We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If youre tired of websites bombarding you with intrusive banners, pop-ups, trackers, and ads, this AdGuard family plan is worth a look: It's a lifetime subscription that is currently $39.99 on StackSocial (down from $169.99), but it gets even betterapplying the coupon FAMPLAN drops the price further to $15.97. Thats a lifetime of ad-blocking for less than what some services charge per month. That said, this plan is only for new users, and youll need to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase.You can access and utilize this plan across nine devices, making it a solid pick for families or anyone juggling multiple gadgets. It works on Windows (7 and newer), macOS (10.15 and newer), iOS (12 and newer), and Android (7 and newer), covering most modern setups. AdGuard goes beyond standard ad-blocking by filtering out annoying pop-ups, stopping autoplay videos, and blocking phishing attempts. It also cuts down on trackers that follow you around the internet, which means less targeted advertising and a little more privacy. Unlike browser-based ad blockers, AdGuard works at the network level, meaning it can block ads in apps and games, too. Setup is straightforwardyoull get your redemption code via email immediately after buying, so you can start using it right away.If youre already an AdGuard user, this deal wont apply to you, but for new users looking for a one-time payment solution to dodge ads and boost privacy across multiple devices, this might be one of the best deals out there right now.

The government recently shut down the program that would mail four free COVID tests to anyone who requested them, but a lesser-known program for community groups is still running. If you have a plan to distribute tests for free, you can request them by the hundreds.Individual COVID tests are no longer available by mail for freeJust to bring everyone up to speed: The government program that sent free COVID tests through covidtests.gov is not currently taking orders. A message on that page states that Tests ordered before 8:00 PM EDT, Sunday, March 9, 2025, will be shipped. This is the program that would send a package of four tests, per household, per round of the program. There were several rounds, the last one beginning in September 2024.Theres no indication of whether the program may resume at some later date. Some news articles had stated or speculated that the governments stockpile of COVID tests was going to be destroyed, but so far there has been no confirmation that any usable tests are being destroyed.If you, personally, need a free test, you can try these locators to find places that provide government-funded COVID tests:HRSA health center locatorTest-to-treat locationsICATT testing locations (free if you are uninsured and have been exposed to COVID)Community groups can request bulk orders of COVID tests for freeWhile the program for individuals has shut down, a lesser-known one for community groups is still going strong. There isnt an official government website that explains the program or provides an order form, but mutual aid groups have been passing around a spreadsheet and instructions for requesting tests from a government email address.For example, this Instagram post from Clean Air KC includes several comments from groups who placed successful orders and are sharing information about the brands, expiration dates, and even the size of the boxes they come in. Reportedly, the minimum order is 300 tests. Clean Air KC has successfully placed orders of 3,000 tests, and a person from that group also showed me a thank-you note from someone who used their information about the program to place an order of, and receive, 360 tests.How to request free COVID tests in bulkOfficially, the way to get information about this program is by emailing tdx@hhs.gov. I didnt get a response when I reached out to that address, but I did hear back from the media contact for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, which maintains COVID test stockpiles. They confirmed today (March 14, 2025) that the program is still running, and that any community group with a plan to distribute the tests for free can request a one-time or recurring shipment of 400 over-the-counter tests for free distribution.It's unclear if 400 is a new minimum, or just a recommended amount. My contact at Clean Air KC said that they placed an order for 3,000 this week, after the USPS individual test program shut down, and received confirmation that the requested tests are on the way.To order tests, send an email to tdx@hhs.gov with the following information:The number of tests youre requestingThe address to send them toContact information for the person receiving the testsThe name or purpose of your groupFood banks, libraries, faith based organizations and others can request tests, but so can informal groups so long as they intend to distribute the tests for free. You cannot resell tests received through this program.Groups have been using this spreadsheet as an order form, although its not clear if the spreadsheet is strictly necessary. Older web pages from nursing home organizations (like this one) describe a similar program that required requesters to be long term care facilities with CLIA certification or a CLIA waiver, but this appears to be no longer necessary. ASPR confirmed to me that any organization that agrees to distribute the tests for free can order them.

Google Assistant's days are numbered. Google announced Friday that all Android devices are switching to Gemini as their default assistant and "the classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices."The company says it's working to convert more mobile devices from Google Assistant to Gemini in 2025, and plans on "upgrading tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches" to the new AI assistant. That presumably includes other platforms like iOS, as well. While smart home devices don't seem to be a focus at Google as of late, the company also reaffirmed plans to use Gemini to power a new experience on speakers, displays, and streaming boxes.The only way to really avoid Google Assistant's retirement is to have a device that doesn't meet Gemini's minimum system requirements: Running at least Android 10 and having at least 2GB of RAM. If you've got both, say goodbye to your old assistant.For those willing to look, the writing has been on the wall for Google Assistant for a while now. Google launched its Pixel 9 line with Gemini as the default instead of Google Assistant, a pretty bad sign considering Pixels function as one big Google lifestyle ad. The company has also deliberately tried to give Gemini basic capabilities of Assistant over time, presumably to make this transition possible.It's not clear when the switch will happen, but it would make sense for any Android 16 device to use Gemini rather than last years model.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-removing-assistant-from-most-phones-this-year-182700104.html?src=rss

Fireflys Blue Ghost lunar lander has snapped a gorgeous photo of a solar eclipse from the Moon in which Earth covers up most of the Sun, leaving only the so-called diamond ring effect. It also looks nearly identical to the logo of the early 2000s genre show Heroes.The lander snapped the photo at around 1:30AM ET on Friday morning, as the Earth slowly blocked a view of the Sun. The solar eclipse on the Moon occurred at the same time as a total lunar eclipse here on Earth. Terrestrial viewers saw the lunar surface turn a red hue.guys the moon is red go outside pic.twitter.com/b7SftQh1Oy Kevin (@K3V1N) March 14, 2025 The eclipse lasted for around five hours at the lunar landing site in Mare Crisium. Firefly released another image from the earlier part of the eclipse that shows the landers solar panel as the Sun starts to hide behind Earths shadow. Cool stuff, right?Firefly Aerospace Fireflys Blue Ghost lander successfully touched down on the Moon on Sunday, March 2 at around 3:30AM ET. It landed upright, with no issues. This is something that cannot be said about rival company Intuitive Machines landers.This is Fireflys first mission to the Moon, so Blue Ghost is packed with ten NASA instruments designed to probe the lunar surface and gather data to (hopefully) support upcoming human missions to the natural satellite. This is all part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The lander is set to operate on the lunar surface until March 16.Firefly says it will try to downlink more images from the eclipse once Blue Ghosts X-band antenna has warmed up after being stuck in the cold throughout the event. The company has already shown off some nifty POV footage of the landing.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/fireflys-blue-ghost-lander-snapped-an-incredible-pic-of-a-solar-eclipse-from-the-moon-180231560.html?src=rss

The first .com domain was registered in 1985 - and it's still going strong.

How ChatGPT can improve the video game experience.

Lip-Bu Tan, who was named CEO of Intel this week, will receive $1 million in salary and about $66 million in stocks and grants vesting over the coming years.

With genetically modified organisms (GMOs), theres no putting the genie back in the bottle. Since their commercial introduction in 1996, bioengineered crops have become a commercial juggernaut, utterly dominating the marketplace in the U.S. and around the world. Even the European Unionlong a hotbed of anti-GMO sentiment and regulatory activityis warming to biotech, and significantly expanding the number of GMO crops accepted for import.Now, as the technology is maturing and costs have decreased significantly, a new wave of biotech innovationcall it GMO 2.0is in the offing. Emerging startups and established companies alike are using breakthrough technologies to drive GMOs in exciting new directions. A diverse range of new technologies promise to make agriculture more efficient and sustainable, and our food tastier and more nutritious. It also promises to help address the pressing but unanswered question of how to produce the 56% additional calories needed to feed the 10 billion people expected to populate the world in 2050, with little land left to expand cultivation and a changing climate making agriculture more challenging.Not everyone is thrilled about the new wave of bioengineered crops. Like it or not, though, GMO 2.0 is going to see an adoption curve that will rival that of first-gen biotech seeds. The potential benefitsnutritional, environmental, and above all, agronomicalwill simply be too great to ignore.Avoid misstepsBefore we get to that point, however, we have a window of opportunity to shape the course of GMO 2.0and avoid some of the missteps that marked the rollout of first-gen biotech crops. The core technologies behind GMO 1.0 were safe, effective, and heavily regulatedbut too many breakthrough products were controlled by a few large corporations that were eager to muscle rivals aside, shout down skeptics, and amass huge profits while ignoring any potential harm caused by their products.The rise of GMO 2.0 offers us a chance to hit the reset button and ensure that the next wave of biotechnologies is developed and commercialized more transparently, more responsibly, and more equitably. If we get this right, we can make a powerful positive case for the biotech revolutionreducing the potential for a backlash, and ensuring that consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders around the world benefit from the enormous potential of GMO 2.0 crops.The 5 principles of GMO 2.0To achieve that goal, we need to start by recognizing that GMO 2.0 isnt fundamentally a technological breakthrough. Yes, new technologiesand the maturation of existing technologiesare making bioengineering far more accessible, and dramatically expanding and accelerating our ability to innovate. But GMO 2.0 is defined, at its core, by a shift in the values and priorities that guide us as we bring bioengineered products to market.That breaks down to five key principles:Safety: I dont want to overstate this. The reality, after all, is that the science around whether GMOs are safe for humans is conclusively settled with broad scientific consensus. Still, next-gen innovators need to do a much better job of communicating around biotech safety, forthrightly engaging with consumers and regulators, and finding ways to win over skeptics instead of ignoring or silencing them. That means making a positive case for our technologies, frankly acknowledging any shortcomings, and clearly explaining how well mitigate or manage potential risks.Transparency: GMO 2.0 advocates must seek transparency in three key areas. First, we need to explain our technology and make sure everyone understands what were doing and how it works. Second, we need to explain our purpose and show how bioengineering can unlock desirable traits that deliver results across the value chain. And third, we need to explain our potential impact and show how GMO 2.0 will drive resilience, growth, and improve food quality for everyone.Efficiency: To ensure that GMO 2.0 technologies meet the actual needs and wants of customers, we need efficient markets. In agriculture, that means empowering farmers and consumers to choose the traits they want in their crops and their food. First-gen biotech was largely a top-down process dictated by Big Ag, but GMO 2.0 will be powered by end users, with a host of startups, academics, and innovators using agile technologies to respond to changing demand and rapidly bring new crops and new traits to market.Deconsolidation/choice: Most GMO 1.0 products offered one-size-fits-all solutions, consolidating multiple traits into a single seed. In the GMO 2.0 era, farmers will be able to pick and choose from many different seeds, each with different traits and capabilitiesor opt-out altogetherto optimize for their own unique needs. This matters at the ecosystem level all the way to the consumer. Instead of trying to dominate the marketplace, GMO 2.0 leaders will embrace transparency, build partnerships, and create solutions that dovetail with and support one another in additive ways.Optimism: To usher in a new era of GMO 2.0 technologies, we need to stop being apologetic or mealy-mouthed about what were trying to achieve. Climate change is real, and hunger never went awayinstead of waiting for disaster to strike, were building technologies that will safeguard the future. Its time to embrace the scale of our ambition and explain how important biotech will be in the years to come.Some next-wave biotech productslike purple tomatoes that contain extra antioxidants and taste great in a saladare designed to appeal to consumers. Others are important on a global scale: drought-tolerant wheat could help secure food supplies in an era of global heating, while non-browning avocados have the potential to reduce food waste by extending shelf life and enhancing flavor and texture for consumers.By hitting the reset button now, and clearly explaining how GMO 2.0 differs from earlier iterations of biotech crops, we have a chance to redefine how farmers, regulators, and consumers think about biotechnology. Now its time to communicate that effectively and build a vibrant and equitable biotech marketplace where GMO 2.0 technologies can showcase their valueand deliver the benefits we need for farmers, consumers, and society as a whole.Shely Aronov is cofounder and CEO of InnerPlant.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Futureproofing your business requires an ability to embrace change, not just to react to it.Change is a constant, so companies that thrive in todays landscape must be continuously adapting and innovatingchanging as consumers change. Brands that truly stand the test of time understand that the core ingredients for long-term success are relevance, ease, and distinctiveness.RelevanceNo business, regardless of its size or sector, can consistently thrive without remaining in sync with consumers wants and needs, and keeping a pulse on the cultural nuances across their markets.At KFC, we have driven brand recognition and global growth by prioritizing relevance since 1952, and that starts with knowing and living our brand purpose. For instance, KFC exists to banish the bland and dial up the fingerlickin, which to us means being bold in everything we doadapting our menus, restaurant design, and guest experiences to deliver what consumers are craving. We use consumer insights about food formats and flavors to ensure were bringing bold innovation to our menus and leading food trends. KFC also builds relevance in culture wherever its happeningwithin the gaming community through PUBG or The Legend of Zelda, in partnership with celebrities like Trevor Noah and Chrissy Teigen, or through an NBA courtside appearance by Colonel Sanders.Beyond menu and culture, KFC leverages restaurant design to drive relevance, prioritizing things like sustainable furniture and seamless technology that resonate with guests. Relevancy also reaches beyond the restaurant through local initiatives including food donations, youth programs, and employability training. EaseIn addition to staying relevant, brands must ensure that consumers can access and engage with the brand on their own termswhen, where, and how they want.Sephora, a premier beauty destination and global retailer, highlights the importance of validating customers and meeting them where they are. Before Sephora opened more than 3,000 locations, beauty products were primarily sold through brand-specific retailers or local drugstores, making high-end options both hard to find and out of reach for most consumers.Sephora offers retail locations in 34 countries around the world, a robust online retail store, and endless content available across social channels. But ease doesnt just apply to accessing their products. Sephora promotes inclusion and aims to make it easy for every person to feel beautiful. It disrupts the prestige of beauty retail by striving to authentically celebrate consumer beauty and invites everyone in, no matter the persons background, skills, or expertise. Their commitment to access and education makes involvement uncomplicated and effortless, especially as consumers explore new beauty products and routines.DistinctivenessAs the world changes, a distinctive brand perpetuates a clear identity, allowing consumers to build familiarity and remain connected.Nike embodies this as one of the most distinctive brands of the past, present, and foreseeable future. If you close your eyes, you can instantly imagine its famed swoosh, distinguishable tagline and portrait-style imagery of iconic athletesthe brand doesnt even need to be named for you to recognize it. This undeniable identity is one of Nikes greatest assets, as it builds and retains loyalty, spreads favorable word-of-mouth, and fuels excitement from employees and consumers alike.And its so much more than its brand assets. Nike shows up for athletes in a distinct way that inspires an emotional connection to the very heart of its fan base. The brand focuses on grit, competition, resilience, and celebration, distinctively leaning into every facet of what it means to be an athlete while saying that any consumer can just do it.Personal evolutionJust like brands that stand the test of time, I have embraced a personal growth journey that has been both transforming and evolving. I prioritize growth and learning to ensure that Im always pushing for the consumer. I welcome change with open arms and am excited about what the future holds.Nivera Wallani is the global chief development officer of KFC.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Architects Eugenio Simonetti and Bastian San Martin have completed the KW House in Chile, a study in duality that juxtaposes glass-walled living areas with cozy, wood-lined bedrooms. Situated in a protected forest near the Villarrica volcano in the Araucana region, the 309-square-meter home is designed to offer both an immersive forest experience during the summer and a cozy retreat in the winter. To achieve this, Simonetti and San Martin created a striking contrast between the two levels of KW House, featuring a fully glazed ground floor, referred to as the aquarium, alongside a more secluded, wood-lined upper floor.Designer: Eugenio Simonetti and Bastian San MartinKW House is a study in duality, combining a bold engagement with the natural environment on the first floor with a carefully crafted sense of seclusion on the second, Simonetti said. This duality not only reflects the seasonal adaptability of the house but also serves the diverse needs of its inhabitants, whether connecting with nature or seeking privacy, he added.During the summer months, the ground floors full-height glass doors can be opened to invite the surrounding forest into the home, leading out to a small wooden veranda and walkways that guide visitors to viewpoints, complete with seating areas and a fire pit. In the winter, KW House can be hermetically sealed, featuring a perimeter corridor that links two distinct living areas at either end. One of these spaces is slightly sunken and includes a wood-burning stove, while the other is centered around a fireplace.The homes layout includes three structural staircases, two of which are framed by prominent X-shaped steel supports, serving to separate the living areas from the central kitchen and dining space. These staircases also segment the first floor of KW House, allowing it to be divided into a series of apartments, each with its landing or opened up to form a large, adaptable family area.If the inhabitants of the bedrooms are part of the family, the second floor works with all the doors open, in which you circulate as if you were walking through a series of train cars, said Simonetti. If they are guests from outside the family unit, the lobbies are blocked, forcing guests to only travel along the stairs, which provides greater privacy.Positioned above the transparent and exposed ground floor, the cabin-like bedrooms of KW House are designed to offer a sense of solitude. These spaces are illuminated by large skylights and small windows, which ensure natural light without compromising the feeling of seclusion. The pitched roof and walls are fully paneled in wood, enhancing the cozy, isolated atmosphere of these rooms.Few windows, abundant Lenga wood panelling, and skylights create warm, introspective spaces, while west-facing skylights provide controlled views of the El Cerduo mountain range, Simonetti said. The thoughtful material choices and functional adaptability ensure that the design responds to both its environmental context and the lifestyle of its occupants, resulting in a harmonious and enduring architectural statement.The post The KW House Balances Openness & Privacy, Offering Serenity & Connection In The Araucana Region first appeared on Yanko Design.