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Seattle-area startup Union.ai raises $19M to fuel AI workflow platform

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Bellevue, Wash.-based startup Union.ai announced that it closed a $38.1 million Series A round, led by NEA, with participation from Nava Ventures and new investor Mozilla Ventures. The total includes a previously announced $19.1 million portion raised in 2023.

Union is the company behind Flyte, an open-source orchestration tool used to run complex machine learning and data workflows. Union is positioning itself as broader “AI development infrastructure” — covering orchestration as well as pieces such as training, inference, and observability — aimed at helping engineering teams move from experimentation to production faster.

“Building AI requires a fundamentally different approach than traditional software, and engineering teams are now embracing that,” CEO Ketan Umare said in a statement.

More from the company’s post on LinkedIn:

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This funding comes at an inflection point for AI: engineering teams are discovering that legacy software infrastructure and devtools struggle to handle AI development. They were designed for basic and deterministic processes of traditional data workflows, not for the non-deterministic processes of AI workflows, which expect agents to adapt and recover from failure at runtime. Union.ai is building the new category of AI development infrastructure. Engineering teams can develop dynamic, durable AI workflows and agents while dramatically reducing time spent maintaining brittle pipelines.

The startup says revenue grew 3X in 2025, and its customer base expanded 2.6X. Union’s customers include Spotify, HederaDx, Carfax, Hopper, and others.

The company says the round supports the commercial launch of Union 2.0 and continued development of Flyte 2, including “pure Python” authoring, improved debugging, runtime decision-making, and crash-resilient workflows.

Umare helped develop the underlying technology for Flyte while he was an engineer at Lyft. He previously worked at Amazon and Oracle. He co-founded Union.ai in 2020 with Haytham Abuelfutuh.

The company has more than 40 employees and is actively hiring.

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Investors are backing various startups building behind-the-scenes infrastructure to help companies turn AI prototypes into reliable products. Temporal, a “durable execution” company rooted in the Seattle region, announced a $300 million round last week.

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Lenovo Legion Go Fold Leaks, Merges Portability of a Handheld Gaming PC with the Versatility of a Laptop

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Lenovo Legion Go Fold Leak
Photo credit: Windows Latest
The Lenovo Legion Go Fold debuts as a novel attempt to combine the portability of a gaming handheld with the versatility of a small laptop, all in a single foldable chassis. Lenovo will unveil this at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 2, 2026, and as of now, it appears that the device will be a game changer.


Lenovo Legion Go Fold Leak
At its center is a flexible pOLED screen, which when folded up measures 7.7 inches across the diagonal, making it ideal for gripping like a traditional handheld. As you open it, the screen stretches all the way to 11.6 inches. That’s a lot of real estate, almost like you’re using a compact tablet. The way it unfolds is also very fascinating, as it simply opens along a central crease, giving you a broader view of two halves of about 7.7 inches each, or stacked vertically.


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Lenovo is powering it with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, a Lunar Lake chip that has been tuned for battery longevity in ultra-slim laptops. With a huge 32GB of RAM, this device can handle demanding games and multitasking without blinking an eye, even in its portable form. It is powered by a 48Wh battery, although if you use the screen in full immersion mode, the battery life may be reduced.

Lenovo Legion Go Fold Leak
Here’s the cool part: there are detachable controllers that snap into the sides when used in handheld mode, and they have the familiar grips and buttons you’d expect for comfortable gameplay. One of the controllers has an additional little screen built in that displays your performance information, quick settings, and even hotkeys. Furthermore, in some situations, the same controller can morph into a vertical mouse for ultra-precise aiming in first-person shooters. When you unfold the screen, you can switch to split-screen mode, which allows one half to run a game while the other half streams or chats on the web. Alternatively, you may choose full-screen horizontal mode, which gives you an entire 11.6 inches for gaming. If you do opt to use it on a desk, it comes with a wireless keyboard and a touchpad that connects to the folding screen, transforming it into a makeshift laptop with the controller performing mouse functions.

One thing that’s missing right now is any information on how many ports it has or how thick it is, but I believe it’s safe to say that Lenovo’s priority here is getting the flexibility right rather than cramming in every feature under the sun.

Lenovo Legion Go Fold Leak
As a concept, the Legion Go Fold has no set release date or pricing, but it does show a lot of promise. Lenovo has previously turned ideas like this into genuine devices, so who knows? This one may be itching to get out of the lab and into the market at some point, but that is entirely just a pipe dream for the time being.
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Spotify is rolling out Audiobook Charts

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Spotify is launching Audiobook Charts for the U.S. and U.K., the company announced on Friday. Similar to the streaming giant’s Music and Podcast Charts, the Audiobook Charts will be updated weekly and highlight the top audiobooks overall and by genre. These rankings are based on listening behavior and engagement on the streaming service, the company says.

The new charts are accessible to both free and paying users within the audiobooks hub. You can find them by tapping the search button in the app and selecting the “Audiobooks” tile to enter the hub. Then, you need to scroll down to the “Dive deeper” section to find the charts.

The move marks Spotify’s latest investment in the audiobooks space, following its official support of the format in 2022.

Since then, Spotify has continued investing in audiobooks with additional features like the recently-launched “Page Match” tool, which lets users scan a page from a physical book to instantly transition to that spot in the audiobook, and “Audiobook Recaps,” which are short audio summaries to catch you up on what you’ve already read so far.

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Spotify says the new Audiobook Charts will benefit both readers and authors by giving listeners a trusted way to discover popular titles, while also creating new opportunities for authors and the publishing industry to reach wider audiences.

“As we’ve proven with Music and Podcasts Charts, when content is easier to access, discover, and enjoy, the demand grows,” said Duncan Bruce, Spotify’s Director of Audiobook Partnerships and Licensing, in a blog post. “We are delighted to now bring that to audiobooks, to help provide even more ways for users, publishers, and authors to discover what’s trending on Spotify, and make books more connected with culture in real time.”

It’s worth noting that Spotify isn’t only interested in audiobooks, as the streaming giant also recently ventured into physical book sales. Spotify announced earlier this month that users in the U.S. and the U.K. will soon be able to purchase physical copies of books directly within the app through a partnership with Bookshop.org.

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7 new movies and TV shows to watch on Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and more this weekend (February 27)

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It’s a busy week for TV fans, with new seasons of some popular shows premiering on the world’s best streaming services. From addictive period romance and staggering Monsterverse action, to a hit political thriller and long-dormant medical comedy, there’s something for nearly every taste.

As for new movies, there’s an action-adventure swashbuckler that ticks every Friday night box, including iconic stars, non-stop explosive pacing, and plenty of high-stakes thrills. Get ready to bid farewell to February with our pick of the week’s best new releases. – Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

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FiiO BTR17 Review: High End DAC Chips, Balanced Output, and Deep EQ in Your Pocket?

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FiiO’s product pipeline has been relentless. Over the past two years, the company has introduced a few dozen new models spanning portable DACs, Bluetooth amplifiers, IEMs, headphones, desktop gear, and now increasingly innovative home audio components. Some have been clear hits. Others have felt like experiments in a very crowded field. That is the reality when a brand moves this fast.

The $199 FiiO BTR17, launched in late 2024 as a portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier, arrived during the early phase of this surge. At the time, it drew rave reviews and strong word of mouth. Now in 2026, it is no longer the newest device in the lineup, but it may be one of the most durable and worthwhile.

Behind the scenes, it is clear that FiiO has no intention of slowing down. What we have seen offline suggests that 2026 and 2027 will bring even more ambitious desktop and home audio components that push the brand further upmarket. Against that backdrop, the BTR17 stands out as one of the earlier releases from this cycle and possibly one of the most complete.

In a market overflowing with portable DAC and amplifier options between $99 and $299, the question is simple. Is the BTR17 still relevant in 2026, and was it quietly one of FiiO’s best moves during this recent run?

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FiiO BTR17 Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier in Blue, Black and Side

Specifications & Technology

Let’s start where it actually matters with the BTR17: the DAC and the amplification stage.

Digital to analogue conversion is handled by a pair of ESS Sabre ES9069Q chips. On paper, they are serious performers, rated at up to 130 dB dynamic range with THD plus noise hovering around -120 dB, all while keeping power consumption in check. These are not entry level DACs thrown in to hit a price point. They are modern, efficient, and more than capable of resolving fine detail without adding grit or glare of their own.

On the amplification side, FiiO opted for the THX AAA 78+ platform. The design uses eight op-amps in a parallel configuration and can deliver up to 650 mW from the balanced 4.4 mm output into 32 ohm headphones. There is an important caveat. That full output is only available in wired Desktop mode. In portable use, maximum output drops to 300 mW, which is still respectable but not the headline number.

Power delivery inside the BTR17 is not an afterthought. The internal supply is divided into three distinct stages to keep things stable and controlled:

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  • Stage 1: Filtering and overvoltage protection
  • Stage 2: DC to DC boost conversion
  • Stage 3: High precision LDO voltage stabilization

Critical sections such as the DAC chips and the amplifier each receive power from dedicated rails, a design choice intended to reduce interference and improve overall performance. Whether that translates into audible benefits is something we will dig into in the listening section.

fiio-btr17-portable-dac-amp-kit

A quick word on Desktop mode, because it is one of the BTR17’s more practical features. Flip the switch and connect power to the dedicated USB C “power in” port, and the unit runs from an external supply instead of its internal battery. That means you can use it at a desk all day without cycling the battery. For anyone planning to use this as a compact home DAC and amp, that is not a small detail.

There are two additional operating modes: BT and PHONE.

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  • BT mode is exactly what it sounds like. It is engaged when using the BTR17 wirelessly. The unit runs Bluetooth 5.4 via Qualcomm’s QCC5181 platform, with support for transmission rates up to 2100 kbps, along with LDAC and aptX Lossless. In practical terms, that puts it at the front of the pack for high resolution wireless audio support at this price.
  • PHONE mode is more about power management. In this setting, the BTR17 shares the load with the connected source device rather than drawing heavily from it. The idea is to reduce battery drain on your phone or tablet during wired use. It is a thoughtful inclusion for anyone who has watched their phone battery nosedive during a long listening session.

Back to the hardware.

FiiO fitted the BTR17 with an XMOS XU316 USB processor, which is not bargain bin silicon. It offers low latency, stable data transmission, and support for 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512. Even with the built in parametric EQ engaged, it can handle up to 192 kHz. In short, there is more than enough headroom here for any real world use case.

Speaking of EQ, you get a full 10 band parametric setup to fine tune the sound. That means proper control over frequency, gain, and EQ, not just a handful of preset tone tweaks. Profiles can be saved, imported, exported, and shared through the FiiO Control app, so if you have a dialed in curve for a specific IEM or headphone, you can pass it along instead of trying to describe it over text like a lunatic.

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The FiiO Control app also handles core settings and firmware updates. Most adjustments can be made directly on the device, but the app makes deeper configuration easier and keeps the unit current with software refinements.

As for battery life, FiiO rates the BTR17 at roughly eight hours using the 4.4 mm balanced output. In practice, that figure held up during continuous use with LDAC over Bluetooth. For a compact all in one DAC and amplifier at $199, that is a solid, realistic result rather than marketing fantasy.

fiio-btr17-portable-dac-amp-back-angle

Design & Build Quality

The centerpiece of the BTR17’s design is its display. The 1.3 inch IPS screen, with a 240 x 240 resolution, is bright enough for outdoor use and delivers surprisingly vibrant color for a device this small. Key information is always front and center, including volume level, active Bluetooth codec, and sampling rate. Each codec is color coded, which makes it easy to see at a glance what you are actually streaming.

FiiO makes a point of highlighting the tactile, stepped volume knob. In practice, it is serviceable but not exactly luxurious. The rotation feels a bit light, and the integrated push button comes across slightly hollow and sticky when pressed. It works, but I have handled more refined implementations on competing devices.

The back panel is wrapped in raw leather, which adds some welcome texture and grip. The main chassis is aluminum alloy, something that still is not guaranteed in the sub $200 category. The overall construction feels solid even if the control hardware is not class leading.

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In the box, FiiO includes the usual documentation, a well made leatherette case, and an eight stranded USB C to C cable that looks and feels more premium than expected at this price.

Physically, the BTR17 measures 16.3 mm x 41.2 mm x 86.6 mm, which translates to roughly 0.64 x 1.62 x 3.41 inches. It weighs about 73.4 grams, or approximately 2.6 ounces. In daily use, it is compact and light enough to disappear into a pocket. Our review sample was black, but it is also available in a striking blue finish.

On the right side of the chassis you will find the physical controls. Just below the volume knob sits the power button. Beneath that are the forward and backward track buttons, which also double as EQ preset selectors. Further down are the switches for power mode selection and Desktop mode activation.

Along the bottom edge are two USB-C ports. One handles data transfer and charging, while the second is dedicated to external power input when using Desktop mode. Up top are the headphone outputs: a standard 3.5 mm single ended jack and a 4.4 mm balanced Pentaconn connection.

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fiio-btr17-portable-dac-amp-side

Listening & Headphone Synergy

With output figures that edge toward a full watt in Desktop mode, the BTR17 has more than enough muscle for the vast majority of full size over ear headphones. Even in portable mode, there is sufficient headroom for anyone who listens at spirited levels.

At that point, the conversation shifts. Raw power is only part of the equation. The real question is how clean, controlled, and refined that power sounds. Quality of amplification matters just as much as quantity, and in many cases more.

It is also worth saying that using a Bluetooth DAC and amplifier in general feels liberating. Being able to move around freely without being anchored to a desk changes the experience in a very real way. That freedom alone makes listening more enjoyable, and it gives the BTR17 an advantage that is not captured on a spec sheet.

The first thing I noticed after plugging the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled into the BTR17 was a subtle but clear sense of added weight down low, even with no EQ engaged. I do not believe the unit is altering frequency response in any dramatic way, but there is a perceptible increase in bass impact and authority compared to some other solid state DAC and amp combinations.

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On “Why So Serious?” by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, the subterranean swell that creeps in around the three and a half minute mark had more physical presence and drive than I heard from the FiiO JM21 DAP I reviewed recently. The BTR17 gives that moment extra grunt, which makes the track feel more visceral without tipping into exaggeration.

That translates into a slightly warm overall character, but not one that sounds bloated or soft. The midrange remains articulate and clean, and there is a mild lift in the upper mids that enhances perceived detail. Dynamics are lively across the spectrum, with good separation and fine note clarity. Treble extension is intact with no obvious roll off, though it stops short of the most ethereal or shimmering presentation I have heard. Even so, the delicate triangle hits in L’Impératrice’s “La Lune” came through clearly and without any significant loss of detail.

I have often felt that the HE1000 Unveiled can use a touch more foundation in the bass. The BTR17 does not transform it into a reference caliber headphone in that range, but it does add just enough authority down low to counterbalance the headphone’s inherent treble energy. The pairing felt cohesive and well judged rather than artificially thickened.

I also tested the BTR17 with the Sendy Audio Egret, Beyerdynamic DT880 Edition 600 Ohm, and Audio Technica ATH-R70x. All were driven confidently and without drama. Even the 600 ohm Beyer was handled with composure, which says a lot about the available headroom in Desktop mode.

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Listening was split between wired Desktop mode and wireless operation over LDAC from my phone. Despite the lower maximum output and reduced sampling rate in Bluetooth mode, I was genuinely hard pressed to identify meaningful sonic differences between the two in casual and focused listening. That should reassure anyone planning to use this primarily as a wireless solution.

That said, perspective matters. Moving over to a dedicated desktop chain like the SMSL DO400 paired with the Aune S17 Pro immediately delivered greater soundstage width, more defined layering, and a higher level of micro detail. The BTR17 gets impressively close for a compact all in one device, but a serious desktop stack still has the edge in outright scale and refinement.

fiio-btr17-portable-dac-amp-back

The Bottom Line

The FiiO BTR17 gets the fundamentals right.

It delivers clean, controlled power with a slightly warm tilt that adds welcome body without sacrificing clarity. The dual ESS DAC implementation, THX AAA amplification, XMOS USB stage, and full 10 band parametric EQ are not filler features. They translate into real flexibility and performance that push this well beyond basic Bluetooth dongle territory. In Desktop mode, it has enough output to handle demanding full size headphones. In wireless mode over LDAC or aptX Lossless, it retains far more composure and resolution than most portable solutions in this price bracket.

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What it does not do is replace a serious desktop stack. You will still get greater scale, layering, and ultimate refinement from a dedicated DAC and amplifier chain. The volume control hardware is also merely adequate rather than premium. If you are chasing the last word in micro detail or build finesse, this is not that device.

What makes the BTR17 compelling in 2026 is the combination of genuine audiophile architecture, robust codec support, proper EQ control, and real world usability in a device that fits in your pocket. It is as comfortable on a desk in Desktop mode as it is clipped to a jacket streaming from your phone.

Who should consider it? Anyone who wants near desktop performance without being chained to a desk and headphone enthusiasts with multiple pairs of headphones and IEMs to drive; and that includes commuters and business travellers who have not ventured down the wireless earbud or headphone rabbit hole.

In a cycle where FiiO has released dozens of products, the BTR17 stands out as one of the more complete and mature executions. Not perfect. Not revolutionary. But very, very well executed for $199.

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Pros:

  • Powerful for the size – Up to 650 mW balanced in Desktop mode with enough headroom for most full size headphones, including higher impedance models.
  • Excellent wireless support – Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX Lossless delivers near wired performance in real world use.
  • High end internal architecture – Dual ESS ES9069Q DACs, THX AAA 78+ amplification, and XMOS XU316 USB stage at $199 is strong value.
  • Full 10 band parametric EQ – Deep tuning capability with profile import and export via the FiiO Control app.
  • Flexible use cases – Desktop mode, PHONE mode power management, balanced and single ended outputs, compact and genuinely portable.

Cons:

  • Not a true desktop replacement – Dedicated DAC and amplifier stacks still outperform it in staging, layering, and ultimate refinement.
  • Volume knob feels average – Tactile response and integrated button lack a premium feel.
  • Power drops in portable mode – Maximum output is reduced outside Desktop mode.
  • Treble is clean but not exceptional – Extended and articulate, though not the most airy presentation.
  • Feature density may overwhelm casual users – Extensive settings and modes require some learning curve.

Where to buy:

For more information: fiio.com/btr17

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Google Launches Nano Banana 2, Generates AI Images Faster Than Ever

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Google Nano Banana 2 AI Image Generator Launch
Google just launched Nano Banana 2, and this model produces professional-grade photos at warp speed while still providing the kind of control you’d only get from premium models in the past. Powered by the Gemini 3.1 Flash architecture, it replaces the previous Nano Banana on all main platforms. Users now have access to significantly more detail, richer textures, and brilliant lighting in every photo. You may create photographs ranging from ultra low-resolution to 4K, and you have complete control over how they appear, whether you want a square portrait or a vast, theatrical scene.



One of the most noteworthy features is the generator’s speed, which allows you to experiment with different ideas without having to wait. Edits appear quickly, whether you’re adjusting the lighting, composition, or a single element. This makes it ideal for rapid experimentation, whether you’re working on a single concept or testing out a variety of images.


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It’s not only about speed; the control is far more precise than ever before. Complex directions are accurately picked up; you may even request tiny nuances in style or tone, and it will be perfectly executed. Object consistency is also far more reliable; you can have up to five characters or figures that seem same from one image to the next. The model can also accommodate up to 14 separate items in a single scene without losing a step, making it ideal for agricultural scenes with animals and tools, as well as highly complex multi-panel storytelling.

Google Nano Banana 2 AI Image Generator Launch
Text rendering also looks much better, with words and phrases appearing crisp and clear, making it an ideal tool for infographics, signs, diagrams, and marketing materials. With Gemini’s real-time expertise, the tool can even extract exact details for objects, scenarios, or data visualizations, resulting in a diagram of the water cycle with the proper labels and ingredients.

Google Nano Banana 2 AI Image Generator Launch
Nano Banana 2 is currently available in the Gemini app, with options for fast, thoughtful, and pro modes. Google Search has received an AI boost, and technologies such as Flow, AI Studio, Google Cloud, and Ads will include the model in the coming months. Free users will have access to fewer generations, whilst premium subscribers will have far more.

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Printer Ink Prices Are Ridiculously High. Here’s Why

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Finding an inexpensive, quality inkjet printer isn’t a challenge. But getting affordable replacement ink is another matter entirely.

You might be shocked to learn that replacement ink cartridges can cost as much as the printer itself, if not more. It’s because printers are often sold at a loss, with the company expecting to make its profit on the ink. 

This strategy, also known as the “razor-and-blades model,” is common in consumer goods, including printers, coffee makers (the ones that use disposable pods) and its namesake, shaving razors.

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Printer manufacturers, however, claim there are several reasons why ink costs so much, beyond revenue. Here are the main reasons why printer ink is so expensive.

The razor blade business

The razor-and-blade business model provides a continued revenue stream for printer-makers after a customer buys the hardware. It also locks that customer into an ecosystem. Just as some razor handles are compatible with only a specific blade, printers support only certain inkjet or toner cartridges. 

Manufacturers typically offer different printer models, but they likely use different cartridges that aren’t interchangeable. The cartridges also aren’t refillable by design. While it may seem manipulative, this business model is legal and common practice. It also keeps prices high due to a lack of competition.

It’s all proprietary (aka intellectual property)

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The ink cartridge carriage on an inkjet printer showing magenta, cyan, yellow and black cartridges.

Thanasi/Getty

Another way consumers are locked into a closed ecosystem is that many ink and toner cartridges contain chipsets that communicate with the printer, such as the amount of ink or toner left, so the printer can estimate how many pages it can print. They also verify whether the cartridge is authentic (i.e., from the printer manufacturer) or has been refilled. In either case, the printer could reject the cartridge. 

While some third-party suppliers have found ways around this, printer cartridges are proprietary, the intellectual property of the original manufacturer. Customers are usually limited in replacement options other than buying from their printer’s original equipment manufacturer.

This isn’t about the cost of research and manufacturing, or at least, not just about that. Printer-makers claim that their technology ensures consumers get the best print quality from their ink or toner, as well as proper performance and accurate color or monochrome prints. 

For example, inkjet printer ink is formulated to flow smoothly through the tiny printhead nozzles, while laser printer toner powder must be heated and applied evenly. That ink or toner also has to dry quickly on paper without smudging, which is another key reason. The official cartridges also include security features that manufacturers claim protect against malware.

So, although cartridges look simple on the outside, their embedded technology adds to manufacturing costs. Companies say this helps ensure high print quality, but consumer advocacy groups say it is designed to keep out competition while shifting the cost to users.

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If you print often, expect to spend more on consumables

laptop, printer with colored image, coffee cup and plants from birds-eye view on desk

Gettyimages/Photoplus magazine

Obviously, the more ink or toner used, the sooner replenishment is needed. This is especially the case with inkjet printers, as cartridges often contain a low yield of ink (between 150 to 300 pages). And, if the printer uses multiple cartridges, those costs add up quickly. If you run out of one color, you might not even be able to print black-and-white documents. 

Worse, new inkjet printers include “starter ink cartridges” that offer even lower yields. Laser printer toner cartridges also require replacing, but they tend to have higher yields than their inkjet counterparts.

Also, if you don’t print often, the ink in the cartridges can dry out, requiring replacement before you can print anything.

How to reduce printer ink costs

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White super tank printer, right: four ink colors. Background: lime and grass green gradient.

Epson/CNET

There’s no way around it: Inkjet printers need ink, which will eventually run out. But there are a few ways to save some money.

High-yield cartridges

Some printers support high-yield ink or toner cartridges, which double the output of standard options. They cost a bit more, but you may be able to reduce the frequency of ink replacements. They also might be cheaper per page printed.

Refillable ink

Refillable inkjet printers, also known as supertank printers, have gained popularity. As the name suggests, a user pours ink into tanks built into the printer, much like refilling a soap bottle. Refillable inks are cheaper than ink cartridges and offer a much higher yield. (They also produce less waste in general.) However, the printers themselves are more expensive to purchase upfront.

person standing over printer with colored image coming out

HP

Subscription programs

HP offers its Instant Ink program, which automatically ships you a replacement when ink runs low (the printer sends this info to HP when connected to Wi-Fi). Starting at $1.79 a month, HP sends new high-yield cartridges only when needed and recycles your old cartridges to reduce e-waste. HP says Instant Ink offers a savings of up to 50% when compared to buying off the shelf, and most Wi-Fi-enabled HP printers support the program.

Epson launched a new service called ReadyPrint, where, for a monthly fee (starting at $15), you get a printer and unlimited refillable ink. ReadyPrint is available only on select models.

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Print in draft mode and limit color

Oftentimes, lower-quality draft mode is more than sufficient for most print jobs. This can help increase page yields. Nearly all inkjet printers can output in color, but that doesn’t mean you should. Make sure you disable color in your print settings and enable it only when needed.

Consider a laser printer

hand holding a laser printer cartridge with logo BROTHER

Laser toner cartridge.

Getty Images/Smith Collection

Evaluate the amount and type of printing you plan to do. If it’s mostly black-and-white documents, it may be more economical to invest in a laser printer, since toner offers higher yields and doesn’t dry out between infrequent uses. 

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Then, if you need to occasionally print color or photos, print them professionally at FedEx, pharmacies like CVS and any number of local or online photo print shops. In the long run, this might be cheaper than owning your own color printer if you don’t print regularly.

Third-party supplies

Third-party ink supplies can offer significant savings, but printer manufacturers have strongly fought against this option. They’ve even implemented measures to prevent their use. However, it’s not illegal for consumers to use third-party inks. Before you choose this option, know that the savings may come at the cost of print quality, and some third-party inks could damage the hardware. 

While using third-party ink won’t void the warranty, the printer manufacturer may not cover repairs or replacements if third-party supplies are found to be the source of damage. It’s best to choose a reputable retailer or service known for high-quality third-party inks, and that will stand behind them.

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BGMI 4.3 Update Brings Drag-Style Racing Checkpoints

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The upcoming BGMI 4.3 update will introduce a new racing-style feature to classic matches, adding an action-packed element to the traditional battle royale experience. The update brings drag-style checkpoints that players can activate during regular games, turning certain map zones into timed vehicle challenge areas.

Once a squad enters a flagged race zone, a timed driving challenge begins. Players must move quickly through designated checkpoints before the timer expires. Finishing the run successfully rewards additional loot, which may provide a game-changing boost during mid-game situations. Nevertheless, such paths are commonly placed in open areas, making the vehicle vulnerable to enemy fire. This is a strategic choice – pursue reward routes or play it safe.

image for BGMI 4.3 Update

The racing system is a part of the overall mobility emphasis in the 4.3 update. Vehicles are about to play a more strategic role rather than being confined to rotation or escape routes. Such checkpoints can be used by teams as mid-game objectives, aggressive loot routes, or even quick shortcuts.

In this way, the update combines speed challenges with survival gameplay to keep matches interesting and less predictable. Casual gamers and pro squads will actively use the feature to secure bonus loot and strengthen their map position. The checkpoints in the update ensure that the players act quickly and do not hesitate.

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Razer Laptop Sleeve 16” Adds Built-In Wireless Charging to Everyday Protection

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Razer Laptop Sleeve 16" Wireless Charging
Razer has just released a new laptop sleeve built for 16-inch laptops, and it does more than just protect your system from scratches and drops. Two wireless charging pads are located in the front of the device, allowing you to charge your phone and earbuds without the need for an outlet or a cable. So, you can place your iPhone on the lower pad for up to 15 watts of rapid charging, or AirPods on the upper pad for 5 watts. The good news is that both will continue to work even after you plug the sleeve into a USB-C charger with at least 30 watts.



With the design, they made a serious effort to cover users who have to carry laptops around all day. The sleeve has magnetic alignment snaps your devices into position and keeps them secure, even while you’re on the go. This ensures that the charging is always consistent, whether you’re in a conference or waiting for your gate to be called. One thing to keep in mind is that it does not have a built-in battery, so it will take power from whatever source you have connected in, such as your laptop charger, a wall adapter, or a portable power bank

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Despite the extra charging feature, they did not overlook protection. A robust woven polyester shell can withstand the rigors of everyday life, and the reinforced edges are intended to absorb shocks. Inside, there’s a beautiful padded microfiber interior to cushion your laptop, and a snakeskin-patterned finish to keep it looking nice, while all of this weighs in at 410 grams, which is around 60 grams more than their normal non-charging version, thanks to the extra coils and expensive PU leather.

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Razer Laptop Sleeve 16" Wireless Charging
Razer Laptop Sleeve 16" Wireless Charging
This sleeve is compatible with laptops up to 16 inches, including the latest Razer Blade models. If your smartphone is Qi-compatible, it will charge just fine; but, if you’re an Apple fan, you’ll be pleased to hear that the sleeve supports MagSafe, so you can simply slap your Air or Macbook onto the charging pad and feel that gratifying snap. The sleeve remains quite compact, so it will easily slip into a backpack or briefcase without taking up too much space.

Razer Laptop Sleeve 16" Wireless Charging
How much? It costs $129.99, which is a little more than your standard sleeve, but the added convenience will be a blessing for travelers or multitaskers who are tired of their batteries dying in the middle of the day. Razer is currently offering it on their website, along with a plain $79.99 version that lacks the charging capability.

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We might finally get a smaller Dynamic Island with the iPhone 18 Pro

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Apple may be preparing to shrink the Dynamic Island on next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models.

According to Bloomberg, alongside several well-known leakers, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature a smaller cut-out at the top of the display. However, the Dynamic Island itself isn’t going anywhere just yet.

Rumours around the Island’s future have been circulating for over a year. At one point, reports suggested Apple could move fully to under-display Face ID, ditching the Dynamic Island entirely in favour of a simple hole-punch camera. That now looks unlikely for 2026. Instead, the more consistent chatter in late 2025 and early 2026 points to a refinement rather than a removal.

Apple is reportedly planning to move the Face ID dot illuminator under the display, which would allow the visible cut-out to shrink. At the same time, improvements in front-facing camera miniaturisation could further reduce the space required. The front camera, infrared camera and dot projector are still expected to sit within the Dynamic Island. Therefore, the interactive software element would remain intact.

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It’s worth noting that similar rumours surfaced ahead of the iPhone 17 Pro launch, only for the design to stay the same. However, when multiple independent sources begin aligning this close to a launch cycle, it typically suggests something is in motion. Even if the final change ends up subtle, this kind of consensus is unusual.

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Long term, Apple is widely believed to be working toward a completely uninterrupted display — essentially a slab of glass with no visible cut-outs. That milestone could align with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. For now, though, the iPhone 18 Pro looks set to take a smaller step forward rather than a dramatic leap.

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Why Peeling Adhesive Tape Is So Unreasonably Noisy

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Although not as reviled as the sound of nails on chalkboard, the sound of adhesive tape being peeled is quite probably at least as distinctive. With every millimeter of the tape’s removal from the roll sounding like it’s screaming in protest, it has led some to wonder just why this process is noisy enough to be heard from across an open-plan office. Recently [Er Qiang Li] et al. had their paper on a likely theory published in Physical Review E, in which they examine the supersonic air pulses at the core of this phenomenon.

The shockwaves produced by peeling tape, captured on Schlieren imaging. (Credit: Er Qiang Li et al., 2026)
The shockwaves produced by peeling tape, captured on Schlieren imaging. (Credit: Er Qiang Li et al., 2026)

Using rolls of adhesive tape and two microphones synchronized with two high-speed cameras in a Schlieren imaging setup, they gathered experimental data of this stick-slip mechanism. Incidentally, in addition to this auditory effect, adhesive tape is also known for the triboluminescence effect, as well as the generating of X-rays, making them quite the source of scientific demonstrations, even when they’re not also being used to create graphene with.

What they deduced from the recorded data was that the transverse fractures that suddenly appear after the extended stick phase hold a vacuum until they reach the end of the fracture during the brief slip phase, at which point the vacuum collapses very suddenly. This produces a pressure of 9600 Pa and clearly visible shock fronts on the Schlieren images.

Now that we know why peeling adhesive tape from its roll is so noisy, it won’t make it any more quiet, but at least we can add another fascinating science fact to its role of achievements.

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