The Amazon Ember Artline, a 4K QLED TV that can display artwork, will launch on April 22. Preorders are now open starting at $900.
Trump Is Posting Even More AI-Generated Trump-Jesus Fan Art
Hello and welcome to Regulator, a newsletter for Verge subscribers about Big Tech power plays in Washington and beyond. (And when I say beyond, I mean the great beyond, like Heaven, maybe.) If you’ve found your way to this newsletter from the wild, annual subscriptions are currently 50 percent off. That’s $30 a year for […]
OpenAI Enhances Agents SDK to Empower Enterprises with Safer, More Capable Agents
OpenAI has expanded the capabilities of its agent-building toolkit, as agentic AI continues to grow in popularity.
Three Electric Vehicles Fall Short by 50 Miles in Consumer Reports’ Range Evaluations
Consumer Reports conducted an evaluation of various EVs to ascertain their real-world range by driving them on highways from a full battery charge until the vehicles ceased to operate. While some models surpassed their indicated ranges, others significantly underperforming.
Specifically, three vehicles failed at least 50 miles below their advertised range. The Rivian R1S, a 2025 Dual Max variant, lost power 52 miles before reaching its expected range. The Ford F-150 Lightning fell short by 50 miles, even though it was the 2022 Lariat Extended Range version. The third was the Lucid Air 2023 Touring model, which also came to a halt 52 miles short of its claimed range. Furthermore, the Lucid Air has been identified as one of the 12 least dependable EVs for 2026.
This information serves as a wake-up call, suggesting that what you expect to receive when buying an electric vehicle may not always align with reality. It’s important to mention that some EVs did exceed their ranges, such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV, the BMW i4, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5N.
What causes the variation in mileage range?
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Why QR Codes Continue to Be Prevalent Even with Their Widespread Use
a clever method to distribute Wi-Fi passwords utilizing QR codes. It seems that everyone is utilizing them, and they can be found virtually everywhere in the physical world. The generation of QR codes surged by as much as 301.51% from 2020 to 2024.
However, given the abundance of them, and their ubiquity, with almost everyone employing them to convey information, is there a possibility that we might exhaust them eventually? In reality, why haven’t we exhausted all potential codes thus far? The intricate response includes several significant factors explaining why we are unlikely to ever run out, but the simplest explanation is that the number of potential combinations is vast, with nearly infinite variations, making it improbable that we will deplete them anytime soon, and this consideration only pertains to static codes. Moreover, there are dynamic QR codes that can be modified. Thus, a dynamic QR code can be utilized multiple times and continually altered to update individuals with new details.
Reasons we likely won’t exhaust QR codes
Google Messages Launches Tool to Address Significant User Annoyance
a previously revealed feature that introduces a trash folder. Deleted threads will now be directed there instead of being instantly erased from your device, allowing you 30 days to retrieve the messages before they are permanently discarded. This safeguard should reduce those accidental quick presses, or as Google describes, “unintended data loss.”
There are new gesture controls for transferring conversations to the trash as well. By using the swipe action, you can individually or collectively send conversations to the bin. Additionally, you can press and hold individual messages to achieve the same result. Each conversation sent to the trash has a countdown timer, indicating when it will be irretrievably deleted. You can view this information by tapping your profile in the upper right corner and selecting Trash. The number of days remaining before a deletion will appear next to each conversation in the list. You can press and hold individual conversations to bring them back. There’s also a restore-all button available at the top.
The new feature is currently accessible and was launched as part of the app’s stable version release, version 20260327_00_RC00. This coincides with Google enhancing the app, including new real-time location sharing notifications, as well as improved methods to capture and block phishing text scams.
Google Messages continues to enhance
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Google Home Enhancements Improve Gemini’s DJ and Task Management Capabilities
Google is focused on enhancing its smart home capabilities.
Essential information
- Details have emerged regarding another smart home enhancement from Google this week, which improves Gemini’s proficiency in selecting the appropriate songs and playlists.
- Additional updates for Gemini’s comprehension have been announced, enabling the AI to leverage context clues to better discern the user’s intent and thus fulfill tasks more effectively.
- The management capabilities of the AI are also being enhanced, allowing it to edit lists skillfully while tackling intricate, multi-step tasks.
The smart home ecosystem from Google has been consistently updated, with another enhancement set to roll out for users in mid-April.
Google has provided information regarding its Home app update this week, indicating that users can look forward to four main enhancements. The changelog reveals that the first improvement pertains to your media and playlist capabilities. While the overall support remains unchanged, it’s Gemini’s enhanced ability to locate and play your requested song or playlist that is being upgraded. Google asserts that the AI should still be able to play the song/playlist you asked for, even if there was an error on your part or if you’re in a “noisy environment.”
Moreover, Google is concentrating its resources on refining Gemini’s understanding functions. This update permits Gemini to “integrate context clues to better ascertain your intent, enabling it to select the correct action.” Google aims for this modest update to enhance its capacity for executing commands related to device management, music playback, and beyond. Additionally, Gemini is designed to interrupt you less, waiting for you to finish your command before responding.
Moreover, Gemini has been upgraded to swiftly respond to inquiries regarding the time and date.
As an AI assistant, Gemini’s capabilities for organizing and managing lists/tasks are receiving a much-needed enhancement. Google reports that the AI can now process “more complicated requests and more accurately identify which item or list you mean.” Improvements have also been made in editing lists and managing complex tasks, including multi-step instructions.
Another update from Google
The parenting and digital wellness features of Google Home are receiving minor updates. Parents can now restrict device access or limit screen time for “supervised and guest accounts.” In terms of bug fixes, this mid-April update includes a refresh of the Thermostat settings user interface, particularly for the temperature slider. Users with iOS devices will benefit from a reliability enhancement for their camera connectivity, as well as a clearer timeline.
April has been quite eventful; on the first day of the month, Gemini for Home <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/accessories/smart-home/google-finally-fixed-gemini-for-home-so-you-can-stop-yelling-at-your-ceiling" data-url="https://www.androidcentral.com/accessories/smart-home/google-finally-fixed-gemini-for-home-so-you-can-stop-yelling
Microsoft Suggests Plan to Discourage Students from Opting for MacBook Neo
The repercussions of MacBook Neo continue to resonate throughout the PC sector this week.
As noted by The Verge, Microsoft has launched a new initiative called the “Microsoft College Offer.” This program allows college students in the US to receive 12 months of complimentary Microsoft 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with the acquisition of an eligible PC, along with a complimentary custom Xbox controller.
According to a blog post, Microsoft states that the leading PC manufacturers have agreed to join in, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Microsoft Surface laptops are also included in this offer.
Typically, a year of Microsoft 365 Premium is priced at $19.99/month or $199.99/year, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $29.99. However, the Microsoft College Offer promotion is only applicable for new subscribers. If you have previously subscribed to either service, you cannot take advantage of this deal.
“Microsoft generally offers back-to-school promotions on laptops during the summer, but it’s uncommon to see the company initiate deals this early,” Tom Warren remarks. “The timing seems like a preemptive response to the $599 MacBook Neo and the $100 discount that Apple provides eligible students in the US.”
College life is overflowing in every conceivable way. Full schedules, overflowing inboxes, and high expectations. The pressure to maintain pace, remain productive, and always be “on” is significant. Windows is simplifying preparations for all that college entails – from job hunting and exam studying to game nights and leisure with peers. Starting today, eligible U.S. students can enjoy fantastic deals on select Windows 11 PCs, in addition to the Microsoft College Offer, providing over $500 in added value for free.
MacBook Neo represents an excellent value at its retail price of $599 — but even better for educational purchasers, starting at $499.
I don’t believe this “Microsoft College Offer” will significantly impact the market. Even if you attribute full value to the Microsoft 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, it does little to affect the distinctions between these PCs and the MacBook Neo — both concerning overall quality and cost.
Moreover, the offering of free Microsoft 365 Premium will be irrelevant for certain college students. Numerous universities in the United States provide “free” access to students (or free access to an equivalent service they are mandated to use instead).
Apple Announces Jon Prosser’s Limited Adherence to Subpoenas in iOS 26 Disclosure Case
**Update on Apple vs. Jon Prosser Trade Secrets Lawsuit**
**Case Update**
As of April 15, 2026, a collaborative status report has been submitted by legal representatives of Apple and Michael Ramacciotti concerning the ongoing trade secrets litigation related to the disclosure of iOS 26 design information. The report underscores the advancements made in the case since the previous update in February.
In the most recent updates, Apple and Ramacciotti have persistently engaged in limited discovery. Apple has performed a forensic examination of an extra device supplied by Ramacciotti, who has agreed to enhance his interrogatory responses and is prepared to partake in a subsequent deposition once Apple concludes its third-party discovery, which includes the deposition of Jon Prosser.
**Prosser Update**
The circumstances for Jon Prosser appear to be more complex. After failing to meet a deadline to respond to the lawsuit, the court granted Apple’s request for a default judgment against him, resulting in the loss of his right to formally challenge the claims. Despite this situation, Prosser asserted that he has maintained communication with Apple throughout the litigation.
In the latest joint status report, Apple recognized that, even though a default judgment was issued against Prosser, he has been served with subpoenas for documents and depositions. However, Prosser has only partially complied with these demands, indicating he is in the process of securing legal representation and plans to contest the default judgment.
Apple has expressed annoyance over Prosser’s incomplete answers and has signaled intentions to file a motion in federal court in Ohio to compel his full compliance with the subpoenas.
**Recent Developments**
On April 13, 2026, Prosser’s attorney lodged a separate status report confirming that Prosser has acquired legal counsel. His attorney has requested that Apple consent to vacate the default judgment to prevent further legal actions, mentioning that Prosser has started responding to subpoenas.
Furthermore, Prosser’s attorney remarked that he was not mentioned in the joint status report submitted by Apple and Ramacciotti and intends to argue that Prosser’s reporting is safeguarded under the First Amendment.
The case continues to progress as both parties navigate the intricacies of discovery and legal representation.
Jimmy Kimmel Mocks JD Vance’s Response to Trump’s Attack on the Pope
Jimmy Kimmel has responded to JD Vance attempting to defend Trump’s AI image appearing to depict himself as Jesus.
