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Huawei has introduced the MatePad Pro 13.2 2025 globally, marking a significant expansion of its tablet offerings. The new device features a bright OLED display and comes equipped with various accessories commonly found in high-end tablets from competitors like Apple and Samsung. With its impressive specs, Huawei is poised to further solidify its position in the global tablet market.

Starbucks is making significant changes to its menu, with a selection of "less popular" beverages set to be removed starting next week. The company cited simplifying its menu as the reason for the cuts, aiming to focus on fewer, more popular items and improve consistency. By streamlining its offerings, Starbucks hopes to reduce wait times and make way for innovation.

The Amazon Echo Show 21 is a solidly-built touchscreen display that combines the functionality of Amazon’s Fire TV and Echo smart speakers in one device. It's perfect for controlling your home's smart devices, checking recipes while cooking, or displaying local weather, but may be expensive and have confusing options. Its mounting bracket makes it versatile for installation.

ASRock has released a BIOS update aimed at fixing boot and instability issues users have been facing with their ASRock motherboards and Ryzen 9800X3D CPUs. Hopefully, this will provide some relief for those affected by the problem. The company's latest update, version 3.20 Beta, targets several motherboards in the X870, B850, B650, and A620 lines.

Netflix's upcoming four-part thriller, Adolescence, promises an intense exploration of knife crime and toxic teenage attitudes, filmed entirely in one continuous take. Directed by Philip Barantini, known for his work on Boiling Point, the series delves into the aftermath of a 13-year-old boy's accusation of murder, offering a raw and unflinching narrative. Writer Jack Thorne emphasizes the emotional depth that the unbroken filming technique brings, aiming to provoke thought about societal issues surrounding youth and violence.

VALE reported fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings per share of 20 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents. The company's net operating revenues declined 22% year over year to around $10.1 billion, primarily due to lower iron ore sales volumes and prices. Vale's gross profit plummeted 37% year over year to $3.86 billion.

Microsoft appears to be experimenting with ad-supported Office desktop apps that are limited in their functionality. These free desktop apps were first spotted by Beebom, which revealed the ads and noted that local file editing is not supported, instead guiding users to save files on OneDrive. The company has since clarified that there are "no plans" for a wider launch of the ad-supported app.

The HP EliteBook X G1a 14 AI, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX, delivers impressive performance tailored for business users without compromising on battery life or ergonomics. While it excels in speed and has a comfortable keyboard, its weight and limited display options may deter some potential buyers looking for a lighter alternative with enhanced visual capabilities. The model's pricing and standard one-year warranty also raise questions about its value proposition compared to competitors in the same segment.

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of Richard Glossip, an Oklahoma death row inmate who was sentenced to death for a 1997 murder-for-hire plot. Glossip's lawyers argued that prosecutors withheld evidence that could have aided his defense, and the high court agreed, concluding on Tuesday that the prosecution violated its constitutional duty to correct false testimony. The justices threw out Glossip's conviction and granted him a new trial, giving him another chance at a fair trial after 27 years of wrongful imprisonment.

The Future Games Show Spring Showcase will air on March 20, 2025, featuring over 40 games, including world premieres, with hosts set to be Jennifer English and Nolan North. The event promises an eclectic mix of exclusive trailers and announcements from various game developers. Expect a stacked event that will cater to gamers' ever-growing wishlists.

Senator Ron Wyden has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide clarity on consumer ownership rights concerning digital purchases, emphasizing that most transactions involve licensing rather than outright ownership. His letter highlights the need for transparent guidelines that inform consumers about the duration, limitations, and transferability of digital licenses, ensuring they understand what they are acquiring at the point of sale. This initiative follows recent legislative efforts in California aimed at preventing misleading terminology in digital commerce, reflecting a growing demand for accountability in the digital marketplace.

Amazon is removing a feature that allows users to download files of their Kindle books to their computers after February 26, 2025. The company made the announcement without any prior warning, leaving many users unaware of the impending deadline. This decision has sparked concerns about the control and ownership of digital content.

Apple has announced a historic $500 billion investment plan in the U.S., which includes the establishment of a new server plant in Houston and the doubling of its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion. This initiative is projected to create thousands of jobs nationwide and focuses on enhancing its Apple Intelligence systems while addressing potential tariff pressures from the incoming administration. The plan underscores Apple's commitment to domestic production and innovation, positioning the company to navigate an evolving economic landscape.

The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug (MOP320) offers two outlets that can be controlled simultaneously or individually and tracks power consumption. The device is designed to allow remote control of outdoor devices, such as patio lights or garden equipment. It supports the Matter protocol, working seamlessly with various smart home ecosystems and voice assistants.

Tesla's European new car registrations fell by over 50% in January, prompting investor concerns. The company's share price dropped 5% on Tuesday morning as investors assessed whether the decline reflects a temporary fluctuation or signals deeper challenges in Europe. Tesla's European market strategy is under scrutiny amid increased competition from rival automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis NV.

The Engwe Mapfour N1 Air and N1 Pro e-bikes are now available to pre-order in Europe, offering a carbon fiber frame and a 250W motor. Designed for urban riders, both models feature smart features like GPS navigation, a Bluetooth lock, and an SOS tool. The two models are marketed as affordable, with RRPs of €1,399 and €1,899, respectively.

A new hack allows Kindle users to download up to 25 books at a time instead of the tedious process of downloading them individually, significantly reducing the time and effort required to back up a large library. This method involves using a Chrome extension called Tampermonkey to run a script that automates the download process, although it comes with significant risks, including potential security vulnerabilities and the possibility of data loss. Users are cautioned to proceed with caution, understanding that the effectiveness of the method can vary based on individual setups and the potential for unexpected technical issues.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq led Wall Street declines on Tuesday, hitting a six-week low after fresh economic data indicated a deterioration in consumer sentiment and investors braced for the potential impact of tighter U.S. trade curbs on Beijing. A Conference Board report showed an index tracking consumer confidence stood at 98.3 in February compared with an estimate of 102.5, according to economists polled by Reuters. The S&P 500 technology sector is on track for its first quarterly decline since July 2023, if losses hold.

Nvidia and Cisco are poised to revolutionize enterprise AI adoption by integrating their technologies, creating a seamless and standardized infrastructure for businesses to deploy high-performance AI solutions. The partnership will enable enterprises to standardize on a unified networking stack, accelerating the path to AI deployment without the complexities of custom builds. By doing so, Cisco and Nvidia are addressing the major barrier to AI adoption: complexity.

YouTube is making changes to its ad placement strategy, starting May 12th, where it will show fewer mid-roll ads that interrupt sentences or action sequences, and more at natural break points like pauses or transitions. The company aims to balance the need for revenue with the desire for a seamless viewing experience for creators and viewers alike. This change is part of an effort to optimize ad placement and increase earnings for content creators.

Firefly is a set of generative AI tools developed by Adobe that supercharge your workflow for generating images, editing photos, and designing graphics. It was trained on licensed Adobe stock and public domain images, making it safer to use commercially. The latest update added new features, including the beta rollout of its Video model.

The vast majority of Canadians are changing their travel plans due to rising costs and a weak Canadian dollar, which has added to 2025 budget considerations. According to a new Blue Cross survey, 81% of Canadian travellers have altered their travel habits, with many reducing trips and opting for cheaper options. The weakening loonie has also led to concerns about geopolitics, particularly when it comes to visiting the U.S., with half of Canadians reporting they are less likely to visit in the next 12 months.

The global debt-to-GDP ratio rose for the first time since 2020 last year, as the world's debt stock hit a new year-end record of $318 trillion and economic growth slowed. The $7 trillion rise in global debt was less than half of the 2023 increase, when expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts sparked a borrowing surge. Debt-to-GDP approached 328%, a 1.5 percentage point increase, as government debt levels clashed with slowing inflation and economic growth.

The global debt-to-GDP ratio rose for the first time since 2020 last year, driven by a $7 trillion rise in global debt and slowing economic growth, according to an Institute of International Finance report. The world's debt stock hit a new year-end record of $318 trillion, with government debt levels of $95 trillion surpassing inflation and economic growth. This increase puts pressure on governments to balance their budgets, as "bond vigilantes" may punish them if fiscal deficits persist.

Nippon Steel plans to use its current merger agreement with U.S. Steel as a starting point for discussions with the U.S. government, allowing it to revive the deal by transforming it into an investment. The company aims to capitalize on its existing relationship and leverage it to secure President Trump's approval. By doing so, Nippon Steel hopes to unlock significant economic benefits.

Free10, a repackaged version of the Q40S Linux distribution, provides a user-friendly alternative for individuals seeking to switch from Windows 10 without facing an intimidating learning curve. The distribution mimics the Windows 10 interface closely, ensuring familiarity for new users while retaining the security and reliability of Linux. With its straightforward installation process and ability to install additional applications, Free10 positions itself as an ideal solution for those looking to move away from the Windows ecosystem.

The Federal Aviation Administration has started testing the use of SpaceX Starlink satellite internet terminals in the national airspace system, nearly two years after Verizon was awarded a $2 billion contract to perform similar work. This move comes amid controversy over Elon Musk's assertions that Verizon's technology is not working and poses a risk to air travelers. The FAA's decision highlights the growing role of private companies in supporting government operations.

Some of Europe's most popular AI-linked stocks fell for a second day on Tuesday, after an analyst note late last week that flagged a possible slowdown by Microsoft on data centre leasing knocked sentiment ahead of make-or-break results from Nvidia. The emergence of China's cheap artificial intelligence DeepSeek model triggered a global selloff in tech shares and a reassessment of how much Western companies are spending on development and key infrastructure such as data centres. Microsoft has said its AI and cloud capacity investment plans remained on track, but shares in exposed companies endured further declines.

The Deskbuddy is a $100 smart display that may be taking simplicity too far by focusing solely on displaying today's events from synced digital calendars. While this focus can help minimize distractions, it also limits the amount of information users can access at once, potentially negating some benefits of using digital calendars. The device's one-screen approach requires users to manually navigate to view past or future events, which may not be as seamless as expected.

As disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried serves his early days of a 25-year prison sentence, he made his first public post on X in over two years. Bankman-Fried’s thread responds to Elon Musk's recent ultimatum to federal employees, but it appears to be more of an excuse for his own silence than a genuine commentary on the issue. The post also reveals that SBF has lost touch with reality, as he tries to convince others that being unemployed is not as relaxing as it looks.

The grassroots backlash against Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked a surge in interest among former federal workers to run for office. Democrats are capitalizing on the momentum by recruiting fired government employees to join their ranks and challenge incumbent Republicans. As a result, a new wave of candidates is emerging from unexpected backgrounds.

The U.K.'s antitrust authority, the CMA, has greenlighted IBM's planned multibillion acquisition of infrastructure software company HashiCorp. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had "cleared the anticipated acquisition by IBM of HashiCorp," and it would publish the full rationale for its decision in due course. This announcement comes after a 10-month investigation, marking a significant shift in the CMA's approach to tech acquisitions.

Rocket Lab USA's call volume has surged above normal levels, with 22,427 calls trading on February 28, indicating bullish sentiment towards the company. The implied volatility has also increased significantly, rising almost 8 points to 107.57%. These signs suggest a positive outlook for Rocket Lab USA.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the acquisition of Solventum's purification and filtration business for approximately $4.1 billion, expanding its presence in the bioprocessing industry. The deal is expected to complement Thermo's existing bioprocessing business, which provides tools and services for accelerating drug development. By acquiring this business, Thermo aims to enter a new market category where competitors such as Danaher and Repligen hold significant positions.

The Casio Ring Watch is a tiny, fully functional timepiece that defies conventional watch design, existing solely to be worn on the finger. This nostalgia-tinged accessory, created by Casio to celebrate its 50th anniversary, has become an unlikely favorite among this writer, who initially thought it was a joke. Despite being unavailable on Casio's site and selling for upwards of $300 on eBay, the ring watch has captured my attention with its retro charm.

The original author of this article has owned their first Amazon Echo smart speaker for 10 years, still functioning well despite the device being over a decade old. The upcoming Alexa update is set to transform the digital assistant into a true generative chatbot, rivaling popular AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. This significant change may render older Echo devices obsolete due to inadequate processing power and memory.

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is hitting a rough patch, and the numbers don't lie. Sales in Europe collapsed 45% year-over-year in January, with just 9,945 vehicles soldits worst performance in the region in years. In the U.S., Tesla's share of the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market tumbled from 59% to 45%, while sales in China slipped 15% from last year. All of this is happening while global BEV sales are rising, meaning Tesla isn't just facing a weak marketit's losing ground to competitors.

Gemini is Google’s competitor in the race for AI supremacy, offering a powerful chatbot underpinned by a large language model that can process text, code, audio, and image-based queries. With its multimodal capabilities, Gemini can provide reasoned, context-aware responses to natural language prompts, answer questions, write code, and summarize articles. The chatbot is available online, through mobile apps, and integrates with other Google cloud services for enhanced search summaries and real-time information.

Agentic AI is set to revolutionize the mobile app landscape by replacing traditional applications with autonomous agents that streamline user interactions. These intelligent systems can autonomously manage complex, multi-step tasks across various domains, significantly enhancing user experience by minimizing the need for manual inputs. As companies adapt to this shift, they must prioritize making their data accessible and invest in real-time analytics to remain competitive in an agent-driven world.

The OnePlus Watch 3 has been delayed by two months due to a typo on the back that reads 'Meda in China'. The company has announced that the new watch's launch date has been postponed from February 25, 2025, to April 2025. Pre-ordering will now get customers a discount and free earbuds, offering a silver lining for those waiting for the highly anticipated Android smartwatch.

Microsoft is quietly testing a free desktop version of its popular office suite with a host of limitations. The ad-supported version comes with persistent ads and limited access to advanced features. The test appears to be limited, but details are scarce.

Misinformation on social media is a growing concern, with users frequently encountering false information that appears credible. To combat this issue, individuals should adopt proactive strategies, such as refraining from emotional reactions, fact-checking claims, and understanding the agendas behind news sources. By employing these tactics, users can navigate their newsfeeds more effectively and discern trustworthy information from misleading content.

Smartphones require regular cleaning and maintenance to extend their lifespan. Cleaning your smartphone regularly involves using a combination of protective accessories and gentle wipes to remove dirt, dust, and germs from its exterior. By taking these steps, you can help maintain the functionality and appearance of your device.

U.S. consumer confidence plummeted to its sharpest pace in 3-1/2 years in February, with a sharp decline in inflation expectations and comments dominating the survey, signaling growing anxiety among Americans about the economic impact of President Trump's policies. The Conference Board survey noted that unprecedented layoffs of federal government workers were also taking a toll on consumers' psyche, posing a risk to spending, the main engine of the economy. Economists warned that the situation could lead to a halt in economic growth as consumers stay home.

House Republicans are struggling to reconcile Donald Trump's 17 different tax cut ideas with their own budget constraints, leaving them facing microscopic margins between deficit hawks and moderates. The proposed tax cuts of $4.5 trillion would be paired with about $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, but even this limited amount is proving unpopular among lawmakers. The unforgiving math underlying the bill's numbers has raised concerns about the project's viability.

Mishing is emerging as a major threat to business operations, with cybercriminals adapting their methods to exploit the growing reliance on mobile devices for key operations. The term, coined by Zimperium, covers various mobile-first phishing techniques, including SMS/text-based phishing, QR code phishing, voice phishing, and Wi-Fi-based phishing. As a result, businesses urgently need to adopt mobile-specific security measures to protect themselves from these increasingly sophisticated attacks.

AI PCs are emerging as essential tools in the hybrid work landscape, addressing the challenges of maintaining authentic workplace relationships and enhancing productivity. By integrating advanced features designed for collaboration and user wellness, these devices aim to mitigate feelings of isolation among remote workers and improve overall job satisfaction. As companies like Lenovo invest in AI technology, they are shaping a future where technology not only connects employees but also supports their physical and mental well-being.

The author shares a transformative experience with AI tools that have enhanced daily tasks while aligning with personal values. Initially skeptical about AI, the author discovered its utility in research and learning, leading to the adoption of several specific tools such as Ollama/Msty and Perplexity. This shift showcases the potential for AI to serve as a valuable resource without diminishing creativity or critical thinking.

The author shares a transformative journey from skepticism to appreciation of AI tools, highlighting their utility in enhancing daily life without compromising personal values. By integrating specific AI applications like Ollama, DeepSeek, and Perplexity, the author has streamlined research processes and improved information retrieval. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of AI as a valuable resource for learning and productivity rather than a replacement for creativity.

Award-winning indie platformer Inside is now just $1.99 on Steam after a 90% discount. With an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating and 87 Metacritic score, this eerie, story-driven game is a must-buy. Great games don’t need dialogue to tell a story, and Inside proves that with its eerie, atmospheric world.