As you shop at the service station in REPO, youll notice energy crystals among the items. While a lot of the shop items are self-explanatory (guns? grenades? health packs?), these mysterious and expensive crystals dont really have any instructions.Below we explain what energy crystals do in REPO and how to use them.What are energy crystals used for in REPO?You need energy crystals to recharge or reload your weapons and tools. Weapons like the baseball bat and frying pan have a certain number of times they can hit things before they need to be recharged and guns will run out of ammo after use. Even items like drones and detectors will run out of juice, so youre going to want to recharge them rather than just buying new ones.That said, this is more of a mid- to endgame item, so you dont need to worry too much about buying energy crystals within the first few runs. Focus on building up your stamina and strength first.How to use energy crystals in REPOOnce you buy the energy crystals, theyll automatically be loaded into your truck in the energy machine (full disclosure: I do not know what the machine is called). You can hold up to six crystals and they get exponentially more expensive the more you buy. Your machine will start with one crystal and a bit of juice.To recharge your weapon or tool, just put it in the square-shaped bin next to the machine. You can see how much juice your recharge machine has by looking at the yellow bar on the right side. Youll see it go down as your item recharges.One crystal can fully recharge any item, so youll want to make sure the item youre recharging is completely empty before dumping it in, to make the most of the crystal.You can also buy a recharge drone, which you can carry with you to recharge items on the go. This is great for longer expeditions, allowing you to use whatever weapon or tool you want. It also recharges with energy crystals, so think of this as using a nifty little battery pack.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.As someone who has fully bought into the Apple ecosystem, my earbuds of choice are, obviously, AirPods. But it's not just because I'm a fanboy (although I definitely am one): AirPods, particularly the AirPods Pro 2, are fantastic earbuds for so many reasons. And while they're usually a bit pricey, Amazon currently has them on sale for a very reasonable $170, down from $249.99, during its Big Spring Sal AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $79.01 Apple might slap their "Pro" moniker on most product categories these days, but AirPods Pro at least come with a lot of features to live up to the name. They may not be for "professionals," but you do get features you don't get on other AirPods models. For one, the AirPods Pro come with excellent noise cancellation. Although, honestly, the in-ear seal from the silicone tips blocks out enough background noise that I hardly ever turn on Noise Control. In fact, because the seal is so good, you also get Transparency Mode, an option that pumps in the sounds around you, so you can be aware of your surroundingsor even have a conversation with your earbuds in. Speaking of conversations, one excellent feature exclusive to the second-gen Pros is Conversation Awareness: When you start talking while listening to something, your AirPods will turn down the volume and boost the voices of the people you're talking to. When everyone stops speaking, your AirPods will return to normal. It's great. Another automatic feature is "Adaptive Audio" (previously Adaptive Transparency) which can reduce any sound above 85 dB, while maintaining other sounds at the typical volume. That way, you can follow a conversation or even watch a TV show with your AirPods in, but if an ambulance races by you, its sirens will seem to be a very tolerable 85 dB. You'd think you'd get these two features on the AirPods Max, Apple's flagship over-the-ear headphones, but you don't: You need the second-gen Pros for that. Like all AirPods, the Pros easily jump among all your connected Apple devices. You could be watching a video on your Mac, then take a call on your iPhone and start chatting through your AirPods. If you have an Apple TV, you can switch to your AirPods, too, which I frequently do, since I prefer the experience to my soundbar. While all these features are awesome, what it really comes down to for me is sound quality: The Pros just sound great, especially for such low-profile earbuds. And, because they block out so much sound on their own, I feel like I can appreciate the quality of the music I'm listening to in a variety of situations. I used to pause my music with my old AirPods whenever a loud truck or bus would drive past me on a walk. That's not a problem with the Pros.Plus, now that it's been FDA approved, you can even be able to use these AirPods as hearing aids. Not a bad perk for $169.Other great Prime Day deals on AirPodsThat's not to say other AirPods are a bad choice: If you don't like the tight seal of the Pros, you may prefer the more traditional fit of the AirPods 4. They're on sale for $150 for the Spring Sale, or $100 if you opt for the version without noise cancellation. There's also a deal on the USB-C AirPods Max, which are down from $549 to $480. I love my AirPods Max, but they're tough to recommend at their ridiculously expensive MSRP. Now, they're a bit of an easier pill to swallow, especially because they just got lossless audio over wired connections.Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including:The Best Over-Ear HeadphonesThe Best Wireless EarbudsThe Best Adjustable Dumbbell SetsThe Best Projectors

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.As an Airbnb host, a good smart lock is an extremely important purchase. I've gone through my fair share of smart locks, but none have been more reliable, affordable, and easy to install than the SwitchBot WiFi Smart Lock Pro, which I raved about in a recent review. Right now, you can get the bundle that has everything you need (it comes with the smart lock, keypad, and hub to control it remotely) for just $84 (originally $199.99) during Amazon's Big Spring Salethat's the cheapest it has ever been, according to price tracking tools. SwitchBot WiFi Smart Lock Pro Special Feature: Passcode Unlock, Alarm, IP65 Weather Resistant, Auto-Lock, One-Touch Lock $84.00 at Amazon $199.99 Save $115.99 Get Deal Get Deal $84.00 at Amazon $199.99 Save $115.99 The main reason I love this smart lock is its reliability. A smart lock's most important job is to open and close reliably, whether that's physically with a key, with your finger, code, or remotely through the app. That seems like a pretty basic requirement, but you'd be surprised how few smart locks nail itthe SwitchBot has been the only smart lock to not fail me in the year I've been using it so far.The installation was also the easiest of any smart lock I've installed. You only need to remove the lock faceplate from inside and use an L-shaped hex wrench that comes in the box to mount the smart lock. It took me seven minutes to finish. There's also an option to glue the hardware for a complete tool-free option.The smart lock also retrofits most locks, and since the installation is so easy, that makes it perfect for renters, too. Some nice features are the auto-lock (I love not having to close the door behind me), a status detector that notifies or alerts you of activity, and being able to send permanent or temporary codes to family or guests. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The battery lasts up to nine months, according to SwitchBot, but it'll depend on use (it was accurate for mine).Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter,Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including:The Best Over-Ear HeadphonesThe Best Wireless EarbudsThe Best Adjustable Dumbbell SetsThe Best Projectors

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 has been delayed again. Publisher Paradox Interactive announced today that it is now targeting release in October 2025 instead of the first half of this year. "Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room are committed to delivering this game, and we believe that ensuring great technical quality is more important than sticking to a specific date," the company said.Creating the sequel has been a trial of endurance that would test even an immortal undead's patience. Paradox parted ways with the game's original developer, Hardsuit Labs, in 2021. The Chinese Room, which made notable indie games Dear Esther and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, joined the project as developer in 2023. Today's update from offered some encouragement that the project is now in "a late development stage," however it has decided to discontinue dev diaries that offered behind-the-scenes peeks at progress.The original Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines game came out in 2004 after its own challenging development. Made by the now-shuttered Troika Studios, it was an story-driven game inspired by a tabletop RPG about several vampire clans in a modern-day Los Angeles. It was a commercial flop, but acquired a loyal audience over the years and even cultivated a community for mods and fan games.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/vampire-the-masquerade---bloodlines-2-is-now-slated-to-launch-in-october-2025-194649207.html?src=rss

If you live in a rural area of the UK, you may soon be able to use your phone for satellite calls, messages and other standard data use. On Tuesday, the nation's telecom regulator, Ofcom, proposed using direct-to-device satellite tech to connect people in the UK's "most rural and hard-to-reach places," like mountains and remote villages.Ofcom sees the tech complementing traditional networks, aiming to provide 100 percent mobile coverage in the UK. The regulator said the tech could also provide backup coverage during outages, offer service to ships and passengers in coastal waters without a connection and provide emergency 999 services (the UK's version of 911) in remote areas.In January, British telecom Vodafone made the world's first satellite video call using a standard mobile phone on a remote mountain in west Wales.Regarding the regulatory details, Ofcom suggests amending existing mobile spectrum licenses for frequencies already used by cellular providers (below 3 GHz). However, the regulator also offered alternative approaches, including introducing a new license for satellite services or allowing license-exempt use if certain conditions are met. Regardless of its specific policy approach, Ofcom said strict conditions would be attached to avoid interference with existing spectrum users in the UK and overseas.Ofcom is opening a consultation period with stakeholders from now to May 20. Depending on the feedback it receives, it could begin authorizing direct-to-device calls later this year.The iPhone 14 series was the first standard handset to offer direct-to-satellite emergency messaging. In iOS 18, Apple expanded the functionality beyond crises to any situation where you're off the grid. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 recently added similar functionality.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-uk-could-greenlight-direct-to-phone-satellite-services-this-year-183504094.html?src=rss

Tesla records a decline in its EV sales in Europe for the second month in a row.

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Now that 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, another company could take control of its genetic database.

While the high cost of eggs has been a persistent issue in President Trumps second term, a different kind of egg price is now raising eyebrows around America. Over the weekend, CNN reported that the Trump administration is soliciting corporate sponsorships for this years White House Easter Egg Roll.For anywhere between $75,000 and $200,000, companies can now have their logo prominently displayed during the April 21 event, along with further branding opportunities. Its only the latest sign that this presidency is quite literally open for businessand coming so soon after a recent Tesla infomercial on the South Lawn, it may have completed the NASCAR-ification of the White House.According to a pitch document shared by the New York Times that appears to be from event-planning company Harbinger, which produced the egg roll throughout Trumps previous term, the White House is offering initial planning and event day execution for companies who are hungry for brand exposure this Easter. Sponsors will reportedly have a chance to nab naming rights for key areas or elements, splash their logos on event signage and custom-branded baskets, snacks/beverages, or souvenirs and also offer custom on-site activation for participating children to use while making social media content.(The White House and Harbinger have not confirmed the authenticity of the document. Fast Company has reached out to the White House and Harbinger and will update if we hear back.)Partnerships between the White House and corporations are not exactly unheard of. The Biden administration, for instance, partnered with McDonalds in 2021 to encourage Americans to get vaccinated, while Barack Obama hosted the first White House Maker Faire in 2014, featuring STEM tool kits provided by LEGO Systems. Brands have even been involved in the Easter Egg Roll before, though the White House has reportedly been careful about logo use and appearing to endorse a business. A gauche avalanche of logos stands to turn this years adorable White House event into something more like last Decembers College Football Playoffs Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.At the $200,000 levelthe Platinum sponsorship packagebrands can get prominent logo placement and all the bells and whistles mentioned above, along with 150 tickets to give away, a chance to participate in press interviews, and four tickets to an exclusive brunch hosted by Melania Trump. (Oh, and theres a meet-and-greet with the Easter bunny on offer. Literally.) While not every brand can afford such a sponsorship, either from a liquidity position or because their customers wouldnt stand for it, plenty will jump at the opportunity. Considering it reportedly costs between $375,000 and $500,000 to sponsor a lower-tier college bowl game, and somewhere in the range of $25 million for one of the majors, the publicity value of an egg roll sponsorship is kind of a steal.Theres also the unspoken promise of what else brands might get out of their sponsorship.Although any excess funding raised from egg roll sponsors will reportedly go toward similar future White House events, it also potentially buys a big, public, double-thumbs-up from Trump himself. Beyond the crass commercial opportunity, though, sponsorship also comes with a tacit understanding that these brands may find themselves in good standing with the presidents team and his supportersand perhaps even receive further access or influence for their efforts. The pitch document from Harbinger suggests flat out that brunch with the First Lady also comes with exclusive access opportunities.There were similar chances to curry favor with Trump during his first term. At least 11 foreign governments patronized the moguls properties in his first year as president, during which he bucked his predecessors tradition of severing ties with their businesses while holding office. Domestic forces also dumped funds in Trumps coffers at the time. Between 2017 and 2020, private-prison operators, payday lenders, and other interest groups hosted fundraisers and galas at his hotels, clubs, and resorts.Meanwhile, Essential Consultants, a company run by Trumps then-attorney Michael Cohen, also brought in huge sums of money from such companies as AT&T, Swedish pharma giant Novartis, and Korea Aerospace Industries. Exactly what insights AT&T got for its $600,000 is unclear. Perhaps not so coincidentally, though, the company was waiting on a decision at the time from the Justice Department over a proposed merger with Time Warner. (The decision ultimately went AT&Ts way.)In Trumps second term, any pretense around his impartiality to donations has all but vanished. At the very least, its been frozenmuch like the anti-bribery statute keeping U.S. corporations from bribing foreign officials, which Trump suspended earlier this year.The vulgar display of the Tesla endorsement that found Trump morphing into a Troy McClure-style celebrity pitchman to help out his largest donors sinking stock? Thats just the tip of the iceberg. Ever since the election, Trump has signaled loudly, if not clearly, that his White House is accepting gratuities. Earlier this year, members of the tech Broligarchy, including Metas Mark Zuckerberg and Amazons Jeff Bezos, donated to Trumps inauguration fund before appearing alongside him at the eventwith Bezoss Amazon going a step further and dishing out a reported $40 million for a Melania Trump documentary, from which she stands to personally net at least $28 million.At the same time, the president has reportedly been holding million-dollar-per-seat candlelight dinner fundraisers at Mar-a-Lago, and any interested party can potentially also get his attention just by pumping money into Trumps official memecoin.The White House Easter Egg Roll Proudly Presented By [Your Brand Here] is only the latest opportunity for corporations and their owners to show fealty to the president. Its also a bellwether of what future White House events might look like. If enough companies chip in, giving the event more brand logos than Jeff Gordons jumpsuit, well, perhaps Netflix and Amazon will eventually be duking it out to win exclusive broadcast rights for The White Houses A Very Trump Christmas Spectacular.For now, the president has merely told all interested parties: Gentlemen, start your engines.

OpenAI is introducing image generation directly within ChatGPT. Powered by its flagship multimodal model, GPT-4o, the chatbot can now create visuals straight from the chat interface.The feature will initially be available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Team, and free users. Enterprise and Education tier users will get access soon.Today we have one of the most fun, cool things we have ever launched . . . native images in ChatGPT, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said at the beginning of a video stream Tuesday. Altman acknowledged that the feature had been highly anticipatedespecially since competitors like Google Gemini have offered integrated-image generation since mid-2024.ChatGPT now allows users to generate images based on prompts, conversations, and uploaded files. Users can create brand-new images or transform existing images. OpenAI says the world knowledge trained into the GPT-4o model allows ChatGPT to better understand the contexts in which images are used. It is also better at following prompts to render text within images, OpenAI says.Users can refine images by prompting the model with natural language. For instance, when designing a video game character, the model can maintain visual consistency across multiple iterations as the user makes adjustments.OpenAI says it expects people to use the tool for work-related visuals that require precision (such as diagrams, infographics, branded content), text-heavy images (instruction posters, business cards), photorealistic images with accurate lighting and textures, and visuals that benefit from conversation context.By simplifying the process with a single multimodal model that handles all image generation tasks, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a go-to tool for both personal and professional image generation.