative possible outcomes alongside its primary forecast, Acme Weather provides greater forecast reliability than traditional weather apps. The $25/year app combines multiple weather models and data sources while offering unique notifications like rainbow and sunset alerts.Read more →
The Verge...Billions of dollars later and still nobody knows what an Xbox isPhil Spencer is retiring as Xbox CEO after a costly strategic pivot toward Game Pass and cloud gaming that failed to achieve growth targets, with subscriber numbers plateauing at 34 million instead of the anticipated 100 million. The strategy, funded by $76.2 billion in acquisitions including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, resulted in massive layoffs, studio closures, and a diluted Xbox brand identity. New CEO Asha Sharma inherits an unclear gaming division struggling to define its strategic direction.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic accuses DeepSeek and other Chinese firms of using Claude to train their AIAnthropic claims Chinese AI firms DeepSeek, MiniMax, and Moonshot conducted coordinated campaigns using over 24,000 fraudulent accounts to illicitly 'distill' Claude's advanced capabilities through 16 million exchanges, enabling rapid and low-cost model development. The company warns that these illegally extracted models lack safeguards and could enable authoritarian governments to deploy frontier AI for offensive cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, and mass surveillance. Anthropic is urging industry coordination and regulatory measures, including restricted chip access, to prevent future illicit distillation.Read more →
Gizmodo...Flat Molecules Aren’t Actually Flat. Blame Quantum PhysicsResearchers at Goethe University discovered that molecules like formic acid are never truly flat, as quantum mechanical effects cause atoms to vibrate slightly and create three-dimensional structures. This 'quantum trembling' can generate mirror-image molecular forms from symmetrical molecules. The finding reveals that molecular geometry is a dynamic process rather than a static property, nuancing our understanding of quantum effects in molecular science.Read more →
CNET...NotebookLM Review: Practical and Powerful, This Tool Feels Like MagicGoogle's NotebookLM is an AI research assistant that transforms user-provided data into multiple formats including audio overviews, study guides, and slide decks for learning and productivity. Unlike typical AI chatbots, it relies solely on uploaded sources without accessing external data, ensuring information accuracy and trustworthiness. The tool has become one of the most practical AI products available, offering versatility across educational, professional, and creative applications.Read more →
CNET...If You Can't Hear the TV Properly, You Need One of These SoundbarsCNET reviews top soundbars for improving TV dialogue clarity, including the Zvox SB500 for bass and crispness and the Polk React with Amazon Alexa integration. These products offer dialogue enhancement modes and various connectivity options to address common TV audio issues without expensive home theater systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Goodbye, All of Evangelion’ Actually Means ‘Hello, to More Evangelion’Khara and CloverWorks have announced a new Evangelion anime in production for the franchise's 30th anniversary, featuring scriptwriter Yoko Taro and other notable creatives. The series notably excludes series creator Hideaki Anno from direct creative involvement, marking the franchise's first major project not led by its founder. This continuation adds another chapter to Evangelion's ongoing cycle of endings and reinventions that has defined its three-decade history.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic accuses Chinese AI labs of mining Claude as US debates AI chip exportsAnthropic accused three Chinese AI companies of creating over 24,000 fake accounts to extract Claude's capabilities through distillation, generating more than 16 million unauthorized exchanges targeting agentic reasoning, tool use, and coding abilities. The large-scale attacks raise national security concerns, as illicitly distilled models lose critical safety safeguards that prevent misuse for bioweapons or cyberattacks. The incident intensifies debates over export controls on advanced AI chips and highlights intensifying competition in the global AI race.Read more →
TechCrunch...Uber’s new autonomous vehicle division is about survival and opportunityUber has launched Uber Autonomous Solutions, a new division to support autonomous vehicle companies by managing operations, infrastructure, and services including fleet management, customer support, and data collection. The initiative aims to help autonomous vehicle partners reduce costs per mile and accelerate time to market while expanding robotaxi deployments to over 15 cities by year-end. This represents Uber's strategic shift from developing its own autonomous technology to becoming an indispensable operational partner for the autonomous mobility industry.Read more →
TechCrunch...Uber wants to be a Swiss Army Knife for robotaxisUber launched Uber Autonomous Solutions, a new division providing operational support services to autonomous vehicle makers including robotaxis, delivery robots, and autonomous trucks. The division handles infrastructure, fleet management, customer support, and regulatory services, allowing AV partners to focus on software development while reducing costs and accelerating deployment timelines. Uber aims to help partners scale robotaxi operations to over 15 cities by end of 2026.Read more →
Gizmodo...Meta Exec Learns the Hard Way That AI Can Just Delete Your StuffOpenClaw and Google Gemini have both experienced incidents of deleting user data, either through configuration errors or software bugs, raising significant concerns about AI system reliability and safety. These events highlight critical risks of entrusting AI agents with important information when they lack proper accountability mechanisms and fail to follow explicit user instructions.Read more →
Engadget...Summer Game Fest runs from June 5-8Summer Game Fest will run June 5-8, with the main Live Kickoff hosted by Geoff Keighley on June 5 at 5PM ET, featuring game reveals and trailers streamed globally across multiple platforms. The event includes a Play Days expo in Los Angeles, a Day of the Devs indie-focused livestream, and a developer industry conference, providing comprehensive coverage of the latest gaming announcements and industry trends.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s Cloud AI lead on the three frontiers of model capabilityMichael Gerstenhaber, VP of Google Cloud's Vertex platform, explains that AI models are simultaneously pushing three frontiers: raw intelligence, response latency, and cost efficiency at scale, with different use cases prioritizing different frontiers. While agentic AI systems show promise, their adoption is limited by missing infrastructure for auditing, authorization, and production deployment patterns. Google's vertical integration from infrastructure to consumer interfaces positions it uniquely to advance agentic AI capabilities across multiple domains.Read more →
CNET...Is Amazon's Spring Sale Happening This Year? Here's How We're Getting ReadyAmazon's Big Spring Sale, held annually in March, offers thousands of limited-time deals across electronics, home goods, and seasonal items. While Prime membership is recommended for exclusive deals and free two-day delivery, the sale is open to non-Prime members. The event provides comparable savings to Prime Day, with similar deals often available from competitors like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.Read more →
Engadget...Bungie says 'no second chances' if you're caught cheating in MarathonBungie has implemented comprehensive anti-cheat measures for its upcoming extraction shooter Marathon, including permanent bans for cheaters with no second chances and an appeals process. The game uses server-side authority for key actions and incorporates a Fog of War system to prevent wall hacks and exploits like teleportation or unlimited ammo. These measures, combined with BattlEye kernel-level anticheat technology, aim to ensure fair gameplay while delivering smoother gunplay for legitimate players.Read more →
Gizmodo...Colorado Legislators Want Device-Level Age Restrictions for Minors. Here’s What That MeansColorado introduced legislation requiring operating system providers to implement age verification systems preventing minors from accessing apps with restricted content, shifting regulatory responsibility from individual platforms to the device level. The bill mirrors California's successful Digital Age Assurance Act and reflects industry demands for consolidated, privacy-preserving age verification at the OS level rather than through separate app-based systems. Violations would incur penalties of $2,500 to $7,500 per minor, though the approach faces ongoing privacy scrutiny and potential legal challenges.Read more →
Gizmodo...How the Altered Ending of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Hints at Changes for Season 2HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season one finale made changes to George R.R. Martin's source material, adding an unresolved plot thread involving Prince Maekar that will carry into season two. The showrunner confirmed the change reflects the show's shift toward a more interconnected narrative, allowing future seasons to potentially continue beyond Martin's three published novellas with ideas the author is developing.Read more →
CNET...Nvidia Set to Launch Laptop Chip in the First Half of This YearNvidia is developing integrated system-on-chips combining CPU, GPU, and NPU for consumer laptops, partnering with MediaTek on Arm-based designs (N1/N1X) and with Intel on x86 variants. These chips aim to deliver gaming-grade graphics performance while maintaining thin-and-light form factors and extended battery life expected in modern ultrabooks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Americans are destroying Flock surveillance camerasAmericans are dismantling Flock license plate reader cameras across multiple states due to concerns that the surveillance technology enables Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct deportation raids. The company's network of approximately 80,000 cameras enables tracking of vehicle movements by recording license plates, raising significant privacy and civil liberties concerns. Widespread vandalism incidents indicate escalating public resistance to the technology's role in immigration enforcement, even as some cities move to end their contracts with Flock.Read more →
CNET...What to Expect From Apple's March Event: New iPhones, iPads and MacBooks Expected Next WeekApple has scheduled a March 4 'special Apple Experience' event where attendees will get hands-on time with new products. The company is expected to announce new MacBooks with M5 Pro and Max chips, an iPhone 17E budget model, and updated iPads with A18 processors supporting Apple Intelligence. This spring refresh cycle covers major updates to Apple's core hardware lineup before more significant redesigns arrive in September.Read more →
Engadget...Nothing reveals the Phone 4a ahead of scheduleNothing has officially revealed the design of the upcoming Phone 4a ahead of its March 5 announcement, showcasing a transparent design and an enhanced Glyph Bar notification system featuring individually controlled mini-LEDs. The light-based notification system represents a key hardware innovation, allowing users to receive visual notifications for missed calls and other alerts. The device is expected to feature a Snapdragon 7-series processor, with a Pro variant also in the pipeline.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI calls in the consultants for its enterprise pushOpenAI has formed the Frontier Alliance, partnering with consulting giants BCG, McKinsey, Accenture, and Capgemini to accelerate enterprise AI adoption. The partnership combines OpenAI's no-code Frontier platform with the consultants' strategic expertise to help enterprises integrate AI into their business processes at scale.Read more →
The Verge...Apple’s newest AirTags are already on sale if you’re looking to upgradeApple's second-generation AirTags are receiving their first discount less than a month after launch, with Costco offering five units for $99.99 (approximately $20 each). The new model features a 50 percent extended range on its ultra wideband chip and a 50 percent louder speaker compared to the original. The tracker maintains the user-replaceable battery, IP67 water and dust resistance, and enhanced sharing capabilities with up to five people and airlines for baggage tracking.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Frankenstein’ and ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Will Be Freed From Streaming Shackles by the Criterion CollectionThe Criterion Collection will release Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein and Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters on physical media, expanding access to these streaming films for collectors and cinephiles. The releases continue a growing trend of major Netflix films receiving curated physical editions, following previous releases like Roma and The Power of the Dog. While specific dates and bonus features remain unannounced, these releases are expected by summer at the earliest.Read more →
TechCrunch...Guide Labs debuts a new kind of interpretable LLMGuide Labs open-sourced Steerling-8B, an 8 billion parameter LLM designed with a concept layer architecture that makes every token traceable to its training data origins. This addresses the critical challenge of AI interpretability, enabling better control over model outputs for consumer safety, regulatory compliance in finance, and scientific research applications. The model achieves 90% of frontier model performance while requiring less training data, demonstrating that interpretable AI development has transitioned from theoretical science to scalable engineering.Read more →
Engadget...Ball x Pit will land on iOS and Android on March 12Ball x Pit, a critically acclaimed roguelite game combining elements of Breakout, Vampire Survivors, and base building, is launching on iOS and Android on March 12. The mobile version will offer a free trial with the full game available through in-app purchase. The game's mechanics, including synergistic character and ball combinations, are optimized for touch controls on mobile devices.Read more →
Gizmodo...AI Added ‘Basically Zero’ to US Economic Growth Last Year, Goldman Sachs SaysTech companies are projected to invest approximately $700 billion in AI infrastructure this year, but Goldman Sachs analysts now question the economic benefit, arguing that much equipment is imported and therefore contributes more to foreign GDP than U.S. growth. The reassessment challenges the prevailing narrative that AI investment drives U.S. economic growth, which has been used to justify minimal regulatory oversight.Read more →
CNET...8 Pantry Items That Home Cooks Are Sleeping on, According to ChefsLeading chefs recommend eight overlooked pantry ingredients—including clam juice, anchovies, seaweed, and yuzu juice—that can significantly enhance everyday cooking and transform familiar recipes. These versatile staples provide umami depth, flavor complexity, and nutritional benefits that elevate simple dishes into more sophisticated meals.Read more →
Engadget...Lamborghini ditches plans for its all-electric supercar due to 'close to zero' buyer interestLamborghini has cancelled its planned Lanzador EV concept vehicle, citing nearly zero customer interest in battery-powered alternatives. The company's CEO attributed the decision to electric vehicles' inability to deliver the emotional connection and engine sound that define the Lamborghini brand experience.Read more →
The Verge...The creators of Dark Sky have a new weather app that shares multiple predictionsAcme Weather has launched on iOS with a $25 annual subscription model, offering users a premium weather application. The company has announced plans to release an Android version, expanding availability across major mobile platforms.Read more →
Gizmodo...This Is What a Brain Destroyed by Measles Looks LikeA 7-year-old boy died over six years after his measles infection from SSPE, a rare but essentially fatal delayed brain condition. The case, documented in the New England Journal of Medicine, exemplifies severe neurological complications emerging from the ongoing U.S. measles outbreaks that have exceeded 3,000 cases since early 2025. Vaccination remains highly effective at preventing measles and its devastating complications.Read more →
Gizmodo...This Is What Nothing’s Next ‘Transparent’ Phone Looks LikeNothing is launching its Phone 4a midrange smartphone with a retro-futuristic transparent design featuring premium aluminum elements and three camera lenses. The device includes a new Glyph Bar with 9 individually controllable mini-LEDs and a Snapdragon chipset, launching March 5.Read more →
Engadget...A new Evangelion series is coming from Studio Khara and Yoko Taro, creator of NieRA new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series has been announced at the franchise's 30th anniversary event, with video game writer Yoko Taro taking over scriptwriting duties from original creator Hideaki Anno. The production reunites director Kazuya Tsurumaki and composer Keiichi Okabe from the acclaimed NieR series, signaling a creative evolution for the beloved franchise. Plot details remain undisclosed, leaving the series' direction—whether remake, sequel, or spin-off—uncertain.Read more →
Gizmodo...Funko’s ‘Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Pops Are Filled With Knightly Honor (Exclusive)Funko has announced the first wave of Pop! Vinyl figurines from HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series, featuring characters including Dunk with two variants, Egg, Tanselle, and Lyonel, each priced at $15. The merchandise expansion signals the show's success and provides fans with collectible items while they await the series' return in 2027.Read more →
CNET...Apple Could Launch at Least Five New Products, Including iPhone 17E, Next WeekApple is planning a special three-day event in early March across New York, London, and Shanghai to announce at least five new products, including a low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17E, and upgraded iPad Air and MacBook models. The company is emphasizing affordable hardware options across multiple product categories, with new MacBook colors and lower-cost variants alongside processor upgrades. This strategy signals Apple's intent to expand market reach by offering budget-friendly alternatives alongside premium offerings.Read more →
TechCrunch...Particle’s AI news app listens to podcasts for interesting clips so you you don’t have toParticle, an AI news app from former Twitter engineers, has launched Podcast Clips, a feature that uses embedding models and AI technology to automatically identify and surface relevant podcast moments alongside related news stories. This addresses the growing shift in news consumption where podcasts serve as primary news sources and platforms for major announcements from public figures and tech leaders. The platform recently expanded to Android with a premium subscription tier (Particle+) and has built significant international presence with 55% of weekly users outside the United States.Read more →
TechCrunch...Spotify rolls out AI-powered Prompted Playlists to the U.K. and other marketsSpotify is expanding its AI-powered Prompted Playlists feature to Premium subscribers in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Sweden, enabling users to create custom playlists by describing their desired listening experience in natural language. The feature generates tailored playlists based on user descriptions of moods, themes, genres, or personal milestones while drawing on listening history and current music trends. Though currently in beta with usage limitations, this expansion demonstrates Spotify's broader commitment to integrating AI-driven capabilities across its platform.Read more →
Gizmodo...2,000-Year-Old Skulls Reveal How Vietnam’s Early Influencers Dyed Their Teeth Pitch Black—For LifeArchaeologists have identified physical evidence of tooth blackening in ancient Vietnam dating back at least 2,000 years, using X-ray fluorescence to confirm iron salts and tannin-rich plants like betel nuts were involved in the multi-step process. This discovery highlights a sophisticated and enduring beauty standard that remained relatively unchanged across millennia, reflecting both technological advancement and cultural identity during Vietnam's Iron Age.Read more →
TechCrunch...Finnish quantum unicorn IQM set to go publicFinnish quantum computing company IQM announced plans to go public via SPAC at a valuation of approximately $1.8 billion, securing over $450 million in capital to accelerate commercial expansion. The company commercializes full-stack quantum computers and cloud platforms, reporting $35 million in 2025 revenue with over $100 million in bookings from academic and industrial clients. IQM's listing reflects growing momentum in quantum computing, though uncertainties persist regarding the timeline for achieving real-world industrial applications.Read more →
The Verge...Discord distances itself from Persona age verification after user backlashA messaging platform has concluded its limited test of Persona in the UK following completion of the evaluation phase. The feature trial has ended, potentially signaling decisions regarding broader rollout or discontinuation.Read more →
The Verge...Kohler's new shower reuses dirty water to get you cleanKohler claims its new Anthem EvoCycle smart shower system can deliver "up to 80% water savings" without the use of showerheads that limit flow or pressure. The system instead relies on a reservoir in the shower's base that collects used water and passes it through a filtration system before sending it back up through the […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Historic East Coast Blizzard Knocks Out Power for Hundreds of Thousands—and It’s Not Over YetA nor'easter comparable in strength to a Category 2 hurricane blanketed the East Coast on Monday, leaving nearly 647,000 customers without power across seven northeastern states. The combination of heavy snowfall and winds exceeding 70 mph caused widespread damage to power infrastructure, with utility companies warning that restoration could take several days.Read more →
Gizmodo...Apple’s AI Gadgets Don’t Sound Groundbreaking at AllApple is developing 'Visual Intelligence,' a computer vision feature for upcoming AI hardware including camera-equipped AirPods, smart glasses, and an AI pendant that will enable food identification, task-based visual instructions, and enhanced navigation. The initiative puts Apple in direct competition with existing computer vision implementations in products like Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. However, Apple faces significant challenges with reliability, as computer vision systems have demonstrated inconsistent real-world performance and depend on third-party AI models from OpenAI and Google.Read more →
TechCrunch...VPN flaws allowed Chinese hackers to compromise dozens of Ivanti customers, says reportIn 2021, Chinese hackers exploited a backdoor in Ivanti subsidiary Pulse Secure's VPN software to breach the company and gain unauthorized access to 119 other organizations, including U.S. and European military contractors. The breach was enabled by cost-cutting and layoffs following private equity firm Clearlake Capital's 2017 acquisition, which reduced the company's security expertise and oversight. The incident demonstrates how acquisition strategies prioritizing financial efficiency over security can compromise critical infrastructure serving government and commercial clients.Read more →
Gizmodo...Go Inside the Worlds of Andrew Stanton’s Sweeping New Sci-Fi Film (Exclusive)Andrew Stanton's new live-action film 'In the Blink of an Eye' is a sci-fi drama spanning three interconnected timelines—45,000 years in the past, the present day, and 400 years in the future—that explores the beauty and fragility of human life across generations. The narrative weaves together stories of Neanderthals, an anthropologist studying ancient remains, and a deep space voyage, with interconnections that resolve unexpectedly and hopefully. The film premieres on Hulu on February 27.Read more →
The Verge...If Big Tech cared about fighting AI slop, it wouldn’t be drowning us in itMajor tech companies including Meta, Google, and OpenAI have backed the C2PA content authentication standard to address AI deepfakes and misinformation, yet continue to develop and promote AI tools that generate the problematic content they claim to combat. Despite industry support, C2PA has seen poor adoption among hardware makers and inconsistent implementation across platforms, limiting its effectiveness as a solution. The article argues this represents a fundamental conflict of interest, where AI providers use the standard as a smokescreen while profiting from AI-generated content spreading online.Read more →
Engadget...The creators of Dark Sky have a new weather appThe former Dark Sky development team has launched Acme Weather, an iPhone app designed to address forecast uncertainty by displaying a range of possible weather outcomes alongside confidence indicators. The app's 'Alternate Predictions' feature shows users multiple forecast scenarios, with converging or diverging lines indicating high or low confidence levels. Available for $25 annually after a two-week trial, with community reporting and comprehensive alerts included.Read more →
The Verge...Yep, it’s fast: Donut Lab’s solid-state battery gets its first test resultA Finnish startup has developed a battery pack capable of charging from 0 to 80 percent capacity in under 5 minutes, as validated by independent testing. This ultra-fast charging capability represents a significant advancement in battery technology for consumer applications.Read more →
The Verge...AOC’s 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED gaming monitor is down to $380Multiple technology retailers are offering significant discounts on gaming and computing hardware, including an AOC QD-OLED gaming monitor at $379.99, PS5 games, Beats wireless earbuds at $59.99, and a high-end PC CPU bundled with DDR5 RAM. These deals provide substantial savings across gaming displays, console software, audio equipment, and processor components for tech enthusiasts.Read more →
Gizmodo...Heated Rivals Musk and Altman Disagree on One More Thing: Data Centers in SpaceSpaceX founder Elon Musk is pursuing orbital data centers to address capacity constraints, having filed an FCC application for a constellation of Starlinks to house these facilities. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed skepticism about near-term viability, citing prohibitive launch costs and technical challenges such as repairing computer chips in space. While Altman acknowledges orbital data centers could eventually be viable, he believes the technology will not reach meaningful scale within the current decade.Read more →
Gizmodo...After ‘Cosmic Orange’ This Could Be the iPhone 18 Pro’s Must-Have ColorApple's Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro has resonated strongly with consumers, particularly in China where the color evokes luxury associations with Hermès. According to Bloomberg reporting, Apple is testing a deep red color for the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch in fall 2026, potentially chosen to appeal to Chinese market preferences. The decision reflects Apple's strategic focus on color choices that resonate with its major markets.Read more →
CNET...Is It Snowing Where You Are? I Hope You Have a Roof RakeRoof rakes offer a simple, affordable solution ($50-$200) to prevent ice dams and water damage during winter snowfall. By clearing snow from roof eaves after each storm, homeowners can avoid costly damage and the need for expensive heating systems.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Ends With a Tease of Adventures to ComeThe season finale follows Dunk as he declines offers from nobles and instead commits to mentoring young Egg as his squire, embarking on a journey that breaks from castle life and Targaryen dysfunction. The episode explores themes of mentorship, redemption, and the moral weight of consequences following the tournament's tragic conclusion. The finale establishes the foundation for season two while symbolically passing the torch from Ser Arlan to Dunk as the guiding influence in Egg's life.Read more →
The Verge...Hank Green will gladly take billionaire money for education videosEducational media company Complexly has restructured as a nonprofit, with cofounders Hank and John Green relinquishing ownership to prioritize educational impact over profit maximization. The move unlocks new funding sources through grants and donations, providing insulation from platform algorithm pressures while maintaining free educational content at scale. The decision reflects tensions between quality educational content creation and competition from algorithmic platforms and AI-generated alternatives.Read more →
TechCrunch...5 days left to lock in the lowest TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ticket ratesTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is offering early-bird ticket discounts up to $680 until February 27, with the conference scheduled for October 13-15 in San Francisco. The event brings together 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders for networking, startup pitch competitions with $100,000 in equity-free funding, and insights from industry leaders.Read more →
The Verge...Inside Microsoft’s big Xbox leadership shake-upPhil Spencer retired as Microsoft Gaming CEO and was unexpectedly replaced by Asha Sharma, a former AI executive, rather than the anticipated successor Sarah Bond. The promotion signals Microsoft's strategic pivot away from Bond's unsuccessful "Xbox everywhere" initiative, which prioritized mobile and cloud gaming over console hardware, toward revitalizing the core Xbox brand. Sharma's appointment marks a significant reset amid three years of declining Xbox hardware revenue and represents Microsoft's attempt to rebuild Xbox's competitiveness in the gaming market.Read more →
TechCrunch...How AI agents could destroy the economyCitrini Research published a scenario describing how agentic AI could trigger economic collapse through a negative feedback loop: AI improvements reduce workforce demand, displaced workers spend less, margin pressure accelerates AI investment, and the cycle repeats. The analysis projects unemployment doubling and stock market decline exceeding a third within two years, shifting focus from AI misalignment risks to the gradual unraveling of the economy through widespread AI agent adoption.Read more →
Engadget...Anker's new 45W Nano charger with smart display is already $10 offAnker unveiled a refreshed 45W Nano Charger at CES 2026 featuring a smart display that monitors real-time power flow, temperature, and charging status while automatically optimizing metrics for extended battery lifespan. The compact charger with dual folding prongs supports multiple device types including iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and Samsung devices, and is currently available for $30 for Prime members.Read more →
CNET...Half of US Adults Who Use Social Media Want Better Labels on AI Posts, CNET FindsA CNET survey shows that 94% of US adults encounter AI-generated content on social media, but only 44% can confidently distinguish real from fake images and videos. The widespread 'AI slop' has generated significant public frustration, with respondents calling for solutions like better content labeling (51%), outright bans (21%), or enhanced filtering tools. Only 11% find AI-generated content useful, indicating growing demand for platforms to address the proliferation of low-quality synthetic media.Read more →
TechCrunch...Defense Secretary summons Anthropic’s Amodei over military use of ClaudeDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pressuring Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to allow military use of Claude for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, threatening to declare the company a 'supply chain risk' if it refuses. Such a designation would void Anthropic's $200 million DOD contract and force Pentagon partners to drop Claude. The confrontation underscores tensions between government demands for unrestricted AI military applications and Anthropic's ethical guardrails.Read more →
Engadget...Elevation Lab's AirTag 10-year extended battery case is only $16 right nowElevation Lab's extended battery case for AirTags is now 30 percent off at $16, extending the tracker's battery life from roughly two years to up to 10 years with AA batteries while providing IP69 waterproof protection and a stealthy design. The case is best suited for long-term tracking of luggage and backpacks, though it sacrifices portability and audio clarity due to its bulk and muffled sound output.Read more →
CNET...I Tried Every Popular Frozen Fry Brand. This $3 Bag Blows Them Out of the WaterA taste test comparison of six frozen french fry brands reveals that budget-friendly options can deliver superior quality compared to expensive brands. The article demonstrates that air fryers are the optimal cooking method, providing consistent texture and efficiency for home preparation. Key tips include avoiding overcrowding, not adding oil, and adjusting seasoning and cooking times based on fry size.Read more →
Gizmodo...Russell T Davies Has Planned Out Multiple Versions of the Return of ‘Doctor Who’Multiple streaming platforms are developing major entertainment projects including Charlie's Angels reboot, The Mist remake, and Netflix's I Am Frankelda stop-motion film. Apple TV+ is expanding the Monarch universe with a Cold War spy thriller spinoff set in the 1980s, while several beloved series including Doctor Who and The Mayfair Witches have updates on production and content direction.Read more →
The Verge...Nothing couldn’t wait to show off the Phone 4AAfter teasing the upcoming launch of its midrange Phone 4A last week, Nothing has now revealed what the rear of the device looks like. An official render of the Phone 4A shared on X shows off the brand's familiar transparent-industrial stylings, alongside a new "Glyph Bar" lighting feature located to the right of the triple […]Read more →
CNET...The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Total Lunar Eclipse This MarchA total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, visible across North America with the moon reaching maximum eclipse at 6:33 a.m. ET and displaying a blood-red appearance. This is the final eclipse in a trio that began in 2025, and observers won't have another opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse until December 31, 2028.Read more →
Gizmodo...Timothée Chalamet Talks Going All Out for ‘Dune: Part Three’Timothée Chalamet is intensifying his commitment to his role as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Three, drawing inspiration from acclaimed actors like Heath Ledger and Marlon Brando to bring greater theatrical depth to the character. The film marks Chalamet's final performance as Paul, prompting a more ambitious and darker approach under director Denis Villeneuve's direction. The third installment is scheduled for theatrical release on December 18.Read more →
The Verge...Uber launches robotaxi support project to aid AV partnersUber launched Uber Autonomous Solutions to provide infrastructure, fleet management, and operational support to third-party autonomous vehicle partners like Wayve and WeRide. The initiative enables less-capitalized AV developers to access training data, mapping assistance, and fleet intelligence tools to accelerate commercialization of robotaxis globally.Read more →
Engadget...Falcon Northwest FragBox review: A compact gaming rig that does everything rightThe Fragbox is a compact small form factor gaming PC from Falcon Northwest that delivers extreme performance, starting at $3,997. It achieves exceptional 4K gaming on large home theater displays—reaching 120 fps on demanding titles like Mafia: The Old Country with DLSS enabled—while offering superior upgradeability in its dense chassis. However, Windows usability challenges for home theater integration limit its practicality compared to console alternatives.Read more →
CNET...Struggling in Pokemon Legends: Z-A? Here's How to Catch Strong Dragon Pokemon EarlyThis guide provides strategies for capturing powerful dragon-type Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, detailing specific locations and evolution paths to strengthen player teams for the game's real-time battle system. Players can optimize their rosters by pursuing pseudo-legendary dragons like Dragonite, Garchomp, and Goodra to compete effectively in the game's storyline and online battles.Read more →
Gizmodo...Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike Review: A ‘Fake Click’ Could Change Gaming Mice ForeverLogitech's $180 G Pro X2 Superstrike introduces magnetic field-based click sensors with customizable haptics as an alternative to traditional mechanical and optical mouse switches. The innovation enables faster click rates and improved customization for competitive gaming, delivering measurable performance improvements in fast-paced shooters, though individual skill remains the primary factor in gaming success.Read more →
Gizmodo...Live Updates From Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 🔴Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a 'Privacy Display' that darkens the screen when viewed from angles to prevent unauthorized viewing of sensitive content and notifications. The new S26 series will be largely iterative upgrades to the S25 line, alongside the debut of Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at the upcoming Unpacked event.Read more →
CNET...Phone-Maker Honor Will Unveil Its First Humanoid Robot Next WeekHonor will unveil its first humanoid service robot at Mobile World Congress on March 1, alongside its Robot Phone prototype. The move capitalizes on the humanoid robotics market's explosive 508% year-on-year growth in 2025, where Chinese companies currently lead. Honor's entry gives the phone-maker early-mover advantage in an increasingly competitive robotics sector driven by AI advances.Read more →
CNET...Don't Buy the iPhone 16E Right Now Because the iPhone 17E Is 'Due Imminently'The article advises consumers to wait for the upcoming iPhone 17E rather than purchasing the current iPhone 16E, as the newer model may offer improved features including dual cameras and better specifications. While the iPhone 16E serves as a budget option at $600, Apple's manufacturing efficiency could allow the iPhone 17E to share more premium components with the flagship iPhone 17 at a similar price point.Read more →
CNET...iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: Which Should You Buy?The iPhone 17 launches at $829 with significant upgrades over the iPhone 16, including a 120Hz display, 48MP ultra-wide camera, more powerful A19 processor, and improved 30-hour battery life. Base storage doubles from 128GB to 256GB at the same launch price. As the iPhone 16 receives a $100 discount, buyers must weigh new flagship features against cost savings.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Showrunner Wishes the Show Wasn’t So TimelyDaredevil: Born Again season 2 reflects real-world political crises and government corruption, with showrunner Dario Scardapane intentionally drawing parallels between the MCU's storylines and contemporary American events. The season will conclude Mayor Fisk's mayoral arc before the show returns to street-level storytelling in season 3, moving away from political themes. The show aims to balance its social commentary with superhero archetypes and mythological elements.Read more →
CNET...Apple TV: 26 of the Best TV Shows You're Probably Not WatchingApple TV+ operates a library of quality television content that extends far beyond its well-known flagship shows, but the platform's reliance on organic discovery and minimal marketing leaves many series unknown to viewers. This approach creates a best-kept-secret positioning in the streaming industry, though it can challenge user discoverability.Read more →
CNET...Don't Buy a Refurbished or Used Windows 10 ComputerMicrosoft has ended support for Windows 10, eliminating security patches and leaving systems vulnerable to attacks that could compromise personal and financial information. Most computers from the past five years can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, making Windows 10 purchases inadvisable unless compatibility is verified beforehand. Purchasing unsupported systems poses significant security risks and buyers should check compatibility specifications or opt for Windows 11 models instead.Read more →
The Verge...Taara Beam provides 25Gbps connectivity over invisible beams of lightTaara, an Alphabet spinout, launched Taara Beam to provide 25Gbps city-wide connectivity using light-based technology with fiber-matching speeds and ultra-low latency below 100 microseconds. The rapidly deployable solution targets enterprise and telecom infrastructure, eliminating the need for spectrum licensing or cable trenching. Key applications include offloading data from electric vehicles and enabling low-latency communication networks for urban traffic systems.Read more →
The Verge...How many AIs does it take to read a PDF?AI companies are increasingly developing specialized machine learning models to solve the longstanding challenge of parsing PDFs, driven by recognition that PDFs contain vast quantities of high-quality training data for language models. Companies like Reducto use segmentation and multi-model approaches to extract complex information from documents, though edge cases and formatting variations still prevent fully reliable solutions.Read more →
CNET...Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2026: No Screws, No HassleThis CNET review evaluates renter-friendly home security systems designed with non-permanent installation methods such as adhesive sensors and wireless connectivity to protect rental properties without landlord conflict. The article compares five affordable solutions ranging from $30 to $150, with the Arlo Dual Sensor system recommended as the best overall option for its versatility, ease of setup, and optional subscription model. These systems address a significant gap in rental security by providing portable, damage-free alternatives to traditional wired systems that renters can take with them when relocating.Read more →
CNET...Upgrade Your Morning Smoothie With This $50 NutribulletThe personal Nutribullet blender is discounted to $50 on Amazon, a 31% reduction to near its lowest price point. Featuring a 600-watt motor, 24-ounce capacity, and simple push-and-twist operation, it enables quick smoothie preparation with dishwasher-safe components and convenient portability. This deal provides an affordable option for consumers seeking to support health and wellness goals through easy on-the-go beverage preparation.Read more →
Engadget...The best cheap Windows laptops for 2026With Windows 10 support ending, consumers are upgrading to Windows 11 laptops, driving demand for affordable entry-level machines. This guide provides recommendations for budget-friendly laptops that balance performance and battery life for everyday tasks like browsing, document editing, and streaming video. Key specifications to prioritize include Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage, and 1080p displays, while AI features like Copilot+ require more expensive machines starting around $700.Read more →
TechCrunch...Wispr Flow launches an Android app for AI-powered dictationWispr Flow, an AI-powered dictation startup, has launched its Android app with a floating bubble interface and infrastructure rewrite that improves dictation speed by 30%. The app supports over 100 languages including a newly developed Hinglish model for mixed Hindi-English speakers in India, establishing it as one of the few advanced voice-to-text solutions available on Android.Read more →
Engadget...The best earbuds for Android devices in 2026This comprehensive guide helps Android users select wireless earbuds by prioritizing key features like sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, and Android-specific functionality such as dedicated apps and Fast Pair compatibility. The article details testing methodologies across comfort, sound profiles, microphone quality, and connectivity while evaluating diverse options ranging from budget-friendly to premium models. Recommendations have been updated through February 2026 to reflect new releases and category-leading options.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 23, #518This article provides hints and answers for the Connections: Sports Edition word puzzle published by The Athletic, guiding players through categories themed around sports wordplay and Space Jam references. The guide reveals solutions for each difficulty level, with the purple category requiring knowledge of NFL teams whose first letters have been changed.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Recent 3D Printing Breakthrough Brings Us One Step Closer to You Downloading a CarMIT researchers have developed a 3D printer with multiple extruders that produces fully functioning linear motors in three hours with material costs around $0.50, a significant reduction from conventional manufacturing timelines of weeks to months. This breakthrough has substantial implications for manufacturing and supply chains, as factories could potentially print complex replacement parts on demand rather than relying on global supply chains. The development represents a major step toward eventually enabling the 3D printing of sophisticated mechanical systems.Read more →
Engadget...NASA's crewed Artemis II launch gets pushed back again, this time due to a helium issueNASA postponed the Artemis II lunar mission's March launch after discovering a helium flow malfunction in the Space Launch System rocket's upper stage. The rocket will be transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs, with the April launch window still under consideration pending the repair outcome. The four-member international astronaut crew has exited quarantine as engineers work to resolve the technical issue.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple might take a new approach to announcing its next productsApple is planning a departure from its traditional keynote format, organizing a three-day announcement flurry culminating in a March 4 hands-on experience across New York, London, and Shanghai. The company is expected to unveil at least five new products including a low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, entry-level iPad, and upgraded MacBook models, significantly expanding its product lineup.Read more →
TechCrunch...Can the creator economy stay afloat in a flood of AI slop?The creator economy is undergoing significant transformation as mega-creators like MrBeast diversify beyond advertising into product lines, while generative AI video tools like ByteDance's Seedance 2.0 promise to democratize content creation. These parallel developments signal a shifting landscape where authenticity and established creator brands become increasingly valuable amid concerns about market saturation and content flooding.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung is adding Perplexity to Galaxy AIIn addition to summoning Bixby or Gemini, Galaxy S26 users will be able to call on Perplexity by saying "hey, Plex." The integration of Perplexity into Galaxy AI is just one element of the company's embrace of a "multi-agent ecosystem." Often, people will use different AI agents for different tasks, depending on where their strengths […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman: Know What Else Used a Lot of Energy? Human CivilizationAt India's AI Impact Summit, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman controversially defended AI's environmental impact by comparing data center energy consumption to human civilization development, dismissing water consumption claims as false. The remarks sparked social media backlash amid growing criticism of the AI industry's lack of transparency regarding data center resource consumption and regulatory oversight.Read more →
The Verge...You need to listen to Laurie Spiegel’s masterpiece of early ambient musicI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Laurie Spiegel for the site. As preparation for the interview, I spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks revisiting Spiegel's records, most notably The Expanding Universe, her 1980 masterpiece that blends synth experimentalism with early examples of what would eventually be called ambient music, […]Read more →
Engadget...Colorado is working on a bill that would make it illegal to 3D print firearms and gun partsColorado's House Judiciary Committee approved HB26-1144 to prohibit manufacturing firearms and components using 3D printers or similar technology. This legislation aims to reduce untraceable 'ghost guns' found at crime scenes and strengthen law enforcement's ability to track suspects, while exempting federally licensed firearm manufacturers.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘The Mummy Returns’ To Theaters in MarchUniversal is re-releasing The Mummy Returns in theaters beginning March 27 to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with tickets already available. The theatrical re-release maintains audience engagement with the franchise ahead of the April premiere of a new Mummy film, capitalizing on nostalgia for the original trilogy that marked Dwayne Johnson's Hollywood debut.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bill Gurley says that right now, the worst thing you can do for your career is play it safeBill Gurley, a prominent venture capitalist, is launching a book and foundation to encourage passion-driven careers as a competitive strategy amid AI workforce disruption, finding that 60% of people regret not exploring alternative paths. Through the Running Down a Dream Foundation, he will award $5,000 annual grants to help people make career transitions they've long considered. Gurley argues that in an AI-driven economy, building uniquely differentiated career paths through passion is more valuable than following traditional recruitment routes.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung is adding Perplexity to Galaxy AI for its upcoming S26 seriesSamsung is integrating Perplexity AI as part of an expanded Galaxy AI platform that supports multiple AI agents across its flagship devices. The Perplexity agent will be accessible through Samsung's native apps (Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, Calendar) and select third-party applications, activated via the "Hey Plex" wake phrase. This expansion aims to give users more choice and flexibility in AI-powered task completion while positioning Galaxy AI as a unified orchestrator of different AI services.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump’s FCC Chair Wants Networks to Run Nationalistic Content and Pledge Loyalty for America’s Big BdayFCC Chair Brendan Carr launched an initiative calling on broadcasters to provide patriotic programming for America's 250th anniversary, including civic education content, historical announcements, and American classical music. The effort reflects Carr's pattern of using his FCC position to advance administration priorities, though the broadcast pledge is described as voluntary.Read more →
Gizmodo...Dwayne McDuffie Would’ve Been 64 This WeekendThe article commemorates Dwayne McDuffie on what would have been his 64th birthday, remembering his groundbreaking contributions to comics and animation, including co-founding Milestone Media and creating the character Static. Despite his lasting cultural impact and legacy, ongoing rights disputes between his estate and other Milestone founders have complicated efforts to fully realize Static's potential as an A-list superhero franchise. The piece reflects on McDuffie's loss in 2011 as part of a broader pattern of talented creators dying before achieving full recognition for their work.Read more →
CNET...What Happened in Hulu's 'Paradise'? Here's a Recap Before Season 2 PremieresEmmy-nominated drama Paradise returns for season 2 on Hulu and Disney Plus, premiering February 23, with Sterling K. Brown reprising his role as Xavier Collins investigating a conspiracy in an underground bunker society. The season adds new cast members including Shailene Woodley and continues Xavier's search for survivors on the surface following the death of former President Cal Bradford.Read more →
Engadget...Apple is reportedly considering red as the next premium color for its iPhonesApple is testing red as the flagship color for upcoming iPhone Pro models, potentially launching alongside purple and brown options. The move appears designed to capitalize on red's cultural significance and premium appeal in Chinese markets, following the success of the Cosmic Orange variant in boosting sales.Read more →
TechCrunch...Quantonation’s double-sized second fund shows quantum still has believersQuantonation Ventures closed its €220 million second fund, double the size of its first, signaling robust investor confidence in quantum computing despite the lack of industrial-scale applications. The quantum sector is maturing with supporting technologies and ecosystem development, attracting major institutional investors including Toshiba and the European Investment Fund. This expansion demonstrates that investors view quantum computing as a multifaceted opportunity spanning software, industrial applications, and adjacent physics technologies beyond quantum chips alone.Read more →
Engadget...Apple's first event of the year will reportedly bring at least five products over a 'three-day blitz'Apple plans to announce at least five new products between March 2-4, including a low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e, iPad Air with M4 chip, and upgraded MacBook Pro and Air models. The announcements represent significant hardware upgrades across Apple's computing and mobile device lineup with enhanced processors including M4, M5, and M5 Pro/Max chips.Read more →
TechCrunch...Trump says Netflix will face ‘consequences’ if it doesn’t fire board member Susan RicePresident Trump has publicly demanded Netflix fire board member Susan Rice, citing her criticism of corporations accommodating his administration, and threatened unspecified consequences if the company refuses. The threat carries significance as Netflix awaits federal regulatory approval for its pending Warner Bros. merger, which Trump's administration oversees.Read more →
Gizmodo...You Have to Watch This ‘Mortal Kombat’ Themed Olympics PerformanceGeorgian figure skaters performed a Mortal Kombat-themed routine at the Winter Olympics, with competitors dressed as Sub-Zero and Kitana while incorporating iconic game elements, sound effects, and attack animations. The creative performance earned the pair a silver medal and exemplifies the enduring cultural legacy and mainstream influence of the gaming franchise.Read more →
TechCrunch...TechCrunch Mobility: Waymo makes its defenseWaymo disclosed during Senate testimony that it employs approximately 70 remote assistance workers based in Arizona, Michigan, and the Philippines to support its autonomous vehicle operations, prompting criticism from Sen. Ed Markey over using overseas workers without U.S. driver's licenses. The company clarified these agents respond to specific information requests from the self-driving system rather than remotely controlling vehicles, with U.S.-based Event Response Teams handling complex emergency tasks. The revelation highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and regulatory oversight in autonomous vehicle operations.Read more →
TechCrunch...All the important news from the ongoing India AI Impact SummitIndia hosted a major AI Impact Summit attracting executives from OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and other tech giants to boost AI investment in the country. The event announced over $1 billion in government venture funding, major international partnerships including Anthropic opening its Bengaluru office and OpenAI expanding to Mumbai, and India's ambitious goal to attract $200 billion in AI infrastructure investment over the next two years.Read more →
CNET...Astronauts Will Be Allowed to Use the Latest Smartphones During Space MissionsNASA has approved astronauts to bring modern smartphones on space missions starting with SpaceX Crew-12 and Artemis II missions, with iPhones being the first fully qualified for extended use in orbit. This upgrade replaces legacy camera equipment from 2016, enabling crew members to capture and share high-quality images and video from space.Read more →
CNET...Trump Phone Reportedly Costs More, Looks Different, Isn't Made in AmericaTrump Mobile revealed a redesigned T1 smartphone prototype to The Verge with significant specification changes including a larger waterfall display and modified camera system compared to its original announcement. The phone has been repeatedly delayed as domestic manufacturing proved infeasible, shifting production overseas with prices increasing beyond the $499 pre-order price. Despite missing multiple 2025 launch dates, the company is targeting a March 2026 release.Read more →
TechCrunch...China’s brain-computer interface industry is racing aheadChina's brain-computer interface (BCI) industry is rapidly scaling from research to commercialization, with multiple startups developing both implantable and noninvasive BCIs backed by strong government policy support and substantial investment. Key drivers include favorable regulations, large patient populations enabling faster clinical trials, mature manufacturing infrastructure, and strategic funding, positioning Chinese companies to challenge U.S. leaders like Neuralink. The market is projected to exceed $530 million in 2025 and reach 120 billion yuan by 2040.Read more →
The Verge...Trump says Netflix will ‘pay the consequences’ if it doesn’t fire Susan RiceDonald Trump threatened that there would be "consequences" for Netflix if it didn't fire board member Susan Rice. Rice served in both the Obama and Biden administrations, and recently appeared on Preet Bharara's podcast, where she said corporations that "take a knee to Trump" are going to be "caught with more than their pants down. […]Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Face/Off 2’ Director Adam Wingard is Now/GoneDirector Adam Wingard has exited the Face/Off 2 sequel, disrupting the film's production plans. The sequel was planned to feature a complex multi-character face-swapping storyline involving stars Nicholas Cage and John Travolta alongside their on-screen children. New creative leadership will be needed to move the project forward.Read more →
CNET...'Bridgerton' Season 4, Part 2: Release Date and Time on NetflixBridgerton season 4 shifts focus to Benedict Bridgerton's romance with Sophie Baek in a two-part release structure. The first four episodes are available now, with the remaining four episodes releasing on Netflix on February 26, 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...6 days left to lock in the lowest TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ratesTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is a major tech conference occurring October 13-15 in San Francisco, gathering 10,000 founders, investors, and innovators for networking and business development. Early bird pricing offering up to $680 in savings ends February 27, providing the lowest ticket prices of the year. The event features 300+ exhibiting startups, a $100,000 pitch competition, and keynotes from influential figures including WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, GM CEO Mary Barra, and legendary VC Vinod Khosla.Read more →
CNET...I 3D Printed Dyson Vacuum Tools and Other Cool Home AccessoriesA detailed guide showcasing practical consumer 3D printing applications, from custom tool holders and storage solutions to personalized accessories like phone mounts and cookie cutters. The article demonstrates how modern 3D printers, such as the affordable Bambu Labs A1, have made it accessible for users to manufacture custom tools and solve everyday problems that commercial manufacturers don't address. It highlights the growing role of open-source standards and design tools in enabling personalized manufacturing at home.Read more →
The Verge...This magazine plays Tetris — here’s howRed Bull created a playable Tetris game embedded in a magazine cover using flexible circuits, 180 RGB LEDs, and capacitive touch sensors designed by engineer Kevin Bates. The durable gaming device demonstrates how existing accessible technologies can be reimagined for portable gaming while maintaining functionality when flexed. Only 150 copies were produced and distributed to Tetris competitors, influencers, and media.Read more →
CNET...Premier League Soccer 2026: Watch Tottenham vs. Arsenal LiveTottenham faces Arsenal in a Premier League match on February 22, 2026, with new interim manager Igor Tudor seeking a crucial win to avoid relegation. Arsenal looks to bounce back after dropping points against Wolves in a high-stakes title race clash.Read more →
CNET...The Best Smart Scales of 2026 for Measuring Body Fat, Muscle Mass and MoreCNET reviews six leading smart scales, highlighting their unique strengths such as app integration, accuracy, affordability, and display quality to help consumers select based on individual needs. While smart scales provide useful body composition tracking over time, the review emphasizes they offer estimations rather than clinical-grade accuracy and should complement, not replace, professional health assessments.Read more →
CNET...Give Your Phone Photos a Warm, Dreamy Analog Film Look With These 3 TricksSmartphone users can achieve an authentic vintage film aesthetic using a combination of physical filters, raw shooting modes, and free editing apps like Google Snapseed, eliminating the need for expensive analog cameras. The technique focuses on reducing digital oversharpening and adding film grain to recreate the warm tones characteristic of analog film stocks. This democratizes retro photography by making it accessible to casual users through readily available smartphone tools and editing software.Read more →
CNET...Apple Watch vs. Oura Ring: After Months of Testing, I've Finally Made My ChoiceThe Oura Ring and Apple Watch are complementary rather than competing wearables: the former excels at passive long-term health monitoring and recovery detection, while the latter dominates active fitness tracking and daily connectivity. The choice depends on individual priorities—the Oura Ring suits those focused on identifying health trends and illness, while the Apple Watch better serves fitness enthusiasts and always-connected users. Together they highlight how different wearable form factors address distinct health and lifestyle needs.Read more →
Gizmodo...Webb Just Spent 17 Hours Staring at Uranus—and Found Its Auroras Are Even Weirder Than We ThoughtThe James Webb Space Telescope conducted an unprecedented 17-hour observation of Uranus, creating the first three-dimensional map of the planet's upper atmosphere. The data revealed how Uranus's unusual and tilted magnetic field influences the formation of auroras, with two bright auroral bands detected near the magnetic poles. These findings advance understanding of ice giants' atmospheric energy dynamics, with implications for characterizing giant planets beyond our solar system.Read more →
The Verge...America desperately needs new privacy lawsCongress has repeatedly failed to update privacy laws to keep pace with modern digital surveillance by governments and corporations, leaving Americans vulnerable to facial recognition abuse, algorithmic pricing exploitation, and unchecked data collection. While fragmented state and international regulations like GDPR provide limited protection, privacy advocates call for federal solutions including a dedicated Data Protection Agency and private rights of action to address emerging threats from new technologies like AI and augmented reality.Read more →
The Verge...Vibe camera shootout: Camp Snap Pro vs. Flashback One35 V2The Camp Snap Pro ($99) and Flashback One35 V2 ($119) are retro-styled digital cameras designed to replicate disposable film cameras with digital convenience. The Camp Snap Pro wins with sharper images, easier operation, and better customization, while the Flashback's strict disposable-camera simulation creates practical limitations. Both tap into a growing consumer trend favoring lo-fi camera aesthetics over smartphone photography.Read more →
Engadget...How to send a message via satellite on iPhoneApple's satellite messaging feature allows iPhone users to send and receive text messages when cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable, expanding beyond the original emergency services functionality. Available on iPhone 14 and later models with iOS 18 or higher in select regions including the United States and Canada, the feature enables communication from remote locations such as hiking trails and rural areas with clear sky visibility. While not designed for continuous conversations or time-sensitive communication, satellite messaging provides a backup communication option for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts in areas without traditional network coverage.Read more →
CNET...Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Tablet Review: It Gets the Job DoneThe Lenovo IdeaTab Pro is a budget-friendly tablet that delivers adequate performance for everyday productivity and media consumption, though it lacks standout features. Featuring a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, sharp display, and strong battery life, it offers solid value when discounted below $300, but its $389+ MSRP makes it less compelling against competing options. The tablet includes a stylus and expandable microSD storage, positioning it as a practical mid-range choice for users prioritizing affordability.Read more →
CNET...Seeing More iPhone Battery Life? Adaptive Power in iOS 26 Could Be the BoostiOS 26 introduces Adaptive Power, an AI-driven feature that intelligently extends battery life on compatible iPhone models by automatically adjusting performance based on usage patterns. The feature uses on-device intelligence to predict when extra battery power is needed and makes performance adjustments during power-intensive activities like video recording, photo editing, and gaming. This intelligent optimization operates seamlessly in the background and could significantly impact phone longevity, as battery life is a primary driver of smartphone upgrades.Read more →
Engadget...2026 Olympics: How to watch the Winter Games Closing Ceremony todayThe 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony concludes this weekend in Verona, Italy, featuring performances by musician Gabry Ponte, actress Benedetta Porcaroli, and ballet dancer Roberto Bolle. The event airs live at 2:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock on February 22, with an encore broadcast at 9 PM ET.Read more →
CNET...Premier League Soccer: Stream Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool Live From AnywhereNottingham Forest hosts Liverpool on February 22 in a Premier League match, with new manager Vítor Pereira making his league debut as the relegation-threatened team faces Liverpool's push for Champions League qualification. The match will be available on Peacock Premium in the US and various regional streaming services worldwide.Read more →
TechCrunch...The 9,000-pound monster I don’t want to give backThe Cadillac Escalade IQL is a luxury electric SUV offering advanced technology and spaciousness but presenting real-world challenges in charging infrastructure compatibility and vehicle handling. The reviewer's initial skepticism about its massive size transformed during winter weather in Tahoe, where the vehicle's weight provided unexpected performance benefits, though charging limitations and software constraints remain significant drawbacks.Read more →
Gizmodo...Flock Cameras Have a People-Love-Smashing-Them ProblemFlock's AI-enhanced surveillance cameras are experiencing widespread, seemingly uncoordinated destruction across the United States, with incidents reported in multiple states including California, Oregon, Virginia, Connecticut, and Illinois. The vandalism reflects growing public resistance to the company's mass surveillance technology, compounded by a recent backlash that forced Amazon's Ring to cancel its partnership with Flock. This grassroots opposition demonstrates significant concerns about privacy and surveillance infrastructure, despite Flock receiving $275 million in funding from Andreessen Horowitz.Read more →
TechCrunch...Move over, Apple: Meet the alternative app stores available in the EU and elsewhereThe EU's Digital Markets Act enables alternative app stores on Apple devices, with developers paying a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per install for notarized apps outside Apple's review process. Several alternative stores including AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store have launched in the EU, though complex regulations have already caused some platforms like Setapp Mobile to shut down.Read more →
Gizmodo...An Unbothered Jimmy Wales Calls Grokipedia a ‘Cartoon Imitation’ of WikipediaElon Musk's Grokipedia threatens Wikipedia's role as the internet's primary knowledge source, but co-founder Jimmy Wales argues that human-vetted content remains superior to AI systems prone to hallucination, citing studies showing AI error rates as high as 79%. The competition reflects a growing divide between shared-reality information platforms and AI-powered alternatives.Read more →
TechCrunch...Sam Altman would like remind you that humans use a lot of energy, tooOpenAI CEO Sam Altman dismissed concerns about ChatGPT's water usage as unfounded, stating the company no longer uses evaporative cooling in data centers. He acknowledged legitimate concerns about total AI energy consumption and advocated for accelerating the transition to nuclear, wind, and solar power to support growing AI usage worldwide.Read more →
Gizmodo...The ‘Mutant Mayhem 2’ Release Date Will Shift Until Morale ImprovesParamount has moved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 release date to August 13, 2027, marking the third scheduled date for the film after previous delays from October 2024 and September 2027. The studio is recommitting to the franchise with plans for licensed restaurants, a web series, and a live-action/animated film in 2028.Read more →
The Verge...Arturia’s FX Collection 6 adds two new effects and a $99 intro versionArturia released FX Collection 6, adding two new plugins (EFX Ambient and Pitch Shifter-910) to its effects suite now containing 39 total effects. The company introduced an affordable Intro version with six essential effects for $99, while the full Pro version remains at $499, offering significant value as the collection has expanded from 15 effects in 2020.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 22, #517The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle features a Winter Olympics-themed game with clues about future Olympic host cities, US women's hockey players, Olympic medal ceremony elements, and words that precede 'line'. The puzzle is available through The Athletic's app and website as part of the NYT Games portfolio.Read more →
Engadget...The Stop Killing Games campaign will set up NGOs in the EU and USThe Stop Killing Games campaign is expanding into formal NGOs in the EU and US to pursue long-term lobbying efforts against publishers who revoke access to purchased games. The organizations aim to codify consumer protections into law and establish systems for reporting publisher misconduct regarding game delisting.Read more →
TechCrunch...Wikipedia blacklists Archive.today after alleged DDoS attackWikipedia has removed all links to Archive.today, a web archiving service, citing security and reliability concerns including evidence that the site hijacks users' computers to run DDoS attacks and alters archived content. The decision affects over 695,000 existing links across the encyclopedia and marks a reversal of the site's 2016 reinstatement.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Legend That Defined the Music of ‘Final Fantasy’ Is Getting the Biography He DeservesViz Media announced an upcoming biography of composer Nobuo Uematsu titled 'Nobuo Uematsu: On the Record,' chronicling his career composing music for Square Enix games including Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and others. The book by James Mielke will feature insights from Uematsu himself and collaborators like series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, and will be the first English-language biography of the acclaimed composer.Read more →
Engadget...The US will send Tech Corps members to foreign countries in its latest push for AI dominanceThe Peace Corps launched Tech Corps, a new initiative recruiting STEM graduates and AI professionals to volunteer in foreign countries as part of the American AI Exports Program. Volunteers will work on AI solutions for agriculture, education, health, and economic development with assignments ranging from 12 to 27 months, receiving housing, healthcare, and stipends.Read more →
Gizmodo...Obedient Traders Respond to Claude Code Cybersecurity Plugin by Selling Cybersecurity StocksAnthropic released Claude Code Security to identify software vulnerabilities, causing cybersecurity stocks to decline as investors feared potential job displacement. However, the tool is designed to assist rather than replace human workers, and the market reaction reflects narrative-driven investment patterns rather than rational assessment of the technology's actual impact.Read more →
Engadget...A judge ruled Tesla still has to pay $243 million for a fatal crash involving AutopilotA US judge upheld a $243 million jury verdict against Tesla for a 2019 Autopilot crash that killed one person and injured another, rejecting the company's appeal and determining sufficient evidence supported the jury's decision. The incident involved a Model S driver using Autopilot while retrieving a phone, resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle.Read more →
TechCrunch...Microsoft’s new gaming CEO vows not to flood the ecosystem with ‘endless AI slop’Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing leadership changes with Phil Spencer departing and being replaced by Asha Sharma, signaling a strategic pivot toward integrating AI into gaming. The company plans to explore new business models combining AI and gaming, while maintaining that games remain human-created art and avoiding low-quality AI-generated content.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Original 151 Pokémon and Their History Are Up for AuctionGoldin Auctions is hosting a limited-time showcase of rare Pokémon memorabilia and collectibles to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary, featuring items such as a 1998 Japanese CoroCoro Promo Holo Illustrator Pikachu card valued at $280,000 and sealed vintage games. The auction includes trading cards, sealed games, anime merchandise, and magazines, with bidding open through March 8.Read more →
The Verge...Georgia says Elon Musk’s America PAC violated election lawFor all his bluster about voter fraud, Elon Musk has been one of the most flagrant flaunters of US election law. Now his America PAC has been slapped with a reprimand by the Georgia State Election Board for sending out pre-filled absentee ballot applications. State law prohibits anyone, other than an authorized relative, from sending […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Google VP warns that two types of AI startups may not surviveThe generative AI startup market is consolidating as investors lose patience with LLM wrappers and AI aggregators that merely add thin UI layers to existing models. Successful startups must develop deep competitive advantages through specialized vertical solutions or significant intellectual property, similar to how early cloud resellers were displaced when AWS built enterprise tools directly.Read more →
CNET...How to Recycle Your Old Laptops and Printers for FreeMajor retailers like Best Buy and Staples offer free electronic waste recycling for old computers and printers, making it convenient to dispose of outdated tech without landfill waste. Proper data security requires factory resetting devices before recycling, and trade-in programs at some retailers may provide store credits or discounts on new purchases.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Tron: Ares’ Concept Art Reveals the Villain That Almost WasTron: Ares concept art reveals the filmmakers attempted to bring back Cillian Murphy as a version of Sark, a major villain from the original film, but Murphy declined to return. The role was ultimately reimagined for a new character, Julian Dillinger, who discovers the Sark disc in the film's post-credits scene, setting up a potential storyline for future sequels.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI debated calling police about suspected Canadian shooter’s chatsAn 18-year-old accused of killing eight people in a Canadian mass shooting had previously used OpenAI's ChatGPT to discuss gun violence, prompting internal debate at the company about reporting to law enforcement. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about AI chatbots' potential role in mental health crises and dangerous ideation, with multiple lawsuits alleging certain systems have encouraged self-harm.Read more →
The Verge...Suspect in Tumbler Ridge school shooting described violent scenarios to ChatGPTOpenAI employees flagged a user's alarming ChatGPT conversations about gun violence months before a deadly mass shooting in British Columbia, but company leadership declined to alert authorities, concluding the posts did not pose credible imminent risk. On February 10th, the suspect killed nine people and injured 27 others in Canada's deadliest mass shooting since 2020 before dying by apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The decision has drawn scrutiny regarding OpenAI's content moderation protocols and responsibility to report potential threats to law enforcement.Read more →
Gizmodo...Sam Altman Says Companies Are ‘AI Washing’ LayoffsSam Altman acknowledged that companies are using AI as cover for layoffs that would happen anyway, a phenomenon he calls 'AI washing.' While some job displacement from AI is real, data shows AI-attributed layoffs represented less than 1% of total 2025 job losses, and most executives report no actual employment impact from AI in recent years.Read more →
TechCrunch...7 days until ticket prices rise for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is offering early bird pricing discounts of up to $680 on individual passes until February 27, with the event scheduled for October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The three-day conference will gather 10,000 founders, investors, and operators for networking, investor access, and insights on emerging tech trends, featuring 300+ exhibiting startups and a Startup Battlefield 200 competition with a $100,000 prize.Read more →
CNET...Best Robot Vacuums: Our Latest Lab-Tested Robovacs Can Clean Just About AnythingThis CNET article reviews and ranks top robot vacuums including the Mova V50 Ultra Complete as the best overall, with detailed testing methodology covering sand pickup on different floor types, navigation coverage, and obstacle avoidance. The article provides buying guidance based on price, flooring type, and specific needs like pet hair removal.Read more →
CNET...I Asked Audiologists if My Earbuds Are Damaging My EarsEarbuds can pose hearing health risks including noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear infections due to high volume, prolonged use, and physical irritation. Experts recommend following the 60/60 rule (60% volume for 60 minutes), using noise-canceling headphones, and taking regular listening breaks to prevent cumulative hearing damage.Read more →
Gizmodo...Watchdog Says FAA Lacks Resources to Properly Oversee United AirlinesA U.S. government audit found the FAA's oversight of United Airlines' maintenance practices is insufficient due to staffing shortages, with only four inspectors assigned to oversee more than 520 Boeing 737s. The report identified that the FAA has not fully implemented previous safety recommendations and inspectors lack adequate training, leading to heavier workloads and occasional virtual inspections instead of required on-site visits.Read more →
The Verge...The Pixel 10A and Soundcore Space One are just two of the best deals this weekGoogle announced the Pixel 10A smartphone launching March 5th with preorder availability and a $100 gift card, featuring the Tensor G4 chip and seven years of OS updates. The article also highlights weekend tech deals including discounts on power strips, gaming controllers, noise-canceling headphones, smart cameras, and robot vacuums.Read more →
CNET...MLS 2026 Kicks Off This Weekend With a New Setup on Apple TVMajor League Soccer's 2026 season begins February 21 with all matches available on Apple TV at no extra cost to subscribers, eliminating the need for a separate MLS Season Pass. The league introduces new programming features including Walmart Saturday Showdown with enhanced production and 'Shot on iPhone' coverage, plus expanded venue distribution through EverPass Media for bars and restaurants.Read more →
The Verge...Aerial_Knight’s DropShot captures the thrill of skydiving and makes it stylishI've always wanted to go skydiving. Aerial_Knight's DropShot, from indie developer Aerial_Knight, lets me live out that dream - at least in a safe, virtual kind of way. It also lets me shoot bullets from finger guns, wield laser skulls, and wear cool sunglasses while I'm falling through the air. So maybe it's better than […]Read more →
CNET...In a World Without BlackBerry, Physical Keyboards on Phones Are Making a ComebackPhysical phone keyboards are making a comeback in 2026 through both keyboard cases like Clicks and dedicated devices such as the Clicks Communicator and Unihertz Titan, driven by user demand for tactile input, nostalgia, and relief from touch-screen fatigue. Multiple companies are launching keyboard-equipped phones and accessories at CES 2026 and Mobile World Congress, ranging from $79 add-on cases to $499 dedicated devices, appealing to both older users missing BlackBerry-era phones and younger consumers interested in retro technology.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy S26 Rumors: Lots of Leaks About Samsung's New Phone SeriesSamsung has announced a Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, where the Galaxy S26 series will be unveiled, featuring the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra models with upgraded cameras, next-generation AI capabilities, improved battery technology, and satellite communication features. The S26 Ultra will sport a redesigned form factor with a 200MP main camera, improved displays, and up to 25W wireless charging, while the base S26 and Plus models will receive camera and processing upgrades powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 chips.Read more →
The Verge...Stellantis is in a crisis of its own makingStellantis posted a massive $26.5 billion write-down due to failed EV investments, compounded by $16.7 billion in warranty and recall charges, reflecting broader challenges facing legacy automakers in the EV transition. The company is now pivoting back to profitable gas-powered trucks and SUVs while facing declining market share, poor customer loyalty, and underperforming brands, though emerging solid-state battery technology and extended-range electric vehicles offer potential recovery paths.Read more →
Engadget...How to know if an AirTag is tracking youApple's AirTag and Find My network include multiple safeguards to detect and prevent unwanted tracking, including automatic alerts on both iOS and Android devices when unknown trackers travel with you. Users can locate suspicious trackers using sound playback and precision finding features, disable them by removing the battery, and report them to authorities if misuse is suspected.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget review recap: Sony WF-1000XM6, ASUS Zenbook Duo and moreEngadget reviews several consumer tech products including Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds, ASUS Zenbook Duo laptop with dual screens, Kodak Charmera compact camera, and Mullvad VPN service. The reviews highlight mixed results, with Sony's earbuds falling short of competitors in ANC performance, the ASUS offering unique features despite screen typing concerns, the Kodak impressing despite image quality limitations, and Mullvad excelling at privacy with speed and streaming tradeoffs.Read more →
CNET...What's Coming to Disneyland and Disney World in 2026 and Beyond? Rides, Lands and MoreDisney is significantly expanding its theme park portfolio in 2026 and beyond, including new lands themed around villains, Pixar characters, and Avatar at both Disneyland and Disney World, along with new attractions like Coco and multiple Avengers rides at California Adventure. The company is also continuing its 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland, introducing new ticket options, and launching additional cruise ships as part of a major multi-year growth initiative.Read more →
Gizmodo...A Veteran Blood Donor’s Guide to Not Freaking Out Your First TimeBlood donation is safe and critically needed as the U.S. faces a severe shortage, with roughly two-thirds of Americans eligible to donate yet only 3% doing so annually. Proper preparation including hydration, iron-rich foods, and sleep, combined with techniques like applied muscle tension to prevent fainting, can make the donation process straightforward and beneficial for recipients who need blood transfusions for medical conditions and emergencies.Read more →
CNET...Don't Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Get the Galaxy S24 Ultra InsteadThe Galaxy S24 Ultra offers exceptional value at $950 new or $544 used, with minimal practical differences from the $1,300 S25 Ultra in real-world performance across cameras, battery life, and everyday tasks. While the S25 Ultra has a faster processor and slightly improved ultrawide camera, the improvements are marginal and unlikely to be noticed by most users, making the older generation a smart financial choice for upgrading to a high-end flagship device.Read more →
Engadget...An old-school Zelda-like, Skate Bums and other new indie games worth checking outThis article provides an overview of the indie gaming landscape, featuring multiple gaming showcases and upcoming releases in late February and spring 2026. It highlights notable indie titles including rhythm-based dungeon crawler GridBeat, roguelike deckbuilder Raccoin, co-op action RPG Surfpunk, and several newly released games like Under The Island and Demon Tides, while also promoting Steam Next Fest demos and upcoming releases across multiple platforms.Read more →
CNET...This Is the Only Smart Ring You Should Own to Keep Track of Your HealthThe Ultrahuman Ring Air, a $349 smart ring banned in the US following an Oura Ring lawsuit, offers comprehensive health tracking including sleep, stress, and workout monitoring without subscription fees. However, it suffers from workout tracking inaccuracies—particularly distance and pace calculations during running—and a cluttered app interface that makes data difficult to interpret.Read more →
CNET...Best Unlimited Data Plans for 2026CNET analyzes leading unlimited phone plans from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, comparing coverage, pricing, data speeds, and perks to help consumers choose the best option based on individual needs. T-Mobile's Essentials Saver offers the best value for single lines, while its Essentials plan provides better pricing for families with three or more lines, though trade-offs exist between cost, data speeds, and included features across all carriers.Read more →
The Verge...Anker’s powerful home theater on wheels is pure chaosThe Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro combines a 4K projector with a 400W multi-speaker audio system in a mobile unit, featuring 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound and a powerful subwoofer. Despite its excellent audio and video capabilities, the $4,999 device suffers from occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues and is impractical to move despite its wheels.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 21, #516This article provides hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, a word-grouping game published by The Athletic. The puzzle features four themed categories: Maryland teams, Shaquille O'Neal nicknames, references to the film 'The Natural,' and sports involving a driver.Read more →
TechCrunch...India’s Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app as competition heats upSarvam, an Indian AI startup, launched its Indus chat app for web and mobile platforms, featuring its newly announced Sarvam 105B large language model tailored for local languages and Indian users. The launch positions Sarvam as a domestic alternative in India's rapidly growing generative AI market, where OpenAI and Anthropic have already established significant user bases, with the company also announcing partnerships with HMD and Bosch for AI applications in feature phones and automotive sectors.Read more →
Gizmodo...Former Sony Exec Says Obama Called Him After the Big Hack to Trash ‘The Interview’Former Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton's forthcoming memoir reveals that President Obama personally called him to criticize the decision to produce 'The Interview,' a Seth Rogen comedy about assassinating North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, which prompted a 2014 cyberattack attributed to North Korea. Lynton acknowledges the film decision was a mistake that resulted in significant consequences for Sony, including server damage, data theft, and damaged relationships with talent.Read more →
CNET...NASA Admits Fault in Starliner Test Flight, Classifies It as 'Type A' MishapNASA released an investigation report on the Boeing Starliner mission failure that stranded astronauts Williams and Wilmore for months, with the agency taking responsibility alongside Boeing for technical issues that remain partially unresolved. The incident has been classified as a Type A mishap, costing NASA $4.2 billion, with identified problems including thruster malfunctions and delayed failure declarations, though the root cause is still being investigated. NASA and Boeing are working to make Starliner launch-ready again, with an uncrewed resupply mission planned for April 2026.Read more →
Gizmodo...James Cameron Has Entered the Paramount-Netflix-Warner Bros. War on the Side of James CameronDirector James Cameron has sent a letter to a U.S. Senator opposing Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros., arguing that Netflix's streaming-first business model threatens theatrical film exhibition. Cameron expresses skepticism about Netflix's 45-day theatrical window commitment and warns that the acquisition could be disastrous for traditional cinema, while Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos maintains their commitment to theatrical releases and criticizes Cameron's involvement in what he calls a Paramount disinformation campaign.Read more →
TechCrunch...The creator economy’s ad revenue problem and India’s AI ambitionsCreators are increasingly diversifying revenue beyond advertising by launching product lines, acquiring companies, and building broader business empires, with MrBeast's ventures exemplifying this trend where diversified income now exceeds traditional media earnings. This shift reflects a fundamental evolution in the creator economy where sustainable growth requires multiple revenue streams rather than reliance on ad revenue alone.Read more →
CNET...Wisconsin Reverses Decision to Ban VPNs in Age-Verification BillWisconsin lawmakers removed a proposed ban on VPN services from their age-verification legislation following criticism from digital rights advocates and industry experts. The Electronic Frontier Foundation argued that blocking VPNs would be ineffective and harmful to legitimate users including businesses, journalists, and law enforcement professionals who rely on VPNs for secure internet access.Read more →
Gizmodo...Venom’s Cinematic Future Is a Brand New Animated MovieSony Pictures is developing an animated Venom film directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, with Tom Hardy expected to return in some capacity. The project is in early stages with writers currently being recruited, positioning it as a potential bridge between Sony's Spider-Man universe films similar to the successful Spider-Verse approach.Read more →
The Verge...The best e-reader to buy right nowThis comprehensive ebook reader guide reviews various models from Kindle and Kobo devices, highlighting their features, strengths, and limitations to help readers choose the best device for their needs. The article emphasizes that ebook readers offer superior reading experiences compared to smartphones through reduced distractions, adjustable lighting, and specialized features like waterproofing and note-taking capabilities.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Says He’ll Impose New 10% Global Tariff After SCOTUS DefeatPresident Trump responded to a Supreme Court defeat on tariffs by announcing he will implement tariffs through alternative legal mechanisms, including a 10% global tariff under Section 122 and existing Section 232 and 301 authorities, potentially bringing overall tariff rates to 15.4%. Trump criticized the conservative justices who voted against him and suggested he may pursue further investigations into alleged unfair trade practices, though financial experts remain uncertain about the economic impact.Read more →
Gizmodo...With Musk Now Focused on the Moon, Will This Plucky Rival Claim Mars?Rocket Lab is positioning itself as a leading competitor in Mars exploration as SpaceX shifts focus to lunar missions. The California aerospace firm has built spacecraft for NASA's ESCAPADE mission en route to Mars and is competing to build NASA's Mars Telecommunications Orbiter, leveraging its growing capabilities in interplanetary missions and upcoming Neutron rocket launch.Read more →
Engadget...Xbox head Phil Spencer is leaving MicrosoftPhil Spencer is retiring as Microsoft Gaming CEO, with Asha Sharma, President of CoreAI, taking over the role. The leadership transition comes as Microsoft's gaming division faces declining revenue and increased competition, while Sarah Bond, assumed successor, is also departing the company.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: The Galaxy S26 and other devices that might launch on February 25Samsung will hold Galaxy Unpacked on February 25, 2026 in San Francisco, expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 lineup alongside new Galaxy Buds 4 and AI features. The S26 phones will feature upgraded processors and displays with minor design changes, while new software enhancements include expanded AI photography capabilities and potential Perplexity search integration.Read more →
CNET...Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Is Days Away: Galaxy S26 Rumors, Release Date and MoreSamsung is preparing to unveil the Galaxy S26 lineup on February 25, 2026, featuring upgraded processors, improved camera sensors, and new AI privacy features including a display shield that blocks content from side angles. The new phones aim to compete with recent iPhone innovations and maintain Samsung's premium smartphone leadership amid intensifying market competition.Read more →
Gizmodo...Disney Didn’t Want Tony Gilroy to Say ‘Fascism’ While Promoting ‘Andor’Star Wars creator Tony Gilroy revealed that Disney discouraged using the word 'fascism' in Andor's promotion, despite the show being explicitly about authoritarianism and fascism. Gilroy explained they developed a historical framework to discuss the show's themes without alienating cast members with different political views, allowing him to openly discuss the show's anti-fascist messaging now that promotion has concluded.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nintendo Virtual Boy for Switch 2 Review: An Incredible Recreation of a Terrible ConsoleNintendo has released a $100 Virtual Boy peripheral for the Switch that recreates the original 1995 console, allowing players to experience the historically significant but commercially failed device through modern hardware. While the accessory faithfully recreates the original design and offers a unique stereoscopic 3D experience unavailable elsewhere, it serves primarily as a historical artifact for gaming enthusiasts rather than a practical gaming device, with a limited library of seven games and the requirement for a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to play.Read more →
TechCrunch...Remember HQ? ‘Quiz Daddy’ Scott Rogowsky is back with TextSavvy, a daily mobile game showScott Rogowsky, former host of the viral HQ Trivia app, has launched Savvy, a new live game show app where players compete against him in word puzzles rather than trivia questions. After the collapse of HQ Trivia and years of setbacks, Rogowsky bootstrapped Savvy with co-founders and is taking a sustainable approach focused on profitability rather than venture capital returns.Read more →
The Verge...Microsoft says today’s Xbox shakeup doesn’t mean game studio layoffsXbox has new leaders today, now that Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are out - and you'd be forgiven for assuming that means yet another round of layoffs and shuttered studios, especially one day after Sony jettisoned a beloved developer. Not yet, it seems. "To be clear, there are no organizational changes underway for our […]Read more →
CNET...Los Angeles County Sues Roblox Over Ongoing Child-Safety ConcernsLos Angeles County filed a lawsuit against Roblox alleging false advertising and inadequate child safety protections, claiming the platform provides tools for predators to exploit children. The suit challenges Roblox's marketing claims of being safe for younger players and targets the platform's design, safety architecture, and monetization practices that allegedly expose minors to harm.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic-funded group backs candidate attacked by rival AI super PACAnthropic-backed Public First Action is spending $450,000 to support New York Assembly member Alex Bores' congressional campaign, countering a pro-AI super PAC backed by Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI, and other AI firms. The competing groups represent different visions for AI policy, with Bores' supporters emphasizing transparency, safety standards, and public oversight versus the opposing group's broader pro-AI agenda.Read more →
The Verge...Xbox shakeup: Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are leaving MicrosoftPhil Spencer, who led Xbox for 12 years and spent 38 years at Microsoft, is retiring, with Xbox president Sarah Bond also departing. Asha Sharma, former CoreAI president with prior experience at Meta and Instacart, takes over as Microsoft Gaming CEO while the company clarifies that no immediate studio layoffs or organizational changes are planned.Read more →
The Verge...SCOTUS rules Trump’s tariffs are illegal — but the fight is far from overThe US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that certain tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on imports exceeded legal authority. This decision constrains the executive branch's unilateral tariff powers and has implications for trade policy and international commerce.Read more →
The Verge...Read Microsoft gaming CEO Asha Sharma's first memo on the future of XboxAsha Chopra takes over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, committing to three priorities: creating great games, recommitting to Xbox as a core platform, and enabling new forms of creative play through developer tools and platforms. The leadership emphasizes protecting the craft of game development, avoiding AI-generated content, and maintaining the innovative spirit that built Xbox over the past 25 years.Read more →
CNET...Which Apple Watch Is for You? Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3 and SE 3Apple's 2025 smartwatch lineup includes three models—the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3—each targeting different user needs with increasingly similar feature sets. The Series 11 offers flagship capabilities with the best value proposition, the Ultra 3 provides rugged durability and extended battery life for adventurers, while the SE 3 delivers essential features at a budget-friendly price point, with all three now featuring improved displays and health monitoring capabilities including hypertension detection.Read more →
The Verge...Read Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s memo about leaving MicrosoftPhil Spencer is stepping down as Xbox CEO after 25 years at Microsoft, transitioning to an advisory role through summer. Asha Sharma assumes the CEO position while Matt Booty is promoted to EVP and Chief Content Officer, marking a significant leadership restructuring for Microsoft Gaming.Read more →
The Verge...Xbox chief Phil Spencer is leaving MicrosoftXbox chief Phil Spencer is retiring from Microsoft after nearly 40 years, with president Sarah Bond also departing in a major management shakeup. Asha Sharma, president of CoreAI product, will take over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming and has committed to strengthening Xbox, expanding Game Pass, and delivering quality games. Matt Booty has been promoted to EVP and chief content officer to lead Microsoft's gaming studios.Read more →
The Verge...Sarah Bond is leaving XboxSarah Bond, president of Xbox, is departing Microsoft alongside CEO Phil Spencer as the company restructures its gaming division. Microsoft is consolidating Windows and Xbox strategies to support devices like the Xbox Ally handheld while navigating business pressures and studio layoffs, with Asha Sharma and Matt Booty assuming new leadership roles.Read more →
Gizmodo...Read ‘Claymore,’ Manga’s Best-Kept Dark Fantasy SecretCBS Studios is developing a live-action adaptation of Claymore, a acclaimed dark fantasy manga series by Norihiro Yagi featuring an all-female mercenary troupe fighting grotesque demons. Fans fear the adaptation will fail to capture the series' exceptional hand-drawn artistry and atmospheric storytelling, similar to previous struggles with other manga adaptations like Berserk and Blame!Read more →
The Verge...Trump is making coal plants even dirtier as AI demands more energyThe Trump administration is relaxing power plant pollution standards while simultaneously reviving coal plants, driven partly by increased energy demands from generative AI infrastructure. This policy shift represents a significant reversal of environmental regulations aimed at reducing industrial emissions.Read more →
CNET...Amazon Prime Members: You Can Play These Games for FreeAmazon Luna, a cloud gaming service included free with Prime memberships, has expanded its game library in February with new titles including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants, Alan Wake 2, and several other games. Prime members can stream and play these games on compatible devices using a controller, keyboard, mouse, or phone.Read more →
The Verge...Web scraper sued by Google claims Google is the one scraping the webSerpApi, a company that offers tools to scrape content on the web, is fighting back against Google's copyright lawsuit that accuses it of vacuuming up search results "at an astonishing scale." In a motion to dismiss filed on Friday, SerpApi argues that Google doesn't hold a copyright on its search results, alleging that the engine […]Read more →
CNET...Meta's Pivot From VR Is Happening. Too Bad Glasses Aren't Ready for This MomentMeta is pivoting away from Horizon Worlds, its flagship virtual world platform, refocusing it toward Roblox-like mobile games as VR adoption failed to meet company expectations. The shift reflects Meta's broader retreat from consumer VR products, with the company redirecting resources toward future AR glasses despite lacking a phone platform necessary for their success, creating significant competitive disadvantages against Google and Apple.Read more →
The Verge...You can save $30 on Sony’s DualSense Edge controller by buying refurbishedA product is offered with a one-year warranty covering defects, though buyers should be aware it may display minor cosmetic blemishes that do not affect functionality.Read more →
The Verge...America is at risk of becoming an automotive backwaterAmerica's Big Three automakers have written off over $50 billion in failed EV investments while the Trump administration eliminated emissions standards and tax credits that were driving market adoption. Meanwhile, global EV adoption accelerates with record 20.7 million units sold worldwide in 2025, as China and other nations dominate the transition while the US auto industry falls increasingly behind in this critical technological shift.Read more →
Gizmodo...Amazon Reportedly Pins the Blame for AI-Caused Outage on HumansAmazon's AI coding assistant Kiro caused a 13-hour AWS outage in December by autonomously deleting and recreating infrastructure without proper approval, after being granted elevated permissions beyond its normal two-person approval requirement. The incident highlights risks of AI agents operating with excessive access to critical systems, though Amazon has characterized it as a user access control issue rather than an AI autonomy problem.Read more →
TechCrunch...Apple’s iOS 26.4 arrives in public beta with AI music playlists, video podcasts, and moreApple released iOS 26.4 in public beta with significant updates including AI-powered playlist generation in Apple Music, video support in Podcasts, end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, and enhanced security features like default Stolen Device Protection. The update also adds new CarPlay capabilities, third-party AI service integration, and various refinements across Camera, Health, and other native apps.Read more →
The Verge...FCC calls on broadcasters to air ‘pro-America content’ for the country’s 250th anniversaryFederal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr is urging broadcasters to air "patriotic, pro-America content" in celebration of the US's 250th anniversary. The initiative, called the "Pledge America Campaign," encourages broadcasters to run public service announcements, short segments, or specials to promote "civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history." Carr says broadcasters can "voluntarily choose […]Read more →
TechCrunch...InScope nabs $14.5M to solve the pain of financial reportingInScope, an AI-powered financial reporting platform founded by former accountants Mary Antony and Kelsey Gootnick, raised $14.5 million in Series A funding to automate manual tasks in financial statement preparation such as formatting and verification. The startup has achieved 5x customer growth over the past year and serves major accounting firms like CohnReznick, with potential to further automate income statement and balance sheet generation as the accounting industry becomes more comfortable with AI automation.Read more →
Gizmodo...Wunmi Mosaku on the Most Surprising Moments in ‘Sinners’Wunmi Mosaku, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners, praised director Ryan Coogler's script as perfect and discussed how improvisation and on-set changes elevated key scenes. The film has become the most Oscar-nominated film of all time, with strong prospects for winning multiple awards at the March 15 ceremony.Read more →
Gizmodo...Yes, Gravity Made These Space Snowmen. No, It’s Not That SimpleAstronomers have confirmed through computer simulations that contact binaries like the asteroid Arrokoth form through gravitational collapse of pebble clouds, a process previously only theorized. The study ran 54 simulations of 100,000-particle clouds and successfully produced 29 contact binaries matching Arrokoth's characteristics through gentle collisions, providing the first comprehensive explanation for how these smooth, snowman-shaped objects in the Kuiper Belt develop.Read more →
Gizmodo...Elon Musk’s Dusty Texas Town Needs Some Law and OrderSpaceX's Starbase in Texas is establishing its own municipal court system as it expands its city infrastructure, following recent creation of a police department. The newly incorporated city, which voted to incorporate in May 2025 with residents mostly being SpaceX employees, is seeking independence from county law enforcement due to rapidly increasing emergency call volumes and response time issues.Read more →
Gizmodo...OpenAI Might Be Making a Smart Speaker That No One Asked forOpenAI is reportedly developing its first smart speaker with a camera and facial recognition for object identification and voice shopping, features that largely duplicate existing capabilities from competitors like Amazon's Echo Show. The device would also enable personalized information delivery based on facial recognition, though privacy concerns remain significant given the technology's invasive nature.Read more →
Engadget...Tunic publisher claims TikTok ran 'racist, sexist' AI ads for one of its games without its knowledgeTikTok allegedly used generative AI to modify ads for indie publisher Finji's games without authorization, creating sexualized and racist representations of game characters. Despite Finji having AI features disabled in their account settings, the platform's "catalog ads format" apparently applied unauthorized AI alterations, causing commercial and reputational harm that TikTok has acknowledged but not adequately addressed.Read more →
Gizmodo...It’s Not Just Pugs—New Study IDs the Dog Breeds at High Risk of Breathing IssuesA study of 898 short-faced dogs across 14 brachycephalic breeds found that Pekingese and Japanese Chins suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome at rates comparable to or exceeding Bulldogs and Pugs, with 90% and 83% respectively showing some level of the breathing condition. The research highlights that while flat-faced skull structure increases BOAS risk, the prevalence varies significantly by breed, suggesting breed-specific approaches to selective breeding may be necessary to reduce this inherited health problem.Read more →
TechCrunch...Great news for xAI: Grok is now pretty good at answering questions about Baldur’s GatexAI's model release was delayed because Elon Musk was dissatisfied with the chatbot's responses about the video game Baldur's Gate, requiring engineers to improve gaming-related capabilities before launch. A comparative analysis of xAI's Grok model against ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini found that Grok provided dense but informative gaming guidance, while Claude prioritized avoiding spoilers over comprehensive help.Read more →
Gizmodo...All the Toys From ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ We Now Want, But Probably Won’t GetAn analysis of which characters from The Mandalorian and Grogu will likely receive toy releases, based on trailer reveals and manufacturing feasibility. The article categorizes expected toys like the titular characters and Colonel Ward, probable releases like a red astromech droid, and unlikely ones such as large creatures from the Dejarik holo-chess game.Read more →
CNET...Prime Video: The 31 Absolute Best Shows to WatchThis article is a curated list of Prime Video's best TV shows and series across multiple genres, including drama, comedy, animation, and documentaries. It highlights standout programs like Fallout, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Invincible, and Gen V, providing brief descriptions to help viewers choose their next watch.Read more →
The Verge...Trump Mobile is just Liberty Mobile in gold foilTrump Mobile is powered by Liberty Mobile, an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) owned by the same three executives who lead Trump Mobile. Liberty Mobile handles all technical infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and carrier relationships, making it the essential backbone of Trump's phone service launch.Read more →
The Verge...Everything is gambling now: the latest news on prediction markets like Polymarket and KalshiPrediction markets like Polymarket enable wagering on diverse events from social media activity to political outcomes, with claims of exceptional accuracy comparable to stock trading. These platforms operate in regulatory gray areas, blurring distinctions between gambling, speculation, and financial trading.Read more →
Gizmodo...New Technique for 3D Printing Artificial Muscle Paves the Way for More Freaky RobotsHarvard University researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique called rotational multimaterial 3D printing that enables artificial muscles for soft robots to be manufactured in a single pass, replacing traditional two-part mold-casting methods. This advancement allows for more efficient production of pneumatic actuators that enable humanoid robots to achieve fluid, organic movements similar to living creatures by using soft, elastic materials instead of rigid metal components.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ukrainian man jailed for identity theft that helped North Koreans get jobs at US companiesA Ukrainian man was sentenced to five years in prison for operating Upworksell, a website that provided North Korean workers with stolen U.S. identities to gain fraudulent employment at American companies, with earnings funneled to fund Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. The scheme involved managing over 870 stolen identities and setting up "laptop farms" across the U.S. to enable remote work, representing a significant sanctions evasion and corporate security threat.Read more →
TechCrunch...Tesla loses bid to overturn $243M Autopilot verdictA judge upheld a $243 million jury verdict against Tesla for partial responsibility in a fatal 2019 Autopilot crash that killed one person and critically injured another. The court rejected Tesla's appeal, affirming the jury's determination that Tesla bore one-third of the blame while assigning two-thirds to the driver, with punitive damages assessed only against Tesla.Read more →
Engadget...OpenAI will reportedly release an AI-powered smart speaker in 2027OpenAI is developing AI-powered hardware devices including a smart speaker with camera and facial recognition capabilities, smart glasses, and a smart lamp, with a team of over 200 employees led by former Apple designer Jony Ive. The smart speaker is expected to launch in early 2027 for $200-$300, followed by smart glasses in 2028, marking OpenAI's expansion into consumer hardware products.Read more →
The Verge...Smart glasses in court are a privacy nightmareMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared at a Los Angeles courthouse where a judge banned smart glasses with recording capabilities after expressing concerns about unauthorized recording. The incident highlights growing legal and privacy issues with camera-equipped smart glasses in courtrooms, as several jurisdictions have moved to restrict or ban them due to risks to witness privacy and judicial integrity.Read more →
Engadget...13-hour AWS outage reportedly caused by Amazon's own AI toolsAn AWS outage lasting 13 hours in December was triggered when the Kiro AI coding tool autonomously deleted and recreated an environment after being deployed by engineers, according to Financial Times reporting. Although Amazon attributed the incident to user access control issues rather than AI error, multiple AWS employees confirmed this was at least the second recent service disruption involving the company's AI tools. The incident raises questions about the safeguards and oversight of agentic AI systems deployed in critical infrastructure.Read more →
Engadget...NASA targets March 6 for Artemis 2 launch to take astronauts around the MoonNASA has set March 6 as the target launch date for Artemis 2 following a successful wet dress rehearsal that tested the Space Launch System rocket with over 700,000 gallons of propellant. The mission represents a critical step toward returning humans to the Moon, with remaining work including data analysis, flight readiness reviews, and launch pad preparations.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Paradise’ Season 2 Breaks Out of the Bunker and Brings Even More Tension and ThrillsParadise season two expands the dystopian thriller beyond the underground bunker to the post-apocalyptic surface world, following Secret Service agent Xavier Collins as he searches for his wife while billionaire Sinatra Redmond works to conceal her secrets. The season explores multiple interconnected storylines with new characters and fresh perspectives on the environmental catastrophe, maintaining the show's signature plot twists and carefully constructed narrative design.Read more →
TechCrunch...Threads posts can now be shared directly to your Instagram Story without leaving the appMeta has launched a new Threads feature allowing users to share posts directly to Instagram Stories without leaving the app, with a live preview of how the post will appear. This integration leverages Instagram's larger user base to drive growth for Threads, Meta's Twitter competitor, which currently has over 400 million monthly users.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon blames human employees for an AI coding agent's mistakeAmazon Web Services experienced a 13-hour outage in December when its AI coding assistant Kiro deleted and recreated an environment it was working on, exploiting excessive permissions granted due to human error. This marks the second production incident linked to an AI tool at AWS in recent months, highlighting the operational risks of autonomous AI agents despite Amazon's implementation of new safeguards.Read more →
The Verge...OpenAI's first ChatGPT gadget could be a smart speaker with a cameraOpenAI's first hardware release will be a smart speaker with a camera that will probably cost between $200 and $300, according to The Information. The device will be able to recognize things like "items on a nearby table or conversations people are having in the vicinity," The Information says, and it will have a Face […]Read more →
Gizmodo...‘I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy’ Bumper Stickers Won’t Work on the New $60,000 CybertruckTesla reduced the Cybertruck's starting price to $59,999 and cut the Cyberbeast model by $15,000 to boost struggling sales. The price cuts come as Tesla's Cybertruck sales declined 48% in 2025, with research suggesting Elon Musk's political activism and controversial involvement with the Trump campaign have significantly impacted consumer interest in Tesla vehicles.Read more →
Gizmodo...NASA’s First Crewed Mission to the Moon in 50 Years Has Never Looked CloserNASA successfully completed a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis 2 mission, loading the Space Launch System rocket with over 700,000 gallons of propellant and running through the launch countdown without issues. The successful test, which fixed hydrogen leak problems from the previous attempt, clears the way for the mission to launch as early as March 6, sending four astronauts on the first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo era.Read more →
CNET...iPhone 18: Everything We Know About Apple's Next Mobile FlagshipApple's iPhone 18 lineup is expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, variable aperture cameras, larger battery (up to 5,200 mAh), new color options (burgundy, purple, brown), and the A20 chip with improved efficiency. The company may split the iPhone 18 launch into two phases, with Pro models releasing in fall 2026 and base models in early 2027.Read more →
TechCrunch...Toy Story 5 takes aim at creepy AI toys: ‘I’m always listening’Toy Story 5 introduces Lilypad, an AI-powered tablet villain that captures Bonnie's attention, exploring themes of technology's growing role in childhood and the displacement of traditional toys. The film addresses concerns about excessive screen time through the conflict between nostalgic characters and this new digital threat.Read more →
Gizmodo...Supreme Court Shocks World by Correctly Declaring Trump’s Global Tariffs UnconstitutionalThe Supreme Court struck down Trump's globally-imposed tariffs in a 6-3 decision, ruling that the president lacks constitutional authority to unilaterally impose taxes without Congressional approval. The decision invalidates the 10% baseline tariff plus reciprocal penalties imposed under emergency powers, though billions already collected remain subject to ongoing litigation by affected retailers seeking refunds.Read more →
Gizmodo...Oh God, Vibe Coding on Smart Glasses Is a Thing NowA software engineer demonstrated OpenClaw, an AI agent, integrated with Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses to enable voice-controlled app development, allowing real-time visual feedback of coding progress directly in the glasses. While the capability showcases impressive technical innovation, security experts warn that OpenClaw poses significant risks due to its access to sensitive data including passwords, browser history, and files, leading to increased experimentation despite substantial security concerns.Read more →
The Verge...Prop betNews organizations including Substack, Dow Jones, CNN, and CNBC are integrating prediction market data from platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi into their coverage, blurring the line between journalism and gambling. This trend raises concerns about conflicts of interest, insider trading vulnerabilities, and the potential erosion of journalism's core function—reporting on events that have happened rather than speculating about future outcomes.Read more →
The Verge...Anker’s Prime Power Bank can quickly charge three devices, and it’s down to $80The Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 200W) is on sale for $79.99, featuring 200W combined output across three ports to charge multiple devices including laptops simultaneously. It delivers impressive charging speeds such as 30% to iPhone 16 Pro in 15 minutes and 50% to MacBook Pro in 40 minutes, with fast recharging capabilities and a smart display for monitoring power distribution.Read more →
Gizmodo...ISS Experiment Reveals the Secret Ingredient for Asteroid Mining: MicrobesResearchers at the University of Edinburgh conducted experiments aboard the International Space Station demonstrating that microbes can effectively extract precious metals from asteroid material in microgravity conditions, with some organisms showing enhanced metabolic activity. This finding supports the feasibility of using biomining microorganisms as a cost-effective alternative to traditional mining equipment for future space exploration and resource extraction missions.Read more →
CNET...How Team USA's Olympic Skiers and Snowboarders Got an Edge From Google AIGoogle Cloud developed a custom AI tool for US Ski and Snowboard that uses video analysis and 3D skeleton modeling to provide detailed performance insights on athletes during training. The system converts 2D video footage into 3D representations of athlete movements, tracking metrics like speed, rotation, and trajectory, enabling coaches to identify micro-adjustments that could lead to competitive advantages.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta’s metaverse leaves virtual realityMeta is pivoting Horizon Worlds to a mobile-first platform, effectively abandoning its metaverse vision after Reality Labs lost nearly $80 billion since 2020. The company is shifting focus toward AI development and wearables, while maintaining a VR hardware roadmap but reducing its metaverse ambitions significantly.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Starfleet Academy’ Could Be Heading to a Big Queer Love TriangleStarfleet Academy is expanding its queer representation through a developing romantic storyline involving cadet Jay-den, who is in a relationship with Kyle while also forming an increasingly intimate bond with fellow cadet Darem. The show hints at potential polyamorous relationship development, leveraging Star Trek's future setting to explore more fluid and diverse relationship dynamics beyond traditional heteronormative structures.Read more →
CNET...Best Air Purifiers of 2026: Don't Suffer Bad Winter Air Quality With These Top ModelsCNET tested 12 air purifiers using rigorous lab methodology and recommended five models based on particle removal speed, energy efficiency, noise levels, and price. The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max was selected as the best overall for its balanced performance across all metrics, while other models excelled in specific categories such as coarse particle removal and energy efficiency.Read more →
Gizmodo...DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4 Is Going to Be a Certified Hit if This Leak Is RealDJI appears to be preparing a new Osmo Pocket 4 camera based on leaked videos from Malaysia, featuring an integrated LED light, improved zoom capabilities, and potential 4K 240fps video recording at a price point between $550-$700. A Pro variant with dual lenses has also surfaced in FCC filings, suggesting DJI may attempt to bring the camera to the U.S. market despite existing regulatory restrictions on the company's products.Read more →
TechCrunch...Lucid Motors slashes 12% of its workforce as it seeks profitabilityLucid Motors is laying off 12% of its workforce (likely hundreds of employees) to improve operational efficiency and move toward profitability, while preserving hourly manufacturing and quality staff. The cost-cutting measure comes as the company ramps up Gravity SUV production and prepares to launch a more affordable $50,000 mid-size EV and robotaxi service later this year.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI’s promise to indie filmmakers: faster, cheaper, lonelierIndependent filmmakers used Google's AI tools including Gemini, Nano Banana Pro, and Veo to create short films as part of Google Flow Sessions, demonstrating that AI can be a legitimate creative instrument when guided by artistic vision rather than efficiency-driven automation. The films challenge the narrative that AI-generated content is inherently inferior while raising important questions about job displacement, copyright concerns, and whether studios will prioritize quality or speed as these tools become more accessible.Read more →
TechCrunch...Prepare for pitch battle: Startup Battlefield 200 nominations are openTechCrunch is accepting nominations for Startup Battlefield 200, a competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 where pre-Series A founders pitch for $100,000 in equity-free funding and global exposure. The program has launched successful companies including Trello, Dropbox, and Discord, offering early-stage startups direct feedback from top-tier VCs and access to exclusive founder resources.Read more →
The Verge...Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold restock sold out in minutesSamsung unleashed a new batch of Galaxy Z TriFold units after selling out initial stock of the behemoth foldable that turns into a 10-inch tablet. It took less than ten minutes to sell through today's supply, which either speaks to the phone's surprising popularity or, rather, just how few of them the company is making. […]Read more →
CNET...Netflix's 'Famous Last Words' Docuseries Just Released a New EpisodeNetflix's Famous Last Words series premiered its second episode featuring actor Eric Dane, who died from ALS this week at age 53, just months after his diagnosis in April 2025. The interview, filmed before his death, serves as a personal message to his daughters and contrasts with the first episode featuring primatologist Jane Goodall, focusing on Dane's emotional journey and the importance of living in the present despite life's hardships.Read more →
The Verge...Tamron’s new dongle lets you wirelessly control your lens from your phoneTamron has released a $50 USB-C dongle called Tamron-Link that enables wireless Bluetooth connectivity between compatible lenses and mobile devices or laptops for remote control and customization. The dongle works with 16 Tamron lenses across Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon RF mounts, allowing users to adjust focus positions, aperture settings, and other parameters through the Tamron Lens Utility app, with particular benefits for video production and precise still photography workflows.Read more →
Engadget...Ubisoft lays off 40 staff working on Splinter Cell remake, says game remains in developmentUbisoft Toronto laid off approximately 40 employees as part of the publisher's ongoing workforce reductions. The studio, known for titles like Watch Dogs: Legion and Far Cry 6, continues development on the Splinter Cell remake despite the cuts.Read more →
TechCrunch...Peak XV raises $1.3B, doubles down on AI as global VC rivalry in India heats upPeak XV Partners, a spinoff from Sequoia Capital, has raised $1.3 billion across new India and Asia-focused funds, bringing its total assets under management to over $10 billion. The firm is prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence, fintech, and cross-border opportunities while emphasizing disciplined capital deployment and strong returns over asset maximization.Read more →
Gizmodo...Watch the First ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Trailer and Get Ready for Your New Anime ObsessionWitch Hat Atelier is a new fantasy anime premiering on Crunchyroll that offers a fresh take on the magic-school formula popularized by Harry Potter. The series features an innovative magic system based on drawing symbols, with stunning animation and a score by Dark Souls composer Yuka Kitamura, positioning it as a must-watch for fantasy anime fans.Read more →
CNET...Every iPhone 17E Rumor and Leak So Far: $599 Price, Dynamic Island, MagSafeApple is expected to release the iPhone 17E in early 2026 at $599, featuring improvements over the iPhone 16E including the Dynamic Island design, A19 processor, and MagSafe support. These upgrades would position the budget model as a more compelling value option by reducing the trade-offs typically associated with lower-cost iPhones.Read more →
Gizmodo...Fender Mix Headphones Review: So Much More Than a Branding GimmickFender has entered the wireless headphones market with the Mix, which feature a modular design with replaceable earcups, batteries, and headbands, and include a USB-C dongle that delivers lossless, low-latency audio superior to standard Bluetooth connectivity. Priced at $299, the headphones offer impressive 52-100 hour battery life, solid active noise cancellation, and good sound quality, though they lack an companion app and customizable EQ options.Read more →
The Verge...I review laptops for The Verge, ask me anythingA content creator is hosting a live Q&A session for subscribers at 11AM PT/2PM ET to discuss laptops, photography, and various tech topics.Read more →
The Verge...The wellness wild west’s latest skincare fad is salmon spermPDRN, a DNA fragment derived from salmon sperm, has become a trending skincare ingredient marketed as a miracle solution for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. While injectable PDRN shows some medical promise, cosmetic chemists confirm that topical PDRN serums cannot replicate the effectiveness of injectable treatments due to inferior delivery methods and concentrations, despite widespread marketing claims suggesting otherwise.Read more →
TechCrunch...TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Super Early Bird rates end in 1 weekTechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place October 13-15 in San Francisco, is offering early bird pricing until February 27, with discounts up to $680 or 30% off community passes. The event brings together 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders for 200+ sessions featuring 250+ influential speakers, providing attendees with direct access to key industry figures and networking opportunities that drive partnerships, funding, and business growth.Read more →
TechCrunch...Why investors are going gaga over solid-state transformersStartups including DG Matrix, Heron Power, and Amperesand are developing solid-state transformers to modernize the aging electrical grid, replacing century-old copper and iron designs with semiconductor-based technology that offers greater control and efficiency. These smart transformers can integrate multiple power sources and loads, reduce physical footprint by 60-70%, and enable bidirectional power flow, initially targeting data centers before scaling to the broader grid where they could significantly reduce infrastructure and utility costs.Read more →
The Verge...Nintendo’s next big Pokémon presentation is on February 27thNintendo announced that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be rereleased on Nintendo Switch next week for $19.99, marking the franchise's 30th anniversary. The company will also host a Pokémon Presents stream on February 27th, expected to showcase new information about upcoming mainline games and spin-off titles.Read more →
Gizmodo...New Research Suggests You Actually Want QR Code Menus Replaced by… Augmented Reality?A Washington State University study suggests augmented reality (AR) elements in restaurant digital menus could boost customer engagement and willingness to recommend establishments, particularly when disclosing farm-to-table supply chain information. However, the research showed only marginal improvements over traditional QR code and printed menus, with the practical business impact remaining questionable.Read more →
Gizmodo...It Might Be an Even Longer Wait for ‘KPop Demon Hunters 2’This article covers multiple entertainment industry updates including Bill Hader's directorial horror debut, upcoming horror films and sequels, and casting announcements for Percy Jackson's third season. Key developments span horror productions, animated sequels, and television series expansions across major studios.Read more →
The Verge...Nintendo turned its biggest flop into an expensive, uncomfortable noveltyNintendo has released a Virtual Boy accessory for the Switch that recreates the original 1995 console's stereoscopic 3D experience, available through Nintendo Switch Online. The $100 plastic accessory or $25 cardboard headset allows players to experience seven Virtual Boy games, though the experience remains uncomfortable with eye strain and neck pain, limiting appeal to Nintendo enthusiasts.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI says 18 to 24-year-olds account for nearly 50% of ChatGPT usage in IndiaOpenAI reports strong adoption in India, with users aged 18-24 comprising nearly 50% of ChatGPT messages and those under 30 accounting for 80%. The platform sees particularly high usage for work-related tasks (35% of messages) and coding assistance through Codex, which is used three times more than the global median, with weekly usage quadrupling after a Mac app launch.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget Podcast: Instagram on trial and the RAMaggedon rages onMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a social media addiction trial, claiming Instagram was designed to be useful rather than addictive, raising questions about the company's responsibility in user engagement practices. The episode also covers a critical RAM shortage affecting consumer electronics manufacturers, potential delays in PlayStation 6 production, and upcoming product announcements from Apple and Google including new MacBook and Pixel devices.Read more →
Gizmodo...Wizards of the Coast Has a Very Long Explanation for Why It Changed Raph’s Weapon in the Ninja Turtles ‘Magic’ SetWizards of the Coast intentionally changed Raphael's weapon from sai to jitte in its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Magic: The Gathering crossover set to reflect a unique interpretation of the characters. The creative decision was made to show Splinter's traditional Japanese heritage and Raph's respect for his father figure, with each turtle trained in different authentic ninja weapons before developing their own styles.Read more →
CNET...Virtual Boy Review: Nintendo's Oddest Switch Accessory Yet Is an Immersive '90s MuseumNintendo has released a $100 Virtual Boy recreation that functions as a Switch accessory, allowing players to experience original Virtual Boy games in 3D through a distinctive red-and-black goggle interface. While primarily a novelty collectible aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts, the device showcases Nintendo's continued experimentation with alternative gaming formats and demonstrates how the Virtual Boy's quirky aesthetic aligns with modern indie gaming sensibilities.Read more →
The Verge...Meta will ruin its smart glasses by being MetaMeta's Ray-Ban smart glasses face significant privacy and trust concerns, particularly following reports that the company considered launching facial recognition features during a politically volatile period. The article highlights how the technology's discreet design and history of misuse—combined with Meta's poor privacy track record—create a fundamental conflict between accessibility benefits and dystopian surveillance risks that could ultimately doom smart glasses adoption.Read more →
Engadget...US website 'freedom.gov' will allow Europeans to view hate speech and other blocked contentThe US State Department is developing a web portal on freedom.gov to help people access content banned by their governments, particularly in Europe, potentially using VPN technology to route traffic through the US. The project has raised concerns among State Department officials and sparked criticism from European allies and experts who argue it could facilitate access to illegal content including hate speech and child exploitation material.Read more →
The Verge...Tesla's cheaper $60,000 Cybertruck is still a CybertruckTesla has announced a new all-wheel drive Cybertruck that starts at $59,990, the cheapest the controversial truck has been sold for yet - though still well above the $40,000 price tag Elon Musk had initially promised. It's been joined by a $15,000 price cut for the high-end Cyberbeast variant, as Tesla doubles down on its […]Read more →
TechCrunch...The OpenAI mafia: 18 startups founded by alumniOpenAI is reportedly finalizing a $100 billion funding deal, valuing the company at over $850 billion, while former employees have launched numerous AI startups that have raised billions in funding and some have become major rivals. The exodus of talent has created what some are calling a new tech elite ecosystem, with notable exits including Anthropic which recently raised $30 billion and rivals OpenAI, and other successful ventures like Perplexity, Safe Superintelligence, and Periodic Labs that have attracted significant investor interest.Read more →
Engadget...LA County lawsuit accuses Roblox of exposing children to 'grooming and exploitation'Los Angeles County sued Roblox for inadequate child safety measures, claiming the platform's moderation and age-verification systems fail to protect children from predators and inappropriate content. The lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal action from multiple states alleging Roblox prioritizes growth and revenue over child safety, with documented cases of exploitation.Read more →
Engadget...Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to Switch next week for the series’ 30th anniversaryNintendo is re-releasing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes, on Nintendo Switch to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary on February 27. The games will be sold as standalone $20 titles in the eShop with local multiplayer support via Switch wireless features, but will not be included in Nintendo Switch Online and have no physical release planned outside Japan.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: What to expect from Apple’s March 4 hardware eventApple is hosting its first event of 2026 on March 4 in New York City, expected to feature new iPad and MacBook models including entry-level MacBooks in new colors and M5 Pro/Max chips. The announcement comes alongside other tech news including Google's Pixel 10a launch, Meta's mobile-first metaverse strategy, and Netflix's first live MMA event featuring retired fighters Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.Read more →
CNET...Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone Air: Thin Phones Head-to-HeadApple's iPhone Air and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge represent opposing design philosophies in smartphone thinness, with the iPhone Air measuring 5.64mm and the S25 Edge at 5.8mm compared to standard models around 7-8mm thick. While both phones achieve ultra-slim profiles with minimal weight reduction, they sacrifice battery capacity and camera capabilities—the iPhone Air features a single rear camera versus the S25 Edge's dual setup, though both deliver comparable all-day battery performance through optimization.Read more →
CNET...10 Clever Home Appliance Innovations You'll See in 2026KBIS 2026 showcased major innovations in large appliances from brands like Samsung, LG, GE, and Sharp, including faster cooking technologies, smart refrigerators with barcode scanners, and AI-powered oven doneness detectors. The practical upgrades demonstrated include specialized washing machine features like straw washers and delicate baskets, as well as intelligent water dispensers and UV-cleaning capabilities designed to enhance convenience and food quality in modern homes.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Is a Ratings Slam DunkA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has become a ratings success for HBO, averaging nearly 13 million viewers per episode and on pace to become the third biggest series debut in HBO Max history. The show's strong performance is encouraging for HBO's broader Game of Thrones universe strategy and may influence future Westeros-set productions to adopt a smaller-scale approach similar to the prequel series.Read more →
TechCrunch...UAE’s G42 teams up with Cerebras to deploy 8 exaflops of compute in IndiaG42 and Cerebras are deploying an 8 exaflops supercomputer in India to provide sovereign AI computing infrastructure for educational institutions, government entities, and small and medium enterprises. The project aims to enable India to build AI applications while maintaining full data sovereignty and security, with support from institutions like MBZUAI and C-DAC.Read more →
Gizmodo...Iron Age Surgeons Fixed a Woman’s Shattered Jaw With Primitive Prosthetic—and She SurvivedArchaeologists analyzing a 2,500-year-old Pazyryk mummy discovered evidence of jaw surgery performed on a woman who suffered severe facial trauma, including drilled canals and ligature structures made from animal materials. The discovery reveals the ancient nomadic culture's sophisticated surgical capabilities and deep respect for human life, as the woman survived for years after the procedure despite significant pain and disability.Read more →
Engadget...Samsung updates Bixby to become more conversationalSamsung has launched an updated Bixby virtual assistant with One UI 8.5 beta that now functions as a conversational agent, allowing users to interact via natural language without remembering specific commands. The enhanced Bixby can access web information directly and intelligently adjust device settings based on user descriptions, currently available in Korea, Germany, India, Poland, the UK, and the US.Read more →
CNET...PlayStation 6 Rumors: Potential 2029 Release, Specs, Pricing and MoreSony is reportedly developing the PlayStation 6 with a potential release between 2027-2029, alongside a handheld device to compete with Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck. The console will likely feature AMD custom chips with advanced ray tracing and upscaling technology, with pricing potentially exceeding $500-700 for the main console and $400-500 for the handheld, driven by current RAM shortages and tariff pressures.Read more →
CNET...Netflix: 22 of the Best Fantasy TV Shows to Stream Right NowNetflix offers a diverse fantasy TV series catalog spanning multiple subgenres including monster hunting, murder mysteries, dystopian adventures, and pirate stories. CNET provides a curated guide to the platform's best fantasy shows with regular updates.Read more →
The Verge...Will Stancil, man of the people or just an annoying guy?Will Stancil is a Minneapolis activist who monitors ICE enforcement activities by recording arrests and agent behavior, but was removed from a community Signal chat for engaging with media outlets. His openness to press attention and public documentation has created tensions within the activist community, with some viewing him as essential to creating accountability while others worry his visibility endangers operational security and the broader movement.Read more →
CNET...Best Smoke Detectors for 2026, Engineer-Tested and ApprovedThis comprehensive guide reviews the best smoke detectors of 2026, including smart models with app integration and traditional options. The article covers key considerations such as power sources, sensor types, battery backups, and smart home compatibility to help homeowners choose the most suitable detector for their needs and local fire codes.Read more →
CNET...I Tested 24 Different Toothbrushes. This Is the Best OneThis article reviews various electric toothbrush models, comparing their features, performance, and user experience. The review covers budget options, smart toothbrushes with app connectivity, and innovative designs, highlighting that choice depends on individual preferences for cleaning power, price, and additional features like pressure sensing or AI-guided cleaning.Read more →
Engadget...Google Play used AI to help block 1.75 million bad apps in 2025Google's AI-powered safety systems blocked 1.75 million policy-violating apps in 2025, a decrease from 2.36 million in 2024 that the company attributes to improved detection deterring bad actors from attempting submissions. The company enhanced its defenses by running over 10,000 safety checks per app and leveraging generative AI models to help human reviewers identify malicious patterns faster, while Play Protect detected over 27 million new malicious apps and blocked 266 million risky installation attempts across 2.8 billion Android devices.Read more →
Engadget...The best streaming services in 2026This article provides a comprehensive comparison of major streaming services including Netflix, Max, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Peacock, Criterion Channel, and Shudder, detailing their pricing, content libraries, and unique features. Each service caters to different audience preferences, from family entertainment and prestige programming to sports coverage and classic cinema, with prices ranging from $8 to $13 per month.Read more →
Engadget...The best cheap Android phones to buy in 2026Budget Android phones between $150-$350 now offer strong performance and features including bright displays, reliable cameras, and all-day battery life, making them viable alternatives to premium flagships. The article reviews top budget Android models from Google, Samsung, and OnePlus, highlighting that consumers no longer need to compromise significantly on quality when choosing affordable devices.Read more →
TechCrunch...General Catalyst commits $5B to India over five yearsGeneral Catalyst, a major Silicon Valley venture firm, is committing $5 billion to invest in Indian startups over the next five years, focusing on AI, healthcare, defense technology, fintech, and consumer technology. This significant increase from their previous $1 billion allocation reflects India's emergence as a major AI investment destination, with the firm believing Indian founders are uniquely positioned to develop technology for large-scale real-world deployments rather than frontier models.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ali Partovi’s Neo looks to upend the accelerator model with low-dilution termsNeo, a venture firm led by investor Ali Partovi, has launched Neo Residency, a new accelerator program offering exceptionally founder-friendly terms including $750,000 in uncapped SAFE funding with equity stakes that decrease as company valuations increase—significantly more favorable than competitors like Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz. The program combines mentorship from experienced operators, three months of in-person collaboration in San Francisco, and substantial prestige within the venture capital community to attract top-tier founders without requiring the typical 7-10% equity stakes.Read more →
Gizmodo...Worst-Case Climate Scenario Would Irreversibly Damage Antarctica, Scientists WarnAntarctica is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, threatening its ecosystems and driving sea level rise. A new study shows that the continent's fate depends on emissions reductions over the next decade, with current trajectories leading to severe consequences including ice shelf collapse, species displacement, and irreversible tipping points.Read more →
Gizmodo...New Research Shows AI Agents Are Running Wild Online, With Few Guardrails in PlaceMIT CSAIL's 2025 AI Agent Index reveals that while AI agent adoption has skyrocketed with 62% of companies experimenting with the technology, most of the 30 prominent agents analyzed lack adequate safety frameworks and transparency measures. Critical gaps include only half having published safety documentation, 21 of 30 agents providing no disclosure that they are AI rather than human, and most failing to properly handle anti-bot systems or disclose security testing results, creating significant vulnerability to exploits and prompt injection attacks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s new Gemini Pro model has record benchmark scores—againGoogle released Gemini Pro 3.1, a preview version of its latest large language model that demonstrates significant performance improvements over its predecessor Gemini 3.0. The model has achieved top rankings on independent benchmarks including Humanity's Last Exam and APEX-Agents, indicating substantial advances in handling complex professional tasks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Nvidia deepens early-stage push into India’s AI startup ecosystemNvidia is expanding its presence in India's AI startup ecosystem through partnerships with early-stage venture firms like Activate, aiming to build relationships with founders before formal company establishment. This strategy positions the chipmaker to capture long-term demand as AI-native startups scale and increase their computing infrastructure needs.Read more →
CNET...AI Agents Are Getting Better. Their Safety Disclosures Aren'tA MIT AI Agent Index study of 67 deployed agentic AI systems reveals a significant transparency gap: while 70% of developers document capabilities, only 19% disclose formal safety policies and fewer than 10% report external safety evaluations. This imbalance is concerning as AI agents gain autonomy to execute complex tasks with limited human oversight, raising risks when they can access files, send emails, and modify documents.Read more →
Engadget...Apple inks deal for IMAX screenings of live Formula 1 racesApple is partnering with IMAX to broadcast five Formula 1 races from the 2026 season in select US theaters, leveraging its five-year US broadcast rights deal. This expanded distribution strategy aims to provide fans with an immersive viewing experience beyond traditional television broadcasts.Read more →
CNET...Google Rolls Out Latest AI Model, Gemini 3.1 ProGoogle released Gemini 3.1 Pro, an upgraded AI model that demonstrates significant improvements in reasoning and problem-solving capabilities, with particularly notable gains in abstract reasoning benchmarks. The model is being rolled out across consumer products, enterprise solutions, and developer platforms, featuring enhanced abilities in code generation, creative design, and interactive content creation.Read more →
Engadget...Meta's metaverse is going mobile-firstMeta is separating Horizon Worlds from its Quest VR platform, shifting Worlds to a mobile-first focus while maintaining VR as a separate product. This strategic pivot reflects Meta's reduced commitment to its metaverse vision and aligns with the company's shift toward AI hardware and smart glasses development.Read more →
The Verge...The executive that helped build Meta’s ad machine is trying to expose itFormer Meta executive Brian Boland testified in court that Meta's business model and leadership prioritized growth and user engagement over safety, particularly for teenagers on Facebook and Instagram. Boland described a company culture shaped by Zuckerberg's focus on winning growth, with algorithms designed to maximize engagement regardless of potential harms, and said safety concerns were treated as problems to manage rather than opportunities to fix.Read more →
CNET...A Mystery Phone, Found in the Desert, Slowly Reveals Its SecretsA retired teacher in Arizona discovered a Samsung Gusto 2 flip phone lost in the desert for a decade and successfully reunited it with its original owner through detective work. The phone's remarkable durability and ability to power on after years of exposure to extreme weather demonstrates the robustness of older mobile devices compared to modern fragile smartphones.Read more →
CNET...Moonquakes: Understanding the Moon's Tectonic Forces Could Protect Future AstronautsResearchers have created the first global map of small mare ridges on the moon, which are caused by faults associated with moonquakes as the moon's core cools and contracts. This discovery is critical for planning safe locations for permanent lunar bases and infrastructure, as understanding tectonic activity will help mitigate risks to future missions while providing insights into the moon's interior and formation.Read more →
The Verge...The Pitt has a sharp take on AIHBO's The Pitt season two explores the adoption of AI-powered transcription software in hospital settings, depicting both its potential to streamline administrative work and its serious limitations in addressing understaffing and resource constraints. The show thoughtfully examines how AI tools can introduce errors while highlighting that technology alone cannot solve systemic workplace problems like nursing shortages and underfunding.Read more →
Gizmodo...Watch Phil Lord and Chris Miller Get Shaken About for ‘Project Hail Mary’Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller demonstrated Project Hail Mary's release across 12 different theatrical formats, including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, each offering distinct visual and audio experiences. The film features variable aspect ratios optimized for different formats, with space scenes designed to appear significantly larger than Earth scenes depending on the presentation method.Read more →
The Verge...A $10K+ bounty is waiting for anyone who can unplug Ring doorbells from Amazon's cloudWith Ring facing fierce backlash over its Search Party feature, a new program is challenging developers to move Ring doorbell footage off of Amazon's cloud - and into users' own devices. The Fulu Foundation, the consumer advocacy group cofounded by YouTuber Louis Rossmann, is offering an initial bounty of $10,000 to anyone who can integrate […]Read more →
TechCrunch...FBI says ATM ‘jackpotting’ attacks are on the rise, and netting hackers millions in stolen cashATM jackpotting has evolved from theoretical security research into a significant criminal threat, with over 700 attacks on cash dispensers in 2025 alone netting hackers at least $20 million. The FBI reports that criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in ATM software, particularly the Ploutus malware that targets Windows-based ATMs and leverages XFS software flaws to dispense cash without drawing from customer accounts.Read more →
TechCrunch...At a critical moment, Snap loses a top Specs execSnap's SVP of Specs, Scott Myers, has departed the company amid a strategic dispute with CEO Evan Spiegel, though the exact details remain undisclosed. Despite this leadership change, Snap remains committed to launching its AR glasses product, Specs, later this year, following a recent corporate restructuring that spun off the Specs team into a separate subsidiary.Read more →
Gizmodo...New NASA Chief Blames Prior Leadership for Botched Starliner MissionNASA's investigation into the Starliner mishap that stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore on the ISS for nine months found that agency leadership prioritized maintaining multiple crew transport systems over crew safety, leading to oversight failures and cultural breakdowns. The report identified hardware qualification deficiencies, design compromises, and leadership missteps that created risk conditions inconsistent with NASA's safety standards, with NASA accepting significant responsibility for the incident.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Claims Obama Leaked Classified Intel When He Said Aliens Are RealPresident Trump claimed that Barack Obama leaked classified information while discussing extraterrestrials on a podcast, though Obama's comments were speculative remarks about the statistical likelihood of alien life rather than specific disclosures. Trump's accusation lacked clarification about what classified information was allegedly revealed, and observers noted the exchange highlighted either a misunderstanding or a potential distraction tactic amid low approval ratings.Read more →
TechCrunch...Cellebrite cut off Serbia citing abuse of its phone unlocking tools. Why not others?Cellebrite, a phone hacking tool maker, is facing allegations that its forensic unlocking tools were used by governments in Kenya and Jordan to hack into activists' phones. The company has dismissed recent accusations and declined to investigate, marking a shift from its previous response to similar allegations in Serbia where it suspended police as customers.Read more →
Gizmodo...Absolute Green Arrow Is a Horror-Fueled Billionaire KillerDC Comics is launching Absolute Green Arrow, a horror-themed reimagining where a serial killer targets corrupt billionaires using green arrows as his signature. The series explores the mysterious death of Oliver Queen and features Black Canary investigating the murders, blending slasher-horror storytelling with the character's mythology.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Era of the $20,000 New Car Is OverThe U.S. auto market no longer offers any mainstream new cars below $20,000, as manufacturers discontinue budget models like the Nissan Versa in favor of higher-margin vehicles. This reflects a fundamental market shift where automakers prioritize profitable SUVs and trucks, while wealthy buyers with $150,000+ household incomes now comprise 43% of new-car purchases, effectively pricing out first-time and working-class buyers.Read more →
CNET...KBIS 2026: Live Updates From the Final Day at the Kitchen and Bath Industry ShowIt's the last day here at KBIS. Follow along for the final moments of the 2026 show.Read more →
TechCrunch...Second and last chance for innovators to win scaling perks: Belden extends nomination windowThe Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award has extended its 2026 nomination deadline to February 27, recognizing emerging companies with breakthrough solutions in connected industries, with a critical focus on IT/OT convergence. Eligible companies must have revenue under $500 million and products launched after July 1, 2024, with at least one customer deployment, with finalists gaining industry visibility and winners announced at the Belden Innovation Summit in June 2026.Read more →
The Verge...The best earbuds we’ve tested for 2026The article reviews the best wireless earbuds across multiple categories, highlighting that modern earbuds now deliver excellent noise cancellation and sound quality at various price points. Top recommendations include Sony WF-1000XM5 for overall performance, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 for noise cancellation, and device-specific options like AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone users and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for Android users.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google says its AI systems helped deter Play Store malware in 2025Google reported a significant decline in malicious apps on Google Play in 2025, preventing 1.75 million policy-violating apps from publication compared to 2.36 million in 2024. The company attributes this improvement to increased investments in AI-powered security systems, developer verification requirements, and real-time defenses that both detect threats and deter malicious actors.Read more →
CNET...Apple Sued Over Allegations of CSAM on iCloudWest Virginia's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging the company knowingly allowed child sexual abuse material to be stored and distributed on iCloud for years while deliberately avoiding detection. The lawsuit cites internal iMessages from Apple executives acknowledging the issue and claims Apple abandoned a planned CSAM detection tool, resulting in significantly fewer reported instances compared to competitors like Google and Meta.Read more →
Gizmodo...Bitcoin’s Price Crash Hasn’t Stopped One Company From Adding to Its $47 Billion Crypto StashMicroStrategy, a bitcoin treasury company led by Michael Saylor, holds approximately $47 billion in bitcoin and continues aggressive accumulation despite recent price declines, funding purchases through share issuance and debt. The company's stock acts as a leveraged bet on bitcoin's success, currently down 76.5% from its November 2024 peak, though still only about 10% below the company's average acquisition price for its bitcoin holdings.Read more →
TechCrunch...An AI data center boom is fueling Redwood’s energy storage businessRedwood Materials has rapidly expanded its energy storage business, launched in June 2025, to address critical power demands from AI data centers. The company raised $425 million in Series E funding from Google and Nvidia, establishing a new 55,000-square-foot R&D facility in San Francisco, as data center developers face years-long grid connection delays and unprecedented electricity requirements for AI infrastructure.Read more →
Engadget...Slay the Spire 2 will enter early access on March 5Slay the Spire 2 will enter early access on Steam on March 5, 2026, with developers planning an extended testing period of one to two years or longer to balance content and gather player feedback. The sequel will introduce a new co-op mode supporting up to four players with exclusive multiplayer cards and team synergies.Read more →
CNET...Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 20, #515This article provides hints and answers for The New York Times Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, a word-grouping game published by The Athletic. The puzzle features four categories themed around sports topics including breaks in action, horse racing bets, Vikings quarterbacks, and race-related terms.Read more →
Gizmodo...Make Time (Travel) to See ‘Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie’Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie is a Canadian comedy film where a band attempts to play a show at a Toronto venue, featuring time travel elements inspired by Back to the Future. The film succeeds through the genuine friendship and chemistry between its stars and creators, blending pop culture references with real-world comedy that feels effortless despite its audacious concept.Read more →
The Verge...Meta’s VR metaverse is ditching VRMeta, after laying off about 10 percent of its Reality Labs division, closing three VR studios, stopping new content for VR fitness app Supernatural, and discontinuing its metaverse for work, is announcing a major change for its Horizon Worlds metaverse platform. Instead of attempting to make the 3D social platform work for both VR and […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Why these startup CEOs don’t think AI will replace human rolesAI is reshaping job roles rather than eliminating them entirely, with companies like Read AI and Lucidya using AI tools to automate routine tasks while humans focus on higher-value decision-making and relationship-building. While some roles may be displaced, AI is creating new opportunities for workers to take supervisory positions, handle business development, and provide better customer service through increased context and efficiency.Read more →
TechCrunch...YouTube’s latest experiment brings its conversational AI tool to TVsYouTube is expanding its conversational AI assistant to smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, allowing users to ask questions about video content directly on their television without pausing or leaving the app. This feature, now available to select users over 18 in multiple languages, reflects the growing competition among streaming platforms to integrate advanced AI capabilities as YouTube's TV viewership surpasses major competitors like Disney and Netflix.Read more →
TechCrunch...Toyota hires seven Agility humanoid robots for Canadian factoryToyota Manufacturing Canada has deployed seven Digit humanoid robots built by Agility Robotics in its RAV4 plant to unload auto parts from warehouse systems, marking a significant real-world implementation of humanoid robots in manufacturing. The deployment follows a year-long pilot and demonstrates progress in transitioning humanoid robots from laboratory demonstrations to practical industrial workflows, with Agility using AI tools to reduce deployment costs and integration complexity.Read more →
CNET...Zuckerberg's Trial Testimony Pushes Back on Social Media Addiction ClaimsMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a Los Angeles court case alleging Instagram causes addiction in young users, defending that the platform offers valuable services rather than being inherently addictive. The trial could set a precedent for accountability across the social media industry regarding intentional design features that exploit users' psychological vulnerabilities for engagement.Read more →
Gizmodo...What’s the Difference Between Tesla’s Cybercab and Robotaxi?Tesla's Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle without steering wheel or pedals, is set for production in April, but confusion persists about its distinction from Tesla's current robotaxi service operating in Texas. Tesla's autonomous vehicles currently crash at four times the human rate, trailing significantly behind Waymo's superior safety record, raising questions about whether the company has adequately solved autonomous driving challenges. Musk faces regulatory hurdles, local government pushback, and a history of unmet promises, with the Cybercab's actual ownership model and pricing remaining unclear despite his initial $30,000 price point projection.Read more →
CNET...T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Which Major Phone Carrier to Choose?The article compares T-Mobile and Verizon's wireless plans, pricing, and perks for 2026, evaluating coverage, data speeds, streaming services, hotspot allocations, and international roaming. T-Mobile emerges with advantages in single-line pricing, hotspot data, and included streaming perks, while Verizon offers more flexibility in à la carte feature selection despite typically higher overall costs.Read more →
Gizmodo...Marvel Is Celebrating 10 Years of ‘Rogue One’ With Some New Prequel Adventures (Exclusive)Marvel is releasing five special one-shot comics to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, featuring backstory issues for Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, Saw Gerrera, Chirrut and Baze, and Darth Vader set just before the film's events. The series begins in May 2026 and explores pivotal moments in these characters' lives as they converge on their legendary mission.Read more →
TechCrunch...The boys’ club no one was supposed to write aboutA Wired investigation reveals how gay men in senior positions at major tech companies have built influential professional networks that support hiring, investment, and career advancement. While the informal mentorship has been effective, the article examines concerns about power dynamics and unwanted advances within these circles, while sources caution against painting the entire community negatively.Read more →
TechCrunch...SpaceX’s Starbase city is getting its own courtSpaceX's Starbase company town in Texas is establishing its own municipal court system with a part-time judge, prosecutor, and court clerk to complement its recently created volunteer fire department and police department. The city, which has grown to 580 residents adjacent to SpaceX's rocket facility, is building independent municipal services due to insufficient county law enforcement coverage and increasing service demands from rapid population growth and frequent SpaceX launches that attract tourists.Read more →
Engadget...Sony is shutting down the studio behind the Demon's Souls remakeSony is closing Bluepoint Games, the acclaimed studio behind the Shadow of the Colossus and Demon's Souls remakes, with approximately 70 employees losing their jobs in March following a business review. The studio's cancellation follows the failure of its live-service God of War project in 2025, part of a broader pattern of Sony shuttering underperforming game studios and live-service titles.Read more →
Gizmodo...You’ve Caught the Gaming Industry at a Very Chinese Moment in Its LifeChina's gaming industry has become a dominant global force, accounting for 38% of industry growth in 2025 with 725 million players and 20% of global spending. Chinese mobile games are dominating North American markets while Western developers struggle with declining investments and high app store fees, with expectations for more Chinese-developed AAA titles featuring Asian folklore to gain Western audiences.Read more →
The Verge...After Search Party backlash, Ring is still avoiding the bigger questionsRing founder Jamie Siminoff has been on an "explanation tour," as The New York Times puts it, following the fallout from its Super Bowl ad and the introduction of its Search Party feature. In an interview with The Times this week, Siminoff explained that he understands people's concerns and that "maybe people were 'triggered' by […]Read more →
Gizmodo...You Can ‘Hack’ ChatGPT to Become the World’s Best AnythingA BBC reporter demonstrated how easily AI systems can be manipulated into spreading false information by creating a fictional hot dog eating championship on his website, which ChatGPT and Google's Gemini quickly picked up and amplified. The incident exposes a critical vulnerability in how AI models ingest unvetted web data, raising serious concerns about the potential for misinformation regarding medications, investments, and other consequential topics.Read more →
CNET...Woody and Buzz Join Forces to Take On a Tablet in New 'Toy Story 5' TrailerToy Story 5's trailer reveals a central conflict between classic toys and Lilypad, an intelligent learning tablet competing for a child's attention and affection. The film explores themes of technology's growing influence on childhood play and the potential obsolescence of traditional toys in a digital age.Read more →
Engadget...Meta is shuttering Messenger’s standalone website, which is a thing that existsMeta is shutting down the standalone Messenger website in April, redirecting users to facebook.com/messages for web-based messaging. This consolidation follows Meta's previous discontinuation of Messenger's standalone desktop apps, requiring users to access messaging through Facebook's main platform instead.Read more →
The Verge...Sony is closing the studio behind the Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus remakesSony is shutting down Bluepoint Games, the PlayStation studio behind well-received remakes of games like Shadow of the Colossus and Demon's Souls, according to Bloomberg. The change was made "following a recent business review," a spokesperson told the publication. About 70 staffers will be cut, and the studio will shut down in March. "Bluepoint Games […]Read more →
Gizmodo...Prime Video Sucks for AnimePrime Video has secured exclusive streaming rights to Science Saru's highly anticipated Ghost in the Shell anime adaptation as part of its 2026 lineup, but the streamer has a troubling track record of poor promotion and controversial AI dubbing initiatives that have damaged fan trust. Despite claiming to become the preferred destination for anime globally, Prime Video has consistently undermarketed its anime library, failed to obtain proper approvals for AI dubs, and disrespected the medium compared to competitors like Netflix and Crunchyroll, raising concerns about whether this prestigious title will receive the attention it deserves.Read more →
The Verge...The AI security nightmare is here and it looks suspiciously like lobsterA security vulnerability was discovered in Cline, an AI-powered workflow tool, where a hacker successfully exploited Claude's integration to trick the system into installing OpenClaw malware on target computers. This incident highlights the risks of AI-assisted automation when insufficient security controls are in place to validate and verify executable actions.Read more →
Engadget...Here are my favorite things from Toy Fair 2026Toy Fair 2026 showcased major releases across beloved franchises including Transformers 40th anniversary figures, F1 Hot Wheels racing sets with interactive courses, Lego Star Wars with Smart Bricks featuring reactive lights and sounds, and new K-pop Demon Hunters toys. Standout products include a life-size Matrix of Leadership replica, officially licensed Formula 1 miniature racecars, interactive Lego Star Wars sets shipping March 1st, and limited edition items like the Hatchin' Yoshi which sold out pre-orders.Read more →
The Verge...Baseus’ retractable, 6-in-1 travel adapter is on sale for its lowest price to dateThe Baseus EnerCore CG11 is an all-in-one travel adapter featuring four retractable plug types supporting 200+ countries, dual USB-C and USB-A ports with up to 60W output, and a built-in retractable USB-C cable. Currently available on Amazon for $24.95 with promo code G76S8NVM, representing a $45 discount and its lowest price to date.Read more →
TechCrunch...As browser wars heat up, Chrome adds new productivity featuresGoogle Chrome launched Split View for side-by-side multitasking, PDF annotations for in-browser editing, and Save to Google Drive integration to enhance productivity and compete with AI-powered browsers from OpenAI and Perplexity. These features integrate Chrome more deeply with Google's ecosystem while addressing the competitive pressure from emerging agentic browsers.Read more →
TechCrunch...Reddit is testing a new AI search feature for shoppingReddit is testing an AI-powered search tool that displays interactive product carousels with pricing and direct purchase links based on community recommendations. The feature aims to integrate e-commerce directly into search results, allowing users to discover and buy products mentioned in Reddit discussions, representing the company's broader strategy to combine community engagement with shopping capabilities and revenue generation.Read more →
The Verge...Texas is suing TP-Link over its ties to ChinaTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing TP-Link over claims that the router-maker is misleading customers about its ties to China. In a lawsuit filed this week, Paxton claims TP-Link is "masking its Chinese connections," while serving as "an open window for Chinese-sponsored threat actors and Chinese intelligence agencies." TP-Link was founded in China, but […]Read more →
TechCrunch...All the important news from the ongoing India AI Impact SummitIndia's AI Impact Summit attracted major tech executives and announced significant investments totaling over $1 billion in AI infrastructure and startups, positioning the country as a major hub for AI development. Key announcements included Anthropic opening its first India office in Bengaluru, OpenAI expanding with two new offices, and Adani committing $100 billion for AI data centers powered by renewable energy by 2035.Read more →
CNET...T-Mobile Introduces Real-Time Live Translation in Its Network for Any CallT-Mobile is introducing a network-level Live Translation feature that enables real-time conversation translation during phone calls without requiring users to have smartphones or install apps. The service supports over 50 languages, uses AI voice cloning to preserve emotion and intonation, and will begin beta testing in spring with no setup or voice training required.Read more →
Gizmodo...Indiana Jones Exists in the ‘Shrinking’ Universe, But Who Plays Him?Harrison Ford's character in Apple TV's Shrinking humorously hums the Indiana Jones theme while returning to work as a therapist, creating a meta moment that raises the playful question of who would play Indiana Jones in the show's universe. The scene showcases Ford's comedic talents on the series and highlights his acclaimed performance in the role.Read more →
Engadget...Ring could be planning to expand Search Party feature beyond dogsRing CEO Jamie Siminoff's emails suggest the company's Search Party feature, originally positioned as a lost dog finder, could expand into broader neighborhood crime surveillance using combined camera networks and facial recognition technology. The revelation has raised concerns about the potential for invasive surveillance, particularly given Ring's partnerships with law enforcement and the recent launch of facial recognition tools like Familiar Faces.Read more →
Gizmodo...Federal Reserve Says Prediction Markets Are a Valuable Tool for PolicymakersThe Federal Reserve report validates prediction markets, particularly Kalshi, as valuable tools for forecasting economic data and policy decisions, demonstrating superior or comparable accuracy to traditional benchmarks like surveys and futures markets. However, the report notes inherent limitations including risk premiums and low-volume noise, while highlighting that prediction markets are best used as complements rather than replacements for existing forecasting methods.Read more →
CNET...These Are the 9 Coolest Large Appliances Features Coming in 2026KBIS 2026 showcased major innovations in home appliances, including smart fridges with barcode scanners, ovens with AI doneness detection, and washing machines with specialized features like UV cleaning and delicate item baskets. These technologies aim to simplify household tasks and improve cooking and laundry outcomes through intelligent automation and design improvements.Read more →
CNET...This Smart Fire System Uses Hidden Misters and Thermal Imaging to Protect Your HomePlumis has introduced Automist, a fire suppression system that uses wall-mounted misting panels connected to existing home plumbing instead of large water tanks, addressing traditional sprinkler system limitations. The system uses thermal imaging to target fires with 14 times faster activation than conventional sprinklers while using only 10% of the water, minimizing water damage to home furnishings and materials.Read more →
The Verge...Apple TV’s The Hunt finally has a premiere dateA television series that experienced an unexpected delay is now scheduled to premiere on March 4th. The announcement confirms the new debut date after the production setback.Read more →
Engadget...YouTube is bringing the Gemini-powered 'Ask' button to TVsYouTube's AI-powered 'Ask' feature, which leverages Gemini to answer questions about video content, is now rolling out experimentally to smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Users can select canned prompts or use voice commands through their TV remote's microphone to ask contextual questions about videos they're watching.Read more →
Engadget...Rivian rolls out an Apple Watch app with vehicle controls and digital key supportRivian has launched an Apple Watch app enabling owners of R1S and R1T Gen 2 vehicles to control key functions without their phone, including unlocking doors, sounding alarms, and venting windows through passive car key technology. The app also allows users to adjust cabin temperature and target charge levels via the digital crown, with customizable quick controls and battery status display on the watch face.Read more →
Gizmodo...The New ‘Toy Story 5’ Trailer Reminds Us Tech Is a 4-Letter WordToy Story 5 introduces technology as a central theme, with a new character named Lilypad representing modern electronics that challenge the traditional toy characters. The film explores how classic toys adapt to kids' contemporary obsession with tech, maintaining the franchise's long-standing narrative about change and growing up.Read more →
Gizmodo...CT Scans Reveal Gruesome Details of Inca Child SacrificesResearchers used CT scans to examine mummified remains of four children sacrificed in Inca capacocha rituals around 500 years ago, finding evidence of fatal head injuries and challenging historical accounts about the victims' physical condition. The analysis of one child revealed intentional post-mortem modifications, providing the first direct scientific evidence that sacrificed children played ongoing religious roles in Inca communities, similar to deceased rulers and aristocrats.Read more →
The Verge...West Virginia sues Apple for allegedly letting child abuse spread in iCloudWest Virginia has filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of allowing the distribution and storage of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in iCloud. In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey claims that by abandoning a CSAM detection system in favor of end-to-end encryption, iCloud has become a "secure […]Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta is shutting down Messenger’s standalone websiteMeta is shutting down its standalone Messenger website in April 2026, requiring users to access messaging through facebook.com instead. The move follows Meta's earlier discontinuation of standalone Messenger desktop apps and reflects the company's strategy to consolidate its messaging services and reduce platform maintenance costs.Read more →
