Daily Tech News 13 May 2026

Top Story

Google's Googlebook is the company's answer to Google's Chromebook. (Tom's Hardware)

It's a laptop running Android.

Which raises the question: Why didn't the Chromebook run Android in the first place?

There are no specs or indeed any hardware information at all; that will be left to Google's partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

It might potentially be a good time to be launching a laptop that doesn't need 32GB of RAM to get out of bed - as indicated by the runaway success of Apple's MacBook Neo. And there's a slim chance that at least one of the partner companies won't screw things up.

Tech News

TokenSpam. (Tom's Hardware)

These people are literally retarded.

Amazon is requiring its developers to use AI tools to boost productivity. I mean, fair enough up to a point; I use Claude to review code and it catches conceptual issues and pattern mismatches that my IDE can't.

But Amazon is measuring productivity by the amount each developer costs the company on their AI tool usage, with perfectly predictable results.
Microsoft is constructing a new datacenter in Kenya that will - if completed - use half the power of the entire country. (Tom's Hardware)

That's a bit of an overstatement; the number is closer to 40%.
Micron is sampling 256GB DDR5 modules running at 9200MHz. (WCCFTech)

You can't have one.
The EU is cracking down on TikTok and Instagram because they are... Popular. (CNBC)

Honestly, that seems to be it.

Time to cut the cables.

Musical Interlude

There is an official music video of this but it seems to be restricted, so that's a reuploaded version. Just in case, here is the official videoless version as well.

Disclaimer: You got non in my biyori!

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 04:30 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 G'Day everyone

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2026 04:32 AM (Ia/+0)

2 w00t

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 04:32 AM (6wpGE)

3 >>>Google's partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo

In alphabetical order, I noticed.

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 04:33 AM (6wpGE)

4 from the ONT; lots of tech thread commenters in this list:

Weekly commenter stats for week of 05-10-2026

Top 10 commenters:
1 [490 comments] 'Sponge - F*ck Cancer' [69.62 posts/day]
2 [477 comments] 'TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films'
3 [344 comments] 'ShainS '
4 [297 comments] '...'
5 [275 comments] 'Bulg'
6 [274 comments] 'whig'
7 [261 comments] 'FenelonSpoke'
8 [242 comments] 'rickb223 '
9 [239 comments] '18-1'
10 [238 comments] 'Smell the Glove'

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 04:34 AM (6wpGE)

5 Alphabet-ical even.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 13, 2026 04:34 AM (BLOW1)

6 I have a reeces blizzard in the freezer

Posted by: Ray's Cyst at May 13, 2026 04:34 AM (jrgJz)

7 (parenthet-ical)

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 04:37 AM (6wpGE)

8 No idea what she is singing, but it was nice

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2026 04:37 AM (Ia/+0)

9 8 No idea what she is singing, but it was nice
Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2026 04:37 AM (Ia/+0)

agreed

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 04:43 AM (6wpGE)

10 BOING!

Locked out of X. Dunno why. Solid random password. Cannot get back in. Contacted support. Waiting.

Back from eye exam. Still dilated and contractions every 5 minutes.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 13, 2026 04:43 AM (Oj3Pf)

11 may I recommend, for the moment:

https://xcancel.com

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 04:44 AM (6wpGE)

12 Willow'd:

242 Hey!
Having been run over by a golf cart once, that joke wasn't all that funny.
Well. Okay. It was. But getting run over was no fun. He'll alcohol wasn't even involved...yet.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 12, 2026 11:28 PM (2WIwB)

IIRC, Gavin Newsom's wife Jennifer killed her big sister by running her over with a golf cart. But she was a child (6 years old and her sister was and it was ruled an accident, so now she's sympathetic to all the unlucky killers in prison who didn't get away with it like she did. (I wish I was joking.)

Posted by: Simp for the Machine at May 13, 2026 04:46 AM (Sy6m/)

13 * her sister was 8

Posted by: Simp for the Machine at May 13, 2026 04:47 AM (Sy6m/)

14 /off dumb band sock

Posted by: SciVo at May 13, 2026 04:48 AM (Sy6m/)

15 JUST WOW!

We’re writing to let you know that we’re unable to verify you as the account owner. We know this is disappointing to hear, but we can’t assist you further with accessing your account.

If you know which email address or phone number is associated with the account, and you no longer have access to that email or connected phone number, please contact your service provider for assistance.
For privacy reasons, we can’t provide any information about this account’s registered email address or phone number.

We understand it’s frustrating to get locked out of an account, but we have these policies to protect accounts and private data. We appreciate your understanding.
You’re more than welcome to create a new account to get back onto X.

Please do not respond to this email as replies to this account are not monitored.

Thanks,
X Support

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 13, 2026 04:50 AM (Oj3Pf)

16 I heard Teardrop here the first time. Pixy has posted the video at least twice. I saw a small replica picture of the video today. About 2.5 cm.

I am 57.

Everyone have a lovely day.

Posted by: Fearless on My Breath -- meh no more at May 13, 2026 04:52 AM (RtqEX)

17 I heard Teardrop here the first time.

The Massive Attack song?

Posted by: fluffy nuggets, jr. at May 13, 2026 04:55 AM (bnBn1)

18 IIRC, Gavin Newsom's wife Jennifer killed her big sister by running her over with a golf cart. But she was a child (6 years old and her sister was and it was ruled an accident, so now she's sympathetic to all the unlucky killers in prison who didn't get away with it like she did. (I wish I was joking.)
Posted by: Simp for the Machine at May 13, 2026 04:46 AM (Sy6m/)

If it makes her feel better, we can send her to prison.

Posted by: fluffy nuggets, jr. at May 13, 2026 04:59 AM (bnBn1)

19 Better hit the road
Have a great day horde

Posted by: Skip at May 13, 2026 05:04 AM (Ia/+0)

20 17 I heard Teardrop here the first time.

The Massive Attack song?
Posted by: fluffy nuggets, jr.

Some people claim they have another song, but I don't believe it.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 13, 2026 05:05 AM (BLOW1)

21
You too Skip.

Posted by: four seasons at May 13, 2026 05:05 AM (3ek7K)

22 Freaky Deeky! Had to update Windows. Now I was able to log back in to X.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 13, 2026 05:05 AM (8schn)

23 16 Everyone have a lovely day.
Posted by: Fearless on My Breath -- meh no more at May 13, 2026 04:52 AM (RtqEX)

Will do!

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 05:06 AM (6wpGE)

24 22 Freaky Deeky! Had to update Windows. Now I was able to log back in to X.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at May 13, 2026 05:05 AM (8schn)

Huh! Yay, you!

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 05:07 AM (6wpGE)

25 Some people claim they have another song, but I don't believe it.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 13, 2026 05:05 AM (BLOW1)

Angel is pretty good.

Paradise Circus is good.

But I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't know.

Posted by: fluffy nuggets, jr. at May 13, 2026 05:07 AM (bnBn1)

26
g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at May 13, 2026 05:09 AM (8iYDv)

27 40% of the nation's energy supply?

I can hear the Commies now, "kilowatts for the People!"

And they wouldn't be wrong.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2026 05:32 AM (2GVsD)

28 A note and an act of kindness helped change a man's life:

https://tinyurl.com/4xkajyb5

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 13, 2026 05:33 AM (IeCgc)

29 This ought to be one of the theme songs for ASHQ-Comedian Tim Hawkins sings " Karen":

https://tinyurl.com/29weaewa

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 13, 2026 05:42 AM (uA11f)

30 Evening and morning to all late toilers and early risers, respectively! I am awake, unwillingly, and sipping coffee from the new Mr. Coffee I bought at Target yesterday. It has most of the same features as the late Braun. So far so good. Howz about choo?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 13, 2026 05:42 AM (wzUl9)

31 Morning, 'rons and 'ettes.

Posted by: olddog in mo at May 13, 2026 05:44 AM (Hbeqj)

32 I hope to have fewer comments this week so that I don't make it on "the list".

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 13, 2026 05:47 AM (uA11f)

33 27 40% of the nation's energy supply?

I can hear the Commies now, "kilowatts for the People!"

And they wouldn't be wrong.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 13, 2026 05:32 AM (2GVsD)

I remember when Alcoa built an aluminum smelter in some African country. It was supposed to be "economic development," practically doing them a favor, and it destabilized their entire power grid.

The whole country. From just one plant.

I think that was a couple decades ago now, but Africa... Africa never changes.

Posted by: SciVo at May 13, 2026 05:49 AM (Sy6m/)

34 73 F. here, supposedly less humid today through the end of the week. (Ha. Ah believes it when Ah feels it.)

Today I have to call the IRS to get the issue of my refund straightened out. I told them on my return to keep it and apply it to my '26 taxes; they think I want it sent to me, but say I didn't provide a bank account. Well, we're beyond the tax filing period now, and their own website says call volumes are lower Wed. through Friday, so we'll see. Maybe I can get a call back.

Afterward I'll take Miss Linda out to drop off her power bill, and we can get a coffee, I guess.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 13, 2026 05:49 AM (wzUl9)

35 “ Remember to extol his work, which people have praised in song.”

Job 36:24

Posted by: Marcus T at May 13, 2026 05:50 AM (E24OL)

36 But Amazon is measuring productivity by the amount each developer costs the company on their AI tool usage, with perfectly predictable results.

Oh, they aren't the only ones. The cretins running my current employer are doing similar shit. Some of the lower level managers (like mine) are doing their best shielding efforts, but I expect that to degrade over time (I don't expect them to lose their jobs to save their subordinate's jobs when we all know that the replacement lower level manager has a convenient bus to throw recalcitrant subordinates under within days.)

I didn't go into software to become a Business Analyst (BA); that is a very useful job for a company, if done correctly and well. The specifications that you end up having to give to one of the current AI agents are almost exactly the things that a BA will create. *Shrugs* Good thing my target retirement date is

Posted by: Richard Cranium at May 13, 2026 05:51 AM (M05s5)

37 Good morning, all!

In the latest news of fiscal responsibility, the State of Maryland has reported that if you have not gotten your State tax refund yet, it could be a while.
The State does not have the funds available to make the remaining refund payments, and needs to delay the issuing of refunds.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 13, 2026 05:52 AM (iMotb)

38 Back atcha, Marcus🙂

Psalm 69:30

30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

May all have a blessed day!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 13, 2026 05:53 AM (uA11f)

39 Amen Miss Fen. Amen.

May the Lords blessing be upon you all this day.

Posted by: Marcus T at May 13, 2026 05:55 AM (E24OL)

40 Grr.

Good thing my target retirement date is less than 3 years from now. It won't be a disaster if I must retire earlier than that. (I'm NOT going to get a non-contract job at 67 without being a C-level weasel.)

Posted by: Richard Cranium at May 13, 2026 05:56 AM (M05s5)

41 moar covfefe

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 05:56 AM (6wpGE)

42 Maryland owes me 1200$. I’ll never see that money.

Posted by: Accomack at May 13, 2026 05:58 AM (GbONR)

43 Spotted a couple of very good houses in Terre Haute, IN. One is a little (okay, a lot) more than I wanted to pay -- but *everything has been done*, from laminate flooring to a patio area in back, and a garage as well as a useful basement. If it proves as good as it looks, and the sellers will come down by about $5K, I could do it; I really could.

There are a couple of less expensive properties that would need a little cosmetic work like wall paint and laminate flooring in the bedrooms. I guess I have to think of this like I'm a military family moving from Germany, and everything has to be handled and ordered remotely. Scary for sure.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 13, 2026 05:59 AM (wzUl9)

44 I think that was a couple decades ago now, but Africa... Africa never changes.
Posted by: SciVo

There is a work acquaintance, a very smart man at his job, who has interesting views on Africa. A black guy, He believes Africa is being held back by the US and Europe. He then started singing the praises of China and its development of Africa. He believes the US will be left behind by Africa because the world is abandoning America. He's in a powerful position at work so I kept my mouth shut. Even smart people can be enraptured by dumb ideas. Orwell's quote about intellectuals comes to mind.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at May 13, 2026 06:00 AM (sAmhv)

45 "Maryland owes me 1200$. I’ll never see that money."

Ouch.

I wonder if the delayed payments to tax payers could accrue interest and fines like when tax payers fail to make tax payments on time?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 13, 2026 06:00 AM (iMotb)

46 And a livelier version of what is normally to a slower tune. The hymn "Joyful, Joyful, we adore thee" sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

https://tinyurl.com/3ep9wcp7

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 13, 2026 06:03 AM (Nx5jP)

47 I need to get ready to work out. Recently I've been testing a new approach: reducing the percentage of trotting in the first five or six minutes, then increasing it later, instead of trying to do 50% walking/50% trotting right from the start. I've always done warmups -- but at my (ahem!) age I guess a little longer warmup is a good idea.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 13, 2026 06:04 AM (wzUl9)

48 Even smart people can be enraptured by dumb ideas.

I always return to the essay "Let Africa Sink" by Kim duToit. That being said, your African acquaintance thinks that slavery to China is acceptable for some reason.

Posted by: NR Pax at May 13, 2026 06:06 AM (RjOoY)

49 "Some ideas are so stupid, only intellectuals believe them."

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 06:07 AM (6wpGE)

50
Good morning, Hordians.

This is Wednesday, isn't it?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 13, 2026 06:08 AM (HdYcL)

51 50 This is Wednesday, isn't it?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 13, 2026 06:08 AM (HdYcL)

Yes, immediately preceded by:

Tuesday Overnight Open Thread - May 12, 2026 [Doof]
—Open Blogger

Posted by: m at May 13, 2026 06:10 AM (6wpGE)

52 Megachurch Pastor Mark Driscoll of the fast-growing Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, sparked controversy on Mother’s Day with a message that honored Mary, the mother of Jesus, while challenging the nation’s largest abortion provider. The sermon drew both praise from pro-life advocates and criticism from those who objected to the pastor’s direct approach.

Maybe I'm just some heretic but I think that Pastors should address these issues directly and use concrete examples in real life. And apparently, his church is growing in membership because they are very outspoken about their beliefs.

Posted by: NR Pax at May 13, 2026 06:10 AM (RjOoY)

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