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  • Here’s your first look at Kratos and Atreus in Amazon’s upcoming God of War TV adaptation

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    With the likes of  and  out of the way for a bit, Amazon has seized its opportunity to put the spotlight on the next big video game adaptation, its currently-in-production God of War show. Today we got our at Ryan Hurst and Callum Vinson as Kratos and Atreus.

    The image released by Amazon shows the eponymous God of War standing next to a tree as he watches his son — who notably looks a bit younger than the video game version of 11-year-old Atreus we first met in 2018’s God of War — take aim with his bow. Exactly what they’re hunting is unclear, but we know that the developing relationship between father and son that was such a big part of the PS4 game is also going to be at the heart of the show.

    Whether Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios have nailed the looks of its central characters is a matter of opinion. Personally I think Hurst’s Kratos in particular looks a little bit off here, but there’s every chance it all comes together later in production. Or when we first hear him angrily exclaim “boy!”

    The Sons of Anarchy star was as Kratos back in January, and earlier this week we learned that Deadpool’s will play Baldur in the Amazon show. The rest of the cast includes Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Max Parker and Heimfall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, as Sif, Alastair Duncan as Mimir, Jeff Gulka as Sindri and Danny Woodburn as Brok.

    No release date has been announced yet, but a second season of God of War has been confirmed.

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    Matt Tate

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  • Jack Dorsey’s Block slashes nearly half workforce in AI ‘overhaul’ – Tech Digest

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    Block – the parent company of Square, Cash App and Tidal – announced on Thursday that it is cutting more than 4,000 jobs.

    The reduction, which represents nearly half of the firm’s total workforce, is part of a radical structural overhaul aimed at embedding artificial intelligence across every facet of its operations.

    Following the announcement, Block’s shares surged by as much as 25% in after-hours trading. Investors appeared to shrug off the $500 million in expected restructuring charges, instead rewarding CEO Jack Dorsey’s vision of a leaner, high-margin future.

    The layoffs bring the company’s headcount down from roughly 10,000 to fewer than 6,000 employees.

    In a candid letter to shareholders, Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, framed the decision as an inevitable evolution of the modern corporation. “Intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company,” Dorsey stated.

    “A significantly smaller team using the tools can do more and do it better.” He further suggested that Block is simply an early adopter of a trend that will soon become universal, adding: “I don’t think we’re early to this realization. I think most companies are late.”

    The layoffs at Block represent a pivotal moment in the AI boom, signalling a shift from experimental “hype” to profound changes in the global labour market. While tech giants including Amazon, Google and Meta have also cut thousands of roles recently to pivot toward AI investment, Block is among the first major players to explicitly credit AI automation for such a massive reduction in the workforce.

    Analysts at Evercore ISI described the announcement as a “seminal moment,” noting that tools such as OpenAI’s Codex and Anthropic’s Claude Code are now capable of automating complex software engineering tasks that previously required large teams.

    This shift was echoed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who recently noted that projects once requiring entire departments are now being finished by a single talented person equipped with the right tools.

    Despite the workforce reduction, Block’s underlying business remains resilient. The company posted a strong holiday quarter, driven by a 33% surge in Cash App’s gross profit. By cutting costs now, Dorsey argues that Block is securing its future on its “own terms”, rather than being forced into a reactive crisis later.

    For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv


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    Chris Price

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  • Apple teases ‘big week’ of product launches, starting Monday – Tech Digest

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    Apple CEO Tim Cook has officially signalled the start of a major hardware blitz, confirming that a week of product announcements will kick off this coming Monday, March 2.

    In a cryptic teaser posted to X (formerly Twitter), Cook promised a “big week ahead,” featuring a video of hands manipulating a silver, aluminium Apple logo—a clear nod to the company’s iconic MacBook and iPad industrial design.

    Unlike Apple’s traditional high-profile keynote events at Apple Park, this rollout appears to be a multi-day series of digital reveals. The company is expected to drip-feed announcements via press releases and videos throughout the early week, culminating in exclusive media “experiences” on Wednesday in New York City, London, and Shanghai, where journalists will get hands-on time with the new gear.

    iPhone 17e and iPad overhaul

    Analysts and leakers point to a refreshed lineup that bridges the gap between Apple’s entry-level devices and its pro-grade hardware. The most anticipated reveal is the iPhone 17e. Following last year’s successful debut of the 16e, Apple seems to be moving toward an annual update cycle for its more affordable smartphone.

    The iPad family is also due for a significant overhaul. We are likely to see an 11th-generation base model iPad, potentially featuring internal upgrades to support “Apple Intelligence.” Additionally, the iPad Air is expected to jump from the M3 chip to the M4, bringing it closer in performance to the current iPad Pro.

    Historic shift for Mac

    Perhaps the most intriguing rumour involves a fundamental change to the Mac architecture. Experts predict Apple may unveil the first MacBook powered by an A-series chip – the same class of processor found in the iPhone – aimed at creating an ultra-affordable, highly efficient entry-level laptop.

    Meanwhile, the MacBook Air and higher-end MacBook Pro models are expected to receive refreshes, likely standardizing the M5 chip across the portable lineup. With new desktop displays also rumoured, Apple’s week of releases looks set to touch almost every corner of its ecosystem.

     

    For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv


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    Chris Price

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  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: The New ANC King or Just a Reskin?

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    The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro represent a significant step forward in the world of premium wireless earbuds. With features such as adaptive noise cancellation, high-resolution audio support, and intuitive controls, they cater to a wide range of users, from audiophiles to casual listeners. However, their full potential is most evident when used within the Samsung ecosystem, where exclusive features and seamless integration enhance the overall experience. For non-Samsung users, the earbuds still deliver excellent performance but with some limitations. The video below from Zollotech gives us a detailed look at the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and their range of features.

    Design and Build: Sleek, Compact, and Functional

    The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro showcase a modern and minimalist design that balances aesthetics with practicality. Subtle metallic accents lend a premium feel, while the earbuds are available in three colors: black, white, and an online-exclusive pink gold. This variety ensures a style option for different preferences.

    The redesigned charging case is thinner and more compact than previous iterations, making it highly portable and easy to slip into a pocket or bag. Inside the case, a magnetic cradle securely holds the earbuds in place during charging, minimizing the risk of misalignment. This thoughtful design ensures both durability and convenience, making the earbuds a reliable companion for daily use.

    Comfort and Fit: Designed for Extended Wear

    Comfort is a defining feature of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, making them suitable for prolonged use. The earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes, allowing users to achieve a snug and secure fit tailored to their ears. This customization not only enhances comfort but also improves noise isolation for a better listening experience.

    Weighing just a few grams, the lightweight design reduces ear fatigue, even during extended wear. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or attending virtual meetings, the earbuds remain comfortable and stable. Their ergonomic design ensures they stay in place during physical activities, making them a versatile choice for various lifestyles.

    Audio Features: Immersive and Customizable Sound

    The audio performance of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is one of their standout qualities, particularly for users within the Samsung ecosystem. Key audio features include:

    • High-Resolution Audio: The earbuds support 24-bit/96 kHz audio, delivering crisp and detailed sound with a balanced mix of rich bass and clear treble.
    • Two-Way Speaker System: A larger woofer and tweeter work together to enhance sound separation and depth, providing a more immersive listening experience.
    • Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Improved by 3 dB compared to previous models, this feature effectively blocks out ambient noise, making it ideal for noisy environments such as airplanes or busy streets.
    • Ambient Sound Mode: This mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings without removing the earbuds, offering a practical solution for outdoor activities or conversations.
    • Customizable EQ: Users can fine-tune audio settings through the companion app to match their personal preferences, making sure a tailored listening experience.

    While these features elevate the audio quality, it is worth noting that high-resolution audio support is exclusive to Samsung devices. Non-Samsung users can still enjoy excellent sound quality, but they may miss out on some of the advanced audio capabilities.

    Controls and Gestures: User-Friendly and Intuitive

    The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are equipped with a range of intuitive controls that enhance usability and convenience. These controls include:

    • Swipe Gestures: Adjust volume levels with a simple swipe on the earbuds.
    • Touch Controls: Switch between listening modes, play or pause music, and answer calls with a tap.
    • Head Gestures: Accept or reject calls and interact with voice assistants like Bixby, Google Assistant, or Gemini by nodding or shaking your head.

    These features provide a seamless and hands-free experience, making the earbuds particularly useful in situations where manual interaction is inconvenient, such as during workouts or while multitasking.

    Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Reliable

    Battery performance is another area where the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro excel. With active noise cancellation enabled, the earbuds offer up to six hours of playback on a single charge. The charging case extends this to an impressive 30 hours, making sure uninterrupted audio throughout the day.

    For users who frequently travel or have long workdays, this extended battery life eliminates the need for constant recharging. Additionally, the case supports fast charging, providing several hours of playback with just a short charging session.

    Compatibility and Connectivity: Optimized for Samsung Devices

    The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are designed to integrate seamlessly with Samsung devices, offering features such as automatic pairing, advanced audio settings, and low-latency connections. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable and reliable connection across devices, minimizing disruptions during use.

    However, non-Samsung users may encounter some limitations, including:

    • No High-Resolution Audio Support: This feature is exclusive to Samsung devices, reducing its appeal for users outside the ecosystem.
    • Manual Device Switching: Unlike Samsung users who benefit from automatic transitions between devices, others must manually switch connections, which can be less convenient.

    While these restrictions do not compromise the core functionality of the earbuds, they may impact the overall value for users who are not part of the Samsung ecosystem.

    Performance: Meeting High Expectations

    The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver strong performance across key areas, making them a competitive option in the premium wireless audio market. Highlights include:

    • Noise Cancellation: Adaptive technology effectively isolates external sounds, creating an immersive listening environment.
    • Audio Quality: High-resolution output and customizable EQ settings allow users to enjoy a personalized and high-quality listening experience.
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures reliable and consistent connections, reducing latency and interruptions.

    These features collectively enhance the user experience, making sure the earbuds perform well in various scenarios, from casual listening to professional use.

    Drawbacks: Areas for Improvement

    Despite their many strengths, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have a few drawbacks that may affect their appeal for certain users:

    • Limited Device Switching: The lack of automatic switching between devices can be inconvenient for users who frequently multitask across multiple gadgets.
    • Samsung-Exclusive Features: Some advanced features, such as high-resolution audio support, are only available to Samsung users, limiting their accessibility for others.

    These limitations highlight areas where the earbuds could be improved to offer a more inclusive experience for a broader audience.

    Final Thoughts: A Premium Option for Samsung Enthusiasts

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro stand out for their sleek design, exceptional comfort, and advanced audio features. They are particularly well-suited for Samsung users, who can take full advantage of exclusive features and seamless integration. While non-Samsung users can still enjoy many of the earbuds’ benefits, the limitations in compatibility and functionality may make them less appealing. Overall, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer a refined and immersive audio experience, solidifying their position as a top choice in the premium wireless earbuds market.

    Advance your skills in Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro by reading more of our detailed content.

    Source & Image Credit: zollotech

    Filed Under: Gadgets News, Reviews, Technology News, Top News


    Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

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    Roland Hutchinson

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  • The Full ‘Faces of Death’ Trailer Is Here to Eagerly Give You the Ick

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    You can’t just remake Faces of Death in the traditional sense. The 1978 original lurched out of the shadows at the tail end of the mondo film craze and was presented to audiences as a series of authentic clips depicting gruesome footage of real human and animal deaths. Of course, those claims were later debunked, but a seedy, forbidden quality lingers even decades later. Can the new Faces of Death movie hope to capture that same sick feeling? Should it even try?

    The first full trailer for the film, directed by Daniel Goldhaber and written by Goldhaber and Isa Mazzei (who previously collaborated on Cam and How to Blow Up a Pipeline), suggests there is some method behind this madness.

    And yes, it’s a red-band trailer—Faces of Death‘s marketing approach is seemingly designed to remind us how shocking the movie’s subject matter will be—meaning you’ll have to actually go to YouTube (and be signed in) to watch it.

    Definitely some disturbing “found-footage” imagery there, and also hints at the frame story featuring a suitably horrified-looking Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria).

    Here’s the official synopsis, which ties it all together: “In Faces of Death, the exploration of the original film’s infamous ‘is it real or not?’ conceit continues as a woman (Ferreira) working as a content moderator for a major video platform discovers what appears to be reenactments of murders from the original film. In an online world where nothing can be trusted, she must determine whether the violence is fiction, or unfolding in real time.”

    So there’s a bit of Blow-Up (or Blow-Out, speaking of remakes) at play as the content moderator becomes convinced she’s uncovered some very dangerous footage and must determine whether she’s right or not. There’s also a Black Mirror feel to that idea, as technology becomes overtaken and misused for deeply sinister purposes.

    The idea that the new murders are copied from Faces of Death is also a nice (if ghastly) touch—as is not trying to replicate the “real or not” situation for viewers, who are well aware this is a fictional film, and instead centering that on Ferreira’s character, who has the right narrative context to make her own perceptions ambiguous.

    The rest of the cast includes Dacre Montgomery, Josie Totah, Aaron Holliday, Jermaine Fowler, and the suddenly ubiquitous Charli XCX. Who will survive, and whose agony will be captured on tape? Find out April 10 when Faces of Death hits theaters.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Cheryl Eddy

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  • The Party is Over: HBO Max Password Sharing Coming To An End

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    Warner Bros. Discovery has officially confirmed plans to intensify its crackdown on password sharing for its streaming service, HBO Max (known as Max in several regions). This move marks the end of unrestricted account sharing outside of single households, as the company seeks to align its policies with emerging industry standards.

    The announcement was reinforced during the company’s most recent earnings presentation, where executives clarified that the enforcement of these restrictions will be accelerated globally throughout the year.

    The strategy aims to curb the use of accounts by individuals who do not reside in the primary subscriber’s household. This initiative follows a trajectory similar to that of Netflix, which saw a significant revenue boost after implementing similar restrictions.

    Warner Bros. Discovery initially began testing these measures in the United States in August 2025. Following the success of those trials, the model is now being prepared for a wider rollout across international markets, including Brazil and Europe.

    Under the new regulations, subscribers who wish to share their account with someone living at a different address will likely be required to pay an additional fee for an “extra member” profile linked to the main account. This shift is part of a broader effort to strengthen streaming revenues amid an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

    In addition to the policy change, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a shift in its financial reporting. Moving forward, the company will cease the disclosure of detailed quarterly subscriber numbers for HBO Max, adopting a stance similar to other industry giants like Disney+ and Netflix.

    Despite this change in transparency, the company has set an ambitious target to reach 150 million total subscribers by the end of the year. The transition reflects a pivot toward prioritizing profitability and average revenue per user (ARPU) over raw subscriber growth.

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    Paulo Montenegro

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  • Google Maps will finally be usable in South Korea

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    Google will finally be able to provide real-time driving and walking directions in South Korea, The New York Times reported. The company has received permission from the nation’s Transport Ministry to export geographic data out of the country, which will allow it to provide GPS services as well as detailed listings for restaurants and other businesses.

    “We welcome today’s decision and look forward to our ongoing collaboration with local officials to bring a fully functioning Google Maps to Korea,” Google’s senior executive Cris Turner told the NYT in a statement. However, the approval is contingent “on the condition that strict security requirements are met,” a spokesperson from the Transport Ministry said. Those conditions reportedly restrict Google from displaying sensitive military sites and longitude and latitude coordinates.

    South Korea has generally restricted the export of 1/5000 scale map data over national security concerns, as it’s still technically at war with its neighbor North Korea. Google hasn’t been able to provide mapping directions or business details since it arrived in the nation, though it has applied twice in 2007 and 2016.

    This lack of data sharing has reportedly been a bone of contention in trade talks with the US. Google argued that it was unfairly handicapped by the restrictions that allowed local apps like Naver to thrive.

    However, critics in the nation have expressed concern that Google could now come in and monopolize the market. “If Naver and Kakao are weakened or pushed out and Google later raises prices, that becomes a monopoly. Then, even companies that rely on map services — logistics firms, for example — become dependent [on Google],” geography professor Choi Jin-mu told Reuters.

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    Steve Dent

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  • Noise Master Buds 2 Pre-Booking Guide: Pass Benefits, Pricing & How to Use It

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    [ad_2] Aman Bagoria
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  • Trash to transformation: How the SM Green Movement is building a circular, waste-free future

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    Proper waste segregation can make a meaningful environmental impact when the correct bins are used. At SM Supermalls, the Recyclable–Disposable–Compostable (RDC) system empowers customers to take part in a nationwide Green Movement. This initiative aims to promote circularity, divert waste from landfills, reduce methane emissions, and prevent soil and water contamination.

    “Through SM’s RDC bins, we are not only encouraging customers to adopt responsible waste disposal habits, but also enhancing the efficiency of our waste management systems to better serve our communities. Waste is often an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ issue, so we are committed to ensuring that our approach delivers tangible environmental benefits,” said SM Supermalls vice president for corporate compliance and sustainability, Liza Silerio.

    Waste Conversion Pathways 

    As part of its #SMWasteFreeFuture project, SM’s waste processing arm, SM GUUN Environmental Company, was established in Consolacion, Cebu, in 2024. There, waste collected from the in-mall RDC bins in Cebu malls is corrected and re-sorted for conversion into industrial raw materials for recycling, fuel, or soil.

    “An ecosystem of corporate partners enables us to optimize our waste management processes and ensure that recovered materials are reintegrated into the value chain. Through this closed-loop approach, waste is transformed into reusable resources and given a renewed purpose beyond its initial lifecycle,” said Silerio.

    Blue Bin: Recyclable to RECYCLED

    “Recyclable is only a promise, but RECYCLED is a promise kept”

    Recyclables are simply 3 items: bottles (plastic and glass), cans (aluminum and tin), and cartons. Because these 3 items have the highest recycling infrastructure available. 

    Recyclables are sorted by material type at the factory and returned to corporate and development partners for reprocessing: MultiPly for paper; San Miguel Yamamura and Asia Brewery Incorporated for glass; Coca-Cola’s recycling arm, PETvalue; and Nature Spring’s recycling arm, NS Sustainability Solutions, for plastic bottles. This process ensures a streamlined supply chain for recycling and increases recycled content in the next packaging material for their products.

    Green Movement

    Gray Bin: Disposable to FUEL

    Disposables like cups, straws, rags, and other hard-to-recycle disposable containers are processed into coal alternative fuel at the waste processing factory. The waste undergoes sorting, formulating, and shredding to fuel the manufacturing of cement and its ash as cement materials. Quality assurance is key to reducing pollutants at the emission control systems of the cement factories.

    Cement manufacturing partners such as DMCI (Concreat), Holcim (Geocycle) and Republic (Ecoloop) utilize these waste-as-fuels to support their operational energy requirements and reduce the use of coal while helping the environment.

    Green Bin: Compostable to SOIL

    Compostables are mainly food scraps and leftover food. These are fed into a machine that converts them into landscaping soil within 48 hours, avoiding the landfill and methane gas from decaying matter. Landfills are one of the largest sources of methane gas, which is over 20 times more damaging than CO2.

    The resulting soil is used for landscaping and urban greening initiatives, with partners including J.Co, BlueSkye Go Circular, Goldilocks, and Fat Hopes Energy supporting its development.

    “Changing habits is hard, but we’ll make it easier. All SM Supermalls are equipped with RDC bins, enabling our customers to actively participate in meaningful sustainability efforts that help protect the environment. Each time they visit our malls, they have the opportunity to contribute to our shared goal of achieving a Waste-Free Future,” Silerio said. “While waste remains an escalating challenge both locally and globally, SM firmly believes in the power of community and collective action to address even the most complex environmental issues.”

    Last year, the Philippines successfully diverted more than 246 million kilograms of plastic waste, surpassing the national diversion target with a recorded rate of 56%, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

    Loved this story? Share your thoughts by connecting on www.smsupermalls.com or www.smprime.com

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    Gadgets Magazine 9

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  • Kawasaki unveils 2026 Leisure Bike lineup

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    Kawasaki Motors Philippines unveiled its 2026 Leisure Bike lineup through an immersive brand experience titled “The Art of Power,” held on February 25, 2026, at Whitespace Manila in Makati City.

    Designed as a curated exhibition rather than a traditional high-adrenaline launch, the event positioned each motorcycle as a statement of presence, craftsmanship, and controlled power. Revealed through cinematic storytelling, live string quartet performances, and choreographed lighting, the showcase reflected Kawasaki’s evolving approach to performance, an approach where engineering and artistry move as one.

    Beyond the immersive presentation, the evening marked the official introduction of the 2026 Kawasaki Leisure Bike models.

    The Apex Performer: Ninja ZX-10R

    At the forefront is the Ninja ZX-10R, Kawasaki’s flagship superbike and the pinnacle of its racing DNA. Derived from feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team in the World Superbike Championship, the 2026 model introduces significant aerodynamic upgrades.

    Large integrated winglets generate 25% more downforce, complemented by a repositioned RAM Air duct for improved intake performance. A new Ninja-inspired styling direction signals a return to its bloodline, while high-spec Brembo braking components, Showa Balance Free suspension systems, an Öhlins steering damper, and a TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity reinforce its position as a track-dominating machine engineered for precision at every speed.

    The Highly Anticipated Adventurer: KLE500 & KLE500 SE

    Making its much-awaited local debut are the KLE500 and its SE variant, the KLE500SE, Kawasaki’s response to the growing demand for lightweight adventure rally motorcycles. First unveiled globally during the 2025 EICMA, the model has quickly gained attention among rally and adventure enthusiasts.

    2026 KLE500 (Standard)

    Powered by a 451cc fuel-injected parallel twin engine, the KLE500 features an Assist & Slipper Clutch, selectable ABS, KYB suspension, spoke wheels, and a high-tensile steel trellis frame designed for versatility across terrain. Smartphone connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app and a 16-liter fuel tank further position it as a capable long-distance explorer.

    2026 KLE 500SE

    For riders seeking elevated touring readiness, the KLE500 SE adds premium enhancements, including hand guards, a larger windshield, extended carrying capacity with three-case capability, a full color TFT instrument panel, and additional Ergo-Fit adjustments, transforming the platform into a refined, adventure-ready companion.

    The Fearless Icon: Z1100

    Leading the Z family into 2026 is the Z1100, the highly anticipated evolution of the Z1000 lineage. Embodying Kawasaki’s Sugomi design philosophy, the Z1100 pairs aggressive styling with substantial performance upgrades.

    The new model features increased engine displacement, the addition of an Electronic Throttle Valve System, advanced riding aids, a TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity, as well as premium components such as Brembo front brakes and Öhlins suspension, further reinforcing its identity as the fearless flagship of the Z series.

    Established Icons, Evolved: Ninja 650 & Z650S

    Completing the line up are the enduring favorites of the middleweight segment.

    2026 Ninja 650

    The 2026 Ninja 650, long regarded as an accessible gateway into big bike performance, retains its approachable 649cc parallel twin engine with refreshed color and graphics for the new model year.

    2026 Z650S

    Meanwhile, the Z650S introduces updated Sugomi-inspired styling cues that draw stronger visual influence from its larger Z siblings, sharpening its aggressive aesthetic while maintaining its everyday versatility.

    Attended by dealer partners, executives, and media representatives nationwide, “The Art of Power” underscored Kawasaki’s commitment to delivering motorcycles that balance engineering innovation with commanding design.

    The 2026 Kawasaki Leisure Bike line up is now available in all Kawasaki Kribs nationwide, inviting riders to experience The Art of Power firsthand. For more information, visit https://www.kawasaki-lifestyle.com/.

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    Gadgets Magazine 13

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  • The deepfake boom is powering a new era of cybercrime, experts say

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    AI-generated content is expected to become more persuasive due to improving capabilities, increased user dependence, or training on user feedback, the latest Internet safety report claims. According to cybersecurity experts, these advancements will inevitably be used by cybercriminals.

    The recent investigation into Musk’s social media platform X for sexualized deepfake images generated by its company Grok was yet another reminder of the dangers deepfakes pose for the public. Cybersecurity experts warn that aside from sexualized content, AI-generated images are also increasingly used for fraud, scams, and identity theft, and share tips on how to stay protected against the growing threat.

    The ease with which a convincing video deepfake can be created was illustrated by the recent viral video in which Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were seen fighting in a filmed scene. The filmmaker Ruairi Robinson, who shared the video on X, said that it was made from a 2-line prompt.

    Meanwhile, the European Commission and a number of countries have recently started investigating Musk’s social media platform X over sexual images that were generated with its Grok chatbot.

    According to experts at Planet VPN, a free virtual private network (VPN) provider with a strict emphasis on no-logs policy, these and similar AI tools also open the door for bad actors to speed their attacks. Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of the company, stresses that the rise in AI-driven technologies has made it easier for malicious actors to deceive people on a scale never seen before.

    “A particularly dangerous aspect of AI technologies is that they make it difficult to distinguish what’s real. The internet is flooded with fake images and videos, also known as deepfakes, which can be created in just seconds with low-cost or even free tools. Cybercriminals use deepfakes for a variety of attacks, from scamming people with fake videos to identity fraud and impersonation,” Levinzon says.

    Companies are also not immune to the threat. According to Levinzon, bad actors target employees of businesses to trick them into unauthorized transfers with videos impersonating their CEOs. They also use fake images and videos to bypass online security, creating a growing challenge for financial institutions.

    The latest International Safety Report notes that in the future, threats posed by AI-generated content will likely become bigger, as AI-generated content is expected to become more persuasive due to improving capabilities, increased user dependence, or training on user feedback.

    Levinzon is certain cybercriminals will find ways to use new developments to their advantage and urge users to be mindful of these risks.

    “While AI-generated content can be hardly distinguishable from reality, it often leaves trails. For example, in deepfake videos, there are unnatural facial movements, inconsistent lighting or shadows, blurring, or distortion around the face,” Levinzon explains.

    “It’s worth noting that there are services that analyze images and videos for signs of AI generation. They look for artifacts, unnatural textures, and errors in details. However, it is important to understand that such tools provide a probabilistic result, not an exact verdict.”

    He advises limiting the amount of personal video content shared online, as bad actors often use publicly available footage to create deepfakes and then target users. Protecting all of your accounts with multi-factor authentication is also essential. Once cybercriminals gain access to an account, they may post images or videos impersonating the user.

    “A VPN network also significantly strengthens security. It encrypts your internet traffic, making it far more difficult for anyone, including your internet service provider, to monitor your online activity. By reducing data exposure, a VPN can lower the risk of being targeted not only by deepfake-related schemes, but also by other types of scams and fraud,” Levinzon says.

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    Gadgets Magazine 13

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  • Ultrahuman champions smarter women’s health tracking 

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    As March approaches—when conversations around women’s empowerment and health naturally take the spotlight—Ultrahuman is making a strong case for why Filipinas deserve smarter health tools built around how their bodies actually work.

    Ultrahuman Ring AIR is a lightweight, discreet smart ring engineered for 24/7 health tracking. Available in sleek, stylish colors, including the recently introduced brushed rose gold, the ring is designed to feel like jewelry, not medical equipment, empowering women to track their health without compromising on style.

    The Ultrahuman Ring AIR combines an ultra-lightweight, jewelry-grade design with continuous tracking of skin temperature, HRV, and resting heart rate, delivering meaningful health insights without requiring a subscription and ensuring full access to personal data.

    Designed For The Reality Of Women’s Cycles

    Most period tracking tools assume a “textbook” 28-day cycle. Real life is different. Ultrahuman’s Cycle & Ovulation Pro offers the world’s most accurate ovulation tracking on a smart ring. It’s powered by technology adapted from OvuSense™, a clinically validated fertility monitoring platform developed over 15 years and trained on more than 260,000 cycles.

    Unlike calendar-based trackers, Cycle & Ovulation Pro uses continuous physiological data — including skin temperature patterns — to provide personalized insights grounded in real biomarkers rather than averages.

    The result is ovulation confirmation accuracy of over 90% in equivalence testing, and the technology is built to support women with non-textbook cycles, including those with PCOS. 

    Ultrahuman is currently the only wearable to offer Cycle Flags™, a feature that uses temperature trends to highlight patterns that may indicate:

    • Early or late ovulation
    • Short luteal phases
    • Possible anovulatory cycles
    • Patterns that may be associated with conditions such as PCOS

    Cycle Flags™ are designed to give women better visibility into their own biology, helping them recognize variability earlier and have more informed conversations with healthcare professionals.

    Expanding Support 

    Ultrahuman’s investment in women’s health goes beyond ovulation tracking.

    • Clue Integration gives users the option to sync up to six months of cycle history and combine it with real-time biometric data, offering women greater flexibility and choice in how they track their health.
    • A forthcoming Migraine Management PowerPlug, developed in collaboration with Click Therapeutics, will bring digital therapeutic support for migraine management. The goal is to deliver more personalized, actionable support to the more than one billion people affected by migraine. Migraines impact an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the global population, and women experience migraines at nearly three times the rate of men. 

    Together, these initiatives reinforce Ultrahuman’s belief that women deserve tools built around real physiological complexity — not simplified assumptions.

    A Commitment To Women’s Health In The Philippines

    In the Philippines, conversations around preventive healthcare, reproductive health literacy, and hormone awareness are gaining traction. With rising interest in boutique fitness studios, run clubs, wearable tech, and biohacking communities, Filipino consumers are increasingly seeking tools that deliver measurable insights rather than generic averages.

    “As we approach International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our mission to build technology that reflects the reality of women’s biology,” said Mohit Kumar, CEO of Ultrahuman. “Women deserve health tools that are precise, adaptive, and built around them — not assumptions.”

    For Filipinas investing in smarter health tracking, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR represents a convergence of design, data science, and autonomy — offering continuous insights in a form factor that feels as natural as everyday jewelry.

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    Gadgets Magazine 13

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  • Visa recognizes RCBC with Philippine Security Champion Award

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    Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has recognized Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), one of the largest universal banks in the country, as Visa’s Security Champion for the Philippines for best-in-market fraud mitigation and risk performance. 

    Awarded during Visa’s annual Risk Forum, the Security Champion Award recognizes the best-performing local bank across four core security dimensions – issuing fraud rates, issuer authentication approval rates for online transactions, acquirer fraud rates, and fraud mitigation program implementation. This is the second consecutive year RCBC has received the award, underscoring the bank’s continued excellence in fraud performance. 

    “While protecting Filipinos from fraud has always been a top priority for Visa, we believe that strengthening payments security is a shared responsibility among all industry stakeholders.  By working with banks and other partners, Visa’s risk solutions help to protect banks’ customers and consumers across the Philippines. This award exemplifies how RCBC has made the management and mitigation of risk as a differentiator in their business strategy and underscores the depth of our shared commitment towards making payments more seamless and secure in the Philippines,” shared Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines country manager. 

    “The rapid digitization of payments has also inevitably increased the sophistication of the threats we need to defend against,” Reggie Cariaso, RCBC president and CEO added. “RCBC is staying ahead of these risks with our robust risk management infrastructure and world-class security protocols through our partnership with Visa. These must go hand in hand with our innovations in order to foster customer trust in the digital payments ecosystem.”

    With scams shifting from traditional SMS schemes to phishing, online card fraud, and account takeovers, Visa has ramped up its scam disruption capabilities, blocking more than USD1 billion in attempted scams and dismantling more than 25,000 scam-linked merchants through its Visa Scam Disruption (VSD) practice. Visa has also invested USD13 billion over the last five years to advance fraud prevention and network security for its partners. 

    RCBC was one of the first issuers in the country to use secure, tokenized card credentials when Visa launched Google Wallet and Google Pay in the Philippines last year in partnership with Google, the FinTech Alliance of the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Information and Communication Technology. Through a recent debit cards partnership, RCBC will also now be issuing Visa debit cards, providing Filipinos with more secure options to pay. 

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    Gadgets Magazine 13

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  • Exclusive on Shopee: Get the New HONOR X5c Plus for just PHP4,999

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    Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just announced its newest smartphone HONOR X5c Plus through a partnership with Shopee Philippines. Combining a sleek design, ultra-long battery life, expansive storage, advanced AI camera capabilities, and a vibrant display, the HONOR X5c Plus empowers users to unlock their potential, setting a new benchmark in the entry-level smartphone category. Now available exclusively on Shopee for just PHP4,999: https://bit.ly/Shop_X5cPlus_PR.

    Symmetry and Simplicity in Design

    The HONOR X5c Plus redefines elegance with its symmetrical, minimalist design, featuring reinvented classic aesthetics with elegant, rounded corners and sharp straight edges. At just 7.89mm thick and weighing only 186g, its ultra drop-resistant design ensures durability without compromising style. The HONOR X5c Plus is equipped with a stunning 6.74-inch Display with the ultra-high brightness of up to 450nits. True to its commitment to delivering human-centric innovation, HONOR has incorporated an eye protection feature, such as Dynamic Dimming into the HONOR X5c Plus.

    Ultra-Long Battery Life and Ample Storage  

    The HONOR X5c Plus, driven by the highly efficient MediaTek Helio G81 processor, delivers robust performance for demanding users. Equipped with a 5260mAh high-capacity battery, this device is engineered to support all-day heavy usage, ensuring seamless productivity and entertainment on the go. Designed for exceptional durability, the HONOR X5c Plus’ battery maintains over 80% health even after 1000 charge-discharge cycles, offering users reliable, long-term performance. Storage is equally impressive, with maximal 8(4+4) GB RAM and 128GB of memory; the HONOR X5c Plus is capable of storing over 60,000 photos, 24,000 songs, or 200 movies. 

    Featuring AI Photography for Stunning Results

    The HONOR X5c features a 50MP Main Camera, a 13MP Camera, and a 5MP Front Camera. Powered by cutting-edge AI enhancements, the camera excels in capturing every moment with exceptional clarity. AI Object Recognition intelligently isolates subjects, removing background distractions for sharp, focused shots. Additionally, AI Photo Sharpness Enhancement ensures crisp, clear images, even for text-heavy documents. From vibrant landscapes to intricate details, the HONOR X5c Plus delivers professional-quality photos effortlessly.

    A Seamless and Intuitive Experience Powered by MagicOS 9.0  

    The HONOR X5c runs on MagicOS 9.0, delivering a fluid and user-friendly interface that enhances every interaction. Paired with secure and effortless unlocking options like Side Fingerprint Unlock and Face Unlock, the device ensures both convenience and reliability. The innovative Magic Capsule feature elevates personalization by expanding with a single tap on the notification banner, providing instant access to key information and options. This streamlined approach eliminates the need to navigate multiple apps, boosting productivity and ensuring a highly efficient, tailored user experience.

    Pricing and Availability

    The HONOR X5c Plus comes in two striking colorways — Ocean Cyan and Meteor Silver — designed to complement every style. Starting February 26, the HONOR X5c Plus will be available exclusively on Shopee Philippines for a special 3.3 Mega All-Out Sale price of PHP4,999, down from its SRP of PHP6,999, with FREE shipping nationwide and SPayLater option for up to 6 months with 0% installment.

    Strengthening its commitment to Filipino consumers, HONOR is also partnering with Shopee for its Sigurado sa Shopee Mall and the Shopee VIP Program, reinforcing both brands’ shared dedication to authenticity and a premium online shopping experience.

    Customers can also look forward to the convenience of Shopee’s Click & Collect program, which allows them to receive their orders immediately at participating pickup locations — eliminating the usual 1–3 day waiting period. The program also enables shoppers to enjoy exclusive vouchers and flexible payment options available on Shopee.

    For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveals.

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    Phia Layoso

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  • Ford Mustang Mach‑E tops JD power EV ownership study

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    The Ford Mustang Mach‑E has been recognized as the top-ranked battery electric vehicle in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, reflecting strong owner satisfaction across key aspects of EV ownership—from driving enjoyment to ease of charging and day-to-day usability. The Mach-E scored 760 (on a 1,000-point scale), outpacing competitors in the U.S., including Hyundai’s IONIQ 6 (748) and the Kia EV9 (745).

    The EVX Ownership Study measures feedback from electric vehicle owners after their first year of ownership, focusing on the real-world experience of living with an EV. The study evaluates factors such as driving enjoyment, range accuracy, charging convenience, cost of ownership, vehicle quality and reliability, and the effectiveness of EV-related education and guidance provided to customers. The Mustang Mach‑E’s leading performance highlights Ford’s continued focus on making electrification more accessible and rewarding for customers.

    “A recognition like this matters because it reflects what owners feel every day—how confident they are behind the wheel, how easy the vehicle is to live with, and how seamless the overall experience is,” said Pedro Simoes, President and Managing Director, Ford Philippines. “The Mustang Mach‑E embodies Ford’s commitment to deliver an electric vehicle that’s unmistakably fun to drive, thoughtfully designed with the customer in mind, and supported by the kind of ownership experience our customers deserve. As interest in electrified mobility grows in the Philippines, recognitions like this testify to Ford’s global commitment in bringing products and experiences that fit today’s lifestyles.”

    The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s all-electric SUV that brings the iconic Mustang performance and DNA to a practical, modern package—delivering quick, responsive acceleration, a spacious and versatile cabin, and a connected digital driving experience designed for everyday ease. 

    A people-first EV ownership experience

    As EV adoption accelerates worldwide, customer experience has become as important as specifications. The JD Power EVX Ownership Study underscores that satisfaction is shaped by how well an EV integrates into daily life—covering not only performance and technology, but also the learning curve and practical realities of charging.

    Mustang Mach‑E’s top ranking signals the strength of Ford’s approach: combining iconic design and engaging performance with smart technology intended to simplify the transition to electric driving.

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    Gadgets Magazine 13

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  • Anthropic Tells Pete Hegseth to Take a Hike

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    Anthropic is holding the line. At least for now.

    The Pentagon approached Anthropic this week with a demand that it remove guardrails in its AI model Claude to prohibit mass domestic surveillance and fully automated weapons. But Anthropic is refusing to do that, according to a new statement from CEO Dario Amodei, who writes, “we cannot in good conscience accede to their request.”

    There’s a lot of money on the line. And it’s anyone’s guess what happens next.

    Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic a deadline of 5:01 p.m. ET on Friday to agree to the removal of all safeguards, threatening to boot Claude from U.S. military systems or designate the company as a “supply chain risk,” a label used for adversaries of the U.S. that’s never been applied to an American company before.

    Hegseth, who refers to the Defense Department as the Department of War, has even threatened to invoke the Defense Production Act, which would theoretically allow the Pentagon to just demand Anthropic do whatever Hegseth wants.

    Amodei pointed out Thursday in a letter posted online: “These latter two threats are inherently contradictory: one labels us a security risk; the other labels Claude as essential to national security.” Experts have called the contradictory messages from Hegseth “incoherent,” a label that might also apply to the Trump regime more broadly.

    Anthropic, which has a $200 million contract with the Department of Defense, told CBS News that the Pentagon’s “best and final offer,” which was sent Wednesday, seemed to have loopholes that would allow the military to disregard the protections put in place.

    “New language framed as compromise was paired with legalese that would allow those safeguards to be disregarded at will. Despite DOW’s recent public statements, these narrow safeguards have been the crux of our negotiations for months,” Anthropic reportedly said.

    The new letter released by Anthropic on Thursday made sure to point out that the AI company works with the military and intelligence communities and that they “remain ready to continue our work to support the national security of the United States.” But asking to drop all safeguards is just a bridge too far.

    “Anthropic understands that the Department of War, not private companies, makes military decisions. We have never raised objections to particular military operations nor attempted to limit use of our technology in an ad hoc manner,” the company wrote.

    “However, in a narrow set of cases, we believe AI can undermine, rather than defend, democratic values. Some uses are also simply outside the bounds of what today’s technology can safely and reliably do.”

    The company went on to list the two use cases where it believes safeguards are needed to protect American interests. In the section on mass domestic surveillance, Amodei put the word domestic in italics, as if to warn Americans more broadly about what’s happening right under our noses.

    The letter notes that the government can purchase “detailed records of Americans’ movements, web browsing, and associations from public sources without obtaining a warrant,” something that obviously infringes on the rights of Americans. The Pentagon has suggested it doesn’t have a plan for mass surveillance of Americans, telling CNN the conflict with Anthropic has “nothing to do with mass surveillance and autonomous weapons being used.”

    The second section of Amodei‘s letter, which covers autonomous weapons, acknowledges that AI-assisted weapons are already being used on battlefields today in places like Ukraine. But it warns, “frontier AI systems are simply not reliable enough to power fully autonomous weapons.” The letter goes on to say, “We have offered to work directly with the Department of War on R&D to improve the reliability of these systems, but they have not accepted this offer.”

    Amodei met with Hegseth on Tuesday in a meeting that was described by CNN as “cordial,” but it will obviously be interesting to see where this goes.

    Hegseth is not known as a particularly smart or level-headed guy, so it’s entirely possible that he tries to label Anthropic as both a national security threat and a part of America’s warfighting machine so vital that he’ll essentially draft the company to do what he wants. It sounds like we all get to find out by end of day Friday.

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    Matt Novak

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  • Netflix backs out of Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war

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    For anyone who has been following the soap opera unfolding between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over the past few months in their financial brinksmanship to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the saga may be nearing its end. Today, WBD said its board of directors have determined that the latest offer from Paramount Skydance amounted to the better proposal. The media outfit gave Netflix four business days to match Paramount’s terms, but the streamer didn’t waste any time in declining to raise its own bid.

    “We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.’ iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the US,” the statement from Netflix  co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said. “But this transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price.”

    In addition to the purchase price of $31 per WBD share, Paramount’s latest offer also included a provision that it would cover the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would owe to Netflix for dissolving the existing merger agreement between the businesses. So rather than paying $82.7 billion to acquire the Warner Bros. part of the operation, it appears Netflix may walk away with no new content but padding its coffers with an extra nearly $3 billion.

    After Netflix’s initial offer, Paramount Skydance swooped in with a hostile takeover attempt of the entire Warner Bros. Discovery business. WBD rejected it, Paramount tried again. Several additional volleys between the involved parties occurred over the past few weeks. While WBD has not yet formally accepted Paramount’s offer — which will be subject to long-winded regulatory approvals sure to spark more drama — it seems the dust will soon settle for this chapter.

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    Anna Washenko

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  • iFi’s new GO Link 2 DAC is a cheap way to reap the lossless benefits of your Spotify plan

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    Audio company iFi just introduced a new DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) that’s both smaller and lighter than its previous model, and only costs $59. The iFi GO Link 2 connects to a smartphone or other audio-playing device over USB-C and can instantly improve the listening experience on wired headphones.

    Wireless earbuds and music streaming services have normalized listening to your favorite songs at a lower quality. For anyone who doesn’t consider themselves an audiophile, that might not matter, but now that several streaming services offer higher sample rates and lossless audio, you might consider other ways of listening. In order to experience all the benefits of high-res or lossless audio, you need wired headphones, something that’s increasingly difficult when most smartphones only have a USB-C port. That’s where the iFi GO Link 2 comes in. The dongle plugs into a USB-C port and lets you connect a pair of wired earbuds while preserving your high quality audio at the same time.

    iFi

    iFi’s new DAC is eight percent smaller than the previous GO Link and 29 percent lighter, approaching the size of Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack dongle. The GO Link 2’s built-in ESS Sabre DAC chipset is supposed to add “6dB of dynamic range between the loudest and quietest moments” and reduce distortion for clearer sound by up to 62 percent when compared to the original GO Link.

    Via iFi’s companion Nexis app on Android, the GO Link 2 can also be updated on the go and further customized with digital filters. The GO Link 2 supports two digital filters — one hybrid and one linear — so that you can adjust things to your preferred sound profile. You can also use the Nexis app to set volume limits when you’re listening with the DAC attached.

    The previous GO Link made it on Engadget’s list of the best DACs for Apple Music Lossless, and at the same price, the GO Link 2 seems like it could, too. The iFi GO Link 2 is available to purchase now for $59.

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    Ian Carlos Campbell

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  • Netflix Backs Out of Warner Bros. Deal, Paving Way for Paramount Assimilation

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    The tide has seemingly turned on one of the biggest Hollywood deals in recent memory. While Netflix had been positioned as the most likely company to take over Warner Bros., the persistence of Paramount has apparently paid off.

    On the heels of Paramount submitting a higher bid—one that the Warner Bros. Discovery board deemed a “superior proposal” earlier today—Netflix has responded by announcing it will not be raising its own offer.

    Netflix released a statement on its website, explaining the decision. The response comes from co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters.

    “The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval. However, we’ve always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid,” the CEOs wrote.

    After some praise for Warner Bros., which the statement calls “a world-class organization,” and for its board, which ran “a fair and rigorous process,” the Netflix bosses expressed some regret the deal didn’t work out. But they also explained why.

    “We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.’ iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the U.S. But this transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price.”

    So far there’s been no response or comment from Paramount or Warner Bros. about what will come next.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Cheryl Eddy

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  • Astronomers Wake Up to 800,000 Notifications From Observatory Watching the Night Skies

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    The Vera C. Rubin Observatory spent the night staring at the dark cosmos, alerting astronomers of ongoing changes in the skies in real-time.

    The observatory fired off its first wave of notifications from its new alert system on Tuesday night, sending 800,000 alerts to astronomers’ computers around the world. The Alert Production Pipeline, a software developed at the University of Washington, is designed to eventually produce up to 7 million alerts per night, documenting celestial events spotted by Rubin.

    “The scale and speed of the alerts are unprecedented,” Hsin-Fang Chiang, a software developer at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and lead of operations for data processing at the U.S. Data Facility, said in a statement. “After generating hundreds of thousands of test alerts in the last few months, we are now able to say, within minutes, with each image, ‘Here is everything. Go.’”

    You up?

    Nearly two decades in the making, the Rubin Observatory boasts the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy and an ultra-sensitive 28-foot (8.4-meter) primary mirror. The telescope’s alert system notifies astronomers of interesting astronomical events within two minutes of their discovery, allowing them enough time to request follow-up observations for a closer look.

    “By connecting scientists to a vast and continuous stream of information, NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory will make it possible to follow the universe’s events as they unfold, from the explosive to the most faint and fleeting,” Luca Rizzi, a program director for research infrastructure at the National Science Foundation, said in a statement.

    The first batch of notifications included detections of supernovae, variable stars, active galactic nuclei, and newly spotted asteroids in the solar system. Each alert signals something that has changed in a patch of the night skies since Rubin last looked, whether it’s a new source of light, a star that brightened or dimmed, or an object that moved.

    A team of researchers and software developers has been working on the Alert Production Pipeline for the past decade, trying to figure out how to process 10 terabytes of images every night. “Enabling real-time discovery on such a massive data stream has required years of technical innovation in image processing algorithms, databases and data orchestration,” Eric Bellm, an astronomy professor at the University of Washington, who leads the Alert Production Pipeline Group for the Rubin Observatory, said in a statement.

    Skygazing

    The launch of Rubin’s alert system precedes the telescope’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), which will launch later this year. During the upcoming 10-year-long survey, Rubin will generate a wide-field snapshot of the southern sky every few nights.

    As the telescope captures views of the cosmos at unprecedented depths, the alerts will keep astronomers in the loop of the treasure trove of discoveries in real time. “Rubin Observatory’s groundbreaking capabilities are revealing untold astrophysical treasures and expanding scientists’ access to the ever-changing cosmos,” Kathy Turner, program manager in the High Energy Physics program in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, said in a statement.

    The Rubin Observatory, perched atop a mountain in the Chilean Andes, released the first images captured by its 3,200-megapixel camera to the public on June 23, 2025. During its test run, the telescope captured millions of galaxies and stars scattered across the Milky Way, in addition to 2,104 never-before-seen asteroids.

    During the first year of its LSST, Rubin is expected to observe more objects than all other optical observatories combined and flood astronomers’ computers with notifications.

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    Passant Rabie

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