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If there is one thing the gaming industry loves more than hype cycles, it is a good ol’ value shake-up. And right now, Xbox Game Pass is right in the middle of one. Microsoft has officially cut prices across Game Pass tiers, making the service easier on the wallet at a time when subscription fatigue is very, very real. But, as always, there is a twist. And it is a big one.

The price drop that comes with a twist

Let us get the numbers out of the way first, because they are genuinely compelling. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has dropped from $29.99 to $22.99 per month, while PC Game Pass now costs $13.99 instead of $16.49. That is not pocket change. Over a year, that is a noticeable saving, especially for players juggling multiple subscriptions.

But here is the catch. New entries from Call of Duty are no longer launching day one on the service. Instead, they will arrive much later, roughly a year after release. Just to be clear, older Call of Duty titles are not going anywhere, so the back catalog remains intact. What is gone is the instant access to one of gaming biggest annual releases, which, let us be honest, was a huge part of Game Pass flex.

The community is… conflicted

The reaction? Exactly as chaotic as expected. There is a sizable chunk of genuinely relieved players. You see, not everyone subscribes to Game Pass for Call of Duty, and for those users, this feels like getting a discount without losing anything meaningful. If COD was not part of the weekly rotation anyway, the lower price is a straight-up win.

Then there is the other side. For a lot of players, Game Pass built its reputation on the idea of “pay once, play everything day one.” Losing a flagship franchise from that promise feels like a crack in the foundation. It is not just about Call of Duty; it is about what this could mean going forward.

And then comes the third wave of takes, arguably the most interesting. Some fans are now asking if Microsoft should go even further and start trimming other bundled perks like EA Play or Fortnite Crew to reduce prices even more.

The thinking is simple. If removing one expensive piece lowers the cost, why not customize the whole thing?

Why Microsoft drew the line here

Here is where the conversation shifts from emotional to practical. Call of Duty is not just another title in a catalog. It is a yearly blockbuster with a massive, loyal player base that often buys the game regardless of subscriptions. That creates a strange value mismatch. Either players were going to pay for it anyway, or they did not care about it much in the first place.

Xbox gave up more than $300 million in sales of Call of Duty on consoles and PCs last year – Bloomberg

From Microsoft perspective, that makes it an incredibly expensive inclusion with limited upside. Worse, it likely eats into direct sales, turning what should be a revenue driver into a cost center. And while some fans are calling for more cuts, like removing EA Play, it is not so simple. Game Pass thrives on being an all-in-one ecosystem. Start unbundling too much, and it risks turning into a fragmented, pick-and-pay service that loses its identity.

With Microsoft even exploring bundling services like Netflix into Game Pass, stripping away more perks would start to chip away at its whole “all-in-one” appeal. At that point, it is not a powerhouse bundle anymore; it is just a menu with items missing.

The End of “Too Good to Be True”?

For years, Xbox Game Pass felt like a cheat code. Day-one AAA games, a massive library, and a price that almost did not make sense. But eventually, reality caught up. Keeping a giant like Call of Duty in that mix from day one was always going to be expensive, and more importantly, unsustainable.

Microsoft

And honestly, this change feels like Microsoft finally admitting that. Instead of hiking prices even further, they have trimmed one of the costliest perks and made the service more accessible again. It is not perfect, and sure, some fans will miss the old days, but this feels less like a downgrade and more like a smart reset. Not as flashy, but a lot more built to last.

If your workday involves extensive mouse usage, the Logitech MX Vertical stands out as a highly functional enhancement for your workspace. Currently priced at $74.99, it represents a $45 discount from its regular $119.99 retail price, available only for a limited period. The vertical orientation is far from a novelty: Logitech’s internal research indicates a 10% decrease in muscle engagement compared to traditional mice, while the 57° wrist angle effectively alleviates pressure points that accumulate during prolonged use, offering a solution that conventional horizontal mice cannot match.

Key Features and Benefits

The MX Vertical’s 57° angle positions your hand in a natural handshake posture instead of the pronated grip demanded by conventional mice. This rotation reduces strain on the forearm and wrist, while the dedicated thumb rest ensures comfortable placement without requiring an adjustment period. Developed in collaboration with top ergonomists, this mouse was engineered around the natural resting position of the human hand rather than having a vertical angle added as an afterthought.

Equipped with a 4000 DPI high-precision sensor, it minimizes the physical movement needed to traverse the same cursor distance, further reducing fatigue throughout the workday. A cursor speed switch on the top of the MX Vertical allows instant DPI adjustments without navigating software settings, a practical feature for users transitioning between tasks requiring precision and those that do not.

Multi-device support enables seamless switching between up to three Windows and Apple computers via Easy-Switch. The rechargeable battery eliminates the recurring cost of disposable batteries, while the textured rubber surface provides a secure grip without feeling clinical. Wireless connectivity helps maintain a clean desk setup.

Why It’s Worth It

Ergonomic mice featuring robust sensor specifications and multi-device capabilities typically maintain their price points. The MX Vertical at $74.99 offers these features at a price point that simplifies the decision for anyone experiencing wrist discomfort or looking to prevent it. The limited-time pricing makes this an opportunity worth pursuing before prices revert.

Final Thoughts

The Logitech MX Vertical at $74.99 represents one of the most genuinely beneficial desk upgrades available at this price. The combination of vertical design, 4000 DPI sensor, and multi-device support creates a mouse that enhances wrist comfort by day’s end without performance compromises, and the $45 savings makes this timing ideal.

YouTube is intensifying its efforts against celebrity deepfakes, moving beyond general platform-safety language. In a recent blog post, the company revealed it is broadening its likeness detection technology to specifically serve the entertainment sector.

Talent agencies and management firms will now have access to these tools for their clients. Functioning similarly to Content ID, the system identifies AI-generated content that utilizes a person’s image rather than copyrighted media, allowing eligible parties to locate and request the takedown of such material.

How This Addresses AI-Generated Celebrity Impersonations

Rachit Agarwal / Techgeeks

This parallel to Content AI is intentional, shaping how users perceive the system. If effective, it will enable prominent figures to quickly identify and address unauthorized AI-generated videos featuring their likeness before they gain widespread traction.

The initiative clearly prioritizes high-profile individuals. The expanded program targets the entertainment sector, with backing from major talent agencies and management firms such as CAA, UTA, WME, and Untitled Management.

YouTube collaborated with these organizations to tailor the tool’s functionality, indicating that the solution is designed around the specific requirements of public figures rather than serving as a broad moderation test.

Deepfake Tom Hanks on Instagram Tom Hanks via Instagram

A significant aspect of the announcement is that celebrities and entertainers can use the tool regardless of whether they maintain a YouTube channel. This positions the feature as a platform-wide protective measure rather than a benefit exclusive to creators. Issues like deepfake fraud, false endorsements, and manipulated clips have evolved from niche internet phenomena into tangible online threats.

The Scope of YouTube’s Efforts

Currently, the announcement centers on the entertainment industry. YouTube has not disclosed plans for a widespread public rollout to protect everyday users. Additionally, details regarding the detection system’s speed and the company’s proactive stance against deepfakes remain undisclosed.

For six years, Framework has been quietly perfecting its modular laptop formula, and the new Framework Laptop 13 Pro appears to be nearing its final form. This complete ground-up redesign addresses the most significant user complaints, beginning with battery life, and goes beyond just that.

Does it truly outlast a MacBook Pro on battery?

You read that correctly. Framework states that the Laptop 13 Pro can last over 20 hours while streaming Netflix 4K content. This represents a 12-hour improvement over the previous Framework Laptop 13 and, notably, slightly exceeds the battery life of Apple’s 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro.

Framework

While Apple advertises up to 22 hours of video streaming for its latest M5 Pro MacBook Pro—a figure slightly higher than Framework’s claim—this discrepancy may stem from different testing conditions. Framework has promised to upload comprehensive battery test videos to its YouTube channel, allowing users to verify the claims independently.

Framework

What truly excites me about the battery is that it now boasts a 74Wh capacity, marking a 22% increase from the previous generation, and includes a 100W GaN charger in the box for quicker charging.

Framework

Beyond the larger battery, the significantly improved battery performance is also due to the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which feature dedicated Low Power Efficient cores. These cores activate during lighter tasks like streaming to keep the fans completely silent.

Framework

There are three other chip options available: Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra X7, and Core Ultra X9. According to Framework, the X7 and X9 versions can even handle AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077, which is impressive for an ultrabook with integrated graphics.

What else has been updated?

Almost every component is new in the Framework 13 Pro laptop. The device now utilizes LPCAMM2 memory, a new format that brings power-efficient LPDDR5X RAM in an upgradeable module. You can choose 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB, and swap it out later if needed. Storage capacity reaches up to 8TB with PCIe 5.0 NVMe support, which is fast enough to make most desktop drives look slow.

Framework

The display has also been updated, featuring a 13.5-inch 3:2 panel with touch support, 700 nits of brightness, 1800:1 contrast, and a variable refresh rate between 30Hz and 120Hz.

Framework

Framework

The chassis is now fully machined from aluminum, there’s a new haptic touchpad, and Ubuntu comes pre-loaded as an option for the first time. You can of course get it with Windows 11 if that’s the operating system you prefer.

Framework

What about the pricing?

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro starts at $1,199 for the DIY Edition and $1,499 for pre-built (pre-built Windows version start at $1,699). Considering that every other laptop manufacturer has increased their prices, this seems a good enough price. Pre-orders are open today, and shipments begin in June.

Framework is not solely concentrating on its recently introduced Laptop 13 Pro. The brand is simultaneously introducing a comprehensive range of improvements to the Framework Laptop 16, which has long been regarded as one of the best laptops available. The most significant aspect of these updates is that Framework is directly addressing the concerns raised by previous Laptop 16 owners since its release two years ago.

The most impactful improvement for daily use is the new single-piece haptic touchpad. A known compromise of the Laptop 16’s modular input design was the noticeable gaps surrounding the touchpad section.

This updated single-piece approach resolves that issue by utilizing a unified CNC-machined aluminum palm rest that perfectly aligns the touchpad. It incorporates the same four-piezo haptic technology found in the Laptop 13 Pro, allowing users to customize both click resistance and haptic response to their liking.

Framework

Complementing this change is a new single-piece keyboard available in US English. While maintaining the familiar key layout, it introduces an aluminum lattice structure that creates a seamless appearance across the top row of the input module system.

Is there a new color option?

Absolutely, and it’s an excellent choice. Framework is introducing a Translucent Smoke Gray Bezel, a finish that underwent extensive development before reaching consumers. Constructed from 98% post-consumer-recycled plastic, this option also supports sustainability goals. It will be offered in system configurations and through the Framework Marketplace later this summer.

Framework

Additionally, a new Ryzen 5 340 chipset configuration has been introduced, reducing the starting price and making the laptop more accessible. The Ryzen 5 model will begin at $1,249 for the DIY Edition and $1,599 for a pre-built version. Both options can be pre-ordered starting today.

What is the OCuLink Dev Kit?

This represents the most exciting element of the update. Framework is showcasing an OCuLink Dev Kit for the Laptop 16 that enables connections to external GPUs and other high-speed devices via the laptop’s Expansion Bay. Utilizing OCuLink 8i, it provides up to 128 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth, which Framework asserts makes it the first laptop featuring an exposed 8-lane OCuLink interface.

Framework

The package includes an adapter board, a docking station for reusing Framework’s Graphics Modules externally, and a PCIe dock compatible with standard off-the-shelf graphics cards and other peripherals. Users will assemble the enclosure and select their preferred GPU.

Framework has indicated that further details will be shared as the launch approaches later this year. The new one-piece touchpad and keyboard are now open for pre-order, with deliveries expected to begin in June.

Framework

Additionally, Framework is introducing a wireless keyboard featuring an integrated touchpad, alongside a 10GB Ethernet expansion card for users requiring enhanced network speeds. Both accessories are scheduled for release later this year.

After exploring the lives of musical icons with hit films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and A Complete Unknown, Hollywood has brought the King of Pop’s story to the big screen with director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. Actor Jaafar Jackson plays the lead role as his uncle, Michael, with the film depicting the musical icon’s life, from his time performing with his family in the Jackson 5 to his groundbreaking solo career.

Given the extraordinary legacy and controversy Jackson left behind, Michael had to meet some high expectations to present the superstar’s story on the big screen. Since it is intended as the first part of a Michael Jackson film duology, Michael presents a strong start to his story, exploring his complex character, strained relationship with his family, and extraordinary achievements as a musical artist.

Michael’s character

The first act of Michael shows actor Juliano Krue Valdi portraying the singer as a child. He does an exceptional job of portraying the wonder and turmoil within the young star. We then cut to adult Michael Jackson, with Jafaar fading away as he invokes the spirit of his late uncle. The dazzling visuals and blinding choreography also make Jafaar’s musical performance just as incredible as the real Michael Jackson’s.

While the song-and-dance performances are spectacular, Michael works just as well as a deep character study. Much like his hero, Peter Pan, Michael Jackson is presented in this film as a kid who didn’t grow up. Because of the work forced upon him in his youth, he couldn’t mature like other kids. He could hardly even connect with other children his age because they only saw him as a celebrity. Thus, he surrounded himself with animals he calls his friends, essentially turning his family home into Jumanji.

However, like his hero Peter Pan, Michael Jackson is portrayed as a kid who couldn’t grow up like everyone else because of the work forced upon him in his youth. He could hardly even connect with other children his age because they only saw him as a celebrity. Thus, he surrounded himself with animals he calls his friends, essentially turning his family home into Jumanji.

We also see that Michael’s pursuit of perfection as a celebrity artist made him very insecure. Not only does he try to hide and treat his vitiligo, but he also undergoes cosmetic surgery to make his face symmetrical and to make his nose smaller. The way he tried to preserve his youthful appearance through surgery only highlighted his struggle to grow up like everyone else.

The Jackson family

Given that the movie centers on Michael Jackson, it doesn’t delve as much into his siblings’ stories. Nevertheless, it does explore the troubled upbringing he had and how his parents shaped him into the complicated man he is.

Specifically, the movie explores the toxic, abusive relationship Michael had with his father, Joe (Colman Domingo), who tries to profit off his children’s talents, saying that he would rather not work in a steel mill for the rest of his life. Joe puts tremendous pressure on his children to be perfect, successful performers, hoping to turn the Jackson family into a popular brand like Coca-Cola.

Ironically, Joe pushes his family to perform in a Pepsi commercial that led to the accident that burned Michael’s scalp, showing the destructive influence he had on his children. This aligns with the dynamic Michael had with Joe in real life. We even see how Joe punished his son by whipping him with his belt.

Simply put, if Michael is Peter Pan in this film, then his father is Captain Hook. Domingo makes Joe a memorable presence in the film with his manipulative charm and fearsome aura. While Joe is presented as a terrible father, his actions are shown to be driven by a desire to escape the economic hardships Black people like him experienced in America at the time.

Meanwhile, Fresh-Prince of Bel-Air star Nia Long gives an endearing performance as Michael’s mother, Katherine. Though Katherine sits back most of the time, watching her husband walk all over their family, she eventually stands up to him and supports their son’s decision to perform solo. Likewise, KeiLyn Durrel Jones helps create some heartfelt moments as Bill Bray, Michael’s security guard and the closest thing he had to an ideal father figure.

Michael’s impact

Part of what made Michael Jackson such an icon was the groundbreaking impact he had as a Black artist. The movie devotes ample time to exploring how Michael broke down racial and cultural barriers with his work in the music industry.

For example, we see Michael hiring members of the Bloods and Crips to star in the music video for Beat It, hoping to spread love and unity through music. The real Michael Jackson did this to quell the violent rivalry between the two gangs, reportedly spending $150,000 out of pocket to make the video.

We also see Michael break new ground by having MTV air his music and his Thriller video. This came at a time when MTV avoided playing music by Black artists, reportedly to avoid scaring certain viewers and air music that “the entire country” would like.

Thus, we see Michael tear down that wall with some help from a CBS Records exec, who’s played by Mike Myers in another memorable cameo after Bohemian Rhapsody. We see this daring move elevate Jackson to even greater success, cementing his status as a superstar.

Michael’s child abuse allegations

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Michael was originally supposed to address the child abuse allegations made against Jackson. However, Variety reported that the filmmakers had to reshoot the third act of Michael, as they couldn’t legally depict one of Jackson’s accusers, Jordan Chandler.

Instead, the third act of Michael focuses on the singer’s recovery from his pyrotechnic accident and his final tour with the Jackson 5. The movie does leave the door open to explore the second part of his controversial life in the proposed sequel, ending with the tagline, “His Story Continues.”

We can all agree that, to make a biopic about Michael Jackson, the allegations made against him must be addressed. They were a major part of his life, and they remain a significant part of his public image almost 20 years after his death. But after seeing the final cut of Michael, it was clear that these allegations, along with his history of drug abuse, would be better explored in the sequel.

Since the first movie depicted the first half of Michael’s life, its focus is his pursuit of independence as he tries to start a solo career and break away from his father. The investigations made into Jackson’s alleged child abuse are a whole other storyline that wouldn’t be explored enough in just one-third of a movie. Exploring these allegations in the first movie would have also diverted focus from Michael’s character arc.

Michael does try to counter the negative image surrounding the singer by portraying him as a flawed but kind-hearted person. We see Michael visiting wounded and terminally ill children in hospitals, spending time with them and signing autographs, something he did in real life.

The filmmakers’ decision not to address the allegations against Jackson now is sure to be controversial. Nevertheless, from a storytelling perspective, these allegations would be better explored with the rest of Michael’s life in a second film.

All in all, Michael succeeds in exploring the good and bad parts of Michael Jackson in the first part of his life. We see how the singer left an insurmountable impact on pop culture as a Black artist, all while experiencing a troubled upbringing as a child star with an abusive father. It’s clear that more needs to be explored about Jackson on film, but Michael sets the stage with a dazzling and enthralling musical blockbuster.

Michael premieres in theaters on April 24.

If you were hoping for a massive camera leap in the next iPhone, you may have to wait longer. According to prolific Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple has already tested a 200MP periscope telephoto camera for the iPhone. But actual adoption is still at least a couple of years away, with 2028 being the earliest realistic window (via MacRumors).

Apple has previously prioritized optical flexibility and low-light performance over chasing raw resolution numbers. The iPhone 18 Pro, for instance, is expected to arrive with a 48MP main camera featuring variable aperture, plus a 48MP telephoto camera with a longer focal length and a larger aperture.

Why does a 200MP camera matter for iPhone?

A 200MP telephoto sensor would be a significant upgrade over what the iPhone currently offers. It enables lossless-resolution zoom, meaning your long-range shots stay sharp without the quality drop you typically get from digital zoom.

Photos shot at full resolution can also be cropped much further and printed at larger sizes without losing quality. The only camera category not rumored to make the 200MP jump is the ultrawide.

Apple first brought a tetraprism telephoto camera to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with variable aperture technology now reportedly headed to the iPhone 18 Pro.

Many Android phones already have a 200MP camera

Android makers have had a considerable head start here. Chinese brands have collectively invested roughly $29.3 million, to incorporate 200MP periscope cameras into their devices. The Vivo X100 Ultra was first with the tech in 2024, followed by the OPPO Find X9 Pro, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and HONOR Magic 7 Pro.

Morgan Stanley has separately projected Apple won’t introduce the 200MP camera until 2028, which now aligns with what Digital Chat Station is reporting. This is a notable reversal from March, when the same leaker suggested the sensor could arrive as early as next year. It seems that the supply chain evidence no longer supports the claim.

As with any rumor, one should treat this timeline with a healthy dose of skepticism until Apple makes anything official.

Samsung’s forthcoming flip-style foldable device appears to be a cautious update, which may not bode well for those anticipating the company to address one of the series’ most glaring shortcomings. The recent leak indicates that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will likely retain 25W wired charging, a known limitation that could make the device feel too conservative in everyday scenarios.

This compromise has been a persistent issue for the Flip series. While Samsung has successfully marketed the compact foldable design, customers have frequently had to endure practical drawbacks, with battery convenience remaining a primary concern.

If these rumors prove accurate, Samsung will rely on the rest of the device’s features to compensate for this decision. Currently, that prospect does not appear particularly compelling.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Onleaks x Mymobiles

Why the upgrade feels limited

The issue extends beyond 25W charging appearing modest in specifications. It suggests that Samsung might be content keeping a premium foldable device tethered to the same charging ceiling, even as faster charging becomes a more critical factor in purchasing decisions.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Onleaks x Mymobiles

This could be more understandable if the phone offered significant improvements in other areas. However, the broader rumor landscape suggests a modest refresh, with mentions of selective internal updates and no substantial camera upgrades to offset the charging limitations.

Is that enough to upgrade

Samsung can manage with incremental updates if the overall experience is noticeably superior. The challenge here is that the rumored enhancements do not currently provide a compelling reason for current Flip owners to switch.

Samsung

This shifts the focus back to daily essentials like battery life and charging speed. If these aspects remain largely unchanged, the upcoming foldable may seem more like a refined iteration than a necessary upgrade.

Samsung

Should you hold off

There is still time for the overall picture to improve before Samsung announces anything officially. However, as it stands, the battery situation appears to follow a pattern that is increasingly difficult to justify with each new generation.

For consumers, the message is straightforward. Pay close attention to the final battery capacity and charging specifications, as these details may be more decisive than any design or processor changes when determining if this phone is worth the anticipation.