I Went Hands-On With New Samsung and Lenovo Chromebooks. They Look Great and So Do ChromeOS’ New AI-Powered Tools

I Went Hands-On With New Samsung and Lenovo Chromebooks. They Look Great and So Do ChromeOS’ New AI-Powered Tools

It’s been a minute since Samsung released a new premium Chromebook. The electronics giant was one of the first to make Chromebooks since ChromeOS came into existence (I first reviewed one back in 2011). Now it’s back with its first Chromebook Plus model launching alongside an updated Lenovo Duet Chromebook tablet and new AI tools available as part … Read more

The Best Gadgets of September 2024

The Best Gadgets of September 2024

September was officially Apple month. We saw the release of four models of the highly anticipated iPhone 16, among a handful of other Apple refreshes. We also checked out some weird and cool gadgets at IFA 2024 in Berlin. Kyle spent a day jetskiing with the GoPro Hero 13 Black and found it overflowing with … Read more

Chromebooks Are Getting a New Button and Google AI Features

Chromebooks Are Getting a New Button and Google AI Features

Speaking of, regardless of the video call app you use, Chromebook Plus laptops now have a studio-style mic option to better isolate your voice and cut the background chatter, and there are appearance enhancements to brighten up the face or adjust the lighting. Those features outside of Quick Insert are exclusive to Chromebook Plus machines. … Read more

‘Babygirl’ review: Nicole Kidman stuns in red-hot romance

‘Babygirl’ review: Nicole Kidman stuns in red-hot romance

Sex in cinema is back, baby. 2024 has been a banging year at the movies thanks to steamy fare like Rose Glass’s neo-noir thriller Love Lies Bleeding, Luca Guadagnino’s love-triangle drama Challengers, Sean Baker’s sex-worker-centered comedy Anora, and last, but certainly not least Halina Reijn’s May-December drama Babygirl. Written and directed by Bodies Bodies Bodies … Read more

Hurricane Helene disrupts critical chip mining operations in North Carolina

Hurricane Helene disrupts critical chip mining operations in North Carolina

Companies mining high-purity quartz in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, have paused operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The quartz is a critical component of the chip-making process — and it’s only found in Spruce Pine. The two mining companies in the area, Sibelco and The Quartz Corp, confirmed that flooding, power outages, and employee … Read more

eBay removes UK seller fees to counter new wave of marketplace startups

eBay removes UK seller fees to counter new wave of marketplace startups

E-commerce giant eBay, facing stiff competition from newer rivals, has removed final-value sales fees for all items excluding cars sold domestically in the U.K. This mirrors a similar move the company made in Germany last year and notably puts eBay in line with the likes of Vinted and Depop, two newer arrivals winning business among … Read more

Google did not ask Samsung to create One UI’s controversial Auto Blocker

Google did not ask Samsung to create One UI’s controversial Auto Blocker

Yesterday, Epic sued Samsung for One UI 6.1.1’s Auto Blocker feature. In its lawsuit, the company alleged that Auto Blocker was “intentionally crafted” in coordination with Google to pre-emptively undermine the ruling in Epic’s court cases against Google for app sideloading. Epic thus made Google a party to the suit. While Samsung is staying mum … Read more

Verizon Leases Over 6,300 Wireless Towers To Vertical Bridge For $3.3 Billion

Verizon Leases Over 6,300 Wireless Towers To Vertical Bridge For .3 Billion

Vertical Bridge has acquired the rights to lease and operate over 6,000 wireless towers from Verizon for $3.3 billion as part of a 10-year agreement, with potential extensions of up to 50 years. Capacity Media reports: “Upon the completion of this transaction, these assets, together with our existing portfolio which includes thousands of young, purpose-built … Read more