Tech Culture & Opinions

Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya

In a world where the average household contains 18 connected devices, our relationship with technology has become increasingly complex. Recognizing this digital dilemma, Verizon is taking a surprising stance by encouraging customers to disconnect occasionally. Through a comprehensive digital wellness program launched at a summit hosted by Drew Barrymore, the telecommunications giant is promoting healthier tech habits while still providing essential connectivity. Let's explore how this industry leader is reimagining our relationship with screens.

Photo by Les Anderson

A sudden and widespread outage affecting second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices has left users frustrated and concerned about the future of their streaming devices. With error messages indicating "untrusted device" warnings and references to outdated firmware, many users are wondering if Google has quietly decided to end support for these older devices. Let's explore what's happening with this unexpected technical issue and what it might mean for Chromecast owners.

Photo by Florian Schmetz

In an era where cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at an alarming pace, organizations are finding innovative ways to strengthen their defense capabilities from within. NEC Corporation has demonstrated leadership in this area through its annual Capture The Flag (CTF) competition, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. This internal security initiative has not only helped identify and nurture talent but has also significantly enhanced the security awareness among thousands of employees across the NEC Group.

Photo by Nathan Anderson

The beloved party game creator Jackbox Games is expanding its reach with an innovative approach to accessibility. Through a partnership with Amazon's AWS GameLift Streams technology, Jackbox will soon bring its wildly popular party games directly to smart TVs without requiring consoles or PCs. This move represents a significant shift in how casual gaming experiences can be delivered to broader audiences, potentially transforming living room entertainment as we know it.

Photo by Markus Spiske

In a groundbreaking move that signals potential shifts in Apple's content strategy, the tech giant's streaming service has sold one of its original dramas to another platform for the first time. "Suspicion," a thriller series based on the Israeli show "False Flag," has made history by becoming the first Apple TV+ production acquired by UK's ITVX. This unprecedented deal raises intriguing questions about Apple's evolving approach to content ownership and distribution in the competitive streaming landscape.

Photo by Kalen Emsley

Gaming enthusiasts and Kojima fans have a new date to mark on their calendars: June 26, 2025. Hideo Kojima's highly anticipated sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, finally has an official release date alongside a revealing 10-minute trailer showcasing fresh gameplay, intriguing story elements, and a sly reference to one of gaming's most iconic characters. Let's dive into everything we know about this ambitious sequel and what players can expect when they step back into Sam Bridges' boots.

Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Platforms continues its massive investment in Reality Labs, betting billions on virtual and augmented reality as the next computing platform. While the division lost $18 billion in 2024, its strategic importance remains clear: Meta is sacrificing short-term profits to secure dominant market share in what could become a $700 billion market by 2030. This ambitious gamble represents both Meta's greatest potential growth catalyst and its most significant financial risk—a dichotomy that investors must carefully evaluate.

Photo by Tim Arterbury

In a stunning reveal that has the gaming world buzzing, Hideo Kojima has finally unveiled the release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, alongside a mesmerizing 10-minute trailer packed with references to his iconic past work. The acclaimed game director isn't simply creating a sequel—he's crafting a fascinating blend of new concepts with nostalgic nods to his Metal Gear Solid legacy that has fans analyzing every frame. Set to release on June 26, 2025, this PS5 exclusive promises to redefine Kojima's unique brand of storytelling.

Photo by Ian Schneider

Apple is reportedly gearing up for its most significant operating system overhaul in years, promising to transform how users interact with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This ambitious redesign aims to create a more cohesive ecosystem across all Apple devices while simplifying navigation and controls. With iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 on the horizon, users can expect substantial changes to icons, menus, and the overall interface experience—potentially marking a pivotal moment in Apple's design evolution.

Photo by Teemu Paananen

In the ever-evolving landscape of tech personalities and digital platforms, the intersections of power, politics, and personal drama continue to captivate public attention. From Facebook co-founders taking aim at today's tech titans to controversial media figures navigating scandal through alternative platforms, the tech world remains a stage for compelling human stories. This exploration delves into how technology continues to shape not just our digital experiences, but also the personal and professional lives of those who create and influence it.

Photo by Matt Hardy

San Francisco's iconic Great Highway is undergoing a historic transformation from coastal roadway to oceanfront park, marking a significant shift in how urban spaces are utilized in the city. After voters narrowly approved Proposition K in November, the Upper Great Highway will permanently close to vehicle traffic on March 14, 2025. While many residents celebrate this change as a win for recreation and sustainability, others are mounting legal challenges, claiming the closure violates state law and proper environmental procedures.