All the News that Matters

• Ubuntu 25.10 libarchive Important Denial of Service Risks USN-8147-1
  Several security issues were fixed in libarchive.

• SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP7 Important Kernel RT Patch 2026-1180-1
  An update that solves six vulnerabilities can now be installed.

• SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP7 Kernel RT Security Update 2026-1185-1 Key
  An update that solves eight vulnerabilities can now be installed.

• SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP8 Kernel Vital Safety Update SUSE-SU-2027-2210-3
  An update that solves five vulnerabilities can now be installed.

• SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP8 Essential Security Update SUSE-SU-2026-0980-5
  An update that solves three vulnerabilities and has two security fixes can now be installed.

• SUSE 15 SP7 Kernel RT Important Security Update CVE-2026-1188-1
  An update that solves eight vulnerabilities can now be installed.

• PeaZip 11.0 Released With Faster Archive Browsing
  PeaZip 11.0 improves archive browsing speed, updates 7z/p7zip to 26.00, adds batch archive testing, and refines the file manager.

• Meta Has A New Linux Optimization To Avoid Throttling TCP Throughput Unnecessarily
  Meta's great Linux engineering team have been working through some fresh performance optimizations recently from optimizing /proc/interrupts outputs to renewing their investment in jemalloc. A new Linux kernel patch this week provides another optimization to avoid a possible situation of throttling the TCP throughput unnecessarily on Linux systems...

• Beginners Guide for Vdir Command on Linux
  The vdir command is an equivalent to the “ls -l -b” command, printing the content in long list format and showing escape characters on the file or directory name, just like the dir command is equivalent to the “ls -C -b” command.

• KDE 4’s Air Theme Making a Comeback, Oxygen Gets Major Revamp for Plasma 6.7
  Good news for fans of the classic Oxygen and Air themes from the old days of the KDE 4 desktop environment series, as they are getting some major improvements.

• Linuxiac Weekly Wrap-Up: Week 14, 2026 (Mar 24 – Apr 5)
  Catch up on the latest Linux news: Netrunner 26, AerynOS, OpenSSH 10.3, Archinstall 4.0, Wine 11.6, Linux hits 5% on Steam, Debian addresses age verification, and more.

• Arch Linux Makes nft the Default Backend for iptables
  Arch Linux developers have announced that iptables now defaults to the nft backend, replacing the previous iptables-nft package name.

• Mesa 26.1 Makes It Easier To "Fake" A GPU Reset Using LLVMpipe
  As a small but interesting addition coming for this quarter's Mesa 26.1 release is making it easy to simulate a GPU reset with the LLVMpipe software driver. While seemingly mundane, this can be quite handy for compositor developers and other app/software developers wanting to more easily test how their code behaves when encountering a GPU reset...

• Ventoy 1.1.11 Improves Windows UEFI Booting
  Ventoy 1.1.11 fixes Windows and WinPE UEFI boot display issues, adds KylinSecOS support, and brings several Linux-side improvements.

• AWS Engineer Reports PostgreSQL Performance Halved By Linux 7.0, But A Fix May Not Be Easy
  An Amazon/AWS engineer raised the alarms on Friday over the current Linux 7.0 development kernel leading to the throughput for the PostgreSQL database server being around half that of prior kernel versions. The culprit halving the PostgreSQL performance is known but a revert looks like it may not happen and currently suggesting that PostgreSQL may need to be adapted...

• Zorin OS Says No to Mandatory Age Verification in Linux
  Zorin OS says it has no plans to introduce mandatory age or ID verification into the Linux distribution.

• Linux 7.0-rc7 Released With Improved Docs For AI Agents, WiFi Driver Performance Fix
  Timed for Easter this year is the seventh weekly release candidate for the Linux 7.0 kernel. If all goes well, Linux 7.0 stable will be out next week...

• 9to5Linux Weekly Roundup: April 5th, 2026
  The 286th installment of the 9to5Linux Weekly Roundup is here for the week ending April 5th, 2026, keeping you updated on the most important developments in the Linux world.

• NHS staff resist using Palantir software
  Staff reportedly cite ethics concerns, privacy worries, and doubt the platform adds muchPalantir's software was brought in to help NHS England improve care and cut delays, but new reports suggest some staff are resisting using it over ethical, privacy, and trust concerns.…

• Netrunner 26 “Twilight” released with Debian 13, Plasma 6, and Linux 6.16
  Netrunner 26 “Twilight” is out now, based on Debian 13 Trixie, with KDE Plasma 6.3.6, Linux kernel 6.16, and updated desktop apps.

• Razer Wolverine V3 Pro & Betop KP50 Controllers To Be Supported By Linux 7.0
  Ahead of tomorrow's Linux 7.0-rc7 kernel release, this week's batch of input fixes were sent in and merged. Besides a few small input fixes are also some new device IDs and quirks for hardware now to be handled by Linux 7.0...

• Google battles Chinese open-weights models with Gemma 4
  Now with a more permissive license, multi-modality, and support for more than 140 languagesGoogle on Thursday unleashed a wave of new open-weights Gemma models optimized for agentic AI and coding, under a more permissive Apache 2.0 license aimed at winning over enterprises.…

• Linux 7.1 To Expose AMD Zen 6's AVX-512 BMM For Guest VMs
  A small but important patch that looks like it will be merged for the upcoming Linux 7.1 kernel is for enumerating AVX-512 BMM support for KVM virtualized guests. AVX-512 BMM is one of the exciting ISA additions with next-gen AMD Zen 6 processors...

• Pidgin 3.0 Messaging Client Moves from Experimental Build to Alpha
  Pidgin 3.0 has entered the alpha stage with version 2.95, featuring updated account settings and ongoing development of Zulip protocol support.

• 2D CAD Design Tool For GNOME Desktop Lands More Features
  In the past few days was the release of FreeCAD 1.1 and SolveSpace 3.2 for open-source computer aided design (CAD) while now joining the party is Design 50 Alpha as a GNOME-aligned 2D CAD design tool...

• Debian Project Leader Addresses New Age Verification Laws
  Debian Project Leader Andreas Tille says Debian has made no decision on age verification compliance and is still awaiting legal analysis.

• Artemis II Astronauts Break Apollo Record For Farthest Distance Humans Have Traveled From Earth
  Artemis II has broken the Apollo 13 record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth. NASA reports: The Artemis II crew of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen have set the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by a human mission, surpassing the Apollo 13 record of 248,655 miles set in 1970. NASA Flight Director Brandon Lloyd, Capsule Communicator Amy Dill, and Command and Handling Data Officer Brandon Borter also marked a lighthearted milestone today by emailing the crew what is now assumed to be the longest person-to-person message ever sent in human history. After breaking the record for human spaceflight, crew also took a moment to provisionally name a couple of craters on the Moon, noting they were able to see them with their naked eye. Just northwest of Orientale basin highlighted above is a crater they would like to name Integrity after their spacecraft and this historic mission. Just northeast of Integrity, on the near and far side boundary, and sometimes visible from Earth, the crew suggested Carroll crater in honor of Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, the organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features. On April 1, NASA successfully launched humanity's first crewed trip around the Moon in more than 50 years. A couple of days into the mission, attention turned to a more mundane problem when reports said the astronauts had access to "two Microsoft Outlooks" and neither was working properly. By April 4, the crew had passed 100,000 miles from Earth as they continued deeper into space, and by April 6, they had entered the Moon's gravitational pull and caught their first views of the lunar far side.
  
  
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• Samsung's Messages App Is Shutting Down
  Samsung says it will discontinue its Samsung Messages app in July 2026 and is directing Galaxy users to switch to Google Messages instead. Android Central reports: [...] Samsung says users can switch to Google Messages as their default app to maintain a consistent Android messaging experience. The fine print also states that once the app is discontinued, "sending messages via Samsung Messages on your phone will no longer be possible, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined in your device." Samsung also notes that users will no longer be able to download the Messages app from the Galaxy Store once it is discontinued. Newer devices, including the Galaxy S26 series, already do not support installing Samsung Messages. It is, however, worth noting that users on Android 11 or older are not affected by this change and will still be able to use the Samsung Messages app on their devices. [...] Samsung also warns that on some devices released before 2022, switching apps may temporarily disrupt ongoing RCS conversations. However, chats should resume once both users move to Google Messages. The company also highlights some of the benefits of the switch, including improved security, RCS support, AI features, and better multi-device connectivity.
  
  
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• Germany Doxes 'UNKN,' Head of RU Ransomware Gangs REvil, GandCrab
  An anonymous reader quotes a report from KrebsOnSecurity: An elusive hacker who went by the handle "UNKN" and ran the early Russian ransomware groups GandCrab and REvil now has a name and a face. Authorities in Germany say 31-year-old Russian Daniil Maksimovich Shchukin headed both cybercrime gangs and helped carry out at least 130 acts of computer sabotage and extortion against victims across the country between 2019 and 2021. Shchukin was named as UNKN (a.k.a. UNKNOWN) in an advisory published by the German Federal Criminal Police (the "Bundeskriminalamt" or BKA for short). The BKA said Shchukin and another Russian -- 43-year-old Anatoly Sergeevitsch Kravchuk -- extorted nearly $2 million euros across two dozen cyberattacks that caused more than 35 million euros in total economic damage. Germany's BKA said Shchukin acted as the head of one of the largest worldwide operating ransomware groups GandCrab and REvil, which pioneered the practice of double extortion -- charging victims once for a key needed to unlock hacked systems, and a separate payment in exchange for a promise not to publish stolen data. Shchukin's name appeared in a Feb. 2023 filing (PDF) from the U.S. Justice Department seeking the seizure of various cryptocurrency accounts associated with proceeds from the REvil ransomware gang's activities. The government said the digital wallet tied to Shchukin contained more than $317,000 in ill-gotten cryptocurrency. The BKA believes Shchukin resides in Krasnodar, Russia, where he is from. "Based on the investigations so far, it is assumed that the wanted person is abroad, presumably in Russia," the BKA advised. "Travel behavior cannot be ruled out."
  
  
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• More Americans Are Breaking Into the Upper Middle Class
  More Americans have moved into upper-middle-class incomes over the past several decades (source paywalled; alternative source), with new research suggesting that group has grown sharply while the lower and core middle class have shrunk. The Wall Street Journal reports: In 2024, about 31% of Americans were part of the upper middle class, up from about 10% in 1979, according to a report released this year by the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute. There is no single, standard definition of middle class, or upper middle class, and what counts as a hefty income in one city can feel paltry in another. The AEI report, by Stephen Rose and Scott Winship, classified a family of three earning $133,000 to $400,000 in 2024 dollars as upper middle class. Households earning more were categorized as rich. The analysis looked just at incomes, not assets such as stocks or real estate. [...] The gains span generations. Many baby boomers, born to parents who grew up in the Great Depression, are living well on their savings, aided by steady Social Security checks and decades of stock-portfolio gains that they can now tap. Millennials, who everyone worried would be permanently set back by the 2008-09 financial crisis, are earning solid incomes, buying homes and surpassing their parents. Many families are surprised to find that they have moved into this new economic tier, and see themselves as comfortable, not rich. They tend to have jobs that are white collar but not flashy -- think accountants, not tech founders. This doesn't mean that all Americans are climbing the ladder. Entrenched inflation and higher prices on major necessities have pushed many families closer to the financial edge, or locked them out of homeownership. Those costs weigh on high-earning families too, and for many are the reason they don't feel wealthy. The AEI report divided families into five different groups by income. Three groups were in the middle: lower middle class, core middle class and upper middle class. The authors found that more families now fall into the two highest-earning groups -- upper middle class and rich -- and fewer fall into the three lower-earning categories.
  
  
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• Peter Thiel Is Betting Big On Solar-Powered Cow Collars
  Halter, a New Zealand agtech startup now valued at $2 billion, has raised $220 million to expand its AI-powered cattle management system. "Halter is now valued at $2 billion following the Series E, which was led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund with participation from Blackbird, DCVC, Bond, Bessemer, and several others," reports Inc. From the report: Halter plans to use the funding to expand its existing footprint in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, as well as to grow into new markets such as Ireland, the U.K., and parts of North and South America. The round is one of the biggest to-date in the industry, and comes amid growing adoption of the technology among U.S. ranchers. According to Halter, U.S. ranchers have erected some 60,000 miles of virtual fencing since the company's launch in 2024. Halter's technology works through a system of solar-powered collars and in-pasture towers that collect data -- some 6,000 data points per collar per minute -- from grazing cattle and feed it into a cloud-based platform and app for farmers. The collars are ergonomically designed to be comfortable for the cattle wearing them, and leverage AI to play audio cues or vibrate when it is time to move to a different grazing location or if they step outside of a predetermined zone. The collars can also deliver an electric pulse if an animal does not respond. Halter's app also creates a digital twin of a ranch, which essentially means a digital replica that leverages real-time data to accurately reflect conditions. Farmers can consult the app to check on their herd, or fence, and move cattle with just a few clicks. Halter also has a proprietary algorithm that it calls a "Cowgorithm" trained on seven billion hours of animal behavior. Altogether, this technology is meant to make ranchers' lives easier when herding cattle, help them save money on building physical fencing, and provide insights about pasture management to improve soil health and pasture productivity. Halter says some 2,000 farmers and ranchers currently use its tech worldwide.
  
  
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• Copilot Is 'For Entertainment Purposes Only,' According To Microsoft's ToS
  An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: AI skeptics aren't the only ones warning users not to unthinkingly trust models' outputs -- that's what the AI companies say themselves in their terms of service. Take Microsoft, which is currently focused on getting corporate customers to pay for Copilot. But it's also been getting dinged on social media over Copilot's terms of use, which appear to have been last updated on October 24, 2025. "Copilot is for entertainment purposes only," the company warned. "It can make mistakes, and it may not work as intended. Don't rely on Copilot for important advice. Use Copilot at your own risk." Microsoft described the terms of service as "legacy language," saying it will be updated. Tom's Hardware notes that similar AI warnings remain common across the industry, with companies like OpenAI and xAI also cautioning users not to treat chatbot output as "the truth" or as "a sole service of truth or factual information."
  
  
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• Linux Finally Starts Removing Support for Intel's 37-Year-Old i486 Processor
  "It's finally time," writes Phoronix — since "no known Linux distribution vendors are still shipping with i486 CPU support." "A patch queued into one of the development branches ahead of the upcoming Linux 7.1 merge window is set to finally begin the process of phasing out and ultimately removing Intel 486 CPU support from the Linux kernel." More details from XDA-Developers:Authored by Ingo Molnar, the change, titled "x86/cpu: Remove M486/M486SX/ELAN support," begins dismantling Linux's built-in support for the i486, which was first released back in 1989. As the changelog notes, even Linus is keen to cut ties with the architecture: "In the x86 architecture we have various complicated hardware emulation facilities on x86-32 to support ancient 32-bit CPUs that very very few people are using with modern kernels. This compatibility glue is sometimes even causing problems that people spend time to resolve, which time could be spent on other things. As Linus recently remarked: 'I really get the feeling that it's time to leave i486 support behind. There's zero real reason for anybody to waste one second of development effort on this kind of issue'..." If you're one of the rare few who still keep the decades-old CPU alive, your best bet will be to grab an LTS Linux distro that keeps the older version of Linux for a few more years.
  
  
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• Russia's VPN Crackdown Caused Bank Outages, Telegram Founder Says
  Russia's "great crackdown" on VPNs — and a clampdown on Telegram's messaging platform — had an unintended side effect, reports Bloomberg. It "triggered the widespread banking outage seen across the country this week, Telegram's billionaire founder Pavel Durov said.""Telegram was banned in Russia, yet 65 million Russians still use it daily via VPNs," Durov said Saturday in a post on Telegram. "The government has spent years trying to ban VPNs too. Their blocking attempts just triggered a massive banking failure; cash briefly became the only payment method nationwide yesterday." Attempts on Friday to limit VPN use could have sparked the disruption affecting banking apps, The Bell and other Russian media reported, citing industry sources who weren't identified. The outage may have been caused by an overload in the filtering systems run by Russia's communications watchdog, according to the reports, with experts warning that major restrictions risk undermining network stability... Separately, payments for Apple Inc.'s app store and other services became unavailable in Russia from April 1, the US company said on its website, without saying why. Earlier, RBC newswire reported that the Digital Development Ministry had asked mobile operators to disable top-ups, which could help limit VPN use.... Durov, who's being investigated in Russia for allegedly aiding terrorist activity, compared the situation in his home country to Iran, where similar restrictions prompted widespread adoption of VPNs instead of the intended shift to state-backed messaging apps. "Welcome back to the Digital Resistance, my Russian brothers and sisters," said Durov, who has lived in Dubai and France in recent years. "The entire nation is now mobilized to bypass these absurd restrictions," he wrote, adding that Telegram would continue adapting to make its traffic harder to detect and block.
  
  
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• Artemis Astronauts Enter Moon's Gravitational Pull, Catch First Glimpses of Far Side
  NASA's Artemis astronauts are now entering "the lunar sphere of influence," reports NBC News, "meaning the pull of the moon's gravity will become stronger than Earth's." Now as they begin their swing around the moon, the Artemis astronauts "are chasing after Apollo 13's maximum range from Earth," reports the Associated Press, hoping to beat its distance from Earth by more than 4,100 miles (6,600 kilometers). They'll begin their six-hour lunar flyby 14 hours from now (at 2:45 p.m. ET Monday). But in a space-to-earth interview Saturday with NBC News, the astronauts were already describing their first glimpses of the edge of the far side:[NASA astronaut Christina Koch realized] it looked different from what she was accustomed to on Earth. "The darker parts just aren't quite in the right place," she said. "And something about you senses that is not the moon that I'm used to seeing...." [Astronaut Reid] Wiseman called the flight a "magnificent accomplishment" and said the astronauts' ability to gaze at both Earth and the moon from their spacecraft has been "truly awe-inspiring." "The Earth is almost in full eclipse. The moon is almost in full daylight, and the only way you could get that view is to be halfway between the two entities," he said... And while the early photos of Earth and the moon that [Canadian astronaut Jeremy] Hansen and his colleagues have beamed back have been spectacular, the Canadian astronaut said they pale in comparison to the real deal outside their capsule's windows. "I know those photos are amazing," he said, "but let me assure you, it is another level of amazing up here." And their upcoming six-hour lunar flyby "promises views of the moon's far side that were too dark or too difficult to see by the 24 Apollo astronauts who preceded them," notes the Associated Press:A total solar eclipse also awaits them as the moon blocks the sun, exposing snippets of shimmering corona.... At closest approach, they will come within 4,070 miles (6,550 kilometers) of the moon. Because they launched on April 1, the rendezvous won't have as much of the far lunar side illuminated as other dates would have. But the crew still will be able make out "definite chunks of the far side that have never been seen" by humans, said NASA geologist Kelsey Young, including a good portion of Orientale Basin. They'll call down their observations as they photograph the gray, pockmarked scenes. There's a suite of professional-quality cameras on board, and each astronaut also has an iPhone for more informal, spur-of-the-minute picture-taking... Orion will be out of contact with Mission Control for nearly an hour when it's behind the moon. The same thing happened during the Apollo moonshots. NASA is relying on its Deep Space Network to communicate with the crew, but the giant antennas in California, Spain and Australia won't have a direct line of sight when Orion disappears behind the moon for approximately 40 minutes... Once Artemis II departs the lunar neighborhood, it will take four days to return home. The capsule will aim for a splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego on April 10, nine days after its Florida launch. During the flight back, the astronauts will link up via radio with the crew of the orbiting International Space Station. This is the first time that a moon crew has colleagues in space at the same time and NASA can't pass up the opportunity for a cosmic chitchat.
  
  
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• Internet Bug Bounty Pauses Payouts, Citing 'Expanding Discovery' From AI-Assisted Research
  The Internet Bug Bounty program "has been paused for new submissions," they announced last week. Running since 2012, the program is funded by "a number of leading software companies," reports InfoWorld, "and has awarded more than $1.5m to researchers who have reported bugs "Up to now, 80% of its payouts have been for discoveries of new flaws, and 20% to support remediation efforts. But as artificial intelligence makes it easier to find bugs, that balance needs to change, HackerOne said in a statement. "AI-assisted research is expanding vulnerability discovery across the ecosystem, increasing both coverage and speed. The balance between findings and remediation capacity in open source has substantively shifted," said HackerOne. Among the first programs to be affected is the Node.js project, a server-side JavaScript platform for web applications known for its extensive ecosystem. While the project team will continue to accept and triage bug reports through HackerOne, without funding from the Internet Bug Bounty program it will no longer pay out rewards, according to an announcement on its website... [J]ust last month, Google also put a halt to AI-generated submissions provided to its Open Source Software Vulnerability Reward Program. The Internet Bug Bounty stressed that "We have a responsibility to the community to ensure this program effectively accomplishes its ambitious dual purpose: discovery and remediation. Accordingly, we are pausing submissions while we consider the structure and incentives needed to further these goals..." "We remain committed to strengthening open source security. Working with project maintainers and researchers, we're actively evaluating solutions to better align incentives with open source ecosystem realities and ensure vulnerability discoveries translate into durable remediation outcomes."
  
  
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• Claude Code Leak Reveals a 'Stealth' Mode for GenAI Code Contributions - and a 'Frustration Words' Regex
  That leak of Claude Code's source code "revealed all kinds of juicy details," writes PC World. The more than 500,000 lines of code included: - An 'undercover mode' for Claude that allows it to make 'stealth' contributions to public code bases- An 'always-on' agent for Claude Code- A Tamagotchi-style 'Buddy' for Claude "But one of the stranger bits discovered in the leak is that Claude Code is actively watching our chat messages for words and phrases — including f-bombs and other curses — that serve as signs of user frustration."Specifically, Claude Code includes a file called "userPromptKeywords.ts" with a simple pattern-matching tool called regex, which sweeps each and every message submitted to Claude for certain text matches. In this particular case, the regex pattern is watching for "wtf," "wth," "omfg," "dumbass," "horrible," "awful," "piece of — -" (insert your favorite four-letter word for that one), "f — you," "screw this," "this sucks," and several other colorful metaphors... While the Claude Code leak revealed the existence of the "frustration words" regex, it doesn't give any indication of why Claude Code is scouring messages for these words or what it's doing with them.
  
  
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• Hundreds of Theatres Show Apocalyptic-Yet-Optimistic New Movie, 'The AI Doc'
  Hundreds of theatres are now showing a new documentary called The AI Doc: Or How I Became An Apocaloptimist. Variety calls it "playful and heady,"edited "with a spirit of ADHD alertness." The New York Times suggests it "tries to cover so much that it ends up being more confusing than clarifying, but parts are fascinating." But the Los Angeles Times calls it an "aggravating soup of information and opinion that wants to move at the speed of machine thought." So while co-director Daniel Roher asks whether he should bring a child into a world with AI, "Perhaps more urgently, should Roher have made an AI doc that treats us like children?"First, he parades all the safety doomers, seeming to believe their warnings that an unfeeling superintelligence is upon us and we can't trust it. Then, sufficiently disturbed, he hauls in the AI cheerleaders, a suspiciously positive gang who can envision only medical miracles and grindless lives in which we're all full-time artists. Only then, after this simplistic setup where platitudes reign, do we get the section in which the subject is treated like the brave (and grave) new world it is: geopolitically fraught, economically tenuous and a playground for billionaires. Why couldn't the complexity have been the dialogue from the beginning, instead of the play-dumb cartoon "The AI Doc" feels like for so long? Maybe Roher believes this is what our increasingly gullible, truth-challenged citizenry needs from an explanatory doc: a flashy, kindhearted reminder that we're the change we need to be. Read more reactions here and here. Mashable warns the documentary's director "will ultimately craft a journey that feels like a panic attack in real time. In the end, you may not feel better about mankind's chances against the rise of AI. But you'll likely feel less helpless in the future before us all." They also point out that the film "shares some ways its audience can more actively be apart of the conversation, and provides a link to the film's website for engagement," where 6,948 people have now signed up for its newsletter. ("Demand a seat at the table," urges its signup button, under a warning that "Government and AI companies are designing our future without us. We need to reclaim our voice in shaping the future of AI...")
  
  
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• Will 'AI-Assisted' Journalists Bring Errors and Retractions?
  Meet the "journalist" who "uploads press releases or analyst notes into AI tools and prompts them to spit out articles that he can edit and publish quickly," according to the Wall Street Journal. "AI-assisted stories accounted for nearly 20% of Fortune's web traffic in the second half of 2025." And most were written by 42-year-old Nick Lichtenberg, who has now written over 600 AI-assisted stories, producing "more stories in six months than any of his colleagues at Fortune delivered in a year." One Wednesday in February, he cranked out seven. "I'm a bit of a freak," Lichtenberg said... A story by Lichtenberg sometimes starts with a prompt entered into Perplexity or Google's NotebookLM, asking it to write something based on a headline he comes up with. He moves the AI tools' initial drafts into a content-management system and edits the stories before publishing them for Fortune's readers... A piece from earlier that morning about Josh D'Amaro being named Disney CEO took 10 minutes to get online, he said... Like other journalists, Lichtenberg vets his stories. He refers back to the original documents to confirm the information he's reporting is correct. He reaches out to companies for comment. But he admits his process isn't as thorough as that of magazine fact-checkers. While Lichtenberg started out saying his stories were co-authored with "Fortune Intelligence", he now typically signs his own name, according to the article, "because he feels the work is mostly his own." (Though his stories "sometimes" disclose generative AI was used as a research tool...) The article asks with he could be "a bellwether for where much of the media business is headed..." "Much of the content people now consume online is generated by artificial intelligence, with some 9% of newly published newspaper articles either partially or fully AI-generated, according to a 2025 study led by the University of Maryland. The number of AI-generated articles on the web surpassed human-written ones in late 2024, according to research and marketing agency Graphite."Some executives have made full-throated declarations about the threat posed by AI. New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger said AI "is almost certainly going to usher in an unprecedented torrent of crap," referencing deepfakes as an example. The NewsGuild of New York, the union representing Fortune employees and journalists at other media outlets, said the people are what makes journalism so powerful. "You simply can't replicate lived experiences, human judgment and expertise," said president Susan DeCarava. For Chris Quinn, the editor of local publications Cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer, AI tools have helped tame other torrents facing the industry. AI has allowed the outlets to cover counties in Ohio that otherwise might go ignored by scraping information from local websites and sending "tips" to reporters, he said. It has also edited stories and written first drafts so the newsrooms' journalists can focus on the calls, research and reporting needed for their stories.... Newsrooms from the New York Times to The Wall Street Journal are deploying AI in various ways to help reporters and editors work more efficiently.... Not all newsrooms disclose their use of AI, and in some cases have rolled out new tools that resulted in errors or PR gaffes. An October study from the European Broadcasting Union and the BBC, which relied on professional journalists to evaluate the news integrity of more than 3,000 AI responses, found that almost half of all AI responses had at least one significant issue. Last week the New York Times even issued a correction when a freelance book reviewer using an AI tool unknowingly included "language and details similar to those in a review of the same book published in The Guardian." But it was actually "the second time in a few days that the Times was called out for potential AI plagiarism," according to the American journalist writing The Handbasket newsletter.We must stem the idea being pushed by tech companies and their billionaire funders who've sunk too much into their products to admit defeat that the infiltration of AI into journalism is inevitable; because from my perch as an independent journalist, it simply is not... Some AI-loving journalists appear to believe that if they're clear enough with the AI program they're using, it will truly understand what they're seeking and not just do what it's made to do: steal shit... If you want to work with machines, get a job that requires it. There are a whole lot more of those than there are writing jobs, so free up space for people who actually want to do the work. You're not doing the world a favor by gifting it your human/AI hybrid. Journalism will not miss you if you leave... But meanwhile, USA Today recently tried hiring for a new position: AI-Assisted reporter. (The lucky reporter will "support the launch and scaling of AI-assisted local journalism in a major U.S. metro," working with tools including Copilot and Perplexity, pioneering possible future expansions and "AI-enabled newsroom operations that support and augment human-led journalism.") And Google is already sponsoring a "publishing innovation award"...
  
  
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• Crooks Behind $27M in 'Refund' Scams Busted By YouTube Pranksters After Being Lured to Fake Funeral
  One crime ring scammed 2,000 elderly people of more than $27 million between 2021 and 2023 using tech support/bank impersonation/refund scams. "Victims were in their 70s and 80s," reports the U.S. Attorney's office for California's southern district. Victims were first told they'd received a refund (either online or via phone), but then told they'd been "over-refunded" a massive amount, and asked to return that amount. But 42-year-old Jiandong Chen just admitted Thursday in a U.S. federal court that he was involved in the fraud and money laundering via cryptocurrency — pleading guilty to two charges with maximum penalties of 40 years in prison and a $1 million fine, plus 20 years in prison with a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the amount laundered. "Chen, a Chinese national, is the second defendant charged in a five-defendant indictment." And what tripped him up seems to be that "Certain members of the conspiracy also did in-person pickups of money directly from victims..." And so YouTube enters the story — when the scammers called pranksters with 1,790,000 subscribers to their "Trilogy Media" channel. In an elaborate three-hour video, the team of pranksters lured the scammer to a rented Airbnb where they're staging a fake funeral with a nun. (One of the men acting in the video remembers "we start doing a prayer... I'm holding the scammer's hand in my nun outfit...") They convince the scammer to collect the cash from a dead man — "Is there anything you'd like to say to him?" Then there's demon voices. The scammer's victim resurrects from the dead. Did the cash mule bring holy water? The end result was a video titled "CONFRONTING SCAMMERS WITH A FAKE FUNERAL (EPIC REACTIONS)". But two and a half years later, their "cash mule sting house" video has racked up over 1.3 million views, 22,000 likes, and 2,979 comments. ("This video is longer than Oppenheimer. Thanks for the laughs fellas.") And the scammer is facing 60 years in prison.
  
  
  Read more of this story at Slashdot.
  

• Apple Brings Device-Level Age Verification to Two More Countries
  11 days ago Apple launched device-level age restrictions in the U.K. There were some glitches, reports the blog 9to5Mac.For me, the experience was an entirely painless one, taking less than 30 seconds. All I had to do was tap a confirm and continue button, and Apple told me that the length of time I'd had an Apple account was used to confirm that I'm 18+. Others, however, experienced difficulties with the process timing out or failing to complete. We summarized some of the steps you can take to try to address this. Apple has since listed additional acceptable ways to verify your age. "You can confirm your age with a credit card, or by scanning a driver's license or one of the following PASS-accredited Proof of Age cards: CitizenCard, My ID Card, TOTUM ID card, or Young Scot National Entitlement Card." If you don't verify your age, then you'll be treated as a child or teenager, meaning that both the web content filter and communication safety features are switched on. Apple is continuing the roll-out in Singapore (population 6 million) and South Korea (population 52 million), the article points out, citing a new Apple support document. South Korea's law actually requires Apple to re-verify someone's age annually.
  
  
  Read more of this story at Slashdot.
  

• Implementing Secure Zero-Touch Provisioning in AI and Edge Infrastructure
  By Juha Holkkola, FusionLayer Group How DHCP Changed Connectivity In the late 1990s, the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) quietly catalyzed a revolution in digital connectivity. Before DHCP was introduced, connecting devices to a network involved manual entry of IP addresses, DNS servers, subnet masks, and gateways. Networks were fragile, prone to errors, and severely [0]
  
  The post Implementing Secure Zero-Touch Provisioning in AI and Edge Infrastructure appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• From DHCP to SZTP – The Trust Revolution
  By Juha Holkkola, FusionLayer Group The Dawn of Effortless Connectivity In the transformative years of the late 1990s, a quiet revolution took place, fundamentally altering how we connect to networks. The introduction of DHCP answered a crucial question, Where are you on the network?!, by automating IP address assignment. This innovation eradicated the manual configuration [0]
  
  The post From DHCP to SZTP – The Trust Revolution appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• Celebrating the Second Year of Linux Man-Pages Maintenance Sponsorship
  Sustaining a Core Part of the Linux Ecosystem The Linux Foundation has announced a second year of sponsorship for the ongoing maintenance of the Linux manual pages (man-pages) project, led by Alejandro (Alex) Colomar. This critical initiative is made possible through the continued support of Google, Hudson River Trading, and Meta, who have renewed their [0]
  
  The post Celebrating the Second Year of Linux Man-Pages Maintenance Sponsorship appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• Disaggregated Routing with SONiC and VPP: Lab Demo and Performance Insights  Part Two
  In Part One of this series, we examined how the SONiC control plane and the VPP data plane form a cohesive, software-defined routing stack through the Switch Abstraction Interface.` We outlined how SONiC’s Redis-based orchestration and VPP’s user-space packet engine come together to create a high-performance, open router architecture. In this second part, we’ll turn [0]
  
  The post Disaggregated Routing with SONiC and VPP: Lab Demo and Performance Insights  Part Two appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• Disaggregated Routing with SONiC and VPP: Architecture and Integration  Part One
  The networking industry is undergoing a fundamental architectural transformation, driven by the relentless demands of cloud-scale data centers and the rise of software-defined infrastructure. At the heart of this evolution is the principle of disaggregation: the systematic unbundling of components that were once tightly integrated within proprietary, monolithic systems.` This movement began with the separation [0]
  
  The post Disaggregated Routing with SONiC and VPP: Architecture and Integration  Part One appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• Kubernetes on Bare Metal for Maximum Performance
  When teams consider deploying Kubernetes, one of the first questions that arises is: where should it run? The default answer is often the public cloud, thanks to its flexibility and ease of use. However, a growing number of organizations are revisiting the advantages of running Kubernetes directly on bare metal servers. For workloads that demand [0]
  
  The post Kubernetes on Bare Metal for Maximum Performance appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• How to Deploy Lightweight Language Models on Embedded Linux with LiteLLM
  This article was contributed by Vedrana Vidulin, Head of Responsible AI Unit at Intellias (LinkedIn). As AI becomes central to smart devices, embedded systems, and edge computing, the ability to run language models locally — without relying on the cloud — is essential. Whether its for reducing latency, improving data privacy, or enabling offline functionality, local AI [0]
  
  The post How to Deploy Lightweight Language Models on Embedded Linux with LiteLLM appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• Automating Compliance Management with UTMStacks Open Source SIEM 8 XDR
  Achieving and maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks can be challenging for many organizations. Managing security controls manually often leads to excessive use of time and resources, leaving less available for strategic initiatives and business growth. Standards such as CMMC, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC2 and GDPR demand ongoing monitoring, detailed documentation, and rigorous evidence collection. Solutions [0]
  
  The post Automating Compliance Management with UTMStacks Open Source SIEM & XDR appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• A Simple Way to Install Talos Linux on Any Machine, with Any Provider
  Talos Linux is a specialized operating system designed for running Kubernetes. First and foremost it handles full lifecycle management for Kubernetes control-plane components. On the other hand, Talos Linux focuses on security, minimizing the user’s ability to influence the system. A distinctive feature of this OS is the near-complete absence of executables, including the absence [0]
  
  The post A Simple Way to Install Talos Linux on Any Machine, with Any Provider appeared first on Linux.com.
  

• Using OpenTelemetry and the OTel Collector for Logs, Metrics, and Traces
  OpenTelemetry (fondly known as OTel) is an open-source project that provides a unified set of APIs, libraries, agents, and instrumentation to capture and export logs, metrics, and traces from applications. The project’s goal is to standardize observability across various services and applications, enabling better monitoring and troubleshooting. Read More at Causely
  
  The post Using OpenTelemetry and the OTel Collector for Logs, Metrics, and Traces appeared first on Linux.com.
  

Engadget"Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics"

• Apple will again appeal to the Supreme Court in battle with Epic Games
  The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple is escalating once again. For a second time, the warring factions are going straight to the top of the judicial system. Apple is asking for the Supreme Court to review when and how it can charge commissions on mobile purchases made via third-party payment systems. The business has requested a motion to stay on a lower court ruling regarding the fees Apple charges to software developers using those external financial systems rather than the App Store. 
  
  The last time Apple petitioned for an appeal at the top of the judicial branch, it was about a lower court requiring it to allow developers to use third-party payment options. The Supreme Court declined to hear that case. It9s possible that the tech company will once again be denied, although this effort regards specifically limits on commission rates rather than the basic premise of allowing in-app payments to be processed outside the App Store. 
  
  Epic Games has been pushing both Apple and Google on the subject of their app store commission fees for years. Recently, the gaming company did appear to reach an accord with Google that saw the company9s popular game Fortnite globally return to the Google Play Store in March. That ruling reportedly requires Epic9s notoriously opinionated CEO to keep quiet on the subject of Google9s app store fees until 2032. Epic Games recently made substantial job cuts, laying off more than 1,000 workers last month.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-again-appeal-to-the-supreme-court-in-battle-with-epic-games-193551758.html?src=rss

• Three YouTubers accuse Apple of illegal scraping to train its AI models
  Three YouTube channels have banded together and filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, as first spotted by lawsuit, the creators behind h3h3 Productions, MrShortGameGolf and Golfholics have accused Apple of violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act by scraping copyrighted videos on YouTube to train its AI models.
  
  While the YouTubers' videos are available to watch on the platform, the lawsuit alleged that Apple illegally circumvented the "controlled streaming architecture" that regular users are limited to. The creators claimed that Apple's video scraping was used to train its generative AI products, adding that the tech giant's "massive financial success would not have been possible without the video content created" by the YouTubers. MacRumors noted that these YouTube channels have also filed similar lawsuits against other tech companies, including Meta, Nvidia, ByteDance and Snap.
  
  It's not the first time a company's alleged AI training methods have gotten them in legal trouble. OpenAI and Microsoft were both accused of using copyrighted articles from the NYTimes to train its AI chatbots. Similarly, Perplexity was recently sued by Reddit and Encyclopedia Britannica for alleged copyright and trademark infringements. Last year, Apple was also named in a separate class action lawsuit from two neuroscience professors who claimed their copyrighted works were used without permission. We reached out to Apple for comment and will update the story when we hear back.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/three-youtubers-accuse-apple-of-illegal-scraping-to-train-its-ai-models-181028745.html?src=rss

• NASA's Artemis II crew just flew farther away from Earth than anyone ever has before
  NASA9s Artemis II crew just set a new distance record in miles traveled away from Earth. The team of four astronauts are in the process of circling the Moon, reaching 5,000 miles beyond the natural satellite. That brings the total distance traveled away from our home to over 250,000 miles. Gene Roddenberry would be proud.
  
  This broke the previous 1970 record set by Apollo 139s crew by around 4,000 miles. The four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch of NASA and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency – are the first humans to cross the lunar threshold since 19729s Apollo 17 mission.
  
  "We challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived," Commander Reid Wiseman said upon crossing the distance threshold. He also suggested that NASA name a lunar crater after the craft itself. 
  
  The astronauts aren9t landing on the lunar surface, but are conducting a lengthy flyby that should provide clear images of the Moon9s far side "that have never been seen" by humans. These areas were too difficult to clearly see by the various Apollo crew members. They9ll also get a peek at a solar eclipse, though the crew will be out of contact with mission control for around 40 minutes.
  
  "We’ll get eyes on the moon, kind of map it out and then continue to go back in force," NASA flight director, Judd Frieling, said. Astronaut Christina Koch has called today9s record an important milestone "that people can understand and wrap their heads around."
  
  As for that mapping, the crew "has a series of different cameras, and they9re going to get data from that." This is according to NASA administrator Jared Isaacman who also said the astronauts have been training for this moment for almost four years. This mapping data will be used to plan future crewed missions to the lunar surface.
  
  The Orion capsule is now on its crawl back to Earth. It9ll drop down in around four days. NASA is planning for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on April 10, which is nine days after the launch.
  
  Astronaut Victor Glover delivered an Easter message over the weekend in which he called Earth an "oasis" and said that humanity is "special in all of this emptiness." This is a marked contrast from the Easter message delivered by President Trump.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/nasas-artemis-ii-crew-just-flew-farther-away-from-earth-than-anyone-ever-has-before-180259867.html?src=rss

• You can now search through app reviews on the Google Play Store
  Finding the right app on the Google Play Store just got a lot easier. Google is rolling out a new search function for an app's reviews when navigating its Play Store, as first spotted by App Store that can only sort an app's reviews. Google has also been cracking down on bad apps that violate its policies in recent years, but giving users the ability to search through reviews could offer another layer of scrutiny for any apps that slip through the cracks.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/you-can-now-search-through-app-reviews-on-the-google-play-store-170459063.html?src=rss

• Netflix just released a standalone gaming app for kids
  Netflix just released a free app called Playground for smartphones and tablets. This is a gaming app for kids, aged eight and under. It9s available to all Netflix members on any tier, and the company promises it doesn9t have ads or in-app purchases.
  
  It also works without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection. Netflix says this makes it the "perfect companion for long airplane rides or grocery trips." Kids do love their screens.
  
  The company promises an "ever-growing library of games" for children. The platform launches with titles based on some massively popular franchises. There9s something called Playtime with Peppa Pig, which is a collection of minigames starring the titular Peppa and friends.
  
  There9s also a game set on Sesame Street, in which kids get to "hang out with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar and more beloved puppet pals." This is another minigame collection, with a memory card game, a connect-the-dots game and more.
  
  The catalog also includes a couple of games based on Dr. Seuss properties and a racing title based on the show Bad Dinosaurs. There are other things on the platform, like a sticker book collection and jigsaw puzzles. Again, every title here is intended for young children.
  
  Netflix Playground is available now in the US and many other parts of the world. It launches globally on April 28. The regular Netflix app still offers access to traditional video games, though the streamer9s interactive division has been struggling lately. It closed its AAA gaming studio back in 2024 and has since removed many titles from the platform.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/netflix-just-released-a-standalone-gaming-app-for-kids-170030884.html?src=rss

• How to watch the historic Artemis II lunar flyby
  NASA's Artemis II mission is about to make history. After a successful April 1 launch, and a trip of 39,000 miles through space, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen are about to travel farther from Earth than any human beings have before, and you can watch the entire thing unfold online. NASA will stream the entire flyby on YouTube and its own NASA+ website, with coverage beginning at 1PM ET.  You can also watch NASA+ through Netflix.
  
  It's going to take some time for things to get underway, so if you're working or have plans this evening but don't want to miss seeing history being made, your best bet is to try and catch a handful of key moments. At approximately 1:56PM ET, Artemis II will fly farther than any crewed mission has before, breaking the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. Then, the Orion spacecraft will begin its flyby of the Moon at 2:45PM ET, with the craft expected to make its closest approach to the lunar surface at approximately 7:02PM ET. A few short minutes later, the spacecraft will reach its maximum distance from Earth at about 7:07PM ET. 
  
  A little more than an hour later at 8:35PM, the Artemis II crew will get a chance to see a total solar eclipse from the far side of the Moon. This is something that won't be visible from Earth. So if you can only catch one part of the broadcast, this is the one to watch.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/how-to-watch-the-historic-artemis-ii-lunar-flyby-155114417.html?src=rss

• Mercedes-Benz recalls some G-Wagon EVs due to risk of wheels falling off
  Before you take your electric G-Wagon for its next off-roading excursion, you may want to stop by an authorized dealer. The German automaker issued a recall for every Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology with the 2025 model year, as first spotted by website, the current wheel bolts could "allow a wheel to loosen or detach from the vehicle," potentially affecting 3,734 models on the road.
  
  The recall report explained that the electric G580's wheel bolts were "not adapted to the increased vehicle mass and higher torque loads associated with the electric variant." According to the NHTSA report, Mercedes-Benz used the same wheel assembly and bolts as its other G-Class vehicles for the electric model, but conducted an analysis from September 2024 to January 2025 that confirmed these wheel bolts could loosen from repeated rough driving and wheel changes, specifically with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology models. In the end, Mercedes-Benz concluded in the report that it couldn't rule out the risk, even though the wheel bolt loosening was "unlikely to occur under real-world operating scenarios."
  
  To get it fixed, owners have to bring their affected G580s to a Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer, who will replace the bolts for free. Owners of the electric G580s, whose 2025 model year started at around $160,000, will get mail notices starting in late May. Besides this luxury SUV model, Mercedes-Benz had to issue another recall for another EV in 2021. The automaker recalled a couple hundred EQS EV and S-Class sedans that allowed for video playback on the dashboard even while the car was moving.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/mercedes-benz-recalls-some-g-wagon-evs-due-to-risk-of-wheels-falling-off-150939361.html?src=rss

• Samsung's Music Studio speakers and two of its 2026 soundbars are available now
  Back at CES, Samsung showed off a new line of speakers and two of its 2026 soundbars. Today, the company announced pricing for the entire suite of new products, including two soundbars that weren’t inside its showroom in Vegas. All but two of the new devices are available to order now, so you might not have to wait to get your hands on some new Samsung audio gear.
  
  Let’s start with the Music Studio 7 and Music Studio 5 speakers. The Music Studio 7 is the more rectangular model in the duo. It’s a 3.1.1-channel unit with left, right and center speakers alongside one woofer and one up-firing driver. This $500 device is also equipped with Pattern Control tech to direct the sound evenly through the room while keeping distortion to a minimum. The more circular Music Studio 5 has a 2.1-channel configuration composed of two tweeters and a single woofer. It has waveguide technology to evenly disperse the sound and costs $300.
  
  Both the Music Studio 7 and Music Studio 5 use AI processing to customize the sound based on the room and the content. Those capabilities come in the form of Samsung’s Dynamic Bass Control and SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration features. Both speakers also use Active Voice Amplifier Pro to boost dialogue.
  Two Music Studio 7 speakers being used with a TVSamsung
  Yes, this means you can use a pair of either model as your living room setup. In fact, they can work with a compatible TV or soundbar to employ Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature that uses all of your speakers as an immersive group. Samsung is also expanding Q-Symphony to work with up to five of its audio devices and the feature will automatically adjust the sound based on speaker locations. Those upgrades seem an awful lot like LG’s Sound Suite and Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, if you ask me.
  
  Samsung revealed its flagship soundbar, the Q990H, at CES. Unfortunately, the company is keeping the same overall design it’s been using for about years now, so I think it’s time for a change. This is the company’s 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos option that comes with rear satellite speakers and a subwoofer for $2,000. Samsung’s home theater features like Dynamic Bass Control, SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive Sound are all here, but there are also two new features on the Q990H for 2026.
  
  First, Samsung promises that Sound Elevation will improve the audio by making dialogue sound like its coming from where characters are on the screen rather than the position of your soundbar. There’s also Auto Volume, which will supposedly nix sudden volume jumps as you switch channels or streaming services.
  
  The QS90H is the member of Samsung’s 2026 soundbar lineup that really impressed me at CES. The company says this is its first “all-in-one” soundbar, which means you shouldn’t have to use a subwoofer for adequate bass. Other companies have made that claim, and it’s almost never true, but the $1,000 QS90H pumped out some great low-end tone back in Vegas. That’s thanks to four built-in woofers and an overall 7.1.2-channel setup.
  The QS90H has a similar design to the existing QS700 soundbarSamsung
  Like the QS700F, the QS90H has a gyro sensor that automatically detects if it’s sitting flat on a shelf or mounted on a wall. This allows the soundbar to automatically adjust the sound based on its position so you don’t sacrifice performance for what looks best in your home. The QS90H also offers Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration, Adaptive Sound, Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Dynamic Bass Control — plus the new Sound Elevation and Auto Volume from the Q990H.
  
  Two other soundbars that Samsung didn’t discuss at CES are the Q930H ($1,500) and the Q800H ($1,100). As you might expect based on the numbers, these two models sit below the Q990H in the company’s lineup. The Q930H is a 9.1.4-channel option that comes with rear speakers and a subwoofer in the box. In terms of features, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration, Adaptive Sound, Voice Amplifier Pro and Sound Elevation are all here. Step down to the Q800H and you’ll get all of those features in a 5.1.2-channel arrangement. This soundbar only comes with a subwoofer though. It’s also worth noting that both the Q930H and Q800H have a similar angular design to the Q900H.
  
  The Music Studio 7, Music Studio 5, Q990H and Q800H are available now. The Q930H and QS90H are still listed at “coming soon.”
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/samsungs-music-studio-speakers-and-two-of-its-2026-soundbars-are-available-now-150000056.html?src=rss

• Artemis II arrives in lunar space ahead of its trip around the Moon
  Artemis II and its four-person crew have entered the Moon’s “sphere of influence,” meaning the spacecraft is more affected by lunar gravity than the Earth’s pull. The transition occurred at a distance of 39,000 miles from the Moon, four days, six hours and two minutes into the mission. The next and most important phase will happen tomorrow when the craft loops around the Moon’s far side, taking humans deeper into space than they’ve ever been before.
  
  At their apogee, Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen will be 252,757 miles from Earth. That will break the previous record held by the Apollo 13 crew by just over 4,000 miles. They’re the first humans to cross the lunar threshold since 1972’s Apollo 17 moon landing mission.
  
  The crew spent this weekend carrying out preparations for their lunar flyby. That included manual piloting demonstrations, reviewing their science objectives for the six-hour observation period and evaluating their space suits, which are there for life support in the event of an emergency and for their return home. But, they9ve had plenty of time to take in the views, too — and those views sure are spectacular. In the latest series of images shared by the space agency, the astronauts are seen gazing at Earth through the windows of the Orion spacecraft. 
  
  Orion will reach the moon9s vicinity shortly after midnight on Monday, April 6. Later that day, the crew is expected to reach a point farther than any humans have traveled from Earth, surpassing the record of 248,655 miles from Earth set by the Apollo 13 astronauts in 1970. 
  Mission specialist Christina Koch takes in the view.NASA
  The lunar observation period will start at 2:45PM ET, and a few hours later, they9ll be behind the moon and briefly drop out of communication. The spacecraft9s closest approach to the moon is expected to occur at 7:02PM, when it will be 4,066 miles from the surface. "From that distance, the crew will see the entire disk of the Moon at once, including regions near the north and south poles," according to NASA. The crew will later get a chance to see a solar eclipse "as Orion, the Moon, and the Sun align in such a way that the astronauts will see our star disappear behind the Moon for about an hour." NASA will have coverage of the flyby starting at 1PM ET.
  
  Update April 7 at 1:40 AM ET: The post has been updated with news that Artemis II has entered the Moon’s sphere of influence.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/artemis-ii-arrives-in-lunar-space-ahead-of-its-trip-around-the-moon-211919381.html?src=rss

• The UK government reportedly wants Anthropic to expand its presence in London
  While the US and Anthropic are in the midst of a major dispute, the UK is trying to sway the San Francisco-based AI company to expand its presence on English soil. According to a report from supply chain risk. While the designation is currently temporarily blocked by a court-ordered injunction, the feud is far from over. In the meantime, the UK's efforts to court Anthropic have ramped up in the recent weeks thanks to the company's disagreements with the US, according to FT's sources.
  
  With no end in sight for the debacle with the Department of Defense, Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, is expected to visit the UK in May, according to FT. However, even in London, Anthropic will have to compete against OpenAI, which already committed to expanding its footprint in the English capital in February. 
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-uk-government-reportedly-wants-anthropic-to-expand-its-presence-in-london-174201049.html?src=rss

• Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google's
  Samsung is putting the final nail in the coffin for its own messaging app. The smartphone maker posted an "End of Service Announcement" on its website, revealing that the Samsung Messages app will no longer be available by July of this year. Samsung also recommended that anyone still using Samsung Messages switch over to Google Messages as the default messaging app.
  
  For Samsung Messages users in the US, the switch to Google offers RCS messaging that lets you send high-quality media, join group chats and get real-time typing indicators no matter the smartphone's OS. Galaxy smartphone owners may lose out on some of the Samsung Messages customization options, but Google Messages will make up for it generative AI from Gemini that can remix your photos in chats. On top of those features, Google Messages makes it easier for Samsung users to switch chats between a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.
  
  It's no surprise that Samsung is only using Google Messages from now on, since it has been phasing out Samsung Messages for a few years now. Dating back to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, and then followed by the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung stopped preloading the Samsung Messages app and instead pre-installed the Google Messages app. The Samsung Messages app is still available on the Galaxy Store, but Samsung said the exact final date will eventually be announced on the app itself.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-will-discontinue-its-messages-app-in-july-and-replace-it-with-googles-162204307.html?src=rss

• Devils on the Moon brings the score-chasing of pinball to the Playdate
  Pinball video games have been around for years — I cut my teeth on Space Cadet 3D Pinball, which was pre-loaded on Windows 95. They range from realistic recreations of pinball tables you’ll find at arcades to games that could never exist in real life like 2019’s Demon’s Tilt or older ones like Metroid Prime Pinball for the Nintendo DS or Pokémon Pinball for the Game Boy Color.
  
  I didn’t expect to find a detailed pinball game for the humble and delightful Playdate, but a pair of developers working under the name Amano pulled it off with Devils on the Moon Pinball, which arrived last week. It’s the developer’s third game for the Playdate, and Mario and JP (who make up Amano) pointed directly to Pokemon Pinball as the inspiration for this game. “I think one of my most-played games is Pokemon Pinball,” JP said. “But the idea to make a pinball game came from Mario… he came to me and say ‘JP, I want to make a custom engine for Playdate and we should make a pinball game.’”
  
  I love playing pinball in real life, but owning a full-size table is extremely expensive and takes up a ton of room. But Devils on the Moon completely scratches the itch. The controls are extremely simple: pressing left on the d-pad flips the left fipper, A flips the right flipper, and pressing down on the d-pad launches the ball. Amano also included tilt controls; pressing right or up on the d-pad or the B button shakes the table in a particular direction so you can try and save the ball. Sadly, the crank doesn’t come into play, but I can’t say I have a good idea for how it would be used.
  A screenshot from Devils on the Moon Pinball.Amano
  I was impressed with both the physics and table design of Devils on the Moon after playing for just a few minutes. Despite not having analog control, the way the ball reacted when I hit the flippers felt consistent and smooth, and while I was often surprised at some of the bounces it took, it never felt unfair. When I drained a ball, it was almost always something I could have avoided if I knew the game better or had faster reflexes — just like a good, real-life pinball table.
  
  JP and Mario described the game as using “stylized physics” rather than it being fully realistic. “It may not necessarily be accurate to real life,” JP said. “But since the screen is wider than it is tall unlike actual pinball, we needed the ball to feel a little bit floaty and not fall as fast because then it would just zoom straight down the screen.”
  
  The table design feels both grounded in reality while also taking advantage of its virtual nature. There are three vertical “levels,” each with its own set of flippers. The 2D nature of the game means there aren’t any true ramps like you’ll on most pinball tables, but having three separate sections of the game to get used to makes up for that. And provided you complete various modes in the game, you can reach boss battles where you’re tasked with whacking a giant enemy repeatedly to drain away their health bar. Physical pinball tables often have similar encounters, but they have to be worked into the design of the game — in this case, your ball essentially ports to an entirely different space when you battle a boss.
  The full three-stage board layout for Devils on the Moon pinball.Amano
  “It's kind of playing like the old pinball machines where the rules are really simple,” Mario said.". "You just have a few things to do. In our case, it ended up going beyond our original scope, but it’s still quite simple compared to an actual pinball machine in terms of rules.” He said the design intent was to make the game friendlier to people who might try it out without a lot of pinball experience while still putting enough challenge into it.
  
  The audio and visual presentation is top-notch for a Playdate game, too. Perhaps most crucially for a pinball game, there’s no lag or stuttering. The game also has a distinct visual identity, something that’s always important for pinball to draw you into the world of the playfield as much as possible. The game’s page cheekily promises “ at least (1) songs” and it delivers on that with a solid theme for the main game that serves well as background music that doesn’t get old if you’re playing for a while, and the beeps and boops the table makes as you play feel well-suited to the game. It doesn’t “sound” like a real pinball table — but it isn’t one, so that’s okay.
  A screenshot of Devils on the Moon Pinball.Amano
  I haven’t played a video pinball game in a long time, but the Playdate feels like an ideal platform for this. I can bring it with me anywhere and play a round or two (provided there’s decent light) or settle in for a longer play session. The game is challenging enough that you’ll need to practice a lot to get the hang of it, but there’s enough variety to the three-tiered table to keep players interested for the long haul. After all, the fun of pinball isn’t necessarily playing a table for the first time — it’s learning it inside out so you can maximize your score. I’m looking forward to getting to that point with Devils on the Moon.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/devils-on-the-moon-brings-the-score-chasing-of-pinball-to-the-playdate-130000414.html?src=rss

• The Spaceballs sequel will be released in April next year
  There9s finally a release date for the Spaceballs sequel — but before you get too excited, it9s a whole year away. As first reported by pic.twitter.com/5Xv0BKmf7C
  — Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) April 4, 2026
  Whispers of a potential Spaceballs 2 go back a couple of years, but Brooks officially confirmed in an extremely on-brand announcement video last summer that the movie is actually happening. Following Deadline9s latest report, Amazon MGM Studios posted a screenshot of the article on X, along with the words, "Spaceballs: The Release Date. April 23, 2027." The movie is being directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Josh Gad, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, according to Deadline. Along with the returning cast members, it will star Gad, Keke Palmer (!!), Lewis Pullman and Anthony Carrigan.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-spaceballs-sequel-will-be-released-in-april-next-year-213543871.html?src=rss

• Ursula K. Le Guin's blog has been turned into a podcast
  For those who will never tire of the words of Ursula K. Le Guin, a special treat is on the way. The esteemed late author's blog, which she started in 2010 at the age of 81, is being rereleased as a podcast, book collecting a selection of those posts was published that year. But, the podcast will include everything: essays, poems and "even the ones that are mostly cat pictures," according to the announcement. The first episode will be released April 8 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms. 
  
  From Le Guin's official Instagram account, which is managed by her estate:
  
  We always wanted to hear a version of the blog that includes every single post, even the ones that are mostly cat pictures. So for the next two years and change, we'll release an episode every Wednesday. Each episode features a different reader of Ursula's text, and each reader adds their own thoughts—about their relationship with Ursula and her work, or about the specific topic of the post, or whatever catches their fancy.
  
  You can listen to a trailer here ahead of the first episode's release this week. Post zero, "A Note at the Beginning," will be read by David Mitchell.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/ursula-k-le-guins-blog-has-been-turned-into-a-podcast-193257106.html?src=rss

• An Italian court ruled Netflix has to refund its customers for price hikes dating back to 2017
  Instead of raising prices again, Netflix may have to lower its subscription costs in Italy. A court in Rome recently ruled that Netflix owed its Italian users a refund for price hikes between 2017 and January 2024 and a reduction to previous subscription costs. On top of the refunds, Netflix Italia would have to inform its affected subscribers of their right to a refund.
  
  The lawsuit was originally filed by Movimento Consumatori, a consumer rights organization based in Rome. The group's president, Alessandro Mostaccio, said in a press release that more than 25,000 Netflix users have complained to Movimento Consumatori that they're not satisfied with the price increases over the years. According to the lawyers representing the consumers, Premium subscribers are entitled to a refund of roughly 500 euros, while Standard tier customers should get back about 250 euros.
  
  Mostaccio also said that if Netflix doesn't immediately reduce prices and refund its customers, the consumer rights organization would pursue a class action lawsuit to recover funds. A Netflix spokesperson told raised prices for its US customers, this time across all of its subscription tiers.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/an-italian-court-ruled-netflix-has-to-refund-its-customers-for-price-hikes-dating-back-to-2017-190948417.html?src=rss

• Ireland is testing out a digital wallet that conducts age verification for social media users
  Before it's publicly available later this year, the Irish government is trialing its Government Digital Wallet, which includes a way to verify a user's age to access social media platforms. In its press release, the government's Department of Public Expediture, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation said people can store digital versions of their birth certificates, driving licenses, European health cards and more.
  
  Frank Feighan, the department's minister, said that this testing phase would help inform the development of the digital wallet and ensure it was user friendly. The government hasn't laid out when the Government Digital Wallet graduates beyond the testing phase, but Ireland is required to create a digital wallet by the end of 2026 as part of a European Union regulation.
  
  "It will be able to facilitate secure age verification capability as set out in Digital Ireland and the implementation of the Online Safety Code, under which designated platforms must have age verification measures in place to help protect, in particular, children and young people from online harm," Feighan said of Ireland's digital wallet.
  
  The pilot phase will be done on an opt-in basis and the government has a short survey available for comments and concerns. Along with Ireland, many other European Union member states are working on their own age verification methods. Earlier this year, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced a law to ban social media for anyone under 16.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/ireland-is-testing-out-a-digital-wallet-that-conducts-age-verification-for-social-media-users-175002131.html?src=rss

• Apple iOS 26.5 public beta is now available
  Apple has released the first public beta for iOS 26.5, just a few days after the beta for developers came out. One of the biggest changes the new operating system brings is the “Suggested Places��� feature in Apple Maps. It will show you trending places to visit, such as restaurants and other establishments, near your location or based on your search history. You can see Suggested Places when you tap on the search bar in the Maps app.
  
  iOS 26.5 beta also will also come with notifications that the company will be putting ads inside Maps. Apple confirmed in March that it was going to expand its ads outside of the App Store and Apple News apps. The ads you see will be based on your location, the search terms you’ve used and what you’re looking up on Maps. They will show up at the top of your search results and in Apple’s Suggested Places list. Apple said the ads will be clearly marked and won’t be a danger to your privacy. Your current location and the ads you interact with will not be associated with your Apple Account, and your personal data will stay on your iPhone and won’t be collected.
  
  In addition, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages on iOS 26.5 beta yet again. However, the company has yet to reveal whether the feature will roll out with the operating system’s stable release. To be able to get Apple’s public beta releases, go to the Apple Beta Software Program website and sign up using your Apple credentials.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-ios-265-public-beta-is-now-available-170103425.html?src=rss

• It's no longer free to use Claude through third-party tools like OpenClaw
  Anthropic is no longer offering a free ride for third-party apps using its Claude AI. Boris Cherny, Anthropic's creator and head of Claude Code, posted on X that Claude subscriptions will no longer cover using the AI agent for third-party tools, like OpenClaw, for free. As of 3PM ET on April 4, anyone using Claude through third-party apps or software will have to do so with an extra usage bundle or with a Claude API key, according to Cherny.
  
  Most of Claude's workload may come from simple user questions, but there are those who use the AI chatbot through OpenClaw, a free and open-source AI assistant from the same developer as Moltbook. Unlike more general AI solutions, OpenClaw is designed to automate personal workflows, like clearing inboxes, sending emails or organizing calendars, but leans on external large language models, including Claude, ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
  
  Cherny replied to X users that this change is about engineering constraints and optimization. "We’ve been working hard to meet the increase in demand for Claude, and our subscriptions weren't built for the usage patterns of these third-party tools," Cherny explained on X. "Capacity is a resource we manage thoughtfully and we are prioritizing our customers using our products and API."
  
  If OpenClaw users still want to use Anthropic as its LLM, they will have to buy a usage bundle, which are currently discounted, or switch to another AI integration like xAI, Perplexity or even DeepSeek. Of course, Anthropic has its own alternative, which tackles some similar tasks as OpenClaw, called Claude Cowork.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/its-no-longer-free-to-use-claude-through-third-party-tools-like-openclaw-160912082.html?src=rss

• The latest on the Artemis II mission to the moon, and more science stories
  We got to share in a rare moment of collective awe this week as four astronauts blasted off toward the moon, beginning a 10-day journey that will take them farther from Earth than any humans have traveled in the last 50 years. It'll still be a little while before they reach their destination — the Orion spacecraft is expected to loop around the moon on Monday — but they've already seen some pretty incredible stuff on the way there. Here's the latest on the Artemis II mission, and other interesting science stories from this week. 
  Artemis II crosses the halfway point
  After years of planning, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, are finally on their way to the moon for the Artemis II mission. This test flight is a crucial step in NASA's plans to send humans to the surface of the moon again for the first time since Apollo 17, and the high-stakes launch went off without a hitch on Wednesday. 
  
  The Artemis II crew is now more than halfway to the moon, according to NASA. When Orion reaches the moon on April 6, the astronauts will have a six-hour window of opportunity to observe the partially lit lunar far side, which can't be seen from Earth. If you're curious about where exactly the astronauts are at any given moment, you can track the mission by visiting NASA's Artemis Real-Time Orbit website. And, if you just want to see what space looks like from Orion, here's a livestream from outside the capsule. The moon is now in view!
  
  The crew did experience some technical difficulties after leaving the ground, though all were resolved fairly quickly. Early Thursday morning, Wiseman contacted mission control to troubleshoot some issues with a Surface Pro he was attempting to use, noting, "I have two Microsoft Outlooks and neither one of those are working." Relatable. The Artemis II crew was also greeted by a malfunctioning toilet not long into the flight, and astronaut Koch had to work with the ground team to figure out a fix — which they thankfully were able to do. In a livestream later, the astronaut joked that she is now a space plumber. 
  
  Small issues aside, the Artemis II mission is off to a pretty amazing start. The Orion spacecraft completed its translunar injection burn on Thursday, officially taking it out of Earth orbit and putting it on its way to the moon. Commander Wiseman shared some pictures of the view from Orion's windows afterward, and they are breathtaking. In one unbelievably crisp shot of Earth, you can even see two auroras. And there's plenty more observations to come. 
  Students discover a nearly pristine ancient star
  Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), a group of undergraduate students at the University of Chicago has discovered what's thought to be one of the oldest stars ever observed. Their analysis indicates that the star, called SDSSJ0715-7334, was born in the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud billions of years ago before eventually making its way to the Milky Way.
  Vedant Chandra and the SDSS collaboration Background ESA/Gaia image, A. Moitinho, A. F. Silva, M. Barros, C. Barata, University of Lisbon; H. Savietto, Fork Research
  The star was one of 77 that the students selected for closer observation after poring through the SDSS data in their "Field Course in Astrophysics” class, which is led by Professor Alex Ji, the deputy Project Scientist for SDSS-V. SDSS-V is an ongoing all-sky survey that's mapping the Milky Way. After creating their list, they set out to observe the stars during a field trip to Carnegie Science’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, and honed in on SDSSJ0715-7334 on day two. The team found it's made mostly of hydrogen and helium, with very little carbon and iron. In the paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers note that this composition could be the product of a primordial supernova.
  
  "This ancient immigrant gives us an unprecedented look at conditions in the early universe,” said Ji in a statement. Ji added, “The star has so little carbon that it suggests an early sprinkling of cosmic dust is responsible for making it. This formation pathway has only been seen once before.”
  
  Before you go, be sure to check these stories out too:
  What’s going on with Donut Lab's so-called super battery?
  
  SpaceX has reportedly filed for the biggest IPO in history
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/the-latest-on-the-artemis-ii-mission-to-the-moon-and-more-science-stories-160000539.html?src=rss

• Super Meat Boy 3D, coin-pushing chaos and other new indie games worth checking out
  Welcome to our latest roundup of what's going on in the indie game space. As ever, we've got a whole bunch of new games for you to dive into this weekend, along with announcements and updates on several others that are coming down the pike.
  
  I love how spoiled we are for game showcases these days, and I'm really looking forward to the latest installment of the indie-focused Triple-i Initiative at noon ET on April 9 as the first two editions were really strong. The trailer for this one features the likes of Cairn, Warhammer Survivors (the Warhammer-themed Vampire Survivors spinoff), the excellent CloverPit, Final Sentence and Far Far West. The organizers are promising to share release dates and gameplay reveals. Expect to see eight game announcements here too.
  
  Summer Game Fest is fast approaching. That means the mid-year edition of Day of the Devs, one of the biggest indie game showcases around, isn't too far away. Developers still have a chance to be featured in the show. Submissions for Day of the Devs: Summer Game Fest Digital Showcase are open, but you'll need to hurry if you're ready to shoot your shot at being included. The deadline for submissions is this Monday, April 6.
  
  Meanwhile, I’d normally write about notable ports in the new releases section of this roundup, but there was no trailer for this, so I'll mention it here. Before its success with Peak last year, Landfall also scored a hit with Content Warning on PC (making it free for the first 24 hours didn't hurt!). Now, this friendslop game is out on PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 for $10. Landfall added cross-play to the Steam version as well.
  New releases
   
  
  A sequel to an all-time indie classic dropped this week, and it took the squishy protagonist of the series to another dimension. Like its predecessors, Super Meat Boy 3D is a tough precision platformer. You'll need to guide the titular meat cube past saws, shredders, burning forests, laser-guided rockets, enemies and other obstacles. There are boss fights too. A mistake spells a quick trip back to the beginning of the level. Meat Boy does have an air dash this time around, though.
  
  I played through the first world and Sluggerfly and Team Meat haven't changed the base formula too much. The additional dimension and fixed perspective make platforming a little trickier. When there's a gap while I'm running across a wall, for instance, I might forget to stop pressing up while I'm crossing the hole, causing Meat Boy to disappear into the void. I found it easier to control him with the D-pad than a thumbstick, for what it's worth. 
  
  You can try it for yourself right now as Super Meat Boy 3D, from publisher Headup, is available on Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 for $25. There's a 10 percent launch discount on PC, and it's on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass for Console and PC Game Pass.
  
  I really enjoyed the Raccoin demo, so I'm bummed that I haven't had much of a chance to jump into the full game yet. I have some other things on my plate at the minute (more on some of those next week!). When I do have time to properly sit down with Raccoin, though, I may just lose the rest of the month to it.
  
  Raccoin is a roguelike deckbuilder in the vein of games like Balatro and CloverPit. Instead of racking up giant scores in spins on poker or one-armed bandits, the action here takes place in a coin pusher. The aim, as ever, is to find wild synergies between special coins and items to break the rules and earn enough points to keep moving forward. I'm excited to experiment with a much larger box of tools in the full game. 
  
  Raccoin, from Doraccoon and Balatro publisher Playstack, is out now on Steam. It'll usually cost $12, but there's an 18 percent discount until April 7.
  
  I've only played around an hour of Tombwater, but I'm really digging this game from Moth Atlas and Midwest Games. It's a 2D, eldritch horror Western Soulslike. It feels like Bloodborne meets The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past (there's even a hookshot), by way of Red Dead Redemption.
  
  After a brief prologue, you'll pick a character class and jump right into the action as you search for a former train-robbing partner who has somehow become a sheriff. Enemies are quite varied, and you'll use a mix of melee attacks, firearms and magic to battle them.
  
  Resource management is vital. You restore ammo by dishing out melee damage. The magic meter has an interesting twist too. Using spells too often can send your character spiraling into madness, which can cause hallucinations.
  
  There are lots of hallmarks of the Soulslike genre here. When (not if) you die, you'll leave behind a totem that has all your cash and unused leveling experience. You can destroy this to regain your lost loot, or wait until you've dispatched nearby enemies to do so, as the totem can heal you (helpful in a tough boss battle). You can level up and restore health flasks at campfires. 
  
  There's a wonderfully gloomy tone to Tombwater. The lovely pixel art and atmospheric music are spot on so far.
  
  However, I got lost quite a few times — the map didn't help much — and I don't love the way aiming works with a controller or on Steam Deck. You aim by holding the left trigger and fire with the right. But you can only point your weapon in the four cardinal directions, and you need to let go of the left trigger before you can change your aim. That's not a problem with a mouse, as you can aim freely. 
  
  I hope Moth Atlas improves controller aiming, since Tombwater is very promising so far. I'm looking forward to playing more when I can. 
  
  Tombwater is out now on Steam. It'll typically run you $25, but if you pick it up before April 14, it can be yours for $20.
  
  Corgis in mechs. That's the first thing you need to know about Animalkind, a co-op village-building game. You and your friends can play as corgis (or tuxedo cats or raccoons) in mechs. You'll first need to find the parts to assemble your ancient mech before you can actually pilot the machine, though. Exploring the open world, gathering resources, crafting and recruiting NPCs are all elements of this charming-looking game.
  
  Animalkind is available on Steam for $20, with 10 percent off until April 6. Developer Uncommon Games expects it to remain in early access until 2027. Once again, corgis in mechs.
  
  Hozy is another lovely-looking game — perhaps the title is a portmanteau of "home" and "cozy." The idea behind this home renovation title is that you'll be restoring a neighborhood of abandoned abodes. There are nine locations for you to clean up and decorate. 
  
  There are so many nice touches in the trailer, from the robot mop cleaning floors to pulling a new table out a box filled with packing peanuts (on that note, Steam for PC and Mac. It will normally run you $15, but you can save 10 percent if you snap it up by April 6.
  
  "You stay in the warmth of your friends," reads a narrative subtitle as three characters stand on a rooftop, looking out at a cityscape and a multicolored sky. By itself, that shot from the launch trailer was enough to sell me on Fishbowl, a coming-of-age adventure from the two-person team at imissmyfriends.studio and co-publisher Wholesome Games Presents. 
  
  I then looked back at a previous trailer, which included the prompt "hydrate?" with the options of "yes, hydrate and live" and "no, dehydrate and die." Shortly afterward, Fishbowl became the latest addition to my Steam library. Funny how that happens.
  
  You'll play as Alo, taking care of her and her home and trying to give her a fulfilling life even as she remains isolated. You'll meet Alo's loved ones and co-workers on video calls, edit video in her work-from-home job and rearrange items in boxes to discover her childhood memories. Learning about Alo's past (with the help of a magical talking fish from her youth) can help you shape Alo's future through you narrative choices. There's a surrealist aspect to this game too.
  
  Fishbowl is out now on Steam for PC and Mac, as well as PS5. It costs $10, though there's a 10 percent discount on Steam until April 16. There's a demo available on both platforms. 
  Upcoming 
  Here's a deep dive into gameplay from Nightholme, a survival extraction game from Studio Ellipsis, which is led by Assassin's Creed Revelations and Assassin's Creed Unity creative director Alexandre Amancio. It's coming to Steam and consoles, with a closed beta lined up for this summer. 
  
  Each match will have 12 monster hunters. You can run solo or group up with other players. At the start of each match, you load into a camp on the edge of a town full of horrors. Here, you'll drink a potion that turns your character into a monster — three archetypes will be available at the outset. 
  
  There are a number of things you can opt to do in each match, from carrying out quests tied to factions, scavenging, defeating enemies and taking out other players to snag their loot. Each match also has a boss that's protecting a high-value item.
  
  The horror aspect makes me more interested in this than many other survival extraction games out there. I'm definitely looking forward to checking this one out.
  
  We've seen a bunch of interesting climbing games over the last few years. You can add another one to the list. Ascenders: Beyond the Peak is a turn-based roguelite in which you'll go exploring with a team of climbers. It seems that you'll encounter Lovecraftian horrors on these mountain, along with dangers like avalanches, blizzards and rockfalls.
  
  You'll have nine character classes to choose from and you can level up your climbers and their gear and skills between runs. While the levels are short, you'll need to be mindful as there's a permadeath element to this game. You might even end up having to sacrifice a member of the party in order to save the rest. Brutal. 
  
  Ascenders: Beyond the Peak, from Ludogram Games and publisher Twin Sails Interactive, is coming to PC and consoles. It'll debut in early access on Steam later this year for $20.
  
  Puzzling Places has been a hit on PlayStation and Meta virtual reality platforms, as it has racked up 400,000 players. The 3D jigsaw game will soon be playable without a VR headset for the first time, as it's going to hit Steam on April 9 — it will run on Steam Deck and SteamVR as well. A Steam demo is available now. 
  
  There are a wide range of puzzles for you to solve, ranging from 25-piece quick hits to gargantuan 1,000-piece endeavors. Each features animations, including of figures going about their lives. It seems very relaxing!
  
  It's only 86 seconds long, but I felt a lump in my throat as I watched this trailer for The Day I Became a Bird. The visuals, music and story beats got me caught up in my feelings. It's a narrative adventure about a first love. You play as a young lad named Frank who tries to grab the attention of a classmate, bird-lover Sylvia. Designing and wearing a bird costume just might help him do that.
  
  Developer Hyper Luminal Games is based in my hometown, which is yet another reason for me to get on board. I'm not familiar with the children's book — by Ingrid Chabbert and illustrator Guridi — that the game is based on. I kind of want to buy it for my partner's kid... and maybe myself. 
  
  The Day I Became a Bird is coming to Steam, PS5 and Nintendo Switch on April 16. The base game costs $20. On Steam and PS5, that version includes a short animated film from Passion Games, which found out about the book and teamed up with Hyper Luminal and publisher Numbskull to make the game. A $25 Feathered Adventurer edition includes the film, a digital artbook and the soundtrack.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/super-meat-boy-3d-coin-pushing-chaos-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110000960.html?src=rss

• AI animation studio Toonstar will turn books into digital shows for HarperCollins
  HarperCollins is tapping into AI to bring some of its book franchises to life. Specifically, the publisher is teaming up with Toonstar, an AI animation studio, to turn them into digital shows. The first project will be an adaptation of Lisa Greenwald’s “Friendship List” series, which will also be joined by a graphic novel.
  
  You’d be forgiven for being unaware of Toonstar, a studio that received some buzzy early on for simplifying typically complex animation pipelines with AI, but has mostly remained under the radar. Its biggest claim to fame is producing StEvEn and Parker YouTube series, which has amassed 3.38 million subscribers and sometimes has episodes reaching around a million views. It’s not something I’ve heard animation fans speaking about, though. And honestly, it was tough to sit through a few minutes of its sub-South Park animation.
  
  “By leaning into the [AI] technology, we can make full episodes 80 percent faster and 90 percent cheaper than industry norms,” Toonstar co-founder John Attanasio, one of its early series, was “put on hold for a variety of reasons,” a representative told Engadget. “It’s possible we’ll resurrect the concept in the future,” they added. Its original domain now points to a crypto gambling site.
  
  “We’re honored to bring Friendship List to life as an animated series,” Attanasio said in a press release. “Our artist-centered approach ensures these beloved characters and stories stay true to the author’s vision, while our Ink & Pixel production technology enables fast, high-quality production at scale which unlocks the ability to meet audiences where and when they enjoy content today.”
  
  Toonstar has certainly proved it can make “content” for YouTube. Can it actually produce an enjoyable animat edshow? That’s another question entirely.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ai-animation-studio-toonstar-will-turn-books-into-digital-shows-for-harpercollins-211419155.html?src=rss

• Jason Blundell announces his new-new studio, Magic Fractal
  Jason Blundell, a former creative lead on Activision Blizzard9s Call of Duty: Black Ops series, has announced that he9s formed a new development studio called Magic Fractal Studios. Blundell announced the studio on a livestream with former Dark Outlaw Games coworker JC Farmer, a little over a week after the previous studio was closed by Sony.
  
  Little is known about Magic Fractal beyond its logo and social media accounts. Dark Outlaw Games was similarly mysterious, and closed before it could even announce its first project. All that9s known is what Blundell has shared after the studio was shut down: Dark Outlaw wasn9t working on a live-service game. The distinction is notable, if only because live-service games have been connected to at least two notable studio closures in the past. Sony shut down Firewalk Studios in October 2024, not long after its live-service shooter Concord was released, and in February 2026, closed Bluepoint Games after its live-service game based on the God of War series was reportedly cancelled.
  
  Magic Fractal is Blundell9s third studio after leaving Activision Blizzard in 2020. He formed Dark Outlaw Games with Sony9s backing in March 2025. Before that, he led Deviation Games, which was closed in 2024 and was reportedly also working on a game for PlayStation.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/jason-blundell-announces-his-new-new-studio-magic-fractal-201055837.html?src=rss

• Banks working on the SpaceX IPO reportedly have to subscribe to Grok
  Cutthroat capitalism sure does bring out the best in humanity. Take, for example, Elon Musk. He reportedly set a condition for banks, law firms, auditors and advisors who want to work on the SpaceX IPO. They're required to subscribe to the bastion of nonconsensual deepfakes and occasional Hitler praise known as Grok.
  
  Surely the best and brightest banks our nation has to offer would refuse such a pay-to-play demand, right? Well, no. The New York Times reports that some of them have agreed to spend tens of millions of dollars on Grok. Those financial institutions are said to already be integrating the chatbot into their IT systems.
  
  The Times' sources say this wasn't a no-strings request. Rather, Musk insisted they subscribe to Grok as part of the privilege of working on SpaceX's IPO. He also reportedly asked the banks to advertise on X, but was less firm about that. See? He's a flexible, easy-going guy at heart.
  
  Five banks are expected to work on the IPO: Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley. Meanwhile, the law firms Gibson Dunn and Davis Polk are said to be advising. We can probably assume that all of them are currently installing Grok on their internal systems. Good times.
  
  SpaceX's IPO, filed confidentially earlier this week, is expected to raise over $50 billion and value the company at over $1 trillion. With banks set to rake in over $500 million from their work on the deal, perhaps paying for Grok, despite its myriad issues, seemed a small price to pay. See? Just outstanding people doing upstanding things in the good ol' US of A.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/banks-working-on-the-spacex-ipo-reportedly-have-to-subscribe-to-grok-200213071.html?src=rss

• The Artemis II crew snapped some mesmerizing photos of Earth
  On their way around the Moon, the Artemis II crew had time to snap some terrific pictures of our blue planet. NASA has begun sharing the images, including the one above, which shows a striking view of Earth through the Orion capsule's window.
  
  Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman overcame the crew’s problems with Microsoft Outlook and the toilet to capture the photos. He took the above pic after the craft completed its translunar injection burn on April 2.
  Reid Wiseman / NASA
  Meanwhile, this second photo trades clever composition for a full-on view of our planet. If you look carefully, you can see two auroras: one on the top right and another on the bottom left. Easier to spot is the diffuse glow of zodiacal light (bottom right) as the Earth eclipses the Sun.
  
  At the time of publication, Artemis II is over 105,000 miles from Earth. The 10-day journey will have the crew of four looping around the Moon and back again. Serving largely as a test run for future deep space travel, the mission is NASA's first to the Moon since the Apollo program. However, the crew won't be landing this time; that will have to wait for Artemis IV, currently planned for 2028.
  Reid Wiseman / NASA
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/the-artemis-ii-crew-snapped-some-mesmerizing-photos-of-earth-183610493.html?src=rss

• March Madness 2026: How to watch the Final Four
  Let’s face it: your bracket was probably busted a long time ago. The 2026 NCAA basketball tournaments, affectionately known as March Madness, is ending soon. The Final Four for both the men’s and women’s tournaments starts this weekend. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments are available to stream through various apps and services, but navigating the web of broadcasters and TV channels can be confusing. We’ve broken down when all the games are happening, where to watch and the best options for saving some cash doing so. 
  What does the Final Four start?
  The men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Final Four begins on Saturday, April 4 with two games. The first game begins at 6:09PM ET with the second following at 8:49PM ET. The winners will then face each other for the national championship on Monday, April 6 at 8:30PM ET.
  
  On the women’s side, everything is offset by a day. The Final Four starts Friday, April 3 at 7:00PM ET. The second game follows at 9:30PM ET. The women’s national championship will see the Final Four winners face each other on Sunday, April 5 at 3:30PM ET.
  
  Here’s the full schedule for each tournament:
  2026 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament
  First Four: March 17-18
  
  First round: March 19-20
  
  Second round: March 21-22
  
  Sweet 16: March 26-27
  
  Elite Eight: March 28-29
  
  Final Four: April 4
  
  Championship game: April 6
  2026 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament
  First Four: March 18-19
  
  First round: March 20-21
  
  Second round: March 22-23
  
  Sweet 16: March 27-28
  
  Elite Eight: March 29-30
  
  Final Four: April 3
  
  Championship game: April 5
  How to stream the 2026 Men’s NCAA TournamentJacob Kupferman via Getty Images
  CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery share the broadcast rights to the men’s tournament, so TV coverage will be spread across four networks. During the course of March Madness, games will air on CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV, with the final rounds and championship game landing on TBS.
  
  If you already have a paid TV plan (such as traditional cable), a good way to watch the men’s tournament is with the March Madness Live app or website. There's a big catch though: CBS games aren't available in the app. That means this is really only a good option through the Elite Eight. Once you log in with your TV provider credentials, you can watch games on the other networks in one spot with features like multiview (up to four games at once) and a Fast Break stream that covers all the in-progress games in one spot.
  
  The app also offers ways to follow your bracket, if you filled it out on MarchMadness.com. And when you’re watching on desktop, the crucial Boss Button will throw up a fake work screen to keep your job safe. In addition to your laptop or phone, March Madness Live is also available on Amazon devices, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, macOS, Google Play, LG smart TVs, Roku and Xbox consoles.
  
  The most affordable option to watch every game is to actually use two services. It’s not ideal, I know, but it will save you a lot of money. HBO Max’s Basic plan is $11/month and gives you access to live games from TNT, TBS and truTV with three-game multiview (46 games total). That includes the Final Four and National Championship as those three games are on TBS this year. If you splurge for a pricier plan ($23/month), you can stream games in Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos surround sound. For the CBS games, you’ll need a Paramount+ Premium subscription that costs $14/month ($6 for two months for new users). So, with this best price scenario, streaming all of the men’s tournaments will cost $25 across two apps.
  
  A live TV service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV is over $80 more per month at full price, but they would offer you all the games in the men’s tournament in one place. YouTube TV is currently on sale for $60/month for the first two months after a free 10-day trial. Hulu + Live TV now includes Disney+ and ESPN Select, hence its higher price.
  How to stream the 2026 Women’s NCAA TournamentJoe Buglewicz via Getty Images
  While Warner Brothers Discovery owns the rights to the men’s NCAA Tournament, ESPN has the women’s bracket locked down. Every game of the women’s tournament will be spread across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNEWS, including the First Four matchups. The Final Four will be on ESPN, but the championship game will air on ABC. All three of those culminating games will stream on ESPN+ (and in the ESPN app) as MegaCast feeds.
  
  ESPN says the MegaCasts are available in two options. First, Beyond the Rim provides an aerial camera angle with the main commentary and replays, plus the addition of enhanced stats. On the Rail shows you game action the full length of the floor. This feed will offer “natural” sound and replays. 
  
  Since ESPN+ won’t get every game, it’s not an option if you want to watch the entire tournament. However, since last year’s March Madness, Disney debuted standalone offerings for ESPN. The most affordable option here is ESPN Select which includes women’s college basketball and costs $13/month. 
  
  You could also opt for a live-TV streaming service like Sling, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for a comprehensive experience. Sling is the cheapest of these, with the requisite Orange and Sports Extra plan costing $57 (Sling is currently offering a discount on the first month of Orange). YouTube and Hulu live TV options are both more expensive at over $80/month (YouTube TV currently discounted to $60 for the first two months), so it’s a matter of which set of content and features you like best. YouTube TV offers a handy multiview tool so you can watch up to four games at once, but Hulu + Live TV comes with Disney+ and ESPN Select for that cost.
  
  Once you have a TV plan that includes the ESPN family of networks, the ESPN app is the best place to watch the tournament. The mix of scores and info, along with multiview streaming for up to four games at a time on Apple TV and Xbox, make the app a well-equipped conduit for the women’s tournament.
  
  The March Madness website only shows scores and news for the women’s tournament. None of the women’s games will be available for streaming live on the website.
  Are any of the March Madness games available to stream for free?Michael Reaves via Getty Images
  Without a TV provider login, you can watch all of the games broadcast on CBS on the March Madness website and mobile apps. Sure, it’s a small sample of the tournament, but it’s completely free and a good option for casual fans who don’t have a paid TV plan they can exploit for more of the action. It’s also a good way to watch the first round at work, if your company hasn’t blocked streaming sites, or if you can discreetly watch on your phone.
  
  For the women’s tournament, there aren’t any games available for free. Unless you have an old-school OTA antenna, that is, in which case you can watch women’s games on ABC (and men’s games on CBS) without any kind of streaming plan. Of course, as this is a streaming guide published in 2026, I’d consider an antenna an extraordinary move.
  
  If you were hoping to use a free trial period to watch March Madness, I’ve got bad news. None of them will last long enough to cover the entire tournament. Some services don’t offer a free trial at all, but the longest is YouTube TV at 10 days. Sadly, that won’t even get you through the second weekend.
  What if I want to stream both the men’s and women’s tournaments?
  If you’re hoping to stream all of the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments, I hope you ordered Samsung’s eight-TV bundle. In terms of streaming services, just jump straight to a live-TV option like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. I prefer the former because of its multiview feature. At times when there are multiple games that you want to watch, especially during the first two rounds, you’ll want multiview in order to keep tabs on all of the action.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/march-madness-2026-how-to-watch-the-final-four-154903746.html?src=rss

• Take-Two laid off the head its AI division and an undisclosed number of staff
  Take-Two, the owner of Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games, has seemingly laid off the head of its AI division, Luke Dicken, and several staff members working under him. "​​It’s truly disappointing that I have to share with you that my time with T2 — and that of my team — has come to an end," Dicken shared in a LinkedIn post spotted by some other large game publishers, Take-Two has "actively embraced" generative AI tools to "drive efficiencies" and "reduce costs." Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has even framed AI as having a positive effect on employment, noting that generative AI "will not reduce employment, it will increase employment," because "technology always increases productivity, which in turn increases GDP, which in turn increases employment."
  
  It's too early to characterize these layoffs as some sort of tide turning against AI — like other big game companies, Take-Two also just does a lot of layoffs — but it's interesting they're happening now, while the company is speeding towards the release of expected to be a big hit, one that should give Take-Two plenty of financial wiggle-room to experiment with new technology.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/take-two-laid-off-the-head-its-ai-division-and-an-undisclosed-number-of-staff-182824338.html?src=rss

• Much like the game’s zombies, State of Decay 3 is somehow still alive
  Amid Microsoft's hacking and slashing of its Xbox division, you wouldn't be crazy for thinking State of Decay 3 was dead. After all, the title was announced nearly six years ago, and, well, we haven't heard much since. But the survival game is still in the pipeline, and developer Undead Labs will hold a series of playtests beginning in May.
  
  In the announcement, franchise co-creator Brant Fitzgerald emphasized the role of community input in the game's continued development. "We've read your feedback on Discord, we've watched your gameplay clips and livestreams on YouTube," he said. "It became clear that community is survival — and that we need your help."
  
  The Alpha playtests will include four-player co-op, new base building and resource strategies and plenty of combat. "If scavenging supplies in the middle of a zombie outbreak sounds fun to you, then grab your ruck, pack some mags and head over to our website to find more information and register for a chance to be included in the Alpha," Fitzgerald said.
  
  Assuming it eventually launches, State of Decay 3 will be available for Xbox and PC. You can sign up for the playtest on the game's website. Undead Labs warned that not everyone will be selected for the first round, but they'll keep your names on the list for future opportunities later this year.
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/much-like-the-games-zombies-state-of-decay-3-is-somehow-still-alive-170709155.html?src=rss

• Trump labor board tells Amazon to negotiate with Staten Island warehouse union
  The Trump administration9s labor board has ordered Amazon to recognize and bargain with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, which represents workers at a warehouse in Staten Island. This is just the latest chapter in a multiyear standoff between Staten Island warehouse workers and Amazon, https://t.co/iVY62wv0rX
  — CBS News (@CBSNews) October 5, 2022
  There were also several harrowing incidents leading up to the union vote. It9s been reported that the company illegally fired multiple Staten Island warehouse workers during the Covid pandemic. The NY Attorney General also found safety conditions at the warehouse to be "inadequate." A recent study echoes that sentiment, calling out the Staten Island warehouse for dangerous working conditions. The report says that there are 7.2 serious injuries for every 100 workers.
  
  Other US-based Amazon warehouses have yet to follow suit and unionize like Staten Island, but the same isn9t true in Canada. Workers at a warehouse in Quebec voted to form a union back in 2024.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/trump-labor-board-tells-amazon-to-negotiate-with-staten-island-warehouse-union-161149065.html?src=rss

• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a black hole of entertainment
  I realized something was genuinely wrong with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie about 30 minutes in: I hadn9t laughed even once. My audience of around 15 people, including a few families, was dead silent as well. The guy sitting behind me, a Nintendo fan decked out in Mario gear, was so bored he fell asleep. Sure, this is made for kids, but as a Nintendo devotee myself, and someone who has to watch a ton of children9s films on repeat, even the Despicable Me films are more entertaining. 
  
  To be fair, there9s the pretense of a plot: Koopa Jr. and Peach are on parallel tracks to reconnect with a sense of family, in their own ways. But the movie leaps from scene to scene joylessly, with no sense of storytelling or characterization, glued together by the "oh I remember that guy"-ness of empty corporate nostalgia. It9s even less of a movie than the previous Pratt-led popcorn flick. 
  Luigi, Yoshi, Mario and Toad in The Super Mario Galaxy MovieNintendo and Illumination
  Take the discovery of Yoshi, which takes place early in the film. Mario and Luigi just find him in a cave and he immediately becomes part of the crew, no questions asked. There9s a brief creative sequence where Yoshi wreaks havoc in the real world, but it9s far too short. Yoshi9s got plot duties to fulfill, after all! He’s the perfect sidekick, with no desires of his own and the bare minimum of characterization (thanks to Donald Glover’s voice, oddly enough. Dude9s got range!)
  
  I argued that the first Mario film felt a bit too safe, but at least it had a few moments to shine: Like an early side-scrolling sequence, and Jack Black9s endearingly musical take on Koopa. The only truly inventive sequence in this movie involves Star Fox9s Fox McCloud, voiced with just the right dose of attitude by current Hollywood "it guy" Glen Powell. He briefly recounts his story in anime form, and yes, he does a barrel roll or two. 
  Bowser Jr. and Bowser in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.Nintendo and Illumination
  Now it doesn9t make much sense why Fox is actually in the film, but a few half-hearted fight sequences throughout makes it seem like Nintendo is setting up an eventual Avengers-style Smash Bros. movie. What better way to cram in even more characters and references! Isn9t that what franchise filmmaking is all about? 
  
  I9d like to think Nintendo and its collaborators can do better. This is a company known for the thoughtfulness of its game designs, for delivering quirky and inventive player experiences and for not always following the competition. None of that applies to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. There’s little in the way of creativity. It barely respects the audience’s time. And it is, in every sense, just following the More, Louder, Busier playbook for unfocused franchise sequels. 
  
  The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is so soulless, it makes me worried about the upcoming Legend of Zelda film (which at least has a far more respectable creative team). Sure, it’s  hard to expect genuine cinema from a Mario film. But we live in an era of great kids movies – Pixar’s Hoppers was an absolute hoot wrapped in an environmentalist message; The Lego Movie (and its sequel and side stories) manage to deliver both laughs and heart. Kids deserve better than an empty sequel moneygrab.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-is-a-black-hole-of-entertainment-154406362.html?src=rss

• Engadget Podcast: How Apple keeps redefining personal computing at 50
  For a 50-year-old company, Apple remains pretty hip and nimble. This week, Devindra and Senior Reporter Igor Bonifacic dive into Apple's big birthday, the state of the company today and what the next 50 years could bring. It remains one of the few PC companies that’s still firmly committed to the idea of personal computing. Also, we celebrate the successful launch of NASA's Artemis II mission, which will bring us back to the Moon (but just for a close look).
  Subscribe!
  iTunes
  
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  Topic
  Apple at 50: Why it’s still all about personal computing – 1:16
  
  Artemis II is safely on its way to the moon, but they’re having problems with Outlook – 37:48
  
  SpaceX files for the largest IPO ever, what’s driving their hopes for a 1.75 Trillion valuation? – 40:52
  
  Another Starlink satellite broke up in orbit, the second in 6 months – 47:21
  
  Anthropic accidentally leaked source code for Claude Code – 52:17
  
  FCC issues ban on all foreign-made WiFi routers – 57:18
  
  Around Engadget – 1:02:09
  
  Working On – 1:07:18
  
  Pop culture picks – 1:08:20 
  Credits
  Hosts : Devindra Hardawar and Igor Bonifacic
  Producer: Ben Ellman
  Music: Dale North and Terrence O’Brien
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/engadget-podcast-how-apple-keeps-redefining-personal-computing-at-50-122121591.html?src=rss

• Fan fiction website AO3 is finally coming out of beta
  The famous fan fiction website Archive of Our Own or AO3 has finally exited open beta, 17 years after it launched way back in 2009. AO3 is a nonprofit created by the by the Organization for Transformative Works. In an announcement, the team reminisced about its early days and how volunteers had to manually send out invitations to prospective writers. Upon launching the website on open beta, it only had 347 accounts and hosted 6,598 works. Now, it has 10 million registered users and is hosting 17 million fan-created works.
  
  The team has highlighted some of the most useful features it has added over the past 17 years, including its tagging system. It also mentioned a feature it calls “Orphaning,” which allows authors to leave their works online even after deleting their account. In addition, it released the ability to download fanworks in AZW3, EPUB, MOBI, PDF or HTML format for offline access.
  
  Even though the website has only just exited open beta, it has been stable for a long time. Users will not see huge changes, but the team also promised that it will not stop improving the fan fiction portal. It says its contributors and volunteers will continue tweaking the website, and it also continues to welcome anybody who has coding knowledge to contribute their time.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/fan-fiction-website-ao3-is-finally-coming-out-of-beta-115952633.html?src=rss

• The Morning After: NASA’s Artemis II is on a voyage around the Moon
  NASA’s Artemis II successfully launched on April 1, with its crew on a 10-day mission to circle the Moon. It’s the first crewed Artemis flight and a major step toward humanity returning to our little neighbor in the future. Since launch, the vehicle has separated from its launch system and been manually piloted, testing how the Orion capsule will dock with future lunar landers. There have been some snags, however: The onboard toilet went awry, and Microsoft Outlook has been acting screwy.
  
  Jokes aside, there is something magnificent about seeing humanity taking to the stars once again. That, for all of our worst instincts, we can still come together to solve problems and explore beyond our own horizons.
  
  — Dan Cooper
  The other big stories (and deals) this morning
  SpaceX has reportedly filed for the biggest IPO in history
  Could be as much as $75 billion.
  
  The hottest EVs from the 2026 New York Auto Show (plus one brawny concept)
  Corvette CX? Take my money now, please.
  
  Apple’s controversial Fitness VP Jay Blahnik is retiring
  Controversial is one way of saying it.
  What’s going on with Donut Lab9s so-called super battery?The company is long on promises, short on evidence.Donut Lab
  At CES 2026, a Finnish–Estonian startup claimed to have invented a world-changing solid state battery. Rather than explain how it did so, it engaged in a lengthy campaign teasing out data that didn’t quite support its explosive claims. We’ve dived deep to separate truth from hype and found there’s little of the former and far, far too much of the latter.
  
  Continue Reading.
  Roland Go:Mixer Studio review: Portable, professional and plenty of polishIt’s pricier than other portable mixers, but for good reason.James Trew for Engadget
  As James Trew says, $300 is a lot for a portable mixer in this class, but Roland’s brand new Go:Mixer Studio justifies its price. Unlike its predecessor, the Pro-X, it gets a second XLR port, MIDI connectivity and a display offering visible VU meters. That you can also use it as a desktop interface adds another layer of icing on an already sweet cake.
  
  Continue Reading.
  What to expect from WWDC 2026I’m actually rather excited about this one.Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  WWDC 2026 isn’t until the summer, but we’re already collating enough rumors from the mill to bring you the inside skinny. Early reports suggest Apple is making this a Snow Leopard year, tidying up after itself inside its software rather than going hard on new features. Hopefully, that will see the gaudier excesses of Liquid Glass dialed down, a lot of trimmed cruft and stability improvements. Oh, and some guff about AI.
  
  Continue Reading.
  Robosen Soundwave review: A childhood dream made realWho cares about sound quality when your speaker transforms!?Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  There are some things in life that would normally be a hard sell, a $1,400 boombox that could just about move around with poor sound quality being one of them. Dress it up as Soundwave from the original Transformers toy line / cartoon, however, and suddenly Sam Rutherford is racing for their wallet.
  
  Continue Reading.
  Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro review: The king of party projectorsOn the subject of expensive things…Steve Dent for Engadget
  Nebula’s built quite the track record for making projectors you’re actually proud to show off. Its latest is the X1 Pro, which combines a beefy 4K projector with a 400-watt Dolby Atmos 7.1 speaker system. That’s a hell of a lot of tech in a single package and is clearly at home at the center of a backyard movie night under the stars. But is it worth the $5,000 asking price? For that, you’ll need to read Steve Dent’s review.
  
  Continue Reading.
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111544222.html?src=rss

• NASA's Artemis II mission has left Earth's orbit
  The Integrity, the name of the Orion capsule carrying Artemis II astronauts on a trip around the moon, has left Earth’s orbit. NASA has announced that it has successfully completed a key burn of Orion’s main engine. That six-minute firing of the engine provided approximately 6,000 pounds of thrust, which gave the spacecraft the acceleration it needed to set it on its path to the moon. “Today, for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, humans have departed Earth orbit,” said Dr. Lori Glaze from NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Orion is operating with crew for the first time in space, and we are gathering critical data, and learning from each step.” Commander Reid Wiseman called seeing “the entire globe from pole to pole” after leaving Earth’s orbit a “spectacular moment.”
  
  Artemis II launched on April 1 at 6:35PM Eastern time after a couple of delays caused by a hydrogen leak and then a helium issue. It’s the first crewed flight of the Artemis program and the first time humanity has ventured beyond Low Earth Orbit after the Apollo program shut down. Within a few hours after its launch, the astronauts reported an issue with their onboard toilet, which crew member Christina Koch eventually fixed. Commander Wiseman then reported to mission control that they were having problems with Microsoft Outlook on the Surface Pro device they were using. But they were ultimately manageable setbacks that wouldn’t prevent the crew from achieving the mission’s goal.
  
  The mission is taking NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, as well as Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on a 10-day trip around the moon. On April 6, the spacecraft will pass by the far side of the moon that humans have never directly seen before, and the crew will take photographs, as well as provide their own observations of the lunar surface.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/nasas-artemis-ii-mission-has-left-earths-orbit-104219933.html?src=rss

• Star Wars animated series 'Maul: Shadow Lord' season 2 confirmed
  Ahead of its premiere, Dave Filoni has revealed that the Star Wars animated series Maul: Shadow Lord will return for a second season. The Lucasfilm co-president revealed that season 2 is already in the works, telling according to Lucasfilm. "There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who may just be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge."
  
  
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/star-wars-animated-series-maul-shadow-lord-season-2-confirmed-054036065.html?src=rss

• Look Outside's April 1 update that let you kiss enemies is now a permanent 'smooch mode'
  For April Fools9 Day, the developer of Coulombe posted on social media. "You can also activate smooch mode on a new save file by naming Sam 9Casanova9." I immediately started a new save to confirm and, yes, doing this does indeed allow you to go on a kissing spree. While you can9t smooch every single person/abomination you9ll run into, you sure can kiss a lot of them.
  
  Want to kiss the Rat King? Go wild. Pierre? Yup. That weird bug guy in the basement who eats bandages? Unfortunately yes, he9s kissable too. This truly is the game that keeps on giving. We9re apparently getting a real, non-silly update in the near-future as well, so Look Outside fans are eatin9 good. Now, please excuse me while I get back to my Kiss Everyone (except Lyle) run. 
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/look-outsides-april-1-update-that-let-you-kiss-enemies-is-now-a-permanent-smooch-mode-223746232.html?src=rss

• Sony's gaming division just bought an AI startup that turns photos into 3D volumes
  Sony Interactive Entertainment, owner of the PlayStation brand, has acquired Cinemersive Labs, a UK startup developing tools to convert 2D photos and videos into 3D volumes. The startup team will join Sony9s Visual Computing Group, a research engineering team focused on graphical technology, including game rendering, video coding and generative AI models.
  
  Cinemersive9s most recent product is a virtual reality app called Parallax that works as a viewer for parallax photos — three-dimensional images that you can peer around with natural head movements — captured using traditional smartphones and professional cameras with stereo lenses. The startup developed custom AI tools to convert 2D images into 3D volumes to make Parallax possible, and Sony apparently wants to apply that expertise to its own projects.
  
  "Following the acquisition, the Cinemersive Labs team will join SIE’s Visual Computing Group (VCG) and contribute to our broader efforts in advancing state of the art visual computing within games," Sony says. "This includes applying machine learning to enhance gameplay visuals, improve rendering techniques, and unlock new levels of visual fidelity for players."
  
  Machine learning has been a major focus of Sony9s efforts to improve graphical performance on the PlayStation 5 and future hardware. The PlayStation 5 Pro was designed around a new GPU, faster storage and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), custom AI upscaling tech that let the console run games at a lower resolution and then upscale them to 4K. The company recently squeezed even more performance out of the Pro with an updated version of PSSR it released in March. And with AMD, Sony is working on Project Amethyst, a multi-pronged collaboration to improve ray tracing and upscaling on the future consoles.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sonys-gaming-division-just-bought-an-ai-startup-that-turns-photos-into-3d-volumes-220648699.html?src=rss

• VR game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City launches on April 30
  
  Everyone9s four favorite anthropomorphic turtles are returning to the world of video games. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City will be released on April 30 for the Meta Quest, Steam VR and Pico. It is made by VR game company Cortopia Studios and will retail for $25. Empire City is a first-person action game that you’ll be able to play solo or co-op with up to four people. And yes, that means all four of the turtles are playable.
  
  We9ve seen a lot of the quartet flexing their fighting form in games over the years, but this is their first time appearing in a standalone VR title. In addition to the shelled heroes, the first part of the new game9s trailer highlights other familiar figures from the series, such as Karai of the Foot Clan and ripped rhino Rocksteady. And of course April is there providing pizza and intel.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/vr-game-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-empire-city-launches-on-april-30-210451025.html?src=rss

• OpenAI brings ChatGPT's Voice mode to CarPlay
  In a surprise release, OpenAI has made ChatGPT9s Voice mode available through Apple CarPlay. If you9re running the latest version of both iOS and the ChatGPT app, and own a CarPlay-compatible vehicle, you can check out the experience. To get started, download all the necessary software, connect your iPhone to CarPlay and select "New voice chat" from ChatGPT. When the in-app text indicates ChatGPT is "listening," you can start a conversation.         
  
  There are some notable limitations to using ChatGPT Voice with CarPlay. For one, OpenAI9s chatbot can9t control car functions. If you want to adjust the cabin temperature or skip tracks, you9ll still need Siri for those tasks. Due to Apple9s restrictions, you also can9t start using ChatGPT through a wake word like you can Siri. For example, to resume a previous conversation, you need to open the ChatGPT app from CarPlay and tap a recent or pinned chat.  
  
  With those limitations in mind, OpenAI suggests you can use Voice mode to get how-to advice, brainstorm ideas and practice languages. Personally, I like to listen to podcasts and music when I9m driving, but if talking with ChatGPT is your thing, you do you.    
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-brings-chatgpts-voice-mode-to-carplay-191422297.html?src=rss

• CFTC sues three states for trying to regulate prediction markets
  The US Commodity Futures Trading Commissionis suing Illinois, Arizona and Connecticut for attempting to outlaw or regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. The CFTC believes it has sole jurisdiction to regulate these platforms, and that states attempting to classify them as illegal gambling are overstepping their authority.
  
  CFTC defines prediction markets as “designated contract markets” where futures contracts are traded, essentially letting people bet on the outcome of events (for example, who will be the Democratic nominee for president in 2028). And because futures contracts are financial instruments distinct from traditional bets, they arguably fall under the supervision of the CFTC rather than the sports gambling authorities of individual states.
  
  Multiple states, including the three the CFTC is suing, have challenged that interpretation of what prediction markets are and how they operate. Nevada sued Kalshi in February for operating a sports gambling market without proper licenses, a lawsuit made possible because a federal appeals court declined to prevent Nevada from pursuing its case. Arizona's attorney general filed a lawsuit against Kalshi in March along similar illegal sports gambling lines, and because the platform let people bet on Arizona elections, which violates state law. Both Illinois and Connecticut have also sent Kalshi and other prediction markets cease-and-desist letters, ordering them to stop advertising and offering their services in their respective states.
  
  "The CFTC will continue to safeguard its exclusive regulatory authority over these markets and defend market participants against overzealous state regulators," CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig said in a statement. "This is not the first time states have tried to impose inconsistent and contrary obligations on market participants, but Congress specifically rejected such a fragmented patchwork of state regulations because it resulted in poorer consumer protection and increased risk of fraud and manipulation."
  
  Attempts to regulate, or in this case, stave off regulation of predication markets are complicated by the fact that President Donald Trump's family has ties to the industry. Donald Trump Jr. is a paid advisor for Kalshi and investor in Polymarket. Major transactions made before recent US military actions in Iran have also suggested that people close to the government might be trading on prediction markets with insider knowledge. Some prediction markets have implemented new rules to prevent insider trading, but given the circumstances, it makes sense that states wouldn't be satisfied with companies policing themselves.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/cftc-sues-three-states-for-trying-to-regulate-prediction-markets-190152226.html?src=rss

• PSA: YouTube will be streaming Coachella for free next week
  Coachella officially kicks off next Friday, April 10. But for anyone who doesn’t want to fly out to the desert or fork over upwards of $650 for a ticket, YouTube is going to livestream the concert for free so you can enjoy it on your own terms. Here’s a quick overview of all the programming that will be available in just over a week. 
  
  With YouTube planning on providing feeds of seven different stages, there will be no shortage of content. This includes the Quasar stage in both horizontal and vertical formats, so no matter what device you're using, there should be an aspect ratio that works. Furthermore, for the first time, YouTube will also provide 4K streams of the main Coachella stage along with the Outdoor Theatre and Sahara. That's a lot of music and artists to watch at once, so you'll probably want to check out the official lineup or download the app (available on Android and iOS) to better plan out your schedule. 
  
  Alternatively, if you're just in it for the vibes, there will also be a 24/7 Coachella TV stream featuring sets from both this year's event and past performances. And if you can't decide on a single artist to follow, you'll also have a multi-view option allowing you to watch up to four stages at the same time. 
  
  Finally, in case you feel like you're missing out on the social aspect of the concert, YouTube is bringing back its "Watch With" feature that pairs content creators including Valkyrae and Daniel Wall with artists such as Katseye and Fujii Kaze to provide a more interactive experience with feedback and reactions in real time. And if you need a souvenir for the event you attended virtually, there will even be an online merch store with exclusive drops from artists including BINI, Ethel Cain, Foster the People, Laufey, The xx and more. All you have to do is point your camera at the screen when you see a QR code pop up (you may want to have an extra device around for this). 
  
  Regardless of who you're hoping to see or hear, all the festivities begin next Friday at 4PM PT on Coachella's YouTube channel.
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/psa-youtube-will-be-streaming-coachella-for-free-next-week-183033874.html?src=rss

• Indie Pass is a forthcoming subscription service exclusively for indie games
  Publisher and game management platform indie.io just announced the pending launch of something called Indie Pass. This is a subscription service, so it9s sort of like Game Pass but for indie titles.
  
  It launches on April 13 and will offer over 70 games on that date, with more coming down the line. Not a single person on this planet wants another monthly subscription to manage, but this one costs just $8. That9s a pretty good deal, considering Game Pass Ultimate costs a whopping $30 per month.
  
  However, these subscription platforms are only as good as their libraries. The company has already confirmed a bunch of nifty titles like the cozy game Echoes of the Plum Grove, the farm-based shooter Air Hares and the tactical RPG Dark Deity. It also promises a "constantly evolving catalog." Indie.io publishes a lot of stuff, so that should make it easier to keep the catalog stacked.
  
  The company is also currently courting indie developers and publishers, with a promise to reveal some of these partnerships in the coming weeks. This could be a nice way to drum up interest in new or smaller games, but everything really depends on if people are willing to pony up for another subscription.
  
  Indie Pass is just for PC. However, there doesn9t seem to be anything that would prevent the platform from working on a Steam Deck via the console9s Proton layer. This lets players run Windows-specific titles on the console9s Linux-based OS. This has long been considered a good way to run indie.io-published games that don9t make their way to Steam. Engadget has reached out to the company for specifics and will update this post when we hear back.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/indie-pass-is-a-forthcoming-subscription-service-exclusively-for-indie-games-171304359.html?src=rss

• Russia closes loophole to fully block payments for Apple services
  Russia has closed a loophole that allowed its citizens to pay for Apple digital services. "As of April 1, 2026, payment processing is no longer available for purchases made on the App Store or other Apple Media Services in Russia," the company wrote in a support document (via reported that government officials said it was to prevent users from paying for VPN apps. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the country has stepped up its attack on the services as part of its "great crackdown" on online information and speech. By mid-January, it had reportedly blocked 70 percent more VPN apps than late last year.
  
  With Russia's war with Ukraine now in its fifth year, Putin's regime apparently wants to shore up domestic support the way autocrats do: by limiting access to information. (VPNs allow Russians to circumvent the country's strict online censorship.) The country’s crackdown has also included blocking WhatsApp, slowing down Telegram and repeatedly jamming mobile internet in Moscow.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/russia-closes-loophole-to-fully-block-payments-for-apple-services-163228262.html?src=rss

• Google releases Gemma 4, a family of open models built off of Gemini 3
  When Google released Gemini 3 Pro at the end of last year, it was a significant step forward for the company9s proprietary large language models. Now, the company is bringing some of the same technology and research that made those models possible to the open source community with the release of its new family of Gemma 4 open-weight models.
  
  Google is offering four different versions of Gemma 4, differentiated by the number of parameters on offer. For edge devices, including smartphones, the company has the 2-billion and 4-billion "Effective" models. For more powerful machines, there’s the 26-billion "Mixture of Experts" and 31-billion "Dense" systems. For the unfamiliar, parameters are the settings a large language model can tweak to generate an output. Typically, models with more parameters will deliver better answers than ones with less, but running them also requires more powerful hardware. 
  
  With Gemma 4, Google claims it9s managed to engineer systems with "an unprecedented level of intelligence-per-parameter." To back up this claim, the company points to the performance of Gemma 49s 31-billion and 26-billion variants, which claimed the third and sixth spots respectively on Arena AI9s text leaderboard, beating out models 20 times their size.     
  
  All of the models can process video and images, making them ideal for tasks like optical character recognition. The two smaller models are also capable of processing audio inputs and understanding speech. Separately, Google says the Gemma 4 family is capable of generating offline code, meaning you could use them to do vibe coding without an internet connection. Google has also trained the models in more than 140 languages.    
  
  Google is releasing the Gemma 4 family under an Apache 2.0 license. The company made previous Gemma models available through its own Gemma license. The move will give people a greater deal of freedom to modify the new systems to their needs.  
  
  "This open-source license provides a foundation for complete developer flexibility and digital sovereignty; granting you complete control over your data, infrastructure and models." Google said. "It allows you to build freely and deploy securely across any environment, whether on-premises or in the cloud." 
  
  If you want to give one of the systems a try for yourself, the model weights are available through Hugging Face, Kaggle and Ollama. 
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-releases-gemma-4-a-family-of-open-models-built-off-of-gemini-3-160000332.html?src=rss

• Uber expands its EV incentive program across the US
  Uber is expanding its EV incentive program across the US. The company began testing the service in select cities last year. This is a program in which Uber offers drivers a $4,000 grant to switch from their current vehicle to an EV.
  
  These grants are available for both new and used electric vehicles, which is nice because new cars are expensive and could be out of financial reach for many Uber drivers. This program is available to Platinum and Diamond drivers who complete 100 eligible rides by December 31. These drivers can apply for the grant on the platform9s website, with applications processed from April 16.
  
  The $4,000 grant isn9t the only incentive on offer here. Drivers who purchase a new or used EV through the platform TrueCar can get an additional discount of $1,000. Also, Kia is partnering up with Uber to offer $1,000 off the purchase of a Niro or EV6 and $1,500 off the EV9 SUV. All of that adds up.
  
  No matter how you slice it, however, it doesn9t add up to $7,500. This program exists because President Trump9s "Big, Beautiful Bill" wiped out the federal tax credit on EVs. Data indicates that full-time Uber drivers make an average of $42,000 per year. 
  
  A Kia EV9 starts at $55,000, which goes down to $49,500 with Uber9s grant and Kia9s discount. The math is still wonky, as I can9t think of many other jobs that require workers to spend more than a full year of salary to purchase the necessary tools to get going. The federal tax credit did provide $4,000 with the purchase of a used EV, which Uber9s policy does match. 
  
  The rideshare platform has been attracting EVs. Uber says there are more than 286,000 EVs on the app globally. The company also says that Uber drivers adopt EVs at a much faster rate than typical car owners in the US, Canada and Europe.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/uber-expands-its-ev-incentive-program-across-the-us-152923864.html?src=rss

• Samsung's new Frame Pro and OLED TVs are now available to order
  After sharing pricing and availability for its new Mini LED TVs in March, Samsung is ready to detail some of the other TVs it introduced at CES earlier this year. The 2026 versions of Samsung9s The Frame Pro and OLED TVs are both available to order today – save for some notable exceptions – and they start for as little as $1,200.
  
  The Frame Pro was originally introduced in 2025 as the more premium version of Samsung9s popular The Frame art TVs. The big advantage of stepping up to a Pro model over a normal Frame is you get a Neo QLED panel with better backlighting, and support for Samsung9s Wireless One Connect box, which lets you avoid cluttering your TV with extra cables. The 2026 version doesn9t really change that formula. You still get a glare-free QLED panel, a refresh rate of up 144Hz or up to 240Hz when the TV is connected to a PC and access to the Wireless One Connect box. The key differences are The Frame Pro now comes in a smaller 55-inch size (joining Samsung9s 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch models) and one of the TV9s Micro HDMI ports supports eARC for improved audio quality with connected sound bars.
  Samsung9s new S95H OLED for features a new design that lets it mount flush against a wall.Samsung
  Samsung9s improvements to its OLED TVs line is a bit more substantial. The company9s flagship S95H features what Samsung calls a "FloatLayer Design" with a metal bezel that lets the TV mount flush against a wall, and the option to use a Wireless One Connect Box to hide cable clutter. Both the S95H and the cheaper S90H feature brighter OLED HDR Pro or OLED HDR+ displays, and Samsung9s glare-free treatment to hide reflections. The TVs are also NVIDIA G-Sync compatible and support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to prevent stuttering and screen tearing when you9re playing games, and use Samsung9s NQ4 AI Gen 3 Processor to handle 4K upscaling and other AI features. The cheapest OLED option, the S85H, now also comes in a smaller 48-inch size.
  
  Most, but not all, of Samsung9s 2026 The Frame Pro models are available to purchase from Samsung and other retailers starting today. The 65-inch The Frame Pro is available for $2,000, the 75inch model is $2,800 and the 85-inch model is $4,000. Samsung has yet to share pricing or availability for the 55-inch The Frame Pro, or the 2026 versions of the entry-level The Frame.
  
  All the company9s 2026 OLED TVs are also available to purchase. A 55-inch S95H is $2,500, the 65-inch model is $3,400, the 77-inch model is $4,500 and the 83-inch model is $6,500. The mid-tier S90H lineup starts at $1,400 for a 42-inch model and goes all the way up to $5,300 for an 83-inch model. Samsung9s S85H, meanwhile, starts at $1,200 for a 48-inch model and goes up to $4,500 for an 83-inch model.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsungs-new-frame-pro-and-oled-tvs-are-now-available-to-order-150000440.html?src=rss

• Flipboard's 'social websites' are a new spin on decentralized social media
  Flipboard has been one of the biggest boosters of decentralized social media. Now, the company, which is known for its social news reading app, is rolling out its latest experiment, "social websites." 
  
  The project offers publishers and creators an easier path into what9s often called the "open social web," which includes the fediverse, as well as other protocol-based platforms like Blueksy. The company says it could also help creators of all stripes wrest back control of their audiences from mainstream social media platforms and other "walled gardens."
  
  In practice, social websites are essentially microsites that allow creators and publishers to bring together posts from decentralized platforms and RSS feeds into a single place where people can browse blogposts, newsletters, podcast episodes alongside relevant commentary from Bluesky, Mastodon and other federated services. It9s also the first web-based offshoot of Surf, Flipboard9s reader app designed for the open social web. 
  
  The company has already teamed up with a handful of publishers and creators who have made their own "social websites" on top of Surf. For example, Rolling Stone created a dedicated site for its political coverage, which features posts from its writers alongside news stories. Creator David Rushing created a site called "All Net" inspired by the NBA fan community on Threads. All Net features Bluesky, Threads and Mastodon posts, alongside clips from NBA podcasters and creators on YouTube. Fans can not just follow along the feeds of these social websites, but can join in the conversation around the posts from disparate platforms in a single space.
  
  "The social web is really promising and really awesome, but it is kind of complex and it9s hard to use," Flipboard CEO Mike McCue tells Engadget. "What we9re trying to do is actually make it [so] like in 15 minutes you can make one of these communities." 
  
  Eliminating complexity is definitely something the wider protocol-based social web could benefit from. And the Surf website is refreshingly free of words like "protocol" and "federation." You can see content from Mastodon, Pixelfed (the fediverse version of Instagram), PeerTube (fediverse YouTube) without ever having to log in and figure out how to use those platforms. 
  
  But there9s also a lot of upside for individual publishers and creators, according to McCue. He9s had a front-row seat to the years of volatile dynamics between publishers and social media platforms thanks to Flipboard. "They are really done with investing in yet another audience on yet another billionaire9s platform where the discovery is totally black-boxed," he said. "Creators and publishers are looking for some way to basically take social media back, to own their own communities and their own relationships with their audience." 
  
  Whether this experiment will result in meaningful traffic to publishers is less clear. The rise of Twitter alternatives hasn9t always resulted in traffic gains to websites, which are also grappling with increasing pressure from AI search. For now, Flipboard has just ten social websites from publishers, though anyone can now start to tinker with the site and make their own.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/flipboards-social-websites-are-a-new-spin-on-decentralized-social-media-150000323.html?src=rss

• Artemis II crew is just like us, needs help with Microsoft Outlook issues
  The four history-making Artemis II crew members are cooped up with each other in a tiny space for 10 days. And yet the most uncomfortable aspect of the mission might be having to deal with not one, but two instances of Microsoft Outlook.
  
  Commander Reid Wiseman sent a literal "Houston, we have a problem" message to mission control in the early hours of Thursday. He sought tech support for internet connectivity issues on a PCD (personal computing device), which is a Microsoft Surface Pro. Before you ask, yes, Wiseman did try turning the device off and on again before requesting help, but that didn9t resolve the problem.
  
  NASA detected that the PCD was actually on a network. It asked the commander for permission to connect to the tablet remotely so it could look into a problem with the Optimus software. "I also see that I have two Microsoft Outlooks and neither one of those are working," Wiseman responded, per a clip shared by Niki Grayson on Bluesky. "If you wanna remote in and check Optimus and those two Outlooks, that would be awesome."
  
  I scrubbed through some of NASA’s livestreamed feed of its communications with Orion, but didn’t hear any resolution to the problem. Perhaps tech support was looking into the matter while the astronauts were asleep. Engadget has contacted NASA for comment.
  
  Tablet trouble isn9t exactly the biggest problem the crew had to deal with thus far. The astronauts reported an issue with a fan in the toilet, which handles urine collection. Although there are contingency urinal bags on board Orion, the issue was thankfully resolved within a few hours. 
  
  Still, dealing with Outlook means that the astronauts will have the sympathy of many office workers. Here9s hoping they don9t have to use Teams as well.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/artemis-ii-crew-is-just-like-us-needs-help-with-microsoft-outlook-issues-145230968.html?src=rss

• The hottest EVs from the 2026 New York Auto Show (plus one brawny concept)
  With gas prices rising across the country, consumers are turning to electric vehicles as a way to save money on their commute. And while there weren’t a ton of all-new EVs on display at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, we did see some notable debuts from automakers including Subaru, Kia, Hyundai and more. So here’s a look at some of the most interesting upcoming EV models on display today, including a handful of previously announced vehicles that we haven’t had a chance to see in person before. 
  Subaru GetawaySadly, Toyota didn9t bring the Highlander EV to the NY Auto Show, so I couldn9t make a direct comparison to Subaru9s new three-row EV SUV. Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  Built on the same platform as Toyota’s Highlander EV, the Getaway isn’t just Subaru’s first three-row EV SUV, it’s also its most powerful with up to 420 horsepower. Naturally, the car comes standard with the company’s signature Symmetrical all-wheel drive tech while the 95.8kWh battery on the long-range model delivers more than 300 miles. Sadly, with a lackluster expected charging speed of 150kW, the Getaway will need about 30 minutes to bring its battery from 20 to 80 percent. The Getaway is expected to arrive sometime in late 2026, and while Subaru has yet to reveal official pricing, it’s also planning on releasing a more affordable standard range model with a 77kWh power pack in the first half of 2027.
  Hyundai Boulder ConceptHyundai9s SangYup Lee on stage to show off the new Boulder SUV concept. Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Hyundai’s entrance into the US auto market. To help celebrate the occasion, the company showed off a new concept car called the Boulder. While concrete details are sparse, the prominent grille and body on frame construction strongly suggest that it won’t be a full BEV (battery EV). We’re looking at a hybrid or range-extended EV at best. That said, the Boulder showcases what Hyundai is calling its “Art of Steel” design philosophy which looks to emphasize the strength, flexibility and beauty of its metal exterior while looking a lot more approachable than a Tesla Cybertruck. Notably, while there’s no guarantee that the Boulder will look this big and brawny if it ever reaches production, Hyundai says this platform will underpin a future midsize pickup slated to arrive sometime in 2030. 
  Kia EV3After going on sale in Europe in late 2024, the Kia EV3 is finally coming to the US.Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  The EV3 has been on sale in Europe for about a year and a half, but today at the New York International Auto Show, Kia debuted the new 2027 model of EV3 that will go on sale here in the US sometime before the end of the year. As the smaller sibling to the EV9, the EV3 features a similar design that combines the chunky body of an SUV with clean, futuristic lines, but in a more compact vehicle similar in size to the Sportage. While Kia hasn’t released official pricing, the EV3 is expected to arrive in two main configurations: a standard-range model with a 58.3kWh battery and up to 220 miles of range that could start as low as $35,000, or a more premium long-range variant that promises 320 miles of range. Sadly, its 400-volt architecture means it won’t charge quite as quickly as some of Kia’s more premium EVs. But as a nice bonus, the company says the EV3 will come with vehicle-to-load technology, so you can use the car’s battery to power other devices like tools, lights or your home. 
  Genesis GV60 MagmaThe GV60 Magma is drop dead gorgeous and a more luxurious take on the Ioniq 5. Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  While it shares the same chassis and platform as Hyundai9s Ioniq 5N, the Genesis GV60 Magma looks to deliver a more luxurious take on what an electric hot hatch can be. And it looks damn good, especially with its molten orange paint job. Compared to the regular GV60, the Magma features exclusive 21-inch wheels along with streamlined canards, a much larger rear wing and a redesigned bumper that delivers better airflow. But the best part is that while it might seem like a custom creation designed solely to get attention at car shows, Genesis is actually going to put this thing into production with an expected release some time in mid to late 2026.
  Polestar 4 Arctic Circle EditionEven away from the frozen north, the Polestar 4 Arctic Circle Edition looks fantastic. Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  Yellow isn’t my favorite color, but between its striking paint job and new cold-weather augments, the Arctic Circle version of the Polestar 4 looks absolutely fantastic. It also features 20-inch wheels from OZ Racing, a bunch of extra exterior lights and a rack for skis. And because the Polestar 4 relies on rear-facing cameras and a display built into its rearview mirror, you can still see out the back without anything getting in the way. Unfortunately, because this is a one-off model built for the F.A.T. International Ice Race, you won’t be able to buy one for yourself. 
  Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRTThe Ioniq 5 XRT is basically a do-everything EV hot hatch. Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  A year and a half ago when I was in the market for a car, the Ioniq 5 was high on my short list. While I eventually went with a Mach-E, if this XRT edition had been available back then, it might have tipped the scales in Hyundai’s favor. This model combines the Ioniq 5’s signature pixelated good looks with some nice off-road touches to create a well-equipped midsize EV that can handle practically any situation. I especially like the addition of bright orange tow hooks that serve as a nice contrast to the subtle digital camo print on the XRT’s front bumper. And while its chunkier tires result in range that’s a touch lower than what you get from an equivalent Limited model (259 vs 269 miles), the XRT makes up for that by including Hyundai’s HTRAC All Wheel Drive system by default without a huge jump in price. 
  Corvette CX ConceptThe CX Concept is meant to be a peek at what future Corvettes could be.Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  With the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X already boasting more than 1,200 horsepower, it’s kind of scary to think what the Corvette CX Concept could bring if it ever reaches production. Described as the vision of the future, the CX is Chevy’s take on an electrified hypercar while also serving as a template for future Corvettes as a whole. And while its proportions and styling are so extreme that it9s hard to believe they will make it onto a consumer vehicle, this thing sure is nice to look at. 
  Rolls Royce SpectreIf I had infinite money, the Spectre would definitely be in my dream three-car garage. Sam Rutherford for Engadget
  For a brand as old and steeped in tradition as Rolls Royce, it’s easy to forget that the luxury automaker began its transition to the EV era back in 2022. And while the company wasn’t officially in attendance at the New York Auto Show, Manhattan Motorcars was nice enough to bring a Spectre to the show floor for plebs like us to gawk at. In many ways, this car is an ideal showcase of the advantages of electrification, as the Spectre offers ample power (up to 650hp for the Black Badge variant) and massive torque, but without all the commotion you get from an internal combustion engine. Despite weighing around 6,500 pounds (making it one of the heaviest passenger cars on the market), it still delivers more than respectable range, with up to 277 miles depending on the specific config. Although, it’s not like any Spectre owners are actually going to take this thing on a cross-country road trip. 
  
  
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/the-hottest-evs-from-the-2026-new-york-auto-show-plus-one-brawny-concept-120000557.html?src=rss

• Apple Arcade just got two indie gems
  Two fantastic indie titles just dropped for Apple Arcade. The platform has received versions of Dredge and Unpacking, both of which have been optimized for mobile devices.
  
  Dredge+ is the complete edition of the game, with all released DLC content. This is pretty much a perfect video game that combines fishing with bone-chilling horror. During the day, you sail around and fish, which involves a fishing minigame and a "pack the fish in the bag" minigame. At night, you are hunted by Lovecraftian monsters that may or may not be real. The developers threw in some tricks to make players doubt their own sanity, just like the Gamecube classic Eternal Darkness.
  
  Unpacking+ is the original game, but optimized for touchscreen controls. It's basically a block-fitting puzzle game, in which players arrange items in a home as they, well, unpack. Despite this extremely simple premise, the story is quite moving. There's a reason why it has racked up numerous accolades, including one for Cultural Impact at the 2023 App Store Awards. It's also a fantastic title for short bursts of gameplay.
  
  The pet sim My Very Hungry Caterpillar+ also arrives for the platform today. Otherwise, pre-existing titles are getting updates throughout the month. The word-based puzzle game Disney SpellStruck just got more Star Wars content and Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop gets a new game mode on April 9.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/apple-arcade-just-got-two-indie-gems-133056009.html?src=rss

• Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro review: The king of party projectors
  Every now and then, I test a gadget so wild that I can’t believe a company actually made it. Soundcore’s $5,000 Nebula X1 Pro projector is the embodiment of that: an ultra bright projector and a 400-watt Dolby Atmos 7.1 speaker system combined in a massive enclosure. With a fast and flexible setup, it lets you screen movies or watch sports nearly anywhere.
  
  It’s not just a projector crammed into a big speaker system, though. Everything is elegantly integrated and setup is nearly automatic, thanks to the clever design and motorization. The weight and price are the biggest strikes against it, but if you can afford it, and love hosting movie nights, the Nebula X1 Pro is one of the coolest devices you can buy.
  
  
  Design
  Made by Anker sub-brand Soundcore, the Nebula X1 Pro has a professional-looking enclosure housing a Nebula X1 laser projector and five speakers — a subwoofer, two front satellites and two rear satellites. With all that crammed in, the projector is big and heavy at 30 inches high and 72 pounds. Fortunately, it has a pair of wheels on the back and a telescoping handle so it’s easy to roll from room to room or dolly outside. Good luck carrying it up a set of stairs or unloading it from a vehicle by yourself, though.
  Steve Dent for Engadget
  Soundcore made the Nebula X1 Pro as outdoor-friendly as possible, with IP43 and IP54 ratings on the body and speakers, respectively, to withstand short periods of rain. If you want to use it away from home, the company sells optional kits with a 200-inch inflatable screen or an Anker Solix C1000 battery that can power it for several hours.
  
  The four wireless satellite speakers have seven horizontal and four overhead channels, and the two-speaker subwoofer is inside the main enclosure. The rear speakers pop out of a spring-loaded storage dock with a light press, same for the telescoping speaker legs.
  
  The front satellite speaker docking system is even more slick. To release them, you press a button on top and they fold out of the side via a motorized system. You can either leave them there or detach them at the touch of a button. All speakers can be charged externally over USB-C or inside their docks. They have eight hours of battery life, though I found the bigger front ones held a charge for slightly longer than that.
  
  The X1 Pro also includes a pair of high-quality Soundcore wireless microphones for DJ-ing or karaoke, tucked under the top panel. Those feature AI vocal removal from songs, one-touch reverb and 40 hours of battery life — everything you need for a karaoke party.
  
  There’s only a single HDMI 2.1 port at the back (which is odd considering that the Nebula X1 has two) with eARC support for Dolby Atmos sound. It also comes with two USB-C ports for external file playback, charging and a PC connection. Lastly, the power cable is retractable, which is another nice design touch.
  Features Steve Dent for Engadget
  I also reviewed the Nebula X1 projector that's inside the X1 Pro, but here’s a summary in case you missed it. The projector uses Soundcore’s proprietary “LaserForge 2.0” liquid-cooled, triple-laser engine that beams a bright, color-accurate image with very little fan noise (26 db). It promises high native contrast thanks to the 6-blade dynamic iris and NebulaMaster 2.0 image engine. The 0.9:1 to 1.5:1 optical zoom lens allows for flexible installation and employs 14 high-quality, long-lasting glass elements.
  
  The X1 Pro uses the same 0.47-inch DLP chip found in many other projectors (and not the bigger, better 0.67-inch chip coming soon in XGIMI’s Titan Noir). The lasers are beamed through a color phosphor wheel twice to achieve excellent 90 percent color and brightness uniformity across the screen.
  
  The projector’s motorized gimbal tilts 25 degrees upward so you can position it well below the screen. The “spatial adaptation” feature scans the projection area then beams the final image to precisely fit the screen or wall. It worked nicely for me, though overhead lights or other obstacles can throw it off. The projector can adapt to ambient light and the wall color, and another function called Spatial Recall lets you save all your settings for later.
  
  Once I detached them, the speakers paired automatically to the X1 Pro over 5.8Ghz Wi-Fi with no difficulty. I placed them around the room to maximize soundstage, then the Nebula X1 Pro’s “Flexwave” tech used a built-in four-mic array to detect their positions and calibrate the audio. I was seated off to the side, so I used the “smart sweet spot” feature to drag the center point toward my position for optimal sound balance.
  
  Google TV is included, offering a large library of streaming apps and an easy-to-use projector control interface via the included remote (tucked into the top so you hopefully won’t lose it). You get Netflix’s official app with support for 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, plus the X1 Pro has Chromecast support and Google Assistant for voice control. The interface can occasionally be sluggish, though Soundcore has improved its latency since I tested the Nebula X1.
  Image quality Steve Dent for Engadget
  Even after testing other high-end projectors including Valerion’s VisionMaster Max, the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is still the brightest and sharpest I’ve seen. The company’s luminosity claim is accurate; I measured 3,514 ANSI lumens in “Standard” mode from the center of the screen and 3,310 in the cinematic “NebulaMaster” mode. It can output a whopping 4,175 lumens in Conference mode, albeit with a heavy blue color cast.
  
  That brightness allowed me to comfortably watch content on a sunny day with the shades up. The X1 Pro also offers high dynamic contrast up to 56,000:1, aided by the automatic iris and NebulaMaster image engine, which also keeps the image from washing out in daytime conditions.
  
  When used in more ideal dark conditions, the image was bright, sharp and incredibly color accurate. Soundcore claims 110 percent coverage of the challenging BT.2020 HDR color space (with a Delta E less than 0.8), putting the X1 Pro in elite company with a few select models from Samsung, Hisense and a few others. I measured around 94 percent BT.2020 coverage in ISF mode, which falls short of the company’s claim but is still impressive.
  
  The high color accuracy meant that the TV series and movies I watched like Iron Man 2, Dune 2, Andor and F1 looked beautifully cinematic. If the colors aren’t quite to your liking, you can make fine adjustments manually. Like other 4K projectors with a 0.47-inch DLP chip, the X1 has a slight amount of light spill around the edge of the screen, but it’s only noticeable when the projected image is particularly dark.
  
  With HDMI 2.1 the Nebula X1 Pro supports 4K 120 fps sources, but can only display 4K at 60 fps. Because of that, and the relatively high input lag, it’s not ideal for gaming.
  Audio Steve Dent for Engadget
  The 400-watt audio setup is what elevates the Nebula X1 Pro above its rivals. Thanks to their Wi-Fi connectivity, the satellites have a latency of just 25 milliseconds, compared to 150 milliseconds or more for typical Bluetooth speakers. That keeps sound and picture perfectly synced, something that can be a problem with other wireless speaker setups.
  
  The X1’s two internal subwoofers can pump out sound as low as 38Hz at up to 87 decibels. That allowed for the loud and punchy (but not boomy) bass I love for action movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. At the same time, that bass is clear and subtle for less bombastic films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. To avoid vibrating the projector, the subwoofer is mounted on a suspension system, and I found it didn’t affect the picture even during loud scenes.
  
  With the four wireless speakers spread around a big room, I got an outstanding soundstage with Dolby Atmos-supported content including Star Wars: A New Hope and The White Lotus: Season 3. The speakers delivered crisp and accurate highs, while the dedicated front voice drivers let me hear even soft dialogue, though midrange sound could occasionally be a bit tinny. It faithfully reproduced tricky film soundtracks like Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and did justice to the industrial metal and symphonic music in The Matrix. Yes, you’d get better sound from a dedicated high-end 7.1 Dolby system, but with far more setup hassle and zero portability.
  Wrap-up Steve Dent for Engadget
  Soundcore’s Nebula X1 Pro is a home theater marvel that’s so well-designed almost anyone can set it up. By integrating one of the best triple-laser projectors with a 400-watt Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 surround system, and then putting all of that on wheels, you can enjoy an immersive cinema experience nearly anywhere.
  
  This Nebula X1 Pro has no true rivals, but competitors with similar projectors (but no sound systems) include the Valerion VisionMaster Max and XGIMI Horizon 20 Max, both triple-laser systems with comparable brightness and color accuracy. Once you add an audio surround system, though, you’ll be spending the same amount and won’t get the X1 Pro’s convenience and portability.
  
  The catch, of course, is the $5,000 price. However, if you have the money and want the ultimate home theater experience that’s portable and easy to use, Soundcore’s beastly Nebula X1 Pro is actually a good deal.
  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/soundcore-nebula-x1-pro-review-the-king-of-party-projectors-010018484.html?src=rss

• EU OS: A Bold Step Toward Digital Sovereignty for Europe
  Image
  A new initiative, called "EU OS," has been launched to develop a Linux-based operating system tailored specifically for the public sector organizations of the European Union (EU). This community-driven project aims to address the EU's unique needs and challenges, focusing on fostering digital sovereignty, reducing dependency on external vendors, and building a secure, self-sufficient digital ecosystem.
  What Is EU OS?
  EU OS is not an entirely novel operating system. Instead, it builds upon a Linux foundation derived from Fedora, with the KDE Plasma desktop environment. It draws inspiration from previous efforts such as France's GendBuntu and Munich's LiMux, which aimed to provide Linux-based systems for public sector use. The goal remains the same: to create a standardized Linux distribution that can be adapted to different regional, national, and sector-specific needs within the EU.
  
  Rather than reinventing the wheel, EU OS focuses on standardization, offering a solid Linux foundation that can be customized according to the unique requirements of various organizations. This approach makes EU OS a practical choice for the public sector, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of implementation across diverse environments.
  The Vision Behind EU OS
  The guiding principle of EU OS is the concept of "public money – public code," ensuring that taxpayer money is used transparently and effectively. By adopting an open-source model, EU OS eliminates licensing fees, which not only lowers costs but also reduces the dependency on a select group of software vendors. This provides the EU’s public sector organizations with greater flexibility and control over their IT infrastructure, free from the constraints of vendor lock-in.
  
  Additionally, EU OS offers flexibility in terms of software migration and hardware upgrades. Organizations can adapt to new technologies and manage their IT evolution at a manageable cost, both in terms of finances and time.
  
  However, there are some concerns about the choice of Fedora as the base for EU OS. While Fedora is a solid and reliable distribution, it is backed by the United States-based Red Hat. Some argue that using European-backed projects such as openSUSE or KDE's upcoming distribution might have aligned better with the EU's goal of strengthening digital sovereignty.
  Conclusion
  EU OS marks a significant step towards Europe's digital independence by providing a robust, standardized Linux distribution for the public sector. By reducing reliance on proprietary software and vendors, it paves the way for a more flexible, cost-effective, and secure digital ecosystem. While the choice of Fedora as the base for the project has raised some questions, the overall vision of EU OS offers a promising future for Europe's public sector in the digital age.
  
  Source: It's FOSS
  European Union

• Linus Torvalds Acknowledges Missed Release of Linux 6.14 Due to Oversight
  
  Linus Torvalds Acknowledges Missed Release of Linux 6.14 Due to Oversight
  
  Linux kernel lead developer Linus Torvalds has admitted to forgetting to release version 6.14, attributing the oversight to his own lapse in memory. Torvalds is known for releasing new Linux kernel candidates and final versions on Sunday afternoons, typically accompanied by a post detailing the release. If he is unavailable due to travel or other commitments, he usually informs the community ahead of time, so users don’t worry if there’s a delay.
  
  In his post on March 16, Torvalds gave no indication that the release might be delayed, instead stating, “I expect to release the final 6.14 next weekend unless something very surprising happens.” However, Sunday, March 23rd passed without any announcement.
  
  On March 24th, Torvalds wrote in a follow-up message, “I’d love to have some good excuse for why I didn’t do the 6.14 release yesterday on my regular Sunday afternoon schedule,” adding, “But no. It’s just pure incompetence.” He further explained that while he had been clearing up unrelated tasks, he simply forgot to finalize the release. “D'oh,” he joked.
  
  Despite this minor delay, Torvalds’ track record of successfully managing the Linux kernel’s development process over the years remains strong. A single day’s delay is not critical, especially since most Linux users don't urgently need the very latest version.
  
  The new 6.14 release introduces several important features, including enhanced support for writing drivers in Rust—an ongoing topic of discussion among developers—support for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile chip, a fix for the GhostWrite vulnerability in certain RISC-V processors from Alibaba’s T-Head Semiconductor, and a completed NTSYNC driver update that improves the WINE emulator’s ability to run Windows applications, particularly games, on Linux.
  
  Although the 6.14 release went smoothly aside from the delay, Torvalds expressed that version 6.15 may present more challenges due to the volume of pending pull requests. “Judging by my pending pile of pull requests, 6.15 will be much busier,” he noted.
  
  You can download the latest kernel here.
  Linus Torvalds kernel

• AerynOS 2025.03 Alpha Released with GNOME 48, Mesa 25, and Linux Kernel 6.13.8
  Image
  AerynOS 2025.03 has officially been released, introducing a variety of exciting features for Linux users. The release includes the highly anticipated GNOME 48 desktop environment, which comes with significant improvements like HDR support, dynamic triple buffering, and a Wayland color management protocol. Other updates include a battery charge limiting feature and a Wellbeing option aimed at improving user experience.
  
  This release, while still in alpha, incorporates Linux kernel 6.13.8 and the updated Mesa 25.0.2 graphics stack, alongside tools like LLVM 19.1.7 and Vulkan SDK 1.4.309.0. Additionally, the Moss package manager now integrates os-info to generate more detailed OS metadata via a JSON file.
  
  Future plans for AerynOS include automated package updates, easier rollback management, improved disk handling with Rust, and fractional scaling enabled by default. The installer has also been revamped to support full disk wipes and dynamic partitioning.
  
  Although still considered an alpha release, AerynOS 2025.03 can be downloaded and tested right now from its official website.
  
  Source: 9to5Linux
  AerynOS

• Xojo 2025r1: Big Updates for Developers with Linux ARM Support, Web Drag and Drop, and Direct App Store Publishing
  Image
  Xojo has just rolled out its latest release, Xojo 2025 Release 1, and it’s packed with features that developers have been eagerly waiting for. This major update introduces support for running Xojo on Linux ARM, including Raspberry Pi, brings drag-and-drop functionality to the Web framework, and simplifies app deployment with the ability to directly submit apps to the macOS and iOS App Stores.
  
  Here’s a quick overview of what’s new in Xojo 2025r1:
  1. Linux ARM IDE Support
  Xojo 2025r1 now allows developers to run the Xojo IDE on Linux ARM devices, including popular platforms like Raspberry Pi. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for developers who want to create apps for ARM-based devices without the usual complexity. Whether you’re building for a Raspberry Pi or other ARM devices, this update makes it easier than ever to get started.
  2. Web Drag and Drop
  One of the standout features in this release is the addition of drag-and-drop support for web applications. Now, developers can easily drag and drop visual controls in their web projects, making it simpler to create interactive, user-friendly web applications. Plus, the WebListBox has been enhanced with support for editable cells, checkboxes, and row reordering via dragging. No JavaScript required!
  3. Direct App Store Publishing
  Xojo has also streamlined the process of publishing apps. With this update, developers can now directly submit macOS and iOS apps to App Store Connect right from the Xojo IDE. This eliminates the need for multiple steps and makes it much easier to get apps into the App Store, saving valuable time during the development process.
  4. New Desktop and Mobile Features
  This release isn’t just about web and Linux updates. Xojo 2025r1 brings some great improvements for desktop and mobile apps as well. On the desktop side, all projects now include a default window menu for macOS apps. On the mobile side, Xojo has introduced new features for Android and iOS, including support for ColorGroup and Dark Mode on Android, and a new MobileColorPicker for iOS to simplify color selection.
  5. Performance and IDE Enhancements
  Xojo’s IDE has also been improved in several key areas. There’s now an option to hide toolbar captions, and the toolbar has been made smaller on Windows. The IDE on Windows and Linux now features modern Bootstrap icons, and the Documentation window toolbar is more compact. In the code editor, developers can now quickly navigate to variable declarations with a simple Cmd/Ctrl + Double-click. Plus, performance for complex container layouts in the Layout Editor has been enhanced.
  What Does This Mean for Developers?
  Xojo 2025r1 brings significant improvements across all the platforms that Xojo supports, from desktop and mobile to web and Linux. The added Linux ARM support opens up new opportunities for Raspberry Pi and ARM-based device development, while the drag-and-drop functionality for web projects will make it easier to create modern, interactive web apps. The ability to publish directly to the App Store is a game-changer for macOS and iOS developers, reducing the friction of app distribution.
  How to Get Started
  Xojo is free for learning and development, as well as for building apps for Linux and Raspberry Pi. If you’re ready to dive into cross-platform development, paid licenses start at $99 for a single-platform desktop license, and $399 for cross-platform desktop, mobile, or web development. For professional developers who need additional resources and support, Xojo Pro and Pro Plus licenses start at $799. You can also find special pricing for educators and students.
  
  Download Xojo 2025r1 today at xojo.com.
  Final Thoughts
  With each new release, Xojo continues to make cross-platform development more accessible and efficient. The 2025r1 release is no exception, delivering key updates that simplify the development process and open up new possibilities for developers working on a variety of platforms. Whether you’re a Raspberry Pi enthusiast or a mobile app developer, Xojo 2025r1 has something for you.
  Xojo ARM

• New 'Mirrored' Network Mode Introduced in Windows Subsystem for Linux
  
  Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) continues to evolve with the release of WSL 2 version 0.0.2. This update introduces a set of opt-in preview features designed to enhance performance and compatibility.
  
  Key additions include "Automatic memory reclaim" which dynamically optimizes WSL's memory footprint, and "Sparse VHD" to shrink the size of the virtual hard disk file. These improvements aim to streamline resource usage.
  
  Additionally, a new "mirrored networking mode" brings expanded networking capabilities like IPv6 and multicast support. Microsoft claims this will improve VPN and LAN connectivity from both the Windows host and Linux guest. 
  
  Complementing this is a new "DNS Tunneling" feature that changes how DNS queries are resolved to avoid compatibility issues with certain network setups. According to Microsoft, this should reduce problems connecting to the internet or local network resources within WSL.
  
  Advanced firewall configuration options are also now available through Hyper-V integration. The new "autoProxy" feature ensures WSL seamlessly utilizes the Windows system proxy configuration.
  
  Microsoft states these features are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders running Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621.2359 or later. They remain opt-in previews to allow testing before final integration into WSL.
  
  By expanding WSL 2 with compelling new capabilities in areas like resource efficiency, networking, and security, Microsoft aims to make Linux on Windows more performant and compatible. This evolutionary approach based on user feedback highlights Microsoft's commitment to WSL as a key part of the Windows ecosystem.
  Windows

• Linux Threat Report: Earth Lusca Deploys Novel SprySOCKS Backdoor in Attacks on Government Entities
  
  The threat actor Earth Lusca, linked to Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups, has been observed utilizing a new Linux backdoor dubbed SprySOCKS to target government organizations globally. 
  
  As initially reported in January 2022 by Trend Micro, Earth Lusca has been active since at least 2021 conducting cyber espionage campaigns against public and private sector targets in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Their tactics include spear-phishing and watering hole attacks to gain initial access. Some of Earth Lusca's activities overlap with another Chinese threat cluster known as RedHotel.
  
  In new research, Trend Micro reveals Earth Lusca remains highly active, even expanding operations in the first half of 2023. Primary victims are government departments focused on foreign affairs, technology, and telecommunications. Attacks concentrate in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Balkans regions. 
  
  After breaching internet-facing systems by exploiting flaws in Fortinet, GitLab, Microsoft Exchange, Telerik UI, and Zimbra software, Earth Lusca uses web shells and Cobalt Strike to move laterally. Their goal is exfiltrating documents and credentials, while also installing additional backdoors like ShadowPad and Winnti for long-term spying.
  
  The Command and Control server delivering Cobalt Strike was also found hosting SprySOCKS - an advanced backdoor not previously publicly reported. With roots in the Windows malware Trochilus, SprySOCKS contains reconnaissance, remote shell, proxy, and file operation capabilities. It communicates over TCP mimicking patterns used by a Windows trojan called RedLeaves, itself built on Trochilus.
  
  At least two SprySOCKS versions have been identified, indicating ongoing development. This novel Linux backdoor deployed by Earth Lusca highlights the increasing sophistication of Chinese state-sponsored threats. Robust patching, access controls, monitoring for unusual activities, and other proactive defenses remain essential to counter this advanced malware.
  
  The Trend Micro researchers emphasize that organizations must minimize attack surfaces, regularly update systems, and ensure robust security hygiene to interrupt the tactics, techniques, and procedures of relentless threat groups like Earth Lusca.
  Security

• Linux Kernel Faces Reduction in Long-Term Support Due to Maintenance Challenges
  
  The Linux kernel is undergoing major changes that will shape its future development and adoption, according to Jonathan Corbet, Linux kernel developer and executive editor of Linux Weekly News. Speaking at the Open Source Summit Europe, Corbet provided an update on the latest Linux kernel developments and a glimpse of what's to come.
  
  A major change on the horizon is a reduction in long-term support (LTS) for kernel versions from six years to just two years. Corbet explained that maintaining old kernel branches indefinitely is unsustainable and most users have migrated to newer versions, so there's little point in continuing six years of support. While some may grumble about shortened support lifecycles, the reality is that constantly backporting fixes to ancient kernels strains maintainers.
  
  This maintainer burnout poses a serious threat, as Corbet highlighted. Maintaining Linux is largely a volunteer effort, with only about 200 of the 2,000+ developers paid for their contributions. The endless demands on maintainers' time from fuzz testing, fixing minor bugs, and reviewing contributions takes a toll. Prominent maintainers have warned they need help to avoid collapse. Companies relying on Linux must realize giving back financially is in their interest to sustain this vital ecosystem. 
  
  The Linux kernel is also wading into waters new with the introduction of Rust code. While Rust solves many problems, it also introduces new complexities around language integration, evolving standards, and maintainer expertise. Corbet believes Rust will pass the point of no return when core features depend on it, which may occur soon with additions like Apple M1 GPU drivers. Despite skepticism in some corners, Rust's benefits likely outweigh any transition costs.
  
  On the distro front, Red Hat's decision to restrict RHEL cloning sparked community backlash. While business considerations were at play, Corbet noted technical factors too. Using older kernels with backported fixes, as RHEL does, risks creating divergent, vendor-specific branches. The Android model of tracking mainline kernel dev more closely has shown security benefits. Ultimately, Linux works best when aligned with the broader community.
  
  In closing, Corbet recalled the saying "Linux is free like a puppy is free." Using open source seems easy at first, but sustaining it long-term requires significant care and feeding. As Linux is incorporated into more critical systems, that maintenance becomes ever more crucial. The kernel changes ahead are aimed at keeping Linux healthy and vibrant for the next generation of users, businesses, and developers.
  kernel

• Linux Celebrates 32 Years with the Release of 6.6-rc2 Version
  
  Today marks the 32nd anniversary of Linus Torvalds introducing the inaugural Linux 0.01 kernel version, and celebrating this milestone, Torvalds has launched the Linux 6.6-rc2. Among the noteworthy updates are the inclusion of a feature catering to the ASUS ROG Flow X16 tablet's mode handling and the renaming of the new GenPD subsystem to pmdomain.
  
  The Linux 6.6 edition is progressing well, brimming with exciting new features that promise to enhance user experience. Early benchmarks are indicating promising results, especially on high-core-count servers, pointing to a potentially robust and efficient update in the Linux series.
  
  Here is what Linus Torvalds had to say in today's announcement:
  Another week, another -rc.I think the most notable thing about 6.6-rc2 is simply that it'sexactly 32 years to the day since the 0.01 release. And that's a roundnumber if you are a computer person.Because other than the random date, I don't see anything that reallystands out here. We've got random fixes all over, and none of it looksparticularly strange. The genpd -> pmdomain rename shows up in thediffstat, but there's no actual code changes involved (make sure touse "git diff -M" to see them as zero-line renames).And other than that, things look very normal. Sure, the architecturefixes happen to be mostly parisc this week, which isn't exactly theusual pattern, but it's also not exactly a huge amount of changes.Most of the (small) changes here are in drivers, with some tracingfixes and just random things. The shortlog below is short enough toscroll through and get a taste of what's been going on. Linus Torvalds

• Introducing Bavarder: A User-Friendly Linux Desktop App for Quick ChatGPT Interaction
  
  Want to interact with ChatGPT from your Linux desktop without using a web browser?
  
  Bavarder, a new app, allows you to do just that.
  
  Developed with Python and GTK4/libadwaita, Bavarder offers a simple concept: pose a question to ChatGPT, receive a response, and promptly copy the answer (or your inquiry) to the clipboard for pasting elsewhere.
  
  With an incredibly user-friendly interface, you won't require AI expertise (or a novice blogger) to comprehend it. Type your question in the top box, click the blue send button, and wait for a generated response to appear at the bottom. You can edit or modify your message and repeat the process as needed.
  
  During our evaluation, Bavarder employed BAI Chat, a GPT-3.5/ChatGPT API-based chatbot that's free and doesn't require signups or API keys. Future app versions will incorporate support for alternative backends, such as ChatGPT 4 and Hugging Chat, and allow users to input an API key to utilize ChatGPT3.
  
  At present, there's no option to regenerate a response (though you can resend the same question for a potentially different answer). Due to the lack of a "conversation" view, tracking a dialogue or following up on answers can be challenging — but Bavarder excels for rapid-fire questions.
  
  As with any AI, standard disclaimers apply. Responses might seem plausible but could contain inaccurate or false information. Additionally, it's relatively easy to lead these models into irrational loops, like convincing them that 2 + 2 equals 106 — so stay alert!
  
  Overall, Bavarder is an attractive app with a well-defined purpose. If you enjoy ChatGPT and similar technologies, it's worth exploring.
  ChatGPT AI

• LibreOffice 7.5.3 Released: Third Maintenance Update Brings 119 Bug Fixes to Popular Open-Source Office Suite
  
  Today, The Document Foundation unveiled the release and widespread availability of LibreOffice 7.5.3, which serves as the third maintenance update to the current LibreOffice 7.5 open-source and complimentary office suite series.
  
  Approximately five weeks after the launch of LibreOffice 7.5.2, LibreOffice 7.5.3 arrives with a new set of bug fixes for those who have successfully updated their GNU/Linux system to the LibreOffice 7.5 series.
  
  LibreOffice 7.5.3 addresses a total of 119 bugs identified by users or uncovered by LibreOffice developers. For a more comprehensive understanding of these bug fixes, consult the RC1 and RC2 changelogs.
  
  You can download LibreOffice 7.5.3 directly from the LibreOffice website��or from SourceForge as binary installers for DEB or RPM-based GNU/Linux distributions. A source tarball is also accessible for individuals who prefer to compile the software from sources or for system integrators.
  
  All users operating the LibreOffice 7.5 office suite series should promptly update their installations to the new point release, which will soon appear in the stable software repositories of your GNU/Linux distributions.
  
  In early February 2023, LibreOffice 7.5 debuted as a substantial upgrade to the widely-used open-source office suite, introducing numerous features and improvements. These enhancements encompass major upgrades to dark mode support, new application and MIME-type icons, a refined Single Toolbar UI, enhanced PDF Export, and more.
  
  Seven maintenance updates will support LibreOffice 7.5 until November 30th, 2023. The next point release, LibreOffice 7.5.4, is scheduled for early June and will include additional bug fixes.
  
  The Document Foundation once again emphasizes that the LibreOffice office suite's "Community" edition is maintained by volunteers and members of the Open Source community. For enterprise implementations, they suggest using the LibreOffice Enterprise family of applications from ecosystem partners.
  LibreOffice