When it comes to the racing genre, storylines are often among the least important aspects, yet they can still add an extra layer of engagement to the gameplay. The Need for Speed franchise has long established itself as one of the most cinematic racing series, frequently drawing inspiration from popular street racing movies like the long-running Fast & Furious franchise.

Wearable technology has come a long way from the days of clunky pedometers and fitness bands that tracked steps but not much else. Today, wearables have become essential lifestyle gadgets, seamlessly blending into our lives as fashion statements, health monitors, and even personal assistants. The year 2025 promises to take this even further, with trends pushing the boundaries of what wearables can do for our health, communication, and even our understanding of ourselves.What makes this era of wearable tech particularly exciting is the perfect storm of advancements in artificial intelligence, miniaturized sensors, and consumer demand for smarter, more intuitive devices. Wearables are no longer passive trackerstheyre becoming proactive partners in our well-being, combining data with actionable insights that can improve our daily lives. Lets take a closer look at the trends shaping the wearable tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.Non-Invasive Blood-Glucose Monitoring: The New Gold StandardAfons needle-free Blood Glucose trackerImagine a smartwatch that doesnt just track your heart rate or calories burned but tells you when your blood sugar levels are spiking, all without drawing a single drop of blood. Blood-glucose monitoring is one of the most anticipated innovations in wearables, and 2025 might be the year it becomes mainstream. Devices equipped with optical sensors are inching closer to providing non-invasive glucose tracking, a potential game-changer for people with diabetes and wellness enthusiasts alike.The implications of this technology stretch far beyond clinical use. For anyone interested in their metabolic health, glucose monitoring could reveal the hidden effects of diet, stress, and exercise on their body in real-time. Companies like Apple and Fitbit are rumored to be perfecting prototypes, though hurdles like regulatory approvals and ensuring data accuracy remain significant challenges. Afon, a wearable startup, even designed a needle-free blood glucose tracker that attaches to existing smartwatches. When these devices hit the market, they could redefine wearables as essential tools for managing health at a granular level.Despite the excitement, there are concerns to address. Wearables with glucose monitoring will likely come at a premium price, potentially limiting accessibility. However, as technology matures, its reasonable to expect that these features will trickle down to mid-tier devices, bringing the non-prick technology to the masses more than 10% of which struggle with sugar-related issues like diabetes.As this tech becomes more refined, we might see it integrate seamlessly with apps and AI to offer comprehensive health advice, such as meal planning or fitness routines tailored to your bodys unique glucose responses. The day your wearable knows your body better than you do isnt far off.Smart Rings: Tiny Yet MightyRingConn Smart RingSometimes, less is more, and in the world of wearable tech, smart rings exemplify this ethos perfectly. These small but powerful devices pack an impressive array of sensors into a discreet, jewelry-like form factor. Already capable of tracking metrics like heart rate, sleep cycles, and even stress levels, smart rings are gaining traction as a stylish alternative to bulkier wearables.But dont mistake their size for simplicity. The next generation of smart rings promises advancements like gesture controls, enabling you to interact with devices through subtle finger movements. Imagine pausing a song, answering a call, or scrolling through a presentation without reaching for your phone. This kind of functionality could transform the way we interact with technology, making our digital experiences more intuitive and seamless.Companies like RingConn, Ultrahuman, and Oura are leading the charge, blending cutting-edge health features with designs that could pass for high-end jewelry. The appeal lies in their subtlety; unlike smartwatches, which are unmistakably gadgets, rings are personal and unobtrusive. For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic or dont want to feel tethered to a screen, smart rings offer a compelling alternative.As these devices evolve, we might also see them incorporate new features like hydration tracking or even UV exposure alerts. While its unlikely theyll completely replace smartwatches, smart rings are carving out a niche for themselves as discreet companions for health-conscious, design-savvy users.Health-Tracking Earphones: Wearables for the AudiophilesFor Me Buds: Sleep-Tracking EarbudsFor many, earbuds are already a daily companion, making them a natural platform for health-tracking features. Todays health-focused earphones (like the For Me Buds) can monitor your sleep, body temperature, and even capture brain activity. But in 2025, these devices are set to become far more sophisticated, offering insights that could rival dedicated fitness trackers.The magic lies in the ears unique physiology, which allows for precise biometric measurements. Future earphones could monitor respiratory rate, temperature, and even early signs of fatigue or dehydration. Companies like Bose and Jabra are exploring these possibilities, and startups are pushing boundaries with ideas like real-time biometric monitoring during workouts.The combination of health tracking with superior audio quality creates a two-in-one device thats hard to resist. You get your favorite tunes and podcasts alongside actionable health data, all in a compact, wearable package. This multifunctionality is likely to appeal to consumers looking to simplify their tech ecosystems without compromising on features.That said, challenges remain. Comfort and battery life are critical for adoption, and privacy concerns around data collection are increasingly under scrutiny. But as technology advances, health-tracking earphones could become indispensable tools for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, and anyone looking to keep tabs on their well-being in the most convenient way possible.Wearables for Mental Health and Stress ManagementWearables have always been good at tracking physical health, but mental health is becoming a growing focus. Devices like LightVision headband and Philips x Kokoons Sleep Headphones are paving the way for a future where wearables can help us manage our emotions and improve mental resilience. By measuring metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), these devices offer insights into stress levels and provide techniques to manage them.In 2025, expect wearables to become even smarter at understanding your mental state. AI integration could enable these devices to detect patterns in your behavior and suggest proactive solutions, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, before stress becomes overwhelming. Imagine a device that senses your rising tension during a work presentation and guides you through calming techniques without anyone noticing.One of the most exciting possibilities is the integration of wearables with therapy apps, offering a continuous loop of feedback and guidance tailored to the individual. For example, a wearable could alert you to potential burnout and sync with an app to schedule a counseling session or provide daily affirmations. This kind of personalized support could make mental health resources more accessible and effective.Still, there are ethical considerations to address, such as ensuring user data is secure and not misused. But if these hurdles are overcome, wearables could play a pivotal role in tackling the mental health challenges of our era, offering a lifeline to those who need it most.AI Integration Into Wearables for Personalized TrackingThis one might be the most obvious prediction, given that AI is inevitably creeping into every single tech device we own, from our laptops and tablets to our phones, and now even our watches. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the entire tech landscape, and wearables are no exception. By 2025, AI-powered wearables could transition from passive data collectors to active health partners. These devices will not only track your metrics but interpret them in real-time, offering personalized advice that adapts to your bodys unique patterns and needs.Imagine wearing a smartwatch that not only tracks your heart rate but predicts when youre at risk of an irregular rhythm and suggests steps to mitigate it. Or earbuds that adjust your workout routine based on how fatigued you are that day. This level of personalization is where AI shines, and we already got a taste of it with Googles updates to the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this year, boasting AI-powered fitness insights.The beauty of AI lies in its ability to learn and evolve with you. Over time, it could identify trends you might not notice yourself, such as declining sleep quality or rising stress levels. These insights could empower users to make informed decisions, whether that means adjusting their diet, tweaking their fitness routine, or seeking medical advice before a minor issue becomes serious.However, with great power comes great responsibility. Privacy concerns are at the forefront, as these devices collect an enormous amount of sensitive data. Companies will need to ensure this data is encrypted, anonymized, and used ethically. Still, the potential for AI in wearables is staggering, and its poised to make our devices smarter and our lives healthier.Neural WearablesThe Ultimate FrontierIf you think wearable tech is impressive now, wait until it starts interacting with your brain. Neural wearables, like brain-computer interfaces, are still in their infancy but could become a reality sooner than you think. These devices aim to decode neural signals to control technology or enhance mental performance, offering applications from prosthetic control to cognitive enhancement.The implications are staggering: imagine focusing your mind to switch on smart lights or using neural stimulation to improve your memory before an exam. Projects like Neuralink are paving the way, though the ethical and technical challenges are immense. But if the potential is realized, neural wearables could make the wearables of 2025 look primitive by comparison.The future of wearable technology isnt just excitingits transformative. From non-invasive glucose monitoring to AI-driven insights, these devices are becoming essential tools for understanding and optimizing our health, well-being, and daily lives. And while trends like neural wearables might feel like science fiction, theyre a reminder that the best innovations often start as wild ideas. By 2025, wearable tech might not just be part of our lives; it could be redefining what it means to live well.The post Top Wearable Tech Trends for 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

JAL's system under cyberattack, domestic and international flights delayedKYODO NEWS - 2 hours ago - 11:42 | All, JapanJapan Airlines said Thursday that its system network is under a cyberattack, with at least 14 domestic flights delayed for up to an hour and some international flights also affected.The airline said the problems began occurring around 7:25 a.m., prompting JAL to halt ticket sales for domestic and international flights for the rest of the day. Tickets already bought can still be used.JAL said it was working to counteract the cyberattack and determine its source, adding the attack may have a larger effect on its flights. The airline succeeded in temporarily shutting down the router believed to have been compromised.The Metropolitan Police Department was contacted by JAL and is looking into the matter, investigative sources said.An electric sign at Tokyo's Haneda airport informs passengers of impacted Japan Airlines services following a cyberattack on Dec. 26, 2024. (Kyodo)Related coverage:Recordings show crew in Haneda collision thought OK to enter runwayNorth Korean hacker group identified in theft of DMM Bitcoin assetsJapanese publisher paid $3 million to hacker group after cyberattack 2 hours ago | KYODO NEWS

Apple's senior vice president of services Eddy Cue has explained why the iPhone maker does not plan to create a search engine like Google.In a declaration filed with a U.S. federal court in Washington, D.C. last week, Cue said Apple is against the idea for the following reasons:The development of a search engine would cost Apple "billions of dollars" and "take many years," and this would divert investment money and employees away from "other growth areas" that the company is focused on.The search business is "rapidly evolving" due to artificial intelligence, so it would be "economically risky" for Apple to create a search engine.In order to create a "viable" search engine business, Apple would be required to "sell targeted advertising," which is "not a core business" for the company and would go against its "longstanding privacy commitments."Apple does not have enough "specialized professionals" and "operational infrastructure" needed to build and run a successful search engine business.Earlier this year, as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google, the court declared that the deal that sees Google set as the default search engine in Apple's web browser Safari is illegal. In his declaration, Cue asked the court to allow Apple to defend the deal by having its own witnesses testify during the trial."Only Apple can speak to what kinds of future collaborations can best serve its users," wrote Cue. "Apple is relentlessly focused on creating the best user experience possible and explores potential partnerships and arrangements with other companies to make that happen."As part of the deal, Cue revealed that Google paid Apple roughly $20 billion in 2022 alone.If the agreement can no longer continue, Cue said "it would hamstring Apple's ability to continue delivering products that best serve its users' needs."The declaration was earlier reported by Reuters.Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.Tag: Google

Mini CrosswordNYTIn case you missed Wedensdays NYT Mini, you can find the answers here:The NYT Mini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper's larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.Unlike its larger sibling, the NYT Mini crossword is free to play on the New York Times website or NYT Games app. However, youll need an NYT Games subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives.The NYT Mini is a fun daily distraction that usually takes no time at all. I try to beat the standard weekday grid in less than a minute. But sometimes I can't quite figure out one or two clues and need to reveal the answer.To help you avoid doing that, here are the NYT Mini Crossword answers (spoilers lie ahead, of course):MORE FOR YOUNYT Mini Crossword Clues And AnswersACROSS1) Breathable shorts fabric - MESH5) World's second-largest metropolis by population, after Tokyo - DELHI6) It doesn't get any better than this! - IDEAL7) With 8-Across, Hanukkah duration - EIGHT8) See 7-Across - DAYSDOWN1) TV, radio, newspapers, social channels, etc. - MEDIA2) Poem of mourning - ELEGY3) "___ of Sunset" (2010s Bravo show) - SHAHS4) Gripped part of a sword - HILT5) Went to 0%, as a battery - DIEDMiniNYTChristmas is over and its now time for 20% of the puzzle to switch to Hanukkah instead, so hopefully you knew how long it was. Other than that, I saw the populous city ended in I, and I thought of Delhi and Delhi only which worked out. You might say it was Ideal. Ten years of Game of Thrones prepared me for Hilt, and from there, I was good to go.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 06: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts to the three-run home ... [+] run hit by Spencer Steer #7 in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park on April 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Aaron Doster/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWere getting very close to official release information for MLB The Show 25. At this point, all we know for sure is that there will be a major change to the Seasons concept in Diamond Dynasty.There was an extensive questionnaire released that dropped a few hints about future pack series and functionality, but most of that cant be confirmed until February 2025. Theres also a rumor that Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz will be the cover athlete for the game. Well see, but for now lets focus on five concepts we need to see to improve MLB The Show 25.Lean Into the History of Baseball Within Franchise ModeNo sport is more linked and driven by its history than baseball. Thats why its peculiar that The Show doesnt allow more historical concepts in its franchise mode. Granted, users can bring in the legends available in Diamond Dynasty into franchise modewhich is more than can be said for Madden. However, NBA 2Ks Eras pays sincere homage to its sports history.In 2K, you can go back to the 1983-84 season and play through history, or start in other NBA eras with the game simulating history and allowing you to alter it through gameplay and customizations.MORE FOR YOUThink of the content MLB The Show influencers could create with these toolsits a game-changer. MLB The Show 25 would benefit greatly by doing more with the history of baseball in franchise mode, not just with legendary player cards in Diamond Dynasty.Eliminating the Seasonal Structure in Diamond DynastyThankfully, its confirmed: MLB The Show 25 wont have the Seasons concept that bogged down the last version of the game.The introduction of Seasons in MLB The Show 24s Diamond Dynasty was criticized for limiting the use of earned cards. Many players felt their efforts were devalued when cards became unusable, generating frustration and player fatigue.While Seasons as a concept isnt inherently bad, overly restricting the usage of earned content across large portions of the game is a mistake. Thats exactly what happened in MLB The Show 24. As a result, I stopped playing the mode earlier than ever before.If Seasons returned with looser themes or were task/stat-based, the concept would be much easier to accept.A Home Run Derby Feature in Diamond DynastyHR Derby is simplistic fun in MLB The Show, but it hasnt been iterated upon enough to maximize its reach. Imagine if Sony San Diego revamped HR Derby as a Diamond Dynasty feature with a points system, challenge pitchers (similar to Showdown), hidden rewards for hitting balls into specific landmarks, or vault-opening opportunities for home runs in certain areas.To avoid exploitation, entry could require tickets, ensuring the feature remains fresh while also limiting overuse.Fielder Urgency Problems in MLB The ShowMany users have expressed frustration with fielders displaying a lack of urgency when fielding ground balls. These delays result in unnecessary extra bases for opponents.A solution could involve a user setting that defaults all fielders to use urgent animations unless overridden by holding a bumper or double-tapping a button. Urgent animations would have a smaller sweet spot on the throwing meter compared to deliberate throws. However, great fielders would still maintain a large sweet spot, preserving skill-based gameplay.The Stagnation of Road to the Show (RTTS)Road to the Show is stagnating. Its beginning to feel as though the development team has run out of ideas to innovate and improve the single-player experience. For years, it has relied on the base games strong gameplay and players joy in creating a character and advancing through their careers.That time is over. RTTS needs bold innovation. One layer could involve expanding mini-games. A far more ambitious layer could allow created players to be exportable into an online multiplayer environment, potentially evolving into a full-fledged 10-on-10 eSport.

On December 24, NASAs Parker Solar Probe attempted to touch the sun and emerge unscathed.The closest approach ever made by a human-made object to our nearest star saw the spacecraft come within 3.8 million miles of its seething, infernal surface.Recommended VideosAt the same time, the spacecraft reached the fastest speed ever travelled by a human-made object: 430,000 mph (692,017 kmh) or about 28,600 time faster than when youre puttering along in a 15 mph zone.Please enable Javascript to view this contentScientists sent the Parker Solar Probe into the suns outer atmosphere known as the corona in a bid to gather data that could lead to more accurate predictions of space weather events, improved protection of electronic systems, and, perhaps most tantalizingly of all, a deeper understanding of fundamental physics and solar processes.RelatedThis mission truly marks humanitys first visit to a star that will have implications not just here on Earth, but how we better understand our universe, Thomas Zurbuchen, the then associate administrator of NASAs science mission directorate, said in 2018 when the probe launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.But the big question right now is: Did the Parker Solar Probe survive its close encounter with the sun?At the current time, NASA has no contact with the probe as the suns position is obscuring the signal pathway between it and Earth, preventing direct communication. Additionally, the probes extreme proximity to the sun during its closest approach created an environment of intense heat and radiation that interferes with normal communication.The communication blackout is expected and should be temporary, so theres no cause for concern.Scientists, as well as interested folks around the world following the progress of the Parker Solar Probe mission, are now nervously waiting to see if the spacecraft survived and is continuing to operate normally. The answer should come some time on Friday, December 27.For updates on the mission, check NASAs X account, as news on whether the probe has reestablished communications with Earth will drop their first.The Parker Solar Probe has already hurtled past the sun 21 times since its first close encounter in 2021. Two years ago, it sent back astonishing imagery captured as it flew through an eruption from the sun, giving scientists a close-up look at space weather, which is powerful enough to affect technology on Earth.Editors Recommendations

The Dutch lighting company has been ordered by a German court to recall products allegedly infringing on patents of Seoul Semiconductor for more than seven years.

Over the course of video game history, there have been multiple consoles that have come and gone, spawning allegiances from some people, and creating console wars. Nowadays, this is mainly between the two biggest consoles: PlayStation and Xbox. To sway people to either side, both have released games unique to only their individual consoles.

Monopoly GOs Gingerbread Partners event is keeping the holiday spirit alive, as players team up to complete their builds and win special rewards like the Gingerbread Train Token. Theres also a Wild Sticker up for grabs for everyone who manages to build all four Gingerbread attractions on their board. To increase their chances of winning, players should participate actively in the ongoing events and collect as many Candy tokens as possible. This guide breaks down all the Monopoly GO events happening today and the best strategy for December 26, 2024.