Blue Boogie BurialBlue Protocol gets the funeral every dying live service thing deserves, a massive hours-long rave with anime avatars busting a perfectly synced-up moveDance til' the game's dead.Image credit: Bandai Namco News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 24, 2025 More live service games are being killed than ever before at the moment, or at least it feels that way. Lots of publishers are continuing to try and take as many swings as possible at landing a big home run online cash cow, but it's a tough market, so the ones that don't catch on in a huge way often end up being viewed as just losses to cut.The result is shutdowns like MMORPG Blue Protocol saw earlier this week, when it reached the end date publisher Bandai Namco set out last summer - before the game could even make it to the west - earlier this week. Luckily, the game's hardcore Japanese playerbase was ready to see it off in fashion. With a huge dance party in a town square.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. As reported by Japanese site Nlab (via Automaton), the countdown to Blue Protocol's demise on January 18 saw an improptu mass rave kick off and run for what looks to be at least four and a half hours.Twitter user michsuzu shared a couple of videos of them and their BP brethren in action, standing in nice lines and triggering dancing animations on their avatars in perfectly synced-up fashion. The backing music was the game's whimsical flute tunes, but to be honest, I think you could edit any classic banger over it and it'd still work, be it a bit of The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, or even Faithless' Insomnia. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.The game's starting town, Asterliese, was the site of this tearful busting of moves in honour of a soon-to-be-departed brother, and it looks to have run from at least 5:30 PM Japan time until 10PM, which is when the game shut down, as you can see in the second clip.How did it end? Well, with a farewell message thanking players for being there til' the end, and then a final spasm as the servers disconnected. RIP, Blue Protocol. You lived a weird ass life, that's to be sure, and you'll not soon be forgotten by those who strutted and twirled mounfully as you were lowered into the ground and your server soul floated away to the great live service beyond.In a suitably weird twist given this game's lifespan, Automaton reports that this isn't techincally even the proper end for Blue Protocol - it's set to be "re-incarnated" as a new MMORPG called Star Resonance, developed by Tencent-backed Chinese studio Bokura.So, er, RIP Blue Protocol? You 'died' as you lived - in kinda bizarre fashion.

Companies spent significantly more lobbying AI issues at the U.S. federal level last year compared to 2023 amid regulatory uncertainty.According to data compiled by OpenSecrets, 648 companies spent on AI lobbying in 2024 versus 458 in 2023, representing a 141% year-over-year increase. Companies like Microsoft supported legislation such as the CREATE AI Act, which would support the benchmarking of AI systems developed in the U.S. Others, including OpenAI, put their weight behind the Advancement and Reliability Act, which would set up a dedicated government center for AI research. Most AI labs that is, companies dedicated almost exclusively to commercializing various kinds of AI tech spent more backing legislative agenda items in 2024 than in 2023, the data shows. OpenAI upped its lobbying expenditures to $1.76 million last year from $260,000 in 2023. Anthropic, OpenAIs close rival, more than doubled its spend from $280,000 in 2023 to $720,000 last year, and enterprise-focused startup Cohere boosted its spending to $230,000 in 2024 from just $70,000 two years ago.Both OpenAI and Anthropic made hires over the last year to coordinate their policymaker outreach. Anthropic brought on its first in-house lobbyist, Department of Justice alum Rachel Appleton, and OpenAI hired political veteran Chris Lehane as its new VP of policy.All told, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere set aside $2.71 million combined for their 2024 federal lobbying initiatives. Thats a tiny figure compared to what the larger tech industry put toward lobbying in the same timeframe ($61.5 million), but more than four times the total that the three AI labs spent in 2023 ($610,000).TechCrunch reached out to OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere for comment but did not hear back as of press time.Last year was a tumultuous one in domestic AI policymaking. In the first half alone, Congressional lawmakers considered more than 90 AI-related pieces of legislation, according to the Brennan Center. At the state level, over 700 laws were proposed.Congress made little headway, prompting state lawmakers to forge ahead. Tennesseebecamethe first state to protect voice artists from unauthorizedAI cloning. Coloradoadopteda tiered, risk-based approach to AI policy. And California governor Gavin Newsom signeddozensof AI-related safety bills, a few of which require AI companies to disclose details about their training.However, no state officials were successful in enacting AI regulation as comprehensive as international frameworks like the EUs AI Act.After a protracted battle with special interests, Governor NewsomvetoedbillSB 1047, which would have imposed wide-ranging safety and transparency requirements on AI developers. Texas TRAIGA (Texas Responsible AI Governance Act) bill, which is even broader in scope, may suffer the same fate once it makes its way through the statehouse.Its unclear whether the federal government can make more progress on AI legislation this year versus last, or even whether theres a strong appetite for codification. President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to largely deregulate the industry, clearing what he perceives to be roadblocks to U.S. dominance in AI. During his first day in office, Trumprevokedan executive order by former president Joe Biden that sought to reduce risks AI might pose to consumers, workers, and national security. On Thursday, Trump signed an EO instructing federal agencies to suspend certain Biden-era AI policies and programs, potentially including export rules on AI models.In November, Anthropic called for targeted federal AI regulation within the next 18 months, warning that the window for proactive risk prevention is closing fast. For its part, OpenAIin a recent policy doc calledon the U.S. government to take moresubstantive actionon AI and infrastructure to support the technologys development.

The long gestating Tristar Pictures project will be produced by Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, and Lisa Henson, with Brian Henson executive producing; Eggers will pen the script with writing partner Sjn.

A project that would cap over sections of a sunken freeway in Detroit hit a milestone recently after getting approved for $2 million in funding. The money from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Michigan DOT will help finalize the design for a shovel-ready proposal atop Detroits I-75. The highway capping will extend from Third Avenue to the west and Brush Street to the east, spanning several blocks. There will be new pedestrian overpasses that will provide better connections for Brush Park, Downtown, and Midtown Detroit. It will perpendicularly span Woodward Avenue, one of the key arteries that make up Detroits radial plan and come close to Comerica Park.AECOM helped compile a report which outlined the projects goals and shared project precedents. The initiative is a direct response to urban renewal, and the so many highways that exploded through Detroits urban fabric in the 20th century. The project backers used Philadelphias Chinatown Stitch, which seeks to cap over parts of the Vine Street Expressway, as an example of what theyd like to see happen in Detroit.The I-75 Cap project will restore city connections between neighborhoods, providing new spaces that create opportunities for community resilience, economic prosperity and recreation, Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), the nonprofit behind the project, said in a presentation statement.The capping will extend from Third Avenue to the west and Brush Street to the east, spanning several blocks. (Downtown Detroit Partnership)Through community-centered design it will support residents impacted by legacy infrastructure investments, prioritizing social equity, environmental sustainability, sound financial stewardship, and access for all, DDP added.In total, there will be three caps above I-75. One will be between Second and Third Avenue near Grand River, in proximity to the new University of Michigan Center for Innovation. The second cap will be close to Woodward, and the third will be between John R. and Brush Streets in Brush Park. James Fidler, DDPs Urban Evolution Strategist, and DDP CEO Eric Larson are both part of the project team. Fidler and Larson have helped lead visioning sessions to ascertain community and stakeholder input.Early renderings shared of the project show large swaths of green lawn bustling with activity, as well as playgrounds, walking paths, and pavilions.The cap will open up opportunities for public programming. (Downtown Detroit Partnership)Residents will enjoy new park space. (Downtown Detroit Partnership)Looking ahead, after this batch of funding, the project leaves the conceptual and visualization phase. Now, structural design and community planning phases can begin.DDP noted that the project will demand significant federal funding for completion.

School is back in session for the spring 2025 semester. That means more hours spent in studio, more crits, and a stacked calendar of lectures and talks. Architects will speak about thematic topics, including resiliency, housing, and issues related to race and equity. Yale School of ArchitectureAt Yale School of Architecture this spring a number of leading professionals in architecture are scheduled to speak about their work and practice. Among the speakers are Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari who will discuss her work. Billie Faircloth, who recently parted ways with KieranTimberlake, will talk about equity in supply chains.Harvard Graduate School of DesignThis semester at Harvard GSD prominent architects from firms such as Dorte Mandrup and Kengo Kuma will speak about their work and its connection to place and nature. Other lectures on the docket include thematic explorations of social housing in New England and the intersection of justice and architecture. Also tune in to a lecture about the ReefLine, a project in Miami that will deliver an underwater sculpture park.Rice School of ArchitectureAt Rice University this spring the lessons from lectures extend outside the classrooms. An all-day symposium at Chianti in Marfa explores the relationship between art, architecture, and land. In Houston, programming includes a talk from Mexican architect Ludwig Godefroy; and Vanessa Grossman will discuss the work of Portuguese architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. University of Southern California School of ArchitectureAt University of Southern California the spring lecture series kicks off with a discussion about a local project underway, the Accelerated Housing and Transit Development (AHTD) Project. Later in the semester students and the public can tune in to listen to LEVERs Thomas Robinson speak about the firms practice with timber and Shalini Vajjhala discuss climate resiliency.University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of DesignThe Weitzman School of Design at University of Pennsylvania has a stacked lineup of speakers on its calendar. Those scheduled to speak include Bjarke Ingels, Michelle Delk of Snhetta, SANAAs Kazuyo Sejima, Billie Tsien of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. Aaron Betsky, author of Dont Build, Rebuild: The Case for Imaginative Reuse in Architecture, will give a talk about his new title. University of Texas at Austin School of ArchitectureAt University of Texas at Austin this spring more than just architects will take the stage. Multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, known for his colorful installations, will discuss his work. On the architecture beat, Stephen Cassell of Architecture Research Office and Eric Bunge of nARCHITECTS will present.University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and PlanningThis spring Taubman College will host a series of fireside chats and films to coincide with Black History Month in February. Other scheduled talks will look at wood as a material and delve into strategies for designing place-based communities.

close New York weighing cellphone ban in classrooms Phone Free New York founder Raj Goyle joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss New York considering a ban on cellphones in classrooms Cant remember the last time you turned your phone off? Is Bluetooth always on? Do you plug into any charger you can find?Win a pair of $329 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.Enter here, no purchase necessary!If you answered yes to any of these questions, the NSA says youre playing a crapshoot with your privacy. The National Security Agencys purpose is to listen and collect communications from satellites, cellphones and anywhere else, really.THESE MISTAKES COULD TANK YOUR CREDIT SCORELets take a deeper look at five smartphone rules they use that you can, too.1. Restart your phone once a weekIts dead simple and absolutely worth doing. Turn off your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This works to combat zero-click exploits where a hacker can get in simply by sending you the right code.Heads up: A restart wont work for other types of malware. If your phone becomes infected,youll need to do a full factory reset.2. Disable Bluetooth when you dont need itBluetooth works similarly to Wi-Fi and cellular networks but performs simpler tasks at shorter ranges. You dont need a cellular signal or network connection to use Bluetooth, and it doesnt use data. And like any other connection, its not 100% safe. A driver is pictured holding an iced coffee and a mobile phone while in the car. (iStock)Hackers and scammers must be close to you to use Bluetooth to hijack your phone. But in just about any public space, youre arms length from strangers.The NSAs advice: Turn off Bluetooth when youre not using it. Itll help battery life, too.On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and switch it off. You can also swipe down from the top right of your screen to open the Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon.The same steps work for Android phones. Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth and switch it off. (Note: Steps may vary based on your phones model. Look or search for Bluetooth if these steps dont match your phone.)Airplane mode also disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things, so it works in a pinch but you wont receive calls or texts.THE STEP I TAKE TO CLEAR MY INBOX EVERY JANUARY3. Skip public USB portsIn spaces like the airport or coffee shop, hackers can use them to install malware or steal your data. Now, actual cases of juice jacking are rare in the U.S. but its still a real threat. They happen through USB connections, so if a kiosk has actual power outlets to charge your phone using your own adapter, youre good to go.Stay away from USB ports of any size, especially when traveling overseas. USB standards are international, and foreign hackers can target USB ports in hotels or rentals to steal your data, even if youre not using a kiosk.More and more public kiosks have wireless charging pads instead of USBs. This method doesnt exchange data directly with your phone, so its virus-free by default.If youre desperate for juice, you can use a USB connection safely with the right cable. Pack acharge-only cable for your trip. Theyre cheap and compact, and they dont allow for data transfers. A business person is seen working on a laptop. (iStock)4. Dont use public Wi-FiIt's a playground for snoopers. Public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, and every device is susceptible, whether its your smartphone, laptop or tablet.Just because a public Wi-Fi network pops up and asks if you want to join doesnt mean its legitimate. If youre at a coffee shop or hotel, ask an employee for the specific name of their Wi-Fi network. Scammers will sometimes create networks called "Coffee Shop" or "Hotel Guest" to make you believe youre connecting to the real thing when, actually, youre not.Heres a good rule of thumb: If it requires a username and password to log in, you should only access that site from your own private network. If you do need to access sensitive sites or info on a public network, dont do it without a VPN enabled.AI ISNT GOING ANYWHERE: PROMPTS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER5. Cover your mic and cameraThe NSA says its best to use a protective case that drowns out your microphone and covers your camera when youre not using it.In "hot-miking" attacks, hackers activate your microphone without you knowing it so they can listen into your conversations. It happens when your device has been compromised in some way, usually through malware or an app thats exploiting permissions you granted. Most folks arent targets for attacks like this, but Id rather be safe than sorry.Start with app permissions to check what access youve handed out:Apple iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security, and look through the list of apps and what permissions they have.Google Pixel: Open Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.Samsung Galaxy:Head to Settings > Security and privacy > Permission manager. A woman uses her smartphone while waiting to board a plane at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)Its not just hackers to worry about.Most of what you type, say, search and buy is being tracked in one way or another.The only unhackable layer of security is physically blocking the sound or camera feed.There are expensive cases out there that do the job, or you can buy amic blocker for around $10.It slides into your headphone port to stop recording. Youll need an adapter unless your phone still has an audio jack. For a cheaper DIY option, grab your oldest corded headphones, snip them off and plug that into an adapter.Pro tip:When your phones microphone is on or was recently accessed, youll see a small orange dot at the top of the screen. Youll see a green dot if your camera is in use or was recently recording.While this is on your mind, go a step further. Heres aquick 5-minute phone cleanup I like to do a few times a year.Get tech-smarter on your scheduleAward-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.National radio:Airing on 500+ stations across the US -Find yours or get the free podcast.Daily newsletter:Join 600,000 people who read the Current (free!)Watch: OnKims YouTube channelPodcast: "Kim Komando Today" - Listen wherever you get podcastsCopyright 2025, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Samsung just unveiled its latest lineup of Galaxy S25 smartphones at its Unpacked event. If you pre-ordered (or are thinking of preordering) one of the new models, you want to protect that investment with a proper case.Also: Best Samsung Galaxy S25 deals: $300 gift cards and free offers at AT&T and VerizonSince it's not always easy to locate cases you can purchase during the preorder period for new smartphones, ZDNET has done the hard work for you and rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S25 cases from brands like Casely, Casetify, Samsung, and more.Keep in mind that since the Galaxy S25 series has just launched, your options are still somewhat limited, but more selections will begin to open up in the coming weeks, and we'll be updating this list with all of our favorites, including tested picks from our editors.What is the best Samsung Galaxy S25 case right now?Our top pick for the best Samsung Galaxy S25 case right now is Samsung's flagship Standing Grip case for its seamless design and practicality. You can't go wrong with Samsung's first-party case, as it's almost guaranteed to be a perfect fit for the device, has a handy grip stand on the back, and comes in three fun color options.Best Samsung Galaxy S25 cases of 2025 Samsung/ZDNET Sometimes, you just need a case to help you secure your phone in your hand. Luckily, Samsung offers a native case grip case for its new Galaxy S25 lineup. It can be used to grip your phone or stand it up to serve as a media player.The case has three color options, Black, White, and Gray, and can be added to checkout when you purchase a smartphone phone from the Samsung store. Currently, the case is half off online. Show more View now at Samsung Pitaka/ZDNET As the saying goes, often imitated, never duplicated. Pitaka was one of the earliest case makers to produce a slimmed-down design made with aramid fiber. The result is a cover that keeps your phone lean and pristine, with a material build durable enough to withstand common drops, scratches, and scuffs.We've tested several variants of the Pitaka slim case and have found the colored Sunset and Moonrise options the most ideal. Part of the reason is that the all-black finish tends to pick up fingerprint smudges and grease marks more aggressively than the light-colored options. Show more View now at Amazon Torras/ZDNET Protection and utility come into play with the Torras Ostand 360 spin. The clear case has a plain Clear and Black colorway option with a mag-safe O-ring fastened to the back. The ring attaches to compatible accessories securely, allowing for mobile use for any purpose you can think of.The case offers 8 feet of drop protection and raised protection for the camera bezels, so your phone will be in good hands. However, the sleek form factor keeps from making this device bulky in your hand. Show more View now at Amazon Burga/ZDNET If you're looking for a stylish option for your new Samsung Galaxy S25 phone, consider checking out Burga's lineup. These Tough cases come with a dual-layer design (silicone interior and a hard shell exterior), cover all around the phone, and feature raised bezels to protect the screen and camera. It also has a slim design, making it easy to take your new phone wherever you go.We've tested other Burga accessories, including iPad gear, and like their moderate price and impeccable style. While these cases won't be available just yet, they are open for preorders. Show more View now at Burga Spigen/ZDNET You can't go wrong with Spigen's Tough Armor case, as it's just slim enough to not make your phone feel like a brick while offering a notable amount of protection to keep the device free from scratches and dings. Part of the reason why it's so durable is because of Spigen's shock absorption padding tucked in the back.There's also a prop-out kickstand and magnetic ring attachment that allows you to snap your Galaxy S25 with MagSafe accessories -- as guilty as you may feel doing so. Show more View now at Amazon ESR/ZDNET ESR's HaloLock line is known for its strong magnetic grip and practical design. These Galaxy S25 cases offer solid grip, 11-feet drop protection, a raised bezel edge to protect your screen, and fortified AirGrip corners to protect from drops and scrapes. Plus, it supports magnetic accessories, so you can accessorize in dozens of ways. Show more View now at Esrgear What is the best Samsung Galaxy S25 case? The best overall Samsung Galaxy S25 case is Samsung's flagship Standing Grip Casefor its convenience, thin form factor, and added utility. See how all the other cases compare below.Samsung Galaxy S25 casePriceSamsung Standing Grip Case$45Pitaka Ultra Slim Case$55Torras Ostand 360 Spin$43Spigen Tough Armor$19Burga Tough case$50ESR HaloLock Classic Hybrid Case$20 Show more Factors to consider when choosing the best Samsung Galaxy S25 case: The cases above have a variety of features and functions, all curated considering these factors:Size: Cases range from ultra-thin to big and bulky. Consider how much space your case will take in places like your pocket, purse, or everyday bag so it fits your lifestyle. A thinner case will provide less protection than a bulkier one, but it will be more agile.Durability: It is the worst when your brand-new phone case snaps or breaks just a few months into the purchase. After all, if the case is breaking so easily, how well is it protecting your phone? That's why we consider the materials, build, and durability of a case to make sure it keeps your mobile investment safe and sound.Style: Sometimes, phone cases can be a little ugly, and that's okay. A lot of people prefer fashion over function, but luckily with phone cases, you can have both. Finding a case that looks good but also does its job is a top priority.Price: While there may be so many great options on the market that come at a premium price, there are still other great cases that won't break the bank. We'll only recommend cases that are worth the money. Show more How did we choose the best Samsung S25 cases? ZDNET scoured the internet and our expertise to find the best Samsung S25 cases. All of these phone cases represent the most needed aspects of a phone case, and come from lots of research from every corner of the internet. Show more FAQs on Samsung Galaxy S25 cases What cases work for the Samsung Galaxy S25? There are many brands that make cases to fit the Samsung S25. Brands like Speck, Spigen, Casely, Casetify, Otterbox, and more offer great options. Show more Do Samsung phones need a case? The short answer is yes, as it is always wise to invest in protection for your protective device. However, there is no one forcing you to do so. In the end, it's just the best way to keep your device as shiny and new as possible. Show more Do Samsung Galaxy S24 cases work on the Galaxy S25? While the dimensions of the Galaxy S25 and S24 are nearly identical, they're not exactly the same. That's why we'd advise getting cases made specifically for the S25 series. Show more Alternative Samsung Galaxy S25 cases worth considering:Samsung Unpacked

Nicholas Shkoda/Getty ImagesYou'd think that Microsoft's marketing team would have learned something after last year's shambolic rollout of the Recall feature. Maybe, before trying another rollout, they might talk to a few customers, do some focus groups, even ask a few members of the press and analyst community for their advice.But no.Shortly after the New Year, someone in Redmond pushed a button that raised the price of its popular (84 million paid subscribers worldwide!) Microsoft 365 product. You know, the one that used to be called Microsoft Office? Yeah, well, now it's called Microsoft 365 Copilot, and you're going to be paying at least 30% more for that subscription starting with your next bill. Microsoft 365 gets a new logo, a new name, and a higher price. Screenshot by Ed Bott/ZDNETAs far as I can tell, the response from customers has been overwhelmingly negative. I monitor Microsoft-focused online forums obsessively, and I read hundreds of complaints without seeing a single compliment. Seriously, the reaction to this rollout was an Excel #DIV/0 error.What went wrong? Where do I begin?They botched the price increaseLet me bend over backward to Microsoft here. They launched Office 365 (which later became Microsoft 365 and is now Microsoft 365 Copilot) more than a dozen years ago, and in that time they have not raised the price once. In case you haven't noticed, we are living through some inflationary times right now.So, there was plenty of room for Microsoft to roll out a gentle price increase. "Hey y'all, we know this isn't welcome news but we need to bump up the Microsoft 365 subscription price by two bucks a month. It's still a great deal!"Also: How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 in 2025Netflix does that every year or two and no one shows up at Netflix HQ with pitchforks and torches.But no. Instead, they made it a 30% price increase and blamed it all on artificial intelligence. Bad idea. Why? Because...No one wants to pay for AIThere's a ton of potential in AI, and it has some solid use cases today, for tasks like writing code and finding patterns in large databases.But in the places where Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscribers are likely to see AI, the edges are still very, very rough. If you ask Copilot in Word to write something for you, the results will be about what you'd expect from an enthusiastic summer intern. You might fare better if you ask Copilot to turn a folder full of photos into a PowerPoint presentation. But is that task really such a challenge?Also: The best AI for coding in 2025 (and what not to use)To top that off, there are similarly rough edges in the way the Copilot features are implemented. For example, I have both work and family subscriptions to Microsoft 365. This combination normally works very well; I can sign in with one account, attach resources like OneDrive from both accounts, and work with almost no friction.But good luck doing the same with Copilot features. In that configuration, I consistently get error messages telling me, "As a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriber, you'll be able to use Copilot when you're signed with your Microsoft work or school account (Entra ID) and Microsoft personal account. However, that ability is not yet available." If you pay for a personal and work subscription to Microsoft 365, you'll pay the higher price but won't get the new features. Screenshot by Ed Bott/ZDNETLet me see if I understand this: I'm paying Microsoft for not one but two subscriptions, and they raised the price of one of those subscriptions while not allowing me to use its signature feature. That seems like a lousy way to reward your best customers.The announcement was bungled, tooI pay annually for my Microsoft 365 Family subscription. The price went up more than a week ago, but I haven't received an email telling me about it. As the account manager, I should see that notice before I see the new price in my dashboard.Instead, I learned about the new price thanks to a pop-up message on my Android phone. This po-up on my phone is the only notice I've received about a price change. Screenshot by Ed Bott/ZDNETThat notice tells me I have a monthly plan. No, I have an annual plan that will renew in a month or two. It says I can cancel billing in my Play Store settings. No, I can't. I bought this subscription using the web browser on my Windows PC, and when I tap the Subscriptions button in the Android app it opens a web browser and takes me to my Microsoft account page, where there's no cancel option.It could be worse, I suppose. Just ask the French and Spanish subscribers who got a similar pop-up message telling them theirprice had gone from 10 a month to 13,000. (Those pesky decimals.)Also: Microsoft is changing the way you sign in - and it could be a security nightmareOh, and I've lost count of the number of people who were baffled and angry that Microsoft had forcibly installed the Copilot app on their devices. It was just a rebranding of the old Microsoft 365 app with the new name and logo, but in my case it was days later before I received yet another pop-up message telling me about the change.Well, surely you can just turn it off. Right?The smartest thing Microsoft could have done was to make this initial release of Copilot an opt-in feature for a few months. They could have said, "We're excited to let everyone try this! Just click OK here!"Instead, they turned the feature on for everyone and gave Word users a well-hidden checkbox that reads Enable Copilot. The feature is on by default, so you have to clear the checkbox to make it go away.Also: Microsoft Office support in Windows 10 ends in October too - what that really meansAs for the other Office apps? "Uh, we'll get around to giving you a button to turn it off next month. Maybe."Seriously, thesupport page that explains where you can find that box in Wordsays, "We're working on adding the Enable Copilot checkbox to Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint on Windows devices and to Excel and PowerPoint on Mac devices. That is tentatively scheduled to happen in February 2025."Meanwhile, maybe think twice about using the option to disable all of the connected features in your Office apps. Asone writer pointed out(with multiple swear words and some threats aimed in the general direction of One Microsoft Way), doing so can have unintended consequences, like making it appear as though all your files in OneDrive have suddenly disappeared.How long will the Classic option last?If you try to cancel Microsoft 365 to avoid the price increase (or just to say no to the AI features), Microsoft's subscription management page offers the option to downgrade to a Classic plan, which turns out to be exactly what you signed up for not that long ago, minus the price increase.Also: The top 10 brands exploited in phishing attacks - and how to protect yourselfThat's purely a retention play, of course. New subscribers can't sign up for this plan, and I expect that it will be discontinued in a year or two.Why is Microsoft doing this?I have yet to see a single person praising the implementation of Copilot in Microsoft 365 or telling Satya Nadella they've gotten their money's worth out of this unexpected upgrade.So why do it at all? I can think of 3 billion reasons. I could plug the numbers into Excel and tell you about it, but let's have Copilot explain instead. Microsoft Copilot understands how the subscription business model works. Screenshot by Ed Bott/ZDNETMicrosoft is halfway through its 2026 fiscal year. It's almost like someone was given instructions at the end of the calendar year to bump up that revenue line for the Office Consumer division.Also: How I easily added AI to my favorite Microsoft Office alternativeHere's the funny thing: The price increase is so big that there will still be a huge positive impact even if 10% of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family customers cancel rather than pay the extra monthly fee. Copilot walked me through the math and concluded, "So, even with 10% of your customers canceling their subscriptions, you would still generate an additional $1.714 billion annually due to the price hike. How do you feel about this adjustment?"I feel like I understand why all those complaints are going to go unheard.More Microsoft

What to watch this weekend.Credit: Apple / Shudder / NetflixWeve come to the last weekend of January already, though we still have until next Friday before the month is officially over and February kicks off a whole new round of shows and movies for us to watch. Will 2025 go by even faster than 2024?In any case, as always Ive searched high and low for all the best new TV shows and movies that have recently made their way to the myriad streaming services we all subscribe to these days. Some of these Ive seen and written about and you can follow the links to my reviews. Others have just popped up and I havent had time to see them yet. Theres always more to watch than there is time in the day! Its a good problem to have.If you missed them, definitely take a glance at my Worst TV Shows and Best TV Shows of 2024 for more ideas on what to watchand what to avoid.If you have any tips or I missed something, shoot me a message on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. You can check out last weekends streaming guide right here.MORE FOR YOUWhats New & Notable This WeekendIts an action-packed weekend for new TV shows and movies and well start with my personal pick for the week . . . .The Night Agent - Season 2 (Netflix)I really enjoyed Season 1 of The Night Agent and while its been a couple years since I watched, I dived right into the second season and really enjoyed it also. Ive seen a lot of readers complain that its not as good, and Im not sure if its just my foggy memory or what, but I really liked the second season and felt it had a lot of the same strengths and weaknesses as the first, though now I want to rewatch the first and see if Im missing something. In any case, if you like a fun spy thriller with few frills and plenty of tension, this is a very bingeable option. Read my Season 2 review here.Prime Target (Apple TV)I havent started this one yet, but it sounds interesting. Leo Woodall plays handsome young mathematician, Edward Brooks, a man whose obsession with prime numbers leads him down a rabbit hole of danger and deception. Its getting pretty mixed reviews, unfortunately, with just 42% on Rotten Tomatoesthough audiences are more upbeat, with a 65% Popcornmeter score. It looks fun and Ill check it out this weekend. The first two episodes are available on Apple TV with the third and subsequent episodes landing on Wednesdays.The Wild Robot (Peacock)The Wild Robot was one of my favorite movies of 2024 and definitely one of the top animated films of the year (I think Inside Out 2 was better, but only barely). The story follows a robot named Roz (Lupita Nyongo) stranded on a remote island who takes on a mission to raise a young gosling and survive both the harsh elements and other dangers. Its genuinely heartwarming with a beautiful core and gorgeous animation. If you enjoy top-tier family movies, you should really give this one a shot.Blink Twice (Prime Video)Zo Kravitz makes her directorial debut with Blink Twice, a film about a group of people invited to the private island of tech billionaire, Slater King (Channing Tatum). The story follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) as the vacation to paradise turns into a trip from hell. Christian Slater, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis and Kyle MacLachlan make up some of the films star-studded cast. I havent seen this but the trailer makes it look pretty intense (though said trailer is also pretty spoilery, so maybe dont watch it if youre thinking of watching the film).Star Trek: Section 31 Paramount+Star Trek has been such a mess over the past decade or so and it sounds like things arent improving with Section 31. The Michelle Yeoh-led streaming movie was meant to be a spinoff series of Star Trek: Discovery but for various reasons that was shelved and the project became a standalone film. Apparently that did not translate well. On Rotten Tomatoes the picture has a 17% critic score and just 25% with audiences. Ouch. It seems Trekkies have it just as badokay, maybe worsethan Star Wars fans these days.Grafted (Shudder)This caught my eye because I recently watched and reviewed The Substance, a film about a miracle drug that sort of gives you eternal youth but not really. Its a muddled film that I genuinely disliked (and I remain confused about all the buzz). Grafted takes a similar premise, but with a miracle medical technology that can change your facethough in this dystopian thriller, the reality of the transformation is much more terrifying than its promise. Honestly, this looks better than The Substance to me, but Im not sure I have the stomach for more body horror anytime soon.Harlem - Season 3 (Prime Video)Ill be honest, I know nothing about Harlem despite it being on its third (and final) season. It sounds a bit like the black version of Sex and the City: Four ambitious best friends, Camille, Tye, Quinn and Angie, navigate relationships and careers in New York City. I wasnt a Sex and the City guy, either, so Im really operating from a place of ignorance and conjecture here. Forgive me! The show has great reviews from audiences and critics, however, so if this looks up your alley, give it a watch!Gladiator II (Paramount+)I thought Gladiator was a solid epic historical drama, but not necessarily a great film. It lacked the emotional resonance of something like Braveheart, though Ridley Scotts film was entertaining enough. Much of the films success rested on the stellar performance of Russell Crowe. Crowe is absent from Gladiator II, as is any sense of realism or originality. I genuinely laughed my way through this abysmal sequel and then went home and penned a scathing review. Now you, too, can witness just how bad this film really isand no amount of Denzel Washington can save it.The Brutalist (In Theaters)Not everything is streaming. There is this magical place called a movie theater where people congregate and eat popcorn and oversized pretzels and drink giant cups of soda and you all sit together and watch the movie as a community. Its awesome! You should try it sometime. Im debating whether to go to The Brutalist this weekend because while it looks amazing, its also 3-and-a-half hours long. However, unlike most really long movies, this one is split into two parts and theres an intermission! So you get a built-in bathroom break to stretch your legs, maybe head back to concessions, etc. I almost want to go the movie just for this intermission experience, which I dont think Ive ever had at a moviejust Broadway shows and other live theater. Adrien Brody is already winning awards for the historical drama. It looks phenomenal.There are a number of new movies out on Video-On-Demand to rent and buy as well this weekend. A couple highlights: Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and the excellent vampire period piece Nosferatu from Robert Eggers (my review). Its funny, the first Sonic movie was the last film I saw in theaters before COVID shut everything down. I really liked it but never got around to seeing the sequels.Whats Streaming WeeklyAs always, a number of TV shows continue to air each weeknot everyone has adopted the Netflix binge model!and I list some of those here.Severance - Season 2 dropped its second episode this weekend. The second season of Apple TVs phenomenal dystopian sci-fi office drama is off to a great start. You can read my spoiler-free review of the complete season here, or check out my Episode 2 recap here. This is one show that I am literally begging everyone to watch. Its one of the best out there. New episodes drop Thursday evenings. (Apple).The Pitt is one of my favorite new series. I just published my review earlier today. Its a medical drama starring (and produced and partly written by) ER-veteran, Noah Wyle. It takes a 24-style format, with each episode a new hour in one long shift in a Pittsburgh hospital. The show deftly weaves together the stories of a pretty massive cast of doctors, nurses and other medical staff plus all the patients and families that pass through the jampacked emergency room. Its brilliant, compelling TV and Im not even a big medical drama fan, though I finally started ER after I ran out of The Pitt episodes. New episodes drop Thursday. (Max)Traitors - Season 3 continues airing weekly as well and is now the biggest unscripted show going at the moment. Its like a challenge reality show meets murder mystery dinner. I admit, Ive never watched it because I dont like reality TV that much, but it does sound entertaining! (Peacock)Dexter: Original Sin continues to be a solid offering each week, and one that I happily pop on every Friday when new episodes drop. I had low expectations for a Dexter prequel but everyone does a really great job and the combination of weekly mysteries and a season-long mystery works really well. Its all very nostalgic, thats for sure. Heres my review. (Paramount)SAS Rogue Heroes - Season 2 - Is one I havent yet started and have totally forgotten to include on this list. All the episodes are already out and Ive heard a lot of good things from readers who keep urging me to watch itwhich I will, soon, Ive just been very busy! The series follows a group of military commandos during WWII that employ...non-traditional means in their fight against the Axis powers. (MGM+)Further Reading From Yours Truly:Dont forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!What are you watching these days? What should I put on this list or add to my backlog? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook.

Companies that are moving quickly to adopt human-centric AI and integrate it deeply into their CX strategies are winning over customersand boosting their bottom lines. According to our CX Trends 2025 report, early adopters are 128% more likely to report high ROI from their AI tools in CX.Human-centric AI can amplify human abilities, making it easier for companies to understand and connect with their customers as individuals.But how, exactly?Picture this: your dear friend has had a difficult year. You send them a heartfelt birthday giftone you know will lift their spirits. But theres just one problem. The gift didnt ship on schedule, and now it wont arrive on time for their birthday.GettyYoure understandably upset when you contact the companya brand you happen to loveabout the issue. Your outreach is handled by an AI agent that senses your frustration. Capable of demonstrating empathy to handle difficult situations like this, the AI agent offers a sincere apology, determines a way to expedite the gift so it arrives on time, and even provides you with a discount off your next purchase.You were already a loyal customer, but nowthanks to human-centric AI making you feel seen, understood, and valuedyoure a fan for life.This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to better understanding your customers with the help of AI. Keep reading to learn more about what human-centric AI is, why leading CX organizations are making the shift, and how AI can help enable more human-centric experiences for your customers, agents, and organization.Powering human experiences with the help of AIWith the right AI approach, agents can be more empathetic and better able to handle difficult situationslike a delayed birthday gift.But its not just about helping customers. By streamlining tasks and enhancing their ability to communicate with customers, AI is empowering agents, too. For example, AI can help an overwhelmed agent handling a grieving customers insurance claim by suggesting real-time, sensitive, and empathetic language tailored to the situation. Meanwhile, AI can also retrieve necessary policy details so the agent can focus entirely on listening, comforting the customer, and providing faster resolutions.Quick, AI-powered resolutions lead to lasting loyaltyAccording to our research, 61% of consumers say they expect more personalized service with AIin just a short time, its had a significant impact on expectations.Match Group, which owns and operates the largest global portfolio of popular dating services is looking to human-centric AI to help their members solve their problems faster with self-service.We're looking to understand where we can improve customer experience by allowing members to resolve their issues instantly without a wait timeand how generative AI can get us there, said Meghan Hussack, Director of Strategy and Shared Service, Emerging and Evergreen Brands at Match Group.I am most excited about generative AI being able to understand the language a customers using and how to solve their problem without the customer having to go through the often clunky flow of your typical chatbot.Employing AI to handle the first touch of every customer interaction will help companies like Match Group resolve issues quickly, while also building a strong human connection with customers that translates to loyalty. It also sets brands apart from their peers: 70% of consumers believe there is a clear gap forming between companies that leverage AI effectively in customer service and those that don't.3 ways AI enables more human-centric experiencesReady to reap the rewards of creating human-centric experiences? Here are three ways AI can transform experiences for customers, agents, and your organization:1. Right-size service for every customer with AIWeve all been there (or know someone who has): you're stuck at the airport due to a flight cancellation. But instead of waiting forever in line to speak to a desk agent, AI rebooks you on the next flight out, coordinates your overnight hotel stay, and sends you all the necessary details in an empathetic email with a discount on your next trip. That's hassle-free service during a high-stress time, helping to foster reassurance and long-term customer loyalty.AI agents are increasingly able to deliver service that feels natural and personalized. And it's something that customers want and are looking for: 68% of consumers say they would engage more frequently with AI agents/bots if they had more human-like interactions.2. Empower agents with AI to free them up to form deeper customer connectionsWhen it comes to agents, AI copilots can supply real-time suggestions for language and solutions, empowering agents to deliver empathetic and effective responsesespecially during a high-pressure holiday season.Instead of being buried by a mountain of inquiries or delivering a less-than-perfect response, AI copilots can draft responses, identify repetitive questions, and flag the most emotionally charged for personal attention.This helps boost agent performance and satisfaction, not just during the holiday season, but every day. In fact, 79% of agents believe having AI as a copilot supercharges their abilitiesenabling them to deliver superior customer experiences with faster, better answers and foster deeper trust with more personalized interactions.3. Enable dynamic, more strategic teams with AIFinally, organizations can reap the benefits of human-centric AI with workforce management tools and automated triage/intelligent routing. These AI tools allow teams to be more dynamic in their responses and more strategic with their resources.For instance, youre a retail brand anticipating a flood of customer questions during a flash sale. You can use AI to help predict spike volume and plan accordingly by scaling up your support team. Then, AI not only routes inquiries to the right agents but also prioritizes VIP customers, ensuring their needs are addressed first with personalized care.This results in more streamlined, efficient interactions that are aligned with what customers and teams need in any given momentand a better experience overall.CX leaders whove embraced human-centric AI are already realizing tremendous value. Theyre harnessing the power of AI to personalize experiences, fostering loyalty and inspiring confidenceeven in the most stressful of situations. And theyre empowering their agents and teams with the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs well, and to end each day with a sense of satisfaction and pride.Human-centric AI experiences are already unlocking these experiences for early adopters. Isnt it time you joined them?For a deeper dive into these insightsand morecheck out our full CX Trends 2025 report.