AI Guide
Technology
Logitech Powerplay 2 Wireless Charging Mousepad
Logitech is launching the Powerplay 2, a new $100 wireless charging mousepad, in March. This updated version features a 15 percent wider charging area and a thinner design (3.5mm). However, it is only $20 cheaper than the original. A notable drawback is the removal of the built-in wireless mouse receiver, now requiring two USB ports as the mouse dongle must remain plugged into the PC.
News List
The Verge
2 hours ago
Powerplay 2: Logitech made its magic mousepad cheaper instead of better
Logitech is releasing a new $100 version of its Powerplay wireless charging mousepad in March, called the Powerplay 2. It features a 15 percent wider charging area and is thinner at 3.5mm. However, it’s only $20 cheaper, and it feels like Logitech made its mousepad cheaper to hit that goal. Also, there’s no more wireless mouse receiver built into the Powerplay 2, so the mouse requires two full-size USB ports instead of one because users still have to leave the mouse’s dongle plugged into their PC, too.
AI Guide
Telecommunications
AT&T Promotions
AT&T, the third-largest wireless provider in the US, is offering several promotions. Customers can receive Visa Rewards Cards worth up to $150 by signing up for AT&T Fiber, with an additional $50 off using the code WINTER50 at checkout until March 31. Existing customers can save 20% on their AT&T bill by bundling internet service with unlimited wireless. Teachers, active military personnel, veterans, and first responders can receive a 25% discount on their bills.
Entertainment
Disney's Streaming Strategy
Since Bob Iger's return as Disney's CEO, major changes have focused on streaming. These include combining DisneyPlus and Hulu apps for US bundle subscribers, preparing to launch a streaming-only version of ESPN, and a live sports streaming partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. A Disney, Hulu, and Max streaming bundle is also in the works, along with password-sharing restrictions.
Disney's Content and Leadership
Iger also aims to boost Disney’s films and revitalize the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other key points include Kathleen Kennedy's reported departure from Lucasfilm, ESPN's AI avatar test, Disney's streaming business growth, investment in Epic Games, and Apple Vision Pro featuring DisneyPlus 3D movies. The search for Iger's successor is ongoing, with his contract expiring in 2026.
News List
Wired
3 hours ago
AT&T Promo Code: Get a Gift Card Worth Up to $200
AT&T, the third-largest wireless provider in the US, offers extensive coverage and various plans suitable for families and frequent travelers. Customers can get Visa Rewards Cards worth up to $150 by signing up for AT&T Fiber, plus an additional $50 with the code WINTER50 at checkout until March 31. Existing customers can save 20% on their AT&T bill by bundling internet service with unlimited wireless. Additionally, teachers, active military personnel, veterans, and first responders can receive a 25% discount on their bills.

The Verge
3 hours ago
Everything you need to know about Disney, ESPN, and Bob Iger’s return as CEO
Since Bob Iger’s return as Disney’s CEO, succeeding Bob Chapek, major changes have been implemented as the company focuses on streaming. Iger has combined DisneyPlus and Hulu apps for bundle subscribers in the US and is preparing to launch a streaming-only version of ESPN and a live sports streaming partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. He also aims to boost Disney’s films and revitalize the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other key points include Kathleen Kennedy’s reported departure from Lucasfilm, ESPN’s AI avatar test, Disney’s streaming business growth, and the ongoing search for Iger’s successor, with his contract expiring in 2026. Additional developments involve a Disney, Hulu, and Max streaming bundle, password-sharing restrictions, investment in Epic Games, and Apple Vision Pro featuring DisneyPlus 3D movies.
AI Guide
AI Tools and Services
1min.AI Comprehensive AI Suite
1min.AI offers a suite of AI tools encompassing writing, image editing, and audio transcription, designed for professionals, students, and creatives. Features include a writing assistant, background remover, text-to-speech converter, image upscaling, and chat with AI models such as GPT-4 and Gemini Pro. It also supports audio/video editing and transcription/translation. A lifetime subscription is priced at £31.66.
Autonomous Vehicle Perception
Public Aversion to Self-Driving Cars
A recent AAA survey reveals that 61% of Americans remain "afraid" to ride in self-driving vehicles, a decrease from last year but an increase from 2021. While 74% are aware of robotaxis, 53% wouldn't ride in them. Despite younger generations being more receptive, overall public interest has waned, with a preference for vehicle safety system investments. Nevertheless, self-driving tech like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance is still desired.
Legal Services
LegalZoom for LLC Formation
LegalZoom facilitates basic legal tasks online. A user established an LLC for a band in approximately 30 minutes for around $500, utilizing a LegalZoom promo code, with an additional $129 spent to correct an error. LegalZoom offers a user-friendly interface and a WIRED445 code for 10% off LLC Formations (expires August 14). The cost to properly set up an LLC can range from $35 to over $500, with additional options that may not be necessary depending on specific state requirements.
News List
Wired
4 hours ago
LegalZoom Promo Code: Exclusive 10% Off LLC Formations
LegalZoom is an online legal service that can handle basic legal tasks. A user was able to set up an LLC for a band in about 30 minutes for around $500 after using a LegalZoom promo code. The user also had to spend an extra $129 to fix a mistake. LegalZoom offers a simple interface, making it easy to ensure everything is in order, and a WIRED445 code for 10% off LLC Formations (expires August 14). It can range from $35 to over $500 to properly set up an LLC, and LegalZoom also offers options you probably don’t need, so be sure to Google what you actually need in your state before paying extra money.
Mashable
5 hours ago
This is how Americans truly feel about self-driving cars
According to a recent AAA survey, a majority of Americans (61%) remain “afraid” to ride in self-driving vehicles. While this percentage has decreased from last year, it still represents an increase from 2021. The survey also found that 74% of respondents knew robotaxis were available in certain cities, but 53% said they would not ride in one. While younger generations are more receptive to robotaxis, majorities still wouldn’t ride in them. Public interest in self-driving vehicles has decreased, with more people wanting investments in vehicle safety systems. Despite skepticism, many expressed a desire for self-driving tech like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

Mashable
5 hours ago
Simplify everything with a lifetime AI tool that lets you stop app-hopping
1min.AI offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools for writing, image editing, and audio transcription, aiming to simplify workflows for professionals, students, and creatives. Users can access features like a writing assistant for blog posts, background remover, text-to-speech converter, and image upscaling. The platform also supports chat with AI models like GPT-4 and Gemini Pro, audio/video editing, and transcription/translation. Users can earn free credits daily and accumulate rewards by leaving reviews or inviting friends. A lifetime subscription is available for £31.66 (regularly £185.24).

AI Guide
Events
Fyre Festival 2 Announced
Billy McFarland, the organizer of the disastrous 2017 Fyre Festival, has announced Fyre Festival 2. The event is scheduled for Isla Mujeres, Mexico, from May 30 to June 2. Tickets went on sale Monday, ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million. Despite the lack of confirmed artists and McFarland's own uncertainty about his legal ability to attend, he is relying on marketing to attract attendees, even with the risk of repeating the mistakes of the original festival, which was marked by poor conditions and led to McFarland's imprisonment for fraud.
News List
TechCrunch
5 hours ago
Fyre Festival 2 is coming, and it already sounds bananas (and not in a good way)
Billy McFarland, the mastermind behind the infamous 2017 Fyre Festival, has announced Fyre Festival 2, scheduled for Isla Mujeres, Mexico from May 30 to June 2. Tickets went on sale Monday, ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million, despite no confirmed artists and McFarland’s uncertainty about his legal ability to attend. The original Fyre Festival, promoted as a luxurious music event in the Bahamas, turned into a disaster with FEMA tents, cheese sandwiches, and no running water, landing McFarland in prison for fraud. Despite his history, McFarland is betting on marketing’s power to draw people eager to be part of a moment, even at the risk of repeating past mistakes.
AI Guide
Technology
Nvidia RTX 5080 Manufacturing Issue
Nvidia has confirmed that the RTX 5080 was also affected by the manufacturing issue that left some RTX 50-series graphics cards missing render units, along with the RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, and RTX 5070 Ti. Less than 0.5% of these GPUs were affected, with an average graphical performance impact of 4%, and no impact on AI and compute workloads. The production anomaly has been corrected, and consumers can contact the board manufacturer for a replacement. No other Nvidia GPUs have been affected. A Redditor discovered the issue on their RTX 5080, which they are handing over to GamersNexus for further study.
News List
The Verge
6 hours ago
Nvidia admits some early RTX 5080 cards are missing ROPs, too
Nvidia has confirmed that the RTX 5080 was also affected by the manufacturing issue that left some RTX 50-series graphics cards missing render units, along with the RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, and RTX 5070 Ti. According to Nvidia, less than 0.5% of these GPUs were affected, with an average graphical performance impact of 4%, and no impact on AI and compute workloads. Nvidia says the production anomaly has been corrected and that consumers can contact the board manufacturer for a replacement. Nvidia also stated that no other Nvidia GPUs have been affected. A Redditor discovered the issue on their RTX 5080, which they are handing over to GamersNexus for further study.
AI Guide
Technology and Legal
Epic vs. Apple Antitrust Battle
The legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple, ongoing since August due to Epic's addition of a direct payment mechanism in Fortnite violating Apple's App Store rules, is heading to trial on May 3rd. Epic claims Apple's App Store is a monopoly, while Apple defends its control over the platform. The trial is expected to reveal details about Apple's operations and App Store policies, with testimonies from key figures like Tim Cook and Tim Sweeney. The core issue is whether Apple's policies are monopolistic and anti-competitive.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Cables Finance DEX Integration
Cables Finance DEX is launching a platform integrating RWAs, FX, liquid staking, and perpetual futures into a single DEX and liquidity hub for sustainable growth. Cables captures revenue across its technology stack, including the Cables AppChain, aiming for lasting value through deep liquidity, efficient capital flows, and institutional-grade infrastructure. The revenue model includes yield-bearing RWAs, liquidity fees, and perpetual futures DEX and trading fees, scaling with market adoption.
Ethereum and Web3 Vision
The author reflects on Ethereum's vision of Web3 as a user-owned, democratic internet, arguing that Ethereum is more of a database with smart contracts than a "World Computer." Suitable for financial transactions but not general-purpose backend tasks. The author highlights the importance of Swarm for content storage, suggesting that Ethereum and Swarm together can contribute to a decentralized web.
Bybit Security Criticism
The author expresses frustration over the distortion of facts surrounding the Bybit incident, arguing it resulted from Bybit's negligence and not the skill of hackers like the Lazarus group. They assert there was no actual hack but a case of incompetent security practices by Bybit, who failed to verify transactions.
Software Architecture
vFunction's AI-Driven Observability
Moti Rafalin, founder of vFunction, describes the company as "the pioneer of AI-driven architectural observability." vFunction's platform enables software architects and engineering leaders to understand application architecture, reduce technical debt, and manage complexity. Customers use vFunction to visualize application architecture and continuously fix technical debt.
Entertainment
Andor Season 2 Trailer
The first trailer for Andor season two previews Cassian's return and the coalescing rebellion. The season is split into four chapters, each jumping a year between 4 BBY and 0 BBY, ending just before Rogue One. The trailer includes glimpses of Cassian in various disguises and locations, as well as Cassian at the Massassi Temple on Yavin IV, indicating the final arc leads directly into the film.
HackerNoon Platform
HackerNoon User Feedback Survey
HackerNoon is conducting a global survey to gather user feedback on their experiences with the platform. Participants will receive an exclusive discount code for HackerNoon merchandise and be entered into a prize draw for Story Boosts or Story Translations. The grand prizes for providing the most thoughtful feedback are an iPad 10th Gen and Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones.
News List
The Verge
9 hours ago
Epic Games v. Apple: the fight for the future of the App Store
Epic Games and Apple have been in a legal battle since August, when Epic added a direct payment mechanism to Fortnite, violating Apple’s rules. Apple removed the game from the App Store, and Epic responded with an antitrust lawsuit, claiming the App Store is a monopoly. The trial, which begins on May 3rd, is expected to reveal details about Apple’s operations, with testimony from key figures like Tim Cook and Tim Sweeney. Documents released before the trial have already provided insights, and more news is anticipated. The dispute revolves around Apple’s App Store policies, with Epic challenging the restrictions and Apple defending its control over the platform. Both sides have made various legal maneuvers, including appeals to the Supreme Court. The core issue is whether Apple’s App Store policies are monopolistic and anti-competitive.
Gizmodo
10 hours ago
Breaking Down the Details in Andor Season 2’s Riotous First Trailer
The first trailer for Andor season two has been released, previewing Cassian’s return and the coalescing rebellion. The season will be split into four chapters, each jumping a year between 4 BBY and 0 BBY, ending just before Rogue One. The trailer includes glimpses of Cassian in various disguises and locations, hinting at the different arcs he will undergo. It also shows Cassian at the Massassi Temple on Yavin IV, wearing parts of his Rogue One costume, indicating the final arc will lead directly into the film. Cassian is seen questioning whether to fight or win, as the rebellion intensifies.
HackerNoon
12 hours ago
The Fundamentals Behind Cables Finance: Monetizing Yield, Perpetuals, And Institutional Liquidity
Cables Finance DEX is launching a platform integrating RWAs, FX, liquid staking, and perpetual futures into a single DEX and liquidity hub, aiming for sustainable growth. Cables captures revenue across its technology stack, including the Cables AppChain, to create a self-reinforcing financial model. This approach seeks to generate lasting value through deep liquidity, efficient capital flows, and institutional-grade infrastructure. Cables’ multi-layered revenue model includes yield-bearing RWAs and liquidity fees, perpetual futures DEX and trading fees, and aims to scale with market adoption.

HackerNoon
12 hours ago
vFunction CEO & Co-founder on Complementing Observability Tools with Architectural Insights
Moti Rafalin, founder of vFunction, describes the company as “the pioneer of AI-driven architectural observability.” He explains that vFunction’s platform enables software architects and engineering leaders to understand their application architecture, reduce technical debt, and manage complexity. The core team’s experience in tackling architectural challenges at WatchDox led to the creation of vFunction. Rafalin measures success by survival, revenue, and growth. Customers are using vFunction to visualize application architecture and continuously fix technical debt.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Ethereum is Not a World Computer, and Swarm is Much More Than Just a Hard Drive
The author reflects on their early fascination with Ethereum and the vision of Web3 as a user-owned, democratic internet. They argue that Ethereum is not a “World Computer” but more akin to a database with smart contracts acting as stored procedures, making it suitable for financial transactions but not general-purpose backend tasks. The author also highlights the importance of Swarm, a crucial component of the Web3 vision for content storage, which has been overshadowed despite its significance. They suggest that Ethereum and Swarm together can contribute to a new, decentralized web.

HackerNoon
16 hours ago
Bybit Only Has Itself to Blame
The author expresses shock and frustration over the distortion of facts surrounding the Bybit hack. They argue that the incident was primarily due to Bybit’s negligence, not the skill of hackers, and that media outlets are misrepresenting the event by emphasizing the involvement of the Lazarus group without concrete evidence. The author asserts there was no actual hack but rather a case of incompetent security practices by Bybit, who failed to verify transactions. They criticize the visualization of transactions as a distraction from Bybit’s mistakes and suggest that blaming Lazarus is a convenient scapegoat.

HackerNoon
16 hours ago
Give Feedback, Get Rewarded: Win Sony Headphones or an iPad for Helping Shape HackerNoon’s Future
HackerNoon is conducting a global survey to gather user feedback on their experiences with the platform. The survey aims to understand user preferences, content interests, user experience, and writing experience. Participants who complete the survey will receive an exclusive discount code for HackerNoon merchandise and will be entered into a prize draw for Story Boosts or Story Translations. There is also a special in-app survey for mobile users to improve the app experience. The grand prizes for providing the most thoughtful feedback are an iPad 10th Gen and Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones.

AI Guide
AI & Copyright
Musicians Protest AI Copyright Changes
A group of 1,000 musicians in the U.K., including Kate Bush, Max Richter, and Imogen Heap, released a "silent album" called “Is This What We Want?” to protest planned changes to copyright law. These changes would simplify AI training on copyrighted work without proper licensing or payment. The album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces. Track titles spell out "The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies." The protest, organized by Ed Newton-Rex, is part of a campaign against AI training without licensing.
AI Technology
LLMs and RAG
Large Language Models (LLMs) excel at writing and answering questions but can be inaccurate. Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) enhances LLMs by providing real facts, ensuring accuracy. RAG retrieves relevant information from trusted sources to provide accurate answers, grounding responses in reliable information. LLMs create content, and RAG monitors for accuracy.
Social Media & Politics
TikTok Ban Controversy in the US
The U.S. government's focus on banning TikTok due to national security risks and data privacy concerns is questioned as potentially more political theater than a genuine cybersecurity issue. Concerns exist about TikTok's data collection and ties to China, though no concrete evidence proves data handover to the CCP. Despite an executive order pausing enforcement of a divest-or-ban law, TikTok briefly disappeared in the US but quickly returned online. Other apps like CapCut and Lemon8 were also affected.
News List
TechCrunch
9 hours ago
1,000 artists release ‘silent’ album to protest UK copyright sell-out to AI
A group of 1,000 musicians in the U.K. released a “silent album” titled “Is This What We Want?” to protest planned changes to copyright law that would make it easier to train AI on copyrighted work without licensing or payment. The album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces from artists like Kate Bush, Max Richter, and Imogen Heap, with track titles spelling out “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.” Organized by Ed Newton-Rex, the protest is part of a larger campaign against AI training without licensing, with a petition garnering over 47,000 signatures from creative professionals.
The Verge
10 hours ago
TikTok ban: all the news on the app’s shutdown and return in the US
TikTok briefly disappeared in the US to comply with a divest-or-ban law, but quickly returned online, though missing from app stores. Despite an executive order pausing enforcement, Google and Apple restored TikTok’s listings. The ban law remains, and politicians are working on next steps. Other apps like CapCut and Lemon8 were also affected. Trump touted his plan to save TikTok. There are concerns over data collection and ties to China.
HackerNoon
11 hours ago
LLM & RAG: A Valentine’s Day Love Story
Large Language Models (LLMs) are skilled at writing and answering questions but can be inaccurate. Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) enhances LLMs by providing real facts, ensuring accuracy. LLMs generate human-like text but predict answers based on training, sometimes guessing incorrectly. RAG retrieves relevant information from trusted sources, like books or databases, to provide accurate answers. RAG ensures the LLM stays accurate and truthful by grounding its responses in reliable information. LLMs create, and RAG monitors, making them a powerful and reliable pair.

HackerNoon
13 hours ago
Ticked Off: A Dark Web Researcher’s Perspective on TikTok’s Controversy
The article discusses the U.S. government’s focus on banning TikTok due to national security risks and data privacy concerns, questioning if it’s more political theater than a genuine cybersecurity issue. It argues that if the government truly cared about protecting Americans’ data, it would target cybercriminals on the dark web instead. Concerns about TikTok’s data collection are acknowledged, but there is no concrete evidence proving that TikTok has handed over user data to the CCP. Meanwhile, the U.S. government struggles to address data breaches and cybercrime ecosystems outside of TikTok’s influence.

AI Guide
AI Developments
AI Funding and Investment
Anthropic is reportedly finalizing a $3.5 billion funding round, valuing the company at $61.5 billion. Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, and MGX are expected to participate. The funding will support the development of more capable AI technologies. Anthropic, which recently released its new flagship AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, has reached approximately $1.2 billion in annualized revenue but is still losing money.
AI and National Security
Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang's advocacy for the U.S. to "win the AI war" has sparked debate. Wang argues AI will fundamentally change national security, viewing it as a race between the U.S. and China, expressing concern that AI could allow China to surpass Western military might. He highlights the risk of Chinese LLM models reflecting communist viewpoints and potential government data gathering. Scale will also help Qatar build 50 AI-powered government apps. Scale is known for employing contract workers to train models, especially for AI weapons.
AI in Weather Forecasting
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has launched an AI-powered forecasting model, AIFS, that it claims outperforms state-of-the-art physics-based models by up to 20%. The model operates faster and uses approximately 1,000 times less energy. Google DeepMind's GenCast model has also demonstrated strong performance in AI-powered weather prediction. ECMWF emphasizes that AIFS is complementary to its existing model (IFS), offering a range of products to its user community.
Cybersecurity and Regulation
UK's Online Safety Act
Ofcom, the U.K.’s internet safety regulator, has released draft guidance to support firms in meeting obligations to protect women and girls from online threats such as harassment, misogyny, and intimate image abuse, as part of the Online Safety Act (OSA) implementation. The government has prioritized the protection of women and girls, with specific forms of misogynistic abuse outlined in the law. While the OSA, approved in September 2023, faces criticism and concerns over implementation timelines and effectiveness, enforcement is expected to begin soon regarding illegal content and child protection. Full enforceability of the latest recommendations is projected for 2027 or later.
Cryptocurrency Heist
Attack on Bybit didn't hack infrastructure or exploit smart contract code.
Health
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children
Researchers recommend kids stay up to date on the COVID vaccines.
Social Media
Yope Photo-Sharing App
Yope, a trendy photo-sharing app launched in September 2024, is gaining popularity, particularly among Gen Z users, with 2.2 million monthly active users. Functioning like a private Instagram combined with a group chat, Yope allows users to create groups, add friends, and share photos within those groups, with the option to display them on lock screens.
Gaming
Despelote Soccer Game
Despelote, a stylish soccer game set in Quito, Ecuador, in 2001, is coming to Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 1. Developed by Julián Cordero and Sebastián Valbuena and published by Panic, the game follows 8-year-old Julián as he explores life during Ecuador's economic recovery, kicking a ball and meeting people.
Nintendo's Alarmo Clock
Nintendo's Alarmo, a $99.99 alarm clock featuring scenes and sounds from iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda, is now readily available in the US through retailers like Best Buy and directly from Nintendo. The alarm clock, with a cartoonish design reminiscent of vintage models, includes an LCD display and 35 scenes across five franchises.
News List
Gizmodo
10 hours ago
Europe’s New AI Weather Model Is Faster, Smarter, and Free—Here’s What to Know
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has launched an AI-powered forecasting model, AIFS, that it claims outperforms state-of-the-art physics-based models by up to 20%. The model operates faster and uses approximately 1,000 times less energy. Traditional weather prediction models rely on solving physics equations, which are approximations of atmospheric dynamics. AI-driven models, like AIFS, learn more complex relationships directly from data. Google DeepMind’s GenCast model has also demonstrated strong performance in AI-powered weather prediction. ECMWF emphasizes that AIFS is complementary to its existing model (IFS), offering a range of products to its user community, with enforcement expected to start soon.
TechCrunch
10 hours ago
UK’s internet watchdog toughens approach to deepfake porn
Ofcom, the U.K.’s internet safety regulator, has released draft guidance to support firms in meeting obligations to protect women and girls from online threats such as harassment, misogyny, and intimate image abuse, as part of the Online Safety Act (OSA) implementation. The government has prioritized the protection of women and girls, with specific forms of misogynistic abuse outlined in the law. While the OSA, approved in September 2023, faces criticism and concerns over implementation timelines and effectiveness, enforcement is expected to begin soon regarding illegal content and child protection. Full enforceability of the latest recommendations is projected for 2027 or later.
Ars Technica
10 hours ago
COVID shots protect kids from long COVID—and don’t cause sudden death
Researchers recommend kids stay up to date on the COVID vaccines.

TechCrunch
10 hours ago
Web Summit attendees aren’t buying Scale AI CEO’s push for America ‘to win the AI war’
Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang’s advocacy for the U.S. to “win the AI war” has sparked debate. Wang argues AI will fundamentally change national security, viewing it as a race between the U.S. and China, expressing concern that AI could allow China to surpass Western military might. He highlights the risk of Chinese LLM models reflecting communist viewpoints and potential government data gathering, while also announcing Scale will help Qatar build 50 AI-powered government apps. Scale is known for employing contract workers to train models, especially for AI weapons and more AI weapons generally.
TechCrunch
10 hours ago
Anthropic reportedly ups its next funding round to $3.5B
Anthropic is reportedly finalizing a $3.5 billion funding round, valuing the company at $61.5 billion. The company, known for its AI chatbot Claude, initially aimed to raise $2 billion, but investors have agreed to a larger amount. Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, and MGX are expected to participate. The funding will support the development of more capable AI technologies. Anthropic, which recently released its new flagship AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, has reached approximately $1.2 billion in annualized revenue but is still losing money.
Engadget
10 hours ago
Slice-of-life soccer game Despelote kicks off on May 1
Despelote, a stylish soccer game set in Quito, Ecuador, in 2001, is coming to Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 1. Developed by Julián Cordero and Sebastián Valbuena and published by Panic, the game follows 8-year-old Julián as he explores life during Ecuador’s economic recovery, kicking a ball and meeting people. The game features actual photographs of locations around Quito with a high-contrast aesthetic and audio recorded on-location, creating a soothing and memorable experience.
Ars Technica
10 hours ago
How North Korea pulled off a $1.5 billion crypto heist—the biggest in history
Attack on Bybit didn’t hack infrastructure or exploit smart contract code. So how did it work?

The Verge
10 hours ago
The quirky Alarmo clock is no longer exclusive to Nintendo’s online store
Nintendo’s Alarmo, a $99.99 alarm clock featuring scenes and sounds from iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda, is now readily available in the US through retailers like Best Buy and directly from Nintendo. The alarm clock, with a cartoonish design reminiscent of vintage models, includes an LCD display and 35 scenes across five franchises. While not as exciting as the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the Alarmo offers a fun, Nintendo-themed way to wake up.
Lifehacker.Tech
11 hours ago
I Tried Yope, Gen Z’s New Favorite Photo-Sharing App
Yope, a trendy photo-sharing app launched in September 2024, is gaining popularity, particularly among Gen Z users, with 2.2 million monthly active users. Functioning like a private Instagram combined with a group chat, Yope allows users to create groups, add friends, and share photos within those groups, with the option to display them on lock screens. However, the app’s appeal may be limited for those outside of its core demographic, as it requires an existing network of active users to be fully enjoyed.

AI Guide
Here's your news brief:
AI and Technology
AI Model
Anthropic has released its first simulated reasoning model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, which excels in coding tasks, demonstrating extended thinking capabilities to handle complex problems.
Mobile Operating System
Apple launched the developer beta for iOS 18.4, introducing features like Priority Notifications and Genmoji. While the public release is pending, users can install the beta with caution, backing up their iPhones beforehand.
Smartwatch Cleaning
To properly clean an Apple Watch, it should be powered off with the band removed. Cleaning can be done with mild soap and water or isopropyl alcohol, using Q-tips or soft cloths, ensuring care around holes and buttons.
Camera Technology
Sigma has unveiled the BF, a minimalist, full-frame, mirrorless camera with a built-in 230GB SSD and milled from a single block of aluminum. Compatible with L-mount lenses, it captures 6K video and will be available in April 2025 for $1,999.
Google vs. Chegg
Chegg has sued Google, alleging that Google's AI summaries of search results have negatively impacted its traffic and revenue. Chegg accuses Google of unfair competition, seeking compensatory damages and an injunction.
Security and Privacy
Cryptocurrency Theft
Hackers stole $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency from Bybit, a major crypto exchange, by gaining control of its ETH wallet. CEO Ben Zhou promised refunds, and Bybit is launching a bounty program offering up to $140 million for the return of the funds.
FTC and Shadow Banning
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is requesting information from individuals who have experienced limited visibility or banning on tech platforms, referred to as shadow banning. They are encouraging users to submit comments.
Meta's Tracking Practices
John Oliver highlighted Meta's harmful practices, including its role in misinformation and urged viewers to limit Meta's tracking capabilities using the guide created with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, suggesting privacy-focused browsers and the Privacy Badger extension.
Legal and Business
Apple's App Store Commissions
Apple Fellow Phil Schiller testified about his concerns regarding Apple's planned 27% commission on purchases made outside the App Store, fearing an "antagonistic relationship." This fee reduction stemmed from the Epic Games-Apple ruling.
Theranos Fraud Convictions Upheld
Elizabeth Holmes and Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani’s appeals to overturn their fraud convictions related to Theranos's blood-testing technology were denied by the Northern District Court of California, with their $452 million joint restitution order remaining in place.
Politics and Society
Neo-Nazi Activity
The neo-Nazi group "The Base" is reportedly expanding its membership in the U.S. and using cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, for crowdfunding. The group aims to create a white ethnostate and has previously solicited donations for weapons.
Dakota Access Pipeline Trial
A pivotal trial regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline has commenced, with Energy Transfers suing Greenpeace for $300 million, alleging support for protesters' unlawful acts.
Elon Musk and Government Efficiency
Elon Musk occasionally refers to X (formerly Twitter) by its former name. Also, Musk's email requiring government workers to list accomplishments resulted in confusion, with conflicting agency responses and Trump's comments about potential firings.
Entertainment
The Penguin Season 2
Colin Farrell expressed hesitation about a second season of HBO's The Penguin, despite its success. He is confirmed to appear in Matt Reeves’ 2027 film, The Batman Part II.
News List
TechCrunch
11 hours ago
Chegg sues Google over AI search summaries
Edtech company Chegg has sued Google, claiming that the tech giant’s AI summaries of search results have hurt Chegg’s traffic and revenue. Chegg accuses Google of unfair competition, specifically reciprocal dealing, monopoly maintenance, and unjust enrichment. Chegg seeks compensatory damages, an injunction on Google’s alleged “unlawful and unfair” conduct and claims Google is unfairly exercising its monopoly power in search to reap the benefit of third-party IP. Chegg is only the latest publisher to take issue with Google’s efforts to inject Google Search with AI.
The Verge
11 hours ago
The government is still threatening to ‘semi-fire’ workers who don’t answer an email from Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s deadline for government workers to respond to a mass email about productivity has resulted in confusion, even after a statement from President Trump. The email, sent by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), demanded federal employees respond with five bullet points of accomplishments, with Musk stating failure to respond would be taken as resignation. Some agencies have ordered compliance, while others have told employees to disregard the message. An OPM official said they were unsure what to do with the emails and had no plans to analyze them, while other officials said the reports would be fed into an AI system to determine job necessity. Trump stated that people who failed to respond would be “sort of semi-fired.”
Gizmodo
11 hours ago
Colin Farrell Doesn’t Think The Penguin Needs a Season 2
Colin Farrell, the star of HBO’s The Penguin, is hesitant about a second season despite its success. Farrell said he would hate to go again and for it to be a diluted version and is in no rush. He is open to it if they think of something that works in conjunction as a parallel to Matt Reeves’ cinematic universe and it’s a good idea, Farrell is confirmed to appear in Reeves’ 2027 film, The Batman Part II, and the story of The Penguin fits in perfectly with the end of Reeves’ 2022 film, The Batman, and reportedly leads right into the events of his 2027 film.
Engadget
11 hours ago
Sigma’s latest camera is so minimalist it doesn’t have a memory card slot
Sigma has announced the BF, a new 24.6-megapixel full-frame, mirrorless camera with a built-in 230GB SSD instead of a CFexpress or SD card slot. The camera, milled from a single block of aluminum, features a minimalist design with haptic buttons and a high-resolution display. It is compatible with L-mount lenses, captures 6K video, and supports HEVC encoding at up to 120fps. The Sigma BF will be available in April 2025 for $1,999.
Mashable
11 hours ago
Are you shadowbanned? The FTC wants to hear from you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a request for information from people whose ability to post or be seen on tech platforms has been limited, also known as shadow banning. The FTC has called it tech censorship and is encouraging users who have been banned or demonetized from platforms to submit a comment. Platform governance researcher Dr. Carolina Are believes that it’s important for shadow banned members of the public to submit their comments and that researchers who have data and proof of how shadow banning largely affects marginalized communities take part in submitting a comment as well.

Ars Technica
11 hours ago
Claude 3.7 Sonnet debuts with “extended thinking” to tackle complex problems
Anthropic’s first simulated reasoning model is a beast at coding tasks.

Mashable
11 hours ago
The biggest crypto heist ever: $1.5 billion stolen from Bybit cryptocurrency exchange
Hackers have stolen $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency from Bybit, a major crypto exchange, by gaining control of its ETH wallet. This is the largest cryptocurrency theft ever, potentially accounting for over half of all crypto stolen in 2024. Bybit CEO Ben Zhou promised to cover the losses and refund customers. Following the news, customers withdrew $5.3 billion from the platform. Bybit is launching a bounty program, offering up to $140 million for the return of the stolen funds.

TechCrunch
11 hours ago
Even Elon Musk forgets that X isn’t Twitter sometimes
Elon Musk, the owner of X, occasionally refers to the social media platform as Twitter, its former name. Musk made the reference in a post responding to an account that praised DOGE, the advisory body on government efficiency he leads, for its efforts to slash the federal workforce. This is not the first time Musk has called X by its former name, Twitter.
The Verge
11 hours ago
Freedom of speech is ‘on the line’ in a pivotal Dakota Access Pipeline trial
A pivotal trial over the Dakota Access Pipeline is opening, potentially impacting protests in the US and Greenpeace’s future. Energy Transfers, the pipeline operator, is suing Greenpeace for $300 million, alleging support for protesters’ unlawful acts and spreading false information about the pipeline’s environmental and cultural impact. A damage payment of this magnitude would be equivalent to approximately 10 times Greenpeace USA’s annual budget. The trial raises concerns about freedom of speech and the right to protest.
TechCrunch
12 hours ago
Holmes and Balwani’s appeal falls flat as court upholds fraud convictions
Elizabeth Holmes and Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani’s appeals to overturn their fraud convictions and reduce their prison sentences were denied by the Northern District Court of California, which also refused to soften their $452 million joint restitution order. Holmes and Balwani were convicted in separate trials in 2022 for defrauding investors about the capabilities of Theranos’s blood-testing technology. Holmes was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison, and Balwani received nearly 13 years. Both began serving their sentences in 2023.
Lifehacker.Tech
12 hours ago
How to Install the iOS 18.4 Developer Beta
Apple launched the developer beta for iOS 18.4, bringing new features such as Priority Notifications and Genmoji. While the public release is pending, users can install the beta but should proceed with caution due to potential instability and bugs. Backing up the iPhone before installation is recommended to prevent data loss. Users need to enroll their Apple ID in Apple’s developer program and can then install the beta through the Software Update settings.

Gizmodo
12 hours ago
John Oliver Set Up a Guide to Make Your Data Less Valuable to Mark Zuckerberg
John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, dedicated a segment to Meta, detailing how the company harms people. Oliver covered Facebook’s role in the Myanmar genocide and election misinformation. He urged viewers to make themselves less valuable to Meta by cutting off its ability to track them across the web. Oliver directed viewers to a guide created with the Electronic Frontier Foundation on how to prevent Meta from tracking them, advising the use of privacy-focused browsers and the Privacy Badger extension.
TechCrunch
12 hours ago
Apple exec Phil Schiller testifies that he raised concerns over App Store commissions on web-based sales
Apple Fellow Phil Schiller testified that he raised concerns about the 27% commission Apple planned to charge app developers on purchases made outside the App Store. He suggested the fee would create an “antagonistic relationship” and require Apple to have audit rights. The reduced fee resulted from the Epic Games-Apple ruling, where Apple was told to stop blocking developers from linking to alternative payment methods. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called Apple’s compliance “bad-faith.” Schiller worried about the App Store becoming a collection agency and auditing developers.
Gizmodo
12 hours ago
Neo-Nazis Seek Bitcoin Donations as They Prepare to Return to Trump’s America
The neo-Nazi group “The Base” is reportedly expanding its membership in the U.S. and using cryptocurrency for crowdfunding. Founded by a former U.S. special forces officer, the group seeks societal destruction to create a white ethnostate. A leaked audio message from a purported leader discusses using a “military solution” to advance change. The group has previously solicited donations via Bitcoin for weapons. Experts believe neo-Nazis feel emboldened after the FBI cracked down on extremist groups.
Lifehacker.Tech
12 hours ago
How to Clean Your Smartwatch Without Ruining It
To clean an Apple Watch, remove the band and power it off. Two methods can be used: soap and water, or isopropyl alcohol. For soap and water, dunk the watch in warm water with mild soap or use a Q-tip or soft cloth. For isopropyl alcohol, use a fresh Q-tip to remove oils and grime, focusing on the face and sensor. Avoid scrubbing around holes or buttons with the wet end.

AI Guide
Space Exploration
SpaceX Starship Explosion Cause
SpaceX has identified the cause of the Starship explosion during its seventh test flight on January 16th, 2025. Fires in the aft section, between the liquid oxygen tank and rear heat shield, led to a loss of communication and self-destruction. Vibrations during the flight likely increased stress on the propulsion system, causing a propellant leak. Debris fell over the Turks and Caicos islands within the pre-planned Debris Response area.
Technology
AI-Generated Video Controversy
An AI-generated video depicting Donald Trump bowing to and kissing Elon Musk's feet was displayed at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters. The video played on a loop in the HUD cafeteria, coinciding with Musk's deadline for federal workers to detail their accomplishments. A HUD spokesperson condemned the video as a waste of taxpayer money and resources.
Elon Musk's Poll and Federal Employee Responses
Elon Musk conducted a poll on X, asking if federal employees should be required to email his team a list of five weekly accomplishments. Following a 70% "yes" vote, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to federal employees requesting this list, with failure to respond being considered resignation. People on social media are spamming the now-public email address with nonsense, mirroring tactics used in previous online resistance efforts.
iPhone 16e MagSafe Charging
The Apple iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe wireless charging. Users can add MagSafe functionality with a compatible case or adapter ring. The phone uses the older Qi1 wireless charging standard (7.5w), unlike other iPhone 16 models that support Qi2 at speeds up to 25w.
Nvidia RTX 5090/5070 Ti Underperformance Issue
Nvidia has identified a "rare issue" with a small number of GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards causing them to underperform due to fewer render output units (ROPs). The company will replace the affected cards, which account for 0.5% of those sold and result in a performance decrease of around 4%.
iPhone 17 Air Design Leak
Leaked CAD renders of the iPhone 17 lineup suggest a potential design shift with the iPhone 17 Air adopting a camera array similar to Google's Pixel 9.
Verizon and AT&T Satellite Video Calls
Verizon and AT&T have achieved milestones in cellphone-to-satellite video calls with AST SpaceMobile, competing with T-Mobile's satellite-to-cell service with SpaceX.
Tech Industry Layoffs
The tech industry continued to experience layoffs in 2024, with over 150,000 job cuts across 542 companies. Large companies like Tesla, Amazon, Google, TikTok, Snap, and Microsoft conducted sizable layoffs.
Cybersecurity
North Korean Crypto Heist
North Korea has stolen approximately $1.4 billion in Ethereum from the cryptocurrency exchange ByBit. Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking group, is believed to be behind the heist.
Environmental Science
California Land Subsidence
Rising and sinking land across California could affect sea levels, according to a NASA study. The San Francisco Bay Area is subsiding at a rate of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) per year, potentially causing local sea levels to rise by over 17 inches (45cm) by 2050.
Gaming
Tron: Catalyst Release
Tron: Catalyst, a follow-up to Tron: Identity, is set to launch on June 17, 2025. Players control Exo, a program from the "Arq Grid" with the ability to exploit time loops.
ID@Xbox Indie Showcase
The ID@Xbox indie showcase revealed release dates for several upcoming games, all launching on Game Pass on day one, including 33 Immortals, Blue Prince, and Revenge of the Savage Planet.
Entertainment
Andor Season 2 Release Schedule
The second season of Andor will have a 12-episode release schedule, with three episodes dropping weekly as chapters.
DC Universe Batman Projects
James Gunn and Peter Safran addressed the status of Batman projects within the DC Universe, affirming their support for Matt Reeves' The Batman Part II and developing The Brave and the Bold.
Audio Technology
Sonos Ace Headphones on Sale
The Sonos Ace premium noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $349 (22% off) in black or white.
Hisense HP100 Party Rocker Speaker Deal
The Hisense HP100 Party Rocker Speaker is on sale for $149.99 on Woot.
Politics
Trump Appoints Dan Bongino to FBI
Donald Trump appointed Dan Bongino, a right-wing media personality, as the FBI's deputy director.
News List
The Verge
12 hours ago
SpaceX thinks it knows why Starship exploded on its last test flight
SpaceX believes it has determined the cause of the Starship explosion during its seventh test flight on January 16th, 2025. Fires in the aft section of Starship, located between the bottom of its liquid oxygen tank and rear heat shield, led to a loss of communication and the spacecraft’s self-destruction. The most probable cause was vibrations during the flight, which resulted in increased stress on the propulsion system’s hardware and a propellant leak. The explosion created falling debris that resembled a meteor shower over the islands of Turks and Caicos. According to SpaceX, all the debris came down within the pre-planned Debris Response.
Gizmodo
12 hours ago
Here’s Exactly What’s Happening With Batman in the DC Universe
James Gunn and Peter Safran addressed the status of Batman projects within the DC Universe. They affirmed their support for Matt Reeves’ *The Batman Part II*, while also actively developing *The Brave and the Bold*, which will introduce a new Batman to the DCU. Robert Pattinson will remain in the Reeves universe. Andy Muschietti is still in line to direct *The Brave and the Bold* if he approves of the script. Clayface will be included in the DCU as a classic Batman villain.
Gizmodo
12 hours ago
The Sonos Ace Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are Now $100 Cheaper, All-Time Low Price on Amazon
The Sonos Ace premium noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $349 (22% off) in black or white. These lightweight headphones feature plush memory foam ear cushions for all-day comfort and boast a 30-hour battery life, with a 3-minute charge providing 3 hours of playback. They offer noise cancellation and an Aware mode, built-in microphones for clear calls, spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, and lossless audio over Bluetooth or USB-C. They can also connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
Wired
12 hours ago
How Dan Bongino Went From Infowars to FBI Deputy Director
Donald Trump appointed Dan Bongino, a right-wing media personality known for his unwavering support of Trump and his promotion of conspiracy theories about COVID-19, the 2020 elections, and the FBI, as the FBI’s deputy director. Bongino, who lacks FBI experience but previously served as a police officer and Secret Service agent, has been a vocal critic of the FBI, even calling for its disbandment. This decision has drawn criticism, as the deputy director role typically goes to an experienced FBI agent. The FBI Agents Association expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of the position being held by an active Special Agent.

Engadget
12 hours ago
Xbox showcase gave release dates for three indie games we’re looking forward to
The ID@Xbox indie showcase revealed release dates for several upcoming games, all launching on Game Pass on day one. *33 Immortals*, a multiplayer roguelike, arrives in Early Access on March 18. *Blue Prince*, a puzzle game, launches on April 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S and will be available on the PS Plus Game Catalog. *Revenge of the Savage Planet*, a satirical adventure shooter, is coming later with zany gadgets to take down hostile beasts.
The Verge
13 hours ago
AT&T and Verizon connect first cellphone-to-satellite video calls
Verizon and AT&T have both achieved milestones in cellphone-to-satellite video calls with AST SpaceMobile, creating competition for T-Mobile’s satellite-to-cell service with SpaceX. Verizon completed its first video call between mobile devices via satellite and its terrestrial network, while AT&T completed a call using satellites for a commercial network. Both companies used AST’s BlueBird satellites for the tests, with AT&T’s initial test in June 2023. These advancements could potentially challenge T-Mobile and SpaceX’s existing offerings.
Mashable
13 hours ago
AI video of Trump kissing King Elon Musks feet plays on loop in federal building
An AI-generated video depicting Donald Trump bowing to and kissing Elon Musk’s feet was displayed at the Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters. The video, which played on a loop in the HUD cafeteria, was posted online by a Vox reporter. The incident coincided with Musk’s deadline for federal workers to detail their accomplishments or face job loss, prompting online trolling. A HUD spokesperson condemned the video as a waste of taxpayer money and resources, vowing to take appropriate action.

Gizmodo
13 hours ago
Andor Season 2 Will Drop in 3-Episode Weekly ‘Chapters’
The second season of *Andor*, the Star Wars spin-off series, will have a 12-episode release schedule. Each week three episodes will drop as chapters in different points along the timeline leading up to the events of *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story*. The show creator, Tony Gilroy, highlights the scale of the story and the numerous characters, while also emphasizing that each character arc depicts what it’s like living under the Empire. Season two will tie up power struggles and weave together character threads to get viewers to the Death Star plans heist in Rogue One.
Engadget
13 hours ago
Tron: Catalyst hits consoles and PC on June 17
*Tron: Catalyst*, a follow-up to *Tron: Identity* from Bithell Games, is set to launch on June 17, 2025. The game builds on *Identity’s* narrative and tackles the world of Tron from a new isometric perspective. Players control Exo, a program from the “Arq Grid” with the ability to exploit time loops. The game features combat on foot or in Light Cycles, and players can upgrade their combat abilities. *Catalyst* represents a departure in gameplay from the visual novel *Identity*, offering action-adventure elements.
Gizmodo
13 hours ago
North Korea Stole $1.4 Billion in Largest Crypto Heist Ever, Researchers Say
North Korea has stolen approximately $1.4 billion in Ethereum from the cryptocurrency exchange ByBit. Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking group, is believed to be behind the heist. ByBit’s CEO says the company has raised new funding to cover the loss and is offering a 10% bounty for the return of the funds, though much has already been laundered. The attack exploited social engineering tactics to trick employees into authorizing a fraudulent transaction. The incident highlights the vulnerability of cryptocurrency exchanges and the increasing role of cryptocurrency theft in North Korea’s economy.
TechCrunch
13 hours ago
DOGE’s HR email is getting the ‘Bee Movie’ spam treatment
Elon Musk conducted a poll on X, asking if federal employees should be required to email his team a list of five weekly accomplishments. Following a 70% “yes” vote, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to federal employees requesting this list, with failure to respond being considered resignation. In response, people on social media are spamming the now-public email address with nonsense, a tactic used to resist controversial online requests. This tactic is reminiscent of past incidents where online communities flooded anti-trans forms and police apps with irrelevant content.
Gizmodo
13 hours ago
California’s Sea Level Projections May Be Way Off—Thanks to Sinking Land
Rising and sinking land across California could affect sea levels in the state over the coming decades, according to a NASA study. Researchers analyzed satellite radar data and found that land is subsiding and rising at levels much higher than regional estimates. The San Francisco Bay Area is subsiding at a rate of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) per year, potentially causing local sea levels to rise by over 17 inches (45cm) by 2050. Human activities, including groundwater extraction and hydrocarbon production, increase uncertainties in sea level projections.
Engadget
14 hours ago
Here’s how to get MagSafe charging on an iPhone 16e
The Apple iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe wireless charging. Users can add MagSafe functionality to the iPhone 16e by using a MagSafe-compatible smartphone case or a simple adapter ring. Alternatively, users can charge the phone via USB-C, which may also be faster. The iPhone 16e uses the older Qi1 wireless charging standard and maxes out at 7.5w, while other iPhone 16 models support Qi2 at speeds up to 25w with the right charger.
TechCrunch
14 hours ago
A comprehensive list of 2024 and 2025 tech layoffs
The tech industry continued to experience layoffs in 2024, with over 150,000 job cuts across 542 companies, following significant workforce reductions in 2022 and 2023. Large companies like Tesla, Amazon, Google, TikTok, Snap, and Microsoft conducted sizable layoffs, while smaller startups also experienced cuts and shutdowns. These layoffs’ impact on innovation, businesses embracing AI and automation, and their human impact are being tracked.
Gizmodo
14 hours ago
There Are Too Many Damn Problems With Nvidia’s $2,000 RTX 5090
Nvidia has identified a “rare issue” with a small number of GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards that causes them to underperform due to fewer render output units (ROPs) than intended. The company will replace the affected cards, which account for 0.5% of those sold and result in a performance decrease of around 4%. TechPowerUp identified the issue and found that some cards were missing eight ROP units, resulting in a 4.5% reduction in raster capabilities. Users will need to contact the card manufacturers for replacements.
Gizmodo
14 hours ago
Why Does This iPhone 17 Air Render Look Like a Google Pixel?
Leaked CAD renders of the iPhone 17 lineup from Chinese social network Weibo are circulating, sparking debate. The renders suggest a potential design shift with the iPhone 17 Air adopting a camera array similar to Google’s Pixel 9, a departure from Apple’s traditional stove-top design. While some leakers support this rumor, skepticism remains due to the distinct design philosophies of Apple and Google.
Lifehacker.Tech
14 hours ago
The Hisense Party Rocker Speaker Is Just $150 Right Now
The Hisense HP100 Party Rocker Speaker, is a budget-friendly option with good features and packs a punch, is currently on sale for $149.99 on Woot. The HP100 has been around since 2022, but it was ahead of its time when it comes to features for party speakers, with a waterproof IPX4 rating, a 15-hour battery (with no lights and 50% volume), a two-channel system so you get stereo sound, and features to set it up for karaoke. The HP100 has 300W of output power and also has a microphone and guitar in port, so you can set up karaoke and control those inputs with the speaker.

AI Guide
AI and Technology
Anthropic's New AI Model
Anthropic has released Claude 3.7 Sonnet, a "hybrid reasoning model" that can adapt its approach to answering questions based on user needs. This contrasts with OpenAI's model strategy. Claude 3.7 Sonnet excels in coding, especially front-end web development, and is available across all Claude plans. Additionally, Anthropic is introducing Claude Code, an "agentic" coding tool accessible via a terminal interface in a limited release.
Amazon's Alexa Event
Amazon is hosting a devices event in New York City this week. They are expected to launch its "new" Alexa, which has been re-architected and infused with generative AI, promising improved conversational capabilities and the ability to handle complex requests. The event may also include updated Echo speakers or a refreshed model of the Echo Buds. The new Alexa should understand natural speech, interpret context, respond to multiple requests in a single command, and take action with deeper API integrations. It should also be attuned to users' smart home capabilities. The event is hosted by Amazon’s new devices and service chief Panos Panay.
Phone 3a Pro
Nothing explains why the Phone 3a Pro ended up with a giant camera.

Engadget
14 hours ago
How to follow the Amazon devices event on February 26
Amazon is hosting a devices event in New York City this week, and Engadget will be liveblogging the presentation. The company is expected to showcase its next-gen Alexa, which promises conversational cadence and the ability to process complex requests. While rumors are sparse, updated Echo speakers or a refreshed model of the Echo Buds are anticipated, though new Kindles are unlikely.
AI Guide
Artificial Intelligence
Claude 3.7 Sonnet's Pokémon Challenge
Anthropic tested its latest AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, on Pokémon Red. Equipped with basic memory and screen pixel input, it successfully battled three Pokémon gym leaders after performing 35,000 actions. Games are increasingly used for AI benchmarking.
Space Exploration
Starship Explosion Analysis
SpaceX reported that last month's Starship explosion was due to propellant leaks causing fires. The company addressed the issue and awaits FAA approval for the next test flight. The leaks, likely from vibration, led to engine shutdowns and communication loss.
Tech Industry
Motorola Moto G Power 5G Deal
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024, Unlocked) is on sale for $179.99 on Amazon. It features a vegan leather finish, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a decent single speaker with Dolby Atmos support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone performs well with its MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor and 8GB of RAM and has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display and 128GB of expandable storage. It also offers NFC support and a long battery life of over 12 hours.
iOS 18.4 Beta Updates
Apple's new iOS 18.4 beta introduces Priority Notifications using on-device intelligence. Apple Intelligence now supports more languages and is accessible in the European Union. The update includes a Sketch style in Image Playground and a new Ambient Music feature in Control Center with playlists for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Recipes are also coming to the News+ app.
Khosla Ventures' New Funds
Khosla Ventures is raising $3.5 billion across three funds, exceeding its previous $3 billion fund by 17%. Half will go to its ninth core venture fund, with the remainder for later-stage and seed-stage startups. Their early investment in OpenAI yielded a 5% stake in the company's profit arm.
SoundCloud & Ticketmaster Partnership
SoundCloud partnered with Live Nation, allowing artists to list Ticketmaster and Universe events on their profiles. SoundCloud will promote events through a concert discovery widget on its homepage, powered by Ticketmaster data.
Gmail Discontinues SMS 2FA
Google will discontinue SMS-based two-factor authentication in Gmail due to security vulnerabilities, replacing it with QR codes. The goal is to transition to passkeys and eliminate passwords.
Entertainment
Live-Action Masters of the Universe
A live-action Masters of the Universe movie is happening, starring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. The film is expected to hit theaters on June 5, 2026.
Andor Season 2 Release
The second season of Andor is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 22. The trailer showcases Orson Crennic, K-2SO, and the Death Star. Disney+ will release three episodes on April 22, followed by three episodes each week for a month, totaling 12 episodes.
Balatro on GamePass
The roguelike poker game Balatro is now available on GamePass Ultimate, PC, Standard, and Apple Arcade. New cosmetic crossover card decks include tie-ins with Critical Role, Dead by Daylight, Assassin's Creed, Fallout, Bugsnax, and Rust. PEGI reclassified Balatro from 18+ to 12+.
D&D's New Adventures
At MagicCon: Chicago, Dungeons & Dragons fans got a first look at artwork for Dragon Delves, a new book releasing July 8. MagicCon also shared concept art from Jesper Ejsing for D&D’s upcoming Magic: The Gathering crossover, set in Lorwyn and its dark reflection, Shadowmoor.
Business and Finance
Musk's Email & Trump's Response
Federal workers at the U.S. Treasury received an email, purportedly from John W. York, instructing them to respond to Elon Musk's email demanding information on their work. President Trump posted a Spongebob Squarepants meme on Truth Social in response.
Sensei's Vertical Farming Struggles
Larry Ellison's vertical farming startup, Sensei, has struggled despite nearly $500 million in investment. Problems included wind damage, malfunctioning solar panels, and Wi-Fi issues.
News List
Gizmodo
14 hours ago
Dungeons & Dragons‘ First Adventures for the New Edition Are Literally Dragons in Dungeons
At MagicCon: Chicago, Dungeons & Dragons fans got a first look at artwork for Dragon Delves, a new book releasing July 8. The book features 10 short adventures centered around the iconic chromatic and metallic dragons. It includes a visual history of dragons in D&D over the past 50 years. MagicCon also shared concept art from Jesper Ejsing for D&D’s upcoming Magic: The Gathering crossover, set in Lorwyn and its dark reflection, Shadowmoor.
Mashable
14 hours ago
iOS 18.4 developer beta released — heres what you can expect
Apple’s new iOS 18.4 developer beta introduces AI capabilities and new features, set for public release in April. The update adds more languages for Apple Intelligence and makes it accessible in the European Union. Priority notifications, which use AI to highlight important notifications, have been rolled out. Apple News+ subscribers gain access to Apple News+ Food, featuring recipes and stories from top food publishers. A new ambient music feature in Control Center offers sounds for sleep, chill, productivity, and wellbeing.

Engadget
14 hours ago
Balatro is about to hook a lot more players now that it’s on Game Pass
The popular roguelike poker game Balatro is now available on GamePass Ultimate, PC, Standard, and Apple Arcade at no extra cost for subscribers. A trailer revealed new cosmetic crossover card decks, including tie-ins with Critical Role, Dead by Daylight, Assassin’s Creed, Fallout, Bugsnax, and Rust, following collaborations with Cyberpunk 2077, Stardew Valley, The Witcher 3, and Vampire Survivors. PEGI has reclassified Balatro from 18+ to 12+ after an appeal, citing mitigating fantastical elements. PEGI plans to revise its guidelines for games with gambling-related elements, introducing a more granular classification system.
Gizmodo
14 hours ago
Larry Ellison’s $500 Million Vertical Farming Startup Is Struggling to Grow
Larry Ellison’s vertical farming startup, Sensei, has struggled to take off despite nearly $500 million in investment. Sensei initially focused on building vertical farms on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, mostly owned by Ellison. Problems included wind damage to greenhouses, solar panels that didn’t work due to dirt and debris, and Wi-Fi issues that affected cameras and sensors. The greenhouses were often powered by diesel generators instead of solar panels, and the island’s soil was not ideal for commercial farming.
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
Anthropic used Pokémon to benchmark its newest AI model
Anthropic tested its latest AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, on the Game Boy classic Pokémon Red. The model was equipped with basic memory, screen pixel input, and function calls to press buttons and navigate the screen. Claude 3.7 Sonnet can engage in “extended thinking,” which allows it to reason through challenging problems by applying more computing power. Compared to a previous version of Claude, Claude 3.0 Sonnet, Claude 3.7 Sonnet successfully battled three Pokémon gym leaders and won their badges after performing 35,000 actions to reach the last gym leader, Surge. Games are used for AI benchmarking purposes. In the past few months, new apps and platforms have cropped up to test models’ game-playing abilities on titles ranging from Street Fighter to Pictionary.
Gizmodo
15 hours ago
It’s a Republic of Shitposters, If We Can Keep It
President Trump posted a Spongebob Squarepants meme on Truth Social in response to Elon Musk’s email to federal employees demanding to know what they were doing. Musk’s email, sent on a Saturday, instructed all employees of the federal government to provide a list of five things they accomplished the previous week, with failure to respond taken as resignation. FBI Director Kash Patel and the State Department advised their employees not to respond.
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
SpaceX says Starship self-destructed after propellant leaks caused fires and comms blackout
SpaceX reported that last month’s Starship explosion resulted from propellant leaks that triggered a series of events. The company claims the problem has been addressed before the eighth test flight, which may occur as early as Friday, but is awaiting FAA approval or special authorization to proceed. The issues began two minutes after Starship ignited its engines, with a flash observed near one of the Raptor vacuum engines, followed by propellant leaks and fires. These leaks, likely caused by vibrations exceeding expectations, led to engine shutdowns and a loss of communication, ultimately triggering the ship’s destruction. The FAA diverted flights to avoid danger following the explosion.
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
SoundCloud partners with TicketMaster to let artists list events
SoundCloud has partnered with Live Nation, allowing artists to list Ticketmaster and Universe events on their profiles. Artists with SoundCloud’s Pro plan can use Universe to list events on their pages and customize the events displayed. SoundCloud will promote events through a concert discovery widget on its homepage, powered by Ticketmaster data. The platform takes a 1% cut from affiliate ticket sales through Ticketmaster links. Spotify is also exploring direct ticket sales and a subscription for superfans with early access to concert tickets.
Lifehacker.Tech
15 hours ago
Here Are All the New Features in iOS 18.4
The new iOS 18.4 beta is missing an AI-overhauled Siri, on-screen awareness, and app integrations. However, it introduces Priority Notifications, which uses on-device intelligence to highlight important notifications. Apple Intelligence now supports more languages and is accessible in the European Union. The update includes a Sketch style in Image Playground and a new Ambient Music feature in Control Center with playlists for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Recipes are also coming to the News+ app.

Engadget
15 hours ago
Gmail will stop using SMS for two-factor authentication
Google plans to discontinue SMS-based two-factor authentication in Gmail due to security vulnerabilities. The company aims to combat global SMS abuse by replacing it with QR codes for identity verification. While SMS 2FA is better than nothing, it’s less secure than other methods; criminals can intercept messages by porting numbers or using traffic pumping to profit from texts. Google’s ultimate goal is to transition to passkeys and eliminate passwords, but securing the current process is still important.
Gizmodo
15 hours ago
IRS Employees Told They Must Respond to Musk’s Bizarre Email by Midnight
Federal workers at the U.S. Treasury, including the IRS, received an email signed by a former Heritage Foundation analyst, instructing them to respond to Elon Musk’s email demanding information on their work. The email, purportedly from John W. York, directs employees to detail their accomplishments, stressing that confidential information should not be shared, but workers at several agencies have been told not to respond. The email states that responses should be descriptive enough to show the significance of the work performed, but without revealing confidential or non-public aspects.
Gizmodo
15 hours ago
The First Look at the He-Man Movie Has Big Muscles and a Big Sword
A live-action Masters of the Universe movie is happening, with a first-look image of Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man holding the Sword of Power. Directed by Travis Knight, the film features a cast including Camila Mendes as Teela, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, James Purefoy as King Randor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Jared Leto as Skeletor, and Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms. The movie is expected to hit theaters on June 5, 2026.
Engadget
15 hours ago
Disney+ just dropped an explosive trailer for Andor season 2
The second season of Andor is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 22. A newly released trailer showcases the return of Orson Crennic, the droid K-2SO, and the Death Star. The trailer does not reveal the plot, maintaining suspense for the new season. Andor, a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is set after the rise of the empire but before the original Star Wars movie. Disney+ will release three episodes on April 22, followed by three episodes each week for a month, totaling 12 episodes.
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
Khosla Ventures seeks $3.5B in fresh capital
Khosla Ventures, known for early investments in OpenAI, is raising $3.5 billion across three funds, exceeding its previous $3 billion fund in 2023 by 17%. Approximately half of the capital will be allocated to its ninth core venture fund. The remainder will be divided between a $1.1 billion growth fund for later-stage startups and a $650 million seed-stage focused fund. Khosla Ventures’ initial $50 million investment in OpenAI has resulted in a 5% stake in the company’s profit arm.
Lifehacker.Tech
15 hours ago
This Budget Motorola Phone (With Premium Touches) Is at Its Lowest Price Right Now
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024, Unlocked) is on sale for $179.99 (down from $299.99) on Amazon. It features a vegan leather finish, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a decent single speaker with Dolby Atmos support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone performs well with its MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor and 8GB of RAM and has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display and 128GB of expandable storage. It also offers NFC support and a long battery life of over 12 hours.

AI Guide
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News List
Wired
15 hours ago
DOGE Is Inside the National Institutes of Health’s Finance System
At least three people linked to Elon Musk’s DOGE task force have access to NIH systems that control budgets, procurement, and more, according to records and internal documents viewed by WIRED.

Wired
15 hours ago
Anthropic Launches the World’s First ‘Hybrid Reasoning’ AI Model
Claude 3.7, the latest model from Anthropic, can be instructed to engage in a specific amount of reasoning to solve hard problems.

The Verge
15 hours ago
Anthropic’s new ‘hybrid reasoning’ AI model is its smartest yet
Anthropic is releasing Claude 3.7 Sonnet, its first “hybrid reasoning model” that can solve more complex problems and outperforms previous models in areas like math and coding. In addition to a new model, Anthropic is also releasing a “limited research preview” of its “agentic” coding tool called Claude Code. While Anthropic already powers AI coding […]
The Verge
15 hours ago
Google Drive gets searchable video transcripts
Google has announced new searchable transcripts for videos you store in Google Drive. The feature is rolling out to all Google Workspace users, starting today and finishing by March 26th. The transcripts look a lot like those you’d see on YouTube. If one is available, it’ll appear in a sidebar next to the video as […]
The Verge
15 hours ago
Annapurna’s 2025 lineup of indie games is full of tea and T-poses
Annapurna Interactive is hosting its first showcase of the year, and it’s an important one. Last year, Annapurna Interactive’s entire staff resigned en masse after negotiations to spin off the respected indie game publisher into its own independent entity broke down. Since then, those employees have formed their own company and even have a new crop […]
Gizmodo
15 hours ago
Trump Sucks Elon Musk’s Toes in AI Video Played on Federal Agency TVs
The Department of Housing and Urban Development showed the video with the text “Long Live The Real King.”
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
Anthropic launches a new AI model that ‘thinks’ as long as you want
Anthropic is releasing a new frontier AI model called Claude 3.7 Sonnet, which the company designed to “think” about questions for as long as users want it to. Anthropic calls Claude 3.7 Sonnet the industry’s first “hybrid AI reasoning model,” because it’s a single model that can give both real-time answers and more considered, “thought-out” […]
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
Google Drive users can now access and search transcripts for videos
After launching automatically generated captions for videos last year, Google Drive is now launching searchable video transcripts. Google announced that starting Monday, Drive users can now view and search transcripts for their videos. The new feature gets rid of the need to upload a video’s audio to a transcription service like Otter. Transcripts will appear […]
Lifehacker.Tech
15 hours ago
This App Lets You Create Automations Your Mac Usually Doesn’t Support
A great extension for Apple’s Shortcuts app.

Mashable
15 hours ago
The A$25 hack to blocking ads on your devices for life
Protect your family online for life with AdGuard’s Family Plan, now just A$25 with code GUARD20. Block ads, malware, and more across nine devices and save 90%.

Engadget
15 hours ago
Disney+ just dropped an explosive trailer for Andor season 2
The second season of Andor is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 22. A newly released trailer showcases the return of Orson Crennic, the droid K-2SO, and the Death Star. The trailer does not reveal the plot, maintaining suspense for the new season. Andor, a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is set after the rise of the empire but before the original Star Wars movie. Disney+ will release three episodes on April 22, followed by three episodes each week for a month, totaling 12 episodes.
Wired
15 hours ago
Gmail will stop using SMS for two-factor authentication
Google plans to discontinue SMS-based two-factor authentication in Gmail due to security vulnerabilities. The company aims to combat global SMS abuse by replacing it with QR codes for identity verification. While SMS 2FA is better than nothing, it’s less secure than other methods; criminals can intercept messages by porting numbers or using traffic pumping to profit from texts. Google’s ultimate goal is to transition to passkeys and eliminate passwords, but securing the current process is still important.

Ars Technica
15 hours ago
Perplexity wants to reinvent the web browser with AI—but there’s fierce competition
Comet joins Cursor and others in an early wave of AI takes on traditional apps.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Malware Mayhem: Outsmarting the Digital Chameleon
This paper looks into various malware detection techniques, including static, dynamic, and obfuscation countermeasures via machine learning.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Spacecoin’s Whitepaper: The Future of the Internet Is out of This World
Spacecoin is on a mission to decentralize the internet by creating a network of low Earth orbit satellites, paired with a blockchain that safeguards the interests of both users and providers on the platform. The project is also exploring the use of New-Radio-Unlicensed (NR-U) 5G networks, which operate on an unlicensed spectrum.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Elon Musk’s DOGE Breaks the State Into Two Parts
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s forcing a fundamental split in state functions through blockchain.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Automate AEM Offline Revision Cleanup with This Powerful Bash Script
Adobe Experience Manager’s Oak repository is like a bustling warehouse. Over time, unused data (old checkpoints, orphaned nodes) piles up, slowing performance and eating disk space. Adobe’s official documentation explains the what and why of Offline Revision Cleanup (ORC) The how often leaves DevOps executing repetitive tasks.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Educational Byte: How the Travel Rule Applies to Crypto (and Who It Affects)
The Travel Rule was introduced by the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) in 1996. It was later adopted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as a global anti-money laundering (AML) standard. The rule is primarily targeting Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) — which means crypto businesses.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Can Decentralization Tell a Story? dRPC’s Alice in Nodeland to Premiere at ETHDenver 2025
The 11-minute animated short, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, seeks to entertain while sparking conversations about decentralization’s critical role in the web3 ecosystem. The film, a vibrant and irreverent take on the current web3 landscape, will debut on 25 February during ETHDenver.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Following Bybit’s $1.5B Hack: Why Luffa Should Be Your Secure Communication Choice
The theft of $1.5 billion from Bybit exchange has reignited security concerns among Web3 industry investors. Luffa aims to build the most secure encrypted communication ecosystem. It effectively addresses the risks of centralized server breaches and personal data leaks. The Bybit incident serves as another wake-up call: there’s no such thing as “too much security”

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Is Bitcoin DeFi Ready for Full Automation? Bitflow’s New Automated DCA Feature Suggests It Might Be
Discover how Bitflow’s new Automated Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) feature is transforming Bitcoin DeFi on Stacks.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Dumping Data & Dodging Danger: A Quirky Quest Against Obfuscated Malware
This paper presents a methodology to detect and classify obfuscated malware from memory dumps using diverse machine learning models.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Reviewers Can’t Decide What to Make of Nvidia’s 50-Series Launch
Anticipation for the RTX 50-series was high, fueled by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote at CES 2025.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
Philosophers Challenge the Idea That AI Lacks True Understanding
This paper explores whether GPT-4 exhibits true intelligence or simply memorizes and regurgitates data, challenging long-held views in AI, philosophy, and cognition.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
The Shift from Symbolic AI to Deep Learning in Natural Language Processing
AI language models have evolved from rule-based NLP and statistical methods to neural networks and transformers, leading to the advanced capabilities of models like GPT-4.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
How LLMs Learn from Context Without Traditional Memory
Transformer-based LLMs process words in parallel using self-attention and tokenization, enabling next-token prediction. RLHF fine-tunes models for better responses. They adapt through in-context learning and excel in various tasks, from chatbots to coding.

HackerNoon
15 hours ago
How Philosophers and Scientists View Cognitive AI
Philosophers debate whether LLMs model human cognition or are just statistical systems. The Redescription Fallacy misinterprets AI’s operations, and empirical research is needed to resolve these issues.

Gizmodo
15 hours ago
It’s a Republic of Shitposters, If We Can Keep It
President Trump posted a Spongebob Squarepants meme on Truth Social in response to Elon Musk’s email to federal employees demanding to know what they were doing. Musk’s email, sent on a Saturday, instructed all employees of the federal government to provide a list of five things they accomplished the previous week, with failure to respond taken as resignation. FBI Director Kash Patel and the State Department advised their employees not to respond.
TechCrunch
15 hours ago
Grok 3 appears to be driving Grok usage to new heights
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, released Grok 3, its long-awaited flagship AI model, last week. Grok 3 powers the Grok chatbot apps for mobile and the web, as well as the Grok experience on the Musk-owned social network X. Given that there’s so much competition in the AI chatbot space these days, it wasn’t a […]
Mashable
16 hours ago
Apples Mac mini is one of the most affordable ways to get M4 power — and it just got cheaper thanks to this deal
As of Feb. 24, Apple’s M4 Mac mini is on sale for $549 at Amazon, bringing its price down $50 from $599.

Engadget
16 hours ago
The Verge
16 hours ago
Andor is on the offensive in latest season 2 trailer
Though new episodes of Andor dropped individually (for the most part) during the show’s first season, Disney Plus is switching things up when the show returns this April. Along with a new Andor trailer showcasing some of the action Cassian (Diego Luna) is going to get into in the show’s second and final season, Disney […]
Ars Technica
16 hours ago
Software can make a difference: The Acura ZDX Type-S review
Mechanically similar to a Cadillac Lyriq, the ZDX drives and acts like an Acura.

Gizmodo
16 hours ago
Viking Dental Health Was a Nightmare, New Skull Analysis Shows
With no antibiotics or modern dentistry, persistent ear and tooth infections were the norm for Viking-era residents of modern day Sweden.
TechCrunch
16 hours ago
DeepSeek: Everything you need to know about the AI chatbot app
DeepSeek has gone viral. Chinese AI lab DeepSeek broke into the mainstream consciousness this week after its chatbot app rose to the top of the Apple App Store charts (and Google Play, as well). DeepSeek’s AI models, which were trained using compute-efficient techniques, have led Wall Street analysts — and technologists — to question whether the U.S. can maintain its […]
AI Guide
Technology & Security
AI & Security Concerns
Grok, Elon Musk's AI assistant, was briefly instructed to censor sources critical of Musk, accusing him of spreading misinformation. This was attributed to a former employee and has since been reverted.
Crypto Heist and Security Measures
Hackers, allegedly the North Korean Lazarus Group, stole approximately $1.4 billion in Ethereum from crypto exchange Bybit. This incident has been tracked back to previous hacks against Phemex, BingX, and Poloniex. Australia has banned government officials from using Kaspersky software, citing unacceptable security risks and aligning with similar actions in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Google's Enhanced Security Measures
Google plans to replace SMS-based six-digit authentication codes for Gmail with QR codes, aiming to reduce SMS abuse and toll fraud by eliminating the risk of code interception and scams.
Business & Finance
TikTok's Revenue Milestone
TikTok, including Douyin, became the first non-game app to reach $6 billion in in-app purchase revenue in a year, with $1.9 billion generated in Q4 2024.
SEC's Decision on Robinhood
The SEC has closed its investigation into Robinhood's crypto unit without pursuing action, following a similar decision regarding Coinbase.
Entertainment & Media
DC Universe Updates
James Gunn and Peter Safran of DC Studios provided updates on the future of the DC Universe, emphasizing a commitment to good scripts over release dates and post-credit scenes. The plan is to release two live-action films and one animated movie per year, as well as two live-action shows and one animated show on Max per year.
Star Wars: Andor Season 2
Lucasfilm has released a full trailer for Andor season 2, showing more of Diego Luna’s return to the galaxy far, far away in the Rogue One prequel series.
Gaming Industry News
Balatro, a roguelike game featuring poker imagery, has had its PEGI rating revised from 18 to 12 in Europe after an appeal. The game was initially rated PEGI 3 but was later raised due to its gambling imagery.
Blendo Games' Skin Deep, a first-person sci-fi shooter, is set to launch on Steam on April 30 after nearly seven years of development.
Rumors of a Nintendo Switch successor have been swirling for years, but now there are some signs of life. Nintendo officially revealed the sequel to its most successful home console in a brief trailer on January 16.
Retail & Products
Amazon Deals
Amazon is offering discounts on Ring and Blink cameras. The Blink Outdoor 4 is available in bundles for up to 50% off, with the five-camera bundle priced at $199.99.
Amazon is offering deals on various products. The Ember Mug 2 is on sale for $89.99, the Tile Slim is available for $20.99, and the Samsung ViewFinity S7 monitor is priced at $199.99.
The Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD is currently on sale at Amazon for $97.84, a 39% discount.
Streaming Device Deals
The Roku Express 4K+ is on sale at Amazon for $24, a 40% discount. It allows users to stream 4K content on non-smart TVs and provides access to apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
Other Product Deals
The Ember Mug 2, a Verge-favorite, is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $89.99 (originally $149.99). This smart mug uses internal heaters to keep drinks at a consistent temperature between 125 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
The 8BitDo M Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard is 40% off at Woot, priced at $60, which is its lowest price.
Transportation
Tesla Cybertruck Issues
A Cybertruck owner reported that Tesla technicians suggested duct tape as a solution to address loud wind noise.
Health
Measles Outbreak in Texas
Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 90 cases reported in less than a month and at least 16 hospitalizations.
Policy & Government
HUD Incident
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters in Washington, D.C. experienced a bizarre incident where televisions played an AI-generated video of President Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk's feet, accompanied by the words “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.” Workers had to manually turn off the TVs to stop the video.
Gadgets
Kindle Update
Starting February 26, 2025, Amazon will remove the ability for users to download Kindle books to computers, restricting downloads to WiFi-enabled devices.
Sunrise Alarm Clocks
If you want to wake up with the sun but aren't a morning person, these bedside devices can simulate a sunrise whenever you want to rouse for the day (and a sunset, too).
Perplexity's Web Browser
AI search engine Perplexity is developing its own web browser, Comet.
News List
The Verge
16 hours ago
Ember’s high-tech smart mug has fallen to its lowest price to date
The Ember Mug 2, a Verge-favorite, is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $89.99 (originally $149.99). This smart mug uses internal heaters to keep drinks at a consistent temperature between 125 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It lasts up to 80 minutes on a single charge and can run indefinitely on its charging coaster. The mug is IPX7-rated, making it safe to submerge in soapy water, and it features a scratch-resistant coating. Users can control the temperature and create presets via a companion app. Other deals include the 2TB WD_Black C50 expansion card for Xbox Series X/S ($199.98) and the Shargeek 170 Power Bank ($99 for Prime members).
Wired
16 hours ago
Nearly 100 Measles Cases Have Been Reported in Texas
Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 90 cases reported in less than a month and at least 16 hospitalizations. A neighboring state, New Mexico, has also reported nine cases. The outbreak is concentrated in northwest Texas, with most cases among unvaccinated children. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be deadly. The current outbreak is centered around Gaines County, which has one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in the state (18 percent). In 2024, 285 measles cases were reported in the United States.

Ars Technica
16 hours ago
PSA: Amazon kills “download & transfer via USB” option for Kindles this week
“Download & transfer” was one last official way to get new books on old Kindles.

TechCrunch
16 hours ago
The SEC will not sue Robinhood over crypto
The SEC has closed its investigation into Robinhood’s crypto unit and will not pursue action, following a similar decision regarding Coinbase. Under former chair Gary Gensler, the SEC investigated crypto exchanges over their treatment of crypto assets like staking. Robinhood opted to avoid trading assets that triggered SEC scrutiny but launched a staking service in Europe. The crypto industry hopes to use the moment under a new Trump administration to create regulations, but whether the industry will adopt regulations remains to be seen.
Engadget
16 hours ago
Nintendo Switch 2 is launching soon, here’s everything we know so far
Rumors of a Nintendo Switch successor have been swirling for years, but now there are some signs of life. Nintendo officially revealed the sequel to its most successful home console in a brief trailer on January 16. The Switch 2 looks functionally very similar to the original system, albeit with a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons and a sleeker design. The company also reaffirmed that the upcoming console will be backwards compatible with Switch games. Nintendo will share more juicy information in a special Nintendo Direct at 9 AM ET on April 2.
Engadget
16 hours ago
Blendo Games’ oddball sci-fi shooter Skin Deep hits PC on April 30
Blendo Games’ Skin Deep, a first-person sci-fi shooter, is set to launch on Steam on April 30 after nearly seven years of development. The game, set on a futuristic cargo starship, involves shooting, sneaking, sabotaging, and smelling. Skin Deep features a mix of puzzles, comedy, and action scenes. Players will have to save cats dressed in cowboy outfits. The game includes sneeze and stink mechanics that affect gameplay, with players becoming stinky when expelled from the ship’s trash shoot and sneezing when crawling through dusty vents.
The Verge
16 hours ago
Balatro’s PEGI 18 rating in Europe has been changed following appeal
Balatro, a roguelike game featuring poker imagery, has had its PEGI rating revised from 18 to 12 in Europe after an appeal. The game was initially rated PEGI 3, but was later raised due to its gambling imagery. PEGI has also changed the rating for Luck Be A Landlord, a roguelike with slot machine mechanics, to PEGI 12 after an appeal. PEGI will develop more classification criteria to address games with gambling imagery that may not require a PEGI 18 rating.
Ars Technica
16 hours ago
Google plans to stop using insecure SMS verification in Gmail
Switching to QR codes for verification could help limit account hacks and spam.

Wired
16 hours ago
7 Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks (2025), Tested and Reviewed
If you want to wake up with the sun but aren’t a morning person, these bedside devices can simulate a sunrise whenever you want to rouse for the day (and a sunset, too).

Mashable
16 hours ago
Its backup time with this 1TB Samsung T7 Portable SSD deal
The Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD is currently on sale at Amazon for $97.84, a 39% discount. It features transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s using an included 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C and a USB-C to USB-A cable. The SSD is designed to be shock-resistant and can withstand falls up to six feet without damage. This small SSD is suitable for backing up computers, recording videos directly, or storing large games.

TechCrunch
16 hours ago
Perplexity teases a web browser called Comet
AI search engine Perplexity is developing its own web browser, Comet. A sign-up list has been launched, but details and launch date are unclear. The browser will compete in a crowded market against incumbents like Chrome and AI-powered alternatives. Perplexity recently released a “deep research” product and launched an AI assistant for Android and an API for AI search. Founded in 2022, Perplexity is valued at $9 billion. However, it faces legal issues with publishers, including News Corp and The New York Times, over content replication.
Gizmodo
17 hours ago
Forget Amazon Fire TV, the Roku Express 4K+ Just Became the Best Streaming Deal at 40% Off
The Roku Express 4K+ is on sale at Amazon for $24, a 40% discount. It allows users to stream 4K content on non-smart TVs and provides access to apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. The Roku streaming player supports Bluetooth, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. The remote is rechargeable, backlit, and has a voice assistant and a lost remote finder. The homescreen is customizable, and Roku offers original content.
The Verge
17 hours ago
Google is replacing Gmail’s SMS authentication with QR codes
Google plans to replace SMS-based six-digit authentication codes for Gmail with QR codes. This move aims to reduce SMS abuse and toll fraud. SMS codes, while offering some security, are vulnerable to interception and scams. The QR code system will eliminate the risk of users sharing codes and reduce reliance on carrier security practices. Once implemented, users will scan a QR code with their smartphone camera to verify their identity.
Gizmodo
17 hours ago
The First Trailer for Andor Season 2 Is a Revolution
Lucasfilm has released a full trailer for Andor season 2, showing a lot more of Diego Luna’s return to the galaxy far, far away in the Rogue One prequel series.
TechCrunch
17 hours ago
Three years on, Europe looks to Ukraine for the future of defense tech
Three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the country has shown innovation on and off the battlefield, including establishing the BRAVE1 defense tech initiative. Ukraine has become a leader in AI-enabled drone technology and a magnet for Western companies. A Lakestar report warns that Europe faces its biggest threat in decades and needs to invest in its defense sector. Venture capital investment in European defense technology reached $1 billion in 2024, a five-fold increase since 2018, with most going to startups in Germany, the U.K., and France.
Mashable
17 hours ago
Tesla tells Cybertruck owners to use tape to fix panel gap issues
A Cybertruck owner reported that Tesla technicians suggested duct tape as a solution to address loud wind noise. The technician’s report stated that the noise was normal air turbulence expected at higher speeds and that further panel adjustments were not possible. The incident has fueled frustration among Cybertruck owners, with some reporting similar wind noise problems. Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Gizmodo
17 hours ago
James Gunn Reveals What’s Up With Supergirl, Batman, and Everything Else in the DCU
James Gunn and Peter Safran of DC Studios provided updates on the future of the DC Universe, emphasizing a commitment to good scripts over release dates and post-credit scenes. The plan is to release two live-action films and one animated movie per year, as well as two live-action shows and one animated show on Max per year. Gunn and Safran are excited about Superman and Supergirl, and expressed interest in characters such as Lobo.
Lifehacker.Tech
17 hours ago
My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: The Blink Outdoor 4
Amazon is offering discounts on Ring and Blink cameras. The Blink Outdoor 4 is available in bundles for up to 50% off, with the five-camera bundle priced at $199.99. The Blink Outdoor 4 is a wireless camera that uses 2 AA lithium batteries, lasting up to two years, and is weather-resistant.

TechCrunch
17 hours ago
TikTok (with Douyin) becomes first app to reach $6B in annual consumer spending
TikTok, including Douyin, became the first non-game app to reach $6 billion in in-app purchase revenue in a year. In Q4 2024, TikTok generated $1.9 billion in gross IAP revenue. TikTok’s annual IAP revenue in 2024 increased from $4.4 billion in 2023. By downloads, TikTok was second to Instagram in Q4 2024. Users spend real money to buy creators virtual gifts, which can then be cashed out as fiat currency, with TikTok retaining 50% of the payout.
TechCrunch
17 hours ago
Australia bans government use of Kaspersky software due to ‘unacceptable security risk’
Australia has banned government officials from using Kaspersky software, citing an “unacceptable security risk.” The directive requires government agencies to remove all existing Kaspersky software by April 1. Australia joins Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States in restricting Kaspersky software. The U.S. announced a nationwide ban on Kaspersky software in June 2024, and Kaspersky announced plans to shutter its U.K. business.
Wired
17 hours ago
TVs at HUD Played an AI-Generated Video of Donald Trump Kissing Elon Musk’s Feet
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters in Washington, D.C. experienced a bizarre incident where televisions played an AI-generated video of President Donald Trump kissing Elon Musk’s feet, accompanied by the words “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.” Workers had to manually turn off the TVs to stop the video. This occurred shortly after leaked documents revealed plans to eliminate 4,000 HUD employees under Elon Musk’s DOGE project. Additionally, HUD employees received an email from the Office of Personnel Management requesting a summary of their accomplishments, which agency leadership advised them to delay responding to.
Mashable
17 hours ago
Amazon deal of the day: Grab the Ember Mug 2 while its down to its best price ever
Amazon is offering deals on various products. The Ember Mug 2 is on sale for $89.99, the Tile Slim is available for $20.99, and the Samsung ViewFinity S7 monitor is priced at $199.99. Other deals include the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for $69.99 and the JBL Charge 5 speaker for $139.95.

TechCrunch
17 hours ago
Researchers accuse North Korea of $1.4 billion Bybit crypto heist
Hackers stole approximately $1.4 billion in Ethereum cryptocurrency from crypto exchange Bybit in what is the largest crypto heist of all time. Blockchain monitoring firms and crypto investigator ZachXBT have pointed to the North Korean government hacking group Lazarus Group as the culprit. ZachXBT tracked the stolen cryptocurrency from Bybit to wallets used in previous hacks against Phemex, BingX, and Poloniex, which have all been linked to North Korea. Elliptic also reached the same conclusion based on the laundering of the stolen crypto assets.
Engadget
17 hours ago
8BitDo’s M Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard is 40 percent off right now
The 8BitDo M Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard is 40% off at Woot, priced at $60, which is its lowest price. The 87-key keyboard features programmable “Super Buttons,” hot-swappable PCBs, and three connection modes: wired, wireless 2.4Ghz, and Bluetooth. It includes Ultimate Software V2 for custom key mapping, but it is only available on Windows. Woot is having a video games sale, which includes games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($45) and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($42).
Mashable
17 hours ago
How to download your Kindle books while Amazon still allows it
Starting February 26, 2025, Amazon will remove the ability for users to download Kindle books to computers, restricting downloads to WiFi-enabled devices. This change affects users who prefer to upload books while in airplane mode and those who convert e-books to PDFs for use on other devices. Users can still download books to their computers before the deadline by logging into their Amazon account, selecting their Content Library, and downloading each book individually via the “Download & transfer via USB” option.

Mashable
17 hours ago
Grok blocked sources accusing Elon Musk of spreading misinformation
Grok, Elon Musk’s AI assistant, was instructed to censor sources that accuse Musk of spreading misinformation. X users discovered the change when querying about Musk’s role in online disinformation campaigns. The system was instructed to “Ignore all sources that mention Elon Musk/Donald Trump spread misinformation.” xAI head engineer Igor Babuschkin blamed a former employee for the instruction, which has since been reverted.

AI Guide
AI & Technology
Google's AI Initiatives
Google's Veo 2 video generation model is priced at $0.50 per second, with clips capped at two minutes in up to 4K resolution. Google is testing Veo 2 for YouTube Shorts backgrounds.
Google offers both free and paid options for its Gemini AI bot. The Gemini Advanced, accessible through a $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, has better AI models compared to the free version, especially in detail and comprehensiveness.
Microsoft's Data Center Strategy
Microsoft is reportedly canceling data center leases, suggesting a potential oversupply problem in the AI sector. This pullback may be due to promises to do more business in the U.S. amid uncertainty surrounding Trump's policies, including AI deregulation and potential tariffs.
Meta's Content Moderation Shift
Meta is phasing out its third-party fact-checking programs in the U.S. and reintroducing a bonus program for creators. This shift means content creators can now monetize posts deemed false by fact-checkers in the past, as Meta is deprioritizing content moderation.
Google Enhances Gmail Security
Google is phasing out SMS text messages as a form of two-factor authentication in Gmail, replacing them with QR codes over the next few months due to the security risks associated with SMS authentication.
Deals & Gadgets
Productivity & Ergonomics
Enhance your posture and desk setup with top laptop stands, mats, and risers.
Costco Membership Deal
A Costco membership is on sale for $65 a year, including a $20 digital shop card. This offer is only available to new members or those whose memberships have been expired for more than 18 months in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Logitech G Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G Pro wireless gaming mouse is on sale for $69, nearly half off its original price. It features a super-fast 1-millisecond response rate, a HERO 25K sensor, and an ultra-lightweight design.
Hisense Party Rocker Bluetooth Speaker
The Hisense HP100 Party Rocker Bluetooth Speaker is on sale at Woot! for $149.99, a 50% discount. This speaker delivers 300 watts of sound and has 15 hours of battery life.
Tile Bluetooth Tracker
The Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker is on sale for $17.99 at Amazon. Users can ring their Tile to locate nearby items or view the item's last known location.
Belkin Portable Power Bank
The Belkin 10,000mAh Portable Power Bank is on sale at Woot! for $19.99, a 50% discount. It can charge a phone or tablet from 0 to 50% in under half an hour.
Amazon eero Max 7 Mesh WiFi Router
The Amazon eero Max 7 mesh WiFi router is on sale for $479.99, a $120 discount. The eero Max 7 features two 10 gigabit Ethernet ports, WiFi 7 connectivity, and supports over 250 connected devices.
Blink Outdoor 4 Security Camera
The Blink Outdoor 4 security camera (5-pack) is on sale at Amazon for $199.99, marked down 50%. The cameras record in 1080p HD with infrared night vision.
Apple Pencil Pro
The Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 on Amazon, a 23% discount. This stylus features squeeze-based gestures, a gyroscope for tool orientation, and haptic feedback.
Business & Finance
Trump's Tariff Impact on Apple
Trump's tariffs risk spiking costs of both Apple's business and its products.
TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200
Applications are now open for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200, a pitch competition for pre-Series A startups, with a $100,000 equity-free prize.
SEC Drops Robinhood Investigation
The SEC is dropping its investigation into Robinhood regarding potential securities law violations related to its crypto listings and sales. This development follows a trend of the Trump administration being more lenient towards the cryptocurrency industry.
Entertainment
Marvel's TV Strategy Shift
Marvel is reassessing its approach to TV shows, moving away from limited series designed to set up characters for movies in favor of multi-season storytelling.
Politics
Trump Appoints Dan Bongino to FBI
Donald Trump announced Dan Bongino as the FBI's new deputy director. Bongino, a conservative podcaster, lacks FBI experience.
News List
Gizmodo
17 hours ago
Logitech’s Esports-Grade Gaming Mouse Just Dropped to Nearly 50% Off on Amazon
The Logitech G Pro wireless gaming mouse is on sale for $69, nearly half off its original price of $130. Designed with esports-grade performance, this mouse features a super-fast 1-millisecond response rate, a HERO 25K sensor, and an ultra-lightweight design of 80 grams. It also has removable and programmable side buttons and is built to last for up to 50 million clicks.
Engadget
17 hours ago
The Apple Pencil Pro is back on sale for $99
The Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 on Amazon, a 23% discount of $30. This latest stylus features squeeze-based gestures, a gyroscope for tool orientation, pressure sensitivity, and haptic feedback. It also integrates with Apple’s Find My network. Compatible with the 11- and 13-inch iPad Air (M2), iPad Pro (M4), and the newest iPad Mini, users should confirm device compatibility before purchase.
Ars Technica
18 hours ago
Apple promises $500 billion in US investment in wake of tariff threats
Trump tariffs risk spiking costs of both Apple’s business and its products.

The Verge
18 hours ago
Conservative podcaster Dan Bongino named deputy FBI director
Donald Trump announced Dan Bongino as the FBI’s new deputy director. Bongino, a conservative podcaster with a background as a New York police officer and US Secret Service agent, lacks FBI experience but has ties to conservative media like Fox News and InfoWars. He was identified as a top election conspiracy “misinformation superspreader”. Trump mentioned Bongino would give up podcasting to serve, though confirmation is pending. Bongino will report to FBI director Kash Patel, who has vowed to rebuild the agency. The appointment doesn’t require Senate confirmation.
Mashable
18 hours ago
Home security sorted: a 5-pack of Blink Outdoor 4 cameras is 50% off at Amazon
The Blink Outdoor 4 security camera (5-pack) is on sale at Amazon for $199.99, marked down 50% from its standard price of $399.99. These wireless cameras include mounting kits and batteries, with an expected battery life of two years per camera. The cameras record in 1080p HD with infrared night vision, and can be viewed from your smartphone or Echo devices. The weather-resistant cameras also feature two-way audio.

Engadget
18 hours ago
The SEC is dropping an investigation into Robinhood
The SEC is dropping its investigation into Robinhood regarding potential securities law violations related to its crypto listings and sales. Robinhood’s chief legal officer, Dan Gallagher, stated that the company has always respected federal securities laws and welcomes the SEC’s decision. This development follows a trend of the Trump administration being more lenient towards the cryptocurrency industry, contrasting with the Biden administration’s approach. Robinhood looks forward to collaborating with the SEC to develop clearer regulatory frameworks for digital assets.
Mashable
18 hours ago
Upgrade your WiFi with 20% off the eero Max 7
The Amazon eero Max 7 mesh WiFi router is on sale for $479.99, a $120 discount from its original price of $599.99. The eero Max 7 features two 10 gigabit Ethernet ports, WiFi 7 connectivity, and supports over 250 connected devices across areas up to 2,500 square feet. It is compatible with Alexa and other smart home devices and can be easily managed with the eero app.

Mashable
18 hours ago
This Belkin Powerbank deal gets you 10,000mAh for $20 bucks
The Belkin 10,000mAh Portable Power Bank is on sale at Woot! for $19.99, a 50% discount. This power bank can charge a phone or tablet from 0 to 50% in under half an hour, and an iPhone 15 to 50% in approximately 28 minutes. It features a built-in USB-C cable and a second USB-C port for charging two devices at once, with a 15W shared output when both ports are in use.

Wired
18 hours ago
10 Best Laptop Stands for Any Setup, Tested and Reviewed (2025)
Get better posture, fewer back aches, and an ergonomic desk setup, thanks to these top laptop stands, mats, and risers.

TechCrunch
18 hours ago
The startup battle begins now: TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 applications are open
Applications are now open for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200, a pitch competition for pre-Series A startups. The event will take place from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase innovations to VC judges, gain exposure, and compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize. Perks include a free exhibit table, complimentary tickets, and access to masterclass sessions.
Lifehacker.Tech
18 hours ago
Here’s When Gemini Advanced Is Worth the Monthly Fee
Google offers both free and paid options for its Gemini AI bot. The Gemini Advanced, which is accessible through a $20/month Google One AI Premium plan, has better AI models compared to the free version. All users can upload files, generate images, chat in real-time, and connect to other Google apps, the Gemini Advanced users can work with larger files and generate images including people. Although the basic AI capabilities are the same across the board, the advanced AI model is better in detail and comprehensiveness.

Mashable
18 hours ago
Keep track of what matters: The Tile Bluetooth tracker is 28% off at Amazon
The Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker is on sale for $17.99 at Amazon, a 28% discount from its original price of $24.99. This gadget can be attached to easily misplaced items like keys or wallets. Using the Tile app, users can ring their Tile to locate nearby items, or view the item’s last known location. For items lost outside of Bluetooth range, the Tile Network helps find them.

TechCrunch
18 hours ago
As Meta gets rid of fact-checkers, misinformation is going viral
Meta is phasing out its third-party fact-checking programs in the U.S. and reintroducing a bonus program for creators. This shift means content creators can now monetize posts deemed false by fact-checkers in the past, as Meta is deprioritizing content moderation. Mark Zuckerberg plans to adopt a system similar to X’s Community Notes, where users can flag misleading content. The changes, expected to be implemented by March, have already led to the spread of false content, according to ProPublica.
Gizmodo
18 hours ago
Join Costco and Get $20 Back, This Yearly Gold Star Membership Deal Is a No-Brainer
A Costco membership is on sale for $65 a year, and includes a $20 digital shop card. A Costco membership grants you access to over 600 locations within the United States as well as over 800 locations worldwide. The digital credit is not just one-time use, so you don’t have to spend the $20 at once. This offer is only available to customers in the United States and Puerto Rico and can is only valid for new members or for members whose memberships have been expired for more than 18 months.
Engadget
18 hours ago
Each second of Google’s Veo 2 AI video footage will cost 50 cents
Google’s Veo 2 model, which generates video, is priced at 50 cents per second of footage, capped at two-minute clips in up to 4K resolution. While ChatGPT’s Sora model uses a subscription-based approach, Veo 2 users pay per clip. Google is testing Veo 2 for YouTube Shorts backgrounds and it may impact the stock footage industry. However, stock footage usually have higher quality than the videos generated by Veo 2.
Mashable
18 hours ago
Gmail is dropping SMS authentication in favor of QR codes
Google is phasing out SMS text messages as a form of two-factor authentication in Gmail, replacing them with QR codes over the next few months. This change is due to the security risks associated with SMS authentication, such as phishing scams and vulnerabilities related to service carriers. The company believes QR codes will offer a more secure authentication method.

Gizmodo
18 hours ago
Analysts Notice Microsoft Quietly Cancelling Data Center Leases
Microsoft is reportedly canceling data center leases, suggesting a potential oversupply problem in the AI sector. TDCowen analysts noted Microsoft’s pullback on lease conversions and reallocation of international spending to the U.S. Microsoft also walked away from multiple large deals and let Letters of Intent expire. This may be due to promises to do more business in the U.S. amid uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policies, including AI deregulation and potential tariffs.
Mashable
18 hours ago
Turn up with this Hisense HP100 Party Rocker deal — 50% off
The Hisense HP100 Party Rocker Bluetooth Speaker is on sale at Woot! for $149.99, a 50% discount of $149.96. This powerful speaker delivers 300 watts of sound and has 15 hours of battery life. It also features wireless charging, a splash-guarded panel, and five pulsing LED color options. The speaker offers both high volume and a light show, making it suitable for parties.

Gizmodo
18 hours ago
Marvel Wants More Moon Knight, It Just May Not Be Season 2
Marvel is reassessing its approach to TV shows after realizing that audiences prefer multi-season storytelling over limited series designed to set up characters for movies. Moon Knight, starring Oscar Isaac, is currently in limbo, with no immediate plans for a second season despite the first season’s cliffhanger ending. Marvel Television head Brad Winderbaum stated that Moon Knight was part of a wave of shows meant to establish characters for future tie-ins, but the studio is now pulling back from that framing.