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The Vision Pro's spatial computing capabilities are rapidly expanding with new apps, including the highly-anticipated Spatial Gallery and the web. However, these innovations also raise questions about the ecosystem's direction and user experience. The App Store's presence on the Vision Pro is a significant development in its growth as a platform.

Ben Patterson, a seasoned writer with over 20 years of experience in technology and consumer electronics, has left his position as Senior Writer at TechHive to join Pcworld.com. The move marks a significant shift in the tech landscape, as one of the industry's most respected voices is now aligned with a leading technology publication. This change will likely impact the tone and perspective of articles published by Ben Patterson on Pcworld.com.

Opera's newest AI feature, Browser Operator, allows users to assign shopping tasks to the browser, which then autonomously researches and executes those tasks. This "agentic browsing" technology enables users to prompt the browser with tasks like finding products to buy or booking hotels, and the browser will take care of the rest. Opera claims that this technology is a "paradigm shift for browsers," as it empowers users to delegate tasks to the browser itself.

Google has open-sourced an AI model, SpeciesNet, designed to identify animal species by analyzing photos from camera traps. Researchers around the world use camera traps — digital cameras connected to infrared sensors — to study wildlife populations. But while these traps can provide valuable insights, they generate massive volumes of data that take days to weeks to sift through.

Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt star in the Netflix original film The Electric State, with Anthony and Joe Russo directing from a graphic novel by Swedish artist/designer Simon Stålenhag. The movie follows a teen girl named Michelle who must travel across the country with her robot companion to find her long-lost brother, while being pursued by a federal agent. The Electric State was initially intended for a theatrical release but was later bought by Netflix due to Universal's decision not to give it a release.

The Lee Enterprises ransomware attack is affecting the company's ability to pay outside vendors, including freelancers and contractors, as a result of the cyberattack that began on February 3. The attack has resulted in widescale outages and ongoing disruption at dozens of newspapers across the United States, causing delays to print editions and impacting various aspects of the company's operations. Lee Enterprises has confirmed that hackers "encrypted critical applications," including those related to vendor payments.

ArcoPlasma delivers a feature-rich KDE Plasma desktop experience that caters to users who want extensive customization options. With the inclusion of the powerful Arch Linux Tweak Tool (ATT), users can fine-tune almost every aspect of their system. This level of control may be overwhelming for those without prior Linux experience.

The White House is drafting a plan to potentially ease Russian sanctions as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to restore ties with Moscow and stop the war in Ukraine. The proposal aims to lift sanctions on select entities and individuals, including some Russian oligarchs, under certain conditions. A potential deal could involve economic cooperation between Russia and the US, but the specifics of the relief and what Washington seeks in return are still unclear.

The US government office responsible for the $52 billion chip subsidy program will lose nearly a third of its staff due to President Donald Trump's purge of federal workers. The office, which oversees a marquee manufacturing spending program, has seen around 20 employees accept voluntary deferred resignations and another 40 probationary employees face termination. This reduction threatens to hamper the implementation of the Chips and Science Act, a bipartisan law signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.

A truck traveling on a highway in southern Bolivia collided with a bus early on Monday morning, forcing the bus off the road and killing at least 31 people, police said. First responders worked to reach the site of the accident, where they found a destroyed bus that had rolled down a ravine after the collision. The driver of the truck has been arrested, while the cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Walmart has announced an extraordinary sale on Apple devices, with record-low prices starting at $22.99 for popular gadgets like AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks. The retailer is offering deals that are significantly cheaper than usual, making them highly attractive to consumers. However, some experts worry about the impact of these extremely low prices on the tech industry's profit margins.

European equities have outperformed U.S. stocks by the widest margin since 2000, according to a recent report from Morgan Stanley, driven by optimism about economic stabilization and increased fiscal stimulus. European stocks have rallied on hopes that increased defense spending and an end to the war in Ukraine could stimulate growth. The group's recent forward price-to-earnings ratio is well below American stocks', encouraging investors to turn to Europe for better returns.

Nvidia shares fell 7.9% in the afternoon session amid market volatility, with the stock seemingly affected by broader economic downturns and concerns about its business in China. The company's graphics chips have been impacted by the trade war drama, with some Chinese buyers finding ways to circumvent export restrictions. Despite this, Nvidia remains a high-quality company with a strong track record of cash flows.

Lenovo’s latest concept laptop, featuring a photovoltaic solar panel on the rear of the screen, promises to revolutionize the way we think about portable power. The solar-powered Yoga model could get a full hour's worth of charge simply by leaving it in sunlight for 20 minutes, eliminating the need for constant charging and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative technology not only reduces waste but also provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional battery sources.

President Donald Trump's announcement of impending U.S. tariffs on "external product" has significant implications for America's farmers, who must now adapt their sales strategies to domestic markets. This shift is likely to result in increased domestic production and potentially alter the global agricultural trade landscape. As a result, American farmers will need to reassess their business models and invest in domestic infrastructure.

Sunnova Energy International Inc. experienced a dramatic 71% decline in its stock value amid warnings about its potential inability to continue operations, reflecting mounting pressures on the U.S. solar industry. This downturn follows similar concerns from other major solar players, such as First Solar and Sunrun, who are grappling with customer delays and stagnant installation volumes. The current landscape is characterized by uncertainty, driven by high interest rates, reduced state incentives, and policy shifts under the Trump administration that threaten the future of solar energy investments.

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, a top-rated security camera, can be purchased at Amazon for 50% off its regular price of $180. This deal brings the discounted price to just $90 for the battery-powered model or $60 for the plug-in version of the base model. With this feature-packed camera, users can enjoy reliable surveillance, accurate person detection, and a removable rechargeable battery pack.

Ubisoft's publisher campaign has brought gamers a plethora of discounts on full-price titles, with Far Cry 5 being one of the most eye-catching deals. With over 150,000 reviews and a very positive rating, Far Cry 5 should be an interesting option for those looking to save big. The game delivers plenty of shocking moments, but its shallow story has been a point of contention among players. Far Cry 5 sticks to the series' signature open-world design while introducing some fresh elements.

Meta has unveiled the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, designed primarily for AI and robotics researchers, featuring significant enhancements in battery life and sensor technology. These advancements, including eye tracking cameras and a heart-rate sensor, hint at promising features that could be integrated into Meta's upcoming consumer glasses, potentially enhancing user experience and functionality. While the consumer versions are still awaited, the upgrades in the Aria Gen 2 raise expectations for improved performance in future iterations of Meta’s smart eyewear.

The Duchess of Sussex's new TV series promises to be an eight-episode lifestyle blend of cooking, gardening, and chats with famous friends. In an interview with People magazine, Meghan reveals that her favorite food is Chinese take-away, which she plates beautifully even when ordering from a restaurant. The series will focus on her personal life and interests, rather than her royal duties.

With Apple's AI assistant delayed, users are exploring alternatives like Google’s Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode to enhance their iPhone experience. While Apple promised a significant upgrade to Siri through Apple Intelligence, reports indicate that a fully upgraded version may not be available until 2027, leaving customers to seek more advanced conversational AI options. As competitors like Amazon introduce innovative features in their voice assistants, the gap between Siri and its rivals continues to widen, prompting users to reconsider their reliance on Apple's offering.

SwitchBot has introduced its innovative adjustable smart roller shades, marketed as the world's first of their kind, allowing users to customize the fit after purchase. Starting at an affordable $199, these shades offer motorized features that can be programmed for automated operation based on time or environmental conditions, enhancing convenience in smart home ecosystems. While competitors offer similar products at higher price points, SwitchBot's DIY approach encourages user involvement in the installation process, although it may require significant time investment.

Apple's latest iOS 18.4 developer beta adds the Visual Intelligence feature, the company's Google Lens-like tool, to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, allowing users to access it from the Action Button or Control Center. This new feature was first introduced as a Camera Control button for the iPhone 16 lineup but will now be available on other models through alternative means. The official rollout of iOS 18.4 is expected in April, which may bring Visual Intelligence to all compatible iPhones.

Euphoria over Donald Trump's plans for a strategic crypto reserve turned to skepticism on Monday, triggering early losses in cryptocurrencies that worsened throughout the day as investors braced for 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The inclusion of lesser-known digital tokens in the reserve sparked questions about their merits, leading to sharp declines. Crypto prices are now reeling from the latest developments, with many attributing the selloff to nervousness about Trump's trade policies.

Geary has emerged as the preferred email client for Linux users seeking a clean, efficient interface devoid of unnecessary features, distinguishing itself from competitors like Thunderbird and Evolution. Its modern design, ease of use, and impressive speed cater to users who prioritize a straightforward email experience without the clutter of additional functionalities. While it may not suit everyone, Geary's open-source nature and dependable performance make it a strong contender for those valuing simplicity and reliability in their email management.

A comprehensive pre-flight and post-flight checklist is crucial for safe and reliable drone operation, helping to avoid accidents and extend the life of your technology. By regularly inspecting their drones, users can identify potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the risk of crashes and damage. Regular maintenance also helps to prevent costly repairs and ensures that the drone remains in good working order.

The Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition features a 40 mm stainless steel octagonal case with an ice blue dial and Citizen’s in-house 9051 calibre movement, providing a 42-hour power reserve. The watch's design is inspired by rays of sunlight reflecting off crystal-clear blue ocean waters, and its classic ice blue dial is adorned with lume-coated sword hands and applied baton indices for better visibility in low-light conditions. With the same sapphire crystal durability found in other Series 8 collections, the Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition offers a reliable timepiece that can withstand normal water conditions.

At MWC 2024, ZTE subsidiary Nubia unveiled the Nubia Flip 5G, a bona fide budget alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Now, at MWC 2025, Nubia has returned with the Nubia Flip 2 5G – a slightly more expensive model that still undercuts its premium competition by some margin. The new phone boasts a more conventional-looking design, improved durability, and AI-powered features, while maintaining its affordable price point.

Ray Dalio has warned that the U.S. won't be competitive in manufacturing with China for AI chips, arguing that China will continue to have an edge in producing applications for these chips compared to the U.S. The U.S. advantage in AI development lies in its investment in higher education and research, but manufacturing is a different story, according to Dalio. Despite some US efforts to ramp up chip production, China's focus on applying AI to existing technologies gives them an economic advantage.

St. Louis Fed president Alberto Musalem emphasized the need for a cautious monetary policy approach while monitoring long-term inflation expectations and economic growth risks. He warned that sustained inflation above the Fed's 2% target could necessitate a shift toward a more restrictive monetary policy. The recent rise in consumer confidence and inflation expectations, coupled with potential tariffs, poses additional challenges to maintaining price stability and economic expansion.

Lockheed Martin is set to introduce a new cruise missile priced at approximately $150,000, boasting a range of over 500 miles, as part of a strategy to enhance U.S. deterrence against Chinese ambitions in the Pacific. This missile, known as the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT), is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for military operations, emphasizing the trend toward "affordable mass" in armaments following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The CMMT's modular design allows for various adaptations to meet different mission requirements, highlighting Lockheed's focus on flexibility and operational readiness.

Anthropic has secured a significant influx of capital, with its latest funding round valuing the company at $61.5 billion post-money. The Amazon- and Google-backed AI startup plans to use this investment to advance its next-generation AI systems, expand its compute capacity, and accelerate international expansion. Anthropic's recent announcements, including Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Claude Code, demonstrate its commitment to developing AI technologies that can augment human capabilities.

The compact desktop can be purchased for as low as $557, although this price drop only applies to the 16GB RAM/256GB SSD model. The biggest discount has been given to the third M4 build with 512GB SSD and 24GB of unified memory, now selling for $899. This sudden sale is surprising, especially since the Mac Mini M4 has only been around since November 2024.

Kaizen: A Factory Story is an engaging puzzle game where players must optimize factory production in 1980s Japan by perfecting manufacturing processes. With a unique blend of strategy and simulation, the game challenges players to minimize time, power, and cost while maintaining quality and meeting demand. As the player progresses through levels, they'll encounter increasingly complex problems to solve.

Lenovo's AI Stick connects to non-NPU PCs, adding AI-powered abilities, allowing users with outdated hardware to benefit from on-device AI capabilities. The device is compact and requires a Thunderbolt port to function, expanding the reach of Lenovo's AI Now personal assistant to a broader user base. By providing a plug-in solution, Lenovo aims to democratize access to AI-driven features.

The stocks of European defense companies soared Monday as investors anticipate massive increases in military spending by governments in the region amid its growing rift with the United States. Europe is confronting a worrying new reality: that the US, the continent’s longtime ally and security guarantor, may not help it defend itself in a future war. The index has risen more than 30% so far this year.

US stocks plummeted on Monday afternoon, with selling accelerating in the last hour of trading after President Trump indicated there was "no room left" for tariff negotiations with Canada and Mexico, indicating that new levies against both countries will go into effect tomorrow. The S&P 500 fell 1.7%, posting its worst day of 2025, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 650 points, or almost 1.5%, as the major US indexes came off a volatile week and a losing February.

The US government has partnered with several AI companies, including Anthropic and OpenAI, to test their latest models and advance scientific research. The partnerships aim to accelerate and diversify disease treatment and prevention, improve cyber and nuclear security, explore renewable energies, and advance physics research. However, the absence of a clear AI oversight framework raises concerns about the regulation of these powerful technologies.

Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., were ordered on Monday to pursue every firearms case referred to them and to seek pretrial detention against every person charged with such an offense. This directive is part of a new initiative called "Make D.C. Safe Again" led by Ed Martin, which aims to flood the federal district court with cases to make the city safe. Prosecutors will also be prohibited from declining to bring firearms charges unless they receive approval from Jonathan Hornok.

Podcast recording and editing platform Podcastle is now joining other companies in the AI-powered, text-to-speech race by releasing its own AI model called Asyncflow v1.0, offering more than 450 AI voices that can narrate any text. The new model will be integrated into the company's API for developers to directly use it in their apps, reducing costs and increasing competition. Podcastle aims to offer a robust text-to-speech solution under one redesigned site, giving it an edge over competitors.

Microsoft has announced Microsoft Dragon Copilot, an AI system for healthcare that can listen to and create notes based on clinical visits. The system combines voice-dictating and ambient listening tech created by AI voice company Nuance, which Microsoft bought in 2021. According to Microsoft's announcement, the new system can help its users streamline their documentation through features like "multilanguage ambient note creation" and natural language dictation.

Opera's new AI agent, Browser Operator, marks a paradigm shift in web browsing, enabling browsers to perform tasks for users, providing a major efficiency boost and turning the browser into a user-focused ecosystem. The AI agent uses native client-side solutions to complete tasks while protecting user privacy, allowing users to explain what they need to do in natural language. With its autonomy, perception, decision-making, action execution, learning, and adapting capabilities, Browser Operator is poised to transform the way we interact with the web.

Proper maintenance of power stations, whether portable or fixed, is essential for maximizing their lifespan and ensuring safety. Key practices include storing units in optimal conditions, regularly inspecting for damage, and monitoring battery health to prevent accidents and costly repairs. By implementing these maintenance tips, users can enjoy reliable performance while protecting their investment.

Nvidia's stock has taken a hit as reports surfaced of its AI chips reaching China, raising concerns about further scrutiny around exports. The company's latest Blackwell chips have been found to be reaching China through third-party resellers in violation of export controls. Nvidia has denied accountability for these sales, but investors are growing increasingly concerned about the impact on future revenue.

YouTube is preparing a significant redesign of its TV app, aiming to make it more like Netflix by displaying paid content from various streaming services on the homepage. The new design, expected to launch in the next few months, will reportedly give users a more streamlined experience for discovering and accessing third-party content. By incorporating paid subscriptions directly into the app's homepage, YouTube aims to improve user engagement and increase revenue through advertising.

Apple is set to unveil its new MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip, following a teaser from CEO Tim Cook that hints at an announcement this week. Speculations suggest that both 13-inch and 15-inch models will be released simultaneously, completing the M4 lineup for Apple's consumer laptops. Anticipation is high, particularly for the Air M4's potential to support multiple external displays, a feature currently limited on its predecessor.

Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to energy independence from Russia and is not engaged in discussions regarding the revival of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which remains partially damaged. The German Economy Ministry emphasized the strategic importance of diversifying energy sources, particularly after the upheavals caused by the Ukraine conflict, with Norway now serving as the primary gas supplier. Estonia and other Baltic nations have echoed this sentiment, advocating for a definitive end to reliance on Russian energy infrastructure.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is incentivizing some employees with a $50,000 offer for voluntary resignation or retirement as part of a cost-cutting measure in alignment with the Trump administration's workforce reduction goals. This initiative comes amid broader efforts to streamline federal agencies, with the SEC facing pressure to reduce staffing levels and operational costs. Employees have until March 21 to respond to the offer, reflecting the agency's ongoing adjustments to its workforce dynamics.

Ikea is reportedly developing its first smart home device that utilizes the Thread protocol, which forms part of the Matter standard. The newly discovered FCC documents detail a compact temperature sensor dubbed Timmerflotte, indicating that it connects via Thread and could potentially be used with other Thread-enabled devices. This development suggests that Ikea is expanding its smart home offerings to leverage the benefits of Thread connectivity.

Manufacturing activity slowed in February while costs increased and employment contracted as President Trump's tariff policies weighed on the sector. The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing PMI registered a reading of 50.3 in February, down from January's 50.9 reading and below economists' expectations. Meanwhile, the prices paid index surged to a reading of 62.4, up from 54.9 the month prior and its highest level since July 2022.