Social Media

How to limit Instagram from using your data for AI and ads

Instagram users have more control over their data than many realize. By adjusting a few privacy settings, you can prevent Meta from tracking your off-app behavior — such as websites you visit or purchases you make elsewhere — to build ad profiles and train its AI systems.

Source: Engadget 8/22/2026
Policy & Regulation

Will the DOJ’s investigation into a16z spook other VCs?

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Andreessen Horowitz over board seat arrangements at startups, raising broader questions about whether antitrust scrutiny of venture capital firms could reshape how investors take governance roles across their portfolio companies.

Source: TechCrunch 8/22/2026
Gadgets

Are digital cameras still worth buying in 2026?

Dedicated digital cameras remain a worthwhile investment heading into 2026, but they demand both financial commitment and a willingness to learn. Smartphone cameras have narrowed the gap significantly, yet standalone cameras still deliver superior image quality, creative control, and versatility for photographers ready to put in the effort.

Source: Engadget 8/22/2026
Gaming

Is Nintendo Switch Online still worth it in 2026?

Nintendo Switch Online remains a debated subscription in 2026, offering multiplayer access and retro game libraries alongside perks like cloud saves. Whether it's genuinely worthwhile depends heavily on how often you play online and how much value you place on its growing but imperfect catalog of classic titles.

Source: Engadget 8/22/2026
Entertainment

Doodle generative compositions in your browser with Musical Spirograph

Musical Spirograph is a free browser tool that merges the classic geometric drawing toy with generative music. Moving points trace mathematical curves across the screen, triggering musical notes as they pass through concentric rings — creating a mesmerizing, ever-changing audio-visual experience anyone can customize.

Source: The Verge 8/22/2026
Policy & Regulation

OpenAI says California should strengthen its AI safety bill

In a notable reversal, OpenAI is now urging California lawmakers to make AI safety bill SB 53 more robust — a measure the company had previously fought against. The shift signals a changing stance from one of the world's most influential AI developers on state-level oversight.

Source: TechCrunch 8/22/2026
Gaming

Before you buy a used GameCube, check for this common issue

Shoppers hunting for a secondhand Nintendo GameCube should do their homework first, as not every unit supports the full game library. A commonly overlooked hardware variation can lock certain buyers out of specific titles, making it essential to inspect any used console carefully before purchasing.

Source: Engadget 8/22/2026
Energy & Climate

US battery startups have found a lifeline in defense

American battery startups are finding an unexpected financial anchor in defense-related funding, with roughly $500 million in Department of Energy grants helping the sector stay afloat after federal electric vehicle incentives were significantly reduced, threatening the industry's earlier growth momentum.

Source: TechCrunch 8/22/2026
Entertainment

Here's what you'll need to watch Netflix in 4K on Chrome

Streaming Netflix at full 4K Ultra HD resolution on Google Chrome requires meeting specific hardware and software conditions. Understanding these requirements is increasingly relevant as more viewers shift to browser-based streaming rather than dedicated apps, making setup knowledge essential for the best picture quality.

Source: Engadget 8/22/2026
Tech

Two great new repairable gadgets

The Verge's Installer newsletter returns for its 141st edition, with editor David Pierce sharing his current obsessions — from ergonomic Switch 2 accessories and an upcoming e-bike purchase to Stephen King's Dark Tower series and oddities in Fortnite's newest season.

Source: The Verge 8/22/2026
Science

Putting mice into hibernation causes a major loss of synapses

Scientists have discovered that inducing a hibernation-like state in mice dramatically reduces the number of neural connections in their brains. Surprisingly, despite this significant synaptic pruning, the animals appear to retain previously formed memories, raising fascinating questions about how memory is actually stored and maintained in the brain.

Source: Ars Technica 8/22/2026