US government takes ~9.9% stake in Intel; CHIPS Act requirements waived Summary: The U.S. government has converted $5.7 billion of previously earmarked CHIPS Act funds into Intel common stock, resulting in roughly a 9.9% equity stake. In connection with that action, most CHIPS Act milestone and cash‑flow sharing requirements tied to those funds have been waived. The government’s total involvement in Intel now stands at about $11.1 billion when including earlier grants and program awards. Key facts Stake & funds: ~$5.7B converted into equity (~9.9% stake). Total government involvement ≈ $11.1B (includes other awards). Milestones waived: Intel is no longer required to meet certain CHIPS Act project milestones or share a portion of cumulative cash flow from projects with the Commerce Department. Remaining restrictions: Funds cannot be used for dividends…

Apple AirTag 4‑Pack: $70 on Amazon (Labor Day deal) Amazon is offering the Apple AirTag 4‑pack for $70 as part of Labor Day sales — one of the lowest prices we've seen outside Black Friday and Prime Day. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, this is a useful discount to consider. Why AirTags are handy Ultra-wideband (UWB): Precise, directional tracking with iPhones released in the last ~5 years. Find My network: Uses millions of Apple devices to help locate items over long distances. Compact design: Coin-sized and easy to hide in bags or wallets. Loud chime: Force an AirTag to play a sound to help locate items nearby. Drawbacks No built-in keyring — you’ll need to buy a loop or holder separately. Works best with Apple devices; Android users…

Review roundup: Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL, Pixel 10, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen), Sony RX1R III Fall flagship season is here. Recent reviews highlight AI-focused Pixel phones, updated noise-cancelling earbuds from Bose, and a new compact from Sony. Below are concise takeaways and links to purchase/search pages. Google Pixel 10 Pro & Pro XL Summary: Reviewers call these Google’s "smartest" phones yet, thanks to AI features like Magic Cue, iterative hardware improvements, and a polished design. If you value AI-driven software enhancements, these are worth considering. Release date / availability: Announced/available in late August 2025. Buy / learn more: Search Pixel 10 Pro on Amazon Google Pixel 10 Summary: A solid base flagship — better camera, more power, and Qi2 support. Great value for most users who…

iPhone 17 event confirmed: Sept 9, 1PM ET — what to expect Apple confirmed its iPhone 17 event for Tuesday, September 9 at 1PM ET. Below is a concise roundup of the biggest rumors, likely specs, pricing signals, and what iOS 26 will bring when the new models ship. Quick highlights Event: Sept 9, 2025 — Apple typically streams from its events page: Apple Events. iPhone 17 lineup: Expect iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new ultra-thin model likely called iPhone 17 Air. iOS 26: Ships preinstalled on new phones. Overview: iOS 26 preview and Apple Newsroom coverage: Apple Newsroom — iOS 26. Amazon cases (affiliate): Search iPhone cases on Amazon. Top rumors & expected specs Leaks and reporting (not confirmed) suggest: iPhone 17 Air:…

Indie games roundup: Hitman on iOS, Trash Goblin AI issue, new releases & upcoming Here's a concise recap of notable indie-game news this week. AI Overviews giving bad tips — Trash Goblin Developers of Trash Goblin (a cosy shopkeeping game where you restore and sell trinkets) reported that Google's AI Overviews sometimes return incorrect gameplay tips and even point to wrong games or sources. Official site: Trash Goblin. For game help, the post recommends community guides or professional walkthroughs and notes you can disable AI Overviews in Google Search settings. Hitman World of Assassination on iPhone & iPad IO Interactive released the Hitman World of Assassination bundle on iOS for supported recent iPhone and iPad models. Price on iOS: $70 (IOI says 100+ hours of gameplay), with a free first…

Binaura on iOS — Free, ad‑free binaural beats app for focus and relaxation Binaura is an iOS app developed by Malai Cristian that lets users experiment with binaural beats to support focus, relaxation and headache relief. The app is free to download from the App Store, contains no ads and doesn’t require an account — so anyone can test the sound-based approach risk-free. Key features Free, ad‑free and no signup required Customizable binaural soundscapes for focus, relaxation or sleep Simple interface for quick sessions Designed to test binaural beat effects while working, studying or relaxing How binaural beats are supposed to work Binaural beats are an auditory illusion created when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played separately to each ear. The brain perceives a third tone (the difference…

Apple 'Awe Dropping' event — what to expect (Sept 9, 2025) Apple confirmed a livestreamed event on Sept 9 at 1PM ET from Cupertino. Major rumors ahead of the event include: iPhone Air: Reportedly an ultra‑thin model (~5.55 mm) that may sacrifice battery capacity and use a single 48MP camera. Stylish but not for everyone. iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: Possible shift from titanium to aluminum, a larger rear camera "island" with three cameras and an improved 48MP telephoto, plus anti‑glare coatings. iPhone 17 (standard): At least one supply source claims a 120Hz variable refresh (ProMotion) could arrive on the standard model. Software: iOS 26 will ship with the new phones and includes a major visual refresh (Liquid Glass language). Apple Watch: Apple Watch Ultra 3 may get 5G,…

Meta retrains AI to block teens from self-harm, suicide and romantic chats Meta has begun retraining its AI and adding new guardrails to prevent teen users from discussing self-harm, suicide, disordered eating or engaging in romantic/sensual conversations with company chatbots. The company says it will also limit teen access to user-generated chatbot characters that might be able to engage in inappropriate conversations. What changed AI models are being trained not to engage teens on self-harm, suicide or disordered eating; instead they will guide users to expert resources. Access for teen accounts to some user-generated chatbot characters is being restricted "for now" while Meta works on more permanent protections. Rollout applies to teen users of Meta AI in English-speaking countries over the next few weeks, according to Meta. Context These updates…

IFA 2025 Preview: AI, Laptops, and the New Legion Go IFA 2025 opens Sept 5 in Berlin. Expect a strong AI theme across the show — from smart home appliances to AI-enabled PCs, refreshed laptop lines, and continued interest in smart glasses. What to expect by company Samsung Samsung’s press event is centered on “AI Home,” likely highlighting AI-powered appliances and Bespoke AI integrations. Rumors also point to tablets (Galaxy Tab S11/S11 Ultra) and a possible Galaxy S25 FE announcement. Acer Acer is expected to update productivity and gaming lines (Copilot+PCs, Swift/Aspire updates) and may show new handhelds or concept devices like the DualPlay detachable controller laptop or Nitro Blaze handheld family. Lenovo Lenovo typically debuts new laptops, concept devices and Moto phones. Watch for a rotated-display concept and the…

Yooka-Replaylee (Yooka-Laylee remaster) — Release details Yooka-Replaylee, a remade and enhanced version of Yooka-Laylee, launches on October 9, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2. Both digital and physical editions are confirmed. Platforms & Release Release date: October 9, 2025 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 Editions: Digital and physical Editions & Pricing Digital price: $29.99 Physical price: $49.99 Preorders for physical copies are live from multiple retailers (check links below). Switch 2 cartridge: full game included Importantly for collectors: the Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition is a full cartridge that contains the complete game and does not use Nintendo's "game-key card" system (empty cartridge + mandatory download). This makes the physical Switch 2 release particularly appealing to collectors. Upgrade discount Owners…