Friday/Vendredi April/Avril 17, 2026
TGIF: Gaming, Geopolitics,
& Good Vibes
It's Friday — vendredi — and that means one thing: it's time to play some games, pour a coffee, and check in with the world. This week's dispatch covers what's moving in tech, gaming, and culture, alongside some personal notes and the links you need to stay connected to everything Zack Technology LLC has on the horizon.
What's Moving in the Feed
A big week across the board. Pragmata has officially launched — the Capcom sci-fi title is here, with Xbox Wire dropping starter tips and Tom's Hardware putting 18 GPUs through their paces on PC. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is back on PlayStation Plus after a two-year absence. The Crew Motorfest, Football Manager 26, and Warriors: Abyss also join the April PS Plus catalog. And for the horror fans: Alan Wake is crossing over into Phasmophobia next month.
On the tech front: Finnish quantum computing company IQM is pushing toward what they describe as an "impossible" engineering breakthrough. Apple announced record-high use of recycled materials across its product line. And Microsoft is dangling a million dollars and a Mercedes to lure users to Edge — make of that what you will.
The free Steam sci-fi hit sitting at 96% positive reviews is worth your time. REPLACED, the retro-futurist cyberpunk pixel art RPG, also remains one to watch. Best Buy's Ultimate Upgrade Event has deals on games, tech, trading cards, and more this week.
Tune In This Weekend
If the jaw cooperates, there will be PS5 livestreams this weekend. In the meantime, the vlogs are up and ready — two languages, one conversation about tech, culture, and the world.
Coffee with Zack
Weekly tech, world affairs & culture — in English. Pull up a chair.
Coffee with Zaki
La version française — technologie, politique mondiale, et musique électronique.
Taking It Easy This Weekend
If you've been watching the streams, you may notice I'm going low-key this weekend. I hurt my jaw chewing on a walnut — yes, a walnut — and the recovery process means it's soup, apple sauce, and smoothies for the foreseeable future. Chipotle burritos are on hold until after the FIFA World Cup. It hurts that bad. Gift cards are still very much appreciated.
Source: Gemini AI by Google
To everyone heading to Coachella Weekend 2 — have fun, be safe, use protection. And to any teenagers watching the YouTube livestreams at a party: please be smart. Don't smoke weed, don't do drugs if you're underage. Listen to your parents. Cigarettes and vaping are bad for your health at any age. Visit the ORANGE organization link on my website for more.
Also almost done with Wu-Tang: An American Saga Season 3 on Hulu — and it is awesome. Black TV deserves its commercials, its prime slots, and its audience. #BLM