VICE US - TECHRSS feed for https://www.vice.com/en/topic/techhttps://www.vice.com/en%2Ftopic%2Ftech%3Flocale%3Den_usenThu, 22 Feb 2024 21:22:30 GMT<![CDATA[The Best Deals This Week, From Samsonite Luggage to Ooni Pizza Ovens]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xgwpe3/best-deals-this-week-feb-22-2024Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:22:30 GMTWoke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? We have the perfect serotonin boost for you—massive deals from cult-fave brands and our favorite purveyors of fancy bedding, sick sneakers, and luxury candles. Presidents’ Day may be over, but the fire deals are here to stay. This week, Samsonite is making travel easy with a sale on high-quality luggage that’s built to last, Kiehl’s is helping us alleviate our dry skin with flash deals on its best-selling skincare, and Ooni is prepping us for upcoming patio parties with a god-tier portable pizza oven. Who needs candles when your abode can smell like a Margherita pie 24/7? Well, we also wouldn’t mind a Diptyque set. Let’s dive in.

Our editors’ picks for the best sales this week

  • Cozy Earth is having an extended Presidents’ Day sale with up to 25% off its ultra-soft (and Oprah-approved) bedding, towels, and pajamas. Make sure to use our exclusive discount code (it’s VICE), and you’ll save a whopping 35%.
  • Diptyque is giving away an exclusive fragrance and shower gel—the Do Son Trio—with the code DOSONTRIO when you spend $175 on its site.
  • Interior Define is offering up to 25% off when you spend $3,000 or more, or 20% off when you spend under $3,000, on any of its gorgeous sectional sofas.
  • Kiehl’s is having a 30% off flash sale on best-sellers including the Ultra Facial Cream and Cannabis Sativa Seed Face Oil.
  • On Running has a large catalog of last-season styles for up to 40% off, including the editor-fave Cloudstratus
  • Purple is offering up to $800 off mattresses and base sets, along with 20% off pillows and bedding for an epic snooze.
  • Samsonite is already holding a winter sale, but you can take an additional 15% off with the code EXTRA15.

More great sales this week

The best deals on Amazon this week

Dyson’s Outsize Cordless Vacuum is now 22% off to combat every hard-to-reach dust bunny.

The only dehydration we condone is this Elite Gourmet Food Dehydrator for 16% off to make a finger-licking batch of teriyaki beef jerky.

These TAGRY Bluetooth Earbuds could pass as AirPods’ (affordable) cousin—and they’re 41% off.

Catch ya next week.


The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

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xgwpe3Nicolette AccardiHP shopping-dealshomeTechstyleDEALER DEALS
<![CDATA[The Best Laptop Backpacks, Bags, and Cases (That Morpheus Would Approve Of)]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3adyqb/best-laptop-bagsTue, 20 Feb 2024 21:15:00 GMTNew parents are always critical the first time you hold their newborn baby—we’re not gonna drop it, OK? We’re the same way with our laptops. Our precious hunk of metal and circuit boards is to be treated with the utmost respect and care. After all, you don’t want to expose your very expensive piece of tech to the risk of being dropped in the mean streets and smashed to smithereens (a shameful, true story, in my case).

Of course, while protection is the first order of business when picking out a laptop case, there’s no reason why form can’t follow function. Repeat after us: You also deserve to carry your laptop in style. Besides, just thinking about all the moolah you’ve probably invested in a great laptop is enough to justify springing a little more cash on a high-quality case.

You already have enough things to labor over in your life, so we found the best laptop backpacks, bags, and cases that should take the guesswork out of how to protect and carry a piece of tech that’s likely your partner in…well, everything. 

Solo’s Re:Define backpack

If you’re prone to coffee spills during your morning commute, this backpack by Solo can be easily wiped down thanks to its water-resistant coating. Laptops up to 15.6 inches can fit in the interior compartment, while there’s additional pocket space for fitting tablets, too. Stash your headphones (earbud or wired) and external USB ports in specialized pockets for easy access whenever it’s time for a jam or charging session. Oh, and it’s 47% off.

Bellroy’s Tokyo tote

The Tokyo Tote Compact by Bellroy features a padded, 13-inch laptop sleeve for slightly smaller devices, while still being big enough to fit a few more essentials, like gym shoes and a water bottle (those pop pockets also fold down to save space when not in use). It’s made with water-resistant recycled fabric for durable construction that’s also eco-friendly, and features soft, padded shoulder strap for the ultimate comfort while you’re schlepping. Plus, you’ll find thoughtful details like a key clip and internal AirTag pocket.

Calpak’s Luka backpack

Available in multiple sizes, the Luka laptop backpack by Calpak is made for laptops that are up to 17.5 inches, and is ultra puffy for the ultimate protection. Its spacious design includes a shoe compartment, multiple front and side pockets, and adjustable shoulder straps.

Baggu’s Puffy Laptop Sleeve

It would be criminal to not include the cult-fave Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve. Besides having a no-hassle silhouette that’s perfect for protecting your computer before you slip it into your tote, suitcase, or backpack, it can fit devices up to 14 inches, is machine-washable, and comes in an array of colorful designs like this one featuring the Gudetama Lazy Egg from the Sanrio collab.

The best basic laptop shoulder bag

When it comes to affordable basics, Amazon always has a choice pick, and this laptop bag is proof. Its in-house brand Amazon Basics offers a thoughtful, durable laptop bag for under $20 that includes must-have front pocket storage and an adjustable strap. If you travel frequently and simply need an unfussy bag to take on the move, you can’t go wrong with this no-frills style.

Lululemon’s City Adventurer tote bag

If you head straight from the office to the gym and don’t want to lug around mutiple bags, a tote that can fit your laptop and your gym ‘fit is essential. Adequate space for clothes, shoes, and maybe even your portable blender is top priority. Lululemon’s sleek, unisex City Adventurer Tote is a fave of our editors for its thoughtful minimalist design—and because it can fit 27 liters worth of stuff, in addition to offering a variety of smart interior pockets and compartments.

Samsonite’s Mobile Solution Spinner Bag

Sometimes, you don’t want to lift a finger—or a backpack, or a tote. We found a game changer—a Samsonite laptop bag on wheels (better yet, for 25% off). Perfect for those with mobility issues or back and shoulder pain, this bag does the lugging for you. Just roll your bag (and thus, your laptop) to your destination on its smooth spinning wheels.

Coach’s Metropolitan Slim briefcase

Nothing says you’re a fine, young gentleperson more succinctly than carrying a dapper leather briefcase. This classic option from Coach is made of glove-tanned leather (meaning it’s soft and supple like a well-loved pair of, well, gloves); has space for a 15-inch laptop; and features exterior and internal pockets, a detachable nylon strap, and smooth fabric lining. Leather only gets better with age, just like you [wink]. And, in case you didn’t know, Coach is cool again

EBags’ Pro Slim Laptop Backpack 

With a streamlined look, this EBags backpack is padded enough to protect your precious device, with up to 17 inches of room for laptops of all sizes. It has several protective, zip-in zones for all your devices, along with additional internal and external pockets for fitting the little things like house keys, gum, and earbuds (for when you realize you’re heading to the Friday happy hour directly after work). Oh, and, forget back sweat—this backpack features vented air mesh construction for a breezy commute. 

Herschel’s Little America Laptop Backpack

Is it us, or do all men in tech love spending their free time in the mountains? We support the tech-dude-to-outdoorsy-guy pipeline, but you’ll also need something to support your precious computer for the journey from the app development meeting to the Tahoe weekend. This iconic, handsome backpack by Herschel Supply Company features a padded, fleece-lined, 15- to 16-inch laptop sleeve to keep your hardware nice and toasty in the winter months. Features also include a drawcord closure, contoured shoulder straps, and dual water bottle pockets.

Away’s F.A.R. Messenger Bag

This laptop case from viral luggage brand Away can’t get any simpler (and that’s a good thing). It’s lightweight, has a 15-inch laptop pocket, is weather- and abrasion-resistant, and still fits extra essentials such as your phone and a trusty Clif bar. Take it to work or travel with it for that long weekend visit upstate (where we all know it’s bound to snow). 

Samsonite’s Classic Leather Slim briefcase

You can’t go wrong with black leather and its minimalist, edgy energy that says “I will not put up with any bull sh*t.” This briefcase by luggage lords Samsonite is sleek, compact, fully padded, has detachable straps, can fit laptops of up to 15.6 inches in size, and is 25% off. It also has not one, but two phone pockets if you’re a Very Important Person with two smartphones (one for business and one for pleasure, naturally). 

Dagne Dover’s Kal Drawstring Tote 

Prefer a tote over a briefcase or backpack? This shoulder bag by cult-fave travel bag company Dagne Dover looks and feels like a puffer coat in tote form. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, is positively loaded with pockets, and fits laptops up to 16 inches. It also slides over a roller bag handle for easy maneuvering at the airport. Each bag is also made from 29 recycled water bottles, which is always a bonus—we like a brand that’s stylish and functional, but we love an eco-friendly brand. One of our writers swears it’s like carrying a tactical miniature sleeping bag for your stuff (and it doubles as a pillow when your flight’s delayed and you need to nap in the terminal).

Protect your tech. 


Your faithful VICE editors independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

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3adyqbNicolette AccardiGregory BabcockHP shopping-styleEvergreenTechLaptopslaptop bagsbackpackscases
<![CDATA[Why Congress's Fears of Russian Space Nukes Is Political Theatre]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/88x7pp/why-congresss-fears-of-russian-space-nukes-is-political-theatreFri, 16 Feb 2024 18:38:21 GMTCyber is a show covering a diverse range of topics. We’ve covered everything from crypto to AI to online cults. If it touches technology or online culture, we’ll talk about it. That’s how you get an episode like today’s, which is both a deep dive into professional wrestling’s latest scandal and a discussion of the latest existential threat: nuclear weapons in space.

Vice features editor Timothy Marchman can do it all. First, Marchman walks us through the newest allegations against WWE boss Vince McMahon. It’s a civil case that may have wider ramifications for how the U.S. handles non-disclosure agreements. Then we get into a bit of Congressional kayfabe: the reports that Russia wants to put nuclear weapons in space.

Co-Defendant in Vince McMahon Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Says He Was a Victim Too

NDAs Vince McMahon Signed Behind WWE's Back May Be Worthless, Say Experts

Despite Denials, WWE Management Knew Wrestler Said She Had Been Raped on Military Base

WWE Wrestler Ashley Massaro Accused Vince McMahon of Sexually Preying on Wrestlers in Previously Unreleased Statement​

Subscribe to CYBER on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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88x7ppMatthew GaultJordan PearsonTechCYBERPodcastNuclear Weapons
<![CDATA[Globetrotting Millennial Woman Pleads Guilty to Sending $7M of Drone, Missile Parts to Russia]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/v7bnk3/globetrotting-millennial-woman-pleads-guilty-to-sending-dollar7m-of-drone-missile-parts-to-russiaWed, 14 Feb 2024 18:04:43 GMT32-year-old Kristina Puzyreva’s Instagram is full of shots you’ve seen before from globetrotting millennial influencers: posing in front of hay bale, holding the hand of a man as she leads him to a majestic ruin, and doing yoga in resplendent nature. The only thing that makes it interesting is context. Puzyreva just pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme where she shipped millions of dollars worth of U.S. electronics to Russia for use in missiles and drones.

“Kristina Puzyreva and her co-defendants allegedly purchased and dispatched millions of dollars in U.S.-sourced electronics to support the Kremlin in its ongoing attacks of Ukraine. Her money laundering conspiracy was directly linked to 298 shipments of restricted technology, valued at $7 million, to the Russian battlefield,” Erin Keegan, a Special Agent in charge of the investigation, said in a Justice Department press release on Monday.

The world runs on semiconductors, and many of the world’s best are produced by American companies. Chips are vital to every country’s military and Russia has expended vast amounts of its stock in missiles, drones, and other munitions in its war in Ukraine. After Moscow escalated its war in 2022, Washington tightened sanctions against it. Despite these trade restrictions, recently manufactured U.S. semiconductors kept appearing in Russia weapons in Ukraine.

The case against Puzyreva and her associates reveals how some of the electronics made it overseas. Puzyreva and her husband, Nikolay Goltsev, lived in Montreal, Canada and did business with Salimdzhon Nasriddinov in Brooklyn. According to the DOJ, The couple would fly to NYC from Canada, buy electronics through shell companies, and then ship them to Russia. Many of the shipped parts had serial numbers, which made it easy to link the parts and shipments back to the trio.

The three co-conspirators were arrested at the end of October, 2023. According to the feds, Puzyreva and her husband made a lot of money shipping electronics to Russia. According to court documents, she complained about needing to set up 80 different accounts to hold $3 million to a co-conspirator. “Fingers hurting already from the laptop,” the husband told Puzreyva in a 2023 text.

“Lot of money?” He responded. “We will get rich.” When the feds raided Puzyreva’s New York Hotel room, they seized $20,000 in cash. 

Motherboard found Puzyreva’s Instagram account, which has a profile photo that is also found on a Facebook profile that has been tied to her by other reporters. hasn't been updated since October 21, roughly ten days before her arrest. The weeks up until the moment she got caught paint a picture of a couple living the influencer’s dream and traveling the world while raking in profits by helping Russia evade sanctions. In one set of photos, Puzyreva poses outside of a church in Bergamo, Italy. “#bergamo #italy #italy_vacations# gorgeouscountry# happybirthdaytome# selfie#,” the caption reads.

In another, she posed on the Brooklyn Bridge, her back to the camera and her arms spread wide. “#nyc #brooklynbridge #dumbobrooklyn #goingout #ilovethiscity #enjoylife#.”

In a selfie from June 22, 2022—the same day 7 Russian missiles slammed into the Ukrainian city of Mykovia—she posed and took pictures of herself at a mall. 

Puzyreva pleaded guilty but has yet to be sentenced. Her husband and Nasriddinov are still awaiting trial.

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v7bnk3Matthew GaultJordan PearsonTechInstagramwarUkrainerussia
<![CDATA[What's Wrong With This Rental Listing? The Furniture Is AI.]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xgwpmk/ai-generated-furniture-real-estate-listingsMon, 12 Feb 2024 08:45:00 GMTMichael Anthony wasn’t sure straightaway, but it was the kid’s bunk bed that gave it away. The bed’s two overlapping ladders were a design decision that no human would make, but the sort of uncanny slip that has become the hallmark of AI generated images. 

“I got an inkling as I went through the pictures, and suddenly it just didn't seem right,” the 28-year-old software engineer tells VICE. Originally, he thought the weird pictures in the Rightmove listing were just a case of an over-eager estate agent on Photoshop. But after posting some of the images on the Spotted on Rightmove subreddit, people pointed out it was more than likely AI. “To be honest, I thought it was pretty impressive,” he says. “It's come a long way in the past year really, hasn't it?” 

Michael had stumbled across a growing phenomenon: estate agents furnishing listing photos with AI. Agents are increasingly playing their own surreal version of The Sims, dressing up adverts with AI furniture to make depressing rental flats look like they’ve come out of the IKEA catalogue. 

Virtual staging, as the process of adding fake furniture to property pics is known, has been around for a while, but it was previously done using standard image editing software. With the growth of generative AI tools, agents no longer have to rely on expensive graphics people (or their own crap Photoshop skills) to furnish property adverts. 

Although no public data exists on this new phenomenon, there appears to be a growing number of adverts on property websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla using AI staging. Property industry insiders told VICE that falling costs thanks to AI are likely to lead to its use becoming more widespread. One of the UK’s biggest estate agents said it was already offering third party AI staging tools to its customers.  

A kitchen with an AI-generated child-sized hob
An AI-generated kitchen with a child-sized hob. Photo: Zoopla

Although some agents have experimented with using popular AI image generators like Dall-e and Midjourney to “fix” property pictures, the results are usually pretty bizarre, like in this example, where the AI has envisioned bookcases in every corner of the living room and put a hob at perfect height for a toddler. Companies like Virtual Staging AI, ModelProp and Gepetto, which describes itself as like “Pinterest on steroids”, are now taking this technology and tailoring it specifically to virtual furnishing. 

“Generating funny images online is cool, but what is actually a viable use case that adds value in real life?” says Michael Bonacina, CEO of Virtual Staging AI, which offers subscriptions to its image generation app from $12 (£9.50) per month to estate agents and landlords. Bonacina tells VICE that the US startup, which launched its service in March last year, now has 3,000 paid subscribers – including estate agents based in the UK – and generates half a million pictures per month. 

When you doomscroll through the uncanny valley of Rightmove rental listings, it can sometimes  be hard to work out which photos contain real furniture, perhaps distorted by an estate agent’s wide-angle lens or the result of an overzealous edit, and which are virtually staged. It is possible to spot Virtual Staging AI’s work on some UK property listings, where agents have left the company’s name in the filename of edited images (like here, here and here). 

With a closer look, it is usually possible to confirm AI interior design the same way as other forms of generative AI imagery: by looking for unrealistic textures, inconsistent angles, stray pixels or garbled text. But the tech is getting better all the time. Does Virtual Staging AI make it clear when it is being used in listings? “Usually, it's up to the agent to disclose in descriptions,” Bonacina says. “Some of them also add a watermark on the picture and quite a few of them actually upload both pictures, so [people can see] the empty and the staged room.”

But not all agents make it clear that they are using AI. While the US passed the AI Disclosure Act last year, requiring any generative AI content to carry a disclaimer, the UK has no such legislation. Despite Virtual Staging AI not applying a watermark or disclaimer by default, Bonacina says not making AI use clear could have repercussions with prospective movers. Given the housing crisis, competition for rentals is high and there have been reports of some renters taking on properties without viewing them in person. Is AI staging really helping people make an informed decision about where they want to live?

“The problem is if you only have the staged pictures, then interested renters or buyers come in with the expectation that there's gonna be furniture in there and then they are disappointed,” Bonacina says. “And so that's why agents usually make sure that people are aware of ‘hey, this is not actually what it looks like in reality right now.’”

AI-generated furniture in a flat to let from McBryer Beg
AI-generated furniture in a flat to let from McBryer Beg. Photo: via Rightmove

The other obvious issue is the potential for AI to fit out rooms with furniture that is not to scale, giving the impression that somewhere is bigger than it actually is. Omar Beg is the managing director of McBryer Beg, a chartered surveyor and letting agency in London that has been using AI to virtually furnish some of its own listings for around a year (you can see an example of their AI handiwork here). He explains that AI furnished rooms can give a less-than-accurate representation of their real life potential: “Some agents can be a little bit flexible with the truth. You know, where a bed and a chair and a wardrobe fit into a space where you couldn’t swing a cat.”

AI staging services usually generate multiple renders of how a room might be furnished, and agents are likely to choose images that make rooms look their best, even if it’s not a realistic setup for people who actually have to live there. Omar gives the example of wardrobes, which he says rarely crop up in AI, but are a staple of pretty much every bedroom in the real world. “The reason why that is done is because open spaces are more attractive. They feel more attractive, they feel more welcoming, but the reality is that's not going to be the space that you're living in.” 

Surprisingly, Bonacina of Virtual Staging AI agrees. “That is still the case sometimes,” he acknowledges. “If you take a look at older pictures, you'll see that the AI made quite a few mistakes in the past, but it's getting better every week and we are confident to make it realistic in 99.9 percent of the cases over the coming months.”

Renters union Acorn says the rise of AI use in the property industry, through virtual staging or otherwise, is a cause for concern. Beyond fake furniture, ChatGPT is increasingly being used to write property advert descriptions, algorithms are fleecing less well-off renters for expensive deposits, and a series of ongoing lawsuits in the US allege that landlords have used AI to manipulate and significantly inflate rent prices on millions of homes. 

“Ultimately, as long as decent and affordable homes are in short supply, unscrupulous landlords and letting agents are able to exploit people’s need for somewhere to call home,” said Nick Ballard, Acorn’s head organiser. “Whether that’s by encouraging renters to bid against each other over the advertised asking price, or the use of deceptive AI imagery.”

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xgwpmkHayden VernonZing Tsjengrentinghousing marketrentallandlordsAITech
<![CDATA[AI Deepfakes Are Everywhere and Congress is Completely Out of Their Depth]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ak38qk/ai-deepfakes-are-everywhere-and-congress-is-completely-out-of-their-depthFri, 09 Feb 2024 17:46:08 GMTAn AI-generated Biden called voters in New Hampshire ahead of the primary and told them to stay home. X locked down the search term “Taylor Swift” after AI-generated nudes of the pop giant flooded the platform. In the wake of both scandals, Congress has struggled with how to fight back against the flood of fake bullshit. Keeping the world from drowning in fakes affects all of us, but some of the cures sound worse than the sickness.

This week on Cyber, Motherboard Senior Editor Janus Rose and Fight for the Future’s Lia Holland come on to talk about the limits of legislation around AI-generated scams and abuse.

Stories discussed in this episode.

Congress Is Trying to Stop AI Nudes and Deepfake Scams Because Celebrities Are Mad

Taylor Swift Is Living Every Woman’s AI Porn Nightmare

‘Palworld’ Is Tearing the Internet Apart

An AI-Generated Content Empire Is Spreading Fake Celebrity Images on Google

Cyber Live is coming to YouTube. Subscribe here to be notified.

Subscribe to CYBER on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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ak38qkMatthew GaultJanus RoseTechCYBERAIbiden
<![CDATA[The Best Deals This Week, From Boy Smells Candles to Calpak Luggage]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/4a38pg/best-deals-this-week-feb-08-2024Thu, 08 Feb 2024 23:20:07 GMTIn case you’re new here, Thursday is our dedicated day for scouring the best deals and hot bargains this week across the cyberspace landscape. This week, Saucony is making your next race easier with a sale on kicks that will give you a speed boost, Fun Factory wants us to all have mind-blowing orgasms this Valentine’s Day with its sex toys deals, and Calpak wants to be your travel companion with discounts on its cult-fave luggage. Plus, you can pretend your shoebox-sized apartment is an open, verdant field with a half-off Kush candle from Boy Smells. We’re already high (off of sage and eucalyptus).

Our editors’ picks for the best sales this week

  • Bodega is still in the midst of its massive semi-annual sale, with tons of streetwear brands and accessories (including G-Shock, Suicoke, and ERL) for up to 70% off.
  • Boy Smells, one of our favorite candle brands, has several of its woody and botanical candles for 50% off, including its viral Kush candle.
  • Breville is offering the editor-fave Pizzaiolo pizza oven for $200 off, which means it’s time to set up your very own at-home pizzeria.  
  • Burrow is celebrating Presidents’ Day with up to 75% off its modern-style sofas, accent chairs, and other furniture. 
  • Cozy Earth is having a Valentine’s Day sale with up to 25% off its luxurious bedding, towels, and pajamas. Make sure to use our exclusive discount code (it’s VICE), and you’ll save a whopping 35%.
  • Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 3, one of its most popular running shoes, is now 20% off, so you can gear up for your next 5K.

More great sales this week

The best deals on Amazon this week

You don’t have to wait for grilling season to enjoy a perfectly charred-but-juicy burger when Ninja’s Foodi Smart XL can bring the barbecue indoors. Oh, and it also can air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. Quite a bargain if you ask us, especially for 39% off.

Never lose your AirPods while running again with these Shokz OpenRun headphones, which stay in place by virtue of their wrap-around design. They’re an editor-fave, and they’re 22% off.

You can’t look your best with wrinkly clothes, king. Cop a Hilife handheld steamer for 40% off.

Catch ya next week.


The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

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<![CDATA[An Army Officer Faced Jail Time for Spying on Girls. Then the Pentagon Stepped In.]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3m588/an-army-officer-faced-jail-time-for-spying-on-girls-then-the-pentagon-stepped-inThu, 08 Feb 2024 15:13:39 GMTA special court martial handed down a reprimand to an Army lieutenant colonel who was caught putting cameras in the dressing room of a clothing store by a 16-year-old girl. The Lt. Col., who fled from police when caught, pleaded guilty but will serve no jail time.

The slap on the wrist comes after civilian prosecutors initially attempted to pursue a criminal conviction. The Army convinced the court to let it handle the matter internally, however, and the officer was instead prosecuted through the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (UCMJ). Further, Motherboard found while seeking records related to the case that the court documents have since been sealed. 

The case illustrates a disturbing trend where the Pentagon swoops in to protect its soldiers when they commit a crime. If convicted in a civilian court, Sweatland could have served up to a year in jail. Instead, a military judge issued a reprimand, an official black mark on Swetland’s military record. 

When asked if Sweatland would have to register as a sex offer, a representative for the U.S. Army Cadet Command told Motherboard it would comply with state law. “A court-martial convicted Lt. Col. Sweatland of a qualifying sex-related offense. The Army is complying with all sex-related offense processing requirements,” Maj. Dan Lessard, spokesman for U.S. Army Cadet Command, told Motherboard.

At the time of his arrest, Lt. Col. Jacob Sweatland was the head of the Army’s Reserve Offcier’s Training Corps program at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He was responsible for shaping a new generation of U.S. military officers. In September 2022, Sweatland left a key fob with a hidden camera in it at a PacSun in San Luis Obispo. A 16-year-old girl found the camera and turned it in, and the store called the cops.

The cops took a look at the camera and found it still contained images and video from other dressing rooms in the area. Sweatland later called the store asking if anyone had found his key fob. The clerk, who was working with police, told Sweatland that someone had found it and he could come and retrieve it. The cops were waiting at the scene.

The details of the case from San Luis Obispo court records which were publicly available at the time of Sweatland’s arrest but are now sealed as part of his plea deal. Pieces of the records still exist from local reporting over the past few years. According to the now-sealed court records, which said that Sweatland faced charges of resisting arrest and obstructing justice in addition to invasion of privacy, the Lt. Col. fled when he got to the store and saw the cops. The police eventually tracked Sweatland down and arrested him. 

Mustang News, reporting based on court records that were available in 2023, said that Sweatland’s fob contained images from several locations including other retail establishments and the gym at the Cal Poly Rec center. The video was shot “from covert angles” and showed “women’s backsides as they [preformed] various exercises wearing shorts and tight fitting athletic wear.” At the time of his arrest, Sweatland was removed from his position at the University but wasn’t charged for the recordings because they were taken in a public area.

As the case against Sweatland moved forward last year, he and his lawyers did what they could to avoid civilian justice. Before the case was handed over to military prosecutors, Sweatland attempted to get it dismissed as a “Military Diversion.” In California, veterans and servicemembers can ask for courts to dismiss charges if the defendant is “suffering from sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or mental health problems as a result of his or her military service.”

According to court records, Sweatland’s defense team claimed that he’d undergone intensive therapy since his arrest. Sweatland’s service was no joke, he deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Colombia and earned a Bronze Star and a Ranger Tab. He saw combat and it’s possible he’s suffering from service related PTSD. But the court of SLO wasn’t buying it.

“The calculated and covert method in which Defendant repeatedly targeted vulnerable young women demonstrates little potential for rehabilitation in the Military Diversion Program,” court records filed by the prosecutors said.

After his attempt at using the Military Diversion Program was thwarted, the Army stepped in. 

“When disposing of allegations of misconduct, the Army regularly coordinates with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution authorities. In July 2023, the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office initiated contact with the Army and requested the Army prosecute this case,” Lessard said. “After careful consideration of the evidence and in consultation with the victim, the Army preferred court-martial charges against Lt. Col. Sweatland on July 13, 2023.”

The military conducted an investigation of its own and handed down the reprimand during a special court martial. “On Jan. 22, 2024, at a special court-martial convened at Fort Knox, Ky., Lt. Col. Jacob J. Sweatland was convicted by a military judge, pursuant to his pleas, of one specification of indecent visual recording and one specification of conduct unbecoming an officer in violation of Articles 120c and 133, UCMJ. The military judge sentenced the accused to be reprimanded. The sentence was consistent with the terms of a plea agreement,” Lessard told Motherboard.

He explained that a reprimand is a punitive public censure. “A reprimand reflects negatively on a soldier’s military record and negatively affects a soldier’s career,” Lessard said. Despite the black mark, Sweatland does still have a career. He is currently assigned to the 8th Brigade of U.S. Army Cadet Command and is serving in an administrative role away from cadets.”

The Sweatland case highlights a problem with civilian-military relations and the Pentagon writ large. This is a persistent problem in the Army. In 2017, a soldier at Fort Hood allegedly assaulted his wife and fired a gun as she fled their home. The Army kicked him out of the service but did not pursue a case against him. The same thing happened the same year in Alaska after a soldier was accused of sexually assaulting a fellow soldier.

In both cases, there was physical evidence of the crime and no prosecution. The soldiers were simply allowed to return to civilian life. The Pentagon often runs cover for its soldiers, which creates a separate system of justice for those who serve.

Motherboard asked Cadet Command to respond to concerns that the Army’s handling of Sweatland would be viewed as a slap on the wrist. “A court-martial convicted and punished Lt. Col. Sweatland under adherence to the rules and procedures prescribed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. We have no further comment on this matter while it is subject to appellate review,” Lessard said.

Update 2/9: This article was updated with more information from U.S. Army Cadet Command spokesperson Maj. Dan Lessard and the subhed has been changed to reflect this information.

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z3m588Matthew GaultJordan PearsonTecharmyJUSTICEsex offender
<![CDATA[These Touchscreen Gloves Make Texting In Cold Weather Easy]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3ake4v/north-face-etip-gloves-reviewWed, 07 Feb 2024 23:29:45 GMTI used to think gloves were the most inconvenient winter accessory, but because of the most first-world problem ever—the inability to text. One of my friends used to always get on my case about not giving real-time updates as to when I’d be arriving at a destination. Sorry, girl, but not getting frostbite is more important than texting every five minutes.

There eventually came a day when I just couldn’t stand removing my gloves to use my smartphone anymore, and I knew that I needed to invest in a solution. I always knew about touchscreen gloves—in the sort-of abstract way that I technically know the Large Hadron Collider exists—but had never owned a pair, and wouldn’t have been able to explain how they actually worked. But I did a deep dive on the best options out there when it comes to gloves that are compatible with touchscreen use, and now I’m someone who can say they’ve done the extensive research to find what she wants. The winner? The North Face’s Etip Recycled Gloves.

How exactly do “Etip” gloves work?

Touchscreen gloves use conductive material to transfer energy from your fingers to the screen. That means no more taking off your gloves in below-freezing temperatures to shoot a text or scroll through your TikTok feed. Etip™ is The North Face’s more elevated way of saying touchscreen gloves. Traditional leather or synthetic gloves do not work with touchscreens, but each fingertip of these gloves is compatible with any touchscreen device, from your beloved iPhone to your Samsung tablet.

First impressions

If I’m being completely transparent, I’d already had a bad experience with a different set of Etip gloves. I found my first pair, the Denali Etip Kids’ Gloves (I have small hands!), did not work at all. It could be due to the super-thick material or some other defect specific to the pair I owned, but either way, I couldn’t text while using them. But this was around five years ago—I figured it was also possible that technology had improved. I love The North Face so much that I wanted to give the brand a chance to prove me wrong. It didn’t hurt that the brand had a great selection of fleece gloves, which was exactly what I was in the market for.

For starters, the Etip Recycled Gloves are a top-seller with a very impressive rating compared to the Denali Etip Kid’s Gloves. They have a near-perfect five-star rating from more than 1,200 reviews on The North Face’s website. The Denali kids’ model? Just over three stars, which I clearly didn’t pay much attention to the first time around. (It’s important to note that doesn’t mean the adult Denali gloves are also bad; those have a nearly five-star rating.)

The North Face also describes the Etip Recycled Gloves as a “runner’s favorite,” so I didn't need much additional convincing given running is my entire personality.

Why I love these gloves

At first, they looked concerningly thin when I finally got my mitts on them, but I’ve learned to not judge a book by its cover. I have fantastic news: These gloves didn’t disappoint me when trying to urgently change Bee Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive” on my mobile Spotify account when it was playing on a loop. Tapping, swiping, texting—it all happened effortlessly. The only hiccup came when I spilled hot chocolate on my poor gloves. The crusty cocoa blocked the conductive material from working, but the issue was fixed once I cleaned them up.

I’ve been wearing these on every single one of my winter runs in addition to everyday casual strolls. The North Face only ranks these as one out of three on its warmth scale, but I find these gloves to be incredibly insulating. Trust me, this is coming from someone whose hands burn and lock up when it’s too damn cold.

Based on reviews, they’re true to size, and I agree. They have a snug fit for maintaining the ideal warmth while keeping out moisture, and come in five different sizes for women and six for men to ensure a proper fit. The stretchy double-knit fleece is what makes these so warm and toasty. Other key features? Recycled polyester construction, silicone grips at the palm, and signature Radiametric Articulation to help your hands maintain a relaxed position (and a full range of motion).

TL;DR: The North Face’s Etip Recycled Gloves have everything I want in a pair of gloves—namely, touchscreen compatibility and cozy warmth. Plus, my friend finally got off my back about being a bad texter. Just make sure to keep them clean so the conductive material works. That means I need to stop ordering hot chocolate [sigh].

Purchase the Etip Recycled Gloves at The North Face’s website and Amazon.


The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

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3ake4vNicolette AccardiHP shopping-styleThe North Faceglovescold weather gearTechtouchscreenwinter
<![CDATA[The Best Handheld Game Consoles (for Travel, Escapism, and Playing in Bed)]]>https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/qjvaxp/best-handheld-game-consolesTue, 06 Feb 2024 19:21:01 GMTIt feels like it was just yesterday that I played my first-ever game of Pokémon; the satisfaction of finally catching the legendary dog Entei by roaming the grass on Route 36 still makes me feel high. But it’s 2024, and long gone are the days of Game Boy Colors and PlayStation Portables. Whether you’re a big traveler who prefers gaming to watching Anyone But You on the head-rest screen or are part of a friend crew that lives for multiplayer entertainment, handheld gaming consoles remain a popular way to pass the time on the move (or in bed), but they’ve gotten way more high-tech than the ones you remember from childhood (some can even be connected to the TV). Plus, these pocket-sized versions of traditional gaming consoles will save your partner from having to complain about the Halo theme song blasting from the TV every night.

Thankfully, even though I can no longer walk into GameStop and ask for a used version of Pokémon Ruby to catch a Groudon (wow, I sound like a massive dweeb), there are newer handheld gaming devices way more elevated than the dusty old Nintendo DS you’ve saved to your watchlist on eBay. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you love escaping reality with a good gaming session. We won’t keep you from the goods any longer, then. Here are the best gaming consoles for getting your gaming fix wherever you are:

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is the preeminent handheld gaming console these days, and is home to some of the most iconic game franchises in pop culture history. Metroid Dread, Super Mario Galaxy, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening—those are merely a few of its must-play titles. Although it’s been available since March 2017, the gaming console soared in popularity during the pandemic when people were desperate to stay busy running fake errands in the latest iteration of Animal Crossing (myself included). Now, nearly seven years later, it’s still one of the best handheld gaming consoles on the market. It’s extremely portable for airplane travel, transporting to friend’s houses, and easily slipping into a backpack. Need gameplay on the big screen? Plug it into a TV using the included charging dock. Some other key features include removable Joy-Con controllers that allow for two people to play at a time, a touchscreen, and up to nine hours of gameplay on a single battery charge. For a more immersive gaming experience, the most recent model, the Nintendo Switch OLED, has a brighter 7” OLED screen compared to the OG 6.2” LCD screen, and magnified audio.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a more stripped-down version of the regular model strictly for handheld gaming. It has a 5.5” LCD touchscreen, smaller dimensions, a lighter body,  compatibility with all Nintendo Switch games, and up to seven hours of battery life. The best part? There’s about a $100 price difference compared to the OG edition.

Logitech G Cloud Handheld

Logitech is synonymous with high-quality computer accessories. Now, a rechargeable gaming console called the G Cloud Gaming Handheld is part of the 42-year-old Swiss company’s product lineup. This console uses a cloud subscription service—either NVIDIA, Xbox Game Pass, or Steam Link (all require a subscription)—to offer a massive array of games. Tech specs worth highlighting include its 64-gigabyte memory, a 7” LCD touchscreen, stereo speakers with echo cancelation, a headphone jack, and up to 12 hours of battery life with a single charge. It has a 4.3-star average ratingon Logitech’s website, with one reviewer comparing it to a portable Xbox. “I’m a flight attendant, so I travel everywhere all the time,” they wrote.“The G Cloud is a new permanent travel buddy for me. I’ve tried it with all sorts of Wi-Fi speeds and countries and it always seems to work, so I’m very happy with my purchase.”

RG35XX Handheld Game Console

If you long for the nostalgia of a Game Boy Color, this editor-fave pocket-sized emulator is fully stocked with over 5,000 retro games and looks like the real deal. Titles such as Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Zelda, and Sonic The Hedgehog are part of the gaming library and provide an entertaining blast from the past for those who prefer nostalgic video games. It doesn’t even require WiFi, so it’s truly the most portable option possible. The battery life is only up to four hours per charge, but the onslaught of precious memories will give you an energy boost, at last.

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go has a high-end price point, but for good reason. It acts as a portable Windows 11 PC that can stream music and videos in addition to games from Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox Games Pass. Plus, if the battery runs low on the go, it can be recharged to about 70 percent within 30 minutes using a USB-C cable. The immersive 8.8” touchscreen is the biggest handheld console screen I’ve seen, and it can be made even bigger by hooking it up to a gaming monitor or TV. The detachable controllers and spacious gaming library called Legion Hub are great features, but the most interesting is its FPS mode, which turns one controller into a gliding mouse for first-person shooter games. Any religious Call of Duty player would benefit from this purchase. Just look at this guy having the time of his life on TikTok using FPS mode:

Pass the Mountain Dew (the unofficial drink of gamers).


The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

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qjvaxpNicolette AccardiHP shopping-travelTechGamingVideo Gamesportable gamingNintendo SwitchTravel