Saturday

2 May 2026 Vol 19

Category: Tech

The Download: political chatbot persuasion, and gene editing adverts

The Download: political chatbot persuasion, and gene editing adverts

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world…
After Neuralink, Max Hodak is building something stranger

After Neuralink, Max Hodak is building something stranger

Six years ago, I asked Sam Altman at a StrictlyVC event in San Francisco how OpenAI, with its complicated corporate…
The Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Total Life Optimization (2025)

The Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Total Life Optimization (2025)

An underreported phenomenon in modern culture is the slow degradation of our collective optimism about the future. Look no further…
How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna? (2025)

How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna? (2025)

Like cold plunging, sauna use isn’t suitable for everyone, however. If you have any heart, kidney, blood pressure, or respiratory…
Walmart-backed PhonePe winds down its Pincode app in yet another e-commerce step back

Walmart-backed PhonePe winds down its Pincode app in yet another e-commerce step back

In its latest retreat from India’s crowded online retail market, Walmart-backed fintech giant PhonePe has wound down its Pincode e-commerce…
Microsoft finally has a better looking Run dialog for Windows 11

Microsoft finally has a better looking Run dialog for Windows 11

Microsoft is finally updating the design of the Run dialog prompt in Windows after more than 30 years. After committing…
The era of AI persuasion in elections is about to begin

The era of AI persuasion in elections is about to begin

All this means that actors, whether well-resourced organizations or grassroots collectives, have a clear path to deploying politically persuasive AI…
Chroma Teal Offers Fresh Grip on PlayStation’s Signature DualSense Controller

Chroma Teal Offers Fresh Grip on PlayStation’s Signature DualSense Controller

Sony’s new DualSense controller, known as Chroma Teal, priced at $59.99 (down from $79.99), offers a deep dark blue green…
Netflix wins the bidding war for Warner Bros.

Netflix wins the bidding war for Warner Bros.

Netflix is poised to purchase Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming business after being selected as the winner of the bidding…
Backbone Pro hands-on review:

Backbone Pro hands-on review:

I didn’t expect a mobile controller to change how I play—but the Backbone Pro did. Every session just feels sharper,…