A new controller called the Pocket Taco, designed to transform smartphones into Game Boy-like devices, was released on February 14, 2026, according to The Verge. Simultaneously, Verizon implemented a new 35-day waiting period for customers who pay off their device installment plans early in order to unlock their phones, as reported by Ars Technica. These developments occurred alongside discussions about the role of technology in resistance and state power, as highlighted by The Verge, and a celebration of the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" on Valentine's Day, as noted by Ars Technica. Additionally, Wired reported on the Apple Watch's status as the best fitness tracker for iPhone users.
The Pocket Taco, priced at $35, clamps onto the bottom of a phone and can also function as a standalone wireless gamepad, according to The Verge. The device aims to provide an accessible way to emulate classic gaming consoles on smartphones.
Verizon's new policy, detailed by Ars Technica, requires a 35-day waiting period after a customer pays off their device installment plan before they can unlock their phone. This applies to payments made online, through the Verizon app, over the phone, and at Verizon Authorized Retailers. The only way to get an immediate unlock is to pay off the device plan at a Verizon corporate store. Unlocking a phone allows it to be used on another network, giving customers more carrier options.
The Verge also discussed the dual nature of technology, noting its potential as a tool for both resistance and state power. The article cited an eyewitness video analyzed by The New York Times, where an individual holding a phone was tackled by federal agents.
Ars Technica celebrated Valentine's Day by honoring Ang Lee's 2000 film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," a wuxia tragic fairy tale. The film, adapted from a 1940s novel, features stunning cinematography and martial arts sequences.
Wired highlighted the Apple Watch as the best wearable for iPhone users, noting the availability of three different models, each with unique features. The article mentioned past challenges, including lawsuits and bans that led to the removal of the blood oxygen sensor, which has since been reinstated.
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