Looking for trees thatll thrive near your TV or fuchsia flowers happy to bloom inside a bathroom? The best indoor plants, which weve rounded up here, prove that gardening doesnt have to be an open-air pursuit. Plus, bringing plants into your home offers benefits beyond adding a touch of green to your decor; research has shown that the presence of plants reduces stress, boosts productivity, and improves air quality by removing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and ammonia from the air. One study even found that participants with exposure to indoor plants took fewer sick days.Appreciate plants but swear you cant keep even a faux cactus alive? Fear not! Weve talked to plant pros to determine the best botanicals for different spaces (from cozy corners to rooms with little light) and rounded up some helpful plant care tips. So even if youre new to indoor gardening, heres some home-loving horticulture you can handle.What is the best soil for indoor plants?Choosing the right soil for your indoor plants depends on your watering habits and the overall humidity in your space, says Victor Castro, a plant expert with TheNurseryProjectUSA on Palmstreet, a live marketplace for plants. For homes with high humidity, opt for a chunky, well-draining soil mix. Ingredients like bark, perlite, and coarse sand are ideal for preventing overwatering and keeping roots aerated. In drier, warmer spaces, where soil tends to dry out quickly, a more moisture-retentive mix is best. Adding components like coco coir, peat moss, or vermiculite will help retain water without making the mix overly dense.Ultimately, its all about balance and making sure the soil holds enough moisture to sustain your plants between waterings while allowing excess water to drain so that the plants roots dont rot. Adjust your mix to suit both your watering routine and your indoor environment, and your plants will thrive, says Castro.How do you pick the right pot for indoor plants?This is essentially the first step in caring for your plant. The pot you choose to house your plant has a major impact on its health and appearance. But that doesnt mean you have to totally forgo aesthetics. Castro recommends keeping your plants in clear nursery pots, as these allow you to monitor root health and watering needs easily. Then you can place the nursery pot into a decorative pot of your choicethis way, you get both practicality and style.Drainage and size are other key components to consider in finding the right planter. Drainage holes are a must. No plant enjoys sitting in waterlogged soil, says Castro. For plants that like a drier environment, like succulents or cacti, terra-cotta pots are perfect because they wick away excess moisture. For tropical plants that need consistent humidity, plastic or ceramic pots help retain moisture better. In terms of size, Castro recommends choosing a pot just slightly larger than the plants root ball to avoid overwatering issues.When should I repot an indoor plant?All the love and care you shower onto your new plant means it will eventually outgrow its initial vessel and need repotting. Signs that its time to upgrade your pot include slowed growth (sometimes only small leaves appear, but no other new growth), roots that circle around the pot or grow through the bottom, and water draining through the pot quickly. Additionally, a plant thats outgrown its current home may become top heavy. Young plants might need repotting annually, but mature plants should only need it every few years.As for what time of year is best for repotting, late winter is ideal. That way, your plant will be all set with additional space for spring, which is the active growing season for most plants.Whats the best placement for indoor plants?Finding the perfect spot for your indoor plants comes down to understanding their light needs, says Jose Barreto, also a plant expert with TheNurseryProjectUSA. Bright, direct light lovers, like succulents, thrive right next to sunny windows. For plants like pothos or peace lilies, indirect light is idealplace them a few feet away from the window or use sheer curtains to soften the sunlight. Low-light plants, such as ZZ plants or snake plants, can flourish in shadier corners, making them great options for rooms with limited natural light. Find more information about each plants lighting needs below.In addition to lighting, Alfred Palomares of 1-800-Flowers.com points out that its important to consider temperature inside your home. The location of your heating and cooling vents will help determine where your plants live as well, as heating and cooling vents can dry out your greenery, he says. Likewise, if you live in a cold climate, its best to keep tropical plants away from drafty areas or doorways, where they may get hit with frigid temps.What indoor plants are safe for pets?Before introducing a new plant baby, its always a good idea to make sure it wont have an adverse effect on any fur babies in your home. Some varietiesincluding snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and peace liliesare toxic to cats and dogs and can be harmful to them if ingested. Pet-safe plants include cast iron, spider, Boston fern, lady palm, braided bamboo, and phalaenopsis orchid.Best low-maintenance indoor plantsCant seem to keep your plants alive? Even if youve never gotten the hang of life as a plant parent, you can still add beautiful botanicals to your home. I always recommend starting with a snake plant or pothostheyre nearly indestructible and perfect for beginners, Barreto says. For anyone who travels often and cant keep up with demanding watering schedules, Barreto has another recommendation. The ZZ plant is your go-toit can survive for weeks without water and still look stunning, he says.Snake plantSnake plants are great low-maintenance options, as they dont need watering too often and can thrive in lower light.Photo: FeelPic/Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla ArchitectureIn London Bridge, a Young Design Duo Craft an Elegant Pied--TerreBy Valentina RaggiInnovative Design13 Chairs That Changed the WorldBy Geoffrey MontesAppropriate for the lunar year of the snake, the snake plant (scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata) has been named the Plant of the Year for 2025 by 1-800-Flower.com. This sleek, modern houseplant is perfect for plant parents who have little time to care for their green babies, says Palomares. Being easy to care for is one of the reasons we named it our plant of the year. These star stems survive in low light and only require watering when soil is thoroughly dryroughly every few weeks.PothosPothos plants are known for their resilience.Photo: jyu-akc/Getty ImagesFun fact: Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) got its nickname devils ivy because its nearly impossible to kill. Its also nearly impossible not to love, thanks to the variegated vines with dark green leaves streaked white or yellow that some pothos plants sport. And once you get the hang of handling this easy-peasy plant, you can easily propagate its clippings in soil, water, or moss to spread the love.ZZ plantZZ plants are are ideal low-maintenance indoor plants, so long as theyre out-of-reach of pets.Photo: Liudmila Chernetska/Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla ArchitectureIn London Bridge, a Young Design Duo Craft an Elegant Pied--TerreBy Valentina RaggiInnovative Design13 Chairs That Changed the WorldBy Geoffrey MontesLike snake plant, Barreto calls ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) practically unkillable, which is how it earned its eternal plant nickname. And though it doesnt ask for much (it can survive months without watering), ZZ does best with a little indirect light and well-draining soil.One important detail to note: ZZ plants are toxic to pets and people when ingested, so keep yours away from little ones and pets.Best low-light indoor plantsAll three plants mentioned abovesnake, pothos, and ZZdo well in low-light environments. (Thats part of their effortless charm.) According to Matt Slaymaker of Lively Root, the cast-iron plant is another excellent option. He says, This popular houseplant is loved by many because it does well in low-light conditions and is super easy to care for. Its best used as a simple foliage plant, bringing some green to your space. And Barreto is a fan of the Chinese evergreen for a splash of color. Its a stunning option, with endless varieties that tolerate low light like champions, he says.Cast-iron plantCast-iron plants can stretch up to three feet tall.Photo: Arkela/Getty ImagesThis laid-back botanical (Aspidistra elatior) not only does well in low light, it can also handle a range of temperatures and irregular watering. Fully mature, it maxes out at three feet tall and two feet wide. Its nontoxic, meaning its safe for homes with cats and dogs.Chinese evergreenThis plant can thrive in windowless offices.Photo: nzfhatipoglu/Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla ArchitectureIn London Bridge, a Young Design Duo Craft an Elegant Pied--TerreBy Valentina RaggiInnovative Design13 Chairs That Changed the WorldBy Geoffrey MontesHeres an ideal office plant. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) doesnt require natural light, doing just fine in fluorescent lighting. It also starts out small in stature and can easily be kept in a pot on a desktop. But if you do place it in medium light, Chinese evergreen may even develop peace-lily-like blooms.Best air-purifying indoor plantsSpider plants are amazing at removing toxins like formaldehyde and are incredibly easy to care for, says Castro. Peace lilies pull double duty. They filter out several pollutants and add a touch of elegance with their graceful white flowers. For a tropical vibe, Castro likes Boston ferns: Theyre fantastic for cleaning the air and adding a bit of humidity to your space, which is great for both plants and people. The snake plant (mentioned above) is another powerful air purifier, in addition to being low maintenance.Spider plantSpider plants are known for propagating easily.Photo: vadimgouida/Getty ImagesWant air-cleansing benefits and gorgeously green variegated, white-striped leaves? Try a spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). These plants are generally compact, making them ideal for a shelf or hanging basket. In return, give this non-toxic plant bright indirect sunlight and a thorough watering whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.Peace lilyThe average peace lily lifespan is three to five years, but they can survive for a decade or longer.Photo: Anna Blazhuk/Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla ArchitectureIn London Bridge, a Young Design Duo Craft an Elegant Pied--TerreBy Valentina RaggiInnovative Design13 Chairs That Changed the WorldBy Geoffrey MontesThis multifaceted flowering plant could land in most of the categories in this roundup. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) purifies the air, has a preference for low light, and doesnt require much work. They can be a bit of a drama queen if you miss a watering, says Slaymaker, but dont worry; its all a show and theyll perk back up once you give them a splash.Boston fernBoston ferns thrive in humidity, making them a smart pick for the bathroom.Photo: OlgaMiltsova/Getty ImagesThe Boston fern [Nephrolepis exaltata] is a gorgeous, lush green fern that is known for its purifying abilities, says Slaymaker. This plant loves humidity too, so its perfect for bathrooms. In fact, Boston ferns also restore humidity to the air, making them ideal for anyone who suffers from a dry nose, throat, or skin. Just be sure to give them regular waterings and bright, indirect light.Best large indoor plantsIf youre lucky enough to have space for a big statement plant, Barreto recommends a monstera deliciosa. Its a true showstopper, with its massive, iconic leaves that instantly elevate any room, he says. For a bit of drama, he also suggests the fiddle leaf fig because its bold and beautiful, though he does point out that it requires a little extra TLC to thrive. Slaymaker is also a fan of the fiddle leaf fig, which he calls a perfect indoor tree, as well as lady palm. Lady palm is a great indoor shrub tree with a really cool tropical feel, he says. Its a houseplant classic.Monstera deliciosaMonster deliciosas broad, statement-making leaves have made it a favorite among interior designers.Photo: Tatiana Lavrova/Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla ArchitectureIn London Bridge, a Young Design Duo Craft an Elegant Pied--TerreBy Valentina RaggiInnovative Design13 Chairs That Changed the WorldBy Geoffrey MontesIts usually flowers that elicit oohs and ahs, but not so with monstera. On this sizable plant, the heart-shaped leaves with eye-catching cutouts are the main attraction. (Those cutouts are what earned monstera the nickname Swiss cheese plant.) To keep those lovely leaves lush, give monstera bright light, regular watering, and indoor temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.Fiddle leaf figIndoors, a fiddle leaf fig can grow over five feet tall.Photo: Ekaterina Demidova/Getty ImagesFrom the rainforests of western Africa right to your living room, fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) infuses any space with a touch of the tropical. In addition to giving it bright, indirect light and a deep watering only when the top inch of soil is dry, rotate your tree once a month to keep it growing straight (otherwise itll lean toward the light). Every few months, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maximize the plants photosynthesis potential.Lady palmThis plant is known for its elegant, fan-shaped leaves.Photo: Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla ArchitectureIn London Bridge, a Young Design Duo Craft an Elegant Pied--TerreBy Valentina RaggiInnovative Design13 Chairs That Changed the WorldBy Geoffrey MontesLike monstera deliciosa and fiddle leaf fig, lady palm (Rhapis excelsa) is another great way to get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of foliage. Care instructions for the fiddle leaf fig are similar to those of the other two plants, including occasional misting (usually once a week), especially in dry conditions. These trees love a humid environment.Best small indoor plantsWhen space is limited, stick to indoor plants that can easily live on a tabletop or windowsill. Palomares recommends braided bamboo and phalaenopsis orchid. Braided bamboo is known for prosperity and luck, he says. According to feng shui principles, itll bring positive energy to the space it lives in. In addition to blooms in vibrant pinks and purples, another perk of phalaenopsis orchids is that they do well without a ton of lightunlike many other species of orchid, per Palomares.Braided bambooThis plant is considered a symbol of good luck in some cultures.Photo: Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty ImagesAlso called lucky bamboo, braided bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) has long been seen as a symbol of good fortune in some Asian cultures. Its also popular for its sculptural appealpros train the stalks to grow in braids, spirals, and even heart shapes. To make sure your bamboo thrives, give it bright, indirect light, water every 7 to 10 days, and well-draining potting mix soil.Phalaenopsis orchidOrchids are generally known as a more finicky indoor plant.Photo: Nadya So/Getty ImagesOrchids have a reputation for being difficult to deal with, but phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis amabilis) is one of the most easygoing typesand with proper care, it can live for up to 15 years. While most low-light plants prefer a north-facing window, the phalaenopsis orchid grows better when displayed near a shaded southern or eastern-facing window, Palomares says. Be sure to check the color of its leaves. If they start to darken, it means the plant needs more light.

CBS considers caving on Trump censorship lawsuit to save Paramount mergerCBS considers caving on Trump censorship lawsuit to save Paramount merger / Trumps incoming FCC chairman Brendan Carr reportedly warned Paramount execs about Trumps dissatisfaction with CBS News in regards to their Skydance merger.By Richard Lawler, a senior editor following news across tech, culture, policy, and entertainment. He joined The Verge in 2021 after several years covering news at Engadget. Jan 18, 2025, 1:31 AM UTCShare this story Image: ParamountA law professor cited by CBS News called Donald Trumps $10 billion lawsuit over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris ...so ill grounded that it comes close to being sanctionable as frivolous. But now, the The Wall Street Journal reports that executives at CBS parent company, Paramount Global, have discussed settling the suit while gaming out options to reduce friction with the incoming administration ahead of a government review of its merger with Skydance. The paper reports that incoming FCC chairman and censor-in-chief Brendan Carr warned execs last year that presidential dissatisfaction with CBS News will make a review tougher. Hes also publicly displayed that view, saying during a Fox News interview in November, ...CBS has a transaction before the FCC. Im pretty confident that news distortion complaint over the CBS 60 Minutes transcript is something that is likely to arise in the context of the FCCs review of that transaction. RelatedThe lawsuit claims that in airing two differently edited versions of Harris response to a question about the war in Gaza, CBS used its national platform on 60 Minutes to cross the line from the exercise of judgment in reporting to deceitful, deceptive manipulation of news. But instead of mounting a defense of free speech against a lawsuit and Trumps accusations that the network said were false and completely without merit, Paramount is considering following the example of Disney and tech oligarchs who will line up at the inauguration like Mark Zuckerberg. The ABC News owner agreed to pay $15 million to Trumps presidential foundation and museum to settle a defamation lawsuit in December. Zuckerberg sharply redirected Metas policies to the right while meeting with Trump, reportedly in part to mediate a lawsuit Trump brought against Facebook and Zuckerberg in 2021 over the platforms suspension of Trumps account after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Most PopularMost Popular

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube793kThe Switch 2 has dominated the headlines over the past few days, but there's been plenty of other stuff going on in the world of video games this week.On the Mortal Kombat front, NetherRealm revealed the official gameplay trailer for Conan the Barbarian featuring the likeness of Arnold Schwarzenegger, with the voice work apparently done by Chris Cox (the same guy who voiced Arnie as the Terminator in Mortal Kombat 11).Mortal Kombat 1 early access players will be able to play as Conan from 21st January 2025 onwards (aka next week). This character is part of the game's second DLC pack featuring Ghostface (Scream), T-1000 (Terminator), and three Mortal Kombat characters featured in the Khaos Reigns expansion."Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns expands Liu Kangs New Era with a new story campaign and an all-new cinematic experience. Discover how Liu Kang rallies his champions and puts faith in his enemies as he battles the ruthless Titan Havik, who threatens to plunge the realms into khaos. If they fail, the New Era will be reduced to anarchy."Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube793kWatch on YouTube Late last year, there was rumours circulating about Mortal Kombat 1's future DLC supposedly being cancelled. You can learn more about this in our previous story here on Nintendo Life.Earlier this week, EVO also confirmed its main lineup for 2025 - Mortal Kombat will be one of eight titles featured this year. FatalityThe latest patch also includes fixes and adjustmentsA new ReignUpdate: Evo confirms lineup and extended rosterWill you be checking out this new addition to the roster? Let us know in the comments.Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesReview: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro ClassicThat's what you get for not hailing to the chimpRound Up: The Reviews Are In For Donkey Kong Country Returns HDWorth going bananas over?

AntonioSolano/Getty ImagesI wanna start by saying I'm not anti-AI.Far from it, actually. I think AI is amazing, and nothing will come between my ChatGPT subscription and me.So, if you're an AI superfan...RELAX and stay out of my DMs. I'm not beefing with you, not today, at least. (I might change my mind tomorrow! )Also:How to sign up for the 'next TikTok' - and why you should do it right awayNow that I've got my disclaimer out the way, I NEED to tell you about the future of online shopping.If you've ever thought about starting an online business or are already selling stuff online and looking for the edge, I've got you.In this article, we'll explore:What I believe the future of online shopping looks likeHow we got to this point in the digital retail landscapeTips and tricks you can use to stay aheadSo kick back and put the pitchfork down as we dive into what I believe could be a game-changer for online shopping in 2025.Oh, and if you stick around until the end, I'll also share how we could make some mula. Quick IntroIf you're new to my work, my name's Lester, but my friends call me Les.I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the executive chairman of a group of e-commerce brands. I'm an award-winning performance marketer at my core, and spotting trends is my thing.Most importantly, I've been in the e-commerce space for over 10 years, with some massive wins and even more impressive losses (lol).I've seen many trends come and go while keeping my pulse on the industry and what's working.But I can tell you with 99% certainty that this trend is different.The biggest opportunity for online shopping in 2025I'm sure you're wondering, what's this big opportunity?It's called live commerce, and if you're unfamiliar, it's a blend of livestreaming and e-commerce.Creators showcase their products live, explaining the features and benefits to their audience. If the audience likes what they see, they can instantly add it to their cart and purchase it.Here's the crazy part: Live commerce generated $20 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit $55 billion by 2026.Also:There's a new king of online shopping, and it's built an unstoppable monopolyAccording to a recent study, live commerce enhances the online shopping experience by up to 60 percent, making it more engaging and enjoyable for consumers. What is even more impressive is that about 46 percent of US consumers have made a purchase through a live shopping event.Funny story.There I was, explaining live commerce to Aly (my editor), and she looked at me and said, "So, it's like QVC?"I laughed and said, "Yeah, basically, but online."Then two things hit me.One, geez, I'm getting old. Two, even with all the technological advancements like self-driving cars and AI, at our core, humans still want to feel connected to something. That is something AI will never replace.Also: AI isn't the next big thing - here's what isReplicate, sure. Replace, nah. The future belongs to founders and entrepreneurs who create meaningful connections with their audience.Now, I'm not saying AI avatars will fail.I am saying that the founders and entrepreneurs who dare to put themselves out there will likely be more successful.And here's the irony.The more AI we have, the more people will seek meaningful human connections.The psychology of why it worksUnderstanding why live commerce works is essential to future-proofing your business.Live commerce is at the root of what makes us human. It's not just about the product.Let's start with the fear of missing out, a compelling marketing tactic. When you see others getting excited and making purchases, it's hard not to think, "I need one too." It's like when you see one of those TikTok challenges and think, "I have to try this.""It can't be that good."or"It can't be that hard."It's the same thing with live commerce.But when it's happening in real time, it's that feeling on steroids because when the livestream ends, so does the promotion.The audience is faced with purchasing one way or another at that moment. Who are the players?As you can expect, TikTok is leading the charge regarding live commerce.Privacy concerns aside, TikTok really gets it.Creators have seen a lot of success and made millions using this format. Also:Why the TikTok ban could collapse the creator economyIt's not just about making money with products either. TikTok's gifting feature allows users to send virtual items to creators to show appreciation, adding another layer of engagement.That said, the platform I'm watching (and totally in love with) is called Whatnot.As I write this, Whatnot is the fastest-growing platform for live shopping. It specializes in collectibles, fashion, and other niche products.What I love most about the platform is how it connects passionate collectors with the products they love most. It really feels like a community.Even though the platform is "new," creators are already seeing success.Also: The best webcams for streaming of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedFor example, Caitieco recently shared that she sells over $170,000 per month on Whatnot. This proves that dedicated sellers can achieve significant financial success through the platform.What I love about Whatnot is that it shows this style of commerce has legs and isn't unique to TikTok. That said, new platforms are popping up, and established ones are adopting this commerce style with varying success levels.3 tips to get started with live commerceI'm sure you're wondering, where do I even start?You must be good at public speaking and communication basics to make this work. While you don't need to be perfect, and things like stuttering can even be endearing, you need a firm grasp of what you're doing before you go live.Also:One of the best podcasting microphones I've tested is not made by Yeti or RodeIn this case, "live" doesn't mean being unprepared. Feel me? With that said, here's your crash course on how to start doing live commerce and thrive.1. Promoting your livestream in advance.What it is: Promoting your livestream ahead of time to build excitement and ensure a strong turnout. Your livestream needs to feel like an event, so do something unique and offer an exclusive deal or promotion that can only be redeemed during the livestream. You need to give your audience a reason to show up.How to do it: Use email, social media, and SMS to treat it like a prelaunch. Tell everyone you know and encourage them to share it with others. Build buzz by sharing sneak peeks or teasers of what you'll showcase during the live.Pro Tip: Set up a reminder system with SMS or email. Send countdown messages like "We're live in 24 hours!" or "Don't miss our live in 1 hour!" Pair these reminders with a hint about the special offer to build urgency and ensure your audience is ready to engage.2. Leverage live Q&AWhat it is: A real-time conversation with your audience where you answer questions to build trust and rapport. In many ways, it's like being in a store and asking a salesperson about a product or service.How to do it: Encourage your audience to ask questions during the livestream and answer them genuinely and in detail. This is your chance to handle objections and clarify anything that might be unclear in your prospects' minds.Pro Tip: Prepare answers for common questions beforehand to keep the session smooth and engaging. If you don't know the answer, it's OK to say, "I don't know, but I'll get back to you."3. Have a clear call to actionWhat it is: A clear call to action (CTA) tells your audience exactly what you want them to do, whether it's buying a product, signing up, or staying connected. You must have a CTA, and don't be shy either. Be clear and confident in your product or service.How to do it: Be direct and specific during your livestream. Say things like "Click the link to add this to your cart now" or "Tap the button to claim this exclusive offer." Make it easy and obvious for them to take action.Pro Tip: Use urgency and exclusivity in your CTA. For example, "This deal is only available for the next 10 minutes," or "We have limited stock, so grab yours before it's gone." Most importantly, make it special; give your loyal supporters a reason to attend your live event and explain why they need your offer.My two centsLike most things in life, you will get what you put in.Live commerce is a fantastic opportunity to grow any business. However, that doesn't mean it's a magic formula.Things like having a good product that people want, understanding your audience, and knowing how to connect with them will play an important role.Live commerce should be viewed as another tool in your tool belt, not the belt itself. It's interesting to see how big brands are losing touch with their audience. They're chasing AI trends while drifting further from genuine connections. Meanwhile, consumers are saying, "AI is great, but we don't want it to replace authentic interactions with a brand."Also: Is your live TV streaming service still worth it? I reassessed the options for us bothConsistently engaging with your audience is key.Who knows? "Live commerce" might get rebranded into some other fancy name in a few years. But at its core, the underlying "thing" that's happening is simple: humans connecting with humans.Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this shift and gain an edge. Big brands are missing the mark and losing their connection with audiences.You being you is an advantage.AI can't imitate that.All that said, humans are winning, for now Hope this article helps; I'm rooting for you.P.S. Want more data-driven marketing insights? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working in the world of digital marketing, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam and you wanna be besties forever, click here to sign up. It's totally free.Featured

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Ryan Garcia (white trunks) reacts against Devin Haney (gray trunks) ... [+] during their WBC Super Lightweight title bout at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAs a journalist and 40-year fan of boxing, I hope we continue to see huge news related to the Sweet Science unveiled at its current clip. On Friday night, January 17, boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh confirmed information several of the fighters hes working with discussed earlier in the day.On an upcoming super card in May, Ryan Garcia will take on Isaac Pitbull Cruz, and Devin Haney will clash with former world champion Jose Ramirez.Then, in May, Alalshikh hopes to have the long-awaited Garcia and Haney rematchprovided they beat Cruz and Ramirez, respectively. On that card in May, Alalshikh plans to have Jaron Boots Ennis face Teofimo Lopez.Then, in February 2026, the winners of Garcia-Haney and Ennis-Lopez in the planned tournament concept will face each other, and the losers will fight as well. Alalshikh broke it down in a post on X.The trash talk between some of the fighters has already begun.MORE FOR YOUBy the time May rolls around, the level of hype around the card could be off the charts.Alalshikh continues to deliver the most logical and exciting boxing concepts that have previously been blocked by promoter greed and fighters being extremely protective of their records.In fighters defense, theyve been forced into that posture as the sport has been unkind to guys with losses on their records over the past 25 years. Floyd Mayweather Jr.s 50-0 record and his position as the king of pay-per-view boxing have made fighters with losses seem less marketable.Alalshikh aims to change that mindset, and hes offering life-changing money to fighters to convince them to take on opponents that would have normally been avoided. There are some that dont believe this approach is sustainable, but for now, it has produced a modern golden era for the sport.During Alalshikhs rise as a power broker in boxing, he has facilitated huge fights like Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 1 and 2, Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, Fury vs. Ngannou, Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, as well as the massive February 22 card in Riyadh that will feature the sequel to the light heavyweight unification bout.Promoters are coming along for the ride because Alalshikh and Riyadh Season are footing the bill for fighter pay, thereby removing a large portion of the risk and monetary investment.Fighters like Gervonta Davis, who are marquee names but who have yet to work with Alalshikh, could be feeling the heat soon. Davis has been downright surly towards Alalshikh and the fighters who have chosen to work with him.WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: Gervonta Davis reacts during a press conference with Lamont Roach Jr. ... [+] at Burr Gymnasium on the campus of Howard University on December 05, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Getty ImagesDavis is scheduled to fight Lamont Roach Jr. in March in a fight that most dont consider to be a competitive scrap on paper. At some point, Davis popularity could begin to see a decline if he isnt matched up with other notable names.Davis best potential opponents, like Shakur Stevenson, are already working with Alalshikh. Well see if Davis ever decides to work with Riyadh Season, or if he chooses to remain on the other side.Its been a long time since boxing fans have had such a wide variety of fights to enjoy. Sprinkling in alternative aspects like Jake Paul and the Misfits Boxing promotion, fans are getting even more layers of the sport.Love it or hate it, at least for now, it appears to be good for the game.

Recap: Infogrames released the original version of Neverwinter Nights in 2002, and gamers have been enjoying it ever since. Set in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world and based on the Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition rules, NWN featured robust multiplayer elements and a powerful toolkit for creating custom content and campaigns. A group of software engineers volunteered their time to deliver a massive new update for Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition, the improved version of the classic CRPG released in 2018. This patch highlights the enduring dedication of the NWN community to a game originally launched in 2002, demonstrating how fans and developers continue to support it decades after its debut.The developers stated that the patch underwent three months of testing and was created "for personal enjoyment and out of goodwill" by a team of eight programmers. With thes update, NWN: EE now includes native support for multisample anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering.In addition to graphical enhancements, the patch introduces numerous new features, including expanded NWScript functions, a new logging framework, "major" improvements to networking and game performance, and essential security fixes. The full changelog boasts over 100 individual changes. Given that NWN was originally released in an era when PC users had limited access to multi-core processors, there is still potential for further optimizations to the game's code.The Enhanced Edition of Neverwinter Nights was developed and published by Beamdog, a Canadian company founded in 2009 by former BioWare employees. While the developers have thanked all NWN "authors" and players for keeping the game alive, they might also owe gratitude to the original team's design choices, which laid the foundation for its enduring appeal.Neverwinter Nights' multiplayer features include support for persistent worlds, allowing players to take on a Dungeon Master-like role and organize their own original campaigns. Thanks to the content creation toolset included with the Aurora 3D engine, NWN has been used in colleges and universities to teach game design and storytelling. It has even been utilized to train journalism students in gathering information and investigating facts. // Related StoriesOver the years, NWN has received several expansion packs and additional content, either created by the original developers or contributed by its dedicated fanbase. A proper sequel, Neverwinter Nights 2, was developed by Obsidian Entertainment and released in 2006. However, it never achieved the same level of commitment and community support as the original.With the rights to Neverwinter Nights 2 now held by various companies, the prospect of a new "enhanced" edition with full community backing appearing on digital platforms seems unlikely in the near future.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe Silent Hour (2024)American Star (2024)My Penguin Friend (2024)For the middle of January, Hulu has added a handful of movies from last year that didnt make waves in theaters when they were released. Not every film was made to be a blockbuster, and this trio certainly wasnt. But they are our picks for the three great Hulu movies that you need to stream this weekend.Our first two choices are both crime thrillers, but in different ways. The second pick kind of reminds of Lost in Translation, if Bill Murrays character was a hit man. Finally, our remaining pick is so family-friendly thats practically a Disney movie.Recommended VideosNeed more recommendations? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.RelatedRepublic PicturesSilence isnt golden for Joel Kinnamans character in The Silent Hour. After an accident left him barely able to hear, Detective Frank Shaw (Kinnaman) is having trouble finding reasons to keep going. His proficiency in sign language leads the police to bring him back as an interpreter for Ava Fremont (Sandra Mae Frank), a deaf woman who is a former junkie.Ava witnessed a murder outside of her apartment building, and the killer, Mason Lynch (Mekhi Phifer), wants to silence her for good. Franks arrival saves Avas life, but now theyre both trapped in her building as Masons men close in on them. And Franks hearing is getting even worse by the second.Watch The Silent Hour on Hulu.Vertigo ReleasingAfter letting Keanu Reeves get most of the action in the John Wick films, Ian McShane steps into the role of a hit man in American Star. Wilson (McShane) is an aging assassin who doesnt have the same inner fire that he used to have. After venturing out to the Canary Islands to take out a target, Wilson is surprised when the person hes been sent to kill isnt there.That leads Wilson to take an impromptu vacation on the island while he awaits his targets return. As a surprise even to himself, Wilson befriends a bartender, Gloria (Nora Arnezeder), as well as a young orphan boy named Max (Oscar Coleman). Wilson is practically a new man around the people on the island, but its a transformation that cant last forever. Hes got a job to do, and human connections just get in the way.Watch American Star on Hulu.Roadside AttractionsLeon: The Professional star Jean Reno really plays against type in My Penguin Friend. Joo Pereira de Souza (Reno) is Brazilian fisherman who has been emotionally closed off since the death of his son. By chance, Joo stumbles upon a penguin who has been trapped by an oil spill after losing his way during migration.Joo takes the bird whom he names DinDim into his home and into his heart as he dotes on his new companion. Even releasing DinDim back in the wild cant end their friendship, as he returns year-after-year. DinDim helps Joo feel alive again, now he just needs to rebuild his emotional connections with the people around him.Watch My Penguin Friend on Hulu.Editors Recommendations

The apps demise threatens to remove billions of dollars from the content creators and small businesses that rely on it.

At theAmerican Folk Art Museum, notions of home are explored through objects that, at their best, create an intimate bond across centuries between visitors and the people who once owned them.

Selling your data GM faces ban on selling driver data that can be used to raise insurance rates GM sold geolocation and other driving data without adequate consent, FTC says. Jon Brodkin Jan 17, 2025 1:51 pm | 44 OnStar and SOS buttons in a Chevrolet vehicle on May 3, 2024. Credit: Getty Images | Smith Collection/Gado OnStar and SOS buttons in a Chevrolet vehicle on May 3, 2024. Credit: Getty Images | Smith Collection/Gado Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreGeneral Motors and its subsidiary OnStar agreed to a settlement that prohibits them from sharing driver location and behavior data with third parties, the Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday. The proposed settlement comes less than a year after GM responded to public backlash by announcing that it stopped sharing driving data from its connected cars with companies such as LexisNexis.The FTC said it "is taking action against General Motors (GM) and OnStar over allegations they collected, used, and sold drivers' precise geolocation data and driving behavior information from millions of vehiclesdata that can be used to set insurance rateswithout adequately notifying consumers and obtaining their affirmative consent." GM did not admit to or deny the allegations.GM and OnStar "will be banned for five years from disclosing consumers' sensitive geolocation and driver behavior data to consumer reporting agencies," the FTC said. Under the settlement, "consumer reporting agency" means a firm that collects or evaluates "consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to other parties and which uses any means or facility of interstate commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing consumer reports."A New York Times report last year described how the data sharing works. "After LexisNexis and Verisk [a data broker that works with the insurance industry] get data from consumers' cars, they sell information about how people are driving to insurance companies," the NYT report said. "To access it, the insurance companies must get consent from the driverssay, when they go out shopping for car insurance and sign off on boilerplate language that gives insurance companies the right to pull third-party reports."A pending class-action lawsuit against GM, OnStar, and LexisNexis alleges that the defendants deceived and harmed consumers.The FTC said its complaint alleged that "GM used a misleading enrollment process to get consumers to sign up for its OnStar connected vehicle service and the OnStar Smart Driver feature." Lina Khan, who is in her final week as FTC chair, said that "GM monitored and sold people's precise geolocation data and driver behavior information, sometimes as often as every three seconds."Settlement not quite finalizedThe proposed settlement was approved in a closed meeting by the FTC's three Democrats, with the two Republicans recorded as absent. The pending agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, and a final FTC decision will be made under the Trump administration.In addition to location data, the GM/FTC settlement covers "radio listening data regarding specific content, channel, or station; hard braking, hard acceleration, hard cornering, crossing of a designated high-speed threshold, seat belt usage, or late-night driving; and trip time and duration for such events." GM and OnStar agreed to delete data collected before the settlement and ask third parties to delete data previously shared with them.GM also "must allow consumers to disable the collection of Location Data from their Vehicles to the extent the Vehicle is equipped with the necessary technology."GM issued a press release on the settlement. "Last year, we discontinued Smart Driver across all GM vehicles, unenrolled all customers, and ended our third-party telematics relationships with LexisNexis and Verisk," GM said. "In September, we consolidated many of our US privacy statements into a single, simpler statement as part of our broader work to keep raising the bar on privacy... As part of the agreement, GM will obtain affirmative customer consent to collect, use, or disclose certain types of connected vehicle data (with exceptions for certain purposes)."Affirmative consent is not required for purposes such as providing driver data to emergency responders, responding to customer-initiated communications, complying with government requests and legal requirements, and investigating product quality or safety problems. While the ban on sharing driving data lasts only five years, the overall settlement would be in place for 20 years.Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 44 Comments