Akai Professional has launched the MPC Pro Pack, adding advanced instruments, effects, and controls to legacy MPC and Force units. It features enhanced clip launching, CV and Q-Link support, and sound tools from AIR Music Tech for better audio shaping and creative workflow. @Akai Professional (Facebook)
The Garmin inReach Messenger emerges as the better choice for most users due to its superior battery life (28 days vs 14 days), improved antenna performance, and $100 lower price point. However, the inReach Mini 2 remains the professional standard for serious adventurers who need comprehensive navigation features and standalone operation capabilities. Both devices use the same global Iridium…
Sci-fi and nostalgia dominate 2025’s biggest book-to-screen adaptations. Robert Pattinson stars in ‘Mickey7,’ Jenna Ortega leads ‘Klara and the Sun,’ and Apple TV+ brings ‘Murderbot Diaries’ to life. Stephen King’s ‘The Running Man’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ also return. Check out Goodreads’ curated list @Goodreads
Christie’s first AI-generated art auction, ‘Augmented Intelligence,’ closed at $728,784, surpassing its $600,000 estimate. Nearly half of buyers were Millennials or Gen Z. Despite strong opposition from artists claiming AI exploits human creativity, Christie’s defended AI as a creative tool. The high sales suggest AI art is securing market presence.”, @ARTnews.com
A new AI voice model by Sesame has gone viral for its human-like speech, responding with natural emotion and tone. Users report difficulty distinguishing it from real voices.
Big Tech platforms degrade not just due to venture capitalism but because users are locked in and companies lack constraints. Competition, regulation, and worker power once limited exploitation, but with weakened oversight, firms maximize profit at users’ expense. Solutions include interoperability and breaking monopolistic control. @Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow
Apple has launched an Apple TV+ app for Android phones and tablets running Android 10 or newer. This move expands access to Apple’s streaming service beyond its own ecosystem. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass, reinforcing Apple’s strategy of growing its Services division across platforms. @Ars Technica
OpenAI’s GPT-5 will be available to all users for free, CEO Sam Altman announced. The company plans to simplify its AI offerings and integrate the o3 reasoning model. Paid users will access higher intelligence levels. GPT-4.5 will launch first, followed by GPT-5 in the coming weeks or months. @Engadget
Borderlands 4 arrives on September 23, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Revealed at Sony’s State of Play, it features familiar shooting and looting with improved movement like double jumps and grappling. A dedicated showcase this spring will offer a deeper look at its gameplay. @Engadget
Mobile World Congress 2025 starts on March 3 in Barcelona, showcasing new smartphones from major brands. Expected announcements include Nothing Phone 3a, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and potential HMD Global devices. Samsung may surprise with the Galaxy S25 Edge, while AI-related innovations will also be a key focus at the event. @Engadget