I test a lot of productivity tools, and while a handful are impressive enough to stick around, it’s rare for one to replace my long-time go-tos — let alone stay in my workflow years later. NotebookLM was one of those rare exceptions. I first tried it back when it was a Google Labs experiment, and nearly two years later, after a steady stream of major updates, it’s still one of my most-used tools.

On Wednesday evening, OpenAI launched an App Directory to browse all the tools currently available and opened its SDK for developers to build new interactive experiences that operate within the bot's UI. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last month that "We are planning to build the obvious features that you would expect for a robust platform over time," and opening an app store is certainly a huge step in that direction.Another change is that OpenAI has renamed the "connectors" that helped users pull data from other services (like Google Drive or Dropbox) into ChatGPT, and is now calling those apps too. As a support page explains, chat connector …Read the full story at The Verge.

Few things are as satisfying as arming your home lab with cool virtual machines and containers. However, once your arsenal of virtual guests goes past a certain point, you’ll want to grab a couple of tools to make your management tasks a lot easier. A dashboard, ideally one with built-in monitoring provisions, is one such utility, as it not only helps you access your services from a centralized UI, but also keeps track of essential system metrics. And of course, a sleek interface for showing off your home lab is a part of the charm.

The Nintendo Switch is one of the best gaming consoles you can buy. But the one place where it stumbles is its graphics. It doesn't provide the highest fidelity, and can leave something to be desired. Of course, you can always upgrade to the Switch 2, but there are alternate solutions that actually cost less if you want to stick with the original model.

The Kuxiu S3 simultaneously charging an iPhone wirelessly and an older Android phone via the integrated USB-C cable. Kuxiu is back with a new S3 portable battery that addresses most of the issues I had during my review of the S2, aka the "world's first" semi-solid state power bank. It also introduces a few new ones, while adding useful features like a kickstand and integrated USB-C cable.As a reminder, these are not true "solid state power banks" despite the marketing hype. The 10,000mAh Kuxiu S3 uses the same solid-liquid mixed electrolyte found in the S2, making it less prone to thermal runaway than the all-liquid Lithium-ion batteries found in most power banks. Kuxiu says its unique semi-solid state chemistry also lasts twice as long, making it good f …Read the full story at The Verge.

I really enjoy learning about different materials that you can 3D print with. Sure, we're all familiar with resin and filament, but would you eat a steak that was created with a 3D meat printer? That's the kind of stuff I'm really interested in, especially if they have the potential to change how we live and how things get made.

When planning a NAS build centered around SSDs specifically, you might be tempted to follow a similar script as when you buy SSDs for a PC: something fast with a high capacity from a brand you recognize.

The way PC hardware prices are increasing every year, building a PC can quickly get out of hand. Adding a few pre-owned components to your build is a tried and tested way to keep costs under control. However, many builders are apprehensive about shopping on the used market, worried about authenticity and reliability. While buyer protection can protect you against fake or non-functioning components, some faults take time to rear their head. However, if you do your due diligence before buying used hardware, many components are safe and worth buying used. And while we're at it, I'll also list the parts that you should always buy new, if possible.

A proper desk setup is an absolute must. But if you're someone that likes to prioritize their budget on PC parts, it can be hard to find a desk worth investing in. Luckily, we've managed to find this one on sale that might be right up your alley. Not only do you get plenty of space thanks to its 51-inch size, but you also get an L-shape, which makes it easy to fit, even in tighter spots. The best part, it only costs $45 right now.

In July, Sony sued Tencent to prevent the release of Light of Motiram, a game Sony alleged was a "slavish clone" of its popular Horizon series. But the legal battle is already over; the two companies have reached a "confidential settlement" and the case has been dismissed with prejudice, according to a court document filed on Wednesday.Light of Motiram is also no longer listed on Steam and the Epic Games Store despite the game's website showing links to listings on both stores as of this writing. A user on the game's official subreddit also noticed the removal, pointing to a SteamDB link that says "this app has been retired and is no longe …Read the full story at The Verge.

Apple has announced the changes it's making to the iOS App Store in Japan in order to comply with recent legislation in the country. It will allow third-party app stores and payment processing options, though is introducing new commission fees for those transactions.Developers in Japan will now be able to distribute apps on alternative app stores, much like in the EU, with AltStore PAL already expecting to launch in the country before the year's end. As in Europe, Apple will collect a 5 percent commission for in-app purchases made in third-party stores.App Store apps will also now be permitted to use alternative payment options alongside …Read the full story at The Verge.

Another independent rides off into the sunset. | Image: Cowboy The Brussels-based electric bike company has officially closed its deal to be acquired by ReBirth Group Holding, which also owns cycling brands Peugeot, Gitane, and Solex. The transaction includes new, undisclosed funding from ReBirth as well as €15 million ($17.6 million) from existing shareholders. The funding will be used to restart production and deal with a backlog of spare parts, the companies say.Rebirth is the parent of Re-cycles, the French manufacturer of traditional bicycles that took over responsibility for Cowboy's e-bike assembly operations earlier this year. Cowboy was plagued by issues in 2025, including delayed deliveries …Read the full story at The Verge.