In a landmark 6–3 ruling issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, the United States Supreme Court invalidated several aggressive trade tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump. According to NBCNews, the decision is expected to trigger a significant reduction in the retail cost of consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, which had seen sharp price increases due to these import duties.
The Court focused on the administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The majority concluded that the President exceeded his authority by using a national security emergency law to bypass Congress and implement broad commercial sanctions. Chief Justice John Roberts clarified that the executive branch cannot unilaterally impose import taxes of unlimited scope and duration without specific statutory backing from the legislative branch.
The ruling effectively neutralizes several major tax hurdles:
The 34% China Tariff: A massive levy on Chinese imports that previously inflated the cost of major tech components.
The 10% Global Base Tax: An across-the-board tariff on most international nations.
Fentanyl-related Surcharges: The 25% tax on specific goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.
Immediate Financial Relief and Refunds
Since the onset of these tariffs, tech manufacturers have opted to pass the added expenses directly to consumers rather than absorbing the costs. With the legal basis for these taxes now removed, the tech industry is expected to halt further price hikes and begin stabilizing retail costs.
Additionally, the ruling opens the door for hundreds of companies to claim refunds from the Department of the Treasury for billions of dollars in improperly collected duties. While the logistical process for these refunds is still being determined, the decision marks a definitive end to a period of extreme pricing volatility in the technology market.
Apple’s satellite features were originally designed for emergencies, allowing iPhone users to contact emergency services when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable. With recent versions of iOS, Apple has expanded those capabilities to include sending and receiving messages via satellite. This makes it possible to stay in touch with friends and family from remote locations where traditional networks do not reach, such as hiking trails, rural areas or offshore locations.
Messaging via satellite is built directly into the iPhone and works automatically when no cellular or Wi-Fi signal is available. While it is not intended to replace regular messaging, it can be a useful backup when coverage drops.
How to send a message via satellite
Before you can get started, you’ll need to turn on iMessage before you’re off the grid. It’s also important to set up an emergency contact as well as members of your Family Sharing group prior to your departure. This will enable them to message you via SMS without the need to message them first. To send a message via satellite, open the Messages app when no cellular or Wi-Fi signal is available. If the feature is supported in the current location, the app will display a prompt indicating that satellite messaging is available.
Selecting the option to connect via satellite launches a guided connection screen. Your iPhone will provide real-time instructions to help maintain alignment with the satellite. Once connected, a text message can be typed and sent, although delivery may take longer than usual.
The iPhone will notify you when the message has been sent successfully. Replies from the recipient will also be delivered via satellite, as long as the connection remains active.
What you need before you can send satellite messages
Sending messages via satellite requires a compatible iPhone model and the correct software version. The feature is supported on iPhone models with satellite hardware, beginning with iPhone 14 and later. The device must be running a version of iOS (iOS 18 or higher) that supports satellite messaging, which Apple has continued to refine through recent iOS updates.
The feature also depends on location and availability. Satellite messaging is currently supported in select regions, including the United States and parts of Canada, with expanded support rolling out gradually. The iPhone must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky, as trees, buildings and terrain can interfere with the satellite connection.
Satellite messaging is not designed for continuous conversations. Messages are compressed and sent at a slower pace than standard texts, and delivery times can vary depending on conditions and satellite positioning.
How satellite messaging works on iPhone
When an iPhone loses access to cellular and Wi-Fi networks, the system automatically detects that only satellite connectivity is available. Instead of failing to send, the Messages app prompts the user to connect to a satellite.
On-screen instructions guide the user to position the phone correctly. This typically involves holding the device up and following directional prompts to align it with an overhead satellite. The phone uses built-in sensors to help maintain the connection while the message is being sent.
Messages sent via satellite are text-only and use a reduced data format to ensure they can be transmitted reliably. Images, videos, audio messages and large attachments are not supported.
Who can receive satellite messages?
Satellite messages can be sent to contacts using iMessage or standard SMS, depending on the recipient’s device and settings. If the recipient is using an Apple device with iMessage enabled, the message will be delivered through Apple’s messaging system. If not, the message will be sent as a standard text.
Recipients do not need a satellite-capable device to receive messages. From their perspective, the message appears similar to a regular text, though delivery times may be longer.
Tips for getting a reliable connection
A clear view of the sky is essential for satellite messaging to work properly. Open areas with minimal obstructions offer the best results. Movement, heavy foliage and nearby structures can interrupt the connection.
Because satellite bandwidth is limited, keeping messages short improves reliability and delivery speed. The iPhone may prompt the user to edit longer messages to fit within satellite constraints.
Battery life is also a consideration. Maintaining a satellite connection uses more power than standard messaging, so it helps to conserve battery when relying on satellite features for extended periods.
Limitations to keep in mind
Satellite messaging is designed for occasional use when other networks are unavailable. It does not support group messages, media attachments or read receipts in the same way as standard messaging.
Delivery times can range from under a minute to several minutes, depending on environmental conditions and satellite availability. The feature should not be relied upon for time-sensitive communication unless no other option is available.
Apple has also noted that satellite features may be offered free for a limited period, with potential pricing or subscription requirements introduced in the future depending on region and carrier arrangements.
When satellite messaging can be useful
Messaging via satellite can be helpful for travelers, hikers and anyone spending time in remote areas where coverage is unreliable. It offers a way to check in, share basic updates or request non-emergency assistance when traditional networks are unavailable.
While it is not a replacement for emergency services, it complements Apple’s existing emergency satellite features by providing an additional communication option when users are off the grid.
As Apple continues to expand satellite support, messaging via satellite is likely to become a more familiar part of the iPhone experience, particularly for users who regularly venture beyond the reach of cellular networks.
Huawei has officially expanded its wearable lineup with the launch of the Huawei Band 11 and Band 11 Pro. While both devices share a similar design language and core feature set, they are distinguished by their build materials, physical dimensions, and price points.
Both models feature a 1.62-inch AMOLED display boasting a resolution of 286 × 482 and a pixel density of 347 PPI. Navigation is handled through a combination of full touchscreen controls and a dedicated physical side button.
The primary hardware differences lie in the chassis:
Huawei Band 11: Available in either an aluminum alloy or a durable polymer case. It weighs between 16 and 17 grams depending on the material.
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Features an aluminum alloy case by default and is slightly larger at 43.5 mm in height, weighing 18 grams (excluding the strap).
Both wearables utilize fluoroelastomer straps and carry a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making them suitable for swimming. Tracking is supported by a 9-axis IMU sensor (accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer) alongside an optical heart rate sensor and an ambient light sensor.
Huawei Band 11 Pro
Connectivity and Battery Life
The series utilizes Bluetooth 6.0 (BLE) and is compatible with Android 9.0+ and iOS 13.0+. Each device is powered by a 300mAh battery designed to last up to 14 days under light usage, 8 days under typical conditions, or 3 days with the Always-On Display (AOD) enabled.
Huawei Band 11
Pricing and Availability
The devices have launched initially in the Philippines. The standard Huawei Band 11 starts at PHP 2,399 (approx. $43), while the Huawei Band 11 Pro is priced at PHP 4,499 (approx. $80). As of now, there is no official word regarding a release in the United States.
Note: There is currently no official word regarding a US release for either model.
The high-performance handheld gaming market is facing a wave of uncertainty following reports that AMD may be deprioritizing driver support for the Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme chips. These processors, which power popular devices like the original ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, have reportedly not received regular software updates for several months, leaving users reliant on aging drivers.
Statements originating from Lenovo Korea suggest a shift in support strategy. While the Z1 Extreme remains a capable Zen 4-based chip, users have noted that official driver releases have stalled for nearly half a year. In a fast-moving industry where graphical optimizations and frame-generation technologies (like FSR and XeSS) evolve rapidly, a lack of updates directly impacts device longevity and performance in new titles.
Lenovo Legion Go
The update process for handhelds is notoriously complex:
Validation: Manufacturers like ASUS and Lenovo must validate AMD’s base drivers to ensure they function within specific cTDP (9 W to 30 W) profiles.
Manufacturer Dependence: Users are currently “locked” into manufacturer-approved versions, as forcing generic AMD drivers can lead to system instability.
Hardware Fragmentation: While the newer Ryzen Z2 Extreme continues to receive active support, the Z1 series appears to be falling into a “periodic” update window rather than a priority one.
Official Stance and Market Impact
Lenovo has cautioned against installing drivers meant for newer models, such as the Legion Go S. Their official recommendation remains for users to stick to updates provided via Windows Update or Lenovo Vantage, despite the lack of recent patches. Meanwhile, competitors using Intel Meteor Lake chips, such as the MSI Claw, continue to receive aggressive updates, including support for XeSS 3.
If AMD does not clarify its roadmap for the Z1 series, the secondary market value and user experience of these premium devices could be significantly affected. For handheld PCs, consistent driver support is essential to maintaining a competitive gaming experience.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses signify a pivotal step forward in the evolution of wearable technology, combining sleek design with innovative functionality. As consumer interest in smart glasses continues to rise, manufacturers are focusing on refining critical aspects such as display quality, battery longevity, audio performance, and camera capabilities. Meta’s strategic approach to integrating these features into its broader AI wearable ecosystem underscores its position as a leader in this rapidly advancing market. The video below from GregglesTV gives us more details about the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses 2.
Advancing to Binocular Displays
Current smart glasses predominantly use monocular displays, which project information through a single lens. While this design is cost-efficient and straightforward, it inherently limits the immersive potential of augmented reality (AR) experiences. Future iterations of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are expected to incorporate binocular displays, using dual lenses to enhance depth perception and create a more engaging visual experience.
This advancement would cater to growing consumer demands for applications such as:
Real-time navigation overlays for seamless travel assistance.
Interactive gaming experiences with enhanced spatial awareness.
Live translation features that provide contextual understanding in diverse environments.
By adopting binocular displays, the glasses could deliver a richer and more immersive AR experience, setting a new standard for wearable technology.
Key Hardware Innovations
The evolution of smart glasses hinges on continuous hardware advancements, and Ray-Ban Meta is poised to lead the charge with significant improvements in several areas:
Battery Life: Future models may introduce modular battery systems, allowing users to swap batteries effortlessly, making sure uninterrupted usage throughout the day.
Audio Quality: Enhanced speaker systems are anticipated, offering clearer, more dynamic sound for phone calls, media playback, and interactions with voice assistants.
Camera Technology: Upgrades such as 4K video recording and improved low-light performance could empower users to capture high-quality photos and videos directly from their glasses.
These innovations aim to strike a balance between advanced functionality and everyday practicality, making sure the glasses remain both powerful and user-friendly.
Harmonizing Hardware and Software
While hardware innovation is a cornerstone of smart glasses development, software optimization is equally critical. Meta distinguishes itself by prioritizing the seamless integration of hardware and software, making sure a cohesive and intuitive user experience.
Key features expected to enhance usability include:
Gesture Controls: Allowing users to interact with the glasses through simple hand movements.
Voice Commands: Allowing hands-free operation for tasks like navigation, media playback, and communication.
Real-Time Data Processing: Delivering instant feedback and information for applications such as fitness tracking or AR overlays.
This harmonious blend of hardware and software ensures that the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are not only technologically advanced but also accessible to a diverse range of users.
Part of Meta’s AI Wearable Ecosystem
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are a cornerstone of Meta’s broader AI wearable ecosystem, which includes AR glasses, lightweight headsets, and smartwatches. By staggering product releases, Meta avoids market saturation while making sure its devices complement one another.
For example:
A smartwatch could serve as a control hub for the smart glasses, allowing seamless device management.
Lightweight AR headsets might cater to immersive applications such as gaming, virtual collaboration, or professional training.
This interconnected ecosystem reflects Meta’s vision of creating a unified, multi-device experience that enhances convenience and functionality for users.
Addressing Social Media Integration
Earlier versions of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses faced criticism for their limited social media integration. Future models are expected to address this shortcoming by allowing users to share content directly to platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This feature would appeal to consumers seeking devices that seamlessly blend utility with social connectivity.
Additionally, user feedback has emphasized the importance of comfort and aesthetics. Manufacturers are likely to prioritize lightweight, stylish designs that do not compromise on performance, making sure the glasses remain both functional and fashionable.
The Competitive Landscape
The smart glasses market is becoming increasingly competitive, with various players vying for dominance. Chinese brands often excel in hardware innovation, offering advanced features at competitive prices, while companies like Meta focus on delivering a holistic user experience through the integration of hardware and software.
This dynamic competition drives innovation, compelling manufacturers to push the boundaries of what wearable technology can achieve. Consumers ultimately benefit from a wider array of options, each offering unique features tailored to different needs and preferences.
What Lies Ahead
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses represent a fusion of fashion, technology, and practicality. With anticipated advancements in binocular displays, battery life, audio quality, and camera performance, future models are set to redefine the capabilities of smart glasses. As a key component of Meta’s AI wearable ecosystem, these devices are poised to play a fantastic role in shaping the future of augmented reality and wearable technology. By addressing consumer demands and fostering innovation, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are well-positioned to lead the next wave of advancements in this exciting field.
Find more information on Binocular Smart Glasses Displays by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials.
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Flock cameras have become such attractive targets for destruction that some police have become protective of information about where they’re mounted. A local news story Friday in Louisville, Kentucky detailed the Louisville police’s effort to keep the locations secret.
The story also mentions that when the locations of some of the cameras were released, they were almost immediately destroyed.
On Saturday, Brian Merchant of the tech criticism newsletter Blood in the Machine catalogued a wider trend regarding Flock, the company famous for its networked, AI-enhanced, solar-powered license plate readers, video cameras, gunshot detectors, and “drone as first responder” tech: vandalism against Flock equipment is happening all over the country, seemingly without coordination.
Most recently, on February 16 in La Mesa, California, a city in the San Diego metro area, a local news outlet reported two destroyed Flock cameras—one smashed, the other sabotaged.
But most entertainingly (that is if you’re the kind of sicko who is entertained by acts of vandalism) in October of last year in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon, six Flock cameras were apparently cut down from poles and destroyed. A sticker with the note, “Hahaha get wrecked ya surveilling f***s” was applied to one of the poles below the spot where it was cut.
In and around Suffolk, Virginia, last December, an arrest was made after 13 cameras were destroyed. 41-year-old Jefferey S. Sovern, acknowledged, according to the local news, that “he used vice grips to help him disassemble the two-piece mounting poles,” and that he had kept things like wires, batteries and solar panels from the camera assemblies.
Sovern started a gofundme, where he wrote: “I appreciate a quiet life and am not looking forward to this process, but I will take the silver lining that this can be a catalyst in a bigger movement to roll-back intrusive surveillance.” He also links to an activist site called deflock.org.
Last month in Lisbon, Connecticut, police said they were investigating a destroyed Flock camera.
The Sheriff’s department in Greenview, Illinois said last month that two of its Flock cameras were cut down and destroyed.
But if you’ve heard only one thing about Flock lately, it probably has something to do with Ring’s eerie Super Bowl commercial involving its since-aborted partnership with Flock.
When reached for comment, Holly Beilin, chief of staff to Flock’s chief communications officer providedsixlinkstonewsstories and the following statement:
“We respect and value concerns and feedback raised about our technology, and building trust is important to us. We are regularly on the ground in communities across the country answering questions and providing education on what our technology does and does not do.”
Apple is reportedly developing a new lineup of AI-powered wearable devices, including AR glasses, an AI communication pin, and AI-enhanced AirPods. These devices are designed to transform how you interact with technology by using artificial intelligence to deliver smarter, more intuitive experiences. With features such as contextual awareness, voice command integration, and seamless compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem, these wearables aim to enhance productivity, connectivity, and convenience in your everyday life. By embedding advanced AI capabilities into these devices, Apple is setting the stage for a future where technology adapts to your needs in real time. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details.
Apple AR Glasses: Merging Augmented Reality with AI
Apple’s AR glasses, anticipated to launch by 2026, represent a significant step forward in combining augmented reality (AR) with advanced AI functionality. These glasses are expected to act as an extension of your Apple devices, allowing you to perform tasks like identifying objects, receiving real-time notifications, or issuing voice commands through Siri. Imagine walking into a room and asking the glasses to identify a painting or provide reminders about your upcoming schedule.
While initial models may lack a heads-up display (HUD), future iterations could incorporate this feature, allowing digital overlays to seamlessly integrate with your physical surroundings. This would enable you to view directions, notifications, or other digital content directly in your field of vision. Additionally, Apple is likely to offer prescription lens options, making sure accessibility for users with vision needs. Other potential features, such as hands-free video recording, could make it easier to capture moments or document your surroundings effortlessly.
The AR glasses are expected to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, making them a central tool in your digital life. Whether you’re navigating a new city, managing your daily tasks, or exploring creative projects, these glasses could redefine how you interact with both the digital and physical worlds.
AI Communication Pin: A Compact Assistant for Everyday Tasks
The AI communication pin is envisioned as a versatile and compact wearable designed to assist with information capture and organization. Equipped with advanced audio recording capabilities, this device could summarize conversations, lectures, or meetings, making it particularly valuable for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to keep track of important details. For example, during a brainstorming session, the pin could record key points and generate a concise summary for later reference.
A built-in camera might further enhance its functionality, allowing you to take quick snapshots for visual note-taking or to support contextual queries. Whether you’re capturing a diagram during a lecture or snapping a photo of a product label for research, the AI communication pin could streamline your workflow.
This wearable is expected to sync effortlessly with other Apple devices, allowing you to organize and access your data with ease. Its compact design and AI-driven capabilities make it a practical tool for managing both work and personal tasks. Whether you’re attending a conference, planning a project, or simply organizing your day, the AI communication pin could serve as a reliable and efficient assistant.
AI-Enhanced AirPods: Smarter Sound for Every Environment
Apple’s AI-enhanced AirPods aim to redefine audio experiences by incorporating environmental awareness and AI-driven sound optimization. Using built-in sensors or cameras, these AirPods could analyze your surroundings and automatically adjust noise cancellation to suit specific environments. For instance, they might reduce background noise in a bustling café or enhance clarity in a quiet library, making sure optimal sound quality wherever you are.
Beyond audio enhancements, these AirPods could assist with a variety of tasks. For example, they might record meeting notes during virtual calls, provide real-time translations, or answer contextual questions about your surroundings. Imagine asking your AirPods for information about a nearby landmark or requesting a summary of a recent conversation. By integrating these advanced features, Apple aims to make AirPods an indispensable tool for both work and leisure.
These AI-enhanced AirPods are also expected to maintain seamless compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing you to switch effortlessly between devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Whether you’re listening to music, participating in a virtual meeting, or exploring new places, these AirPods could elevate your audio experience to a new level of intelligence and convenience.
Transforming the Apple Ecosystem
Apple’s AI-powered wearables reflect the company’s commitment to pioneering innovation and enhancing the user experience. By integrating artificial intelligence with innovative hardware, these devices aim to make Apple’s ecosystem more intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly. Each wearable offers unique benefits that cater to different aspects of your daily life:
AR Glasses: Bring digital information directly into your field of vision, merging the physical and digital worlds for a more immersive experience.
AI Communication Pin: Simplify information capture and organization, boosting productivity and efficiency in both professional and personal contexts.
AI-Enhanced AirPods: Adapt to your environment with intelligent sound adjustments, providing smarter audio experiences tailored to your needs.
As these devices evolve, they are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wearable technology. By offering tools that enhance productivity, connectivity, and user experience, Apple’s AI-driven wearables could redefine how you engage with the world around you. With their seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem and their potential to adapt to your unique needs, these devices represent a bold step forward in the evolution of smart technology.
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In our increasingly enshittified online experience, the last bastions of the Internet’s initial egalitarian promise shine like diamonds. These holdout Golden Era vestiges somehow remain useful and unadulterated by corporate greed, while under constant siege for their recalcitrance. The crown jewel of these stalwarts is Wikipedia. Sustained by a legion of volunteer editors and beg-a-thon donations since 2001, the humble open-source encyclopedia is generally regarded as our best effort yet to amass the sum of all human knowledge. Free, citation-filled, and perpetually self-auditing, it’s no wonder so many consider the online encyclopedia to be one of the few wonders of the digital world.
Beyond an incalculable benefit to humans, this font of free information has also made model-training a whole lot easier for AI companies. But once Wikipedia-trained models began spitting out facts that comported with reality’s well-known liberal bias and pierced the industry’s echo chamber bubble, some were displeased. Cognitive dissonance now at the wheel, they declared Wikipedia yet another victim of the “woke mind virus” and set out to build their own Library of Alexandria. Leading the charge in this crusade is Elon Musk, who launched an AI-powered competitor, Grokipedia, last October.
While speaking at India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi this week, Wikipedia co-founder and spokesperson Jimmy Wales was asked about the threat the site faced from Grokipedia and its ilk. Unbothered, he dismissed the xAI project as “a cartoon imitation of an encyclopedia.”
Wales went on to champion the humans behind Wikipedia—and the mastery and due diligence they provide—as key ingredients to the site’s success.
“Why do I go to Wikipedia? I go to Wikipedia because it’s human-vetted knowledge,” explained Wales. “We would not consider for a second today letting an AI just write Wikipedia articles because we know how bad they can be.”
Wales described the propensity for AI models to “hallucinate” erroneous, misleading, or tangential information as their primary disqualifying factor. And he’s not wrong. A 2025 OpenAI study showed even their advanced models were still hallucinating at rates as high as 79% in some tests.
As Wales explained, these sorts of errors become even more common and apparent when AI is asked to delve increasingly deeper into a subject—one that may already be niche. Where AI models fail here, their human counterparts shine. Wales touted these subject-matter experts—the “obsessives”—as the best guards against inaccuracies and providers for optimal knowledge-seeking experiences.
“That sort of full, rich human context of understanding is actually quite important in terms of really understanding both what does the reader want and what does the reader need,” said Wales.
If anything, Wales did Grokipedia a kindness by keeping the conversation hallucination-focused. Plenty of journalists and critics have already dug into the many controversies arising from Musk’s white nationalist, navel-gazing facsimile.
Even with Wikipedia still being the universally agreed-upon ark of earthly info, a larger issue remains. We aren’t arguing over a shared reality anymore. With Grokipedia, a distinctly rival one has been created. And the more who use it, the further we get from ever fusing our two worlds back together.
On Friday, Variety revealed the film’s been moved by Paramount to August 13, 2027. That’s a ways away, but at least this new date moves it a month up from its previous date of September 17 that same year. And before that, you might remember it was first scheduled to hit theaters later this year on October 9. So at time of writing, we’re on our third release date, with the potential for more in either direction on the horizon.
All this shifting is eventful for a movie we haven’t seen or know anything about, other than that it’ll pit this latest incarnation of the Turtles against the Shredder. Mutant Mayhem 2 is far from the only movie to hop around on the calendar, but the announcement is funny after the recent news of Paramount recommitting to the Ninja Turtles as a property. Sometime after this Mutant Mayhem sequel hits, we’re supposed to get a big expansion of the franchise with licensed restaurants, a web series for kids, and a live-action/animated movie due out in 2028. Maybe. We’ll see.
While you’re waiting for Mutant Mayhem 2, you can go ahead and watch the original film, or the short film Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, which is on Paramount+ as a special feature for the first Mutant movie. It came last year, and it sounds like fans who saw it liked it.
The Stop Killing Games campaign is evolving into more than just a movement. In a YouTube video, the campaign’s creator, Ross Scott, explained that organizers are planning to establish two non-governmental organizations, one for the European Union and another for the US. According to Scott, these NGOs would allow for “long-term counter lobbying” when publishers end support for certain video games.
“Let me start off by saying I think we’re going to win this, namely the problem of publishers destroying video games that you’ve already paid for,” Scott said in the video. According to Scott, the NGOs will work on getting the original Stop Killing Games petition codified into EU law, while also pursuing more watchdog actions, like setting up a system to report publishers for revoking access to purchased video games.
The Stop Killing Games campaign started as a reaction to Ubisoft’s delisting of The Crew from players’ libraries. The controversial decision stirred up concerns about how publishers have the ultimate say on delisting video games. After crossing a million signatures last year, the movement’s leadership has been busy exploring the next steps.
According to Scott, the campaign leadership will meet with the European Commission soon, but is also working on a 500-page legal paper that reveals some of the industry’s current controversial practices. In the meantime, the ongoing efforts have led to a change of heart from Ubisoft since the publisher updated The Crew 2 with an offline mode.
The music of Nobuo Uematsu has been all over Square Enix games, including the Final Fantasy series, and an upcoming book will chart his tenured career.
On Friday, Viz Media announced Nobuo Uematsu: On the Record, an “intimate biography” by author James Mielke. Like the publisher’s other biographies—which focused on Hideo Kojima, Hayao Miyazaki, and the late Satoru Iwata—readers can expect Mielke’s chronicle of Uematsu to feature insight on his starting point and big moments of his work as a composer for the aforementioned JRPG series, along with Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, and more.
For fans of the former, series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi will contribute a foreword about his longtime friend and collaborator.
Announcement: The legendary Final Fantasy composer goes on the record in this intimate biography! Featuring a foreword by Hironobu Sakaguchi and written by James Mielke, Nobuo Uematsu: On the Record releases Fall 2026. pic.twitter.com/mj1zd5dFsG
As Mielke tells it, the book will be “the definitive chronicle on Uematsu. [It’s] jam-packed with amazing revelations about the Final Fantasy composer that the public has never heard about, as shared by himself and those closest to him.”
On the Record is one of a few biographies about the artist himself rather than his music: before this, the only other book to cover his life was 2020’s Smile Please by authors Denys Fontanarosa and Jérémie Kermarrec, and that’s only in French.
Nobuo Uematsu: On the Record will be available in stores sometime this fall.
The government agency that sends its corps members abroad to volunteer in foreign countries launched its latest initiative called Tech Corps. The Peace Corps’ latest proposal will recruit STEM graduates or those with professional experience in the artificial intelligence sector and send them to participating host countries.
According to the press release, volunteers will be placed in Peace Corps countries that are part of the American AI Exports Program, which was created last year from an executive order from President Trump as a way to bolster the US’ grip on the AI market abroad. Tech Corps members will be tasked with using AI to resolve issues related to agriculture, education, health and economic development. The program will offer its members 12- to 27-month in-person assignments or virtual placements, which will include housing, healthcare, a living stipend and a volunteer service award if the corps member is placed overseas.
Richard E. Swarttz, the acting director of the Peace Corps, said in a press release that Tech Corps volunteers will be “building technical capacity, supporting AI adoption across critical use cases and addressing barriers to last-mile AI implementation.” While the Tech Corps program is framed at benefiting host countries, it would also help to secure the US’ position in the rapidly expanding global AI market that includes growing competition from China.
Tesla is still on the hook for $243 million after a US judge rejected the EV maker’s bid to overturn a jury verdict from last year. On Friday, US District Judge Beth Bloom upheld the jury’s decision to hold Tesla partially responsible for a deadly crash that happened in 2019 and involved the self-driving Autopilot feature.
The judge added that there was enough evidence to support the jury’s verdict, which was delivered in August 2025 and ordered Tesla to pay millions in compensatory and punitive damages to the two victims in the case. Judge Bloom added that Tesla didn’t present any new arguments to dispute the decision.
While the case has been moving along recently, the incident dates back to several years ago when the driver of a Model S, George McGee, was using Tesla’s Autopilot feature while bending down to retrieve a dropped phone. The Model S then crashed into an SUV that was parked on a shoulder, where Naibel Benavides Leon and Dillon Angulo were standing aside. Benavides was killed in the crash, while Angulo was severely injured.
Tesla hasn’t publicly commented on Judge Bloom’s decision yet, but it won’t be a surprise to see the company appeal the latest ruling with a higher court. Tesla’s lawyers previously tried to pin the blame on the driver, claiming that the Model S and Autopilot weren’t defective. As this major case plays out, Tesla is also facing several investigations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for both its Autopilot and Full-Self Driving features.
A recent Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage that lasted 13 hours was reportedly caused by one of its own AI tools, according to reporting by Financial Times. This happened in December after engineers deployed the Kiro AI coding tool to make certain changes, say four people familiar with the matter.
Kiro is an agentic tool, meaning it can take autonomous actions on behalf of users. In this case, the bot reportedly determined that it needed to “delete and recreate the environment.” This is what allegedly led to the lengthy outage that primarily impacted China.
Amazon says it was merely a “coincidence that AI tools were involved” and that “the same issue could occur with any developer tool or manual action.” The company blamed the outage on “user error, not AI error.” It said that by default the Kiro tool “requests authorization before taking any action” but that the staffer involved in the December incident had “broader permissions than expected — a user access control issue, not an AI autonomy issue.”
Multiple Amazon employees spoke to Financial Times and noted that this was “at least” the second occasion in recent months in which the company’s AI tools were at the center of a service disruption. “The outages were small but entirely foreseeable,” said one senior AWS employee.
The company launched Kiro in July and has since pushed employees into using the tool. Leadership set an 80 percent weekly use goal and has been closely tracking adoption rates. Amazon also sells access to the agentic tool for a monthly subscription fee.
However, Amazon disagrees with the characterization of certain products and services being unavailable as an outage. In response to the Financial Times report, the company shared the following , which it also published on its news blog:
We want to address the inaccuracies in the yesterday. The brief service interruption they reported on was the result of user error—specifically misconfigured access controls—not AI as the story claims.
The disruption was an extremely limited event last December affecting a single service (AWS Cost Explorer—which helps customers visualize, understand, and manage AWS costs and usage over time) in one of our 39 Geographic Regions around the world. It did not impact compute, storage, database, AI technologies, or any other of the hundreds of services that we run. The issue stemmed from a misconfigured role—the same issue that could occur with any developer tool (AI powered or not) or manual action. We did not receive any customer inquiries regarding the interruption. We implemented numerous safeguards to prevent this from happening again—not because the event had a big impact (it didn’t), but because we insist on learning from our operational experience to improve our security and resilience. Additional safeguards include mandatory peer review for production access. While operational incidents involving misconfigured access controls can occur with any developer tool—AI-powered or not—we think it is important to learn from these experiences. The Financial Times’ claim that a second event impacted AWS is entirely false.
For more than two decades, Amazon has achieved high operational excellence with our Correction of Error (COE) process. We review these together so that we can learn from any incident, irrespective of customer impact, to address issues before their potential impact grows larger.
Update, February 21 2026, 11:58AM ET: This story has been updated to include Amazon’s full statement in response to the Financial Times report.
Foldables are now fully part of the smartphone landscape. They are no longer experimental, no longer fragile tech showcases meant only for early adopters. In 2026, the real question is simple: can a foldable completely replace your primary phone without experiential compromise? The HONOR Magic V5 (official page) makes a very strong case that it can.
This device refines what HONOR has been building for years. It is thinner, equipped with a larger battery, rated for improved durability, and powered by a powerful processor.
Foldables are no longer experimental, no longer fragile tech showcases
Our review unit comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, paired with a 5,820 mAh silicon-carbon battery. Import pricing currently ranges between $1,600 and $1,700, placing it directly against the Galaxy Z Fold7 and the Vivo X Fold5. At this level, expectations are not modest. They are uncompromising. The Magic V5 meets them.
Design: A Foldable That Stops Feeling Like One
Next to an iPhone Pro Max
The most surprising thing about the Magic V5 is psychological rather than technical. When closed, it feels like a normal phone, and I can measure that by looking at how often I use it folded up: I have no hesitation using it one-handed. The one thing that I wish was integrated is an in-screen fingerprint reader as the one to the side isn’t ideal when using one hand.
External screen vs iPhone Pro Max
At 217 grams and under 9 mm at its thinnest folded point, it does not feel like a gadget that happens to fold. It feels like a premium flagship, and a huge part of this is due to the premium materials. Several people we know picked it up without realizing it was foldable. When they discovered it opened, there was genuine surprise.
Magic V5 open (right)
That reaction is revealing: early foldables always felt like devices two phones stacked on top one another (which they were). This one fades into the background. This sensation has now moved into the tri-fold world.
For people who are worried about large phones, its footprint is slightly smaller than ultra-large slab phones. It probably feels easier to manage than a Galaxy S Ultra-class device. The leather-textured rear panel improves grip and resists fingerprints.
Open it, and the effect reverses. The 7.95-inch display reveals an extremely thin profile of roughly 4.3–4.6 mm unfolded: most people are still shocked when they see this for the first time. It looks almost impossibly slim. Because the weight spreads across a larger surface, it feels lighter than one expects.
The hinge is firm and controlled. It does not swing open loosely, yet it moves smoothly and can hold partial angles for media viewing.
Living With a Foldable: Does the Novelty Wear Off?
The real test of a foldable is whether you actually use the inner display weeks later, past the initial “wow” factor. In our usage, the answer is yes, especially if you are often using it seating, for example if you travel by train or plane a lot. Also, the large screen makes it an excellent in-car GPS device if you don’t have a car built-in large screen.
Roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the time, my device was used open. It means unfolding becomes instinctive when appropriate (waiting, seating, when used with a BT keyboard…).
Over time, that dual-mode behavior becomes completely natural
Browsing long articles feels more natural. Email becomes easier to scan. Slack conversations feel less cramped. Social media feeds display more context at once and photo experiences on Instagram are 3X better.
Watching video on the larger screen is more comfortable and you don’t even have to use Landscape mode. You have the same experience as “standard phone” full-screen landscape mode, while using unfolded Portrait mode, with all the GUI elements, video controls visible.
Does it require two hands? Yes. Unfolding and using the large screen is inherently a two-handed action. This device encourages intentional use. When you want quick interactions, the outer display behaves like a normal smartphone. When you want depth, you open it. Over time, that dual-mode behavior becomes completely natural.
Displays: Large, Bright, and Responsive
The inner 7.95-inch AMOLED display runs at 120 Hz and feels extremely responsive. In direct sunlight testing, we measured approximately 810 nits. The outer 6.43-inch AMOLED display reached around 1010 nits.
These are solid numbers. More importantly, brightness management is stable and predictable outdoors. Could it be better? Sure! It’s never wrong to be “too bright” as certain outdoor situations may be extremely bright. But we’ve tested this in the sunshine and it was just fine.
The user interface remains consistently fluid. We used the “adaptive refresh” which maxes out at 120 Hz but slows down for static images to preserve the battery. The Magic V5 maintains smooth animations and responsive touch behavior. Latency feels low, and transitions are clean.
I really like that HONOR includes a dedicated Quick Layout button for split-screen multitasking. That small design choice reduces friction dramatically. You do not need to memorize gestures or retrain muscle memory if switching from another ecosystem. The foldable experience can be magnified if you can quickly and easily split-screen two apps. The Magic V5 nails it.
The Display Crease Reality
Crease anxiety remains one of the biggest concerns for new foldable buyers. Here is the honest answer: Yes, the crease exists. No, it does not matter in daily use.
When the screen is off and light hits it at an angle, you can see it. When reading white backgrounds, you might notice a slight reflection if you deliberately tilt the device. When swiping across the center, you can faintly feel it with your finger.
The crease does not matter
But during normal use, it is unnoticeable. It does not distort text. It does not interrupt video playback. It does not break immersion. Foldable panels have matured significantly since 2019. This is no longer a fragile or visually distracting compromise. It is simply part of the technology, and people should not worry about this.
Software Maturity: Foldables Have Grown Up
One important difference between early foldables and today’s generation is software maturity. App scaling is no longer a gamble. Most major applications behave properly on the inner display. Layout adjustments feel to fully take advantage of the format rather than stretched (ex: E-Trade).
Email clients benefit from expanded list views. Calendar apps display more context. Browsers feel closer to tablet-class experiences. Productivity apps like Slack and document editors become genuinely useful rather than novelty driven. It is a known quantity, stable and practical thanks to Google’s work on the Android OS layer.
Performance: Flagship
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and paired with 16GB of RAM, the Magic V5 delivers strong real-world responsiveness. App launches are quick. Multitasking is stable. UI transitions are smooth.
This is not marketed as a gaming-focused device, and that is appropriate. It is built for productivity and media consumption. Within that scope, performance is excellent.
App continuity between folded and unfolded states works in most scenarios. However, a few apps still restart/refresh when transitioning, but this is a developer optimization issue rather than a hardware limitation. For daily flagship usage, performance is confident and stable.
Battery: Incredible Capacity and Speed
The huge 5,820 mAh silicon-carbon battery is one of the most impressive achievements in this device.
Fitting that capacity into such a thin chassis is a real engineering accomplishment. Foldable users tend to rely heavily on the inner display, which consumes more power due to its size. That larger battery meaningfully supports extended sessions. In real-world use, the endurance is reliable and predictable.
Add to that the charging that supports 66W wired and 50W wireless. There is no charger included in the box, so you will need a compatible (= Honor branded) adapter to reach maximum charging speeds. For a device this thin, battery life is a competitive advantage.
Cameras: Competitive Without Apology
Foldables once required camera excuses, not anymore. The Magic V5 delivers a practical focal range anchored by a 23 mm equivalent primary camera, supplemented by 13mm Ultrawide and 70mm zoom. In everyday shooting, the image quality is competitive with other flagship Android devices and recent iPhones.
Low-light performance is good, though thicker flagship phones with bigger camera housing can produce night scenes with shorter exposures. Larger cameras always have an inherent advantage, it’s just physics. The Magic V5 balances exposure well without aggressively extending shutter times.
HDR behavior is reliable: one practical test we use involves photographing extremely bright trade show televisions. These scenarios stress extreme dynamic range. The Magic V5 handled them well, preserving highlight detail without washing out the scene. This is exactly where a premium foldable should land: no obvious weaknesses.
Finally, the photo visual experience simply can’t be matched by phones with smaller displays. There’s nothing one can do about that. Browsing your photos on a foldable is just a phenomenal experience.
Durability and Risk
The device is rated for 500,000 folds and carries IP58 and IP59 protection. On paper, durability is strong. However, thinness introduces its own considerations. The greatest risk is not dust or water, although water is a serious risk for all phones. Drop and impacts are the real danger. A drop on a thin foldable phone introduces different stress dynamics compared to a thicker slab phone.
Using a case is advisable, but doing so slightly reduces the thinness advantage. That is the trade-off. If you prioritize long-term durability, protection is sensible. Foldables are no longer extremely fragile, but they still demand a bit more attention.
AI: Aim for Pragmatism
HONOR integrates its on-device proprietary LLM “MagicLM” alongside call translation, contextual shortcuts, and assistant improvements. Real-time call translation is particularly notable. Latency is low, often under half a second. Both text and audio translations appear quickly enough to assist during live conversations.
I tried it between English and French, and it was decent enough to help you in a real situation. These features feel genuinely useful rather than just gimmicks and checkboxes. AI here supports practical workflows and don’t chase novelty too much. It’s the thing you’ve been promised for many years, but now it has become quite practical, even though not perfect.
Audio, Connectivity, Biometrics
The inclusion of an infrared blaster is always welcome, and it remains surprisingly useful in travel scenarios in hotels and guest houses. Stereo speakers are loud and clear, suitable for podcasts and casual media consumption. I use it daily to listen to Podcasts.
The side-mounted fingerprint reader is accurate and generally great. However, it is ergonomically imperfect when switching hands. An under-display solution would feel more neutral, but performance itself is reliable. I realize the technical difficulties associated to having an in-screen fingerprint reader, but from a consumer perspective, that would be the best solution.
Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support ensure modern connectivity standards. This wasn’t a concern about connectivity at any point during the review. If you import a phone from another region, check the 5G bands that are supported by both the unit you’re getting and the carrier you intend to use it with. This is valid for all phones.
Competition and Positioning
The Magic V5 competes directly with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and the Vivo X Fold5 in pricing and design philosophy. We do not consider the Pixel Fold a direct competitor in this context. Its thickness places it in a different ergonomic category. For this price range, you must demand a design that competes with the Magic V5. We are in the ultra-thin premium foldable tier here.
Availability spans Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific markets, giving it broad international reach.
Conclusion
The HONOR Magic V5 shows the foldable market has matured. We have finally reached a thickness level that makes this phone “feels” like a regular phone when folded. Upon unfolding, the magic remains powerful and this is the attractive part of these phones.
The MagicV5 disappears in your pocket. It impresses when opened
The V5 disappears in your pocket. It impresses when opened. It delivers flagship performance, strong battery endurance, competitive cameras, and a refined multitasking experience. This is no longer a niche device that only interests enthusiasts. It is a legitimate premium smartphone that anyone who can afford it should consider. Personally, I would like to see such a foldable phone that is even bigger (S-Ultra like) when folded, and would be a monster when unfolded.
Highs
Ultra-thin, normal phone feel when folded
Large inner display that magnifies visual experience
Impressive battery capacity
Competitive premium camera system
Lows
Side-mounted fingerprint reader is less ergonomic for one-handed use
A few apps still refresh/restart when switching folded ↔ unfolded
Some PayPal users have started to receive email from the company confirming a data breach that exposed personal information to a threat actor who gained access to PayPal’s systems, leading to some seeing unauthorized transactions on their accounts and the resetting of passwords. Here’s what you need to know. A breach notification letter, as per Bleeping Computer and seen by myself, has confirmed that some PayPal users have been impacted by a data breach after a hacker gained access to PayPal systems on July 1, 2025. Forbes
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has said it considered alerting Canadian police last year about the activities of a person who months later committed one of the worst school shootings in the country’s history. OpenAI said last June the company identified the account of Jesse Van Rootselaar via abuse detection efforts for “furtherance of violent activities”. The San Francisco tech company said on Friday it considered whether to refer the account to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but determined at the time that the account activity did not meet a threshold for referral to law enforcement. Guardian
Any time you add a new person to a group chat, they can’t see the previous messages. So, they lack context about what’s already discussed and what everyone is talking about. WhatsApp is looking to solve this problem with its latest feature: Group Message History. The feature does exactly what its name suggests: it allows a new participant in a group chat to view past conversations. This way, they can quickly catch up on what’s being discussed and add their input. Android Police
An AI-generated video shows a crowd of young – mostly black – men, wearing balaclavas and padded jackets, slipping down a water slide into a dirty swimming pool with litter bobbing on the surface. The caption describes the scene as a taxpayer-funded water park in Croydon. It is one of a wave of deepfakes showing often absurd scenes of urban decline. Dozens of copycat accounts have begun producing similar content and collectively they have racked up millions of views across TikTok and Instagram Reels…It has been dubbed “decline porn”. BBC
Ikea is about to launch a new smart home gadget after a listing appeared on the Thread Group’s product database. The Ikea Dubbelkisel Driver will enable users to remotely control integrated lighting and appears to be a newer version of the current Trådfri Driver for wireless control, which offers smart features but isn’t Matter-compatible. Now that the brand is beginning to focus more heavily on Matter-certified devices following its huge 21-product launch last November, this listing gives us a useful insight into what’s coming next. T3.com
A new medical tampon may be able to detect the earliest signs of ovarian cancer, scientists have said. Researchers in Southampton are to carry out a trial of the new device, which identifies biological signals in vaginal fluid. There are around 7,600 new cases of ovarian cancerin the UK each year. Many of them are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Around 250 women are being recruited for the study, named Violet. Sky News
Samsung is preparing to unveil the highly anticipated Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 at its Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. These next-generation earbuds are designed to deliver notable advancements in design, functionality, and durability. With a focus on improved ergonomics, superior sound quality, and extended battery life, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro aim to set a new standard in wireless audio technology, appealing to a diverse range of users. The video below from TechTalkTV gives us more details about the new Samsung Galaxy Buds headphones.
Design: A Blend of Style and Practicality
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro showcase a sleek flat-stem design with a brushed metal finish, offering a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. The charging case features a transparent lid, allowing users to view the earbuds without opening the case. Inside, the earbuds are horizontally placed, making sure they are easy to access and orient. These thoughtful design updates not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve usability, making the earbuds more intuitive for everyday use. The combination of style and practicality ensures that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro cater to both aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Battery Life and Durability: Built for Longevity
Samsung has made significant improvements to the battery performance of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Each earbud is powered by a 57 mAh battery, while the charging case houses a 530 mAh battery, providing a combined total of up to 26 hours of battery life—a two-hour increase compared to the previous model. This extended battery life ensures that users can enjoy uninterrupted audio throughout the day.
In addition to battery enhancements, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro come with an IP57 water resistance rating, offering robust protection against dust and water. This makes the earbuds a reliable choice for users with active lifestyles, whether they are exercising, commuting, or working in challenging environments. The combination of long-lasting battery life and enhanced durability positions the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro as a dependable option for a variety of scenarios.
Features: Elevating the Listening Experience
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the overall audio experience and streamline daily tasks. Key features include:
Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Effectively minimizes ambient noise, allowing for a more immersive and focused listening experience.
Bidirectional Drivers: Deliver richer, more detailed sound quality, making sure that both high and low frequencies are reproduced with clarity.
Gesture Controls: Innovative pinch-and-hold gestures enable interpreter mode, while head gestures allow hands-free call management and interaction with AI assistants.
These features are designed to provide users with a seamless and intuitive experience, whether they are listening to music, taking calls, or interacting with their devices. The combination of advanced audio technology and user-friendly controls ensures that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro cater to both casual listeners and audiophiles.
Packaging and Accessories: Tailored for Comfort
Samsung has thoughtfully designed the packaging and accessories for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro to ensure a comfortable and customizable fit. The package includes:
The earbuds
A USB-C-compatible charging case
Three sets of silicone ear tips in different sizes
These accessories allow users to achieve a secure and comfortable fit, enhancing the overall listening experience. For those who prefer a more open design, Samsung also offers the standard Galaxy Buds 4 model, which comes without silicone tips. This attention to detail ensures that users can choose the option that best suits their preferences and needs.
Pricing and Availability: Premium Features, Same Price
Despite the numerous upgrades, Samsung has maintained the same pricing as the Galaxy Buds 3 lineup, making the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro an accessible option for a wide audience. This consistent pricing strategy reflects Samsung’s commitment to delivering high-quality products without increasing costs. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will officially launch on February 25, 2026, during Samsung’s Unpacked event, alongside the Galaxy S26. By offering premium features at an unchanged price point, Samsung continues to provide excellent value to its customers.
Redefining Wireless Audio Technology
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro represent a significant advancement in wireless audio technology. With their refined design, extended battery life, enhanced durability, and innovative features, these earbuds are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. Whether you prioritize sound quality, intuitive controls, or long-lasting performance, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer a well-rounded and versatile package. As the February 25 launch approaches, these earbuds are poised to make a strong impact in the competitive wireless audio market, solidifying Samsung’s position as a leader in the industry.
Unlock more potential in Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro by reading the previous articles we have written.
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Donating blood is a lifesaving gift, but it’s not always the easiest one to give. I should know—I’ve been doing it for over 15 years.
The national blood supply is currently in dire straits. Last month, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross jointly and urgently called for more donors in the midst of a severe shortage, one that still appears to be ongoing. Put simply, there’s no better time to start becoming a regular donor than right now.
Blood donation might seem scary or confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before. So as a longtime veteran, here are some pointers to making your first (of hopefully many) donation as breezy as possible.
What to know
Just to get this out of the way: Blood donation is perfectly safe to do. There’s no risk of contracting bloodborne infections since new sterile needles are used with every person. A study last year even found some evidence that frequent donation can cause helpful genetic changes in red blood cells that could lower the risk of cancer (more research will be needed to confirm that finding).
And though there are things that can make you unable to donate, such as a recent tattoo, chances are, you’re in the clear. Roughly two-thirds of Americans meet the criteria for donation, yet about 3% do so in a given year.
In the lead-up to your donation, you should be eating iron-rich foods such as spinach, chicken, and red meat (maintaining adequate iron levels is important generally). The day before your donation, you should get a good night’s sleep. And on the day of donation, you should try to avoid eating foods high in fat and drinking alcohol.
If you’re specifically donating platelets, you should avoid using aspirin at least two days beforehand. And if you’re donating plasma, you should eat foods high in protein before and after.
Throughout all of this—and I can’t emphasize this enough—stay well hydrated. The American Red Cross specifically recommends drinking 16 ounces of water (or another non-alcoholic drink) prior to donation. Hydration will increase blood volume, which helps speed the donation along and makes it easier for the phlebotomist to find your veins. This is a lesson I’ve had to relearn more than once, and I’ve suffered for it by having longer sessions than usual.
Experts also recommend that you stay away from excessive caffeine intake on the day of donation, though that’s mostly due to its dehydrating qualities. I personally don’t keep track of that, but just make sure to keep your water intake high if you do indulge in a daily cup.
Water can also keep your blood pressure from lowering too much, which in turn helps prevent dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
How to stay on your feet during and after donation
Speaking of fainting, that’s probably the scariest potential side effect of donating blood. I’ve had more than one friend expressly tell me that’s why they don’t donate whenever the subject comes up.
Thankfully, in addition to staying hydrated, there’s actually now a very simple and reliable technique to prevent fainting if you’re prone to it, known as applied muscle tension (AMT). Numerous studies have shown that AMT can substantially reduce the odds of lightheadedness and fainting from blood donation, by up to 83%.
The basic principle of AMT is to tense and relax large muscles in order to maintain healthy blood flow and keep your blood pressure stable. This can include crossing your legs, squeezing your inner thighs or knees together, pointing and flexing your feet, or tightening your glutes and quads. You should switch between tensing and relaxing every five seconds, repeating it several times. And it’s best to do this right before the needle goes in, if you feel lightheaded at any point during the donation, before the needle is taken out, and before you stand up; you can also do it throughout the day afterward if you feel faint.
Why it matters
Truth be told, I only started donating in college for the chance to win a free Amazon gift card, and for a while afterward, I was fairly lax in making regular appointments or blood drive visits. But once I became a health journalist, it reminded me of just how important these donations are in medicine. Every two seconds, according to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood or blood components, from patients with cancer or sickle cell disease to victims of a traumatic accident.
Getting over the hump and donating blood for the first time is great. But even better is becoming a frequent donor, since the blood supply has to be continuously replenished. And one last tip: if you do become a frequent donor, you should be regularly taking iron supplements; chelated iron in particular tends to be easier on the stomach.
Whether it’s whole blood, platelets, or plasma, there’s always room for one more person at your nearest blood center or local drive. In the U.S., there are also many plasma centers that pay you for each visit, though some experts worry about the ethics of these businesses.
However you do it, donating blood is one of the easiest and safest ways you can give back to the world. And the free cookies and apple juice are always a nice bonus.
Samsung is poised to redefine the foldable smartphone market with the anticipated release of two new devices this year: the flagship Galaxy Z Fold 8 and a more affordable foldable model. These devices aim to push the boundaries of mobile technology by introducing innovative features, refined designs, and a focus on larger form factors. Powered by Android 17 and Samsung’s One UI 9, these foldables are set to establish new benchmarks in usability and functionality, reinforcing Samsung’s leadership in this rapidly growing segment. The video below from Talks Daily Tech gives us more details about the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Galaxy Z Fold 8: Leading the Foldable Revolution
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is positioned as Samsung’s most advanced foldable device to date, showcasing innovative technology and a wider design that enhances usability. Alongside this premium model, Samsung is developing a second, more budget-friendly foldable option to appeal to a broader audience. Both devices will integrate Android 17 and One UI 9, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. This combination of advanced hardware and software underscores Samsung’s commitment to innovation and its determination to maintain dominance in the foldable smartphone market.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to feature significant upgrades in performance, durability, and display technology. These enhancements are designed to address user feedback and improve the overall experience, making foldable devices more practical for everyday use. By offering a premium flagship and a more accessible alternative, Samsung is strategically positioning itself to cater to diverse consumer needs.
Design Innovations: Wider Displays and Creaseless Screens
Samsung is reportedly focusing on wider designs for its upcoming foldables, reflecting a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences and intensifying competition. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to feature a nearly creaseless display, a significant improvement that addresses one of the most common concerns among foldable users. This advancement not only enhances the visual appeal of the device but also improves its durability, making it more reliable for long-term use.
The wider design aligns with market trends and prepares Samsung to compete with potential new entrants, including Apple, which is rumored to be exploring the foldable market. By prioritizing screen quality and user experience, Samsung aims to solidify its reputation for delivering premium devices that meet the demands of modern consumers. These design improvements are likely to set a new standard for foldable smartphones, further distinguishing Samsung from its competitors.
Production Strategy: Scaling for Larger Foldables
Samsung’s production strategy reflects a clear shift toward larger foldable devices, signaling confidence in the growing demand for larger screens and enhanced multitasking capabilities. The company plans to produce 3.5 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a significant investment that highlights its belief in the device’s potential to capture a substantial share of the market. In contrast, production of the smaller Galaxy Z Flip 8 is being scaled back to 3 million units, indicating a strategic pivot toward larger form factors.
This shift in production priorities underscores Samsung’s recognition of the versatility and appeal of larger foldables. These devices offer a more immersive experience for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking, making them increasingly attractive to a wide range of users. By focusing on scaling production for larger models, Samsung is positioning itself to meet the evolving preferences of consumers while maintaining its competitive edge.
Market Challenges and Competitive Landscape
The foldable smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Samsung facing challenges from both established rivals and new entrants. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 set a high standard with its slim profile and advanced features, prompting competitors to innovate further. However, rising RAM costs and pricing pressures present significant obstacles for Samsung’s premium device strategy. Balancing affordability with innovation will be crucial as the company navigates this dynamic market.
Samsung’s ability to address these challenges will play a key role in its continued success. By focusing on design improvements, production efficiency, and strategic pricing, the company can maintain its leadership position while adapting to the demands of an evolving market. The introduction of a more affordable foldable model further demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to expanding its reach and making foldable technology accessible to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead: Samsung’s Vision for Foldables
Samsung’s focus on larger foldable devices represents a broader evolution in its market strategy, emphasizing refinement and scalability. Official announcements regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the budget-friendly foldable model are expected later this year, providing more details about the company’s plans. These devices are likely to feature significant advancements in design, performance, and usability, reinforcing Samsung’s position as a leader in the foldable segment.
By expanding its foldable lineup and addressing key design improvements, Samsung is not only responding to current market demands but also shaping the future of mobile technology. The company’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences will be critical as it continues to lead the foldable revolution. As the foldable smartphone market evolves, Samsung’s strategic focus on larger screens, creaseless displays, and affordability positions it to remain at the forefront of this fantastic industry.
Dive deeper into Foldable smartphones with other articles and guides we have written below.
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.
Customizing your character in GTA 5 Online is a good way to express your creativity. Maybe you manage more than one character across different GTA 5 accounts, or perhaps you simply want a look that stands out in Los Santos.
From heritage and facial structure to tattoos and outfits, the game gives you tools to shape your digital identity. In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process on how to customize your character in GTA 5.
Character Creation and Heritage Options in GTA 5
When you first make a character, you begin in a police mugshot room using the Career Builder interface. At this stage, you choose a gender that cannot be changed later. You pick mother and father from preset options or returning characters like Niko or Claude. Then you use a gene blend slider to control how much you resemble each parent.
After heritage, you adjust facial features such as brow, nose, jaw, and cheekbones using sliders. You can also pick hair style, makeup, glasses, hats, and use an age slider to give a more mature or youthful look according to in-game lore. Note that you cannot modify body shape, height, or musculature directly in the character creator.
You can request a random appearance repeatedly before confirming this base look for your character slot. Each account offers access to two character slots, so you can create diverse avatars across multiple GTA 5 accounts.
How to Edit Character Appearance in GTA 5 Later?
Once you are into GTA Online and have progressed through the initial tutorial, you gain access to the Ability to change your appearance via the Interaction Menu under the Appearance category. Choose “Change Appearance” and you enter the character editor. It costs GTA $100 000 but the game only charges you if you actually confirm adjustments. If you open the editor and exit without editing, nothing is deducted.
You cannot change gender through this system. Some players unlock the appearance option for their original character by creating a second character, finishing its tutorial, then switching back, which makes the option appear for the first character.
Styling with Hair, Makeup, Clothing, and Tattoos
After facial features are set, you can customize further using shops around Los Santos. Barber shops let you change your hairstyle, hair colour, highlights, makeup, and eyebrows. These changes cost modest amounts of in‑game money, but can be done repeatedly.
Clothing shops allow you to mix and match outfits and save combinations. However, each character can save up to ten different outfit saves, and outfit selections cost a modest fee per purchase.
Tattoo parlors let you apply body ink with flexible placement and opacity settings, although tattoos can cost a few hundred dollars depending on design and coverage. These style elements let you refine your character’s personality, whether you are roleplaying or simply want a unique look.
Best Community Tips for Getting a Unique Look
Veteran players frequently share tips on forums to help make appealing characters. A commonly recommended approach is to begin with no hair and no makeup. That blank canvas helps you sculpt facial structure before adding styling layers. As one user put it, “first remove makeup and make them bald, then work on features”.
Additionally, small adjustments to parental heritage sliders often create significant improvements to bone structure and tone. Reliable advice is also to save frequently and make incremental tweaks instead of one big change. Tutorials on YouTube also walk through realistic feature values, hair styles, and makeup that deliver polished character designs.
Recommended Workflow for Multiple Characters or Accounts
If you are managing multiple GTA 5 accounts or character slots, the following workflow helps maintain quality and consistency. Begin with Career Builder to establish a base face. Complete the in-game tutorial on one slot to unlock the Change Appearance feature. Then edit your main character using that feature.
Use barber shops and clothing stores to refine style. Save outfits and hair choices once they represent the personality you aim for. Repeat for your second character if you need a fresh identity. This allows each character to retain a distinct identity while using the same base mechanics.
Conclusion
Fully customizing your character in GTA 5 Online offers creative freedom. Starting with the Career Builder lets you design your base identity using heritage and facial sliders. After unlocking the Change Appearance system, you can make deeper edits for GTA $100 000 only when changes are finalized.
Hair, makeup, tattoos, and outfits let you define the style and persona of each avatar. By taking advice from experienced players, such as starting clean, adjusting heritage sliders carefully, and saving looks as you go, you can craft characters that stand out in any session.
Take your time and enjoy the process. Your character is your identity in Los Santos. Make it count in a way that feels true to your style.
