• Mojang Rules Out Minecraft 2: 'Do You Think Were Going to Have an Earth 2?'
    www.ign.com
    Minecraft celebrated its 15th anniversary last year, but despite growing into those troublesome teenage years, it appears that developer Mojang has no plans to replace it with a sequel.On a recent trip to the Stockholm studio, IGN asked about the possibility of the best-selling game of all time getting a sequel. Ingela Garneij, executive producer of Minecraft Vanilla, had an amusing, yet to-the-point answer for us: Do you think we're going to have an Earth 2? No, no, there's no Minecraft 2.While Minecraft 2.0 is evidently not on the horizon, that doesnt mean the survival-crafting phenomenon wont continue to evolve. In fact, plans stretch way into the future, with a goal of at least doubling its current lifespan.PlayWe've existed for 15 years, stated Garneij. We want to exist at least 15 years more so we actually, Agnes [Larsson, Minecraft Vanillas game director] and I, we work as a team. We set the vision and strategy for our game for what can we do beyond that.Its an ambition propelled by Mojangs desire to innovate, continuing the mine and craft, so to speak, new ideas upon their rock-solid foundations. Those foundations are beginning to show their age, though, Garneij admitted, and while there are no plans for an engine overhaul, it does mean that new content, such as the newly revealed Vibrant Visuals graphics update, does take time to put into practice. I think the age of the game is a challenge," Garneij said. "It's a 15-year-old platform, 15-year-old technology that slows us down in one sense. So other new games have new engines, and they can run really fast. So I would say the technology and our age [are our biggest challenges].Despite this, Minecraft continues to be one of the most popular games in the world, and, as far as we can tell, shows no signs of slowing down. There's also no plan for Minecraft to go free-to-play or take advantage of generative AI technology. Just dont expect to be playing Minecraft 2 in the near future. Not on this Earth, anyway.Check out everything announced at Minecraft Live 2025 for more on what's coming to the game.Simon Cardy is a Senior Editorial Producer who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.
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  • Apple has quietly updated the HomePod mini with a new box
    9to5mac.com
    Rumors suggest that Apple has been working on a new generation of the HomePod mini, which is expected to be introduced later this year. Even so, the company didnt want to wait and has now quietly updated the current HomePod mini. But instead of hardware improvements, Apple has changed the box of its smart speaker.HomePod mini now has a new white boxAs noted by Parker Ortolani, the HomePod mini is now shipping in new boxes. While the original box shows illustrations of the HomePod from the side and top, the new box now has the Apple logo on top and the stylized HomePod mini logo on the other side. However, Apple has made another intriguing change.The new box is all white, whereas previously Apple had colored boxes that matched the color of the HomePod mini. The product was introduced in space gray and white, with a different box for each color. In 2021, Apple launched new blue, yellow, and orange colors for the HomePod mini. Each color also had its own tinted box.Now the HomePod mini box matches the HomePod 2 box, which is also white regardless of which color you choose. Its unclear why exactly Apple changed this aspect of the box, especially when theres a new HomePod mini model planned for this year.Interestingly, this isnt the first time Apple has changed something about the current generation HomePod mini. In July last year, Apple replaced the space gray version of the speaker with a new midnight version. The colors look almost identical, with Midnight having a slightly bluish tint.HomePod mini costs $99 in the US, while the bigger HomePod 2 costs $299.Gadgets I recommend:Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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  • Indie App Spotlight: Queue is a great podcast app with an incredibly simple design
    9to5mac.com
    Welcome toIndie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If youre a developer and would like your app featured, getin contact.Queue aims to be the simplest podcasts app out there. It offers a clean interface, and all of your podcasts are kept in one neat vertical list. From that list, you can play, archive, and reorder from all of your subscribed podcasts. Despite the simple design, Queue is also rich in features.Top featuresQueue makes it as easy as possible to listen to all of your favorite podcasts. When you first install the app, it provides a nice list of popular podcasts for you to subscribe to. Of course, you can easily add in your own shows afterwards.Once you have all of your favorite podcasts added to the app, you can easily scroll through the latest episodes in its simple list view. This list is customizable, so you can reorganize it as you please.It also offers many great listening features, including full support for chapters, formatted episode descriptions, and a number of easter eggs for tech podcasts providing a fuller experience for us tech fans.Plus, the app offers listening insights, allowing you to easily track your podcast habits. If you want a podcast app without a lot of the clutter, Queue is the choice for you.Queue is available for free on the App Store for iPhones running iOS 17 and later. For its Pro features, including listening insights and some listening control customization, you can subscribe for $4.99/month or $29.99/year.My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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  • Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for March 23, #385
    www.cnet.com
    Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle No. 385 for March 23.
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  • Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 23, #181
    www.cnet.com
    Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 181, for March 23
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  • 11 Best Park City Airbnbs and Hotels for Exquisite Interiors 2025
    www.architecturaldigest.com
    Park City, Utah, isnt just a ski townits a full-blown mountain playground that delivers year-round adventure, world-class dining, and a healthy dose of Hollywood glam every January. But whether youre carving Deer Valleys legendary slopes, catching a Sundance screening, fly-fishing in alpine streams, or just here for the mountain air and Main Streets buzzy aprs scene, where you stay matters.The best Park City Airbnbs and hotels arent just places to sleep; theyre an extension of the experienceski-in, ski-out resorts with five-star amenities, historic boutique stays with a story to tell, and impeccably designed vacation rentals that can house your whole crew.Luckily, boutique hotels and vacation rentals are easy to find (even ski-in/ski-out options), and firepits, saunas, and private hot tubs are readily available for those prioritizing a bit of relaxation. Keep in mind that rental prices and room rates will fluctuate greatly during the winter and festival season, spiking in January. To save you some work, we pulled together our favorite Park City Airbnbs and luxe hotels to make the most of the snowfall Miracle March has ushered in.Best Park City Airbnbs and HomesHistoric Home on Main StreetThis two-bedroom, two-bath rental located right at the top of Main Street is packed with a range of amenities: a professional-grade kitchen, a steam shower, custom furniture, and an air-jet tub. But the most impressive element is just how thoughtful the originalor should we say, original-ishdetails are. The owners found wallpaper reproduced from an 1880s-era mining town, the shower is outfitted with tile salvaged from the Utah Governors Mansion, and even the trims were custom-milled to match the homes original state. Beyond the cozy confines of your new temporary home, youre a quick walk or trolley ride to restaurants, bars, galleries, and more. From $624/night.BOOK NOWCozy A-Frame Cabin in Heber CityIf you want to get out of town a bithey, sometimes the solitude of a ski run just isnt enoughthis three-bedroom rental is a 25-minute drive from Park City right near Mount Timpanogos. The vibe is minimal inside; think Shaker-inspired furniture and white walls, a wood-burning stove, and wide-plank wooden floors. The bedrooms have queen beds topped with Casper mattresses and there are three decks to take in the views from. From $331/night.BOOK NOWChartreuse Modern Mountain CabinFar from your traditional vision of a ski chalet, this four-bedroom home has a lot of things going for it. Our favorite of the bunch? The kitchens teal marble island. A floating staircase anchors the open floorplan and a private hot tub will draw you outside, even in the coldest of temperatures. The home is unmissable from the streetthe exterior is a bright chartreuse. From $767/night.BOOK NOWTreehouse Above Park CityGetting to this one-bedroom treehouse is a bit of an adventure in itself. Accessible only by 4x4 or a car with dependable 4WD (chains required in the wintertime), its surrounded by 200-year-old trees at an elevation of 8,000 feet. Inside, theres a bedroom nestled underneath a skylight, a living room with 270-degree windows, and a big deck. Waking up with the sun is a highlight that can only be matched with a stargazing session on the patio. From $196/night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbSecluded Hideaway in Park CityDesigned for those who want to escape into nature without sacrificing style (or fundid you see that hammock floor?), this two-bedroom cabin is secluded on two acres just outside Park City. Exposed wood beams, tons of natural lighting, and cozy nooks make it effortlessly inviting. Guests can also enjoy a fireplace, a full kitchen, and a living room equipped with an entertainment system. The cabin is somewhat secluded, offering privacy and an off-grid vibe while still being within a reasonable driving distance of Park City and all its adventures. From $199/night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbEntire Home in Heber CityDesigned to host up to 18 guests, this home features sleek contemporary interiors with high ceilings, expansive windows, and an open-concept layout that maximizes the breathtaking lake and mountain views. The decor leans minimalist, with a soothing neutral palette, plush furnishings, and warm wood accents, while the amenitiesincluding a chefs kitchen, multiple lounge areas, and a saunaare more lavish. Outside, a massive deck with a fire pit and hot tub sets the stage for golden-hour hangs and late-night stargazing. From $2,754/night.BOOK NOWSki Retreat in Park CityThis Park City stunner is what happens when sleek modernism meets aprs-ski luxury. Think walls of glass framing snow-dusted pines, a decorative fireplace, and a trio of tile-rich bathrooms. The open-concept living space is a study in clean lines and warm, organic texturessoft neutrals, creamy leather details, and just the right amount of blonde wood to remind you that, yes, you are in the forest. Arguably, the two best features for powderhounds are the gear storage area, complete with a boot dryer and a waxing and tuning station, and the hot tub because no mountain retreat is complete without a post-slope soak. From $510/night.BOOK NOWBest Hotels in Park CityGoldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts CollectionGoldener Hirsch is where old-world Austrian charm meets Deer Valleys modern luxury. The original 18-suite lodge, built in 1992, is a nod to Bavaria, with arched doorways, roaring fireplaces, and hand-carved and ornately painted woodwork imported from Austria. In 2020, an expansion added 50 complimentary but far more contemporary rooms (think clean lines, rich textures, and custom-built furnishings that feel more like a high-design penthouse than a ski lodge. The addition also introduced a rooftop patio with a hot tub. However, the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant remains a destination in itself, serving up decadent cheese fondue and hearty alpine fare in a setting that feels straight out of the Austrian Alps. From $372/night.BOOK NOWGrand Hyatt Deer ValleyOpened in late 2024, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley is the new kid on the (very luxe) block, and its already redefining what a high-end ski retreat looks like in Park City. This sleek, ski-in/ski-out stunner swaps out the usual rustic lodge vibes for a polished mix of warm woods, natural stone, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms and residences are decked out with fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and balconies made for aprs-ski wine sipping, while the resort itself delivers on the full five-star experiencethink a sprawling spa, a heated outdoor pool, and restaurants that lean into locally sourced, seasonal flavors. From $373/night.BOOK NOWThe Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts CollectionIf any Park City hotel is a love letter to nature, its The Lodge at Blue Sky. Set on 3,500 private acres, this alpine sanctuary feels both impossibly refined and deeply connected to the great outdoors. The architecture is modern yet organic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping alpine vistas, reclaimed wood and limestone that ground the space in its rugged surroundings, and earthy, minimalist interiors that let the landscape take the spotlight. Some of the suites are even built into the hillside, making them feel like a natural extension of the terrain. But Blue Sky isnt just about breathtaking designits also about experiences.Here, guests can spend their days horseback riding through wildflower-blanketed meadows, fly fishing in mountain streams, or skiing at one of the nine nearby resorts (all of which Blue Sky offers shuttles to, though wed recommend Park City Mountain Resort, where the hotel operates a private ski lounge stocked with complimentary hot drinks and home-baked pastries). On property, the Edge Spa (aptly named, considering it hangs over a precipice) offers a swath of luxurious treatments and an outdoor heated plunge pool. And when its time to eat, the on-site Yuta restaurant serves up hyper-seasonal dishes sourced straight from Blue Skys own farm. From $2,308/night.BOOK NOWMontage Deer ValleyNestled in a valley among the Wasatch Mountains, the sprawling 220-room Montage Deer Valley is conveniently located for direct ski-in/ski-out access to the Empire and Lady Morgan ski lifts at Deer Valley Resort. But the property may be even better known for its R&R amenities after a day on the slopes: Hydromassage showers, deep soaking tubs, heated floors, and the largest spa in the state. The interiors take cues from chalet-style lodgings, with wood-beamed ceilings in the main areas, textured rugs underfoot, and contemporary seating for taking in the breathtaking views on all sides. On site, lots of gastropub fare and fresh sushi will keep you well-fed, and in warmer weather, you can even post up at the alpine pool for a dip. From $501/night.BOOK NOWThe AD Travel EditCraving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in styleand as streamlined and stress-free as possible.SHOP THE EDIT
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  • California bill would force ISPs to offer 100Mbps plans for $15 a month | Like New York law, Calif. bill demands cheap plans for people with low incomes
    arstechnica.com
    Affordable broadband California bill would force ISPs to offer 100Mbps plans for $15 a month Like New York law, Calif. bill demands cheap plans for people with low incomes. Jon Brodkin Mar 21, 2025 4:46 pm | 16 Credit: Adrienne Bresnahan | Getty Images Credit: Adrienne Bresnahan | Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreA proposed state law in California would force Internet service providers to offer $15 monthly plans to people with low incomes. The bill is similar to a New York law that took effect in January but has a higher minimum speed requirement: The proposed $15 plans for low-income California residents would have to come with download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps.Broadband lobby groups fear that many states will enact such requirements after New York won a multiyear court battle to enforce its law. The Supreme Court has rejected telecom industry challenges to the New York law twice.The California bill was proposed in January by Democratic Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, but the original version simply declared an intent to require affordable home Internet service and contained no specifics on required speeds or prices. The requirement for specific speeds and a $15 price is being added to the bill with an amendment that was provided to Ars today by Boerner's office. The amendment should be in the official record by early next week, a Boerner spokesperson said."Every California Internet service provider shall offer for purchase to eligible households within their California service territory affordable home Internet service that meets minimum speed requirements," the amended bill says. Each ISP would also be required to "make commercially reasonable efforts to promote and advertise" these plans, including via a "prominent display" on its website and promotional materials sent to consumers in eligible households.The amendment defines affordable home Internet service as a plan costing no more than $15 a month, including all recurring taxes and fees. The speed requirements are at least 100Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream, with "sufficient speed and latency to support distance learning and telehealth services." The plans would have to be offered to households in which at least one resident participates in a qualified public assistance program.Several states consider price requirementsWhile the California proposal will face opposition from ISPs and is not guaranteed to become law, the amended bill has higher speed requirements for the $15 plan than the existing New York law that inspired it. The New York law lets ISPs comply either by offering $15 broadband plans with download speeds of at least 25Mbps, or $20-per-month service with 200Mbps speeds. The New York law doesn't specify minimum upload speeds.AT&T stopped offering its 5G home Internet service in New York entirely instead of complying with the law. But AT&T wouldn't be able to pull home Internet service out of California so easily because it offers DSL and fiber Internet in the state, and it is still classified as a carrier of last resort for landline phone service.The California bill says ISPs must file annual reports starting January 1, 2027, to describe their affordable plans and specify the number of households that purchased the service and the number of households that were rejected based on eligibility verification. The bill seems to assume that ISPs will offer the plans before 2027 but doesn't specify an earlier date. Boerner's office told us the rule would take effect on January 1, 2026. Boerner's office is also working on an exemption for small ISPs, but hasn't settled on final details.Meanwhile, a Massachusetts bill proposes requiring that ISPs provide at least 100Mbps speeds for $15 a month or 200Mbps for $20 a month. A Vermont bill would require 25Mbps speeds for $15 a month or 200Mbps for $20 a month.Telco groups told the Supreme Court last year that the New York law "will likely lead to more rate regulation absent the Court's intervention" as other states will copy New York. They subsequently claimed that AT&T's New York exit proves the law is having a negative effect. But the Supreme Court twice declined to hear the industry challenge, allowing New York to enforce the law.Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 16 Comments
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  • 3 Repair Rituals To Heal A Strained Relationship By A Psychologist
    www.forbes.com
    A strained relationship is not always a sign to walk away. Instead, it might just need a little bit ... More of fuel. Heres how you can reignite the spark in your connection.gettyEven in the most loving relationships, a bond that once felt strong can start to fray. Whether its a shift in communication, a disagreement or something left unspoken, connections can unintentionally become strained. This can happen in friendships, with a partner or even with a parent. While the rupture is painful, its often not a sign that the relationship is beyond repair.When theres potential for healing and a mutual desire to rebuild, its quite possible to restore these bonds. Its not about pretending that no one was hurtits about the willingness to confront the issues that caused the rift and choosing to move forward together, with renewed effort and hope.Rebuilding a strained connection can take time, but if the relationship is meaningful, in the end, it will feel worth the work. When you find the courage to take those first steps toward reconciliation, keep in mind that healing is not an instant fix. Its a process that requires both patience and intention.Here are three repair rituals that can help guide you through the journey of restoring trust and connection in a strained relationship.1. Share A Heartfelt Letter Or ConversationRebuilding a strained connection often starts with a moment of vulnerability. Writing a heartfelt letter or having an open and honest conversation allows you to honestly express whats been on your mindwhether its hurt, regret or even love. This is your chance to say what was left unsaid and show the other person that youre invested in repairing the relationship.A letter, especially, allows you to carefully collect your thoughts, reflect on your emotions and communicate them clearly. A 2024 study published in Trends in Psychology highlights the power of letter writing and its ability to facilitate healthy emotional expression, especially in romantic relationships.Letter writing can act as a powerful tool for processing emotions by helping you avoid the immediate reactions that come with face-to-face interactions. This gives you the time to articulate your thoughts without judgment, which is valuable when focusing on shared vulnerability with your partner.Here are the best ways to use this intervention, based on research:Externalize the issue. Use letter writing to separate the issue from the person. This means focusing on the issue or feeling youre addressing rather than attacking the person.Avoid blaming. Focus on expressing your feelings and experiences without accusing the other person. Use I statements (e.g., I feel hurt, rather than You hurt me) to avoid blame and consequently, defensiveness and withdrawal from the other person.Show vulnerability: Allow yourself to be vulnerable, while considering what may be potentially overwhelming for the other person.Reflect on your feelings. Before writing, reflect on your emotions, why youre writing and what you hope to accomplish with the letter. What is your goal? What do you want to communicate, and how do you want to feel afterward?Avoid over-editing. While its important to revise for clarity, do not over-edit the letter to the point where it loses its authenticity. The letter should feel genuine to you and the other person, if shared with them.Moving forward with shared vulnerability is essential. When both parties open up and express their true emotions, it rebuilds an environment of trust. Its through this shared vulnerability that bonds can truly begin to heal by being honest with each other about your feelings, you lay the foundation for a renewed connection.2. Engage In Perspective-TakingRebuilding a relationship requires not only expressing your own emotions but also understanding the other persons feelings.Perspective-taking encourages both individuals to engage in an intentional practice of empathy. This ritual helps people truly see the situation through each others eyes, which gradually strengthens the bond.Research published in the Journal of Relationships Research found that individuals often use ease as a heuristic when taking another persons perspective. This means they assume that if understanding someone feels easy, they must be accurate in their assumptions about them.However, this can lead to overconfidence and misjudgment. Researchers highlight the role of active reflection and the similarity of past experiences in perspective-taking, showing that assuming shared experiences lead to identical emotions can be misleading.Researchers suggest that active reflection leads to more accurate perspective-taking. This invites both individuals to pause, reflect and truly step into each others shoes, rather than anchoring their understanding to their own emotions and past experiences.Heres how to start inviting in the other persons perspective.Set the intention. To be truly intentional in your healing process, focus on understanding, not winning or being right. Approach the conversation with openness and a willingness to listen.Express your experience. Share feelings without blame (e.g., I felt hurt because I missed having quality time with you, and we havent done that in a while). Use I statements to communicate emotions clearly.Reflect back. Paraphrase what you hear from the other person to show understanding (e.g., You felt hurt and unimportant). This helps the speaker feel truly heard.Ask clarifying questions. Ensure clarity in communication by asking about the other persons emotions and the impact of your rift. Thoughtful questions deepen understanding and prevent assumptions.Switch roles. The listener can now share their perspective while the other reflects back what they hear. This ensures both sides are equally heard and understood.Acknowledge and affirm. Validate each others feelings with a simple acknowledgment I hear you or I can understand why you feel that way. This recognition creates connection and helps rebuild trust.Commit to moving forward. Agree on an action or mindset shift to strengthen the relationship. This creates a foundation for positive change and growth.Intentionally practicing perspective-taking can help you move beyond the illusion of easy understanding and nurture true empathy.3. Co-Create A New NormalOnce trust has been shaken, returning to how things were isnt always the best approach. Instead, relationships benefit from creating a new shared reality one that acknowledges past struggles but focuses on growth and renewal. This ritual of co-creation allows both individuals to redefine the relationship with mutual understanding and intention.A 2022 study published in Evolutionary Psychology explores strategies people use to improve intimate relationships. These strategies fall into two major domains: partner-focused strategies (e.g., showing interest, discussing problems, creating experiences together) and self-focused strategies (e.g., self-improvement, enhancing ones appearance). Researchers suggest that partner-focused strategies are more commonly used and are perceived as more effective.Rebuilding a relationship requires both individuals to actively nurture their bond by prioritizing mutual understanding and emotional connection. This involves recognizing and respecting each others needs, demonstrating genuine interest in one anothers lives and relearning each others love languages over time.As people grow, their ways of giving and receiving love can evolve. Its essential to understand the gestures, words or actions that make the other person feel seen and valued. Creating shared experiences strengthens emotional intimacy, while trust is rebuilt through consistent honesty, reliability and attentiveness.Healing a fractured bond whether with a partner, friend or family member is not about erasing the past, but about learning from it and displaying a shared commitment to growth.True repair doesnt merely restore what was broken; it transforms the relationship into something more intentional and resilient. Choosing to reconnect means approaching the relationship with a deeper awareness of what the bond needs to thrive moving forward.While the journey of rebuilding may feel uncertain at times, it also holds the promise of rediscovering joy in each others presence. Youll find new ways to show care, appreciate the nuances of your connection and witness the beauty of a relationship that has weathered storms yet continues to grow.Strengthen your relationship by being aware of each others love language. Take this science-backed to find out what your love language is: Love Language Scale
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  • Report: Automated ADAS Safety Features Are A Nightmare For Drivers
    www.forbes.com
    European regulators began requiring ADAS in 2022, making specific features mandatory in new models ... More from 2022 and in existing models in 2024.gettyAdvanced safety features, like automated speed controls and automatic braking, are so annoying to British drivers that theyre turning them off, suggesting technology designed for safety may actually be a source of distraction and irritation and no wonder, with cars suddenly braking or misreading speed limits.Thats according to European regulators began requiring ADAS in 2022, making specific features mandatory in new models from 2022 and in existing models last year. These include intelligent speed assistance, advanced emergency braking, lane keeping assist, driver drowsiness, and "black box" event data recorders.The aim was to boost safety and reduce car crash casualties, but part of the road to introducing further automation into cars. The UK doesnt have the same rules legally mandating ADAS as yet, but cars tend to feature the software as they're designed for use across the wider market; reports suggest as many as 90% of cars in the UK manufactured since 2018 have ADAS of some sort.But this research suggests that ADAS systems arent living up to expectations in the real world and can be a serious distraction and irritation to drivers.ADAS automated safety features a nightmareAfter all, who wouldnt want a smart lane-keeping system verifying your shoulder check or speed assistance to avoid tickets? Brits, it would seem but with good reason.One driver, 75-year-old Eileen, was quoted by Which? as saying driving had gone from a lifeline to a "nightmare" after she purchased a Hyundai i20 hatchback in 2023. Thats because the ADAS system misreads speed limits telling her the limit is 30mph when it's actually 80mph and unnecessarily correcting her steering, even when in parking lots."To feel the steering wheel suddenly spin and the car begin to swerve was terrifying," she told Which?. Ive seriously considered getting some old, beat-up car from five years ago that doesnt have this technology.Eileen isnt the only one. Which? cars expert Michael Passingham tested 11 different cars featuring these systems: "Ive had cars brake for nonexistent crossroads, jitter me around on country lanes and inform me that Im driving 50mph over the speed limit."Drivers switching off ADASAccording to the survey, 46% of drivers surveyed turned off speed limit alerts, with most saying they felt they didnt need it, though there were also reports it picks up the wrong signs and misreads others.The second most frequently disabled feature was lane keep assist, turned off by 42% of those surveyed, mostly because they found it dangerous, annoying or distracting.Which? cars expert Michael Passingham tested 11 different cars featuring these systems: "Ive had ... More cars brake for nonexistent crossroads, jitter me around on country lanes and inform me that Im driving 50mph over the speed limit."gettyAnother third disabled emergency braking, drowsiness monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring again, drivers turned off the latter because it was distracting.ADAS features can be turned off, but not permanently; drivers need to change such settings every time they drive. The Which? research follows an earlier report suggesting ADAS features could become a threat to road safety if damaged in an accident.Test drive ADAS before you buyThe consumer rights organisation called for industry and regulators to do a better job ensuring these safety features are fit for purpose and dont add to drivers' distraction, and warned anyone shopping for a new car to test drive carefully with ADAS enabled to see how the features work on the road."These features should be keeping motorists safe, so it is really concerning that so many people are turning them off because they dont find them useful, or even worse, that they find them distracting or dangerous," said Harry Rose, editor of Which? Magazine."If the tech is working well it should be possible to adapt to driving with it so that it fulfils its purpose of making you feel safer at the wheel," he added. Turning it off should only be a last resort as if you turn the systems off, theyre not protecting you, or anyone else.In a statement provided to the consumer-rights organisation, Hyundai said: "As part of our process of continuous vehicle testing and quality improvement, Hyundai regularly conducts real world testing of all vehicle systems and whenever possible will introduce software improvements to address identified customer concerns."But until that possible software upgrade arrives, expect drivers like Eileen to keep switching off automated safety tools for cars like ADAS.
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  • 5 movies leaving Netflix in March 2025 you have to watch now
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Table of ContentsTable of ContentsBaby Driver (2017)Elysium (2013)Interstellar (2014)It (2017)Love Actually (2003)March has been a solid month for new additions on Netflix. Despite the poor reviews, the latest movie from the Russo Brothers,The Electric State, is one of the most popular movies on the streamer. Meanwhile, heist fans will appreciate Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, the action-packed sequel starring Gerard Butler and OShea Jackson Jr.While those two movies will remain on Netflix for the foreseeable future, a select group wont be on the service much longer. From now until the end of March, try watching one of these five movies before they leave the service for good. Our picks include a heist comedy, a sci-fi thriller, and a Nolan masterpiece.Recommended VideosWe also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.RelatedSony PicturesEdgar Wright makes stylish movies. From the infectious music and zany humor to the kinetic energy and fast-paced action, Wrights signature method is on full display in all of his films. The titular character in Baby DriverBecause he suffers from tinnitus, Baby is constantly listening to music. Babys outlook on life changes when he meets a kind waitress, Debora (Lily James). For the first time, Baby pictures a future for himself. He wants to complete one last job and leave his criminal past behind. It wont be easy, but Baby can do it. But first, he must pick the perfect song for the mission.Stream Baby Driver on Netflix.Sony Pictures ReleasingMatt Damon apparently fell in love with sci-fi in the 2010s. From 2010 through 2016, Damon starred in The Adjustment Bureau,Contagion,Interstellar, The Martian, and The Great Wall, and the movie featured on this list, Elysium. In 2154, humanity is divided into two sections. The poor, sick, and malnourished citizens live on Earth. Meanwhile, the wealthy live on Elysium, a luxurious space station orbiting above Earth.After being exposed to radiation, factory worker Max Da Costa (Damon) is only given five days to live. His only hope for survival is to get to Elysium to use a med-bay, a device that cures people of disease. It wont be easy getting to Elysium. If theres anything the wealthy want more than anything, its to keep their advantage over the poor. Let the battle begin.Stream Elysiumon Netflix.Paramount PicturesTo the stars, we go. In Interstellar, Christopher Nolan asks: What if mankind was never meant to die on Earth? In a dystopian future, crop blights and dust storms have humanity on the verge of extinction. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a former pilot turned farmer, is recruited by NASA to lead an expedition to a wormhole off Saturn.Joining Cooper on this mission are Brand (Anne Hathaway), Romilly (David Gyasi), and Doyle (Wes Bentley). The scientists hope to find a habitable planet on the other side of the wormhole. The catch: Cooper does not know when he will return to Earth and reunite with his family. Backed by an inquisitive script and mesmerizing visuals,Interstellaris a sci-fi spectacle with much to say about personal relationships, resulting in Nolans most personal film.Stream Interstellaron Netflix.Brooke Palmer / Warner Bros.Tim Curry gave kids nightmares for 27 years after portraying Pennywise the Clown in 1990s It, the television adaptation of Stephen Kings 1986 novel. Curry received some company in the nightmare department thanks to Bill Skarsgrd, who gave his terrifying interpretation of the clown in Andy Muschiettis It. Like the novel and miniseries, the movie heads to Derry, Maine, where Pennywise the Dancing Clown begins terrorizing kids, including Georgie Denbrough (Jackson Robert Scott).Georgies older brother, Bill (Jaeden Lieberher), sets out to find Georgie, believing he might still be alive. Bill and his fellow Losers a club of social outcasts learn that Georgie and the rest of Derry are being stalked by It, the murderous clown who feeds on fear. To stop Pennywise, the Losers must face their inner demons head-on. Easier said than done, considering a murderous clown stands in their way.Stream It on Netflix.Universal PicturesNo rule states that Love ActuallyLove Actuallytoo much. Its gone from a Christmas classic to a terrible rom-com in the span of a few years.Are there some creepy parts? Yes. The cue card storyline is still bizarre, albeit iconic. The going to America storyline is unnecessary but harmless. Dont even get me started on the sex scene stand-ins. Despite these critiques, Emma Thompson listening to Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell is still legendary. Liam Neeson helping his stepson impress his crush remains heartfelt. Hugh Grant finding romance behind the curtains is charming. But Billy Mack (Bill Nighy), realizing the best relationship in his life is with his manager (Gregor Fisher), still rules.Stream Love Actuallyon Netflix.Editors Recommendations
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