Back to school 2026
All back to school coverage-
Searching for the perfect cheap laptop for college? Here are our top recommendationsAny of these affordable laptops would a make stellar study buddy at college or university.
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How to pick the best Mac accessories for back-to-school seasonSupercharge your studies with the best back-to-school accessories for your Mac desktop or laptop.
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Laptops from Apple, HP, Lenovo, and more are up to 40% off in the back-to-school sales — here are the top 12 deals I'd buyI've searched through this month's back-to-school sales and picked out the 12 best laptop deals that I recommend buying if you need a new device for the upcoming school year.
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9 refurbished gadgets that'll help you ace your studies without spending a fortuneFrom convenient iPads to powerful laptops and leading smart watches, Back Market has tons of top tech for a fraction of the price of buying it new.
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How to pick the best Mac for back-to-school seasonThe best ways to save on a Mac for students, teachers and more.
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Reviews
All reviews-
'It's not an OLED-killer yet': I tested Hisense’s affordable RGB TV, and while I like its picture quality and performance, it surprisingly falls short in the area I had the highest hopes for -
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Alienware 15 (2026) review: exceptional performance at a remarkable price... just ignore the single-channel RAM -
Dyson's latest vac is designed for those who hate emptying vacuum cleaner bins -
RingConn Gen 3 review: I tested the RingConn Gen 3 for two weeks and it's the smart ring I'd buy instead of an Oura -
New documentary Disney Worldbuilders is a must watch for Parks fans -
Logitech Mobi Fold review: the weirdest mouse I’ve ever used -
My whole family used the RunStar 4e Body Scale, and this affordable scale is great for weight — but let down by inaccurate body composition
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buying guides
Phones
All Phones-
I compared the iPhone Ultra's rumored screen sizes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 -
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RedPocket launches back-to-school deals with 50% off cell phone plans and $150 iPhone rebatesTechRadar Approved - Sponsored Offer Red Pocket
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Galaxy Z Fold 8 user resorts to extreme fix to make their foldable lie perfectly flat -
I went down a privacy rabbit hole and came out with a whole new digital setup -
New app Bingers aims to be the Letterboxd of TV shows -
Verizon voice services were down for some — here's everything we know -
I've taken over 650 photos on Samsung's new foldables — here's which model I prefer
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Laptops & Computing
All Laptops & Computing-
NYT Wordle today — answer and my hints for game #1879, Tuesday, August 11 3217 Comments -
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Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, August 11 (game #1660) -
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, August 11 (game #891) -
Microsoft has reportedly hiked the price of a Windows 11 license 2 Comments -
Alienware 15 (2026) review: exceptional performance at a remarkable price... just ignore the single-channel RAM -
Windows 11's Weather app comes under fire for using too much RAM -
The best laptop deals in August 2026 2 Comments
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AI
All AI-
Gemini will tell you if food is still good, but not before another important warningA simple question about the freshness of chicken salad turned into a broader learning experience about AI's own safety nets.
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How asking an AI agent to book a gym class took a turn for the worstAn AI agent hacked a gym waitlist while trying to book a class — and it reveals why we need to set clear boundaries before letting AI act for us.
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'The chicification of surveillance is deeply concerning' — why our tech is getting far too close (and what you can do about it)'The chicification of surveillance is deeply concerning'
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I asked ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok which sci-fi AI they're most likeAnthropic made me wonder whether AI learns from science fiction — so I asked ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude one fascinating question. Which sci-fi AI are you most like?
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This WhatsApp scam saw a Hong Kong man lose $1.27 million — here's howScammers used AI to steal $1.27 million from a Hong Kong man as experts say a secret codeword can keep you safe.
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Apple
All Apple-
I compared the iPhone Ultra's rumored screen sizes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8The iPhone Ultra looks set to have very similar size screens to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, but there could still be some notable differences.
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Wearables are making us anxious — Here’s what we can do about itWearables are designed to create healthy habits, but what happens when they end up reinforcing unhealthy behavior?
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20 years after its flashy launch, what happened to the Mac Pro?The Mac Pro would be 20 today if it hadn’t been discontinued. Here’s why Apple ditched its most powerful Mac.
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Microsoft stops recommending 32GB, as Apple reportedly struggles to get RAM32GB is the 'no-worries zone'? Not anymore as Microsoft backtracks on past RAM recommendations, while Apple's seemingly having troubles of its own.
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User shares $5 fix for AirPods Pro slipping out while running and chewingThis AirPods owner bought liquid silicone earbud replacement tips, and they've never looked back.
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Streaming
All Streaming-
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 4 release date and time on HBO MaxWhy does Bernadette being a demon make complete sense? Furhtermore, when does Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 4 hit HBO Max?
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House of the Dragon season 4: release window, possible cast, story predictions, and more on the HBO Max show's final chapterHouse of the Dragon season 4 will be the HBO TV show's final hurrah — here's all you need to know about it.
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X-Men '97 season 2 episode 9 release date and launch time on Disney+It's finale week for X-Men '97 season 2 — here's when you can watch its ninth and final episode.
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Ted Lasso season 4 episode 2 release date and launch time on Apple TVTed Lasso season 4's next episode will make its Apple TV debut very soon — here's when you'll be able to stream it.
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The Witcher's final season may not premiere until 2027The Witcher season 5 might not arrive until 2027. But will it even be worth the wait?
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TVs
All TVs-
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'It's not an OLED-killer yet': I tested Hisense’s affordable RGB TV, and while I like its picture quality and performance, it surprisingly falls short in the area I had the highest hopes forThe Hisense UR8 is one of the first affordable RGB mini-LED models available, but while it improves over mini-LED in a few ways, it struggles to impress in one key area.
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The LG C6 'sets the bar for mid-range OLED TVs' — and it's now dropped to a record-low priceThe LG C6 is currently our pick for the best OLED TV you can buy — it's now on sale for a record-low price after a massive $900 discount.
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All the new 4K Blu-Rays I'm most looking forward to trying this AugustAs TechRadar's 4K Blu-ray tester, I've picked new titles from August 2026 that I'm keen to try out as part of the Blu-ray Bounty.
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I tried a wild soundbar with moving 'kinetic fins' and it's one of the most impressive I've seenI tried Dynaudio’s huge soundbar with moving wooden fins, and was wowed by its immense power and scale.
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4 new 4K Blu-rays from July 2026 to add to your collectionIn this month's Blu-ray Bounty, there's a reference-quality animation, an animated Disney classic, arguably John Waters' biggest movie and a noir-thriller from the 1980s.
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UpdatedThe best gaming TV for all budgets, all real-world tested by our expertsOur guide to finding the best gaming TV for your PS5, Xbox Series X, PC or even last-gen console that will suit all budgets.
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Want a cheap OLED TV or monitor? There's good newsLG's new 2-stack OLED panel is cheaper to make and delivers better color and viewing angles than current WOLED panels, the firm says
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Audio
All Audio-
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Meet the chic IEMs that finally put your hearing health at the forefrontA popular Kickstarter campaign promises in-ear monitors that protect your hearing, and they're also remarkably light and good-looking
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Spotify introduces skip button for podcast sponsorships but keeps its own adsSpotify quietly added a new way for you to skip through ads in podcast episodes, but some fear it's the beginning of the end for creators.
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Soundpeats is unveiling UU2 open earbuds with or without youThe Soundpeats UU2 are clip-style earbuds with physical touch controls and sound leakage avoidance.
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Goldmund's new $500k amp has a delightfully WALL-E lookThe Telos 9800 amp costs $500,000, and is designed to look like "a piece of contemporary architecture".
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Spotify lacks album folders, so I've started using third-party appsSpotify still doesn't let you add albums to folders, so I've been using Musicboard to keep track of my favorite releases instead.
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'The chicification of surveillance is deeply concerning' — why our tech is getting far too close (and what you can do about it)'The chicification of surveillance is deeply concerning'
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Spotify plans AI-powered remix feature as new subscription add-onSpotify's agreement with Merlin brings it one step closer to launching its AI-powered remix tool, but where do industry professionals stand on it?
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Health & Fitness
All Health & Fitness-
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Why wait for the Garmin Fenix 9? Here are 10 top-tier adventure watches you can buy right now10 adventure-ready smartwatches you can buy right now — from other Garmins to Samsung, Coros and more.
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I've always disliked running, but here's how Gemini and Garmin made me actually enjoy it for the first timeGoogle Gemini helped make my training more sustainable, while Garmin’s Forerunner 170 Music let me leave my phone at home during runs.
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RingConn Gen 3 review: I tested the RingConn Gen 3 for two weeks and it's the smart ring I'd buy instead of an OuraThe RingConn Gen 3 isn't as polished as Oura, but its long battery life, strong health tracking and lack of subscription fees make it one of the best smart ring alternatives.
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Cameras
All Cameras-
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UpdatedThe best camera for photographyMy guide to the best camera for photography will help you find the right digital camera for you today, whatever your budget.
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The FCC could start banning DJI drones that have previously been approvedDrones that have previously been approved for sale in the US might soon be removed from stores.
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DJI Mic Mini 2S vs Mic Mini 2: 5 key upgrades explainedDJI has launched the Mic Mini 2S, building on the Mic Mini 2 with internal recording, four-transmitter connectivity, AI-powered noise canceling, and a redesigned charging case.
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GoBirding Vision Master review: an ambitious AI spotting scopeThe GoBirding Vision Master's on-device bird recognition impresses, but shaky autofocus and stabilization issues hold it back.
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Home
All Home-
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UpdatedThe best food processors 2026: 6 tried and tested machines for easier food prepWe've tested the best food processors for every kind of cook, whether you need a compact model for quick prep or a powerful all-rounder for more demanding jobs.
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Dyson's latest vac is designed for those who hate emptying vacuum cleaner binsDyson v10 Konical + Auto-empty Dok review: interesting concept that doesn't quite sit comfortably in the home.
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The best wet-dry vacuum cleaner: recommended by expert reviewersWe've tested a range of wet and dry vacuums from leading brands – here are the ones that came out on top.
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My whole family used the RunStar 4e Body Scale, and this affordable scale is great for weight — but let down by inaccurate body compositionThe RunStar 4E Body Scale is a basic smart body scale that measures over 20 different metrics. Accurate performance is sketchy, although the core measurements of weight and BMI are accurate.
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Buying guides
All Buying Guides-
UpdatedThe best food processors 2026: 6 tried and tested machines for easier food prep -
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UpdatedThe best camera for photography -
UpdatedThe best mesh Wi-Fi system 2026 -
The best wet-dry vacuum cleaner: recommended by expert reviewers -
We've tested the best hair stylers on the market – these are our 7 top picks for every budget -
UpdatedThe best gaming TV for all budgets, all real-world tested by our experts -
The best air purifier: 8 powerful purifiers, tried and tested by experts
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Why we're experts
We care passionately about tech
The TechRadar team has a life-long passion for the latest innovations – over 300 years of experience between us, in fact – and we’ve made it our mission to share that combined knowledge and expertise with you.
We’re here to provide an independent voice that cuts through all the noise to inspire, inform and entertain you; ensuring you get maximum enjoyment from your tech at all times. Technology is our passion, so let us be your expert guide.
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Deals
All Deals-
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The LG C6 'sets the bar for mid-range OLED TVs' — and it's now dropped to a record-low priceThe LG C6 is currently our pick for the best OLED TV you can buy — it's now on sale for a record-low price after a massive $900 discount.
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RedPocket launches back-to-school deals with 50% off cell phone plans and $150 iPhone rebatesTechRadar Approved - Sponsored Offer Red Pocket
RedPocket's latest sale offers great discounts on plans and iPhones — excellent for students, teachers, or anyone in need of cheaper bills.
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The best laptop deals in August 2026I've searched around and gathered all the best laptop deals in one place to suit a range of budgets and needs.
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5 of the best Bose headphones and earbuds are up to $130 off ahead of the launch of the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) — which ones are worth buying?With the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) on the way, Bose has just discounted several of its older models at Amazon, but which ones are actually worth buying?
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I've found all the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 launch deals — where to find the biggest trade-in discounts and plan savingsMany of the top preorder deals are still live
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The AirPods Pro 3 haven't been this cheap since Prime Day — the 'near-perfect' buds are $60 off todayIf you've been waiting for a price cut on the AirPods Pro 3 - now's your chance for a great saving.
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Sling TV promo codes for Aug 2026SPONSORED With these Sling TV promo codes you can get discounted memberships and add access to extra channels for free on the streaming service.
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Hostinger coupon codes in Aug 2026 |SPONSORED Browse the latest Hostinger coupon codes for savings on a range of web packages, from shared web to VPS hosting.
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Private Internet Access coupon codes for Aug 2026 |SPONSORED These Private Internet Access coupon codes can lower the price of the brand's VPN and antivirus software plan to help protect you online.
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ExpressVPN coupons for Aug 2026 |SPONSORED Save money with one of our ExpressVPN coupons and secure your digital details across all your devices for less.
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Autodesk Promo Codes for August 2026SPONSORED These Autodesk promo codes can help you save money on architectural, engineering software & more.
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Bitdefender coupon codes for Aug 2026 |SPONSORED Use one of these tried & tested Bitdefender coupon codes to save on the brand's internet security, antivirus, VPN, and password management plans.
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Tello coupon codes for Aug 2026 |SPONSORED Our Tello coupon codes can help you save on the cost of cell phones, accessories & a range of plans from the mobile carrier.
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FlexiSpot coupon codes for Aug 2026 |SPONSORED Browse our FlexiSpot coupon codes to get better prices on gaming chairs, standing desks and other modern home & office furniture.
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Network Solutions coupons for Aug 2026 |SPONSORED Use one of these Network Solutions coupons at the checkout to lower the price of domains, web building & hosting, and online marketing services.
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TechRadar's story
Our mission is unchanged
TechRadar was launched in January 2008 with the goal of helping regular people navigate the world of technology. It quickly grew to become the UK's biggest consumer technology site.
Expansions into the US and Australia followed in 2012 and we are now one of the biggest tech sites in the world.
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Software
All Software-
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Microsoft has reportedly hiked the price of a Windows 11 licenseWhat RAM crisis? Microsoft reportedly hikes cost of Windows 11 for computer makers, rubbing software salt into PC pricing wounds.
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Windows 11's Weather app comes under fire for using too much RAMWorried about the RAM crisis? Microsoft isn't, if Windows 11's Weather app is anything to go by.
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Microsoft stops recommending 32GB, as Apple reportedly struggles to get RAM32GB is the 'no-worries zone'? Not anymore as Microsoft backtracks on past RAM recommendations, while Apple's seemingly having troubles of its own.
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Here are the places smart glasses are banned as privacy concerns growAs EU regulators consider smart glasses restrictions, here are the countries with intelligent eyewear bans.
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NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, August 11 (game #1157)Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.
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'Everyone who bought this game should be eligible for a full refund': A digital-only Nintendo Switch game just became unplayable for those who paid for it — showing exactly why gamers are rebelling against Sony's disc-free PlayStation plansThe Nintendo Switch version of Aliens: Fireteam Elite has shut down, rendering it unplayable for buyers.
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Best PS5 games: the 36 top PlayStation 5 titles to play in 2026If you're looking for the best PS5 games right now, you can't go wrong with these essential picks. Here's the 36 top titles available on the platform.
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SponsoredHow can a gaming (and study) laptop only weigh 2.25kg? 10 questions about the Alienware 15Sponsor Content Created With Dell
The Alienware 15 proves that you can fit a great PC inside your backpack
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Meet Your Experts
VPN
All VPN-
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Klarna member? You can now get a free NordVPN subscription — here's how -
Amnezia VPN strengthens its blocking capabilities with 'mandatory update' for Premium and Free users -
The end of anonymous protest — How facial recognition puts democracy at risk -
This Russian VPN has been accused of breaching its no-log policy — here's what we know -
NordVPN gives Linux users a major upgrade with automatic GUI app installation -
Exclusive: Turbo VPN releases emergency Windows update after TechRadar uncovers persistent IP leaks -
Hackers caught hijacking this Chinese Windows VPN's installers to spread malware
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Amazon reportedly uses 45-year-old rules to get around AI data center oppositionAmazon’s use of 45-year-old zoning rules have enabled it to avoid public planning scrutiny in Gilroy, California.
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Virginia cracks down on electricity firms hiking prices for AI data centers — move could save ‘hundreds of millions of dollars’ for everyday usersVirginia now requires data centers to fund their own dedicated power infrastructure, aiming to shield ordinary residents from rising electricity costs.
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3D-printed drones built on a US Navy ship for the first time, potentially opening a whole new world of possibilities for future warfareFirestorm Labs manufactured 12 drones aboard USS Essex using a containerized 3D-printing factory during its voyage toward RIMPAC 2026.
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'It's Stalin's dream' — Quote of the day by software pioneer Richard Stallman on the tracking capabilities of cell phonesThe long-time privacy advocate doesn't carry a cell phone to avoid being tracked
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