May and June may not be the top months for streaming deals, but Peacock Premium is offering a year of their ad-supported service for only $24.99—a savings of $55—using promo code SPRINGSAVINGS through May 30th. While it may not have the same prestige as Netflix or Hulu, Peacock features notable content like the second season of Poker Face, the Oscar-winning movie Wicked, and upcoming series like The Paper. Be aware that after 12 months, the subscription renews at the full price of $79.99 unless auto-renew is turned off.
Additionally, other hot deals include the vintage-style Vornado Vheat space heater at Amazon, the best-value Insta360 X5 action camera bundle at Costco, and the uniquely portable Sharge Pouch wearable USB-C charger at an all-time low price on Amazon. These offers combine great technology with affordability just in time for the season.
Pinterest has apologized for mistakenly deactivating many user accounts due to what it calls an 'internal error,' leading to over-enforcement of its content policies. Users reported their accounts were suspended without prior warning or clear explanations, with appeals often going unanswered or rejected. Initially, Pinterest's vague response about guideline violations failed to calm the backlash. On Wednesday, Pinterest updated its statement via an old X post, admitting the error and stating that many accounts have been reinstated. The company did not specify the nature of the internal error or its resolution. Reports surfaced of incorrect content moderation, including everyday images flagged as adult content, though Pinterest denied AI moderation was involved. Despite account restorations, many users remain dissatisfied with how the situation was managed.
Whether you're purchasing your first pair of AirPods or upgrading an older set, Apple's earbuds and headphones are preferred by many iPhone users due to their seamless integration within Apple's ecosystem. Key features include audio sharing, automatic device switching, and Apple TV compatibility. In 2024, Apple offers four main models: AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 with and without active noise cancellation, and AirPods Max over-ear headphones. The AirPods Pro 2 stand out for their advanced noise cancellation, superior sound quality, new hearing health features, and convenient volume controls. Those who dislike ear tips might prefer the open design of AirPods 4, available with or without noise cancellation. For headphone enthusiasts, the AirPods Max provide premium sound quality, excellent noise cancelling, and comfort with fabric ear cups. Each model offers unique advantages suited to different preferences and needs within Apple's robust audio lineup.
YouTube has introduced a new chart tracking the top 100 podcasts in the US, with The Joe Rogan Experience ranking first for the week of May 5th to 11th. Other top shows include Kill Tony, Rotten Mango, and 48 Hours. The chart, updated every Wednesday, ranks podcasts based on watchtime and includes playlists labeled 'podcasts' by creators, excluding clips or Shorts. YouTube, a major platform for podcast consumption, reported over 1 billion monthly podcast listeners in February, surpassing Spotify's 100 million. The company plans to enhance the chart and expand it to more regions.
After five years of using my iPhone 12 Mini, I faced a choice triggered by Donald Trump's tariffs: replace my aging phone’s battery or buy a new device before prices increased. The decision was clear—I replaced the battery. Despite its smaller size, which Apple no longer offers, and decent usage habits, the battery capacity had dropped to 80%, causing daily shutdowns without low power mode. Apple’s design focus on sleekness has led to phones that feel disposable, with improvements becoming increasingly minor. This experience highlights the impact of tariffs on consumer electronics costs and repair decisions.
Coinbase revealed that cyber criminals bribed and recruited rogue support agents to steal customer data and deceive victims into transferring funds to attackers. The breach exposed personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers, government ID images, account details, and partial social security numbers of a small group of users. After receiving a $20 million ransom demand from the threat actor, Coinbase refused to pay and has launched an investigation with law enforcement. The involved employees were immediately terminated, and criminal charges will be pursued. Importantly, attackers did not gain access to login credentials, 2FA codes, private keys, or wallets. Coinbase may spend up to $400 million to reimburse affected users and offers a $20 million reward for information leading to an arrest. The company cautions users against scams impersonating Coinbase employees asking for sensitive information or funds transfers.
After the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who worked for Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post, controversy arose as Amazon announced a $5 billion AI project partnership with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's AI company, Humain. Khashoggi was killed with the approval of MBS at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and his body has never been found. This deal has sparked ethical debates given Saudi Arabia's involvement in the journalist's death and its broader investment in the tech industry through its Public Investment Fund.
TikTok will now show guided meditation prompts to users under 18 after 10PM, aiming to encourage healthier screen habits at night. Previously, the platform tested a 'wind down' feature with calming music for teens under 16, but the updated feature includes meditation and is shown by default. Adults who activate 'Sleep Hours' in Screen Time settings can also receive the prompts. During testing, 98% of users under 16 kept the meditation feature after their first try. While teens can initially dismiss the 10PM reminder, a later full-screen prompt is harder to ignore. This update comes amid TikTok's efforts to address safety concerns as it faces regulatory pressure in the US.
Digital Foundry has revealed detailed specifications of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, shedding light on its processor and GameChat system that Nintendo’s official specs page lacks. The Switch 2 features a custom Nvidia T239 system-on-a-chip with an ARM Cortex A78C CPU comprising eight cores: six available to developers and two reserved for system use. It utilizes Nvidia's Ampere GPU architecture paired with 12GB LPDDR5X memory, though 3GB is reserved for system functions. The console supports VRR on its screen but not in docked mode via HDMI, contrary to earlier advertising by Nintendo. GameChat, a new Discord-like chat feature, comes with a developer testing tool that simulates API latency and cache misses, aiming to ensure smooth gameplay. The Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5th, with preorders already closed, suggesting potential buyers line up in stores like Best Buy.
The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, initially slated for release in January 2021, has experienced multiple delays and changes in development studios. Ubisoft announced in its recent earnings report that the game is expected to launch before April 2026, aligning with the company's fiscal year 2025-2026. Fans may see an official announcement soon, possibly during the upcoming Summer Game Fest. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Siege X are highlighted as major titles for Ubisoft, Prince of Persia is also expected to contribute alongside other games like Anno 117: Pax Romana and Rainbow Six Mobile. Original star voice actor Yuri Lowenthal and creator Jordan Mechner were initially involved, but their current roles remain uncertain after the game moved to Ubisoft Montréal in 2022. Despite the delays, anticipation remains high among fans of the classic game, noted for its storytelling, voice acting, and innovative gameplay.