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Analysis: Will Apple Arcade’s big additions broaden gaming services’ appeal?
Apple Arcade expanded its offerings this month in a big way. The evolving service added more than 30 games at the beginning of April, and the offerings feature heavy hitters that will make core gamers take notice.
It’s a notable mix of mobile classics such as “Monument Valley” and established blockbusters like “NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition...Read more

Uber riders using Venmo and prepaid cards will need to upload ID before booking a ride. Here’s what to expect.
The new rider verification program implemented by Uber Friday is designed to deter carjacking by requiring passengers who use Venmo, prepaid cards and gift cards to upload identification before booking a ride.
The extra step in the Uber app will require riders setting up a new account, and some with existing accounts who use an anonymous form...Read more

Minnesota Power planning fast-charge EV stations — for residents and tourists
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is planning to build 16 fast-charging electric vehicle stations across northeastern Minnesota, putting residents within its service area no more than 30 miles from a public charger by the end of 2022.
The Duluth-based utility told state regulators this week it wants to spend $2.6 million installing the ...Read more

Microsoft’s $20 billion AI deal will shake up how we work
Imagine the workplace of the future, where computers powered by artificial intelligence take care of the most tedious administrative tasks, making employees happier and more productive. Microsoft Corp. wants to be at the forefront of that future — and its deal for voice-recognition and AI specialist Nuance Communications Inc. shows it’s ...Read more
CNET: Best mesh Wi-Fi routers for 2021
We're all still depending on our home Wi-Fi networks more than ever — and having areas around the house where you just can't connect can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, dead zones can be decimated by upgrading your router to a mesh system that pairs a router with range-extending satellite devices to spread a fast and reliable signal ...Read more

Gadgets: Satechi aluminum desktop stand perfect for tablets
The first thing you notice about the well-built and solid Satechi aluminum desktop stand for iPad is the weight. At 1 pound and 10 ounces, the bottom-heavy stand is perfect for storing tablets in place and not worrying about it tipping over.
Most of the weight is in the base of the 5.75-by-9.625-by-1.75-inch stand, which holds and elevates ...Read more

Coinbase's whipsaw debut takes it past $100 billion, then back
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc. soared above a $112 billion valuation in its trading debut Wednesday, then slipped back below its opening price as Bitcoin fell from record highs and tech stocks fell across the board.
The massive valuation, which dwarfs more traditional financial companies including Intercontinental Exchange Group ...Read more
Dell Technologies spinning off ownership stake in VMWare
Dell Technologies said Wednesday that it is spinning off its ownership stake in VMware, a California-based cloud-software company.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of calendar 2021 and result in two standalone companies.
Dell Technologies said the companies will continue to work together through a commercial agreement and ...Read more

Sound Advice: Looking for recommended electric toothbrush
Q. I read your review of the TLOVII Sonic Electric Toothbrush on sale for $29.99 and went straight to Amazon to buy one. It shows, “Currently Unavailable.” Do you know if they will be available again? Can I buy it anywhere besides Amazon?
— B.P., San Francisco
A. I received dozens of emails like this after the column ran. I reached out ...Read more

This food tech startup wants to keep the world's bananas and avocados fresher longer
Hazel Technologies, a Chicago-based startup that created a small drop-in packet to keep bananas and other produce from turning prematurely brown, is starting to produce a lot of green.
The 6-year-old company announced Tuesday it raised $70 million in a completed investment round, financing ambitions to grow Hazel into an international food tech...Read more

Tech Q&A: Pros and cons of downsized 'Windows 10 in S mode'
Q: To get a lower price, I purchased a new laptop with Windows 10 running in "S mode." I understand that S mode is supposed to be more secure, but that my software choices are limited. (I also know I can upgrade to full Windows 10, but I'm not sure this PC could handle it.) But I'm still trying to figure out security. How can I do a manual ...Read more

Epic Games raises another $1B from investors. Video game maker now valued at $29B
CARY, N.C. — Epic Games has completed another astronomical round of funding from investors, making the company worth nearly $29 billion and easily making it the most valuable venture-backed company in North Carolina.
The Cary-based video game developer said Tuesday it raised another $1 billion from investors — money it will use to continue ...Read more

Microchip security continues to confound Pentagon
Nearly nine years ago, the Senate Armed Services Committee reported the results of an investigation of counterfeit electronic parts in the U.S. military. The year-long probe found fully 1 million bogus parts, including components for several types of combat aircraft.
“Our report outlines how this flood of counterfeit parts, overwhelmingly ...Read more

Congress eyes big bucks for tiny computer chips
President Joe Biden stood in the White House’s State Dining Room on Feb. 24 and recalled the centuries-old “for want of a nail” proverb — the one about the outsize significance of small things.
For want of that nail, Biden reminded his audience, the horseshoe was lost, followed by the horse, the rider, his message, the battle and ...Read more

Questions swirl over subsidies for chip industry
When a massive container ship called the Ever Given got stuck sideways in the Suez Canal for nearly a week this March, it caused a traffic backup in oceangoing commerce, costing the world about $60 billion, by one estimate.
After days of salvage experts trying to dig the ship out, the Ever Given was ultimately freed on March 29, thanks to a big...Read more

Space Force acquisitions and tech division will be based in LA area
One of the U.S. Space Force's three main prongs, the division that will develop and buy space technologies and services, will be based in the Los Angeles area, officials announced Thursday.
The Los Angeles Air Force Base's Space and Missile Systems Center in El Segundo will become the headquarters of the planned division, which is named Space ...Read more
Verizon mobile hotspots sold to schools recalled after beds, floors and people burned
Mobile hotspots should connect people to the internet — not the local fire department. That's why Verizon recalled 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots Thursday.
The exact problem, as stated in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall alert: "The lithium ion battery in the hotspots can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards....Read more

CNET: Best queen mattresses for 2021
The most popular mattress size is the queen mattress -- and for good reason. A queen mattress provides plenty of space for single sleepers, while still offering enough room for couples. A queen mattress also is easier to fit in most bedrooms, and it's typically more budget-friendly than a king size -- win-win. If you're looking for the best ...Read more

Gadgets: Easy-to-use dash cam
When you look at the specs for Viofo A139 triple channel dash cam, it’s easy for non-tech heads to be intimidated and stay away from it. But don’t. Dash cameras are a technology gadget you think you don’t need until you do, which is often too late.
If you are ever in an accident, there's no better evidence than video.
Yes, the Viofo ...Read more

Jim Rossman: How old is too old in electronics?
I had an online exchange with a friend recently about her MacBook Pro, which is a 2011 model with an i7 processor, 16 gigabytes of RAM and a fast solid-state drive.
It has been a really good machine for a decade. I should know, because I sold it to her a few years back, and it was my personal laptop.
She wanted to upgrade Microsoft Word, but...Read more
Inside Science & Technology
Popular Stories
- Gadgets: Satechi aluminum desktop stand perfect for tablets
- Questions swirl over subsidies for chip industry
- Minnesota Power planning fast-charge EV stations — for residents and tourists
- Uber riders using Venmo and prepaid cards will need to upload ID before booking a ride. Here’s what to expect.
- Analysis: Will Apple Arcade’s big additions broaden gaming services’ appeal?