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Florida investigates OpenAI over deadly mass shooting

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 22:29

Florida attorney general James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that the state launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its flagship product, the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT.

The investigation centers on the use of ChatGPT by a gunman who allegedly shot several people at Florida State University in April 2025. The shooting killed two people and injured five others. The suspect, a former student at Florida State University in his early 20s, is awaiting trial for multiple charges of murder and attempted murder.

"Unfortunately, what we've seen in our initial review is that ChatGPT offered significant advice to the shooter before he committed such heinous crimes," Uthmeier said at a news conference on Tuesday, according to NBC Miami.

SEE ALSO: 'Use a gun': AI chatbots help people plan violence, report says

Uthmeier offered several examples of such exchanges, including one in which the suspect allegedly asked about the gun's short range power and the type of ammunition the gun used. The New York Times reported that the suspect also prompted the chatbot to answer questions about how the country would respond to a shooting at FSU.

Florida law may consider anyone who aids, abets, or counsels someone in a committed or attempted crime as a principal to that crime.

In a published statement, Uthmeier said that "...if ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder."

Mashable contacted OpenAI for comment but didn't receive a response prior to publication.

The criminal investigation follows an initial probe launched earlier this month by Uthmeier into ChatGPT's links to "criminal behavior," including the FSU shooting, as well as child sex abuse and the "encouragement of suicide and self-harm."

The investigation seeks, among other evidence, OpenAI's policies and internal training materials related to user threats directed toward other people between March 2024 and April 2026.

A recent report published by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that many AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, helped test users posing as 13-year-old boys plan violence, including school shootings, knife attacks, political assassinations, and bombing synagogues or political party offices.

At the time, OpenAI said it had since introduced a new model different from the one tested jointly by CNN and the Center for Countering Digital Hate. It is unclear which ChatGPT model the alleged FSU shooter used.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Here's an open-source Google Circle To Search alternative that works offline

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 22:14

A developer has just released his own version of Circle To Search for all Android devices. This open-source alternative to Google’s Circle To Search allows users to draw a circle, search for what they want, and use it on any Android device that’s on Android 10 and above.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 brilliant HBO Max shows you can binge this week (April 20-26)

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 22:00

There's something supremely therapeutic about sinking into the couch after a long day at the computer or on the job site—and getting lost in a great TV show. HBO Max has spent decades making sure you have something good to watch when you do, but we're here to make sure you find it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal online for free

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 22:00

TL;DR: Live stream Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal for free on RTP Play. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Places in the Taça de Portugal final are up for grabs this week. The first semi final to be decided is the big one, with Sporting CP travelling to the Estádio do Dragão to face off against Porto. The visitors have a 1-0 lead going into this second leg, but they'll need to be at their best to advance to progress.

If you want to watch Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Porto vs. Sporting CP?

Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on April 22. This fixture takes place at the Estádio do Dragão.

How to watch Porto vs. Sporting CP for free

Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal is available to live stream for free on RTP Play.

RTP Play is geo-restricted to Portugal, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Portugal, meaning you can unblock RTP Play to live stream the Taça de Portugal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Portugal

  4. Visit RTP Play

  5. Watch Porto vs. Sporting CP for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Taça de Portugal without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTP Play?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTP Play, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Portugal

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Porto vs. Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft admits Game Pass is too expensive and slashes prices (with a catch)

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 21:30

Microsoft is responding to complaints about expensive Xbox Game Pass subscriptions with price cuts, although there are conditions attached.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung leak shows open earbuds are likely in the pipeline

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 21:26

Are you really an audio brand in the year 2026 if you're not coming out with a pair of open earbuds?

It would appear not. In just the past four months alone, brands like Sony, Soundcore, JBL, and Shokz have all released new open-earbuds models, and now, thanks to a new leak, it looks like Samsung will be joining the party.

SEE ALSO: Sony expands Inzone gaming lineup with H6 Air open-back headset, OLED gaming monitor

The all-things-Samsung source SammyGuru uncovered an open earbuds design buried in Samsung's One UI firmware on April 20. The idea that Samsung has open earbuds in the work didn't come completely out of left field: Last March, SamMobile reported on a tip that Samsung would unveil bone conduction open earbuds at last July's Galaxy Unpacked event.

That release didn't come to fruition, but this latest leak gives us more information about the earbuds, rumored to be named the Galaxy Buds Able. Instead of a bone conduction model, which send vibrations into the bones of the wearer's head to transmit sound, the leaked Able design points to a clip-on open earbuds look.

The potential design of the rumored Samsung Galaxy Buds Able. Credit: SammyGuru

Clip-on open earbuds cuff the ear and sit just beyond the ear canal, using air conduction to transmit audio. This style bud is the same as the very popular Bose Ultra Open earbuds, as well as the new Sony open earbuds, and more affordable options from Soundcore and EarFun.

Samsung recently announced two earbuds — the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro — at its Unpacked event in February. SammyGuru notes that this announcement came earlier in the year than expected, potentially pointing to the release of the open earbuds alongside the new line of Galaxy Fold phones, rumored to be announced in July.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why dont people recycle old smartphones?

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 21:02

The smartphone may prove to be the most enduring symbol of modern human invention. The microcomputers are now portals to entirely new worlds. They now have tiny artificially intelligent assistants inside of them. They've even gone to space

Smartphones have also played a part in harming impressionable youth, intensifying a mass mental health crisis, and exacerbating global pollution.  

According to the World Health Organization, global e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. A record amount of e-waste, 62 million tons to be exact, leached pollutants, including lead and mercury, into the environment in 2022. Mobile phones, computers, and appliances make up the majority of electronics in landfills. The United States generated about 7.2 million tons of e-waste in 2022 and collected about half of it. 

Why aren't we recycling more?

You may have heard of the space race, and now the AI race, but have you heard of the rare earth mineral race? If not, now's the time. 

Most of the world's modern tech, including smartphones, is powered by just 17 metallic elements. They form powerful magnets, lasers, batteries, and more. They're abundant worldwide, but increasingly hard to mine. That production difficulty has led to political conflict as countries try to secure large rare-earth deposits — and to a sense of scarcity. When you toss away your phone or let it collect dust in a drawer, these rare-earths are stuck, too. It's basically the trapped-water theory, but for very small amounts of naturally occurring magnetic elements.

A 2026 CNET reader survey found that only 39 percent of people had recycled an electronic device — a 2024 YouGov survey put that number at only seven percent. About a third of U.S. adults cited uncertainty about recycling rules and programs for their reluctance, while about a fifth said they simply throw them in the garbage — dumping e-waste is illegal or regulated in 25 states. Yet another survey conducted by Allstate Protection Plans found that more than half of Americans kept their devices on hand purely as backups. 

That behavior creates its own set of issues. According to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), the amount of e-waste far outnumbers rates of electronic recycling, and it's going up by 2.6 million tons every year. In 2024, five times as much e-waste was generated as was recycled tech. 

And it gets worse: For the amount of e-waste that is recycled, less than a quarter of it is properly collected and processed, often resulting in even more waste and pollution. Even if electronics are successfully broken down in the complicated recycling process, a single device only produces a small amount of rare-earths, which means we need a lot more devices in the recycling stream to make a difference.

SEE ALSO: How to actually recycle electronics, beauty empties, toys, and more tricky items in 2026

All of that leads to this reality: Less than one percent of rare-earth element demand is met by recycling e-waste, leaving the majority of countries reliant on just a few powerful nations with large pools of rare-earth elements. We need to come up with a better system, quickly.  

For years, environmental activists have proposed a much easier solution: Simply stop buying so many new electronic devices. Refurbish programs have risen in popularity among tech companies, retail giants, and even the U.S. president, while Right to Repair advocates push for laws that will allow more individuals to extend the life of their personal devices. 

But even amid these trends, the number of participants needs to multiply tenfold to address the growing e-waste problem. 

While more than a third of Americans told Allstate Protection Plans they are likely to buy a used or refurbished device, only 18 percent actually went through with it. Young people, however, are much more likely to buy refurbished devices than older generations, according to Statista, even as they hoard older devices. About half of Gen Z said they'd choose used over new to save the planet. A resurgence in nostalgia for Y2K tech like iPods and cyberdecks — as well as a desire for "built to last" devices in a struggling economy — may help move the needle further.

Phones are our legacy, for better or for worse. What will you do about it?

Featured Video For You The space junk doomsday scenario is getting closer
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Maps is getting ads, and it just lost the one thing that made it worth using

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 21:01

Ads already appear in some Apple apps, including the App Store, Apple News, and some live sports on Apple TV. Now there's a new app to add to the list, as Apple has confirmed that ads will soon be coming to the Apple Maps app, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal online for free

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 21:00

TL;DR: Live stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Bayern Munich are fresh from securing another Bundesliga title. They've also just knocked out Real Madrid in the Champions League, so you could say that things are going pretty well for Vincent Kompany's side right now. Next they face Leverkusen in the semi-final stage of the DFB-Pokal. Can anyone stop Bayern from marching towards another title?

If you want to watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich?

Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal kicks off at 2:45 p.m. ET on April 22. This fixture takes place at the BayArena.

How to watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich for free

Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can unblock ServusTV to live stream the DFB-Pokal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

  4. Visit ServusTV

  5. Watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the DFB-Pokal without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meet incoming Apple CEO John Ternus: Everything to know

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 20:37

There's a new guy in charge at Apple.

As you may have heard, longtime Apple CEO Tim Cook is leaving his post this fall, opting to take on a more high-level role at the company. That means Apple has a new CEO, and his name is John Ternus. His face is certainly recognizable if you've watched an Apple product launch livestream in recent years, though perhaps less so than Craig Federighi, Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.

Obviously, there's a lot more to Ternus than his presentational skills if Apple feels comfortable making him CEO, the position held by Steve Jobs from 1997 to 2011.

So, who is John Ternus? Here's what we know about Apple's little-known new boss.

SEE ALSO: Apple may have already given us a big hint about AI Siri New Apple CEO John Ternus: Everything you need to know

Ternus is a 50-year-old business executive and engineer, and he's the same age Cook was when he became CEO in 2011.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 and a brief stint as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems, Ternus joined Apple in 2001, and he's been there ever since.

Tim Cook and John Ternus at Apple headquarters in Northern California. Credit: Apple

Ternus started in the Apple product design team and worked his way up the ladder, becoming a VP of hardware engineering in 2013. He moved further up to senior VP in the same department in 2021. In other words, Ternus has been a longtime hardware guy at Apple, as opposed to Cook, who was more business-focused before replacing Steve Jobs as CEO.

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus in an Apple press release.

“Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor...I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

Finally, as a fun sidenote, Ternus was apparently a heck of a competitive swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania in the 90s, per Fortune. You can read all about that in the Daily Pennsylvanian. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal also reports he's fond of Porsche racing and has respectable lap times for an amateur driver.

Why did Apple pick Ternus for CEO?

While Apple's internal product development is a bit of a black box (unless you're Bloomberg's Mark Gurman), Apple's press release credited Ternus and his team for a lot of recent Apple hardware successes.

"Throughout his tenure at Apple, Ternus has overseen hardware engineering work on a variety of groundbreaking products across every category," Apple said. "He was instrumental in the introduction of multiple new product lines, including iPad and AirPods, as well as many generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch."

His most recent accomplishment?

Apple credited Ternus with the development of the popular and well-regarded MacBook Neo laptop. He was also involved with the iPhone 17 line, with Apple calling out the iPhone Air as an example of Ternus's hardware chops.

Generally speaking, during Ternus's time as a hardware higher-up (though, again, it would be irresponsible to credit him and him alone with these products), Apple's devices have become more popular and better reviewed than ever, with a couple of notable exceptions.

Ternus was reportedly a big part of the MacBook Neo's development. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

MacBooks, in particular, have become some of the most beloved laptops on the market, and that's thanks in large part to another of Ternus's big accomplishments at Apple — overseeing the transition to Apple silicon and the M series processors. CNBC and others have reported that Ternus played a pivotal role in the development of Apple's in-house chips.

If you want more tea on the Apple leadership shakeup, Gurman recently reported that Ternus was hesitant to support the Apple Vision Pro and Apple Car projects championed by Cook. The former has been a sales disaster, while the latter never even came out. Still, despite a few misses, Cook grew Apple's market cap by 20x during his tenure, making Apple into a $4 trillion company.

By any measure, Cook has been hugely successful, but Apple insiders say Ternus may have a more Jobs-like product vision and attitude.

Gurman also reported that Ternus has a reputation for a more decisive, quick-thinking approach to decision-making. He'll also be expected to help Apple catch up to the competition in the AI arms race. Apple has notably lagged behind everyone else in both feature quantity and quality, and Siri's AI redesign may be one of the first big tests after the announcement.

So, in summary, Ternus is a lifelong hardware developer who is going to try to build on Apple's recent successes in that regard, while also embracing AI to the extent that it can.

We'll surely get to know him better in the near future as Apple hosts WWDC 2026 in June and the iPhone 18 launch later this year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Framework announces the Laptop 13 Pro, its take on a repairable MacBook Pro

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 20:06

The modular PC maker Framework unveiled a slew of new products during its jam-packed [Next Gen] Event livestream Tuesday — including the new Laptop 13 Pro, its take on a repairable MacBook Pro.

The Laptop 13 Pro is Framework's fourth laptop since its founding in 2020, when it launched the original Laptop 13. And, "In many ways, this product has been six years in the making," company founder Nirav Patel wrote in a blog post. "We’ve taken all of the feedback you’ve given us on the first seven generations of Framework Laptop 13 to make this the ultimate portable developer and power user machine," he said.

Laptop 13 Pro preorders are now open on Framework's website, starting at $1,199 for the build-your-own "DIY Edition" and $1,499 for pre-built configurations, including options that are pre-loaded with Ubuntu for Linux users. The first wave of shipments will go out in June.

Opens in a new window Credit: Framework Framework Laptop 13 Pro (Intel Core Ultra Series 3), DIY Edition $1,199 at Framework
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Framework Framework Laptop 13 Pro (Intel Core Ultra Series 3), Pre-built $1,499 at Framework
  Pre-order Here

Framework also revealed updates to the gaming-ready Laptop 16, a new OCuLink Dev Kit, a new wireless keyboard, and a new laptop sleeve during its livestream. Along with the Laptop 13 Pro, they "represent a step change in our capabilities" and fulfill recurring customer requests, Patel said. "We have the scale and resources to build the products you want from us and to deliver on our mission of remaking consumer electronics."

Read on for a closer look at all of the announcements.

Meet the Framework Laptop 13 Pro The Framework Laptop 13 Pro features a crisp and bright touchscreen (!) display. Credit: Framework

In crafting the Laptop 13 Pro, Framework set out to create a “MacBook Pro for Linux users," Patel said. "We wanted to prove that you can have a computer that is refined, robust, and high performance, that still respects your rights through repairability, upgradeability, and the power to choose the software you want to run on it."

The Laptop 13 Pro sure looks like a MacBook Pro. Weighing just over three pounds, its new, fully CNC aluminum chassis has a flat "slab-like" shape reminiscent of a modern Apple laptop. (In contrast, the standard Laptop 13 has a silver chassis with the wedge shape of an M1 MacBook Air.) It's launching in a graphite finish reminiscent of Apple's space black colorway, but a silver version is coming soon.

SEE ALSO: Framework Laptop 13 review: A good laptop and an even better concept

The Laptop 13 Pro is fueled by powerful Intel Core Ultra Series 3 ("Panther Lake") chips with 16 to 64GB of fast and efficient LPCAMM2 memory. It's available in Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra X7, and Core Ultra X9 configurations.

The Laptop 13 Pro is bedecked with a new 13.5-inch 2,880 x 1,920 display that offers up to 700 nits of brightness, a 30 to 120Hz variable refresh rate, and touchscreen capabilities — something "many of you have been requesting for years," Patel wrote. The screen has newly squared-off corners and an improved anti-glare matte finish.

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro's chassis weighs a little over three pounds. Credit: Framework

The Laptop 13 Pro also sports a new haptic touchpad. "Touchpad feel is an area where Windows and Linux laptops have historically fallen behind Macs, so this is where we’re putting a lot of our focus across our mechanical, electrical, and firmware teams to deliver the best experience possible," Patel said. It has the same keyboard as the regular Laptop 13, but it's available in two more colors besides basic black.

Additionally, the Laptop 13 Pro's speakers are located on both sides of its base rather than underneath it, like they are on the Laptop 13. They support Dolby Atmos, which is a first for a Framework Laptop.

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro (left) will eventually be available in silver to match the original Laptop 13. Credit: Framework

A lower-end touchscreen was previously only available on the Laptop 12, Framework's budget-friendly hybrid, while the haptic touchpad is brand-new for the Framework Laptop series. As with any Framework machine, all of the Laptop 13 Pro's components are user-replaceable and upgradable, and its four port modules are swappable.

Patel called the Laptop 13 Pro "a complete ground up redesign that brings a massive leap in battery life," noting that better stamina has been customers' biggest ask over the years. Its 74Wh battery offers over 20 hours of 4K Netflix streaming per charge, he claimed, which represents a 12-hour boost from the previous-generation Laptop 13 with a 61Wh battery.

SEE ALSO: Memory shortage: Framework raises DDR5 RAM prices again with a per GB price hike

Not only that, Patel added, but the Laptop 13 Pro's battery life is "actually slightly longer than a 14-inch MacBook Pro M5!" A Panther Lake laptop I tested earlier this year offered over 24 hours of video playback, so this isn't totally far-fetched. The M5 MacBook Pro only lasted 21 hours and 17 minutes in our battery life benchmark.

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro's 74Wh battery gives it more stamina than an M5 MacBook Pro, or so the company claims. Credit: Framework

The Laptop 13 Pro also comes with a bigger 100W GaN power adapter for faster charging.

The Laptop 13 Pro isn't meant to replace the base Laptop 13, which will continue to be sold alongside it, starting at $899 for the DIY Edition and $1,099 pre-built. A Framework rep told me that existing Laptop 13 owners will be able to upgrade their device with all of the Laptop 13 Pro's improved components, including the new touchscreen display ($299) and Panther Lake mainboard (starting at $449). The new 74Wh battery ($89) works if you grab a Bottom Cover Upgrade Kit ($169), while an Input Cover Kit ($179) nets you the haptic touchpad. The display and mainboards are now available for preorder in the Framework Marketplace.

Framework Laptop 16 updates — plus an OCuLink Dev Kit in the works The Framework Laptop 16 is getting one-piece haptic touchpad and keyboard modules. Credit: Framework

Framework is dropping some new components for the beefy Laptop 16, its desktop replacement with swappable graphics modules. That includes one-piece haptic touchpad and keyboard modules with no seams; a new translucent smoke gray bezel color; and a new entry-level AMD Ryzen 5 340 CPU option.

The new touchpad and keyboard modules are up for preorder in Laptop 16 configurations that start shipping in June, while the new bezel color will launch sometime later this summer. The Ryzen 5-powered Laptop 16 is preorderable today, starting at $1,249 for the DIY Edition and $1,599 pre-built.

Framework's OCuLink Dev Kit launches later this year. Credit: Framework

In addition, Framework previewed an OCuLink Dev Kit for the Laptop 16 during Tuesday's livestream. This module will "[enable] extremely high throughput peripherals like eGPUs" through the device's rear Expansion Bay, Patel wrote in a separate blog post. Hooking up a laptop to a more powerful eGPU, or external Graphics Processing Unit, is an easy way to bump its graphics performance when you want to use it for ultra-demanding tasks like AAA gaming, 4K video editing, and software development.

The Dev Kit includes an adapter board, a graphics module dock, and a PCIe card dock. It will ship later this year; stay tuned for pricing.

Coming soon: The Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard The Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard will be able to fit inside a Framework Laptop one day. Credit: Framework

Framework later showcased its forthcoming Wireless Touchpad Keyboard, which is exactly what it sounds like: a compact, portable keyboard with a built-in touchpad on the right-hand side. It's made in partnership with Lite-On, the same Taiwanese tech manufacturer that's made its laptop keyboards for the past five years, and it has the same key spacing and travel. The touchpad itself supports multi-finger gestures.

The Wireless Touchpad Keyboard will have a translucent back cover and a replaceable battery. Framework is currently working on a USB-A Adapter Expansion Card module that lets it sit flush inside its laptops.

SEE ALSO: Framework Laptop 16 (AMD) review: I’m obsessed with both the concept and the laptop

The keyboard won't launch until later this year, but Framework wanted to tease it well ahead of time "to give developers an early start on building around it," Patel said. We don't know how much it will cost yet.

The Framework Laptop Sleeve is here The silver one is kind of giving duct tape. Credit: Framework

Last but not least, Framework is releasing a new carrying case for the Laptop 13 Pro, Laptop 13, and Laptop 12. Priced at $39, it has a padded main pocket and a compartment for accessories. It comes in black and silver. Framework's website still had it listed as "coming soon" at the time of writing.

You can watch the full Framework [Next Gen] Event livestream on the company's YouTube channel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Elden Ring is coming: Everything you need to know about the A24 movie

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 20:00

One of the most promising movie adaptations of a video game is quickly taking shape. A24 and Bandai Namco are producing a live-action movie version of Elden Ring, the popular (over 30 million copies sold) and often-challenging fantasy action role-playing game based on a story by Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin. Here's everything you need to know for the premiere.

Categories: IT General, Technology

IKEA's affordable smart home devices just got the seamless experience they deserve

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:30

If you’ve ever tried building a smart home across brands, you already know the frustration of devices disconnecting, apps not syncing, and ‘universal standards’ still requiring workarounds. This is a problem that Samsung is now trying to solve. The brand’s global smart home platform, SmartThings now offers native, hub-free integration with 25 IKEA smart home devices. Notably, the partnership goes deeper, instead of the two brands just slapping a compatible sticker on the box and calling it a day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 CPUs that are officially too old for gaming in 2026

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:30

Many gamers don’t mind spending hundreds of dollars on a new graphics card the moment they notice a performance drop in their favorite games, while the CPU remains untouched for years. While this upgrade pattern can work to some extent, since most games are GPU-bound, that strategy only holds for so long. CPUs aren’t immune to time, and modern games are starting to demand more from them than ever before.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon sued over early Fire TV Stick support—will you get paid?

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:25

Amazon is facing a proposed class action lawsuit in California state court for allegedly forcing early Fire TV Stick users to upgrade by dropping software support.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Earth Day 2026 deals so far: Blueland cleaning products, Pela phone cases, electric composters

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:03
A quick look at the best Earth Day 2026 deals Best kitchen deal Reencle Prime Electric Composter $429.00 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best cleaning deal Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets (60 count) $23.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal Best tech deal Pela biodegradable compostable phone cases buy one, get one free Get Deal Best entertainment deal "Planet Earth II" (4K UHD) $34.65 at Amazon (save $25.34) Get Deal

Google's landing page for an Earth Day-related search brings up some relatable frequently asked questions: What should we do on Earth Day? If you'd like to do more than go outside and post a pretty tree on your Instagram story for Earth Day this year, consider making some eco-friendly swaps at home.

Like Prime Day, Earth Day sales are a great opportunity to stock up on home products that you already use every day — these versions just create way less waste. Swap plastic cleaning spray bottles for dissolvable cleaning tablets, swap tree-destroying toilet paper for bamboo toilet paper, or splurge on a countertop composter to shrink your household's food waste. We'll be keeping track of the best Earth Day deals through the end of Earth Week:

SEE ALSO: How to actually recycle electronics, beauty empties, toys, and more tricky items in 2026 Best home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Reel Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper save 30% with code EARTHLOVE30 Get Deal Why we like it

I've tried a lot of sustainable swaps for my home in the past five years, and Reel's bamboo toilet paper is easily one that's been repurchased the most. Not only is it 3-ply and super soft — to the point where multiple guests in my apartment have inquired about the brand — but no trees were harmed in the making of this TP. Bamboo is considered the fastest-growing plant on earth, and making toilet paper out of it requires significantly less water and energy than your typical tree toilet paper. When it feels like there's news about new cuts to national parks and forests on a daily basis, I'll take my bamboo toilet paper usage as a W.

More Earth Day kitchen and bathroom deals

Countertop food waste condensers

Eco-friendly storage, water filters, and more

SEE ALSO: The Mill food recycling bin is the easiest indoor composter alternative, and my all-time favorite appliance Cleaning product dealsOutdoor deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget about floor cleaning by grabbing the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop while its $270 off at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:00

SAVE $270: The Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $529.99, down from the standard price of $799.99. That works out to a 34% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop $529.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $270   Get Deal

We all deserve a break these days. Even if your schedule is not packed with meetings and errands and other daily chores, having some relaxing time is essential. Instead of spending energy on cleaning the floors, offload the task to a robot. Sure, robots might not be ready to cook us dinner, but they've proven their worth as vacuums and mops. Check out this deal at Amazon today on a budget-friendly model.

As of April 21, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $529.99, marked down from the usual price of $799.99. That works out to a 34% discount that shaves $270 off the price.

Mashable's resident expert on robot vacuum and mops, Leah Stodard, ranked the Eufy C28 as the best affordable robot vacuum and mop combo with a self-wash station. In her full review of the Eufy C28, she wrote, "The Eufy C28 is the most affordable mainstream roller mop robot vacuum we've seen so far," and that's even more true now that it's $270 off.

SEE ALSO: Score the Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price yet

It's a compact model that does a great job at vacuuming and mopping floors given its price point. Stodart mention it doesn't earn a spot on the list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair on carpets, but it does a reliable job with keeping up on the daily.

While it's $270 off, snag the affordable Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop. You'll be able to offload both vacuuming and mopping so you can take off on summer's best adventures or simply relax on the couch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop paying for Alexa and Google Home—this open-source smart home system will never charge you

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:00

For years, smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home have been free to use. If you bought an Amazon Echo smart speaker, for example, you could use it to control your smart home without any additional fees. Both Amazon and Google have recently started to lock some smart home features behind paywalls, but there's a free alternative that never will.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dive into the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven expansion with this discounted booster box

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:47

SAVE $20.71: As of April 21, preorder the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) for $143.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $164.70. That's a discount of 13%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) $143.99 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $20.71   Pre-order Here

It's that time again: a new Magic: The Gathering expansion is on its way. Secrets of Strixhaven is officially landing on April 24. It'll bring hundreds of new cards to the game, and if you plan on competing or collecting, you'll want to get your hands on some of the latest and greatest cards. You can do that easily with this discounted set that's up for preorder right now.

As of April 21, preorder the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) for $143.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $164.70. That's $20.71 off and a discount of 13%.

SEE ALSO: Grab the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for market price at Amazon and TCGplayer

There are nearly 368 new cards that comprise Secrets of Strixhaven, with several magical colleges to explore in the world of Arcavios. This box comes with 30 Play Boosters, each containing 14 cards. That means 1-5 cards of Rare or higher rarity, 3-6 Uncommon, 5-8 Common, and 1 Land card. You'll also find surprises like Traditional Foils, Foil Borderless Mythics, and more in these packs.

This booster box is the best way to build your stores of cards that can be used to create new decks. You'll get a good spread of options for filling in holes or starting a brand new deck to see what the expansion has to offer.

If you're ready to dive into this new addition to the world of Magic, you'll want to lock in your booster box preorder while it's discounted. These things always sell out rather quickly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the BMW 5 Series—this Japanese sedan is more fun to drive

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:45

Luxury sedans have changed a lot over the last decade. Bigger screens, softer rides, and more driver-assist tech have become the new standard.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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