The Federal Communications Commission has approved Verizon's $20 billion acquisition of fiber internet provider Frontier. This merger will enable Verizon to upgrade and expand Frontier's fiber networks, bringing fiber internet to an estimated 1 million homes annually. The deal received approval after Verizon committed to discontinuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related practices. In a letter to the FCC, Verizon's chief legal officer outlined the company's decision to eliminate DEI-focused HR roles, remove DEI references from employee training, and drop diversity goals in supplier and workforce representation. FCC Chair Brendan Carr had previously criticized companies with ongoing DEI policies and suggested such policies could hinder deal approvals. The merger also allows Verizon to reclaim some of its fiber operations previously sold to Frontier. This expansion aims to extend fiber internet access, including to rural communities, although federal funding to support rural broadband expansion faces challenges.

Fortnite is no longer accessible on iOS devices via the Epic Games Store in the European Union due to Apple's blocking of the game’s return to iOS. After Epic Games submitted Fortnite for approval, Apple rejected it, preventing its release on the US App Store and the Epic Games Store for iOS in the EU. Although Fortnite had reappeared on iOS last year through third-party app stores following the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple insists it has not removed Fortnite from alternative marketplaces. Epic Games resubmitted Fortnite to the US App Store under a Swedish developer account after a legal ruling allowed developers to link to external payment systems, but the latest submission was also blocked. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized Apple’s app review process, highlighting that unofficial Fortnite versions have been allowed on the App Store while the official game remains unavailable.

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for Xbox owners that allows them to pin up to three of their favorite recently played games or apps directly on the Home UI, providing quicker access to their preferred titles. This update, available soon to Xbox Insiders, also includes options to hide system apps, adjust the number of visible apps and games, and modify the size of the tiled UI on the homescreen. These changes are intended to offer more personalization options, responding to user feedback to make the Xbox Home feel more personal and less cluttered. Previously, Microsoft implemented a significant overhaul of the Xbox Home UI that enhanced quick access to games, the store, and settings while improving the overall user interface experience.

Microsoft has introduced an updated launcher app for Windows called Command Palette, evolving from the PowerToys Run launcher launched nearly five years ago. This advanced tool provides fast access to commands, apps, folders, files, system operations, and development tools. Designed primarily for power users and developers, Command Palette supports launching command prompts, shell shortcuts, quick website access, and web searches. It also incorporates the previous Window Walker PowerToy for smooth window switching. Notably, Command Palette is customizable with extensions, allowing users to enhance its functionality beyond the default features. Available through the PowerToys app, it can be activated with the Win+Alt+Space shortcut and is positioned as the successor to PowerToys Run, with ongoing updates ahead of Microsoft's Build developer conference.

REI's annual anniversary sale is here, offering up to 30% off on a wide range of outdoor gear including Garmin smartwatches, camping chairs, water filters, and stoves. Highlights include discounted prices on Garmin's Forerunner 265, Fenix 8, and Venu 3 watches, as well as other outdoor essentials like the Helinox Chair Zero, LifeStraw water filters, Black Diamond headlamps, and MSR stoves. REI members can save even more with exclusive coupons through May 26th. Multiple retailers, including Amazon, are matching these discounts, providing an excellent opportunity to gear up for summer adventures at reduced prices.

Epic Games is hosting a Mega Sale with significant discounts on popular PC games. Highlights include Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced at $14.99 (down from $29.99), The Last of Us Part 1 for $29.99 (down from $59.99), and Cyberpunk 2077 for $23.99 (down from $59.99). Other notable games on sale are Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, God of War Ragnarök, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition, and Red Dead Redemption. The sale runs from May 15th to June 12th, with Dead Island 2 and Happy Game available for free until May 22nd.

Nintendo has revealed updates for several Switch games to enhance performance on the upcoming Switch 2 console. These free updates, available from June 5th alongside the Switch 2 launch, include improvements like optimized visuals for the larger screen, enhanced framerates, HDR support, and GameShare functionality. The games receiving these updates are ARMS, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, Game Builder Garage, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. While these updates are smaller than the paid Switch 2 Edition upgrades for titles like Breath of the Wild, they offer valuable improvements for players revisiting older games, especially those that had performance issues on the original Switch hardware.

Activision announced it will be winding down Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile just over a year after its global release on March 21, 2024. The mobile version did not perform as well among mobile-first players compared to its PC and console counterparts. The game will be removed from the App Store and Google Play after May 18, 2025. Players who installed the game before May 19 will retain access with cross-progression and online matchmaking, but no new seasonal content, updates, social features, or in-game purchases will be available. Activision will also not offer refunds for past purchases or unspent COD Points. Despite the game's strong integration with the main Warzone franchise, it did not meet the company’s expectations in the mobile gaming market.

Audio-Technica has launched the AT-LPA2, a turntable featuring a chassis and platter crafted from transparent acrylic. This design not only provides visual appeal but also serves to dampen vibrations for improved audio performance. Unlike direct drive models, the AT-LPA2 uses a belt drive enhanced by an optical sensor to maintain precise speeds at 33 1/3 or 45rpm. The tone arm is made from carbon fiber and includes interchangeable counterweights for balance. To preserve its clear aesthetic, playback controls and the power supply are housed in a separate unit, which also helps reduce power noise, resulting in cleaner sound. The AT-LPA2 is available now for $2,000 and builds on the design principles of Audio-Technica's limited edition AT-LP2022.

Garmin introduces the Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570 watches packed with new features for runners. The Forerunner 970, priced at $749.99, replaces the 965 model and adds offline maps and up to 15 days of battery life. The mid-range Forerunner 570, at $549.99, offers upgrades over its predecessor but lacks offline maps. Both models feature built-in speakers and microphones for calls on the go, OLED displays, skin temperature sensors, an evening report for sleep and activity insights, and come in bold, translucent color bands that stand out from past designs.