Author: Awais

On Wednesday evening at PlayGround Global in Palo Alto, some very smart people who are building things you don’t understand yet will explain what’s coming. This is the final StrictlyVC event of 2025, and truly, the lineup is ridiculous. The series has bounced around the globe under the auspices of TechCrunch. Steve Case rented a theater in D.C.; we talked to Greece’s prime minister in Athens; and Kirsten Green hosted us at the Presidio in San Francisco. The concept is always the same, though: bring together people who are working on genuinely important developments in a smaller setting, before everyone…

Starting off the new year with a bang is exactly what Samsung needs, especially when that’s likely when we’ll get our first look at its upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. Obviously, my eyes are going to be fixed on the Galaxy S26 Ultra mostly because of all the new upgrades it’s expected to get and how it’s likely to be a best phone contender.One peculiar rumor that’s garnered my attention more than anything else is how the Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature a new display technology that blocks out its display at certain angles. This rumored privacy screen feature aims to…

Black Friday started early this year, so if the kitchen tools you had your eye on are already sold out, don’t worry—the Amazon outlet store is hiding overstock discounts on holiday essentials and gift-worthy gear. We found deals of up to 59 percent on shopper-loved brands like KitchenAid and Cuisinart. Grab a new Instant Pot air fryer for 22 percent off, or replace your old cooking utensils with versatile wooden versions for 48 percent off. Cookware sets, bakeware, and food storage containers are also on sale. Even better, prices start at just $4. Best Amazon Black Friday Outlet Overstock Deals…

Phillips Hue smart lights are some of the best smart lights out there but controlling them with my phone or voice commands can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why I was so excited to find the Phillips Hue Tap Dial. This puck-shaped light controller has buttons to press and a dial that twists, allowing you to control multiple lights at once with a minimum of hassle. This accessory is a game changer, and right now it’s on sale for Black Friday for just $40. That’s a solid 28% discount over the usual $55 price tag. You can snag…

Key Takeaways Use a hot cast-iron skillet to get diner-style, golden-crisp breakfast potatoes. Soak cubed russet or Yukon Gold potatoes in cold water for 15–30 minutes to remove starch. Finish with cheese and slide the skillet into the oven at 375°F for melty goodness. Home fries are a part of breakfast that I cannot live without. Admittedly, my homemade breakfast potatoes are pretty good, but they’re rarely great. It’s almost as if the line cooks at my favorite restaurants have super secret methods for creating the best-ever breakfast potatoes while I’m racking my brain at home trying to recreate them.…

Humour is a hugely powerful currency on social media in the UK and the country’s smartest brands know it. They aren’t just chasing the next viral gag. They’re weaving humour into the very fabric of their marketing strategies. This approach isn’t about posting a cheeky meme and hoping it sticks. It’s about understanding the nuances of the British sense of humour—dry wit, self-deprecation and clever wordplay—and using it with intent. Done right, it’s a tool that builds loyalty, strengthens relatability and boosts brand equity without crossing the line. The power of British humour on social media If there’s one thing…

[Submitted on 6 Aug 2025 (v1), last revised 26 Nov 2025 (this version, v2)] View a PDF of the paper titled Empowering Time Series Forecasting with LLM-Agents, by Chin-Chia Michael Yeh and Vivian Lai and Uday Singh Saini and Xiran Fan and Yujie Fan and Junpeng Wang and Xin Dai and Yan Zheng View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:Large Language Model (LLM) powered agents have emerged as effective planners for Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) systems. While most existing AutoML approaches focus on automating feature engineering and model architecture search, recent studies in time series forecasting suggest that lightweight models can often…

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, confirmed this week that the company is building a brand‑new AI‑first device. He says it will stand in stark contrast to the clutter and chaos of our phones and apps. Indeed, he compared using it to “sitting in the most beautiful cabin by a lake and in the mountains and sort of just enjoying the peace and calm.” But understanding you in context and analyzing your habits, moods, and routines feels more intimate than most people get with their loved ones, let alone a piece of hardware.His framing obscures a very different reality. A device designed…

Shoppers looking for a dependable daily driver often gravitate toward familiar nameplates, but one affordable Japanese hatchback is quietly outperforming its rivals where it matters most: long-term reliability. In a segment crowded with budget-friendly options, this model stands out by delivering durability levels that competing small cars simply can’t match. For buyers tired of costly repairs and unpredictable ownership experiences, it offers one of the most worry-free paths in the compact-car market. What sets it apart is its engineering consistency and proven track record. While many hatchbacks focus on styling updates or tech gimmicks, this one doubles down on build…

NOTE: For both cooking tests, we didn’t use any oil or butter. That’s not because we expect you to skip the fat in the pan when you’re actually cooking (we use fats in cooking for more than just lubricating a pan), but for the purposes of this test, we wanted to see how well the nonstick surfaces performed without any assistance.We also regularly retest our top picks throughout the year to update our reviews with intel gleaned from long-term use. Ultimately, the best way to test these pans is to have people live with them and use them, so that’s…