$3 ChromeOS Flex stick will revive old and outdated computers

ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight operating system designed for low-end computers, can now be easily installed on outdated machines with a $3 USB stick. This new partnership between Google and Back Market aims to give old laptops and computers a new lease on life. The idea is simple: many devices still function well but need the right software to stay secure and relevant.

What Happened

• Google and Back Market are partnering to sell a $3 USB stick that makes it easy to install ChromeOS Flex on outdated computers.
• Apple's iOS 26.4 beta 4 has been released, featuring 163 new emoji designs, including 13 new concepts and 150 skin tone variations.
• Concerns over ad-tech's impact on society continue, with some arguing that it is "fascist tech" due to its reliance on commercial surveillance.
• Nintendo fans can celebrate Mar10 Day with discounts on Mario-themed Lego sets at Amazon.
• A new crime series based on Patricia Cornwell's novels, starring Nicole Kidman, has been released on Prime Video.

Why It Matters

• The ChromeOS Flex stick provides an affordable solution for reviving old computers, reducing electronic waste and making technology more accessible.
• The new emoji designs in iOS 26.4 beta 4 reflect the evolving nature of digital communication and the need for more inclusive and diverse representation.
• The concerns over ad-tech highlight the need for greater transparency and regulation in the digital advertising industry.
• The Nintendo Lego deals offer a fun way for fans to celebrate Mar10 Day and engage with the Mario franchise.
• The new crime series on Prime Video provides a fresh take on the forensic thriller genre and showcases the talents of Nicole Kidman and the rest of the cast.

Key Numbers

• $3: The cost of the ChromeOS Flex USB stick.
• 163: The number of new emoji designs in iOS 26.4 beta 4.
• 13: The number of new emoji concepts in iOS 26.4 beta 4.
• 150: The number of skin tone variations for existing emoji in iOS 26.4 beta 4.
• 540: The number of pieces in the Lego Mario Piranha Plant set.

Key Facts

• Who: Google, Back Market, Apple, Nintendo, Patricia Cornwell, Nicole Kidman
• What: ChromeOS Flex USB stick, iOS 26.4 beta 4, ad-tech concerns, Mar10 Day Lego deals, new crime series on Prime Video
• When: The ChromeOS Flex USB stick is available now, iOS 26.4 beta 4 was released this week, Mar10 Day is celebrated on March 10th, the new crime series is available now on Prime Video
• Where: The ChromeOS Flex USB stick is available online, iOS 26.4 beta 4 is available for download, Mar10 Day Lego deals are available on Amazon, the new crime series is available on Prime Video
• Impact: The ChromeOS Flex USB stick can help reduce electronic waste and make technology more accessible, the new emoji designs in iOS 26.4 beta 4 reflect the evolving nature of digital communication, the concerns over ad-tech highlight the need for greater transparency and regulation, the Nintendo Lego deals offer a fun way for fans to engage with the Mario franchise, the new crime series on Prime Video provides a fresh take on the forensic thriller genre.

What to Watch

The ChromeOS Flex USB stick and iOS 26.4 beta 4 are just a few examples of the latest developments in the tech world. As concerns over ad-tech continue to grow, it will be interesting to see how the industry responds. Meanwhile, Nintendo fans can look forward to more Lego deals and the new crime series on Prime Video offers a fresh take on the forensic thriller genre.