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Man Employs A.I. Avatar in Legal Appeal, and Judge Isn’t Amused

NYT Technology - 1 hour 55 min ago
The use of a video persona created with artificial intelligence software to help make an argument earns a stern rebuke.

How Tariffs Are Hitting Digital Commerce Companies

NYT Technology - 3 hours 53 min ago
These businesses, including e-commerce platforms and payment processors, are pulling back on public offering plans and bracing for pain.

OpenAI is offering free ChatGPT Plus for college students

Mashable - 6 hours 58 min ago

OpenAI is offering two months of free ChatGPT Plus to all college students, as CEO Sam Altman recently announced ahead of a much-anticipated update to the AI chatbot.

The offer is available through May for U.S. and Canadian students only, and can be claimed on the ChatGPT student landing page. According to the site, Existing ChatGPT Plus subscribers and new students will be verified through a system called SheerID to confirm current enrollment. Make note: the subscription will automatically renew at the ChatGPT Plus monthly rate ($20) if not cancelled before the two months are up.

SEE ALSO: Phone inspections when crossing the U.S. border: What you need to know about your rights and security

The paid version of ChatGPT includes extended limits on chatting, file uploads, and image generation, as well as advanced voice mode with video and screen sharing, limited Sora access, and new GPT‑4o and o3‑mini models.

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The use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools by students has stirred widespread debate, as tech giants and AI developers increasingly invest in AI technologies for the classroom. Google, for example, released a teen-specific version of its chatbot Gemini that was later offered at no cost to educational institutions — the chatbot is available to all students with Google Workspace for Education accounts who are approved by administrators.

This week, OpenAI also announced free access to its new native image generator for both the paid and free versions of ChatGPT and Sora, ahead of a proposed rate limit for users of just three image generators per day. Altman and co. are ramping up excitement around the revamped GPT-4o, as well as upcoming mini models and GPT-5, amid a renewed backlash to AI-generated art and greater concerns about generative AI's takeover.

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Microsoft celebrates 50 years with major Copilot announcements and new features

Mashable - 7 hours 35 min ago

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the company is having some fun with it. The iconic Windows 95 logo was resurfaced, there is a themed version of Solitaire available, and Bill Gates even posted the source code for the company’s first operating system, Altair Basic. Microsoft’s Copilot is even getting some love. 

Actually, it would be more accurate to say that Microsoft has been showing Copilot a lot of love over the last few days. Announcements have been flying left and right, culminating in a livestream from Microsoft's global headquarters in Redmond, Washington, with even more information about current and upcoming Copilot features. 

SEE ALSO: Samsung and LG TVs add AI with Microsoft Copilot

It wasn’t all procedure and rigamarole. Microsoft also had Copilot interview three Microsoft CEOs. They got roasted, and it was hilarious. 

With all of the excitement, it became a little difficult to keep track of everything, so we went ahead and did just that. Below is every announcement for Microsoft Copilot that we could find, including the ones from the livestream.

If you want to watch the livestream for yourself, you can find it on Microsoft Copilot’s YouTube channel.

The Copilot app goes native

The Microsoft Copilot app on Windows has always been more of a website than an actual app. One of the announcements was that Copilot was becoming a native Windows app, integrated directly into the UI. The app was already rolled out to Windows Insiders, but Microsoft began rolling out the update on April 3 to all Windows users. 

According to PCWorld, users are already reporting a massive increase in performance, saying that it’s now even faster than the ChatGPT app on Windows. You can download the app from the Microsoft Store as long as you’re on the latest Windows update.

Copilot Search - The AI search engine

Microsoft and Bing are bringing a new fight to Google with the release of Copilot Search. It works as you would expect. Once you go to the website, you can ask Copilot a question. It’ll then scour the Internet on your behalf and return a search result. 

We asked it a few simple questions, and it seemed to work pretty well. We asked it what the best Android phone to buy right now was, and it showed us that it scoured various top lists and articles to come to its answer (which was the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the OnePlus 13). It looks similar to Google’s implementation on Google Search, complete with sources that you can click through to read or view yourself if you want. 

SEE ALSO: Inject AI directly into your PC with Windows 11 Pro and Copilot, now A$23 Copilot gets better on AMD and Intel PCs

Microsoft announced a host of new AI-powered features like Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator in an effort Redmond calls Copilot + PC. In addition, Microsoft doubled down on its commitment to better supporting AI on PCs running AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon CPUs. Snapdragon-powered Windows devices are also getting Voice Access capabilities. 

The new features and optimizations will be rolled out over the next year. Also, yes, Live Captions will work similarly to how they do on Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

New agent mode for VS Code users

During the stream, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made a joke that it’s a new world when CEOs can code. In that same vein, he announced that VS Code users are getting a new Copilot agent mode that will help write and check code that users write. This one is mostly focused on developers, but if you code apps on Microsoft, you’ll be able to use AI to help you out and even build custom agents based on your code. 

This feature is rolling out to VS Code Stable soon. It’s been available for Insiders since February. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot gets a Researcher and an Analyst

During the livestream, Microsoft’s AI head honcho Mustafa Suleyman talked briefly about Researcher and Analyst, two new tools for Microsoft 365 Copilot. Researcher aims to help users with “complex, multi-step research at work,” per Microsoft’s blog post. Microsoft says that Researcher can integrate data from third-party sources such as Salesforce, Confluence, and more. 

Analyst takes the data you already have and analyses it. Microsoft says it’s built on OpenAI’s o9-mini reasoning model. Once it analyzes your data, it can answer questions, deliver insights, and double-check the data on your behalf. It can also turn the data into forecasts and organize it in ways that may be useful to you. 

Credit: Microsoft Copilot may change shape someday

Microsoft is working on giving Copilot a face, sort of. During the livestream, Suleyman brought Copilot to the stage to show off its ability to give itself an avatar that speaks with you. There were several examples shown, from a totally unique design to existing things like Spyro the Dragon or, for the nostalgic among us, Microsoft’s former helper, Clippy.

There was no word on when that feature would come out, but Suleyman stated that Microsoft was remaining curious about the possibilities of how users engage with Copilot, and ideas like avatars are where the company wants to explore what it can do.

Trump Extends TikTok Deal Deadline, Delaying a Potential Ban

NYT Technology - 8 hours 16 min ago
The app was facing a Saturday deadline to change its ownership or face a ban in the United States.

Trump delays TikTok ban for another 75 days

Mashable - 8 hours 43 min ago

Well, it looks like TikTok is here to stay for another couple of months.

Just the day before a TikTok ban was set to go into effect, the Trump administration once again decided to temporarily delay the U.S. TikTok ban for another 75 days. TikTok isn't necessarily saved in the long term, but we'll at least have access to the app on June 19.

"My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress," he wrote in a TruthSocial post. "The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days."

SEE ALSO: Is TikTok about to get banned in the U.S.?

TikTok would have been banned on Saturday, April 5, unless the social media platform complied with U.S. law set by the Supreme Court requiring that TikTok divest from its parent company, ByteDance. There are multiple U.S.-based people, groups, and companies looking to buy TikTok, but a deal has yet to be made.

"We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!)," he continued in the TruthSocial post. "This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security! We do not want TikTok to 'go dark.' We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Trump was confident he could get a deal before the April 5 deadline, and now he seems confident that the additional 75 days will help him find a solution. Either way, for a few more months, TikTok will stay on your phone.

Is TikTok about to get banned in the U.S.?

Mashable - 9 hours 10 min ago

The Trump administration gave the Chinese owners of TikTok until April 5 to sell their asset. But as the clock ticks down to that date, confusion reigns — and no official announcement of a sale has been made.

A host of potential owners of the social media site, including Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, and Project Liberty have come forward. Some potential buyers are wary of the U.S. government allowing TikTok's Chinese operators to retain control of the app's algorithm and simply lease it to the U.S. buyer, according to ABC.

That could put the new owner in conflict with a law signed by President Biden last year that bans "the establishment or maintenance of any operational relationship" between the U.S. app and "any formerly affiliated entities that are controlled by a foreign adversary, including any cooperation with respect to the operation of a content recommendation algorithm."

TikTok's potential owners are reportedly worried about being sued by the U.S. government after the purchase, and want liability protection.

The state of TikTok: Still up

Does that mean TikTok will shut down April 5 for its 170 million American users?

Trump has suggested he will extend the sale's deadline, likely via executive order, if a deal cannot be reached by Saturday. Trump already extended an earlier deadline for a ban or sale on his first day in office, January 20.

The president says new tariffs announced on Chinese goods will give the U.S. government leverage over the TikTok sale. Still, China may not want to play ball with the U.S. during a widening trade war.

This story is developing...

Phone inspections when crossing the U.S. border: What you need to know about your rights and security

Mashable - 9 hours 10 min ago

In addition to a sweeping immigration agenda that involves limiting entries at U.S. ports of entry, stripping immigrant visas, and deporting undocumented Americans en masse, the Trump administration is revamping its approach to digital security, including the use of personal device searches to detain and deport U.S. residents or tourists at the border.

SEE ALSO: U.S. immigration services wants to review potential citizens' social media

Individuals, including legal permanent residents and visa holders, have been harassed and even deported by border patrol agents after traveling out of the country. In a handful of cases, European tourists have been detained and held in immigrant detention facilities. The news has stoked fear among many travelers, as individuals report increased device searches upon entry to the U.S.

In March, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) submitted a proposed change mandating a review of social media profiles as part of the process for vetting and approving benefits. The change would apply to immigrants already residing in the U.S., including green card and visa holders. In January, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order titled, "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats," which included a directive to slow down the visa-issuance process through heightened application scrutiny.

The administration's efforts aren't limited to the citizenship process. If you're planning to cross or enter a U.S. border or customs point, make sure to know your rights and monitor how you can protect your personal data.

What can customs and border patrol do with my phone?

While warrantless searches of personal devices were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2014, U.S. ports of entry are a different legal landscape. According to U.S. law, the CBP reserves the right to inspect electronic devices that cross the border on the premise of national security, also known as electronic checks. Electronic checks make up a small percentage of all border interactions, reports Axios, but heightened border scrutiny may amplify such activity.

Advocates have pushed to include border patrol in warrant laws, with a notable win in 2023, and various appellate courts have ruled that warrants be required for data searches at the border beyond “digital contraband," such as illegal materials. A New York state court decision, for example, ruled that warrants are required for searches of travelers' devices — that means travelers through major New York City airports, like JFK, should be protected from electronic checks. But at large the CBP policy remains, permitting "the inspection, examination, and search of vehicles, persons, baggage, and merchandise," including electronic devices.

U.S. citizens have the right to decline a device search without being barred entrance, but lawful permanent residents and foreign visitors may face harsher interrogation or be denied entry into the country. In both cases, CBP may seize and hold onto your devices.

If your device a seized by a border patrol agent, the agent will conduct either a "basic" or "advanced" search. Basic searches include a manual search of content easily accessible on your device. Advanced searches involve external equipment that can analyze and copy your device's content — advanced searches should only happen on the suspicion of illegal activity and with higher approval.

How can I protect my device?

Travelers should do what they can to protect their personal data during basic CBP searches. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the first step should be limiting the amount of digital information carried across the border, including leaving unnecessary devices at home or using temporary ones.

When entering a port of entry, travelers can also consider turning off their devices completely. Always consult with an immigration lawyer if you are worried your status may come into question or are at risk of deportation.

Delete sensitive information

Experts suggest deleting images or files containing licenses, credit card information, and other documents with sensitive data. Some even suggest deleting personal photos of children or loved ones before traveling. Clear any "deleted" or "trash" folders that may temporarily hold onto erased content, as well.

Make sure any important information or files are backed up to an external location (one that you aren't traveling with), in case your devices are seized and held by CBP. For those with concerns about sensitive data, consider encrypting your device.

Turn off biometric passwords

Due to protections against self incrimination outlined in the Fifth Amendment, law enforcement has the right to ask an individual to unlock their cellphone using a biometric password such as facial recognition or fingerprints, but they cannot ask you supply them with numerical passcodes.

While border patrol operates under a slightly different set of guidelines, you should still consider turning off any settings that provide easy access to your phone, like Face I.D., and strengthening your device passcode before traveling to the U.S. Passcode-locked apps or photo libraries may provide additional security.

Log out of or private your social media accounts

While conducting a basic search, border patrol agents cannot look through personal email inboxes or cloud storage, and your device remains offline or in airplane. However, agents can look at any public social media profiles or posts — so set your pages to private and delete any posts you wouldn’t want an agent to read.

Streamline your workday with AI tools you only have to pay for once

Mashable - 9 hours 15 min ago

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1min.AI's Advanced Business Plan, which offers a collection of almost all the major AI models for only £62.19 (reg. £326.56).

Opens in a new window Credit: 1min.AI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription £62.20
£326.58 Save £264.38 Get Deal

There's been talk about AI taking people's jobs, and we're here to say you should let it — at least when it comes to time-consuming or tedious tasks. Rather than use your time writing rejection emails or proofreading sales reports, AI could do it for you. All you need to have AI become your new favorite coworker is to grab this 1min.AI subscription for £62.19 (reg. £326.56).

  • Lifetime access to GPT, Gemini, Llama, Midjourney, and more AI models with a one-time payment.

  • User-friendly interface: This makes it easy to dive in and start creating, whether you're familiar with or new to AI tools.

  • PDF manipulation tools: Edit, merge, or split PDFs with ease — perfect for organizing documents.

  • Content generation: Speed up your workflow with AI tools for writing, designing, presentation creation, etc. 

  • Use one of the AI models to join virtual meetings, code, or even edit videos.

  • No need to bounce between multiple AI models ever again since all of them are neatly organized in 1min.AI.

  • With the credits you get with this 1min.AI plan, you can use them to generate AI content. The Advanced Business Plan lets you generate 1.1 million words or 1,100 images every month, and your credits renew monthly.

Offload your least favorite (or time-consuming) day-to-day tasks to AI with this 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription, now just £62.19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Here are the best Nintendo Switch game deals after the Switch 2 Direct announcement

Mashable - 9 hours 29 min ago

Feeling excited after the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct reveal? Us too, even though the preorder and pricing situation is a little up in the air right now. It simultaneously feels like its June 5 release date is just around the corner, yet also miles away.

If you're feeling as impatient as we are, you may want to take the downtime between now and launch to play some of the original Nintendo Switch titles you never got around to. Thankfully, a pretty decent amount of them are on sale right now, which is kind of a rare occurrence when it comes to Nintendo.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide: Everything you need to know ahead of time

So, we recommend that you take advantage of this moment and check out some of our favorite deals on Nintendo Switch games below.

Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta

NYT Technology - 9 hours 33 min ago
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, would not seem to be in the line of fire from tariffs. But President Trump’s trade actions are hitting even social networking businesses.

Save big on power tools, outdoor furniture, and more at The Home Depots Spring Black Friday Sale

Mashable - 10 hours 34 min ago

The best Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale deals:

Best Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale Deals Best Tool Deal Milwaukee M12 Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit $229 (Save $110) Get Deal Best Outdoor Furniture Deal Costway Wicker 4-piece Patio Conversion Set $270 (Save $157.54) Get Deal Best Grill Deal Weber Spirit E-315 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill $449 (Save $170) Get Deal Best Lawnmower Deal Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Self-Propelled Lawnmower $349 (Save $80) Get Deal Best Security Camera Deal Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera (5-Pack) $199.99 (Save $200) Get Deal

Spring may have only just sprung, but Black Friday is already happening at The Home Depot. The Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale is live now through April 16 in-store and online, with a slew of savings on everything from power tools to outdoor furniture and more.

With 14 days of savings starting this early in the season, you've got plenty of goodies to sift through, as well as some seriously great discounts. There's no time like the present to start taking care of your home and yard, and if you can do so without spending an arm and a leg, you absolutely should.

If you're ready to grab everything you need for a great spring at home, keep scrolling. We've rounded up some of our favorite deals you can find during The Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale so you don't have to.

Best power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Milwaukee M12 Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit $229 at The Home Depot
$339 Save $110 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a dependable drill and driver set that won’t clutter your tool kit, this kit is a great option. It comes with a hammer drill and impact driver, powered by a long-lasting 5.0Ah battery with a long charge cycle between charges. The tools' brushless motors serve up reliable, efficient performance for whatever job you need to tackle, and the compact size makes these tools a breeze to maneuver into tight and awkward spaces. It’s a sensible starter package if you need good, hardy tools but don't want to overdo it with too much bulk or weight.

More power tool dealsBest outdoor furniture deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Costway Wicker 4-piece Patio Conversion Set $270 at The Home Depot
$427.54 Save $157.54 Get Deal Why we like it

This 4-piece wicker patio set from Costway has everything to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather (or the rain, if you prefer), so whether you feel like entertaining or just hanging out somewhere that isn't your couch, you've got a place to do it. It comes with two chairs, a loveseat, and a small coffee table. The blue cushions add a nice pop of color, and the rattan-style frame is good for when it starts to rain or snow, but you still insist on being outdoors. It might take a bit of time to put together, but for the money it's a great deal.

More outdoor furniture dealsBest grill deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Weber Spirit E-315 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill $449 at The Home Depot
$619 Save $170 Get Deal Why we like it

Planning on going out and doing some grilling this spring? This straightforward natural gas grill will get the job done. It’s got three burners and enough space to cook for a few people without feeling cramped. The side tables are handy for keeping items like meat and condiments ready, and the build is solid enough to last through a bunch of seasons. It’s designed for natural gas hookups, so it’s not the portable kind, but if you’ve got a line already, it’s a convenient setup that you can save on right now.

Best lawnmower deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Self-Propelled Lawnmower $349 at The Home Depot
$429 Save $80 Get Deal Why we like it

With all the rain pouring down this spring, you know you're going to have to spend some time mowing the lawn. Prepare for that inevitability with this Ryobi lawnmower. With a built-in 6.0 Ah battery, it gives you 40 minutes of runtime, so you can tackle mowing up to a half-acre lawn. Its self-propelled system and rear-wheel also make it easy to push and maneuver, even across different types of yards and terrain. Its brushless motor also performs like a gas mower, with a 150cc engine, but less noise and emissions. It's a job you have to do, so might as well have equipment that makes it easier.

Best security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera (5-Pack) $199.99 at The Home Depot
$399.99 Save $200 Get Deal

Keep an eye on everything going on outside your home with this set of Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras. This bundle nets you five cameras that you can post up and around your house and backyard. They're completely wireless and shoot 1080p footage, so you can use them indoors or outdoors and get the same kind of performance. Best of all, they last up to two years with a ridiculously long battery life, so once you put them up, you don't have to worry about going out and adjusting them again and again. Use the companion app to peek outside or inside and see what's going on whenever you need peace of mind.

Get on the water for under $70: This Kayak set is only $69.99 at Woot

Mashable - 10 hours 43 min ago

SAVE 77%: As of April 4, you can score a Bestway Hydro-Force Kayak Set for just $69.99, down from $299.99 at Woot. That's $230 off or a 77% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bestway Bestway Hydro-Force 2-Person Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set $69.99 at Woot
$299.99 Save $230 Get Deal

If you’re an outdoorsy person on a budget, skip renting and pick up your very own kayak for $69.99 at Woot.

As of April 4, you can get the Bestway Hydro-Force 2-Person Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set (which includes two aluminum paddles, hand pump, two fins, carry bag, and repair patch kit) for just $69.99, down from $299.99, at Woot. That’s a 77% discount and a damn good deal considering similar sets go for around $300. But you’ve gotta snag it in the next two days before the deal expires.

SEE ALSO: The best weatherproof and wireless outdoor speakers in 2025

The Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite X2 kayak is inflatable and seats two adults (up to 440 lbs weight capacity). It features two interchangeable and removable fins for directional stability and has a quick setup, thanks to the included Air Hammer hand pump.

It’s made of durable, oil-proof, waterproof, UV- and puncture-resistant material for withstanding the elements.

How much will Nintendo Switch 2 games cost? Heres what weve learned so far.

Mashable - 10 hours 58 min ago

Nintendo fans experienced a bit of sticker shock following the Switch 2 Direct on Wednesday, April 2, when the iconic gaming company announced via its website that the price for some marquee Nintendo Switch 2 titles would be $79.99. The company omitted any discussion of game prices during the livestream, but shortly after its conclusion, the internet was confronted with the new price tag on the Mario Kart World landing page.

The new MSRP reflects a $20 increase from what we saw throughout the original Nintendo Switch generation and a $10 increase from what we are currently used to when buying games for other consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. But will this be Nintendo's new norm? It's likely, but we aren't entirely sure just yet, because it would appear that the $79.99 asking price won't necessarily apply to Nintendo's entire slate of Switch 2 titles — currently, Donkey Kong Bananza is listed at $69.99 for the digital edition, which is more in step with what other platforms are charging today.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' for Switch 2 Will physical editions cost even more?

Things got more interesting when Nintendo's Spanish website posted EU prices for Nintendo's Switch 2 launch games. A visit to the site reveals that not only will digital editions of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza cost €80 and €70, respectively, but their physical editions will cost an extra €10 on top of that. That's €90 for a physical copy of Mario Kart World, which is a pretty staggering price hike from the original Nintendo Switch's physical editions, which cost the same as their digital counterparts in most cases. We can't confirm that US prices will end up being the same, but this change indicates that pricing differences between digital and physical games in the Nintendo Switch 2 era could be likely.

Credit: Screenshot: Nintendo

Other big Switch 2 titles announced during the Direct, including The Duskbloods and Kirby Air Riders, have not yet published their retail prices.

What about Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades?

Amongst the Switch 2 announcements, Nintendo also revealed that select original Switch games — including Super Mario Party: Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — will receive Nintendo Switch 2 edition upgrades for those who want to experience them at higher quality on the new console. We don't know exact pricing on those yet, but we do know that those who already own original Nintendo Switch copies of those games won't have to pay full price for the upgrade. Instead, they'll pay a smaller fee to access the titles on the Switch 2. Unfortunately, we don't know what that upgrade fee will be yet, either.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo just added sat nav to 'The Legend of Zelda' A new industry standard?

While the Mario Kart World pricing news was a shock to many in the gaming world, we've been expecting an industry-wide price increase on games for some time now. The $59.99 base price for both digital and physical copies of games hasn't changed much over the past few decades, with some new-gen games only recently donning a $69.99 price tag. But, with inflation and increased game development costs, it was only a matter of time before we'd see increases like the ones we're seeing with the Nintendo Switch 2.

What remains to be seen, though, is whether other platforms will follow suit. Will $79.99 games come to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in the near future? We think it's likely.

Are Trump's tariffs to blame?

Naturally, President Donald Trump's new tariff policy came up in conversation following the Switch 2 game and hardware pricing news. Will they have an impact on the new Nintendo Switch? The answer is yes and no. Games industry expert and Director of Research and Insights at Niko Partners, Daniel Ahmad, posted his take in a thread on X, saying, "This isn't because of tariffs by the way. Nintendo games are manufactured in Japan and tariffs don't apply to digital goods."

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It's a different story for Switch 2 hardware, though, which includes the console itself and its compatible accessories like Joy-Con controllers and the Switch 2 Camera. Nintendo has manufactured some of its products in China, and with the 34 percent tariff that Trump just slapped on the country's exports, we wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo hardware prices increased even more. In fact, on April 4, Nintendo announced that it would be delaying preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 until they could assess the potential impact of the new tariffs, so a pre-release price hike could potentially be incoming. The Nintendo Switch 2's June 5 release date remains unchanged.

How ‘Free Speech’ Became a New Flashpoint Between Europe and U.S.

NYT Technology - 10 hours 58 min ago
The two have long been divided on whether speech can be restricted, and when. Under the Trump administration, the gap is widening.

Flash deal: Take $73 off the Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker and Grinder at Woot

Mashable - 11 hours 4 min ago

SAVE 52%: As of April 4, you can buy a Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker and Grinder for $59.99, down from $123.99, at Woot. That's $64 off, or a 52% discount. And if you enter the code 15OFF at checkout, you'll get an additional 15% off that price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cusinart Cusinart Single Serve Coffee Maker and Grinder $59.99 at Woot!
$123.99 Save $64.00 Enter code 15OFF at checkout foran additional 15% off Get Deal

It’s not often that we see a deal that genuinely shocks us, but Woot!’s flash sale on the Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker and Grinder definitely fits the bill.

Right now, you can get the Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker and Grinder for only $59.99, down from $123.99, at Woot. That’s a 52% discount off Woot's list price (and the actual list price on Cuisinart’s website is $149.95, so you’re getting even more of a deal). You can also get an additional 15% off with the code 15OFF at checkout. That makes the total price just $50.99. The only catch is that this deal is only good for the next 14 hours (or until sold out).

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

The Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker and Grinder brews 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce cups of coffee. You can also use K-Cups if you don’t have any whole beans on hand. The hopper holds 100 grams of beans, which should make around 10 to 12 cups of coffee. The coffee maker also has a 48-ounce water reservoir, a charcoal water filter, and a drip tray to accommodate travel mugs. And if you’re a Prime member, you’ll get free standard shipping on your order.

It’s also worth noting that it has a 90-day Woot limited warranty, so if you hate it, you can always return it.

Amazon deal of the day: Grab the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer for its lowest price to date

Mashable - 11 hours 8 min ago
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of April 4: OUR TOP PICK Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer $259.95 (save $90) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL JBL Live Pro 2 $99.95 (save $50) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch $149.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKER DEAL JBL Go 4 $39.95 (save $10) Get Deal

If you missed last week's Big Spring Sale at Amazon, all hope is not lost. There's still deals to shop — you just have to poke around.

We've done the hard part for you and rounded up a few of the best deals we could find post-sale to keep the discount shopping alive. Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on April 4. If none of these are catching your eye, be sure to check out our picks from yesterday, April 3, as well. Many of those are still live, including the best price ever on the Garmin Instinct 2.

Our top pick: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer $259.95 at Amazon
$349.95 Save $90 Get Deal

As of April 4, Breville's Smart Oven Air Fryer is down to a new all-time low price of $259.95 at Amazon instead of its usual $349.95. That's 26% in savings and $20 less than on Breville's own website. "For folks who want their air fryer to be a one-size-fits-all kitchen appliance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer gives you 11 different functions, so you'll pretty much never need to use your normal oven again," Mashable's reviewer writes in her review. The 11 smart cooking functions include toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, air fry, reheat, cookies, and slow cook. Once set, its smart algorithm takes over to replicate the ideal cooking environment for each technique. If you're looking for versatility, you won't be disappointed.

Read our full review of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer.

JBL Live Pro 2 Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Live Pro 2 $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

You don't always have to spend a fortune to get solid noise-cancelling earbuds. The JBL Live Pro 2 buds are on sale for less than $100 and offer "strong audio performance for bass lovers, above-average noise cancellation, and a solid in-app experience at a reasonable cost," according to our sister site PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis). The app unlocks a 10-band customizable EQ, adjustments for ANC and ambient modes, and hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant for Android users. Overall, they're an excellent value even at full cost. At 33% off, they're a steal.

Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

An unusual smartwatch option, but ideal if you're an avid golfer, the Garmin Approach S12 is packed with golf-focused features for a relatively low price. And as of April 4, it's on sale for 25% off. The Approach S12 is pre-loaded with over 42,000 golf courses from around the world, so wherever you tee off, you'll have the course mapped with yardages, hazards, and doglegs (and how to avoid them). It lasts for up to 30 hours in GPS mode and features a high-res display that's readable in bright sunlight. As a bonus, you can keep score directly on the watch and upload it to the Garmin Golf app to track your games.

JBL Go 4 Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 4 $39.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $10 Get Deal

If you want a speaker that works well, can tag along with you wherever you go, and won't break the bank, we recommend the JBL Go 4. Our top pick under $50, this compact speaker is waterproof and dustproof, has an integrated loop for easy carry, and offers seven hours of playtime. Our reviewer found that it reaches impressive volumes despite its small package and offers improved bass tones over past versions. "If you don't need the most customized, crystal-clear sound and simply want a speaker that works and won't break the bank, the JBL Go 4 is an excellent option under $50," the review states. As of April 4, it's even cheaper at Amazon — grab it for just $39.95.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

YouTube Shorts adds TikTok-style edits

Mashable - 11 hours 35 min ago

One of the many tools that sets TikTok apart from its competitors is how easy it is to edit videos both in the app and by using its sister app, CapCut. However, other short-form social media apps are working to catch up. First, we heard news that Instagram is working on a CapCut-like video editing app. Now, YouTube is adding features to Shorts to make it easier to edit short-form videos within the app.

SEE ALSO: YouTube is changing what a 'view' means for YouTube Shorts

YouTube announced the new video editing tool in a blog post on Thursday. The tool will allow users to "make precise adjustments and edits" within the app, including the ability to rearrange clips, delete clips, add music, add timed text, zoom in and out, and preview Shorts before posting.

It looks like templates on Shorts will also resemble CapCut and Instagram Reels, allowing users to pull photos to use in templates automatically and crediting the original creator.

"These are the first of more improvements planned to streamline in-app editing for Shorts," YouTube wrote.

Among those planned improvements are an edit tool that will sync videos to the beat of a song, template effects, image stickers, and AI stickers users can add by responding to a text prompt.

Nintendo Switch 2 preorders delayed in the U.S. due to tariffs

Mashable - 12 hours 7 min ago

For the last 48 hours, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date in the United States was planned for April 9. That is no longer the case.

In a shocking turn of events, Nintendo sent out a statement to press on Friday morning confirming that the April 9 pre-order date has been scuttled indefinitely due to the Trump administration's tariff policies. The full statement is as follows:

Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on: First impressions of 'Mario Kart World' and 'Donkey Kong Bananza'

We do not know when pre-orders for Switch 2 in the U.S. will open up now. We also don't know if this means a price hike or any other similar measures are coming. What we do know is that Trump announced severe tariffs on basically every country in the world on Wednesday afternoon, not long after Nintendo confirmed the April 9 pre-order date and the $450 starting price tag for Switch 2. Countries affected notably include Vietnam, which is where Nintendo moved much of its Switch production a few years ago in order to avoid tariffs on China.

We'll keep you posted when we find out more about when pre-orders will be available in the States, and what this might mean for the price of the console itself going forward.

Snag the Beats Pill for $50 less at Amazon

Mashable - 12 hours 12 min ago

SAVE $50: As of April 4, you can get the Beats Pill for just $99.95 at Amazon. That's a $50 discount and the lowest price we've seen since last December.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Summer’s right around the corner, which means bonfires, beach days, pool parties, and a good time with friends. But no summer day (or any day, really) is complete without a killer playlist and a portable Bluetooth speaker that can pump out the jams.

If you’re looking for a speaker to set the tone of your summer, the Beats Pill is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen for this speaker since last December, and it’s $50 off its usual price of $149.95.

SEE ALSO: The best speakers in 2025

The Beats Pill comes in multiple colors, weighs practically nothing, and offers 100 watts of power with a frequency response of 1 MHz. And, with a 24-hour battery life, you can keep the party going all day and night.

It’s also IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, so you can take it to the beach or pool without freaking out if it gets splashed or sandy.

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