Author: Geek Planet

The ongoing memory shortage is starting to hit smartphone makers, and consumers are seeing the impact with rising pricing and specs. New reports suggest that the cost of high-end RAM and storage configurations has surpassed even flagship chips, bringing a major shift in how smartphones are built. This is a big deal since the processor was usually the most expensive component. But now, it looks like memory is taking that premium spot. What’s the issue? The problem is simple. Growing demand for AI has caused memory prices to see a sharp rise. High-speed storage and RAM chips are being taken…

Pinterest is gearing up for a big 2025, doubling down on visual search, expanding its global footprint and rolling out more performance-driven tools to woo long-tail advertisers.Visual search has always been core to Pinterest’s DNA, so it’s no shock that it’s a top priority, especially as the platform tries harder to stand out from the competition. In conversation with Digiday, Matt Crystal, Pinterest’s vp of performance, said that the team would have “a lot to share later this year,” though didn’t provide any specifics. However, he did suggest that these announcements will be “uniquely Pinterest and no one else can…

ASUS is refreshing its TUF Gaming lineup for 2026, bringing a mix of upgraded displays, new Intel processors, and next-gen graphics to its popular mid-range gaming laptops. According to an official ASUS press release, the updated lineup includes the TUF Gaming A16, F16, and A18, with a major focus on improving both visual quality and performance. The biggest highlight this year is the introduction of OLED display options on select models, which is a notable upgrade for the TUF series, which traditionally leaned more toward IPS panels. The refresh also aligns with the broader industry shift toward newer hardware platforms,…

Sharing files on your phone is getting easier if you’re using Samsung’s latest device. The Galaxy S26 is gaining AirDrop-style support through an update to its built-in sharing system, starting March 23. That change brings a more familiar way to send photos, videos, and files between devices without relying on extra apps or workarounds. It’s especially useful if you move between platforms or have dealt with inconsistent transfer options before. Samsung says the launch begins in Korea, with availability set to follow in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Timing may vary by market, but the rollout is clearly designed…

This research is based on unique data collected from our proprietary audience of publisher, agency, brand and tech insiders. It’s available to Digiday+ members. More from the series → Interested in sharing your perspectives on the media and marketing industries? Join the Digiday research panel. TikTok wrapped up a successful year in 2024, even with a murky future ahead. Brands’ usage of the platform started strong and increased, and their marketing spend followed. But 2025 is shaping up differently. TikTok’s ban in the U.S. has officially moved from an uncertainty to a reality. Sure, it’s on hold for now, but…

Just when it seemed like the dust had settled, new rumors have surfaced about OnePlus scaling back its global operations again. A new leak suggests that the company could be preparing to shut down its business in the US and Europe, while continuing to focus on Asian markets like China. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard something like this. Similar claims appeared earlier this year, which were promptly pushed back by the company. But now, the same conversation is picking up again. What’s in the new rumors? It might not be a sudden shutdown, but OnePlus is reportedly making…

When Greg Swan first attended South by Southwest (SXSW) 17 years ago, it “cracked open” his world. “It’s a culture of people who start with ‘yes’ versus start from a ‘no’ or ‘we can’t’,” said Swan, senior partner and Midwest digital lead at Finn Partners. Being surrounded by attendees with that mindset makes it a crucial stop for Swan, who has over the years changed his networking approach for the festival. Instead of seeking out the hottest parties, Swan now hosts what he calls “stranger dinners” each night, where he gathers eight to 10 attendees for dinner to talk about what…

Alienware 16X Aurora MSRP $2,249.99 “One of the last truly great laptops before the AI-triggered price hikes come for your wallet this year. This is a signature Alienware, toned down to meet you at a more accessible price.” Pros Surprisingly good 240Hz screen Dependably fast performance Minimal throttling tax Sleek and understated looks A decent port selection An upgrade-friendly outing Cons Mediocre keyboard and touchpad Speakers could’ve been better Noisy fans even without stress No screen upgrade option Thunderbolt 5 is a sore miss Dell’s Alienware laptop line-up has gone through multiple makeovers over the past few years. The Area-51…

Turns out, fixating on low-fee supply chains, or prioritizing ad tech intermediaries with the cheapest fees, was never the magic fix they hoped for. If anything, it’s looking more like a game of chasing rebates than a revolution in efficiency. The cracks started showing when the math stopped adding up.  Cutting costs didn’t translate into better outcomes — just murkier supple chains and a whole lot of wasted ad dollars. The obsession with low fees had marketers optimizing for the wrong thing, propping up a system where the real winners weren’t advertisers or publishers, but the intermediaries skimming margins along…

Microsoft has stopped automatically installing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows PCs with M365 apps, after initially planning to roll it out to users by default. The app was supposed to act as a central hub for Copilot, consolidating AI features across tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into a single location. However, instead of letting users choose, Microsoft had planned to push it directly onto devices, something many users have opposed in the past. What changed with Microsoft’s Copilot rollout Microsoft has now temporarily disabled the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on eligible devices. This…