Hardware, software, AI, tools, startups, security, and everything shaping the future of technology.
An Android Authority expert has declared the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus as their single indispensable power station. This unequivocal endorsement, detailed in the article's headline alongside a mention of a record-low price deal, signifies a rare level of preference and a timely market opportunity. While specific product and deal details are not provided in the source quote, the expert's powerful statement underscores the device's perceived superior value.
Xbox Chief Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Named New Gaming CEO Redmond, WA – February 20, 2026 – Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Phil Spencer, the long-serving head of
Microsoft Gaming sees a major leadership shift as Phil Spencer departs after 12 years. Asha Sharma, with a diverse background in AI, Instacart, and Meta, takes over as CEO. Her first memo outlines a commitment to "the return of Xbox" and expansion into "new categories and markets" focused on player value.
The Trump administration has repealed Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), reverting power plant pollution controls to 2012 levels. This rollback coincides with soaring electricity demand from AI data centers, domestic manufacturing, and electric vehicles. Critics argue the move sacrifices health protections for industry savings, while aging coal plants are kept online to meet the growing energy needs.
Jay Bhattacharya, the controversial NIH Director, has been appointed acting CDC Director, marking an unusual dual role amidst Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership shake-up. Critics express alarm over Bhattacharya's perceived lack of leadership and history of endorsing anti-vaccine policies, fearing further destabilization of public health agencies and a rubber-stamping of unscientific agendas.
Indie game publisher Finji accuses TikTok of using generative AI to create "racist, sexualized" ads for its games without permission, despite Finji disabling AI features. One ad for 'Usual June' reportedly depicted a character drastically altered from its original design. TikTok initially denied, then acknowledged the issue, citing an unselected "catalog ads format." Finji's CEO expressed disappointment over TikTok's unresolved response and potential brand harm.
Microsoft is implementing a new return-to-office policy starting Feb. 23 for its Seattle-area workforce. Employees within a 50-mile radius of an office will be required to be in-person at least three days a week, a significant shift for the tech giant that aligns it with industry peers like Google and Meta.
A private premiere screening of “Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force,” the pilot installment of the planned Holiguards Saga franchise, was held on February 16 at ASTOR Film Lounge Berlin. The exclusive, black-tie event gathered industry guests, partners, and media, with Kevin Spacey and Elvira Paterson highlighted in connection with the project.
NASA successfully completed a comprehensive wet dress rehearsal for its Artemis 2 moon mission, bringing the countdown to T-minus 29 seconds. This critical test, involving the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule, is a major step towards the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. Mission managers will now review the data to approve the final go-ahead, with March 6 targeted for liftoff.
You can do a lot with free AI, but premium subscriptions unlock advanced features, higher usage limits, and faster performance. This article guides you through deciding if an AI upgrade is worth it, focusing on how to align a plan with your specific needs and what pitfalls to avoid.
Pixar's upcoming "Toy Story 5" will feature an evil AI tablet named Lilypad as its central antagonist, challenging classic characters like Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The film delves into themes of excessive screen time and technology's impact on children, underscored by the AI's ominous declaration: "I'm always listening."
After nearly 15 years, Remitly co-founder and CEO Matt Oppenheimer is transitioning to board chair, handing the reins to Sebastian Gunningham. Oppenheimer reflects on the fintech giant's journey from a three-person startup to a $3B public company, sharing invaluable lessons on customer focus, cultural development, and leadership growth.
Ubisoft has laid off approximately 40 staff at its Toronto studio, impacting individuals working on the *Splinter Cell remake*. The company confirms the game remains in development, despite the cuts. These layoffs are part of a broader organizational restructuring following other studio reductions and a recent employee strike.
Epilogue's GB Operator is a remarkable hardware solution, enabling collectors to easily play their physical Nintendo Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges directly on a modern laptop. This "adorable" plug-in device merges the tactile joy of original hardware with the convenience and capabilities of PC gaming, establishing itself as an essential tool for retro gaming enthusiasts and preservationists alike.
Apple is set to host its first hardware event of 2024 on March 4, where new iPads and MacBooks, potentially including colorful entry-level models and M5-powered Pros, are expected. Simultaneously, Google's Pixel 10a launches March 5 with impressive midrange specs, and Netflix prepares for its inaugural live MMA fight in May.
Many people can't recognize smart glasses, creating privacy concerns as these devices often have discreet recording capabilities. Learn how to identify these high-tech spectacles by looking for unusual design elements, small integrated lenses or openings, and subtle indicator lights. This guide empowers you to recognize potential recording devices and protect your privacy in public spaces.
The tech world is buzzing about the latest contenders in the slim smartphone arena: the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air. CNET pits these two titans against each other, asking if you truly need a bulky device when sleek elegance is on the rise. Discover the allure and potential trade-offs of embracing the ultra-thin.
Gartner's latest SEC filing reveals the sale of its Digital Markets division, including Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice, for $110 million. This disclosure provides crucial financial specifics for a transaction initially announced in early 2026 without monetary details, signaling a strategic shift for Gartner and impacting the B2B software review market.
Will Stancil is known for his impactful work on school desegregation and anti-ICE activism, yet also for a combative and divisive online presence on Bluesky and X. Recently booted from a neighborhood Signal chat, his public persona sparks debate: is he a "man of the people" or just an "annoying guy"?
HBO's *The Pitt* combines intense medical trauma with a slow-burning, unsettling subplot about hospitals adopting generative AI. While the gore makes the show feel like a horror series, the introduction of AI is presented as even more alarming, particularly in its second season. The series offers a sharp take on the digital future of healthcare, shifting the focus from physical chaos to the existential implications of artificial intelligence.
Google Gemini 3.1 Pro first impressions: a 'Deep Think Mini' with adjustable reasoning on demand For three months, Google's Gemini 3 Pro stood as a leading frontier model. However, in the rapidly evolving AI landscape,
Startup CEOs from Read AI and Lucidya shared an optimistic outlook at Web Summit Qatar, challenging common fears about AI replacing human jobs. They told TechCrunch that AI tools are designed to automate specific tasks, not entire professional roles. This perspective suggests AI will enhance human productivity by handling mundane work, allowing people to focus on creative and strategic endeavors.
