AI Guide

AI Laptops

CES 2025 AI Laptops Availability

Several AI laptops featured at CES 2025 are now available for purchase or pre-order. The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, known for improved AI processing and design, is available on Lenovo's store. The Acer Swift Go 14 AI, a more affordable Copilot+ PC with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, is also available. The Asus ZenBook A14, recognized for its design, battery life, and OLED display, can be purchased, along with the gaming-oriented Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet, powered by AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ processors.

Fintech & Payments

Mansa's Expansion with Stablecoin Liquidity

Mansa, an Africa-based startup headquartered in Dubai, has raised $10 million in seed funding, including a $3 million equity investment from Tether, to broaden its stablecoin liquidity solutions for cross-border payments into Latin America and Southeast Asia. Mansa provides payments companies with a revolving line of credit in stablecoins, facilitating instant transaction settlements and customer account funding. By offering fast, flexible embedded pre-funding solutions and using real-time transaction data for loan underwriting, Mansa addresses liquidity shortages that contribute to delays and increased costs in cross-border payments, especially in emerging markets. Mansa aggregates capital from DeFi platforms, quant funds, family offices, and hedge funds.

News List

TechCrunch

2 hours ago

Tether backs stablecoin liquidity provider Mansa in $10M seed round

Dubai-based Mansa, an Africa-focused startup, secured $10 million in seed funding, including a $3 million equity investment led by Tether, to expand its stablecoin liquidity solutions for cross-border payments into Latin America and Southeast Asia. Mansa offers payments companies a revolving line of credit in stablecoins, enabling instant transaction settlements and customer account funding. The company addresses liquidity shortages that cause delays and higher costs in cross-border payments, particularly in emerging markets, by providing fast, flexible embedded pre-funding solutions and leveraging real-time transaction data for loan underwriting. Mansa aggregates capital from DeFi platforms, quant funds, family offices, and hedge funds, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of global payments.

Mashable

2 hours ago

Heres how you can get some of our favorite AI laptops from CES 2025

CES 2025 showcased a strong presence of AI in laptops, with notable models from Asus, Acer, and Lenovo. While many are still awaiting release, some AI laptops are already available for purchase or pre-order. The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, featuring improved AI processing and a sleek design, is available on Lenovo’s store. The Acer Swift Go 14 AI, equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, is a more budget-friendly Copilot+ PC. The Asus ZenBook A14, praised for its design, battery life, and OLED display, is also available, alongside the gaming-focused Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet, utilizing AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ processors.

AI Guide

Automotive Technology

Volvo's Enhanced Computing Power

Volvo's upcoming ES90 electric sedan will feature a dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin configuration, representing the most powerful Volvo car in terms of computing capacity. The Orin system's 508 trillion operations per second signify an eightfold improvement in processing speeds. This enhanced processing power will enable Volvo to enhance its deep learning model and neural network, with improvements being transferable between the EX90 and ES90.

Retail & Consumer Deals

Adidas Discounts

Adidas is offering a 30% discount on new full-price and sales styles with code WINTER until February 24. Students can get 20% off full-price items online with UNiDAYS and 15% in-store. Verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers get 30% off online and in-store. Joining adiClub provides free shipping, discount vouchers, and exclusive member benefits, including a 15% promo code upon signup. Popular items include the Adidas campus 00s.

Verizon Promotions

Verizon offers extensive 4G LTE and expanding 5G networks. Customers can save up to $830 on a new smartphone with a trade-in and new line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan. Promotions include free phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25+ with AI, and deals on smartwatches and tablets with select Unlimited Plans. Apple's iPhone 16 is also available from $10 per month.

Max Streaming Service Deals

Max (formerly HBO Max) offers content from Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, and more. Students can get 50% off Max with a promo code, making the price just $5 a month for the Basic With Ads plan. There is also a deal bundling Max, Disney+, and Hulu for $16.99 a month with ads, or $29.99 a month without ads. Max also has different tiers at different prices for streaming.

News List

Wired

2 hours ago

Max Promo Code: 50% Off | February 2025

Max (formerly HBO Max) offers a variety of content from Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, and more. Students can get 50% off Max with a promo code, making the price just $5 a month for the Basic With Ads plan. There is also a deal bundling Max, Disney+, and Hulu for $16.99 a month with ads, or $29.99 a month without ads, offering significant savings. Max also has different tiers at different prices for streaming.

Wired

2 hours ago

$830 Off Verizon Promo Codes and Deals

Verizon, the second-largest wireless carrier in the US, offers extensive 4G LTE and expanding 5G networks. Customers can save up to $830 on a new smartphone with a trade-in and new line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan. There are promotions for free phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25+ with AI, and deals on smartwatches and tablets with select Unlimited Plans. Apple’s iPhone 16 is also available from $10 per month.

Wired

3 hours ago

Adidas Promo Codes & Deals: 30% Off

Adidas, endorsed by celebrities like David Beckham and Pharrell, is offering a 30% discount on new full-price and sales styles with code WINTER until February 24. Students can get 20% off full-price items online with UNiDAYS and 15% in-store, while verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers get 30% off online and in-store. Joining adiClub provides free shipping, discount vouchers, and exclusive member benefits, including a 15% promo code upon signup. Popular items include the Adidas campus 00s.

The Verge

3 hours ago

Volvo’s ES90 sedan will be built with a Nvidia supercomputer

Volvo’s upcoming ES90 electric sedan will feature a dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin configuration, making it the most powerful Volvo car in terms of computing capacity. This new supercomputer is part of Volvo’s Superset tech stack, which will underpin all of its next-generation vehicles. The Orin system’s 508 trillion operations per second represent an eightfold improvement in processing speeds. This increased processing power will enable Volvo to enhance its deep learning model and neural network. Volvo envisions a future where features like driver assist technology and battery range can be improved over time thanks to this new tech stack, with improvements being translatable between the EX90 and ES90.

AI Guide

Technology & Innovation

Microbiology Testing

Spore.Bio, a deep tech startup in Paris, secured $23 million in Series A funding led by Singular. The company aims to revolutionize microbiology testing in the food industry by using spectral signatures and deep learning algorithms to speed up bacteria and pathogen detection, potentially reducing test times from days to much shorter periods. This innovation is crucial for preventing contamination incidents and protecting brand reputation in the food and beverage sector. Spore.Bio has already established commercial contracts with up to 200 factories and has partnered with the Pasteur Institute.

Water Harvesting Technology

In Chile's Atacama Desert, researchers explored fog harvesting as a solution to water scarcity. Using simple fog collectors, consisting of nets held by poles, they collected moisture that condenses into droplets and flows into water tanks. Results indicated that 100 square kilometers could yield 0.2 to 5 liters of fog water per square meter daily, with peak collection in August and September. These passive systems, which require no electricity, offer a sustainable method to enhance the quality of life for inhabitants in areas with limited water access.

News List

Gizmodo

4 hours ago

Star Wars-Style Fog Collectors Could Provide Water to the World’s Driest Cities

Researchers in Chile have tested the viability of fog harvesting as a method to address water scarcity in the Atacama Desert. The study, conducted in Alto Hospicio, a rapidly growing municipality with limited access to water distribution networks, utilized simple fog collectors consisting of fine nets held aloft by two poles. Moisture in the air condenses into droplets on the material, which then flow into a gutter and into a water tank. The results showed that 100 square kilometers could yield between 0.2 and five liters of fog water per square meter per day, with peak collection months in August and September. The passive systems don’t require electricity or other energy to function, offering a key opportunity to improve the quality of life of inhabitants.

TechCrunch

4 hours ago

Spore.Bio raises $23M to apply machine learning to microbiology testing

Spore.Bio, a Paris-based deep tech startup focused on reinventing microbiology testing for the food industry, has raised a $23 million Series A round led by Singular. The company’s technology aims to provide faster microbiological tests, reducing the time from several days to a much shorter duration by using spectral signatures and deep learning algorithms to detect bacteria and pathogens. This innovation addresses the critical need for rapid testing in the food and beverage industry to avoid contamination incidents and long-lasting damage to brand reputation. Spore.Bio has already signed commercial contracts covering up to 200 factories and has partnered with the Pasteur Institute.

AI Guide

Cybersecurity

CISA Hires Engineers from DOGE

Edward Coristine, 19, and Kyle Schutt, 38, both engineers from Elon Musk's DOGE, have joined the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Coristine, a former Neuralink intern, has worked at several federal agencies since January. Schutt previously worked on WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform. CISA is responsible for defending federal networks and working with critical infrastructure owners. It remains unclear what level of access Coristine has to CISA data and networks.

News List

Wired

7 hours ago

DOGE Now Has Access to the Top US Cybersecurity Agency

Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old engineer from Elon Musk’s DOGE, and Kyle Schutt, a 38-year-old software engineer also from DOGE, have joined the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Coristine, previously an intern at Neuralink, has worked at several federal agencies since January, potentially accessing sensitive information at the State Department. Schutt previously worked on WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform. CISA, responsible for defending civilian federal networks and working with critical infrastructure owners, stores sensitive security information, including data on software vulnerabilities and election office network risk assessments. It’s unclear what level of access Coristine might have to CISA data and networks.

AI Guide

Artificial Intelligence

Codeium Funding Round

AI-powered coding startup Codeium is raising a new round of funding led by Kleiner Perkins at a $2.85 billion valuation. This follows a $150 million Series C just six months prior at a $1.25 billion valuation. Codeium has reached approximately $30 million in annualized recurring revenue (ARR). The company targets enterprise customers, with its free tier used by over 1,000 enterprises, including Anduril, Zillow, and Dell. In November, they launched Windsurf Editor, capable of generating code autonomously.

News List

TechCrunch

8 hours ago

AI-coding startup Codeium in talks to raise at an almost $3B valuation, sources say

AI-powered coding startup Codeium is raising a new round of funding at a $2.85 billion valuation, led by Kleiner Perkins. This comes just six months after a $150 million Series C at a $1.25 billion valuation. Codeium has reached about $30 million in annualized recurring revenue (ARR), implying a valuation of roughly 95 times ARR. Codeium targets companies rather than individual developers, with its free tier being used by over 1,000 enterprise customers, including Anduril, Zillow, and Dell. In November, it introduced Windsurf Editor, which can write some of the code without human involvement, similar to Cursor.

AI Guide

AI and Technology

AI Power Flow Models

PPFL methods outperform DPFL approaches in computational efficiency because they avoid the need for a training process, relying on predefined physical models of the system. However, this assumption may not always be valid in distribution grids, and the computational costs of most DPFL methods exhibit superlinear growth. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/5wpKgV75aONqkTJlafw2yQmK9yd2-7m03481.png)]

Smart Power Systems

Open problems related to DPFL methods include handling data noise and outliers effectively, as current approaches lack reliable methods for dealing with outliers. A numerical examination of DPFL methods analyzes generalizability towards predictor and response selection, multicollinearity, zero predictor, constant predictor, and normalization. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/open-field-power-grid-stf92zbzdqpsgyr6at35h2kj.png)] [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/open-field-power-grid-sr87virbakgd7495z8ikod3e.png)]

Obsidian Sync

A method outlines how to sync Obsidian notes across multiple devices for free using GitHub and Git. This provides a cost-free alternative to Obsidian's official sync feature, leveraging Git for version control and synchronization. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/0iu1pHRMnqOT3GqhiW0OP3lK20h1-56024i4.png)]

Apple Vision Framework

Apple's Vision framework offers advanced image and video analysis capabilities, including improved text and face recognition, motion analysis, pose recognition, object tracking, and integration with CoreML. Developers can perform tasks such as document scanning, text recognition, and face detection natively. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/928A5MdLmkgtIlxpQv0Ir97p6BG3-wh23eet.jpeg)]

INE Security Training

INE Security emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the volatile technology job market, focusing on practical training, certifications, and preparation to equip IT professionals with necessary skills in networking and cybersecurity. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/zrmhiGUO5YO0UGWoKCzGMHKsbc63-42023o0.jpeg)]

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

Memecoin Launch

PepePunch, a new memecoin branded as "the most punchable memecoin," has gained over 40,000 community members due to features like the Punch-to-Earn mechanic. The game has logged over 200 million punches and contributed to a deflationary model by burning $PEPEP tokens. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/FS1PiuQb1sWxoW2ESuJpZswu0xk2-53138bk.png)]

Moonacy Protocol

Moonacy Protocol is developing a B2B payments system to allow businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments, automatically exchange them, and withdraw them in any currency. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/FS1PiuQb1sWxoW2ESuJpZswu0xk2-tv038ok.jpeg)]

Crypto Demand

The single economic law governing all markets is supply versus demand. Real demand in crypto consolidates around genuine assets with careful economic design and simple technology. [![] (https://cdn.hackernoon.com/images/2jqChkrv03exBUgkLrDzIbfM99q2-f202t2e.jpeg)]

Business and Entertainment

Universal Horror Unleashed

Tickets are now available for Universal Horror Unleashed, an interactive horror experience opening this summer at AREA15 in Las Vegas, featuring franchises like Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Exorcist: Believer.

Patreon's Creator Challenges

Patreon's report highlights that 53% of creators find it harder to connect with followers compared to five years ago due to algorithmic feeds on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Deals and Promotions

NordVPN Birthday Sale

NordVPN is offering users up to 72% off on 2-year plans and up to 1 year of NordVPN Prime for free in celebration of its 13th birthday.

Hardware

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series

NVIDIA has introduced Verified Priority Access for its GeForce RTX 50 series of GPUs, offering select U.S. customers the chance to buy either a GeForce RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 Founders Edition directly from the company. [![] (https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2025-02%2Fecb35aa0-ef1a-11ef-b3bf-f3de328bf1af&resize=1400%2C736&client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&signature=3055a526ac561cd8f5069b029a21417bda9d1726)]

Government and Politics

USDS Resignation

The director of data science and engineering for the United States Digital Service (USDS), Anne Marshall, resigned after about two months in the role, following the firing of around 50 USDS product managers and designers by DOGE representatives. [![] (https://media.wired.com/photos/67b6582cc66a26ade87ca6d2/master/pass/DOGE-Engineering-Director-Resigns-Politics-2198697067.jpg)]

News List

Gizmodo

8 hours ago

Blow Out the Candles, Not Your Budget – NordVPN 72% Off Birthday Sale

NordVPN is celebrating its 13th birthday by offering users up to 72% off on 2-year plans and up to 1 year of NordVPN Prime for free. The offer includes discounts on Plus, Complete, and Prime plans, with the Prime plan providing an additional year of service and including NordProtect for identity theft protection. A basic plan is available for users that only need VPN services, offering a 70% discount. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.

TechCrunch

8 hours ago

‘For You’ feeds are not for creators, Patreon says

Patreon’s latest report highlights challenges creators face in reaching audiences due to algorithmic feeds on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 53% of creators find it harder to connect with followers compared to five years ago. Fans prefer long-form content and are willing to pay for it, yet social platforms prioritize short-form video. Patreon CEO Jack Conte criticizes platforms for controlling the creator-subscriber relationship. Creators now prioritize quality and deeper connections over metrics like follower counts.

Gizmodo

9 hours ago

It’s Time to Plan Your Summerween Visit to Las Vegas’ Universal Horror Unleashed

HackerNoon

15 hours ago

Over 40,000 Strong: Pepe Punch Community Celebrates Nearly 200 Million Punches!

PepePunch, a new memecoin, has launched with the branding “the most punchable memecoin.” It gained over 40,000 community members due to features like the innovative Punch-to-Earn mechanic, which rewards holders with tangible benefits. The game has logged over 200 million punches and contributed to a deflationary model by burning $PEPEP tokens. Additionally, 15% of the total token supply is allocated for community rewards. The smart contract underwent an audit by SolidProof.

AI Guide

AI & Tech

Rabbit's AI Agent Development

Rabbit continues developing its "generalist Android agent", aiming for app control similar to the R1 device's functionality. Engineers use prompts on a laptop to translate requests into actions on an Android tablet, such as finding YouTube videos or creating grocery lists. Updates are ongoing, including training AI agents for specific tasks and interface remodeling. The company plans to share more on its "upcoming cross-platform multi-agent system" soon.

Defense Tech

Saronic's Autonomous Warship Production

Saronic, a defense startup, secured $600 million in Series C funding led by Elad Gil, valuing the company at $4 billion. The funding will support the construction of "Port Alpha", an autonomous ship factory designed to boost U.S. shipbuilding capacity. Saronic has developed three autonomous surface vessel models and intends to expand to larger unmanned ships.

Space Exploration

NASA's Potential Shift to Mars

Jared Isaacman, a potential NASA administrator, suggested a possible shift towards Mars exploration, prioritizing it over the Moon. He highlighted the necessary technology development for manned Mars missions. This occurs amid expected budget cuts, layoffs at NASA, and Artemis program delays and cost overruns. Boeing is also preparing for space division layoffs due to anticipated Artemis program revisions.

Mobile Technology

iPhone 17 Camera Design Rumors

Rumors suggest Apple's iPhone 17 may feature a redesigned camera, potentially replacing the camera bump with a camera bar similar to the Google Pixel series. Leaks indicate a triangular layout for lenses, with flash, LiDAR, and mic on the opposite side. This change could allow for a small display on the phone's back, but would necessitate a new case design.

Entertainment & Media

Star Trek's Unseen Moments Explored

OTOY and the Roddenberry Archives released "765874", a series of short films exploring unseen moments in Star Trek's history using VFX and Star Trek resources. The series revisits moments like the Enterprise-D recovery and a farewell to Kirk and Spock.

Spider-Man Animated Series on Disney+

Marvel Animation's Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney+ has been praised for its tone, unique comic book-style covers, and compelling Spider-friends drama. The show's slightly older audience focus sets it apart from other cartoons featuring the character.

BBC Radiophonic Workshop Archive

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop archive, known for original music and sound effects for BBC programs like Doctor Who, is now available for sampling. A collaboration between Spitfire Audio and BBC Studios allows creators to access sounds from original tapes, new recordings, and content from Workshop members.

Fintech

Varo's Funding and Leadership Change

Fintech Varo has secured only $29 million of its targeted $55 million Series G funding. CEO Colin Walsh is stepping down, replaced by Gavin Michael. Varo, which obtained a national bank charter in 2020, was not yet profitable as of early 2024.

Social Media & Politics

Political Bias on TikTok and X

Research by Global Witness indicates that TikTok and X's recommendation algorithms in Germany show a significant Far-Right political bias ahead of federal elections. TikTok recommended 78% of political content from accounts not followed as supportive of the AfD party, while X recommended 64%. Instagram also leaned right, but less so.

Gaming

Nvidia's GPU Program to Combat Scalpers

Nvidia is launching a "Verified Priority Access" program for its GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 Founders Edition GPUs to combat scalpers. The invite-only program uses an algorithm to determine genuine gamers based on their Nvidia app/GeForce Experience usage.

Indie Game Recommendations

Several indie and smaller video games are recommended for their creativity and innovation, including While Waiting, Spirit Swap, Rift of the NecroDancer, Citizen Sleeper 2, Lok Digital, Antonblast, and a mobile skateboarding game with a New York sequel.

Apple’s iPhone 17 is rumored to feature a significant design change, potentially ditching the camera bump for a full-on camera bar similar to Google’s Pixel series. Leaks suggest the camera lenses would be laid out in a triangular fashion, with the flash, LiDAR, and mic on the opposite side of the extended bump. This change would necessitate a new case and could potentially allow Apple to add a small display to the phone’s back. However, some reviews have been critical of camera bars in the past.

Gizmodo

10 hours ago

Trump’s Pick for NASA Chief Hints at Expected Shift Toward Mars

Jared Isaacman, likely to become NASA’s administrator, hinted at a potential shift in the agency’s priorities towards Mars over the Moon. Isaacman expressed enthusiasm for sending humans to Mars, emphasizing the groundbreaking technologies that would need to be developed. This comes amidst expected budget cuts and layoffs at NASA, as well as delays and cost overruns in the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon. Boeing, a major NASA contractor, is also preparing for layoffs related to its space division due to anticipated revisions in the Artemis program.

AI Guide

Technology & Gaming

AI Development in Gaming

Microsoft's new Muse AI model aims to assist Xbox game developers in building games. Trained on Ninja Theory’s Bleeding Edge, it understands game physics and 3D environments, generating visuals and reactions to player movements. One potential use is optimizing classic titles for modern hardware. However, the announcement has received criticism due to concerns about devaluing game developers' work and potential job displacement.

Social Media & Elon Musk

Elon Musk's social media platform X is seeking to raise money from investors at a valuation of $44 billion, the same price he paid for Twitter in October 2022. After Trump won the U.S. presidential election, Musk was appointed to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Steve Bannon criticizes Elon Musk, calling him a "parasitic illegal immigrant" who disrespects American history and traditions. Bannon claims Musk is opening the door to a Big Tech takeover of the United States and that he utilized Big Tech's platforms to harness populist forces.

Government Oversight

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to be fighting government waste and fraud, having saved taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. However, claims appear fraudulent. Despite claiming $55 billion in savings, the DOGE website only accounts for $16 billion, with about half attributable to an accounting error.

Streaming & Entertainment

The second season of The Last of Us will premiere on HBO and Max on April 13, based on The Last of Us Part 2. It picks up five years after the first season, and Joel and Ellie face conflict with each other. The season will consist of seven episodes.

Gaming Updates

Indie horror game Mouthwashing is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch later this year, with a physical release and additional merch. The game, set on a doomed spaceship, features a low-poly look reminiscent of early 2000s games and has reached 500,000 sales on Steam. Hades II's second major update introduces a mysterious "final confrontation" and an updated Altar of Ashes, as well as the return of Ares, the god of war. The Warsong Update is free and automatically downloadable on Windows and macOS via Steam or Epic.

Hardware & Gadgets

King Jim is launching its Pomera D250 digital typewriter in the US via Indiegogo. Nvidia has quietly removed PhysX support from its latest RTX 50-series graphics chips, leading to performance issues in older games.

Apple Products

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e with an updated design, USB-C port, Action Button, A18 chip, and no home button or MagSafe charging, retailing for $599.The iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe despite resembling the iPhone 14 and using similar components. The 45mm Apple Watch Series 9 is on sale for $370.99 for the GPS and Wi-Fi version.

Accessories

The Logitech C920x HD Pro webcam is on sale for $50 on Amazon.

Product Recall

Limited Run Games has apologized for a potential issue with Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland and Piopow NES cartridges that could damage the cartridges or NES consoles.

Business & Finance

Venture Capital

Swizzle Ventures has closed its Fund I at $6.6 million, exceeding its $3 million target. The fund focuses on women’s health and wealth.

Charity & DEI

Mark Zuckerberg’s charity, the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), is ending its DEI programs and social advocacy funding. CZI will instead focus grants on biology and AI.

Meta Policy Changes

Meta is changing its policies for Facebook Live broadcasts. All live videos will only stay on Facebook Pages or profiles for 30 days before being deleted.

Transportation

Uber is shifting from a commission-based model to a daily fee for autorickshaw drivers in India.

Security & Privacy

Data Breach & Hacking

Former US Army soldier Cameron John Wagenius pleaded guilty to his role in a hack affecting AT&T and Verizon, resulting in the theft of data from over 100 million customers.

WhatsApp Hacking Campaign

Italian media groups have filed a criminal complaint with the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate the WhatsApp hacking campaign that targeted journalists and activists using spyware from Paragon Solutions.

Environment & Disasters

Natural Disasters

A major winter storm caused severe floods in Tennessee and Kentucky, visible in NASA satellite images.

Apple has launched the iPhone 16E with an updated design, USB-C port, Action Button, A18 chip, and no home button or MagSafe charging, retailing for $599. The customizable Action Button is a welcomed feature. The absence of MagSafe is a disappointment but can be mitigated with a magnetic case. The 6.1-inch OLED screen offers a pleasant size for users.

Lifehacker.Tech

13 hours ago

This Apple Watch Series 9 Just Dropped to Its Lowest Price

The 45mm Apple Watch Series 9 is on sale for $370.99 for the GPS and Wi-Fi version. The Series 9 has a powerful processor, double-tap gesture, Siri access, and a bright display. It offers up to 18 hours of battery life (36 in low power mode), sleep tracking, and mental health and vision health tools. The GPS and cellular version allows phone access without Wi-Fi. The band size fits wrists from 140mm to 190mm.

AI Guide

Technology & Aviation

FAA & SpaceX Collaboration

SpaceX engineers are joining the FAA as senior advisors under Schedule A, which allows hiring of persons with disabilities without competition. This follows Sean Duffy's announcement of SpaceX engineers visiting the Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Virginia. Elon Musk stated that SpaceX engineers will help improve air travel safety. Concerns have been raised about the vetting process of these engineers, especially after recent FAA probationary employee terminations and a spike in US aviation disasters.

Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Signal Users

Russia-aligned hackers are targeting Signal users with device-linking QR codes and utilizing artillery targeting tactics to compromise accounts. This indicates an evolving range of methods used by malicious actors to exploit the platform.

Entertainment

"The Last of Us" Season 2 Premiere Date Announced

The second season of "The Last of Us" will premiere on April 13th on HBO and Max. It will consist of seven episodes and adapt part of "The Last of Us Part 2", possibly needing two seasons to cover the entire game. New cast members include Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Isabela Merced as Dina. Character posters have been released. The game's remastered version will be available on Steam and Epic Games Store on April 3. Naughty Dog has also unveiled its first entry in a new sci-fi franchise.

News List

Ars Technica

11 hours ago

Russia-aligned hackers are targeting Signal users with device-linking QR codes

Swapping QR codes in group invites and artillery targeting are latest ploys.

The Verge

11 hours ago

The Last of Us season 2 finally has a premiere date

HBO has announced that the second season of “The Last of Us” will premiere on April 13th on both HBO and Max. The new season takes place five years after the first and will cover part of the second game in the series. The season will be shorter than the first, with seven episodes, and will introduce new cast members, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Isabela Merced as Dina. Character posters have also been released to promote the upcoming season.

The Verge

11 hours ago

The Last of Us: all the news about the video game franchise turned TV series

The second season of “The Last of Us” now has a firm premiere date of April 13 on HBO and Max, consisting of seven episodes. The season is based on “The Last of Us Part 2” but will not cover all events of the game, potentially requiring two seasons to fully adapt. The game’s remastered version will be available on Steam and Epic Games Store on April 3. Naughty Dog recently unveiled its first entry in a new sci-fi franchise.

Wired

12 hours ago

These Are the SpaceX Engineers Already Working Inside the FAA

SpaceX engineers have been brought on as senior advisors to the acting administrator of the FAA under Schedule A, a special authority that allows government managers to “hire persons with disabilities without requiring them to compete for the job”. According to sources, the engineers were already being onboarded at the agency when Sean Duffy announced SpaceX engineers would be visiting the Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Virginia to take what he positioned as a tour. Musk replied that SpaceX engineers will help make air travel safer. According to a source, none of the SpaceX engineers were fully vetted by their start date. The engineers identified by WIRED appear to have experience relevant to the FAA. These new hires come after the terminations of hundreds of FAA probationary employees, and the most deadly month of US aviation disasters in more than a decade.

AI Guide

Technology

Apple's New iPhone 16e

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, succeeding the iPhone SE, priced at $599. It features the A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, a 6.1-inch screen with Face ID, a USB-C port, a 48MP camera, and an Action button. It is available for preorder starting February 21 and launches on February 28. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. While offering more features than its predecessor, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe and the Dynamic Island. [![] (https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2025-02%2F76910a00-eedb-11ef-8b7f-34d7ae543943&resize=1400%2C840&client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&signature=6611ed3bad93facdb8ca52571cfc914ebce49fc6)]

iPad Pro Discounts

Discounts are available on Apple's iPad Pro with the M4 chip. The 11-inch Wi-Fi and cellular version is now $1,099, the 13-inch Wi-Fi version is also $1,099, and the 13-inch Wi-Fi and cellular version is $1,299. [![] (https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JMFNWBCZ05E7EZSWF5FCT1TT/hero-image.png)]

Best iPhones to Buy in 2025

Engadget recommends the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus as good compromises if the Pro models are too expensive. The guide also notes the newly announced iPhone 16e as the most affordable option with the A18 chipset. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are not recommended due to the lack of USB-C and Apple Intelligence features. [![] (https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2025-01%2F6428e530-d43d-11ef-beaf-5ea8913b5bfa&resize=1400%2C787&client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&signature=7c024f90cf6c60b629877813d537b2dadb5c394f)]

Twitch's Violation Enforcement System Changes

Twitch has implemented changes to its violation enforcement system, including the expiration of infractions after a set time. Minor violations will disappear after 90 days, while more serious violations will remain for one to two years. Indefinitely suspended users can apply for reinstatement after six months. [![] (https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2025-02%2Ffca557e0-eef4-11ef-bf3b-5db4ef950d76&resize=1400%2C930&client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&signature=5ce5edff4c1313de70ecedcc1135c2e8faedaf05)]

Spanish Spyware Maker Shuts Down

Mollitiam Industries, a Spanish spyware maker based in Toledo, is shutting down after filing for bankruptcy on January 23, citing financial issues. In 2021, it was revealed that the company developed spyware products like InvisibleMan and NightCrawler.

IVF Insurance

Future Family, in partnership with Munich Re, is introducing a new IVF insurance product in the United States called OrangeShield, designed to provide a money-back guarantee for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Science & Research

AI Hypothesis Generation

Google's new AI generates hypotheses for researchers. [![] (https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/research-1152×648-1739988965.jpg)]

Static Electricity Quirk

Scientists unlock a vital clue to the strange quirk of static electricity. The formation of a triboelectric series depends on the number of contacts over time between materials. [![] (https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/static5-1152×648.jpg)]

H5N1 Bird Flu Impact

H5N1 is harming agriculture, raising egg prices. [![] (https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GettyImages-2195129911-1152×648.jpg)]

Politics & Health

RFK Jr. on Childhood Vaccinations

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed director of the Department of Health and Human Services, has indicated he may seek to alter the country's childhood vaccination schedule by forming a commission to study it.

NYC Congestion Pricing

New York City's congestion pricing plan, which aims to reduce traffic in Manhattan and fund subway repairs, is facing renewed threats. President Trump's transportation secretary has cited the program's impact on working-class drivers and legality concerns.

Culture & Entertainment

Twin Peaks Life Lessons

With the recent passing of David Lynch and the approach of Twin Peaks Day on February 24, interest in the series is resurging.

Hades II Update

Supergiant Games has released the second major update for Hades II, titled “The Warsong Update,” introducing a new final boss, the return of the god Ares, and new boons.

Rivian California Dune Edition

Rivian has introduced the California Dune edition of its R1 electric vehicles, featuring 20-inch All-Terrain wheels and a new paint color inspired by desert dunes. The R1T truck starts at $99,900, and the R1S SUV starts at $105,900.

BBC Radiophonic Workshop Archive

The original BBC Radiophonic Workshop is having its massive archive revived, containing decades of music and sound effects. BBC Studios and Spitfire Audio have launched a downloadable library containing the archive.

News List

The Verge

12 hours ago

The BBC’s library of classic sci-fi sounds is now available to sample

The original BBC Radiophonic Workshop, known for its experimental approach to audio engineering and iconic music for productions like “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and the original Doctor Who theme, is having its massive archive revived. BBC Studios and Spitfire Audio have launched a downloadable library containing decades of music and sound effects created during the Workshop’s initial run. The library includes sounds from original tapes and fresh recordings from Workshop members. It is available for purchase at an introductory price until March 17th, after which the price will increase.

Ars Technica

13 hours ago

Trump admin. fires USDA staff working on bird flu, immediately backpedals

On top of its pandemic potential, H5N1 is harming agriculture, raising egg prices.

Gizmodo

13 hours ago

President Trump, NYC’s Biggest Hater, Says He Is Nixing Congestion Pricing

New York City’s congestion pricing plan, which aims to reduce traffic in Manhattan and fund subway repairs, is facing renewed threats. President Trump’s transportation secretary has cited the program’s impact on working-class drivers and legality concerns, arguing tolls are used for the subway rather than roadways. Early results indicate commuters are switching to public transit, reducing commute times. Under the plan, most drivers pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Similar programs in cities like London have shown positive results, with initial unpopularity giving way to appreciation of decongested roads.

Gizmodo

13 hours ago

Here’s Everything the iPhone 16e Can’t Do

Apple’s new $600 iPhone 16e, positioned as an entry-level device for Apple Intelligence, features a 6.1-inch OLED display with Face ID, the A18 chip, and the company’s first in-house modem. While offering more features than its predecessor, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe and the Dynamic Island. It includes a USB-C port, wireless charging, and a 48-megapixel camera. The device is more expensive than competitors like the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy FE devices.

Engadget

13 hours ago

The best iPhones for 2025: Which model should you buy?

Engadget provides a guide to the best iPhones to buy in early 2025, based on reviews of nearly every iPhone ever released. The guide recommends considering the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus as good compromises if the Pro models are too expensive, highlighting their improvements and vibrant colors. The newly announced iPhone 16e is also noted as the most affordable option with the A18 chipset, but a full review is pending. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are not recommended due to the lack of USB-C and Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is not mentioned in the summary.

TechCrunch

13 hours ago

Spanish spyware startup Mollitiam Industries shuts down

Lifehacker.Tech

13 hours ago

My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: The M4 iPad Pro

Discounts are now available on Apple’s iPad Pro with an M4 chip. The 11-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi and cellular version is priced at $1,099 (originally $1,199), the 13-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi version is also $1,099 (originally $1,299), and the 13-inch Wi-Fi and cellular version is $1,299 (originally $1,499). These prices are the lowest since the models were released. The M4 chip is 1.5 times faster than the M2, and the iPad features an Ultra Retina XDR display and USB-C charging.

Gizmodo

13 hours ago

RFK Jr. Wastes No Time Revisiting Childhood Vaccine Policies

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed director of the Department of Health and Human Services, has indicated he may seek to alter the country’s childhood vaccination schedule. Despite earlier assurances to Republican lawmakers that he would not change current vaccine recommendations, Kennedy announced he would form a commission to study the childhood vaccine schedule as a possible factor in the increase of chronic diseases. This move lays the groundwork for potential changes to the vaccination schedule.

Ars Technica

13 hours ago

Google’s new AI generates hypotheses for researchers

And it’s already helping with some real-world research.

The Verge

14 hours ago

Here’s when and where you can preorder the new iPhone 16E

Apple has announced the iPhone 16E, a successor to the iPhone SE, launching on February 28 with preorders starting February 21. Priced from $599 with 128GB of storage, the iPhone 16E features the A18 chip from the iPhone 16, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and a USB-C port. It includes a 48-megapixel camera, 7.5W Qi wireless charging, and Apple’s C1 modem with 5G support. Available in matte black or matte white, it will be sold unlocked or through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile.

Engadget

16 hours ago

Apple announces the iPhone 16e with Apple Intelligence for $599

Apple has launched its new entry-level iPhone 16e, succeeding the iPhone SE. Priced at $599, it’s the most affordable AI-equipped iPhone. The iPhone 16e resembles the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch full-screen design with Face ID, a USB-C port, and a single 48MP camera with 2x zoom. It also includes the Action button. Powered by the A18 chip, it supports Apple Intelligence, offering generative AI writing tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration. Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, the iPhone 16e is competitively priced against the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35.

AI Guide

AI & Tech Gadgets

AI-Powered Gadgets

Rabbit, an AI startup, has sold 40,000 units of its $199 R1 gadget within eight days of its launch at CES. The Rabbit R1 features Rabbit OS, built on a Large Action Model for interacting with apps like Spotify and Uber. It was designed with Teenage Engineering and includes a touchscreen, scrolling navigation wheel, and rotating camera. However, it was revealed that only 5,000 people are actively using the device. ![Rabbit R1]

Humane's AI Pin, priced at $700 plus a $24/month subscription, failed to gain traction due to poor reviews and issues with basic tasks. HP acquired Humane for $116 million. The Humane AI Pin Debacle

AI Model Releases and Benchmarks

xAI, Elon Musk's AI startup, has released Grok3, its latest flagship AI model. Experts are calling for better, independent testing authorities and benchmarks that align with economic impact.

AI in Career Development

Google has launched Career Dreamer, an AI-powered experiment to help people explore career possibilities. The tool analyzes a user's experiences, skills, and interests to suggest potential career matches and create a career identity statement. It is currently available only in the United States.

AI Security

AI is being leveraged by attackers to craft hyper-personalized scams, poison training data, and fool real-world systems, requiring a holistic and adversarial view of cybersecurity systems. Examples include deepfake impersonation in financial fraud. AI outsmarting humans

Pangea is a security platform for AI software that protects against data leakage, prompt injection, and sensitive information disclosure.

Blockchain technology can help stop deepfakes and revenge porn by implementing blockchain-based verification. There is a need for international laws governing deepfakes. Deepfake Porn is Ruining Lives—Can Blockchain Help Stop It?

AI Chat Applications

Mira Network has launched Klok, a multi-LLM chat app built on its decentralized infrastructure to ensure AI outputs are verified, unbiased, and uncompromised. Klok allows users to access multiple AI models like GPT-4omini and Llama3.370BInstruct for free and earn Mira Points. Mira Network Launches Klok

AI World Model

Microsoft's new model is still mainly useful for low-res prototypes. Microsoft's New Interactive AI World Model

Space Exploration

Karman+, a startup, has raised $20 million to build autonomous spacecraft that can travel to asteroids and mine them for materials. The team is currently aiming for its first launch in 2027.

Software & Development

Development Tools and Frameworks

Article demonstrates techniques for using partial C# classes to address common issues in EF8/ASP.NET8, particularly in scenarios where the Entity Framework Core Database First approach is used. Entity Framework 8 Partial Classes Tricks You Should Know About

An article organizes FAQs and solutions related to Apache DolphinScheduler, a scalable workflow scheduling system for big data task orchestration. Struggling with DolphinScheduler Setup?

Blockchain Technology

RYT has unveiled its alternate layer-1 blockchain built on its patented Proof of Majority (PoM) consensus mechanism, aiming to tackle challenges in blockchain adoption. RYT Layer-1 Blockchain

DeFi

Diffuse has announced a strategic collaboration with Symbiotic ecosystem to implement Collateral Abstraction, aiming to enhance capital efficiency in DeFi. Diffuse and Symbiotic Partner

Falcon Finance has partnered with DeXe Protocol, with DeXe allocating $10 million to Falcon Finance's closed beta. Falcon Finance and DeXe Protocol Announce Strategic Partnership

Cryptocurrency Platforms

BingX has unveiled its new futures trading page, highlighting its position as a top-five derivatives platform in 2024. BingX Unveils New Futures Trading Page

Mobile & Software Updates

iOS Updates

Google is removing its AI assistant Gemini from the main Google app for iOS devices.

A new app called DefaultSMS allows iPhone users to change their default messaging app. DefaultSMS works with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, costing $0.99. How to Make Signal/WhatsApp iPhone Default Messaging App

Instagram Updates

Instagram is introducing new features for its messaging system, including music sharing, a translation tool supporting 99 languages, the ability to pin messages, and scheduled messages. Instagram Adds New DM Features

Apple Products

New iPhone

Apple has announced the iPhone 16E, launching on February 28th with preorders starting at $599 for the 128GB model. It features an A18 chip, a 6.1-inch OLED display with Face ID, and a 48-megapixel camera and supports 4K video recording. Apple Just Unveiled the iPhone 16E

Apple has discontinued new iPhones with Lightning ports.

AirPods Deals and Updates

Discounts are now available on Apple's AirPods lineup, including the AirPods Max and AirPods 4. Currently, the standard AirPods 4 are available for $119 at Amazon and Sam's Club, while the ANC version is on sale for around $148.99 at Amazon and Costco.

Gaming

Valve has released the Team Fortress 2 client and server game code to modders through the Source SDK. Valve hands the Team Fortress 2 source code to modders

Visual Computing

Nvidia has launched the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, priced at $750, aiming to deliver near RTX 4080 Super performance without AI frame generation.

Entertainment

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Daredevil: Born Again, coming to Disney+ next month, marks a significant convergence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Netflix's Marvel Universe. The first season of Daredevil: Born Again starts on March 4, with a second season already in pre-production.

Film Releases

A new book, The Art and Making of Mickey17, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, Mickey17, including the design of the human printer used to bring the character Mickey back to life.

Tech Policy

Trump Administration

Order says independent agencies can't contradict Trump's legal interpretations. Trump Declares Sweeping Power Over Independent Agencies

Elon Musk's Influence

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to rehire employees laid off due to recent personnel actions spearheaded by Elon Musk's DOGE. Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) pushed for cuts to USAID, leading to the shutdown of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet). USAID Famine System Dismantled

Other Tech News

PDF Software

PDF Converter Pro is being offered with a lifetime license for A$37 using the code SAVE20.

Geospatial Data

The Digital Moana Initiative emphasizes the value of geospatial data for Pacific islands, highlighting its potential as a new form of wealth. Geospatial Data Holds Immense Value for the Pacific Islands

Music Industry and Product Management

Product management principles are being applied to the music industry to help artists achieve success. Product Managers: Where They Shouldn't Be—Music Industry Edition

News List

Ars Technica

14 hours ago

Trump declares sweeping power over independent agencies such as FCC and SEC

Order says independent agencies can’t contradict Trump’s legal interpretations.

Humane’s showing how not to treat early adopters.

HackerNoon’s newsletter highlights recent articles on topics ranging from EntityFramework 8 techniques and common mistakes with IEnumerable to the potential pitfalls of Zuzalu’s crypto nomads settling down and the unexpected requests found on the dark web. The newsletter also encourages readers to contribute to the tech community by sharing their knowledge and insights.

Pangea is a security platform for AI software that protects against data leakage, prompt injection, and sensitive information disclosure. The team brings cybersecurity expertise from companies like Splunk, Cisco, Symantec, and McAfee. Success is measured by the platform’s effectiveness in securing AI applications across deployment models, security threats detected and blocked, and customer impact.

HackerNoon

22 hours ago

Deepfake Porn is Ruining Lives—Can Blockchain Help Stop It?

This article argues that adopting blockchain technology can help stop deepfakes and revenge porn by implementing blockchain-based verification. The author highlights the potential of blockchain to wipe out revenge porn, child porn, digital piracy, and the viral spread of deepfakes with platform tweaks and global adoption. The article also emphasizes the need for international laws governing deepfakes.

AI Guide

Technology & Gadgets

Apple's New iPhone 16e and Discontinued Models

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e at $599, phasing out the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and 14 Plus. The iPhone 16e features the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and an OLED display. It marks the end of the Home button era and includes a USB-C port, Action Button, and FaceID. It lacks MagSafe charging and the Dynamic Island. The phone is equipped with Apple's first in-house 5G modem, the C1. The iPhone 16e aims to bring Apple Intelligence to a broader audience, offering AI writing tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to the iPhone 16, starting at $799. While both models share specs, key differences include camera control, design, display tech, and camera capabilities. Color selection is limited to black and white for the iPhone 16e.

Apple Watch Series 9 Deal

The Apple Watch Series 9 is on sale at Best Buy for $370.99, reduced from $529. This smartwatch offers fitness tracking features for heart rate, sleep, and workouts, and includes communication, payment, and phone control functionalities.

Murena Pixel Tablet

Murena has launched its first privacy-focused tablet, the Murena Pixel Tablet, priced at $549. It is a customized version of Google’s Pixel Tablet that uses /e/OS, an Android variant without Google apps and services. This "de-Googled" tablet offers privacy-minded alternatives for various apps and includes Murena Workspace for productivity and online storage.

Oukitel WP100 Titan Smartphone

Oukitel is launching the WP100 Titan smartphone, featuring a massive 33,000mAh battery providing up to six months of standby time. This phone has a built-in projector, a 1,200-lumen LED camplight, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It includes a 200-megapixel main camera and a 20-megapixel infrared night vision camera. Oukitel plans to ship it in April 2025.

Computer & Accessories Deals

Samsung FHD Curved Monitor

The 27-inch Samsung FHD Curved Monitor is on sale at Amazon for $137.95, a 40% discount. It features a 1,000R curvature, anti-flicker technology, and a 75Hz refresh rate.

Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

The Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse is on sale at Amazon for $79.99, 47% off. This mouse features 11 customizable buttons, a quick scroll wheel, and a Hero 25K sensor with 1:1 tracking.

Asus ProArt PZ13 Laptop

The Asus ProArt PZ13 Laptop is on sale for $799.99 at Best Buy, a 31% discount. This 2-in-1 detachable PC features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an OLED touchscreen.

Gaming

Half-Life 2 Anniversary Update

Other Source games are also receiving the Half-Life 2 anniversary update treatment.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney+

The series' finale features a rapid-fire list of names that could spell out where the series will go next in its already greenlit second and third seasons. Names include Peter Parker, Priya Aggarwal, Amadeus Cho, Asha, Scott Forbes and more.

Avowed Character Creation

Avowed, the new open-world RPG from Obsidian, involves character creation choices. The starting background doesn't significantly impact the game, but it provides backstory, default stats, and a starting weapon.

Elden Ring Nightreign

Verge staffers discussed their experiences with Elden Ring Nightreign's network tests, a fast-paced, co-op-focused spin on Elden Ring that takes cues from roguelikes and battle royale games. The game will be officially released on May 30th. However, some frustrating connection issues could dampen the experience of the full game if they aren't worked out.

Business & Legal

GameStop's Struggles

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen blamed wokeness and DEI for the company's impending exit from Canada and France. The company saw revenues decline significantly from $9.55 billion in 2011 to $4.33 billion in 2024.

Nikola Bankruptcy

Nikola, the EV truck maker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to sell off its assets. The company has $47 million in cash to fund the proceedings but reports liabilities totaling $1 billion to $10 billion. Scandals, including fraud accusations and the indictment of founder Trevor Milton, led to a settlement with the SEC for $125 million and the termination of a partnership with GM.

AI Misuse in Court

A law firm has condemned the careless use of AI in court, describing it as "nauseatingly frightening."

Space Exploration

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander fired its engines on February 18, moving into a lower orbit around the Moon. It is scheduled to land on the Moon's Mare Crisium on March 2. The lander's 10 instruments will analyze heat flow, magnetic and electric fields, and the chemical composition of lunar soil.

BioTech

Genetically Engineered Pets

The Los Angeles Project, founded by biohacker Josie Zayner and Cathy Tie, aims to create genetically engineered pets, including glow-in-the-dark rabbits and hypoallergenic cats and dogs.

Apple has refreshed its budget iPhone line with the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is remarkably similar to the iPhone 16, but to make it more affordable, Apple made cuts. The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 both have a 6.1-inch “Super Retina XDR” display, but the 16e’s display doesn’t get quite as bright. The iPhone 16 has Apple’s Dynamic Island, while the 16e has a traditional notch. Both iPhones run the A18 chip, but the 16 has an extra GPU core.

Mashable

15 hours ago

Take $300 off the Asus ProArt PZ13 laptop at Best Buy and unleash your creativity

The Asus ProArt PZ13 Laptop is on sale for $799.99 at Best Buy, a 31% discount from its usual price of $1,099.99. This 2-in-1 detachable PC features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an OLED touchscreen. Its AI-enhanced creative features and strong battery life make it suitable for on-the-go productivity and art-centric tasks.

Engadget

15 hours ago

EV truck maker Nikola has finally called it quits

Nikola, the EV truck maker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to sell off its assets. The company has $47 million in cash to fund the proceedings but reports liabilities totaling $1 billion to $10 billion. Scandals, including fraud accusations and the indictment of founder Trevor Milton, led to a settlement with the SEC for $125 million and the termination of a partnership with GM. Nikola only produced around 600 vehicles, many of which were recalled, causing the stock to plummet.

Mashable

15 hours ago

Avowed: Best backgrounds and how they link to starting class

Avowed, the new open-world RPG from Obsidian, involves character creation choices that initially seem significant. The starting background in Avowed doesn’t matter that much; players can choose any background and still have the experience they desire. Each background provides backstory, default stats, and a starting weapon, but players can adjust stats during character creation and use any weapon after the tutorial sequence. Once the game starts, players have freedom over allocating skill points and approaching combat.

The Verge

15 hours ago

How the new iPhone 16E compares to the rest of Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup

Apple has announced the new iPhone 16E, a budget-friendly option costing $599, featuring Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the C1. Available on February 28th, it includes a 6.1-inch OLED screen, FaceID, USB-C port, and the A18 chip supporting Apple Intelligence features. Boasting up to 26 hours of video playback, it lacks an ultrawide camera, Camera Control button, MagSafe compatibility, and Dynamic Island. Specs include iOS 18, a 60Hz display, and a Ceramic Shield front.

Mashable

15 hours ago

Apple kills the home button with the new iPhone 16e

Apple’s new iPhone 16e signals the end of the iconic home button, as the new model swaps the button for a full-screen experience. With the announcement of the iPhone 16e, the iPhone SE has been retired, marking the end of an Apple era. The new iPhone 16e promises a larger display, excellent battery life, and the use of Apple Intelligence.

The 27-inch Samsung FHD Curved Monitor is on sale at Amazon for $137.95, a 40% discount from its normal price of $229.99. The monitor features a 1,000R curvature, anti-flicker technology, and a 75Hz refresh rate. A study from Seoul National University found that 1,000R fits the human field of view best, producing less eye strain.

Mashable

16 hours ago

Apple discontinues the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and 14 Plus

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e at $599, discontinuing the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and 14 Plus. The iPhone 16e marks a price jump from the previous SE model, which started at $429. With the iPhone 16e, the physical ‘Home’ button is also discontinued. The iPhone 16e is a replacement for the iPhone 14, while the iPhone 14 Plus was the cheapest available option for users wanting a larger iPhone.

Mashable

17 hours ago

Snag an Apple Watch Series 9 for less than $400 at Best Buy

The Apple Watch Series 9 is on sale at Best Buy for $370.99, down from its usual price of $529. The Apple Watch Series 9 has fitness features that can track your heart rate, sleep, workouts, and more. Call and text, pay for items, get reminders, listen to music, and control your phone’s camera.

AI Guide

AI and Language

ChatGPT as Language Tutor

The author tested ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode as an AI language tutor while traveling in Japan, practicing basic travel phrases for transportation, restaurants, and retail shops. The experience was compared to using Duolingo on a previous trip.

Mistral's Le Chat

Mistral's AI assistant, Le Chat, endorsed by French President Emmanuel Macron, has reached one million downloads shortly after its release, competing with OpenAI's ChatGPT (350 million downloads), Google's Gemini, and Microsoft's Copilot.

Sanas' AI-Powered Accent Adjustment

The voice and speech recognition technology sector is projected to exceed $28.1 billion by 2027. Sanas, founded in 2020, develops AI-powered software that adjusts a speaker’s accent in real-time, aiming to enhance human connection in customer interactions. Sanas acquired InTone to strengthen its IP portfolio and serve a wider customer base, currently serving around 50 customers in healthcare, logistics, and hardware manufacturing.

Fiverr's Personal AI Creation Model

Fiverr is launching a program called Personal AI Creation Model that allows users to train AI on their own body of work. It's part of a larger AI initiative called FiverrGo, designed to help freelancers use AI's automation capabilities as a tool rather than being replaced by it. Fiverr's CEO says the aim is to make freelancers irreplaceable, not obsolete.

Mobile Devices

Apple iPhone 16e Launch

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, a new budget smartphone priced at $599, potentially retiring the iPhone SE. Pre-orders begin February 21, with a formal launch on February 28.

Key features include:

A 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch featuring FaceID.
The A18 chip, making it the cheapest AI-equipped iPhone, and Apple's first in-house 5G modem, the C1.
Support for Apple Intelligence features and generative AI writing tools.
A single 48MP rear camera with 2x zoom and USB-C port.
Available in matte white and matte black with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options.

The design borrows from the iPhone 14, but lacks the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe charging. Apple has also discontinued the iPhone 14. CEO Tim Cook and VP of iPhone marketing Kaiann Drance showcased the new device in a launch video.

Discontinuation of iPhone 14 and Lightning Port

Apple appears to have stopped selling the iPhone 14 following the launch of the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 14 has been removed from Apple's website. With the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple also officially bids farewell to the Lightning port after 13 years, shifting to USB-C due to EU regulations.

End of the Home Button Era

Apple's home button, which debuted on the original iPhone, has been discontinued with the release of the new iPhone 16e. Since the third-gen iPhone SE was the last remaining Apple product with a home button, there isn't a single product left in Apple's lineup that uses any version of the iconic feature.

Search Engine

Google Lens Update for iOS

Google is rolling out visual search gestures to Chrome and the Google app on iOS, mirroring Android's Circle to Search. Users can now draw, highlight, or tap on screen content to initiate a search via Google Lens. Also, Google Lens will now automatically offer AI Overviews for more images, providing helpful explanations without prompting.

Social Media

Instagram's New Messaging Features

Business and Finance

ElectronX's Electricity Exchange

ElectronX, a startup building an electricity exchange, has raised $10 million in a follow-on round to help buyers and sellers manage risk and hedge volatility in renewable energy. The company aims to create a more granular block trading system, allowing smaller companies to participate in electricity markets by trading capacity in 1 megawatt blocks on an intra-hour or hourly basis. ElectronX is awaiting approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

NetEase Streamlining Marvel Rivals Development

Deals

Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless Earbuds

The Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless earbuds are on sale for $54.99 on Woot. The earbuds come with four sizes of silicone eartips and use Bluetooth 5.2 with multiple codec support. The earbuds feature well-designed touch controls, a customizable companion app, above-average noise cancellation, and an IPX4 rating for sweat and light rain resistance. Battery life is rated at around eight hours per charge.

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum

Dyson's V8 Plus cordless vacuum is available for $350, reduced from $470. It features a Motorbar cleaner head for all floor types, up to 40 minutes of run time, and converts to a handheld unit. The vacuum includes four attachments, including a hair screw tool. It comes with whole-machine HEPA filtration and a 2-year warranty with lifetime support.

Amazon TurboTax and McAfee Bundle

Amazon is offering a bundle deal on Intuit TurboTax 2024 Deluxe Federal + State paired with a 15-month subscription to McAfee Total Protection for 3 devices at 63% off, priced at $66.

Anker 633 Magnetic Battery

The Anker 633 Magnetic Battery, a portable power bank, is on sale for $40. Designed for iPhones with MagSafe, it attaches magnetically for wireless charging and doubles as a stand. It also has a USB-C port with a maximum input and output of 20W, and has a capacity of 10,000mAh.

Other Amazon Deals

Amazon is offering deals on various products, including the Eufy Omni C20 hybrid robot vacuum and mop for $399.99, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker for $59.99, the Amazon Echo Pop Kids for $34.99, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse for $29.99, and the Blink Outdoor Floodlight Camera for $86.99.

Entertainment

A24's "Bring Her Back"

A24 and the directors of "Talk To Me" released a date teaser trailer for their upcoming horror film, "Bring Her Back", directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. Starring Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, and Sally Hawkins, the film is set to release in theaters on May 30th.

Science and Nature

Pleistocene Fossils in Florida Sinkhole

Microsoft's Quantum Computing Progress

Stronger evidence for a hypothetical quasiparticle, plus actual processing hardware related to Microsoft's progress in quantum computing.

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a new budget-friendly model replacing the iPhone SE and discontinuing the iPhone 14. Priced at $599, it features a modern design with an OLED screen, Face ID, and a USB-C port, moving away from the home button and thick bezels. The 6.1-inch display matches the iPhone 16, but it lacks the Dynamic Island. Powered by the A18 chip, it supports Apple Intelligence. Pre-orders start on February 21, with sales beginning February 28.

Mashable

16 hours ago

Fiverr now lets gig workers train AI on their own work and sell it

Fiverr is launching a program called Personal AI Creation Model that allows users to train AI on their own body of work. It’s part of a larger AI initiative called FiverrGo, designed to help freelancers use AI’s automation capabilities as a tool rather than being replaced by it. Fiverr’s CEO says the aim is to make freelancers irreplaceable, not obsolete.

Ars Technica

16 hours ago

Microsoft builds its first qubits, lays out roadmap for quantum computing

Stronger evidence for a hypothetical quasiparticle, plus actual processing hardware.

The Verge

16 hours ago

iPhone 16E: all the news on Apple’s new $599 phone

Apple has announced the iPhone 16E, its new budget iPhone featuring a Face ID-enabled notch and Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the C1. Equipped with a 6.1-inch OLED display, customizable Action Button, and A18 chipset for Apple Intelligence, it includes a single 48MP rear camera lens and a USB-C port. The iPhone 16E launches on February 28, with pre-orders starting February 21, available in white or black with storage options from 128GB, priced from $599. The iPhone 16E does not support MagSafe charging, and Apple has discontinued the iPhone 14.

The Verge

16 hours ago

Apple discontinues the iPhone 14

Apple appears to have stopped selling the iPhone 14 following the launch of the iPhone 16E. The iPhone 14 has been removed from Apple’s website, with its listing redirecting to the iPhone homepage. The iPhone 14’s starting price was the same as the new iPhone 16E, which includes upgrades such as an A18 chip with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s first in-house C1 modem, and a USB-C port.

Mashable

Apple launched a video showcasing the new iPhone 16E, featuring CEO Tim Cook and VP of iPhone marketing Kaiann Drance. The device boasts Apple’s A18 chipset, enabling Apple Intelligence, and includes the company’s first in-house 5G modem, the C1. The iPhone 16E features a notched design with Face ID, a 6.1-inch display, and a USB-C port. It also includes a customizable Action button. The rear camera is a single 48-megapixel lens. Pre-orders begin this Friday, with a release on February 28, starting at $599 for the 128GB model, available in black or white.

Mashable

16 hours ago

Heres when you can preorder the new Apple iPhone 16e

Apple has announced the iPhone 16e, its first budget smartphone in three years, featuring an in-house cellular modem. Available in matte black and white, it starts at $599. Customers can receive credit for trade-ins through the Apple Store or third-party carriers. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with a formal launch on February 28.

Instagram has launched five new messaging features: message translation in 99 languages, scheduled messages up to 29 days in advance, message pinning, music sharing within DMs, and group chat invites via QR codes. Some features have already been rolled out in some countries, but this announcement shows the testing was successful enough to roll them out globally.

Mashable

17 hours ago

Apple Store is down ahead of new iPhone launch

The Apple Store is down in anticipation of a new iPhone launch, teased by CEO Tim Cook as “the newest member of the family.” It is expected to be an affordable iPhone, potentially named the iPhone 16E, placing it closer to the top of Apple’s lineup.

Wired

21 hours ago

Before Going to Tokyo, I Tried Learning Japanese With ChatGPT

The author tested ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode as an AI language tutor while traveling in Japan. The author used ChatGPT to practice Japanese and compared the experience to using Duolingo on a previous trip. The author approached ChatGPT as a synthetic language tutor, practicing basic travel phrases for transportation, restaurants, and retail shops.

AI Guide

Automotive Industry

Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck has received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars for the driver and 4 for the passenger in frontal crash tests. It also scored 5 stars in side crash tests but only 4 in the rollover test, indicating a 12.4% risk. Despite being described by Elon Musk as "heart-stopping," the Cybertruck faces discounts and recalls, including issues with the inverter and accelerator pedals, and delivery delays due to windshield wiper problems. The cheapest model now costs almost $100,000, with the electric truck starting at $60,990 and offering up to 340 miles of range.

Toyota's Fuel Cell System

Toyota is developing a new fuel cell system for industrial applications, aiming for diesel engine-level durability. The new system is more fuel-efficient, cheaper to produce, and doubles the power output within the same footprint as its second-generation model. It targets trucks, construction vehicles, trains, ships, and backup generators.

Technology & Gadgets

Apple iPhone 16E

![图片链接] Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, priced at $599 and launching on February 28th. It features Apple Intelligence, powered by the A18 processor and Apple C1 modem. Design updates include Face ID, USB-C, and the camera notch, eliminating the classic Touch ID interface. The iPhone 16E also includes Apple's in-house 5G modem, the C1, offering improved battery life.

Microsoft's Quantum Computing and AI

Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum computing chip based on a new architecture aiming for a million qubits on a single chip, using a topoconductor. In AI, Microsoft Research developed Muse, a generative AI model for creating game environments, trained on Xbox game data and capable of reacting to player interactions.

Home Networking: Eero and Mesh Routers

Amazon's Eero is launching new WiFi 7 compatible routers, including the Eero 7 and Eero Pro 7, promising speeds up to 1.8Gbps and 3.9Gbps, respectively. The new routers also function as smart home hubs for Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem. Simultaneously, the market for mesh routers is expanding, offering dependable Wi-Fi throughout homes using Wi-Fi 6 and enabling devices to connect automatically for optimal speeds.

Charging Solutions: Anker MagGo

![图片链接] Anker’s MagGo 8-in-1 charging station, featuring a Qi2 charging module for smartphones, is available at a discounted price on Amazon. It includes three AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports, supporting 67W full-speed charging.

Digital Services & Platforms

Fiverr's AI Models for Freelancers

Fiverr is now allowing creators to train AI models on their work, which clients can purchase to generate content, offering "the speed of AI with the expertise of a pro." Freelancers set the price for their custom AI models, available across services like voiceovers, graphic design, and digital marketing.

Instagram's DM Upgrades

Instagram is upgrading its direct messages with features for translating messages across 99 languages, scheduling and pinning messages, and sharing music, available for both iOS and Android users.

Bumble's Strategic Shift

Bumble is discontinuing its acquired apps, Fruitz and Official, to focus on its core businesses, Bumble and Badoo. Overall revenue fell by 4.4% to $261.6 million.

X's Valuation and Funding

Elon Musk’s X is in discussions to raise funds from investors at a $44 billion valuation, the same price Musk paid in 2022. This follows Fidelity Investments marking down its stake by approximately 70% due to advertising retention struggles.

Security & Hacking

AT&T and Verizon Hacks

Cameron John Wagenius pleaded guilty to hacking AT&T and Verizon and stealing a trove of phone records. This case is linked to the indictment of Connor Moucka and John Binns, accused of data breaches against Snowflake.

Other Notable News

HP Acquires Humane

HP has acquired Humane's CosmOS operating system and IP, including the tech for the AI Pin, for $116 million. The devices will be bricked by Feb. 28. HP plans to integrate CosmOS into its PCs, smart printers, and connected conference rooms.

Niantic's Potential Sale

Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, is considering selling its video games division for $3.5 billion to Scopely, owned by Savvy Games Group, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s government-linked Public Investment Fund.

Acer's Price Increase Due to Tariffs

Acer plans to increase prices by 10% due to Trump’s tariffs, passing the cost onto consumers despite campaign promises to the contrary.

Semaglutide for Cocaine Cravings

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce cocaine cravings. A case study details a man whose cravings significantly declined after starting semaglutide.

News List

Ars Technica

16 hours ago

F1 celebrates 75 years with 10-team launch event in London

F1 makes a splash with first preseason livery extravaganza for 2025.

Amazon’s Eero is launching two new WiFi 7 compatible routers for the home: the Eero 7 and the Eero Pro 7, with specific taglines. The Eero 7 is the first-tier entry into Amazon’s networking family. Eero promises wireless speeds up to 1.8Gbps and wired speeds up to 2.3Gbps over a compatible ethernet cable. The Eero Pro 7 is for houses and businesses with considerable broadband demands. Amazon says the Eero Pro 7 reaches wireless speeds of up to 3.9Gbps. The devices are for sale next week.

Engadget

17 hours ago

Microsoft trained an AI model on a game no one played

Microsoft Research has developed Muse, a generative AI model that can create game environments from visuals or player actions. Trained on data from the Xbox game Bleeding Edge, Muse understands 3D game worlds and physics, allowing it to generate gameplay visuals and react to player interactions. It can adapt to new gameplay elements in real-time, offering a way to control development costs. Muse is currently limited to generating gameplay visuals at a resolution of 300×180 pixels. Microsoft is exploring the potential of using Muse to preserve classic games and optimize them for modern hardware.

Amazon-owned Eero is updating its mainline mesh routers with Wi-Fi 7 options in the new Eero 7 and Eero Pro 7, available for pre-order now ahead of their launch on February 26th. Both the Pro model and standard Eero 7 can push up to a 240MHz signal on the 5GHz band, something else that’s only supported in Wi-Fi 7. The new Wi-Fi 7 routers work as smart home hubs for Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem, with Matter support, a Zigbee radio, and the ability to act as Thread Border Routers.

Wired

17 hours ago

The Best Mesh Routers of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Mesh routers promise dependable Wi-Fi throughout your home, and most of them follow through, but finding the best mesh router for the job can be tricky. Instead of a single router to wash your whole home in Wi-Fi connectivity, a mesh system combines the main router with one or more nodes that appear as a unified Wi-Fi network. Your devices will connect to the nearest option automatically to get the best speeds. The iPhone 16 range support it. All the mesh routers we recommend as main picks support at least Wi-Fi 6, and

The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon with an on-page coupon for just $414. The EcoFlow Delta 2 is all about massive AC output. The output of the EcoFlow Delta 2 means it’s a great thing to have around the house should the power cut out. But it can also be a wonderful option for those who have road trip plans, live the RV or van life, or those who camp often. On AC power, the portable power station can charge to 100% from nothing in just 1.3 hours.

Ars Technica

17 hours ago

Dozens of things you can do to clean up a fresh install of Windows 11 24H2 and Edge

If you start using Windows 11 this year, you’ll want to know how to clean it up.

Anker’s MagGo 8-in-1 charging station is designed to charge all your devices at the same time. Right now, its going for 30% off as part of a limited time deal at Amazon. This 8-in-1 charger features a customized Qi2 charging module to wireless charge your smartphone. The Anker MagGo includes three standard AC outlets to plug in whatever, along with two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports. The Anker MagGo charging station supports 67W full-speed charging.