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Xtreme Plugins – Grow your WordPress and WooCommerce store with powerful plugins


Xtreme Plugins builds premium WordPress and WooCommerce extensions that help stores increase conversions, speed, and customer engagement. Choose from plugins for referrals, reviews with photos, conversion‑optimized checkout, upsells and cross‑sells, drag‑and‑drop forms, sliders, and site performance, all designed to install quickly and work together. Flexible plans serve solo sites to agencies with lifetime updates, dedicated support, and white‑label options.

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VerSquare – Yelp for small business M&A


VerSquare helps small business buyers find and compare M&A advisors, lenders, and other deal providers. Browse a verified directory with real buyer reviews, SBA loan outcome data, and side-by-side comparisons to choose with confidence. If you want guidance, share your deal and get a free, hand-picked shortlist within 48 hours. Use VerSquare to assemble a trusted deal team and move from evaluation to close with clarity.

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intervu.dev – Practice FAANG-style coding interviews with AI that tests how you think


intervu.dev offers AI-driven mock coding interviews that mirror FAANG-style sessions. You code live, answer probing questions, and get feedback on clarity, trade-offs, and code quality across languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, and C++.

Start by choosing difficulty and language, clarify requirements under time pressure, then design, code, test, and iterate. The platform trains you to think out loud and defend decisions so you perform when it counts.

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Google’s TurboQuant Made The Memory Industry Fear The Boom Was Over; Even The Researcher Behind It Is Shocked By The Reaction

A chart titled '2024 Desktop CPU Survey' shows an increasing interest in AMD Ryzen processors over time.

The memory industry saw a rollercoaster ride in the past few weeks following the debut of Google's TurboQuant, but the idea of shortages being over is seen as a "misinterpretation", to say the least. Google's TurboQuant Isn't Slowing Down the Memory Supercycle At All; the Demand Will Stay For Several Quarters With DDR prices coming down over the past few days, we did discuss the role of Google's TurboQuant algorithm; however, tying it to the end of memory shortages was a mere misperception, according to The Financial Times' latest report. Following the blog post about TurboQuant, we saw a huge […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/googles-turboquant-made-everyone-panic-about-memory-demand/

Chattee – Turn a single prompt into a full-stack app


Chattee turns natural language descriptions into production-ready full-stack web apps with databases, authentication, role-based permissions, approval workflows, conditional logic, and external API integrations. It generates UI, logic, and data models from a single prompt.

Deploy instantly with custom domains and SSL, or export clean source code for full control. Build white-label apps for clients and hand off code without vendor lock-in.

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WatchRoster – Track, value, and organize your physical media collection


WatchRoster helps collectors track, value, and catalog VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, 4K, LaserDisc, and Betamax collections. It pulls real market sales to estimate values, shows gaps across formats, and lets you browse by genre, decade, franchise, and label. You can build and manage your archive, see what versions you own, and discover what to hunt next. It's free to join with unlimited titles and export anytime.

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Rockstar Games hit with ransom demand after third-party data breach


The group responsible, ShinyHunters, says it didn't breach Rockstar or its data-warehouse provider, Snowflake. Instead, it exploited access from Anodot, a SaaS analytics tool Rockstar uses to track cloud costs and performance. The attackers allegedly stole authentication tokens from Anodot's systems and used them to gain unauthorized access to Rockstar's...

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Apple’s Display-Free Smart Glasses To Debut By Early 2027, Might Sport 4 Different Designs

Apple's AR glasses launch year predicted by research firm

Apple is gearing up to give Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses a run for their money by launching a superior competitor, replete with a more premium build and greater design versatility, as per the latest Power On newsletter from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple's smart glasses to sport a premium build and greater number of design options vs. Meta's relatively more staid offerings, with launch expected by early 2027 Mark Gurman has disclosed today that Apple's upcoming display-less smart glasses will likely launch by early 2027, and come equipped with integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling the wearer to interact via an […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apples-display-free-smart-glasses-to-debut-by-early-2027-might-sport-4-different-designs/

LinkRescue – Find broken affiliate links silently costing you commissions


LinkRescue finds and fixes affiliate link failures across your content archive. It crawls every page, detects broken links, redirects that strip tracking parameters, and dead merchant programs, then estimates revenue impact so you can prioritize fixes. It understands URLs from Amazon, ShareASale, Impact, CJ, and more, sending actionable digests with links to affected pages. Start with a quick setup, verify your site, and get daily or weekly scans to protect commissions.

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China’s Chip Industry Depends on One Key Piece of Equipment from ASML, and the U.S. Is Now Moving to Ban It

Semiconductor lithography machine in operation with purple laser beam, microchip wafer on platform, and visible Caution label.

China's semiconductor industry could witness a potential shock, as US lawmakers are now moving towards banning the export of critical ASML equipment to the region. US Lawmakers Are Looking To Ban the Export of ASML's DUV Technology to China, Targeting Huawei, SMIC & Many Others China has been battling US export restrictions, particularly on the semiconductor front, for quite some time now, and the industry saw a massive downturn when the US administration imposed an indirect export ban on EUV equipment to China via the Netherlands' ASML. While this did prompt Beijing to bolster efforts to build a domestic chip […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/chinas-chip-industry-depends-on-one-key-piece-of-equipment-from-asml-and-the-u-s-is-now-moving-to-ban-it/

Lenovo hikes Legion Go 2 handheld gaming PC to almost $3,000 for 2 TB model — Handheld now costs more than AMD's Strix Halo devices despite relatively weaker Z2 Extreme chip

Lenovo has raised the prices of its Legion Go 2 handhelds (with Z2 Extreme) across the board, with the worse offended being the 2 TB model, receiving a 93% hike. It went from $1,480 at launch to a staggering $2,850 in the span of just a few months, while the 1 TB model is now $2,000, up from $1,350 at launch.

User Buys Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, But CPU-Z And Windows Identifies It As Core Ultra 7 270K Plus

A product label for the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and a CPU-Z screen displaying details for the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus with '3.700.00 MHz'.

A user reports how his CPU appeared as a bigger model in most hardware identifiers, but it wasn't the reality. CPU-Z, BIOS, and Even Windows Identified Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus as Ultra 7 270K Plus, Despite Showing 18-Core Configuration A Chiphell user reports that he recently purchased the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, a new Arrow Lake Refresh SKU that boasts more cores than the 245K. However, when he switched his motherboard from Colorful to GIGABYTE, an unusual behavior was observed. While his CPU box clearly mentions "Core Ultra 5 250K Plus", his CPU kept getting detected […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intel-core-ultra-5-250k-plus-detected-as-ultra-7-270k-plus-in-cpu-z-windows/

Snapdragon X2 Elite Offers A Solid Foundation For A Windows On ARM Ecosystem, But OEMs Current Strategy Risk Its Future

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite can usher in a new age for the Windows on ARM platform, but OEMs strategies could derail its momentum

The timing of the Snapdragon X2 Elite could not have been more perfect, as the release of a significantly powerful chipset to take on Apple’s M5 series and x86 CPUs was only matched by how the Windows on ARM platform improved with more native apps available for the operating system. In short, developers are finally recognizing that Qualcomm’s latest and greatest SoC offers a decent footing for them to make the required effort towards optimizing their programs. Unfortunately, in the latest discussion on Reddit, OEMs using Snapdragon X2 Elite in their machines are targeting short-term gains rather than joining hands to […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/snapdragon-x2-elite-solid-ecosystem-foundation-but-oems-risk-future/

nextloom.ai – Run your entire job search with AI that drafts, tracks, and preps


nextloom.ai is an all-in-one job search platform. Paste any job description and AI analyzes the details. A 7-step pipeline tailors your resume, validates it against ATS systems with auto-retry loops, and humanizes the output. You stay in control by reviewing edits at every step and exporting polished documents when ready. Then it generates cover letters, follow-up emails, and interview prep — all connected by persistent context. Track everything on a visual Kanban board. Built for job seekers tired of spreadsheets and disconnected tools.

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Prompt Wallet – Organize, version, and share your team's best AI prompts


Prompt Wallet gives teams a shared, searchable prompt library with version control. Save prompts once, add tags and metadata, and find what you need quickly with full-text search and AI-suggested titles and categories.

Use private and team workspaces with role-based access to share effective prompts and keep personal ones separate. Group prompts into libraries, compare iterations side by side, and share public read-only links to distribute prompts externally.

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Thermal Grizzly Deltamate GPU Block Reduces ROG Astral RTX 5080’s Temperature By Nearly 20°C, Der8auer Demonstrates

A liquid-cooling setup featuring the DeltaMate ROG Astral RTX 5080 graphics card is displayed on a test bench.

It's a powerful GPU block for enthusiasts who wouldn't mind spending over $600 for the premium cooling experience it offers. Der8auer Demonstrates the Exceptional Cooling Performance of Deltamate GPU Block for ROG Astral RTX 5080 GPU; GPU Block Costs Over $600 The ROG Astral RTX 5080 GPU from ASUS falls under the high-performance/premium GPU category, but its stock cooler may not be very appealing to enthusiasts. If you are someone who already owns the Astral RTX 5080, then you should take a look at what Der8auer calls "The Most Ambitious GPU Water Block..." they (Thermal Grizzly) have ever built. This […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/thermal-grizzly-deltamate-gpu-block-reduces-rog-astral-rtx-5080s-temperature-by-20c/

RevenuePilot – See your true net revenue across Stripe and Razorpay after all fees


RevenuePilot shows your true net revenue across Stripe and Razorpay after fees, refunds, disputes, and failed charges so your numbers match what hits your bank. It's built for indie hackers and solo SaaS founders who are tired of reconciling payouts in spreadsheets. Connect via OAuth, drill into fee breakdowns and failed payments, track 30-day trends, and export clean CSVs to reconcile payouts and stop revenue leaks.

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This Week in Gaming (Week 16)

Welcome to the middle of April and this week, we really have too many potentially popular games releasing, with a AAA title in the mix as well. This week's AAA release involves an android riding on your shoulder as you fight your way through a lunar facility. The week kicks off with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing a game where your typing skills brings you victory, followed by pirates, lots of pirates and then we quickly move on to being stuck in a parallel universe. We round off the week with a mouse that's not from Disney and finally with you trying to save the last ember in a dying world. We also have a bunch of other games that didn't quite make the list.

Pragmata / This week's AAA title / Friday 17 April
At a remote lunar research facility, humanity discovers a new ore—one that, when properly refined, can be used to create almost anything using 3D printers. When the facility suddenly falls silent, Hugh and his team are dispatched to investigate...but then disaster strikes. Hugh is saved by Diana, a lone android wandering the complex. The two of them must join forces to find a way off the moon while working their way through an AI-controlled facility bent on stopping them. Steam link

$27 platypus PCIe adapter converts half-height GPUs into full-height while adding two M.2 slots for SSDs — enthusiast demos low-profile RTX 4060 with two SSDs thanks to PCIe bifurcation

A Redditor got his hands on this PCIe adapter that does the job of two different ones at the same time. It converts half-height GPUs into full height while adding M.2 slots for storage expansion. All this is possible thanks to PCIe bifurcation, splitting an x16 slot into x8 for the GPU, and two x4 lanes for the SSDs.

Valve engineer shocks Linux community with game-changing VRAM hack for 8GB GPUs — breakthrough solution turbocharges gaming by prioritizing VRAM for games while background tasks take a back seat

Natalie Vock, a dev on Valve's Linux graphics driver team has introduced new fixes that optimize VRAM usage for games in Linux. Previously, any background task could make the OS evict game data from VRAM and throw it into system memory, but now it'll be able to correctly prioritize the game running in foreground.

MadeOnSol – Compare and pick the best Solana tools with real user reviews


MadeOnSol is a community-driven directory of Solana tools. It lists 900+ products across 26 categories with live uptime, fee breakdowns, and comparisons backed by honest user reviews. Browse alternatives, read in-depth guides, and track what people actually use with leaderboards and contributor rewards. Deployer Hunter and TikTok Trends surface on-chain activity and viral signals, and a token launcher helps you start on Pump.fun with MEV protection.

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Awebstar Technologies – Build high-performing websites and convert traffic into leads


Awebstar Technologies is a Singapore-based web design and development agency that helps businesses attract visitors and turn them into customers. The team crafts responsive corporate sites, eCommerce stores, and custom web apps, and supports growth with SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. Awebstar Technologies also delivers mobile and Shopify development plus ready-made systems such as CRM, queue, and appointment solutions, backed by consultation, maintenance, and ongoing support.

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Call of Duty Could Be Removed from Game Pass, Reveals Insider

An Xbox logo with 'Game Pass' text is next to a character wearing a skull mask and headset from the game Call of Duty.

Following Microsoft's expensive acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the biggest question mark was whether the latter's most popular product, Call of Duty, would join Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft eventually decided to add new installments starting with 2024's Black Ops 6, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software. Right away, it broke franchise and Game Pass records, but later it became clear it wasn't such a good decision for the franchise. Now, according to Windows Central's Jez Corden, Microsoft might even remove 2026's Call of Duty from Game Pass. Speaking in his latest podcast, Corden said: It'd be interesting to see if they […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/call-of-duty-removed-game-pass-rumor/

voilà – Affordable eSIMs with no blocked apps and real human support


voilà is a travel eSIM store covering 175+ countries at affordable rates. Unlike other providers, voilà never blocks apps like TikTok, WhatsApp, or banking apps. Need help? Real humans answer 24/7 on WhatsApp, not bots. Pick your destination, choose your data plan, and activate instantly from your phone. No physical SIM, no roaming fees, no hidden costs.

Having internet when you land shouldn't be a luxury. It should be a given.

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RowSpeak – AI analytics for spreadsheet-first SMB finance teams


RowSpeak is an AI analytics workspace built for spreadsheet-first SMB finance teams. Instead of spending hours cleaning data, writing formulas, and building reports manually, finance teams can use RowSpeak to analyze Excel files, ask questions in natural language, and get clear answers, insights, and dashboards.

Designed as an Excel AI Agent for how finance teams already work, RowSpeak helps users move faster from rows to decisions. Whether it's monthly reporting, variance analysis, budgeting, or ad hoc data questions, RowSpeak makes spreadsheet workflows simpler, faster, and more intelligent.

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ScribeBench – Translate videos into 99+ languages with transcripts and subtitles


ScribeBench is an AI video translator that generates transcripts, subtitles, and multilingual translations. It combines Whisper-based speech-to-text with a smart editor for time-synced transcripts, CPS/CPL controls, and a bilingual view for side-by-side translation. Start with 60 free minutes and pay-as-you-go credits, then export to SRT, VTT, Word, PDF, and more.

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CPUID Breach Distributes STX RAT via Trojanized CPU-Z and HWMonitor Downloads

Unknown threat actors compromised CPUID ("cpuid[.]com"), a website that hosts popular hardware monitoring tools like CPU-Z, HWMonitor, HWMonitor Pro, and PerfMonitor, for less than 24 hours to serve malicious executables for the software and deploy a remote access trojan called STX RAT. The incident lasted from approximately April 9, 15:00 UTC, to about April 10, 10:00 UTC, with

Adobe Patches Actively Exploited Acrobat Reader Flaw CVE-2026-34621

Adobe has released emergency updates to fix a critical security flaw in Acrobat Reader that has come under active exploitation in the wild. The vulnerability, assigned the CVE identifier CVE-2026-34621, carries a CVSS score of 8.6 out of 10.0. Successful exploitation of the flaw could allow an attacker to run malicious code on affected installations. It has been described as

TotalMedia – An AI video suite built for creators


TotalMedia is an AI-powered video suite built for creators, travelers, students, editors, and anyone with a story to tell. Our current tools include a video converter that converts between any format quickly and without quality loss, AI video enhancement that restores and upscales footage up to 4K with sharper detail, richer color, and smoother motion, smart compression to reduce file sizes dramatically while keeping videos visually indistinguishable from the original, and a video downloader to save video and audio from the web directly to your device. More tools are on the way!

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Pikpal – Rank movies and shows precisely and get picks from friends and AI


Pikpal helps you build a perfectly ranked watchlist and discover what to watch next. Rate titles as Liked, Okay, or Disliked, then refine your list with quick A/B comparisons. Get personalized recommendations from friends and AI, filter by who you trust, and compare tastes side by side. Import history from IMDb and Letterboxd, save reviews and quotes, and chat via WhatsApp. Public profiles, activity feeds, fast TMDB-powered search, and invite links make sharing your taste easy.

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Zeaota – Turn raw customer signals into agent-ready specs


Zeaota closes the gap between what your customers say and what you build. It ingests raw customer signals — interviews, tickets, reviews, NPS — clusters them into scored, evidence-backed opportunities, and traces every insight back to the exact customer who said it. From there, Zeaota forecasts delivery from your real backlog, generates complete specs including PRD, user stories, Gherkin criteria, UI proposals, and data model impact, and exports directly to Cursor or Claude Code. From first customer signal to last line of shipped code, nothing is lost.

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Revenue Map – Know if your idea is profitable before you build it


Revenue Map is built for founders who want to focus on building their product instead of struggling with Excel. An AI assistant trained on market insights helps you spot problems and opportunities. You pick a business model, set a few parameters, and in minutes you get a full P&L projection, break-even analysis, and unit economics, all based on benchmarks from real companies, not just optimistic assumptions. Generate an investor-ready report in one click, share your model with your team, and get clear financial projections you can follow.

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BuilderHelp – Track every detail, coordinate subs, and see real-time job financials


BuilderHelp is a construction project management platform that replaces scattered spreadsheets and texts with one hub for jobs, schedules, and costs. It delivers AI daily briefings, captures and categorizes invoices automatically, tracks budgets in real time, and coordinates subcontractors. View timelines via Gantt and calendars, assign tasks, and manage deliveries, inventory, plans, and specs with version control and search.

BuilderHelp supports General Contractors, Subcontractors, and Owner roles to match how companies operate, giving leaders full visibility while field teams stay focused.

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iPhone Fold’s Crease-Less Display Longevity Claims Will Be Scrutinized As OPPO Find N6’s Real-World Use Exposes Its Exaggerated Marketing

iPhone Fold's crease-less display will be under scrutiny as OPPO Find N6's claims crumble

Apple’s biggest test in the foldable smartphone is to address a design problem that none of its competitors have scaled past; the crease. Despite the iPhone Fold being rumored to enter trial production at Foxconn, there have been multiple instances where the California-based giant has been reported to have faced problems and attempted to fix them using a different set of materials. These would not just strengthen the primary inner display but also prevent that crease from materializing. Given that Apple is a company that is under the scrutiny radar more often than its rivals, the longevity of the iPhone […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/iphone-fold-creaseless-display-longevity-claims-expose-by-oppo-find-n6/

IMGBS – Upload and share images instantly with free hosting


IMGBS is a free image hosting platform where you can upload and share photos in seconds. Drag and drop or paste from the clipboard, upload up to 200 images at once, and use JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WEBP, and BMP formats. Browse public galleries, tags, and leaderboards, set titles, tags, and visibility, and generate embeds, RSS feeds, and direct links. Sign in to manage uploads, create albums, and use the API, slideshow, and stats to track views.

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MatchPoint – Practice dating texts with real-feel AI and get instant feedback


MatchPoint helps you stop getting ghosted by letting you practice dating conversations with AI personas that respond like real people. It gives instant feedback on every message, shows exactly where a chat went wrong, and teaches research-backed patterns that lead to dates. Track progress over time, make choices in real scenarios, and use tools like a pressure gauge and 34 proven axioms to build stronger texting habits and land more coffee dates.

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The Seasoning Company Behind Your Food Flavors Controls The Future Of AI Chips, And Supply Is Running Dangerously Low

A person holding a package labeled 'AJI-NO-MOTO PLUS UMAMI SEASONING' with the text '3 times stronger than regular Ajinomoto.'

Well, you read the headline right, and we are talking about a critical element in AI chips that is not only in tremendous shortage but also originally comes from an MSG maker. Ajinomoto, the MSG Maker, Controls the Production of ABF That Is Absolutely Crucial For Advanced Packaging The aggressiveness of the AI demand cycle has left almost every supply chain entity involved facing shortages, whether in semiconductors, advanced packaging, OSAT services, and more. Traditionally, the computing industry has an idea of demand cycles, given how they have historically evolved, but with the AI datacenter buildout, the scale of customer […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/the-seasoning-company-behind-your-food-flavors-could-control-the-future-of-ai-chips/

Onthen – Simple, one-page onboarding


Onthen centralizes client onboarding into a single branded task page. Share one link to collect forms, verify identities, request documents and photos, and keep everything synced to your CRM without passwords or email back-and-forth.

Build reusable templates, automate reminders, and collaborate with participants via comments and delegated tasks. Track progress in a dashboard and measure performance with built-in feedback.

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fileGOD – Process PDFs and images in your browser without uploading


fileGOD provides fast browser-based tools for PDFs and images that keep files on your device. You can compress, convert, merge, split, resize, crop, watermark, and more without uploading, protecting your privacy. It offers over 30 utilities including PDF to JPG, HEIC to JPG, OCR, and ZIP create/extract, supporting files up to 2GB. Start free with weekly actions and upgrade for heavier use.

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Apple Should Take Some Chip Cooling Notes From The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme-Powered Zenbook A16, Allowing For Better Sustained Performance

ASUS Zenbook A16 teardown shows a better cooling solution than M5 MacBook Pro but more space could still be utilized

Notebooks shipping with elaborate cooling solutions is exactly the path manufacturers should take so customers actually obtain the performance that they’ve paid a premium for. ASUS Zenbook 16 takes the correct approach to properly cool the extremely powerful Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, and it’s a lesson that Apple could strongly adhere to when introducing its newer MacBook Pro series. Remember, the company’s base M5 MacBook Pro handles all the heat with just a single fan, which is insufficient to tame the SoC. The Zenbook A16 takes it one step further by sporting removable storage, but ASUS still left out some valuable space […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/asus-zenbook-a16-cooling-for-snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-better-than-macbook-pro/

RPCS3 Enables “Encrypted” PlayStation 3 Disc ISO Loading

RPCS3 0.0.28

The popular PS3 emulator is now closer to true plug-and-play disc backups as encrypted ISO support has been added to the utility. RPCS3 Removes the Requirement of Loading a Decrypted PS3 ISO and Can Now Directly Play Encrypted ISO Files The popular PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 continues to make steady progress in simplifying game loading. As one of the most popular PS3 emulators on the planet, RPCS3 has undergone several changes over the last decade and has brought major updates in the last few months. A few months ago, RPCS3 devs made it possible to directly load the game through […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/rpcs3-enables-encrypted-playstation-3-disc-iso-loading/

Rockstar Games confirms it was hacked by malicious group — 'ShinyHunters' takes credit, gives until April 14 to pay ransom or it will release confidential data

The hacker group "Shiny Hunters" has been able to breach Rockstar Games by accessing authentication tokens and getting inside the company's cloud infrastructure. The stolen data doesn't include any sensitive company or player information, according to a Rockstar spokesperson, but it's still being put up for ransom.

Paintit – Redesign any space with AI for interior designers and real estate


Paintit.ai is a chat-first AI design visualization platform built for fast iteration. Start from a reference photo to redesign a real space or generate concepts from scratch when exploring directions. It supports interiors, exteriors, commercial environments, outdoor and landscape concepts, and furniture styling.

Use it to restyle, repaint, swap materials, add or remove objects, and compare multiple variations without switching tools. Paintit.ai works for personal projects as well as professional workflows like virtual staging, client concept exploration, and listing-ready visuals.

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Qualcomm Is Now Reportedly Developing Custom DRAM For Smartphones With China’s CXMT

Samsung to finally mass produce the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on the 2nm GAA process

In what might well turn out to be a watershed moment for the smartphone sphere at large as it continues to contend with a full-blown memory chip crisis, Qualcomm is now reportedly working with China's CXMT to develop custom mobile-centric memory solutions, hoping to ease the chronic bottlenecks that have nearly paralyzed the global mobile industry. Qualcomm and China's CXMT are now reportedly working together to create custom mobile-focused DRAM Back in February, Qualcomm had conceded during its earnings call that while the "majority" of DRAM that goes with Qualcomm's SoCs is purchased directly by its customers, the chip designer […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/qualcomm-is-now-reportedly-developing-custom-dram-for-smartphones-with-chinas-cxmt/

Save $680 instantly on this massive Corsair 96GB DDR5-6000 RAM kit — 57% discount slashes price tag to $499

If you've been looking to score a high-capacity kit of RAM but the AI boom has destroyed any chance of that happening, Newegg might have just the deal for you. The 96GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 RAM kit usually costs over $1,100, but you can get it for less than half if you act quickly.

YieldStack – AI matches CRE deals to 180+ lenders get offers in hours, zero upfront fees


YieldStack is an AI-powered commercial real estate lending platform. Borrowers submit their deal once and get matched to 180+ lender programs across bridge, DSCR, multifamily, fix-and-flip, and hard money loans. Instead of waiting weeks for a broker, you get 5-8 competing term sheets in hours.

There are no upfront fees — YieldStack charges 50-100 bps at closing only, versus the 1-2% traditional brokers charge. It was built by two college founders who saw how broken CRE financing was and fixed it with AI.

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Fibo – Buy, swap, and earn DeFi yield without seed phrase or gas fees


Fibo is a non-custodial multichain crypto wallet that lets you buy, swap, and earn DeFi yield without a seed phrase or managing gas fees. Your private key stays on your device and is secured by a passkey (Face ID, fingerprint), recoverable with your login.

Fibo connects Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Solana, and Bitcoin so you can manage all your assets from one interface. Access audited lending protocols with up to 6% yield in real time, perform low-fee swaps, buy with card or bank transfer, and send crypto to friends as easily as a message.

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Microsoft Apologizes for Battery-Less Xbox Controllers, Sends Rechargeable Kits To Correct

Traditionally, Microsoft has included AA batteries with its Xbox game controllers as a way to help users get right into the game as soon as possible. However, apparently since at least December, Microsoft has accidentally been packaging and shipping its controllers without batteries. This is according to a post on X by @XboxSupport, which acknowledges the error and advises users how to proceed. This applies both to Xbox Wireless controllers and Xbox Design Lab controllers.

Microsoft says that affected users should reach out to support via a dedicated support page and register a service request, at which time Microsoft will send out a pack of rechargeable batteries and a USB-C cable to correct the issue and perhaps serve as something of an apology. Buyers who were sent controllers without batteries should be able to confirm eligibility with their controller serial numbers, although there have apparently been a few issues with that system, with two users reporting on X that they were unable to view the requisite available service option to be able to take advantage of the corrective action.

Samsung’s Memory Business Alone Is Now More Profitable Than Amazon, Meta, And Microsoft, Quietly Becoming One of the Biggest Winners of the AI Race

DRAM Memory Supply To Experience Shortages As Manufacturers Shift Focus Towards HBM Production 1

While memory shortages have been a problem for almost everyone, Samsung and other businesses have started to see revenue figures that would've never been anticipated a few years ago. Samsung's DRAM Business Alone Has Managed To Achieve $37 Billion In Q1, And The Growth Won't Stop Here DRAM has become a commodity in the AI industry, in high demand, and suppliers like Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron are unable to meet customer requirements, driving a wider shortage across the supply chain. With that, a report by Counterpoint Research has talked about Samsung's Q1 financial results, but the interesting parallel drawn […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-memory-business-alone-is-now-more-profitable-than-amazon-meta-and-microsoft/

Riffit – Turn WhatsApp messages into professional invoices for Indian freelancers


Riffit turns WhatsApp messages into professional invoices for Indian freelancers. Describe the job in plain text, and it extracts client, amount, and description, then generates branded PDFs with your business details and GST. Send invoices via WhatsApp or email with UPI payment links, and track views, payments, and overdue amounts in a web dashboard. Riffit automates reminders and organizes clients so invoicing never slows you down. No forms or spreadsheets needed.

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Browserbeam – Control real browsers via REST to extract structured, stable data


Browserbeam provides a REST API to control real browsers and return compact, structured page data your code or LLM can act on. It adds stability signals, a short element registry, diff tracking, semantic extraction, and automatic popup dismissal so you click by ref and read only what changed. Run JavaScript, inject cookies, and wait on custom conditions to handle SPAs. Use it to build web agents, scrape data, automate flows, and run end-to-end tests without managing Playwright or raw HTML.

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XFX’s Quicksilver RX 9070 XT Will Make You Forget All About Those Low Framerates, With The Powerful GPU Now $110 Off, Available For $719.99 On Amazon

XFX Quicksilver AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is down to $719.99 on Amazon

In pure rasterization, the Radeon RX 9070 XT makes NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 look overpriced because of its impressive gaming performance in the most demanding of titles, without charging that ‘flagship tax.’ AMD has truly delivered a wonder GPU, and what’s even better is that you can grab the XFX Quicksilver at a much lower $719.99 price, thanks to the $110 discount applied on Amazon. With the upgrade, you can say goodbye to those low framerates as the RX 9070 XT packs sufficient graphics horsepower and the VRAM to crank all of those visual settings to the maximum […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/xfx-quicksilver-rx-9070-xt-4k-60fps-gpu-available-for-719-99-on-amazon/

Crimson Desert Officially Receives Intel Arc GPU And XeSS 3.0 Frame Generation Support

An Intel Arc Limited Edition GPU is displayed next to a gaming scene featuring a knight facing a fiery dragon.

Finally, the game has received official support for Intel Arc GPUs as well as its upscaling technology and Frame Gen feature. Pearl Abyss Adds Support for Intel Arc GPUs, XeSS 3.0, and Frame Generation for Crimson Desert Three Weeks After Launch With the latest Intel Arc driver update released a few days ago, Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert finally started to launch on Intel Arc GPUs, but the latest patches further optimize the compatibility. If you have been following the developments around the game, you might be aware that the Intel Arc GPUs weren't supported in Crimson Desert. After a huge […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/crimson-desert-officially-receives-intel-arc-gpu-and-xess-3-0-frame-generation-support/

Garage sale haul finds 2013 'trash can' Mac Pro nestled inside 2010 Mac Pro enclosure — Mac Pro inception still needs some work to get running

A lucky buyer on Reddit found a 2010 Mac Pro in a garage sale and it had a whole 'nother 2013 Mac Pro sitting inside. The tower didn't have any internals, which implies that the owner was likely using it as a sort of DIY enclosure for the trash-can Mac Pro, to perhaps mount extra stuff since the 2013 Mac Pro has no expansion slots.

Movfolio – Track movies, build watchlists, and get smart recommendations


Movfolio helps you log films you've watched, plan what to see next, and discover trending releases with tailored recommendations. Browse cast, synopses, release dates, and trailers, then rate favorites and keep a personal diary. View analytics like total watch time, top genres, and favorite actors, all in a clean, fast UI on iPhone and iPad.

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Vocallab AI – Generate realistic AI voices and captions for TikTok and YouTube


Vocallab AI delivers neural text-to-speech and voice cloning designed for TikTok and YouTube creators. Generate natural-sounding narrations from over 300 voices, clone a consistent voice in minutes, and export MP3 plus word-highlighted SRT captions for fast posting. Work in a streamlined studio to script, preview, and download assets with full commercial rights, then plug them into CapCut, Premiere, or Final Cut.

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AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Drops To Just $409, Making It The Perfect Upgrade For Your Gaming Build

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor with AMD 3D V-Cache Technology box on reflective surface.

At nearly $400, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands unmatched, and this is one of the best deals we have seen for this CPU this year so far. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Gets Closer to $400, Offering Much Better Value Than Ryzen 9850X3D for Nearly $100 Less There's no reason why you should buy the newer and marginally faster Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor when the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is available for $90 less. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D remains the top choice on Amazon despite 9850X3D's presence in the market for a while. This is because there is hardly a 2-3% […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amd-ryzen-7-9800x3d-drops-to-just-409/

FAA courts gamers to become air traffic controllers — boasts $155k average annual salary after three years as the agency prepares for 8,000 applicants

The FAA's latest YouTube video is encouraging gamers to apply to become an air traffic controller, telling them that they've been training for this challenge. The agency is tapping on the younger demographic to help expand its numbers as the ATC shortage is hampering safety and airport operations.

LinkerFlow – Automate internal linking on Webflow sites


LinkerFlow automates one of the most overlooked SEO tasks for Webflow sites: internal linking. It combines AI with Google Search Console data to map your site's keyword landscape and generate precise link suggestions between related pages. You approve or deny each link before publishing, keeping full control over your site. LinkerFlow also monitors your site weekly to find new opportunities and flag broken links before they hurt your rankings. It supports multiple languages and locales and allows up to 10 collaborators, making it practical for agencies and teams.

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TeachQuill – Plan lessons, build quizzes, and align to standards in seconds


TeachQuill delivers 60+ AI tools that help educators plan, teach, assess, and communicate faster. Generate standards-aligned lesson plans, worksheets, quizzes, rubrics, IEP goals, and parent emails in seconds while keeping student data private. It is built for US classrooms, supports CCSS and NGSS, requires no student PII, and offers grading aids, curriculum mapping, and collaboration. Start free, then upgrade for faster generation, unlimited history, and school-wide management.

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Citizen Lab: Law Enforcement Used Webloc to Track 500 Million Devices via Ad Data

Hungarian domestic intelligence, the national police in El Salvador, and several U.S. law enforcement and police departments have been attributed to the use of an advertising-based global geolocation surveillance system called Webloc. The tool was developed by Israeli company Cobwebs Technologies and is now sold by its successor Penlink after the two firms merged in July 2023

UTM Mind – Automate UTM workflows with AI and sync across all ad platforms


UTM Mind removes the manual work from campaign tracking. Instead of messy spreadsheets, it provides a centralized hub where teams can build, validate, and sync UTM parameters using AI-guided templates. It automatically catches typos and formatting issues that mess up your data, saving you hours of troubleshooting and cleaning.

The platform integrates with Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok Ads to push updates quickly. Whether you're a solo founder or a large agency, UTM Mind's AI agent helps you generate links and fix attribution leaks on the fly.

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ImageToVideoAI – Create stunning videos from images in minutes with AI models


Turn static images into dynamic videos with AI. ImageToVideoAI lets you easily animate photos into engaging, high-quality video content in minutes. The browser-based platform processes your content securely and never uses it for training. Generate professional ads, social posts, product showcases, and educational clips fast without installs or editing skills.

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FragCut – Auto-clip and edit your gaming highlights for TikTok and Shorts


FragCut turns your gameplay into vertical, shareable clips using AI. Upload VODs or a Twitch URL and it detects headshots, aces, clutches, and funny moments, then auto-crops to 9:16 for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Fine-tune start and end points, add burned-in subtitles, and stitch multiple highlights into a montage. Generate 5–8 clips from a single video, preview edits in your browser, and download for instant posting.

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ScaledMail – The safest and easiest way to set up inboxes for cold email


ScaledMail provides managed cold email infrastructure that sets up and maintains Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and SMTP inboxes for your outbound team. It configures SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, handles domain registration, and offers pre-warmed, ready inboxes so you can launch in days. Dedicated Slack support helps troubleshoot deliverability and safely scale volume. Plug ScaledMail inboxes into any major sequencer and focus on copy, targeting, and offers.

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Chartcastr – Get AI-powered metric pulses and insights in Slack


Chartcastr connects your spreadsheets, databases, and business tools, then delivers AI-powered metric pulses and analysis directly in Slack. It remembers context from conversations, links insights to your docs, and explains what changed and why so your team can act quickly. Set it up in minutes, choose channels and cadence, and automate updates, anomaly alerts, and follow-ups. Chartcastr syncs sources like Google Sheets, Shopify, and Xero, and keeps learning from your feedback to make each pulse sharper.

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ONEXStation Launches as $2,999 Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Mini PC for Gaming, AI, and Remote Server Workloads

The latest in a recent flurry of AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mini PCs is OneXPlayer's ONEXStation—a new AI mini PC that should be just as capable at everything from gaming to workstation and creative workflows. Aside from the already known benefits of the massive AMD APU, with its Radeon 8060S iGPU and 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory on a 256-bit bus, the new mini PC boasts a decent selection of I/O ports in an impressively compact aluminium chassis, measuring in at just 186 × 193 × 62 mm. By default, the ONEXStation will be equipped with a single 1 TB PCIe Gen 4×4 M.2 SSD, but there is a second M.2 slot easily accessible for up to 8 TB total storage.

With 13 ports in total, the ONEXStation's front I/O features dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB4 port, a UHS-II SD card slot, and a 3.5 mm audio combo jack. There's also a turbo button that presumably boosts the fan speed for improved thermal capabilities at the cost of noise. Around back, the ONEXStation has a DC power barrel plug, a 3.5 mm audio combo jack, a 2.5 GbE RJ45 port, one USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB4 Type-C port, one DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and dual USB 2.0 ports—the latter presumably for peripherals. It also features both Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 onboard. Cooling is handled by a custom solution with three heatpipes and a tri-fan ventilation system, and OneXPlayer says the TDP can be configured to 55 W, 85 W, or 120 W from within the mini PC's software. The launch price is $2,999, but the MSRP will seemingly increase to $3,599 after the launch offer. It's worth noting that, due to current market conditions, pricing and availability of systems like those based on Strix Halo and similarly powerful SoCs, like Intel's recent Panther Lake chips, is highly volatile, with Ayaneo already having suspended pre-orders for its Strix Halo-powered Next 2 handheld and Khadas having recently bumped up the price of its Panther Lake mini PC.

Revenudge – Catch expiring cards and recover failed Stripe payments automatically


Revenudge helps Stripe Billing subscriptions recover revenue lost to expiring cards and failed charges. Connect in 60 seconds with Stripe Connect, then it emails customers before cards expire and sends branded recovery emails when payments bounce. Customers update cards on a secure, branded Stripe-powered page. You can track MRR at risk, recovered revenue, and recovery rate in a clear dashboard.

Pricing starts at $19/month, making it a good fit for indie devs and small teams that find heavier dunning tools too expensive.

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SiteMD.ai – Monitor uptime, SEO, performance, and security with AI diagnosis


SiteMD.ai offers AI-powered monitoring for your website. Just add your URL with no coding needed, and it starts tracking uptime, Core Web Vitals, SEO, and security 24/7. When something breaks or slows down, you get instant alerts and easy-to-understand reports explaining what’s wrong, why it matters, and how to fix it step by step.

Use it to stay ahead of outages, search changes, and vulnerabilities with weekly or daily AI diagnoses, smart alerts, and email notifications. It is free forever for one site, with paid plans for teams and agencies.

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Epic Games Plans Standalone Disney-Themed Extraction Shooter Similar to Arc Raiders

It was recently leaked that Epic Games was planning a host of new game modes for Fortnite, following a brutal round of layoffs that saw as many as 1,000 workers lose their jobs. However, if a recent Bloomberg report is anything to go by, one of the game modes mentioned in the Fortnite leak may be its own game entirely. The report cites conversations with four current and former Epic employees, who say that the game company will use its partnership with Disney to build a game featuring Disney characters in an Arc Raiders-like extraction shooter format.

According to the insiders, Epic Games is planning to launch the new Disney game as early as November 2026, although the game has been through some internal review, and there are concerns that the gameplay loop and mechanics are "not very original." In a recent statement addressing the Fortnite layoffs, Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney revealed that Epic Games was struggling to consistently deliver "Fortnite magic," every season and said that, alongside other cost-cutting measures, the company would be looking for ways to deliver "fresh seasonal content, gameplay, story, and live events."

Modern-Day Windows Laptops Close The Speed Gap With Older MacBook Pro Models, Basic App Opening Test Shows x86 Machines Are Snappier

Older MacBook Pro models are starting to slow down compared to newer Windows machines

The Apple Silicon MacBook Pro range, armed with the latest chipsets and paired with faster flash memory and macOS, is a solid guarantee that the machine will be snappier than its competitors in the same price range. However, that’s not the case anymore with older MacBook Pro models. One owner shows that an M3 Pro version is slightly slower than ASUS’ Zenbook S16, which is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 processor, in a basic app opening speed test. In short, Windows notebooks are keeping up the pace, but we’re still keen to find out how the same configuration would […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/windows-laptop-beats-macbook-pro-in-app-opening-speed-test/

Gametime Hero – Run events and communities with unified scheduling, payments, and chat


Gametime Hero is an all-in-one platform for running active communities and events. Organizers manage scheduling, registrations, RSVPs, no-code site management, payments, and waitlists in one place, while members discover happenings and stay informed.

Use built-in rosters, chat, email/SMS, forms and surveys, analytics, branding, website pages, and an AI assistant to streamline operations. Whether you host pickup games, leagues, fitness meetups, workshops, or nonprofit programs, it helps you grow participation and keep people coming back.

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Reactive – The planning stack for retail buyers and merch planners


Reactive is a supply and demand planning platform for retail buyers and merchandise planners. Upload a simple CSV of sell-through data and get 52-week forecasts, automated reorder alerts, size-level PO exports, OTB budget control, and promo simulators. Reactive SDP tracks demand spikes, inventory stock-outs, potential product cannibalization, markdown-only demand, and highlights trend or seasonal mismatches. Plan faster and export vendor-ready purchase orders in minutes. Designed to replace expensive enterprise-level planning tools at a fraction of the cost.

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Maddie Lightening speaks on misreported ROAS, account structure chaos & AI mistakes

Maddie Lightening, head of paid media at Hallam, joined me to talk through the mistakes, lessons and mindset shifts that have shaped her career in PPC. With more than a decade of experience across search, social, programmatic, digital out of home and ABM, she shared a candid look at the realities of leading paid media in a fast-moving industry.

The reporting mistake that doubled performance

One of Maddie’s early mistakes involved misreporting performance due to account currency differences. Working with an Australian billing setup while reporting in GBP, she unknowingly halved the reported results because conversion values were being translated. The issue only surfaced after comparing platform data with CRM figures, revealing that performance was actually twice as strong as reported, highlighting how easily technical setup details can skew results.

When legacy account structure becomes a problem

A more complex challenge came from a travel client running an outdated, highly granular account structure with thousands of campaigns. While this “2016-style” setup had previously worked, it clashed with modern AI-driven bidding and data consolidation approaches, making it harder to optimize performance and diagnose issues when results began to decline.

Why timing matters as much as strategy

Maddie explained that although the team had planned to restructure the account, they delayed it to avoid disrupting peak season. When performance dropped in January, they were forced to make multiple changes quickly, which increased pressure and complexity. In hindsight, starting the restructure earlier would likely have reduced risk, showing that delaying necessary changes can sometimes be more damaging than acting sooner.

The pressure of fixing performance in real time

As performance declined during a critical period, the client became understandably concerned, especially given how much of their annual budget was tied to peak months. At the same time, audits and internal reviews added pressure, making it one of the most challenging moments of Maddie’s career, but also reinforcing the importance of collaboration, support and staying focused on solutions rather than panic.

How a max CPC cap helped reclaim control

One key fix involved regaining control over rising CPCs by applying a max CPC cap through portfolio bidding strategies, even while using automated bidding. This approach reduced CPCs significantly without harming performance, demonstrating that advertisers can still guide AI-driven campaigns by applying the right constraints rather than relying on full automation alone.

Why banning AI is the wrong move

Maddie also highlighted a broader industry mistake: refusing to adopt AI altogether. She recalled working at an agency that banned AI tools and automation, which she believes limits growth and puts teams at a disadvantage. Instead of resisting AI, she argues that marketers should learn how to use it strategically while maintaining oversight.

Better prompts lead to better AI outputs

A key takeaway on AI usage is that results depend heavily on input quality. Maddie emphasized that vague prompts produce weak outputs, while detailed context—such as goals, audience and structure—leads to far more useful results. AI should be treated as a support tool that enhances human work, not replaces it.

Why curiosity still matters in PPC

Maddie stressed the importance of experimentation, encouraging teams to test ideas even when outcomes are uncertain. Her philosophy—“test and learn”—reflects the idea that even unsuccessful experiments provide valuable insights that can inform better decisions in the future.

Small mistakes are not career-ending

She also addressed everyday mistakes, such as sending the wrong report to a client, noting that while they may feel serious in the moment, they are usually easy to fix. The key is to take accountability, correct the issue quickly and keep perspective rather than overreacting.

The bigger lesson for paid media teams

Across all her examples, Maddie reinforced that success in PPC comes from adaptability, continuous learning and a willingness to challenge existing approaches. Whether dealing with account structure, automation or performance issues, the ability to evolve is what separates strong teams from the rest.

Final takeaway

Ultimately, Maddie’s experience shows that mistakes, when handled correctly, can lead to stronger strategies and better performance, and that staying curious, proactive and open to change is essential for long-term success in paid media.

💾

Maddie Lightening shares lessons from a currency reporting error and legacy account structure challenges, and using AI effectively.

(PR) HYTE Introduces Sakura Miko hololive Y70 Case, Keycap, and Desk Pad Bundle

HYTE, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge PC components, is proud to share that its latest collaboration with hololive, represented by the COVER Corporation from Japan, starring Sakura Miko - one of hololive's longest-running VTuber talents with over two million subscribers and nearly one billion views on her channel - is now available for pre-order on HYTE.com.

Known worldwide as the "Elite Shrine Maiden", Sakura Miko is a Japanese Vtuber affiliated with hololive and is part of their "Generation 0" group of talents, which includes one of HYTE's past collaboration subjects Hoshimachi Suisei. As part of Sakura Miko's recent outfit debut for her character, a new HYTE product line was announced, with the Official HYTE Y70 Sakura Miko Case in separate Black and White colorways acting as the heart of the lineup. Both variants feature the talent's name and custom designs across the Y70's trim, a customized serialized plate on the case's back panel, and a full custom illustration across all three of the Y70's glass panels drawn by professional illustrator Rosuuri.

Epic Games Will Reportedly Launch an Extraction Shooter “Along the Lines of ARC Raiders” With Disney Characters in November 2026

The image shows a collaboration between 'Disney x Epic Games' with a vibrant theme park background, above a promotional poster for 'ARC Raiders' featuring two science fiction characters.

You might recall that just two short years ago in February 2024, Disney invested $1.5 billion in Fortnite maker Epic Games, with grand plans to create a persistent Disney universe within Fortnite based on Disney franchises. We've already seen part of this deal bear fruit with the introduction of Disnyeland in Fortnite, and according to a new report from Bloomberg, we're due to get the next fruit in November 2026. And according to the report, it's an incredibly significant release for Epic, because it is meant to mark the beginning of its comeback tour. Epic Games recently laid of 1,000 […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/epic-games-disney-game-november-2026-shooting-game-along-the-lines-of-arc-raiders/

Philips Launches Evnia 27M2G5800 27-inch 5K Dual-Mode Gaming Monitor

Philips has introduced the Evnia 27M2G5800, a 27-inch gaming monitor built around a dual-mode Fast IPS panel that can switch between 5K resolution and high-refresh QHD operation. The panel runs at a native 5120 x 2880 (5K UHD) with a pixel density of 217 PPI, right where you'd normally find it on a 27-inch gaming display. In 5K mode, the refresh rate tops out at 165 Hz, or 180 Hz with overclocking enabled. Switching to 2560 x 1440 (Quad HD) unlocks up to 330 Hz, no overclocking option here. Brightness is rated at 500 nits with a 1000:1 contrast ratio while the panel has DisplayHDR 400 certification. On the responsiveness side, Philips rates the panel at 1 ms GtG, with a 0.5 ms MPRT mode for motion-heavy content. Adaptive sync is supported, including G-SYNC compatibility, and the monitor comes with a handful of gaming-oriented extras: Shadow Boost for better visibility in dark areas, Smart Crosshair, and motion blur reduction.

For connectivity, it features two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 2.1 (supporting the 5K at 180 Hz), a headphone jack and a USB hub with two downstream USB-A ports and a USB-B upstream. According to IT Files, the Evnia 27M2G5800 is priced at 4999 yuan, which is about $730 USD however, pricing and availability for markets outside Hong Kong haven't been announced. The 5K model expands the Philips Evnia 27M2 lineup, which already includes more unconventional high-refresh options. Notable examples include the Evnia 27M2N5500XD, capable of up to 500 Hz at 1440p and 1000 Hz at 720p, as well as the more affordable Evnia 27M2N3800A, offering 4K at 160 Hz or Full HD at 320 Hz.

Lackluster Foldable Smartphone Sales Are About To Witness A Major Surge As Apple Increases iPhone Fold Display Inventory By 20%

Apple is about to take the foldable smartphone market to new heights with its iPhone Fold

The foldable smartphone form factor was assumed by many to be the catalyst that succeeds the ‘candy bar’ shape that we’ve grown to own and love. Unfortunately, years have passed since Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold, and this particular category still hasn’t been able to accumulate the required attention from the mass market. In short, customers aren’t too thrilled about spending thousands on a device that offers the same internal specifications but also has a smaller shelf life due to all the moving parts. Then again, they don’t carry the same iPhone Fold magic, which is why a rumor claims that […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-increases-iphone-fold-display-inventory-by-20-percent/

Intel Presents Its Own Texture Set Neural Compression SDK: Up to 18x Smaller Textures

A presentation slide titled 'Texture Set Neural Compression' features a T-Rex model, image textures, and the text 'Uses AI,' with annotations describing reduced disk space and RAM usage, alongside Marissa du Bois credited as the Staff Graphics Engineer, with an Intel logo present.

At GDC 2026, Intel graphics engineer Marissa du Bois took the stage to present Intel's version of neural texture compression, very similar to NVIDIA's NTC in that both technologies are deterministic. The presentation was a follow-up to the original R&D prototype shown at GDC 2025, with the key news being that Intel has now productized that research into a standalone SDK. Texture Set Neural Compression (TSNC) is essentially a smarter way to store game textures. Traditional GPU block compression formats (BC1 through BC7) use fixed mathematical rules to reduce texture size, and while they're fast and universally supported, they leave […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intel-texture-set-neural-compression-sdk-tsnc-18x-smaller-textures/

Defend Network – Free AI-powered daily threat briefings for cybersecurity teams


defend.network is a free cybersecurity intelligence platform that publishes daily AI-generated threat briefings, weekly vulnerability reports with remediation steps, and a curated directory of 59 security tools. The intelligence is structured by threat type, industry, and severity. The platform is fully automated, requires no signup, and is completely free.

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The latest jobs in search marketing

Search marketing jobs

Looking to take the next step in your search marketing career?

Below, you will find the latest SEO, PPC, and digital marketing jobs at brands and agencies. We also include positions from previous weeks that are still open.

Newest SEO Jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by SEOjobs.com)

  • Job Description One Step Secure I/T is an MSP providing the latest in managed services and cybersecurity. We’re a stable, privately-owned company where people enjoy what they do — and who they do it with. Our team sticks around, with an average tenure just shy of 10 years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by […]
  • Description: Build campaigns. Shape stories. Drive growth—in an industry that quite literally builds the world. The products we support are behind the infrastructure, equipment, and technology that power everyday life. We’re looking for a Digital Marketing Specialist who’s excited by the opportunity to bring a highly technical, industrial product portfolio to life through modern marketing. […]
  • About Us We have been a recognized leader in the Healthcare Staffing and PCA industry for four decades and a pioneer of the franchised staffing model. We are seeking dynamic and results-oriented Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist to spearhead the development in major markets across the U.S. This is a unique opportunity to develop, establish and grow […]
  • Description: {Mur-chol-uh-jee | The science of company merch; the skill of creating and delivering custom-branded apparel and corporate gifts around the world.} Merchology is a leading eCommerce retailer in B2B sales of co-branded merchandise including apparel, headwear, drinkware, gifts, and accessories. We are family-owned, people-powered, and we are adding to our #MerchTeam at our renovated […]
  • We’re looking for an SEO Strategist who genuinely loves SEO. Not someone who “does SEO”, but someone who gets genuinely excited about the wins, and genuinely curious about the setbacks. This is not a checklist SEO role. It’s for someone who understands how search is changing, and knows how to turn that into measurable business […]
  • As VP of Search, you’ll set the vision and direction for our global Search practice—leading best-in-class SEO, SEM, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies across a diverse portfolio of clients and regions. You are the global leader and point of contact for Search within the agency, responsible for practice leadership, quality standards, capability growth, and […]
  • JOB SUMMARY The Digital Marketing Specialist supports Aloha Pacific FCU’s digital growth by executing marketing campaigns that strengthen brand awareness, increase member engagement, and drive business results. This role manages digital advertising, website optimization, email marketing, and CRM-driven campaigns while leveraging analytics to deliver data-backed insights. The ideal candidate is creative, analytical, detail oriented, and […]
  • Job Description Daylight Studio www.daylightstudio.com Growth Marketing & Content Lead Social | Websites | SEO | AI Content | Visibility Daylight Studio is hiring a high-performance, technically savvy Growth Marketing & Content Lead who can build visibility, elevate our digital presence, and execute at a high level across content, websites, social platforms, and AI-powered creative […]
  • About ENGAGE360 ENGAGE360 is a full-service marketing and events agency located in the heart of Jacksonville Beach. We execute strategic marketing campaigns, promotions, and experiential initiatives for both corporate and nonprofit clients. Our work spans digital marketing, acquisition programs, live events, hospitality experiences, and turn-key fundraising campaigns. We’re a fast-moving, collaborative team that values creativity, […]
  • Description: The Digital & Marketing Operations Specialist is a key member of the Marketing & Communications team at Kamco, responsible for developing and executing integrated communication strategies to enhance Kamco’s brand image, market visibility, and drive business growth. This role requires a creative, results-oriented individual with a strong understanding of digital marketing principles and a […]

Newest PPC and paid media jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by PPCjobs.com)

  • Company And Culture Company And Culture Complex is the definitive platform for global youth culture and music lifestyle, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge content, commerce and live experiences with unparalleled scale. Through innovative content, Complex tells stories of music, streetwear and style, sports, art and beyond. Its content engages in a dynamic conversation with the audience, reflecting […]
  • A construction and engineering firm is seeking a Marketing Specialist. This role involves supporting the development and execution of proposals, presentations, and various marketing materials. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing and organizational skills, have at least three years of relevant experience, and be a detail-oriented team player. Benefits include medical plans, a 401k […]
  • A global nursing organization based in Indianapolis seeks a Marketing Manager for Membership Growth and Retention. You will lead strategies to drive new member acquisition, enhance engagement, and improve retention through data-driven campaigns. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of marketing experience, focusing on multi-channel campaigns. This hybrid role offers a […]
  • Overview Job Title: Sr. Marketing Specialist, Cloud Computing and AI Deep Learning Location: Irvine, CA – Onsite Compensation: $72,000 – $82,000 Advantech is seeking a Marketing Senior Specialist responsible for driving awareness, engagement, and demand for Advantech’s products within the Cloud Computing and AI Deep Learning space. This role will focus on creating localized go-to-market […]
  • Diode Dynamics is a manufacturer of automotive LED lighting and accessories. Located in St. Charles, Missouri, our innovative products and superior service are rapidly making us one of the leading companies in the industry. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.diodedynamics.com Job Description As a Digital Marketing Specialist at Diode […]

Other roles you may be interested in

Search Engine Optimization Manager, Insight Global (Hybrid, Fort Lauderdale, FL)

  • Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
  • Own SEO strategy across category, product, and site pages to drive organic revenue
  • Manage and optimize the product catalog for accuracy, discoverability, and conversion

Performance Marketing Manager, Recruitics (Hybrid, Lafayette,CA)

  • Salary: $70,000 – $90,000
  • Work in platform to configure campaigns – set up budgets, targeting, creative, and run dat
  • Monitor ongoing performance to identify areas of opportunity

Marketing, Social Media & PR Manager, PARTNERS Staffing (Fort Myers, FL)

  • Salary: $75,000 – $85,000
  • Develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns for shows, content releases, events, and brand initiatives
  • Identify target audiences and create strategies to grow reach and engagement

Local Search & Listings Manager, TurnPoint Services (Remote)

  • Salary: $80,000 – $90,000
  • Own the strategy and governance for local search visibility across all business locations.
  • Develop optimization frameworks and standards for Google Business Profiles and other listing platforms.

Senior Branding manager, rednote (Hybrid, New York, US)

  • Salary: $228,000 – $320,000
  • Define and drive rednote’s global brand strategy, shaping its positioning across key international markets
  • Lead integrated marketing initiatives end-to-end, ensuring alignment across creative development and media execution

Performance Marketing Manager, Hirewell (Remote)

  • Salary: $85,000 – $95,000
  • Paid Search: Lead daily execution and management of Google Ads. This is a “hands-on” role requiring deep platform expertise.
  • Multi-Channel Management: Oversee and optimize campaigns across Meta, LinkedIn, and Programmatic channels.

Senior Paid Media Manager, Brightly Media Lab (Remote)

  • Salary: $70,000 – $100,000
  • Directly build, manage, and optimize campaigns within Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Facebook Ads (Meta).
  • Serve as the lead point of contact for your book of clients, taking full ownership of their success and growth.

Marketing Specialist, The Bradford group (Hybrid, The Greater Chicago area)

  • Salary: $60,000 – $62,000
  • Launch and manage paid social campaigns primarily on Meta platforms.
  • Oversee daily budgets and performance optimizations against revenue and ROI goals, using data-driven insights to continuously improve results.

Paid Search Specialist, Maui Jim Sunglasses (Peoria, IL)

  • Salary: $65,000 – $70,000
  • Plan, set up, and manage paid search, display, and shopping campaigns on Google Ads.
  • Manage and optimize advertising budgets to achieve revenue and efficiency targets.

Advertising Media Manager, Vetoquinol USA (Remote)

  • Salary: $100,000 -$110,000
  • Develop and implement strategic advertising plans for Etail (Ecomm/Retail) accounts.
  • Analyzing advertising performance data with related ROAS & TACoS evaluations.

Note: We update this post weekly. So make sure to bookmark this page and check back.

Merchant API lands in Google Ads scripts ahead of Content API sunset

Google Ads

Google is pushing advertisers toward a more modern, scalable infrastructure for Shopping integrations—bringing new capabilities (including AI tools) directly into scripting workflows.

What’s happening. Google Ads scripts will begin supporting the Merchant API starting April 22nd, as Google prepares to retire the Content API for Shopping on August 18th. The new API will be available as an Advanced API in the scripts editor, while the existing Content API remains usable until its official sunset.

What’s new: The Merchant API introduces a modular architecture, breaking functionality into sub-APIs that allow for faster updates, easier maintenance, and fewer disruptions. It also expands capabilities with features like the Google Product Studio API for generative AI, dedicated APIs for managing product and store reviews, and a Notifications API for real-time updates.

In addition, advertisers gain more control over data management, including supplemental product data, local and regional inventory, and promotions—all within a system designed for omnichannel use while still supporting legacy setups.

Why we care. The Merchant API gives advertisers more a more flexible way to manage product data at scale, especially for complex or omnichannel setups. It also introduces new capabilities—like AI-driven content tools and improved data handling—that can enhance feed quality and performance. Just as importantly, with the Content API being retired, adopting the new system is essential to avoid disruption and stay competitive.

Yes, but. Migration will require some adjustment—especially for advertisers with custom scripts or complex feed setups tied to the legacy API.

Bottom line. For advertisers using scripts, this is an opportunity to upgrade to a more powerful and scalable integration, unlocking new features while future-proofing Shopping workflows before the cutoff.

Dig deeper. Merchant API is coming to Google Ads scripts starting April 22, 2026

Open-World Survivalcraft Game "Soulmask" Launches to 1.0 Alongside Sizeable Egypt DLC

Soulmask, an open-world, base-building, survival-craft game, launched to Steam Early Access almost two years ago, and after many iterations, CampFire Studios and Qooland Games have officially released the 1.0 version of the game, calling it a "complete reinvention of the game itself." The update notes on Steam list a number of revolutionary changes, including a new onboarding flow, refreshed combat, a new tribal AI system, and new settlement management. The game also now includes an encyclopedia, called the Mask Knowledge Base, so that players no longer need to leave the game to check a Wiki for information about a system or item.

There is also more endgame content, thanks to the new Mask Mimicry Ascension system, which expands the capabilities of the game's masks beyond previous limits. More importantly, players now have access to three distinct game modes: Survival, the original, classic, challenging struggle; Tribe Mode, which is designed for players to enjoy building and developing their civilizations and facing off against other political threats and enemy invasions; and Warrior Mode is there for players who like Soulmask for the combat, with tougher enemies, less forgiving combat mechanics, and weapons that don't take damage or break. The Soulmask 1.0 trailer follows.

(PR) MicroProse's Legendary Pilots Flight Sim Launches April 21 with Retro Visuals

Blending accessible flying mechanics with deeper management systems, Legendary Pilots invites players to step into a vibrant aviation world where every flight is just one part of a bigger journey. From planning routes and transporting passengers to maintaining aircraft and climbing the ranks of a competitive airline ecosystem, the game offers a refreshing take on the flight sim genre-one that prioritizes experience, progression, and personality over strict realism.

With its distinctive retro-inspired visuals and a focus on turboprops and regional jets, Legendary Pilots delivers a grounded yet stylized aviation fantasy. It's a world where smart decisions, efficient flying, and long-term planning matter just as much as what happens in the cockpit.

DDR4 Prices Finally Cool With 5% Drop After 2,200% Surge

DDR4 pricing is finally showing signs of easing, as DDR4 16 Gb spot prices experienced a 5% correction in March after a more than 2,200% increase over the past year. The massive demand for AI data center expansion absorbed all available DDR production, making DDR4 and DDR5 pricing widely discussed topics among enthusiast communities. This has impacted PC DIY enthusiasts, laptop makers, PC OEMs, and everyone in between. Over the past year, the rapid price increase has effectively priced out many consumers from upgrading or installing new systems with larger RAM capacity. However, there are signs that the situation might improve as spot pricing has started to decrease.

First, readers need to understand the difference between spot and contract pricing in DDR memory. Contract pricing is what memory makers like Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron agree on with large buyers, such as PC OEMs like Apple, HP, or Dell, or even server makers who purchase DRAM in large quantities. On the other hand, spot pricing is an "on-the-spot" deal that provides immediate pricing without any contract. This spot pricing is typically reserved for smaller DRAM volumes and is usually bought by DRAM distributors and supply chain logistics. In the spot pricing market, DDR4 has fallen about 5% in March compared to February pricing, and the same applies to DDR5 memory spot pricing.

Gateron Launches Magnetic Jade Attraction HE Switch With Identical Start and Bottom-Out Force

Gateron, now ubiquitous in the world of mechanical, Hall-effect, and TMR gaming keyboards, has officially announced a new magnetic switch that promises a unique switch feel with an effectively perfectly linear switch weight. With a traditional mechanical or magnetic keyboard switches, the key gets progressively more difficult to press as you go through the travel, but Gateron claims that the new Magnetic Jade Attraction HE switches have both initial and bottom-out operation force values of 30 gf, making them a perfectly linear switch. Incidentally, the method Gateron used to make this force chart possible also seems to have reduced the standard deviation of the actuation force to ±2 gf, instead of the usual ±5 gf.

Gateron's new switch design is an iteration of the recent Dual-Drive stem design it showed off previously in the Gateron Magnetic Spark switches, which should make the stems stable and make reading the travel very accurate, but the Jade Attraction adds three small permanent magnets in the bottom of the switch housing. Those magnets in the bottom housing help compensate for the increase in spring rate that occurs when you typically compress a spring, giving it that uniquely linear switch feel. The Gateron Magnetic Jade Attraction HE switches are available for pre-sale on the Gateron online store for $47.60 for a pack of 70 switches.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy May Come to Nintendo Switch 2 Soon

Following the recent news of the $80 Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Switch 2 showing up on Amazon, Gematsu has reported that Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy 2 may be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 sooner rather than later, based on a recent age rating by the Taiwan Digital Game Rating Committee. According to a screenshot of the rating, it will be PG-12, and it is explicitly rated for the Nintendo Switch 2.

There is no launch date approved for the game just yet, so, while this is evidence that a launch is incoming, it may still be a while before it's available. Notably, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is already playable on the original Nintendo Switch, but it's a cloud-only title, meaning none of the game is processed locally. The fact that the Switch 2 version is explicitly rated for the Switch 2 suggests that it will not have the same cloud-only limitation, likely as a result of the Switch 2's more powerful internals.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Cloud Version is currently $59.99 on the Nintendo eShop, but pricing for the new version may be higher, especially for the physical version.

A New Metro Game is Now Rumored to Be Revealed Next Week

A character in a gas mask holding a weapon in a post-apocalyptic city setting from the game Metro Exodus.

So far this week, we've heard rumors about a new State of Play event set for next week, on April 16, 2026, and we've heard that the upcoming Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake, officially titled 'Resynced,' will be fully revealed next week, on the same date. Now, a third rumor has entered the fray, this time claiming that 4A Games will reveal a new Metro game next week. This comes from AlexandreNGamR on X (formerly Twitter), who had also previously claimed that a State of Play is happening next week, which was corroborated by insider NateTheHate, who also elaborated on […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/new-metro-game-rumored-to-be-revealed-next-week/

Samsung Resorting To Gimmicks To Inflate The Sales Of Its Newer Flagships Even Though The Galaxy S26 Series Is Doing Fairly Good

Amazon is offering up to a $30 gift card if you pre-order the Galaxy Buds4 or Galaxy Buds4 Pro

As endearing as Samsung is, it has a weird knack for tarnishing its image by artificially gating some features so as to nudge its customer base towards newer offerings. In doing so, the South Korean behemoth not only reeks of desperation but also risks alienating some of its most loyal customers. Samsung is perplexingly gating Buds 4 Pro's Super Wideband speech, excluding the S24 series, when the underlying hardware support exists One of the features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is its Super Wideband speech, which doubles the standard Bluetooth call bandwidth from 8kHz to 16kHz, resulting in […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-resorting-to-gimmicks-to-inflate-the-sales-of-its-newer-flagships-even-though-the-galaxy-s26-series-is-doing-fairly-good/

18Recap – Create epic, shareable recaps of your golf rounds


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Other golf apps track stats, and scorecards keep score. But nobody captures what actually happened out there: the lip-outs, clutch putts, duck hooks, hot dogs at the turn, and the side bets your buddy still hasn't paid.

Live and free at 18recap.com. Native iOS app opening to the first 10,000 golfers via TestFlight.

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Google Ads simplifies enhanced conversions into a single switch

Auditing and optimizing Google Ads in an age of limited data

Google is removing complexity from one of its most important measurement tools. By merging enhanced conversions for web and leads—and allowing multiple data inputs at once—advertisers get more accurate tracking with less setup friction.

What’s happening. Google Ads is consolidating its enhanced conversions features into a unified system with a single on/off toggle. At the same time, it’s eliminating the need to choose a single implementation method.

Advertisers will be able to send user-provided data through multiple channels simultaneously—including website tags, Data Manager, and API integrations. The current split between “enhanced conversions for web” and “enhanced conversions for leads” will disappear.

What’s changing and when: Google Ads is currently accepting user-provided data from website tags (e.g., Google tag, Google Tag Manager), Data Manager, and API connections. This multi-source approach is designed to improve conversion accuracy and bidding performance.

Starting June 2026, enhanced conversions become a single feature with a simple toggle, and method selection (tag vs API, etc.) is removed from the interface.

Why we care. This update makes conversion tracking more accurate and resilient at a time when signals are disappearing. By allowing multiple data sources at once, Google Ads can better match conversions, which can directly improve bidding efficiency and campaign performance. Just as importantly, it removes technical friction—so you get better data without having to choose or maintain a single integration method.

Impact on advertisers. Existing users require no action and will be automatically migrated if customer data terms have already been accepted. New users can enable enhanced conversions at either the account level or individual conversion action level. Opt-out remains available at the conversion action level.

How to enable it (quick take). At the account level, go to Goals → Settings, enable enhanced conversions under Customer data use, and accept data terms. At the conversion level, create or edit a conversion action, enable enhanced conversions during setup, and accept data terms.

Yes, but. To use enhanced conversions, advertisers must agree to Google’s Data Processing Terms and confirm compliance with its policies—an increasingly important step as platforms expand their use of first-party data.

Bottom line. Google is streamlining setup while quietly encouraging broader adoption of user-provided data. For advertisers, this means better performance with less manual setup. You get more complete conversion data feeding into bidding and optimization, without having to manage multiple tracking methods—helping you drive stronger results while simplifying your measurement strategy.

GoDeal24 Spring Software Sale: Get Windows 11 and Office at Deep Discounts!

GoDeal24 is an international merchant of genuine, globally-valid software, here with the Spring 2026 Software Sale. Get the software you need, such as Genuine Windows 11 Pro, at attractive prices starting at $13.55. Pair it with Office 2021 Professional Plus, the most bang-for-buck productivity suite, starting at just $31.55, or the latest Office 2024 Home and Business at $149.99—significantly lower than Microsoft's price. Better yet, pair your favorite edition of Windows and Office. Also check out great deals on other Microsoft products.

Please use the coupon code SGO62 on the following items to avail the prices you see here.
Buy Office 2021 Professional at $31.55 | Buy Office 2021 Home and Business for Mac at $48.99 | Buy Office 2021 Professional 2-PC at $59.90 | Buy Office 2021 Professional 3-PC at $81.95 | Buy Office 2021 Professional 5-PC at $130.25 | Buy Office 2019 Professional at $25.05 | Buy Office 2024 Home at $140.89 | Buy Office 2024 Home and Business at $149.99 | Buy Visio 2024 at $32.99 | Buy Project Pro 2024 at $35.99 | Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2021 Professional at $41.29 | Buy Windows 11 Home + Office 2021 Professional at $40.99 | Buy Windows 11 Enterprise 2024 LTSC + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $40.99 | Buy Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $39.99

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Former Xbox exec thinks Naughty Dog's decision to cancel the 80% completed The Last of Us Online 'was the right call', but it shouldn't have greenlit it in the first place — 'The ambition was there, but the realistic upfront planning wasn't', she says

Former Microsoft Game Studios executive producer Laura Fryer thinks the decision to cancel The Last of Us Online was the right decision on Naughty Dog's part and greenlighting the project was the "real mistake".

Tesla is working on a smaller, cheaper electric SUV


Three of the sources said the new model would be produced in China, while one added that Tesla also aims to expand production to the United States and Europe. Two sources said the vehicle would measure about 4.28 meters (14.0 feet) in length, making it significantly shorter than the Model...

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Ghostrunner Makers New First-Person Soulslike Valor Mortis Arrives on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series in Fall 2026

A gameplay scene from the video game Valor Mortis shows a character with dual swords preparing to attack in a forest setting, with the player aiming a firearm at the character.

Valor Mortis is the next game from One More Level, one of the studio's behind first-person fast-paced cyberpunk sci-fi action platformer, Ghostrunner. It was first revealed back at Gamescom 2025, where Wccftech's Francesco De Meo got to check it out and called it one of the best games at the showcase. Now, we're finally starting to get closer to its release, as One More Level reveals a new release window for Fall 2026. The news came as part of Valor Mortis' inclusion in the Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026, where it showed off new gameplay and capped off the trailer with […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/valor-mortis-release-window-ps-ps5-xbox-triple-i-showcase/

Apple To Use M5 Pro & M5 Max Architecture To Boost AI Efforts, New Server Chips’ Performance Boost Will Improve Siri Experience & More

A close-up view of an unbranded central processing unit (CPU) with visible pins on a motherboard, surrounded by a digital circuit pattern.

Apple is beginning to lay the critical groundwork for its next-gen custom chips, including a much-anticipated server chip, dubbed Baltra, as per a new analysis from Morgan Stanley Apple is increasing its reservation slots for TSMC's SoIC packaging tech in anticipation of its next-gen custom chips, including the Baltra ASIC Morgan Stanley has noted in a fresh analysis that Apple is "ramping up" SoIC-related activity at TSMC: "Apple is materially ramping SoIC capacity at TSMC, pointing to a major push in Apple silicon for AI servers. TSMC (covered by Charlie Chan) is expanding its SoIC (System on Integrated Circuit) capacity, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-is-materially-ramping-soic-capacity-at-tsmc-as-it-prepares-for-its-baltra-asic-m5-pro-max-m6-pro-max-chips-with-60k-capacity-equivalent-wafers-reserved-for-2027/

Amazon Gives Players Another Reason Not to Use Amazon Luna by Removing Games and Subscriptions Bought From Third-Party Stores

A collection of devices including a monitor, smartphone, tablet, and laptop displaying a racing game featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, with an Amazon Luna controller beneath them, on a purple background with the 'luna' logo.

Amazon announced more changes to its gaming-focused service, Amazon Luna today, after it re-launched the brand last year with a renewed focus on social and casual experiences like an "AI-powered improv courtroom game" featuring the rapper Snoop Dogg. Starting today, April 10, 2026, the platform will no longer let players purchase games from third-party stores or purchase subscriptions from third-party platforms. It will also stop supporting its Bring Your Own Library service, and no, you can't get a refund for any of your third-party purchases. In case you weren't already aware, Amazon Luna had previously allowed players to purchase games […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amazon-luna-removes-third-party-game-store-purchases-and-subscriptions/

Amazon CEO Says Chip Business Is ‘On Fire,’ Graviton & Trainium Now Competing At Intel, AMD, And NVIDIA Scale

A person holding a chip with the logo 'annapurnalabs' and model number 'ALM-B211.'

Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, issued a letter to shareholders about the company's custom chip business, and his words showed strong optimism about the in-house infrastructure stack. Amazon's Andy Jassy Hints Towards Selling Their Custom Silicon To External Customers, Given Their Internal Success There's no doubt that hyperscalers are experiencing what we call a 'compute crunch' today, with current infrastructure unable to meet the demand driven by AI and related services. We have seen giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta resort to custom silicon efforts as a way to address this gap in compute capabilities, but out of the bunch, Amazon's […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amazon-ceo-says-chip-business-is-on-fire-graviton-trainium-now-competing-at-intel-amd-and-nvidia-scale/

TechCrunch is heading to Tokyo — and bringing the Startup Battlefield with it

SusHi Tech 2026 is zeroing in on four technology domains reshaping society: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Expect live demos of humanoid robots, sessions on autonomous driving's software revolution, deep dives into cyber defense and climate tech, and candid conversations about how AI is rewriting the global music and anime industries.

SubDelete – Find every subscription and cancel with one click


SubDelete is a subscription management platform that finds every recurring charge by scanning your bank transactions and lets you cancel them with one click. You can securely connect your bank with read-only access, get renewal alerts, set auto-cancel rules, and track your spending with real-time analytics—all in one place. Start free to monitor a limited number of subscriptions, or upgrade for unlimited tracking, advanced insights, and priority support. If you just want to cancel something, you don’t need a subscription—pay a one-time fee and SubDelete will handle the cancellation for you.

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VibeCom – Validate your startup idea with VC-grade analysis, PRD, and GTM in minutes


VibeCom is an AI startup advisor that validates ideas, scores them like a VC, researches competitors, sizes the market, and generates a PRD and go-to-market plan in under three minutes. It gives founders a clear scorecard, customer profiles, TAM/SAM/SOM, and a shareable report to help decide what to build. Use it to compare ideas, spot competitive gaps, export ship-ready specs into your dev workflow, and move from concept to launch with a focused 90-day plan.

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Healthcare reviews: How to stay compliant and win in local SEO

Healthcare reviews compliance in local SEO

There’s a broad consensus that online reviews — especially Google reviews — should be a top priority for businesses that rely on local customers. 

Four of the top 15 ranking factors in Google Maps were related to reviews (quantity, quality, recency, and consistency), according to a recent Whitespark survey. Other surveys report that more than 80% of consumers use Google reviews to evaluate local businesses.

For most of these businesses, the solution is straightforward: ask more customers for reviews, and then reply to those reviews. However, if you work in healthcare, you’ll inevitably find that things aren’t that simple. 

From soliciting reviews to responding to reporting fake engagement, medical facilities face unique dilemmas due to ethical standards and federal laws that limit review-related activities. That said, if you understand the obstacles and your options, there’s no reason you can’t be both competitive and compliant in the arena of healthcare reviews.

After working in healthcare for over a decade, I’ll share the biggest obstacles I’ve faced, along with unique solutions.

The catch-22 in mental health

Years ago, I was assisting a therapist’s small private practice with local SEO. He only had a couple of reviews, so I pointed that out. That’s when he told me he wasn’t even allowed to ask for reviews.

At the time, I was certain he must be mistaken. To my surprise, it was actually part of the code of ethics from the American Psychological Association (APA), which explicitly states therapists and psychologists can’t solicit testimonials from their clients (due to concerns of undue influence). 

With that in mind, the lack of reviews was certainly understandable, but it was still a problem for local SEO. And Google doesn’t seem to make any exceptions for the mental health field. 

After working with many more clients and employers in the mental health space since, this has proven to be a recurring obstacle. Mental health professionals need visibility on Google the same as any other local business, but one of the best ways to achieve that visibility isn’t even allowed in their field. 

The result, unfortunately, is that the practitioners who follow their ethics rules are often those with the least visibility on Google. 

The good news is that there are still ways to get reviews without crossing those ethical boundaries — although it might require utilizing some outside-the-box solutions.

A case study in mental healthcare reviews

A few years ago, I started working with an addiction treatment center that had been doing well with reviews until a new local competitor opened and exceeded both the number of reviews and the average rating in less than one year (despite the client’s nearly 10 years in business).

This competitor was increasingly outperforming them in local search, so something had to be done. However, my client wasn’t sure how they could have received so many reviews without crossing ethical boundaries. 

To outpace and keep up with this competitor’s reviews, we needed to secure 50 to 100 reviews and maintain a rate of at least one review per week. The problem was that the client hadn’t received consent from former patients for marketing texts or emails, and they also knew they couldn’t make soliciting reviews a day-to-day part of the clinical staff’s work.

The solution

Since the APA ethics rules primarily govern psychologists and clinicians, and because the reasoning behind the APA guidance relates to patients having undue influence, we determined that individuals who opted into alumni engagement and who were no longer in active treatment could be asked for a review (and only by non-clinical staff).

We decided it made more sense to focus on expanding the alumni program rather than facing the review dilemma head-on or in a vacuum because:

  • An alumni program would improve the overall patient experience and success rate, and it would be the best way to offer non-clinical experiences and interactions with other staff.
  • We would designate the non-clinical alumni coordinator responsible for requesting reviews, and only from alumni (no ethical concerns).
  • The alumni coordinator would have an in-person rapport with these patients (better for review conversion).

So, we enacted the following:

  • Tasked the alumni coordinator with review generation
    • We didn’t create an incentive for the employee when they got reviews (I’ve never seen much success with that tactic anyway). Instead, we simply made it part of the job description and set the expectation that getting reviews every week was part of the gig. 
    • Now, we didn’t truly “enforce” this rule per se, but we did track it. When more than two weeks went by without any reviews, we would follow up with the alumni coordinator to see how things were going. Over time, the need for these check-ins decreased, and requesting reviews became part of the job.
  • We made an online alumni group and QR code cards
    • When someone graduated from the program, they would be encouraged to stay involved with the alumni community. The patient would be given a QR code to join a private online group to stay current on upcoming events. 
    • We also included a QR code for finding the phone number and driving directions to the facility (via a link to the Google Business Profile), making it easy to find where to leave a review if they felt inclined.
  • When an alum verbally said they would leave a review, we texted them a link
    • In my experience, most people will leave a review if you ask and make it easy to do. Many clients will agree to leave reviews, but unless you explicitly show them how, there’s rarely follow-through. It just might not be a priority for them, so they forget or put it on the back burner.
    • Simplifying the review process worked well. A direct link sent via text drove higher completion rates — no questionnaires, no review gates, just a straight path to the Google Business Profile.

The result

In less than a year, we were able to generate 100 new reviews, outpacing the competitor. The average rating also improved from 4.6 to 4.8, which was also better than the competitor.

In the second year, an additional 100 reviews were gathered, which meant we generated more reviews in two years than the first nine years of business combined.

Healthcare reviews - Case study results after alumni check-in
Healthcare reviews - Case study results as of January 2026

As of February 2026, the facility is just shy of 500 reviews, still averaging at least one review per week — without crossing any ethical boundaries.

If you want to duplicate this review strategy, here’s the summary:

  • Review owner: Designate a non-clinical staff member responsible for reviews, such as alumni coordinator (and make a review count goal part of their role).
  • Review trigger: Alumni event attendance or joining the alumni community.
  • Request methods: In person.
  • Request delivery: Print materials with QR codes for patients to stay in touch, find the Google Business Profile, and consent to communications, followed by a direct link via text to leave a review.
  • Tracking: Weekly review count. Follow up with the review owner when the weekly goal isn’t achieved.

For third-party agencies and freelancers: If you help a healthcare client with an SMS service or share information about patient identities in any way between a “covered entity” and a third party, there should be a business associate agreement with those third-party vendors.

What not to do when generating reviews:

  • Don’t ask current mental health patients for reviews.
  • Don’t “gate” reviews (it is against Google guidelines, and it reduces conversion).
  • Don’t pressure or coerce clients or patients to leave a review.
  • Don’t incentivize staff or clients to leave reviews.

What if you’re a solo mental health practitioner?

If you’re a therapist or psychologist who can’t rely on non-clinical staff to request reviews, you aren’t without options. Some other things I’ve had success with include:

  • Reducing friction: Instead of an explicit “ask,” you can provide a QR code at checkout or a link in your follow-up emails that directs patients to your Google Business Profile for “Directions and Information,” making it easier for patients to leave a review if they are inclined to do so.
  • Leveraging aggregate data: If you are in a high-sensitivity field (like behavioral health), you can also publish aggregate client satisfaction scores or patient outcome reports on your website and review platforms. While it may not have the same ranking impact as reviews for local search, it will provide similar social proof without the ethical questions.

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Review replies and HIPAA compliance

In addition to getting reviews, replying to them is also important. While medical businesses can post replies to reviews, the subject matter in their response is regulated.

Merely acknowledging that a reviewer was a patient could be a risk under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) — even if the patient had already revealed as much in their review. That’s because HIPAA only regulates what providers share.

Patients are free to share whatever they like about themselves online, but that doesn’t change the provider’s legal responsibility to protect health information. (One California hospital learned that the hard way in 2013 with a $275,000 settlement after a spokesman commented to the media, stating that a patient’s medical records contradicted their own accusatory Yelp review.) 

Generally, you should avoid acknowledging that the reviewer was a patient to remain compliant under HIPAA. Instead:

  • Focus on policy, not the person: Keep the response focused on general facility policies and practices around the complaint rather than the reviewer’s exact situation.
  • Move the conversation offline: Provide a direct line to a patient advocate or office manager.
  • Avoid confirming status: Even if a patient says, “I was there yesterday,” your reply should never say, “We enjoyed seeing you.”

While not legal advice, here are some example templates I often use when replying to reviews:

Negative review reply template:

  • “Privacy laws prevent us from confirming or denying whether any individual is a patient at our facility. However, we take all feedback seriously. Our policy regarding [insert issue] is [insert general policy]. If you would like to discuss a specific experience, please contact [insert contact instruction].”

Positive review reply template:

  • “Thank you for your kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to share feedback.”

Why these work:

  • These avoid patient status confirmation.
  • For negative reviews, it explains why you can’t respond directly and offers an alternative way to discuss their concern in detail.

Reporting reviews and HIPAA compliance

You also can’t tell Google whether someone was a patient. This applies when reporting a review as fake engagement — claiming someone “wasn’t a customer” can be risky if you’re a covered entity under HIPAA.

Instead, focus on other types of review violations. One of Google’s review policies regarding “misinformation” can be helpful in the healthcare industry.

  • For example, I once had a client who received a review claiming the medication they were prescribed wasn’t safe. This was totally false and easy to prove since it was FDA-approved. Google ultimately removed the review when this was pointed out.

Some of the other Google policies that can lead to the successful reporting of healthcare reviews include: 

  • Offensive content, such as unsubstantiated allegations of unethical behavior or criminal wrongdoing.
  • Personally identifiable information (PII), such as the use of the first and last names of staff in the review.
  • Off-topic, such as leaving a review for a different facility or location.
  • Repetitive content, such as posting the same review from multiple accounts or the same review on multiple locations.

When you report reviews to Google, be sure to:

  • Correctly identify and list the policy category.
  • Quote the exact offending line from the review.
  • Provide evidence and explicitly explain why it violates the policy.
  • Avoid reference to the reviewer’s relationship to the facility.

Building a compliant and effective review engine in healthcare

Healthcare review management can be a compliance exercise, but the good news is you don’t have to choose between compliance and local SEO. You just have to build a review system designed for this industry’s reality:

  • Build a compliant, consistent process rather than a “one-off” push. Assign ownership, set expectations, and track consistently.
  • Reduce friction by making it easy to leave reviews via print materials and text messages, but without coercion, incentives, or asking current patients.
  • Stay neutral when replying to reviews (or reporting them), and never confirm patient status in public. When reporting reviews, focus on other Google categories that don’t require patient status.
  • Involve compliance leads in the review process. Unlike other fields, there are real liability risks with healthcare reviews.

Done right, you can grow local visibility, protect patient privacy, and sustain review consistency — just like any other industry.

GlassWorm Campaign Uses Zig Dropper to Infect Multiple Developer IDEs

Cybersecurity researchers have flagged yet another evolution of the ongoing GlassWorm campaign, which employs a new Zig dropper that's designed to stealthily infect all integrated development environments (IDEs) on a developer's machine. The technique has been discovered in an Open VSX extension named "specstudio.code-wakatime-activity-tracker," which masquerades as WakaTime, a

Security PSA: Popular Tools CPU-Z and HWMonitor Were Briefly Compromised

Popular PC DIY enthusiast tools like CPU-Z and HWMonitor were briefly compromised during the night between April 9 and April 10. This left anyone who downloaded these tools from the CPUID website vulnerable to malware they thought was a normal software tool. What actually happened was that multiple users on Reddit noticed their downloads from CPUID for both CPU-Z and HWMonitor were flagged multiple times by Windows Defender for security concerns. During that night, users attempting to download these popular utilities found the website pointing to a different host where the modified .exe files were stored. After realizing what was happening, users started removing these compromised .exe files and waited for CPUID to issue a statement. One of the owners of CPUID published a statement on X, explaining that attackers had replaced the original download links with malware-infected file links, resulting in a widespread security vulnerability. Thankfully the website is now back up and safe to resume downloads.
Hi,
Investigations are still ongoing, but it appears that a secondary feature (basically a side API) was compromised for approximately six hours between April 9 and April 10, causing the main website to randomly display malicious links (our signed original files were not compromised). The breach was found and has since been fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience. I did my best to fix that mess as soon as possible :-/
Sam.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Renders Show A Flip 7 Look-Alike, And An Utter Lack Of Imagination

A blue Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is shown both folded and unfolded, featuring dual rear cameras and an edge-to-edge main display.

Samsung is not breaking the mold with any of its upcoming foldables, barring perhaps the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is shaping up to be no exception, as per its latest CAD renders. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 resembles its predecessor down to a tee OnLeaks has now published some of the first CAD renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8, showing a device that bears the dimensions of 166.8mm x 75.4mm x 6.6mm when unfolded and 85.4mm x 75.4mm x 13.2mm while folded. This means that the Flip 8 is just around […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-8-renders-show-a-flip-7-look-alike-and-an-utter-lack-of-imagination/

Gunzilla Games CEO Responds to Accusations of Not Paying Workers, Calls it “A New Narrative From Haters”

A cyborg character in tactical gear stands in a futuristic cityscape in the game Off the Grid.

Yesterday, we reported on accusations from former and current workers of Gunzilla Games that the studio had not been paying its workers, in some cases, "for many months." Several developers came forward to share that they are still waiting on pay owed for work they did, calling out the studio's leadership for trying to convince them to work for free to work towards 'an idea.' Well, the studio's leadership, chief executive officer Vlad Korolev has responded in a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), denying the accusations and calling them "a new narrative from haters." A brief reminder, Gunzilla Games […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/gunzilla-games-ceo-responds-to-accusations-of-not-paying-workers-calls-it-narrative-from-haters/

Framework founder says that ‘personal computing as we know it is dead’ — vows to keep building ‘computers that you can own at the deepest level’

Framework founder Nirav Patel said that the personal computing industry is facing a massive change as big companies are forcing it to move towards a subscription-based model. Still, he vows to continue making hardware that will enable the personal ownership of computation.

At 'Em – Get a daily briefing of your schedule, weather, and tasks


At 'Em delivers a simple daily briefing that combines your calendar, local weather, and reminders so you know exactly what's ahead. Set morning and evening times to get concise notifications with your events in order, temperatures, chance of rain, and quick tasks.

Available now on iOS with Android coming soon, At 'Em keeps data on your device and never tracks, stores, or sells your information. It reads your calendar and reminders locally and only uses your location to fetch local weather.

View startup

VeloGuardian – Secure every layer with VPN, DNS filtering, and gateway defense


VeloGuardian is a network security platform that protects every connection across your devices and sites. It combines WireGuard-based VPN tunnels to encrypt traffic, DNS filtering with 90+ categories to block malware, ads, and phishing, and gateway appliances with zone-based firewalls to secure your perimeter. Use one product or combine them for layered protection, easy setup, and a strict zero-log policy.

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LLM nudges: The hidden force behind AI-driven journeys

LLM nudges- The hidden force behind AI-driven journeys

LLMs have become a starting point for nearly everything — work, play, consumerism, health, and more.

But one thing gets overlooked: how they finish answering prompts. They don’t — and that matters.

They operate in a “no, you hang up first” mentality. The prompts we enter don’t just end. LLMs “nudge” us to continue the conversation, offering to take the next step.

“Would you like me to create that travel itinerary for you?” “Would you like me to compare the Nike and New Balance running shoes and tell you which is best for a marathon?”

These nudges make it easy to keep going. Most of the time, I enter “sure” or “sounds good. Thank you,” and move to the next step to see what it provides.

These nudges drive consumer behavior. Where LLMs take us matters.

If you’re a premium brand and the LLM suggests a price comparison, you may not like it, but you need to understand it so you can react.

We analyzed how different LLMs use these nudges across prompts and platforms to understand the patterns shaping user behavior — and what they signal for brands trying to stay in control of the journey.

What LLM nudges actually look like across platforms

Budget and deals dominate

LLMs provide different types of follow-up suggestions. Overall, 45% of mentions are budget- and deal-related. While not evenly distributed, budgets and deals are treated as the default of what consumers want to see. 

Perplexity and ChatGPT are over 60% budgets and deals. Meta is the only one that doesn’t make that assumption at the same level.

Comparisons drive the next step

The second biggest recommendation type is product comparisons. LLMs offer to compare various products, including financial services products, health treatments, and retail products. All industries see suggestions for comparisons.

Specs play a minor role

Another key point: much of the current thinking urges you to provide LLMs with detailed technical specs. But those make up a small share of these suggestions. That doesn’t mean content lacks ranking value — it does — but it’s not how LLMs usually extend conversations with users.

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How each platform uses nudges differently

We also analyzed the dominant nudge style across platforms. Each LLM uses a distinct tone when continuing the conversation. How these systems guide users forward reflects the personalities they present.

PlatformDominant nudge styleKey characteristic
ChatGPT“If you want…”Heavy commerce focus: Primarily nudges toward deals and product comparisons.
Microsoft Copilot“If you tell me…”Interactive/clarifying: Frequently asks for more user data to refine its recommendation.
Google Gemini“Would you like me…”Polite and permission-based: Exclusively uses this formal invitation to continue helping.
Perplexity“I can help…” / “If you’d like…”Service-oriented: Uses more varied phrasing to offer utility and assistance.
Meta AI“Let me know…”Casual and passive: Primarily nudges toward product comparisons and specs with a less aggressive, “standing by” tone.

What actions to take based on AI nudges

These nudges are designed to keep the conversation going and push users to explore further. They drive consumer behavior and shape the customer journey.

Over time, we’ll be able to better optimize for them as more data becomes available. For now, insights are limited to individual responses, with no way to connect conversations.

The actions to take fall into three buckets, mostly tied to the content you create across onsite and offsite channels:

  • Capitalize on the “support” gap
    • Proactive nudges for troubleshooting and support are significantly lower than commerce-driven themes. 
    • Own the post-purchase “how-to” and technical support space to build long-term authority where AI is currently less aggressive.
  • Prioritize the “comparison” hook
    • LLMs consistently nudge users toward comparative analysis. 
    • Double down on “Product A vs. Product B” guides to capture the AI’s primary next step.
  • Maximize the “budget and deals” opportunity
    • Pricing and discounts are the No. 1 driver of AI nudges (48% of all triggers).
    • Maintain structured, real-time deal data to ensure your site is the preferred destination for AI commerce referrals.

The LLM landscape will keep evolving quickly as these platforms become the primary interface for consumer research and decision-making. Your priority now is to understand how LLMs talk about your brand and how those conversational nudges affect users.

By analyzing these automated suggestions across platforms like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, organizations can see how consumers are being directed — whether toward budget-friendly alternatives, product comparisons, or technical specifications.

Recognizing these patterns lets you move from passive observation to action, keeping your value proposition clear even when an LLM reframes the conversation around price or competitors.

Tracking this shift is key to maintaining brand authority as AI-driven interactions shape the customer journey.

CPU-Z and HWMonitor have been hit by malware – CPUID responds

CPUID has been hit by a malware attack, and CPU-Z/HWMonitor downloads were affected CPUID, the group behind CPU-Z and HWMonitor, were hit by a malware attack between April 9th and April 10th. The attack took place for “approximately six hours” and caused the website to display malicious links that would cause users to download malware. […]

The post CPU-Z and HWMonitor have been hit by malware – CPUID responds appeared first on OC3D.

Microsoft Starts Removing Copilot from Notepad, Snipping Tool, and More in Windows 11

Microsoft's Copilot AI has generated significant negative sentiment among Windows 11 users, to the extent that even Microsoft has recognized the need to scale back some of the Copilot functionality it has long promoted. According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has updated core Windows applications such as Notepad and Snipping Tool. In March 2025, Microsoft added Copilot to Notepad, updating the note-taking application to integrate Copilot AI for rewrites, summaries, and other AI-related text features. However, as users grew weary of the persistent AI push, Microsoft put these integrations under review earlier this year. In response to strong backlash from the enthusiast community, Microsoft has removed the Copilot AI icon from the latest versions of Notepad and Snipping Tool, restoring them to their regular look. However, Microsoft now calls these Notepad features like rewrite and summarize as "Writing tools."

This change is a significant positive step by Microsoft. Additionally, the forced inclusion of the Copilot AI button in every application has been paused, as there has been minimal interest from users in utilizing these features. The TechPowerUp Forums have been a consistent source of criticism against Microsoft's forced AI integration, with a large community of PC enthusiasts opposing the "AI everywhere" approach. The Redmond-based company is also working on numerous performance, security, and other enhancements for Windows 11, and we are already beginning to see some of these changes. Considering that Microsoft has 80 Copilot apps and services, this is not a thing to take lightly.

Below is the before and after comparison with the Copilot AI removed, courtesy of Windows Latest.

(PR) Yunzii Adds Choco Blue Variant to C75 Cake Mechanical Keyboard Series

A cake keyboard isn't complete without a choco flavor. Meet the all-new YUNZII C75 Cake Keyboard in its Choco colorway—blending rich chocolate tones with refreshing blue accents to bring both energy and sweetness to your desktop setup.

Cute Cake Keyboard 75% Layout
The new YUNZII C75 cute mechanical keyboard is a delightful addition to any desk. Featuring a compact 75% layout, it combines functionality with a playful, colorful design. With wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity, plus a creamy typing sound, it's perfect as a gift or for elevating your home, office, or gaming setup.

M5 MacBook Pro Brings An Incredible ‘Price To Performance’ Ratio To The Table As Amazon Slashes $200 From The Total, Bringing It Down To $1,400

Apple's 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro now packs incredible value, thanks to Amazon's $200 discount

The newest price cut observed by Amazon brings Apple’s 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro closer to an incredibly well-rounded machine that’s easier on the wallet because of the $200 discount. Now, you don’t just get a powerful portable Mac with 16GB of unified RAM, but the memory is paired with a 512GB SSD, all for $1,400. Now, is this a steal of a deal or what? The latest price plunge is the highest applied to the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, but the discount is only available on the Space Black version For the majority of users, the 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/m5-macbook-pro-drops-to-1400-on-amazon-thanks-to-200-discount/

RAM And SSDs Sell For Thousands Of Dollars At Micro Center Even As Inventory Remains Full

A display case containing various G.SKILL RAM modules and WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSDs, with the SSDs prominently labeled as '4TB' and '7300 MB/s,' showing a price tag of $1,272.99 for one item.

Talk about the shortage? Micro Center seems to have plenty of memory and storage drives, but the volatile market keeps pushing the prices up. Micro Center Packed With SSDs And RAM Spotted Selling 2 TB SSD At $699, And 128 GB DDR5 Memory Kit At A Whopping $4199 Looks like some retailers have enough for their inventories, but you still can't escape the inflated prices. Micro Center is one of the major retailers in the US, and it usually prices its products pretty well. While you will mostly find cheaper hardware in the store, RAM and SSD remain out of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/ram-and-ssds-sell-for-thousands-of-dollars-at-micro-center-even-as-inventory-remains-full/

Samsung’s 2nm Process Has Yet To Reach Qualcomm’s Required Benchmark, Making It Difficult To Reduce Dependency On TSMC

Qualcomm wants a dual-sourcing approach with Samsung, but only if the latter improves its 2nm process

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro are expected to be exclusively mass produced on TSMC’s 2nm ‘N2P’ process, making it yet another year where Qualcomm and Samsung cannot come to terms on becoming partners. To be fair, it’s not the San Diego firm’s fault, as a new report states that even the Korean giant’s 2nm GAA node is running into stability issues, to the point that the technology cannot reach the desired benchmark. These limitations have apparently created a rift between the two companies, preventing them from forming a long-term foundry business. With the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-2nm-process-not-satisfied-qualcomm-quality-benchmark/

Anthropic's Claude Mythos isn't a sentient super-hacker, it's a sales pitch — claims of 'thousands' of severe zero-days rely on just 198 manual reviews

Anthropic has convened America's big tech companies and the U.S. government to deal with the many bugs and vulnerabilities its new AI found, but this may be just the latest attempt by Anthropic to scare people into thinking its AI is the solution to its own discovered problems.

Score the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and an Asus X870E gaming motherboard for under $990 in this epic Newegg bundle — $200 saving brings the RAM cost down to just $196, with an AIO cooler and game thrown in for free

This seriously good Newegg combo deal combines the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM, and an Asus TUF Gaming X870E motherboard for just $989.98, bringing the cost of the RAM down to a just $196 and saving you over $200 as a result.

Paid media efficiency: How to cut waste and improve ROAS

Paid media cut waste

We’re being pushed harder than ever — expected to hit bigger revenue targets with the same or smaller PPC budgets. Even with flat budgets, rising platform costs mean we’re effectively facing a budget cut.

  • Average CPCs have risen by as much as 40%, with an average of 3.74%, per Wordstream. Certain periods, such as Black Friday, see much higher increases.
  • Teams are experiencing budget cuts, with average marketing budgets flatlining at 7.7%, according to Gartner.
  • Our own account audits show that 20-30% of most accounts’ spend is quietly underperforming.

This is the reality of paid media in 2026. But it isn’t all bad news. Efficiency isn’t just about spending less, it’s about spending smarter. Here’s how to find the waste, fix the fundamentals, and get maximum return from every dollar you invest.

Why efficiency has become the priority

Paid media has shifted dramatically over the last few years, with a greater focus on automation, which has led to hidden data. In parallel, businesses are freezing or reducing budgets while expanding revenue targets, and we’re seeing inflation hit CPCs across most industries, with accounts across our portfolio averaging 10% increases year on year, depending on the industry.

With the expansion into AI-driven automation, this has pushed us further into smart bidding strategies, meaning that where CPCs are rising, you have to be clever with the levers you pull to curtail or minimize these increases.

Meanwhile, customers are spreading their attention across more platforms than ever before, switching between screens and devices, and frequently double-screening.

The question for many businesses is no longer “how do we spend more?” but “how do we get maximum return from every dollar we spend?” Getting that answer right starts with an honest look at where money is being lost.

Auditing for waste: The 20-30% rule

One of the most important (and uncomfortable) truths in paid media is that aggregate metrics hide wasted spend in plain sight.

  • A campaign with a 600% ROAS average might have a single product consuming 20% of the budget at just 300%.
  • An untouched search term report can contain dozens of irrelevant queries burning through spend, especially when broad match keywords or Performance Max campaigns are in play.
  • Settings or targeting that made sense when you first launched your campaigns may not do so now. Consumer behavior shifts, and business objectives develop and change over time. Are your ROAS targets still reflective, for example?

Common waste zones to investigate include:

  • Zero-conversion products or keywords.
  • Low ROAS/CPL outliers.
  • High spend, low ROAS/CPL.

Zero-conversion products or keywords

Products or keywords that receive spend but generate no conversions are generally loss-making. Before drawing this conclusion, apply impression, click, and spend thresholds to ensure sufficient data. 

If a product or keyword has surpassed your target, look to stop spend in these areas. You also want to assess for seasonality and review other contributing factors such as:

  • Search term relevance.
  • Checkout funnels.
  • Competitive advantage.

Low ROAS/CPL outliers

Products consistently below your viable ROAS/CPL threshold are often hidden within blended campaign performance. Use performance bucketing, and set more aggressive targets to control spend and CPCs for these areas.

High spend, low ROAS/CPL

High visibility with low return is a common and costly pattern. Optimize your product feed, and apply more aggressive targets to bring these in line. Again, these products will benefit from implementing product bucketing.

Wastage breakdown by category

Beyond products, a thorough audit should cover:

  • Account-level settings (such as content suitability, scheduling, landing page quality, and device performance).
  • Campaign-level detail (including search term reports, cannibalization, negative keyword coverage, bid strategy alignment, and asset performance). 

AI tools can significantly accelerate this analysis. Feeding your data into a well-prompted model can surface patterns that would take hours to identify manually. AI can also help visualize data more clearly and break it down into manageable, easy-to-understand segments.

Full-funnel thinking: Where should your budget sit?

When budgets are tight, funnel prioritization becomes critical. Not all spend is equal, and the hierarchy matters.

Conversion (retargeting, branded terms, exact match)

This is where the highest intent and highest return live. Protect this budget as much as you can, but also assess whether other channels can pick up some of this slack. For example:

  • Do you need to spend on brand searches, or can you capture this organically? 
  • Can you re-engage better through email?

Consideration (generic search, shopping, social)

For established brands, this is where the majority of the budget will sit, supporting the pipeline. These users have an active need for your product, and you should prioritize appearing for these searches/users. Again, consider the need for paid ads. 

  • If you are strong organically, with low competition, can you cut back? 
  • Which keywords and products is your budget best spent promoting?

Awareness (social, display, video, audio)

Valuable for long-term brand building, but is usually the first area to be trimmed when budgets are under pressure. 

You should try to maintain a level of branding, or you end up passing the issues down the road, as you are unable to build a future pipeline. In Google Ads, campaign types like Performance Max allow full-funnel targeting.

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Creative is a must-have, not a nice-to-have

Creative is no longer just a brand awareness nice-to-have. It’s directly correlated to campaign success.

Google and Meta campaigns rely heavily on creative variation to test and optimize. Without sufficient variants, the system runs out of testing capability, and performance plateaus over time as frequency increases.

Campaign types such as Performance Max (Google Ads), GMV Max (TikTok), and Advantage+ (Meta) are heavily restricted without sufficient creative. This results in inefficient spending.

  • Variety is a system requirement: Platforms need multiple creative variations to identify what works for each auction, audience, and placement. If you don’t supply enough variety, you risk performance decline.
  • Fatigue is accelerating: With AI-generated content flooding the digital landscape, audiences are tiring of ads faster than ever. For most categories, refreshing creative at least every four to six weeks is now the baseline.
  • Quality beats quantity: Variation is valuable, but one clear, well-crafted message will outperform ten low-quality. Know the purpose of each ad, and who it’s for before.

AI can support creative production, but strong messaging and strategic clarity still matter most.

Attribution and measurement: Getting honest about what works

Platform attribution has become more fragmented and broken over the years, but many advertisers are unsure how to address this and move forward.

Elements such as cross-device behaviors, iOS privacy changes, consent mode, and GDPR, modeled data, plus the platform’s bias toward claiming conversion credit mean that in-platform numbers should be treated as optimization signals, and not sources of truth.

Using blended metrics gives a cleaner picture of actual efficiency, and can help you establish how your paid media efforts are working:

  • Marketing efficiency ratio (MER): Total revenue divided by total ad spend. A single, honest view of overall paid media efficiency.
  • New customer acquisition cost (nCAC): Total spend divided by the number of new customers acquired. Shifts focus from retention to business growth.
  • CLV:CAC ratio: Sets a strategic ceiling on customer acquisition costs. A ratio of 3:1 or above is the benchmark to aim for.

Building a reliable measurement framework follows a clear sequence: fix your base tracking first, build a blended view of performance, use in-platform data for optimization signals only, and apply incrementality testing when making significant budget decisions.

Incrementality testing allows you to use treatment and holdout groups to clearly establish whether a new campaign or platform launch, for example, has added incremental value.

Automation and AI: Efficiency with guardrails

AI and automation offer real efficiency gains, but only when applied with thought and control. The biggest mistake is automating decisions that require strategic judgment, or removing human oversight from areas where context matters.

Safe to automate:

  • Bidding strategies.
  • Budget pacing alerts.
  • Data-backed budget adjustments.
  • Product labeling and exclusions.
  • Scheduled reporting and data visualization.
  • Competitor ad monitoring.

Keep human oversight:

  • Channel strategy.
  • Audience targeting.
  • Creative strategy.
  • Targets and KPIs.
  • Campaign launches.
  • Interpreting significant performance changes.

Scripts for product bucketing are a particularly high-value area of automation. Automatically labeling products based on performance criteria allows for continuous, data-driven management without manual intervention.

Scripts for product bucketing

Performance Max: When to use it (and when not to)

PMax works well when you have a strong product feed, sufficient conversion volume, high-quality assets, clear audience signals, an appropriate budget, and effective conversion measurement in place.

Without these conditions, the risks can be high, and can hide troublesome metrics among the averages. This can include:

  • Cannibalization of brand search.
  • Over-indexing on existing customers.
  • Loss of product-level control.

Get the foundations right before leaning into automation.

Getting the most from AI bidding strategies

Choosing the right bidding strategy matters as much as setting it up correctly:

StrategyWhen to useWatch out for
Target ROAS30+ conversions/month with a clear ROAS targetToo high throttles spend; too low creates wasted traffic
Target CPALead generation, where dynamic revenue isn’t trackedWorks best with consistent CPA; wrong targets cause delivery to spiral
Maximize Conversion ValueWhen you lack sufficient data to set a ROAS targetNo bid ceiling, monitor CPCs and budget closely
Maximize ClicksUpper funnel only, where traffic volume is the goalIgnores the bottom of the funnel entirely

The highest-leverage moves for paid media efficiency

If your paid media budget is under pressure, the highest-leverage moves are:

  • Run a waste audit: Find the 20-30% that’s underperforming.
  • Protect lower-funnel spend: Conversion-focused campaigns should be the last to be cut.
  • Refresh creative more frequently: Creative fatigue is costing performance in ways that aren’t always visible in the numbers.
  • Move to blended measurement: Get honest about what’s working across channels, not just within platform dashboards.
  • Automate selectively: Use AI for what it does well, and keep human judgment where it counts.

Done well, efficiency can give you a competitive advantage, and it’s available to any team willing to look honestly at where their spend is actually going.

How to take your marketing measurement from crawl to sprint

Marketing measurement crawl walk run sprint

Measurement is the foundation for everything we do in performance marketing. Without accurate measurement, what we recommend, implement, and optimize is, at best, guesswork. Maintaining accurate measurement is more challenging than ever — and getting harder. 

Regulatory crackdowns and increased privacy concerns, alongside longer multi-touch journeys, are compounding to create a measurement crisis. Brands still using decade-old tactics won’t be able to overcome modern measurement challenges.

If your brand falls into this category, it’s time to rebuild your measurement foundation — from integrating first-party data (crawl), to creating cross-channel reporting for actionable insights (walk), to advanced media mix modeling (MMM) and incrementality testing for true incremental media lift (run).

The crawl: Building a first-party data foundation

Without integration of first-party data into your performance marketing channels, you’re fully reliant on third-party signals. While these metrics can be helpful, they’re surface-level signals and don’t show how channels impact your business goals

Audience integration

The first step is integrating your customer relationship management (CRM) data into your paid media platforms. This includes:

  • Remarketing to abandoners.
  • Creating exclusion lists for current subscribers or recent purchasers.
  • Compiling priority contact lists. 

You might be uploading lists today, but integration improves targeting by connecting to up-to-date audience lists for media platform targeting.

Offline-conversion tracking

For lead gen businesses, the next recommended step is setting up offline conversion tracking (OCT). It shows the bottom-line impact of your media on sales. The integration passes sales data back to the platforms for campaign attribution. 

With OCT in place, you can optimize for lower-funnel, higher-quality conversion steps in the sales cycle or even begin optimizing toward revenue to improve your return on ad spend.

Setup is simple. You add a click ID to your form and then pass it from the platform to your CRM. Most of the top CRMs today, like Salesforce, integrate directly with platforms for easy implementation.

Server-side tracking and consent mode

To gain momentum from crawl to walk requires a heavier uplift, shifting from client-side tracking to server-side tracking.

Client-side tracking is the default process for passing conversion signals from your website to your media platforms. The user’s web browser sends that signal, allowing for cookie loss, ad blockers, or strict browsers like Safari to muddy the signals and reduce data accuracy.

With server-side tracking, instead of relying on the user’s browser, you use a dedicated tagging server to capture signals from your website and send them directly to the platforms. This bypasses browser-based tracking and relies on your first-party data. It keeps your data accurate and resilient as privacy restrictions increase and cookies disappear.

You have two main integration methods:

  • Partner integration is the simpler option, as it uses pre-built connectors for setup through partners like Shopify, Tealium, Google Tag Manager, or similar platforms.
  • Direct API is code-heavy and for complex data or custom backends, and requires a developer team to build it. 

How you set up server-side tracking depends on the paid media channels you use, your tech stack, and your integration method. Both options require a dedicated cloud hosting server, which adds cost, but it’s worth it to better understand your media investment.

The walk: Cross-channel reporting integration

With a stronger measurement foundation in place, the next step is to break down platform silos and see the full ecosystem.

Going beyond last click

With server-side tracking in place, you’ve created a clean data pipeline. Last-click and first-click attribution give full credit to the first or final step, ignoring the full-funnel path a user takes.

Platforms offer advanced attribution models, like Google’s data-driven attribution, but they still favor and silo data within their own platforms. For example, a user clicks a Meta ad, then searches and converts on a Google ad. In this case, each platform claims the conversion.

The solution is to use a data warehouse, such as BigQuery or Snowflake, to centralize your data from your website, CRM, and other platforms. From there, you can apply custom logic to build a multi-touch attribution model that stitches your data together using your first-party identifiers to see the full journey and attribute across the ecosystem.

Unified reporting dashboards

With evolved attribution, a unified reporting dashboard will merge the platform performance data (views, clicks, impressions, etc.) with your integrated first-party conversion data (using server-side tracking and advanced attribution). There are many dashboard builders — the easiest being Looker Studio, as it integrates directly with BigQuery and Snowflake, making it effectively plug-and-play. 

With a dashboard in place, you can now visualize the data across the funnel to gain actionable insights into which platforms are driving volume, converting, and impacting your bottom line. 

The run: Media mix modeling and incrementality testing

You now have a detailed, day-to-day view of performance of user-level events and insights. But key questions remain.

  • How do you know if a channel has room for more growth? 
  • How do you measure offline performance like a TV ad? 
  • How do you know if a tactic is working? 

Understand the full impact of your media investment and tactics at a macro level requires media mix modeling and incrementality testing.

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The holistic view through MMM

Think of MMM as your compass guiding strategy. It provides a holistic, mathematical source of truth for your paid media investments by measuring the relationship between your media inputs and business outcomes (revenue or leads) over time.

This isn’t a day-to-day tool. You typically use it on a 3-, 6-, or 12-month cycle, depending on your data volume, and it requires 2+ years of data to account for seasonality and promotions. The model then runs a regression analysis to determine the relationship between your inputs and business outcomes.

With MMM, you get channel-agnostic insights that remove platform bias. It helps you answer key questions about diminishing returns, budget allocation, and the impact of upper-funnel investment on revenue. That clarity helps you make smarter decisions for the next quarter, half, or year so your marketing dollars drive maximum impact.

Pulse checks with incrementality testing

Incrementality testing validates both MMM and your marketing efforts. It measures a single tactic or channel by splitting your audience into two groups: a test group that sees the tactic and a control group that does not. It compares results between the groups, with the difference representing incremental lift.

You can split test and control groups using user-level holdouts, individual-level tracking, or geo-level holdouts when individual tracking isn’t possible. It answers a core question: if a user didn’t see the ad, would they have converted anyway?

This shows the true lift of a specific platform or tactic and helps you decide whether to stop bidding on brand terms for existing customers. It can also calibrate your MMM.

For example, if MMM reports paid social drives $1 million in revenue, but an incrementality test shows lift closer to $500,000, you can feed that back into the MMM to improve future forecasts.

The sprint: Clean, integrated, and validated first-party data

With first-party data integrated through server-side tracking, cross-channel reporting, and custom attribution, you’ve built a strong measurement foundation.

Guided by MMM and validated with incrementality testing, you’re ready to sprint — with a system that helps you make better decisions and clearly show the impact of every investment.

Microsoft removes Copilot from several Windows 11 apps

Microsoft has officially removed Copilot from several Windows 11 applications The newest Windows 11 Insider build has removed Copilot branding from several applications, including Notepad and the Snipping Tool. This is part of Microsoft’s plan to walk back on some of its unnecessary Copilot integrations. While Notepad’s newest version no longer includes a Copilot button, […]

The post Microsoft removes Copilot from several Windows 11 apps appeared first on OC3D.

Browser Extensions Are the New AI Consumption Channel That No One Is Talking About

While much of the discussion on AI security centers around protecting ‘shadow’ AI and GenAI consumption, there's a wide-open window nobody's guarding: AI browser extensions.  A new report from LayerX exposes just how deep this blind spot goes, and why AI extensions may be the most dangerous AI threat surface in your network that isn't on anyone's 

Marimo RCE Flaw CVE-2026-39987 Exploited Within 10 Hours of Disclosure

A critical security vulnerability in Marimo, an open-source Python notebook for data science and analysis, has been exploited within 10 hours of public disclosure, according to findings from Sysdig. The vulnerability in question is CVE-2026-39987 (CVSS score: 9.3), a pre-authenticated remote code execution vulnerability impacting all versions of Marimo prior to and including

(PR) ASUS Announces ZenMouse MD202

ASUS today announced ZenMouse MD202, a refined wireless mouse that features a Ceraluminum top cover that provides a unique tactile surface offering exceptional aesthetics and durability.

Dual-mode Bluetooth and wireless 2.4 GHz connectivity allows for seamless workflows, enabling ZenMouse to support up to four devices simultaneously. In addition, the Track-on-Glass sensor ensures smooth, pinpoint control on almost any surface. A built-in rechargeable battery delivers long-lasting performance and offers USB-C fast-charging. Users can also use the MyASUS app to create personalized control shortcuts and adjust mouse sensitivity levels to adapt to various workflows.

The Real Test for PC Buyers Starts This Quarter, Says IDC, as Wider Market Shifts Coupled With Shortages Start to Bite in the Market

A high-end gaming PC featuring an ASUS ROG Strix graphics card with triple fans inside a ROG branded case with LED lighting.

The PC industry is entering a 'tough period', as IDC warns that the upcoming quarters could be very difficult for both vendors and customers, due to the current market conditions. PC Shipments Did See a Modest Growth In Q1, Driven By Buyer Interest to Get Protection From the Upcoming Price Hikes The consumer market has been difficult to navigate for the past few months, as shortages of key components like CPUs, GPUs, memory, and SSDs have prompted retailers to hike prices, giving the impression that the shortages have been factored in. However, OEMs have now held off on price hikes […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/the-real-test-for-pc-buyers-starts-this-quarter/

Popular Monitor Utilities, CPU-Z And HWMonitor, Have Been Infected With Malware

A fiery background with the text 'HWMonitor MALWARE!' beneath a warning sign and a skull icon, depicting a potential malware issue with the 'HWMonitor 1.63.exe' from cpuid.com.

Two of the most popular hardware monitoring utilities have been compromised as they have been flagged by Anti-Viruses with malware. HWMonitor 1.63 and CPU-Z Download Flagged as Malware; Users Report Unexpected Installer and Antivirus Warnings Some concerning reports regarding popular hardware monitor tools, HWMonitor and CPU-Z, have been surfacing on social media. According to the reports, users who are attempting to download their latest versions are receiving a suspicious installer flagged by Antivirus software. This raises concerns and puts millions of devices at risk as the download channels appear to have been compromised. The issue first surfaced on Reddit, where […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/latest-cpu-z-and-hwmonitor-software-versions-have-been-infected-with-malware/

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review – Accomplished Craftmanship, Copious Callbacks

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Like its predecessor, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie seems destined to go down as one of this year's most divisive films, which is kind of odd when you think about it. These generally inoffensive crowd-pleasing movies based on a near-universally-beloved IP, carefully shepherded by Shigeru Miyamoto himself, probably shouldn't be getting folks so riled up, and yet! Following in the footsteps of 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, professional reviews for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie have been witheringly negative, and to listen to some folks, the flick represents nothing less than the demise of cinema. An egregious example of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-review/

Dune Awakening Pivots to PvE-First, Confirms Self-Hosted Servers and 2026 Console Launch

The image shows the 'Dune: Awakening Developer Update April 2026' title with a futuristic aircraft hovering over a desert landscape.

Dune Awakening developer Funcom has outlined some major changes coming to the game soon. First and foremost, there's the fact that the game is essentially pivoting to be PvE-first. Funcom said that over 80% of the game's players engaged only with Player-versus-Environment content, forcing the studio to rethink the existing convergence of PvE and PvP towards optional PvP. Starting in Patch 1.3.20.0, the following changes will be introduced to Dune Awakening: Another big news is that the long-requested self-hosted servers are finally on the way. The initial iteration, which will soon be available for testing, will require a few extra […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/dune-awakening-pivots-pve-first-self-hosted-servers/

‘It’s Not $1000’: PlayStation 6 Manufacturing Data Analysis Highlights How Tariffs Are The Only Real Threat To Pricing

A PlayStation console with blue LED lights is displayed next to the 'PS6 PlayStation.6' logo.

Due to current trade and economic tensions, the price of all computer hardware has been on the rise, including gaming systems such as the PlayStation 5, whose price has once again been increased this month worldwide. Due to these price increases, it has been heavily speculated that the PlayStation 6 will launch at a high price; however, according to an in-depth analysis of manufacturing data conducted by Moore's Law is Dead, the system's price will be pushed close to the $1000 range only if tariffs remain in place and if the current trade tensions do not ease up by the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/its-not-1000-playstation-6-price-manufacturing-data-tariffs/

US cybersecurity agency issues an urgent alert as Iranian hackers attack critical infrastructure — CISA guidance warns organizations to immediately shield certain programmable logic controllers from the internet to thwart future attacks

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in conjunction with the FBI and NSA, have issued an alert that Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks are threatening critical infrastructure, exploiting programmable logic controllers made by Rockwell Automation and Allen-Bradley to gain access.

Inspection Logging – Unify facility inspections, repairs, and compliance across sites


Inspection Logging centralizes multi-site facility inspections, asset records, repairs, certificates, and reminders in a single system. Teams can set up locations, assign assets, run mobile checklists, attach evidence, and generate polished PDF reports for audits. Managers see what’s current, due, or overdue in real time, with role-based access and QR labels for fast lookups. Standardize fire protection, life safety, elevators, fleets, and more, add custom services, and keep immutable history with exports and audit logs.

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(PR) Razer Unveils Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed Gaming Earbuds

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed, gaming earbuds engineered for players who move between devices and demand uncompromising audio performance wherever they play. Designed for modern gaming setups, the Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed lets gamers switch between ultra‑low‑latency 2.4 GHz Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth 6.0, delivering a streamlined experience across compatible mobile devices, PCs, handhelds, and more - all without sacrificing speed, stability, or immersion.

Ultra Low Latency Audio. Wherever, Whenever.
Powered by Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, the Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed delivers gaming‑grade 2.4 GHz audio with fast response and reliable performance, keeping sound perfectly in sync during intense gameplay. For everyday use or Bluetooth‑enabled devices, Bluetooth 6.0 offers lower latency, improved power efficiency, and greater stability in crowded wireless environments - ideal for seamless transitions between gaming and daily listening.

Phantom Blade Zero Dev Appears to Pull DLSS 5 Support: ‘No AI Visual Tech That Alters Our Artists’ Intent’

On the left, a character with a straw hat and sword from the game 'Phantom Blade Zero' by S-Game is visible; on the right, a realistic female character stands in an urban setting with the text 'DLSS 5 On' at the bottom.

This morning, Phantom Blade Zero Game Director Liang Qiwei (known to the public as Soulframe) posted a lengthy letter on X about the studio's commitment to human artistry and creative expression over AI-generated content. Above all, though, it seems like the studio is quietly withdrawing support for the new NVIDIA DLSS 5 technology. Phantom Blade Zero was and still is officially listed among the first games to support NVIDIA DLSS 5, alongside AION 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Black State, CINDER CITY, Delta Force, Hogwarts Legacy, Justice, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, NTE: Neverness to Everness, Resident Evil Requiem, Sea of Remnants, Starfield, The […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/phantom-blade-zero-dlss-5-withdrawal-ai-visual-tech-artists-intent/

Crimson Desert to Get Difficulty Settings, Boss Rematches, and More in Upcoming Updates

A detailed interior scene from the game Crimson Desert with displayed text 'DEV UPDATE' showcasing an ornate medieval library featuring stacks of books and a central stone monument.

Following the first few patches, which focused mainly on bug fixes, Pearl Abyss has now outlined a brief roadmap of new content and feature additions coming to Crimson Desert between this month and June. To begin with, the South Korean developer will be adding difficulty settings to the game. Players will be able to choose between the three traditional presets of Easy, Normal, and Hard, therefore customizing their experience to be more or less challenging. Crimson Desert players will also be able to challenge bosses again and again after defeating them, thanks to the "boss rematch" feature. The goal, said […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/crimson-desert-difficulty-settings-boss-rematches-update/

Trivana – Turn any topic into an AI-hosted, shareable gameshow in seconds


Trivana turns any topic into an AI-hosted gameshow with Smart Host, an answer-aware voice engine where seven AI hosts celebrate correct answers, roast wrong ones, and deliver unique reactions per question. Drop a URL, PDF, or topic to get a fully voiced gameshow in under two minutes. Players join via a link with no signup required. Use it for corporate training, classrooms, events, or creator communities. Over 2,000 games were created in the first week. A free tier is available, with Creator Pro and Teams plans offering advanced features.

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InQery – Ask your database in any language with schema-aware agentic AI


InQery is an AI-enabled IDE for databases that lets you ask questions in natural language and returns dialect-correct SQL and results. It understands your schemas, reasons across tables, and saves every query with SQL, context, and outputs. You can run in-chat analyses and charts via Python in secure containers, use a Monaco-based SQL editor and workbooks, and connect to PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Azure SQL, Oracle, and Snowflake, including private networks via the InQery Connection Agent with mTLS.

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Google Rolls Out DBSC in Chrome 146 to Block Session Theft on Windows

Google has made Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC) generally available to all Windows users of its Chrome web browser, months after it began testing the security feature in open beta. The public availability is currently limited to Windows users on Chrome 146, with macOS expansion planned in an upcoming Chrome release. "This project represents a significant

Backdoored Smart Slider 3 Pro Update Distributed via Compromised Nextend Servers

Unknown threat actors have hijacked the update system for the Smart Slider 3 Pro plugin for WordPress and Joomla to push a poisoned version containing a backdoor. The incident impacts Smart Slider 3 Pro version 3.5.1.35 for WordPress, per WordPress security company Patchstack. Smart Slider 3 is a popular WordPress slider plugin with more than 800,000 active installations across its free and Pro 

(PR) MSI Launches Cubi NUC TWG Series Ultra-Compact Mini PC

MSI has officially announced the Cubi NUC TWG Series, a compact mini PC designed to deliver reliable performance and versatile connectivity for modern workplaces. With a 0.55-liter chassis and a thickness of just 40.1 mm, the Cubi NUC TWG provides essential computing power in a space-efficient design, making it ideal for offices, retail environments, kiosks, and digital signage. Powered by the Intel Processor N Series, the Cubi NUC TWG Series offers energy-efficient performance for everyday business workloads while maintaining a small footprint for space-constrained environments.

Keychron Launches K3 Max SE QMK Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard To Match Ultra 8K Variant

Keychron recently launched the K3 Ultra and K3 HE wireless, low-profile mechanical and TMR keyboards on Kickstarter, both featuring the same plastic, metal, and wood construction and slated for a full launch around June. However, if you're looking to get in on the low-profile action and don't mind losing some of the specialty features of the K3 HE and Ultra, Keychron has just announced the K3 Max SE, a new QMK-powered keyboard that features a nearly identical design to the K3 Ultra. Unlike the K3 Ultra and HE, the K3 Max SE is available as of the time of writing for a relatively affordable $104.99 on the Keychron store, which is $5 cheaper than the pre-order price of the K3 Ultra and $15 cheaper than the HE.

Obviously, the K3 Max SE doesn't have the same analog input features as the K3 HE, but it is nearly identical to the K3 Ultra but for one small distinction—the battery life and firmware. The K3 Max SE is a traditional QMK keyboard, like Keychron's traditional Max keyboards have long been, while the K3 Ultra is part of Keychron's move to ZMK firmware, which is known to be significantly more efficient than QMK. The end result is that, while the K3 Ultra and K3 Max SE have the same battery capacity of 1,550 mAh, the K3 Ultra is rated for 550 hours on a charge, and the K3 Max SE is only rated for 120 hours. The other measurable difference between the two is that the K3 Ultra has 8 kHz polling, where the K3 Max SE tops out at 1 kHz—not that this is particularly important on a mechanical keyboard, anyway.

Replica – Copy curated portfolios and own tokenized stocks directly


Replica lets you copy curated, long-term portfolios and own the underlying stocks as tokenized assets held in your personal vault. It focuses on portfolio-level replication, transparent allocations, and direct ownership without broker lock-in. Invest with fractional shares, review complete holdings, and copy with one click. Built on regulated custody, Replica charges usage-based copy, management, and performance fees aligned with outcomes.

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Tales of an Image – A platform to capture, organize, and decode visual inspiration.


Tales of an Image is the visual workspace curators never had. Capture images from any website with a double-click — no screenshots, no downloads, no switching tabs. Organize into collections, build shareable vision boards, and run Reveal to decode the creative story behind what you've saved. Color palettes, style profiles, aligned creators, and curated recommendations — one click turns a collection into a creative brief. Desktop only — Chrome browser required.

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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Gets Steam Deck Verified With Patch 1.3

Like many single-player games, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has been playable on the Steam Deck since it launched on PC, earning itself a Gold rating on ProtonDB, however, there have been user complaints on ProtonDB about poor text legibility, UI scaling issues, and performance and stability. According to the game's latest patch 1.3 notes published on the game's Steam Store page, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is now verified for Steam Deck. Players have tools like XeSS, FSR 3, and the proprietary Pico upscaler, as well as frame generation, in order to improve motion smoothness in the game.

[Editor's note: Our in-depth performance review of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is now live]

The other update notes include performance improvements, stability and bug fixes—specifically hitching and frame drops when using the sniper rifle—and minor graphics related bugs. The update notes also mention implementing "various input and user interface related improvements and bug fixes," some of which may be responsible for the game's Steam Deck Verified status, along with a number of changes that have been mentioned in prior game updates. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach's "Portable Mode" is designed for systems like gaming handhelds, but tests still reveal that the game dips below 30 FPS in some situations.

bluePROmpts – Ship software faster as agents generate code, tests, docs, and videos


bluePROmpts is middleware that connects AI agents like Cowork and OpenClaw to a built-in Claude Code engine to plan and ship software. It offers 102 MCP operations to create projects, epics, stories, generate code and Playwright tests, produce documentation, and render tutorial videos. The system learns from your codebase via RAG to reduce token spend over time and supports local deploy previews, reusable templates, and full audit trails with enterprise-grade security and compliance.

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Runey – Create invoices, manage projects, and run client work in one place


Runey brings invoicing, projects, tasks, and client management together so freelancers and small teams can run their business in one place. Create branded invoices, quotes, and proposals, accept payments via Stripe, and share secure links with clients. Track time, convert completed work into invoices, and monitor budgets and cashflow. Keep expenses, customer histories, and KPIs organized on a clear dashboard. Start free and stay on top of every project from quote to payment.

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HUMA – Detect bots and fake signups in real time with one API call, no CAPTCHAs


HUMA offers a human verification API to block bots and synthetic users without CAPTCHAs or personal data. Add a single backend call at signup, payment, or other critical events to receive a human flag and confidence score you can enforce in your logic. The REST API aggregates behavioral signals and interaction timing, integrates in minutes, and scales from startups to enterprise with a 14-day free trial.

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Sidequick – Break side projects into quests and keep your momentum


Sidequick helps you finish side projects by breaking them into quests you can complete one by one. It tracks daily streaks and milestones, writes re-entry summaries with AI, so you always know what to do next, and works entirely offline with no account needed. You can draft plans yourself or bring your own Anthropic or OpenAI key for AI-generated quest trees. The app stores data locally and is free to download for Windows and Linux, with macOS coming soon.

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Northgard Dev's Online Co-Op Space Exploration Sim "SpaceCraft" Gets May 20 Release Date

This year's Triple-I Initiative has already seen the Early Access launch date announcement of Windrose, an ambitious co-op pirate survival game, but now, joining Windrose is SpaceCraft, an open-world indie space exploration sim in development at Shiro Games. SpaceCraft will officially launch into Steam Early Access on May 20, and it features a combination of co-op survival, exploration, and base-building mechanics. Players will be able to explore space and distant planets, exploit planets for resources, and research and craft different materials, spaceships, bases, and weapons. The base-building systems extend to mechanics like automation and logistics, allowing players to set up multiple outposts across the galaxy for resource extraction, production, and research.

SpaceCraft hosted a demo event in early 2026, with over 70,000 players hopping into the game to check it out, and ultimately resulting in 300,000 wishlists by the end of the event. The game's ProtonDB listing also claims a Platinum rating, and the lightweight system requirements—8 GB of RAM, an Intel Core i3-8350K and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060—mean that SpaceCraft will seemingly be reasonably playable on handheld game consoles like the Valve Steam Deck, Legion Go S SteamOS, and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally.

TSMC Has Enabled Smartphone SoCs To Approach 5GHz Frequencies Thanks To Advanced Lithography; Huawei The Biggest Loser In All Of This

TSMC has allowed smartphone chipset manufacturers to nearly touch the 5.00GHz barrier

Companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek have benefited greatly from extending their partnership with TSMC, as not only have they developed the most cutting-edge smartphone chipset technology, but the level of performance is uncanny and would likely not be possible without the Taiwanese semiconductor behemoth providing its advanced nodes. Later this year, we shall bear witness to SoCs reaching clock speeds of 5.00GHz, making it the first time in history, with Huawei sadly unable to keep up with its rivals as it doesn’t have access to the foundry giant’s technology. Huawei didn’t jump into EUV lithography fast enough, as its […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/tsmc-advanced-lithography-allows-smartphone-socs-to-reach-5ghz-huawei-missing-out/

What founders can learn from Anjuna’s layoffs and recovery

In 2021, Anjuna Security was growing fast, hiring aggressively, and chasing a market that seemed limitless. By the end of that year, the venture-backed cybersecurity company had scaled to around 75 employees, building out sales, customer success, and support teams in anticipation of continued hypergrowth. Then 2022 hit.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 Shows Up With Hefty Price Tag in Pre-Order Listing

We recently reported on Nintendo's pricing changes for physical and digital game media on the Switch 2, with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book coming in at $59.99 on digital and $69.99 for the physical edition. While that price difference was a bit of a shock to the system for many Nintendo fans, but, according to a recent post by u/mason2393 on Reddit, showing off an Amazon listing for Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for the Switch 2, that game may come as even more of a shock to players, with the listing showing an apparent retail price of $79.99 for the physical edition game key card.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition has not yet launched, with the Amazon listing showing a December 31, 2026 release-day delivery option, but it will feature the base game as well as the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, new weapons, armor Torrent skins, and other additional content, according to the Nintendo eShop. At the time of writing, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion costs $39.99 on Steam, alone, with the base Elden Ring game coming in at $59.99.

FlashAlpha – Access real-time GEX, vol surfaces, and multi-Greek exposure via API


FlashAlpha provides a real-time options analytics API delivering GEX, second-order Greeks, and live volatility surfaces for 6,000+ tickers. It calculates per-tick exposures and regime metrics, returning insights like gamma flip levels, call/put walls, and IV-RV spreads via low-latency REST and a Python SDK.

Built on in-memory analytics and auto-scaling compute, FlashAlpha updates every ~15 seconds, supports webhooks to trigger execution, and offers endpoints for multi-Greek summaries, risk, and portfolio scenarios so quants can focus on alpha instead of infrastructure.

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Pirate Game Windrose, Formerly Crosswind, Gets Imminent Early Access Release Date

The development team behind Windrose, the co-op pirate survival game that went viral as Crosswind, has just announced the game's release date and simultaneously dropped a new trailer for the game on YouTube. The Early Access launch date announcement comes shortly after the studio asked players to "let us cook more," after murmurings of a release date announcement were causing increased anticipation in the community. According to the latest announcement, Windrose will launch to Steam Early Access on 14 April, 2026 at 8 AM UTC.

Pricing has also been revealed, with the base game coming in at $29.99 alongside a $39.99 Supporter Bundle, which includes the game's soundtrack, a few sea shanties recorded by Seán Dagher, and game wallpapers for your desktop. The developer plans to use player feedback during the Early Access period to shape gameplay on the way to the full 1.0 release, but there's no prospective 1.0 release date just yet. The Early Access launch date trailer follows.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Gets Improved Desktop Navigation via Game Bar's Gamepad Cursor

Aside from SteamOS being more tailored to the gaming handheld form factor, one of the Steam Deck's major differentiating factors is its trackpads, which make navigating desktop mode significantly less painful than it would otherwise be. While this trait is shared by the likes of the Lenovo Legion Go, it is not present on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, making navigating Windows more challenging. Finally, though, as spotted by ROG Ally Life, the Xbox Game Bar has introduced an option to use the left thumb stick as a mouse cursor in desktop mode.

[Editor's note: Our in-depth review of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is now live]

For the time being, this feature is limited to the Xbox Game Bar Insider Program, but it should make it to the mainline release version soon enough if no major bugs are spotted. After the toggle is enabled in Game Bar, players can move the cursor with the left analog stick and click with the A button on the controller. This is also only the latest in Microsoft's recent efforts playing catch-up with the competition on the Windows front, with the company recently announcing both a new initiative to improve the quality of Windows 11 and beginning to implement better RAM management across the operating system.

ASUS Introduces ROG Equalizer 12V-2x6 Cable for GPU Power Stability

ASUS has introduced the ROG Equalizer, a new 12V-2×6 PCIe power cable designed to improve power delivery stability for modern GPUs. The cable is compliant with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards and will be bundled with the company's upcoming ROG Thor III and ROG Strix Platinum power supplies. The ROG Equalizer targets ongoing reliability issues around 16-pin GPU power connectors by focusing on load balancing across all pins. According to ASUS, the cable is designed to distribute power more evenly across all the wires, this reducing the risk of hotspots caused by uneven load. The cable supports up to 17 A per wire, compared to standard 12V-2x6 cables, which are rated at 9.2 A per wire (per pin).

ASUS also claims the design keeps operating temperatures around 73°C even when some wires aren't under full load, a situation where standard cables can run noticeably hotter due to uneven current distribution across the conductors. The exact internal engineering hasn't been provided by ASUS, but the likely approach is equalizing the impedance across all conductors (wires) to spread the load more evenly. The cable itself is 750 mm long, braided in a dual-tone finish, and ships with cable combs for tidier routing. It follows a GPU-first wiring layout and is built with high-power delivery in mind. No information regarding pricing yet.

A Metal Gear Solid Movie is in Development From Final Destination Duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein

A stylized illustration of a character from 'Metal Gear Solid' holding a gun appears alongside the 'Columbia Pictures' logo.

A new report from The Hollywood Reporter reveals that a Metal Gear Solid movie is in development, with Final Destination duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein behind it. The film is part of a new set of movies Lipovsky and Stein will be making for Sony, as the pair have just been signed to Sony Pictures. Details on the film are still entirely unclear, though the promotional image from Columbia Pictures suggest that it'll be an adaptation of the first Metal Gear Solid game, though it's realistically all still up in the air at the moment. "Metal Gear Solid was […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/metal-gear-solid-movie-in-the-works-from-final-destination-adam-b-stein-zach-lipovsky/

Ever Wondered Why PC Buyers Are Getting ‘Lucky’ With Their Amazon Packages Recently? It’s a Fiasco That Has Annoyed Retailers

A package with the Amazon logo on a conveyor belt under red lighting in a warehouse setting.

While many of us rejoice when gamers get multiple RAM sticks despite ordering a single unit, this has been a nightmare for Amazon retailers, who, interestingly, cannot avoid it. Retailers Are 'Tired' By The Negligence of Amazon's Warehouse Staff, Saying That They Are Dispatching Entire Boxes of Components We have noticed a rather interesting trend among those in the PCMR: those who find it very appealing when Amazon screws up someone's package, ultimately benefiting them. We have reported numerous incidents where a particular buyer orders a unit of a PC component, prominently RAM or SSD, and in return, they manage […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/ever-wondered-why-pc-buyers-are-getting-lucky-with-their-amazon-packages-recently-its-a-fiasco-that-has-annoyed-retailers/

Bungie’s Budget for Marathon is Reportedly Upwards of $250 Million

Three blocky, robotic figures in red, blue, and pink armors are armed with futuristic weapons, surrounded by a cinematic sci-fi environment.

Last month, Bungie released its first new game in years (which is technically just a reboot of an old series). Marathon, a new extraction shooter for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, takes the first sci-fi world Bungie created and brings it into the modern-day gaming landscape, and according to a new report from Paul Tassi at Forbes, Bungie put aside a fair chunk of change to make it. In a report going over the first month of Marathon being on the market and in players hands, at the end of a list of different metrics about the game, Tassi […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/marathon-reportedly-cost-over-250-million-to-make-bungie-sony/

Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Everything Announced

A logo with three vertical bars above the text 'the triple-i initiative' is displayed on an orange background.

Evil Empire's new indie-focused event, the Triple-I Initiative Showcase premiered its 2026 edition today, and it was jam-packed with announcements from indie developers, some of which were brand-new world premieres for games, while others were highly-anticipated updates about previously revealed titles. This round-up will take you through everything that was announced at today's showcase, so you don't miss checking out any of today's announcements, some of which could very well be the defining indie games for 2026 and beyond. Everything Announced at the Triple-I Showcase

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/triple-i-initiative-showcase-2026-everything-announced/

ASUS Debuts ROG Equalizer 12V-2×6 Cable To Protect GPU Connectors From Melting

A Republic of Gamers (ROG) power supply unit marked '1200W' with braided cables on a futuristic, dark blue background.

More vendors are coming to rescue the burning 16-pin connectors, and ASUS's latest innovation tries to do it outside of the PSU and the GPU. ASUS Launches ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1-Compliant ROG Equalizer Cable to Balance Load Across All Pins on 16-pin Power Connector Since NVIDIA keeps neglecting fixing its 16-pin power connector, its board partners are innovating new technologies/parts to mitigate the issue. With countless melted power connector reports, many refrain from buying the higher-end RTX 50 series GPUs. Many of those who buy them live under constant fear, checking their GPUs now and then. Many vendors started […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/asus-debuts-rog-equalizer-12v-2x6-cable-to-protect-gpu-connectors-from-melting/

Peak DRAM Prices In Sight As Samsung, SK hynix Double Down On Long-Term Contracts

Logos of Samsung and SK hynix are displayed side by side against a blurred background.

When Samsung and SK hynix vow to only sell DRAM via long-term contracts going forward, it naturally prompts uncomfortable questions regarding additional price upside. After all, why would these companies try to lock in today's DRAM prices if substantial upside lies ahead? The newfound penchant for long-term DRAM supply contracts from Samsung and SK hynix suggests there might not be a lot of price upside left ahead According to a recent report from South Korea, Samsung and SK hynix have "virtually abandoned the one-year memory short-term supply contract method with global big tech companies and decided to supply products only […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/peak-dram-prices-in-sight-as-samsung-sk-hynix-double-down-on-long-term-contracts/

Multiplayer Space-Sandbox Spacecraft Will Arrive in Early Access in May 2026

A cockpit view with futuristic controls shows the game 'SPACE CRAFT' with the text 'EARLY ACCESS MAY 20.'

Spacecraft was one of two major announcements from Shiro Games, the studio behind games like Dune: Spice Wars, Wartales, and more. After its initial reveal back in 2024, Spacecraft as accumulated over 300K wishlists on Steam leading up to its early access release date, which Shiro Games revealed today during the Triple-I Showcase to be next month on May 20, 2026. Spacecraft sets players in a vast universe with multiple star systems, where you can freely explore and build your own space-faring ships to cross galaxies and endlessly explore new planets, while hunting and discovering valuable resources along the way. […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/spacecraft-early-access-release-date-shiro-games-triple-i-showcase/

Crop Is a Farming Sim Where You Bury the Previous Owner — And That’s Just the Beginning

A character from the game CROP in a hazmat suit holding a shovel and flashlight stands next to a house with overgrown vegetation, under the large text 'CROP'.

Today, as part of the Triple-i Showcase, publisher 11 bit Studios (Frostpunk, This War of Mine) and developer Carbonara Games have announced Crop, a gritty farming thriller game. The title is targeting a PC (Steam) release first, with console versions to follow, timing still to be determined. Wccftech checked out a press-only presentation ahead of the reveal, and there might be something interesting here. A single-player experience with a main campaign estimated at around 15 hours, Crop opens with your character half-naked, disoriented, and stumbling out of a truck on a dark, eerie forest road in the pouring rain. You […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/crop-farming-sim-lovecraftian-mystery/

New Survival Co-Op FPS Frostrail Will Have a Playtest Next Week, New Trailer Revealed at Triple-I Showcase

The image features a character standing in front of a flame with on-screen text reading 'Frostrail' and 'Join the Playtest'.

Developer and publisher Shiro Games has revealed two new titles at today's Triple-I Showcase, one of which is set to arrive next month, and another that will have a playtest as early as next week. This is the latter, Frostrail. An upcoming co-op first-person shooter survival game published by Shiro Games and developed by FakeFish, and it was just shown off with a new action-packed trailer. If Shiro Games rings a bell, that's because they are also the team behind games like Wartales, Dune: Spice Wars, and Spacecraft, which was the studio's other major announcement at today's Triple-I Showcase that […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/new-survival-co-op-fps-frostrail-will-have-a-playtest-next-week-new-trailer-revealed-at-triple-i-showcase/

1000xResist Developer Reveals Prove You’re Human, a New First-Person Adventure That Asks You To Convince an AI She’s Not Human

A digital artwork shows a close-up of an android's face with the text 'prove you're human' fragmented alongside it.

Sunset Visitor, the studio behind one of the best and most beloved narrative-driven games in recent years, 1000xResist, has revealed its next game titled Prove You're Human, a first-person narrative adventure where an AI called Mesa believes she's human. It's Sunset Visitor's second project after the award-winning 1000xResist, and is the first project to be published by Black Tabby Publishing, the brand-new publishing arm of indie developer Black Tabby Games, the studio behind titles like Slay the Princess and Scarlet Hollow. Prove You're Human seems to be picking up right where 1000xResist left off - not narratively, as the games […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/1000-x-resist-developer-sunset-visitor-reveals-prove-youre-human-triple-i-showcase/

Digital Extremes on Warframe Switch 2: DLSS Was “Very Important”, Renders as Low as 540p to Reach 60 FPS

The image shows a promotional banner for the game Warframe with the text 'Available on Nintendo Switch 2' alongside futuristic characters in action poses against a space backdrop.

In late March, Digital Extremes released a version of Warframe natively optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 console. The studio hailed it as a major improvement over the Switch version, not to mention a significant milestone: it meant the long-running free-to-play action game is now available on all the major gaming platforms. The Android version had launched in February, and the game was already available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and iOS. Wccftech sent a few questions to Digital Extremes about the development of the Nintendo Switch 2 version and its features, such as […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/digital-extremes-warframe-switch-2-dlss-very-important-540p-60-fps/

TSMC’s Chipmaking Edge Is So Strong That Competitors Are Fighting to Work with Its Supply Chain Partners, Viewing Them as a Winning Bet

TSMC could surpass Apple in market value by 2030, predicts analyst

TSMC's dominance over the semiconductor industry also stems from how disciplined its supply chain partners have become, and rivals are now looking to capitalize on this edge. TSMC's Supply Network Has Created a Moat For Them In The Chip Industry, After Passing Them Through Stringent QC Tests The Taiwan chip giant has been known for its work in the semiconductor industry, not just in terms of the process technology it has brought into the market, but also how it has created standards that have become industry benchmarks, whether it is customer relations, dealing with geopolitical tensions, or managing the supply […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/tsmc-edge-is-so-strong-that-competitors-are-racing-to-work-with-its-supply-chain-partners/

Apple Has Found A Clever Way To Shield Itself From The DRAM Crisis By Using Key Parts Interchangeable With Both iPhones And Macs

Apple is able to protect itself from the DRAM crisis by using parts made for both the iPhone and Mac

The MacBook Neo is an excellent example of how it’s possible to incorporate iPhone parts into a notebook, but the binned A18 Pro isn’t the only component that Apple has added to its larger machines from mobile devices to streamline its product range with the same parts. In fact, according to a SSD modification, both the MacBook Neo and the iPhone 16 Pro feature the same NAND flash, which is an excellent way to maintain margins while the DRAM crisis is in full effect. A specific NAND flash chip with particular dimensions used on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-uses-interchangeable-iphone-and-mac-parts-to-gain-dram-protection/

Instructions Per CPU Clock Cycle: Apple’s A19 Pro Chip Beats Dimensity 9500 By 13%, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 By 10%, And Exynos 2600 By 6%

A19 Pro is slower than the unreleased Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 in the latest multi-core score comparison

We all know Apple's A-series chips are some of the most efficient consumer-grade processors in the market, with the new A19 Pro chip also meticulously adhering to this well-established pattern. While multi-chip comparisons are a convoluted exercise at the best of times, a single metric - instructions per CPU clock cycle - is sufficient to delineate the unequivocal superiority of Apple's A19 Pro chip architecture versus that of its competitors, which include MediaTek's Dimensity 9500, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and Samsung's Exynos 2600. Apple's A19 Pro chip is an unequivocal winner when it comes to processor efficiency, leaving […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/instructions-per-cpu-clock-cycle-apples-a19-pro-chip-beats-dimensity-9500-by-13-snapdragon-8-elite-gen-5-by-10-and-exynos-2600-by-6/

Gunzilla Games, the NFT Studio Backed by Neil Blomkamp, Has Been Accused of Not Paying Its Workers “For Many Months”

The image shows a black GUNZILLA logo on a bright green background.

Gunzilla Games is the studio behind Off the Grid, an NFT battle royale title that arrived in early access back in October 2024. It's also the studio backed by District 9 and Gran Turismo film director Neil Blomkamp (who is listed as its chief creative officer), and last year it also became known as the studio that 'saved' long-running publication Game Informer after it was unceremoniously shuttered by GameStop. Now, however, the studio has been accused of not paying its workers "for many months." The accusations come from former and current Gunzilla Games employees, who shared the accusations on their […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/gunzilla-games-neil-blomkam-nft-studio-off-the-grid-accused-of-not-paying-workers/

Samson: A Tyndalston Story and Morbid Metal Headline This Week’s New GeForce NOW Games

A promotional image for the game 'Samson' featuring a rugged character, a car, and action scenes, with an NVIDIA GeForce Now logo in the corner.

Another batch of games has joined the library of games playable through NVIDIA's cloud streaming service, GeForce NOW, headlined by two new releases, while an old release finally becomes RTX 5080-ready, just in time for its latest major DLC expansion release. Starting with the new games entering GeForce NOW this week, there are four titles in total joining the library. The first two brand-new releases are Samson: A Tyndalston Story, the debut game from independent developer Liquid Swords, and the second new release is Morbid Metal, a hack-and-slash rougelike from developer Screen Juice, published by Ubisoft. Morbid Metal is launching […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nvidia-geforce-now-games-samson-morbid-metal-dayz-rayman/

Overclocker Achieves DDR5 12,917 MT/s On GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Tachyon DUO X ICE Using Ambient Cooling

A Gigabyte AORUS Z790 motherboard is shown beside a screen displaying memory clock settings, including '6458.7 MHz' and 'Validate'.

A new memory record has been made by the popular overclocker Saltycroissant and even though the score couldn't achieve the top position, doing it using ambient cooling is insanely impressive. Saltycroissant Pushes DDR5 Memory to 12,917 MT/s on Z890 AORUS Tachyon Duo X ICE Without Nitrogen Cooling This isn't your original Z890 AORUS Tachyon, which overclockers used to break overclocking records with; it's the newer Z890 AORUS Tachyon Duo X ICE, which GIGABYTE released earlier this year. Having seen DDR5 memory world records getting broken every week or two, a new world record doesn't appear surprising to us, except this […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/overclocker-achieves-ddr5-12917-mt-s-on-gigabyte-z890-aorus-tachyon-duo-x-ice-using-ambient-cooling/

Intel Arc Pro B70 Quad-GPU Setup Reportedly Consumes Up To 720W In Inference Workloads

Big Battlemage Is Here - Intel Unveils Arc Pro B70 & B65 GPUs, Up To 32 GB Memory & 367 TOPS For AI 1

With limited reviews available, you will hardly hear about the Arc Pro B70's performance. Here's a sneak peek into the analysis by Hardware Luxx. Hardware Luxx Intel Arc Pro B70 Review Reveals GPU's Performance Against Its Competitors Intel's flagship workstation Big Battlemage GPUs were released roughly two weeks ago, but since then, we have hardly seen any reviews for the Arc Pro B65 and the Arc Pro B70. It appears that the GPUs don't have good availability, and similar to what we heard about the Arc Pro B60 last year, both the newer GPUs may not be that abundant in […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intel-arc-pro-b70-quad-gpu-setup-reportedly-consumes-up-to-720w-in-inference-workloads/

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