Tech
Cyberpunk platformers, gallivanting geckos and other new indie games worth checking out
Welcome to our latest roundup of what’s going on in the indie game space. Once again, there are some neat new games for you to check out this weekend. We’ve got a bunch of updates and announcements for upcoming titles to tell you about too.
There have been a bunch of solid indie showcases lately (and highlights from another one to tell you about below). If you want to learn about a ton of other games ASAP, you might want to set your alarm pretty early on April 25.
Starting at 5AM ET that day, the latest edition of Indie Life Expo takes place on YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Bilibili and elsewhere. This one will feature more than 200 games! A rapid-fire Indie Waves segment will power through 160 of them. Organizers received 1,100 submissions for this installment, so hats off to them for featuring a sizable percentage of those.
Before that, you can check out another showcase on April 21. Top Hat Studios Presents: Spring Showcase 2026 will start at noon ET on the publisher’s YouTube and Twitch channels.
The stream will feature Motorslice, Well Dweller and survival horror game Becrowned, as well premieres and other Top Hat games. I’ve been looking forward to Motorslice, which has a May release window. I wager we’ll get a precise release date for that during this stream.
Meanwhile, there’s an interesting Steam event taking place soon. InterfaceX26 will run from April 27 until May 4. This one is focused on games that deal with made-up operating systems and other custom interfaces. Organizers have brought together more than 150 developers and publishers, who are asking Valve to introduce an official “Fake OS” tag for games on Steam.
Some neat games will be included in a sale and a showcase on May 2, including Blippo+, TR-49 and The Roottrees are Dead. Expect demos and relevant new releases too. Speaking of which…
New releases
We’ve been waiting a very long time for Replaced. This cyberpunk adventure from Sad Cat Studios and publisher Thunderful finally landed this week on Steam, GOG, Xbox on PC and Xbox Series X/S. It’s on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Otherwise, the base game costs $20. A supporter edition that includes the soundtrack is $25. It’ll hit the Epic Games Store at a later date.
The game was initially supposed to arrive in 2022. It certainly didn’t help that Sad Cat Studios was forced to relocate from Belarus to Cyprus after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the game is finally here and it debuted to generally positive reviews.
Replaced is a 2.5D action platformer set in an alternate version of 1980s America, in which you play as an AI trapped in a human body that may or may not dream of electric sheep. I haven’t yet had a chance to properly jump into this gorgeous-looking game, but I’m hoping to do so this weekend.
Speaking of games I’ve long had on my wishlist, Gecko Gods arrived this week. I think I first clapped eyes on this around 2022. Various trailers charmed me with the idea of a puzzle exploration platformer that casts you in the role of a gecko that’s able to run along walls and ceilings.
I’ve played around 90 minutes of this one so far. I dig the look and the gecko is very cute (being able to customize its appearance is a nice touch). I love that you “collect” different types of bugs by eating them. It’s a fairly relaxing game, which is broadly what I need at the minute.
I think there are some issues here, though. I’ve explored two of the main five islands in the open world and it feels a bit sparse so far. The joy of being able to clamber up and around any object complicates things when it comes to more precise platforming sections. While the sailing sections are pretty, the boat is clunky to control on the choppy water. I ran into some mild technical issues as well on PS5 with occasional framerate dips and objects popping in. Hopefully, that’s something the developers at Inresin are able to address.
Gecko Gods — from publishers Super Rare Originals and Gamersky Games — is available now on Steam, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. It’s normally $20, but there’s a 10 percent launch discount until April 30 (on PS5, this only applies to PlayStation Plus members)
Another highly anticipated game landed this week in the form of Mouse: PI for Hire. We’ve had our eyes on this first-person shooter/detective game with sumptuous rubberhose-style animation for quite some time. Reviews have been generally positive so far, and it seems that there’s enough substance here to live up to those stellar visuals.
Mouse: PI for Hire — from Fumi Games and publisher PlaySide — is out now for $30. It’s available on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Thirsty Suitors developer Outerloop Games and co-publisher Outersloth served up the cooking-themed Dosa Divas this week. It tells the story of two sisters who set out on a journey with their mech to take down a fast food empire and reconnect communities through cooking.
It caught my eye when I saw it during a showcase a while back and it has a great concept, though I don’t exactly love turn-based combat. I’ve read a few lukewarm reviews of the game, and the consensus seems to be that the cooking mechanics and combat perhaps needed some more time to simmer.
If you’d like to try Dosa Divas yourself, you can pick it up on Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. It’ll usually run you $20, but there’s a 10 percent launch discount until April 28.
If you’re looking for a puzzle game that can be relaxing or rather dark, depending on your mood, it might be worth checking out A Storied Life: Tabitha. As you pack up the home of a late loved one, you’ll need to decide which items to keep in the limited storage space you have and discard the rest. You’ll need to wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and vacuum pack soft items to save room in the boxes.
As you save items, you’ll unlock words that you can use to fill in the blanks of your loved one’s life and tell their story, Mad Libs-style. Given that you’ll find items like a blackmail letter and a shirt with lipstick on the collar, it seems like there’s a lot of variety to the kinds of stories you can tell.
A Storied Life: Tabitha is available on Steam now. It’ll normally run you $15, but you can save 10 percent if you buy it before April 28.
To round out this section, I’ll quickly note that Hades 2 is out now on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S for $30, with a 20 percent launch discount. It’s on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass too.
I bought Hades 2 when Supergiant Games brought it to Steam early access two years ago, telling myself I’d wait until the full game was out. But I still haven’t gotten around to it yet. There are always too many games tugging at my fragile attention span and Hades 2 faded into the background for me. I really ought to play it, I know!
Upcoming
I’m keeping an eye out for Agefield High: Rock the School from Refugium Games. This spiritual successor to Rockstar’s Bully is set to arrive this summer on Steam. It emerged this week that it will hit PS5 and Xbox Series X/S later in the year.
It’s a coming-of-age adventure in which you play as Sam, a young lad who has moved to a new school in the early 2000s. He wants to make his last few months of high school a time to remember.
There’s a branching narrative with multiple endings here — you can opt to go to classes and be a good student, or skip school and cause trouble. As a mostly rule-abiding student way back when, I’d be tempted to go for the latter. This seems like a bit of a life sim with a broad array of activities and ways to get into bother. I’m looking forward to it.
The latest edition of the Galaxies Showcase — yet another indie spotlight event — took place this week and The Backworld caught my attention. This is a Mother-inspired RPG from Numor Games and publisher Top Hat with charming art direction (yes, I did see that one character doing a Naruto run), an intriguing mix of characters and…
Oh no, why did the music stop? Why did it get so dark all of a sudden? What are these horrifying beasts that are chasing my character? Yup, there’s a heavy horror element here. Numor took inspiration from The Backrooms as well.
The Backworld will be released later this year. A demo just hit Steam.
A Study in Blue, from Relate Games, was another highlight of the Galaxies Showcase, thanks in large part to that impressive animation. This is a point-and-click adventure in which you play as two characters with complex pasts: private detective Kenneth and runaway Blue.
You’ll explore a semi-open world and solve crimes by collecting clues and calling out characters’ lies. There are three intertwined story acts and multiple endings. A Steam demo featuring a side quest from the main game that’ll take around two hours to complete is available now.
I’m always going to be interested in any game that riffs on The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. On the face of this trailer, Elementallis developer AnKae Games seems to borrow quite a bit of the design language and other ideas from the SNES classic. Still, if you’re going to crib from anything, it may as well be the best game of all time.
This 2D action RPG, which is also published by Top Hat and has a heavier focus on elemental powers than A Link to the Past, looks very much like my kind of jam. It’s coming to Steam, GOG, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One on April 28. Per the eShop listing, it’ll cost $18.
Tech
Samsung Galaxy S25 series just landed the big One UI 8.5 update in the US
Samsung Galaxy S25 users in the United States are finally getting the One UI 8.5 update. After rolling out to newer devices, the update is now making its way to last year’s Galaxy S25 series, bringing a solid list of improvements worth knowing about.
Users on X have reported receiving this update on their Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, so if you own one, now might be the time to go into the software update settings and get the latest update.
What’s new in One UI 8.5?
One UI 8.5 is bringing several new features and a bunch of UI improvements. The biggest visual change is to the quick settings panel. You can now grab, resize, and drag individual controls wherever you want. The volume and brightness sliders can go vertical, and the media control can expand to a larger size.

The lock screen also got some love. There are new clock fonts with animations, and a thickness slider lets you fine-tune your clock’s look. A weather toggle now shows live weather animations on your wallpaper, which is a small but genuinely fun touch.

One UI 8.5 also brings a bunch of AI-powered photo editing tools, including erase, move, create, and style. Erase removes objects cleanly, move lets you reposition elements in a shot, create adds sketched objects using AI, and style transforms selfies into cartoon versions of yourself.
Are there any missing features?
While last year’s Galaxy S25 models are finally getting the One UI 8.5 update, it’s not all good news. It seems that there are several missing features in One UI 8.5 that the older models are not getting.
Users at Korean Samsung forums have discovered as many as nine missing features, with the two biggest being the Now Nudge and 24MP camera mode. Other glaring omissions include Notification Highlights, Finder shortcut on the Home Screen, Samsung Browser’s Ask AI, and more.

It doesn’t feel like any of these features depend on the new hardware of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. They are just feature gatekeeping on Samsung’s part to force users to upgrade to new devices.
I criticize Apple every year for gatekeeping new camera features on the latest iPhone models. It seems that Samsung is not only following in Apple’s footsteps but also pushing things much further.
Tech
Safari’s Latest Trick Could Be Automatically Organizing Your Tabs Into Groups
For those of us who keep hundreds of Safari tabs open, Apple is reportedly testing out a new feature that can organize all of it automatically. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a Safari feature called “Organize Tabs” that will debut with iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. As the name suggests, the new feature will automatically organize your Safari tabs, but Gurman added that it won’t carry the Apple Intelligence label, even though it’s likely using some form of artificial intelligence. Once the feature is live, Safari users will be able to choose if they want the grouping to be automatic or not, according to Gurman.
This Organize Tabs feature adds onto the Tab Groups option that was introduced to Safari 15 back in 2021. Of course, Google already debuted a similar capability on Chrome in January 2024, called Organize Similar Tabs, marketing it as one of its new generative AI features. However, Apple has been known to lag behind its competitors when it comes to AI-powered features. According to Gurman, we could get our first look at the Organize Tabs feature at WWDC26, which is scheduled to kick off on June 8.
Tech
Over-Engineered Cardboard PC Case Houses a Full Computer Without Compromising Style or Performance

Modders have been experimenting with cardboard enclosures for years, but few can pull off something as elegant as computer enthusiast mryeester’s latest creation. His finished system appears to have been put together as a purposeful design choice rather than an emergency repair job. It has the works, as in clean cutouts, lots of layers to keep it rigid, and just enough room inside to fit conventional components without difficulty.
The real magic happened when mryeester collaborated with a friend who is familiar with cardboard, in this case a retail display designer. They worked together to rough out the overall design in CAD software before sending the drawings to a professional CNC cutter capable of handling thick, corrugated cardboard. They ended up stacking numerous layers on top of each other to form walls that are relatively solid. What could have been a flimsy substance that flexed and bent if looked at incorrectly? Those panels can actually withstand a significant amount of weight without failing.
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They added some ventilation slots to the latest revisions, which are hacked right into the sides to allow air to flow freely around the GPU and CPU. To be honest, putting the thing together was a bit of a challenge at first, but everything eventually fell into place. The motherboard mounting points matched up perfectly, and once everything was screwed down, the entire assembly was rock solid. Adding the graphics card was a little more complicated; an extra cut was required to clear the input-output bracket, but even without screws, it just rested there nicely, due to the stacked cardboard and bolts holding it down.

The power supply location was not a problem because the initial design called for a compact SFX unit, which they simply replaced with a full-size ATX. This required a bit of fiddling with scissors to clip the material back a little more. Overall, it was really simple; once they had the alignment correct, the side panels clicked into place with ease, and the whole thing snapped shut like a charm.

However, it’s the small details that really make the build stand out, such as the nine unique power buttons on one panel, each of which is wired such that only the correct combination will turn on the system. It’s a funny security feature that adds individuality to the system when turned on. They’ve also done an excellent job with CNC cutting, as every edge and corner appears clean and polished, rather than rough-around-the-edges DIY.

Of course, as with any build like this, there were a few hurdles to overcome along the road, as nothing ever goes perfectly smoothly. They had to double-check some measurements for certain brackets on the fly, and fitting in some of the larger parts required some patience with a trusty old utility knife, but each adjustment only reinforced how strong the layered cardboard was in real-world use. They didn’t bother with moisture-proofing this time, but they have ideas for future iterations that may include it.
[Source]
Tech
Dua Lipa Is Suing Samsung For $15 Million
Pop star Dua Lipa has taken legal action against Samsung, accusing the electronics giant of using her face to sell TVs without compensation or permission. As first reported by Variety, the lawsuit also claimed Samsung is responsible for copyright and trademark infringement, along with “unauthorized commercial exploitation.”
The complaint stems from Samsung using an image of Lipa’s face on cardboard packaging for its TVs last year. The English musician found out around June 2025 and repeatedly demanded Samsung stop using her likeness on the packaging. However, the suit claimed that Samsung’s response was “dismissive and callous,” while the products in question are still being sold to this day. In the complaint, Lipa’s lawyers said that Samsung has profited from using her image, giving the impression that Lipa has endorsed the product when she hasn’t. The lawsuit also quoted posts on X that suggested some customers would buy the TV after seeing Lipa on the box.
“Samsung’s infringing conduct makes a mockery of [Lipa’s] hard work in establishing a successful brand and has deprived her of the ability to control and monetize her assets,” the lawsuit read. On top of the alleged ill-gotten monetary gains, the lawsuit added that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph used on Samsung TV boxes, since it was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024. It’s not the first time that Samsung TVs have been hit with legal trouble either, since Samsung was one of five TV manufacturers to be sued by Texas’ attorney general, Ken Paxton, in December for using ad-targeting spyware on their TVs. We reached out to Samsung for comment on the Lipa lawsuit and will update the story when we hear back.
Tech
5 Handy Quinn Tools You Can Get At Harbor Freight For Under $25
Many a DIYer might be quick to tell you that their local Harbor Freight has aided in several of the projects they’ve undertaken in their home, yard, or garage. They’d likely also tell you the retailer has helped them accomplish those tasks while coming in under budget, as the family-owned hardware store chain has made its name by offering customers high-quality tools at prices that shouldn’t break the bank.
If you are familiar with the chain, you may already know that Harbor Freight Tools actually owns many of the notable brands whose tools appear in its stores, and that list includes those bearing the brand name of Quinn Tools. That brand is largely focused on the manufacture of non-powered hand tools, with Harbor Freight currently listing some 100 different offerings in the Quinn Tools lineup both online and through its various brick-and-mortar outlets.
If you’ve perused Quinn Tools products before, you’ve likely noted that they are particularly budget-friendly, even by Harbor Freight standards. Even within Quinn’s budget-minded parameters, there are items bearing its brand that are considerably cheaper than others. Budget basement pricing aside, some of those tools are still very much worth checking out if you are looking to save a few bucks on essential tools. Here’s a few handy Quinn Tools you can currently pick up from Harbor Freight for less than $25.
Three-Piece Scissors Set — $5.99
Scissors may not be something many people consider a tool in the proper sense, but a good set can be invaluable for folks working on smaller DIY jobs and virtually any level of crafting project. To that end, high-quality scissors can also be surprisingly pricey, depending on your needs and, of course, the retail environment you’re shopping in.
If you are shopping for quality scissors at Harbor Freight, you might be happy to learn you can currently purchase not one, but three such items from its Quinn Tools brand for a mere $5.99. For that low price, you get one large 9-inch scissor, one medium 8-inch scissor with a detachable serrated blade, and one small 5¼-inch pair. Each of those scissors is made of titanium-coated stainless steel and equipped with molded ergonomic grips for comfort.
As for their quality, Harbor Freight shoppers who’ve purchased the three-scissor set are almost universally happy with them, rating the tools at 4.8-stars out of 5. Those who rated the scissors at four or five stars claim that they are sharp, durable, and comfortable to use. Price is also a common point of praise, with some users noting that many other brands charge the same or even more for a single pair of scissors. Some users did note potential quality control issues, however, claiming that the 8-inch scissor in particular was prone to breaking. Others noted their scissors struggled to cut heavier items like cardboard.
Pry Bar Set — $11.99
As with any budget-minded brand, you’d be correct in assuming that there are a few products in the Quinn Tools lineup you’d be wise to avoid. The brand’s pry bars are clearly not among them, though, with its two-piece Set currently boasting a user rating of 4.9-stars. That set should be all the more enticing to Harbor Freight shoppers as it is currently selling for just $11.99.
That modest investment will net you one 8-inch pry bar for smaller jobs, and one 18-inch bar built for more heavy duty work. Per Quinn, the tools are ideal for demolition projects, aligning mechanical equipment, and any number of other jobs that might require a certain degree of leverage from users. To that end, the pry bars are made from heat-treated chrome-vanadium steel and boast a black oxide finish to protect against corrosion. The steel shafts also run all the way through the molded handle and are equipped with a beveled edge to provide maximum torque and leverage.
As noted, the pry bars’ esteem among customers is very high, with 99 of the 100 reviews posted on their Harbor Freight page being four or five stars, and the lone outlier being three stars. Users praise the set for its quality, durability, and variety, with many noting the small pry bar is an ideal alternative to using a screwdriver. Moreover, many note the 18-inch bar is great for engine work, while one and all agree it’s hard to beat the quality for the cost.
Precision Screwdriver Set — $14.99
Sometimes, a delicate hand is preferable for mechanical work, particularly when it comes to jobs where smaller screws and fixtures are part of the equation. If delicate is the order of the day in your work, then a precision screwdriver set is an absolute necessity, and that means this Quinn 12-Piece package is well worth a look.
That set is priced at $14.99, and includes 12 precision screwdrivers, each of which is made with three holding zones to make it easy for users to pivot between power, precision, and fast spin driving. The versatility is heightened by the set including precision slotted heads for hex, Phillips, and star head screws. They are also manufactured using S2 Steel for increased strength and durability. The screwdrivers are also color coded to make it easy to distinguish one driver style from another, with Quinn even including a handy carrying case for the lot.
Harbor Freight customers generally agree the set is worth the modest investment, rating it at 4.7-stars, while noting that the set provides excellent value and is ideal for repairing eye glasses and electronics, as well as other small precision jobs. Some YouTube reviews even compare it favorably to similar sets from Icon. However, one unsatisfied Harbor Freight customer noted they felt the tips on the drivers were too soft and not well-enough defined.
¼-inch Drive Chrome Socket and Ratchet Set – $19.99
For many, a socket and ratchet set is the very definition of a must-have tool. There are, of course, several different versions of socket and ratchet sets, all of which are handy in any number of situations. While Quinn Tools makes sockets and ratchets to fit most of those needs, one of the more common size sets you’ll find is ¼-inch, with the brand selling such a kit through Harbor Freight for $19.99.
That set comes with 21 individual pieces, including 10 SAE styled socket heads — sized 3/16-inch, 7/32-inch, ¼-inch, 9/32-inch, 5/16-inch, 11/32-inch, ⅜-inch, 7/16-inch, ½-inch, 9/16-inch – as well as 10 in Metric style — sized 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, 11 millimeters, 12 millimeters, 13 millimeters, and 14 millimeters. It also includes a 72-tooth quick-release polished chrome-vanadium steel ratchet.
If you’re familiar with Quinn’s sockets, you may already know that they are fairly well-regarded by customers as a solid investment. So, it may not come as much of a shock that this socket and ratchet set is also well rated, with Harbor Freight shoppers rating it at 4.8-stars. That rating is based on more than 1,300 reviews, by the way, so it’s about as legit as you’ll find. Those users claim they use the set for everything from oil changes and light engine work to other small repairs, and generally agree it’s incredibly durable and versatile for the price, even as some claimed their ratchet malfunctioned with little usage.
Four-Piece Plier Set — $24.99
In the arena of must-have tools, pliers are pretty high on the list of devices any DIYer would need to add when assembling a home tool kit. Like any tool, buying a full set of pliers can add up with a quickness. If you’re not looking to splurge on a set of pliers, you’ll no doubt be interested to know that Quinn is selling a four-piece plier Set through Harbor Freight right now for $24.99.
Like the other items on this list, Quinn’s four-piece plier set has an impressive user rating, with customers awarding it a 4.7-star rating. And yes, like the other items on this list, price point is a major point of praise, with users happy enough to pay under $25 to add groove joint pliers, long nose pliers, diagonal pliers, and linesman’s pliers to their tool box. For the record, the quality of the tools themselves is another common point of praise, with some claiming they were surprised by the durability at the price point.
Some users did, however, note the exact opposite experience, claiming that their pliers broke or rusted soon after purchase. As for their makeup, the set is manufactured using forged and hardened steel, boast jaws with milled teeth, and are fit with hardened cutting edges. They are also designed with riveted joints to reduce wobbling during usage. Perhaps best of all, the set comes backed by a lifetime warranty from Quinn Tools, which should cover any potential issues.
Tech
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for May 11
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 11, 2026.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Itty-bitty insect
Answer: GNAT
5A clue: “Excellent job!”
Answer: BRAVO
6A clue: Bird that “croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan,” in “Macbeth”
Answer: RAVEN
7A clue: Each and ___
Answer: EVERY
8A clue: Swollen mark
Answer: WELT
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Deathly serious
Answer: GRAVE
2D clue: Belly button
Answer: NAVEL
3D clue: Prevent, as a crisis
Answer: AVERT
4D clue: ___ the Tiger, mascot of Frosted Flakes
Answer: TONY
5D clue: Beer, informally
Answer: BREW
Tech
Trump administration to invite Apple CEO Tim Cook to China
President Trump wants to show off the executives he has behind him on a trip to China, where he will discuss trade with President Xi Jinping. Still-CEO Tim Cook is rumored to be among the invitees.
If there’s one well-understood policy held by the Trump administration, it’s to show up when requested. One of the few times that Apple CEO Tim Cook didn’t show up resulted in a special tariff just for iPhones in May 2025.
It’s time for Cook to pick up the phone again, as President Trump is headed to China to speak to President Xi Jinping about trade. The discussions will likely be of little relevance to Apple, according to a report from Semafor, but Trump likes to have powerful individuals surround him on such trips.
These kinds of in-person events may increase for Cook as he steps down from his role as CEO on September 1. He’ll be the Executive Chairman where he will also act as a kind of political liaison.
It’s a role that Cook has likely chosen for himself, as he has borne the brunt of most of the political scandal that has occurred since Trump took office in both instances. It’s Cook’s name on the $1 million donation to the inauguration, the gold plaque in Trump’s office, and the reservation to each event after all.
And seemingly, Trump has taken the bait. Apple hasn’t changed anything about how the company operates in spite of immense pressure from the administration to do so.
For example, Apple just announced its latest Pride Band for Apple Watch even as other companies distanced themselves from progressive initiatives.
These interactions also meant Apple didn’t have to pay nearly as much as it could have when dealing with the illegal and seemingly random tariffs. It has also insulated Apple from being required to do the impossible and bring all iPhone production back to the United States.
Cook is also known for his diplomatic trips to China, so the latest invite will likely be just another day on the job. Time will tell if incoming CEO John Ternus will have to act similarly, or if Cook will be able to shield him from the responsibility.
Tech
Computer Enthusiast Builds a Mini Data Center That Fits in His Closet

One computer enthusiast finally hit the wall with a crowded closet full of loose gear and realized something had to change. He set out to create a small data center that would run its own servers, manage networking, and keep everything neat enough to fit inside a regular room. He ended up with a 12U rack on wheels, complete with corporate hardware, unique cables, and smart mounts that kept everything accessible while remaining relatively compact.
The first step was to install the rack, as the adjustable rails and robust wheels made it simple to roll it into the closet to a reasonable depth without requiring any permanent adjustments to the area. It all came in at around $200, which is a fairly good value given that it gave him a lot of vertical space while also leaving flexibility to grow later if necessary. At the top of the rack, he installed a mountable power surge strip, which provided many outlets with built-in protection as well as ample distance to prevent the plugs from becoming jammed.
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The servers, the core brains of the operation, are essentially an HP Z4 G4 enterprise desktop put into a dedicated rack tray, providing him with considerable processing power for activities such as storage or virtual machines. He also has another tower-style machine with numerous drive bays that stacks alongside it, providing him with additional data storage capacity without the need for a full room. Both computers just bolt in using conventional hardware, and what was formerly a collection of distributed PCs became a single system ready to function 24/7.

Networking equipment is all about getting data flowing smoothly, so he installed a 5-port Gigabit switch and a tiny router in some custom 3D-printed brackets that just clip onto the rack rail. The best part is that the library allowed him to 3D print them for nearly nothing, so he now has off-the-shelf gadgets converted into rack-friendly components. A patch panel at the front of the rack keeps all the wires neat and tidy, directing each connection through designated ports rather than dangling all over the place.

Cabling truly makes the difference between order and chaos, as he used 250 feet of Cat6e solid copper cable as the base material, then simply measured and crimped each segment before terminating on shielded jacks. He has varied lengths for different requirements, so he has a short one that goes to the modem and a longer one that connects the switch and router. He created a diagram of the entire system so that anyone could see how everything fits together at a glance. I learned a few lessons along the road, such as how to properly sequence the wires and which tools to use, but in the end, everything simply lays there looking flush and trustworthy.

So the power and accessories completed the package, as the surge strip provides electricity for the entire stack, and he included a mountable shelf to store tools or spare parts. The rack’s wheels allow the entire unit to slide in and out for repair before rolling back in without needing to be disassembled. The entire setup still fits within the closet footprint, demonstrating that real capabilities does not require a big warehouse.
Tech
GM Agrees To Pay $12.75 Million To Settle California Lawsuit Over Misuse Of Customers’ Driving Data
Following its settlement with the FTC earlier this year over its sale of drivers’ data to brokers, General Motors has now also reached a settlement in California. The company agreed to pay $12.75 million in civil penalties to settle the lawsuit led by Attorney General Rob Bonta on behalf of the people of California, and is banned from selling driving data to consumer reporting agencies for five years. The lawsuits came after a 2024 New York Times report revealed that GM collected consumers’ driving data through its OnStar program and sold this information to data brokers Verisk Analytics and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, which in turn could market the data to auto insurers.
In some cases, that driving data could be used by insurers to increase customers’ rates. However, in California, customers were likely spared this consequence, as laws in the state prohibit insurers from using driving data in this way. Nevertheless, the complaint alleges that GM violated consumers’ privacy by nonconsensually selling data that included people’s names, contact information, geolocation data and driving behavior data.
The settlement agreement stipulates that GM must delete any driving data it’s retained within 180 days “except for certain limited internal uses,” unless it has the customer’s express consent. It also requires GM to develop a privacy program to assess the risks of collecting data through OnStar, and report its findings to the DOJ and other agencies. In a statement on Friday, Bonta said, “Today’s settlement requires General Motors to abandon these illegal practices and underscores the importance of the data minimization in California’s privacy law — companies can’t just hold on to data and use it later for another purpose.”
Tech
OnePlus Nord CE 6 Series Arrives in India: Price, Features, Availability
OnePlus has released its newest Nord CE 6 series phones in India. The new lineup includes the regular Nord CE 6 and the budget version, the Nord CE 6 Lite. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 is a phone that boasts an exquisite design, an AMOLED screen, and a Snapdragon chipset.
Design and Display Upgrades
The company OnePlus has made notable design changes to the new Nord CE 6 series. OnePlus has introduced some alterations to the design of its Nord CE 6 phone, including a different square-shaped rear camera module.
In terms of display, the Nord CE 6 features a large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother performance. On the other hand, the Nord CE 6 Lite includes a smaller 6.72-inch LCD screen. Both devices have been designed with a smooth visual experience in mind, especially when playing games or engaging with social media.
Performance & Cameras

The standard Nord CE 6 model comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip. This variant has been enhanced with a cooling mechanism to improve gaming and application speed.
The Nord CE 6 Lite model incorporates the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Apex chip. It has been specifically designed for efficient performance and power consumption.
Both smartphones feature two rear cameras, with the 50MP main sensor as the most prominent feature. Video recording is supported at the 4K level, improving the quality of videos. The Nord CE 6 smartphone features a 32MP front camera, while the Nord CE 6 Lite has an 8MP front-facing camera.
Price and Availability
This OnePlus lineup ranges from Rs. 29,999 for the entry-level variant to Rs. 32,999 for the high-end variant. On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite is priced from Rs. 20,999 to Rs. 25,999. Also, an immediate discount of up to Rs. 2,000 is being offered on selected bank cards.
In terms of availability, the Nord CE 6 will go on sale in India starting May 8, while the Nord CE 6 Lite will become available from May 12. Both smartphones can be purchased through Amazon and the official OnePlus India online store.
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