Cutting corners: Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly the hottest topic in tech right now. For Big Tech companies, securing top talent for their AI teams is critical. It's no surprise, then, that Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to make sure their talent doesn't get poached by rivals. An internal Microsoft document obtained by Business Insider sheds some light on how the company is ramping up efforts to retain key AI employees.Managers at Microsoft can request retention bonuses and special compensation packages for employees they deem essential to the company's AI initiatives. These forms include sections asking managers to assess the potential harm to AI projects if the individual were to leave.A notable addition to the process is a field specifically addressing the employee's contributions to AI development. Managers must indicate whether the individual qualifies as "critical AI talent" and explain the risks to Microsoft's AI projects if that person isn't retained.Internal data shows that AI teams were largely insulated from recent layoffs, whereas other groups, such as Azure, were more affected."In the context of AI transformation as a key priority, please indicate if this individual is critical AI talent and share the risk to the AI initiative/s if talent is not retained," reads the document. Business Insider notes that this requirement appears in forms for a specific, large group at Microsoft, though it's possible the approach will be expanded company-wide. // Related StoriesBut read between the lines, and it's clear AI has shot to the very top of Microsoft's list when it comes to hanging onto talent. Previous leaks showed that the average pay for an AI software engineer topped $377,000 about $120,000 higher than Azure engineers.The prioritization of AI talent has also influenced the company's approach to performance-based layoffs. Internal data shows that AI teams were largely insulated from recent layoffs, whereas other groups, such as Azure, were more affected.Microsoft's Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, even pledged in 2023 to match pay for any OpenAI employees they hired away amid leadership chaos at the AI company. This was right as Microsoft was implementing cost cuts and salary freezes, so the move irked some staffers.The fierce battle for AI expertise is certainly driving this increased focus. Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, Meta, and others are scrambling to build the most powerful AI models and apps powered by generative AI. Having developers and engineers who deeply understand the tech behind these capabilities is crucial. It's led to bidding wars and AI specialists getting showered with multi-million dollar pay packages.On a similar note, Microsoft is also prioritizing security at the company following a string of cybersecurity incidents by binding employee bonuses and promotions to security performance.

TL;DR: As Tesla's most popular model enters its fifth year of production, the electric vehicle manufacturer has unveiled a comprehensive update to the Model Y. The refreshed crossover, first revealed on Tesla's Chinese website, is set to hit the market in China this March, with other Asia-Pacific markets following shortly thereafter. The 2025 Model Y features a striking visual overhaul, particularly at the front end. Drawing inspiration from the Cybertruck and Cybercab designs, the new model incorporates a full-width light bar that spans the entire front fascia. The headlights have been repositioned lower on the bumper, giving the vehicle a more distinctive and modern appearance. Additionally, Tesla has reshaped the hood, signaling that this refresh involves more than the typical industry practice of simply updating plastic components.At the rear, the Model Y continues the theme of a full-width light bar, now accompanied by the Tesla script positioned below it. The refresh also includes new wheel designs and color options, offering customers greater opportunities for personalization. While the overall silhouette remains familiar, the updated Model Y adopts a noticeably refreshed aesthetic compared to its predecessor.Inside the cabin, Tesla has integrated design elements introduced in last year's updated Model 3. The interior now features a cleaner, more refined look, with new seats, a redesigned steering wheel, and an ambient light bar.A standout addition is the inclusion of a separate screen for rear-seat passengers. Notably, Tesla has opted to retain the turn signal stalk a feature that has been phased out in some of its other models.Mechanically, the 2025 Model Y shares much in common with the updated Model 3. Tesla has prioritized improving ride comfort by retuning the suspension, addressing what was widely regarded as the previous version's biggest shortcoming.Early reports also suggest that the new Model Y may offer improved efficiency, with better range figures reported on the Chinese testing cycle.This update comes as Tesla experiences its first sales decline in a decade. While the Model Y remains one of the world's best-selling car models and the top-selling electric vehicle the company faces growing competition from Chinese startups and established automakers. The refresh is aimed at solidifying the Model Y's market position and broadening its appeal to a wider customer base.Although the updated Model Y has been confirmed for the Chinese market, Tesla has not yet announced when the refreshed version will be available in North America. However, industry experts expect the wait for U.S. customers to be relatively short, given the model's critical role in Tesla's global lineup. // Related Stories

In context: PC component manufacturers are gearing up for the next generation of ultra-powerful GPUs and CPUs from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. And one area that's seeing a major boost is power supplies. The latest graphics cards and processors are growing hungrier than ever, so PSU makers are stepping up their game. Thermaltake is leading the charge with some incredibly powerful units in terms of wattage. Among their latest offerings is the Toughpower D2000, a monstrous 2000W power supply. To put that in perspective, it's enough power to run an air conditioner.However, there's a catch with this PSU it won't be available in the United States. The reason is both practical and amusing: a Thermaltake spokesperson told PC Gamer that the D2000 simply draws too much power for a standard American home outlet.So unless you have an industrial-grade power setup, you'll have to settle for Thermaltake's other high-wattage options, such as their 1650W or 1600W models which, let's be real, are still immensely overpowered for virtually any consumer PC build out there.The D2000, on the other hand, will be heading to Europe and select other regions where home outlets can handle its immense power requirements.For U.S. customers, the 1650W and 1600W models will be part of Thermaltake's refreshed Toughpower RGB Plus Titanium and Toughpower TF3 Titanium lineups, which debuted at CES 2025. These PSUs are fully modular and feature a sleek, minimalist design unless you opt for the RGB lighting, in which case you can expect vibrant, customizable lighting effects. // Related StoriesThe connector options on these models are extensive. Both the 1650W RGB Plus Titanium and 1600W TF3 Titanium include multiple SATA power connectors, PCIe 5.1 support with 16-pin GPU power ports, and compliance with the ATX 3.1 standard.In terms of efficiency, all models come with 80 PLUS Titanium certifications and include advanced features such as the ability to switch between single-rail and multi-rail power configurations. The RGB Plus models also come with customizable lighting effects for those who want their builds to shine.For more compact systems, Thermaltake offers the Toughpower SFX Titanium 1200W PSU, which delivers an impressive power-to-size ratio. Measuring just 125mm x 63.5mm x 103.8mm, this compact unit supports PCIe Gen 5.1, making it an excellent choice for small-form-factor builds.Image credit: TechPowerUp

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsRotoVR ExplorerLogitech MX InkKobotix Real RacerMeta Quest 3 accessoriesWhile the midrange Meta Quest 3 and budget-friendly Quest 3S are already among the best VR headsets,there are plenty of ways to expand their capabilities.I tried three incredible new hardware gadgets that make VR games and apps even better and Ive found myself having more fun in VR than ever before.Recommended VideosAlan Truly spins in place on a RotoVR Explorer while playing DigVR. Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital TrendsRotoVR Explorer is simulation hardware that physically moves your body to synchronize what you feel with what you see in a VR game. Its a perfect fit for games that work well when seated. VR simulations have been around for decades. The U.S. Air Force trains pilots with flight simulators that safely re-create the experience of flying. Pilots get to practice maximum speeds and dangerous maneuvers with no risk to themselves or the multimillion-dollar jets. For flight sims at home, the Pimax Crystal Light is a low-cost alternative.While RotoVR Explorer has a single turning axis, thats all thats needed to simulate heavy-duty construction in DigVR. I learned to operate several excavators with extra realism provided by my motorized Explorer seat.When I hit a rock in DigVR, I felt the RotoVR Explorer rumble. Digital TrendsDigVR pairs directly with RotoVRs Explorer, so when I turn my digger or rotate the cab, the seat spins to match whats happening in VR. The base has a powerful rumble pack built in, so if I crash into a tree or hit a rock, I feel that impact as a strong vibration. If youre interested in DigVR, the RotoVR Explorer improves the experience. Since theres no mismatch, it really feels like you are sitting behind the controls of an excavator.The RotoVR Explorer kit is large and heavy but easy to assemble. I hooked the Explorers motion sensor onto the head strap of my Quest 3S and plugged in its USB-C port so sound could trigger the rumble feature. After setup, the chair rotated in the direction I looked. This clever design works with almost any game.Batman fights Bolton in Batman: Arkham Shadow. CamouflajWhile driving and flying games are a good match, I found it worked well with games that Id normally use standing. I turned my head to spin between attackers when challenging a gang of thugs in Batman: Arkham Shadow. My inner ear was pleased that what I saw matched what I felt. RotoVR Explorer could help if you struggle with VR motion sickness.The RotoVR Explorer is heavy-duty hardware that costs $799 and includes the DigVR game/excavator simulation. You can learn more about the Explorer on RotoVRs website.Alan Truly draws in the air with Logitechs MX Ink stylus and the Meta Quest 3S. Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital TrendsWith Logitechs MX Ink, VR artwork is easier and drawing feels more natural than it is with a Meta Quest controller. If you like to be creative or have an interest in painting but never got started, its easy to explore art with apps like OpenBrush and PaintVR.You can paint on a canvas or create three-dimensional shapes that you can walk around and through. The MX Ink feels like a thick pen, pencil, or marker, and its easy to use it just like that. I didnt need to know anything about paintbrushes to enjoy it.Gravity Sketch supports the pressure-sensitive tip of Logitechs MX Ink stylus. Digital TrendsWhen I pressed MX Inks tip on my desk or table in mixed reality mode, it left a virtual line. Some apps, like Gravity Sketch and Gesture VR, support pressure sensitivity so I can press harder for a thicker line. I was writing notes with calligraphic flair and drawing doodles in seconds.A drawing surface is optional since it works just as well for painting in the air. Logitech gave the MX Ink motion sensors with six degrees of freedom (6DoF). A fingertip button lets me control the pressure. There are a total of four buttons and a drawing nib, so I can interact with Horizon OS as if Im holding a Quest 3 controller.When I use Logitechs MX Ink with OpenBrush, I can paint in midair. Digital TrendsThe Logitech MX Ink is a unique and affordable accessory that will catch the eye of anyone interested in drawing or painting. A USB-C port on the MX Ink allows for charging, and it lasts for up to seven hours. I also tried the Inkwell dock that keeps the MX Ink charged and ready for use. When Im finished drawing, painting, or sculpting, I simply drop the stylus into the dock for wireless charging. I found my desk worked well, but the optional MX Mat will extend the life of the stylus tip. Logitech includes two spare tips: one fine and one wide.Logitechs MX Ink retails for $130 or $170 with the Inkwell dock. The MX Mat costs $50. You can learn more at Logitechs website.Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital TrendsThere are plenty of VR racing games but few that put you behind the wheel of a real radio-controlled car. Kobotix Real Racer XR comes with an RC car that I can control with my Quest 3.I raced through my kitchen and drove between barstool legs. Crashes are an inevitable part of learning, and the Real Racer XR is sturdy. The controls are intuitive. I grab a virtual steering wheel, then squeeze the right trigger to go forward or left trigger to back up.A camera integrated into the top of the RC car just above the windshield provides a first-person view and rumbling motor sounds as I zip across my floor, dodging furniture and avoiding obstacles. Its as if Ive been miniaturized and get to drive around my home in a tiny electric car.Real Racer XR lets me drive an RC car like Im behind its tiny wheel. Digital TrendsThe RC car measures 5.5 inches long, 2.9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches tall, small enough to fit through the narrow gaps and short openings. The biggest threats are moving objects. If you veer too closely to a moving person, it could get trampled. The wheels have shock absorbers and it seems sturdy, but I wouldnt want to risk the Real Race XR car being stepped on. Its too much fun and too expensive.It works best on smooth floors but can power over some low-pile rugs and ridges. Its possible to rock the RC car free if it gets stuck, but I did need to rescue it or call for help sometimes.Boxes and loafers loom large when speeding along the floor in Real Racer XR. Digital TrendsI could see spending a little time constructing an obstacle course from household items or racing against another RC car. Kobotix includes a basic headset that works with a phone and a regular RC controller. While a Meta Quest VR headset isnt required, it makes the driving experience much more immersive and fun.You can learn more about the $150 Real Racer XR at the Kobotix website.There are plenty of great Meta Quest 3 and 3S accessories that extend run time with battery packs, make the headset more comfortable, and enhance the experience.If you want to get serious about VR flight or racing simulations, youll want a high-performance PC VR headset with better resolution than a Quest and a gaming PC with a strong GPU to render crisp, realistic images for each eye at a fast pace.Editors Recommendations

Good morning and buckle up, folks: were leaping onto the rumor mill today. As more and more news about the Nintendo Switch 2 emerges as its anticipated announcement approaches, a video game podcaster named NateTheHate has claimed that both Halo: The Master Chief Collection andMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024 are coming to the Switch 2 and PlayStation 5. NateTheHate has been correct numerous times in the past regarding upcoming games, but we encourage you to take this news with the proper amount of skepticism. The idea of an Xbox title on the Switch 2 is somewhat far-fetched, especially since we still have no clear picture of the consoles specs.However, the Switch 2 might not need the onboard hardware to power titles like this. Xbox made an announcement in February 2024 to bring more of its games to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo, includingPentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, andGrounded.The idea is that the Nintendo Switch 2 could work with cloud game streaming; by providing an interface, gamers could play titles through the cloud that the Switch would not be able to handle on its own. Considering the demanding specifications ofMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024, streaming is the only practical answer for how Nintendos portable console could handle the game.Recommended VideosOf course, not everything has panned out as expected. For example, Senuas Saga: Hellblade 2 launched as an Xbox exclusive amid a wave of rumors that it would also come to the PlayStation 5. Xboxs decisions are transforming the company into more a publisher than a producer. Fans and critics alike have asked whether Xbox will continue to be a console or whether it will simply become a platform for cloud gaming, similar to Nvidias GeForce Now.Xbox Game StudiosIf Microsoft does bring these games to Nintendo and PlayStation consoles, the decision will benefit players and make these noteworthy titles all the more accessible. The Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with Switch games, although it isnt clear whether that will be through hardware compatible (in other words, whether cartridges will work) or if it will only be a digital backwards compatibility. With more and more consoles taking a digital-only approach, its possible the next Xbox console and in turn, the Nintendo Switch 2 could simply be a set-top streaming box versus something with a disc drive or cartridge slot.Editors Recommendations

Moana and its sequel are two of the most successful movies in the history of Walt Disney Studios, and now,the company has been hit with a lawsuit claiming that the idea for both MoanaIn the lawsuit, which was filed on Jan. 10 in federal court in California, animator Buck Woodall claims that Disney pulled elements of both films from the script for his project, titledBucky.According to the lawsuit,Buckyis set in a Polynesian village and follows teenagers who defy their parents by embarking on dangerous voyages to save their homes as they encounter the spirits of animals who guide them on their journey.Moana 2 | Official TrailerThe lawsuit came after a ruling in November that Disney could not be sued for copyright infringement over the originalMoana because Woodall had fired his suit too late. The release of Moana 2 gave Woodall another chance to sue.Recommended VideosIn the original case, the court found that a jury should decide if the works were substantially similar if the statute of limitations had not passed, and also that someone at Disney might have seen the script forBuckyprior to beginning work onMoana.Please enable Javascript to view this contentDisneysMoana was produced in the wake of Woodalls delivery to the Defendants of virtually all constituent parts necessary for its development and production after more than 17 years of inspiration and work on his animated film project, the complaint states.Among the similarities between the two projects are the Polynesian setting, the way both characters journeys start with a turtle, the use of the belief in animal spirits, an encounter with a tatoo-laden demigod who uses a hook, and a giant creature who is disguised as an island.Woodall is seeking 2.5 percent ofMoanas gross revenue, which amounts to $10 billion. Disney contested the claims made in the original lawsuit that the works were similar.Editors Recommendations

Maria Shriver opened up about a parenting trick she learned from her mother.She said she taught her children to stand up whenever she entered a room, something they still do to this day.Shriver said the women in her family were "big on manners," something she wanted to pass down.Maria Shriver has opened up about the parenting tip she inherited from her late mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and why she believes it instilled her children with good manners.Appearing on a recent episode of the TODAY podcast "Making Space with Hoda Kotb," Shriver, 69, said that she taught her children to stand up "out of respect" whenever she entered a room something she said they still do to this day."I make them stand up," Shriver said. "I used to make them. Now they just do stand up."Shriver, who is the niece of former President John F. Kennedy, shares daughters Katherine, 35, and Christina, 33, and sons Patrick, 31, and Christopher, 27, with ex-husband Arnold Schwarzenegger.Shriver said the rule didn't just apply when she entered a room."I wanted my kids to, when I walked in the room, or their dad walked in the room, or you would walk in the room, that they stand up out of respect," she said.Shriver also encouraged her children's friends to do the same when they visited their home: "When their friends would come over, I'd be like, ahem."She continued: "I didn't want to walk in the room, and they'd be sitting looking at a phone or watching the game. I'd be like, 'I'm here. Here we are, and here I am. And look me in the eye, say hello, thank me for coming, write me a thank you note if I take you somewhere.'""Even though my kids moaned and groaned about it, they now say it was a good thing," she added. Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Maria Shriver in 2007. Steve Jennings/WireImage/Getty Images Shriver said the rule is something her mother who died in 2009 also enforced when she was growing up.She added that both her mother and her grandmother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, were "big on manners."Another etiquette rule she learned from her elders was bringing interesting topics of conversation to the dinner table, she went on."When we went to the dinner table, everybody had to have something to bring to the table to talk about, to converse about. My mother would be like, 'What's your opinion of the gospel? What's your opinion of what the president said today?'" she said."You could be 10, 11, 19, 20, but you had to step up." Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and their children. Netflix Shriver said that at the heart of her parenting style was the idea that her children were "four distinct individuals" who knew they were valued and "a priority in a public family."She added that she wanted to "guard their privacy" and to "make sure they were not part of political pamphlets" or "used as props."Shriver's approach to parenting and her emphasis on teaching her children manners aligns with the authoritative parenting style, which is typified by setting rules and high standards.As Business Insider previously reported, experts say authoritative parenting can help children develop responsibility and emotional regulation."This style encourages children to take responsibility for their own actions and make decisions that are appropriate for their age and development," Kalley Hartman, a marriage and family therapist and clinical director of Ocean Recovery, told BI in 2023.

The United States military offers an expedited path to US citizenship for lawful residents who commit to service. In 2024, while filming the US Marine Corps boot camp in Camp Pendleton, California, chief video correspondent Graham Flanagan followed one recruit taking advantage of this opportunity.Twenty-four-year-old Ralph Dahilig immigrated to the US from the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he holds a bachelor's degree in information systems, Dahilig struggled to find a job in the tech industry, which led him to pursue a career in the Marine Corps.At 5 feet 4 inches tall, Dahilig is not what many might picture as the prototypical US Marine. He had to learn to think outside the box to make it to The Crucible, the 54-hour culminating event of the 13-week boot camp. All recruits must endure it before they receive the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pendant, symbolizing their official transformation from recruit to US Marine.Show more

CEO Anne Wojcicki proposed making 23andMe a private company but faced pushback23andMe cofounder Anne Wojcicki said she intends to take the company private. Kimberly White / Getty Images Despite operating for nearly two decades without profit, 23andMe went public in 2021 and reached a $6 billion valuation. The company's stocks were priced at $11.13 a share, but they've fallen significantly since then. The stock price has dropped 98% over the past several years. It stood at $3.84 on January 10.Wojcicki proposed that 23andMe revert to a private company in a July 2024 SEC filing, saying she believed the company would "be best equipped to execute against this mission as a private entity, allowing us to remove certain public company costs and distractions."However, a special committee formed by 23andMe's board of directors rejected the proposal five days later."We are disappointed with the proposal for multiple reasons, including because it provides no premium to the closing price per share on Wednesday, July 31st, it lacks committed financing, and it is conditional in nature," the special committee's letter to Wojcicki said. "Accordingly, we view your proposal as insufficient and not in the best interest of the non-affiliated shareholders."The special committee said it would review a revised proposal, but a September letter indicated that members had not received a "fully financed, fully diligence, actionable proposal."A 23andMe spokesperson told Business Insider that Wojcicki still intends to take the company private. 23andMe agreed to a $30 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit23andMe agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit in 2024. ERIC BARADAT/Getty Images Privacy concerns have dogged 23andMe for years, but in 2023, worry became a reality for users when their data was compromised. That October, hackers said they accessed certain users' names, birth details, ethnicities, and photos.23andMe confirmed in December that data for almost 7 million users was accessed. A data breach notification filed in January 2024 said it took the company five months to realize hackers had accessed the data.Affected users filed a class-action lawsuit against 23andMe this March, which led to the company agreeing to pay the $30 million settlement in September 2024. The entirety of 23andMe's independent board of directors resigned in a letterFormer independent directors of 23andMe's board resigned in a letter published in September. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images One week after the company agreed to settle the class-action lawsuit, all seven independent directors on 23andMe's board resigned in a letter addressed to Wojcicki."While we continue to wholeheartedly support the Company's mission and believe deeply in the value of the personalized health and wellness offering that you have articulated, it is also clear that we differ on the strategic direction for the Company going forward," the letter said.The letter also referenced Wojcicki's revised proposal to take the 23andMe private, saying members of the special committee and board had "not seen any notable progress over the last 5 months.""The Special Committee is therefore unwilling to consider further extensions, and the Board agrees with the Special Committee's determination," the letter said.The sudden resignation spurred headlines in the media about 23andMe's unsteady footing. The company sought to address this imbalance by appointing three new independent directors to its board in October 2024."The new independent directors look forward to working closely with Anne Wojcicki and the Company's management team to best position 23andMe for the future,"Jensen said in a press release. 23andMe's reputation with consumers stalled in late 2024 over 'third-party takeover proposals'CEO Anne Wojcicki said she's no longer "considering third-party takeover proposals" of 23andMe. Steve Jennings/Getty Images/TechCrunch Some consumers grew concerned in September 2024 when an SEC filing said Wojcicki "would be open to considering third-party takeover proposals for the Company."The remarks prompted consumers to reckon with the potential consequences, which The Atlantic reported could include the sale of their personal genetic data.Wojcicki walked back her remark in a separate filing."Accordingly, in order to update my prior statement and avoid any confusion in the market, I am no longer open to considering third-party takeover proposals for the Issuer," she said in the filing.A 23andMe spokesperson told BI that Wojcicki "haspublicly sharedshe intends to take the company private, and is not open to considering third-party takeover proposals."The statement added: "Anne has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the company's mission and values, and to its customers, pledging to maintain 23andMe's strong security and privacy policies, including following the intended completion of the acquisition she is pursuing." 23andMe lays off 40% of its workforce and discontinues its therapeutics programs23andMe said in November that it would reduce its staff by 40%. Smith Collection/Gado 23andMe made a decisive pivot in November 2024 as it continued to chase stable footing. The company reduced its staff by over 200 employees."The business restructuring is expected to substantially reduce operating expenses and result in annualized cost savings of more than $35 million," the company said in a press release.23andMe also said it will discontinue its therapeutics programs and "wind down" ongoing clinical trials."In parallel with the discontinuation of its therapeutics division, the Company is actively exploring all strategic options for a limited time to maximize the value of its therapeutics programs, including licensing agreements, asset sales, or other transactions," the company said.23andMe published its most recent second-quarter financial results in November. The company said it earned $44 million in total revenue, a 12% decrease from the $50 million recorded in the same period the previous year. Operating expenses reached $84 million, a 17% decrease from the $101 million recorded for the same period in 2023. 23andMe said it had 'substantial doubt' the company could survive without more funding23andMe expressed concern over its longevity in a November SEC filing. Illustration by Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images In a November 2024 SEC filing, 23andMe expressed concern over its longevity. The company said it would need additional liquidity to fund its financial commitments and expenditures."The Company has determined that, as of the filing date of this report, there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern," 23andMe said.The filing also said that as of September 2024, the company "had an accumulated deficit of $2.3billion and cash and cash equivalents of $126.6million." A 23andMe spokesperson said the company is committed to its consumers and enforcing ethical business practicesA 23andMe spokesperson said the company is committed to consumer privacy. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A spokesperson for 23andMe told Business Insider that it has privacy protections for its customers, and doesn't share data with third parties without consent. Customers can opt into its Research program, but it requires them to consent before joining."Roughly 80% of 23andMe customers consent to participate in our research program, which has generated more than 270 peer-reviewed publications uncovering hundreds of new genetic insights into disease," a statement said.The spokesperson said 23andMe is subject to state and federal consumer privacy and genetic privacy laws similar to HIPAA. However, the company's protocols "offer a more appropriate framework to protect our data than privacy and security program requirements in HIPAA.""We are committed to protecting customer data and are consistently focused on maintaining the privacy of our customers. That will not change," the statement said.

Since it came out last December, Marvel Rivalshas become the hot new hero shooter. A lot of that can be owed to its visuals, and PC players have since made skin mods that make the games cast into non-Marvel characters, like making Jeff the Shark into Chainsaw MansPochita, or Iron Man into Dragon Balls Vegeta. Sadly, NetEase has seemingly killedMarvel Rivalsmod skin scene with the games newest update. Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Womans recent arrivals were part of the games season one update, and players have found the update comes with asset hash checking thats disabled all mods on PC. As IGN notes, using mods violates the shooters terms of use, and NetEase is selling premium skins for each Rivals character on a regular basis. Its also more than ready to enforce its own rule, as it gave a statement to the outlet advising players to [not] modify any game files, as doing so carries the risk of getting banned. So for PC players, theyll have to stay looking like the characters as they were made for the game. NetEase probably stamped down Marvel Rivals mod skins because they wouldve killed the games revenue potential. The game reportedly made $136 million in its launch month alone, but if youre on PC, why fork over cash to look like Winter Soldier in Thunderbolts* when you could be Captain America as presidents Joe Biden or Donald Trump, or turn Black Panther into Ryan Gosling, one of our hardest working white actors? The skins took off because Rivals community is shitposting to their hearts content, and theyve been further spurred by the boom of properties likeSmileandGodzillamaking their way into Call of Duty and Fortnite. Will this fully stop the mod skin scene? Probably not, but it gives those modders a challengehopefully, things dont get to War Thunderlevels of ridiculous. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.