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Is Google’s smart tag network any good yet?

When Google launched its long-awaited Find My Device network in April 2024, it arrived to… well, what's the opposite of "fanfare"? A slow network rollout and damning reviews dampened enthusiasm for what was supposed to be a wave of Android-powered rivals to Apple's AirTag. But a year's a long time in tech, and Google has […]

Google is paying Samsung an ‘enormous sum’ to preinstall Gemini

Testimony this week from Google’s antitrust trial shows that Google gives Samsung an “enormous sum of money” each month to preinstall the Gemini AI app on Samsung devices, reports Bloomberg. Now that Judge Amit Mehta has ruled Google’s search engine is an illegal monopoly, its lawyers are sparring with the DOJ over how severe a […]

GPU prices are out of control again

Every so often, Central Computers - one of the last remaining dedicated Silicon Valley computer stores - lets subscribers know it's managed to obtain a small shipment of AMD graphics cards. Today, it informed me that I could now purchase a $600 Radeon RX 9070 XT for $850 - a $250 markup. It's not alone. […]

Bending to industry, Donald Trump issues executive order to “expedite” deep sea mining

Donald Trump wants to mine the depths of the ocean for critical minerals ubiquitous in rechargeable batteries, signing an executive order on Thursday to try to expedite mining within US and international waters.  It’s a brash move that critics say could create unknown havoc on sea life and coastal economies, and that bucks international agreements. […]

Gmail gets a slider on Android tablets, AI on the side

Google is rolling out Gmail updates for mobile users across Android and iOS, with some design updates and new access to AI features. Android tablet and foldable owners will have a more flexible Gmail app interface that lets them drag the divider to adjust the list and conversation panes to whatever size they want in […]

USAID decides not to collect former workers’ abandoned devices

After stranding former US Agency for International Development (USAID) workers with devices holding sensitive information, the Trump administration says it will no longer physically collect their government-issued phones, laptops, and tablets. An email sent by USAID to workers on Thursday and obtained by The Verge says the devices will be wiped remotely, and then “marked […]

My parents were extras in Apocalypse Now — is this their story?

On the first day of filming, a small crew set up in my parents’ house in Long Beach, California. We were shooting a short documentary about my parents’ experiences as Vietnam War refugees who were used as background extras in Apocalypse Now nearly 50 years ago. Though my parents played a variety of characters — […]

Boox’s newest Android e-readers let you take notes

Boox is expanding its Go Series with two new E Ink devices that are the first from the company to bring stylus support and note-taking capabilities to its smaller seven-inch e-reader models. It’s functionality that Kobo already offers on its seven-inch Libra Colour, but the new Boox Go 7 and Go Color 7 Gen II […]

Slate Truck is a $20,000 American-made electric pickup with no paint, no stereo, and no touchscreen

Ask just about anybody, and they'll tell you that new cars are too expensive. In the wake of tariffs shaking the auto industry and with the Trump administration pledging to kill the federal EV incentive, that situation isn't looking to get better soon, especially for anyone wanting something battery-powered. Changing that overly spendy status quo […]

Tabletop game companies sue Trump to stop tariffs

A group of tabletop game makers and other American small businesses are filed a lawsuit on Thursday against President Donald Trump and his administration to attempt to stop his tariffs. The lawsuit alleges the tariffs are “unlawful and unconstitutional” and details how they are creating challenges for the plaintiffs’ businesses. The tabletop companies that are […]

Remedy’s multiplayer Control spinoff FBC: Firebreak launches in June

The summer of video game releases is starting to heat up. Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Alan Wake and Control, announced that its first multiplayer title FBC: Firebreak will launch on June 17th. It’ll be available on PC (both Steam and the Epic Game Store), the PS5, and Xbox. It’ll also be available on subscription […]

Threads’ web app is moving from .net to .com

Threads on the web has a new address. Now, you can access the Meta-owned network by heading to Threads.com instead of Threads.net. The move will likely make it easier for users to find the website, as traffic to an unrelated messaging app startup, “Threads.com,” spiked following the platform’s launch. Meta finally acquired the “Threads.com” domain […]