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Twitter deletes (then restores) verified checkmarks

An odd series of events

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Every month brings a new chapter in the ongoing Twitter saga with Elon Musk. Throughout the latter half of last week and the weekend, the latest chapter brought out the never-ending controversy surrounding the once-coveted blue checkmark. If you missed all the hullaballoo, here’s your chance to catch up.

Since acquiring the platform, Musk promised the transformation of the blue checkmark into a monetized badge for subscribers. Instead of awarding the badge to popular personalities active on the platform, Twitter wanted to give the marker out only to those who paid the monthly US$ 8 for Twitter Blue. Naturally, those who already have legacy badges rallied against the change, resulting in endless delays.

Twitter blazed it

Finally, Twitter had enough and called for a change on one of the most meme-worthy dates in internet culture, 4/20. Since that date, a lot of legacy badge holders lost their verified checkmarks for good. Because of the universally panned change, those who lost their badges already vowed to not pay for a new one through Twitter Blue.

It’s not a smooth change, though. Soon after the apocalypse, some users discovered that their badges survived. Despite finally getting rid of the old ways, Twitter has apparently figured out a way for high-profile users to keep their verified checkmarks after all.

So much for sweet goodbyes

Currently, Twitter has not confirmed why these users retained their checkmarks. However, Musk has personally commented on some profiles, saying that he’ll personally pay for their badges going forward. Some have also speculated that users over a certain threshold of followers will keep their badges; however, it’s unclear what that threshold is.

Those who refused to pay for Blue are now quailing at the retention of their blue checkmarks. The platform is not differentiating between users who paid for Blue and those who retained their old badges. It’s causing some confusion since they don’t want to be perceived as someone who paid for a free social media platform.

Since the acquisition, Twitter Blue has lost its already fragile veneer of exclusivity. Instead of turning the subscription service into a tempting package for users, Musk has inadvertently created a narrative wherein it is now a cause for ridicule.

It’s unlikely that the saga ends here. The finish to this weekend’s controversy is hardly a smooth one for the platform.

SEE ALSO: Twitter ‘no longer exists’

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vivo X300 Ultra goes global with ZEISS Master Lenses

Pro imaging flagship debuts globally

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April 16, 2026

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vivo has officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first international debut of its top-tier imaging flagship.

The device introduces the ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring triple prime focal lengths at 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It supports up to 200MP output across key focal lengths and can extend reach to 200mm and 400mm using optional telephoto extenders.

A 200MP 85mm telephoto camera with gimbal-level stabilization and 60fps AF tracking enables detailed long-range shots. Meanwhile, the 35mm camera uses a large Sony LYTIA sensor for natural perspective and improved low-light performance.

vivo X300 Ultra

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For video, the X300 Ultra supports multi-focal 4K 120fps recording in both 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats. It also introduces Pro Video mode with LUT support and compatibility with ACES workflows for advanced color grading.

The phone runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a dedicated imaging chip. It packs a 6600mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.

Other features include a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, quad-mic audio recording system, IP68/IP69 durability, and up to five years of OS updates.

Pricing and availability will depend on the region.

Read more: vivo X300 Ultra wants to beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max in pro video
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Enterprise

Allbirds suddenly turns into an AI company

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April 16, 2026

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Allbirds is an odd shoe company. Though it already enjoyed a cult following in some circles around the world, the brand suddenly expanded its reach everywhere, offering a lighter and more environment-friendly alternative to the usual suspects of the shoe world. Now, getting even odder, Allbirds is ditching the shoes and going barefoot into the world of AI.

It’s one of the oddest transitions in the corporate world. In an official statement, Allbirds has confirmed that it will pivot fully into a “fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service and AI-native cloud solutions provider.” From Allbirds, it will be known as NewBird AI.

It’s not an incredibly abrupt change, though. The shoe brand and its stores won’t disappear overnight. The company will still hold a shareholder vote on May 18. If approved, they will transition into the new brand gradually.

The transition to AI, itself a gremlin of a keyword in today’s financial world, has resulted in the company’s stock value rising up. However, its long-term viability is in question, especially for a company with no experience in a world already drowning in AI.

From last year to today, AI has been the darling child of investors and a plague to consumers. While the former salivates over the short-term gain of AI adoption, the latter ruminates on the technology’s projected effects on the world.

SEE ALSO: Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA

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vivo X300 FE launches with ZEISS telephoto system

Compact phone with pro zoom

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April 16, 2026

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vivo X300 FE
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

vivo has announced the vivo X300 FE, a compact flagship built around pro-grade imaging, long battery life, and extended software support.

The device features a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, led by a 50MP Super Telephoto camera with up to 200mm equivalent focal length via the all-new Telephoto Extender Gen 2. It also includes a 50MP main camera alongside a 110° ultra-wide lens.

This camera system is designed for flexible shooting across travel, concerts, and street photography.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

AI imaging powers much of the experience, with features like AI True Clarity Engine, Stage Mode for low-light concerts, and AI editing tools such as AI Erase and AI Image Expander. Video capabilities go up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.

The X300 FE adopts a compact flat design with a 6.31-inch display, weighing 191g and measuring 7.99mm thin. It comes in Mist Purple, Glow White, Luxe Black, and Urban Olive colorways.

vivo X300 FE

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. You should not confuse it though with the more superior Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

Moreover, it has a 6500mAh battery paired with 90W wired charging plus 40W wireless charging that the newer V70 series lacks.. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.

vivo X300 FE

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The phone runs OriginOS 6 with cross-device features and promises five years of OS updates, seven years of security patches, and long-term smooth performance.

The vivo X300 FE also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Pricing and availability will depend on the region.

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