The Federal Trade Commission had voted in a rule that would make it easier to cancel subscription services, but the start of that rule has been pushed back until July 14. Initially, the regulation — called the Negative Option Rule — went into effect on January 19, but certain provisions weren’t set to kick in until May 14. These provisions would require companies to make it as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up. Numerous telecom companies spoke out against the ruling. The National Cable and Telecommunications Association filed a lawsuit to appeal the decision, claiming that the FTC had overstepped the limits of its authority. The decision to delay these provisions by 60 days is due to the “complexities” of changing the processes, and the FTC says it has “acknowledged that compliance entailed some level of difficulty” and “determined that the original deferral period insufficiently accounted for the complexity of compliance.” Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends According to the FTC’s statement, companies have until July 14 to get their processes in order. At that point, “regulated entities must be in compliance with the whole of the Rule because the Commission will begin enforcing it.” That sounds like a win for consumers, but the FTC makes another caveat: “Of course, if that enforcement experience exposes problems with the Rule, the Commission is open to amending the Rule to address any suchproblems.” Recommended Videos Certain subscription services are notorious for the hoops customers have to jump through in order to cancel. The option to cancel is often hidden deep within menus, and in some cases, the only way to cancel is by contacting customer service. This process can take over an hour, assuming you don’t get disconnected during that time. And let’s not even get started on cancelling something like a gym membership; some people have reported closing bank accounts just to get the gym off their backs. The FTC’s ruling is intended to make the process more consumer-friendly, and it can’t go into effect soon enough.

Dopson bought his BYD Shark pickup for 64,000 Australian dollars ($41,000). Wayne Dopson 2025-05-11T04:21:01Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Wayne Dopson runs a renovation business in Brisbane, Australia, and bought a BYD Shark hybrid pickup in March. He said it's great to drive compared with his old gas truck, but fears it may be obsolete in a few years. Chinese EV makers are expanding rapidly in tariff-free Australia, putting Tesla under pressure. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Wayne Dopson, a project manager in Brisbane, Australia about owning a BYD Shark hybrid pickup truck. It has been edited for length and clarity.I've always been in the property market, flipping houses and doing renovations. I have a small renovation business, working on kitchens, bathrooms, and decks for clients in Brisbane, which I've been doing for about 12 years now.I bought a VW Amarok diesel-powered pickup in 2015. I wanted to upgrade for a while, but nothing came along that took my interest. Other combustion-engine trucks like the Ford Ranger were all very similar to the Amarok. I would have been getting pretty much the same car with just a bigger screen, so I waited for something a little bit different.I bought the BYD Shark hybrid pickup in March for 64,000 Australian dollars, around $41,000.Ford and Toyota are charging ridiculous prices for their pickup trucks, or utes in Australia. You're looking at up to 80,000 dollars for something that is, to me, inferior to what BYD is charging 60,000 for.I've only done 2,000 kilometers in the Shark so I'm still learning the car, but so far I love driving it.The technology, the power, and the smoothness — it feels decades ahead of the Amarok.Luxury and power on the cheapThe level of luxury inside is incredible for the money. I've owned Audis and BMWs and it feels just as good, just as solid and well-built as a premium car. It also does 0 to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds, so it drives like a sports car. Dopson said the BYD Shark's interior was luxurious. Wayne Dopson I use it mainly for work as well as leisure, and there are a couple of advantages to using it for work. It costs me just cents to run it each day. I've got 30 solar panels on my roof, so my electricity during the day is free.I pay eight cents per kilowatt hour from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., which is enough time to charge the car — it takes between three to four hours to charge.If I set the car to charge at midnight, it's done by about 4 a.m., and it generally costs less than two Australian dollars, or $1.03. I'd be using 13 or 14 dollars ($8-9) worth of diesel a day in the VW Amarok, so comparatively it's very cheap to run.The other advantage is you've got power outlets in the back of the truck that provide about six kilowatts of power, which you can use on-site to power tools. The Shark's power sockets can be used for appliances and tools. Wayne Dopson It's got a really big tray with a couple of little tricks up its sleeve. You can open your tailgate with a quick press of the key, which is handy if you're walking up with your hands full.Range is not a problemThe Shark is what they call an EREV, or extended range electric vehicle. It's got two electric motors, at the front and rear, and it also has a 1.5-liter petrol turbo engine that acts as a generator.The petrol engine means range anxiety isn't really a thing for me.Generally, I do less than 100 kilometers a day, which will be done in electric mode, but if I do want to go to the beach or further down the coast, I've got the petrol engine right there.That just kicks in and charges the battery and I'm good to go for around 800 kilometers.The only thing that would worry me down the line is the resale value. I've already seen that new vehicles are coming out from Nissan, Ford, and Great Wall.The technology is advancing like crazy at the moment, so my Shark could be fairly obsolete in five years.It's got a six-year warranty, and I'm planning to keep it for the warranty period. What's it going to be worth at the end is anyone's guess.BYD puts down roots in AustraliaI think having more Chinese EV brands in Australia is great. We're getting longer warranty periods and better quality cars. Dopson uses the Shark for his renovation business in Brisbane. Wayne Dopson Utes are a very important part of Australian culture. One of the issues the BYD Shark will face is that it doesn't have the same off-roading credentials as a vehicle with a diff lock — an axle mechanism that you need to crawl over rocks and rough terrain.It's fine on the sand and in the mud, but when it comes to really serious off-roading, where you are crawling up huge hills with ruts and boulders, it's going to struggle.For me, though, the Shark is great. It's a pleasure to drive, and it's nice being able to drive around knowing it's not costing me and not costing the planet either. Recommended video

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Fudgepuppy Member Oct 27, 2017 5,781 This is not me being contentious, I'm just curious what the launch date buyers are interested in.   LewieP Member Oct 26, 2017 19,771 I'm planning to play video games on it.   Fire Bocchi Member Oct 25, 2017 1,859 zelda at 60fps among others, also trying to beat out any protentional price increase   DeadlyVenom Member Apr 3, 2018 3,398 Imma play Nintendo games on the Nintendo console.   Saiyaman Member Dec 19, 2017 2,403 F-Zero GX, duh.   ContractHolder Jack of All Streams Member Oct 25, 2017 19,777 Whatever is happening next with Smash. Mario Kart World is second incentive.  MattB Pokémon Master Uncle Works at Nintendo Avenger Oct 25, 2017 3,764 Mario kart world and to play switch 1 games like all the Xenoblades, Pokemon Violet, and might see if legends runs a bit better.   Wallace Member Oct 25, 2017 27,886 Midwest Coaster for my beer.   RBH Official ERA expert on Third Party Football Member Nov 2, 2017 36,247 DeadlyVenom said: Imma play Nintendo games on the Nintendo console. Click to expand... Click to shrink... .   mopinks Member Oct 27, 2017 32,659 I mostly just wanted to make sure I got one before the State of the World made it more difficult but also, I need to play Donkey Kong as soon as possible  WhiteRabbitEXE Member Oct 25, 2017 14,963 Arizona Mario Kart World, GCN games, and enhanced replays of the Zelda duo. (Also, who the fuck knows how feasible it will be to buy one down the line)  Brawly Likes to Brawl Member Oct 25, 2017 16,411 Ryohei Suzuki's bedroom The higher resolution and framerate support for select switch 1 games made me cave. I will happily play Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Z-A on it this year. And yes, the tariff bullshit made it getting it launch more of an urgency. I've never gotten a console right on launch day before.  th1nk Member Nov 6, 2017 9,418 Mario Kart and playing Nintendo's Switch 1 games at 60 fps especially Link's Awakening  Wakawun Member Oct 27, 2017 353 Mario Kart and finish my years-old save of Tears of the Kingdom   Justin Bailey BackOnline Member Oct 28, 2017 2,827 MK, Zelda BotW/TotK 60 FPS, Gamecube NSO, bigger handheld mode for Xenoblade Chronicles   Lirael Member Oct 27, 2017 16,599 The Switch is probably my most played system at this point. I want the new one so I can play the new stuff on it.   Neobunch Member Nov 21, 2017 332 Getting to my switch backlog, but now with reasonable performance, and HDR   hydruxo ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 25, 2017 22,634 Nintendo games. Also who knows how much this thing will cost in 6 months if the tariff delay goes away.   Neoxon Spotlighting Black Excellence - Diversity Analyst Member Oct 25, 2017 93,249 Houston, TX Nintendo games, obviously. I'm also trying to get one for my little cousin as a graduation gift.   Shoichi Member Jan 10, 2018 12,443 directly at launch planning to use it to play Mario Kart World, CP2077, while also getting back to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Xenoblade Series, and other games in my Switch backlog. later Mario, Pokemon, Smash, Animal Crossing, etc. Mostly any interesting Nintendo IP  Last edited: Yesterday at 8:39 PM MaverickHunterAsh Good Vibes Gaming Verified Oct 24, 2017 1,753 Los Angeles, CA. Mario Kart World Bravely Default HD Fast Fusion Deltarune Ch. 1-4 Donkey Kong: Bananza Kirby and the Forgotten Land 60fps + new content Plenty of inevitable future first-party Switch 2 exclusives  The Unsent Member Oct 25, 2017 22,343 Just Mario Kart, it's all I can afford for a while. That game's price is no joke.   Shizuo-Kun Member Sep 30, 2023 829 Multiple reasons: To avoid price hikes (here in Australia, the PS5 received two price hikes, so I'd prefer to avoid that with the Switch 2) Backwards comparability (hypothetically, games with dynamic resolution could receive less resolution drops due to the hardware) Switch 2 updates for Switch 1 games Mario Kart on release To sell my Switch OLED for the highest value I can before they lose value Nintendo didn't drop the Switch 1's price, therefore I might as well cop a Switch 2 on launch I love video games, so its not a waste of money for me Switch 2 version of Pokemon ZA   Roytheone Member Oct 25, 2017 6,066 Donkey Kong. If I waited until that game who knows if I could even get one. And it is not like they will get cheaper with time. Buying one at launch is probably the cheapest option.   DarkPrince Member Dec 2, 2017 1,216 My bank rewards gave me enough points to get amazon vouchers to cover the cost and I'd likely end up buying something else if I didn't use them for the Switch 2. I don't really intend on playing anything on it until Hades 2 or Prime 4 whichever comes first. Unless a Switch game I am currently playing runs better on Switch 2.  Ashes of Dreams Fallen Guardian of Unshakable Resolve Member May 22, 2020 19,532 Well, I have three primary reasons. 1. This is the only time I really can afford it atm. I was going to skip it but I was able to get the pre-order at Gamestop, which allows me to throw like $20 every paycheck as opposed to dropping $500 in one day. That plus my birthday is before it's release and everyone just gets me gift cards for my birthday, so it works out. Worth noting also, in regards to price, I don't really have many other hobbies that cost money. I'm not out here going on expensive vacations or buying musical instruments or motorcycles or anything of the sort. I don't think $500 once every 7 years is that ridiculous. 2. There's a lot of games for the Switch I never got around to that I'm hoping will se performance boosts or patches in the future, like all the Xenoblade and Bayonetta games. 3. I know there's going to be exclusives down the line I want. There's a new FromSoft game next year, for example. And there's going to be a system seller eventually, like a new Zelda or Shin Megami Tensei. I am also looking forward to Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, mind you. But if it wasn't for the above three points, I wouldn't buy the system just for them.  Angst Member Oct 27, 2017 4,242 I suspect costs to go up, so just being pre-emptive   eraFROMAN One Winged Slayer Member Mar 12, 2019 3,474 Better TotK, which I never finished All new Mario Kart after 11 years Better Metroid Prime 4  Lightsong Member Nov 11, 2022 9,277 New Nintendo games mostly, but also JRPGs and indie games. Oh and for the better and bigger screen, my shitty eyes need it badly.   STGHMAAV Member Oct 26, 2017 342 I'm mostly interested in GameCube online and Mario Kart World Tour (hopefully Cyberpunk 2077 soon on sale) But the REAL reason I'm getting it on release date is because it's early after my birthday and I am getting some money to help buy it. And as the current gen, I don't trust going up in price.  Vidiot Member Oct 27, 2017 4,942 It's Nintendo's new system and I know it'll be more than worth my investment with the hours of fun me and my family will get out of it. Plus Mario Kart looks awesome!   oni-link tag reference no one gets Member Oct 25, 2017 17,327 UK To get it while it's as cheap as it will ever be Also cos I skipped the Switch 1  Milennia Prophet of Truth - Community Resetter Member Oct 25, 2017 19,746 Florida Nintendo exclusives Mario Kart and DK as well as upgraded pokémon ZA are enough for me  joffocakes Member Nov 15, 2017 1,970 Mario Kart World looks incredible and I'll get some good use out of portable Street Fighter 6 training mode/replay takeover. I hope it also makes sharing gameplay clips longer than 30 seconds easier than the original Switch.  dedhead54 Member Oct 28, 2017 4,201 MKW, GameCube NSO, and ToTK with decent preference.   Scuffed Member Oct 28, 2017 15,043 Mario Kart and to play some of my Switch games that are getting upgrades. It launches around my birthday so I'm looking forward to it even if there isn't much new stuff going on.   ozumas Born to be Wise and Corrupted by Vengeance Member Dec 15, 2020 4,628 So after what has happened to the price of PS5 and XBX over the years and that honestly I love videogames, I can afford it and I want to play old Switch games with a good framerate and good resolution. And also FOMO but at least is not worse when the PS5 came out with the COVID and the scarcity of it  KezayJS1 Member Apr 25, 2021 2,831 Mario Kart with the homies, Cyberpunk when I'm lonely.   YuMo Member Dec 14, 2022 82 Mario Kart world and the fact the system is most likely going to get more expensive here within a few years (regardless of tariffs).   Odum Member Oct 23, 2024 12 Mario Kart World looks awesome but also can't wait to check out some games with the performance patches (hopefully Xenoblade Chronicles X!)   TheWooniestWoona Member Oct 27, 2017 7,307 Just getting it and a pro controller. Won't get any games until they're on sale. So for now I'll just play Switch 1 games. Hopefully it will help with image quality on games with dynamic resolution. I'll probably get back into Xenoblade X. I'm mostly getting it now since I'm willing to be that prices are going to go up over time, and now will be the cheapest time to get one.  EJS The Fallen Oct 31, 2017 9,568 Mario Kart, for sure.   NoSpin Member Nov 1, 2017 41 Continue playing my existing switch backlog, but now with friends on gamechat.   pikachief Prophet of Truth Member Oct 25, 2017 8,276 1. I love Nintendo games and Nintendo consoles, I'll buy every Nintendo Console. 2. I'm buying at launch for the fear of missing out on the current price point.  El_Dabrah Member Feb 18, 2024 2,256 So I don't have to buy it for $1000 going forward.   Breadfan78 Member Dec 8, 2022 802 Play games mostly.   Giga Man One Winged Slayer Member Oct 27, 2017 23,096 Destroy it in public for a youtube video.   samred Amico fun conversationalist Member Nov 4, 2017 2,828 Seattle, WA 1) The sheer insanity that its $450 launch price point might turn out to be a bargain for a while. 2) Compatibility with all of my old NS1 gamepads. That was a really good move on Nintendo's part. It's going to make instant "everyone come over and play Mario Kart World" a thing I can host immediately at launch.  Lexxism Member Oct 25, 2017 6,333 Centre of the Universe Mario Kart and then I'll be able to play Legend of Zelda in 60 fps.   Stibbs Member Feb 8, 2023 4,222 The 518 Beat tariffs and MKW, like 90% of people  

The Super Heavy booster at the launch pad ahead of Starship Flight 8. Image: SpaceX SpaceX has shipped its Starship upper-stage ship to the ground test site for final runs that could lead to Starship Flight 9. Late April and early to mid-May have seen the firm pick up the pace with Starship tests, as it tested the upper stage ship twice before shipping it back to production facilities. The second test fired up several of the rocket's engines, and it appears to have been less than successful, as SpaceX has not confirmed its success on its social media platform. However, with a handful of days remaining until the Starship Flight 9 launch window opens up, the firm has transported Starship to its ground test site to prepare for Starship Flight 9. SpaceX Gears Up For Potentially Final Round Of Tests Ahead Of Starship Flight 9 SpaceX's Starship Flight 9 can occur soon, according to multiple notices and correspondence between SpaceX and the FCC. Throughout this month so far, we've seen two Coast Guard notices to mariners that first hinted at a launch period starting from May 13th and then shifted it to May 20th. During this same period, SpaceX started preparations to ship the upper stage Starship to its ground test sites for what could potentially be another static fire test. SpaceX had earlier conducted two static fires in late April. The first test was a single-engine burn, which evaluated the rocket for an in-space engine reignition. This test was successful as SpaceX quickly confirmed the test and its outcome on social media. However, the second test might not have been completely successful. Footage from local media showed what appeared to be blue flashes at the test's end and an engine malfunction, although SpaceX is yet to confirm either of these or the test's outcome. SpaceX's second stage Starship spacecraft successfully conducts an in-space Raptor engine re-ignition during Starship Flight 6 in November. Image: SpaceX After the second test, SpaceX shipped the ship back to its production site to conduct repairs and evaluate its performance during the test fire. Now, the firm has confirmed on social media that Starship has been shipped back to the ground testing facilities. Judging from the turnaround time, it appears that if SpaceX had encountered any troubles with the previous run, these were easier to overcome. The upper-stage Starship that SpaceX has shipped to the test site is a second-generation rocket. This vehicle features several upgrades over its predecessor, including a new propulsion system and tanks. It has flown twice during flight tests and failed to perform in both of these runs. As a result, SpaceX has taken its time to prepare the ship for Starship Flight 9, and the outcome of the tests after the rocket's recent transport to the ground testing facilities will determine the flight's launch date. The earliest Starship Flight 9 can fly is on May 20th, according to the latest Coast Guard notice to mariners. Judging by local notices for road closures, tests on the ship could occur today. SpaceX's official announcement of the rocket's transport does not indicate the intent to fire the rocket's engines, but previous flights have typically seen a static fire among the final few stages ahead of a launch. Deal of the Day

Released the demo of my strategy game called Metal Coffin on steam and am looking on collecting feedback. I am looking for people willing to try the demo and give me their honest thoughts. A wish-list is always appreciated. Posted by Koutsou on Apr 26th, 2025 Demo page : Store.steampowered.com Video Trailer : Youtube.comItch Page : Mxpsi.itch.ioHello, i've recently released the demo for my game and looking for people interested in trying it. Metal Coffin is inspired by games like Highfleet. It provides a strategical game-play where you have to manage your fleet's resources and condition.Sneak through the enemy lines on barge through the front door, the strategy is yours to pick.Keep the fleet supplied with enough ammunition to use on the turn based combat on close quarters scenarios. Handle the different events that will appear in the ports of the towns you stop to resupply. Your ethics will be challenged and your choices will matter. To anybody wanting to try it out and provide any feedback feel free to do it here or in the steam page. If someone would like to be more involved and help with some more playtests feel free to join the discord.Discord.ggThanks in advance, and if you find the time please wishlist the game on steam as well.

Editor's note: This blog was last updated in October 2023.For the first time in four years, our popular Unite conference is back, live and in person. Whether you’re new to Unity, a seasoned pro, or just curious about our real-time 3D technology, Unite 2023 will celebrate the vibrant Unity community in all its glory.We have an exciting agenda planned that covers everything games, including our renowned Keynote – full of inspiring content, crowd-pleasing announcements, and walk-ons from people behind some of your favorite games. During the day, there’ll be 30+ deep-dive technical sessions organized into four tracks – Ecosystem, AI, Multiplayer, and Growth. Our team will be spotlighting the latest Unity tools and features, demonstrating timesaving workflows, sharing proven strategies for ensuring game success, and giving you a sneak peek of what’s coming soon. Members of the Unity community, including developers from top studios, will be highlighting how they use Unity to achieve amazing games and experiences and run them on multiple platforms.And before, during, and after these sessions, there’ll be parties and plenty of great opportunities to get with your peers and connect with like-minded devs.Here are just some of the tantalizing details about what you can expect at Unite 2023.Unite 2023 will take place in Amsterdam on November 15–16 at two main venues:Welcome Party: November 15, 7:00–10:00 pm: To kick off Unite 2023, we’re all going to the world-famous Heineken Experience. Join us at this historic brewery on November 15 for tasty beverages and bites, multiple DJs, and good times meeting your friends and making new ones.Full Conference: November 16, 8:00 am–11:00 pm: Join us at Taets Art and Event Park located just on the outskirts of Amsterdam – a creative hub stretched over three historic buildings along the waterfront.The Unite 2023 Keynote will take place on November 16 at the Taets Art and Event Park at 10:00 am local time, with Interim CEO and President Jim Whitehurst expected to start the address plus many product experts and top studios taking the stage.Register to attend in person and see the Keynote live. For those not able to join us in person, the Keynote will be available to stream on our YouTube and Twitch channels starting at 1:00 pm ET/10:00 am PT.As well as our Welcome Party at Heineken Experience on November 15, there’s a Happy Hour and an After-Party at the end of the conference. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to network with your peers.Now for the juicy stuff, let’s get into some of the biggest topics you will hear about during Unite 2023.As with every year, the newest innovations are top of mind for game developers everywhere. When it comes to AI, discover how Unity Sentis and Unity Muse are helping devs push the limits of creativity and build previously unimaginable experiences. Next, hear more about how we worked closely with Apple to provide a deep integration of visionOS with Unity PolySpatial, enabling creators to bring beloved games and apps to a whole new audience and ecosystem, or create something entirely new. Then, in the XR space, find out how Unity is helping developers create and bring their games to platforms like PSVR2 and Meta Quest 3.How do you actually make a living from games or build a successful project? At Unite, get actionable insights to help you apply business-school principles and turn a good game into a great business. Then hear studio success stories about how solutions like Wētā Tools, SyncSketch, Parsec, and Unity Gaming Services helped bring characters and entire games to life.With roadmap deep dives, you will learn the latest ways you can build a better game with Unity. This means announcements about what’s next in graphics technology, Data-Oriented Technology Stack (DOTS), ambitious multiplayer solutions, improved iteration and collaboration tools, and the best options for mobile monetization – all with an added sneak peek at what’s ahead.The fun, however, will have to wait for November. Not to worry, though, because you can catch up with last year’s Unite via our YouTube playlist and watch the most popular sessions (press play below to check one out right now).To keep up with all Unity news, sign up to receive blog posts straight to your inbox.