Technology and Sustainability

EcoDataCenter Secures Funding for Green AI Infrastructure

EcoDataCenter, a Swedish company specializing in eco-friendly data centers for AI compute providers, has secured $478 million in equity funding. This investment will support the development of new technologies and the construction of sustainable data centers. The company utilizes cross-laminated timber and renewable energy, influencing industry giants like Microsoft. The aim is to meet the increasing demand for compute capacity while minimizing environmental impact, addressing concerns about data centers' significant global electricity consumption. This announcement follows news of one of EDC's major customers, CoreWeave, filing for an IPO in the U.S.

Technology

Meta Expands Facial Recognition Tool Test to the UK

Meta is expanding its facial recognition tool test to the United Kingdom, after engaging with regulators. The tools aim to combat scams using likenesses of famous people and help users regain access to compromised accounts. Public figures in the UK will receive in-app notifications to opt-in for celeb-bait protection using facial recognition. The company said the features were not being used for anything other than the purposes described: fighting scam ads and user verification.

Retail

Adidas Discounts and Promotions

Adidas, endorsed by celebrities like David Beckham, Pharrell, and Bad Bunny, is offering various discounts and promotions. Becoming an adiClub member grants free shipping, discount vouchers, and exclusive access. Students get a 20% discount online and 15% in-store with UNiDAYS, while heroes (medical professionals, first responders, military members, and teachers) receive 30% off online and in-store. The Spring Sale offers up to 50% off end-of-season styles on clothing and shoes until March 20.

Automotive Industry

Cadillac Escalade IQL: The New Longest SUV

Cadillac is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with the Escalade IQL, a longer version of the Escalade IQ. Production is slated for mid-2025 at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit.

• Key Features: The IQL boasts an overall length of 228.5 inches, exceeding the gas-powered Escalade ESV. It offers increased legroom and headroom for third-row passengers, along with more cargo space. The IQL will retain the 205 kWh battery pack found in the regular IQ, which is expected to provide 460 miles of range and fast charging capabilities.

Defense Technology

Epirus Secures $250M for Anti-Drone Systems

Epirus, a defense tech startup focused on anti-drone technology, has raised $250 million in Series D funding, bringing its total funding to over $550 million and valuing the company at over $1 billion.

• Expansion Plans: The funding will facilitate expansion into international and commercial markets, team growth, supply chain improvements, and the establishment of a new soldier training simulation center in Oklahoma.
• Flagship Product: Epirus’s primary product, Leonidas, utilizes high-powered electromagnetic pulses to neutralize drones.
• Investment: The Series D round was co-led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, with additional participation from Gaingels and General Dynamics Land Systems.

Fintech and AI

Quantexa Valued at $2.6B After $175M Series F

Quantexa, a London-based startup specializing in AI and data analytics for combating money laundering and fraud, has secured $175 million in Series F funding, valuing the company at $2.6 billion.

• Growth & Expansion: The funding will support Quantexa's core business and its expansion into helping organizations leverage data across silos to build and run AI services. Quantexa's license revenue has increased by 40% in the last year.
• Use Case: Originally designed for anti-money laundering, the company's tooling is now used for data curation for AI applications, driven by the increasing demand for AI services.

Software Deals

Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle on Sale

The Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle is available for £93.89, offering an 82% discount on the AI-powered photo editing software.

• Features: Luminar Neo enhances tone, corrects color and lighting, and removes unwanted objects instantly. It includes pro-level AI tools for retouching, sky replacement, and more, along with six add-ons, such as Light Reflections Overlay and Wintertime Overlay. A video course on creative photo editing techniques in Luminar Neo is also included.

National Security

Trump Revives "Star Wars" Missile Defense Plan

President Trump aims to resurrect Ronald Reagan's 1980s Star Wars missile defense program, now called the "Golden Dome for America", asserting that modern technology makes it possible.

• Commitment: Trump emphasized his commitment to building a state-of-the-art, all-American missile defense shield during a speech to Congress.
• Executive Order: Trump initiated this effort with an executive order on January 27, calling for a "next-generation missile defense shield."

Consumer Tech

Choosing a New 4K TV

4K smart TVs are the standard for streaming, gaming, and accessing tech-savvy features with incredible resolution on larger screens.

• 4K Definition: 4K, or ultra-high definition, has at least 8 million active pixels, four times the resolution of HD.
• Pricing: Basic models start around £400, with prices varying by specs and manufacturer.

Affordable VPN Options

The best VPNs aren't always the most expensive, with some leading options offering affordable online security, data protection, and streaming capabilities.

• Benefits: VPNs create a private network that hides your real IP address and encrypts your online traffic, protecting against online threats like viruses and hackers.
• Streaming: VPNs can be used to stream movies and shows from around the world by tricking streaming sites into thinking you are based in a different country.

AI & Law

OpenAI Copyright Lawsuit

Alec Radford, a former key AI researcher at OpenAI and the lead author of the GPT research paper, has been subpoenaed in an ongoing copyright case against the startup. The lawsuit, initiated by authors like Paul Tremblay and Sarah Silverman, alleges that OpenAI infringed copyrights by utilizing their works to train AI models and that ChatGPT quoted works without proper attribution. While some claims were dismissed, the direct infringement claim remains. Attorneys are also seeking depositions from ex-OpenAI employees Dario Amodei and Benjamin Mann, now at Anthropic.

Musk vs. OpenAI

A federal judge has rejected Elon Musk's request to halt OpenAI's transition into a for-profit company, citing insufficient evidence for an injunction. However, the court is prepared to hold an expedited trial on Musk's claim that OpenAI's conversion is unlawful. This legal action is part of Musk's broader lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing them of abandoning their non-profit mission. Recently, OpenAI's board unanimously rejected Musk's unsolicited $97.4 billion takeover bid.

Entertainment

Snow White Live-Action Adaptation

Rachel Zegler's performance in Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White is generating excitement, particularly her new song "Waiting on a Wish," written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The song, inspired by “I’m Wishing”, is a powerful ballad. The accompanying video offers a first look at the movie’s cottage-core fantasy visuals and glimpses of Snow White's family bonds and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The movie opens on March 21.

Daredevil: Born Again

Disney+ is aiming to recapture the essence of the original Daredevil series with its new Daredevil: Born Again. The original Daredevil, a Netflix project, was known for its gritty action and nuanced depiction of the man without fear. The devil of Hell's Kitchen made unexpected guest appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home, She-Hulk, and Echo.

Technology & Gadgets

CES 2025 Highlights

CES 2025 featured a laptop with an expanding screen, the price of Sony and Honda’s first car, an upgraded version of the Frame TV, a robot that clings to your purse, and multiple robot vacuum cleaners with various features. Major announcements came from LG, Honda, Dell, and Nvidia. Coverage included hands-on experiences with the Zoox robotaxi, discussions about Matter, the Switch 2, LG Display's OLED TV panel, and the Legion Go 2. There were also announcements from Asus, Intel, and Nanoleaf.

AI & Technology

AI Funding and Applications

Several startups are gaining traction by leveraging AI in creative ways. Breakeven, a Spanish AI platform for the music industry, secured €876K in seed funding to analyze concert and venue data, offering insights for ticket pricing and market trends. OneThird, a Dutch startup, received €3.5M in Series A funding for its AI-powered scanners that predict the shelf life of fresh produce, aiming to reduce food waste.

AI Voice Model

Sesame is developing an AI voice model that incorporates realistic imperfections and can simulate various emotional states, even acting like an "angry boss."

iPhone Repairability Improvement

The upcoming iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16e models will feature a new battery adhesive that simplifies repairs by using an electric current to loosen the battery, making removal safer and easier.

Android Smartwatch Advancements

Android smartwatches are improving, with Wear OS 5 available for Samsung Galaxy Watches and Google Pixel Watch 3. The market is fragmented, so buyers should consider processor power, ecosystem compatibility, smart features, support longevity, and battery life when choosing a device.

Space Exploration

Jupiter's Moon Io: Atmosphere and Plasma Interactions

Studies led by L. Roth and others explore the dynamics of Io, a volcanic moon orbiting Jupiter. The atmosphere of Io originates from volcanic activity, though the exact path from volcanic vent to atmospheric loss is still under investigation. Data from Voyager flybys and ground-based observations show that plasma interactions cause mass loss from Io, with torus plasma overtaking the moon at 57 km/s. The stability of Jupiter's plasma torus requires mechanisms to limit feedback from this interaction.

Business & Finance

Tariffs on Imports from Mexico and Canada

The U.S. government has imposed 25% tariffs on all imports from Mexico and Canada. Marcelo Ebrard of the Mexican Ministry of Economy estimates these tariffs could cost American families $20.5 billion and inflate prices on electronics and vehicles. The automotive and electronics sectors in Mexico, representing 46% of Mexican sales, will be particularly affected.

Fintech Aspiration Faces Scrutiny

Fintech startup Aspiration, once valued near $2 billion, is under federal investigation for questionable financial and carbon accounting practices. Co-founder Joseph Sanberg was arrested for allegedly defrauding investors of $145 million. Ibrahim Al-Husseini, a former board member, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for falsifying documents to help Sanberg secure loans.

DeFi and Real-World Assets

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is evolving by integrating blockchain technology with Real-World Assets (RWAs) like real estate, creating new investment methods and simplifying asset ownership through tokenization. Smart contracts and automated transactions are enhancing trust and eliminating geographical constraints.

Sustainability & Environment

EV Battery Remanufacturing

As electric vehicle (EV) sales increase, EV battery remanufacturing is emerging as a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial practice. Companies like Redwood Materials are pioneering the remanufacturing economy by restoring used battery packs and extracting raw materials.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Decluttering Framework

A 5-step framework helps declutter various aspects of life, including physical spaces, digital lives, relationships, and finances. The framework emphasizes prioritizing what truly matters.

VR Games and Psychological Benefits

VR games offer a blend of real-world interaction and escapism. Games like Farming Simulator can boost creativity, decision-making skills, and emotional resilience.

Grand Theft Auto V Update

Rockstar Games has released a free PC update for Grand Theft Auto V, bringing it to parity with the latest console generation. The updated version includes technical improvements, PC-specific ray tracing features, and minor content additions.

AI & Robotics

AI Event

TechCrunch is hosting TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 at UC Berkeley and inviting AI community members to lead breakout sessions. Applications to speak are open until March 7, 2025. Speakers can lead 50-minute sessions with presentations, panel discussions, and Q&As. The TechCrunch audience will vote on the submitted topics. Speakers gain access to the event's main stage, additional breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and will be featured across event listings.

Humanoid Robots

Figure's new AI system, Helix, enables humanoid robots to perform complex tasks via simple voice commands without training. In a demo, two robots successfully put away groceries by scanning their environment and adapting in real-time. With home testing planned for 2025 and updates improving precision, Figure is moving humanoid robots closer to practical use.

Science & Health

Gene Editing

With most targeted changes not mammoth-specific, the focus is on gene editing.

Vitamin A Overdoses

Overdoses of vitamin A have serious risks and it doesn’t prevent measles.

Entertainment

Scream 7

David Arquette is returning for Scream 7, despite his character Dewey's death in the fifth film. He joins other returning characters who were killed off in the franchise. Courteney Cox and Neve Campbell are also returning and Scream 7 is bringing back Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown from the previous two films, as well as a slew of newcomers that include Mckenna Grace, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mark Consuelos, and Ethan Embry. Scream 7 opens February 27, 2026.

1984 PC Game

A "zero gravity training sphere" makes an appearance, obviously.

Cybersecurity

Actively Exploited Vulnerabilities

The U.S. CISA has added new exploits to its actively exploited list, warning federal agencies about vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild. One exploit, CVE-2023-20118, allows hackers to remotely execute commands on certain Cisco VPN routers. Another vulnerability, CVE-2018-8639, affects a broad range of Windows operating systems and can allow attackers to run arbitrary code in kernel mode. Microsoft and Cisco have not yet released security warnings regarding these exploits.

Business & Finance

Potential Price Increases Due to Tariffs

Target and Best Buy have warned that President Trump's tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China could lead to price increases for consumers as soon as this week. Target CEO Brian Cornell indicated that prices on produce like fruits and vegetables are likely to rise. Best Buy CEO Corie Barry also stated that price increases are "highly likely" due to tariffs affecting products sourced from China and Mexico.

CFPB Drops Lawsuit Against Zelle

The CFPB has dismissed its lawsuit against Early Warning Services, the company behind Zelle, and its owner banks (Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo). The lawsuit alleged that Zelle failed to protect users from fraud, resulting in $870 million in losses since 2017. The dismissal prevents the CFPB from bringing the claims again. Representatives from Zelle and JPMorgan have praised the ruling. Since President Trump's inauguration, the agency has only published one enforcement action.

Technology

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Launch

Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition cards will launch later in March, after the third-party versions from companies like Asus and MSI. The RTX 5070 is priced at $549 and offers performance similar to the $1,599 RTX 4090. Nvidia has shared a list of manufacturers that will have 5070 cards at MSRP cost available from March 5th. The launch has been rocky, with delays and mixed reviews, as well as manufacturing issues with some cards.

Apple AirPods Deals

Apple's AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2nd generation are now available at discounted prices. The AirPods 4, launched in September 2024, come in two versions: a standard model for $117 and a noise-canceling model for $168.99, offering improved design, audio, and call performance. The AirPods Pro 2nd generation, released in 2022, also feature better noise cancellation. Discounts are available at retailers like Amazon and Staples.

AI & Technology

Amazon's Agentic AI Division

Amazon has established a new division within AWS dedicated to developing AI agents. AWS CEO Matt Garman anticipates this to become a "multi-billion business," with Swami Sivasubramanian leading the group. This aligns with the growing industry trend towards AI agents, exemplified by Amazon's agentic features in Alexa+. The company aims to compete with Salesforce and Microsoft in automating business tasks.

Pie's AI-Powered Social Connections

Andy Dunn's social app, Pie, designed for real-life connections, acquired Sparked Connections, an AI-powered quiz predicting attendee compatibility. Integrated into "Sparked by Pie" events, the quiz uses personality tests and ChatGPT to group participants, fostering connections before and during events.

AI-Assisted Cheating Controversy

Roy Lee, a Columbia University student, faces disciplinary action for using his AI program to secure internships at Amazon, Meta, and TikTok. Lee claims his program, InterviewCoder, highlights the obsolescence of current Big Tech job application processes.

X's Enhanced Communities

X is enhancing its Communities feature, similar to Reddit, by pinning popular Communities to the top of the homepage. Users can customize timelines and filter content. These changes aim to improve focused discussions and could assist X's AI efforts by creating topical boards for AI model training.

Security Alerts

YouTube Phishing Scam

YouTube is alerting creators about a phishing scam involving a fake AI-generated video of CEO Neal Mohan. The video claims changes to YouTube's monetization policy to steal user credentials. YouTube emphasizes that it never shares information via private videos and urges users to report such scams.

VMware Vulnerabilities

Just one compromised VM can make all other VMs on that hypervisor sitting ducks. VMware patches 3 critical vulnerabilities in multiple product lines.

Finance & Investment

Foundation Capital's New Fund

Foundation Capital has raised a $600 million eleventh flagship fund, 20% larger than its predecessor. The firm focuses on seed-stage investing in enterprise, AI, FinTech, and crypto.

LoftyInc Capital's Third Fund

LoftyInc Capital, an African investor, has secured $43 million for its third fund, LoftyInc Alpha. Targeting late-seed and Series A startups in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Francophone Africa, the fund has attracted sovereign wealth funds and development finance institutions.

Cryptocurrency

Trump's Crypto Reserve Plan

Donald Trump announced a U.S. Crypto Reserve to elevate the industry after criticizing the Biden Administration. The plan includes a strategic national bitcoin stockpile, expanding to Ethereum, Solana, Ripple’s XRP, and Cardano. Concerns arise about management, wallet specifics, and overall planning.

Space Exploration

Firefly's Lunar Landing

Firefly's Blue Ghost lander successfully touched down on the lunar surface in Mare Crisium, marking the company's first mission to the Moon. The lander executed a precision landing within 328 feet of its target and has begun surface operations, including deploying payloads and sampling lunar regolith. Blue Ghost carries 10 NASA instruments designed to gather data to support future human missions to the Moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.

Medical Breakthroughs

Stem Cell Therapy for Cornea Repair

Researchers report that an experimental stem cell therapy has safely restored the surface of severely damaged corneas in people with otherwise untreatable injuries, often improving their vision. The therapy involves transplanting stem cells from the person’s other healthy eye to repair damage caused by limbal stem cell deficiency.

Legal & Political News

Epstein Documents Controversy

Pam Bondi, Trump’s attorney general, is claiming the FBI and the SDNY withheld thousands of pages of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Bondi says a “truckload” of documents have been acquired from SDNY and will soon be made public, possibly with redactions.

Consumer Products & Deals

Breville Barista Express Sale

The Breville Barista Express is on sale at Amazon for $550, a 27% discount from its usual $750 price. This all-in-one espresso machine includes a built-in conical burr grinder, digital PID temperature control, and a commercial-style steam wand.

Star Wars Black Series Figure

An Emperor Palpatine Star Wars Black Series figure, pre-ordered months ago, arrived as an Amazon exclusive deluxe edition. The figure includes Palpatine’s throne and accessories.

Star Trek Figures

Nacelle is releasing a new line of Star Trek figures, spotlighting less-obvious characters. Each figure comes with accessories and are available for pre-order now and are expected to ship in October.

Artificial Intelligence and Software Development

Google's SpeciesNet for Wildlife Identification

Google has launched SpeciesNet, an open-source AI tool designed for wildlife biologists to identify animal species in camera footage. Trained on over 65 million images, it classifies images into more than 2,000 labels, covering diverse animal and non-animal species. Available on GitHub, SpeciesNet aims to accelerate camera footage processing, allowing conservation practitioners to focus on conservation efforts.

Google's AI-Powered Pixel Sense App

Google is reportedly developing an AI-powered Pixel Sense app for its Pixel phones, which will offer contextual suggestions as users interact with their devices.

Microsoft Copilot for Mac

Microsoft has launched Copilot for Mac, a dedicated window for the web version, featuring a system-wide keyboard shortcut (Option-Space) and Dark Mode support. It lacks a screenshot button and offers functionalities like coding, research, and homework assistance.

Entertainment and Gaming

Vin Diesel Teases Potential Groot Movie

Vin Diesel teased a potential Groot movie from Marvel Studios, suggesting Disney wants "Planet X," a film where Groot returns to his home planet.

Sony Streamlines PlayStation Beta Programs

Sony is streamlining its PlayStation beta programs, allowing users to sign up once for future beta tests for PS5 and PC games, console features, PlayStation App updates, and website changes.

Tech Policy and Regulation

Apple Appeals UK's Secret Demand for Backdoor Access

Apple is appealing to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal regarding a secret demand from the UK for backdoor access to encrypted user data, marking a unique case of its kind.

CFPB Drops Zelle Lawsuit

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has dropped its lawsuit against peer-to-peer payment system Zelle, which alleged that customers of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo lost over $870 million.

DOGE Salaries and Operations Under Scrutiny

Staffers at Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are receiving substantial salaries from federal agencies they are tasked with dismantling. The department's spending and salary ranges are not public.

Potential Tariffs on TSMC

The Trump administration is considering imposing tariffs on TSMC and other Taiwanese chipmakers, potentially affecting electronic devices like Apple iPhones. Experts warn of difficulties and increased costs.

Mobile Technology

Mobile World Congress 2025 Highlights

Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona showcased innovative gadgets, including Samsung Display's folding handheld console concept, Lenovo's ThinkBook Flip concept, Xiaomi's 15 Ultra phone, and Nubia's Focus 2 Ultra smartphone.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Model Development and Applications

• Amazon is reportedly developing an AI model under its Nova brand, aiming for advanced reasoning capabilities and a hybrid reasoning architecture, potentially launching in June. The model aims to provide step-by-step, considered answers, enhancing reliability in areas like math and science.
• Klarna's CEO clarified their decision to replace Salesforce CRM with their AI system, emphasizing it shouldn't be seen as a universal solution. He addressed concerns about data privacy, explaining that the project involved consolidating data from various SaaS systems onto an internally developed tech stack.
• The Los Angeles Times is introducing AI tools, including an AI-powered bias meter and a "Viewpoints" section using Perplexity AI, to address trust issues and showcase alternative perspectives in opinion articles.

AI Chatbot Limitations

• Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, is taking a conservative approach by often refusing to answer political questions, unlike competitors. This stems from a March 2024 decision to restrict election-related queries, and it sometimes struggles to provide factual political information.

Technology and Gadgets

New Device Releases and Updates

• Apple has announced new iPad models, including the entry-level iPad starting at $349 and 11- and 13-inch iPad Airs starting at $599 and $799, respectively, set to arrive on March 12th. The new iPad will be available in four colors: blue, pink, yellow, and silver, while the iPad Airs come in dark gray, blue, purple, and “starlight” cream.
• Lenovo unveiled upgraded ThinkPads, including the ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1, and concept models like the Yoga Solar PC Concept with solar-charging capabilities at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Gadget Deals

• The Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air portable projector is on sale for $419.99. Suitable for outdoor use, the projector has 1080p resolution, supports 4K HDR input, and features built-in Google TV with Netflix.
• PDF Converter Pro is available for a lifetime license at A$38 with code SAVE20.

Entertainment

Streaming

• Hulu is streaming original series such as Deli Boys, a comedy series about Pakistani American brothers, who are expected to take on the family business which, is actually a front for a drug smuggling empire and British historical drama, A Thousand Blows in which crime and violence collide.

Television

• Kevin Bacon stars as a resurrected bail bondsman in Blumhouse Television and Amazon MGM Studios’ new Prime Video series, The Bondsman, tasked with chasing demons escaped from hell.

Security

Cryptocurrency Theft

• Hackers, believed to be North Korean, have laundered nearly all of the $1.4 billion in cryptocurrency stolen from Bybit and converted it into Bitcoin.

Politics and Law

Trade and Tariffs

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford is set to terminate the $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink due to newly imposed Trump tariffs.

Government Operations

• Employees of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) allege they are being restricted from working, with requests to continue duties ignored by leadership.

Environmental Law

• The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down an EPA rule limiting pollution discharge into America’s water, in a 5-4 decision, relieving San Francisco of $313 million in fines and $10.6 billion in upgrades.

AI & Technology

AI Customer Service

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Bret Taylor, Sierra founder and OpenAI board chair, emphasized the potential of AI agents in customer service. He noted that these AI-powered agents offer multilingual support and instant responses, surpassing previous AI chatbots. While they help reduce costs and enhance the consumer experience, companies must implement safeguards against generating false information. Taylor advises companies to leverage these improvements by narrowing their domain, rather than waiting for perfection.

Apple & UK Encryption Dispute

Apple is challenging the UK's order demanding access to encrypted iCloud files through an appeal to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. Apple had previously stopped offering Advanced Data Protection in the UK due to this order. The UK government's demand, under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, targets iCloud's end-to-end encryption, potentially affecting Apple users globally.

Deals & Gadgets

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Wireless Earbuds

The Bowers & Wilkins' Pi6 wireless earbuds are on sale for $168.08 (originally $249) on Amazon.

They support SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Classic codecs. They offer detailed audio, comfortable fit, decent ANC, and eight hours of battery life.

Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station

The Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station is on sale for $35.99 (40% off) at Amazon.

It features four USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, three AC outlets, and 300J surge protection.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is on sale for $1,439.99 (originally $1,619.99) at Samsung.

The deal includes a free pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3. The tablet has a 14.6-inch screen, a Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ chip, and up to 16 hours of battery life.

Nintendo Switch OLED Bundle

Nintendo is releasing a new OLED bundle with Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership for $349.99, saving $67.98.

Entertainment

Star Wars Celebration Japan

Four upcoming Star Wars projects will be showcased at Star Wars Celebration Japan, taking place April 18-20. Panels will focus on The Mandalorian and Grogu film, Andor season two, Ahsoka season two, and Star Wars Visions season three.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4

Activision and Tony Hawk announced Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, releasing on July 11.

Iron Galaxy Studios remade the games with original content and cross-platform online multiplayer. It includes new skaters, tricks, and parks and will be available for multiple platforms.

Dotemu's New Fantasy Beat-'Em-Up IP: Absolum

Dotemu, known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, is developing a new fantasy beat-’em-up IP called Absolum.

It features branching paths and roguelike mechanics and will offer solo and co-op modes with four fantasy-themed characters for Switch, PlayStation, and PC later this year.

Monster Hunter Wilds Sales

Monster Hunter Wilds has sold 8 million copies in just four days, becoming Capcom’s fastest-selling title ever.

YouTube's Gambling Content Policy

YouTube is tightening its policies on gambling content, effective March 19th, prohibiting creators from verbally referring to gambling services not approved by Google, displaying their logos, or linking to them in videos.

Business & Finance

Freelancer Tax Tips

Freelancing presents unique challenges during tax season, requiring year-round business record keeping and quarterly estimated tax payments.

Trade & Tariffs

Stock markets are sinking as the US faces retaliatory tariffs and complaints at the WTO.

Politics & Security

US State Department and USAID Contracts

The Trump administration abruptly announced it would end nearly 10,000 contracts and grants from the US State Department and USAID, impacting numerous non-profit organizations.

Digital and human rights organizations expressed concerns that the cuts have undermined democracy-building and put their staff at risk.

Technology & Software Updates

Google Pixel Updates

Google's Pixel Feature Drop in March brings several updates to Pixel devices and Android. Pixel Studio now generates images of people using text prompts, similar to Apple's Image Playground. Google Messages will identify scammy text messages using AI, specifically Google's Gemini Nano model for English-speaking Pixel 9 users in the U.S. and the ability to share locations with trusted contacts moves to the Find My Device app. For Android Auto, more games are coming to the vehicle's screen. Pixel 9 owners can connect to GoPro cameras or other Pixel phones for multi-angle video streaming, while Pixel Watch users gain Loss of Pulse Detection and menstrual tracking on the Pixel Watch 3.

Android 15 Features

Google announced four new features for Android 15, including real-time scam message detection in Google Messages. The Find My Device app now allows live location sharing with friends. New games are coming to Android Auto for parked vehicles, and the Chrome app will track price comparisons for products and send sale alerts.

iOS 19 Rumors

As iOS 19 is expected to be unveiled in June 2025 at Apple's WWDC, rumors have emerged, including plans to merge Siri with Apple Intelligence, targeted for completion by spring of 2026 with the launch of iOS 19.4. The assistant is expected to get a new LLM to unify its architecture and handle complex requests, and a leaked redesign of the iPhone's Camera app is anticipated.

Apple's New iPads

Apple announced two new iPads: an iPad Air with the M3 chip and a base iPad with the A16 chip. The M3 iPad Air features the M3 chip but has otherwise identical features to the M2 iPad Air.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Developments

AI Agent Trust Registry

SingularityNET and PrivadoID are launching the world's first Decentralized AI Agent Trust Registry to embed trust and transparency into decentralized AI by providing AI agents with Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and credentials to confirm creator, model, and audit status.

AI in Cybersecurity

AI and Machine Learning (ML) are crucial in cybersecurity, analyzing file behavior and detecting phishing attempts, containing threats within milliseconds.

AI for Autonomous SOCs

PathfinderAI expands Hunters' vision for AI-driven SOCs, introducing Agentic AI for autonomous investigation and response, building on Copilot AI.

AI-Powered GRC Automation

BubbaAI, Inc. is creating CompAI, an open-source alternative to GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) automation platforms for startups needing security compliance, featuring an AI-powered editor and automated evidence-collection tools.

XRPTurbo and AI

XRPTurbo is a new platform aiming to bring AI automation to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), enhancing the XRP ecosystem with on-chain and off-chain agents, focusing on streamlining tasks such as automated trading and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, emphasizing decentralization and user security.

LA Times Using AI

The Los Angeles Times is using AI to label articles with a "Voices" tag and adding AI-generated "Insights" at the bottom, including different viewpoints, but the LATimes Guild has expressed concerns about unvetted AI analysis.

Business & Finance

Trump and Crypto

Donald Trump stated that XRP, Solana, Cardano, and Ether would be considered for a future U.S. strategic crypto reserve, alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum, leading to price increases.

Elon Musk's Email Policy

A new website called OPMReply can automatically generate responses to Elon Musk's requirement for federal employees to write a weekly email detailing five tasks they have done.

Security Breaches & Privacy

DISA Global Solutions Data Breach

DISA Global Solutions experienced a data breach compromising the information of more than 3.3 million people, including Social Security numbers, medical records, financial account information, and credit/debit card numbers.

TAKEITDOWN Act

First Lady Melania Trump supports the TAKEITDOWN Act, targeting AI-generated deepfakes, especially non-consensual explicit images, but free speech organizations have concerns about the bill's potential overreach.

Entertainment

Robert Pattinson as Batman

Robert Pattinson hopes to reprise his role as Batman in The Batman Part II before he gets too old. Filming is expected to begin at the end of the year, with the sequel delayed to October 2027.

George Lowe Passes Away

George Lowe, known for his role as Space Ghost in Adult Swim's Space Ghost Coast to Coast, has died at 67 after battling a long illness.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Remakes

Activision announced the remakes of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4, titled Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, launching on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and the Switch on July 11th.

Home & Lifestyle

Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Sale

The Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 is on sale at Amazon for $350, offering savings on this versatile heater and cooling fan.

Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum Sale

The Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $329.99, offering a discount on this device that can collect and store debris for up to 60 days.

Other News

Cybertruck at Mardi Gras

An orange Cybertruck from Texas, with the license plate DUMPST5R, participated in the Krewe of Orpheus parade in New Orleans but had to leave early due to excessive debris being thrown at it.

Predicting Consciousness

Research suggests that sleep patterns in comatose patients could help predict their chances of regaining consciousness.

AI and Technology

AI Model Release

CohereForAI has launched AyaVision, a multimodal AI model available in 32B and 8B versions. The AyaVision32B outperforms larger models like Meta’s Llama-3.290B Vision in visual understanding benchmarks. Both models are available on Hugging Face under a Creative Commons 4.0 license but are restricted from commercial use.

Apple's New iPad Air and iPad

Apple unveiled a new iPad Air powered by the M3 chip and an updated base iPad with the A16 chip. The M3 iPad Air offers faster CPU and graphics performance, supporting Apple Intelligence features like ChatGPT integration and Genmoji creation. The base iPad now has double the storage. Both are available for pre-order, shipping March 12. A new Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad is also available for the iPad Air models. Prices for the iPad Air start at $599 (11-inch) and $799 (13-inch).

Microsoft Copilot Update

Microsoft is rolling out a native version of its Copilot Windows app to Windows Insiders. The updated app aligns with the design of the macOS version and features a new side panel and improved UI, including image uploading and microphone interaction.

Google Messages AI Scam Detection

Google Messages is introducing an AI-powered scam detection tool to protect Android users from text message scams. The tool monitors messages in real-time for suspicious patterns and alerts users. The feature launches in English in the US, UK, and Canada first.

Business and Finance

Didi Seeks Funding for Autonomous Vehicle Unit

Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi is seeking funds for its autonomous vehicle technology unit, potentially valuing it at $5 billion. The funds will support AV tech development and electric robotaxi mass production.

Sunnova's Financial Warning

Solar installer Sunnova issued a “going concern” warning due to a cash shortage, causing a significant stock drop. The company is planning to refinance debt and cut expenses.

Automattic's Leadership

Amidst controversy, WordPress co-founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg intends to remain in his leadership role and manage succession planning by passing leadership to a CEO who will act as a steward to the WordPress community.

Social Media and Regulation

Criticism of Australia's Social Media Ban

Meta, TikTok, and Snap are criticizing Australia's social media ban for those under 16 for exempting YouTube. They argue that YouTube is also popular among teenagers and should be subject to the same restrictions.

Consumer Electronics and Deals

Amazon Deals

Amazon is offering deals on various products, including the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 256GB, WiFi) for $849 with an on-page coupon, and the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus for $199.99.

Amazon eero Mesh Routers on Sale

Amazon is offering a two-pack of eero mesh routers for $80, down 45% from $145, or a three-pack for $100, which covers up to 4,500 square feet with WiFi 6.

Fire TV Soundbar Plus Deal

Amazon is offering the Fire TV Soundbar Plus for $199.99, featuring a built-in subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and a dedicated center dialogue channel.

Samsung Frame TV Spring Sale

Samsung is offering up to 40% off on all sizes of the Frame TV during its Spring Sale event, with the 55-inch version priced at $899.99.

Shure MoveMic 88+

Shure has introduced the MoveMic 88+, a wireless direct-to-phone microphone with four selectable polar patterns. It is available for $299.

Gaming

Acclaim's Revival

Acclaim, a major gaming brand in the '80s and '90s, has been revived by industry veterans to support indie developers and revitalize its own gaming franchises.

Hazelight Studios' SplitFiction

Hazelight Studios, known for It Takes Two, has released SplitFiction, a co-op adventure game that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements and serves as a parable about generative AI.

Dotemu Announces Absolum

Dotemu announced their next game, Absolum, a new fantasy beat 'em up with roguelike elements, expected to launch later this year.

Healthcare

Risk of Pre-Weekend Surgeries

A study has found that surgeries scheduled right before the weekend tend to be riskier than those done earlier in the week. Pre-weekend surgeries had a 5% higher combined risk of deaths, complications, and readmissions.

Politics

Trump's Mar-a-Lago Events

Guests are paying millions to meet with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago events. A one-on-one meeting costs $5 million, while a seat at a Candlelight Dinner costs $1 million per person.

Environment

Federal Environmental Web Tracker

The Federal Environmental Web Tracker has been resurrected to monitor changes to federal government websites, focusing on the removal of information related to climate change.

Tech & Gadgets

Apple's New iPad Air and Base iPad

Apple announced new iPad Air models powered by the M3 chipset, available in 11- and 13-inch sizes, starting at $600 and $800 respectively. The new iPad Air includes a thin frame and is promoted as an upgrade for users of M1 or A14 Bionic-level CPUs. A new base iPad with the A16 processor has also been released with 128GB of storage for its base price of $350. Pre-orders started today, with wider availability beginning on March 12. The base iPad also doubled its storage and is "6x faster" than some Android models.

Portable Power Station Deals

The Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station is on sale for $500. It delivers 2,400 watts of power and includes six AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A outlets. It recharges fully in under an hour and features LFP batteries with a 3,000-cycle lifespan. The SOLIX C1000 also has a 600W input port for solar panel charging. It weighs 27.6 pounds and can be controlled via the Anker smart app.

The Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station is on sale for $169, saving 35%. It has USB-A and -C ports, two AC outlets, and a DC car port. The Jackery needs only two hours plugged into the wall to recharge 80%. It can also be connected to a Jackery solar panel to charge devices. It's beneficial for outdoor trips or during storms and disasters.

Storage Solutions on Sale

The Samsung T7 external solid-state drive is on sale for up to $150 off. The 1TB drive is available for $90, the 2TB for $130, and the 4TB for $270. Designed for creators, the T7 SSD offers fast read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000MB/s, and is compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro at its full 4K and 60fps. It is also portable and sturdy, able to withstand falls.

Rugged Phones with Unique Features

Ulefone has introduced the Armor 33 Pro and Armor 34 Pro, rugged phones with unique functionalities. The Armor 33 Pro features a 6.95-inch display, Dimensity 7300X 5G chip, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 50/50/64-megapixel camera. It packs a massive 25,500mAh battery, a loudspeaker, and an additional display. The Armor 34 Pro has the same specs but includes a 150lm projector and a bright LED flash. Both phones are near-indestructible.

Mesh Wi-Fi System

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E is on sale for $99, which is 50 percent off, providing coverage up to 2,200 square feet. It has lower latency than Wi-Fi 6 and divides network burden across three bands to reduce interference. It integrates well with Google services and smart home devices. It lacks customization but is user-friendly, receiving regular security and software updates, making it a top choice for mesh Wi-Fi systems.

iPhone 16e Repairability

Repairing the iPhone 16e is now easier due to Right to Repair laws, earning it a 7/10 rating from iFixit. The device features a repair guide for the USB-C port and easy-release battery adhesive. The charging port repair involves removing multiple components to access the port replacement. The iPhone 16e includes Apple's C1 modem. iFixit's analysis confirmed it is completely free of Qualcomm tech.

Electric Bikes Review

A test of the best electric bikes in various categories including commuting, mountain biking, foldable, and cruisers.

Bridging Smartphones and DSLRs

Xiaomi and Realme showcased concept phones at the Mobile World Congress, aiming to bridge the gap between smartphones and DSLRs. Realme's concept involves mounting a full DSLR lens onto the camera island of a custom phone, utilizing a one-inch-type sensor from Sony. Users can attach lenses via a proprietary mount, with designs working for 73mm portrait and 234mm telephoto lenses.

Science & Environment

Climate Change and Public Trust

A new survey indicates that climate change is harming the health of Americans, and there's growing trust in scientists and health professionals.

Woolly Mammoth Resurrection Project

Colossal Biosciences, aiming to resurrect the woolly mammoth by 2028, reports progress by genetically engineering mice with mammoth-like fur. Scientists used CRISPR to edit mouse embryos with mammoth genes, resulting in mice with fur resembling mammoth traits. The company believes this woolly coat will help the mice survive in cold climates. Colossal is also working on bringing back the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo bird.

Iceberg A23a Runs Aground

The massive iceberg A23a, weighing nearly a trillion metric tons, appears to have run aground near South Georgia Island after a five-year journey. The iceberg, which calved from Antarctica in 1986, is the world’s largest active iceberg. It's currently resting south of the island, potentially disrupting commercial fisheries. The iceberg could break up, releasing nutrients that may benefit the regional ecosystem.

Business & Politics

Tesla's Reputational Damage

As Elon Musk sticks his fingers in government, Tesla suffers serious reputational damage, including protests, broken windows, and even arson.

RFK Jr.'s Transparency Claims

Kennedy vowed last month to usher in an era of "radical transparency," but is now shutting Americans out of health decisions.

CFPB Conflict and Potential Shutdown

Leadership and staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are in conflict over claims that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle the agency. A key executive is set to testify in a hearing following concerns from a judge that the agency might be shut down prematurely. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spurred by Elon Musk's criticism, has targeted the CFPB. A lawsuit by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) aims to prevent the shutdown.

The "Dumbest Trade War in History"

The United States, along with its major trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China, are now embroiled in what has been termed a "dumbest trade war in history." Tariffs, which are essentially taxes on goods and services from abroad, are being misrepresented, particularly by claims made by Donald Trump. These tariffs, including a 10 percent tax on all products from China and a 25 percent tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, are impacting consumers.

Gaming

Monopoly App Banking

Hasbro has introduced a new version of Monopoly, "Monopoly App Banking," replacing cash with a mobile app to handle all transactions. The app tracks players' money and properties, aiming to make the game more accessible to younger players and reduce cheating. Set to launch in August 2025 for $24.99, the game features updated, kid-friendly properties. The mobile app is free, but players need their own devices. The app also includes mini-games to engage younger players.

Palworld Lawsuit

Palworld, described as "Pokémon with guns," quickly became a hit in early 2024. However, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair, the game's maker. Despite the controversy and plagiarism accusations, the game has seen huge success. New developments include a new island and a publishing label by Pocketpair. The lawsuit and its implications remain a central point of discussion for the gaming community.

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI's Academic Initiative

OpenAI has launched NextGenAI, investing $50 million in research grants, compute funding, and API access to support AI-assisted research at 15 top universities including Harvard, MIT, and the University of Oxford. The initiative aims to empower students, educators, and researchers, advancing AI discoveries. This follows the launch of ChatGPTEdu.

Optimizing Online Presence for AI

ScrunchAI, led by CEO Chris Andrew, helps companies optimize their online presence for AI chatbots and web crawlers. Their platform audits and improves how businesses appear on AI search platforms, providing visibility into AI interactions with online information. ScrunchAI has raised $4 million and signed 25 customers, including Lenovo, BairesDev, and Penn State University.

Consumer Electronics and Gadgets

Apple iPad Updates

Apple has launched new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with the M3 chip, available for pre-order starting March 12, with prices starting at $599 and $799 respectively. The new iPad Air is nearly twice as fast as the M1 version. Apple also introduced an updated Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row, priced at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model.

Apple has also updated the base iPad with an A16 chip and doubled the storage, starting at 128GB, while maintaining the same price of $349, available from March 12th. It features a 10.9-inch screen, a 12-megapixel camera on both the front and back, and Touch ID on the power button.

Samsung Display Innovations

Samsung Display showcased foldable, stretchable, and bendable phone and tablet concepts at MWC Barcelona. These included a vertically tri-folding phone and larger, tri-folding prototypes, along with a stretchable display that protrudes outwards, creating a 3D effect.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Deal

Samsung is offering the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for as low as $100 with a trade-in, a discount from the normal price of $250. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature adaptive active noise cancellation, adaptive equalizer, and integration with Galaxy AI for real-time language translation.

Kindle Essentials Bundle on Sale

The Kindle essentials bundle, featuring a 2024 matcha-colored Kindle, matching fabric cover, and power adapter, is on sale at Amazon for under $150. The Kindle has a glare-free display, 16GB of storage, and offers up to six weeks of battery life.

JBL Endurance Peak 3 Earbuds Deal

The JBL Endurance Peak 3 workout earbuds are on sale for $39.95 on Woot, featuring secure ear hooks, 10mm dynamic drivers, Google Fast Pair, and an IP68 rating. The earbuds offer an estimated 10 hours per charge, with an additional 40 hours from the charging case.

New Emojis for iOS

iOS users will receive new emojis, including a "Face with Bags Under Eyes," in the 18.4 beta update.

Aura and Cozyla Google Photos Integration Change

Aura and Cozyla digital photo frames will lose the ability to auto-update Google Photos albums due to Google's changing API, starting March 17, 2025.

Computing and Gaming

Nvidia RTX 5070 Reviews

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, priced at $549, is designed for 1440p gaming but faces criticism for not being a significant upgrade for RTX 4070 owners. It performs similarly to the 4070 Ti, featuring 6,144 CUDA cores and 12GB of GDDR7 memory. Several sources indicate that the card's performance is not living up to expectations with some stating it is only 20% faster than the RTX 4070 and only 4% faster than the RTX 4070 Super. There are also criticisms of Nvidia's marketing and business practices.

Alienware Gaming Monitors

Alienware has launched an updated 34-inch Ultra-Wide QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3425DW) with a 240Hz refresh rate, priced at $800, and the 27-inch 280Hz QD-OLED Monitor (AW2725D) at $550. Alienware continues to offer a three-year burn-in warranty on its QD-OLED panels.

Other Tech

Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On

Peak Design has introduced its first roller luggage, the Roller Pro Carry-On, designed for tech-savvy travelers. It features hidden compartment for AirTag, external gear loops, protected pockets for electronics, and accommodates the XL-sized Camera Cube. Available for pre-order via Kickstarter, the price ranges from $140 to $600 with add-ons. The fully assembled roller costs $599.95 and the Camera Cube costs $139.95

Windows 11 Phone Link Update

Windows 11 offers a built-in tool called Phone Link that allows users to mirror their Android apps on a PC. While basic features work with most phones, the app mirroring feature is limited to select Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, and Asus handsets.

Science and Environment

Colossal Biosciences' Woolly Mouse

Colossal Biosciences has created a genetically engineered "Colossal woolly mouse" expressing mammoth-like traits. This achievement is a step toward resurrecting the woolly mammoth by 2028. The mice were generated by editing seven genes, resulting in thicker coats with a woolly texture.

Business and Finance

Swap's Series B Funding

Swap, a London-founded startup providing tools for e-commerce companies to navigate cross-border trading, has announced $40 million in Series B funding led by ICONIQ Growth. The company plans to expand into wider Europe, the U.S., Australia, and Canada.

Funding for Women-Led Startups in Europe

Venture investment in European startups founded by women declined 12% in 2024, nearly in line with the 11% decrease in overall venture investment. However, female founders in deep tech are raising more than men in that area.

Security

Polish Space Agency Cyberattack

Poland’s space agency (POLSA) is working to restore services following a cybersecurity incident detected on Sunday. The agency immediately disconnected its network from the internet and is currently investigating the incident.

Entertainment

Entertainment Updates

Amanda Seyfried hinted at a potential sequel to Jennifer's Body. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is in production for season 4. Keanu Reeves discussed his cameo in the upcoming spinoff, Ballerina, from the John Wick franchise, but mentioned there are no plans for a fifth John Wick movie. Steven Yeun will voice multiple variants of Mark in the upcoming "Invincible War" arc.

Personal Care

Shaving Epiphany

The writer shares an epiphany about shaving after using a Leaf Thorn single-edge razor, emphasizing that a sharp blade, regardless of the razor's complexity, is key to a good shave.

Automotive Industry

BMW's EV Strategy and New Battery Technology

BMW is investing billions in new battery technology and plans to offer an EV in every vehicle segment across all its brands, despite a slowing global appetite for EVs. The company hopes to lead against Tesla and Chinese EVs by focusing on EV technology. BMW introduced its Neue Klasse, a new all-electric architecture, and showcased its new battery cells, Energy Master control module, and motors, promising better efficiency, range, and energy density. The new cylindrical batteries offer 30% more range, 30% faster charging, and 20% more energy density.

Artificial Intelligence & Cloud Computing

LlamaIndex's Cloud Service for Unstructured Data Agents

LlamaIndex, founded in 2023 by ex-Uber scientists, has launched LlamaCloud, a cloud service that enables developers to build custom AI agents that operate on unstructured data. The company's open-source software allows the creation of agents capable of extracting information, generating reports, and performing specific actions by connecting data from various sources like PDFs, PowerPoint, Notion, and Slack. Salesforce, KPMG, and Carlyle are already utilizing LlamaIndex.

Mobile Technology & Gadgets

Lenovo's Innovative ThinkBook Concepts at MWC

Lenovo showcased the ThinkBook codename Flip AIPC Proof of concept at MWC, featuring a flexible OLED display that folds outwards, doubling from 13 inches to 18.1 inches. It also includes a Smart Force Pad with customizable controls. Additionally, Lenovo introduced the ThinkBook 16P with the Magic Bay docking system, allowing users to attach an 8-inch screen or two 13.3-inch panels, expanding the screen space.

Xiaomi's New Devices at MWC 2025

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 featured new device reveals, service announcements, and deals. The Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra stood out with excellent screens, strong battery life, and fast charging. Xiaomi's HyperOS 2 includes AI features, available in the UK and Europe, but not the US. Xiaomi also presented the Pad 7 and 7 Pro tablets, Buds 5 Pro earbuds, Watch S4, and Smart Band 9 Pro.

Nothing's New Mid-Range Smartphones

Nothing has introduced two new mid-range smartphones, the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, at MWC 2025. Both phones feature enhanced camera capabilities, boosted performance with mid-range chipsets, and AI features. The Phone (3a) focuses on telephoto camera performance with a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP telephoto camera. The Phone (3a) Pro offers more zoom capabilities with a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP periscope camera. Both devices run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 platform.

Samsung Display's Foldable Concepts

Samsung Display presented folding concepts at Mobile World Congress like a briefcase screen and a foldable gaming handheld resembling a Switch. Samsung also displayed an asymmetrical Z Flip-style phone called The Claw, featuring a two-hinge design. Other concepts included screens that stretch, bend, or flex, demonstrating Samsung Display's innovative capabilities.

Semiconductors

TSMC's Increased Investment in US Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to invest an additional $100 billion over the next four years to enhance advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, bringing the total investment to $165 billion. This expansion will include building three more fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities, and a major research and development center in Arizona. TSMC's facilities will manufacture chips for AI and other cutting-edge applications, creating 40,000 construction jobs and "tens of thousands of high-paying, high-tech jobs."

Business & Finance

Mews Raises $75 Million for Hotel Management Platform

Mews, an Amsterdam-based SaaS platform for hotel management, has raised $75 million. Tiger Global led the round, with participation from Kinnevik, Battery Ventures, and Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Mews has 6,300 hotels using its platform and processed $10 billion in payments in 2024.

Trump's Tariffs on Goods from Mexico, Canada, and China

President Trump has implemented tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada (25%) and China (additional 10%). These tariffs are expected to increase prices on various products in the US. Canada and Mexico plan to retaliate with their own tariffs. China has already imposed a 15% tariff on US agricultural products and added 15 American companies to its export control list. Trump also intends to introduce taxes on imported chips, cars, and farming equipment.

Trump's Cryptocurrency Strategic Reserve

President Trump announced a federal cryptocurrency strategic reserve, causing price fluctuations in associated tokens. Joe Lonsdale criticized the decision, questioning the role of government in buying into crypto. Lonsdale expressed skepticism about the scheme, while reaffirming his support for the crypto industry, but it remains unclear how Trump plans to fund and manage the crypto strategic reserve.

Science & Environment

Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) for Gamma-Ray Astronomy

The European Commission has established the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). The CTAO will be the world's most powerful ground-based observatory for very-high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, consisting of two telescope arrays in La Palma, Spain, and ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. Gamma rays, produced by energetic objects like black holes and supernovae, will be studied to understand their origins.

Colossal Biosciences Creates 'Colossal Woolly Mouse'

De-extinction startup Colossal Biosciences has gene-edited mice to exhibit mammoth-like characteristics, creating the 'Colossal Woolly Mouse'. These mice, with shaggy fur and golden coats, demonstrate the gene-editing techniques the company plans to use on a larger scale to modify Asian elephants to resemble woolly mammoths. The mice genomes were edited to change their fur and fat storage, key differences between mammoths and Asian elephants.

Potential Lease Cancellations for Weather Forecasting Offices

Reports indicate potential lease cancellations for key weather forecasting offices, including the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, raising concerns about accurate weather forecasts. Elon Musk's DOGE is allegedly cutting $2 trillion from the federal budget, leading to layoffs at NOAA.

Deals

HP's USB-C 11-in-1 Dock G5 Discount

HP's USB-C 11-in-1 Dock G5 is 45% off at Amazon, priced at $127. Compatible with USB-C or Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, it consolidates multiple connections into a single USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 cable.

LG 5.1.3 Channel Soundbar Surround Sound System Sale

The LG 5.1.3 channel soundbar surround sound system is on sale for $447 (57% off). It enhances home audio for movies and TV with clear dialogue, booming bass, and immersive sound.

Tips & Tricks

Effective Screen Cleaning Methods

To clean screens effectively, avoid using isopropyl alcohol or Windex, as they can damage coatings. Distilled water is a more affordable and versatile alternative, leaving no residue. Use a separate spray bottle and a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen, avoiding paper towels or abrasive materials.

Other

Amazon Gains Full Creative Control Over James Bond

Amazon has secured full creative control over the James Bond franchise after striking a deal, raising concerns among fans about the future direction of the beloved series.

AI & Technology

European AI Infrastructure

Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch is advocating for increased investment in data center infrastructure in Europe to bolster the regional AI ecosystem. He suggests telecoms should aim to become hyperscalers, emphasizing AI's opportunity to decentralize the cloud. Mensch also calls for European players to reduce reliance on U.S. tech by buying homegrown solutions. He supports consolidation in the telecoms space to streamline partnerships and network upgrades to accommodate personalized data streams enabled by AI, indicating potential collaborations with telcos.

Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo and Uber Robotaxi Launch in Austin

Waymo and Uber have officially launched the "Waymo on Uber" robotaxi service in Austin, Texas.

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Austin riders can request a Waymo vehicle when ordering an UberX, UberGreen, UberComfort, or UberComfort Electric. Users can opt for either a human-driven vehicle or a robotaxi. Uber customers can boost their chances of getting matched with a Waymo by opting in via the "ride preferences" section of the Uber app. The Waymo One service covers 37 square miles in Austin, and Waymo vehicles will be stored, cleaned, and maintained by a third-party partner. Waymo will be responsible for vehicle testing and roadside assistance, while Uber manages fleet services through Avomo. The availability of Waymo vehicles is initially limited due to the small fleet size, but is planned to grow to hundreds of vehicles. Tesla's robotaxi service is expected to launch in Austin in June.

Miscellaneous

Product Review

Bidet Toilet Seats Tested

A review of electric and non-electric toilet seats tested for cleaning performance.

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AI and Future of Work

AI Augmenting Human Capabilities

The discussion revolves around the relationship between AI and humans in the workforce. While acknowledging AI's capabilities in computational tasks and automation, the emphasis is on AI amplifying human abilities rather than outright replacement. The vision is a future where AI handles routine tasks, freeing humans to focus on complex problem-solving, ethical considerations, and creative endeavors.

Ethical Considerations in AI Development

The need to integrate ethical considerations from the outset when building AI-powered tools is emphasized. The focus is on user privacy, bias, and transparency, drawing from guidelines like the EU’s AI Act and Google’s AI Principles.

AI-Powered B2B Advertising

Glitch, an AI growth agent for B2B businesses, automates advertising on platforms like Google. It leverages data-driven insights to improve performance, maximize ROI, and eliminate wasted ad spend. The tool has been nominated in HackerNoon's annual Startup of The Year awards in Dublin, Ireland.

O.XYZ's Cerebras-Powered AI Engine

O.XYZ launched OCEAN, a Cerebras-powered AI engine.

Web Development and Frameworks

PHP Frameworks

PHP frameworks like Laravel and Symfony significantly influence web development processes. Laravel features include Laravel Mix, Eloquent ORM, and the Blade templating engine. Symfony is used for large-scale applications.

Angular Evolution

A project explores the evolution of Angular from its early versions to the present ones, focusing on bundle optimization and the adoption of recent Typescript versions.

Middleware Migration

Migrating middleware applications from TIBCO BusinessWorks (BW) 5.x to TIBCO BusinessWorks Container Editions (BWCE) 2.x for AWS cloud involves application analysis, pre-migration steps, and using the Project Migration Wizard.

API Security in Node.js

Security is crucial when creating APIs with Node.js. Validating user inputs, using short-lived JWT tokens, and avoiding hard-coding database passwords are key measures. Authentication and authorization are also critical.

Kotlin Multiplatform Localization

A custom solution is proposed to address the challenges of localization in Kotlin Multiplatform projects. The solution supports code generation, validation, and runtime updates using a key-value structure in JSON format.

Ann’s Boba Tea Backend Transition

Ann’s Boba Tea experienced a seamless backend transition.

Cryptocurrency and Security

Cryptocurrency Losses Surge

In February 2025, the cryptocurrency sector experienced $1.53 billion in losses, primarily due to a $1.46 billion hack of the Bybit exchange. Centralized finance (CeFi) platforms accounted for 95.5% of the losses. A deep dive into the Bybit hack is featured.

Data Loss Event

Gama, a K-12 educational content-sharing platform, experienced a critical data loss event due to a migration to GlusterFS, resulting in 10,000 files disappearing.

Bitcoin Nodes and AI Literacy

The potential for the poorest people to run Bitcoin nodes and the importance of AI literacy are discussed.

Ethereum Swarm

Ethereum Swarm is positioned as the foundation of the decentralized web.

Mobile Technology and Devices

Mobile World Congress 2024 Highlights

Mobile World Congress 2024 featured interesting tech, including the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with its advanced camera system, the Lenovo ThinkBook Flip AIPC Concept with a folding display, and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra supercar.

Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro Release

Nothing has released two new mid-range devices: the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro. The Phone 3a Pro features a periscope sensor with 3X optical zoom. The Phone (3a) starts at $379, while the (3a) Pro starts at $459.

Other News

Stuff Your Kindle Day

Stuff Your Kindle Day is offering a selection of free closed-door and fade-to-black romance novels on March 4. E-book readers can download hundreds of e-books at no cost.

Mach Industries Lands Army Contract

Mach Industries, a defense tech company founded by Ethan Thornton, has secured a contract with the U.S. Army to develop a vertical takeoff precision cruise missile called “Strategic Strike.” Mach plans to build decentralized factories to manufacture its products.

Mobile Devices

Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro Launch

Nothing has unveiled the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. These phones feature a semi-transparent design with Glyph LEDs.

The 3a, starting at $379, and the 3a Pro, at $459, offer solid specs for their midrange prices. The 3A Pro has a semi-circular camera array and features a 3x periscope telephoto lens, while the Phone 3a has horizontally aligned cameras with a 2x zoom. Both phones have a 50-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. Both phones have a 6.77" AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chip, 8/12GB of RAM, and 128/256GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 50W charging and IP64 dust and water resistance. They run on Android 15 and are promised three years of OS updates and six years of security patches. The Phone 3a Pro has a 40-megapixel telephoto camera, while the Phone 3a has a 50-megapixel telephoto camera. A new 'Essential Space' feature for storing various media has also been introduced, with Nothing focusing more on software features.

Audio Deals

Beats Studio Buds Discount

The Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon, a 33% discount.

These wireless ANC earbuds feature a custom acoustic platform for balanced sound, active noise canceling, and transparency mode. They use Class 1 Bluetooth and have built-in microphones for call clarity. Battery life is eight hours per charge, extending to 24 hours with the case. They are IPX4-rated sweat and water-resistant.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Wireless Earbuds on Sale

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 wireless earbuds are available for $168.08 at Amazon, a 32% discount.

These earbuds feature 12mm bio-cellulose drive units, adaptive active noise cancellation, and three built-in microphones for call clarity. They also support aptX Adaptive technology. The earbuds have a battery life of up to eight hours per charge, with the case extending it to 24 hours.

Smart Home & Entertainment

Amazon Fire Stick 4K Discount

The Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale at Amazon for $29.99, a 40% discount.

This streaming device provides access to platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu. It comes with a remote with built-in Alexa and supports 4K Ultra HD visuals with HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The device boasts a more powerful processor and enhanced Dolby Atmos support compared to its predecessor.

roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum Sale

The roborock Q5 Pro+ robot vacuum is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon, a 57% saving.

Equipped with a DuoRoller system and 5500Pa HyperForce suction power, the vacuum picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair on both carpet and hard floors. It features a self-emptying dustbin with a 2.5-liter storage capacity, lasting up to seven weeks. The vacuum also has voice controls, PreciSense LiDAR Navigation, and 3D mapping.

Benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi Systems

Traditional Wi-Fi routers often result in poor connectivity due to their single-unit design and susceptibility to interference. Mesh Wi-Fi systems solve these issues by using multiple nodes to create a broader, more reliable connection throughout a home.

Linksys CEO Jonathan Bettino highlights mesh systems as an advancement over single-point routers, providing "ubiquitous Wi-Fi" that feels like a "router in every room," overcoming the limitations of range extenders.

Apple Products

Apple Studio Display Discount

The Apple Studio Display is on sale for $1,299.99 at Amazon, a 19% saving.

This monitor features a 27-inch 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for a billion colors. It also has a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, a three-mic system, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio. Connectivity options include one Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, with 96W of power delivery.

Refurbished M1 MacBook Air (2020) Available

A near-mint refurbished M1 MacBook Air (2020) is available for $514.99.

This MacBook Air features the M1 chip, a 13.3-inch Retina display, 128GB SSD storage, up to 18 hours of battery life, and a fanless design. The device also has a Touch ID sensor. The purchase is backed by a 30-day parts and labor warranty.

Accessories

INIU Leopard 100W GaN USB Wall Charger Sale

The INIU Leopard 100W GaN USB Wall Charger is on sale for $42.99 with free shipping until March 30.

This compact charger features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery 3.0. Built-in safety features prevent overheating.

Software

SwiftScan VIP Lifetime License

SwiftScan VIP offers a lifetime license for $41.99 with code TAKE30, providing a scanner on your smartphone or iPad.

The app creates high-quality scans with color filters, auto-optimization, and blur reduction. Users can scan anything, including receipts and handwritten notes, and save them as PDFs or JPGs. It also allows for faxing, emailing, or uploading to cloud services.

Books

Stuff Your Kindle Day – Open Door Romance Novels

Alpharoll is offering a variety of open door romance novels for free on Stuff Your Kindle Day, March 4.

This event allows bookworms to download hundreds of e-books at no cost. Some of the books available for free include Caught in the Middle by Bella Perry and You've Got Love and Cinnamon Rolls by Jilli Waters.

Space & Astronomy

March 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse

In March 2025, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in America.

The darkest part of Earth's shadow will cover the moon during its brightest phase on March 13 and 14. The eclipse will begin at 8:57 pm Pacific Time, with totality projected for 11:26 pm PDT and lasting approximately one hour. During this phenomenon, the moon will appear deep red.

Audio Technology

Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Earbuds Discount

Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $59 (26% off). Prime members can get them for $44.99. These earbuds feature adaptive active noise cancellation reducing noise by up to 98%, double-layer diaphragm drivers for strong bass, clear mids, and bright treble, LDAC mode for Hi-Res Audio Wireless sound, 10 hours of playtime per charge (50 hours with the charging case), and wireless charging. A 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback.

Fintech

Cino Secures Seed Funding for Expansion

European startup Cino, a real-time shared payment app, has raised €3.5 million in seed funding led by Balderton Capital. Led by CEO Elena Churilova and COO Lina Saleh, Cino allows groups to split bills and pay directly from their bank account or wallet. Originating from Tallinn, Estonia, Cino will use the funding to expand to the U.K. The app enables users to create groups, issue virtual cards, add/remove people, and change split ratios. Cino reports 100% month-over-month growth in markets like Finland and Italy, with customers using the app 17 times a month, spending up to €3,000.

Quantum Computing

QuantWare's Series A Funding

QuantWare, a Dutch startup founded in 2020, secured €20 million in Series A funding co-led by Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund and InnovationQuarter. This funding will scale its team and technology focused on Vertical Integration and Optimization (VIO) to address bottlenecks in quantum processing units (QPUs). In February, QuantWare announced preorders for Contralto-A, its first QPU for quantum error correction, designed for upgradability and claiming to be almost twice as large as commercially available competitors.

Internet Access & Digital Equity

Meta & Internet Society Initiative

Meta and the Internet Society launched the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative with a $30 million investment through 2030 to expand affordable internet access globally. The initiative will fund infrastructure development, training programs, and community-centered solutions, particularly in underserved areas. This initiative expands upon a previous partnership focused on improving internet connectivity in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America through Internet exchange points (IXPs).