• GTA 6 fans think they've found another celebrity cameo as we get closer to April 1 'update'
    www.dailystar.co.uk
    A GTA collaborator has been tipped for another appearance, but fans might not want to get their hopes up here's all we know as the final countdown to an April 1 update approachesTech10:12, 28 Mar 2025Updated 10:12, 28 Mar 2025Is Megan Thee Stallion coming to GTA 6?(Image: WWD via Getty Images)Grand Theft Auto 6 is still tipped to arrive in 2025, and while the series has seen plenty of celebrity cameos, we've only really heard about DJ Khaled for GTA 6 so far and, uh, Danny Dyer.With Rockstar likely to show something soon given the game is still expected to arrive in 2025 (unless it gets delayed, of course), fans think they've spotted another potential guest appearance.Article continues belowRap star Megan Thee Stallion held a photoshoot recently against a backdrop that sure looks a little like the Palm Trees we've seen in what little GTA 6 promotional material so far.GTA 6 has often had musical guests(Image: Getty Images for Fanatics)While the promotion was seemingly for an unrelated advertisement for Divertidas Tequila, fans are still convinced Megan Thee Stallion will make another appearance in GTA.We say "another" because the rapper has already featured in GTA Online thanks to her track 'Cash S***' appearing in-game. One fan even made a mock-up of a GTA 6 loading screen with the star, and it's hard to argue it looks pretty believable.Content cannot be displayed without consentPreviously, ScHoolboy Q has suggested he'll be involved in GTA 6 at some point, while T-Pain said he was banned from taking part in roleplaying servers because of his work on the upcoming title. All of this comes ahead of April 1, with some fans expecting Rockstar to reveal something on that date. That theory stems from a t-shirt in GTA Online which seemingly included dates for April 1, 2025, and the date of the first trailer.Whether there's anything to be gained from counting down to the most untrustworthy day of the year in terms of news cycle, it's hard to say. The number 040125 suggests April 1 could be the day, while the T-shirt is called the "One Day Will Reveal All" shirt which is a little on the nose.Naturally, April Fool's occurs on April 1, so it could be a funny ruse, plus it'd lead to a lot of fun with the community. Imagine the scenes: "Trailer 2 is out! Yeah, nice one Rockstar, pull the other one."Article continues belowFor more on GTA 6, check out what one former Rockstar dev thinks the game should be mindful of.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
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  • Harry Potter video game cancelled as Hogwarts Legacy 2 becomes focus
    metro.co.uk
    The Hogwarts Legacy DLC apparently would have reintegrated cut content from the base game (Warner Bros.)Warner Bros. has opted to abandon its DLC plans for Hogwarts Legacy, meaning focus will likely shift to the upcoming sequel.Its obvious that Warner Bros. is not happy with how its gaming division has been going. It didnt have a single hit in 2024, with Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League and MultiVersus both underperforming badly.Combined with Mortal Kombat 1 apparently not doing too hot either, Warner Bros. elected to shut down three whole studios and scrap its Wonder Woman game as well.The one recent success story has been 2023s Harry Potter role-player Hogwarts Legacy, but that hasnt protected it from restructuring efforts, that have led to its DLC expansion being cancelled.Although DLC was never formally announced, reliable reports from last year revealed that Hogwarts Legacy would receive a paid expansion that adds new quests, activities, and the like. This expansion would also come bundled with a new definitive edition of Hogwarts Legacy.It would certainly make sense for Warner Bros. to double down on Hogwarts Legacy, considering it smashed the companys expectations, becoming the best-selling game of 2023.A recent Bloomberg report, however, says that these DLC plans and the definitive edition, which were meant to arrive this year, have now been abandoned.According to those familiar with Warner Bros. plans, this was due to concerns that the new content wasnt enough to justify its cost. Reportedly, the DLC on its own wouldve cost between $20 and $30 (so probably 20 to 30).Its a shocking decision regardless, especially since Warner Bros. listed Harry Potter as one of the main IPs it would be focusing on going forward and re-releasing Hogwarts Legacy seems like easy money.What Harry Potter games are in development?Plans for the Hogwarts Legacy sequel apparently havent changed, with Bloomberg adding that its still in development at Avalanche Software.More TrendingIn 2023, there were rumours of a new Lego Harry Potter game being in the works; one that would cover all of the mainline movies in a similar vein to Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. However, nothing has come of these rumours so far.Given the DLC cancellation, Warner Bros. may be feeling a bit more cautious about what sort of Harry Potter games it greenlights going forward, especially since anything that uses the IP isnt guaranteed to be successful.In September 2024, Warner Bros. launched online sports game Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. Given its lack of sales figures and dwindling player count on Steam, it clearly hasnt been anywhere near as popular as Hogwarts Legacy, which still has thousands of active PC players compared to Quidditch Champions couple of hundred.A new HBO TV show based on the books is expected in 2026 or 2027 but given the problems Warner Bros. is experiencing it seems very unlikely theyll be able to support it with any new games with Hogwarts Legacy 2 thought to still be several years away. Are you playing Quidditch Champions? (Warner Bros.)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
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  • 6 of the best games to help mums relax this Mothers Day
    metro.co.uk
    6 of the best games to help mums relax this Mothers DayTamar Hela for ArkadiumTamar Hela for ArkadiumPublished March 28, 2025 12:01pmUpdated March 28, 2025 12:01pm Its time for mum to take a break and settle in with some top free games to relax (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61)Planning on picking up some flowers and chocolates this Mothers Day? These are perennially thoughtful gifts for mothers everywhere, but do you know what could be an even more fantastic gift? Free time to unwind and escape a busy daily life!Constantly being on the go can lead to stress, burnout, and exhaustion, so mums need time to restore their energy to tackle multiple responsibilities. Thats why its a good idea for all mums to take a well-deserved break and indulge in some relaxation on Mothers Day.One of the simplest way to do that is by escaping into a fun and stress-free game online. Why not solve a calmingclassic mahjong puzzle, find outhow to play solitaire, or soothe yourself through a word game? Not only does the right game offer a much-needed mental recharge, but it could also help improve mental well-being and enhance focus.Here are our top recommendations for mums (or, hey, any parent, really!) to relax and recharge this weekend.Mothers Day MahjongLose yourself in a Mothers Day mahjong game by matching tiles. There are two versions of this game, timed and untimed, but try the latter first, as the former may add some urgency. Since the tile designs are mostly Chinese-style symbols, it may take a while for you to find a match. You must also work yourself from the outside in, meaning you must match the tiles on the edge of each layer before you get to the centre.Word WipeHeres a fun, challenging word puzzle: Word Wipe. Connect tiles of alphabets to make words and clear lines, forming any combination of nearby letters. Real words will disappear, and you can eliminate them line by line on the board. Do you need more space? Use the bombs. The timer gives you a sense of urgency and extra challenge, but you get a thrill from every line that you clear from the board.Jewel ShuffleThis is one game that can get you completely hooked. With jewels all over the board, you must match three jewels (or match four for more power), either vertically or horizontally, and meet the score quota to level up. Be warned: each level will demand higher scores. Some jewels have extra power, such as clearing the same type of jewels or eliminating surrounding jewels, so look for those sparkling ones.Daily CrosswordFor mums who love words, this daily crossword game is a must-try. Its similar to the newspapers version of the game, but this digital edition helps you by offering reveal features. You can get help by having a letter or a word revealed, but its difficulty level will still put your mind to the test. Sometimes, the descriptions are a bit vague and keep you on your toes, but thats why this game can be pretty addictive.Coloring Book for Grown-UpsIs colouring a game? Maybe yes, maybe not, but this colouring game is still a relaxing activity you can indulge in on Mothers Day. Choose one or two images or patterns, from nature-themed ones to mandalas to colour. Then, simply lose yourself in the swirl of colours. More TrendingYou are free to use any colour you like to express yourself; theres no paint-by-numbers rule you must follow. Simply colour and chill.Classic SolitaireSolitaire never gets old. Those of you who miss a classic game of solitaire must check out this one. Arrange card decks based on the shapes and colours until all four decks of hearts, spades, clubs, and diamonds are put together. If drawing one card is too easy, try the draw-three option for more challenges. No hidden surprises here, just good ol fun solitaire.Cant get enough? Try more games at Freegames at Metro. GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
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  • Launched on Wednesday, The Galaxy A36 Is Nearly 40% Off If You Combine Savings and Trade-Ins
    gizmodo.com
    Samsung just launched a new phone in its lineup thats perfect for folks not looking to drop a thousand or more bucks on a device: The new Galaxy A36 5G is smartphone for folks who dont care for all the bells and whistles. Call, text, browse Instagram, access your bank account, and take some pictures. It does what you expect it to and does it all well enough.For the launch, Samsung has a pretty great offer going on. You can save up to $150 when you trade in your old smartphone. What were you gonna do with that old thing anyway? After ridding yourself of it, youll only have to pay $249, down from $399, for a brand new 2025 model phone. Thats incredible.See at Samsung.comFor an entry-level smartphone, this still has a pretty impressive screen: At 6.7 inches across, this super AMOLED display refreshes at 60 to 120 Hz no problem. Its not as bright as the Galaxy S25, coming in at only 1200-nit peak brightness and it also doesnt have a anti-reflective screen coating. You may find yourself putting your hand around the edges to block the daylight on a sunny day on occasion but thats not really a deal breaker when were talking about savings hundreds of dollars.The camera setup is good: Its got three lens on the back including a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP main camera, and a 5MP macro camera for taking pics of close objects. Additionally, you have the 12MP front camera for selfies and video calls.The casing is an area Samsung has definitely been able to help drive down the cost. While the S25 utilizes a thin armor aluminum design, the A36 5G is made from plastic with a body thickness of 7.4mm. Just put a case on it and youll be more than fine. The screen is durable, made from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+so no worries there.Long-lasting BatteryOddly enough, the battery on the Galaxy A36 5G is more powerful than that of the Galaxy S25, which starts at double the price. The Galaxy S25 has a 4,000mAh battery while the A36 5G is housing 5,000mAh. It doesnt support wireless charging but a good ol plug is always more reliable and even charges faster at 45W.For a limited time, you can save yourself up to $150 by trading in your old smartphone. On top of that, when you purchase the Galaxy A36 5G, youll be eligible for up to 60% off a new pair of Galaxy Fit3, Galaxy BudsFE or Galaxy Watch FE. That could save you as much as another $98.See at Samsung.com
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  • Forget Apple And Sonos, The Most Premium Bose Headphones Are at a Price You Dont Want to Miss
    gizmodo.com
    Were still pretty far off from the next Prime Day, but Amazons Big Spring Sale is alive and wellwhich is effectively a Prime Day in everything but the name and the fact that you dont need to be a Prime member. That means right now you can find great deals across the site on products of all kinds from laptops to gardening tools, to noise-cancelling headphones.Speaking of which, Amazon has an excellent deal on the latest and most premium pair from Bose. For a limited time, you can get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth headphones for a solid 19% off which brings the price down from $429 to just $349.See at AmazonIf youre someone that finds themselves on public transit a lot, or flying on airplanes, youre likely being bombarded by all sorts of white noise and distracting sounds. With a pair of noise canceling headphones such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, you can shut off all these background elements so that you hear only the sound you want to hear be that your music, your podcasts, or your audio books.Elevated Immersive SoundThe Bose QuietComfort headphones make use of two different listening modes Quiet and Aware. You can toggle between full noise canceling or full awareness, so you can go back to hearing your surroundings seamlessly. This is great for if someone comes up to strike a conversation with you, or youre a pedestrian walking near a busy street and need to hear the cars and other vehicles coming by for your own safety.The QuietComfort Ultra model which is what this deal is for has a third settingImmersion Mode. This combines full noise cancellation breakthrough spatialized audio to make you feel like your moving throughout the same space as the drums, bass, vocals, and everything else.The Bose QuietComfort Ultra also utilize Bluetooth 5.3 while the standard model is on Bluetooth 5.1. You can stay connected within 30 feet of whatever your listening from. That makes these a great option for listening to you TV without disturbing those you live with or your up or downstairs neighbors.Bose has the over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones in a variety of colors. You can choose between sandstone, white smoke, lunar blue, a special diamond 60th anniversary edition, andof courseblack. Though mind you, the sandstone version for whatever reason is not part of the sale, still listed at full price.So if you have been in the market for a solid pair of noise canceling headphones, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless headphones. You can get them for as low as $349, an $180 discount from their original pricing.See at Amazon
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  • An Architecture of Mixed Ancestry: The Work of Taller Sntesis and Its Dialogue with Colombia's Diverse Territory
    www.archdaily.com
    An Architecture of Mixed Ancestry: The Work of Taller Sntesis and Its Dialogue with Colombia's Diverse TerritorySave this picture!Parque Educativo Saberes Ancestrales. Image Alejandro ArangoA change in the way architecture was practiced in Colombia was necessary, and Taller Sntesis emerged to materialize this transformation. The studio combines a deep understanding of the territory and its context with architectural solutions that translate into materiality and built spaces. Their works stand out for their strong local cultural identity, achieving a precise balance between the preexisting, the new, and harmony with the landscape.Taller Sntesis is an architecture practice founded in 2008 in Medelln, Colombia, by David Cuartas Restrepo, Lucas Serna Rodas, and Farhid Maya Ramrez. The three architects, graduates of the National University of Colombia in 2003, pursued individual paths, gaining experience abroad and participating in projects and competitions with different teams. Over time, they returned to their hometown to establish the studio as it is known today.Save this picture!The studio was formally established after winning a public competition for the Clnica de la Mujer in Medelln, their first project. In its early years, their work focused primarily on competitions, including the Parque de Artes y Oficios in 2011, a large-scale project whose construction began in 2022 and remains in progress. This initiative involves the restoration and transformation of the former Antioqua Railway workshops in Bello, Colombia. However, the project that marked a turning point in the history of Taller Sntesis was the Parque Educativo Saberes Ancestrales, developed in collaboration with Diana Herrera and Mauricio Valencia. Through this work, the architects ventured into previously unfamiliar territories, engaging with small communities immersed in the diverse landscapes of Colombia's vast geography. Related Article Revitalizing Territories in Colombia: Comprehensive Acupunctures for Urban and Social Transformation From these journeys and initial projects, Taller Sntesis shaped an architecture they call mestiza, a term that reflects the diversity that defines Colombia as a nationculturally, socially, and across its vast territory.Save this picture!The journey is thus understood as the fundamental tool of our worka lived experience that allows us to truly understand the territory. It is a process in which we leave behind who we are and become one with a new place, borrowing from communities and landscapes their traditions, memories, and acquired knowledge. At the same time, we delve into the various challenges that arise, which reflect the deep inequalities of the country, thus avoiding a romanticized view of people's living conditions.By immersing themselves in the communities they design for, they have developed projects that incorporate local construction techniques and materials. This not only enhances cost and energy efficiency by adapting to each specific environment and climate but also reintroduces and redefines materials that have long been stigmatized, such as wood, within contemporary local architecture. Their work has also addressed challenges like water collection, cross ventilation, and natural climate control by understanding the unique environmental needs of each place, drawing from local and ancestral building knowledge.Save this picture!A transformation of the landscape this profound inevitably requires a shift in the way architecture and urbanism are conceived and understood.On the other hand, the social and cultural component also leaves a strong imprint on the office's projects, through dialogue and active listening, with the goal of proposing solutions that improve the quality of life for communities. In this way, historyoften forgottentranslates into space, through vernacular architecture and a form of construction that is at risk of disappearing.Save this picture!Next, we present how these concepts are materialized in a selection of Taller Sntesis' works, where each project, in its own way, seeks to reflect the diversity of landscapes, climates, and cultures that must be considered in local architecture. At the same time, it adapts to the demands of contemporary global architecture, blending the indigenous with the modern in a harmonious and contextually respectful manner.Viga Del Fuerte Educational Park Save this picture!Chigorod Educational Institution Save this picture!29 de Noviembre School ReconstructionSave this picture!House of Memory and Community SpaceSave this picture!Environmental Classroom Save this picture!Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorPaula PintosAuthorCite: Pintos, Paula. "An Architecture of Mixed Ancestry: The Work of Taller Sntesis and Its Dialogue with Colombia's Diverse Territory" [Una arquitectura mestiza: el trabajo de Taller Sntesis y su dilogo con el diverso territorio colombiano] 28 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028499/an-architecture-of-mixed-ancestry-the-work-of-taller-sintesis-and-its-dialogue-with-colombias-diverse-territory&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • Energia de Portugal Headquarters / ELEMENTAL
    www.archdaily.com
    Energia de Portugal Headquarters / ELEMENTALSave this picture! Francisco NogueiraOffice BuildingsLisbon, PortugalArchitects: ELEMENTALAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:10950 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Francisco Nogueira Engineering: AFA Consult, Rui Furtado, Pedro Pereira, Marco Carvalho, Mauro Monteiro, Paulo Silva, Raul Serafim, Maria da Luz Santiago, Rodrigo Castro Construction Supervision: Pengest, Rui Jos, Sonia Vieira More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. This project had to solve a kind of paradox, two forces pulling in opposite directions: on the one hand, it had to comply with a Masterplan that required continuity of the public space from the hills to the river (north-south direction) resulting in a splitting of the building's mass into two linear volumes. On the other hand, the building had to function as one single entity; so the 2 linear volumes had to be connected in the east-west direction threatening the north-south continuity of the public space. So, to respond to both forces simultaneously, we folded the ground of the public space with a slight slope that complied with the hill-river continuity and then connected the two linear volumes under the highest point of the folded ground.Save this picture!Save this picture!This artificial sloping ground offered the opportunity to solve another issue of the lot: being on the second row of Lisbon's urban grid, the visual continuity towards the river was more theoretical than real. The building of EDP across the street, even though as a general mass complied with the north-south continuity, at the pedestrian level blocked any perception of the river. We laid a piece that rested on the slope, cantilevered towards the river, gaining enough height to lean over the adjacent building, achieving a clear view of the Tajo. So, the square at the core of the complex is exclusively public.Save this picture!It was a deliberate decision not to put the access of the building in this square so that a citizen does not feel that a company "is doing him or her the favor" of using a quality space. A person in the square has to feel that it's his or her right to use it. Consequently, the access to the building is on the south front, participating but not dominating the square. We also placed the public parking access on the north end of the building so that it could serve the core of the block. The position of a Caf at the ground level that can animate the public space with an amenity also intends to contribute to the civic character of the neighborhood.Save this picture!Save this picture!Sustainability & Character. We wanted to integrate the architectural operations that were the case for an efficient energy performance with those able to set the right character of the building. For example, the public square at the core of the lot was treated as if it were a carved monolith to ensure enough thermal mass. At the same time, we took advantage of the mass to achieve a civic monumentality of the complex by erasing the notion of floor. On the peripheral facades instead, we wanted to achieve a certain domesticity for the working place, so we not only expressed the scale of each floor but opted for a rather deep grid of linear elements able to work as brise-soleil with recessed glasses to avoid direct sun radiation and consequently the greenhouse effect.Save this picture!Inside the building, we implemented another operation to integrate sustainability and character. We developed a series of "inviting stairs", meaning elements that are simple enough to use, so avoiding the use of elevators is a real and not a theoretical alternative. We tend to think that energy is something produced "somewhere" that needs to be saved or come from a renewable source. But we do have energy ourselves. A stair uses human energy. Every time we prefer walking to taking the elevator, we are saving energy and design can play a role in that sense.Save this picture!Save this picture!Humanistic Functionalism. Finally, the building's ultimate purpose is to provide the right environment for people to work. At the workspace, we spend most of our day, so if there is a place where quality of life can be improved (sometimes even more than at home), that is the workplace. We proposed to verify the 4 forms of work in the building. A double-entry matrix with individual and collective use in one column and formal and informal uses in one row.Save this picture!In other words, from the individual conventional work in a desk to the meeting rooms, from lounges to leisure spaces within the building. We placed all of them with democratic access, not more than 1 floor away from every point of the plan. The inclusion of a gym on the rooftop and a Caf on the ground floor is aimed at implementing this more humanistic (and not merely functional) notion for the office of the future.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Lisbon, PortugalLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on March 28, 2025Cite: "Energia de Portugal Headquarters / ELEMENTAL" 28 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028456/energia-de-portugal-headquarters-elemental&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • My 4 Gripes With Apple and Why WWDC Really Matters This Year
    www.technewsworld.com
    Apple, why have you forsaken users like me? I feel like youre beginning to take me for granted.I know that Apple is still one of the most influential tech companies on the planet, and I fully recognize that its products continue to set the bar in industrial design, brand loyalty, and ecosystem integration.But not everything is perfect in Cupertino.Despite Apples dominance, there are discernible cracks in the experience: frustrations that long-time users and analysts cant ignore. Not to mention that Samsung recently extracted me from the Apple ecosystem with its new Galaxy S25 Ultra.While Apple continues to lead in many areas, aspects of its ecosystem have begun to show signs of wear. Here are four specific gripes that detail missed opportunities and areas for improvement for Apple in 2025.1. The Apple Watch Feels StagnantWhen Apple Watch launched in 2015, it was a bold leap into wearables. But nearly a decade later, the product feels stuck in place.Battery life remains a glaring issue. Most baseline models still need nightly charging, which is a massive problem for a device that needs to be worn on the body and is marketed as a health monitor and sleep tracker.Even in the 2024 Series 9 and SE models, Apple hasnt pushed the battery life boundary forward. Multi-day wear standard in devices from competitors like Garmin or even budget Fitbit models remains out of reach. The design language hasnt meaningfully evolved either. While Ultra models added bulk and utility, the mainstream Apple Watch still looks and feels like a product from five years ago.The market reflects this fatigue. According to a recent report from Counterpoint Research, global smartwatch shipments fell in 2024, with Apple losing share. The data suggests user enthusiasm is cooling and Apple hasnt responded with the bold rethinking it once championed.Heres a provocative question: What if Apple treated the Watch as a health-first platform instead of just a phone accessory?2. Apple Intelligence Isnt Delivering a BreakthroughThere were high expectations when Apple announced its push into generative AI, dubbed Apple Intelligence. This point isnt only my opinion, as Apple has been under fire from the media for its sluggish ability to make Apple Intelligence resonate with mainstream consumers. Not to mention that Apple changed the management leadership overseeing this capability within the company.Apple has not identified a standout usage model that resonates with a broad consumer base. Theres no ChatGPT moment. Instead, Apples AI ambitions feel vague and scattered. Features like auto-summarizing messages, writing assistance, or Siri enhancements are interesting but incremental.Saying Apple Intelligence hasnt lit the world on fire may be an understatement.Unlike Microsoft, which integrates AI deeply into the productivity stack, or Google, which is aggressively building Gemini into its services, Apple hasnt identified a killer use case. Nor has it clearly positioned Apple Intelligence as a system-wide differentiator.Thats problematic.Consumers are increasingly aware of AI but need to see tangible value. Apples AI story currently lacks urgency, clarity, and consumer pull. The company needs the proverbial killer app (or at least usage model) that gets mainstream consumers on board. Remember Lotus 1-2-3?The bottom line is that Apple needs to make AI feel indispensable to everyday users not just a list of background features.3. The iPhoneWindows Experience Remains PainfulIn 2025, cross-platform integration should be seamless.Yet, if you use an iPhone and a Windows 11 PC, it still feels like two worlds that refuse to talk. This issue is, perhaps, my biggest peeve with Apple.Basic tasks like message syncing, photo transfers, and notifications often involve clunky workarounds. Theres no true equivalent to iMessage or AirDrop on Windows even though nearly half of U.S. users run Windows PCs.Yes, Apple and Microsoft have made minor progress. Features like iCloud integration in the Photos app or the recent Phone Link improvements are a step forward. But theyre patchwork solutions, not a cohesive strategy. In contrast, Android users get a far smoother experience with Windows out of the box thanks to better file sharing, notifications, and cross-app integration.Apple may want to keep its ecosystem closed. However, doing so risks alienating a massive segment of its user base that lives in both the Apple and Microsoft worlds.The question worth asking is whether the walled garden is still a strength or is becoming a liability in a multi-device/multi-brand era.4. Apple Is Behind on Foldable PhonesFoldables are no longer a niche experiment. Samsung has iterated rapidly. Google, OnePlus, and Huawei are pushing new designs. Even midrange foldables are entering the mainstream.Yet, Apple still hasnt entered the race.Despite years of rumors, weve seen no tangible movement on a foldable iPhone. There are no prototype previews, no developer hints, and no firm timeline.Thats puzzling. While Apple isnt usually the first to enter a category, it usually sets the standard when it does. The lack of any real foldable roadmap raises questions about Apples willingness to take hardware risks.Some reports suggest Apple is experimenting behind the scenes. But thats not enough. The market is maturing now, and users expect new form factors that offer flexibility, multitasking, and larger screens in compact devices.By waiting too long, Apple risks looking like a follower rather that an innovator.The hard truth is that Apple risks missing a generational hardware shift if it doesnt show leadership here.WWDC 2025: A Chance To Reset the NarrativeApple still has time to correct its course, and its Worldwide Developers Conference in June is the perfect opportunity.These issues wearable fatigue, AI uncertainty, cross-platform friction, and form factor hesitation could be addressed through bold announcements and more precise product direction.Imagine if WWDC delivers:A redesigned Apple Watch with multi-day battery life and new health sensorsA more compelling and intuitive Apple Intelligence platform that redefines mobile AIDeeper iPhoneWindows integration that finally removes the frictionA foldable iPhone concept that sets a new design benchmarkApple is unquestionably capable of all of this. The question is whether it will rethink its product roadmap and move faster.Users are no longer satisfied with just minor updates. Theyre hungry for fresh ideas, more substantial experiences, and openness.WWDC could either mark a turning point or reinforce the growing perception that Apple is slowly losing its edge. So, the big question is: Will Apple rise to the occasion in June?
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  • Meet the gadget that uses advanced electrolysis to supercharge your drinking water
    www.popsci.com
    Hydrogen water bottles are all over social media, and even Kim Kardashian was spotted sipping from one on her show. But is this just another overpriced wellness trend, or is there real science behind it?While there still needs to be more research on their effectiveness, the idea behind the gadget is to use Solid Polymer Electrolysis (SPE) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology to boost the regular benefits of drinking water. Some companies charge hundreds for one, but you can get the Aquaala hydrogen-infused water bottle for just $37.99 (reg. $69.99).Why use a hydrogen water bottle?Everyone knows they should be drinking more water, but the benefits could be even greater if youre drinking hydrogen-rich alkaline water.Celebrities and social media influencers probably hopped on the trend because they heard that such sciencey water might improve their digestion, metabolism, blood circulation, or energy. But remember: None of this has been proven (yet) by researchers.How do you use a hydrogen water bottle?Using the bottle is simple. Simply fill it with whatever water you normally drink (though electrolyzed or mineral water is best), tap the button, and your hydrogen water is ready in only three minutes. Youll get up to 20 uses before the bottle needs to be recharged via USB.The bottle is glass for the best-tasting beverages, and the base is silicone to prevent slipping.Get your portable hydrogen water bottle for $37.99 (reg. $69.99) and discover the potential health benefits for yourself.StackSocial prices subject to change.Aquaala Hydrogen Infuser Water Bottle $37.99See DealWhat makes this deal specialHydrogen water bottles are trending, but many brands sell them for hundreds of dollarsmaking it tough to justify the hype. Whether youre a wellness enthusiast or just curious about the science behind hydrogen-infused water, this deal lets you test it out for a fraction of the price. For $37.99, you get a bottle with the same advanced electrolysis technology used in high-end models, minus the luxury markup. Plus, its USB rechargeable, portable, and designed for easy everyday use.
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  • Audio long read: How quickly are you ageing? What molecular clocks can tell you about your health
    www.nature.com
    Nature, Published online: 28 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00984-6Researchers are looking to improve how ageing is measured, but the field is plagued with uncertainties.
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