Hardware & Devices
Why some websites are blocking AI agents from accessing the web
AI agents can be a great tool to help make purchases for you online - but it can become a frustrating problem if the website you're using blocks their access.
Anthropic clamps down on Claude’s AI video game clones
Anthropic has updated Claude Code's system prompt to prevent the AI tool from being used to recreate existing video games, as reported by Tom's Hardware. Retro gaming is currently…
Xbox’s former COO has ‘serious concerns’ about her abrupt departure
Xbox's former chief operating officer, Helen Chiang, suddenly left Microsoft less than two weeks ago after being promoted into the role in July. I wrote in my Notepad newsletter l…
Think twice before putting your gaming console inside a cabinet
A cabinet might seem like a convenient spot for your console, but it can't provide enough airflow for the system to run safely.
SpaceX is reportedly looking at buying Boost Mobile or using its cell network
A potential deal with Boost Mobile could serve as a shortcut to establishing SpaceX as a mobile carrier.
OpenAI pitches data center power plants as a way to protect nearby areas
In an announcement on Monday, OpenAI says it will pilot its "Grid Protectors Program" at an upcoming data center in Effingham County, Georgia, where the company promises to free u…
The New York Times sues Brave web browser for AI scraping and bypassing paywalls
The New York Times and a group of other publications have filed lawsuits against the company that makes the Brave web browser over alleged unlawful scraping to train AI and also l…
This Samsung Galaxy problem sadly still exists in 2026, but you can easily fix it
Your premium Samsung Galaxy phone likely has a bunch of preinstalled software you don't want that just takes up space.
Gemini could be poking through your emails - here's how to stop it
Gemini can read your emails, summarize them and draft replies. If you'd rather it didn't, here's what Google actually does with your data and how to opt out.
Apple’s ‘Ultra’ smart home robot might have to wait until 2028
Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its rumored smart home robot until next year at the earliest or possibly even 2028, according to The Information. It says the robot's ha…
Squarespace is laying off 19 percent of employees
The website-building platform Squarespace is laying off 19 percent of its employees as it works to "simplify" its operations, Squarespace spokesperson Jeff Seedman says in a state…
One annoying problem with the iPhone Messages app has an easy fix
Apple's iMessage app offers a lot of useful features and several default apps included in its latest update. However, they may be in an order you dislike.
What to do if your smart home devices keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi
Smart home devices usually won't work properly when they lose Wi-Fi signal, so it's frustrating when they keep disconnecting. Here's why it might be happening.
Nagoshi Studio, from the creator of the Yakuza series, officially shuts down
It's unclear what will happen to the studio's work on Gang of Dragon.
Why Peacock is making a huge bet on YouTube
Today, I’m talking with Matt Strauss, who is now chairman of the NBCUniversal Media Group. This is Matt’s second time joining me on the show, and there’s been a whole lot of organ…
Google's Ocarina of Time Easter egg is a link to a past when Search wasn't horrible
Turn the clock back to 1998, when the internet was a little more functional.
The Fitbit Edge lacks a useful contactless feature
It's handy, but most people likely won't miss it.
Vivo’s first Pro Max phone proves its Ultra is still in a league of its own
When I declared this spring that Vivo's X300 Ultra had the best cameras in any phone, two things made it stand out in my mind: its excellent main camera with a narrow 35mm focal l…
Could data center backlash flip Florida?
Patti Zirhut, a lifelong Republican, has been studying her ballot for weeks. Zirhut eagerly voted for President Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024, but she isn't toeing the part…
YouTuber Druski is going to make exclusive content for Netflix
Netflix today announced a multiyear deal with the YouTuber, comedian, and influencer Druski, and he'll create original content "exclusively" for the streaming service. The announc…
Why it's important to use a microSD Express card with your Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 has expandable storage that you should take advantage of. But you can't use the same cards that worked with your original Switch.
Why software updates may have an unexpected effect on your phone
Installing an update can make your phone run worse for a while, but this should be temporary in most cases.
The 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 got another ‘unavoidable’ RAM price hike
The Raspberry Pi 5 with 16GB of RAM now costs $385 after an $80 price hike, the latest in a string of increases driven by the ongoing RAM shortage. This configuration launched at …
SpaceX could buy Boost Mobile as part of its big mobile carrier plans
SpaceX has discussed a deal with Boost Mobile to launch its own service through the budget-friendly carrier, according to a report from The Washington Post. The deal, which comes …