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The UK Government reportedly requested Apple build an encryption backdoor without proper authorization under the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, which extraterritorial powers could be invoked globally. The Director of National Intelligence is investigating this reported request, calling it a 'clear and egregious violation of American's privacy and civil liberties'. This incident highlights the tensions surrounding information sharing agreements between countries and the concerns over backdoors in encryption technologies.

The Kremlin believes dialogue with the United States should move forward as long as there is political will on both sides and a readiness to listen to each other, but expects no quick solutions. A meeting of Russian and U.S. diplomats in Istanbul aims to resolve disputes over diplomatic missions, potentially resetting wider relations between the two nations. However, Moscow does not anticipate easy or rapid progress.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 has received FDA clearance for its Loss of Pulse Detection feature, a game-changing health feature that can detect when your heart stops beating and alert emergency services. This feature, which has been available in the UK and other countries since 2024, will now be rolled out to US users at the end of March. The feature uses advanced sensors, AI, and signal-processing algorithms to track heart rate monitoring and metrics.

A four-year-old Swiss startup has raised a sizable chunk of change to capitalize on the burgeoning “agentic AI” movement. Unique said on Thursday that it has raised $30 million in a Series A funding round that was led by London-based VC firm DN Capital and CommerzVentures, the investment offshoot of Germany’s Commerzbank. The company plans to use this fresh capital to accelerate its international expansion, with a particular focus on the U.S. market.

Nvidia's earnings release showed strong revenue growth and a beat on analyst estimates, but the company's guidance for gross profit margins in the first quarter raised concerns about future profitability. The margin outlook of 71% was described as "a little concerning" by Benchmark Company managing director Cody Acree, indicating potential pricing pressure and competition from AMD. Despite this, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang remained bullish on the company's prospects, citing strong demand for its Blackwell systems.

Microsoft has urged President Donald Trump's team to ease export restrictions imposed on artificial intelligence chips in the closing days of his previous administration, saying the measures should not extend to a group of U.S. allies. The tech giant claimed these rules placed limitations on allies, including India, Switzerland and Israel, and limited the ability of U.S. tech companies to build and expand AI data centers in these countries. Microsoft also warned that tighter U.S. restrictions could give China a strategic advantage in the long-term AI race.

The Minisforum AI370 EliteMini combines high-end hardware with support for up to 4TB of storage in a sleek, compact design, making it ideal for even the smallest desk setups. The device features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with four full-size Zen 5 performance cores and eight Zen 5c "compact" 3.3 GHz cores, allowing it to run Microsoft Copilot+ AI tools in Windows 11 and support up to four displays at a 60Hz refresh rate. With its powerful hardware and compact design, the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini is an attractive alternative to traditional mini PCs.

Wix and Squarespace are emerging as leading players in AI website creation, with both platforms offering advanced tools for content generation, design, and marketing. Wix AI leverages its extensive experience in website creation to offer a comprehensive AI-powered feature set, while Squarespace Blueprint focuses on providing a streamlined five-step process for building custom websites quickly. Both platforms are driving innovation in the space, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with automated web design.

The latest figure of 987,000 16-24-year-olds not in work, education or training has risen by 110,000 in a year. This represents 13.4% of the age group, with young men more likely to be economically inactive than women. The number of young people not in employment has increased for the first time in over a decade, raising concerns about the future prospects of this demographic.

The pound was little changed against the dollar in early European trading on Thursday morning, at $1.2667, ahead of UK prime minister Keir Starmer's meeting with US president Donald Trump. The upcoming meeting is seen as crucial for maintaining Western alliances and trade relationships, given recent tensions between the US and European Union. Investors are closely watching the meeting's outcome for its potential impact on global markets.

Stocks plummeted on Thursday as tech sold off following Nvidia's (NVDA) latest earnings report while investors took stock of the economy amid President Trump's latest tariff pledges. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) fell more than 1.6%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) dropped 2.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) dropped 0.4%. Investors dug into Nvidia's quarterly earnings beat, which signaled plenty of scope for growth as it eased worries about DeepSeek and faltering AI demand.

It's been a mediocre week for Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF) shareholders, with the stock dropping 11% to US$10.57 in the week since its latest full-year results. Revenues came in at US$19b, in line with expectations, while statutory losses per share were substantially higher than expected, at US$1.57 per share. This slowdown in revenue growth marks a significant shift for the company, which has historically demonstrated exceptional growth rates.

The Epic Games Store has refreshed its free game giveaway program with a new title. Running alongside two surprise Android and iOS giveaways, this week's free PC game is another indie game that has been well-received across its Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch releases. The latest deal, Mages of Mystralia, is worth $19.99 and will be available for download until March 6.

Epic Games' latest free game giveaway is worth $19.99 and offers an indie title that has been well-received across various platforms. The game, Mages of Mystralia, features a deep spell-crafting system and puzzles, with a Metacritic score of 74/100. As the free game giveaway program refreshes later today, Epic Games will replace it with a new title.

The founders of Ben & Jerry’s have expressed interest in buying back their namesake ice cream brand from Unilever Plc, according to people familiar with the matter. They may look to partner with socially minded investors in any transaction, potentially allowing the company to regain control over its social mission. The valuation of the business is estimated to be several billion dollars, making it a complex and high-stakes deal.

The Logitech G Pro X SE gaming headset is currently on sale for $69.99 on Amazon, reflecting a 30% discount from its original price. Featuring 50 mm Pro-G series drivers, this wired headset promises an immersive audio experience, and its lightweight design ensures comfort during extended gaming sessions. With additional features like DTS 7.1 surround sound support and a detachable boom mic, the headset appeals to gamers seeking quality without the need for wireless connectivity.

Denmark remains on course to meet its 2030 target of slashing its territorial greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels, provided that the country delivers on its stated plans. The Nordic nation had reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 46% compared to 1990 by 2023, according to Statistics Denmark. However, significant implementation efforts are still needed to reach the goal, as uncertainty around future emissions remains.

A meme coin scandal and investigation have dented the popularity of Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei and hindered his efforts to strengthen political alliances ahead of congressional midterm elections this year. Critics cry "rug pull" scam, government says president was duped; One poll shows surge in negative perceptions of president. The brash former economist won a shock election in 2023 with pledges to take a "chainsaw" to public spending.

Rolls-Royce's mid-term targets have been lifted to reflect its confidence in future profit growth after a plan to improve engines and cut costs helped its results beat expectations, pushing its shares up 15% on Thursday. The company's CEO described it as a "burning platform" in need of a fundamental turnaround. Rolls-Royce has announced a dividend of 6 pence per share and launched a 1 billion pound share buyback.

A software engineer for the Disney Company unwittingly downloaded malware on his computer that turned his life upside down. The malware gave outside attackers full access to his 1Password database and session cookies, allowing them to compromise his online accounts, including his employer's Slack channel. As a result, he lost his job after Disney's forensic examination reportedly showed that he had accessed pornographic material on his work laptop in violation of company policy.

Taktile, a platform for building automated financial decisioning workflows, has raised new cash in a Series B funding round, bringing its total raised to $79 million. The company's platform lets risk and engineering teams at fintech firms create and manage workflows for automated decision-making, with users able to experiment with data integrations and monitor the performance of predictive models. Taktile's growth is attributed to its ability to provide an end-to-end solution that meets the needs of financial services companies.

"Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" explores the shocking story of Ruby Franke, a former "mom-fluencer" whose abusive behavior led to her arrest and potential prison sentence. The documentary sheds light on the disturbing reality behind her seemingly perfect family life, revealing how manipulation and control took a devastating toll on her children. Viewers can access the series online using a VPN, allowing them to bypass geographical restrictions and witness the harrowing details of the Franke family's experience.

Streaming services geo-restrict content due to the need to adhere to licensing agreements and protect copyrights. By using IP addresses to determine geographical location, platforms can restrict access to certain content based on region, tailoring their offerings to local cultural and linguistic preferences.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is leveraging Salesforce's online collaboration platform Slack to facilitate communication and coordination with government agencies. According to CEO Marc Benioff, the partnership showcases the closeness between DOGE and the US government, potentially paving the way for more efficient governance. The use of Slack also underscores the growing importance of digital tools in public administration.

Nvidia reported strong earnings, with sales increasing 78% year over year to $39.3 billion and net income surging to $22.1 billion, above estimates. The company's gross margin declined by three points due to newer data centre products, but CEO Jensen Huang attributed the decline to increased complexity rather than a lack of demand. Nvidia expects significant sales growth from its next-generation AI chip, Blackwell.

Amazon has taken significant strides in revamping its AI-powered voice assistant Alexa+ by incorporating advanced features such as agentic capabilities, multi-turn conversations, and emotion-aware interactions, transforming it into a more useful tool for users. The new upgrade allows Alexa+ to perform everyday tasks with minimal instruction, making it more accessible and user-friendly than competitors like Google and Apple's offerings. Furthermore, the device integrates seamlessly with existing devices, offering a seamless experience for users who already own Alexa products.

A cyber-attack like the one in Zero Day is improbable. The average Netflix viewer isn’t familiar with the technical details of how cyberattacks are carried out, but they’re acutely aware of their growing frequency and severity. Millions of Americans have had their data exposed in attacks, and while they may not fully understand what ransomware is, they know it isn’t good. While the critical reception of Zero Day remains to be seen, one thing is certain: viewers will debate the plausibility of the events unfolding on their screens.

The leaked concept showcases two innovative products that could elevate Lenovo's MWC 2025 lineup. The "Magic Bay Module" adds extra displays to laptops, while a laptop with an integrated solar panel charges itself in sunlight. Both designs are promising, but their feasibility and implications remain unclear.

Nvidia's shares ticked lower on Thursday as the AI bellwether's upbeat quarterly forecast failed to ease nerves around overspending in the industry. The company's shares slipped 0.7% to $130.32 in early premarket trading, despite strong growth expectations for its artificial intelligence chips. Nvidia's lower-than-expected gross margin forecast also sparked investor concerns about the sustainability of the AI-driven spending spree.

Gold prices fell over 1% to their lowest level in more than a week on Thursday, as the U.S. dollar firmed and investors awaited key inflation data that could offer clues on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Spot gold hit $2,880.79 an ounce, its lowest since February 17, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid global economic uncertainty. The dollar index rose 0.2%, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for other currency holders.

An ongoing crackdown on scam compounds along Thailand's border with Myanmar has only managed to rescue a small fraction of the estimated 300,000 workers trapped in these operations, according to opposition lawmaker Rangsiman Rome. Despite efforts to dismantle these illicit networks, including cutting off utilities and facilitating rescues, the underlying complicity of Thai officials in the expansion of these operations raises serious concerns. Rome emphasizes that without addressing systemic corruption and targeting the key players behind these scams, the operations will continue to thrive.

Gene Hackman, the intense character actor who won two Oscars in a more than 60-year career, has died alongside his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at home, the sheriff's office in Santa Fe. The couple was found deceased on Wednesday afternoon by deputies, with foul play not suspected as a factor. The cause of death is currently under investigation.

Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, slept well overnight and is resting, the Vatican said in a brief statement on Thursday. A further, slight improvement was reported in his condition on Wednesday evening, but his prognosis remains guarded due to various complications. The Vatican is providing regular updates on the pope's health, aiming to counter misinformation on social media.

The United States has granted a 30-day reprieve to Serbian oil company NIS from facing sanctions, allowing it to continue operating without significant disruptions. The decision came after Gazprom Neft, the majority owner of NIS, transferred a minority stake in the company to its parent firm Gazprom. The reprieve will alleviate pressure on Serbia's economy, which relies heavily on NIS for oil and gas supplies.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside their dog. The couple's deaths are being investigated by the local police, who do not believe foul play was involved. Gene Hackman had a long and illustrious career, earning two Academy Awards for his work on films such as The French Connection and The Unforgiven.

The successor to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series will get display and RAM upgrades. Samsung is expected to refresh its Galaxy Tab FE series tablets with new models, but while it is keeping the details to itself, there are already leaks floating around. The latest reveals details about the display sizes, RAM, and storage configuration for the upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 FE series.

Hamas has expressed its readiness to begin talks on the second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza after several hundred Palestinians were released from Israeli jails overnight. The militant group stated that it is committed to the ceasefire agreement and willing to enter into negotiations for the second phase. However, the release of remaining hostages in Gaza remains a top priority for Israel.

Your Windows laptop's noisy fan could be driven crazy by its constant whirring or rattling due to dust, overheating, outdated software or BIOS issues, hardware problems, or operating with high-performance profiles. A noisy fan is more than just an annoyance; it’s a warning sign that your laptop's cooling solution is working harder than it should, potentially leading to performance problems or even hardware failure. Cleaning out dust and maintaining good airflow can significantly improve your laptop's overall efficiency and reduce noise levels.

The US dollar firmed for a second day on Thursday, but was still close to an 11-week trough as vague pledges from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Europe and further delay levies planned for Canada and Mexico stoked uncertainty. The euro edged further back from a one-month high of $1.0529 hit in the previous session, as traders took a wait-and-see approach to Trump floating the idea on Wednesday of a 25% "reciprocal" tariff on European cars and other goods. US economic uncertainty has markets pricing in two Fed rate cuts in 2025.

The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are exploring three avenues for potential freedom after serving 35 years for the murder of their parents, citing a history of abuse as a key factor in their actions. With a resentencing hearing set for March, their case draws renewed attention due to new evidence and changing public perceptions of juvenile offenders. The possibility of clemency from California's governor, a new trial, or resentencing could dramatically alter their fates, reflecting broader societal shifts in understanding justice and rehabilitation.

A new leak from Korea has revealed an exact launch date for the fourth model in the Galaxy S25 series—the Galaxy S25 Edge. The phone is reportedly set to be launched in mid-April, with wide availability tipped for May. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge as a surprise at Unpacked last month, and while the company shared next to nothing about the design-focused phone at the event, that's set to change.

Some large hedge funds and investors are accumulating long-shunned China property stocks at low prices, anticipating lucrative returns when the sector recovers from its prolonged crisis. Investors are selective and have set their sights on leading state-backed homebuilders and China's largest online property brokerage, citing recent positive signs such as improving home prices in top cities and industry leader China Vanke's recapitalization plan. The shift in sentiment indicates investors are rebuilding confidence in the sector after the industry consolidation and massive measures introduced by China since September to stabilize the slumping housing market.

Invincible season 3 episodes 7 and 8 will be the show's most brutal and devastating since the show's season 1 finale, with a mid-credits scene teasing why this will be the case. The final two chapters of the third season are fast approaching, and it appears that they will be the show's most graphic and soul-crushing entries yet. Long-time Invincible fans will know what to expect from episodes 7 and 8.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German conservative chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz agreed to open a new chapter in Franco-German relations, with a source close to Merz saying there was "a great deal of agreement" on joint initiatives. The meeting at the Elysee Palace marked a significant shift in the relationship between France and Germany, which have historically been close allies. Macron briefed EU leaders on the outcome of the talks, following his own meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the week.

Celestica Inc. (CLS) is a picks and shovels technology stock providing investors exposure to growth across artificial intelligence, the energy transition, and beyond. CLS stock crushed Nvidia over the past three years and the last 12 months. Yet, the recent growth and AI selloff has Celestica trading 20% below its all-time highs and 20% below its average Zacks price target.

Russian and U.S. diplomats convened in Istanbul to address disputes surrounding their embassies, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to mend strained bilateral relations. This meeting, which excluded discussions on the ongoing war in Ukraine, reflects the broader ambitions of the new U.S. administration under President Trump to reset ties with Moscow. While both sides acknowledge the need for improved relations, skepticism remains regarding the sincerity and effectiveness of their diplomatic engagement.

Taiwan has reported a surge in Chinese military activity, including seven Chinese warships operating in an area designated for "shooting" drills, despite no live-fire exercises. China's defense ministry dismissed the move as "routine" and urged Taiwan to stop complaining, sparking concerns about the stability of the region. The Chinese government has also scheduled its annual parliament meeting next week, which is expected to unveil its defense budget.

The UK government is seeking public input on how to reform the water sector in England and Wales, with a focus on addressing growing concerns over sewage leaks, soaring bills, and environmental degradation. The independent commission will examine issues such as regulation, investment, and corporate accountability, aiming for "ambitious changes" that can restore trust in the system. With the government ruling out nationalisation, the commission's report is expected to be radical in its recommendations.

Nvidia reported its Q4 earnings after the bell on Wednesday, beating analysts' expectations on the top and bottom lines and issuing solid Q1 guidance. The company's stock fell 1.5% in premarket trading on Thursday as investors digested the report. Nvidia's earnings come as the company girds itself for potential 25% tariffs on chips imported into the US and the threat of increased export controls on its shipments to China.

New U.S. steel tariffs are poised to disrupt a multi-billion dollar supply chain that facilitates the movement of steel from China to the United States through third countries, thereby intensifying competition in the global market. With an estimated worth of $7 billion, this trade has been vital for China's struggling steel sector, which is already facing declining demand domestically. The tariffs could trigger additional protectionist measures worldwide, further complicating China's export landscape and impacting its economic recovery.