The Powerplay 2’s charging ‘coin’ for your Logitech mouse will last until your power goes out.
This Mousepad Can Make Your Wireless Mouse Literally Last Forever
Monthly Archives: February 2025
Global Sales of Combustion Engine Cars Have Peaked
Our World in Data: To decarbonize road transport, the world must move away from petrol and diesel cars and towards electric vehicles and other forms of low-carbon transport.
This transition has already started. In fact, global sales of combustion engine cars are well past the peak and are now falling.
As you can see in the chart, global sales peaked in 2018. This is calculated based on data from the International Energy Agency. Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates this peak occurred one year earlier, in 2017.
Sales of electric cars, on the other hand, are growing quickly.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Need a Windows 10 alternative or still miss XP? This Linux distro is for you – and it’s free
Free10 is a repacking of the Q40S Linux distribution and it makes an outstanding option for anyone looking to migrate from Windows to Linux.
Dems Introduce the ‘BAD DOGE Act’ to Kill Elon Musk’s Organization
In the past 24 hours, Congress has filed two new bills aimed at curbing the billionaire’s power to wreck the federal government.
Windows Is Testing a New Feature That Makes Sharing Files Much Easier
Microsoft is testing a new way to make sharing files a lot easier. In a beta version of Windows 11, the company has released a temporary shelf that appears when you drag files to the top of the screen. You can use this to drop files directly to the apps you use the most, such as Outlook or WhatsApp. Additionally, the company is also testing an improved version of Windows Search on CoPilot+ PCs to help you find photos in the cloud, and two new layouts for the Start menu. All of these features are a part of the Windows Insider program, but they’re available in different channels of this program. Here are some details about each new feature and how you can try it if you want to get it ahead of the release to the general public.
The drag tray to make sharing easier
Perhaps the most exciting among the new updates, the drag tray is a way to make sharing simpler on Windows 11. When you drag a file to the top of the screen, a hidden drag tray reveals itself and you’ll see a few apps listed there. You can drag the file into any app to share it quickly. There’s also a More button to send it to apps not listed in the tray. If you drag a file to the More button, it’ll open the Windows share menu to help you send it to other apps. While sharing has been fairly easy on computers for a long time, this drag tray is great for dumping files into apps that you use frequently.
New views for the Start menu
Credit: Microsoft
The Start menu is the hub for everything you want to launch on your PC and it’s now getting two additional views—name grid and category. The name grid lists all apps in an alphabetical order and groups them by alphabet, whereas the category view looks a lot like app folders on your smartphone. The category view groups apps by type and creates multiple folders to let you see more apps in one go. Both these views are available in the All page of the start menu if you’re a part of the correct Windows Insider beta.
An improved Windows Search
Credit: Microsoft
For Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is testing a version of Windows Search that lets you find photos stored on the cloud. You can type a search term and the results will try to find the photo based on your description, even if the photo is named IMG0012.JPG. At the moment this is supported for personal OneDrive accounts, as long as you’re signed in and connected to the internet. This feature is not supported for work or school OneDrive accounts. Microsoft says third-party cloud storage providers will be able to add support for this search feature, which is great if you don’t use OneDrive.
How to try these new Windows features
To try these new features, you need to sign up for the Windows Insider program and ensure that you have the right hardware and are on the correct beta version. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as jumping to the beta version and looking for the feature, but this is what you can do for now. On your Windows 11 PC, go to the Microsoft website and click the Register button to sign up for Windows Insider. Then, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program on your PC and follow the on-screen prompts to join the program.
Be aware that this program involves installing beta software on your PC, which can lead to issues such as data loss, crashing software, or even a PC stuck at the boot screen. Ensure that you’ve backed up your Windows PC before you attempt to join the Windows Insider Program. Once you’re on the beta, you can try the drag tray feature and the new Start menu views by selecting the beta channel and updating to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078). This isn’t available to those who are receiving beta updates based on Windows 11’s 24H2 build as of now, but it’s expected to be on that channel soon. If you decided not to update to this cycle and opted to receive beta updates on the previous beta channel, then you’ll be able to try those two features right away.
As for the enhanced search, it’s available to those who have a Copilot+ PC running Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080). Microsoft currently labels this as an optional update and will change it to a recommended one later this year. Even if you’re on the right update channel, you may have to wait a while to get the enhanced Windows Search working as Microsoft is rolling it out gradually. This update channel also includes improvements to Windows Recall, the controversial feature that records everything you do on your PC, and adds a new Trim tool to let you edit screen recordings using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11.
How To Master Iron Man In Marvel Rivals
Tony Stark, as we all know, is a brilliant engineer, the Iron Man suit testament to his capabilities. Flexible and reliable, Iron Man is also a fantastic Dualist in Marvel Rivals, where he excels in keeping constant pressure on his enemies with long range attacks, the ability to fly freely to avoid taking damage and…
Paramount+ Just Added A Bunch Of Classic MTV Unplugged Episodes
Well, here’s some cool news. Paramount has added 50 classic episodes of MTV Unplugged to its streaming service. Some of these episodes haven’t been officially available to watch for over 20 years.
New evidence suggests that Mars used to have an ocean and sandy beaches
Researchers just discovered evidence to suggest that Mars was once home to oceans and sandy beaches on the red planet, according to data published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is a far cry from the arid, freezing and radiation-filled conditions of modern Mars.
Scientists discovered evidence of buried beaches after they analyzed below-ground imaging data from China’s Zhurong rover. This data from the northern lowlands of Mars is extremely similar to what researchers find when using similar ground-penetrating radar here on Earth, as indicated by The Guardian. They found subsurface material that’s angled and tilted toward a lowland, which likely was an ocean at some point.
#VantageOnFirstpost: A new study reveals that Mars once had an ocean with sandy beaches, with evidence of buried shorelines found deep underground. This study points to past life on the red planet about four billion years ago.
Previous research supports the idea of oceans and… pic.twitter.com/iFIQ61dCVK
— Firstpost (@firstpost) February 25, 2025
“Typically the radar picks up on even subtle changes in sediment size, which is probably what’s happening here,” said Dr Benjamin Cardenas, a co-author of the research from Penn State University. “It tells you there had to be tides, there had to be waves, there had to be a nearby river supplying sediment, and all these things had to be active for some extended period of time.”
Scientists have long debated whether or not Mars had oceans, and this discovery certainly implies the planet was once home to vast bodies of water. Previous discoveries have indicated that it used to have flowing rivers and lakes. There’s also evidence of liquid water deep underneath the Martian surface in the present day.
“A beach is an interface between shallow water, air and land. It’s these sorts of environments where it’s thought life first came to be on Earth, and I think it would be a great place to send a follow-up mission looking for signs of past life,” Cardenas said.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/new-evidence-suggests-that-mars-used-to-have-an-ocean-and-sandy-beaches-181146248.html?src=rss
ISPs Brace For State-Level Price Regulation as New York’s $15 Broadband Law Sets Precedent
A New York law mandating low-cost broadband is inspiring similar legislation across multiple states, despite industry opposition. The law requires ISPs with over 20,000 customers to offer $15 plans with 25Mbps speeds or $20 plans with 200Mbps to income-eligible residents.
Vermont, Massachusetts, and California legislators have introduced comparable bills following New York’s success. Vermont’s proposal mirrors New York’s pricing structure, while Massachusetts goes further by requiring 100Mbps speeds for the $15 tier. AT&T responded by withdrawing its 5G home internet service from New York rather than complying with the mandate.
Industry lobby groups continue fighting these regulations, with USTelecom warning that state-level price controls will “undermine connectivity progress” and “discourage investment.”
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Chegg Sues Google, Says AI Search Results Are Killing Its Business
The online textbook and homework help company has seen its stock price crater since the pandemic and the rise of ChatGPT.
So This Is How Liberty Dies: With a Revenge of the Sith Anniversary Re-Release
George Lucas’ final Star Wars prequel is coming back to theaters for its 20th anniversary.
10 of the Most Ridiculous Fees (and How to Avoid Paying Them)
Processing fees. Service fees. Hidden fees. It feels like most companies and services these days have found countless ways to sneakily squeeze money out of me. Even when it’s only a few dollars here and there, it’s the principle of the thing: Why am I being charged in the first place? What can I do to circumvent these fees and save my hard-earned money? Here are some of the most common fees that have been infuriating me lately, and what you can do to avoid paying them.
Concert “service” fees
If you’ve tried to buy a concert ticket in recent history, you’ve been slapped with a shocking string of processing, commission, or transaction fees. From secondary sellers like StubHub and Vivid Seats, to primary sellers like Ticketmaster, AXS, and SeatGeek, these fees are built into the modern business model of ticketing live events. Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to sit back and take it. Ticketmaster in particular has been hit with multiple class-action lawsuits for the company’s lack of transparency.
How to avoid them: First, check out discount and no-fee ticket sites like TickPick or Goldstar.com. Unfortunately, there’s only one guaranteed way to avoid concert service fees: Contact the box office to look into about buying your tickets in person. Sure, it’s old school (and might prove tricky for in-demand shows), but it’s a surefire way to avoid the “convenience” fee that comes with online transactions.
Airbnb fees
Next to the cost of concert tickets, Airbnb has gained notoriety for its bullshit fees. I’ve found the growing consensus is that Airbnb simply isn’t worth its exorbitant service fees. I’ll never forget a few years back, there was a viral tweet with a screenshot of a $99/night listing that ended up totaling $413.95 for two nights after fees and taxes were added at checkout.
How to avoid them: After you find a listing on Airbnb, try searching for the property description on other sites for offerings that don’t come with Airbnb’s fees. You can also reach out to the host directly and see if they would be interested in conducting business outside of Airbnb in order to avoid fees. For instance, you could arrange to book the property for just one night through Airbnb, and pay for additional nights in person. There’s certainly some risk involved here, but considering how much of a cut Airbnb takes from hosts, you might be able to strike a win-win deal.
Seat selection and airline fees
Of all the bullshit airline fees these days, “seat selection” might be the shadiest. Paying an additional $20 for my seat? Isn’t that what the ticket is paying for in the first place? During the booking process, it’s not always clear that the seat selection fee is completely avoidable.
How to avoid them: When the option pops up to select a seat on your flight, simply skip past this screen. The skip button may be hidden, but it’s there. The airline will automatically assign you a seat for no extra charge. If where you sit is still a concern for you, you can request specific seats if you politely ask the gate agent when you arrive at the airport. For more information, here’s our guide to avoiding seat selection fees.
ATM fees
When you need cash fast, ATM fees are tough to avoid. It’s utter crap to be charged three dollars to access my own money, but, alas, the big banks don’t seem to be listening to my ramblings.
How to avoid them: Ideally you can find an ATM owned by the bank you use so it doesn’t cost you to withdraw your money. Otherwise, consider moving your money to a bank that refunds these fees. Another tactic is to take steps to have fee-free cash on hand by using the cash back option when you grocery shop. Personally, I always take out a ten or a twenty on top of my groceries, and I rarely have to resort to finding an ATM when I need cash.
Car dealership fees
If there’s someone you can trust to be honest and no-bullshit, it’s a car salesman, right? From advertising fees, delivery fees, undercoating fees—it’s easy to get lost in all the additional charges that get tacked on at a car dealership.
How to avoid them: When you buy a new car, you’ll be able to see a factory invoice. Any charges listed there are, unfortunately, legitimate. However, if the dealership charges you a fee that doesn’t appear on the factory invoice, you can avoid paying it. Getting rid of these fees is often as simple as asking the dealer to strike them. Somehow, questioning their legitimacy seems to make them all but disappear.
Gym initiation fees
When you join a new gym, your first bill might come with an “initiation fee.” This sucks, and you should try to get out of it.
How to avoid them: Similar to our tip with the car dealership, you should simply ask the gym to waive the fee. Bonus points if you express doubts about your membership, or even make it a condition of signing up for a yearly membership. The gym wants to keep you as a customer, so they’ll be more likely to waive one fee in order to hold on to you.
Credit reports
Make a habit of checking your free credit score from sites like Credit Karma or Experian. What you shouldn’t make a habit of is paying a fee for a credit report literally ever, since this likely means you’re falling for a scam.
How to avoid them: Head to AnnualCreditReport.com and check your credit health for free. Some banks and credit card companies also offer free credit reports as part of having an account with them.
Overdraft fees
“Overdraft protection” sounds like a positive thing to stop you from taking out more money than you have in your account. However, when the bank offers overdraft protection, they charge quite the fee for it. You accidentally overdrawing your account by a few cents could turn into an outrageous $50 charge.
How to avoid them: An alternative to your bank’s overdraft protection is to link your savings account to your checking account. This way, any overdrafts get pulled from your own funds. If this isn’t possible at your bank, at least set up low-balance alerts so you avoid overdrafts altogether.
Bank statement fees
A paper bank statement can come with a wild $2 or $3 monthly fee. Those dollars add up, and for no reason other than, what, receiving mail?
How to avoid them: Go paperless. It’s as simple as checking a box in your account settings. Good for the environment, and good for your wallet.
Online shipping fees
As much as I’d like to support in-person brick and mortar stores, sometimes Amazon one-day shipping is the only option I have. And with shipping costs these days, I know I’m guilty of buying more products just to qualify for free shipping—the classic “spend to save” trap.
How to avoid them: Always consolidate orders to avoid multiple shipping charges. Compare shipping rates across multiple retailers before purchasing, and sign up for free shipping programs like Amazon Prime or Walmart+. Plus, you can go for good old-fashioned store pickup options when available.
Supreme Court rejects ISPs again in latest bid to kill NY’s $15 broadband law
The Supreme Court has once again rejected a telecom industry challenge to New York’s $15 broadband law.
The court first refused the hear the case in December, which meant that an appeals court ruling upholding the law was not disturbed. New York started enforcing the law in January, but broadband industry groups made another attempt to get the Supreme Court’s attention.
AT&T stopped offering its 5G home Internet service in New York entirely instead of complying with the law, and the industry hoped AT&T’s exit would convince the Supreme Court to change its decision. Lobby groups filed a supplemental brief on January 17 urging the court to reconsider its denial of their petition, saying that AT&T’s exit proves that “some providers will cease offering broadband service in New York rather than sell at a loss.”
21 Workers Resign From DOGE as Elon Musk Destroys the U.S. Government
Move fast and break things doesn’t work well for vulnerable people on Medicare and Social Security.
I Air Fried Some Cheap Doughnuts and They Were Sensational
Weeks ago, my partner suggested I develop a recipe for doughnuts made in the air fryer. I tried to explain to him how deep fried doughnuts are always better than baked ones, adding, “unless you wanna throw some Entenmann’s in there.” I laughed, and then shook my head, because I had sealed my own fate.
Once it occurred to me, I absolutely needed to test the idea. I bought a variety pack of Entenmann’s doughnuts (including chocolate glazed, powdery crumb nubbins, and classic glazed). I fearfully placed one of each into the basket of my air fryer and pressed Start.
I experienced a range of emotions during the next seven minutes, pinging from worry, to hope, to, finally, disbelief: Yes, I’m happy to report that air-fried cheap doughnuts are absolutely sensational.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
The process changes the doughnuts appearance, especially the glazed ones. The sugar coating partially melts, exposing the crumb texture of the doughnut beneath. Everything else is uphill from there: Each air fried doughnut was a textural delight—their dry, homogeneous, bread-y consistency transformed into a crunchy exterior with a chewy, caramelized crust. The interior crumb changed too: Instead of a dense, cake-y texture, the crumb opens up a bit (presumably from expanding in the heat) and has an airy feel.
The flavor is also improved. All of the existing elements you enjoy in packaged doughnuts are concentrated and enhanced. Normally these doughnuts are one-note sweets, but after air frying, you’ll notice how buttery they are, taste notes of vanilla, and even detect hints of salt.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
It makes logical sense—the heat melts and caramelizes some of the sugars, moisture evaporates, and the doughnut’s surface browns a bit due to the Maillard reaction, creating new, complex flavors. But some flavors, I can’t explain. Why does an air-fried chocolate glazed doughnut taste completely like Fruity Pebbles? You must air fry a chocolate glazed, if only to experience this unexpected transformation.
How to air fry cheap doughnuts
I wouldn’t air fry specialty bakery doughnuts that cost $5 a pop, because that’s silly. Focus on improving the factory-made doughnuts. To air fry your own cheap doughnuts at home, simply pop the treats into an air fryer set to 350°F on the “air fry” setting for five to seven minutes. Make sure you air fry them on the included metal grate, as some of the sugars from the glaze will drip off and you don’t want them to get too moist.
When they’re done heating, use metal tongs or a fish spatula to remove them from the grate and place them to cool on a wire rack for about five minutes. Feel free to give them a light sprinkle of flaky salt. They’ll feel really soft and breakable at first, but after cooling, the sugars will recrystallize and the doughnuts will be crispy…and incredible.
Qualcomm and Google team up to offer 8 years of Android updates
Qualcomm and Google have joined forces to extend software updates on Android devices. With Google’s assistance, the chipmaker has committed to providing extended vendor support to any OEM building on its most powerful chips, pushing the theoretical lifespan of Android devices to eight years. There are plenty of caveats, but this move could make your next phone more useful for longer.
The extended support window only applies to Android devices with the latest Qualcomm chipsets. To start, the eight-year support timeline will be extended to devices running the new Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform, which has powered devices like the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25. Later this year, the same policy will be applied to the company’s new Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series chips, and you can expect the same deal for at least the next five generations of Qualcomm silicon.
“Through this collaboration, OEMs can more seamlessly update the software and security on their devices, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting Android experience for our users,” said Google’s Android Platform manager Seang Chau.
Wyden Asks For Rules About Whether You Own Your Digital Purchases
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair Andrew Ferguson urging the FTC to require that companies admit when you’re not really buying an ebook or video game. From a report: Wyden’s letter, shared with The Verge, requests guidance to “ensure that consumers who purchase or license digital goods can make informed decisions and understand what ownership rights they are obtaining.”
Wyden wants the guidance to include how long a license lasts, what circumstances might expire or revoke the license, and if a consumer can transfer or resell the license. The letter also calls for the information “before and at the point of sale” in a way that’s easily understandable. “To put it simply, prior to agreeing to any transaction, consumers should understand what they are paying for and what is guaranteed after the sale,” Wyden says.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Daniel Kaluuya’s Barney Movie Has Added Another Surprising Talent: Ayo Edebiri
Kaluuya (an Oscar winner) and Edebiri (an Emmy winner) are teaming up to bring the purple dinosaur to the big screen with A24.
A Kidney Transplant Came With an Unwelcome Hitchhiker: A Deadly Tick Germ
Health officials in Wisconsin and Minnesota have documented a rare case of donor-derived ehrlichiosis.
How’s that open source licensing coming along? That well, huh?
When a vendor and a community stop loving each other, things can get very forked up. State Of Open Multiple license changes have rocked the open source community over the last few years. For vendors concerned, the impact has ranged from business as usual to potentially catastrophic.