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Feb 26, 2026

Xbox Replaces Head of Gaming, Xbox History, Whither Xbox

Here's something that caught my attention — Xbox just appointed a new head who isn’t even a gamer. And honestly, it feels like Microsoft finally realizes the console race might not be worth it anymore. According to Ben Thompson writing in TechCrunch, this move signals a shift: Xbox might be stepping back from its decades-long obsession with hardware. So what does this actually mean for Xbox and Microsoft? Well, as Thompson points out, the company is focusing more on services, cloud gaming, and software — areas with bigger growth potential. It’s like they’re acknowledging that owning a console isn’t the only way to play anymore. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — by stepping out of the hardware spotlight, Xbox could actually become more agile, investing in the future of gaming without being tied down by console hardware cycles. Get ready — this could be the start of a major pivot for gaming’s biggest players.

Pete Hegseth tells Anthropic to fall in line with DoD desires, or else

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

Pete Hegseth tells Anthropic to fall in line with DoD desires, or else

Here's something that caught my attention — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is essentially telling Anthropic to play ball, or face being cut from the military’s supply chain. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the feud stems from Anthropic’s refusal to give unfettered access to its AI models for sensitive military uses, like domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons. According to George Hammond and Steff Chávez in the Financial Times, Hegseth summoned Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, for a tense meeting in Washington. The threat? Either sign off on the military’s broad use of its models or risk being shut out, possibly under the Defense Production Act. What this signals is a bigger push from the Pentagon to control AI tools for national security — regardless of the company's concerns about ethics or safety. So, get ready — this isn’t just a spat. It’s a sign of where AI and military interests are heading, and the stakes are high for innovation and oversight alike.

Trump's MAHA influencer pick for surgeon general goes before Senate

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

Trump's MAHA influencer pick for surgeon general goes before Senate

Here's something that might surprise you — President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, Casey Means, is facing Senate questions despite a pretty unconventional background. Now, she’s got a Stanford medical degree, but she dropped out of her residency and doesn’t have an active medical license anymore. Instead, she’s built a career as a wellness influencer, pushing ‘functional’ medicine — an often vague and controversial form of alternative therapy. According to Beth Mole writing in Technology, she co-founded Levels, which promotes continuous health tracking like glucose monitors for people without diabetes — a practice lacking solid evidence. Last year, The Washington Post reported that Means earned over half a million dollars from companies selling herbal remedies, supplements, and diagnostic tests. So what does this actually mean for you? Well, it raises questions about how much influence wellness trends should have in public health roles — and whether qualifications matter when it comes to safeguarding our health. Beth Mole highlights how her background blurs the lines between credible medicine and marketing hype — and that’s definitely something to watch as her confirmation hearing unfolds.

RAM now represents 35 percent of bill of materials for HP PCs

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

RAM now represents 35 percent of bill of materials for HP PCs

Here's something that might surprise you — RAM now makes up about 35% of the total cost of HP's PCs. That’s a huge jump from just 15-18% in recent years, and it’s all thanks to this ongoing memory shortage. According to Scharon Harding reporting for Ars Technica, HP’s CFO Karen Parkhill explained that memory prices have doubled in just a single quarter. And get this — she says they’re expected to go even higher as the year progresses. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — this surge in RAM costs isn’t just bad news for HP. It’s part of a bigger trend that's squeezing margins across the tech industry, especially as customer demand softens due to rising prices. What Scharon Harding points out is that this isn’t just about one company; it’s a sign of how supply chain issues are reshaping the entire PC market. So, the next time you see a new laptop, remember — RAM costs are a big reason it might be more expensive than ever.

2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement

Here's something that caught my attention — Lexus's new RZ 550e is surprisingly likable, even if it still has some rough edges. You might remember the original RZ, Lexus’s first shot at an EV, that I wasn’t exactly sold on in 2023. But here’s where it gets interesting: for 2026, Lexus reworked the RZ with new motors, a bigger battery, and NACS charging in the US. Jonathan Gitlin from Ars Technica points out that the all-wheel-drive RZ 550e F Sport, priced at nearly $58k, actually has a lot of potential. Now, the thing is — despite some flaws, I found myself warming up to it. It’s not perfect, sure — handling and ride quality still need work. But what’s impressive is that Lexus seems genuinely committed to improving the driving experience. According to Gitlin, this model has a solid foundation, and with a few tweaks, it could become a real contender. So, keep an eye on Lexus because they might just be onto something here.

Mixing generative AI with physics to create personal items that work in the real world

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

Mixing generative AI with physics to create personal items that work in the real world

Ever had a cool idea for a personal accessory that just wouldn’t hold up in real life? Well, here’s something that might change that. Researchers at MIT’s CSAIL, as Alex Shipps reports, have developed PhysiOpt — an AI system that combines generative design with real-world physics. It’s like giving your blueprints a reality check, running quick simulations to make sure your cup or keyholder won’t fall apart when you actually use it. You can type what you want or upload an image, and in about half a minute, PhysiOpt provides a sturdy, printable design with tiny tweaks to ensure structural integrity. This system uses a pre-trained model that already understands shapes and styles — meaning no lengthy extra training. It’s faster and more realistic than previous methods, making it easier for anyone to turn a creative idea into something you can hold in your hand. So, whether it’s a steampunk keyholder or a giraffe-shaped glass, the future of personalized, functional objects is looking pretty promising.

Could a vaccine prevent dementia? Shingles shot data only getting stronger.

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

Could a vaccine prevent dementia? Shingles shot data only getting stronger.

Here's something that might just blow your mind — research suggests that a simple shingles vaccine could do more than protect against chickenpox. According to Beth Mole writing in Technology, studies are accumulating that show a link between getting the shingles shot and a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's. Now, here's where it gets interesting — these findings aren’t just about preventing a virus. A recent study highlighted by Mole points out that the vaccine might even slow down biological aging by lowering inflammation markers. So, what does this actually mean for you? Well, scientists like Eileen Crimmins from USC are suggesting that vaccines could be part of a broader strategy for healthy aging, not just fighting off infections. And get this — these insights are gaining strength despite ongoing debates around vaccines in politics and media. Honestly, the idea that a shot you might already get for another reason could help keep your mind sharp years down the line is pretty exciting. Keep an eye on this space; it’s possibly a game changer.

Judge doesn't trust DOJ with search of devices seized from Wash. Post reporter

Technology

Feb 26, 2026

Judge doesn't trust DOJ with search of devices seized from Wash. Post reporter

Here's something that caught my attention — a federal judge just put a big pause on the DOJ’s ability to search devices seized from a Washington Post reporter. So, six weeks after the FBI swooped in and took Hannah Natanson’s phone, laptop, and watch at her Virginia home, a magistrate judge, William Porter, decided the government can't be trusted to do the search alone. According to Jon Brodkin in TechCrunch, the judge criticized prosecutors for not including key details in the warrant, especially about a 1980 law protecting journalists’ work. Now, Porter has ordered a court-led process to limit the search to materials relevant to a possible leak case — and he even rolled back the part of the warrant that let the feds open or review the seized data. But here’s the thing — this signals a major pushback against government overreach, especially when it comes to press freedom. As Brodkin reports, it’s a reminder that when it comes to journalists’ tools, independence and oversight matter more than ever.

Feb 26, 2026

3 days left: Save up to $680 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ticket

Here's something that might just make your week — if you're into tech events, that is. You’ve got just three days left to snag up to $680 off your ticket for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The clock hits zero on Friday night, so procrastinate no longer. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: TechCrunch Events points out that this isn’t just about saving money. It’s about diving into a curated network of over 250 tech leaders, all sharing insights and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there are 300+ breakout innovations waiting to inspire your next big move. So what does this actually mean for you? If you’re serious about staying ahead in tech, missing this deal would be a mistake. And get this — according to TechCrunch, this kind of access and networking doesn’t come around every day. So, if you’re thinking about it, now’s the time. The offer ends soon — don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Feb 26, 2026

About 12% of US teens turn to AI for emotional support or advice

Here's something that might surprise you — around 12% of US teens are actually turning to AI for emotional support or advice. And honestly, that’s a pretty big deal. Now, here's where it gets interesting — these AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok weren’t built for mental health help, and that’s making professionals pretty wary, as Amanda Silberling points out in TechCrunch. But what’s really striking is how many teens see AI as a safe space — maybe easier than talking to someone face-to-face. This isn’t just about tech; it’s about a shift in how young people seek comfort and guidance. So, while AI can be a quick fix, experts worry about the quality of support and whether it’s truly healthy long-term. And get this — what Silberling highlights is that this trend could reshape how we think about emotional well-being in the digital age. The big question now — how do we balance innovation with genuine care? That’s what’s worth watching.

Feb 26, 2026

Have hard-won scaling lessons to share? Take the stage at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026

Here's something that caught my attention — TechCrunch is inviting startup founders and investors to share their hard-earned lessons at the 2026 Founder Summit. If you've been through the ups and downs of scaling a high-growth startup, this is your shot to lead a roundtable or breakout session. Now, here's where it gets interesting — according to TechCrunch Events, your insights could influence hundreds of other founders and investors, shaping the future of startup growth. They’re looking for real-world stories, the things that didn’t go as planned, and what you learned along the way. As TechCrunch reports, this isn’t just about bragging rights — it's about helping the next wave of entrepreneurs avoid the same pitfalls. So what does this actually mean? If you're someone with experience in building, backing, or operating high-growth startups, you’ve got a chance to make a real impact. The deadline’s April 17, so don’t wait too long. That’s the kind of opportunity that can elevate your voice — and maybe even spark a new wave of innovation.

Feb 26, 2026

Treasury calls in Blair thinktank to advise on using AI across public services

Here’s something that might surprise you — government leaders are now turning to Tony Blair’s thinktank and big tech firms to shape AI in public services. James Murray, the Treasury’s chief, recently hosted a meeting with heavy hitters like the director of AI at the Blair Institute, IBM’s chair, and execs from AI companies including Faculty AI, now part of Accenture. And get this — critics are calling it a risky move, comparing it to “inviting foxes into the henhouse,” according to Robert Booth, writing in The Guardian. The concern? These private players have big ambitions and big influence, but they’re not exactly known for public service transparency. As Booth points out, this raises questions about how much control the government really has over AI deployment. So, while tapping into industry expertise sounds smart, it also sparks a debate about who’s really calling the shots. And honestly, this is a trend worth watching — because AI could change everything, for better or worse. ((thoughtful)) The stakes are high, and the balance of power is shifting.