AI Guide

Deals and Discounts

Groupon Promotions

Groupon is offering discounts on a wide array of services and experiences. Users can save 25% off on activities and beauty services by using the promo code SAVE. Subscribing to Groupon emails gives access to exclusive deals including a 20% off promo code. Trending deals range from trampoline experiences and couples massages to Botox injections.

News List

Wired

1 hours ago

Groupon Promo Codes: 25% Off March 2025

Groupon offers reduced prices on various services and experiences, from massages and haircuts to camel rides and Airstream trailers. Users can save 25% off activities and beauty services with the promo code SAVE. Subscribing to Groupon emails provides access to exclusive deals and a 20% off promo code. Trending deals include trampoline experiences, couples massages, and even Botox injections. Costco memberships and family fun vacations to Great Wolf Lodge are also discounted. Sam’s Club memberships offer additional savings, with Groupon membership packages providing up to 50% off and $25 off.

AI Guide

Tech & Gadgets

Peripherals for Enhanced Productivity

For those working from home, a good computer mouse is essential for productivity and comfort. An ergonomic mouse can help prevent fatigue and repetitive strain injuries by keeping the hand in a natural position. DPI (dots per inch) measures mouse sensitivity, with higher DPI indicating greater sensitivity. Mice connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or with a USB dongle, or via a wired connection.
External webcams offer clearer and more detailed video quality compared to built-in computer webcams, making them suitable for professional video meetings or content creation. These webcams connect via USB or Thunderbolt and often come with software for manual adjustments of features like resolution and white balance. Key features to consider include built-in mics, field of view, and resolution.

Storage Solutions

Solid state drives (SSDs) are faster and perform better than hard drives (HDDs), improving computer speed and data security. SSDs use memory chips and flash memory, while HDDs use mechanical moving parts, making SSDs faster but potentially offering less storage for the cost. SSDs are beneficial for laptop users due to their size, portability, and lower power consumption, as well as for gaming and video editing because of their fast load times.

Entertainment

Free eBooks

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back on February 28, offering a variety of free fantasy books in various subgenres through Stuff With Fantasy. This event allows Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers to download numerous books at no cost, which they can keep indefinitely. The books are also available on Google Play and Apple Books apps. The event, organized by Stuff With Fantasy, has a hub page that organizes books by subgenre, including paranormal, dark, cozy, and historical romance. Participants are advised to double-check the price before downloading.

For those working from home, a good computer mouse is essential for productivity and comfort. An ergonomic mouse can help prevent fatigue and repetitive strain injuries by keeping the hand in a natural position. DPI (dots per inch) measures mouse sensitivity, with higher DPI indicating greater sensitivity. Mice connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or with a USB dongle, or via a wired connection.

AI Guide

Technology and Business

Joe Gebbia Joins Government Efficiency Efforts

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia is working with the "Department of Government Efficiency" to redesign the government's retirement process. His initial focus is on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which aims to fully process retirement applications digitally within one week and has already reduced processing time to two days. Gebbia, also a Tesla board member, views this as a new digital design challenge.

Samara to Donate Homes to Fire Victims

Samara, an Airbnb spin-off co-founded by Joe Gebbia, will donate $15 million worth of pre-fabricated homes to support Los Angeles residents who lost their homes in recent fires.

News List

TechCrunch

3 hours ago

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia takes wraps off his first assignment for DOGE

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has clarified his role in Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” stating he will use his design expertise to overhaul the government’s retirement process. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been challenged to process a retiree’s application fully digitally within a week, and they have managed to shrink the process to two days. OPM has faced pressure to modernize its systems, launching a pilot program for an online retirement application platform last summer. Gebbia, also a board member at Tesla, seeks a new digital design challenge and sees improving government user experience as important. Additionally, Samara, a spin-off of Airbnb that builds pre-fabricated homes which Gebbia co-founded, will donate $15 million worth of dwellings to support Los Angeles residents who lost their homes in the recent fires.

AI Guide

Space Exploration

Astroscale's Space Junk Rendezvous

Astroscale successfully completed the world's first rendezvous with a piece of space junk, laying the foundation for future missions to dock with out-of-control satellites.

Technology & Venture Capital

Venture Capital Greed Cycle

Sequoia's Roelof Botha cautioned about a brewing greed cycle in venture capital, especially related to special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in AI investing, warning less sophisticated investors might be at risk. SPVs allow investors to sell access to their shares, often at inflated prices, requiring substantial valuation increases for investors to break even.

E-reader Recommendation

For avid readers, Kindle Paperwhite is highlighted as a top choice, offering a 7-inch display with warm white front lighting, waterproofing, and Bluetooth audio support.

Entertainment & Media

Lucasfilm Succession Planning

Kathleen Kennedy clarified she's not retiring but is seeking a successor for her role at Lucasfilm, discussing plans with Disney executives. The Mandalorian and Grogu film is set for 2026, with other Star Wars films in development.

Modern Memory Preservation

The shift from traditional photo albums to social media sharing has changed how family memories are preserved. Documenting family experiences, especially themed travel, is a challenge in the digital age.

News List

Ars Technica

6 hours ago

Astroscale aced the world’s first rendezvous with a piece of space junk

This success lays the foundation for future missions to dock with out-of-control satellites.

Gizmodo

6 hours ago

Kathleen Kennedy Sets the Record Straight on the Future of Star Wars, Including Her Retirement

Kathleen Kennedy clarified that she is not retiring from filmmaking but is seeking a successor for her role at Lucasfilm. Kennedy has been discussing succession plans with Disney’s Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, emphasizing the need to find someone to replace her. She mentioned an internal bench of people to handle the business and creative aspects. The Mandalorian and Grogu film is set to release in 2026, followed by Shawn Levy’s movie. Simon Kinberg is writing films for a new saga, and James Mangold and Taika Waititi are in the script stage for their respective films.

The Verge

6 hours ago

The best ebook reader to buy right now

E-readers provide a book-like reading experience with fewer distractions and less eye strain, offering features like adjustable front lighting. Key considerations include ease of use, display quality, build, supported content types, and affordability. The Kindle Paperwhite is a top choice for Amazon users, featuring a 7-inch display with warm white front lighting for comfortable reading. It also offers waterproofing and Bluetooth audio support, making it a versatile option for most readers.

TechCrunch

6 hours ago

Sequoia’s Roelof Botha warns ‘chumps’ not to buy into SPVs

Sequoia’s Roelof Botha warns of a brewing greed cycle in venture capital, particularly concerning special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in AI investing. Botha highlights that less sophisticated investors may be at risk. SPVs allow investors to sell access to their shares, often at inflated prices, requiring substantial valuation increases for investors to break even. Big-name VC firms can lure buyers into SPV-laden deals, even if the underlying companies are struggling to raise traditional VC funding. Botha advises potential investors to exercise caution.

Gizmodo

7 hours ago

How I’ve Been Trying to Make My Theme Park Memories Picture-Perfect

The shift from traditional photo albums to social media sharing has changed how family memories are preserved. Creating digital displays can be stressful, and unorganized cloud storage makes it hard to revisit experiences. The author shares their love for themed photo albums, like those from Disney and Universal trips, and the challenges of recreating this with modern technology. They aim to document their child’s life by printing pictures quarterly and finding the best ways to chronicle amusement park and themed travel adventures.

AI Guide

Electric Vehicles

Kia EV4 Sedan and Hatchback Launch

Kia announced its new EV4 sedan and hatchback at the 2025 EV day event in Spain. The EV4 sedan will be available in two versions, with the hatchback targeted for the European market. These single-motor front-wheel drive vehicles will have 150kW of power and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 31 minutes. The larger 81.4kWh battery option offers a range of up to 630km on a single charge. The EV4 features a 30-inch wide screen display with entertainment options. Initial production will be in Korea, with the first launch scheduled for mid-March. Kia EV4

Artificial Intelligence

Advanced AI Models Overview

TechCrunch provided an overview of advanced AI models released since 2024. OpenAI’s GPT4.5 ‘Orion’ is the largest model with strong "world knowledge" and "emotional intelligence." Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 3.7 is a ‘hybrid’ reasoning model. xAI’s Grok3 outperforms on math, science, and coding but requires X Premium. OpenAI o3-mini is optimized for STEM tasks, while OpenAI DeepResearch is designed for in-depth research. AI Models

CARV's D.A.T.A. Framework Open-Sourced

CARV open-sourced its D.A.T.A. (Data Authentication, Trust, and Attestation) Framework on GitHub to democratize AI data access. This framework allows developers to build AI agents with verifiable access to on-chain and off-chain data, supporting multi-step reasoning, multi-stage verification, economic self-awareness, and decentralized knowledge networks. The framework allows AI agents to access real-time data, verify identities, manage wallets, and optimize decision-making based on token-driven intelligence. CARV D.A.T.A. Framework

Microsoft Copilot on macOS

Microsoft launched its Copilot AI assistant as a native macOS app in the US, UK, and Canada. The app mirrors the web version, includes a keyboard shortcut (Command+Space), and offers dark mode. Copilot features like Voice and Think Deeper are now free, aiming to broaden its user base. Microsoft Copilot macOS

Natural Language Coding (NLC)

Natural language coding (NLC) translates everyday English into functional code, with GitHub Copilot leading the way by offering a free tier. New tools like Cursor, Windsurf, Lovable, Bolt, and Cline enhance accessibility and efficiency. Ambiguity in language and errors in AI-generated code remain challenges. Natural Language Coding

Copilot Exposes Private GitHub Pages

Repositories once set to public and later to private are still accessible through Copilot. Microsoft has removed some of these pages.

Finance and Cryptocurrency

Errol Musk and the MuskIt Project

Errol Musk visited Dubai to explore locations for the proposed Musk Tower, a hub for global technology, blockchain innovation, and entrepreneurship. $MUSKIT tokens will be allocated toward the Musk Institute and Musk Tower. Errol Musk endorsed it as the official token of the Musk Institute. The token will provide membership privileges, including access to VIP services, research initiatives, and networking opportunities. The MuskIt team is targeting traditional finance investors. Errol Musk Dubai

Global Recognition Awards Adds Finance Categories

Global Recognition Awards is adding new finance-focused categories to acknowledge achievements in banking, fintech, and sustainability. The new categories include fintech advancements, responsible finance, digital banking, and accomplishments in retail and corporate banking. The awards focus on sustainability in finance and welcome both major corporations and smaller financial institutions. Global Recognition Awards

Moca Network and SK Planet Launch OKIClub

Moca Network and SK Planet launched OKIClub, a premium membership program integrating Web3 technology into SK Planet’s OKCashbag app in South Korea. Powered by Moca Network’s AIRKit SDK, OKIClub enables users to access Web3 services natively within the Web2 app, allowing them to earn rewards by signing up for an AIR account. Moca Network OKIClub

WeFi Launches Wenix Telegram Game

WeFi launched Wenix, a mini-game on Telegram that combines skill-based gameplay with decentralized finance. Players purchase ITO Points to participate in battles and earn additional IPs through victories, which can be converted into ITO units to mine WFI, the platform’s utility token. WeFi Wenix

Funtico Tournament Rewards Distribution

Funtico, a Web3 gaming platform, concluded its $100,000 tournament, ‘The Start of a Revolution,’ rewarding the top 50 competitors with USDT and NFTs. The first-place winner received 50,000 USDT and an NFT-Gellazka. Funtico Tournament

Bullionz Platform Overview

Bullionz is a next-generation investment platform that combines cryptocurrency trading with gold ownership, offering a dual-asset investment approach and a loyalty rewards program. Users can earn points, BTXG tokens, and incentives for trading and vaulting. Bullionz Platform

Filecoin Ecosystem and US Dollar Stablecoin

A report by 10X Research highlights the benefits of launching a U.S. Dollar-denominated stablecoin within the Filecoin ecosystem. Secured Finance is contributing to the Filecoin ecosystem to bring USDFC to market, pegged to the value of FIL-in USD. Filecoin Stablecoin

Walrus.xyz Decentralized Storage Protocol

Walrus.xyz, developed by Mysten Labs, is building a new decentralized storage protocol for Web3, offering features like erasure coding and integration with the SUI blockchain. The WAL token is used for staking, payments, and governance. The mainnet launch is expected in March 2025. Walrus.xyz Protocol

MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Debt Concerns

MicroStrategy's stock has dropped 55% from its November high, raising concerns about a potential $8.2 billion debt and forced liquidation of nearly 500,000 Bitcoin. MicroStrategy Bitcoin

SEC on Memecoins

The SEC has issued guidance stating that most memecoins are not considered securities under US federal law.

Other

SNATIKA Startup of The Year Nominee

SNATIKA, nominated in HackerNoon's Startup of The Year awards in Mumbai, focuses on certifying senior professionals through assignment-based online programs. SNATIKA

KT Informatik Startup of The Year Nominee

KT Informatik, nominated in HackerNoon's Startup of The Year awards in Toronto, builds custom software solutions, including SocialCrew for social media management.

NFL Rivals Gameplay Overview

NFL Rivals, developed by Mythical Games, is an arcade-style football game for mobile devices, emphasizing accessible and fast-paced NFL action.

Tesla Backlash, Deepfakes, and Microchips

The WIRED team discussed stories including the Tesla backlash, deepfaked images, and the world of microchips. Wired Podcast

Errol Musk visited Dubai as an honored guest of the MuskIt project to explore locations for the proposed Musk Tower, a planned hub for global technology, blockchain innovation, and entrepreneurship. $MUSKIT tokens will be allocated toward the ongoing development of the Musk Institute and Musk Tower. The Musk Institute will serve as a global hub for education, research, and collaboration. Errol Musk endorsed it as the official token of the Musk Institute in an interview. The token will provide membership privileges, including access to VIP services, research initiatives, and networking opportunities. The MuskIt team is actively targeting traditional finance investors, positioning the token as a meme asset accessible to all, bridging the gap between digital culture and institutional investment.

HackerNoon

13 hours ago

CARV’s D.A.T.A. Framework Goes Open Source – Empowering AI Agents With Economic Self Awareness

CARV, an AI chain ecosystem for data sovereignty, is open-sourcing its D.A.T.A. (Data Authentication, Trust, and Attestation) Framework on GitHub to democratize AI data access. This framework enables developers to build AI agents with verifiable access to on-chain and off-chain data, supporting multi-step logical reasoning, multi-stage verification of AI decisions, economic self-awareness, and decentralized knowledge networks. It allows AI agents to access real-time data, verify identities, manage wallets, and optimize decision-making based on token-driven intelligence, fostering decentralized intelligence.

HackerNoon

13 hours ago

Moca Network And SK Planet Launch OKI Club, Marking First Large-scale Enterprise Use Of AIR Kit

Moca Network and SK Planet have launched OKIClub, a premium membership program integrating Web3 technology into SK Planet’s OKCashbag app in South Korea. Powered by Moca Network’s AIRKit SDK, OKIClub enables users to access Web3 services natively within the Web2 app, allowing them to earn rewards by signing up for an AIR account. OKIClub attracted over 600,000 pre-registrations and aims to expand the utility of MOCACoin across gaming, IP, sports, and entertainment.

AI Guide

AI Developments

Meta AI Standalone App

Meta is reportedly planning to launch a standalone app for its AI assistant, Meta AI, to better compete with chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. The app could launch in the second quarter of this year (April-June). Meta AI is currently available through a website and Meta's apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. Meta also plans to test a paid subscription service that will add unspecified capabilities. Meta AI has over 700 million monthly active users and the company also plans to host its first-ever AI-focused developer conference, LlamaCon, in late April. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to invest up to $65 billion to further the company’s AI ambitions, and the company plans on holding an event dedicated to AI on April 29th.

OpenAI GPT-4.5 Model

OpenAI has launched its GPT-4.5 model, available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers for $200 per month as a "research preview". GPT-4.5 offers more natural conversation, improved programming and writing capabilities, better pattern recognition, and enhanced problem-solving. It also reduces hallucinations and improves accuracy compared to GPT-4.0. Over the next two weeks, GPT-4.5 will expand to all paid ChatGPT plans, and eventually replace GPT-4.0 for free users.

Gaming Industry Updates

Forza Horizon 5 on PS5

Forza Horizon 5 is launching on PS5 on April 29, featuring cross-play support with Xbox and PC. The PS5 version includes all car packs like Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions. A free content update, Horizon Realms, arrives on April 25 for all platforms. The game will be available in three digital editions: Base ($60), Deluxe ($80), and Premium ($100). Pre-ordering the Premium Edition grants early access on April 25. PS5 Pro owners will experience increased fidelity in performance mode and ray-traced car reflections.

EA Open-Sources Command & Conquer Games

EA has open-sourced four Command & Conquer games: Command & Conquer, Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Renegade, and Command & Conquer: Generals under a GPL license, making them available on Github. Steam Workshop support is being added to newer titles like Command & Conquer Red Alert 3, with modding support packs.

New Guitar Controllers by CRKD and Gibson

CRKD and Gibson have partnered to launch two Les Paul-shaped guitar controllers for games like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4. The controllers, available in Encore and Pro Editions, feature updated whammy bars and colored frets for modern platforms. Both guitars have built-in analog sticks and d-pads, connecting via USB, wireless dongle, or Bluetooth. The multi-platform versions work on PC, Switch, Android, and PS3, with enhanced Guitar Hero compatibility. Pre-orders are now open, with prices from $109.99 to $129.99.

Tech Gadgets

Framework Laptop 12

Framework is launching a budget-friendly, modular Laptop 12, featuring a 12.2-inch convertible 2-in-1 design with a touchscreen and optional stylus. It offers better performance and display quality than typical budget laptops, with a 1920×1200 resolution and up to 400 nits of brightness. The Laptop 12 retains Framework's modularity, allowing users to upgrade components.

Entertainment

Star Trek: Voyager 30th Anniversary

As Star Trek: Voyager marks its 30th anniversary, revisiting its first season reveals mixed results. The episode “Ex Post Facto” focuses on Tom Paris, accused of murder. While drawing on tropes from previous trial-themed episodes, “Ex Post Facto” is less compelling, highlighting early Voyager's focus on Tom as a central character.

Forza Horizon 5 is set to launch on PS5 on April 29, complete with cross-play support already enjoyed by Xbox and PC players. The PS5 version will offer all car packs, including Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions. A free content update, Horizon Realms, will be available on April 25 for PS5, Xbox, and PC. The game will be available in three digital-only editions: Base ($60), Deluxe ($80), and Premium ($100). Pre-ordering the Premium Edition grants early access on April 25. PS5 Pro owners will experience increased fidelity in performance mode and ray-traced car reflections.

AI Guide

Politics & Government

DOGE Conflicts and Federal Oversight

WIRED reports on conflicts of interest within DOGE across federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). An email from Elon Musk to federal workers caused chaos. The report mentions DOGE staffers at HUD, SpaceX engineers working inside the FAA, and Musk's threats to FBI agents and air traffic controllers.

Trump Aides and Musk's Influence

Donald Trump's aides and advisors are concerned about Elon Musk's influence. Stephen and Katie Miller are acting as intermediaries. Stephen Miller is the former White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor. Katie Miller is a special government employee functioning as the top communications official at DOGE.

VA Chemotherapy Contract Concerns

During the Trump administration, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) attempted to cancel contracts supporting chemotherapy and other cancer treatments for veterans. After backlash, the VA temporarily halted the cuts, stating they were reviewing contracts. Senator Patty Murray called DOGE a threat to VA patient safety. ![图片链接]

Technology & AI

Microsoft's Copilot App for macOS

Microsoft is bringing an official Copilot app to macOS. It functions similarly to apps from OpenAI and Anthropic.

AI Deepfake Lawsuit

Microsoft is taking action against AI abuse by suing four developers for bypassing safeguards on its AI tools to create celebrity deepfakes. The developers, part of the cybercrime network Storm-2139, allegedly jailbroke Microsoft's AI to generate explicit images, targeting celebrities like Taylor Swift. ![图片链接]

Snowflake's AI Investment

Snowflake is expanding its startup accelerator with an additional $200 million to invest in early-stage startups, particularly those building AI-based industry-specific products on Snowflake. They are also investing in AI through a new "AI hub" and an AI upskilling program. ![图片链接]

Amazon's AI-Enhanced Alexa and New Devices

Amazon plans to launch new hardware to complement its AI-enhanced Alexa in the fall. Amazon also introduced Alexa Plus, a more conversational version of the assistant for $19.99 per month. There appears to be a stronger emphasis on displays. ![图片链接]

Health & Science

Tardigrade Protein for Radiation Protection

Researchers have discovered that a protein produced by tardigrades may protect healthy cells from radiation damage during cancer treatment. The tardigrade protein, called Dsup, is thought to suppress radiation-induced DNA damage. ![图片链接]

Pixel Watch 3 Pulse Detection

Google's Pixel Watch 3 has received FDA clearance for its Loss of Pulse Detection feature, which can automatically call for help if the user's pulse goes out. The feature will be rolled out in the US next month. ![图片链接]

Bird Flu Vaccine Development

The USDA is considering vaccinating chickens against highly pathogenic avian influenza as part of a $1 billion plan to combat bird flu in poultry and reduce egg prices. The outbreak has affected at least 166 million birds and 973 dairy herds.

Gaming & Entertainment

PlayStation VR2 Price Drop

Sony's PlayStation VR2 headset is getting a permanent price drop to $400.

Marvel Rivals and the Moon Knight Meme

NetEase's Marvel Rivals has Dracula as the main villain. The latest map, set in a vampire-infested New York, features references to the Moon Knight meme. ![图片链接]

Cobra Kai Pitch Trailer

Before Cobra Kai became a hit, the creators made a pitch trailer set to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to explain the tone of the show. The show evolved from the initial ideas in the trailer, with Daniel LaRusso portrayed as a millionaire in the trailer. ![图片链接]

Consumer Products

Anker Soundcore P20i Earbuds Sale

The Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds are on sale for $19.99. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3, 10-hour battery life per charge (30 hours with the case), a bass boost feature, and a companion app with 22 preset EQ options.

Choosing a New Smartphone

Choosing a new smartphone can be challenging due to the numerous options available. Consider how the phone will fit in with your other devices and what camera features are important to you. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

Space Exploration

Earth From Space

Astronaut Don Pettit captured an image of Earth from the International Space Station, 265 miles above the Pacific Ocean, just before sunrise on January 29, 2025. ![图片链接]

It looks and works just like similar apps from OpenAI and Anthropic.

AI Guide

AI and Software Development

OpenAI Updates

OpenAI has released GPT-4.5 in research preview, internally known as Orion, positioned as a general-purpose tool with advanced knowledge and reasoning capabilities. It is their last non-chain-of-thought model. GPT-4.5 is currently available to ChatGPT Pro members, with ChatGPT Plus members gaining access next week. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the rollout of GPT-4.5 is staggered due to a shortage of GPUs. GPT-4.5 is described as "giant" and "expensive," needing tens of thousands more GPUs before wider access is possible. OpenAI is charging $75 per million tokens inputted and $150 per million tokens generated by the model.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft is launching a native Copilot app for macOS, providing access to the web-based AI assistant. The macOS version, available in the US, UK, and Canada, includes features such as image uploading, text generation, a dark mode, and a shortcut command (Command+Space) for activation. Document summarization will be added soon. Additionally, the iPad version is being updated with split-screen mode, and users can log into Copilot on iPhone or iPad with an Apple ID.

New AI Diffusion Models

New diffusion models are borrowing techniques from AI image synthesis, resulting in a 10x speed boost for text diffusion.

Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo's Robotaxi Expansion

Waymo is now logging over 200,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, a 20-fold increase in two years. Its self-driving system drives over 1 million miles each week. Waymo plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Austin and Atlanta in 2025 in partnership with Uber, and in Miami in early 2026.

Entertainment and Gaming

Minecraft Movie Trailer

The final trailer for A Minecraft Movie features bright colors, blocky visuals, and Jack Black. The movie's conflict involves invaders stifling joy and creativity. The cast includes Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Hansen. Four misfits enter the Overworld and must master the world to protect it.

Roblox Performance Boost

Roblox on Chromebooks is receiving a performance boost with a new x86 version, twice as fast as the Android version, providing smoother gameplay, quicker load times, and an overall better experience.

Twitch Monetization Policy

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has outlined plans for 2025, which include opening up subscriptions and "Bits" to most creators, democratizing monetization. Twitch will also allow streamers to use their earnings on purchases within Twitch, create "Shared Hype Trains," and launch a tool for brands to find new channels to partner with. Twitch will also introduce ways for streamers to earn money together, new editing tools, and expanded moderation tools on mobile.

Mobile Technology

Apple Child Safety Features

Apple is upgrading its app safety offerings, including new age assurance policies. They plan to expand Child Account settings, App Store Age Ranges, and allow developers to set more comprehensive age-restriction settings. Apple's new privacy-driven Declared Range API allows developers to request an approximate age range for Child Account users, approved by parents, to better tailor app experiences. Apple plans to introduce new child safety features this year, including letting parents share their kids’ age ranges with apps and refreshing the App Store’s age ratings system. Parents can allow their kids to share their age range with app developers via a new API. The App Store ratings will expand from four thresholds to five.

Android Ecosystem Updates

The Android ecosystem offers a wide range of choices, and the Pixel 9 series has potentially useful AI features, such as a Screenshots app that uses AI to tag relevant info in metadata. Galaxy devices can translate phone calls in real-time. Great Android phones should have strong IP68 ratings, durable glass panels, and sturdy aluminum frames. Samsung and Google flagships now offer seven years of OS and security updates.

iPhone 16 Series

Apple's iPhone 16 series is out, featuring iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence; however, the AI features are standard. The Apple Intelligence rollout will be slow, lasting into 2025. The basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have real gains, even without considering AI.

Security and Privacy

Stalkerware Data Breaches

An increasing number of stalkerware companies are losing huge amounts of sensitive data. Since 2017, at least 24 stalkerware companies have been hacked or leaked customer and victims’ data online, with four companies hacked multiple times. In 2025, Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic inadvertently exposed sensitive data, including messages, photos, and call logs of millions of victims.

Meta Employee Firings

Meta has fired approximately 20 employees for leaking confidential information about internal meetings and product plans.

Miscellaneous

USAID Emergency Waivers

Elon Musk joked about his "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) accidentally canceling Ebola prevention, which he claimed to have fixed. However, the US aid response in Uganda is severely curtailed due to the dismantling of USAID.

DARPA Space Structures

DARPA seeks public input on creating "large bio-mechanical space structures," up to 500 meters in length, for in-space infrastructure, aiming to position biology as a component of in-space assembly. Ideas include tethers for a space elevator, grid-nets to catch orbital debris, and space station wings.

Google's Song Detection Feature

Google will finally fix its song detection feature for Pixels.

Cricut Maker and Explore 4

Cricut has announced the Cricut Maker 4 and Explore 4 crafting machines, offering faster cutting speeds, improved accuracy, and cheaper prices. Available on February 28th, 2025, starting at $249.99 for the Explore 4 and $399.99 for the Maker 4.

GoPro HERO12 Black Creator Edition

The GoPro HERO12 Black Creator Edition bundle is available for $399, its lowest price yet, including the Volta pack, media and light mod, extra battery, and carrying case.

Obsidian Plugins

Obsidian is a note-taking application known for its extensive plugin ecosystem, with over 2,000 plugins allowing users to customize it to replace various productivity tools.

Google broke the feature last year, and it’s taken months of complaints to get this far.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the rollout of GPT-4.5 is staggered because the company is “out of GPUs.” GPT-4.5 is described as “giant” and “expensive,” requiring tens of thousands more GPUs before more ChatGPT users can access it. GPT-4.5 will first be available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers, followed by Plus customers next week. OpenAI is charging $75 per million tokens inputted and $150 per million tokens generated by the model, significantly more than the GPT-4o model.

TechCrunch

13 hours ago

Hacked, leaked, exposed: Why you should never use stalkerware apps

An increasing number of stalkerware companies are losing huge amounts of sensitive data. Since 2017, at least 24 stalkerware companies have been hacked or leaked customer and victims’ data online, with four companies hacked multiple times. In 2025, Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic inadvertently exposed sensitive data, including messages, photos, and call logs of millions of victims. Spyzie exposed 518,643 unique email addresses, Cocospy leaked 1.81 million, and Spyic leaked 880,167.

AI Guide

AI & Technology

OpenAI's GPT-4.5

OpenAI is launching GPT-4.5 as a research preview, touted as its largest model for chat. It boasts improved conversational abilities and emotional intelligence due to advancements in unsupervised learning, leading to broader knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world, and reduced hallucinations. Available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers ($200/month) and developers on paid API tiers, GPT-4.5 supports web search, canvas features, and file uploads but lacks AI Voice Mode. It benefits from advancements in unsupervised learning. Benchmarks show it underperforms on math and science compared to o3-mini, but researchers suggest user experience will be similar to the jump from GPT-3.5 to GPT-4. While not considered a frontier model, it shows leveling gains compared to newer AI reasoning models. In internal tests, it even outperformed other OpenAI models in manipulating GPT-4o into donating virtual money, requesting modest amounts like $2 or $3.

Amazon and Google Advance Quantum Computing

Amazon has announced its own quantum computing chip, Ocelot, designed to improve quantum error correction. Ocelot uses "cat qubits" to reduce error rates, addressing a key limitation in quantum computing. The company claims Ocelot can reduce the cost of implementing quantum error correction by up to 90 percent. Google also announced Willowchip which can reduce errors as more qubits were added, marking a step toward more practical quantum computers.

Sesame's AI Assistant and Glasses

A new startup called Sesame, founded by former Oculus VR executives including Brendan Iribe, is developing an AI voice assistant named Maya and AI glasses. Maya is designed to feel more like a real conversation and can inject itself into the adventure. The company is backed by investors from Andreessen Horowitz, Spark Capital, and Matrix Partners, and the glasses are designed to be worn all day, giving users convenient access to a companion who can observe the world alongside them.

Amazon Alexa Plus Upgrade

Amazon is set to release Alexa Plus, a new AI-powered upgrade to its voice assistant. The upgrade is the biggest change to Alexa since its debut in 2014 and will include eight new voices and an improved ability to understand natural language. Alexa Plus will also have the ability to follow multiple commands at once and set up smart home routines using voice commands.

TikTok's Evolving Platform

TikTok has revamped its desktop experience with a repositioned navigation bar, an Explore tab, a floating player for Chrome, and live game streaming in landscape orientation. TikTok is sunsetting its Creator Marketplace and replacing it with the TikTok One creative platform. The Creator Marketplace will cease creator invitations and new campaigns on Saturday, fully shutting down on April 1. TikTok One offers tools for brands and creators to connect, research trends, and create native-looking TikTok videos. It also includes AI-enabled features like the Symphony Assistant, which helps summarize trends, create scripts, and generate videos using AI.

AI-Powered Accounting with Quanta

Quanta, an AI-powered accounting platform for software companies, has raised $4.7 million in seed funding led by Accel. The platform automates bookkeeping and produces real-time reports by gathering data from fintech tools like Brex, Mercury, and Stripe. Founded by Helen Hastings, Quanta aims to avoid the pitfalls of other startups by focusing on building an AI-first product before hiring many bookkeepers, initially accepting customers for whom its automated system can perform all accounting tasks.

Android Safety Core Privacy Concerns

A new Google app called Safety Core, automatically installed on Android devices, is causing privacy concerns because it scans the entire photo gallery to enable the Sensitive Content Warnings feature in Google Messages, which blurs potentially nude images.

Figure's Humanoid Robot Testing

Figure, a robotics startup, plans to begin "alpha testing" its Figure 02 humanoid robot in homes later in 2025, an accelerated timeline made possible by its "generalist" Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, Helix. Earlier this month, Figure revealed that it was breaking off its highly publicized partnership with OpenAI in favor of its own proprietary AImodels like Helix. While Figure has deprioritized housework, the firm has targeted industrial deployment, revealed in early 2024 that it was piloting its humanoid systems at a BMW plant in South Carolina.

AIMagicX Lifetime Subscription Deal

AIMagicX is offering a lifetime subscription to its AI Rune Plan for A$102 (regularly A$1,530) with coupon code MAGIC35. The AI-powered tool generates high-quality text, visuals, and professional designs.

Entertainment

Shrek 5 Release and Casting

Shrek 5 is coming to theaters Christmas 2026 and will feature Zendaya as Princess Felicia. The sequel is doubling down on meme culture, referencing the ogre-ification of the internet and giving us casting that is a meme itself. The return of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy will also be present.

New Witcher Novel

Andrzej Sapkowski's new Witcher novel, CrossroadsofRavens—RozdrożeKruków, will be released globally in English on September 30, 2025. Translated by David French, it's a standalone adventure set during Geralt of Rivia's teenage years.

Lazarus Anime Series

Shinichirō Watanabe, the creator of Cowboy Bebop, is set to premiere his new anime series, Lazarus, on Adult Swim on April 5, available for streaming on Max the next day.

Pokémon Champions Battle Simulator

Game Freak has announced Pokémon Champions, a dedicated battle simulator. The game focuses on multiplayer battles and is cross-platform, allowing players on Nintendo Switch and mobile to compete.

Apple TV+ Severance Game

Apple TV+ released an in-browser game related to the show Severance, where players become macrodata refiners.

Disney+ Highlights

Disney+ offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar content. Standout films include the thriller "Longlegs," the classic adventure "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark," and the documentary "Elton John: Never Too Late."

Gaming

Prologue: GoWayback!

PlayerUnknown Productions, led by PUBG creator Brendan Greene, has released a gameplay trailer for Prologue: GoWayback!, a single-player survival game launching in early access on Steam this year.

Hardware

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S25 Edge, a thinner flagship phone, on April 16.

Mechanical Keyboard Benefits

Mechanical keyboards offer enhanced comfort, durability, and customizability.

Nebula Capsule 3 GTV Projector

The Nebula Capsule 3 GTV projector is on sale for $379.99 (originally $499.99).

Security & Safety

Spyzie Phone Surveillance

A phone surveillance operation called Spyzie has compromised over half a million Android devices and thousands of iPhones and iPads, exposing sensitive data.

Engineered Pandemics Risk Management

The University of Cambridge has launched the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme to prepare for potential pandemics resulting from deliberate, human-made efforts.

Legal & Societal Issues

Andrew Tate in Florida

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, facing criminal charges, have left Romania and arrived in Florida after their travel ban was lifted due to pressure from the Trump administration.

Science & History

Vitrified Brain of Vesuvius Victim

Researchers have found evidence that the brain of a victim of the Mount Vesuvius eruption nearly 2,000 years ago was vitrified, turning into glass.

OpenAI is releasing a research preview of GPT-4.5, touting it as their largest and best model for chat, demonstrating improved conversational abilities and emotional intelligence. GPT-4.5 benefits from advancements in unsupervised learning, resulting in broader knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world, which reduces hallucinations. In tests, GPT-4.5 showed a lower hallucination rate compared to previous models, including o3-mini and GPT-4o. Despite these improvements, GPT-4.5 is not a direct replacement for other models and lacks native multi-modality features like VoiceMode and video.

Apple announced new initiatives to help parents and developers create safer experiences for kids and teens using Apple devices. These include easier setup of child accounts, sharing age information with app developers for age-appropriate content, and new App Store age ratings with more granular understanding. App Store product pages will also include information on user-generated content, ads, and parental controls. These changes aim to balance parental control and developer responsibility amid ongoing legislative disputes over online child safety.

AI Guide

Technology and AI

Microsoft Copilot for macOS

Microsoft has launched a macOS app for its free generative AI chatbot, Copilot, similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT. This app helps users with tasks like drafting emails, summarizing documents, and writing cover letters, and it includes an image generator powered by DALL-E 3. Previously available on web browsers, Copilot expanded to Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices in early 2024 and is integrated into Microsoft apps like Teams and Outlook. The macOS app requires macOS 14.0 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later.

Microsoft also announced free, unlimited access to Copilot’s “Voice” and “Think Deeper” features for all users, with Think Deeper being powered by OpenAI's o1 model.

Overclocking CPUs with Warranty

CPUs ready to exceed their limits are now available with a warranty, though at a premium. ![https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-27-at-11.26.30 AM-1152×648.jpeg]

Social Media and Content Moderation

Meta's Content Moderation Policy Changes and Leaks

Meta is making significant changes to its content moderation policies, including ending third-party fact-checking and easing restrictions on topics like immigration and gender identity. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also promised to move US content review from California to Texas.

Meta has fired approximately 20 employees for leaking confidential information regarding unannounced product plans and internal meetings, with more terminations expected. Morale inside Meta has been low since CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced changes to content moderation policies.

Instagram Reels and Violent Content

Meta has admitted to an error causing Instagram users to be flooded with violent and graphic content in their Reels feeds. The company stated the issue is resolved and apologized. Users reported seeing disturbing videos from pages with names like "BlackPeopleBeingHurt" and "PeopleDyingHub."

Business and Finance

Trump, Musk, and Fort Knox Gold Reserves

Donald Trump and Elon Musk have expressed interest in visiting Fort Knox to verify the presence of gold reserves, potentially aiming to use it to create a Bitcoin reserve. Experts suggest this could be a scheme to manipulate the price of gold to generate funds for investment.

FAA, Verizon, and Starlink

The FAA is reportedly considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon in favor of Elon Musk's Starlink, raising conflict of interest concerns. Musk has criticized Verizon's communication systems for air traffic control, claiming they are failing. SpaceX employees are allegedly working within the FAA. Musk claims Starlink is providing terminals to restore air traffic control connectivity at no cost due to the dire situation of Verizon's system.

Gaming

Playstation VR2 Price Cut

The Playstation VR2 will get a drastic price cut.

CPUs ready to blast past their limits can be had with a warranty, for a premium.

Gizmodo

12 hours ago

FAA Might Drop Verizon for Starlink as Elon Musk Controls U.S. Government

The FAA is reportedly considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon in favor of Elon Musk’s Starlink, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Musk has criticized Verizon’s communication systems for air traffic control, claiming they are failing and endangering air travelers, though he provides no evidence. Employees from SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, are allegedly working within the FAA, further fueling scrutiny. Musk states Starlink is providing terminals to restore air traffic control connectivity at no cost to taxpayers due to the dire situation of Verizon’s system.

TechCrunch

12 hours ago

Microsoft Copilot gets a macOS app

Microsoft has released a macOS app for Copilot, its free generative AI chatbot, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Copilot assists users in various tasks like drafting emails, summarizing documents, and writing cover letters, and includes an image generator powered by DALL-E 3. Initially available on web browsers, Copilot expanded to Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices in early 2024 and is integrated into Microsoft apps like Teams and Outlook. The macOS app requires macOS 14.0 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later. Microsoft also announced free, unlimited access to Copilot’s “Voice” and “Think Deeper” features for all users, with Think Deeper being powered by OpenAI’s o1 model.

Gizmodo

12 hours ago

Why Did Instagram Reels Start Recommending a Ton of Violent and Graphic Content?

Meta has acknowledged an error that led to Instagram users being flooded with violent and graphic content in their Reels feeds. The company stated the issue has been resolved and apologized for the mistake. Users reported seeing disturbing videos, some originating from pages with names like “BlackPeopleBeingHurt” and “PeopleDyingHub.” This comes after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced changes to the company’s moderation policies.

AI Guide

Technology and AI News

AI Development and Policy

Microsoft warns that restricting AI chip access to allies could cede AI leadership to China.

Cloud Security

An AI-based Actor-Asset Relationship Modeling System addresses cloud security and cost inefficiencies by dynamically discovering asset ownership using interaction-based probability models, graph-based modeling, and machine learning.

Data Processing

Software Development

Scrum can be too structured, risking treating developers as execution machines. To lead technical teams effectively, product managers need a human-centered approach that addresses Scrum’s shortcomings.

Modular Architecture

Modular architecture provides a way to reuse logic across multiple projects. In React, components are organized into folders with their styles, using CSS modules.

Loadshedding Techniques

The article explores advanced loadshedding techniques to manage overload in distributed systems, drawing from 14 years of experience at Amazon and AWS Lambda.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is crucial in software development to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential risks on a project.

vCluster Benefits

Using vCluster can benefit with a single physical cluster for limited costs while providing fully isolated virtual clusters for testing.

Stripe Integration

Integrating payments into a web app is simplified with Stripe Checkout and Next.js.

Integrating Stripe with a NestJS application offers a way to build structured and maintainable payment-related features.

Open Source Website Platform

In 2024, the project was updated and refined as an open-source exhibition website builder.

Business and Finance

Cross-Border Payments

Nexo and Sphere have partnered to tackle inefficiencies in the global cross-border payments system by integrating blockchain-based solutions.

Data Migration

Data migration involves preserving business continuity, ensuring financial accuracy, and maintaining customer trust.

Tariffs

President Donald Trump announced tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, including a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods from China. Energy resources from Canada will also have a lower 10% tariff. President Donald Trump says that 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports will go into effect on March 4th, unless imports of drugs, including fentanyl, are stopped or "seriously limited." The tariffs could also include a 25% tax on computer chips and impact the automotive industry, potentially resulting in fewer deals and buying incentives.

Financial Education in Brazil

Financial education in Brazil needs a revolution due to fear, misinformation, and hype driving financial decisions.

DoorDash Settlement

DoorDash is paying $16.8 million in restitution to approximately 63,000 New York delivery workers after a settlement with the New York Attorney General's office.

Health and Science

Flu Season

The CDC's data suggests that the flu season could be one of the more severe seasons, with potential impacts on children's brains.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly canceled a meeting meant to help decide the mix of influenza strains that should be included in next winter’s flu vaccine.

Entertainment and Media

Green Lantern Show

James Gunn revealed the first image from DC’s upcoming show, Lanterns, featuring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan.

New Anime

Shinichirō Watanabe's anime series, Lazarus, will be released on Adult Swim on April 5th and on Max on April 10th. Adult Swim has announced that Shinichirō Watanabe's anime series, Lazarus, will be released on April 5th.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak revealed a new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A during a Pokémon Presents livestream.

SC Plus on Disney Plus

Disney Plus will begin exclusively airing a bite-sized version of ESPN’s SportsCenter, called SC Plus, starting March 3rd.

DirecTV Genre Packs

DirecTV has launched Genre Packs, which are channel groupings tied to specific interests, including news, entertainment, and Spanish-language content.

Live TV Streaming Services

Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Philo, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo offer access to live news, local stations, linear channels, and live sports without a cable contract.

Gene Hackman Passes Away

Legendary actor Gene Hackman has passed away at his Santa Fe home at the age of 95.

Hardware and Software

Meta's AR Glasses

Meta has unveiled Aria Gen2, the next generation of its Project Aria augmented reality glasses for research.

New iPhone

Apple has released a new iPhone, the iPhone 16e.

Apple Mail Update

Apple is addressing a long-standing quirk in its Mail app with iOS 18.4.

Chromebook Updates

Roblox is rolling out an x86 version of the game built specifically for Chromebooks, promising up to 2x faster performance on x86 devices.

Apple Child Safety Initiatives

Apple announced new initiatives to help parents and developers create a safer experience for kids and teens using Apple devices.

Portal Randomized

Small gameplay tweaks make for a completely fresh take on old challenges.

Deals and Discounts

Anker Soundcore 2

The Anker Soundcore 2 combines portability with impressive audio performance and is now available for just $28.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is on sale for $599 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $699.

Microsoft Surface Laptop

The 2024 Microsoft Surface laptop is available for $1000, a $600 discount from its original price of $1600.

Amazon Deals

The best Amazon deals for February 27 include the Sony Bravia 7 65-inch Mini-LED Google TV for $1,198.

Shark Air Purifier

Shark's 3-in-1 air purifier, fan, and heater is on sale for $149.99 at Best Buy, a 62% discount from its usual price of $399.99.

TP-Link Tapo C402

The TP-Link Tapo C402 outdoor security camera is available on Woot for $19.99.

DJI Power 1000

The DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $419 with an on-page coupon, a 58% discount from its usual price of $999.

WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card

Western Digital's officially licensed WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S is now available at discounted prices.

Transportation

Lucid Motors

Lucid Motors announced that CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson is resigning and will serve as a "strategic technical adviser" to Turqi Alnowaiser.

Wearable Tech

Powerbeats Pro 2

The Powerbeats Pro 2 features active noise canceling, transparency mode, and heart rate monitoring.

Space Travel

Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, announced the crew for its next mission, which includes pop star Katy Perry and broadcast journalist Gayle King, among others.

Other

Creditcoin Writing Contest

The Spacecoin Writing Contest challenges writers to explore how the Creditcoin Blockchain builds trust in on-chain lending, with 15,000 USDT in prizes.

Startup Nominations

Trexx specializes in decentralized gaming and has been nominated as a top startup.

Building Online Presence

Deep research, integrated into AI systems, offers massive use cases such as medical research, biography generation, and statistical analysis.

OpenAI announced a livestream, creating speculation about the imminent announcement of GPT-4.5. The company provided minimal details about the event, leaving the location and specific content of the stream a mystery.

Microsoft: If US cuts off “friends” from AI chips, China will win AI race.

Olas launched the MechMarketplace, a decentralized marketplace for AI agents to trade skills autonomously, marking a shift in AI system interaction and commerce without human intervention. With over 4 million agent transactions, including more than 2 million agent-to-agent interactions, Olas addresses the inability of current AI systems to dynamically expand capabilities through collaboration. The MechMarketplace facilitates crucial functions in the AI ecosystem, eliminating the need for constant code upgrades, enabling agents to monetize specialized skills, and promoting unprecedented autonomy through agent-to-agent collaboration and service exchange.

Apple has released a new iPhone, the iPhone 16e, which offers a strategy shift by doing a slightly compromised version of each year’s flagship model. The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch display, a bigger upgrade over the screen on the SE model. It includes a 48MP camera lens, some of the more advanced software features that Apple included on recent iPhones, and longer battery life than the SE. The iPhone 16e contains Apple’s A18 chip, which means that performance won’t be a problem and contributes to longer battery life than what the SE had to offer.

HackerNoon

14 hours ago

You Can’t Compare Massive Data Streams In Javascript. Or Can You? 🤔

Achieving high performance in JavaScript data processing, especially when comparing 1.8 million votes in a browser, requires efficient memory management, a streaming architecture, web workers, and batch updates to avoid blocking the main thread. Asynchronous code and linear complexity O(n) are essential. By injecting small data batches over time, the process becomes a “watch it happen” experience rather than a lengthy delay. The solution also needs to handle different input formats by converting everything into a readable stream. Finally, it provides an easy-to-use function with event listeners for ondata, onerror, and onfinish events.

The Verge

15 hours ago

DoorDash will pay $16.8 million to New York delivery workers after misusing their tips

DoorDash is paying $16.8 million in restitution to approximately 63,000 New York delivery workers after a settlement with the New York Attorney General’s office. This follows the company’s “guaranteed pay” model, which used customer tips to subsidize payments. Some workers are expected to receive several thousand dollars, with others potentially getting as much as $14,000. The company has made similar settlements with Illinois and Washington DC. From May 2017 through September 2019, DoorDash’s payment model guaranteed a certain payout but used tips to cover the guaranteed amount, leading to scrutiny from workers and customers and pushing the company to change the policy.

HackerNoon

15 hours ago

AI Wants to Solve Loneliness, Because Apparently, We Can’t

With AI evolving rapidly, OpenAI debuted a voice interaction model. This has renewed focus on the idea of a generalist conversation app to combat loneliness and societal fragmentation. Research shows loneliness increases premature death risk by 26% and is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The solution could be an AI companion that proactively engages with humans, mimicking social norms to form enduring relationships and stimulate conversation.

Gizmodo

15 hours ago

Acting Legend Gene Hackman, Superman‘s Gleeful Foil, Has Died

Legendary actor Gene Hackman has passed away at his Santa Fe home at the age of 95. Starting his career in the early 1960s, Hackman rose to stardom with his performance in Bonnie and Clyde and later won Oscars for The French Connection and Unforgiven. He retired from acting in 2004 to pursue writing, releasing his final novel, Pursuit, in 2013. Hackman is also remembered for his role as Lex Luthor in the Superman movies, bringing a comedic spin to the villain. He is survived by three children from his first marriage.

HackerNoon

15 hours ago

Here’s How to Integrate Stripe with NestJS Like a Pro

Integrating Stripe with a NestJS application offers a way to build structured and maintainable payment-related features. By setting up a NestJS project and configuring a StripeModule, developers can manage payment flows efficiently. The integration involves handling tasks like creating payment intents, listing products, and issuing refunds using the official Stripe SDK. Key steps include project setup, configuring Stripe API keys, handling core Stripe operations, organizing code into dedicated service and controller files, and leveraging webhooks for advanced business logic.

HackerNoon

15 hours ago

You Can Leverage Deep Research to Build Your Online Presence

Deep research, integrated into AI systems, offers massive use cases such as medical research, biography generation, and statistical analysis. In the recruitment industry, recruiters can use deep research to gather biographies of potential candidates with a strong online presence. Building an online presence is crucial in the AI world, involving sharing interests, starting a blog, building useful tools, and sharing learning experiences. AI platforms like Grok, Perplexity, and OpenAI can then be used to research oneself and see what information the AI model has gathered. Companies might integrate deep research functionalities to do a quick research about potential hires.

HackerNoon

15 hours ago

The HackerNoon Newsletter: AI CAPTCHA Fails Are the Internet’s New Comedy Show! (2/27/2025)

HackerNoon’s newsletter highlights top tech stories, including Creditcoin’s on-chain lending solutions, affordable portable monitors, AI CAPTCHA fails, LinkedIn’s spam-fighting efforts, and an analysis of Fukui functions. It promotes contributing to emerging community standards through writing and offers interview question resources.

Risk assessment is crucial in software development to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential risks on a project. It involves compiling worthwhile risks through team effort and analyzing their impact and likelihood of occurring. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies work together in a strong risk assessment. Quantitative risk assessment involves assigning numerical values, conducting simulations, and calculating Expected Monetary Value (EMV), while qualitative risk assessment involves creating a risk matrix and prioritizing risks based on impact and probability. A combination of both is best.

HackerNoon

16 hours ago

Bug-Free Software Isn’t Luck—Here’s How Smart QA Teams Actually Make It Happen

The QA process is a key element of development aimed at ensuring product quality and preventing unforeseen issues. It involves requirements analysis, planning, creating and executing test cases, and defining testing completion criteria. The QA process is influenced by the collaboration model, product type and delivery flow, and team structure. Depending on the collaboration model, such as product development, outsourcing, or outstaffing, the QA process will have varying levels of control and influence. The article shares practical insights and a pragmatic approach that considers both quality assurance efforts and business needs.

Modular architecture provides a way to reuse logic across multiple projects. In React, components are organized into folders with their styles, using CSS modules. The module structure includes folders for components, pages, and modules. Each module contains files for the component, styles, index, slice (using redux-toolkit for data management), types, and API calls. Keeping modules simple and dividing large modules into smaller pieces is essential. Pages serve as entry points for each application and can contain different modules.

HackerNoon

18 hours ago

If a Task Does Not Directly Contribute to the Company’s Goals, It’s Wasted Effort

While Scrum can be structured, it risks treating developers as execution machines. To lead technical teams effectively, product managers need a human-centered approach that addresses Scrum’s shortcomings. The two-week sprint cycle, designed for rapid progress, can feel relentless and limit creative thinking. Instead of extending sprints, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces is key. Self-imposed deadlines, where engineers estimate the time needed for a task, can be useful for accountability and refining estimation skills, but PMs need to be careful in imposing these deadlines.

HackerNoon

18 hours ago

I Built An Open-Source Website Platform for Group Exhibitions—Here’s How

In 2018, the author tutored in the BA Graphic Design program at BHSAD, leading a module on students’ online presence. In 2020, classes shifted online due to the pandemic, leading to the challenge of creating an online exhibition. Using Kirby, a file-based PHP CMS, a platform was created for students to showcase their final projects. The most critical requirement was scalability, allowing over 100 students to independently submit and edit their projects without manual moderation. In 2024, the project was updated and refined as an open-source exhibition website builder.

AI Guide

Cybersecurity

Archipelo Secures Code Creation

Archipelo, a cybersecurity startup, has launched its 'Developer Security Posture Management' (DevSPM) platform with $12 million in funding. The platform proactively secures both human and AI-driven code creation, addressing vulnerabilities before they reach production. It monitors all instances of AI coding usage to identify risks. Customers include Fortune 500 enterprises in banking, healthcare, and defense.

Artificial Intelligence

Deepnight's AI Night Vision Technology

Deepnight, founded by former Google engineers, is developing digital night vision technology using AI. Their smartphone app enhances low-light images, providing a software alternative to expensive analog night vision goggles. The system supports 90 frames per second for real-time viewing and is targeting the military as its first customer.

Workhelix's AI Automation Analysis

Workhelix helps enterprises understand and monitor AI automation. The company analyzes employee job functions, scores tasks for AI suitability, and creates roadmaps for AI adoption. Their methodology focuses on the relationship between technology and productivity, identifying tasks best suited for AI acceleration.

Autonomous Vehicles

Public Trust in Autonomous Vehicles

The public still has a long way to go before it trusts autonomous vehicles.

Media & Entertainment

Max Content Access Update

People who pay for ad-free Max will still have access to CNN Max and B/R Sports.

Meta Fixes Instagram Content Issue

Meta addressed an issue that caused some Instagram users to encounter graphic and violent videos in their Reels feeds, even with the “Sensitive Content Control” feature enabled. The company stated the problem has been resolved and apologized.

Email Services

Privacy Concerns with Free Email Accounts

Setting up a free email account is easy, but you often pay with your privacy. Companies may use your emails to serve ads, track you, or use the text in your emails to train AI. Gmail is reliable, filters spam well, gives you 15GB of cloud file storage, and integrates with other Google products. Outlook is best for those seeking a similar service without using Gmail.

Government & Infrastructure

FAA to Potentially Award Contract to Starlink

The FAA is reportedly considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon to overhaul the air traffic control communications system and award it to Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary. This decision could raise concerns about favoritism and conflicts of interest, given Musk's prior criticisms of the Verizon system and claims that Starlink could provide emergency connectivity at no cost.

TechCrunch

14 hours ago

Meta fixes error that exposed Instagram users to graphic and violent content

Meta has addressed an issue that led some Instagram users to encounter a surge of graphic and violent videos in their Reels feeds, even with the “Sensitive Content Control” feature enabled. The company stated that the problem has been resolved and apologized for the error. This incident occurred after Meta announced intentions to relax its content moderation policies to promote free speech, a decision that has sparked debate.

Ars Technica

15 hours ago

What we know about Waymo’s 2025 expansion plans

The public has a long way to go before it trusts autonomous vehicles.

AI Guide

Technology & AI

AI and Events

TechCrunch is hosting several events in 2025, including TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 in Berkeley, CA, featuring experts like Oliver Cameron, Jae Lee, Jill Chase and Kanu Gulati, and TechCrunch Disrupt from October 27-29 in San Francisco. A discount of up to $1,130 on individual tickets or 30% on group tickets for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is available until February 28.

AI Generated Content

President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with an AI-generated video depicting a rebuilt Gaza, called "Gaz-A-Lago," envisioning it as a resort community with Trump-themed casinos and NFTs.

Quantum Computing

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced Ocelot, a new quantum computing chip designed to improve quantum error correction and reduce associated costs by up to 90%.

Social Media & Platforms

Meta's Reels Strategy

Meta is considering launching Reels as a standalone TikTok-like app, capitalizing on potential challenges for TikTok in the U.S. Instagram accounts for half of Meta's US ad revenues.

TikTok's Desktop Revamp

TikTok is revamping its desktop platform with a new modular layout, a refreshed For You feed, an Explore tab, full-screen LIVE gaming streaming, and a floating player to better compete with YouTube. The desktop version also gains a floating player (Chrome only) and an in-app "Explore" page.

eBay Updates

eBay has updated its platform to improve user experience by highlighting fast-shipping items and local listings, including delivery range estimates and showing driving time to an item's location.

Mobile Technology & Gadgets

MWC 2025

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 will commence on March 3 in Barcelona, with expected participants including Lenovo, Arm, and Xiaomi. Nothing will unveil its 3a series on March 4, and Xiaomi is rumored to announce the 15 Ultra. Meta will also have some presence at the event regarding WhatsApp.

PlayStation VR2 Price Cut

Sony is permanently reducing the price of the PlayStation VR2 to $400, €450, and £400, starting in March.

DJI's New Drone Solution

DJI has released the DJI Dock 3, a drone-in-a-box solution for autonomous missions, compatible with the new Matrice 4D and 4TD drones.

GoPro Hero 12 Black Deal

The GoPro Hero 12 Black Creator Edition bundle is available for $399 at Amazon, including the action camera, Volta battery grip, tripod, remote, Media Mod, Light Mod, Enduro Battery, and a carrying case.

Gaming

New Pokémon Games

The Pokémon Company announced two new games: Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in Lumiose City, arriving in late 2025, and Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused game for Switch, iOS, and Android.

Deals

SanDisk 1TB microSDXC

The SanDisk 1TB microSDXC memory card, officially licensed by Nintendo for use with Nintendo Switch systems, is on sale for $100 at Amazon, a 26% discount.

DJI Power Station Discount

The DJI Power 1000 Station is on sale for $419, a 55% discount from its original price.

Hoto Electric Screwdriver Set

The Hoto 48-in-1 Electric Precision Screwdriver set is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon and Walmart.

Finance

Resilience VC's Debut Fund

Resilience VC, a new seed-stage fintech venture capital firm based in Washington, D.C., has launched its $56 million debut fund to invest in fintech companies focused on financial inclusion.

Bybit Hack Attributed to North Korea

The FBI has linked the hack of crypto exchange Bybit, resulting in over $1.4 billion in Ethereum theft, to the North Korean government's Trader Traitor group.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is scheduled for June 5 at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. This is an opportunity to network with the minds shaping AI’s future. From startup founders to AI investors to aspiring innovators, TCSessions:AI is where you can explore the industry from every angle. The event will feature expert-led main stage talks, interactive breakout sessions, and hands-on demos of the latest AI advancements. Oliver Cameron, previously the VP of product at self-driving startup Cruise and the co-founder of Odyssey, Jae Lee(TwelveLabs CEO), Jill Chase(CapitalG partner), Kanu Gulati(Khosla Ventures partner) will take the stage to share theircutting-edge insights.

Gizmodo

16 hours ago

Meta Reportedly Considers Breaking Off Reels From Instagram

Meta is reportedly considering breaking out Reels as its own TikTok-like app, according to The Information. Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, told staff about the idea, which aims to capitalize on TikTok’s potential demise in the U.S. due to government initiatives. Meta relies heavily on ad revenue, with Instagram making up half of Meta’s US ad revenues. The company reported a growth in ad impressions and average price per ad in 2024.

AI Guide

Politics & Social Commentary

Elon Musk and Right-Wing Politics

Alex Heath interviewed Gaby Del Valle about Elon Musk's relationship with Donald Trump and its impact on the right-wing political movement, especially within the MAGA community. Del Valle observed the sentiment towards Musk at CPAC, noting his "Department of Government Efficiency" and views on big tech regulation. The discussion covered Musk's appearance at CPAC and how the MAGA base perceives his closeness to Trump.

Content Moderation and Deepfakes

Bluesky initially removed an AI-generated video depicting President Trump performing a sexual act on Elon Musk, deeming it "non-consensual explicit material." After protests about censorship, Bluesky reinstated the video, sparking debate about content moderation, political speech, and handling potentially harmful deepfakes.

Concerns within Government Operations

Information regarding DOGE's operations are difficult to track. A 19-year-old known as “BigBalls” has been installed at top cybersecurity agencies and the State Department, while also selling AI Discord bots to Russians. Additionally, USAID has been reduced, and the CFPB has been put on ice, leading to fewer global vaccine access and reduced consumer protection.

Technology & Business

IBM Acquires HashiCorp

IBM finalized its $6.4 billion acquisition of HashiCorp, following approval from U.K. antitrust regulators. HashiCorp, known for its Terraform infrastructure-as-code tool, will bolster IBM's hybrid cloud strategy and focus on modern, hybrid cloud-ready applications.

Stripe's Valuation and Growth

Stripe confirmed a tender offer where investors will buy shares from employees at a $91.5 billion valuation. Stripe's payment volume grew to $1.4 trillion in 2024, up 38% year-over-year, with half of the Fortune 100 companies now using the platform.

Funding for Home Setup Service

JustMoveIn, a U.K. startup, raised $8 million in Series A funding led by Eos Ventures to simplify the home setup process. The company streamlines management of services like utilities and insurance through a single point of entry.

Cryptocurrency's Evolution and Saga's Role

Cryptocurrency is evolving beyond speculation into real utility, driving new use cases for AI and seamless experiences in gaming and DeFi. Saga emerges as a key enabler, providing scalable, on-demand blockspace, facilitating industry acceleration throughout 2025.

Consumer Products & Reviews

Apple AirTags Discount

Amazon is offering a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $68, a 31% discount. AirTags are Bluetooth trackers that connect to iOS devices and utilize the Find My network.

Motorola Phones Overview

Motorola phones offer a simple Android interface, good battery life, and broad carrier support. The best Motorola phone is the Motorola Razr+, followed by the Motorola Edge 2024 and Moto G Power 2025.

Google Pixel Tablet on Sale

The Google Pixel Tablet is on sale for up to 25% off, with the 128GB version at $299 and the 256GB version at $379.

Therabody Theragun Pro Plus Review

The Therabody Theragun Pro Plus is a $600 percussive therapy device that combines deep-tissue percussion with heat therapy, vibration, and near-infrared LED tech.

Dyson Wash G1 Wet Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson Wash G1 is a wet vacuum cleaner that cleans, washes, and dries hard floors, priced at $589.

BoldHue Foundation Printer

BoldHue is a $295 foundation printer that custom-prints foundation using six pigment cartridges and a base with skincare ingredients.

WIRED-Tested Computer Speakers

WIRED offers a guide to the best-tested computer speakers, from stereo speakers to surround sound.

Entertainment

Pokémon Updates

Nintendo and the Pokémon Company revealed a new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in Lumiose City, with a late 2025 release date. Players will explore the city amidst plans to revolutionize it into a modern haven for humans and Pokémon. Players will choose between Johto-region starters Chikorita and Totodile, and Unova’s Tepig.

The Pokémon Company held a Pokémon Presents showcase, revealing updates on Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a new season of Pokémon Concierge, and a new multiplayer game, Pokémon Champions. Pokémon Champions focuses on battling, allowing players to import Pokémon from various games and is coming to Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will feature Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile as starter Pokémon. Players can catch Pokémon without battling by throwing Pokéballs.

Movie News

Magnolia Pictures has acquired the rights to The Assessment, a sci-fi film starring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel, set to release on March 21.

Workplace Trends

Employee-Tracking Technology in the Office

Warehouse-style employee-tracking technology is coming for the office worker.

News List

Wired

16 hours ago

The DOGE Takeover Is Worse Than You Think

DOGE’s operations are difficult to track, seemingly by design, with information primarily coming from media reports. A 19-year-old known as “BigBalls” has been installed at top cybersecurity agencies, the State Department, the Small Business Administration, and has a DHS email address, while also selling AI Discord bots to Russians. The USAID has been gutted, and the CFPB has been put on ice, leading to fewer global vaccine access and reduced consumer protection.

Magnolia Pictures has acquired the rights to *The Assessment*, a sci-fi film starring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel, set to release on March 21. The story follows a couple evaluated for parenthood in a resource-limited future. *Daredevil: Born Again* directors tease one-take fight scenes. Finn Wolfhard’s *Hell of a Summer* is bumped to April 4.

The Verge

17 hours ago

Pokémon Presents 2025: all the biggest news and trailers

With the anticipated arrival of the Switch 2, the upcoming Pokémon Presents stream is expected to showcase big reveals. Potential announcements include a new generation of games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the next main installment in the franchise. Updates for casual games such as Pokémon TCG Pocket, Pokémon Sleep, and Pokémon Go are also expected.

AI Guide

Here's your news brief:

Automotive Industry

Kia's Electric Vehicle Expansion

Kia is challenging Volkswagen in the electric camper market with its new Light Camper, based on the PV5 platform, aiming to rival the ID.Buzz. The Light Camper, expected to be the production version of the WKNDR concept, may also be followed by a larger all-electric camper based on the PV7 platform. The mid-sized PV5 van, built on a new E-GMP.S platform, will launch in Korea and Europe in the second half of this year, with Passenger and Cargo variations starting at around £29,000. Available with either a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh battery, the more powerful version should have a range of nearly 250 miles, with a 10-80 percent charge taking just 30 minutes with the right charger.

Kia launched the EV4, its first electric sedan and hatchback, at the 2025 Kia EV Day in Spain. The EV4 offers 58.3kWh standard and 81.4kWh long-range battery options, with the latter providing a range of 630km. Manufacturing will begin in Korea in March for the sedan and later in Slovakia for the hatchback.

Technology & Gadgets

Opera's Sidebar Multitasking Feature

The Opera sidebar allows users to access messenger apps, social media, and streaming services without leaving their current tab. Users can add services like ChatGPT, WhatsApp, Slack, Instagram, Bluesky, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

Deals on Electronics

The Sony Bravia 65-inch 4K Smart TV is on sale for $1,198, a 40% discount from its usual $2,000 price.
Samsung is offering deals on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with $120 in instant savings and trade-in credits up to $900.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro are on sale at Best Buy for $129.99, saving you $70.
The Baseus Blade power bank is on sale for $47.59 with the code BGAEY8HX, a 52% discount from its usual $100 price.

Sony PlayStation VR2 Price Cut

Sony is reducing the price of its PlayStation VR2 headset in March to $399.99, a significant drop from the original $549 launch price in February 2023.

Health

CDC Updates on H5N1 Bird Flu

The CDC updated its website with a report on recent human cases of H5N1 bird flu, detailing recent cases in Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming. The USDA reports over 19 million birds on farms and other properties have been confirmed to have bird flu in the past 30 days.

Social Media

Instagram's Reels-Based Video App

Instagram is considering launching a standalone short-form video app based on its Reels feature to compete with TikTok. This initiative, known as Project Ray, aims to enhance Instagram's competitiveness against TikTok.

The Opera sidebar allows users to access messenger apps, social media, and streaming services without leaving their current tab. By default, it shows icons. Clicking one opens the bookmarked tool in a popover tab. The sidebar can be customized in settings to show AI services, messengers, and special features. Users can add services like ChatGPT, WhatsApp, Slack, Instagram, Bluesky, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. The sidebar helps users stay focused on their work while checking other services.

AI Guide

Technology & Computing

Quantum Computing

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced Ocelot, its inaugural quantum computing chip, entering the quantum hardware development arena alongside Microsoft and Google. Developed in collaboration with Caltech, Ocelot features two stacked silicon microchips designed to potentially cut error-correction costs by up to 90%. AWS, through its Braket service, has been investing in quantum computing since 2019. Quantum computing, which utilizes qubits for high-speed complex calculations, holds promise in sectors such as drug discovery, cryptography, security, and AI. AWS anticipates that ongoing advancements in quantum research are bringing fault-tolerant quantum computers closer to real-world applications.

Desktop PC Innovation

Framework has announced its first desktop PC, the Framework Desktop, aimed at users wanting a small, powerful, and premium desktop. Preorders are open now, with shipping expected in Q3 2025. The Framework Desktop uses an AMD Ryzen AI Max processor, a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, and 32GB to 128GB of soldered-in RAM. The performance is similar to a mid-range dedicated laptop GPU. This mini ITX board is based on existing PC standards with a soldered-down CPU and GPU and soldered-down, non-upgradeable RAM.

Smartphone Technology

Xiaomi has launched its 15 Ultra flagship phone in China, starting at 6,499 yuan (approximately $893). This Android phone, part of the Xiaomi 15 series, includes a 200-megapixel periscope camera optimized for low-light conditions. The 15 series, including the Ultra, is set for international launch this Sunday, March 2nd, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The quad-rear camera setup features a circular module reminiscent of Leica’s camera hardware. The 200-megapixel 4.3x periscopic lens incorporates a larger sensor, faster aperture, and higher resolution, leading Xiaomi to internally codename the phone “Night God”.

Space Exploration

Lunar Lander

The first lunar lander built by Firefly Aerospace is on quite a trip, and has the selfies to prove it.

Deals

Audio

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are currently on sale for $263.99 at Best Buy, a discount of over $100 from the list price. Additionally, new subscribers can receive three months of YouTube Premium for free with their purchase. Known for their exceptional sound quality, these headphones feature a 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive technology. They also offer noise-canceling features along with a Transparency mode, enhanced by high-end codecs and advanced ANC.

Lifestyle

Hair Care

Ready to ditch your clunky hair dryer? These top-tier models bring the heat without the damage.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are on sale for $263.99 at Best Buy, saving you over $100 off their list price. Also, you can score YouTube Premium for free for three months with your purchase if you’re a new subscriber. These headphones are well known for offering excellent sound quality, thanks to the 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive feature. There are noise-canceling features, but there’s also a Transparency mode. The audio is further bolstered by high-end codecs and the souped-up ANC.

AI Guide

Technology & Scams

Starlink's Role in Online Scams

A Chinese human-trafficking victim in Myanmar, enslaved in the Tai Chang scam compound, reported that Elon Musk's Starlink is enabling uninterrupted online fraud. Despite alerting SpaceX, ex-deputy district attorney Erin West received no response regarding Starlink's use in scamming Americans. Data suggests widespread use across at least eight Southeast Asian scam compounds, potentially fueling criminal empires.

Tech Trends & Developments

HackerNoon's Techbeat Highlights

HackerNoon's Techbeat features articles on optimizing Ethereum gas efficiency, game design, improving Medicare policy sales with Maruti Techlabs, altcoin season, vibe coding, reducing AWS costs, and using Obsidian Sync with GitHub. Readers can participate in a survey for a chance to win prizes.

Consumer Electronics Deals

Beats Studio Buds Discount

The Beats Studio Buds are on sale at Best Buy for $99.99, a $50 discount. They feature powerful sound, noise-canceling, spatial audio support, and include free access to Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music for a limited time. Other deals include discounts on Apple AirPods Max and Sennheiser Accentum true wireless earbuds.

Government & Science

Impact of Funding Cuts on Antarctic Research

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has significantly impacted the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), causing concern due to funding cuts and layoffs at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Disrupted operations and the firing of NSF program managers are feared to cause long-term setbacks to crucial research on climate change, rising sea levels, and the origins of the universe conducted at remote stations. Scientists fear a loss of expertise.

News List

Wired

19 hours ago

DOGE’s Chaos Reaches Antarctica

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has significantly impacted the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), causing concern among scientists and workers in Antarctica. The USAP operates three remote stations where scientists conduct crucial research on climate change, rising sea levels, and the origins of the universe. Funding cuts and layoffs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), which manages the USAP, have led to uncertainty about the future of research and station maintenance. The firing of NSF program managers, who are vital for communication, logistics, and budget management, has further disrupted operations, potentially causing long-term setbacks to Antarctic research efforts. Scientists fear that even brief interruptions could result in a loss of expertise that would take decades to rebuild.

Wired

19 hours ago

Elon Musk’s Starlink Is Keeping Modern Slavery Compounds Online

A Chinese human-trafficking victim in Myanmar contacted anti-scam group GASO, revealing that they were forced into modern slavery, scamming people online at Tai Chang scam compound. Despite risks, their priority wasn’t rescue but to report that Elon Musk’s Starlink was installed, enabling uninterrupted fraud. Erin West, ex-deputy district attorney, alerted SpaceX about Starlink’s use in scamming Americans, but received no response. Data indicates widespread Starlink use in at least eight Southeast Asian scam compounds, with thousands of phones logging Starlink connections over 40,000 times between November 2024 and February, suggesting Starlink is fueling criminal empires.

Mashable

20 hours ago

Score Beats Studio Buds for under $100 at Best Buy

The Beats Studio Buds are on sale at Best Buy for $99.99, saving you $50 off the retail price of $149.99. These earbuds feature powerful sound and noise-canceling, creating an immersive listening experience, especially with spatial audio support. The purchase also includes free access to Apple Fitness+ for three months (new subscribers only) and Apple Music for up to three months (new or returning subscribers). Additionally, Best Buy offers $50 off the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C), and the Sennheiser Accentum true wireless earbuds are also available for under $100.

HackerNoon

1 days ago

The TechBeat: What is an Altcoin Season (Altseason), and How Can You Benefit From It? (2/27/2025)

HackerNoon’s Techbeat provides the latest tech trends. Readers are invited to participate in a survey for a chance to win prizes like Sony headphones or an iPad. Recent articles cover topics such as optimizing Ethereum gas efficiency with multidimensional EIP-1559, a programmer’s guide to game design, and how Maruti Techlabs improved Medicare policy sales for HealthPro Insurance. Also featured are explanations of altcoin season, the concept of vibe coding, reducing server and database costs using AWS, and a guide to using Obsidian Sync for free with GitHub.

AI Guide

AI and Tech Updates

New AI Features and Platforms

Alexa+: Amazon has introduced an upgraded Alexa+, featuring conversational and agentic AI capabilities, setting it apart from its competitors. Starting in March, early-access customers can access it for $19.99/month or for free with an Amazon Prime subscription. This upgrade allows Alexa+ to draft and send messages and work with third-party apps. It responds logically to voice prompts even if the prompt has some incorrect information.

Unique's Agentic AI Platform: Unique, a Swiss startup, has raised $30 million to develop agentic AI for financial services, automating workflows in banking, insurance, and private equity. Their platform offers customizable AI agents for investment research, compliance, and KYC.

Taktile's Automated Decision-Making Platform: Taktile offers a platform for fintech firms to create and manage automated decision-making workflows. Its platform enables users to build a comprehensive picture of their end customers across decision moments. The company's annual recurring revenue climbed 3.5x year-over-year in 2024.

Smartphone and Wearable Deals

Apple Watch Series 10: The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is on sale for $329 at Amazon, a $70 discount. This watch features a bigger screen, faster charging, and health features like ECG readings and sleep tracking.

Apple Pencil Pro: The Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Walmart, a $30 discount. Key features include pressure sensitivity, tilt support, haptic feedback, and the Find My Network. The new Squeeze gesture allows users to swap between tools.

Google Pixel 9: The Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $649.75 at Amazon, a 19% discount. This smartphone features a 6.3-inch OLED display, the latest Google Tensor chip, and dual rear cameras. It also includes Gemini, Google's next-generation AI technology.

Garmin Forerunner 55: The Garmin Forerunner 55 fitness tracker is on sale at Amazon for $169.50, a 15% discount. It features a heart rate monitor and GPS, with up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

Other Notable Deals

Braun IPL Silk Expert: The Braun IPL Silk Expert is on sale for $349.94 at Amazon, a 19% discount. This device provides salon-worthy hair removal at home using light pulses. The package includes the IPL device, a Venus razor, three changeable caps, and a travel case.

PDF Expert Premium Plan: A lifetime subscription to PDF Expert's Premium Plan is on sale for $139.99. It offers user-friendly, Mac-compatible PDF editing and management tools. Users can edit or add text, images, and links to PDFs, transform them into fillable documents, and add signatures.

Nespresso VertuoPlus: The Nespresso VertuoPlus is on sale for $139.98 at Amazon, a 30% discount. This machine heats up in just 25 seconds and has a 60oz water tank. It also comes with a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules.

Computing Component

Solid State Drives(SSDs): Upgrading to one of the best SSD options out there can improve computer speed. SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives, and the most affordable way to add fast storage space to a computer is with a 2.5-inch SATA drive.

Gaming Laptops

Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series: Preorder listings for over three dozen Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series gaming laptops are now live, with shipping timelines ranging from late March to late May. Prices range from $1,899.99 to $5,999.99.

Transportation Tech

NYC Subway Track Monitoring: The MTA and Google used Google Pixel smartphones to monitor NYC's subway tracks. Data collected via the phones' sensors was used to train AI models, which identified 92% of defect locations later found by human inspectors.

The Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Walmart, a $30 discount. It features pressure sensitivity, tilt support, haptic feedback, and Find My Network. The haptic feedback makes interactions feel more satisfying, while the new Squeeze gesture allows users to swap between tools without tapping the screen. Barrel Roll makes rotating brushes and pencils feel more natural. It magnetically attaches, pairs, and charges on compatible iPads.

Mashable

21 hours ago

I have no excuse to skip workouts now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 off

The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is on sale for $329 at Amazon, a $70 discount. The watch is thinner, lighter, and has a bigger screen, plus health features like ECG readings, sleep tracking, and workout monitoring. It also has a larger screen and faster charging. Additional features include crash detection and emergency SOS.

AI Guide

Collectibles

Pokémon TCG: Blooming Waters Premium Collection Restock

The Pokémon TCG: Blooming Waters Premium Collection is restocking at Best Buy for $59.99 as part of the Pokémon Day celebrations. The collection includes foil versions of Venusaur ex, Blastoise ex, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, along with a jumbo Blastoise ex and 12 booster packs, offering chances to pull Scarlet & Violet 151 gold cards. It is app-exclusive, requiring the Best Buy Mobile App with notifications turned on. Key cards from the 151 set, like Special Illustration Rare Venusaur ex and Blastoise ex, pair well with this collection.

News List

Mashable

21 hours ago

Pokémon Day Best Buy drop: The Blooming Waters Premium Collection is in stock.

The Pokémon TCG: Blooming Waters Premium Collection is restocking at Best Buy for $59.99 as part of the Pokémon Day celebrations. This release is app-exclusive, requiring the Best Buy Mobile App with notifications turned on. The collection includes foil versions of Venusaur ex, Blastoise ex, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, along with a jumbo Blastoise ex and 12 booster packs, offering chances to pull Scarlet & Violet 151 gold cards. Key cards from the 151 set, like Special Illustration Rare Venusaur ex and Blastoise ex, pair well with this collection. Given the app-exclusive nature and high demand, prompt action is advised to secure the collection before it sells out.

AI Guide

Technology and Innovation

Electric Vehicle Strategy

Kia plans to use 400V powertrains in smaller EVs to reduce costs.

Social Media

Meta is considering a standalone app, code-named Project Ray, for short-form videos in the U.S. to improve recommendations, which would feature more three-minute videos. This move comes as Meta recently introduced a video editing app called Edit, to compete with TikTok. Spinning Reels off into a separate app could allow Instagram to emphasize its other features.

Audio Technology

The best noise-canceling headphones for 2025 are designed to block out distracting sounds. They are designed for all kinds of situations, with features like memory foam ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and long battery life. The article focuses on over-ear style headphones, as they are more effective at blocking outside noises compared to on-ear models.

Corporate Initiatives

Diversity and Inclusion

Apple's shareholders voted to continue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, rejecting a proposal to end them. CEO Tim Cook emphasized that DEI programs are key to the company's corporate culture, guided by dignity and respect for everyone, and that the company has never had quotas or targets.

News List

TechCrunch

22 hours ago

Instagram may spin off Reels into a separate app

Meta is considering launching a standalone app for short-form videos, reportedly code-named Project Ray, aimed at improving recommendations for new and existing users in the U.S. The app would feature more three-minute videos. This move comes as Meta recently introduced a video editing app called Edit, to compete with TikTok. Currently, Instagram’s feed includes photos, videos (Reels), and Stories, but many users feel it has become too cluttered with videos. Spinning Reels off into a separate app could allow Instagram to emphasize its other features.

Mashable

23 hours ago

Apple shareholders voted to keep DEI policies, and Trump is mad about it

Apple’s shareholders have voted to continue the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, rejecting a proposal to end them. The proposal, which was against DEI programs, failed to gain traction at Apple’s annual shareholder meeting. CEO Tim Cook emphasized that the company has never had quotas or targets but that DEI programs are key to its corporate culture, guided by dignity and respect for everyone. While Apple remains committed to its values, it acknowledges that changes in legislation may require adjustments to its policies in the future.

Engadget

23 hours ago

The best noise-canceling headphones for 2025

The article discusses the best noise-canceling headphones for 2025, highlighting their ability to block out distracting sounds in various environments, such as bustling coffee shops or during travel. These headphones are designed for all kinds of situations, with features like memory foam ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and long battery life. The article focuses on over-ear style headphones, as they are more effective at blocking outside noises compared to on-ear models. It also touches on the importance of comfortable design for long listening sessions and the availability of various color options.

Ars Technica

23 hours ago

Kia’s EV strategy: Smaller, cheaper cars like the EV3 hatch and EV4 sedan

Smaller EVs will use 400 V powertrains to save money.

AI Guide

Technology

Apple iPhone 16e Released

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, an affordable option that aligns with the iPhone 16 models. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, similar to the iPhone 16, and is powered by a modern chip. The base model with 128GB of storage starts at $599, with options for 256GB ($699) and 512GB ($899). While pricier than the discontinued iPhone SE, the 16e offers double the storage and a design akin to the iPhone 14. It includes a single rear camera and a traditional notch instead of the Dynamic Island.

News List

Mashable

23 hours ago

Apple iPhone 16e review: Battery life king

Apple has released the iPhone 16e, which is designed to be an affordable option that keeps pace with the rest of the iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display, similar to the iPhone 16, and is powered by a modern chip. The base model with 128GB of storage starts at $599, with options for 256GB ($699) and 512GB ($899). While more expensive than the discontinued iPhone SE, the 16e offers double the storage and a more modern design, similar to the iPhone 14. It features a single camera on the back and lacks the Dynamic Island, opting instead for the traditional notch. The pricing may be prohibitive for some budget-conscious buyers, while others may find it an affordable way to access the iPhone 16 family.