LatestMachine LearningWays to Deal With Hallucinations in LLM 0 like December 16, 2024Share this postLast Updated on December 17, 2024 by Editorial TeamAuthor(s): Igor Novikov Originally published on Towards AI. Image by the authorOne of the major challenges in using LLMs in business is that LLMs hallucinate. How can you entrust your clients to a chatbot that can go mad and tell them something inappropriate at any moment? Or how can you trust your corporate AI assistant if it makes things up randomly?Thats a problem, especially given that an LLM cant be fired or held accountable.Thats the thing with AI systems they dont benefit from lying to you in any way but at the same time, despite sounding intelligent they are not a person, so they cant be blamed either.Some tout RAG as a cure-all approach, but in reality it only solves one particular cause and doesnt help with others. Only a combination of several methods can help.Not all hope is lost though. There are ways to work with it so lets look at that.So not to go too philosophical about what is hallucination, lets define the most important cases:The model understands the question but gives an incorrect answerThe model didnt understand the question and thus gave an incorrect answerThere is no right or wrong answer, and therefore if you disagree with the mode it doesnt make it incorrect. Like if you ask Apple vs Android whatever it answers is technically just an opinionLets start with the latter. These are reasons why a model can misunderstand the questions:The question is crap (ambiguous, not clear, etc.), and therefore the answer is crap. Not the model's fault, ask better questionsThe model does not have contextLanguage: the model does not understand the language you are usingBad luck or, in other words, stochastic distribution led the reasoning in a weird wayNow lets look at the first one: why would a model lie, that is give factually and verifiably incorrect information, if it understands the questions?It didnt follow all the logical steps to arrive at a conclusionIt didnt have enough contextThe information (context) in this is incorrect as wellIt has the right information but got confusedIt was trained to give incorrect answers (for political and similar reasons)Bad luck, and stochastic distribution led to the reasoning in a weird wayIt was configured so it is allowed to fantasize (which can be sometimes desirable)Overfitting and underfitting: the model was trained in a specific field and tries to apply its logic to a different field, leading to incorrect deduction or induction in answeringThe model is overwhelmed with data and starts to lose contextIm not going to discuss things that are not a model problem, like bad questions or questions with no right answers. Lets concentrate on what we can try to solve, one by one.The model does not have enough context or information, or the information that was provided to it is not correct or fullThis is where RAG comes into play. RAG, when correctly implemented should provide the model's necessary context, so it can answer. Here is the article on how to do the RAG properly.It is important to do it right, with all required metadata about the information structure and attributes. It is desirable to use something like GraphRag, and Reranking in the retrieval phase, so that the model is given only relevant context, otherwise, the model can get confused.It is also extremely important to keep the data you provide to the model up to date and continuously update it, taking versioning into account. If you have data conflicts, which is not uncommon, the model will start generating conflicting answers as well. There are methods, such as the Maximum Marginal Relevance (MMR) algorithm, which considers the relevance and novelty of information for filtering and reordering. However, this is not a panacea, and it is best to address this issue at the data storage stage.LanguageNot all models understand all languages equally well. It is always preferable to use English for prompts as it works best for most models. If you have to use a specific language you may have to use a model build for that, like Qwen for Chinese.A model does not follow all the logical steps to arrive at a conclusionYou can force the model to follow a particular thinking process with techniques like SelfRag, Chain of Thought, or SelfCheckGPT. Here is an article about these techniques.The general idea is to ask the model to think in steps and explain/validate its conclusions and intermediate steps, so it can catch its errors.Alternatively, you can use the Agents model, where several LLM agents communicate with each other and verify each other's outputs and each step.A model got confused with the information it had and bad luckThese two are actually caused by the same thing and this is a tricky one. The way models work is they stochastically predict the next token in a sentence. The process is somewhat random, so it is possible that it will pick some less probable route and go off course. It is built into the model and the way it works.There are several methods on how to handle this:MultiQuerry ran several queries for the same answer and picked the best one using relevance score like Cross Encoder. If you get 3 very similar answers and one very different it is likely that it was a random hallucination. It adds certain overhead, so you pay the price but it is a very good method to ensure you dont randomly get a bad answerSet the model temperature to a lower value to discourage it from going in less probable directions (ie fantasizing)There is one more, which is harder to fix. The model keeps semantically similar ideas close in the vector space. Being asked about facts that have other facts close in proximity that are close but not actually related will lead the model to a path of least resistance. The model has associative memory, so to speak, so it thinks in associations, and that mode of thinking is not suitable for tasks like playing chess or math. The model has a fast-thinking brain, per Kahneman's description, but lacks a slow one.For example, you ask a mode what is 3 + 7 and it answers 37. Why???But it all makes sense since if you look at 3 and 7 in vector space, the closest vector to them is 37. Here the mistake is obvious but it may be much more subtle.Example:Image by the authorThe answer is incorrect.Afonso was the third king of Portugal. Not Alfonso. There was no Alfonso II as the king of Portugal.The mother of Afonso II was Dulce of Aragon, not Urraca of Castile.From the LLMs perspective, Alfonso is basically the same as Afonso and mother is a direct match. Therefore, if there is no mother close to Afonso then the LLM will choose the Alfonso/mother combination.Here is an article explaining this in detail and potential ways to fix this. Also, in general, fine-tuning the model on data from your domain will make it less likely to happen, as the model will be less confused with similar facts in edge cases.The model was configured so it is allowed to fantasizeThis can be done either through a master prompt or by setting the model temperature too high. So basically you need to instruct the model to:Not give an answer if it is not sure or dont have informationEnsure nothing in the prompt instructs the model to make up facts and, in general, make instructions very clearSet temperature lowerOverfitting and underfittingIf you use a model that is trained in healthcare space to solve programming tasks it will hallucinate, or in other words, will try to put square bits into round holes because it only knows how to do that. Thats kind of obvious. Same if you use a generic model, trained on generic data from the internet to solve industry-specific tasks.The solution is to use a proper model for your industry and fine-tune/train it in that area. That will improve the correctness dramatically in certain cases. Im not saying you always have to do that, but you might have to.Another case of this is using a model too small (in terms of parameters) to solve your tasks. Yes, certain tasks may not require a large model, but certainly do, and you should use a model not smaller than appropriate. Using a model too big will cost you but at least it will work correctly.The model is overwhelmed with data and starts to lose contextYou may think that the more data you have the better but it is not the case at all!Model context window and attention span are limited. Even recent models with millions of tokens of context window do not work well. They will start to forget things, ignore things in the middle, and so on.The solution here is to use RAG with proper context size management. You have to pre-select only relevant data, rerank it, and feed it to LLM.Here is my article that overviews some of the techniques to do that.Also, some models do not handle long context at all, and at a certain point, the quality of answers will start to degrade with increasing context size, see below:Here is a research paper on that.Other general techniquesHuman in the loopYou can always have someone in the loop to fact-check LLM outputs. For example, you use LLM for data annotation (which is a great idea) you will need to use it in conjunction with real humans to validate the results. Or use your system in Co-pilot mode where humans make the final decision. This doesnt scale well thoughOraclesAlternatively, you can use an automated Oracle to fact-check the system results, if that option is availableExternal toolsCertain things, like calculations and math, should be done outside of LLM, using tools that are provided to LLM. For example, you can use LLM to generate a query to SQL database or Elasticsearch and execute that, and then use the results to generate the final answer.What to read next:RAG architecture guideAdvanced RAG guidePeace!Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

Tekken chief Katsuhiro Harada is now also the executive producer of Shadow Labyrinth, the surprise Pac-Man spin-off first revealed in one of the episodes of Amazons anthology animated series Secret Level before a reveal trailer for the video game itself at The Game Awards 2024.All of which begs the question: could The Swordsman, the main character from Shadow Labyrinth, appear in Tekken as a guest character? In many ways it would make sense, given both Tekken and Pac-Man are owned by Bandai Namco, and The Swordsman is an actual humanoid fighter who wields a sword. But what does Harada himself think?IGN put that question to the man himself in a recent interview, and his response suggested such a crossover is certainly possible.Perhaps, Harada responded when asked, because the game environment would be a good crossover for Tekken, atmosphere-wise.PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250It turns out that Harada explored the possibility of adding Pac-Man to Tekken as a guest character long before Shadow Labyrinth was a thing. But designs for the character, which saw Pac-Man as a head on a muscular humanoid body, horrified original Pac-Man creator Tru Iwatani.Many years ago, Iwatani-san, the original creator of Pac-Man, was still in the company when we were here. And I thought about maybe using Pac-Man as a guest character, Harada remembered. So I had the artist come up with a sketch and it turned out to be that the character had like a Pac-Man head, but the body was this really muscular bodybuilder type.I showed it to Iwatani-san, and Iwatani-san got so upset and scolded me quite heavily. So I was surprised that, Oh, I can't just be quite liberal with the Pac-Man IP, I have to be more constrained. At the time I was a bit surprised, but now because of the atmosphere of this [Shadow Labyrinth], it's something that could be considered.Iwatani, by the way, is apparently fully on board with Bandai Namcos plan to take the Pac-Man IP in totally different directions. Iwatani-san seems to realize that that's something that's needed at this point, Harada added.2D action platformer Shadow Labyrinth stars The Swordsman, a character whose only goal is to "eat" as they attempt to escape a maze. Its a Metroidvania of sorts, and a significant departure for the world famous arcade franchise. Meanwhile, Tekken 8 gets Clive from Final Fantasy 16 as a DLC character.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The holidays are almost upon us and Best Buy is celebrating the season with its 12 Days of Gaming sale event. Each day of the event has had an excellent one-day-only offer to take advantage of, and today's no different. For today only, Best Buy's offering a free $75 gift card with purchase of a 256GB Meta Quest 3S VR headset (which runs for $399.99).Alongside the extra cash to use at Best Buy, purchasing this Meta Quest 3S will also set you up with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. That's a deal you definitely don't want to miss. Check it out at the link below.12 Days of Gaming: Get a Free $75 Best Buy Gift Card With Purchase of a 256GB Meta Quest 3S12 Days of GamingMeta Quest 3S 256GB Get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-Month Trial of Meta Quest+ Included All-In-One Headset - WhiteFree $75 gift card with purchase$399.99 at Best BuyWe adore the Meta Quest 3S VR headset. In our Meta Quest 3S review, writer Gabriel Moss said, "Raw processing power, full-color passthrough, and snappy Touch Plus controllers make the Quest 3S a fantastic standalone VR headset that also brings entry-level mixed-reality gaming to the masses for arguably the very first time." If you're still doing some shopping ahead of the holidays, there are quite a few more video game deals that are worth taking advantage of right now. In our roundups of the best PlayStation deals, the best Xbox deals, and the best Nintendo Switch deals you can see some of our favorites. And to see some of our overall favorite deals, have a look at our roundup of the best video game deals which covers the highlights from each platform. Some of the latest and greatest offers include a nice discount on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PC and $10 off The Game Awards' Game of the Year winner, Astro Bot, for PlayStation 5.Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

This article contains spoilers for Yellowstone seasons 1-5.With Yellowstone airing its finale (at least this iteration of the Montana drama, as plans move forward for a proposed spinoff and sister shows) it joins the lexicon of popular, engaging series that simply forget a plot line or two, or perhaps just run out of time. Its hard to argue that Yellowstone ran out of time, having five seasons to answer these questions, and with co-creator Taylor Sheridan writing an entire episode where hes the most important (and most shirtless) character, but alas, here we are.Lets take a look at several major Yellowstone questions that likely will never be answered.Where Did Garrett Randall Get the Money?One of the greatest cliffhangers in the history of the show was the season 3 finale, The World is Purple. It was this generations Who Shot J.R. (Or maybe Who Shot Mr. Burns old age might be affecting this writer) when John (Kevin Costner) was shot on the side of the road and left for dead. In fact, many of the fates of the Duttons were left up in the air in between seasons as Kayce (Luke Grimes) was attacked and shot at, and Beths (Kelly Reilly) office was blown up.The episode aired in August of 2020, and during that fall fans were letting theories run amuck who was responsible for the attack on the Duttons? Many were correct in thinking it was the biological father of Jamie (Wes Bentley), Garrett Randall, played by Will Patton. Randall had a mean grudge against John, and blamed him for ruining his life and taking Jamie away from him.Yet when one mystery was answered, another major one popped up. How did Randall afford all that? The show would have us believe that it was an old cell mate, Terrell Riggins (Bruno Amato) helped Randall out, but this is a three-tiered attack, with militia grade weaponry, taking on an ex-marine in Kayce (Luke Grimes) and someone with enough knowledge of explosives to take out Beth (Kelly Reilly) with a letter bomb. Theres honor among thieves, but it seems like even if Randall owed Riggins a few cigarettes, this is quite a rich favor.How would a small-time criminal, who after being released had no money to his name manage to convince these professionals to take on the hit? Did Randall promise payment once Jamie inherited the Yellowstone?What Happened Between John and Kayce?From the very first season, the YellowstoneRealistically, the brand meant way too many things, even intended as a punishment. After John (Kevin Costner) promised the grandfather of Jimmy (Jefferson White) he would take the kid in and clean him up, the brand was a reminder of leaving the life he had behind.Then comes the story of Kayce (Luke Grimes), Johns youngest son. Kayces only sin was falling in love and having a child with Monica (Kelsey Asbille). John did not respond too well to this and brands Kayce for his crimes. Even for John, does this not seem like an overreaction? What was it about Monica that John hated so much? Why did he feel the need to brand his own son, just to show that John owned him? Why did he never brand Jamie, a son he barely felt an attachment to at times? Why was his reaction to Kayces insubordination so much more harsh that the countless times Beth went against his wishes?Especially considering that the relationship between Kayce and John perhaps showed the most growth, with John coming to be quite tender to Monica, and showing nothing but love to his grandson Tait (a grandson he, at one time, wanted aborted), its strange that John never took the time to explain why he did what he did to Kayce. Tough love or not.What Ever Happened to?This one is a bit of a cheat, as it groups several loose threads together, but Yellowstone was notorious for teasing great new characters who looked like they were going to shake things up, only for those characters never to be seen or heard from again. Names like Cowboy, Angela Blue Thunder, and Christina were additions who came in and made a big impact but never really got a conclusion. Even Johns assistant, Clara (Lilli Kay) was set up to be a major player in the downfall of Jamie even within the middle episodes of season five, but instead apparently the character felt discretion was the better part of valor.One of the more notable abandoned plots was that between Kayce and the seductive Avery (Tanaya Beatty). For several episodes in the fourth season, Avery seemed to have graduated from side character to featured player as she entered the gaze of Kayce. In a very short amount of time, the beautiful temptress even admits that she loves Kayce, and it looked like there was going to be real trouble in paradise.After Kayces spiritual ayahuasca ceremony, where he has visions of Avery, he admits to Monica he saw the end of us. This was clearly intended to be a major storyline, perhaps driving a divide between Kayce and Monica but Kayces vision was the last vision audiences got of Avery.Bill Ramsey (Rob Kirkland) was another character who came in for a few episodes looking as if he was going to shake up the dynamic and be a real thorn in the Duttons side. Gone were the days when John was best friends with the Sheriff, because when Ramsey became Sheriff of Gallatin County, he seemed to be one who was going to clean things up and not be taken in by the charm and intimidation of John Dutton. Kirkland and Costner shared important scenes together, seemingly setting up a real rivalry. However, aside from Ramsey arresting Beth after a barroom brawl, he never crossed paths with the Duttons again.Who Was Jamies Biological Mother?Speaking of characters that should have, or were intended to have more meaning When Jamie finally learned the truth of his parentage, he confronted his biological father, Garrett Randall. The only thing Jamie knew about his parents was that Garrett was a violent criminal who beat Jamies biological mother to death.The strange thing isnt that Jamie and Randall somehow developed a trusting, loving relationship despite that horrific history, it was that it was never really revealed why John and Evelyn Dutton took Jamie in. The relationship between Jamies mother, Phyllis and the Duttons seemed to be more than just casual.John mentions in passing that he took Jamie in because he knew Jamies mother, and wanted to save him from a life of violence (isnt that ironic considering Jamies upbringing). It was theorized that Jamie was perhaps an illegitimate son, or at least a biological relative. Was Phyllis related to Evelyn? Was her maiden name even perhaps Dutton? Its once again such a major shift in character that John, who is often ice cold towards his own biological children, took in a 3 month old child for no reason, unless Phyllis was a major part of his life.Why Was Beths Relationship With Her Mother So Toxic?If any therapists are reading this article, this writer swears he doesnt have any unresolved issues with his mother.Yet another mother-of-a-storyline that needed a lot more explanation was surrounding Evelyn Duttons (Gretchen Mol) accidental death. It was a moment that shaped Beth into the mother-of-all headaches, and coincidentally a thread Sheridan clearly thought about, right until the end.In the finale, when Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser) finally settle into their own ranch, Beth is giving her husband the report on the nearest town. Its seemingly the quiet piece of paradise theyve always been looking for, even with a hitching post outside the local watering hole. This is a major reveal as Beth hasnt really ridden since she was a child, and since she was very indirectly responsible for her mothers death.In the very first season, it is revealed that Beth lost control of her horse, scaring others, and one of them ended up falling and landing on Evelyn. Evelyn specifically tells a young Kayce that Beth is the one who has to ride back to the ranch to get help. Of course, Beth being uncertain on a horse eventually falls off of hers, delaying help, and Evelyn succumbs to her injuries, but the harshness Evelyn threw at Beth was palpable.Audiences have seen strong, no nonsense Dutton women before (even those who marry into the family) but none of them were so devoid of love for their daughter as Evelyn was for Beth. Its awful to think that no Dutton child in this modern Yellowstone generation had a good relationship with both of their parents, but between John being toxic to his boys, and Beth and Evelyns undefined tension, the kids had a rough go.

The biggest upcoming games of 2025 makes 2024 look like an even slower year for new releases. It seems to be a trend: as the average development time for games continues to grow, more and more major titles are dropping in batches during select years. Like 2023 before it, 2025 is going to be one of those years.While the upcoming year will rightfully be defined by the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the fact of the matter is that Rockstars next game could slip into 2026 and youd still be left with an absolutely stacked year for new releases. That said, we apologize for putting that thought out into the world.Here are the biggest games you need to keep an eye on in 2025!Assassins Creed ShadowsPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 14While its delay left many fans wondering about the state of Assassins Creed Shadows, and whether itd be able to meet expectations, we remain optimistic about this latest chapter in the series. As the Assassins Creed franchises long-awaited trip to feudal Japan, Shadows looks to make good on what many feel is the series most promising historical setting. Expectations are certainly high, but Shadows fascinating two-protagonist system and enhanced combat, stealth, and traversal mechanics suggest it could offer an ideal blend of classic gameplay with more modern flourishes.AtomfallPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneRelease Date: MarchAnother survival game? In this economy? Yes, though keep in mind that Atomfall has several tricks up its sleeve that instantly make it more appealing than the countless craft some cheese genre titles out there.Developed by Rebellion, the team behind the exceptional Sniper Elite series, Atomfall places far more emphasis on worldbuilding and storytelling than the average survival title. Set in a fictional version of Northern England following a nuclear disaster, it tasks you with discovering the truth behind this twisted world as you fight to stay alive. Rebellion has suggested that Atomfall is closer to something like BioShock than Rust, which should be enough to excite even the most survival-wary out there.AvowedPlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 13The phrase new Obsidian RPG is more than enough to get a title on any respectable list of anticipated upcoming games. Obsidian Entertainment is one of the greatest RPG studios of all time, and their recent efforts demonstrate their willingness to keep pushing the envelope.In some ways, Avowed feels like the culmination of Obsidians efforts to create the ideal modern RPG experience. Its an action-packed real-time experience filled with the kind of character-building, role-playing decisions, and clever writing that Obsidian is known for. While our preview of Avowed raised some unanswered questions about the games depth, the allure of its classic fantasy world is pretty powerful.Borderlands 4Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe recently revealedbut long-rumoredfourth major Borderlands entry will try to get the series back on track after Borderlands 3 proved to be a somewhat surprising meh entry into the largely celebrated franchise.However, the surprising success of Tiny Tinas Wonderlands and the Borderlands 4 teams early promise to go bigger and better in every way with this game certainly suggests that they are aware of this franchises need to grow (and perhaps change a little bit).Civilization 7Platforms: Windows PCRelease Date: February 11The announcement of a new Civilization game inspires equally powerful feelings of joy and dread. Yay, I get to lose myself in one of the finest strategy series ever created. Oh no, Ill lose hours of my life to the game that famously makes players say one more turn until the cruel light of the rising sun invades the perimeters of their vision.Still, a new Civilization game feels like mostly good news. We know little about this title (a strange theme for the coming year), though Firaxis Games guiding hand and the promised ability to mix and match large chunks of history certainly feels like a winning combo for this franchise that has rarely steered us wrong.Death Stranding 2: On The BeachPlatforms: PlayStation 5Love it or hate it (opinions only seem to go one way or the other), Hideo Kojimas Death Stranding remains one of the most fascinating games of the last five years. The first significant project of Kojimas post-Konami era featured all the eerily accurate social commentary, divisive gameplay, and bombastic storytelling weve come to expected from one of gamings few true auteurs, and the second installment promises to dive even deeper into the weirdness of this post-apocalyptic world.Though we know relatively little about Death Stranding 2, the games star-studded cast, Kojimas creative presence, and the original titles fascinating concepts are enough reasons to consider this one of 2025s most highly-anticipated new releases. Its doubtful this sequel will make many efforts to appease those turned off by the originals methodical gameplay, but Death Stranding 2s confirmed meditations on the impact of post-COVID society should certainly cause a stir.Doom: The Dark AgesPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCWith 2016s Doom and 2020s Doom Eternal, developer id Software did so much more than bring the grandfather of FPS franchises into the modern age. Those games effectively set a new standard for single-player FPS titles that very few other games have been able to match.At worst, Doom: The Dark Ages figures to be a victory lap for a studio making the most audaciously entertaining FPS games on the market. It looks to be so much more than that, though. Dark Ages almost Painkiller-esque weapons, style, and gameplay pacing suggest id has somehow found yet another gear and isnt taking their foot off the gas as they boldly navigate new territory once again.Elden Ring NightreignPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneFew expected FromSoftware to return to Elden Ring so quickly, and nobody expected them to deliver something like Nightreign. This spin-off of the Elden Ring series is essentially a co-op roguelike dungeon crawler with several Elden Ring-flavored twists. Picture Dark Alliance with more Elden Ring-like gameplay andwell, that still doesnt quite paint the picture.Yet, between Nightreigns pre-set characters, generally lowered difficulty level, and much faster gameplay, its hard not to be intrigued by what FromSoftware is cooking. Are they testing the waters for a big new concept, or is this simply a standalone passion project?FablePlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe Fable franchise is one of gamings oddest beasts. It has historically fallen short of expectations, in large part due to the outrageous promises that have come to define the series creator, Peter Molyneux. Yet, those original games also offered a rather unique genre experience that many crave due to a lack of proper alternatives.With their reboot of the franchise (sans Molyneux), developer Playground Games looks to recapture the series unique charms while inching Fable closer to its full potential. Its a tall task, but the Fable footage released so far demonstrates Playgrounds understanding of the humor and whimsy that have long made Fable one of the most enjoyable fantasy franchises to lose yourself in.Ghost of YoteiPlatforms: PlayStation 5With 2020s Ghost of Tsushima, developer Sucker Punch Productions delivered the rare modern open-world title that felt both comfortably familiar and creatively inventive. Ghost of Tsushima didnt break the genre mold so much as it used its historical setting as the basis of one of the most stunning and engaging open-world experiences this side of a Rockstar Games production. It is also arguably the best samurai title ever made.As the standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei obviously wont be able to ride the wave of surprising delights that helped elevate Tsushima among those who went into it with modest expectations. Yet, the Yotei teams promise to emphasize an underdog of vengeance story and the romance and beauty of feudal Japan should be more than enough to get you excited about the opportunity to dive back into this world where every pixel is a painting.Grand Theft Auto 6Platforms: PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X/SGrand Theft Auto 6 may be the most anticipated release in video game history. Its not just the 10+ years since the release of GTA 5, the absurdly high standards of this series, and the ways GTA has reached even the most casual modern gamers. Theres a strong argument to be made that the success or failure of GTA 6 could alter the fate of an industry that is increasingly dependent on its biggest blockbusters. Well, there is no blockbuster bigger than GTA 6.Mind you, we still know relatively little about the game itself. With only one official trailerand quite a few leaksto go on, we can tell you that the next Grand Theft Auto will take us to a fictional version of Florida and focus on two lovers on the run from the law. Everything else will be a surprise, it seems. Thats actually kind of nice. Of course, itd be a lot nicer if we could just finally play the damn game.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 42018s Kingdom Come: Deliverance boasts one of the strangest success stories in modern gaming. Following a Kickstarter campaign that seemed to be built on unrealistic promises, Deliverance launched with quite a few bugs and several controversies. And yet, a few patches and a little distance revealed Deliverance to be one of the best attempts to recapture those old Elder Scrolls feelings and a pretty incredible medieval RPG in its own right.With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developer Warhorse Studios looks to make the most of the lessons they learned from the first game. Set shortly after the original, Deliverance 2 looks far smoother than its predecessor ever was yet has lost none of that outside-the-box ambition that made the original feel so special.Mafia: The Old CountryPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCDeveloper Hangar 13 gets to continue what they started in the underrated Mafia III with the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country. As the name suggests, this game will take the franchise back to its relative roots (early 1900s Sicily) and serve as a kind of origin story for the series.The setting is unique relative to other crime games, and Hangar 13 has already shown that they can maintain and elevate this series standard for excellent storytelling, characters, and environments. Its not ideal that this game is coming out the same year as GTA 6, but Old Countrys likely release date head start and distinct style should help it distinguish itself as a worthwhile alternative.Marvel 1943: Rise of HydraPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe relative lack of Marvel games during the MCU era of entertainment was always a shock. Conventional corporate wisdom tells us that we should be swimming in games that adapt and go beyond MCU movies and shows. Yet, weve been left with slim pickings so far. Thankfully, Marvel 1943 looks to help fill that considerable void.Set in Paris during World War II, this action/adventure game will follow Captain America, Black Panther, and their military allies as they battle Hydra and the Axis forces. On paper, thats the exact kind of familiar, yet distinct approach to Marvel gaming that helped make Insomniacs Spider-Man titles such a success.Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThat siren youve been hearing is the warning sound that accompanied the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and has been trailing the game throughout its development. Simply put, the prospect of Konami approving a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater following their infamous split with creator Hideo Kojima felt perilous at best and insulting at worst.But the success of 2024s Silent Hill 2 remake has a lot of people feeling much more excited about this next remake. Granted, they are different games being developed by different studios, but suddenly the prospect of a remake of a beloved Konami game delivering a worthwhile experience without the help of their original creators doesnt seem quite so far-fetched.Metroid Prime 4: BeyondPlatforms: Nintendo SwitchGiven that it was revealed around the time that the Nintendo Switch was released, we once thought that Metroid Prime 4 was going to be one of the titles that Nintendo used to sell people on their strange new hardware. Now, Metroid Prime 4 is poised to be the swan song for one of the most successful gaming devices ever made. Hey, no pressure.Yes, its surprising that weve still seen so little of Metroid Prime 4. After all this time, though, the promise of more Metroid Prime is still enough to leave us impossibly excited about this project. At a time when the Metroidvania genre dominates the indie scene and is the DNA of many modern games, Metroid Prime 4 seems primed to finally earn this series the undeniable sales success it always deserved.Ninja Gaiden: RageboundPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneThe Ninja Gaiden franchise returns as a 2D sidescroller that will offer the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed Ninja Gaiden series from the 8-bit era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. So, its not quite a throwback but rather a re-imagining of the franchises roots.The biggest reasons to be excited about this one, though, can be found on the back of the box (relatively speaking). Published by Dotemu, the team behind many of the best retro revivals in recent years, and developed by The Game Kitchen, the studio responsible for the exceptional Blasphemous, this one is almost guaranteed to rock.The Outer Worlds 2Platforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCAs the spiritual sequel toFallout: New Vegas, 2019sThe Outer Worldswas essentially a dream Obsidian Entertainment RPG. Along with fulfilling quite a fewFalloutfantasies,The Outer Worldsproved to be a compelling, enjoyable, genuinely funny, and surprisingly deep sci-fi role-playing experience in its own right.WithThe Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has made it clear that they intend to pick up where they left off and simply go bigger with everything. On paper, its not the most ambitious goal for a sequel. However, given that you can attribute many ofThe Outer Worlds biggest flaws to its first-draft nature, the team doesnt have to go too far out of its way to make this one of 2025s most essential role-playing experiences.Pokmon Legends: Z-APlatforms: Nintendo SwitchThe Pokmon series has been on a surprisingly rough run in recent years. While theyre as successful as ever, the recent mainline Pokmon games have rightly been criticized for their relative lack of ambition and various technical issues. One of the franchises highlights during that era2022s Pokmon Legends: Arceusgarnered acclaim for taking the series in a relatively fresh open-world direction.Based on what we know, Pokmon Legends: Z-A looks to retain most of Arceus core concepts while exploring an era when Pokmon and humans were first learning to co-exist in shared environments. Its a fantastic setup that also seemingly features the return of the largely beloved Mega Evolutions concept.South of MidnightPlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCDeveloper Compulsion Games has made quite a name for themselves in recent years. Their previous titlesCompulsion and We Happy Fewwere undeniably unique, yet each suggested that the studios best work was ahead of them. Well, South of Midnight may very well prove to be the developers masterpiece.Set in a dark fantasy version of the Deep South, South of Midnight blends several regions of folklore with original creations and sets the whole thing to a rocking Southern soundtrack. It looks and sounds great, but its the games almost Beyond Good and Evil-esque gameplay that leads us to believe it could be something truly special.Split FictionPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: March 6Split Fiction is the latest game from Hazelight Studios, the studio behind the exceptional co-op adventures A Way Out and It Takes Two. Like those games, Split Fiction will emphasize the value of unique teamwork throughout its entirely co-op campaign.Unlike those games, Split Fiction will explore a far wider variety of genres and gameplay concepts. Based on the idea that two writers have become stuck in their own creations, Split Fiction certainly looks like the most ambitious co-op game from a studio that is in a league of its own in that area.

Xbox is dedicated to bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet and that includes how we support those making the games. As part of that mission, were revealing Game Makers Journey, a new documentary focused on pioneering Nigerian videogame studio Dimension11 and its debut release, Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water.Were delighted to announce that Game Makers Journey will take us to Ile-Ife, Nigeria and tell us how Dimension11 is breaking new ground, transforming Nigerias rich history and the ancient Yoruba religion and into a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience.Watch the full documentary below:Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water is narrative action-RPG rooted in Nigerias Yoruba culture, and the immersive nature of gaming will allow players to experience and learn about it in an all-new way. Dimension11 are part of the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program. The programs mission is to empower underrepresented creators to bring their creativity, innovation, and originality to Xbox.We set out with a dream to tell African stories to a global audience and Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water was born out of that dream, says Dimension11 Creative Director Winston Ohunyon.Through the help of ID@Xboxs Developer Accelerator Program, this dream has become an achievable goal. I am immensely grateful for their support as well as the creative vision of the folks behind Game Makers Journey.When I first met the Dimension 11 team as part of Game Camp Africa, it was clear to me that this studio had immense talent, expertise, and passion, says James Lewis, Head of the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program. Dimension11 and Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water exemplify the type of teams and projects that we strive to support with the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program.Game Makers Journey: Dimension11 is available to watch now, and you can find more on the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program here.

SummaryXbox Game Studios partners with Take This to help increase awareness of mental health stereotypes in gaming.Explore relaxing games on Xbox Game Pass.Artist Steve Wade shares his Starfield-inspired logo redesign in support of Mental WellnessFor some, the holidays can be a time of heightened stress and an increased need for self-care. Video games have emerged as a unique and effective sanctuary, offering players an escape from daily pressures through creative play and rewarding challenges. Beyond distraction, gaming provides a space where players can rewrite their narratives, finding accomplishment, control, and relaxation that may be elusive in daily life.This connection between gaming and well-being is increasingly supported by research. A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford in collaboration with PowerWash Simulator revealed that 72% of players reported improved moods after gaming sessions. Over 67,000 gaming sessions across 39 countries demonstrated a consistent boost in well-being within the first 15 minutes of play. These findings suggest that short-term gameplay can be a meaningful tool for positively impacting mood, reinforcing the idea that video games are more than entertainmenttheyre a potential resource for mental health support.As self-care becomes a more inclusive and accepted topic across social media platforms, workplaces, and schools, video games are emerging as a bridge that connects people across diverse backgrounds. When designed with intention, some games can foster positive emotional experiences and even inspire therapeutic outcomes. At Xbox, we embrace the power of play, not only as creators but as players ourselves.We celebrate the triumphs of individuals who press forward through challenges, finding joy and empowerment in their gaming experiences. Whether exploring fantastical realms or taking a few moments to unwind with a simulation game, players create their own adventures while reshaping their emotional landscapes.At Xbox, we are inspired by the resilience and creativity of the gaming community. Through the stories we tell and the experiences we build, we remain committed to making play a force for goodboth in and out of the game.PLAYPsychonauts 2s Insightful Take on Mental Wellness: Healing through PlayIn Psychonauts, Raz uses his psychic powers to jump into peoples minds, each one a unique world reflecting their thoughts and personality. For example, a bubbly person who likes to dance might have a mind full of vivid color and music, while a more stoic person might have a mind thats more organized and methodical. While the game is fun and comical, it also touches on themes of mental health sometimes through a fantastical lens, but quite often exploring characters inner struggles in a way that feels more realistic. This resonated with many players, and fans would often speak of finding unexpected reflections of themselves in certain characters, and how that helped them express feelings they hadnt voiced before.As we developed the sequel many years later, the world had changed, and with it our own awareness.We knew we needed to approach mental health more carefully, and so established guiding principles. For example: Raz always asks permission before entering minds, except in emergencies. He helps each character face their inner demons and clear up emotional baggage, but he doesnt fix themmental health challenges dont mean a person is broken, and they certainly dont make anyone a villain.We came to see designing with mental health in mind as a form of accessibility. We want our game to be welcoming to as many people as possible, with no one feeling excluded by being the butt of a joke. We want everyone to enjoy the experience, feeling supported by characters who are complex, relatable, and, most importantly, part of a story about healing and empathy.Never Fight Alone with Gears of WarThe Coalition continues to support its Never Fight Alone program, donating 1% of net revenue to support organizations working to prevent suicide and combat loneliness. Through their primary partners, Crisis Text Line, the program has already funded thousands of conversations for those in need. Fans can show their support by purchasing the 2024 artist-designed benefit tee and hoodie in the Xbox Gear Shop.For more information, go to Gears of War | Never Fight Alone.Senuas Saga: Hellblade II and Ninja Theorys Exploration of Psychosis in StorytellingWith the release of Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice, developer Ninja Theory told the story of a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis. Senuas unique perspective was brought to life with the help of Professor Paul Fletcher from the University of Cambridge and people with lived experience of psychosis. In the recently released sequel, Senuas Saga: Hellblade II, Ninja Theory once again worked with these key collaborators to ensure Senuas experiences were represented in a truthful way. This collaboration also led to Hellblade: A Journey of the Mind, a live conference held in Cambridge, UK, featuring the perspectives of those who have suffered the distress and stigma of psychosis, along with those who study and treat it. The conference is available to watch onNinja Theorys YouTube channeland serves as a great resource to better understand psychosis.Explore the next chapter of Senuas story here, available now with Game Pass.Explore Even More Xbox Games that promote Mental Wellness on the Microsoft StoreAs we mentioned the connection between gaming and mental well-being isnt just an ideaits backed by research and the experiences of countless players. The Microsoft Store features a variety of games that promote mental wellness, from easing sadness and anxiety to supporting cognitive growth. Xbox partnered with Childs Play Charity, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of pediatric hospital patients through therapeutic games and technology, to identify games that have a meaningful impact.Curated from this list are standout titles such as PowerWash Simulator, Sonic Mania, and Rime. Each of these games offers unique experiences that support players mental well-being, whether by fostering a sense of calm, sparking joy, or encouraging focus and exploration. We spoke to Takashi Iizuka, Head of Sonic Team & VP of Product Development at Sega of America:How does it feel to see Sonic Mania recognized by Childs Play Charity as a game that helps children cope with sadness?I am glad that Sonic Mania is being recognized as a piece of entertainment that can provide a positive experience to children around the world who are coping with sadness, pain, or even boredom, shared Takashi Iizuka. The strength of the Sonic series lies in its ability to deliver a memorable experience full of colorful graphics, unforgettable music, and great adventures for people of all ages.Did you know how therapeutic the game would be during its development?When we developed Sonic Mania, our focus was to draw on all the positive moments from those early Sega Genesis years while creating something new. Bright, vivid colors, the joy of running fast, and the freshness of exploring new worlds were key, they explained. We didnt intentionally set out to create a therapeutic game, but reflecting on the joy these moments brought to us, its no surprise that players find comfort in them now.Looking forward, players can explore the Encore DLC Pack, which introduces Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. Additionally, the Sonic franchise continues to expand with Sonic Superstars and the much-anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie.And if you want to see what the team at Sonic Mania studio Evening Star are up to next, Design Director Brad Flick mentioned, Currently, we have a couple irons in the fire, but nothing that we can concretely announce yet! Earlier this year, we released Pennys Big Breakaway on Xbox Series X|S and PC. If you loved our work on Sonic Mania, we think you will also love our first foray into the 3D platformer genre. Thank you for your support of Evening Star!Xbox also had the pleasure of speaking to the team at Square Enix regarding Powerwash Simulator:How does it feel to see PowerWash Simulator recognized as helping children cope with cognitive impairment?Its truly special. Knowing that our game helps children in meaningful ways bolsters our enthusiasm for continuing to improve and expand, said the development team. Weve always aimed to create a relaxing and satisfying experience, and its wonderful to see those benefits extend to children in therapeutic contexts.Did you anticipate the games therapeutic impact during development?Our goal was to deliver a satisfying experience, but it was a pleasant surprise to see how therapeutic the gameplay became. Watching dirt disappear and creating pristine spaces gave players a focused, calming activity. By leaning into this satisfying gameplay, we inadvertently created a therapeutic space that were incredibly proud of.While the team couldnt share specifics, they confirmed exciting updates for PowerWash Simulator are on the way, promising more grimey therapy for players to enjoy.Check out these incredible games available now, and for an online guide of more games to explore that support Mental Wellness see Childs Play Charitys full list.Rime A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful yet rugged world of Rime, a single-player puzzle adventure. In Rime, you play as a young boy who has awakened on a mysterious island after a torrential storm. You see wild animals, long-forgotten ruins and a massive tower that beckons you to come closer. Armed with your wits and a will to overcomeand the guidance of a helpful foxyou must explore the enigmatic island, reach the towers peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.PowerWash Simulator(Available on Xbox Game Pass) Release the Pressure with PowerWash Simulator! Wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Fire up your power washer and blast away every speck of dirt and grime you can find. Build your own power-washing business and unlock new tools, upgrades and more all with the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish.Unwind with Relaxing Games Curated by Staff at MicrosoftWe all need ways to rest and reset regularly, and many games are designed with the opportunity to recharge in mind. During December and beyond, explore these relaxing Game Pass collections that provide a comforting escape from the trials of life and cultivate positive feelings.Check out a few highlights from the full Game Pass collection on Xbox and the full PC Game Pass collection on Windows:Botany Manor (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Feel free to stop and smell the roses in this peaceful puzzle game. Play as Arabella Greene, a retired botanist who resides in a gorgeous home in 19th century England. Explore your manor and gardens to figure out the ideal habitat for a collection of forgotten flora.Jusant (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Ascend an immeasurably tall tower, befriend a water companion, explore ruins of civilization, and restore nature in this meditative mountain-climbing game with no risk of injury or death. Play at your own pace as you take in the peaceful soundtrack and scenic atmosphere.Palworld (Game Preview) (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals. Collect all kinds of cute Pals to farm, build, and battle for you in this immensely popular multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game.Sea of Stars (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Director Thierry Boulanger designed this game around optimism, hope, and creating something new in the face of trauma. This story aims to modernize the classic RPG with turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun.Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Be a friendly ferry master to the dead in this cozy management game about grief. Farm, mine, fish, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas. This game has the option for two-player cooperative play and includes a meditation mechanic to help with the passing of time.DISCOVERExplore Steve Wades Starfield-Inspired Xbox Redesign for Mental Wellness AwarenessFor Mental Wellness Awareness, Xbox commissioned artist Steve Wade to redesign the Xbox logo. Growing up, Steve admits he struggled with his mental health. He had difficulty communicating how he felt or what he was thinking. He found both gaming and creating art as pathways to cope with stress and express himself. In Steves words, Gaming was a way I could escape what was going on in my mind for a few hours a day. I would get lost in a gaming world, which let me feel free of stress, anxiety, and worry for a while. Steve enjoyed that gaming allowed him more freedom to be able to start a conversation with another person in a way that was more comfortable for him.Steve reimagined the Xbox logo in a planetary landscape with a Starfield-inspired starship and crystalline structures within a dream-like frame. Steve drew inspiration from The Frontier, the first ship the player pilots in Starfield, because it is one of the games that allows him to escape into a place that brings him calm. The artwork I created was inspired by how gaming can improve your mental health, Steve says. Gaming is like stepping through a portal into a brand-new world of possibilities. You can become whoever you want to be and not worry what others think of you. You can be yourself and feel free in a gaming world.Check out more of Steves work at his website.GIVEXbox + Take This: Increasing Awareness around Mental Health StereotypesIn an effort to fight mental health stereotypes that can be found in gaming, Xbox is bringing in the support of nonprofit Take This, the industry experts championing for relatable and inclusive representation of mental health in gaming. They are creating a custom workshop training for Xbox Game Studios to help increase awareness of mental health tropes so our developers can lead the way in creating games that are inclusive and representative of people who experience mental illness.Gamingwith ImpactRewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting mental wellness with Xbox. The organizations below will be available on the Rewards hub:Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support in English and Spanish by empowering a community of more than 65,000 trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Text PAUSE to 741741 to be connected with a live volunteer Crisis Counselor or you can reach out via webchat. (US)Take ThisTake This is a mental health advocacy organization with a focus on the game industry and community. They provide resources, training, and support individuals and companies that help the gaming community improve its mental well-being and resilience. The organization addresses the underlying conditions that can create and perpetuate mental wellness challenges: stigma, harmful studio culture, harassment and toxicity, lack of diversity and accessibility, and problematic game and community design. Take This also runs the AFK Room Program at game conventions. (US)Lifeline Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They are committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope. (AUS)Xbox players can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games, completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply).Start earning for impact todayand redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points on the Rewards hub or on theRewards redeem page.Wallpapers and Dynamic BackgroundsThe Mental Wellness Awareness Xbox design is available today as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is availableon iTunes and Apples Podcasts app,Stitcher,TuneIn,Google Play, or through ourdedicated RSS feedfor Overcast and other podcast players.Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 50%.New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as theyre available.Stories discussed in this episode:Listen & Subscribe:Subscribe to support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock:Ad-free versions of every episodeBonus contentodCatch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes!Dont miss out on our other daily podcasts:Share your thoughts!Drop us a line at happyhour@9to5mac.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.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

With the launch of watchOS 11 in September, Apple announced that the latest Apple Watch models would get a new feature capable of detecting possible sleep apnea. The feature was launched in more than 150 countries, and now Brazil is joining that listApple Watch sleep apnea detection now available in BrazilAs confirmed by Apple on Tuesday, sleep apnea detection is now available for Apple Watch users in Brazil. The feature has been approved by ANVISA, Brazils health regulator. Health-related features must be approved by regulators from each country.As of today, a new Apple Watch feature that helps identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea arrives in Brazil. In order to enable it to offer the sleep apnea notification feature, Apple obtained a license for medical equipment from the National Health Surveillance Agency, the company told the press.Sleep apnea detection was introduced with watchOS 11 for Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The feature uses the Apple Watch accelerometer to detect potential breathing disturbances during sleep. Heres how Apple describes it:Sleep is an important area of health as it impacts a persons overall physical and mental wellbeing. Sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder in which breathing momentarily stops during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. The condition is estimated to impact more than 1 billion people worldwide, and in most cases, goes undiagnosed. If left untreated, it can have important health consequences over time, including increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac issues.Breathing Disturbances is an innovative new Apple Watch metric that uses the accelerometer to detect small movements at the wrist associated with interruptions to normal respiratory patterns during sleep. Every 30 days, Apple Watch will analyze breathing disturbance data and notify users if it shows consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea so they can speak to their doctor about next steps, including potential diagnosis and treatment.Make sure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are running iOS 18 and watchOS 11 to enable sleep apnea notifications. In addition to Brazil, the feature is also available in the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Africa, the U.K., the European Union, and many other regions.You can find the full list of supported countries and regions on the Apple website.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

"The technologists should not be the only ones making these decisions."Self-ImprovementEric Schmidt, the one-time head of Google, is warning that humans may have to "unplug" artificial intelligence before it's too late.In an interview withABC's George Stephanopoulos, Schmidt suggested that AI technology is innovating so rapidlythat it may pass us by before we recognize the dangers it poses."I've done this for 50 years [and] I've never seen innovation at this scale," the ex-Google CEO said. "This is literally a remarkable human achievement."Along with former Microsoft executive Greg Mundie and the late Henry Kissinger, Schmidt warned in a new book that along with the incredible benefits AI may bring to humanity, such as the rapid discovery of new medications, the technology will also become more self-sufficient."We're soon going to be able to have computers running on their own, deciding what they want to do," he said. "When the system can self-improve, we need to seriously think about unplugging it."Kill Switch EngageDuring the interview, Stephanopoulos asked, as anyone who's seen a sci-fi movie about killer AIs could imagine, whether a superintelligent AI would be capable of heading off any attempts to destroy it."Wouldn't that kind of system have the ability to counter our efforts to unplug it?" Stephanopoulos asked."Well, in theory, we better have somebody with the hand on the plug," Schmidt responded.And who should that unplugger be?"The future of intelligence... should not be left to people like me, right?" Schmidt said."The technologists should not be the only ones making these decisions," he said. "We need a consensus about how to put the right guardrails on these things to preserve human dignity. It's very important."Himself an AI investor, Schmidt suggested in a meta twist that AI itself may be able to act as a watchdog for the technology."Humans will not be able to police AI," he said, "but AI systems should be able to police AI."It's a pretty strange take for someone who has cowritten two whole books about the dangers posed by the technology but maybe that's just what Silicon Valley has done to his brain.More on Schmidt: Former Google CEO Alarmed by Teen Boys Falling in Love With AI GirlfriendsShare This Article