Gizmodo19 minutes agoControversial DeSantis-Linked Charity’s Zoom Meeting Hijacked by Porn and NazisThe Hope Florida Foundation, founded by Casey DeSantis, is facing scrutiny due to a suspicious $10 million donation from Medicaid care operator Centene. This donation, part of a larger settlement, is alleged to be an illegal transfer of funds. The money was reportedly used to support organizations opposing a marijuana legalization ballot measure. Republican state representative Alex Andrade has accused the foundation of fraud and money laundering. A virtual board meeting was disrupted by trolls displaying pornographic and Nazi imagery, further compounding the organization's troubles. Foundation president Joshua Hay admitted to a lack of monitoring procedures for the donation. Governor Ron DeSantis appears to be distancing himself from the controversy, potentially impacting Casey DeSantis' future political aspirations.
Gizmodoabout 1 hour agoCongress Is Investigating 23andMe’s Handling of Personal DataRepublican members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce are investigating 23andMe's bankruptcy proceedings due to concerns about the security of Americans' genetic data. This follows a 2023 data breach and subsequent financial difficulties for the company, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Congressmen Guthrie, Bilirakis, and Palmer sent a letter to 23andMe questioning the company's data handling practices, particularly in light of a court ruling allowing the sale of customer data. The letter also raises concerns about customers' ability to delete their data and the vetting process for potential buyers regarding data security. While the letter criticizes the lack of federal data privacy law, the article points out that lawmakers share responsibility for this gap. 23andMe has stated that potential buyers must adhere to its consumer privacy policy, but concerns remain given the previous data breach. The Electronic Frontier Foundation provides information on how users can request data deletion.
Gizmodoabout 2 hours agoAndor Reactions Hail Season 2 as an Excellent EndEarly social media reactions to the complete second season of "Andor" are overwhelmingly positive, following the premiere of the first episode at Star Wars Celebration Japan. Critics are praising the season as potentially the best Star Wars television to date, enriching the viewing experience of "Rogue One" and "Star Wars Rebels." While some note the show's unique "three episodes=one year" structure may lead to a slightly scattered feel, the overall consensus is that the season concludes decisively. Full press reviews are expected to be released on April 21, with three episodes airing weekly thereafter.
Gizmodoabout 2 hours agoA Meteorite From Alaska Challenges Theory of How Earth Got Its WaterA new study challenges the theory that Earth's water originated from asteroids delivering hydrogen. Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide within an enstatite chondrite meteorite, LAR 12252, which closely resembles Earth's composition 4.55 billion years ago. The hydrogen sulfide, found in the meteorite's matrix, suggests that early Earth possessed its own substantial hydrogen source. This finding supports the idea that water formation on Earth was a natural process, intrinsic to the planet's composition, rather than solely dependent on asteroid bombardment. The discovery provides insights into the origin of water on Earth and sheds light on the mystery of the origin of life.
Gizmodoabout 3 hours agoAmazon Is Going All In, The Newest Echo Speaker Hits a Record Low in 2025 Despite Rising TariffsAmazon is offering a flash sale on its premium Echo speaker, reducing the price by 35% to $64. The Echo functions as a smart home hub and entertainment device, featuring improved sound quality that adapts to room acoustics and supports lossless HD audio streaming. It integrates with Alexa, enabling voice control of smart home devices via Zigbee and Matter. Users can automate routines, set reminders, make calls, and utilize Alexa's various functions. Amazon emphasizes privacy with microphone controls and data protection policies. The sale is prompted by anticipated tariff hikes on electronics, potentially making this the last chance to purchase the speaker at this price.
Gizmodoabout 3 hours agoGood News! Endangered Sea Turtle Populations May Be RecoveringA recent study indicates that conservation efforts are showing positive results for endangered sea turtle populations globally. The study, which surveyed 48 regional management units (RMUs) of sea turtles, found that over half are showing signs of recovery. While some species remain at risk, the overall trend is encouraging, demonstrating the effectiveness of existing conservation strategies. Human-caused threats such as climate change, fishing bycatch, habitat loss, and pollution continue to pose challenges, with the Pacific Ocean hosting the most at-risk populations. Kemp’s ridley turtles and leatherback turtles are identified as species of particular concern. Conservation measures like the Endangered Species Act and CITES are in place to protect sea turtles. Experts emphasize the importance of continued conservation efforts to further improve sea turtle populations.
Gizmodoabout 4 hours agoAhead Of Tariff Hikes, Amazon Is Clearing Out Its Stock of Samsung 990 PRO 2TB Internal SSDs at 40% OffAmazon is offering significant discounts on the Samsung 990 PRO internal SSDs during its Easter weekend flash sales. The 2TB model is available for $169 (32% off), and the 1TB version is priced at $99 (38% off). The 990 PRO SSD boasts high performance with read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s, respectively, and is suitable for gaming, 4K video editing, and general system acceleration. It features improved power efficiency and thermal control compared to its predecessor. The sale is particularly timely due to upcoming tariff hikes expected to increase electronics prices in the US, making this a potentially last chance to purchase these SSDs at reduced prices. Both the 1TB and 2TB models are supported by Samsung's Magician software for optimization and updates.
Gizmodoabout 4 hours agoPriced 10 Times Less Than Competitors, This iRobot Roomba Vacuum and Mop Now Costs Very Little on AmazonAmazon is offering the iRobot Roomba robot vacuum and mop combo for $149, a 46% discount from its usual price of $274. This deal represents significant value, especially compared to other robot vacuum-mop combos that can cost up to $1,500. The Roomba combo Y0140 features a 4-stage cleaning system, smart navigation, and simple installation. It can be controlled via the iRobot Home app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The mopping function uses a washable microfiber pad with adjustable moisture levels, and the robot can clean up to 500 square feet on a single pass. It has a battery life of up to 120 minutes and automatically returns to its charging dock when the battery is low. The dustbin is easy to empty, and the robot is designed for easy maintenance, making it a reliable and affordable cleaning solution.
Gizmodoabout 4 hours agoWealthy Collectors Are Snatching Up T. Rex Fossils, Leaving Scientists BehindA recent study in Palaeontologia Electronica highlights the growing issue of commercial fossil collecting hindering T. rex research. Over half of the known scientifically useful T. rex fossils are in private hands, limiting scientists' access for study and replication. The trend of T. rex fossils becoming high-value collectibles, exemplified by auctions like "Sue" and "Stan," puts them financially out of reach for many museums. While commercial collectors argue they discover more fossils, only a small percentage of these end up in public institutions for scientific benefit. The lack of access to juvenile and subadult fossils, crucial for understanding T. rex development, is particularly concerning. The study also criticizes publishing research based on privately owned fossils, lending legitimacy to inaccessible data. The author, Paleontologist Thomas D. Carr, emphasizes that very few privately held T. rex fossils are ever donated or sold to public institutions. The article concludes that the science of T. rex could be endangered if financial value continues to outweigh scientific understanding.
Gizmodoabout 4 hours agoHow to Watch the F1 Saudi Arabian GP Online for FreeThe article discusses how to stream the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for free. It explains that the Swiss TV channel SRF broadcasts the race for free in Full HD without requiring a subscription. However, SRF is geo-restricted to Switzerland. The article suggests using a VPN, specifically NordVPN, to obtain a Swiss IP address and bypass the geo-restriction. It details how to use NordVPN's 30-day refund policy to effectively watch the race for free. The article also provides the schedule for the race, qualifying, and practice sessions in Eastern Time (ET), Pacific Time (PT), and Central European Time (CET). It concludes by noting that unblocking foreign TV channels may violate their terms and conditions, and that the article is simply reporting on methods others have used.
Gizmodoabout 5 hours agoGoogle Is Going Wild, The New Pixel 9 Pro Hits a Record Low on Amazon Ahead of Tariff IncreasesThe Google Pixel 9 Pro is available at a record-low price of $799 (128GB) on Amazon, down from its $999 launch price, while the regular Pixel 9 is priced at $639, reduced from $799. The Pixel 9 Pro features Google's Tensor G4 processor, deeply integrated Gemini AI assistant, a 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IP68 dust and water resistance. Its camera system includes a 50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultrawide with macro focus, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, enhanced by AI features like Magic Editor and Best Take. The phone has a 4,700mAh battery with over 24-hour battery life, wireless and quick charging support, Titan M2 chip, and 7 years of security and OS updates. The price reduction is notable given expected tariff increases on electronics.
Gizmodoabout 5 hours agoLuminary Beam Review: The Handheld Laser Vaporizer You Didn’t Know You WantedThe Luminary Beam is a handheld vaporizer that uses a class-1 laser to heat weed extracts. It features a modular cartridge system for different concentrates and oils. The device has a single button for operation and a glass window to view the laser. The laser heating system avoids metal contact, delivering smooth vapor and unadulterated flavor. The product includes accessories for loading and cleaning. The reviewer found the device not intuitive initially but easy to use after learning. The Beam delivers tasty and smooth vapor, especially at lower temperatures. The reviewer and their friends found the device worth its $200 price tag. The review also mentions some drawbacks, such as the lack of in-body storage for the metal tool and the need for improvement in temperature control. An EverDabber accessory is in development to improve concentrate loading and dosage monitoring. A dry herb cartridge is also in development.
Gizmodoabout 6 hours agoNASA’s Lucy Spacecraft Set for High-Stakes Asteroid Encounter on SundayNASA's Lucy spacecraft is preparing for a flyby of the main belt asteroid Donaldjohanson on April 20th as a dress rehearsal for its primary mission to study the Trojan asteroids that orbit the Sun alongside Jupiter. This flyby, Lucy's second asteroid encounter, will allow the team to test the spacecraft's systems and instruments. Donaldjohanson, named after the discoverer of the Lucy hominid fossil, is a carbonaceous asteroid approximately 2.5 miles wide and a fragment from a collision about 150 million years ago. During the flyby, Lucy will autonomously track the asteroid, conduct observations, and then reestablish communication with Earth to transmit the collected data. The mission team anticipates surprises and valuable data from this encounter, contributing to a better understanding of the solar system's history. Lucy's previous flyby of asteroid Dinkinesh revealed it to be a binary pair, highlighting the potential for unexpected discoveries.
Gizmodoabout 7 hours agoIs Amazon Clearing Out Google Phones? Pixel 9 Pro Drops to a Record LowThe Google Pixel 9 Pro is being offered at a historically low price on Amazon, surpassing even Black Friday deals. The phone, powered by Google's Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM, features a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED screen, a versatile three-camera rear setup (50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto), and a 42MP ultra-wide selfie camera. It also boasts a 4,700mAh battery with over 24 hours of battery life and fast charging capabilities. The discounted prices are $799 for the 128GB model, $849 for the 256GB model, and $919 for the 512GB model. The article suggests that potential tariff increases may cause prices to rise, urging consumers to act quickly.
Gizmodoabout 7 hours agoBefore the Tariffs Hike, Samsung Is Clearing Out Stock of the New Galaxy S25 Ultra at a Record Low PriceAmidst rising tariffs and economic uncertainty impacting the electronics sector, Amazon is offering a significant discount on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 512GB model is priced at $1,129, a 14% reduction from its list price of $1,419, and lower than Samsung's own website price of $1,219. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, released in January 2025, features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits of brightness, and a quad-camera system including a 200MP wide-angle lens. It also boasts a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. The phone runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7 and includes productivity tools. Samsung promises seven years of OS updates. The article recommends purchasing the phone quickly due to potential price increases from tariffs and limited stock.
Gizmodoabout 7 hours agoAmazon Is Going Nuts Ahead of the Tariff Hike, this 4TB Seagate Hard Drive Is Almost FreeThe article discusses the benefits of using physical hard drives for data storage as a reliable alternative to cloud storage, highlighting the Seagate Portable 5TB external hard drive, currently on sale for $119 on Amazon (down from $129), and the 4TB model for $99 (down from $124). It emphasizes the drive's large storage capacity, portability, fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds, and compatibility with both Windows and macOS, as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The article positions the Seagate drive as a practical solution for backing up large files, expanding gaming libraries, and ensuring data privacy with a one-time investment.
Gizmodoabout 9 hours agoStar Wars Goes Back to Strategy Games With The Trailer for Zero CompanyEA is developing a new single-player, turn-based tactics game called Star Wars: Zero Company, produced by Respawn Entertainment and developed by Bit Reactor. The game is set during the Clone Wars and focuses on a covert team, Zero Company, composed of diverse characters including a mech, Jedi Knight, Umbaran sharpshooter, Clone Trooper, and Mandalorian. Gameplay will involve tactical, grid-based combat, similar to the XCOM series. Star Wars: Zero Company is scheduled for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
Gizmodoabout 11 hours agoAhsoka Season 2 Teases More Action and IntrigueDuring Star Wars Celebration, Dave Filoni revealed details about the upcoming second season of 'Ahsoka,' starring Rosario Dawson. A teaser trailer, composed of concept art, previewed the conflict between the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant, featuring Ezra Bridger joining the New Republic pilots. Ahsoka and Sabine were shown exploring ancient ruins and battling droid guardians in another galaxy, leading to a confrontation with Baylan Skoll. The trailer also showcased Huyang fighting Shin Hati, Chopper using a repeater cannon, and Zeb Orrelios reuniting with his fellow Rebels. Rory McCann will replace the late Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll. Admiral Ackbar will appear, facing off against Thrawn, and Hayden Christensen will return as Anakin Skywalker.
Gizmodoabout 15 hours agoTremors May Finally Unearth a Legacy Sequel with Kevin BaconStampede Entertainment, the team behind the original Tremors movie, has provided an update on their plans after reclaiming the rights to the original script. They are considering a direct sequel to the first movie, potentially titled "Return to Perfection," and exploring other ideas featuring graboids in new settings. The company clarified that they will not remake the original movie or use their original script for Tremors 5. They are also considering bringing back Kevin Bacon as Val, the lead actor from the first movie, but have made no promises. This potential sequel aligns with the current trend of worm-themed movies and aims to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the Tremors franchise.
Gizmodoabout 18 hours agoBlack Panther and More Marvel Heroes Board Disney Cruise Line’s Destiny for Avengers ExperiencesThis week's news includes Disney Cruise Line's unveiling of Marvel-themed experiences on the Disney Destiny, featuring Black Panther, Spider-Man, and a Doctor Strange-inspired lounge. Universal Studios Hollywood's Fan Fest Nights announced cosplay guidelines for fans of various franchises. Pop Mart is expanding with new locations and a new Labubu collection. "Sinners" is being screened in select theaters, with a guide provided for 70mm and IMAX showings. Coachella will feature performances by Yo Gabba Gabba!, the LA Phil performing Star Wars scores, and Lady Gaga. Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating its 20th anniversary with new Pixar and Marvel additions. Finally, Dorothy and Glinda from The Wizard of Oz are appearing at WB World in Abu Dhabi.
