An unidentified group installed an anti-Elon Musk vending machine that dispenses the Epstein Files, part of a guerilla art installation.
Blog Posts
Blog Posts
Razzies 2026: The Absolute Worst
Want to know what the worst 2025 performances were before we crown the best? Check out who took home the Razzie gold.
“Galaxy S26’s Impressive Capability Might Eliminate the Requirement for a Laptop”
Samsung has enhanced DeX on the Galaxy S26, delivering a more robust desktop experience.
Samsung DeX has been a feature on Galaxy devices for many years and is a primary reason I often favor Samsung’s top phones over other Android options. Although Google has simplified access to Android’s desktop mode with the recent Android 16 QPR3 update, Samsung DeX still feels ahead of the pack.
With the Galaxy Z Trifold, Samsung has streamlined access to DeX mode directly on the device. Users can effortlessly switch from the regular One UI 8 to Samsung DeX with a single tap on the foldable itself.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, while not providing a large enough screen for the same on-device experience, has seen a quiet upgrade to DeX. It is now powerful enough in certain scenarios that it could feasibly replace my laptop.
Samsung DeX reaches new levels of capability on the Galaxy S26 series.
The primary DeX functionality on the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains fairly consistent. You connect your phone to an external monitor using a USB-C cable, and a desktop-like interface appears. This resembles a conventional desktop setting, featuring a taskbar at the bottom, a notification and control area on the right, navigation controls on the left, and a spacious workspace for opening multiple applications in distinct windows.
What has notably advanced on the Galaxy S26 series, particularly with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powering the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the ability to run many more apps concurrently. The additional performance allows the system to handle multiple applications simultaneously without any lag.
On my Mac, I often manage several desktops, each hosting a different array of applications. For instance, one desktop features Firefox, while another contains Photoshop. Samsung has introduced a similar feature to DeX on the Galaxy S26 Ultra by supporting multiple desktops.
Now, users can open up to four desktops at once, with as many as five applications running on each. This means a total of 20 applications can function alongside each other if necessary. This capability was not possible before, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra manages it seamlessly. I tested this setup with a Galaxy S26 Ultra connected to my 27-inch 4K LG monitor, and the experience felt surprisingly akin to using my Mac.
Applications launch swiftly, animations remain fluid, and for software that already accommodates larger screens, particularly Chrome and other Google applications, the experience is very reminiscent of a standard desktop operating system.
I can foresee how this could be advantageous for many users over time. Picture carrying just a portable display and a USB-C cable linked to your phone, yet still being able to accomplish most of your work from your pocket device.
This is something productivity-driven users are likely to value. The system is potent enough to enable photo or video editing on the go, alongside normal tasks like writing or emailing.
What’s even more impressive is that you can continue utilizing your phone concurrently. DeX keeps functioning on the external monitor while One UI 8.5 continues on the phone itself. Thus, you can still respond to messages, answer calls, or check notifications on your phone, which doesn’t cease when you connect to an external monitor.
Within the Settings app on your Galaxy S26, you can personalize various DeX elements, including modifying the output resolution for your monitor, adjusting mouse or trackpad tracking speed, and even using your Galaxy S26 as a touchpad for the external display.
Multitasking in DeX has never been better.
One feature I particularly appreciate, which Samsung introduced with the Galaxy S26, is the option to cycle between windows using the Command + Arrow shortcut. You must manually enable this in DeX settings, but once activated, you can hold the Command key and use the Arrow keys to navigate between desktops, similar to managing spaces on macOS.
However, I still wish Samsung had implemented a few additional features to enhance the DeX experience. For instance, it would be fantastic to allow more than two applications in split-screen mode side by side. This could potentially be included in a software update, given that the hardware appears sufficiently powerful.
Even in its existing form, it provides a surprisingly effective desktop experience. I can envision it being particularly useful in scenarios where you leave your laptop behind but still need to edit a document quickly at college or work. Simply connect your phone to an external monitor with a cable, and it is certainly capable of managing that task efficiently.
“MacBook Neo Sparks Debate on the Worth of Apple’s Additional Offerings”
### The Influence of the $599 MacBook Neo on Apple’s Laptop Collection
The recent debut of the $599 MacBook Neo has ignited conversations regarding its ability to alter the value dynamic of other non-Pro laptops within Apple’s assortment. With its high-quality feel and reasonable price, the MacBook Neo invokes inquiries about its role in the current selection of Apple merchandise.
#### MacBook Neo: A Luxurious Experience at a Reasonable Price
At a cost of $599 (or $499 for students), the MacBook Neo delivers an impressive mixture of characteristics usually linked to more premium Apple offerings. Its aluminum casing, glass screen, and superior keyboard enhance a luxurious appearance that contradicts its budget-friendly price. Significantly, the MacBook Neo features a 500 nit display, exceeding the 400 nits provided by the M1 MacBook Air, which had been the gold standard for entry-level Apple laptops until now.
Nevertheless, the MacBook Neo does have certain limitations. It forgoes the force touch trackpad available in other models in favor of a traditional click mechanism. Furthermore, the entry-level version comes equipped with 256GB of storage and does not feature Touch ID, which can be incorporated for an additional $100, along with expanded storage options.
#### Comparison with Other Apple Offerings
The launch of the MacBook Neo brings to light issues regarding its rivalry with the MacBook Air and the iPad Air paired with Magic Keyboard. The MacBook Air, now beginning at $1099 after its M5 update, includes features such as 16GB of RAM, a P3 display for color fidelity, and a Center Stage camera for improved video conferencing. While these characteristics may justify the increased price for certain users, the MacBook Neo’s allure rests in its affordability and reliable performance.
Numerous shoppers who once chose the MacBook Air for being the most economical Mac laptop might now view the MacBook Neo as a valid substitute. Both devices share comparable weights and dimensions, making them alike in terms of ease of transport.
#### The iPad Air vs. MacBook Neo Discussion
The iPad Air, often perceived as an economical laptop substitute when equipped with the Magic Keyboard, creates a more intricate comparison. The iPad Air starts at $599, yet when matched with the Magic Keyboard, the total price generally surpasses $800. This configuration provides less storage and a smaller display than the MacBook Neo, potentially causing consumers to reassess their decisions.
The pricing and specifications of the MacBook Neo effectively challenge the perception of iPads as economical laptop options. While the iPad offers distinct features, such as Apple Pencil compatibility, the MacBook Neo delivers a more traditional laptop experience at an attractive price point.
#### Conclusion: A Disruptive Element in Apple’s Collection
The rollout of the MacBook Neo seems to significantly disrupt Apple’s current laptop range. In the near term, Apple may need to reconsider its pricing approach and boost the features of its other offerings to sustain their desirability. For example, the cost of the Magic Keyboard for the base iPad appears steep in relation to the MacBook Neo.
As Apple progresses in innovation, the MacBook Neo might set the stage for forthcoming models with enhanced specifications, possibly closing the gap left by the MacBook Air. The introduction of a higher storage and RAM variant of the MacBook Neo could further strengthen its standing in the market.
The unveiling of the MacBook Neo encourages consumers to reevaluate their purchasing choices, leading to a prospective shift in the way Apple products are viewed and valued.
Apps Promising to Help You Make New Friends
We’ve compiled a list of friendship apps, from friend discovery platforms like BFF to event-focused ones like Timeleft.
Meta Considering Layoffs Potentially Impacting 20% of Workforce
These layoffs could help Facebook’s parent company offset its aggressive spending on AI infrastructure, as well as AI-related acquisitions and hiring.
Honda is ending its EV lineup — and its chances of future competition
Honda’s decision to kill its three EVs for the U.S. market will reverberate far beyond North America.
How to Transform Your Old Dash Cam Into a Webcam
convert an outdated smartphone into a functional webcam. Naturally, with everyone relying on smartphones these days, there’s nearly no necessity for webcams at all. You can conduct video calls, participate in conference calls, or attend meetings, all through your phone. However, if you prefer to sit at your desk and utilize a more conventional setup without spending on a dedicated webcam, there’s an alternative trick you can execute. You might be able to utilize an older dash cam and configure it similarly.
It’s essential to understand that this won’t function with every dash cam available. This is due to the requirement for USB connectivity between the camera and the computer. What you need is a camera that operates on UVC (USB video class), the protocol that enables cameras to interact with a computer or different devices, particularly during video and audio streaming.
The straightforward method to verify is to connect your dash cam to your computer via USB and observe if a mode-select screen appears. If such a screen does not show up, just confirm if the computer acknowledges the camera. Most operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, should detect a UVC camera and allow you to select and utilize it as such. If the dash cam is recognized as a mass storage device or USB storage, it likely does not support UVC. You can also consult the original user manual or documentation for your dash cam.
Even when your computer detects it, the dash cam may not function
Five Devices Compatible with Apple’s Find My Network (Not Including AirTags)
the foundation of the firm’s AirTag smart trackers, which we affix to various valuable items for monitoring purposes. While AirTag can utilize Bluetooth and Ultrawide-band (UWB) technologies for communication with your iPhone or iPad at close distances, it must depend on the Find My network for relaying its location back to your iPhone when you are further away. In case you didn’t know, Find My is essentially a digital network that connects millions of participating Apple devices globally. So, when you leave your keys with an attached AirTag in a café or drop them while returning home, it’s the Find My network to which the AirTag reports its location, enabling you to retrieve the keys.
Nevertheless, Apple’s first and second-generation AirTags are not the sole devices that utilize or can function with the Find My network. Several of Apple’s own products, like AirPods, as well as third-party items, such as the Belkin Soundform Freedom True Wireless Earbuds, also take advantage of this remarkable network. Although the Belkin model is no longer available, here are other devices that feature Find My integration and can be currently found on the market.
Twelve South PlugBug
If you often misplace or lose your power brick, one option is to attach an AirTag to it, or you can opt for Twelve South’s PlugBug. It’s a standard USB Power Delivery (USB PD)-compliant wall adapter, easily locatable thanks to its built-in compatibility with Apple Find My. USB PD is utilized by most Apple and non-Apple devices, ensuring that your PlugBug can charge many of your gadgets. It is available in two wattage options, 50 watts and 120 watts, both of which
Meta to Implement End-to-End Encryption for Instagram DMs
Meta quietly announced the end of E2E encryption, which will terminate on May 8.
