Valve has officially launched the stable version of SteamOS 3.7.8, bringing significant new features to the Steam Deck and extending support to third-party AMD handhelds like Lenovo’s Legion Go and Asus’s ROG Ally. This release includes the first official recovery image for installing SteamOS on these rival devices. Enhancements for the Steam Deck itself include Bluetooth earbud microphone support in desktop mode, remote LCD activation via Bluetooth controller, a battery charge limit feature for device longevity, frame-limiting for variable refresh rate displays, and CPU frequency control. The update is powered by new Arch Linux versions, Mesa graphics drivers, and an updated Plasma desktop. Valve is also looking to expand SteamOS licensing to more partners, possibly hinting at future SteamOS-powered devices beyond handhelds, including a potential living room console and their rumored wireless VR headset 'Deckard.'

OpenAI is acquiring io, a hardware company founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and his team, including Scott Cannon, Evans Hankey, and Tang Tan. Although Ive will not join OpenAI, his design firm LoveFrom will lead design efforts for all OpenAI products, including software. The acquisition, valued at nearly $6.5 billion, includes around 55 engineers and experts from io joining OpenAI. The first new devices from this collaboration are expected to launch in 2026. Ive criticized previous AI hardware products as poor and emphasized the need for new innovative thinking. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described the upcoming product as a revolutionary new device that won't replace smartphones but will mark a new technological generation. The collaboration has been in progress for two years and has involved exploring various device concepts.

Wireless charging offers convenience despite being slower than wired charging. For iPhone users (12 and later except 16E), Qi2 chargers are recommended, providing up to 15W charging which matches MagSafe for these models. Qi2 is an open standard and generally more affordable than MagSafe-certified chargers. Samsung's Galaxy S25 series supports Qi2 charging with a compatible magnetic case. Qi2 simplifies the magnetic charging market, gradually replacing older MagSafe and MagSafe-compatible chargers. The new Apple MagSafe charger supports up to 25W for iPhone 16 series and is also Qi2-certified. Several Qi2 chargers are recommended based on use cases, including Anker’s MagGo puck for value, Satechi 3-in-1 for travel, Belkin 3-in-1 for home, Death Star-like Qi2 desk charger, Qi2 battery pack from Anker, and ESR Qi2 car mount. Many reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, Casetify, and others produce Qi2 chargers. The article provides a detailed guide on charger types, output capabilities, convenience, and design.

The US Federal Trade Commission's antitrust case against Meta paints a hypothetical scenario where Meta never acquired Instagram and WhatsApp, suggesting that these apps would have flourished as strong competitors, fostering a vibrant social media ecosystem. Meta, however, presents a contrasting narrative, arguing that without its resources and vision, Instagram and WhatsApp would not have become powerful platforms, resulting in consumers missing out on benefits. Key testimony from WhatsApp cofounder Brian Acton supports Meta's stance that users have gained from these acquisitions, following critical insights from Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom. This legal battle highlights different perspectives on the value and competition effects of Meta's acquisitions.

Jony Ive, during the announcement of a $6.5 billion AI hardware collaboration between his startup io and OpenAI, criticized last year's AI devices - the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin. Describing them as "very poor products," Ive highlighted a lack of innovation in their design. Early reviews echoed his sentiments, labeling the Humane AI Pin as non-functional and the Rabbit R1 as a less capable smartphone variant. Humane, led by former Apple staff like io, has been acquihired by HP and discontinued the AI Pins, while Rabbit continues to develop its AI assistant and operating system with new updates and trials despite losing initial hype.

Toyota is revamping its Rav4 lineup for 2026, introducing hybrid models that blur the line with EVs by including features like CCS-compatible DC fast charging. The new Rav4 PHEV allows rapid battery charging at rest stops, improving convenience on long trips. It supports an 11 kW onboard AC charger, a boost from the prior 6.6 kW, and boasts a 6th-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain with AWD and up to 320 horsepower. The electric-only range has increased to 50 miles, surpassing the previous model's 42 miles and the Prius’ 44 miles. Toyota is backing the battery with a 10-year or 150,000-mile warranty. The standard Rav4 hybrid employs a 5th-gen system with a max of 236 horsepower for AWD variants. Interior upgrades include larger digital clusters and infotainment screens, with premium trims featuring up to 12.9-inch touchscreens. This hybrid focus follows Toyota's transition of the Camry to all-hybrid and a strategic emphasis on hybrids over full EVs. Pricing details will be announced later in the year.

Google announced a new tool called SynthID Detector at Google I/O designed to identify AI-generated content created with Google's AI technologies. According to Pushmeet Kohli from Google DeepMind, this verification portal can efficiently detect AI-generated images, text, audio, and videos by scanning for SynthID watermarks. These watermarks are embedded in content produced by Google's models such as Gemini, Imagen, Lyria, and Veo. When users upload media, the detector highlights specific parts likely containing these watermarks. For audio, it pinpoints segments, and for images, it indicates watermarked regions. The tool is initially rolling out to early testers and will expand to those on a waitlist, allowing Google to enhance content transparency based on user feedback.

Chevy introduces the Trail Boss trim to the 2026 Silverado EV lineup, emphasizing off-road prowess and extended range. This new Trail Boss model features a 2-inch lift, 35-inch all-terrain tires, 18-inch wheels, and a remarkable GM-estimated range of 478 miles with the max range battery. It offers Sidewinder mode for diagonal tire steering and a unique Terrain mode for enhanced control on rough trails. The Trail Boss delivers 725 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, a towing capacity of 12,500 lbs, and a 2,100 lbs payload. Enhanced Super Cruise with hands-free highway driving is available, including during towing. Pricing starts at $72,095 for the extended range and $88,695 for the max range, while the base Silverado EV price decreases to $54,895. Interior upgrades include a 17.7-inch center touchscreen and an 11-inch instrument gauge standard on some trims.

Brian Eno, the artist behind the iconic Windows 95 startup chime, has publicly condemned Microsoft for its business dealings with the Israeli government, particularly contracts with Israel’s Ministry of Defense. Eno urged Microsoft to halt services contributing to international law violations, accusing the company of involvement in "surveillance, violence, and destruction in Palestine." This criticism follows widespread scrutiny of Microsoft amid Israel's military actions in Gaza. Despite Microsoft’s internal review finding no evidence of misuse of its technology in Gaza, employees and activists have protested the company’s ties to Israel. Eno also pledged to donate his Windows 95 chime earnings to support victims in Gaza.

Microsoft has introduced a new "Retro Classics" collection for Game Pass subscribers, featuring over 50 classic Activision games from the 1980s and 1990s, including titles like Pitfall, Grand Prix, Cosmic Ark, and Mechwarrior 2. This offering echoes Nintendo Switch Online's classic games library and is available at no extra cost on Xbox consoles, PC, Xbox cloud gaming-compatible devices, and the Meta Quest headset. The collection includes games from platforms such as the original PlayStation, SNES, and MS-DOS. Players can earn achievements, join tournaments, and participate in community challenges. Microsoft plans to expand the collection to over 100 games from Activision and Blizzard. These titles are exclusive to Game Pass and cannot be purchased separately. Additionally, Antstream Arcade offers Game Pass members a limited-time deal for a year of access to over 1,300 classic games for $9.99 through the Microsoft Store until June 4th.