Gadgets

Reddit is weighing identity verification methods to combat its bot problem

There could be one more step required before creating an account and posting on Reddit in the future. According to Reddit's CEO, Steve Huffman , the social media platform is exploring different ways to verify a user is human and not a bot. When asked by the TBPN podcast how to confirm that it's a human using Reddit, Huffman responded with several verification methods with varying degrees of heavy-handedness. RDDT requiring Face ID was not something I had on my bingo card but something has got to be done about all the fake / botted content I just don't know how to sell face-scanning to redditors or even lurkers. https://t.co/7e7K3Di4ip Alexis Ohanian (@alexisohanian) March 21, 2026 The most lightweight way is with something like Face ID or Touch ID, Huffman said during the interview. They actually require a human presence, like a human has to touch, or do or look at something, so that actually just proves there's a person there or gets you pretty far. Besides these passkey methods that use biometrics data, Huffman said there are other options like relying on third-party services that are decentralized or don't require ID. On the other end of the spectrum, Huffman also mentioned more burdensome options, like ID-checking services. Recent years have brought a rise in bots flooding social media platforms including Reddit, where they've even been used to conduct secret experiments . It doesn't sound like Reddit has landed on how to verify its users' human identity yet, but Huffman did emphasize that the platform still wants to prioritize anonymity for its users. However, verifying humanity through identifiable and personal data could end up as a dealbreaker for Reddit users who value the anonymity of the platform. Part of our promise for our users is we don't know your name but we do want to know you're a person, Huffman said. It'll be an evolution for us for a while, and probably every platform to find the right middle ground here. Reddit co-founder and former executive chair, Alexis Ohanian, said on X that Reddit requiring Face ID wasn't something he expected but agreed that something had to be done about the fake content from bots, adding that, I just don't know how to sell face-scanning to Redditors or even lurkers. We reached out to Reddit's communications team and will update the story when we hear back. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/reddit-is-weighing-identity-verification-methods-to-combat-its-bot-problem-195814671.html?src=rss

What to read this weekend: Revisiting Project Hail Mary and The Thing on the Doorstep

Need something new for your reading list? Here are two titles we think are worth checking out. This week, we've got Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary and The Thing on the Doorstep, an H.P. Lovecraft adaptation for Image Comics. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/what-to-read-this-weekend-revisiting-project-hail-mary-and-the-thing-on-the-doorstep-190000250.html?src=rss

Apple considered buying Halide to upgrade its native Camera app

A legal feud between the co-founders of Lux Optics, the developer behind the Halide camera app, revealed that Apple was close to acquiring the company. As first reported by The Information , Apple held acquisition talks for Lux Optics, which also developed the Kino, Spectre and Orion apps, in the summer of 2025. According to The Information , the deal eventually fell through in September of that year, but the potential acquisition could've provided Apple with the third-party software to improve its own built-in camera app. Apple is already rumored to be introducing variable aperture to its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, so it's not surprising that the iPhone maker was looking for software with advanced features to match its possibly upgraded camera hardware. Despite Apple's interest, Lux Optics' co-founders, Ben Sandofsky and Sebastiaan de With concluded that future updates to Halide could increase the company's valuation and ended the acquisition talks. According to the lawsuit between the co-founders, Sandofsky started investigating de With for the alleged misuse of company funds shortly after the talks with Apple ended. Afterwards, de With was fired from Lux Optics and later joined Apple's design team . While Halide may remain third-party software for iPhones and iPads, users can still look forward to some software improvements to the built-in camera app, since that's reportedly one of Apple's priorities. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-considered-buying-halide-to-upgrade-its-native-camera-app-175139818.html?src=rss

A Minecraft theme park will open in London in 2027

The best-selling game of all time is moving from the virtual to the physical. Minecraft World, a permanent Greater London theme park based on the game, is scheduled to open in 2027. The announcement came during Minecraft Live 2026. It will be a new section in Chessington World of Adventures, a theme park with a built-in zoo. The resort is a 35-minute train ride from London's Waterloo station. Details are still fairly light on the park. But we know it will include a roller coaster, interactive adventures and epic block-built playscapes. Torfi Frans lafsson, the game franchise's creative director, said they're aiming for an experience that feels immersive, authentic and welcoming. Naturally, that will include welcoming you to open your wallet in Minecraft-themed retail and dining spots. The park is a collaboration between Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-largest theme park builder. (A certain rodent-led empire is first.) If visiting the full theme park in England isn't your thing, the latest location of the games (also real-world) pop-up events will open in May. Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail will let visitors in Buenos Aires, Argentina, go on an hour-long outdoor nighttime adventure. As its name suggests, you'll walk a moonlit trail through iconic Minecraft biomes. Along the way, youll craft gear, mine diamonds, battle mobs and help restore an ancient beacon. The event opens in May. The game's next big drop, Tiny Takeover, arrives on Tuesday. Mojang Studios Not all of Minecraft Live's announcements were about real-world empire building. Minecraft , the game, is getting some updates, too. Its next big drop, Tiny Takeover , will live up to the billing with a redesigned cuter look for baby mobs. The update will also add a golden dandelion, which you can feed to a baby mob to make it stay young forever. (Or, at least until you feed it a second one.) Tiny Takeover arrives on March 24. Mojang also teased the next drop after that. Later this year, Chaos Cubed will add a sulfur cube that changes properties when absorbing different materials. There is a lot of variety in what the cube can do, Mojang promises. Just like there are balls with different 'bounciness' and behavior, the sulfur cube can have different physics. Finally, the long-rumored Minecraft Dungeons II game is official. We're still extremely light on details about the sequel to the 2020 spinoff , aside from the fact that you can wishlist it on March 21. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-minecraft-theme-park-will-open-in-london-in-2027-173000917.html?src=rss

OpenAI reportedly plans to double its workforce to 8,000 employees

While other tech companies have been laying off employees year after year, OpenAI is doing the opposite. According to a report from the Financial Times , the AI giant is looking to expand its workforce to 8,000 employees by the end of 2026, nearly doubling staff from its current headcount of 4,500. The FT reported that the new hires will be across several departments, including product development, engineering, research and sales. OpenAI's hiring spree will also include specialists for echnical ambassadorship, or employees tasked with helping businesses better utilize its AI tools, according to the report. As the FT noted, OpenAI is likely trying to amp up the competition against Anthropic and its Claude AI chatbot. According to the AI Index from Ramp , a fintech startup that manages corporate expenses, businesses are now 70 percent more likely to go with Anthropic when buying AI services for the first time as opposed to OpenAI. OpenAI made waves in February when it announced a contract with the Department of Defense to use its AI models, following a public fallout between Anthropic and the federal agency. On top of the government contract, OpenAI is also in advanced talks with private equity firms like Brookfield Asset Management to deploy its AI tools across a firms' portfolio of companies, according to Reuters . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-reportedly-plans-to-double-its-workforce-to-8000-employees-161028377.html?src=rss

Intel says Crimson Desert devs ignored offers of help to support Arc GPUs

It doesnt sound like Crimson Desert , the recently released prequel to Black Desert Online , will support Intel Arc GPUs anytime soon, if at all. On the games FAQ page , its developer Pearl Abyss advised players expecting Arc support to apply for a refund. If you purchased the game expecting Intel Arc support, please refer to the refund policy of the platform where the game was purchased for available options, the company wrote. Apparently, though, its not from lack of guidance from Intel. The chipmaker told Wccftech that it reached out to Pearl Abyss many times over the past several years. The Intel spokesperson said that the company has tried to help the developer test, validate, and optimize support for Intel graphics for years. Intel also tried to provide the developer early hardware, drivers, and engineering resources across several generations of GPUs, including Alchemist, Battlemage, Meteor Lake, and Lunar Lake. The chipmaker said its hugely disappointed that players using Intel graphics hardware cant play the game, but that it remains ready to assist Pearl Abyss however it can. It also advised players to reach out directly to the developer for details on the choice not to enable Intel support at launch. Pearl Abyss, of course, doesnt have the obligation to tweak the game so that it runs on PCs with Intel Arc GPUs. The good news is that since the title came out just a few days ago, it will still be easy to get a refund. Steam, where Crimson Desert is now one of the top-selling games, issues refunds within two weeks of purchase. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/intel-says-crimson-desert-devs-ignored-offers-of-help-to-support-arc-gpus-155514896.html?src=rss

Twitter turned 20 and I feel nothing

Twitter is officially 20 years old. In another reality, that might make me kind of nostalgic. I've been lurking and scrolling and tweeting for 16 years; most of my adult life. There was a time when Twitter was a place where some internet strangers became my IRL friends, when I was excited to live-tweet. When my infinitely more well-adjusted friends would send me memes, I would smugly say I saw that on Twitter days ago. Twitter stopped being that place a long time ago, but I don't have any nostalgia for it. I don't really feel anything at all, actually. Because I can already hear the comments: Yes, I'm still on X. I don't spend as much time there as I did a decade ago, but it's still quite a lot of time, an unhealthy amount, if I'm being honest. My job is to report on social media companies, so I keep (doom)scrolling. That's what I tell myself anyway. A few of my favorite posters are still around. Dril's still got it . The memes are still, occasionally, good, even though X's recommendation algorithm seems to prefer pointing me toward endless AI slop, boring hot takes from thirsty mid-tier tech execs and blatant engagement bait. X's algorithm what little we can learn about it , anyway now relies on Grok's predictions about what you'll like.The same Holocaust-loving Grok that has spewed racism and referred to itself as MechaHitler and declared Elon Musk the single greatest person in modern history. The same Grok that allegedly generated thousands of images of child abuse material . Hey @grok is that true? X is not Twitter but it's also not not-Twitter . Last year, an online marketplace startup bought the 560-pound Twitter bird that once adorned the company's San Francisco office and blew it up in a Nevada desert surrounded by Tesla CyberTrucks as part of an elaborate publicity stunt. Dumb? Yes. But also a somehow fitting adieu for Larry. just setting up my twttr jack (@jack) March 21, 2006 It's been 20 years since Jack Dorsey sent the first-ever tweet, which was never even a good tweet anyway. It's been five years, by the way, since he turned that tweet into an NFT (remember NFTs??) and auctioned it for nearly $3 million . It's now functionally worthless . Another chapter in Dorsey's confusing, complicated legacy . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/twitter-turned-20-and-i-feel-nothing-140000602.html?src=rss

Engadget review recap: Lots of Apple devices, Galaxy S26, Dell XPS 16 and more

Apple already announced a lot of new devices in 2026 and weve been busy reviewing them all. In this installment of our bi-weekly roundup, we revisit the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e and more, in addition to the regular Galaxy S26 and Dell XPS 16. Theres even more than those gadget to catch up on, so sit back, relax and cozy up to some fresh reviews . Apple MacBook Neo The main attraction for Apples early device deluge was the $599 MacBook Neo . The company is finally giving us something weve been begging for: a low-cost Mac laptop thats good enough for most people. It's a $599 computer that can handle basic workloads just fine, all the while looking like one of the company's more expensive notebooks, senior reporter Devindra Hardawar said. Most importantly, it delivers more speed, a brighter screen and an overall better user experience than any competing $600 Windows PC. Apple iPhone 17e The MacBook Neo wasnt the only affordable device Apple announced recently. The company also debuted the iPhone 17e , which is also $599 and offers an economical choice for iOS devotees. The name iPhone carries its own premium, and the iPhone 17e is a solid entry-level handset for those who need a basic, no-frills path into the Apple ecosystem, managing editor Cherlynn Low said. The rest of the new Apple gear The remainder of the new Apple devices were primarily chip upgrades. The company added the M4 to the iPad Air , which deputy editor Nathan Ingraham still argues is the best Apple tablet overall. Apple also put the M5 chip inside the MacBook Air and the M5 Pro and M5 Max silicon in the MacBook Pro ,. Our staff maintains that those two laptops are among the best choices in their respective categories. We also tested Apples claims on the Studio Display XDR , where we discovered the high price could be worth it for pros who need supreme color accuracy and high brightness. Samsung Galaxy S26 The Galaxy S26 Ultra may get the bulk of the attention in Samsungs 2026 lineup thus far, but the regular S26 is capable in its own right. However, its time for bigger updates on this model. There's nothing wrong with this safe, solid Android phone, but you could pick up last year's S25 and get an experience that's 99 percent the same for $99 less, UK bureau chief Mat Smith said. Dell XPS 16 (2026) Dell pulled a 180 after nixing its XPS brand last year. Enter the XPS 16 . Thankfully, the first devices after the fiasco show an expected return to form, albeit with one issue. My one complaint is that I wish Dell would bring back the chiclet-style keyboards we got on models from the early 2020s, senior reporter Sam Rutherford said. Though as long as the company can release updated software to fix the ghosting issues I've encountered, what's on there now is more than good enough. But wait, theres more If portable projectors are more your speed, contributing reporter Steve Dent put the Soundcore Nebula P1i through its paces. Mat also spent some time with the Nothing Phone 4a Pro , which is undoubtedly the most uniquely designed handset weve tested this year. Lastly, Sam used an upgraded version of Belkins Switch 2 charging case to keep his gaming handheld safe and topped up in transit. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-lots-of-apple-devices-galaxy-s26-dell-xps-16-and-more-120000820.html?src=rss

A retro Starship Troopers shooter, a video store sim and other new indie games worth checking out

Welcome to our latest roundup of what's going on in the indie game space. There are a whole bunch of neat new games out this week, as well as updates on some interesting upcoming projects. In case you missed it, the Steam Spring Sale is under way. There are lots of solid deals here, and my credit card is already screaming at me. I've picked up a bunch of games from my wishlist. For instance, at just $3, I couldn't resist snagging Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Meanwhile, over on Bluesky, a prototype from developer Freya Holmr caught my eye. It's for a falling-block game, but instead of filling a container to create straight lines that disappear, it's based around a pivot point. As tetrominos join the mass, it rotates left or right by 90 degrees, adding a new dimension to a well-established format. I'm really hoping Holmr turns this into a full game, as it's a rad concept. New releases Given all the bug slaughtering and the jingoistic satire, any Starship Troopers project is going to draw comparisons with Helldivers 2 . Fortunately, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is entirely its own thing. This is a retro first-person shooter from Auroch Digital (the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun ) and publisher Dotemu. The framing of the game is quite meta: it's based on the experiences of Major Samantha Dietz, who was on the frontlines against the bugs, and it's effectively being used as a military recruitment tool. Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is a blast. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. Not that I needed one, but it gave me an excuse to watch Paul Verhoeven's original film again since the game (while having an original story) hits some of the same beats. The tone is spot on. The writing in the cutscenes, in which Casper Van Dien reprises his role as Johnny Rico from the movies, is funny. You can't tell me that it isn't a thrill to blow up a giant bug with a tactical nuke. Plus, I was tickled by the consequences of accidentally shooting a fellow soldier in the training base and all hell breaking loose. Alas, the pacing feels off there's a bit too much space between objectives in some levels and it's a little one-note. Still, it only takes around four or five hours to beat, particularly if you don't care about hunting for secrets. Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is out now on Steam , PS5 , Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 . It'll usually cost $25, but there's a 20 percent discount until March 24. Retro Rewind is a solid name for a video store rental sim. You'll manage a store in the early '90s the heyday of VHS by doing everything from decorating the place, filling shelves with tapes and buying bootleg films to hiring staff, making recommendations to customers and collecting late fees. My first job was behind the counter of a convenience store that had a small movie rental section, so I've got a tiny bit of experience with calling up customers who have overdue films. That part of the job wasn't exactly fun, but like the idea of running an entire rental store, an experience that's sadly almost extinct . Retro Rewind - Video Store Simulator is available on Steam (normally $20, with a 20 percent discount until March 24). You can try it out by playing a demo . In Their Shoes looks like an intriguing spin on the visual novel. From We Are Muesli, this is billed as a mumblecore narrative vein, indicating that it's influenced by films from that subgenre (such as the works of the Duplass brothers, Lynn Shelton and, especially in the early part of her career, Greta Gerwig). Through a few dozen interactive scenes, it follows the intertwined lives and intimate moments of seven people in Milan. Each of these dialogue-focused segments lasts around five minutes. There are timed choices and you can arrange the scenes into a timeline. You can pick up In Their Shoes on Steam now. The full price is $13, but there's a 25 percent discount until March 31. For this week's dog game, here is World's Goodest Pup . It's another pooch-based roguelike deckbuilder . This time around, you'll be trying to succeed in the realm of competitive dog shows. After selecting a dog from among three breeds, you'll start building a deck of accessories, tricks and poses and combine them in strategic ways to be most effective in competitions and challenges, which are procedurally generated. This is a cozy game first and foremost, though. You can spoil puppers in a pet resort that you'll build and treat them with a visit to a dog spa. Cute. World's Goodest Pup from Pandamander is out on Steam (normally $7, with 10 percent off until March 26). You can try it out via a demo . The release trailer for Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime made me chuckle, so I had to include it. The latest project from Bonte Avond (the team behind Once Upon A Jester ) is a comedy adventure game. As Bonnie Bear, a bear in a frog onesie, you set out to defeat a local bully in a tactical frog-battling game called Frogtime. As with many real-life trading card games, you'll buy and collect frogs to build a strong army. Most importantly, it seems to be a game about the power of community, friendship and self-worth. Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime is out now on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $17. Upcoming Gunbrella studio Doinksoft is back with another game that has a fantastic name. It's a roguelite, side-scrolling action platformer with shoot-em'-up elements. And it's called Dark Scrolls . It's such a good title that I'm almost mad I didn't think of it first. There'll be nine heroes to choose from, including a pup named Biscuit and a rat with a saxophone. The game features procedurally generated runs with branching paths, and there's multiplayer support for two-player online co-op. I'm into the Master System-era art style and the utter chaos shown in the trailer. The Devolver Digital-published Dark Scrolls (still not over that name) is coming to Steam and Switch later this year. If you think about it, Scrabble is already a roguelike strategy game. Beyond Words takes that a bit further, with tiles that shift and explode, and boards that change up the rules. Much like in Balatro , you'll be modifying, destroying and duplicating tiles as you seek powerful synergies and massive score multipliers. There are more than 300 modifiers and abilities, along with boss battles and optional time-based challenge boards. What makes Beyond Words particularly interesting is that it's from Steve Ellis and Dr David Doak who made their names at Rare and Free Radical Design with the likes of GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark and TimeSplitters and their small team at MindFuel Games. PQube is the publisher of Beyond Words, which will hit Steam , PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on April 9. A demo is available on Steam now. We've learned about a bunch of upcoming music rhythm games lately , and here's another one from Guitar Hero, Rock Band and DJ Hero veterans. Echo Foundry Interactive seems to be hoping that the community-driven focus will help Sound System stand out. When it goes into early access on Steam (October 16, $25), Sound System will have local multiplayer support. Echo Foundry Interactive plans to add online multiplayer with co-op and competitive modes. Players will be able to create charts for any song they like too. We've had a dog game (or two) and a frog game. Now it's time to wrap things up with a cat game. In Cat Me If You Can great title, again the Earth has frozen and lost its color. Only cats remain. By time-travelling and taking photos of them, you'll gradually restore color to the world. It's a hidden cat puzzle game from Cosmic Stag Games that's coming to PC, Switch and Xbox in the summer. You'll be able to check out a demo on Steam on April 8. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-retro-starship-troopers-shooter-a-video-store-sim-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-113000133.html?src=rss

Elon Musk misled investors during his Twitter takeover, jury finds

A group of former Twitter investors have prevailed at a federal civil trial over Elon Musk's actions amid his $44 billion acquisition of the social platform in 2022. A jury in San Francisco found Friday that tweets made by Musk about fake accounts on the platform had defrauded investors in the company. The jury sided with Musk on other allegations in the case. It's not yet clear how much Musk will owe in damages as a result of the case but, as the Associated Press reports , it could amount to billions of dollars. Jurors calculated that shareholders should get etween about $3 and $8 per stock per day. The class action lawsuit, one of several brought against Musk in the months following his takeover of the company, cited Musks tweets about fake accounts on the platform. Facing a sinking Tesla share price in the days after announcing he would buy Twitter for $54.20 a share, the suit said Musk made tweets and statements that were intentionally meant to drive down Twitter's share price in an attempt to renegotiate or exit the deal. The suit called out Musk's May 13, 2022, tweet that claimed the Twitter deal was temporarily on hold due to the number of fake accounts and bots on the platform, as well as one a few days later that suggested fake accounts might account for more than 20 percent of users. Twitter's stock dropped significantly following the May 13 tweet. During the trial, Musk said the tweets were him speaking his mind and maintained that Twitter executives had lied about the number of bots on the platform, according to KQED . Former Twitter shareholders, on the other hand, said hey sold shares at deflated prices amid Musks public waffling. Musk faced several lawsuits during and after his $44 billion takeover of the company. That includes other shareholder lawsuits related to his delay in disclosing his stake in the company, as well as one from former executives related to unpaid severance benefits (Musk later settled those claims). He also narrowly avoided a trial over his attempts to back out of the deal. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/elon-musk-misled-investors-during-his-twitter-takeover-jury-finds-232033028.html?src=rss

Pinterest CEO says teens under 16 should be banned from social media (but not Pinterest)

Pinterest's CEO has thrown his support behind an Australia measure banning social media for younger teens and is calling for governments around the world to implement similar bans. Social media, as its configured today, is not safe for young people under 16, Ready writes in a piece published by Time . We need a clear standard: no social media for teens under 16, backed by real enforcement, and accountability for mobile phone operating systems and the apps that run on them. Ready is one of the highest-profile tech CEOs to come out in favor of a broad ban on social media for teens. That may also seem like a bold stance for someone who runs a platform with a user base that's more than 50 percent Gen Z, but Ready doesn't think that ban should apply to Pinterest. Pinterest, as he notes, already bars teens under 16 from accessing messaging features and other social features. It also makes teen accounts private by default . A spokesperson for Pinterest confirmed the company has no plans to change its own policies regarding users under 16, and said Pinterest considers itself a visual search platform not social media. Pinterest, like most social media and social media-adjacent companies, doesn't allow users under 13 to sign up. Social media or not, Pinterest has encountered child safety-related issues in the past. In 2023, NBC News reported that Pinterest's recommendation algorithm was surfacing photos and videos of young girls to adults who were seeking such content. Some of those users had created Pinterest boards featuring images of young girls with titles like sexy little girls, their investigation found. The company made profiles for teens under 16 private and ot discoverable six months later. According to Ready, Pinterest's popularity with younger users is proof its policies are also good for the company's business. Our experience shows that prioritizing safety and well-being doesnt push young people away; it builds trust, he writes. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/pinterest-ceo-says-teens-under-16-should-be-banned-from-social-media-but-not-pinterest-211630443.html?src=rss

Microsoft will yank Copilot from some Windows apps and let you move the taskbar again

After one too many of you threatened to switch to Linux, Microsoft has published a long list of changes it plans to make to Windows 11. In a lengthy blog titled Our commitment to Windows quality , Pavan Davuluri, the executive vice president of Windows and Devices, said the company has spent a great deal of time in recent months reading feedback from users. What came through was the voice of people who care deeply about Windows and want it to be better, he said. To that end, Windows Insiders can expect to see some of the changes Microsoft plans in response to all criticism begin rolling out starting this month. Most notably, Microsoft ease up on the AI pedal. You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well-crafted, writes Davuluri. As a first step, Microsoft says it will remove unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like the Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad. Elsewhere, users can look forward to additional taskbar customization, allowing them to position the interface element at the top or sides of the screen; less disruptive updates, with the option to shut down or restart your device without being forced to install a new patch; and a faster, less janky File Explorer. Our first round of improvements will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation and more reliable performance for everyday file tasks, said Davuluri. Looking beyond the next two months, Microsoft notes it will work to improve performance across Windows, with lowering the baseline memory footprint of the operating system a key area of focus. Presumably, this plan of action is as much a response to the global memory shortage as it is user feedback. PC manufacturers are struggling right now, with a recent estimate warning the market could shrink as much as 8.9 percent year-over-year in 2026 due to the high cost of RAM and SSDs. On the subject of reliability, the company says reducing OS-level crashes and releasing higher quality drivers is a priority, as is making Bluetooth and USB connections less prone to errors and disconnects. Microsoft's promise to fix Windows 11 is long overdue. In January, the company released a couple of emergency updates after what should have been a routine security patch caused bugs that left some PCs unable to shut down and broke Outlook. The general state of the operating system has led many to explore Linux alternatives like Bazzite . With Apple also recently releasing the $600 MacBook Neo , a laptop that few Windows manufacturers can match right now, Microsofts dominance in the PC market is looking vulnerable for the first time in more than a decade. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/microsoft-will-yank-copilot-from-some-windows-apps-and-let-you-move-the-taskbar-again-202857203.html?src=rss

The White House proposes new AI policy framework that supersedes state laws

The White House has announced a new AI policy framework that calls for Congress to craft federal regulation that overrules state AI laws. The Trump administration has made multiple attempts to overrule more restrictive state-level AI regulation, but has failed so far, most notably in the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The framework focuses on a variety of topics, covering everything from child privacy to the use of AI in the workforce. Importantly, this framework can succeed only if it is applied uniformly across the United States, The White House writes. A patchwork of conflicting state laws would undermine American innovation and our ability to lead in the global AI race. In terms of child privacy protections, the framework calls for Congress to require tools like screen time, content exposure and account controls while also affirming that existing child privacy protections apply to AI systems, including limits on how data is collected and used for AI training. The framework also calls for a carveout that allows states to enforce their own generally applicable laws protecting children, such as prohibitions on child sexual abuse material, even where such material is generated by AI. The energy-use and environmental impact of AI infrastructure is a going concern, but the White Houses policy proposals are primarily worried about the cost of data centers. The framework suggests federal AI regulation should make sure that higher electricity costs arent passed on to people living near new AI data centers, while streamlining the process for permitting AI infrastructure construction to allow for on-site and behind-the-meter power generation. The framework also calls for fewer restrictions on the software-side of AI development, proposing regulatory sandboxes for AI applications and asking Congress to provide resources to make federal datasets accessible to industry and academia in AI-ready formats. While a recently proposed AI bill from Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Ten.) attempts to eliminate Section 230, a law that means platforms cant be held responsible for the speech they host, the framework appears to call for the opposite. Congress should prevent the United States government from coercing technology providers, including AI providers, to ban, compel or alter content based on partisan or ideological agendas, the White House writes. The framework is similarly hands-off when it comes to copyright and the use of intellectual property to train AI. Although the Administration believes that training of AI models on copyrighted material does not violate copyright laws, the White House writes, it supports the issue being settled in court rather than by legislation. Though, the White House does think Congress should consider enabling licensing frameworks so IP holders can bargain for compensations from AI providers. The clincher in the White Houses proposal is the idea that federal regulation should preempt state law, specifically so that states dont regulate AI development, dont unduly burden Americans use of AI for activity that would be lawful if performed without AI and dont punish AI companies for a third partys unlawful conduct involving their models. But even that comes with exceptions, like states ability to protect children and consumers, prevent fraud, enforce zoning laws and determine its own uses of AI. Developing This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-white-house-proposes-new-ai-policy-framework-that-supersedes-state-laws-192251995.html?src=rss

Three people have been charged with illegally exporting NVIDIA GPUs to China

The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has charged three people with illegally exporting NVIDIA GPUs to China in violation of the Export Control Reform Act. NVIDIA's chips have become a critical component in the rush to train and run increasingly complex artificial intelligence models, one the US has sought to manipulate with export controls and profit-sharing schemes with NVIDIA. The three people, Yih-Shyan Wally Liaw, Ruei-Tsang Steven Chang and Ting-Wei Willy Sun, two employees and one contractor working for US IT company Super Micro Computer, allegedly circumvented export control laws via a multi-step scheme that involved creating fake orders for servers with NVIDIA chips from Southeast Asian companies, that were then secretly sent to China. The plan involved paying a logistics company to repackage the servers in Taiwan, staging dummy servers to be inspected by Super Micro Computer's compliance team and falsifying records so Liaw, Chang and Sun's employer was unaware where the servers were actually being sent. The DOJ claims Liaw, Chang and Sun facilitated the illegal purchase of $2.5 billion worth of servers between 2024 and 2025 in direct violation of US export laws. Super Micro Computer is not named as a defendant in the US Attorney's indictment, but the company's stock price has been impacted by the scheme, CNBC writes . In a statement released on Thursday, Super Micro Computer announced that it's distancing itself from Liaw, Chang and Sun. The individuals charged are Yih-Shyan Wally Liaw, Senior Vice President of Business Development and a member of the Company's Board of Directors; Ruei-Tsang Steven Chang, a sales manager in Taiwan; and Ting-Wei Willy Sun, a contractor, the company writes. Supermicro has placed the two employees on administrative leave and terminated its relationship with the contractor, effective immediately. This isn't the first time people have attempted to illegally smuggle NVIDIA's products out of the US, and it likely won't be the last time. Reportedly $1 billion worth of NVIDIA's AI chips were illegally sold in the three months after the Trump administration tightened export controls, and back in December 2025, Texas authorities seized more than $50 million worth of NVIDIA GPUs bound for China. As long as there's demand for AI, there'll be demand for the hardware that makes it possible. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/three-people-have-been-charged-with-illegally-exporting-nvidia-gpus-to-china-184928430.html?src=rss

Nintendo is reportedly making a Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery for the EU

Nintendo is reportedly preparing a new version of the Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery, according to Nikkei . This is to comply with a 2023 EU right-to-repair policy on portable electronics that mandates easy battery replacement . The regulation also covers the Joy-Con 2 controllers, so they are reportedly being redesigned to allow users to replace each lithium-ion battery. We don't know when this new Switch 2 will hit store shelves, but the policy gives companies until 2027 to make the required changes. This is great news for Europe, but the rest of the world isn't quite so lucky. There are no reported plans by Nintendo to bring this console refresh to other regions, but IGN notes that this could change if countries adopt similar policies to the EU. Tossing a perfectly good handheld console in the trash because the battery craps out isn't exactly fun, so here's hoping they do. This EU legislation has forced other companies to make changes to their products. Apple has modified the design of newer iPhones to make it easier for consumers to swap out the battery. It's long been rumored that Sony will update its DualSense PS5 controllers for the same reason. The EU regulates that by 2027, all smartphones must be equipped with replaceable batteries. The new iPhones adoption of a stainless steel battery case not only reduces the difficulty of removing the battery to meet EU regulations but also allows Apple to increase the battery https://t.co/jLhEbw04po (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 30, 2024 It has also been suggested that the original Switch may stop being sold in the EU by the end of 2027. It's either that or redesign the now-ancient device. Nintendo hasn't issued an official response to any of this just yet. Engadget has reached out to the company and will update this post when we hear back. This has been a big week for the company's flagship console. It just received a software update that lets many older games run in 1080p while in handheld mode. There's also a little game called Pokmon Pokopia currently taking over the world . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-reportedly-making-a-switch-2-with-a-user-replaceable-battery-for-the-eu-172318540.html?src=rss

Netflixs Assassins Creed is officially set in ancient Rome

Netflixs live-action Assassins Creed show has entered production and will officially be set in Rome in the year 64AD, confirming previous reports. The upcoming adaptation, then, will return to the setting of 2010s Assassins Creed Brotherhood , although the latters story took place more than 1,000 years after the events we'll see in Netflix's show. Ubisoft confirmed in a press release that the Netflix series will tell an original story centered on a war between the Templar Order and the Assassin Brotherhood, who each have very different ideas on how the future of mankind should look. The full ensemble cast has also now been announced. Sandra Guldberg-Kampp ( Foundation ), Youssef Kerkour ( A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ), Mirren Mack ( 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple ), and Louis McCartney (Broadway production Stranger Things: The First Shadow ) have all been cast as recurring characters. Netflix previously announced Lola Pettigrew ( Trespasses ) and Toby Wallace ( Babyteeth ) as possible leads, along with a number of other series regulars. Roberto Patino ( Westworld , Sons of Anarchy ) and David Wiener ( Halo , The Killing ) are serving as creators, showrunners and executive producers on the show, which is primarily filming at Romes iconic Cinecitt Studios. No release date has been announced. Assassins Creed wont represent the first time that Netflix has adapted a Ubisoft property. 2023s Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix was based on a Far Cry 3 expansion, and last year Sam Fisher made his TV debut in the broadly well received Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflixs-assassins-creed-is-officially-set-in-ancient-rome-171533234.html?src=rss

Project Hail Mary could teach humanity a thing or two

It's hard not to find the premise of Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary instantly compelling: Something is slowly killing the sun and threatening life on Earth. That same mysterious force, dubbed the Astrophage, also destroyed every nearby star except one. Our only hope is to visit that solar system and figure out what helped it survive. And there's just one middle school science teacher who can do it. At its core is Weir's love of technical problem solving, along with a tremendous performance by Ryan Gosling in full nerd hero mode as the aforementioned science teacher (and former molecular biologist). It's the sort of sweeping sci-fi epic that will make a whole generation of kids ready to science the shit out of humanity's future problems. And maybe it'll remind clueless adults that we gain much more by working together to solve global issues, instead of being purely self-interested. The film starts with Gosling's character, Ryland Grace, waking up from an induced coma with no memory. He's shocked to find that he's light years away from Earth, and that the other two members of his crew are already dead. As he gets his bearings, he recalls that he was sent on a last-ditch mission, Project Hail Mary, to save the sun and everyone on Earth. No pressure! These early moments make it clear that screenwriter Drew Goddard (who also adapted The Martian ), as well as directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, can deftly juggle comedy alongside the inherent drama in the story. There's something genuinely moving about the mission. With about 30 years before the planet is faced with a global cooling event likely ending in mass starvation, Earth's major political powers put aside their differences and deliver their finest scientific minds to come up with a solution. You can really take your pick with real-world parallels, like the impending climate crisis, or the increasing threat of nuclear war. Simply seeing the world work together feels meaningful in these bleak times. And unlike other space disaster films like Armageddon and Interstellar , cooperation, rather than NASA alone, is the only way forward. Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary. Jonathan Olley for Amazon Sure, humanity's hope for survival ultimately falls on the shoulders of one of the most attractive white men on (or in this case, off) the planet, but you know, movies . It's also not a spoiler to say that Grace isn't entirely alone on his journey. As already revealed by the film's trailers and a ton of social media clips, he's also joined by a crab-like being made of rock, which he simply calls Rocky. They eventually learn to communicate, and it's revealed that Rocky is also on a mission to save their own home planet. While we get brief glimpses of life on Earth, and the planning of Project Hail Mary, for the vast majority of the film we're just left with Grace figuring things together with a rock alien. And yet, the film never drags. It's a testament to Gosling's inherent charm, but he also demonstrates an incredible ability to shift from joy and goofiness, to sheer terror, to leading-man heroics on a dime. It's also hard to take your eyes off of Rocky, who is rendered with a loving mixture of practical puppetry and CG. We've never seen a creature like them before one that, despite having no eyes or mouth, manages to connect with viewers mostly through their very expressive arms. Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary. Jonathan Olley for Amazon Project Hail Mary is ultimately a work of pulp sci-fi as told by an author who loves deeply nerdy technical solutions, as well as a writer and directors who know precisely what makes a great blockbuster tick. But the notion that humanity can collectively come together to do the impossible always tugs at my heartstrings a bit. And yes, theres the power of friendship , too. In this moment, when things seem particularly bleak, these ideas seem especially meaningful. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/project-hail-mary-could-teach-humanity-a-thing-or-two-154327806.html?src=rss

Belkin Charging Case Pro for Switch 2 review: A more elegant solution

Last year, Belkin released a couple of cases for the Nintendo Switch 2 just in time for launch, including one that came with a handy battery pack . That one was simple and effective, but it felt a bit crude because it wasn't much more than a basic travel pouch with a generic power cell tossed inside. Now, Belkin is back with a Pro version of its Charging Case for the Nintendo Switch 2 , featuring a more sophisticated battery pack along with a higher price tag ($100 vs. $70). So heres the question for any Switch 2 owners still looking for a way to protect their console while keeping it topped off: Is a more elegant charging solution really worth the extra money? Case design At 11.7 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches and weighing 1 pound 12 ounces, the Pro Charging Case is a touch larger and heavier than its non-pro sibling. It also features a very similar design with the same color options and materials, including a tough polyester outer shell thats balanced by a softer, velvet-like material and cutouts for your Switch 2 on the inside. The Pro Charging Case (bottom) is a touch bigger and heavier than the previous model, but aside from that its sports a nearly identical design. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Once again, Belkin has done a good job of providing a snug cabin to store your console while still making it easy to take it in and out. That said, if your system also has an extra-thick protector or hardshell case like the Killswitch from Dbrand , it may not fit. There's also a padded flap that swings down to protect your Switch 2's screen that also pulls double duty as a place to stash up to 12 game cartridges, which is a very thoughtful touch. However, the biggest change to the Pro Charging Case's exterior design is a new cutout on the front edge, which allows you to top off other gadgets (or a Switch) by plugging a USB-C cable into Belkin's included battery pack. Unfortunately, the case doesn't come with a cord, which seems a bit odd until you take a closer look at the power pack's layout.Thats because once you open up the case, youll see a second port designed to fit right into the bottom power jack on the Switch 2 without the need for a cable. The inside of the Pro Charging Case features a handy mesh pocket, 12 slots for game carts and a hidden AirTag pouch. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Other small touches on Belkin's Pro Charging Case include a mesh pocket for storing things like cables, Joy-Con straps or cleaning cloths, which is very handy. However, my favorite thing might be the AirTag pouch that's also hidden inside that pocket, which could give you a fighting chance of recovering your system if it's ever lost or stolen (though I wouldn't count on it). Battery pack The arrangement of the included 10,000mAh battery pack and the placement of its internal USB-C port makes it a cinch to recharge your Switch 2 every time you put it in the case. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Despite the increased size of the Pro Charging Case's included battery, it has the same 10,000mAh capacity as what you get from its less expensive sibling. That means you'll typically have enough juice for a little more than 1.5 recharges for your Switch 2 and its onboard 5,220mAh cell. Instead of relying on a simple external power pack like before, Belkin's bundled battery comes with a second USB-C port and a kickstand. This makes it super easy to plug in your Switch 2 every time you put it in the case. This way, you know the next time you turn it on, it'll be at 100 percent. Here's what the battery pack looks like when you take it out of the case. As you can see, its size and shape means it's not a great standalone external power pack any more. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Alternatively, you can raise the kickstand to prop up the Switch 2 and game on it while it stays nestled inside the case. This might seem a bit redundant as Nintendo's console already has its own kickstand, but Belkins allows you to continue charging the system while you're playing without needing a cord. There's even a handy display on the side of the battery, so it's super easy to see how much juice is left, even when the case is closed. Furthermore, when you need to recharge the power pack, you can do so without removing it from the case or disconnecting your Switch thanks to that bonus USB-C port on the outside. Compared to the previous model, this is certainly a more elegant solution that provides some subtle quality of life improvements. The one downside is that the battery pack is somewhat awkwardly shaped, so you won't really want to use it on its own. Wrap-up There's no doubt the Pro Charging Case's new battery pack is a more premium solution that's easier to use and manage. When you need to recharge it, you can do so from the outside without opening the pouch. It also lets you charge a Switch 2 without ever needing a cable. The built-in kickstand is another bonus that helps elevate the whole kit from a simple case to something closer to a tiny all-in-one gaming booth. One of the neat things about giving the battery a kickstand is that it turns the case into a mini all-in-one. This makes me wish Belkin gave the included power pack some sort of docking functionality for connecting the Switch 2 to an external display. Sam Rutherford for Engadget That said, after using it for a couple of weeks, I'm still not sure the added convenience is worth an extra $30 over the original. Due to the battery packs' new shape, it's less useful as a standalone power cell, and the rest of the case's design is largely unchanged. Of course, it's always nice to have options, and if you're the kind of person who doesn't mind spending a little extra for a more streamlined and convenient kit, Belkin's Pro Charging Case for the Switch 2 is still very much worth consideration. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/belkin-charging-case-pro-for-switch-2-review-a-more-elegant-solution-144820809.html?src=rss

Amazon is reportedly working on a new phone built around Alexa

Amazon is reportedly planning to re-enter the smartphone market more than 10 years after its last attempt. According to a Reuters report, the mysterious phone is internally codenamed Transformer and is being developed by the companys devices and services unit. There isnt a whole lot to go on right now, but it probably wont surprise many to learn that the phone will likely lean heavily on AI. According to Reuters sources, Alexa functionality would be a core part of the experience, but Amazon wouldnt necessarily build a custom OS around its voice assistant. The phone would make buying products on Amazon and using services like Prime Music and Prime Video easier than ever, and may bypass traditional app stores. Reuters reports that the Transformer project is being led by the recently established ZeroOne, an Amazon devices unit headed up by ex-Microsoft executive and Xbox co-founder J Allard, who was also one of the creators of Zune. Allard joined Amazon last year to lead a a special projects team dedicated to inventing breakthrough consumer product categories. The development team has reportedly considered launching both a traditional smartphone and a so-called dumbphone, which would presumably strip away anything that needlessly distracted you from the Amazon empire. Reuters anonymous sources suggest the latter could help combat screen addiction by offering fewer features. ZeroOne is apparently inspired by the ultra-minimalist Light Phone , suggesting that Amazon might be reluctant to take on the flagship devices of Apple and Samsung. The report adds that the Transformer phone could even be positioned as a secondary handset. This, of course, would not be Amazons first crack at the smartphone business. The company launched the Fire Phone in 2014, an ambitious and interesting device that ultimately failed to tempt people away from the more established smartphone ecosystems. Its widely remembered as perhaps the companys biggest hardware misstep. With analysts forecasting an unprecedented decline in the smartphone market in 2026, now seems like a risky time for Amazon to try again, and Reuters was unable to determine exactly how much the company has committed to the Transformer project. Sources also wouldnt rule out it being scrapped altogether if the companys priorities suddenly shifted. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/amazon-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-phone-built-around-alexa-142244500.html?src=rss

ByteDance is selling its Moonton game unit to Savvy Games for a cool $6 billion

Following discussions first reported on earlier this year , ByteDance has agreed to sell its games unit Moonton to Savvy Games Group for $6 billion. Moonton is known for mobile titles popular in Asia like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang , which has been downloaded 1.5 billion times. The transaction is set to be finalized in the ear future, according to an internal memo from Moonton's CEO seen by Bloomberg . ByteDance has been winding down its gaming arm and shopping Moonton since 2023 , just two years after it first acquired the developer. Around that same period, the TikTok parent was shuttering its Nuverse gaming arm, which published notable titles like Marvel Snap and Ragnarok X: Next Generation . The company has since shifted its focus to AI, competing with Chinese rivals to develop chatbots and foundational models. Savvy Games, which is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been going in the opposite direction. Last year the company (via its subsidiary Scopely) acquired Pokmon Go developer Niantic for $3.5 billion. PIF was also among the key investors that purchased Electronic Arts in a blockbuster $55 billion deal last year. The Saudi fund holds a 7.5 percent stake in Nintendo as well. The sale is the latest chapter in the recent gaming industry consolidation that saw around 45,000 jobs lost in a brutal three-year period between 2022 and 2025. According to a recent GDC study, one-third of US video game industry workers were laid off over the last two years. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/bytedance-is-selling-its-moonton-game-unit-to-savvy-games-for-a-cool-6-billion-124131595.html?src=rss

Engadget Podcast: Why does everyone hate NVIDIA's DLSS 5 AI upscaling?

NVIDIA started an online firestorm this week when it announced DLSS 5 at its GTC conference. The company claims it's meant to deliver photorealistic lighting and materials in games by using neural processing. But it differs considerably from previous versions of DLSS, which were focused on using machine learning to upscale lower resolutions and generate additional frames, and gamers online arent too happy . To help us break this down, Anshel Sag , VP and principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy joins us to discuss his experience with NVIDIA's DLSS 5 demos. Also, we dive into what's next for Xbox with Project Helix. Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topic NVIDIA announced DLSS 5, the disgust was immediate (with Anshel Sag from Moor Insights & Strategy) 0:51 Arizona attorney general sues Kalshi for operating an illegal gambling business 36:22 Polymarket users threaten the life of a reporter at The Times of Israel over accurate reporting 36:59 Apple announces AirPods Max 2 with improved noise cancellation 44:33 Elon Musks xAI faces class action suit over facilitating CSAM dsitribution 47:38 Samsung stops selling Galaxy Z TriFold after 3 months because components got too expensive 51:22 Around Engadget: Apple Studio XDR review, Dell XPS 16 review 53:49.346 Listener Mail: Stick with iPhone on Linux? And are there any good Android tablets? 55:41 Pop culture picks 58:46 Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar Guest: Anshel Sag Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence OBrien This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/engadget-podcast-why-does-everyone-hate-nvidias-dlss-5-ai-upscaling-121335918.html?src=rss

How to get your grill ready for the outdoor season

If you're like me, you've absolutely had enough of winter and you're hoping warm weather is right around the corner. When it's finally more enjoyable to spend time outside, you're likely going to be cooking on the grill , so now is a great time to give everything a deep clean to prepare for your upcoming culinary adventures. I dont blame you if you opted to let your grill hibernate during the winter months, but if thats the case, itll probably need a tune-up before spring arrives. If you did keep the grill in working order over the last few months , this is a good time for a scrub and polish before warmer temperatures inspire heavy use. Here are a few tips and tricks that will hopefully make things easier. Disassemble, scrub, reassemble Billy Steele for Engadget A good rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning anything you havent used in a while is to take it apart as much as you feel comfortable and give it a thorough wipe down. For grills, this means removing the grates and any bars or burner covers basically, anything you can take out thats not the heating element. This gives you a chance to inspect the burners of your gas grill or the fire pot of a pellet model for any unsightly wear and tear. If those components are worn out or overly rusted, most companies offer replacements that you can easily swap out with a few basic tools. Once all the pieces are out, start by scraping excess debris off all sides of the interior with the help of some cleaner if needed. For a gas grill , this likely means pushing everything out through the grease trap. On a pellet grill , youll want to scrape the grease chute clear and out into the catch can, but youll also need to vacuum the interior with a shop vac just like you would after every few hours of use. And while youre at it, go ahead and empty the hopper of any old pellets that have been sitting since Labor Day. Fuel thats been sitting in the grill for months wont give you the best results when it comes time to cook so you might as well start fresh. Thankfully, pellet grill companies have made easy cleaning a key part of their designs. Webers Searwood , for example, has minimal internal parts that need to be removed to open up the bottom of the chamber. This is also a design feature of the companys gas grills. Simply vacuum or push the debris out the grease chute. The catch pan where all of the garbage ends up is also easy to access from the front of the grill, and you can remove the aluminum liner and replace it with a new one in seconds. Traegers most recent pellet grills were also redesigned to improve cleaning. Most notably, grease and ash end up in the same keg thats easy to detach from the front of the grill. The company also allows you to quickly remove all of the interior components, though theyre larger than what you find on the SmokeFire. Lastly, Traeger moved the pellet chute to the front of the Timberline and Ironwood , making it a lot more convenient to swap out wood varieties or empty an old supply. Youll want to get as much of the food leftovers out of your grill as possible for a few reasons. First, that stuff is old and lots of build-up over time can hinder cooking performance and might impact flavor. The last thing you want is old food or grease burning off right under an expensive ribeye. Second, in the case of pellet grills, not properly clearing out grease and dust can be dangerous. Its easy for grease fires to start at searing temperatures and if theres enough pellet dust in the bottom of your grill, it can actually ignite or explode. Thats why companies tell you to vacuum it out after every few hours of use. All of that dust, grease and debris should be removed before you fire the grill back up. Billy Steele/Engadget To actually clean the surfaces, youll want to get an all-natural grill cleaner. There are tons of options here, and it may take some time to find one you like. I typically use Traegers formula since its readily available at the places I buy pellets and Ive found it works well cutting through stuck-on muck. You want an all-natural grill cleaner over a regular household product as its safe to use on surfaces that will touch your food. Theyre also safe to use on the exterior of your grill without doing any damage to chrome, stainless steel or any other materials. Spray down the inside and give things a few minutes to work. Wipe it all clean and go back over any super dirty spots as needed. Ditto for the grates, bars and any other pieces you removed. I like to lay these out on a yard waste trash bag (theyre bigger than kitchen bags) so all the stuff I scrape or clean off doesnt get all over my deck. You can use shop towels if you want to recycle or paper towels if not, but just know whatever you choose will be covered in nasty black grime so you wont want to just toss them in the clothes washer when youre done. A pre-wash in a bucket or sink is needed to make sure you dont transfer gunk from your grill to your business casuals. In terms of tools, you dont need much. Ive tried that grill robot that claims to do the job for you, but Ive found sticking to the basics is more efficient. And honestly, when you get the hang of it, it doesnt take all that long. Its a good idea to have a wire brush specifically for the grates that you dont use to clean anything else. After all, this will be touching the same surfaces you put food on. I recommend another, smaller wire brush the ones that look like big toothbrushes for cleaning the burners on a gas grill. If you notice the flame isnt firing through one of the holes, you can use this to clean the pathway. Lastly, plastic is the way to go for a scraper , anything else and you risk scratching the surfaces of your grill. Sure, any damage done would be on the inside, but its still not a great feeling to knick up your previous investment. Check for updates before your first cook Traeger If you have a smart grill from the likes of Traeger , Weber or another company, youll want to plug it in and check for software updates well in advance of your first grilling session. Chances are you havent cooked much since last fall, which means companies have had months to push updates to their devices. Trust me, theres nothing worse than spending an hour trimming and seasoning a brisket only to walk outside to start the grill and it immediately launches into the update process. This could extend the whole cooking time significantly depending on the extent of the firmware additions and strength of your WiFi. Thankfully, checking for updates is quick and easy. All you need to do is turn on your grill and open up the companys app on your phone. If theres a download ready for your model, the mobile software will let you know and its usually quite prominent. If theres not a pop-up alert that displays immediately, you can check the settings menu just to make sure. Sometimes for smaller updates, a company might not beat you over the head to refresh. However, starting a fresh slate of firmware is always a safe bet and will ensure your grill is running at its best when it comes time to cook. For a good time every time, clean after each use Billy Steele for Engadget Ill be the first to admit I dont adhere to my own advice here, but its nice to have goals. I will also be the first to tell you every single time I smoke a Boston Butt or some other super fatty cut of meat that I wish I wouldve done at least a quick cleaning right after the meal. Grease buildup is not only highly flammable but its much harder to clean once it cools and solidifies. Ditto for stuck-on sauce or cheese thats left on your grates after chicken or burgers. Its best to attack these things while the grill is still warm, but cooled down from the cook. You dont necessarily have to break out the shop vac each time for your pellet grill or empty the grease bin. But youll want to make sure that stuff is away from the main cooking area for safety and so any burn off wont impact the flavor of your food. A few cups of hot water can cleanse the grease run-off while that wire brush I mentioned is best for the grates. It also doesnt hurt to do a light wipe down with an all-natural cleaner so everything is ready to go when you want to cook again. New grills for 2026 If you're looking for something brand new this spring, Weber is the only big grill company that has announced its 2026 lineup thus far. That collection of new models includes the Performer Smart Charcoal Grill, the company's first Wi-Fi-enabled charcoal grill, that offers automatic temperature control and remote monitoring via the Weber Connect app. There are two options which vary based on how big of a cart/storage space you need. The company will also sell non-smart versions that are more in line with previous Performer offerings. If you already have a Weber Kettle, the upcoming Kettle Smart Ring adds a touch of Wi-Fi and automation for $280. It too works with the Weber Connect app and supports two food probes. Plus, there's the basic LCD display and knob-based navigation for ease of use. Lastly, both the Genesis and Spirit gas grill lines have been updated with the display from the Weber Slate Griddle and side shelves that accommodate handy Weber Works accessories. Notable smart grills that debuted late last year include the X-Fire Pro and Flagship 1600 from Recteq. The former is a dual-mode pellet grill with options for smoking and searing. It functions like a traditional pellet grill for low-and-slow cooking and then the controls are more like a gas grill for high-heat grilling. The Flagship 1600 is an updated version of the grill that built the brand with 1,667 square inches of cooking space. Both models sync with the Recteq app for monitoring and controls. I should have a full review of the X-Fire Pro in the coming weeks. Both Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt won't be unveiling any new models this year. Traeger hasn't announced anything new for 2026 yet either, but the company is currently facing both a financial crisis and a class-action lawsuit from former brand ambassadors over employment terms. As part of the so-called Project Gravity restructuring , Traeger no longer hosts its roadshow program at Costco and points would-be buyers to retail partners (Ace Hardware, etc.) rather than facilitating direct sales through its website. Check out more from our spring cleaning guide. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/how-to-clean-your-grill-for-summer-outdoor-season-spring-cleaning-140040826.html?src=rss

OpenAI is putting ChatGPT, its browser and code generator into one desktop app

OpenAI is developing a super app for desktop that unifies ChatGPT , its browser and its Codex app, according to the Wall Street Journal and CNBC . A company spokesperson told the publications that OpenAI Chief of Applications Fidji Simo will lead the application revamp with assistance from OpenAI President Greg Brockman. Simo will also help the marketing team advertise the app when it comes out. OpenAIs leadership is apparently hoping that combining several products can help it streamline user experience and dedicate its resources to one project. The company has yet to make an official announcement about the new app, but Simo replied to the Journal pieces author on X. Companies go through phases of exploration and phases of refocus; both are critical, Simo said . But when new bets start to work, like we're seeing now with Codex, it's very important to double down on them and avoid distractions. Really glad we're seizing this moment. The Journal saw the internal note Simo sent to employees, wherein she said that the company realized it was spreading its efforts across too many apps and that it needed to simplify its efforts. That fragmentation has been slowing us down and making it harder to hit the quality bar we want, she reportedly wrote. In an all-hands meeting, CNBC said she also told employees that the company was orienting aggressively towards high-productivity use cases. Its not clear yet when the unified app will be available, but OpenAI is reportedly focusing on developing agentic AI capabilities for it. The agents will be able to make decisions and use tools to do tasks on computers, such as writing software or analyzing data, with little human oversight. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-putting-chatgpt-its-browser-and-code-generator-into-one-desktop-app-025709839.html?src=rss

Alphabet no longer has a controlling stake in its life sciences business Verily

Alphabet's life sciences business Verily is restructuring and raising money as a new corporate entity. Verily announced that with its $300 million investment round, it will change from an LLC to a corporation and rename itself Verily Health Inc. As a result, Alphabet now has a minority stake rather than a controlling one in the business. Similar to every other tech business, this chapter for Verily will be focused on AI. From research to care, our customers need solutions that bring the best of clinical and scientific rigor together with AI to deliver the next generation of healthcare - one that is as precise as it is personal, Chairman and CEO Stephen Gillett said. Google Life Sciences was renamed Verily in 2015, around the same time as Google also rebranded to Alphabet. It has worked on a wide range of projects over the years, such as using eye scans to predict heart disease and an opioid addiction center . In 2025, it closed its medical device division , a move that may have signaled its shift toward AI. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/alphabet-no-longer-has-a-controlling-stake-in-its-life-sciences-business-verily-221718631.html?src=rss

States are suing the EPA for relinquishing its role as a greenhouse gas emissions regulator

California, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York are leading a group of 20 other states in suing the US Environmental Protection Agency for renouncing its ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, The New York Times reports . The lawsuit specifically argues that the EPA's decision to rescind a 2009 study that determined greenhouse gases are dangerous to public health was illegal. The study, which is the source of what's called the Endangerment Finding, was one of several justifications along with things like the Clean Air Act for the agency's ability to regulate emissions. Rescinding the finding nullified the EPA's evidence for things like emissions standards and a variety of other regulations that attempted to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the automotive, coal and oil industries. The Trump administration framed the rollback as a cost-saving measure, but it was also a major blow to the government's ability to fight climate change. Greenhouse gases, which include things like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, collect in the atmosphere and warm the planet, upsetting weather patterns and negatively impacting the environment. Determining the changes caused by greenhouse gases posed a risk to public health gave the EPA the authority to regulate them under its existing mandate to address air pollution. An authority it could have again, depending on the result of this litigation. Of course, winning a lawsuit isn't necessary to restore the EPA's role in fighting climate change. Congress could do that now by passing a new law. The legal route is just faster, and potentially riskier. The New York Times writes that this new lawsuit was filed in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and could ultimately be combined with an existing lawsuit from environmental groups. Depending on how the case fairs in the lower court, it may eventually be appealed to the US Supreme Court, who could decide on an even more restrictive interpretation of the EPA's role. Under President Donald Trump, the EPA has already rolled back clean water rules and attempted to stifle research . The Trump administration has separately tried to undermine the authority of independent agencies like the EPA and FTC , something the Supreme Court has yet to determine to be illegal. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/states-are-suing-the-epa-for-relinquishing-its-role-as-a-greenhouse-gas-emissions-regulator-221425064.html?src=rss

Amazon acquires autonomous robotics startup Rivr

Amazon has acquired Rivr, a startup focused on autonomous robotics. Rivr is based in Zurich and was valued at $110 million in a funding round from August 2024, which both Amazon and its CEO's Bezos Expeditions participated in. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Rivr's robots have four legs and wheels that allow it to maneuver on stairs and other potentially uneven surfaces. The company just released its second generation of the robot. The purchase will likely further Amazon's capabilities for ever-faster and more efficient package deliveries. This acquisition reflects our commitment to a continued investment in research, which we believe has the potential to further improve safety outcomes and the overall delivery experience for delivery service partners and their delivery associates, a representative from Amazon told The Information . Amazon has been working toward introducing automations and robotics at various stages of its shopping business. It deployed its 1 millionth robot last summer and has future goals for automating 75 percent of all its operations. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-acquires-autonomous-robotics-startup-rivr-212839750.html?src=rss

DoorDash will start paying gig workers for creating content to train AI models

DoorDash has launched a new option for its gig economy workers to earn some extra cash. The delivery service introduced Tasks , which it describes as short activities Dashers can complete between deliveries or in their own time. It gives taking pictures of restaurant dishes or recording video of unscripted conversations in languages other than English as examples. These materials will be used to train artificial intelligence and robotics models. A representative from DoorDash told Bloomberg News that it will use Tasks content for evaluating its in-house AI models as well as those made by its partner companies in retail, insurance, hospitality and tech. DoorDash is piloting a standalone app for Tasks where Dashers will submit their content. The blog post notes that pay will be displayed upfront, and compensation will vary based on the complexity of the activity. This idea isn't new. We've seen other startups in AI and robotics offering payment for content filmed by regular people. Considering how many lawsuits are underway against AI companies that have already benefited from unauthorized use of copyrighted materials , at least this approach lets people be directly compensated for training content. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/doordash-will-start-paying-gig-workers-for-creating-content-to-train-ai-models-204048743.html?src=rss

Google is reportedly testing a Gemini app for Mac

Google is testing a version of its Gemini app for macOS, Bloomberg reports . The app would bring the AI assistant to uncharted territory, and in more direct competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude , both of which offer standalone Mac apps. Gemini remains accessible through the web, and it sounds like the macOS app offers the same set of features, with the ability to respond to prompts, search the web and generate text, images and code. The major differentiator of the Mac app could be a feature called Desktop Intelligence, which gives Gemini a new source of information and context for its responses. According to a message in the app's code viewed by Bloomberg , when you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use. The ability to refer to information in apps and what's currently on your screen is offered by both the Claude and ChatGPT macOS apps, and something Gemini is capable of on mobile devices . It's not clear if Gemini for macOS will be able to actually take action in the apps it can view like, for example, Anthropic's popular Claude Cowork feature but Google has already started offering that experience in a limited form on smartphones , so who's to say that couldn't come to desktop operating systems, too. Bloomberg reports that the Gemini app is being tested with non-Google employees, which could be a sign it's making its way to a public release. Thanks to Apple and Google's AI partnership, whether the app sees the light of day or not, some of the technology that makes Gemini possible will run on macOS in the future. Google and Apple announced in January that Google's Gemini models would power future versions of Apple Intelligence. Apple is also reportedly overhauling Siri into more of a chatbot , an experience likely made possible by Gemini. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-reportedly-testing-a-gemini-app-for-mac-203703372.html?src=rss

Android will hide some app sideloading behind a new one-time security process

Google has detailed how users will be able to sideload apps from unverified developers once it implements its more restrictive policy towards downloading software on Android. The company originally planned to require all developers to be verified to distribute on Android, but softened its stance in November 2025 to allow carveouts for Android power-users and hobbyist developers. For the average Android users, the ability to sideload apps will now be locked behind a multi-step one-time process. Users will first have to enable developer mode in settings, confirm they're not being coached into disabling security, restart their phone (to cut off any phone calls), then wait a day and confirm their identity with biometric authentication or a pin before installing any apps. Google says you can enable the ability to install apps from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely, but regardless of what you'll choose, you'll still have to dismiss a warning telling you the app you're installing is from an unverified developer. For hobbyist developers or students who want people to try their app but don't want to create a verified developer account, Google also plans to offer free limited distributions accounts that let you share apps without being verified. These accounts will let you share apps with up to 20 devices without having to provide a government-issued ID or pay a registration fee. Google is implementing its new verification process in the name of security, and has likened the requirements being asked of developers to an ID check at the airport, which confirms a traveler's identity but is separate from the security screening of their bags. Neither the verification nor this new approach to sideloading entirely closes off getting apps from unverified developers onto your Android device, they just make it harder to download something dangerous directly from the internet onto your phone. Google appears to be trying to split the difference on Android, tightening up what apps can be distributed via verification, while cutting its own Play Store fees and changing its stance towards third-party app stores. Requiring verification to distribute software extends Google's influence outside of its own apps and app store, which is why some developers and digital rights organizations have publicly pushed back on the company's plan. Developers can sign-up for early access to the developer verification process now. Google says its new workflow for enabling sideloading and small distributions of apps will go live in August. Correction, March 19, 2026, 3:44PM ET: The headline has been change to clarify that the new procedure does not apply to all app sideloading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/android-will-hide-app-sideloading-behind-a-new-one-time-security-process-184651171.html?src=rss

The Steam Spring Sale is here with discounts on Arc Raiders, Hades 2 and much more

The Steam Spring Sale is underway and as usual, there's plenty of good stuff to add to your library. The seasonal discounts will run through Thursday, March 26 at 1PM ET. If there's anything you've been waiting to buy, it's worth checking to see if it's on sale now, because huge chunks of the Steam catalog are at least a little bit off. Recent releases don't usually receive big price cuts during Steam sales, but you can save at least a couple bucks on several 2025 hits this time. The excellent Arc Raiders is $32, Doom: The Dark Ages is about $23 and Battlefield 6 is $42. Silent Hill f is half off at $35 for the horror fans, and indie appreciators can snag Hades 2 for less than $23. No Man's Sky is $24 for endless space adventures. Check out Ghost of Tsushima on PC for $36 or be the meanest cowboy in the west in Red Dead Redemption 2 for $15. We usually spy some indie excellence on the sale list and this year is no different. Is This Seat Taken? is a few bucks off, as is Megabonk . Explore the islands of Tchia for 75 percent off. No Rest for the Wicked , a newer title from the team behind Ori and the Blind Forest , is $28. Perennial Steam Sale fave Stardew Valley is half off for the five of you who don't already own it. This spring, the steep discount section has a few especially notable titles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate , Fallout New Vegas and Totally Accurate Battle Simulator are among the games that are 90 percent off. Now you'll just need to play everything you buy before the Summer Sale. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-steam-spring-sale-is-here-with-discounts-on-arc-raiders-hades-2-and-much-more-184000691.html?src=rss

The complete Stranger Things DVD set includes 25 discs and costs around $200

Stranger Things fans will soon have permanent access to the Upside Down, as a full DVD set is now available to preorder . Stranger Things: The Complete Series comes in Blu-Ray and 4K UHD editions. This collection includes all five seasons of the hit show, which totals 25 discs. It'll be available at brick-and-mortar and online retailers beginning on July 28. Prices range from $200 to $260, depending on the media type and edition. Return to Hawkins this July with STRANGER THINGS: THE COMPLETE SERIES, available in Special and Deluxe Editions on Blu-ray and 4K UHD. Pre-order in the US via Arrow: https://t.co/wJbH9FJvo1 Pre-order in the UK via Arrow: https://t.co/yXi3HBPA42 pic.twitter.com/ddYQVcB04J Arrow Video (@ArrowFilmsVideo) March 19, 2026 To that end, there's a deluxe edition available for true diehards. This includes the complete series, of course, but also bonus content like bloopers, interviews with the cast and crew and various behind-the-scenes featurettes. It also comes with a bunch of doodads, like a self-adhesive Hellfire Club patch, five posters, 25 smaller art cards, a fold-out map of Hawkins and a branded twenty-sided die. There's a collector's box and each season comes in reversible sleeves with new artwork. Finally, this edition ships with a large artbook that includes original design sketches, concept art, storyboards and more. This is a pretty cool and comprehensive package. The price might seem high, but Stranger Things consists of 42 episodes and they get pretty lengthy in seasons four and five. In any event, owning physical media of stuff you like is never a bad idea, given that everything on streaming is subject to the whims of executives looking to avoid paying residuals or whatever . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/the-complete-stranger-things-dvd-set-includes-25-discs-and-costs-around-200-172222577.html?src=rss

Ubisoft ends development at Tom Clancy studio Red Storm

Ubisoft is ceasing game development at its studio, Red Storm Entertainment, best known for its work on the Tom Clancys series. While the studio is set to remain open, 105 people will be laid off, a Ubisoft source told GamesIndustry.biz . Those who survive the cull will reportedly continue to work on the Snowdrop engine, used in many of Ubisofts tentpole games over the last decade, including Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora more recently. Red Storm had been working on an untitled Splinter Cell VR game that was canceled in 2022, as well as the also-canceled The Division Heartland . The studio was co-founded by the author Tom Clancy himself in 1996 (taking its name from Clancy's novel Red Storm Rising ), and in its 30 years has worked on a large number of Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six games, among others. It also developed 2023s broadly well-received Assassins Creed Nexus VR . According to GamesIndustry.biz s source, the layoffs at Red Storm are part of Ubisofts wider cost-saving reorganization , which has resulted in sweeping job cuts and game cancellations across the French publisher's portfolio. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisoft-ends-development-at-tom-clancy-studio-red-storm-170847892.html?src=rss

Meta isn't shutting down its VR metaverse after all

Meta is backtracking on its plans to shut down the VR version of its metaverse. The company now plans to support Horizon Worlds in VR for the foreseeable future, though users shouldn't expect new games, CTO Andrew Bosworth said in an update. We will keep horizon worlds working in VR for existing games, to support the fans who've reached out, Bosworth said in a post on Instagram. For people who already have games they like that they're using in Horizon Worlds, [they] will be able to download the Horizon Worlds app and use it in VR for the foreseeable future. The reversal comes after Meta said earlier this week that Horizon Worlds in VR would no longer be accessible after June 15 as the company pivots its metaverse experiences to mobile. Though Horizon never gained mass appeal, even among VR enthusiasts, Meta's move to shut it down was just the latest sign of how the company has pivoted away from its metaverse ambitions as it chases AI superintelligence. In his post on Instagram, Bosworth said there was a lot of misinformation about the company's plans. We announced, 'hey, we're moving away from Horizon Worlds in VR,' and the headline is that Horizon is dead, he said. It's not. And likewise, VR is not dead. We're continuing to invest tremendously. The company laid off more than 1,000 employees from its metaverse division and shut down three VR studios earlier this year. Bosworth said that the company is still working on its next two generations of VR headsets. He described the metaverse as a misunderstood concept that was never meant to only encompass virtual reality. He said that AR is also part of the vision and that even people scrolling their phones could be part of the metaverse. When somebody is using their phone and you're physically with them, they're at the dinner table with you, and yet when you talk to them, they hear nothing because they've transported themselves through the glowing rectangle into a digital space, he said. Maybe that they're scrolling media, maybe that they're in the text world, but like they have transported themselves. So we've always had this internally at least me and Mark this very expansive construct of the metaverse. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/meta-isnt-shutting-down-its-vr-metaverse-after-all-165520696.html?src=rss

Kena: Bridge of Spirits launches for Switch 2 on March 26

The Switch 2 ports keep on coming. This time it's Kena: Bridge of Spirits , the award-winning 2021 title from Ember Lab. Previously announced for spring 2026 , the visually striking title now has an official release date of March 26. Kena: Bridge of Spirits won Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards 2021. It's already available for PS5 / PS4 , PC ( Steam and Epic ) and Xbox Series X/S and One . You play as Kena, a young spirit guide on a quest to a sacred mountain shrine. Gameplay has a Zelda-like flair. (That could make it a solid next play after Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom .) Like in Links adventures, youll find plenty of exploration, puzzles and fast-paced combat. That encompasses whacking bad guys with Kena's staff, firing arrows and flinging bombs. Kena: Bridge of Spirits launches for Switch 2 on March 26 in North America, Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, folks in Thailand can get it a day earlier, on March 25. Details about Taiwan will be announced soon. You can preorder the game today in North America and Europe and get a taste of its Pixar-esque art style in the trailer below. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/kena-bridge-of-spirits-launches-for-switch-2-on-march-26-163540229.html?src=rss

Rivian will provide 50,000 robotaxis to Uber in a deal worth $1.25 billion

Rivian and Uber have entered into a major partnership , with the former to provide the latter with 50,000 robotaxis in a deal worth $1.25 billion in funding. This starts with Uber purchasing 10,000 Rivian R2 robotaxis, which will be deployed in San Francisco and Miami by 2028. If all goes well, Uber will scoop up 40,000 more robotaxis by 2030. The company plans to scale the initiative to 25 major cities by 2031. The full $1.25 billion investment is contingent on several autonomous milestones, according to a report by Yahoo Finance . However, Uber has already committed $300 million as an initial investment, though this is subject to regulatory approval. A fleet of R2 Robotaxis is coming exclusively to @Uber . Today, we announced a partnership to help both companies accelerate their autonomous vehicle plans across 25 cities in the US, Canada and Europe by the end of 2031. https://t.co/6WazhobMyr pic.twitter.com/9fzgmIsOd5 Rivian (@Rivian) March 19, 2026 The announcement actually caused Rivian's stock to surge by ten percent before settling down to around four percent . This speaks to optimism surrounding the deal, given that just about every other stock is on the downswing at the moment due to certain geopolitical concerns . This isn't Uber's only partnership for this type of thing. It's a giant company with robotaxi hands in a number of cookie jars. The rideshare platform recently unveiled its own in-house robotaxi fleet, which is a design partnership with Lucid and Nuro . Our partner @nvidia has long helped power the AV ecosystem Now were working together to bring fully NVIDIA-driven L4 robotaxis to the @Uber platform across 28 cities by 2028, starting in LA and SF next year https://t.co/CeaxZ7dL8Z pic.twitter.com/2d2Fhol5S0 Andrew Macdonald (@andrewgordonmac) March 16, 2026 It also announced a partnership with NVIDIA to develop software-driven autonomous vehicles , which will begin deployment in Los Angeles and San Francisco by the first half of 2027. Uber even teamed up with Waymo to bring robotaxis to cities like Atlanta and Austin. As for Rivian, the company is slowly but surely becoming the cool American EV maker, a position once held by Tesla. It just announced pricing and availability for the long-anticipated R2 electric SUV . It arrives this spring, with a starting cost of $58,000. A cheaper model is expected to go on sale in 2027. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/rivian-will-provide-50000-robotaxis-to-uber-in-a-deal-worth-125-billion-153856638.html?src=rss

Vampire Survivors spinoff Vampire Crawlers is coming to PC and consoles on April 21

Poncle could be about to ruin the planets productivity all over again now that Vampire Crawlers has a release date for PC and consoles. The dungeon-crawling roguelike deckbuilder which is a Vampire Survivors spinoff is coming to Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and Nintendo Switch on April 21. Itll cost $10. Alternatively, youll be able to check it out via Xbox Game Pass on day one. Vampire Crawlers is on the way to iOS and Android as well. However, youll have to wait until sometime later this year to play it on mobile devices. Vampire Crawlers is set in the same world as Vampire Survivors and it features many of the same playable characters and enemies. The action takes place from a first-person perspective this time around. Instead of firing weapons automatically, you play cards to use your attacks or boost your stats. Each card has a mana cost, so theres more of a strategic element to combat. Cards can be modified and weapons can be evolved. Poncle made Vampire Crawlers with the help of Nosebleed Interactive. Its the first of several Vampire Survivors spinoffs that Poncle has planned. Theres also a licensed Warhammer take on the original title coming soon. While I didnt get deep enough into it to experiment with some truly wild combos, I enjoyed what I played of the Vampire Crawlers demo . If you need me, Ill be busy cancelling all of my other plans for late April. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/vampire-survivors-spinoff-vampire-crawlers-is-coming-to-pc-and-consoles-on-april-21-151217962.html?src=rss

Alexa+ launches in the UK

Amazons next-generation smart assistant has entered its Early Access program in the UK, marking Alexa+s European debut following rollouts in the US, Canada and Mexico. Starting March 19, invitations to start using the smarter, more conversational Alexa will be sent out to hundreds of thousands of willing participants, Amazon said in a press release , adding that Alexa is the most popular voice assistant in the UK. As well as its more natural communication, agentic capabilities, contextual awareness and ability to remember previous conversations across devices, Amazon that users across the pond are getting an authentically British AI-powered assistant. It understands slang terms like cuppa and might even accuse you of taking the mick in the middle of a conversation. Can we rule out some cringe-inducing cockney impersonations? Absolutely not. It also distinguishes between, for example, how people in the UK say the date he 1st of April versus how its said in the US. Amazon said that engineers, linguists and speech scientists have worked together at the companys Cambridge-based Tech Hub to ensure the voice assistant understands British users, with naturally flowing conversations being a crucial part of the Alexa+ experience. On the agentic side of things, the current lineup of UK partners will include OpenTable and, soon, JustEat, alongside existing partnerships with services like Spotify, Philips and Apple Music. Amazon also sources news from the likes of The Guardian and Future Publishing. UK-based customers who purchase a new supported Echo device will automatically qualify for Early Access, and if you already own one you can register here to receive an invite. You can also try Alexa+ on select Fire TV devices and in a web browser. During the Early Access period, which ran for nearly a year in the US before its nationwide rollout last month, Alexa+ will be free, and will remain free for Prime members. On its own it will cost 20 per month. As a reminder, Prime costs 9 per month in the UK (95 annually) so it makes no sense whatsoever to pay more for Alexa+ exclusively when it's included in the main membership anyway. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/alexa-launches-in-the-uk-141058988.html?src=rss

A new iPhone hacking tool puts some iOS 18 users at risk

Google and cybersecurity companies Lookout and iVerify have detailed a new hacking technique that potentially puts a significant portion of iPhone users in danger, just by visiting the wrong web page. The hack is called DarkSword and since it specifically targets several different versions of iOS 18, it could affect close to a quarter of iPhones, Wired writes. DarkSword is a fileless hack that leverages a collection of exploits to access sensitive data when an iPhone visits an infected website. Rather than install spyware that hangs around on a user's phone after messages and other private information are stolen, fileless hacks like DarkSword take control of he legitimate processes in an iPhone's operating system to steal data, according to Wired . Even more troubling, DarkSword deletes any evidence it was running on an iPhone after it finishes stealing your information. The hack starts as soon as an iOS device encounters an malicious iframe embedded in a web page, after which it works its way through your iPhone, gathering sensitive information like passwords before deleting itself. DarkSword can abscond with things like messages and iCloud content, but it's also specifically designed to access crypto currency wallets, Lookout says, which could indicate who was using DarkSword before it became widely available. DarkSword has reportedly been used in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia,Malaysia, Turkey and Russia, and its origins could be tied to a different hacking toolkit called Coruna that TechCrunch reports may have been created for the US government by a company called Trenchant. Regardless of where DarkSword came from, the tool didn't become widely available until its Russian users left DarkSword's source code on a website for anyone to access, complete with explanatory comments in English that describe each component and include the 'DarkSword' name for the tool, Wired writes. Apple patched the exploits that DarkSword and Coruna used in recent updates to iOS 26 , the yearly software release from 2025 that followed iOS 18. DarkSword targets iOS 18 releases between iOS 18.4 and iOS 18.6.2, and according to Apple's latest iOS usage stats for developers , around 24 percent of iOS devices are still on some version of iOS 18. However, Apple simultaneously released iOS 26 and iOS 18.7 on September 15, 2026. So even if people didnt want to upgrade to iOS 28, a secure patch has been available for six months. Despite the fact that Apples stats indicate that about 24 percent of iPhone users are still on iOS 18, the actual number of potentially vulnerable phones is much lower. Still, its a good reminder to stay on top of software updates if only for the security features if nothing else. Update, March 19, 2026, 10:10AM ET: This story has been updated to note that while this vulnerability targets iOS 18, Apple released iOS 18 updates over the last six months that are secure against this attack. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/a-new-iphone-hacking-tool-puts-some-ios-18-users-at-risk-203745666.html?src=rss

UK fines 4chan nearly $700,000 for failing its online safety act obligations

UKs Ofcom has fined 4chan a total of 520,000 ($690,000) over the websites failure to comply with the rules of Online Safety Act 2023 . The biggest chunk of the amount came from 4chans failure to ensure children cannot encounter pornographic content on its website by implementing an effective age check mechanism. For that violation, the website has received a penalty of 450,000 ($598,000) and an order to apply an age check system by April 2. It carries a daily rate penalty of 500 ($664) until the website is compliant or until June 1, whichever comes sooner. Ofcom also found that 4chan has failed to carry out sufficient illegal content risk assessment on its website and has fined it 50,000 ($66,400) for that violation. 4chan has until April 2 to conduct a risk assessment, or it has to pay an additional 200 ($266) per day. Finally, the regulator has determined that 4chan failed to include provisions in its terms of service that specify how it protects users from illegal content. That carries a fine of 20,000 ($26,600), with a daily rate penalty of 100 ($133) a day from its compliance deadline of April 2 to June 1. The regulator started investigating 4chan, famous for its anonymous and unmoderated messaging boards, in June 2025 to determine if it was failing to meet its obligations under the law. In October, Ofcom announced its decision for some of the investigations it opened. It slapped 4chan with a 20,000 ($26,700) fine for ignoring its requests for a copy of the websites illegal harms risk assessment and to provide information about its qualifying worldwide revenue. The regulator has confirmed to Engadget that 4chan has yet to pay that previous fine, which also earned cumulative daily punishment fees for 60 days. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/uk-fines-4chan-nearly-700000-for-failing-its-online-safety-act-obligations-115106264.html?src=rss

OnePlus launches Nord Buds 4 Pro with spatial audio and ANC

OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro also supports slide controls for volume

Realme launches P4 Lite 5G smartphone with 7,000 mAh battery

Realme has used MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset in the P4 Lite 5G with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage

The FBI confirms it's buying Americans' location data

During a Senate hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that his agency has bought information that could be used to track individuals' movement and location. We do purchase commercially available information thats consistent with the Constitution and the laws under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and it has led to some valuable intelligence for us, he said. Law enforcement is required to obtain a warrant in order to get location data from cell service providers following the Carpenter v United States ruling from 2018. But why bother with all that hassle when they can just buy the information from the open market? Doing that without a warrant is an outrageous end run around the Fourth Amendment, its particularly dangerous given the use of artificial intelligence to comb through massive amounts of private information, Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.) said during the Intelligence Committee hearing. Wyden is one of several lawmakers pushing for an overhaul of when and how the government can obtain citizens' personal information. It's an overhaul that's badly needed. Patel already has a history of dubious use of government resources , such as ordering SWAT protections for his girlfriend and somehow horning in on men's hockey victory celebrations at the recent winter Olympics, so one would hope he's not also stretching the limits of the few privacy protections that do exist. Then outside the FBI, we have the Department of Homeland Security being sued for illegally tracking immigration raid protestors and the Pentagon's labeling of Anthropic as a supply-chain risk after the AI company refused to let its products be used for mass surveillance of Americans. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-fbi-confirms-its-buying-americans-location-data-230835196.html?src=rss

A Meta agentic AI sparked a security incident by acting without permission

The Information reported that an AI agent within Meta took unauthorized action that led to an employee creating a security breach at the social company last week. According to the publication, an employee used an in-house agentic AI to analyze a query from a second employee on an internal forum. The AI agent posted a response to the second employee with advice even though the first person did not direct it to do so. The second employee took the agent's recommended action, sparking a domino effect that led to some engineers having access to Meta systems that they shouldn't have permission to see. A representative from the company confirmed the incident to The Information and said that o user data was mishandled. Meta's internal report indicated that there were unspecified additional issues that led to the breach. A source said that there was no evidence that anyone took advantage of the sudden access or that the data was made public during the two hours when the security breach was active. However, that may be the result of dumb luck more than anything else. Many tech leaders and companies have touted the benefits of artificial intelligence, this is just the latest incident where human employees have lost control over an AI agent. Amazon Web Services experienced a 13-hour outage earlier this year that also (apparently coincidentally) involved its Kiro agentic AI coding tool. Moltbook, the social network for AI agents recently acquired by Meta, had a security flaw that exposed user information thanks to an oversight in the vibe-coded platform. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/a-meta-agentic-ai-sparked-a-security-incident-by-acting-without-permission-224013384.html?src=rss

A new iPhone hacking tool puts anyone still on iOS 18 at risk

Google and cybersecurity companies Lookout and iVerify have detailed a new hacking technique that potentially puts a significant portion of iPhone users in danger, just by visiting the wrong web page. The hack is called DarkSword and since it specifically targets several different versions of iOS 18, it could affect close to a quarter of iPhones, Wired writes. DarkSword is a fileless hack that leverages a collection of exploits to access sensitive data when an iPhone visits an infected website. Rather than install spyware that hangs around on a user's phone after messages and other private information are stolen, fileless hacks like DarkSword take control of he legitimate processes in an iPhone's operating system to steal data, according to Wired . Even more troubling, DarkSword deletes any evidence it was running on an iPhone after it finishes stealing your information. The hack starts as soon as an iOS device encounters an malicious iframe embedded in a web page, after which it works its way through your iPhone, gathering sensitive information like passwords before deleting itself. DarkSword can abscond with things like messages and iCloud content, but it's also specifically designed to access crypto currency wallets, Lookout says, which could indicate who was using DarkSword before it became widely available. DarkSword has reportedly been used in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia,Malaysia, Turkey and Russia, and its origins could be tied to a different hacking toolkit called Coruna that TechCrunch reports may have been created for the US government by a company called Trenchant. Regardless of where DarkSword came from, the tool didn't become widely available until its Russian users left DarkSword's source code on a website for anyone to access, complete with explanatory comments in English that describe each component and include the 'DarkSword' name for the tool, Wired writes. Apple patched the exploits that DarkSword and Coruna used in recent updates to iOS 26 , the yearly software release from 2025 that followed iOS 18. The problem is that not everyone is using Apple's latest update. DarkSword targets iOS 18 releases between iOS 18.4 and iOS 18.6.2, and according to Apple's latest iOS usage stats for developers , around 24 percent of iOS devices are still on iOS 18. Without more detail, it's hard to know how many people that leaves exposed, but as a rule of thumb, if your iOS device can update to a newer software release, you should do so as soon as possible to stay secure. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/a-new-iphone-hacking-tool-puts-anyone-still-on-ios-18-at-risk-203745949.html?src=rss

Senator Blackburn introduces the first draft of a federal AI bill

The White House has been promising a set of national rules to guide artificial intelligence since late last year, and today Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) fired the first volley. The senator shared a discussion draft for codifying the executive order signed by President Donald Trump in December calling for an AI bill. Her stated goal is a policy that protects children, creators, conservatives and communities from harm. Blackburn has called for tougher policies for AI safety, and one of the core messages in this discussion draft is that it places a duty of care on AI developers in the design, development and operation of AI platforms to prevent and mitigate foreseeable harm to users. It also draws a line on the many copyright infringement questions raised by creative industries: an AI model's unauthorized reproduction, copying, or processing of copyrighted works for the purpose of training, fine-tuning, developing, or creating AI does not constitute fair use under the Copyright Act. Some of the other notable provisions are: Requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users under the age of 17 against online harms. Protects the voice and visual likenesses of individuals and creators from the proliferation of digital replicas without their consent. Sets new federal transparency guidelines for marking, authenticating and detecting AI-generated content. Requires certain companies and federal agencies to issue reports on AI-related job effects, including layoffs and job displacement to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on a quarterly basis. It includes ending Section 230, marking the latest attempt to retire a law that has been questioned as a possible loophole for AI companies to escape liability when their tools cause harm. While AI critics might see positive signs here, remember that this is just the initial version of the framework. Lawmakers will likely spend a lot of time negotiating over the eventual result, which may be notably de-fanged from its current state. It could wind up with a lot more requirements echoing this Republican complaint: Combats the consistent pattern of bias against conservative figures demonstrated by AI systems by requiring third-party audits to prevent discrimination based on political affiliation. Despite the claims of suppression and censorship, weve consistently seen this conservative argument to be false or at the very least misleading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/senator-blackburn-introduces-the-first-draft-of-a-federal-ai-bill-202509852.html?src=rss

Amazon will reportedly cut its USPS shipments by at least two-thirds

A recent change in how the US Postal Service handles shipping partners appears to have forced Amazon to make alternative plans. The company reportedly plans to cut the number of packages it ships through USPS by at least two-thirds later this year. It says the decision came after USPS ended negotiations at the eleventh hour in favor of a new bidding process. On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon plans to reduce the shipments it hands off to USPS. Last year, the company accounted for nearly 15 percent of the Postal Services package deliveries. Cutting that by nearly two-thirds diminishes one of the USPSs most reliable sources of revenue. In fiscal 2025, the agency reported a net loss of $9 billion. Amazons current contract with USPS ends on September 30. In a public response to the WSJ story, the company said it notified USPS in October 2025 that it would need to complete a new deal by December. You can't add capacity for hundreds of millions of packages overnight it requires major capital investment, long-term infrastructure planning, hiring, and logistics coordination, Amazon wrote. According to Amazon, USPS then pulled the plug on negotiations at the last second. We negotiated with [USPS] in good faith for more than a year to reach a deal that would bring them billions in revenue and believed we were heading toward an agreement, Amazon wrote in a statement. Our goal was to increase our volumes with USPS, not reduce them until USPS abruptly walked away at the eleventh hour in December. Postmaster General David Steiner (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS Thats when Postmaster General David Steiner implemented a new bidding process for last-mile deliveries, replacing a long-established one where USPS negotiated with shipping partners individually. He described the move as a fair bidding process that enables the marketplace to find the best mix of local shipping attributes for the best volume-driven pricing. Steiner was appointed to the post in May 2025, following the departure of former head Louis DeJoy. Amazon said it submitted a bid in February using the new system but hasnt heard back. This creates significant uncertainty for our long-term network planning, the company said. Despite this, we participated in good faith and submitted a bid in February 2026. We've received no response. USPS plans to announce the bidding results in Q2 2026. Contracts are expected to be finalized by Q3. Despite apparently moving forward with the contingency plan, Amazon said its still ready to continue this partnership. As for Postmaster Steiner, he spent Tuesday asking Congress to loosen USPS regulations and let him raise prices. Warning that the agency will run out of cash in about a year, he told a House subcommittee that he wants to raise the agencys current $15 billion debt cap. He also asked for the ability to increase postage prices and reform its retiree pension obligations. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-will-reportedly-cut-its-usps-shipments-by-at-least-two-thirds-200915702.html?src=rss

Hubble catches rare view of a comet crumbling

NASA and ESA have released new images from the Hubble Space Telescope of a comet breaking up as it exits the solar system, captured as part of study recently published in the journal Icarus . The images are notable not only because they offer a more detailed view of the inside of a comet, which could offer new information about the early days of the universe, but also because they were taken by accident. Photographing K1, or Comet C/2025 K1 as it's officially known, wasn't the original intention of the study. This comet [was] observed because our original comet was not viewable due to some new technical constraints after we won our proposal, John Noonan, a research professor in the Department of Physics at Auburn University in Alabama said. We had to find a new target and right when we observed it, it happened to break apart, which is the slimmest of slim chances. The comet broke up over a period of days into at least four pieces, each with a fuzzy envelope of gas and dust around them, with Hubble specifically capturing the disassembly from November 8 through November 10, 2025. K1 was interesting before it started to crumble because at around 8 kilometers across (about 5 miles), it's larger than the average comet, and having footage of it shattering will likely offer new insights into the physics of comets in general. Additionally, the lack of carbon in the gases released by the comet as it broke is apparently chemically very strange, which suggests the composition of K1 could bear scientific fruit, too. Hubble has tracked comets of different sizes and compositions for years. Studying them remains a focus because comets are frequently made of ice and rock from the primordial period when solar systems were first forming. The ESA hopes to dramatically expand our understanding of that period with its Comet Interceptor mission, which is supposed to launch in 2028 or 2029 , and aims to use photos captured from multiple angles to create a 3D model of a comet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/hubble-catches-rare-view-of-a-comet-crumbling-185817544.html?src=rss

Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now available for iPhones

Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now available as a standalone app for iPhone users. The tool initially debuted last summer on PCs, but cost $200 a month . The new app is free, as is the recently-released Android version . Comet is an AI-powered browser, which has become a hot product category throughout the past year or so . This is basically a web browser combined with a chatbot that can perform some tasks on a user's behalf. Like related tools, people can ask it to summarize a webpage or conduct additional research for more context about a subject. Comet is now available for iOS. Download on the App Store: https://t.co/JCfCIO3Fdw pic.twitter.com/DitCKlmg65 Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) March 18, 2026 Perplexity says that Comet acts as a personal assistant and thinking partner to urn curiosity into momentum. Those are certainly words. The company boasts that folks can use the tool to shop and make schedules. I advise some caution for both of these tasks, given that AI browsers are notorious marks that easily fall for various online scams . One cool thing here is that the app takes full advantage of Apple's Liquid Glass technology. It certainly looks easy on the eyes and that address bar really pops. The iOS version does suffer from some limitations inherent to Apple's walled-garden approach, according to a preview by MacStories . Users cannot install third-party extensions here, though it can be made the default browser. Finally, there's a privacy concern worth considering. Perplexity has been open about the fact that it uses browsers in part to collect customer data for ad targeting . There's a reason why something that used to cost $200 is now available for free . The Comet browser is now available for iPhones, Android devices, Windows PCs and Macs. There isn't a native iPad app yet, but the standard Perplexity app is available for Apple's tablets so maybe the browser will follow suit. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/perplexitys-comet-ai-browser-is-now-available-for-iphones-183947569.html?src=rss

UK reverses course on AI copyright position after backlash

Chalk up a win for creative artists against AI companies. On Wednesday, the UK government abandoned its previous position on copyrighted works. Its currently working on a data bill that, if unaltered, would have allowed AI companies like Google and OpenAI to train models on copyrighted materials without consent. Artists and other copyright holders would only have been offered a mere opt-out clause. After significant backlash , the UK backed off from that position. We have listened, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said on Wednesday. However, the governments new stance is, well, not a stance at all. It currently o longer has a preferred option about how to handle the issue. Still, backpedaling from its previous position is viewed as a win for artists. UK Music CEO Tom Kiehl described the decision as a major victory, while promising to work with the government on the next steps. Elton John and Dua Lipa spoke out against the government's previous stance. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation) Kevin Mazur via Getty Images Last year, some of Britain's highest-profile artists objected to the government's position. Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa were among those speaking out. Even Sir Paul McCartney weighed in , warning that the AI industry could ip off artists and lead to a loss of creativity. You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don't own it, and they don't have anything to do with it, McCartney told the BBC in 2025. And anyone who wants can just rip it off. The truth is, the money's going somewhere somebody's getting paid. The government will now weigh its options, taking he time needed to balance the wishes of artists and the tech industry. We will not introduce reforms to copyright law until we are confident that they will meet our objectives for the economy and UK citizens, it wrote in a report . This means protecting the UK's position as a creative powerhouse, while unlocking the extraordinary potential of AI to grow the economy and improve lives. Any reform must ensure that right holders can be fairly rewarded for the economic value their work creates, and that they are protected against unlawful and unfair use of their work. It must also ensure that AI developers can access high-quality content. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/uk-reverses-course-on-ai-copyright-position-after-backlash-175630732.html?src=rss

Microsoft will finally let you turn off Quick Resume for individual games

Microsoft is rolling out a number of Xbox Series X|S updates to those on its Xbox Insiders program, and one of them has been requested by the community for years. Youll soon be able to disable the Quick Resume feature for specific games, meaning they'll boot up fresh each time you launch them. As a reminder, Quick Resume is a feature that Microsoft introduced with its current generation of consoles. It lets you suspend a number of games simultaneously so theyre running in the background even when the console is turned off. When you want to return to a game that supports Quick Resume, it'll drop you back in exactly where you left it within a few seconds, often even when its been months since you last played that game. Its a pretty neat feature, and still impressive more than five years since the Series X|S launched. But over the years, players have discovered that Quick Resume isnt ideal for every title, particularly always-online games. When you take these out of their suspended state, theyll often shout at you for letting them disconnect, forcing you to manually close the game down properly and then relaunch it. Other games just don't seem to get on with it for a variety of other reasons. You can manually close any game you want at any time, but it takes a few more button presses than Quick Resume, so its easy to forget. The latest Xbox update finally addresses this, letting you turn off the feature on a game-by-game basis by selecting More Options and then Manage Quick Resume on a game tile. That way you can ensure its only enabled for single-player titles in which the ability to instantly pick up where you left off is very appealing. Its a change that has gone down well with ex-Xbox icon Larry Major Nelson Hryb, who said on X that he first requested it five years ago when still employed by Microsoft. Love this. I filed a feature request to make Quick Resume per title in 2021. Great to finally see it happen. https://t.co/eDn56MIMSu Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus (@majornelson) March 18, 2026 Microsoft is also adding more customization options to the Xbox dashboard in the upcoming update. Youll be able to create custom background colors, rather than having to select one of the existing color options, while the amount of Groups you can add to your Home screen has been increased from two to 10. These can be reordered in the same way you reorder individual game tiles. Select Xbox Insiders can start using the new features now, before theyre eventually made available to everyone. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-will-finally-let-you-turn-off-quick-resume-for-individual-games-174639730.html?src=rss

Double Fines Kiln pops out of the oven and onto PC, Xbox and PS5 on April 23

Double Fine is following up on Keeper one of our favorite games of 2025 with Kiln , a multiplayer online pottery party brawler. The game was showcased during Xboxs Developer Direct stream in January and now it has a release date. Its coming to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5 and Steam on April 23. Xbox said Kiln will be Handheld Optimized from the jump. In Kiln , you'll use a virtual pottery wheel to shape a piece of clay into a vessel and then decorate it. The size and shape will determine how much health you have, the water capacity of your vessel and your speed. For instance, smaller pots will be able to attack faster, while a larger, slower pot might be more powerful. The shape you opt for (bowl, bottle, chalice and so on) determines which special ability you have. The decorations are purely cosmetic. In the main Quench mode, the aim is to gather water and be the first team of four to put out the other side's kiln three times (which sounds a bit like a MOBA to me). Doing so won't exactly be straightforward, of course. When you run into an enemy vessel, you can try to smash it, and they'll probably attempt to do the same to you. In one map, you'll be able to pour water onto sponges to create barriers. In another, there's a disco dance floor that compels players to dance on the flashing squares for a short while. There's no in-game voice chat, but players could easily get around that using their console's built-in party features or the likes of Discord. An open beta will take place on Steam from April 9 to 11. Pre-orders will go live at that time as well. The base version of the game is $20. A $30 Fired Up edition includes premium cosmetic options as well as extra chips, the in-game currency that's used to unlock customizations. Otherwise, chips can only be earned through gameplay. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/double-fines-kiln-pops-out-of-the-oven-and-onto-pc-xbox-and-ps5-on-april-23-171433966.html?src=rss

The Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer is filled with MCU cameos

We just got our first trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day , the next big Marvel film. This is the fourth installment led by Tom Holland and follows the multiversal shenanigans of Spider-Man: No Way Home . I'm about to get into some spoilers, for those still working through the MCU catalog. No Way Home ended with the entire world forgetting about the existence of Peter Parker, so this new movie will deal with the fallout from that. His whole support system is gone, though it looks like he still checks in on besties MJ and Ned from time to time. Peter Parker may be lonely, but he's not alone in the film. He's teaming up with the Punisher, who is still played by Jon Bernthal after returning to the role in Daredevil: Born Again . In the comics, Spider-Man and the Punisher are long-time work buddies and occasional sparring partners. As a matter of fact, Frank Castle made his introduction in a Spider-Man comic that was published in 1974. Bruce Banner also shows up in the trailer, potentially as Parker's professor. Mark Ruffalo is returning to the role, but we don't have any confirmation that he'll turn into the Hulk. It's worth pointing out that this is the regular human Banner, and not the hybrid version that's been popping up in recent MCU projects. The trailer even highlights an iconic Spider-Man villain. Michael Mando is playing Scorpion, which is a pretty deep MCU cut. The character was teased all the way back in Spider-Man: Homecoming . The footage also shows Spidey battling ninjas that look suspiciously like the Hand, who were last seen in The Defenders on Netflix . This lends credence to rumors that Daredevil could be appearing in the film . We don't have all that long to wait. Spider-Man: Brand New Day premieres in theaters on July 31. This is the final MCU film before the long-awaited Avengers: Doomsday , which hits cinemas in December. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-spider-man-brand-new-day-trailer-is-filled-with-mcu-cameos-170215452.html?src=rss

Meta's latest creator push comes with $3,000 bonuses for posting on Facebook

Stop me if you've heard this before: Meta has a new program to lure top creator talent to Facebook and it comes with hefty bonus payments. The company is launching a new initiative aimed at popular creators who already have large followings on TikTok, YouTube or Instagram and offering them bonuses up to $3,000 a month just for posting on Facebook. Meta's goal is to draw more top talent to its Content Monetization program, which pays creators based on views and other engagement metrics across Stories, Reels and posts. The new bonuses will be part of an initiative Meta has dubbed Creator Fast Track , which is meant to make the onboarding process easier and more enticing to Facebook newcomers. Under the new Fast Track program, Meta is offering monthly bonuses of $1,000 to creators who have at least 100,000 followers on another platform and $3,000 for those that have a million or more. Creators who join will need to post a minimum number of times per month to earn the bonuses, but aren't required to meet engagement targets or post exclusive content to earn. They also aren't require to post video content as Facebook also reward text and photo posts, as well as Stories . That may sound like a pretty good deal (it is), but it's also a limited one. The fast track bonuses will only last for three months. Creators should think of the bonuses as payment for the hassle of starting on a new platform, not the central part of the program, Meta's VP of Product for Creators, Yair Livne, tells Engadget. Our hope is that within a few months the earnings that you see from Facebook Content Monetization will become the more important thing. He also notes that Meta will boost the reach of creators it fast-tracks, which should help them speed up their earning potential. It's far from the first time Facebook has sought to lure big names with big checks. It promised publishers big payouts when it launched Facebook Watch nearly a decade ago. It once courted game streamers for its (now defunct) Twitch competitor. A year after launching Reels to take on TikTok, it invested $1 billion in a bonus program that offered creators as much as $35,000 a month only to pull the plug in 2023. Livne acknowledged that it took us a long time to find our path to a more sustainable creator program. We don't have a pool structure so you're not competing with other creators for dollars. It really is based on your performance. There are already signs that the Facebook Content Monetization program, which it introduced in the fall of 2024, is working at least for some. Meta says it paid Facebook creators nearly $3 billion in 2025, a new high for the social network. Creators have also reported that the new streamlined program is paying off. One political news creator told the newsletter Chaotic Era that they made $250,000 from Facebook in January alone. Publishers told Digiday last year that they expected to make between six and seven figures in 2025 thanks to the program. There are numerous recent posts in Reddit's r/passiveincome forum where users report making five figures a month from the program, which is still invitation only. Livne agrees that Facebook's monetization program has been something of a well kept secret in the creator community. We're trying to make it less well kept and less of a secret. Are you in Facebook's Content Monetization Program, Creator Fast Track or another creator program at Meta? You can reach Karissa by email , on X , Bluesky , Threads , or send a message to @karissabe.51 to chat confidentially on Signal. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/metas-latest-creator-push-comes-with-3000-bonuses-for-posting-on-facebook-160000283.html?src=rss

Google expands Search Live globally

After rolling out Search Live to all US Google app users last September , Google is now bringing the feature to every place where it offers its AI Mode chatbot. Search Live, if you need a reminder, allows you to point your phone's camera at an object or scene and ask questions about what you see in front of you. Google debuted the tool at I/O 2025 before it began rolling it out to users. With today's expansion, Search Live is available in more than 200 countries and territories. What's more, Google has updated the feature to run off its Gemini 3.1 Flash model , an upgrade the company says should translate to more natural conversations, in addition to a faster and more reliable experience. The new model is also natively multilingual. You can access Search Live from the Google app on Android and iOS. Tap the Live button below the search bar to get started. You can also access Search Live through Google Lens. As in the Google app, look for the Live icon, here located near the bottom of the screen, to start chatting. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-expands-search-live-globally-150000252.html?src=rss

BMW's i3 is reborn as a sporty 440 mile range EV sedan

After letting us drive a prototype around in the snow earlier this month, BMW has fully unveiled its all-new i3 electric vehicle. It's a far cry from the original funky hatch launched way back in 2013, offering more of everything including power, range and space. It also looks like you'd hope a 3-series EV would: a sporty sedan, minus the polarizing grille on the gas-powered M3. The i3 uses BMW's Neue Klasse platform and indeed borrows inspiration from the company's Vision Neue Klasse concept unveiled in 2023. With motors on the front and rear in the 50 xDrive configuration, along with the 800-volt electrical system, it delivers a combined 463 HP and 476 lb-ft of torque, just a touch less than BMW's G80 M3. BMW That will make the BMW quick (the automaker didn't say how quick yet), but it will also be efficient. BMW estimates that the i3 will go 440 miles on a charge according to EPA guidelines and offer quick energy replenishment as well via DC charging speeds up to 400kW up to 30 percent faster than its previous Gen5 tech. The battery pack will also be directly integrated into the chassis to reduce weight and increase torsional rigidity, while allowing bidirectional charging so you'll be able to use it as a battery on wheels to power your home in a blackout. Styling-wise, the i3 is much simpler up front with the grille and headlights incorporated as a single unit. A recess down the center of the hood draws your eye to the badge, while giving the EV muscle car allure. The side intakes add to that impression, as do the bulgy fenders, Le Catellet Blue metallic paint and optional lighting animations (Relaxed, Excited and Balanced). Fabian Kirchbauer Photography On the tech side, the i3 supports BMW's Digital Key Plus so you can open the doors or trunk with a smartphone or smartwatch. The interior, meanwhile, looks as futuristic as I've seen in any recent EV thanks to the 17.9-inch Panoramic Vision display that's angled toward the driver, along with an optional 3D heads-up display. The system features a self-learning voice assistant with Amazon Alexa+ AI and supports customizable themes, colors and background images. It also includes a wireless charging pad for your smartphone or other devices. Inside, you can choose between multifunction and M Sport seats trimmed in different themes, including imitation leather in Agave Green, Digital White, Castanea or Black, or an M Design World theme in Black Veganza with M Performtex material. Alternatively, you can go for the BMW Individual scheme with real black Merino leather. For controls, BMW is using a hybrid system with physical buttons for the hazard lights and parking brake and Shy Tech buttons on the steering wheel that activate only when required. BMW will start i3 production in August 2026 and deliveries later in the fall, with pricing set to be revealed around that time. From what we've seen so far it's going to offer outstanding performance and range, but don't expect it to be cheap. Fabian Kirchbauer Photography This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/bmws-i3-is-reborn-as-a-sporty-440-mile-range-ev-sedan-124614369.html?src=rss

The Defense Department reportedly plans to train AI models on classified military data

The Pentagon is making plans to have AI companies train versions of their models specifically for military use on classified information, according to the MIT Technology Review . If true, it wouldnt come as a surprise, seeing as the US is aiming to become an AI-first warfighting force, based on the statement [PDF] released by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth earlier this year. The department is already using AI models in the military: For instance, the US reportedly used Anthropics Claude to help with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro and with its attack on Iran , even after President Trump ordered federal agencies to ban its technology. But models trained on actual classified data could give more accurate and detailed responses, say, for situations similar to what happened in the past that arent public information. MIT Tech Review says the department is looking to conduct the training in a secure data center thats allowed to host classified government projects. The Pentagon would train copies of AI models, but it would remain the only owner of any data used for training. In rare cases, someone from the AI company could be granted the appropriate security clearance to see classified information. Aalok Mehta, who previously led AI policy efforts at Google and OpenAI, told the publication that training models on classified data carries certain risks. Its not that the information could go public, since the the models trained would be versions made specifically for military purposes. However, if the same model is used across the whole Defense Department, for instance, personnel without the correct clearance level could end up getting information that they werent supposed to have access to. If the initiative pushes through, the department would likely be training models from OpenAI and xAI, which recently signed agreements with the agency. Anthropic, which has long worked with the government, might not be part of this project. The company refused to allow its technology to be used for mass surveillance and the development of autonomous weapons, and Trump ordered all federal offices to ban it as a result. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-defense-department-reportedly-plans-to-train-ai-models-on-classified-military-data-120332113.html?src=rss

How to prepare your phone for trade-in

There was once a time in which many people couldn't wait to toss their smartphone aside every two years (and sometimes even more frequently) in order to get the latest model as soon as it hit shelves. But that world has faded for the most part now as shoppers demand devices that last for years so they can hold on to them for longer. And when the time finally comes to upgrade, many are being more conscientious about what happens to their old gadgets. You may want to trade in your smartphone or sell it when you're ready to upgrade; either option can keep your device out of a landfill in addition to scoring you some extra cash. There are also options to recycle part or all of your phone if it's too old to make a trade-in worthwhile. Whatever path you choose, there are important steps to take to prepare a phone you're about to get rid of. These instructions apply to any model you might have, including both iPhones and Android phones. Here's what you need to know. Back up your data Let's start with a very important reminder to do regular backups for all of your gear, not just your phone. It's a task you should keep up with routinely even when you aren't about to recycle or trade-in a device. Most hardware manufacturers have an automatic cloud backup system, but you'll like your new phone a lot less if it doesn't have your full, up-to-date library of contacts, photos and other information. This is the time to manually back everything up with all of your latest data. Also, before you get any further into the process, make sure that you know the critical details for your phone and the main accounts associated with it. Halfway through is the worst time to lose access to your device because you can't remember your username or password. Unpair wireless accessories Most people connect their phone to many other gadgets via Bluetooth. There are obvious ones, like smartwatches and wireless headphones , but you might also have your phone paired with something like a car stereo or a portable speaker . All of them should be unpaired from the phone you're about to trade in. If you use your phone in two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts, you'll want to make sure that you disconnect the device from those services, too. Log out of apps and services Next, you'll sign out of the device's cloud-based service. For iPhone owners, that's iCloud, and on Android, it's the Google suite. This will avoid any confusion with your new device. You'll also want to turn off Find My on iPhones or Find My Device on Android phones. iPhone users should also deregister iMessage on their old iPhone, particularly if theyre moving to a non-Apple smartphone. These steps might seem unnecessary when you'll end up wiping your device entirely, but you don't want to risk having your personal information accidentally made available to whoever might get your phone next. Also, if you are under a plan that protects your phone, such as Apple Care or Preferred Care, you can usually cancel that coverage early. You'll get a refund on any unexpired coverage, and given how expensive gadgets can be now, it's worth getting that money back if you can. Swap to the new device At this point, your to-do list will vary. If you're planning to trade up to a newer model from the same manufacturer and you already have your new phone, then you'll want to transfer your data before moving on to wiping your old phone. Either in the store or on your own, in most cases you can wirelessly migrate your data from the old device to the new one. If you're changing lanes between the Apple and Google universes, you can also do most data swapping yourself. There's a Google Play app called Move to iOS and one in the App Store called Android Switch that can walk you through the process. Just be sure that your device meets the requirements to use those programs. However, if you aren't immediately setting up a new device, then you can skip this and move on to the next phase. Factory reset your old device Once you double-check that you have everything backed up (seriously, don't take chances on this), then it's time to perform a factory reset. This will remove all of your data and apps, and bring the phone back to its original state. Its ideal to do this reset as the final step of trading in, selling or recycling a device. Whatever phone model you have, the reset option will be in the Settings app. It will commonly be nested under a tab like General or About, or you can search reset within Settings to find exactly where it is on your device. Remove any accessories This might seem obvious, but right before handing off your phone, make sure that you remove any accessories. Cases, grips and screen protectors should stay with you, not with the phone when it goes to its new home. Check out more from our spring cleaning guide. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-prepare-your-phone-for-trade-in-120000724.html?src=rss

Apple Studio Display XDR review: Expensive, but theres no monitor like it

Its hard for most people to justify spending $3,299 on a monitor, but creative pros will gladly do so if it makes their jobs easier. Apples 27-inch 5K Studio Display XDR is aimed straight at those folks and it costs considerably less than the companys previous high-end monitor, the 6K Pro Display XDR . Thanks to the Mini LED IPS panel, the Studio Display XDR has higher brightness and color accuracy than nearly any other monitor on the market. It also has tech that boosts contrast to outperform similar displays. With its unique combination of features, the Studio Display XDR isnt as overpriced as you might think, and it has high appeal for me as a video editor. I do, however, wish it was bigger. Design and features If youre familiar with Apples previous Studio Display, youll have a good idea of the Studio Display XDRs design. The body has a high-quality brushed aluminum finish, with small holes across the top and bottom designed to vent heat from the built-in, nearly silent fan. It has enough internal hardware to be a standalone computer, as its equipped with an A19 Pro processor and 12GB (!) of RAM more than Apples new MacBook Neo laptop. That extra horsepower is required for all of the image processing, dimming algorithms, webcam operation and HDR tone-mapping. Steve Dent for Engadget A tilt- and height-adjustable stand was a cool $1,000 option on the more expensive Pro Display XDR, but its thankfully included with this new model. The stands motion is delightfully smooth, with just a slight amount of pressure required to move it up and down. However, it only offers four inches of height adjustment and no ability to swivel the screen. You can also get this monitor with a VESA mount instead at the same base price, in case you want to mount it on your own stand or a wall. The Studio Display XDR comes with two high-speed 120Gbps Thunderbolt ports to connect your Mac, storage or another display, along with two 10Gbps USB-C inputs, but theres no HDMI port in sight. One of the Thunderbolt ports supports 140W charging, which can replenish a 16-inch MacBook Pro at the maximum possible speed. Apple has also thrown in a Thunderbolt 5 cable that is thicker than any USB-C cable Ive seen. The power cable also looks nice, but is not removable. Up front, the monitor has surprisingly thick bezels (0.75 inches) that detract from the otherwise sleek design. In comparison, my ASUS ProArt PA32UCX displays bezels are just a quarter of an inch thin. Built into the top bezel is a 12-megapixel camera with Apples Center Stage feature that keeps your face front and center during Zoom calls. Note that if you prefer less glare, you can get nano-texturing on the display for an extra $300. The Studio Display XDR is designed mainly for use with Macs, and recent ones at that. Mac models with M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2 and M3 chips only support this monitor at up to 60Hz not the maximum 120Hz. Apple doesnt mention support for Intel Macs or Windows PCs, but I tested the monitor on both and it worked fine at the 60Hz limit. Image quality Steve Dent for Engadget Apple has largely stuck with Mini LED and quantum dot technology for its MacBook Pro laptop screens and monitors because of the higher brightness levels and lack of burn in compared to OLED displays. The tradeoff for that is lower contrast, as I explained here . Mini LED displays also show a phenomenon called blooming not present in OLED panels, which is caused by light bleed from neighboring pixels. However, Apple has largely solved those issues on the Studio Display XDR by boosting the number of local dimming zones (individual LED backlights) to 2,304, four times as many as the XDR Display Pro. That allows not only more brightness, but higher contrast and minimal blooming. This model doesnt offer 6K like the Pro Display XDR, but its 5K resolution is still higher than most rivals. Thats a big benefit for designers, animators, photographers and others who want the sharpest image possible. The higher 120Hz refresh rate is also easier on the eyes and better for gaming. However, creators used to screens that are 32 inches or larger may be turned off by the Studio Display XDRs smaller size. Brightness is where this monitor really shines; XDR stands for extended dynamic range, after all. Apple promises a peak level of 1,000 nits in SDR and 2,000 nits in HDR mode. I was able to verify those claims: I measured 1,991 nits on a Calibrite colorimeter in a 25 percent window and 988 nits at full screen making this the brightest monitor Ive ever tested. When I watched HDR material on YouTube and Netflix graded for brightness levels over 1,000 nits, I didnt see any of the highlight clipping that occurs on my 1,400-nit ASUS ProArt display. Whats more, the Studio Display XDRs 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio is among the highest of any non-OLED display (though not infinite like OLED displays). On top of that, I saw virtually no blooming with bright light points against black. Finally, this monitor has the best off-axis performance Ive seen with very little drop in gamma even at fairly sharp viewing angles. Steve Dent for Engadget Color accuracy is also a strong point. Apple promises a Delta E of less than one, and my measurements (around 0.8) bore that out. And like the Pro Display XDR, this model has a true 10-bit IPS panel, which means you get one billion colors total. Apple notes that the Studio Display XDR is the first Apple monitor to include both the P3 wide color Adobe RGB primaries, unlocking deeper greens and cyans than P3 alone, it said in a white paper . For HDR work, it covers 81 percent of the challenging BT.2020 color gamut, which is excellent though a bit below some OLED monitors. The Studio Display XDR can handle a variety of work thanks to the huge number of color profiles included with the display, which total 16 in all. Those include HDR profiles, P3 Digital Cinema, Photography, HDR photography, Design and Print and even Medical Imaging. To verify that, I tested it with several apps including Lightroom Classic and DaVinci Resolve, and was astounded by the color accuracy and brightness. Unlike some rivals, most notably ASUS, it doesnt support Dolby Vision, however. On top of being an excellent content creation monitor, the Studio Display XDR is solid for entertainment and gaming. I watched scenes from movies and TV shows including Spider-Man No Way Home , Game of Throne s and Tenet , and enjoyed the extra brightness, high color accuracy and contrast ratio that allowed me to see what the heck was going on in the Night King battle in GoT. For gaming I tried Cyberpunk 2077 for Mac, and the 120Hz refresh rate (it also supports Adaptive Sync 47-120Hz refresh rates), along with the brightness and color accuracy, makes it Apples best display yet for gaming. Camera and speakers Though it has the same name, the 12MP Center Stage webcam is much improved from the previous Studio Display. The resolution may be the same, but the new camera provides a much brighter and sharper image in dim conditions. However, to use the Desk View feature I needed to tilt the screen forward more than Id like. The built-in six speaker sound system is surprisingly good too, offering what is easily the best sound Ive ever heard coming from a monitor. It supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos sound as before, but now offers deeper bass. It still cant match a dedicated soundbar or separate speakers, of course, but the audio on this display is clear and surprisingly loud. Wrap-up Steve Dent for Engadget As I said at the outset of this review, Apples Studio Display XDR is overpriced, but not by a lot. Its the brightest monitor Ive measured and has among the highest number of dimming zones for a Mini LED display for maximum contrast. At the same time, it offers superb color accuracy out of the box, supports up to 5K 120Hz resolution and oozes quality. Few monitors in any category and price range, whether Mini LED or OLED, can boast all of that. There are cheaper options that can do some of those things. If you prefer OLED, the ASUS ProArt PA27 4K model offers 1,000 nits of max brightness and similar color performance, with better contrast and double the refresh rate for $1,299. And if you want a bigger display thats nearly as bright as the Studio Display XDR, ASUS also makes the $3,199 PA32UCG-K Mini LED 32-inch monitor with 1,600 nits peak brightness, albeit with half the number of dimming zones. However, if you require the best image quality possible and dont mind a 27-inch display, Apples Studio Display is the best choice. It will never be a mainstream product, but thanks to its versatility and better value than the Pro Display XDR, I think it will be a surprisingly popular option. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/apple-studio-display-xdr-review-expensive-but-theres-no-monitor-like-it-120018426.html?src=rss

IO Interactive splits with MindsEye developer and ends Hitman collab

MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) has gone through serious drama recently including layoffs and accusations of sabotage . Now, the company is parting ways with its MindsEye co-publisher IOI Partners (the company behind Hitman publisher IO Interactive) and assuming sole publishing responsibilities going forward. It also means that a planned MindsEye and Hitman collaboration will be cancelled, the companies announced in a press release . IOI Partners involvement with MindsEye comes to an end, except for any essential transitional functions required to transfer publisher-of-record status to Build A Rocket Boy, the companies stated. In light of this separation, the Hitman mission announced in June 2025, planned as a crossover event within MindsEye, will no longer be released. They acknowledged that the announcement is likely to spur disappointment among funs and thanked the community for its support. The publishing deal was a first for IOI partners and looked promising, considering the pedigree of BARB's co-CEO Leslie Benzies as a former Rockstar North president and GTA producer. However, MindsEye was widely criticized upon release due to bugs, a lackluster story and mediocre gameplay. At the same time, employees penned an open letter accusing Benzies of mismanaging the game and bungling layoffs. In response, Benzies and co-CEO Mark Gerhard said that negative pre-release feedback came about to due internal and external sabotage, a claim that employees reportedly doubted. In any case, BARB is now on its own and has a tall order to save MindsEye , particularly after recent layoffs. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/io-interactive-splits-with-mindseye-developer-and-ends-hitman-collab-110028292.html?src=rss

Defense Department says Anthropic poses 'unacceptable risk' to national security

The Department of Defense said giving Anthropic continued access to its warfighting infrastructure would introduce unacceptable risk to its supply chains in a court filing submitted in response to the AI companys lawsuit. If youll recall, Anthropic sued the government to challenge the supply chain risk designation it received for refusing to allow its model to be used for mass surveillance and the development of autonomous weapons. In its filing, the department explained that its secretary, Pete Hegseth, had a provision incorporated into AI service contracts, allowing the agency to use their technologies for any lawful purpose. Anthropic refused its terms and apparently, the companys behavior caused the Pentagon to question whether it truly was a trusted partner that it could work with when it comes to highly sensitive initiatives. After all, AI systems are acutely vulnerable to manipulation, and Anthropic could attempt to disable its technology or preemptively alter the behavior of its model either before or during ongoing warfighting operations, if Anthropic in its discretion feels that its corporate red lines are being crossed, the Pentagon wrote in its filing. DoW deemed that an unacceptable risk to national security, it added, referring to the agency as the Department of War, which is the Trump administrations preferred name for it. It was due to those concerns that President Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using its technology, the filing reads. The company is asking the court to issue a preliminary injunction and put a pause on a ban while its challenging its supply chain risk designation in court. While Anthropics clients could continue working with the company on non-defense-related projects, it says the label could cause it to lose billions of dollars in revenue. Its not quite clear if Anthropic is still trying to reach a new deal with the government, as was reported before it filed its lawsuit. As The New York Times notes, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI had filed friend-of-the-court briefs in support of Anthropic since then. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/defense-department-says-anthropic-poses-unacceptable-risk-to-national-security-094328717.html?src=rss

Poco X8 Pro Max, Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Iron Man Edition launched in India

Both devices feature a metal frame, and racetrack-inspired camera modules paired with dynamic RGB lighting

Apple unveils second-generation AirPods Max at $549

Live translation, first introduced on the AirPods Pro 3 in September, enables users to translate in-person conversations across languages using Apple Intelligence

Apple MacBook Neo Emerges As Companys Most Repairable Laptop in More Than a Decade

Apple is widely believed to be targeting the same education markets with its MacBook Neo that Google targets with its low-cost Chromebooks

Ai+ Smartphone partners Optiemus to make phones, tablets and IoT devices

Together, they plan to invest 125 crore in India-based manufacturing for over 5 years with a claim of creating around 1,200 direct and indirect jobs

iQOO launches Z11x with MediaTek processor and Sony sensor

iQOO has used a 7200 mAh battery in iQOO Z11x, paired with 44W charger inside the box

Xiaomi Pad 8 launched in India with HyperOS 3 and Snapdragon processor

Xiaomi will offer four years of Android OS updates and six years of security updates to Pad 8

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion launched in India with Sony sensor and Qualcomm chip

The phone features dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support

Nothing Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro launched: Price, features and availability

Nothing also unveiled a new over-head headphones, Headphone a, at more accessible price point, claiming around 135 hours of playtime.

Apple launches new MacBooks with M5 chips, bigger base storage

The 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,099 and now comes with 512 gigabytes of storage as standard, double the base storage of the previous generation

Samsung rolls out more AI, new privacy shield mode with the new Galaxy S26 lineup

Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its latest Galaxy smartphones, which boast an even bigger toolbox of artificial intelligence technology