Tech
The PlayStation 6 could ditch the built-in disc drive
The next generation of PlayStation consoles might not appeal to people who enjoy building physical game collections.
A hardware leaker known as KeplerL2 posted in the NeoGAF forums this week (via WCCF Tech), claiming that the still-unconfirmed PlayStation 6 will not have a disc drive built in.
In a reply to another user's inquiry, KeplerL2 also said the base PS6 would come with just 1TB of storage space on its internal SSD. For reference, that's exactly the same as most PS5 models. Typically, specs like that only get better over time, but it seems like Sony might make a lateral move at best for storage capacity this time around.
That's almost certainly because of the AI-driven global RAM shortage, which was recently rumored to potentially cause the PS6 to miss its intended late 2027 launch date. All things being equal, Sony might be inclined to put a 2TB drive in each base PS5, but that might not be feasible right now.
As for the lack of a disc drive, that's going to ruffle feathers for a multitude of reasons.
Yes, the PS5 has had a no-disc-drive variant since its launch in 2020, but Sony also sells a standalone attachable disc drive unit in case users want one. Obviously, Sony could do the same with the PS6, but we don't know that yet. And while a large majority of video game sales happen in digital marketplaces as opposed to physical retail stores, plenty of people still like to own their games, whether it's out of concern for digital storefronts eventually shutting down, or just to build a nice collection of physical media. And, of course, sometimes you get good discounts on used games.
Needless to say, if this is true, it will be controversial.
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Your TV no longer has to look like a void black rectangle when you turn it off. Instead, you can turn it into a framed piece of art with the Hisense CanvasTV. The brand just launched a new size that's perfect for a bedroom, kitchen, or studio apartment.
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Joining its 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch comrades, the new 50-inch Hisense CanvasTV is the smallest option available. It's also the cheapest, coming with a price tag of $1,299.99. When you're not streaming your favorite shows, the TV transforms into a piece of framed artwork. The Hisense CanvasTV comes with a magnetic teak frame, but you're able to easily change the frame's vibe by getting the walnut or white finish option separately.
A 65-inch or larger TV might be awesome for living rooms or family rec rooms, but you might want something smaller in a bedroom, kitchen, or if you live in an apartment. That's where the new 50-inch TV could be the best option. Plus, it's the least expensive size.
Credit: Hisense
Hisense designed the CanvasTV to sit flush with your wall, like a painting or other framed artwork would. You get access to over 1,000 works of art to display on your TV when it's not in use with no need to sign up for an additional subscription. Of course, you can also use your own photos or artwork with either the USB port or by uploading them the Hisense Art Gallery App.
If you're in the market for a TV that doesn't scream "blank TV" when it's not in use, the Hisense CanvasTV is a great option and now it comes in a great 50-inch size.
SAVE 17%: As of April 6, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 for $289.99, down from $349.99, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or a $60 price cut.
If you prefer Android over iOS, Mashable's freelance tech reviewer, Adam Doud, says the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is "worth the upgrade" — and right now, you can grab it on sale.
As of April 6, you can snag the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 for $289.99 at Amazon, down from $349.99. That's a 17% discount or $60 savings.
When it comes to health metrics, the Galaxy Watch 8 can "track just about everything you do." It features a running coach, heart rate tracking, and an Advanced Sleep Coach that assigns you a "sleep animal" based on how you snooze (which is kind of fun, IMO). Plus, it's the very first smartwatch to run Google Gemini AI right on the watch face, and it features a unique "squircle" design (a round face on a rounded-square base) that sits thinner and flatter on your wrist.
"In theory, if you follow the advice of the watch without outright dismissing it, it can help you live a better life," writes Doud. "And you'll look good doing it."
It's moon flyby day, folks.
The Artemis II astronauts are expected to make history today as they reach distances no humans have ever traveled before on their journey around the moon.
The four-person crew — Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen — aboard the Orion spacecraft is scheduled to pass the distance record of 248,655 miles from Earth, set in 1970 by the Apollo 13, and continue on to 252,760 miles. In doing so, they'll be the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon in real time.
They won't be landing, but they will be gathering vital insights and data that will help NASA prepare for a future lunar landing in a couple of years' time. It's the most critical part of the 10-day mission, and you can tune into the historical event live.
Where to watch the Artemis II moon flyby livestream
NASA will provide live coverage of the historic lunar flyby on Monday, April 6, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET. Fortunately, they won't gatekeep the livestream; you have plenty of options to tune in.
NASA+, the space agency's streaming service, will livestream the flyby, as well as the agency's YouTube channel and social media accounts. All of these options are completely free. Several streaming services are also hosting the NASA+ livestream on their platforms, if you prefer to watch there, including Netflix and Peacock.
Credit: NASA
While coverage starts at 1:00 p.m. ET, the flyby itself isn't expected until around 2:45 p.m. ET. NASA has outlined key lunar flyby times and milestones, but they are subject to change based on real-time operations. The crew will surpass the record for humans' farthest distance from Earth around 1:56 p.m. ET, and audio-only remarks from the astronauts will begin shortly after.
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