Google's upcoming I/O 2024 conference promises to be dominated by AI innovations, with a major focus expected on the Gemini AI model and its integration into consumer products. Meanwhile, Android is receiving its most significant visual update in years through Material Three Expressive, which Google revealed ahead of the event in a pre-show YouTube broadcast instead of the usual keynote. This shift highlights Google's prioritization of AI over traditional OS updates, reflecting a broader industry trend towards rapidly developing AI-powered features. CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized AI extensively in recent keynotes, signaling the company's commitment to embedding AI throughout its offerings. This change also suggests a strategic move to spotlight AI advancements while continuing to enhance Android's design quietly.

If you're a fan of parrying in games, two exciting new titles offer great experiences: Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. These games differ greatly — Doom is a high-speed first-person shooter, while Clair Obscur is a turn-based fantasy RPG — but both feature innovative parry mechanics. In Doom, the Doom Slayer wields a massive shield that can block projectiles and enemy attacks, highlighted by a neon green signal indicating parry opportunities. Successfully timing a parry results in a dramatic slow-motion shield bash, providing a satisfying and critical combat advantage that opens up chances for counterattacks with punches or powerful weapons. Keep an eye out for green glints to expertly time your parries in the heat of battle.

Huawei's Mate XT trifold phone impresses with its unique design but comes with significant drawbacks that make it a poor buy. Priced at nearly $4,000, lacking Google app support, limited to 4G, and raising durability concerns, it is not practical for most buyers. Availability is restricted to a few countries, excluding the US and Europe. The Mate XT serves more as a technological showcase than a consumer product, highlighting Huawei's innovation and craftsmanship in foldable smartphones. This model remains unique in its category over six months after release, symbolizing Huawei's continued advancement in mobile tech.

Last fall, Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber faced criticism for proposing a "Forever Mouse" with a subscription for software updates. Many users opposed the idea of paying monthly for mouse software they arguably don't need. However, using a Logitech G502 Lightspeed wireless mouse myself, I see potential in the concept. My mouse, which charges wirelessly and automatically, has lasted over three years without recharging, demonstrating impressive longevity. Yet, despite the durable sensor and buttons, parts like the rubber grips are deteriorating, highlighting Logitech's opportunity and responsibility to develop longer-lasting mice.

Graduation is a significant milestone filled with excitement and anticipation. It's a moment to celebrate achievements and prepare for the next adventure, whether that's starting college or entering the workforce. To help your graduate transition smoothly, we've curated a selection of practical and thoughtful gifts. Our guide features essentials for their first living space, including kitchen tools and gadgets, plus tech like e-readers and portable chargers to ensure they're set up for success. We've also included cozy reminders of home and items perfect for relaxing after all their hard work. Celebrate this milestone with gifts that provide support and joy as they embark on this new chapter.

Epic Games has requested District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to order Apple to review and approve Fortnite's submission to the US App Store, contending that Apple is defying a court order that restricts rejecting apps over outside payment links. Apple indicated it won't act on Fortnite's submission until the Ninth Circuit decides on its request for a stay. Epic alleges this delay is retaliatory and claims its app complies with Apple's guidelines. Despite an April injunction seen as a win for Epic, Apple has not reinstated Fortnite in the US, also complicating its EU release. Epic seeks enforcement of the injunction, Apple's contempt finding, and approval of any compliant Epic app for the US App Store. The judge has so far avoided mandating Fortnite's return, noting Epic violated its developer agreement, but Apple's recent conduct could influence her stance.

REI is celebrating its anniversary sale by offering up to 30% off on a wide range of outdoor gear, including popular Garmin wearables like the Forerunner 265S. The sale runs through May 26th and features discounts on items such as Garmin smartwatches, water filters, camping stoves, satellite communicators, and backpacking chairs. Garmin Forerunner 265, a top choice for runners, is available for $349.99, down from $450, matching its best price to date. REI members can save an additional 20% on select items by using coupon code ANNIV2025. Other retailers like Amazon are also matching these prices, providing more opportunities for savings.

A former DoorDash delivery driver, Sayee Chaitainya Reddy Devagiri, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after scamming DoorDash out of over $2.5 million. The scam, executed between November 2020 and February 2021, involved using fake customer and driver accounts, along with stolen DoorDash employee credentials, to place expensive orders and mark undelivered deliveries as completed to receive payments. Devagiri repeated this process hundreds of times in just minutes. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Four others, including a DoorDash employee whose credentials were used, were also charged.

Succession creator Jesse Armstrong's new HBO feature Mountainhead offers a critical look at the lives and worldviews of four billionaires, tech entrepreneurs who retreat to a remote mountain cabin. The plot focuses on Randall, Hugo Van Yalk, Venis, and Jeff, whose tech companies have made them immensely wealthy. Despite their different fortunes, they share a sense of entitlement, expecting to unwind while their employees manage their businesses. Tensions rise when Traam, a social media platform filled with generative AI and owned by Venis, is linked to increased violence. The characters grapple with denial and acknowledgment of their creations' negative effects on society. The film, debuting May 31st on HBO, resonates with current tech issues and challenges the humorous veneer of the CEOs' power talks, making the movie feel like a dramatic documentary rather than a pure comedy.

Following revelations by The Washington Post about Secretary of State Marco Rubio directing the State Department to support Starlink's expansion to counter Chinese technology, ProPublica detailed efforts in Africa where US diplomats engaged with Starlink executives and local regulators in Gambia, Djibouti, Cameroon, and Lesotho to expedite licensing. Meetings were framed as demonstrations of US friendship, with diplomats warning that delays could result in cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency linked to Elon Musk, affecting aid and programs in those countries. Notably, shortly after Trump's presidency began, US ambassador Sharon Cromer met with Gambia's communications head to discuss fast-tracking Starlink licensing.