General Mike Flynn:This is precisely what is happening. #WeThePeople want @elon to move even faster. We want @DOGE to keep exposing and keep shutting down as much as you can and return the power back to the people and to a lesser degree, the states. The federal government has accumulated way

The Shadow Extraction skill is arguably the most useful ability of Sung Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling. He can raise an army of shadow soldiers from his fallen enemies with a single phrase to activate the skill. For various reasons, not every opponent Sung Jin-Woo defeats can be raised from the dead, one of which is Baruka, the Red Gate dungeon boss and the leader of the Ice Elves.

Pocketpair is doing everything possible to ensure that its creation, Palworld, continues to be the popular monster-capturing and survival game hybrid that it is. Considering the developer's plans, that will likely be the case, which is made especially clear by how much fans are looking forward to the upcoming feature it plans to implement. The crossplay update for Palworld is coming soon, which means players can enjoy battling with others outside whatever platform they're playing on. Although such an addition is welcome, one can say that it won't provide the full experience unless it comes together with something else that Pocketpair has planned for quite some time.

Weve always used severance as a mechanism to look at power and to look at control, Severance creator Dan Erickson told me in an interview in February. We were supposed to be talking about Irving B.s melon-soaked funeral at the time, but I couldnt resist asking him about the shows intensifying power dynamics, which had come to a head midseason.Thats around the time that severed floor manager Seth Milchick had been gifted a series of inclusively re-canonicalized paintings of Lumon founder Kier Eagan in blackface, and Mark S. had unknowingly become intimate with Helena Eagan, then masquerading as Helly R., during the ORTBO outing.But the Severance season 2 finale made that part of our conversation feel fresh; the seasons final episode, Cold Harbor, explored the themes of power and control in new ways. Namely that the power and control that Mark Scout and Helena Eagan have over their innies manifested in a heartbreaking and bittersweet cliffhanger. Both Mark and Helly have rebelled not just against their Lumon superiors, but against their own outies, exercising the limited quantity of freedom they do have as severed employees.Inherent to the idea of severance is this idea of body autonomy and that something can be done to you without your knowledge or your consent, Erickson told me, well before Id watched the season 2 finale. But that idea is spread throughout season 2s stories: Mark Scout treats his innies consciousness as an afterthought, at least from Mark S. perspective; Dylan George refuses to let Dylan G. retire, partly as an act of punishment; and Helena Eagans disrespect for both Mark S. and Helly R.s consent in their sexual encounter is traumatizing to both innies. Then, of course, theres the near-powerless Gemma, a woman being brutally tortured across dozens of innies.Innie-versus-outie isnt the shows only power dynamic, however. Lumon management, particularly those who have (or appear to have) Eagan lineage, exhibit similar levels of disdain toward their employees. See the dressing-down that Mr. Drummond gives fan favorite Seth Milchick in episode 5, Trojans Horse, and Milchicks subsequent admonishments of his report, Ms. Huang, moments where Milchick gets to flex his own power and control.But nothing in season 2 stood out quite as strongly in this vein, and as uncomfortably, as Milchicks reception of the Kier paintings from Natalie, and his failed attempt to commune with her as a Black Lumon employee.It was a little bit scary to talk about exploring those issues, Erickson said, but we ultimately didnt want to shy away from them, especially with the racial component and the paintings. I talked a lot to [Seth Milchick actor Tramell Tillman], and I talked a lot to Ben [Stiller], and to [Natalie Kalen actor Sydney Cole Alexander], and to a lot of other people working on the show about how that should be presented.I think a lot of shows that try to get into this kind of subject matter, theyll sort of briefly suspend the tone of the show in order to have an earnest conversation about those things. I wanted very much to have this conversation in the language of Severance and do it in a way that felt true to the show and felt uncomfortable, strangely funny, and uncanny in the way that the show often does.Milchicks tortured arc in season 2 reaches a boiling point in his encounters with Mr. Drummond, who delivers a damning performance review shortly after Milchick is gifted the race-bent Kier paintings. Erickson said that moment is reflective of Lumons insensitivity and ignorance; later, those confrontations intensify when Drummond scolds Milchick with strong racist subtext.We reached a point [in season 2] where it felt disingenuous not to acknowledge some of those more sensitive issues, Erickson said. What is the experience of a Black man working at a company like Lumon? And what specific kind of challenges and aggressions is he going to face?We talked a lot about how best to achieve that and ultimately we landed on this idea of the paintings and how that felt true to the kind of a move that a company like Lumon would make this thing that Im sure they think is a very beautiful gesture, but in reality is kind of dehumanizing and horrifying.At least that moment gave us some satisfying closure, when Milchick spits two of the most memorable words uttered in season 2: Devour feculence. Its a rare moment of upward-aimed power in Severance, albeit one that still leaves Milchick dancing the corporate dance on the severed floor. What lies in the future for Milchicks autonomy is something left to season 3. But if the second season taught us anything, it wont come easy.

I spent 20 hours playing Assassins Creed Shadows before I spent my first skill point. I was cleaning out castles like it was House Flipper: Sengoku Edition and I never once needed an extra 4% vulnerable damage, or even the ability to assassinate two people at once. Naoe is a capable ninja from the start thanks to all the training from her father and Ubisoft included a skill tree that is unnecessary until youre well into the game.Every Assassins Creed game has been guilty of this since the series adopted RPG-style skill trees in 2017 with Assassins Creed Unity. You assassinate your first target and are confronted with multiple skill trees full of either meaningless stat upgrades or abilities you should have had from the start. The games pretend that your choices matter even in the first several hours, but the most impactful upgrades always come much, much later. That would be fine in an RPG where you level up fast and develop a build for your character, but Assassins Creed has never really been that kind of series.Shadows isnt that kind of game either. And yet, it still dumps six whole skill trees on you with bonuses that do almost nothing early on. The moment I see an option to increase my damage by a tiny percentage, I know Im in for a bad skill tree. You cant convince me that doing 6% more damage with my kunai matters in a game that doesnt even show how much damage you deal in the first place. These are the kind of tiny bonuses that should be moved to the end of the tree, after youve earned all the exciting stuff.Better skill trees present you with interesting choices from the start. Diablo 4 does this incredibly well, and even though its a very different type of game, its a great example of how to make your decisions interesting from the beginning. You wont find bland damage increases at the top of its skill trees. Instead, youll have to decide what kind of basic ability you want and then how to enhance it, empowering your character and specializing them at the same time.Rogues, for example, pick what kind of basic bread-and-butter attack they want with the very first skill point. Next, they can make it even better by giving it a unique bonus, like a burst of movement speed. The following point is where you have to decide what direction to take the ability. Do you want your attack to make enemies vulnerable to follow-up attacks or for the skill itself to do more damage? Diablo 4s skill tree immediately settles you into a loop that feels distinct from the other choices. Its not quite a build that early on, but its the foundation for one.Shadows has all the building blocks for a similar approach, but ignores them for boring damage increases and slight changes to the basic mechanics, like being able to breathe in shallow water. When youre just starting out, these barely change anything about how you perform in combat. While your inventory fills up with weapons and gear with all kinds of stats on them, like vulnerable damage and poison damage, the skill trees have nothing in them that makes them matter.So for the first several hours, leveling up felt superfluous. It wasnt worth loading into the menu to put my points in because I was having fun without them. I played Shadows like an action game and never suffered for it. The only hangup was not being able to assassinate high-level enemies in one blow a series staple ruined by its RPG-ification over the years. By hour 20, I was seriously questioning the point of including RPG systems in the first place.I was fully ready to say Shadows wouldve been a better game without all the loot and the skill trees until I spent a little more time with it. Once you explore enough of the world, though, you unlock the ability to engrave items with unique effects. Engraving bonuses like dealing double damage after deflecting an attack or reloading Yosukes gun with two bullets at a time start to add interesting wrinkles to how you play. You can actually invest in a playstyle with engravings, mirroring the spirit of Diablo 4s skill trees.After opening up the second tier of skill tree options and engravings, Shadows finally started to justify its RPG systems, even if its still rather light on them. My Naoe invested in all the points to make her great at assassinating anyone she sneaks up on, but very weak in fights. When I dodge attacks, I gain some resource to use on special attacks that deal way more damage than her normal hits. Ive been in fights where I caught the attention of a whole group of samurai, and I wished I had taken the engraving that empowers Naoe in lopsided brawls. There are actual consequences for the decisions I make with my gear and points, and they have a noticeable influence on the games hyper-polished action. And now Im eager to discover more things I can specialize in.It just shouldnt have taken that long to get good. I can imagine a different version of the game that doesnt even show you a skill tree until youve familiarized yourself with its basic systems, or maybe one that only has gear engravings. Shadows acts like its going to be a robust RPG in its opening hours, and then takes forever to find a middle-ground where you actually care about its skill trees and loot. It gets by because its stealth action is so slick. Shadows gets a pass, but I still wonder if the series would be better off ditching the RPG systems completely and sticking to what it does best.

As oversimplification and automation erode our cognitive abilities, embracing meaningful friction may be the key to restoring it.Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / TheVergeWhen I was 19, I took my first solo road tripa 250-mile drive from Long Island, New York to Delaware to pick up my girlfriend from collegea journey that normally takes four to fivehours.At the time, I had little highway or interstate driving experience. I was nervous about the whole thing. This was before GPS or smartphones were widespreadback when the most advanced technology people had was a flip phone and a desktop computer. Finding your way meant relying on an atlas. Thats right, kidswe had to use paper maps to getaround.An atlas reminiscent of the one I recall as a teenager / Image source: WorthPoint.comI still remember the day I left. I had planned my route using my fathers worn-out map book and got some advice from my girlfriends parents on the best route. My mother, meanwhile, was silently freaking out that I was heading out alone, with no experience driving beyond our surrounding towns.Less than an hour into the drive, I made a wrong turn. I had confused my directions for getting onto the Southern State Parkway and ended up at Sunken Meadow State Park instead. Anyone familiar with Long Island will laughas those places arent remotely close to eachother.But I didnt panicwell, I did a little. Fortunately, I was able to quickly retrace the route using the map of Long Island I had mentally stored. I knew if I could find 495 Westthe Long Island ExpresswayId be back on track. So I backtracked, spotted the signs for 495, and adjustedcourse.Some of you might say, Well, if you had GPS, that wouldnt have happened. And youd be right. But I also wouldnt have an interesting storyand, more importantly, a real-world example of how mental models, even a simple map of an unfamiliar area, can help us find our way. Its a skill that remains essential even today because GPS isnt foolprooftechnology fails, and cell service isnt always reliable.The trade-offconvenience vs. cognitive engagementWhat Ill call the GPS Effect is part of a broader UX trendour blind pursuit of simplicity and friction reduction is slowly erasing opportunities for deeper cognitive engagement.Modern UX often functions like GPS, keeping users on a narrow, predefined path. It worksuntil something unexpected happens. If the system doesnt anticipate a users goal or edge case, theyre left stranded, unable toadapt.This effect extends beyond navigation. Autocomplete, for example, speeds up typing but nudges communication toward the most common expressions. Gradually, this reliance flattens language, limiting nuance and originalityjust as GPS weakens our memory and spatial awareness.The more we depend on systems optimized for convenience, the less we develop the ability to function withoutthem.Image source: 9to5mac.comAI is accelerating this shift. Large language models, predictive text, and AI-generated content are reducing the need for critical thinking and problem-solving.Why struggle to write when AI can generate an answer? Why explore different approaches when an algorithm suggests the most efficient solution? These systems optimize for speed and easebut at whatcost?One could argue that these tools help us go further, expanding our capabilities and removing tedious obstacles. But lets be honestmany people dont use them to enhance their thinkingthey use them to replaceit.The case for cognitive depth inUXOur minds dont merely process informationthey construct meaning through what cognitive scientist Steven Pinker calls mentalesean internal language that helps us form mental models by connecting new input to existing knowledge. This ability is essential for problem-solving, adaptation, and anticipation.Image source: https://www.nature.com/articles/491036aConsider language acquisition. A child learning the word dog doesnt memorize the letters D-O-G first. Instead, they form a mental model that links the word dog and the physical animal. Over time, hearing or seeing the word triggers an image, a bark, or even an emotional response. This process streamlines information interpretation, making it more intuitive and efficient.The distinctionbetween surface-level memorization and true understandingmatters in UX. When interfaces are overly simplified, they can bypass natural cognitive processes. Step-by-step guidance enhances usability in the short term, but it weakens a users ability to develop their own mentalmodels.This is fine for isolated tasks. But when users need to deviate from the prescribed path, a lack of mental modeling leads to confusion and frustration. They resort to trial and error instead of intuitive navigation.Why the future of UX needs cognitive engagementThe trend toward hyper-simplification has turned UX into a system of invisible guardrailsusers are guided through interactions without necessarily understanding how or why things work. This creates a smooth experience but limits autonomy.Think about learning to drive. Many beginners start with an automatic transmission because it removes complexity, allowing them to focus on steering and road awareness.But if they never learn how a manual transmission works, they miss out on a deeper understanding of engine behavior and full control in all conditions. They can still get from point A to B, but their knowledge remains surface-level.The same applies to UX. Instead of eliminating all friction, interfaces should embrace progressive depthstarting simple but allowing users to gradually build competence.This strategy is sometimes called progressive disclosurea design approach that gradually reveals more complex information or features only when users need them, so they arent overwhelmed by too many options atonce.Interestingly, the effect of reduced cognitive flexibility isnt limited to end users. Designers themselves can become entangled in technologies that oversimplify essential complexities.In fact, I recently explored this idea in an article that sparked some strong reactions arguing that designers over-reliance on no-code tools like Figma has weakened their critical thinking skillsmaking them less attuned to the digital media they designfor.Of course, simplicity has its place. Removing unnecessary complexity is crucial for efficiency, usability, and accessibility. But the goal shouldnt be to eliminate all cognitive effortonly unnecessary friction. Thoughtful UX doesnt just make things easierit makes experiences more enriching and empowering overtime.How do we fix this? Designing for cognitive depthIf UX prioritizes frictionless experiences at the cost of user autonomy, the solution isnt to reintroduce unnecessary complexity but to design systems that encourage deeper engagement whenneeded.Some of the best-designed systems already do this naturally. For example, Wikipedia doesnt just provide a quick answerit invites users to explore interconnected ideas through internal links, forming a deeper understanding of a subject. Alternatively, Googles Advanced Search offers a streamlined starting point but reveals greater control for those who seekit.Even IKEAs self-assembly model turns effort into an advantageby assembling their own furniture, customers develop a stronger connection to the product, reinforcing both understanding and perceived value.Image source: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/ikea-effectHowever, it seems AI is moving in the opposite direction. Most AI-driven tools today prioritize instant solutions over long-term comprehension.Chatbots answer questions immediately, autocomplete finishes thoughts before they fully form, and code generators eliminate the need to understand syntaxall reducing effort but also stripping away the opportunity for learning.But what if AI did more than just provide answers? Imagine a design assistant that doesnt just suggest improvements but challenges users to think criticallyexplaining why certain choices work based on cognitive load principles and prompting them to refine their decisions through an iterative process.Or a coding AI that, instead of simply completing a function, nudges developers to predict potential errors, guiding them toward the solution rather than handing it over outright.The goal shouldnt be to eliminate every cognitive challengeonly the unnecessary ones. Thoughtful UX design, including AI-driven interfaces, should preserve engagement where it matters, guiding users toward understanding rather than just handing them solutions.Cognitive depththe missing ingredient inUXCognitive depth isnt about making interfaces or engagement harderits about making them more meaningful.Great design should empower users, not just guide them. Like learning to navigate without GPS, an interface that broadens mental models, encourages exploration, and promotes problem-solving to help users develop confidence and adaptability. When we remove all friction, we risk leaving people directionless the moment they stray from thepath.Because in the end, a frictionless world isnt always a better one. If I had GPS on that first road trip, I might not have gotten lostbut I also wouldnt have learned how to find my way. Sometimes, the best designs are the ones that make usthink.Dont miss out! Join my email list and receive the latestcontent.The cognitive cost of convenience was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The dynamics of designing with generative creationContinue reading on UX Collective

Apple is working on adding cameras to future Apple Watch models in order to make them function more like AI wearables, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter. Gurman reports that the company is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models, with plans for a 2027 launch. The move would allow the Apple Watch to support AI features like Visual Intelligence, which can provide on-the-spot information about whatever the user points the camera at.Gurman previously reported that Apple is developing AirPods with a built-in camera for the same purpose, and he notes this week that these are expected to launch around the same time as the camera-equipped Apple Watches. Camera placement would likely vary among the different watch models. According to Gurman, the Series watches could get a camera in the display, while the camera in the Ultra would be on the side of the device.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-watches-with-built-in-cameras-to-support-ai-features-are-reportedly-in-the-works-154531629.html?src=rss

If youre looking to upgrade your kitchen with a versatile countertop oven, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is currently on sale for $280 thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale down from its usual $350. Thats a $70 discount on one of the most well-regarded air fryer toaster ovens out there, and its close to the lowest price weve ever seen. Brevilles Smart Oven Air Fryer combines convection baking and air frying into a single, compact appliance. It features Element iQ system technology, which intelligently adjusts heat distribution to ensure precise and even cooking. Whether youre roasting a chicken, crisping up fries or baking cookies, this oven is designed to handle it all. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer has 11 cooking functions, including toast, bake, roast, broil, air fry, and pizza, making it a versatile tool for any kitchen. While throwing down close to $300 might seem steep, you have to consider how flexible this oven is, plus how good of a deal you can get right now. Air fryers have become convenient alternatives to ovens thanks to the speed at which you can cook with them. The Breville Smart Air Fryer is no different; its super convection technology speeds up cooking times while delivering that golden, crispy finish we all love. The LCD display and easy-to-use dials make navigating the settings simple, while the spacious interior can fit a 13-inch pizza or six slices of toast at once handy when you have a big family or crowd to feed. If you want even more features and are prepared to part with a little more cash, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is also on sale for $300, down from its usual $400. In our roundup of the best air fryers, we consider it the best air fryer toaster oven thanks to its extra cooking presets, a larger capacity and dehydration capabilities, making it an even better choice for those who frequently cook in bulk. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-breville-smart-oven-air-fryer-is-down-to-280-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-145714126.html?src=rss

A new report gives us some more information about what to expect from the Samsung smart glasses.