gremlin/Getty images*** Deep sigh ***This is the part of the article where I usually drop a witty line to spark your curiosity or offer a fresh perspective on something intriguing.But today, I'm literally at a loss for words. (If you know me, you know how hard it is to leave me speechless.)Let me explainThere I was, minding my own bidness and getting some work done, when I got a Slack notification from Jason (ZDNET's big boss). He sent me an article about Meta's plans to integrate AI-generated user profiles and content across its social media platforms.Also: Operator isn't worth its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription yet - here's whyHis caption: "What do you think about this?"That's corporate talk for, "I'm subtly telling you what to do, and you should write about this" Not gonna lie, I had to check the date because it had to be April 1st.Why would Meta want to generate AI users? It's a social platform.What they do is literally in the name SOCIAL! So why would you make it anti-social with AI?It's not hard to see why I was at a loss for words and momentarily paralyzed by disbelief.To be clear, this article isn't about bashing AI or Meta.Also: No, AI won't revolutionize shopping - but this willFor the most part, Meta is an incredible company. Even though they piss me off from time to time, their advertising platform has been essential to what I've built, and for that, I'm grateful. So this isn't an "I hate Meta" piece it's more of a "let's discuss a disturbing pattern in Big Tech" piece.Today, we will discuss:What Big Tech seems to be missing with every so-called innovationWhat you should really be paying attention to in this AI revolutionMy insights on how you can thrive in the current landscapeIf you're wondering what's next in AI and how you should adapt, I got you.Feel free to share this article with a friend who's keeping an eye on AI developments.Quick introBefore we get into it, I will share a little about myself.The name's Mapp, Lester Mapp, but my friends call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the Executive Chairman of a group of ecom brands but I'm an award-winning performance marketer at my core, and spotting trends is my thing.If I had to sum up my "marketing superpower," it's two-fold.Also:There's a new king of online shopping, and it's built an unstoppable monopolyFirst, I've gotten pretty good at spotting trends, so much so that we operate more like a data company than a traditional online business.Second, and more importantly, my real edge comes from connecting the dots between data and what it means for our customers.Our success has come from sitting at the intersection of data and human emotion. That's where we've found the magic of decoding both rather than relying on just one. (If you read until the end, I'll share my secret on how we do it)Needless to say, I've got some strong opinions on what I see from Big Tech and AI.If you enjoy marketing and business insights like this, consider joining my free No Fluff Just Facts newsletter.Big Tech's disturbing patternYou may be wondering what Big Tech is up to and what this so-called disturbing pattern is. As my little brother would say, "They're doing too much."Does this sound familiar:Blockchain is the next big thingThe Metaverse is the next big thingWeb3 is the next big thingNFTs are the next big thing (still laughable) And now AI is the next big thing.Each of these breakthroughs has its role in society and contributes to our progress as a species.Also: Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?These are indeed massive advancements.But it seems like big tech is sidestepping the basics, and we, the people, are an afterthought. Why is the "next big thing" not focused onCaring for our users?Doing right by our users?How do we connect with our users?We've entered an era where AI is overhyped and overused in some cases. For example, the other day, I was browsing Amazon and stumbled upon an AI toaster, bruhSeriously?(Ten bucks says a subscription-based toaster is coming next.)Ever since AI became the hot topic, companies keep pushing solutions to non-existent problems. It's like pandering, but for tech. They over-complicate and overhype everything while ignoring the fundamentals.Also:3 lucrative side hustles you can start right now with OpenAI's Sora video generatorDon't get me wrong, I love tech. I'm all in on AI. I've gone on record more than once saying that nothing will come between my OpenAI subscription and me.But here's my question: Why isn't Big Tech focusing more on the people they're supposed to serve? It's giving out of touch.Spend just two seconds in any comment section, and it's clear more AI isn't what people want.What should you focus on?For the foreseeable future, I'm focused on building deeper connections with our customers, no matter what form that takes.Here's why: During the pandemic, we witnessed a wave of innovation aimed at keeping us connected while we were stuck at home. Companies thrived, fortunes were made, and "work-from-home" tech dominated the scene.But what happened as soon as we could step outside again?Experiences skyrocketed! Also: ChatGPT Search could destroy online businesses - how you can stay aheadAmerican consumer spending on experiences during the previous 12 months ending on August 31, 2024, has surpassed pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 32% compared to the same period ending January 1, 2019.This shift highlights that people crave real-life connections and experiences over mere transactions. As we move forward, it's clear that authentic engagement with our customers will be key to thriving in this evolving landscape.The team and I are doubling down on media channels that we own, which help us genuinely connect with our customers. Here's how we're doing it and how you can benefit from these strategies.1. More email marketing: Incredible but underestimatedEmail is an incredibly powerful tool that often goes underappreciated. Did you know that consumers who receive email offersspend 138% more than those who don't? Plus, 88% of email users check their inbox every day, with 39% checking multiple times a day. Pro Tip: If your emails aren't performing, it's not because email is dead. It might be because your content is boring! Make your emails engaging and fun, as if you're writing to a friend. Capture their attention first, then present your offer.2. SMS Marketing: A cost-effective game changer no one talks aboutWe recently turned $20,291.87 in spend into an impressive $556,314.10 through SMS campaigns. Compared to platforms like Google and Meta, SMS is more cost-effective, with 72% of consumers purchasing after receiving a brand's text.Pro Tip: Remember that SMS cadence differs from email. Sending 10 messages a day isn't just excessive; it's overwhelming! Keep your texts short and direct with a strong call to action.3. Human-centric customer serviceCall me old school if you want, but we're committed to enhancing our customer service experience by prioritizing human interaction.For me, any AI tool that tries to handle communication is absolutely out of the question. While I'm all for using automation for FAQs and basic inquiries, we want our customers to connect with real people whenever they want to.I've never subscribed to the idea that customer service should be a hassle. Customers are either trying to buy something or resolve an issue with a purchase.Why would I entrust such an important responsibility to AI?Customers give us their money; we should treat them with the respect they deserve by engaging with them personally. My two centsAs I step down from my soap box, I leave you with this. In an era where acquisition costs are rising and the competitive landscape is increasingly noisy, it makes little sense to distance ourselves from the people who keep our businesses afloat, our customers.Instead, we should lean into building genuine connections with them.I encourage you to rethink your AI strategy. Yes, AI can enhance efficiency and streamline processes, but let's not forget that people do business with people. Looking at 2025 and beyond, we should focus on getting closer to our customers rather than insulating ourselves behind technology. Also: What's really destroying your productivity - and 3 simple ways to focus better todayOh, and I almost forgot to share our secret: it's incredibly simple: we care about our customers. Hope this helps - - I'm rooting for you.P.S. If you enjoy marketing and business insights like this, consider joining my No Fluff Just Facts newsletter. I'm currently working on a fascinating case study that reveals how one of our brands uses these exact strategies to achieve impressive results. If you're interested in that kind of stuff, click here to sign up; it's completely free!DISCLOSURELes owns shares in Meta. This ownership does not influence his content, and he is committed to providing objective and unbiased coverage to the best of his ability.Featured

When emotions run high, the potential for misunderstandings grows. This is where the 24-hour rule ... [+] acts as a soothing salve in relationships.gettyIn moments of heightened emotion, frustration, hurt or anger can easily take the reins. Words spoken in haste, flaring tempers or impulsive actions often lead to regret. While love is a source of immense joy, it also tests our patience and emotional resilience in ways we dont always anticipate.This is where the 24-hour rule proves invaluable. Its the deliberate practice of giving yourself a full day to process your emotions before responding to a triggering event or conversation.Far from avoiding confrontation or downplaying the significance of an issue, the 24-hour rule creates space for reflection and emotional regulation. By pausing, you can approach the situation with a calmer, more thoughtful mindset.Think of it as hitting a reset button for your relationshipa tool that allows both partners the time and clarity needed to navigate conflicts with greater compassion and understanding.Here are five reasons why embracing the 24-hour rule can help you cultivate a more resilient and harmonious connection.MORE FOR YOU1. It Prevents You From Reacting ImpulsivelyDisagreements are a natural part of any relationship, but reacting impulsively in the heat of the moment can intensify conflicts rather than resolve them. Elevated emotions can cloud judgment, making it difficult to communicate effectively or view the situation objectively. Taking a step back with the 24-hour rule creates the opportunity to let intense emotions subside, allowing for a more thoughtful and measured response.Research published in International Studies Quarterly highlights the importance of timely intervention in conflict resolution. Researchers found that disputes addressed shortly after they arise are less likely to escalate, significantly shortening their duration.So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by anger or hurt, pause before responding. Use the 24 hours to reflect, write down your thoughts or confide in someone you trust. Returning to the issue after this period of reflection can help you approach it with renewed clarity and understanding. This simple practice reduces the risk of miscommunication and encourages more productive and compassionate conflict resolution.2. It Helps You Gain PerspectiveTime has a unique ability to soften the sharp edges of conflict. What feels overwhelming in the moment often becomes more manageable with distance. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology highlights that conflicts in relationships are particularly harmful when individuals feel their thoughts and emotions are not understood by their partners.Perceived understanding has been shown to buffer against the negative effects of conflict, preserving relationship satisfaction by signaling partner investment and fostering resolution, regardless of factors like partner positivity, conflict type or pre-existing satisfaction.The 24-hour rule creates this vital space for reflection and understanding, enabling you to step back, assess the situation objectively and determine whether the issue is as pressing as it initially seemed or if it reveals deeper concerns needing exploration.For instance, if your partner forgets an important date or makes an offhand comment that stings, resist the urge to react immediately. Instead, ask yourself: Was this a one-time mistake, or does it point to a recurring pattern of behavior? This reflective pause allows you to move beyond surface-level frustrations and approach the situation with greater clarity and empathy, rather than allowing your assumptions about their feelings to rule your decision-making.3. It Strengthens Emotional RegulationTaking a deliberate 24-hour pause strengthens your capacity for emotional regulation, a skill crucial for sustaining a healthy and balanced relationship. When you consciously take a step back from the situation, you train yourself to shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one, creating space for rationality and perspective. Over time, this practice not only improves how you navigate conflicts but also enhances your overall emotional intelligencea vital asset in any relationship.During this pause, its best to focus on activities that help you process emotions and restore your sense of calm. You might try journaling to untangle your thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation to ground yourself or engaging in physical activities like yoga or a brisk walk to release tension. Creative outlets such as painting,music or writing can also provide a therapeutic way to channel your emotions.These practices give your mind the clarity it needs to separate the issue from the initial emotional charge. By the time you return to the conversation, youll likely feel more centered, composed and equipped to engage in meaningful, solution-oriented dialogue with your partner.4. It Builds Trust And RespectApplying the 24-hour rule consistently communicates a powerful message to your partner: you value their emotions, prioritize thoughtful communication and are committed to resolving conflicts with care.This practice promotes a culture of trust and respect by demonstrating that you are intentional about preserving the relationships emotional safety. Over time, it cultivates mutual understanding, where both partners feel heard and respected, even during disagreements.If your partner initiates a conversation and you feel unprepared to respond immediately, communicate your need for time thoughtfully. For example, you could say, This is important to me and I want to give it the attention it deserves. I just need some time to gather my thoughts so I can respond in the best way possible. Can we discuss this tomorrow?This approach reassures your partner that youre not avoiding the issue but rather ensuring that your response is considerate and constructive. Such moments of mindful communication diffuse tension and reinforce your commitment to the relationship, showing your partner that their feelings matter deeply to you.5. It Breaks The Cycle Of BlameWords spoken in anger can create lasting emotional wounds that are difficult to heal. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that anger often leads to destructive behaviors, such as lashing out or attempting to control others, which can escalate conflict and damage relationships.When expressed impulsively, anger can make the other person perceive you as less committed to the relationship, often resulting in reciprocated anger and further interpersonal difficulties. The 24-hour rule acts as a safeguard, reducing the risk of saying something hurtful or damaging during moments of heightened emotion.By taking a step back, you create space to regulate your emotions and approach the situation with a mindset focused on connection and repair rather than control or retaliation. Over time, this habit not only minimizes unnecessary tension but also fosters more compassionate and constructive communication, preserving the emotional safety of your relationship and its long-term health.Exceptions To The 24-Hour RuleWhile the 24-hour rule is an invaluable tool, there are scenarios where immediate action is required. Emergencies, situations involving safety concerns or moments when your partner needs immediate emotional support may necessitate a different approach. Use your discretion to determine when a pause is helpful and when urgency is essential.Do you and your partner effectively resolve conflict? Take this science-backed test to find out: Ineffective Arguing Inventory

Autonomous Self Driving VehiclegettyAs vehicles increasingly integrate advanced technology and internet connectivity, they are becoming more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. A recent vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink system highlights the risks consumers face. This incident is part of a broader issue affecting the automotive industry, where connected car systems can be exploited, leading to privacy breaches, financial loss, and even physical danger.The Subaru Starlink VulnerabilitySecurity researchers recently discovered a major vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink service that could have allowed hackers to take control of vehicles and access sensitive customer data.Using just a license plate and basic details like the owner's last name or email address, attackers could exploit the system in several alarming ways. They could remotely start or stop the car, lock and unlock its doors, and track the vehicle's real-time location. Additionally, they could extract personally identifiable information (PII), including emergency contacts, billing details, and the vehicle's PIN. Perhaps most concerning, hackers could access precise location data spanning over a year, with accuracy within five meters, enabling them to build a detailed profile of the victim's movements.The vulnerability stemmed from weaknesses in the Starlink admin portal, such as an insecure password reset API endpoint and insufficient protection against two-factor authentication (2FA) bypass. Although Subaru quickly patched the flaw within 24 hours of its discovery, the incident highlights a critical failure in securing connected car systems.The Broader Implications For Automotive CybersecuritySubaru's case is not isolated. Other automakers have faced similar vulnerabilities, such as a flaw in Kia's dealer portal that allowed hackers to locate and steal vehicles using their license plates. These examples reveal systemic issues in the design and deployment of connected car systems, including:MORE FOR YOUWeak authentication makes it easier for attackers to break into sensitive systems.Centralized systems store large amounts of sensitive user and vehicle data, making breaches more likely.Many connected car platforms do not encrypt data properly, leaving it vulnerable during transmission.Poor integration with third-party apps and portals creates security gaps.Automakers often take too long to find and fix vulnerabilities, leaving vehicles exposed for longer than necessary.Beyond the Subaru and Kia incidents, connected cars face a host of cybersecurity challenges. Hackers can remotely hijack vehicle functions, posing serious safety risks, or steal personal and financial data stored in onboard systems. Ransomware attacks could render vehicles unusable, while GPS spoofing might mislead drivers or aid in theft. Even compromised infotainment systems can leak sensitive information or spread malware to connected devices.How Consumers Can Protect ThemselvesAlthough automakers bear the primary responsibility for securing their systems, consumers can take proactive steps to protect themselves from vehicle cybersecurity threats: Regularly check for and apply updates to the car's firmware or connected apps. Automakers often release patches to address vulnerabilities. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for connected car accounts and associated apps. Avoid default or weak passwords. Only share necessary information when using connected car services. Avoid linking excessive personal data to vehicle systems. Turn off unnecessary connectivity features like remote start or location sharing if they are not actively used. Protect SIM card and phone accounts associated with the car. Avoid accessing connected car systems over public Wi-Fi networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) if needed. Vet third-party apps for security and only download from trusted sources. Avoid granting unnecessary permissions. Employ traditional security measures like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers as a backup against cyber threats.

PSA: Asus and other PC hardware vendors have spent the last few years exploring ways to make installing and removing motherboard components easier and safer. Asus' latest method aims to eliminate release buttons and latches from PCIe slots, but recent reports indicate that the procedure risks chipping the gold fingers. Owners of Asus' AMD X800 and Intel Z800 motherboards should exercise caution when removing their graphics cards. Multiple reports show that the company's recently introduced Q-Release Slim system can scratch the GPU's connection pins.A recently uploaded Bilibili video showed how the mechanism can chip the end of a graphics card's short gold finger, which faces the long gold finger. Hardware Luxx's Andreas Schilling later shared a photo of his GeForce RTX 5090 exhibiting similar damage. Schilling reported that the pins frequently became caught in the PCIe slot during benchmarks involving repeated GPU removal and swapping.Asus introduced Q-Release Slim to simplify the process of detaching graphics cards and other PCIe add-in boards. Traditional mechanisms require pressing a latch at the end of the slot to release the gold finger, which often proves difficult because large GPUs can completely obscure the latch.The company began using an alternative method in 2021 involving pressing a release button placed in a more accessible position. MSI demonstrated a similar system at Gamescom last year, suggesting that the trend is catching on. However, Asus's Q-Release Slim mechanism aims to simplify things further. // Related StoriesWith Q-Release Slim, users simply hold the motherboard down with one hand, slightly tilt the card upward, and remove it by pulling toward the I/O bracket. The design prevents the gold fingers from shifting in any other direction.Asus is working to address the recent reports of chipped connectors, but hasn't yet provided details on a remedy. It remains unclear if the company might revert to an earlier system or try something new with future motherboards.The PCIe slot isn't the only port motherboard manufacturers are trying to improve. MSI also introduced a Q-Release system for the M.2 slot for Z800 boards. Installing and removing NVMe SSDs normally involves screws that can sometimes become frustrating due to their small size. With MSI's new system, pressing a lock button behind the drive secures the SSD without the need for screws. Asus uses a similar system with a release latch and a sliding gate that supports 2280 and 2230 drives. Unlike Asus's GPU slot method, SSD Q-Release mechanisms haven't encountered widespread problems thus far.

In context: Nvidia is preparing to transition its Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPU architectures to a legacy driver branch, signaling the end of an era for these iconic products. This transition reflects the company's focus on supporting more recent hardware capabilities, particularly in areas such as AI and ray tracing. Nvidia's CUDA 12.8 release notes indicate that support for the older architectures is now considered "feature-complete" and will be frozen in an upcoming release.This move marks a significant shift for Nvidia as it begins to phase out support for the remaining GTX-era architectures. While CUDA support will continue for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs, they will no longer receive new features in future updates. It's important to note that this change does not immediately affect GeForce gaming driver support, as Maxwell and Pascal GPUs are still included in the support list for the GeForce RTX series driver.Nvidia has not provided a specific date for the end of full support for these three GPU architectures, but the transition is expected to occur soon. Once this change takes effect, the GTX 16-series, based on the Turing architecture of the RTX 20-series, will be the only remaining GTX-series GPUs with full support.The Maxwell architecture, introduced 11 years ago, represents the oldest of the outgoing GPU architectures still supported by Nvidia on the consumer side. It debuted with the GeForce GTX 750 series and was followed by the GTX 900 series. Maxwell brought significant performance-per-watt improvements over its predecessor, Kepler, and was particularly notable for its efficiency in mobile GPUs.Pascal, introduced in 2016 with the GeForce GTX 1000 series, marked one of Nvidia's most significant architectural advancements in the 2010s. It utilized TSMC's 16nm finFET plus technology, doubling the density of Maxwell's 28nm node and delivering substantial performance gains. The GTX 1080, for instance, offered 60-65 percent higher performance than its predecessor, the GTX 980. // Related StoriesVolta, released in 2017, was primarily focused on AI applications and enterprise use. It introduced Tensor cores, specialized units designed for AI workloads, which provided nine times the performance of Pascal in AI-specific tasks. Volta was largely confined to the enterprise sector, with the Titan V being the only desktop GPU to feature this architecture.For Linux users, most distributions will continue to support legacy versions of the Nvidia driver, ensuring that affected cards will remain functional for the foreseeable future. However, users should be aware that they will not receive new features or optimizations moving forward.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe times, they are a-Some simple fixesThe Steam Deck Verified program was a good start, but its time to move on.Valve separates compatibility with the Steam Deck into four buckets. You have Verified games, which have a green check mark for Valves seal of approval, and you have Playable games, which would normally get a Verified badge had it not been for some small issues (i.e. small text or invoking the on-screen keyboard). Those are the two categories you gravitate toward.Recommended VideosThen, there are Unsupported games, which have what Valve sees as a game-breaking issue, such as the use of anti-cheat software that doesnt work properly on Linux. And finally, Unknown games, which Valve just doesnt know anything about there are a lot of games on Steam. Valve lays out four criteria to earn a Verified badge, which you can see below.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsSomething that isnt included here butdoesshow up on Verified games is this line: This games default graphics configuration performs well on Steam Deck. Valve has taken some flack for that, particularly with problematic games on the Steam Deck likeThe Last of Us Part OneandNo Rest for the Wicked.But overall, this has been a good system.Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming Its not perfect, but its a good shorthand for quickly knowing if a game will work or not. If you want to go deeper, websites like ProtonDB are fantastic, but the Deck Verified program still has its place. I know, at a glance, that I can playMarvel Rivalson my Steam Deck, but I cant playApex Legends.Thats helpful, albeit far from perfect.But handhelds are changing, as are games, and its time for the Deck Verified program to change along with them.Luke Larsen / Digital TrendsThe most obvious sign of that is the Lenovo Legion Go S that comes with SteamOS installed. This handheld is set to launch in a few short months, its officially licensed by Valve, and it shows the same Deck Verified badges that the Steam Deck does. That doesnt make a lot of sense. The Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go S have two different chips in them, and presumably with a decently large performance gap between them read my Steam Deck versus ROG Ally comparison for more on that. The idea of something being verified for the Steam Deck kind of falls apart when were not talking about the Steam Deck.Thats just one device, but Valve says it plans to release SteamOS more broadly into betabeforeLenovos handheld releases. Its just a beta release, so bugs, performance issues, and other problems are expected. But Valve clearly has ambitions for SteamOS beyond one device, and third-party versions of Valves open-source operating system, such as Bazzite, are becoming increasingly popular. Im all for that expansion, but the more devices that use SteamOS, the less helpful the Deck Verified program becomes.The expansion of SteamOS is so exciting because there are handhelds that are more powerful than the Steam Deck. I dont really want to spend $800 on an ROG Ally X if I can get the same experience on a Steam Deck OLED for $650. But the ROG Ally X is more powerful, and capable of running more demanding games, which justifies the extra cost. Hardware is meeting the demands of games, but the Deck Verified program cant come along for the ride.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsMaybe you can squeeze anotherFinal Fantasy VII RebirthorCyberpunk 2077under the Deck Verified badge, but anyone whos played these games on the Steam Deck can tell you that the system is at its limit. As time goes on, well see more games likeStalker 2, Warhammer 40K: Darktide,andSilent Hill 2that are Unsupported simply because theyre too demanding to run on the Steam Deck. Valve was able to use this system for three years, but I dont think it can survive another three.If youre not onboard yet, think about the Steam Deck 2. Valve says itll release a sequel to the Steam Deck when it feels theres a generational leap in compute without sacrificing battery life. When that happens, will we have a system where some games are Verified but others, like Silent Hill 2,are only Verified for the Steam Deck 2? I dont want to deal with that. I already went through the whole New Nintendo 3DS fiasco Valve can do better.Im not here to just complain. I have some ideas, too. And thankfully, they wouldnt drastically change the Deck Verified program all while making it a lot more useful as SteamOS (and handhelds more broadly) scale up.First, performance cant be part of the equation. Valves official criteria dont specifically call out performance, but performance is still a part of the program. Games that are too demanding wont be Verified. Its time for Valve to draw a line in the sand on performance as we see different handhelds that are using different screens and different hardware configurations. The program should tackle if the game works on SteamOS, or if it doesnt; thats the only long-term solution without chasing new performance targets every few years.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsIn its place, Valve should use its strongest asset: the Steam community. There are a lot of ways Valve could go about this. Maybe there are some dropdowns in game reviews that show if the player used a handheld or not, and what handheld they used. And, maybe you can filter those reviews so you can easily find them instead of scanning the first few that pop up and hoping for something helpful. That helps players, and it even helps developers, as you can filter out performance-related issues on handhelds I remember quite a bit of vitriol about No Rest for the Wickedat launch related to Steam Deck performance issues.Valve could also have them in a separate area, maybe with suggestions from users on how to get the best performance. Thats one of the draws of ProtonDB, after all. If Valve wanted to maintain its open-source approach to software, it might even be able to integrate ProtonDB into the Deck Verified program there are already ways to do that through the Deck Tools software.Beyond filtering out performance, the Deck Verified program needs more specifics about what constitutes an Unsupported game. Right now, the range is fairly large, from games that flat-out wont work to titles thatwillwork and work well with some inconvenient setup. For example,Batman: Arkham Asylumis Unsupported, but it works fine. You need to manually tap the launcher, and sleeping your handheld during gameplay can boot you back to the main menu if youre connected to Wi-Fi. Thats significantly different than something like Apex Legends which wont work due to its anti-cheat software.I dont want Valve to endlessly add more badges to the Deck Verified program, but one additional segment of games that work with significant workarounds would be welcome, particularly for older games like Arkham Asylumthat arent likely to see an update. Once again, Valve could leverage its community or point users toward ProtonDB if they want more information on the workarounds.Valve wont ever make the Deck Verified program perfect. Trying to create a simple program to tackle support thats inherently complex is bound to have contradictions and oversights. However, the Deck Verified program can still be significantly better than it is now. And with the rising tide of SteamOS, its time to make those changes.Editors Recommendations

The New York Times has plenty of word games on its roster today with Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the Mini Crossword, theres something for everyone but the newspapers standard crossword puzzle still reigns supreme. The daily crossword is full of interesting trivia, helps improve mental flexibility and, of course, gives you some bragging rights if you manage to finish it every day.While the NYT puzzle might feel like an impossible task some days, solving a crossword is a skill and it takes practice dont get discouraged if you cant get every single word in a puzzle.Recommended VideosIf youre having trouble completing todays NYT Crossword, were here to help. Weve got all the answers for todays clues down below.Please enable Javascript to view this contentNew York TimesAcross1 Undesirable airplane seatmate : ARMRESTHOG11 Sound from a hedge clipper : SNIP15 This is a waste of my time : WHYAMIHERE16 Strike one! : POSE17 Body shops? : MORTUARIES18 Combats ___ tes dfenseurs! (La Marseillaise line) : AVEC19 Poet Bradstreet : ANNE20 Abbr. in some job titles : ASST21 Coward of the theater world : NOEL22 Largest U.S. union, with about three million members, in brief : NEA23 Funding source for the Great Wall of China : SALTTAX26 Org. in 2015s Bridge of Spies : CIA27 Brass : GALL28 Felt in the Christmas spirit? : ELFHATS30 The Way, in Islam : SHARIA33 A, B, and C, but not T and V : VITAMINS34 Under control : TAMED35 One working on a column? : CPA36 Sight in Monets Boating on the River Epte : CANOE37 Current events : RIPTIDES39 Spreads : STREWS40 Novel technology? : EREADER41 Jam : SPOT42 Old atlas inits. : SSR43 In the 80s or 90s, say : OVERPAR45 Take another direction : ZIG48 Its fit for a king : SASH50 Classic novel of the South Seas : OMOO51 Some photomontage art : DADA52 ___ Mountains, Kyrgyz/Tajik border range : ALAI53 Theyll show you a thing or two : TOURGUIDES56 Weight of an adult elephant, very imprecisely : TONS57 Initiative : ENTERPRISE58 Segments of curling matches : ENDS59 Holders of orbs : EYESOCKETSDown1 Ugh, thats the worst! : AWMAN2 It passes through many Swiss banks : RHONE3 Loy of filmdom : MYRNA4 Thing of interest? : RATE5 Foe in a 1932 Australian war : EMU6 Cheap Thrills pop star : SIA7 Clutches : THRALL8 Job that might require a fence : HEIST9 Aeschylus trilogy of tragedies : ORESTEIA10 The forest, in a metaphor : GESTALT11 Extend across : SPAN12 Number at filling stations? : NOVOCAINE13 Oh-h-h-h, that makes sense : ISEEITNOW14 They support many student movements : PECLASSES23 Joined a union : SAIDIDO24 ___ nage (cooked in a broth) : ALA25 Certain something : XFACTOR27 Barbie director Gerwig : GRETA29 Asian grocery chain : HMART30 Consumed with grief? : STRESSATE31 Where locks are picked? : HAIRSALON32 S&P 500 part : AMPERSAND33 Some corp. execs : VPS35 Confirmation, e.g. : CEREMONY38 Ardent supporter : DEVOTEE39 Place whose name has an appropriate final vowel sound : SPA41 Reproductive cells : SPORES44 Dispatch (toward) : ROUTE45 ___ Smith, The Autograph Man novelist : ZADIE46 Namely : IDEST47 Sublimation products : GASES49 Indicator of deflation : HISS51 Long-bladed thrusting dagger : DIRK54 Miracle-___ : GRO55 Lines at a grocery store : UPCEditors Recommendations

Business Insider asked bartenders for their best nonalcoholic drink recipes.All the bartenders were inspired by nostalgic childhood ingredients, like tamarind and juma.Sherbert, juice, and nonalcoholic vermouth come together to make a booze-free punch.Nonalcoholic beverages have the highly alluring benefit of being hangover-free.However, it can sometimes be hard to capture the vibe of a specialty cocktail without the liquor.If you're looking for inspiration, Business Insider spoke with three international bartenders about their favorite recipes for nonalcoholic drinks to make at home.Bring some Afro-Caribbean flavors to your kitchen with a tamarind-forward mocktailErika Flowers, the lead bartender at Compre Lapin in New Orleans, wants to celebrate a fruit that's plentiful in her home country of Belize: tamarind.The sweet-and-sour fruit, also known as tambran, is popular in many tropical countries' cuisines, from Asia and Africa to the Caribbean. Flowers grew up watching her mother and aunt enjoy tamarind candies while she sipped on tamarind juice, so it's also a personal ingredient for her.The award-wearing bartender calls her tamarind mocktail a Tambran Caye in honor of the small collection of islands off the coast of Belize. Erika Flowers suggested making a tamarind-based drink. Wayne Jones Ingredients1 ounces of tamarind syrup1 ounce of pineapple juice an ounce of fresh lime juice4 ounces of club sodaIf you can't find tamarind syrup at the store, look for a can of tamarind pulp (Goya sells one).MethodMake the tamarind syrup by combining an equal amount of tamarind pulp and cane sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.Once cooled, add 1 ounces of the tamarind syrup to the pineapple and lime juices in a cocktail shaker with ice.Shake until the tin frosts over, and then attach the strainer to the opening.Pour the mixture into a Collins glass and top it with the club soda, ice, and a lime wedge.Liven up a party with a sparkling nonalcoholic punchMarie Amelie Fabre, head bartender at Punch Room Barcelona, loves nonalcoholic twists on classic drinks like Negronis, martinis, and punches.She has her own take on a Garibaldi punch, which she calls Il Risorgimento punch.It's a tribute to her Italian grandmother, who served her sparkling water with fruits as a child. However, the spiced punch also holds some local significance in her region of Catalonia since Barcelona is a major port city connected to ancient spice-trade routes. The bartender calls her take on a Garibaldi punch Il Risorgimento. The Barcelona EDITION IngredientsNonalcoholic red vermouth (like Martini Vibrante)Orange juiceGrapefruit sherbetSoda waterThe quantities of each ingredient depend on how many people you're serving, but you can play around with ratios until you find something you like.MethodCombine the Martini Vibrante, orange juice, and grapefruit sherbet.Add ice and shake well to chill.Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice before topping it with soda water and stirring gently.Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of grapefruit peel.Some mocktails may even have added health benefitsBina Nuraga, the beverage R&D manager at Desa Potato Head in Indonesia, likes to honor the long-standing cultural and holistic traditions around low-to-no-alcohol beverages."Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made from roots and spices like turmeric, ginger, and galangal," Nuraga said.At its base, the drink can be as simple as turmeric and water, but there are ways to add more medicinal herbs and flair. The bartender's take on the beverage called a Jamu Sling, pays tribute to his childhood in Bali.He grew up drinking lolo (a Balinese version of jamu), which his mother mixed with things like cemcem leaves and tamarind for a before-school drink or cinnamon, water, and salt to aid with stomach aches. Jamu is a traditional Indonesian drink. Desa Potato Head Ingredients15 milliliters of jamu60 milliliters of coconut water10 milliliters of coconut nectar50 milliliters of tonic waterThere are a number of places to buy jamu in the US, including DJAMU, an Indonesian-owned business based in NYC that ships nationally. Alternatively, you can make your own with things like turmeric, ginger, tamarind, lemon, honey, and water.MethodShake the jamu, coconut water, and coconut nectar together.Top the mixture off with tonic water.Serve in a wine glass with a garnish of edible flowers or cinnamon sticks.

Universal had cool themed restaurants, but I found I preferred Disney's food optionsWe loved the pink doughnut with sprinkles from Lard Lad Donuts. Timothy Moore When it came to food, Universal let me down a little bit.We ordered food from Toadstool Cafe, Hog's Head Pub, and multiple restaurants in the Simpson area and I found a lot of it felt overpriced and a bit lackluster.For example, the decent fish and chips at Hog's Head cost me $19. I'd much rather grab a tastier fish-and-chips platter for just $13.50 while walking around Disney's Epcot World Showcase.Although the restaurants and dishes we tried had excellent theming, the only food we really enjoyed was the giant pink doughnut with sprinkles from Lard Lad Donuts.In this category, I felt Universal was overshadowed by Disney parks, which are great for foodies with fantastic sit-down restaurants, creative snacks, and festivals throughout the year that celebrate food.In general, I felt some of Universal's prices were a bit high.Disney isn't cheap, but neither was Universal. Timothy Moore Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland have comparable ticket prices that both start at just over $100 a day.However, Universal felt more expensive than even nearby Disneyland. Although neither park is cheap, I found myself quickly blowing through my budget at Universal.For example, the interactive wristbands for Universal's Super Nintendo World which are considered essential to truly experience the land felt expensive at over $42 each.Worse, some of the wristband-related technology didn't seem to be working correctly both times I rode the Mario Kart ride. My group also encountered tech issues with a few games around the land. Disney isn't perfect, either, and I know issues and glitches can happen with any attraction, but I still felt let down, especially because I'd paid so much for my wristband.The band felt especially pricey compared to Disney's MagicBand+, which starts at $35. These bands allow visitors to interact with special elements throughout all Disney parks not just one land and aren't essential to fully enjoying a visit. There are too many screen-based attractions at Universal for my liking.We found the Krustyland area had a dizzying screen-heavy ride. Timothy Moore Friends had warned me that Universal was packed with screen-based rides and that my husband, who gets severe motion sickness, would have little to do.They were right. Of Universal Studios Hollywood's 13 attractions, roughly half rely heavily on screens. Even the World-Famous Studio Tour inserts screens into a few portions of the experience.Although I absolutely loved some of these attractions, I wish there had been more variety.Disneyland also has screen rides, but the park is also packed with coasters, dark rides, and more traditional screen-free attractions, like carousels, Ferris wheels, and trains.I was disappointed by Universal's lack of parades, but the park had great character experiences.Some of the character encounters in Universal blew me away. Timothy Moore Although Universal had some performances and shows on offer, I was sad not to find a single parade during my visit. At Disney parks, there are usually multiple parades each day.However, I must give Universal kudos for its random character encounters. I felt like I experienced more here than I usually do at Disney.I especially loved the raptor encounter in the Jurassic Park area, where guests interact with a giant dinosaur accompanied by a cast member who teaches them about the creature.I also liked the wand experience at Universal, which felt accessible and fun.Any guest can participate in buying a wand at Ollivanders. Timothy Moore Another highlight of visiting Universal was going to the Ollivanders wand experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Although the interactive show is short, it's free for all guests, and no appointment is required.You have to pay if you want to purchase a wand (and they're expensive at $65 a pop), but the actual wand-selecting experience is cool in its own right.It kind of reminded me of the lightsaber-building experience at Savi's Workshop at Disney. Although the experience is more immersive and includes a saber, it also requires a $250 reservation and you can't simply watch the process for free. In my opinion, Universal has a better security experience.We didn't spend long going through security at Universal, but it felt quite thorough. Timothy Moore Disneyland's security process makes me feel fairly safe, but Universal Studios Hollywood's felt like it was on a whole other level.The bag and body scanners at the entrance reminded me of what I might find at the TSA at an airport.Although Universal's process felt more thorough, it was also faster. We spent less time going through security here than we usually do at Disney.Universal's Express Pass is an incredible value especially compared to line-skipping options at Disney parks.Universal's Express Pass is an incredible value. Timothy Moore When it comes to add-on line-skipping services, Universal's blows Disney's out of the park.Universal's Express Pass is expensive but absolutely worth the cost. They vary in price but start as low as $199, which includes the cost of admission to the park.With our passes, we were able to ride everything in the park without waiting for even a second seriously, we walked right onto each attraction and we didn't have to plan our day around specific entry times.On the other hand, Disney's comparable skip-the-line program, Lighting Lane, is expensive and has multiple tiers that can be confusing to navigate.The most expensive option, the Premier Pass, starts at about $300 per person per day at Disneyland, which doesn't even include park admission.Although there are cheaper options for the skip-the-line service at Disney, I don't find they're of great value: You'll still wait in several lines and probably spend the day on your phone trying to plan your next steps while inefficiently walking around the park.I had fun, but I wasn't completely sold on Universal by the time I'd left.Universal Studios Hollywood had some cool experiences and games, but I wasn't 100% impressed. Timothy Moore There are things I love about Universal, and being immersed in two of my favorite franchises (Mario and Harry Potter) was a dream come true.However, Disney parks feel even more immersive and two days at Universal was more than enough time for me.In my opinion, nearby Disneyland is an overall better value than Universal Studios Hollywood, especially when looking at food choices and the variety of attractions. Still, I look forward to someday checking out Universal Studios Orlando as it's much bigger, and I've heard it's even better than the Hollywood park.Until then, though, I'll get my magic at Disney.

Earlier this week, Samsung announced a refresh to its flagship lineup of smartphones at its Unpacked event, introducing consumers to the new Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25. Pre-orders are now available on Samsungs website and the tech company is offering a generous trade-in deal. Customers can get up to $900 when trading in their old phone, knocking off a considerable percentage from the upfront price.See Galaxy S25 at Samsung.comSee Galaxy S25 Ultra at Samsung.comSamsung Galaxy S25 UltraThe premium Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in a handful on options with varying storage capacities. Samsung has dropped the 128 GB model of the previous generation, now breaking down the phone into a 256 GB option ($1,300), a 512 GB option (1,420), and full 1 TB option. However, right now Samsung has reduced the price of the 512 GB model and the 1 TB model down to the price of the version preceding it, essentially offering customers a free storage upgrade.Additionally, youll receive between $60 and $100 in Samsung credit which can then be put toward accessories such as the Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watches, which are also up to 40% off when pre-ordering the new phone. So yeah, its discounts and free credits out the wazoo.Now pair all of those savings with trading in your old phone which can get you as much as $900 toward the new Samsung S25 Ultra. That brings the price down to as low as $300 and up to $100 toward a Samsung accessory.See Galaxy S25 Ultra at Samsung.comSamsung Galaxy S25+ & S25Similar offerings are being made on the Galaxy S25+ and S25 series of Samsung smartphones.The S25+ is available with storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, going for $1,000 and $1,120 respectively, with the latter discounted for the time being down to just $1,020. So youll only be paying $20 more to double your storage, though the 256 GB version comes with a $100 credit that can be put toward a selection of Samsung accessories.The S25 has options for 128 GB or 256 GB, priced at $800 and $860 respectively, though the 256 GB is $50 offmaking it only $10 more than the 128 GB version. Like the S25+, this smaller storage option comes with a Samsung credit ($50) while the 256 GB model does not.The Galaxy S25+ and S25 each have a lucrative trade-in bonus when handing over your old phone. You can save up to $700 when trading in your old phone toward the S25+ or up to $500 when putting it toward the S25.See Galaxy S25 at Samsung.comAcross the whole family of Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25 smartphones are a set of color variants exclusive to pre-ordering from Samsungs website. You can secure the S25 Ultra in Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Black, or Titanium Pinkgold, or the S25+ or S25 in Blueback, Coralred, or Pinkgold only at Samsung.See Galaxy S25 at Samsung.comSee Galaxy S25 Ultra at Samsung.com