In this video from the PBS science series BrainCraft, creator and host Vanessa Hill explains that our phones—specifically, the apps and the algorithms that guide how we interact with them—tinker with the habit-forming parts of our brain so that we’re triggered to keep coming back to them, and to linger long after a notification has been answered or an interaction has taken place. Everything from the hypnotic buzzing alerts to the brightly colored notifications are tailored to ensure that we’ll come back to an app or website, again and again, in order to receive a “mental reward....

Both deals are set to go live as of 12:00 PM PT for Walmart+ members. While non-members will need to wait until 4 PM PT today to get in on the deal. Regardless, shipping here will be free. Both of the deals in question here are on Smart TVs too. So neither television is necessarily a bad deal. At $128, the onn. 40″ Class FHD (1080P) LED Roku Smart TV HDR says it all in the name....

It’s also enhancing the Xbox App on Windows to allow for streaming games through the cloud. Officially, this is a feature that Xbox Insiders have already been working with. Since it’s part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate package, you also need to be subscribed to use it. Both new features of the Windows Xbox app push Microsoft even further into its new reality. Serving up games to just about anyone, just about anywhere, on just about anything....

Skype is getting redesigned, and is also getting some new features Skype is getting redesigned, and is also getting some new features This is not only a visual overhaul, though, as some new features are included too. This is quite a considerable visual overhaul, by the way, as the app does look different now. It’s a change for the better, though, for the most part. There are quite a few themes you’ll be able to choose from There are quite a few themes you’ll be able to choose from...

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is now available to purchase globally The ZTE Axon 40 Pro is now available to purchase globally The device follows the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, the company’s flagship, which was made available a couple of weeks back. The device starts at $499/€499/£439, depending on in which region you buy it, of course. Having said that, the Axon 40 Pro is available in quite a few markets as we speak....