Nintendo America posted a video on X announcing a special LEGO set where builders can make their own 1989 Game Boy.LEGO and Nintendo have unexpectedly announced a special new set on social media! Although there is not a lot of information, or any images, they revealed in a short teaser video that a model of the 1989 Game Boy handheld console will be released in October 2025.Read more at BricksetWicked director Jon M. Chu defended his choice to call the second part of his beloved film adaptation For Good.Who wants a movie called Wicked: Part Two? Chu told Variety on the National Board of Review Awards gala carpet on Tuesday night in New York City. On the script, it always said, For Good, and so it was just a point of like, do we really want to call this Part Two? And nobody wants that.Read more at VarietyMel Gibson refers to his idea for a Passion Of The Christ sequel, an acid trip.Ive never read anything like it, Gibson said of the films script, which he later added was penned by himself alongside his brother and Randall Wallace (Braveheart) over a seven-year period. Gibson said the film will be titled The Resurrection Of The Christ.Read more at DeadlineThis years Puppy Bowl will feature a special promotion for DCs new Superman film, the trailer for which is already famous for its inclusion of a super-dog.Warner Bros. Discovery says that Gunn will appear during The Puppy Bowl with his dog Ozu, who served as the inspiration for the superdog Krypto in the film. Gunn will introduce a sneak preview of Superman and deliver a special message to viewers. In addition, one pup participating in the game will be awarded the Krypto Super Play award.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Read more at The Hollywood ReporterThe latest episode of Does It Fly? asks whether the kind of highly sensitive and lethal motion sensing present in Squid Game actually exists in the real world.This episode ofDoes It Fly?is based solely on the first season of Netflixs incredible (and disturbing)Squid Gameseries, but season two is now also streaming. While we cant say enough good things aboutSquid Gamein general and suggest you watch itall, for the purposes ofthisepisode, you can get away with just watching the first episode of the season one, appropriately titled Red Light, Green Light. Trust us, youll end up watching the rest of the series.Read more or watch below

For many, the home is a livable form of self-actualization, a kind of sens de l'identit to be proudly shared with others. Look at me, your living room might declare, Im a chintz-upholstering, millefleur-wallpapering, wood panelling-loving soul. The bedroom, however, is intimate, not to be shown off for all to see. It's just for you. Its your sanctuary, your sleep kingdom, your end-of-day safe space no matter what chaos ensues beyond those walls. To help us navigate the year ahead, we tapped our favorite interior designers to get the scoop on whats trending in the bedroom. This year is shaping up to be bold, innovative, and tapping into our primal roots. Were plugging into AI-inspired dreamscapes; creating personalized spaces that prioritize well-being; and rethinking bedroom configurations with more separate spaces for couples.Whether youre raring to overhaul your sleeping quarters or simply want to make a few tweaks, these bedroom trends are giving us so many ways to sprinkle a bit of magic into our most intimate spaces. Because what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroomunless its a really great design flex that is worth sharing with everyone.Separate BedroomsNick MeleIn recent years, people are opting to go through what people are calling a sleep divorce, in which couples are sleeping in separate bedrooms to improve sleep quality. A January 2023 survey of 2,200 Americans conducted by the International Housewares Association for The New York Times found one in five couples sleep in separate bedrooms, and nearly two thirds of those who do, do so every night. The trend even has its celebrity champions, like Cameron Diaz, married since 2015, who boldly declared on a podcast, We should normalize separate bedrooms.What does this mean for interior designers? Many are reconfiguring homes to create adjoining bedrooms from separate ones, an arrangement ELLE DECOR A-List designer Joy Moyler says many couples are asking for. Something is definitely going on, says Moyler. Maybe that isn't where the magic happens, afterallor its simply better when they finally get back together.If your lovers end-of-day embrace is best kept to waking moments, creating separate but connected sleep spaces can be as stylish as it is functional. Using a continuation of color can help bring the rooms aesthetically together, even if theyre not physically connected. When separated, try bringing in an L-shaped pillow to recreate the sensation of cuddling, sans the snoring.Raw Materials and Natural FormsCHRISTIAN HARDERA surprising marble headboard makes a statement in this bedroom designed by Jett Projects. Moving beyond the stark lines of modern design, were ushering in a renaissance of raw materials, rough textures, and natural formsfor a look that combines ancient design elements with modern fundamentals. More than 31 percent of the 643 designers in 1stdibs 2025 trend survey said they plan to use furniture and objects that can be described as 'organic modernism' in their 2025 projects. The report found that while some designs, like Moroccan-influenced decor and checkered-print, have faded, animal prints have gained momentum, increasing from 4 percent for 2024 to 6 percent for 2025. Whether youre bringing in luxe materials like marble and granite or earthy elements such as cork walls and textured mineral finishes, these tactile materials are the makings of a look that is as refined as it is forward thinking. For decorators interested in bridging the gap between the old and new, pair such materials with curved furnishings and high-pile rugs to add warmth to your sleeping space. Earth TonesTim LenzThe bedroom in ELLE DECOR A-List designer Augusta Hoffmans new Manhattan apartment was given a more masculine edge, featuring a tufted leather sofa at the end of the bed.We genuinely cannot talk about trends without talking about color, and this years color trends offer a wide range of options when it comes to bedroom design. Paint companies have all placed their bets on whats hot with their Colors of the Year (COTY)and the results are an imaginative variety of browns: Earth-toned monochromatic moments reigned on the runways, designers were flexing brown tones in everything from kitchens to bedrooms, and even Pantone named 17-1230 Mocha Mousse its 2025 COTY. What does that mean for 2025 bedrooms? Were poised for a resurgence of colors that are, as experts seem to keep putting itmuddied. Complex muddier pink, purple, green, and yellow tones that have earthy, grounded bases, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Vias says is what she anticipates will be the next big thing. Shades that evoke the calm patina of natural materials, A-Lister architect Hannes Peer adds. Even 1stDibs is here for the brown fest, naming "warm chocolate brown designers' top choice for the most popular color of 2025," the report reads. The online antiques marketplace found that the earthy hue was the top pick for 32 percent of those surveyed, almost doubling the percentage of designers who favored it in 2023 (17 percent). Not only are designers committing to these earthy tones, theyre giving them a no-holds-barred treatment. Moyler says shes seeing many a bedroom where all the walls, casings, millwork and ceiling are painted the same deep tone color; Perhaps just the sheen is different, she says, adding that shes looking forward to implementing it in the right place. This makes for a very cozy cocoon feeling thats almost cave-like and very sensual. Cherry-Themed EverythingNoe DeWittA cherry-red day bed in a home designed by ELLE DECOR A-List firm Redd Kaihoi. Cherry-themed bedrooms are poised for a cultural moment, Pinterest predicted in its 2025 trend report, where Cherry Coded tops the list. The search term cherry bedroom rose in searches by a whopping 100 percent year over year, while cherry vibe spiked 325 percent alongside dark cherry red which climbed 235 percent. And if you need further proof, you neednt look further than the barrage of videos on social media featuring cherry-bedecked decor items, cherry blossom-themed bedrooms, and cherry-colored DIY tutorials. View full post on InstagramBut it doesnt stop at cherries alone. Trend forecasting agency WGSN is predicting a more general rise in fake food interior design decisions this year. Items like trompe-loeil candles, stationery [and] also furniture and room decor, are bound to hit it big, according to the agency. Drench your bedroom walls in an all-out cherry red treatment, or settle for a few ironic cherry pillow throws. A pop of red is sure to jazz up your life a bit. You as the Ultimate Muse Roger DaviesThis Los Angeles home bedroom, designed by art-world luminaries Roy Dowell and Lari Pittman, is a masterclass in personalizing a space. Dowells artworks above the bed, alongside rattan trucks. This season, were looking to create homes that are more individualized, with rooms thoughtfully tailored to each persons lifestyle. Ive noticed a real shift in what my clients are looking for, says ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Brigette Romanek. Instead of cookie-cutter, copy-paste interiors, people are embracing spaces that reflect their unique personalitya trend thats here to stay.Whether its a bedroom vanity moment for the glamour gal, a cozy reading corner for the fantasy nerd, or a record player for winding down, its all about individuality. This approach makes every home feel truly unique, with spaces that reflect the distinct personalities and daily rhythms of the people who live there, Romanek adds. Rather than following a set design formula, each space will feel like a natural extension of the lives within it.Rachel SilvaAssociate Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 16 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

TNW has strengthened its support for European tech by adding ecosystems expert Yeni Joseph to the management team. Yeni has also started a new role as Head of Ecosystem Strategy and Partnerships.The appointment brings extensive expertise to TNWs leadership and fresh ideas.TNW has a long-standing track record of catalysing innovation, says Yeni. We now want to focus on going from legacy to measurable impact.Yenis work will shape TNWs influence within the world of tech. Her strategies will support the companys mission to elevate high-potential startups.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!To meet this objective, Yeni will foster industry communities, identify emerging trends, and engage key stakeholders. She will also integrate the TNW Conference 2025 themes Growth & Venture, The Next in Tech, and Enterprise Innovation into ecosystem initiatives.Yeni wants her work to shift the sectors priorities. Its no longer just about company growth, she says. Its about driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusion across the ecosystem as a whole.To amplify TNWs contribution, Yeni will tighten alignment with the companys events and media. She will also lead several major programs. Chief among them is the Assembly, an exclusive gathering of policymakers and business leaders at TNW Conference. Attendees of the event will discuss actionable solutions to key tech policy developments.Themes for the Assemblys 2025 edition include defence tech a timely pick with the NATO Summit arriving in Amsterdam one week later. European competitiveness is also on the agenda.Another program underway is Tech5 a ranking to showcase leading scaleups from across Europe. The awards will be announced during TNW Conference 2025. Previous winners include Hopin, Too Good To Go, and Wolt.Yenni brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She has spent a decade at the intersection of tech and government policy, enjoying success in both the public and private sectors.Her resume boasts eye-catching roles at numerous industry leaders. It includes spells at StartupAmsterdam, the NLdigital trade association, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, where she led the Netherlands Taskforce for Diversity and Inclusion in the digital industry.In 2020, Yeni joined TNW. She was previously Head of Ecosystems and Public Policy and the Dutch Startup Visa Facilitator a role she will continue alongside her new position.Yenis work at TNW revolves around a core objective. We empower the startups shaping the future, knowing that our success and relevance are strongly influenced by their growth and achievements. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

London-headquartered biotech startup Verdiva has emerged from stealth with a whopping $410mn for a new range of drugs aimed at tackling the obesity epidemic. Its one of Europes largest-ever biotech VC deals, signalling investor appetite for the booming weight loss market.Verdiva looks to challenge the dominance of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the makers of the two most popular weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. The company promises to offer less invasive pills, instead of injectables. Its most advanced product is an oral-based GLP-1, a drug that curbs hunger.Verdiva was founded in July 2024 by executives of Aiolos Bio, the biotech sold to GSK last year for $1.4bn. The fledgling company is not developing its therapies from scratch. It has acquired the rights to a suite of weight loss drugs from Chinese firm Sciwind Biosciences.Verdivas CEO Khurem Farooq, formerly the chief executive of Aiolos Bio, said that current weight loss drugs leave significant medical needs unmet.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!People living with obesity and its complications deserve better options at each stage of their treatment journey, said Farooq. Our most mature program has the potential to be a first-in-class, once-weekly oral treatment for obesity and weight loss maintenance that could dramatically improve patient access and affordability.General Atlantic and Dutch biotech VC Forbion led the Series A round, which comes amid a surge in demand for anti-obesity meds. Global spending on these drugs surpassed $30bn for the first time in 2024. By one estimate, the GLP-1 drug market could reach more than $200bnin annual sales by 2031.The meteoric rise in weight loss drugs correlates with rising levels of obesity globally. In the US, where over 40% of the adult population is obese, one-in-eight people report having used a drug like Wegovy and Ozempic at least once. Even Elon Musk admitted to taking Ozempic. Usage is lower in Europe, which experiences lower rates of obesity, but sales, particularly of Wegovy, are skyrocketing. However, some patients have experienced worrying side effects.Whether Verdivas new treatments are a better alternative to the status quo remains to be seen. The company says its GLP-1 drug has completed phase one trials and is ready for phase two where the drug is tested on a larger number of people. But it still has to go through phase three trials as well, which can take years. Only after completing all three trials can a drug hit the shelves. Most medications never make it out of the clinical testing stage.However, that uncertainty clearly isnt deterring investors. Last year alone also saw a couple of big rounds in this space, including California-headquartered BioAge Labs $170mn Series D round and New York-based Metseras $350mn raise. In 2024, VCs invested more than $1.2bn in weight loss startups, the second-highest level ever. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

When it comes to smart home lighting, you have two main options: smart lightbulbs or smart outlet adapters paired with traditional lamps. Both have their place, but for me, smart bulbs offer more flexibility and control. Unlike outlet adapters, which toggle power on and off, smart bulbs give you control over brightness, color, and even dynamic scenes. If you want to take the next step in building your smart home in 2025, a set of Matter-compatible lightbulbs might be the perfect place to start. This week, I am looking at the Linkind Matter Smart Bulb.HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apples smart home framework.Why I like these Matter bulbsI can recommend the Linkind Matter smart lightbulbs, which stand out for a few reasons. First, theyre compatible with all Matter-certified platforms, so youre not locked into one ecosystem. Whether youre using a HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, these bulbs can integrate easily. For HomeKit users, this means quick setup and reliable performance.Another reason I like the Linkind Matter Smart Bulb is its color options. They offer millions of colors and adjustable temperatures ranging from warm to cool white. I wish it supported Adaptive Lighting, but you can set millions of options through HomeKit scenes. If you arent familiar with the feature, Adaptive Lighting dynamically changes the color temperature of your smart bulbs throughout the day. In the morning, it provides cooler, brighter light to energize you, and in the evening, it shifts to warmer, dimmer tones to promote relaxation.Potential scenes and automations with HomeKitAdding these bulbs to HomeKit opens up a world of automations. Here are a few ideas:Morning wake-up routine: Use the Wake-Up mode to gradually brighten the lights in your bedroom, simulating a sunrise. Pair this with a soft alarm sound for a more pleasant way to start the day.Movie night: Create a scene that dims the lights to a cozy level and shifts the color temperature to warm white.Party mode: Use the music-sync feature for lights that pulse to your playlist. Add HomeKit-enabled speakers to round out the vibe.Evening wind-down: Automate the lights to gradually dim as bedtime approaches, helping your body adjust to a natural sleep rhythm.Away mode: Set up a scene to randomly turn lights on and off while youre out of town for added security.With the Home app, you can group and control multiple bulbs, making these automations easy to manage.Key SpecsHere are the main features of the Linkind Matter smart lightbulbs worth knowing about:Matter compatibility: Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.Color range: Adjustable from 1800K to 6500K, with millions of color options.Energy efficiency: 9W power consumption, equivalent to a 60W incandescent bulb.Longevity: Rated for 15 years of daily use (4 hours per day).Control options: Works with the AiDot app or any Matter-certified app. Voice control supported.Limitations: Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and isnt compatible with traditional dimmer switches.How to Add the Linkind Matter Smart Bulb to HomeKitSetting up your Linkind Matter Smart Bulb with HomeKit is quick and straightforward. Heres how to get started:Prepare the bulb: Plug in the Linkind Matter Smart Bulb and turn it on. Wait a few seconds to ensure its fully powered before proceeding to the next step.Open the Home app: On your iPhone or iPad, open the Apple Home app.Scan the code: Look for the HomeKit code on the bulb or its packaging. Use your devices camera to scan the code when prompted in the app.Assign a room: Once the bulb is onboarded, youll be asked to assign it to a room in your home (e.g., Living Room, Bedroom).Name the bulb: Give the bulb a name thats easy to remember, like Desk Lamp or Reading Light. This will make voice commands and automations simpler to manage.Thats it! Your new bulb is now ready to use with HomeKit. From here, you can customize scenes, set schedules, and control them with Siri or the Home app.Wrap up on the Linkind Matter Smart BulbIf youre serious about making 2025 the year you level up your smart home, these Matter-compatible lightbulbs are a great starter item. Theyre easy to add to HomeKit, offer a lot of customization, and unlock endless possibilities for automation. Whether upgrading a single room or planning a whole-home setup, these bulbs are an investment that adds convenience and style to your space.You can buy the Linkind Matter Smart Bulb from Amazon.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

A new Apple Store is opening at Miami Worldcenter this month, and Apple has shared wallpaper downloads to celebrate the occasion. Here are the details.Apple Miami Worldcenter location opening in two weeksApple Miami Worldcenter is opening on Friday, January 24 in the heart of downtown Miami.The tag line for the new retail store? Naturally inspiring.From Apples website:Our brand-new store in downtown Miami is opening soon. Get ready to discover anoasis in the heart of the city, where nature thrives and creativity flourishes. We cant wait to see what blooms in you.Apple says the new store incorporates a biophilic garden, bringing a healthy dose of nature into the retail environment.Miami Worldcenter will be Apples tenth retail location in Miami when it opens. It was first announced early last year alongside news of Apples expanding corporate presence in the city.Apple has also shared new wallpaper downloads inspired by the forthcoming Apple Store and its nature-heavy setting.You can download the wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and Mac by visiting the Apple Store website.Apple has previously shared wallpaper for its other retail openings, but this latest offering is unique in that it doesnt feature the Apple logowhich other wallpapers normally have.Are you excited for the new Apple Store in Miami to open? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 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

After the significant releases of iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, Apples latest developer beta release iOS 18.3 beta 2 is shaping up to be significantly less eventful in terms of user-facing features and changes. However, there are things under the hood that may hint to what to expect from future iOS software and hardware. In this first episode of iOS Decoded, we take a deeper dive into iOS 18.3. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for future installments.Table of contentsiOS 18.3 beta 2 ships with build number 22D5040d and was released to developers on January 7, 2025. The public beta followed shortly thereafter on January 8th.This update doesnt appear to be one that is feature-dense like the previous two big iOS releases. iPhone users will need to wait until iOS 18.4 before they see another round of big changes.Video: iOS Decoded iOS 18.3 beta 2Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more videosWhats new in iOS 18.3 beta 2?Bug and security fixesOf course, iOS 18.3 will contain numerous bug and security fixes. And while 9to5Mac confirms that this is the case, Apple wont disclose details related to bug fixes until after iOS 18.3 ships to the public. At that time, youll be able to learn about the security contents of iOS 18.3 on Apples security releases page.Camera Control settings icon dark mode supportThe previous beta brings dark mode support to the Camera Control icon in settings. Small change, but good for consistency.Calculator app repeat calculationsThis is a fairly big one for those that regularly use the stock Calculator app. When iOS 18 released, it brought significant changes to the Calculator app, such as iPad support, a design update, Math Notes, etc. However, it also removed the ability to repeat calculations via repeated presses of the = sign. iOS 18.3 beta 2 has restored this functionality. Sleep apnea notifications enabled in BrazilHopefully our friends in Brazil will sleep better with this change, as Apple has enabled Sleep apnea notifications in iOS 18.3 for Brazilian users.New Intelligence Sounds in the ScreenReader frameworkThe ScreenReader framework utilized for accessibility gains new Intelligence Sounds, though they have not surfaced in a user-facing form as of yet.Debates have been had over the fact that Apple has locked Visual Intelligence to iPhone 16 devices, when it could easily make the feature available by other means on older devices. The Tamale widget, tested internally, would let users invoke Visual Intelligence via a widget instead of the dedicated Camera Control button found on iPhone 16-era devices. Hopefully this means that Apple is looking at alternative ways to invoke Visual Intelligence, so that users on older iPhone hardware can enjoy the feature.Multiple next-gen CarPlay referencesThe iOS 18.3 beta contains multiple references to CarPlay-related areas, including a new CarPlayHybridInstrument reference added to the Maps app, alongside new strings related to AC controls.These updates are of interest because we believe that they are related to the next-generation CarPlay interface, aka CarPlay 2, that Apple showed off at WWDC 2024. As of this writing, on January 8th, 2025, Apple still shows first models arrive in 2024 with regard to next-generation CarPlay on its website.This raises a few questions: Will next-generation CarPlay ever ship? If so, why did no supported cars ship before the 2024 deadline? Whos responsible for the delay? Of course, we dont yet have the answers to these questions, but the fact that Apple is continuing to add features to CarPlay in post-2024 beta releases could indicate that the delay originates on Apples end, and not with car manufacturers. Itll be interesting to see how it eventually plays out.Fixed the tiny Apple logo when updating the iPhone 16 Pro MaxA small bug related to iOS updates has been fixed for iPhone 16 Pro Max users. New ISPExclaveKitServices frameworkThe Secure Exclave, not be be confused with the Secure Enclave responsible for securing things like Face ID and Apple Pay, is a dedicated subsystem that first appeared with the launch of the M4 iPad Pro. The next Apple hardware to ship with the Secure Exclave was the iPhone 16-lineup of phones. We look forward to an updated Apple Platform Security document with details on the Secure Exclave.On the iPhone 16 and iPad Pro, this Secure Exclave is used to render the privacy indicators, or Secure Indicator Lights (SIL), that appear in the Dynamic Island and status bar whenever a camera or microphone is being used. On devices that lack the Secure Exclave, these indicators are rendered via software. Having these indicators rendered by dedicated subsystem hardware is a security advantage, as it reduced the opportunity for bad actors to take control of these indicators via software.In iOS 18.3, there is a new ISPExclaveKitServices framework. The ISP, or Image Signal Processor, is used to process images from all of the iPhones cameras. It is the pipeline used to turn the bits of information from the sensor into a desirable-looking photo or video with things like noise reduction, filtering, etc.ISPs can live directly on the chip, as they do in current iterations of Apple Silicon, or they can be discrete entities. There have been rumblings that Apple is working on its own in-house ISP, which could mean that future ISPs might be relocated to their own area of the Secure Exclave. Whatever the case, the ISPExclave changes could also be used with existing hardware, as its mostly a software architecture change.Unreleased Apple Invites appIn the previous 18.2 beta, 9to5Mac found references to an unreleased Invites app, but the reference was eventually removed. In iOS 18.3 beta 2, the reference has returned. As we explain in a dedicated post, iOS 18.3 hints at new Invites app from Apple to create and manage events. This appears to go beyond simple event invites made possible with the stock Calendar app. Code suggests that the Invites app will integrate with iCloud and will even have a web version oniCloud.com. The new app also integrates with a new iOS 18 daemon called GroupKit, which manages database models for groups of people. This daemon has been present since the first release of iOS 18.0 and hasnt been used by any Apple apps so far.9to5Macs TakeThis is my first episode and post of a retooled iOS beta walkthrough series. My hope is that it provides value by going more in-depth with beta updates and what their features may mean in the long term. What are your thoughts? Sound off down below in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for future iOS Decoded videos.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

"We have a saying: If you fly, we cant.'"Drone SwattingFirefighters are still struggling to contain multiple major wildfires as much of Los Angeles county remains under a red flag warning,with fierce winds fanning the flames.At least ten people have lost their lives and more than 9,000 structures have been damaged so far, the Los Angeles Times reports.And yet, instead of evacuating the area, some residents are literally getting in the way of lifesaving firefighting efforts. As the New York Times reports, a civilian drone collided with a firefighting plane flying over the Palisades neighborhood on Thursday.The plane, which belongs to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, managed to land but sustained enough damage to be put out of service the very last thing the fire department needs right now as the most destructive fire in the California city's historycontinues to rage on.Let this be a lesson: according to the Federal Aviation Administration, violations of flight restrictions can land you in prison for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $75,000 and if that's not bad enough, you could be literally undermining efforts to fight the destruction.Scoop and DumpAccording to Cal Fire officials, the FAA is investigating the incident. The plane's wing was punctured, forcing firefighters to put it out of commission.The aircraft, a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper, can fly at extremely low altitudes to as its name suggests scoop up water from nearby sources and dump it on fires. It can hold 1,600 gallons, and refill it in just five minutes.Meanwhile, the FAA imposed flight restrictions in the skies above the embattled city. Nobody in the area is allowed to fly drones despite countless aerial videos getting passed around on social media.As the NYT points out, drone incursions pose a real risk for firefighters. A sighting can force a plane to be grounded for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, which could be the difference between life and death as flames rage."We have a saying: 'If you fly, we cant,'" Cal Fire spokesman Chris Thomas told the newspaper. "But I dont know how effective it is because everybody thinks its so cool to fly a drone up through the fire."More on the fires: People Think the Hollywood Sign Is on Fire Because of AI SlopShare This Article

Connections claims another victim. Awful General IntelligenceWhile OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims that the company already has the building blocks for artificial general intelligence, a simple test of its most advanced publicly-avilable AI system was caught majorly lacking by a puzzle that countless people do every day.As Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence senior fellow Gary Smithwrites for Mind Matters, OpenAI's o1 "reasoning" model failed spectacularly when tasked with solving theNew York Times' notoriously trickyConnections word game.The game's rules are deceptively simple. Players are given 16 terms and tasked with figuring out what they have in common, within groups of four but because the things relating them can be as obvious as "book subtitles" or as esoteric as "words that start with fire," it can be quite challenging.As Smith explained, he had o1 and other large language models (LLMs) from Google, Anthropic, and Microsoft (which is powered by OpenAI's tech) try to solve the Connections puzzle of the day.Surprisingly if you buy into AI hype, at least they all failed. That's especially true of o1,which has been immensely hyped as the company's next-level system, but which apparently can't reason its way through an NYT word game.Connect FourWhen he fed that day's Connections challenge into the model, o1 did, to its credit, getsomeof the groupings right. But itsother "purported combinations verge[d] on the bizarre," Smith found.In one instance, o1 grouped the words "boot," "umbrella," "blanket," and "pant" and said the relating theme was "clothing or accessories." Three out of four ain't bad, of course, but who's wearing a blanket,except as some sort of out-there fashion statement?After doing the entire exercise over with the same set of words, the LLM confidently said that "breeze," "puff," "broad," and "picnic" were "types of movement or air."Points for the first two, but we're as puzzled as Smith on the latter ones.Overall, Smith rightfully assessed o1 as proffering "many puzzling groupings" alongside its "few valid connections."It's also a telling demonstration of some familiar AI shortfalls: that it can often impress when regurgitating information that's already well documented in its training data, but frequently struggles with novel queries.Our semi-professional take: if OpenAI is indeed reaching the precipice of AGI or has already achieved the start of it, as one of its employees claimed at the end of last year the company is clearly keeping it behind wraps, because this simply ain't it.Share This Article

What percentage ofAmericans born after 1980 have eaten at least one McDonalds Happy Meal in their life? 70 percent? 80 percent?More than that?For 45 years,it has been a cornerstone ofmost childrens culinary demands. The concepts creation is credited to a man named Bob Bernstein, who took an idea hatched by a McDonalds franchiser in Guatemala for a packaged meal targeted at families with small kids, and streamlined it for mass production in the United States. He supposedly hatched the notion to put it in a cardboard box with McDonalds golden arches as handles,and came up with the name Happy Meal. After early tests in 1977, McDonalds across the nation added them to their regular menu in 1979.Within a few years,Happy Meals hadbecome enormously popular, especiallyafter McDonalds began focusing their toys around popular films and television series. (For you trivia nerds: The very first tie-in between Happy Meal and movie was forStar Trek: The Motion Picture, because if there is one thing children love, it is ponderous, slow-moving science-fiction films about hairy middle-agedmen contemplating their mortality in deep space.) At that point,the food itself was no longer thestar attraction. It was just the excuse to get the latest themed action figure or vehicle.While the golden (arches) era of the Happy Meal toys arguably didnt arrive until the 90s, there were still some classics in the 1980s especiallyin the decades final years,after McDonalds struck a cross-promotional deal with Disney. Here are 15 of the best Happy Meal toys of the decade. (By the way, if this triggers some intense sense memory and you want torebuyany of these for your desk or bookshelf, most are availableand very affordable on eBay.)The Best 80s Happy Meal ToysIf you grew up in the 1980s, you definitely remember these iconic Happy Meal prizes.Get our free mobile appREAD MORE: Once-Beloved Fast Food Items That No Longer ExistThe Craziest Fast Food Menu Items EverFiled Under: Fast Food, McDonald's, NostalgiaCategories: Galleries, Lists, Longform, TV News