Ive been the editor-in-chief of The Verge for over 10 years now, and a tech journalist for about 15 and until recently, it felt pretty safe to assume that there was a zero percent chance that the US government would punish me for doing my job. Theres that whole First Amendment in this country, after all we dont usually tolerate government interference with speech, and we have a high bar for how public figures like politicians and celebrities can use defamation law to shut down reporting they dont like.So its been fairly disconcerting these first few weeks of the second Trump administration to realize, suddenly, theres a nonzero chance the government will punish our work. All that talk about the media being the enemy of the people is turning into concrete legal action against publishers, broadcasters, and platforms that dont do what the Trump White House wants. There are new examples popping up basically every day. This week, for example, The Associated Press was barred from a White House event because the AP Stylebook says reporters should refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its original name, and not the Gulf of America, like President Donald Trump wants. It sounds silly, but as AP executive editor Julie Pace said, the government punishing a company for speech it doesnt like plainly violates the First Amendment.And there are bigger, deeper attacks on free speech coming from Brendan Carr, the new Trump-appointed chair of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is pretty much the only government agency with some authority to directly regulate speech in America because it controls the spectrum used to broadcast radio and television. Carr has started using that authority to punish broadcasters for speech Trump doesnt like or even for having internal business practices that dont align with the administration. Hes opened investigations into ABC, CBS, and NBC in a way that no previous FCC would ever do, and hes even launched an investigation into NBCs parent company, Comcast, over the existence of DEI policies.Listen to Decoder, a show hosted by The Verges Nilay Patel about big ideas and other problems. Subscribe here!I have to disclose here that Comcast and NBCUniversal are investors in our parent company, Vox Media, but it doesnt even really matter in this context, as Carr is hell-bent on punishing every media company unless they fall in line. In the course of my work, Ive talked to virtually every FCC chair going back to the Bush administration, and Carrs interpretation of what the FCC is for and what authority it has over speech is completely out of line with any of his predecessors and is as autocratic as it gets. He wants to be Americas chief censor, and so far, hes getting his way.This is really serious stuff, and it could have far-reaching consequences on how journalists try to report on the Trump administration primarily by creating a real and sustained culture of fear, one thats already ripping through the corporate parent companies of media organizations. Theyve begun rolling over and settling various lawsuits instead of fighting for our First Amendment rights.Its dire out there, so to help understand the scope of the problem, I brought on Matt Wood, general counsel and VP of policy at Free Press (not the Bari Weiss publication, but the much older First Amendment advocacy group). Matt has been a fixture of the open internet and press freedom movements for decades now, and his expert analysis of the history of speech in America can help us see the context of whats happening today and why the Trump administrations unprecedented attack on free speech is such a big deal. If youd like to read more about what we discuss in this episode, check out the links below:Carrs emerging agenda and its dangerous effects | Tech Policy PressTrumps MAGA enforcer is having the time of his life | The Daily BeastFCC to investigate Comcast for having DEI programs | The VergeTrump amends CBS 60 Minutes lawsuit and demands $20 billion | Los Angeles TimesNo apology over Trump lawsuit, 60 Minutes top producer says | The New York TimesThe FCC is investigating NPR and PBS | The VergeABC News to pay $15 million to settle Trump defamation suit | The Wall Street JournalTop Trump donor wants SCOTUS to reverse press protection | The New RepublicDecoder with Nilay PatelA podcast from The Verge about big ideas and other problems.SUBSCRIBE NOW!See More:

Third VolumeThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will return for season 3 at Prime Video, and a big time jump is happeningDark days ahead for both Middle-earth and the anti-woke crowd.Image credit: Prime Video News by Fran Ruiz Contributor Published on Feb. 13, 2025 The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power did well enough after convincing most critics last year with its second season, but the lack of post-finale updates on Amazon's big fantasy bet for TV, which has been reported to be ridiculously expensive when compared to other shows, had cast a shadow of doubt over its survival. Now, fans can rest easy.The five-season story arc that's been discussed in the past by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay is said to end with Sauron's defeat at the slopes of Mount Doom. You know, before he became a big spooky flaming eye. Of course, there's still a ways to go, with war in Middle-earth only beginning to heat up by the time season 2 fades to black. Needless to say, cancelling the show at this point and after viewership ratings that, while below season 1's, remain among Prime Video's best would've caused a ruckus online.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. It's now been confirmed (via The Hollywood Reporter) that The Rings of Power will return for a third season which will begin shooting this spring at Shepperton Studios in the UK. This signals a slightly quicker pace after season 2 finished airing when compared to season 1, with Payne, McKay, and their writers' room likely putting the finishing touches on the scripts now. A release during the second half of 2026 seems almost assured.Moreover, THR has revealed the show is jumping forward in time, likely to cut out some fluff and get quicker to the big story and character beats at a time when war has spread wider and the situation in Middle-earth is dire. Here's what the press release says: "Jumping forward several years from the events of season 2, season 3 takes place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, as the Dark Lord seeks to craft the One Ring that will give him the edge he needs to win the war and conquer all Middle-earth at last."International Emmy award nominee Charlotte Brndstrm (Shōgun) is returning to direct season 3 episodes alongside Sanaa Hamri (The Wheel of Time). They're joined by Stefan Schwartz (The Boys). Renowned composer Bear McCreary is expected to continue on board after delivering two standout and hefty original soundtracks for the show so far.

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kUpdate [Thu 13th Feb 2025, 8:10pm]: Developer la mode is bringing its neon-soaked horror Sorry We're Closed to Switch on 6th March 2025. Hooray!Billed as an "eccentric story-driven survival horror" and that trailer more than sells that concept Sorry We're Closed puts you in the shoes of Michelle, a woman who has been cursed by a demon who is looking for love. Taking place in both London and in a mysterious demon world, Michelle wants to break free of her curse, but with the power of the third eye, she can see other demons out in the world and use her powers to her advantage.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kWatch on YouTube With RPG-style dialogue trees, first and third-person action, and stunning retro-style visuals, Sorry We're Here is a pure celebration of the survival horror genre. We've been expecting this announcement since it was rated last month, and you can read about that just below the screenshots...When the Switch version drops next month, a host of brand new features will be added to the game (and if you have it on PC already, you'll get these via a free update): rebalanced combat, improved sensitivity, aim assist, difficulty options, New Game +, Time Attack, and Gyro aiming on Switch.Images: Akupara GamesOriginal Story:Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kAkupara Games' critically acclaimed survival horror Sorry We're Closed may be making its way to the Nintendo Switch in the near future.As spotted by Gematsu (thanks, GoNintendo), the title, developed by newcomer la mode games, has been rated for the Switch, PS5, and PS4 via the Taiwanese ratings board. Originally launched for Steam on 14th November 2024, Sorry We're Closed has recieved plenty of positive reception from critics and players alike.GamesRadar+ even stated "Resident Evil 4 and Silent Hill can't match this neon-soaked survival horror for its sheer inventiveness", which sounds like pretty high praise to us! Even just viewing the launch trailer for its Steam release, it's clear that Sorry We're Closed is bursting with unique atmosphere, gameplay, and character, with some clear inspiration taken from classic Suda51 games.It's likely just a matter of time until an official announcement is made for the Switch release, so we'll keep our eyes and ears peeled in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, survival horror fans will have plenty to keep them busy this year with the likes of Crow Country, Fear the Spotlight, and RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead all now available for download via the Switch eShop. Pack a spare pair of underpantsAre you excited at the prospect of Sorry We're Closed getting a Switch release? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.[source x.com, via gonintendo.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:02 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Talks About Future Switch Support Ahead Of Switch 2 Launch"We would like to continue releasing new titles"98 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Play On' eShop Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherLunar Remastered Collection Physical Release Will Not Be Up For Pre-Order (North America)You'll have to wait until release

With Steel Diver thrown in for good measure.The legendary Nintendo artist Takaya Imamura is back with more dream ports that he'd like to see on Switch 2, and today, he's turning his attention to another Star Fox title (thanks, VGC).Tomorrow (or today, if you're in Japan) is 14th February in Japan, meaning it's the big 20th anniversary of Star Fox: Assault. It's also the 11th anniversary of Steel Diver: Sub Wars, which isn't quite as big of a number, but is still worthy of a little nod, we guess.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

A consortium of investors led by Elon Musks x.AI offered to buy OpenAI for $97.4 billion this week. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has dismissed the proposal, which would gum up OpenAIs planned conversion from a non-profit, something Musk is attempting to block in a lawsuit.Altmans lawyers argued in a Wednesday filing that Musk cant have it both ways: attempt to buy OpenAIs assets and also try to stop it from changing its non-profit status. Musks team responded thatit would withdraw the bid if OpenAI ceased its attempts to convert itself from a non-profit.Meanwhile, as a part of these filings, the full letter of intent from Musks team to buy OpenAI was made public.Heres 5 key details we learned from that letter and other legal filings to shed light on this ongoing, and rather messy, dispute.Clear deadline setThe unsolicited offer from Musks group comes with a specific expiration date: May 10, 2025. There are exceptions to the deadline if the deal is finalized beforehand, both sides agree to end discussions, or OpenAI formally rejects the offer in writing.Despite Altmans public dismissals, including a joking counteroffer to buy X for a tenth of the price, OpenAIs board hasnt formally rejected the offer yet as boards are typically required to legally evaluate such offers, even from competitors.All-cash transactionMusks consortium, which includes VCs like Joe Lonsdales 8VC and SpaceX investor Vy Capital, is offering exactly $97.375 billion to buy out OpenAI, and says in the letter 100% of the purchase price would be paid in cash.This is notable since Musk hasnt shied away from using debt in the past, borrowing $13 billion from banks to buy Twitter (now X) in 2022. His net worth has increased substantially since then, floating around $400 billion, according to some estimates, since the election of his new ally Donald Trump.However, the letter names seven investors, including Musks AI company X.AI as well as unnamed others, meaning Musk isnt using his personal fortune to finance this.Full access to books and personnelPrior to forking over all that cash, the buyers want to examine OpenAIs financial and business records, along with access to OpenAI staff for interviews. That means everything from assets, facilities, equipment, books, and records, according to the letter.While this is a normal part of due diligence, especially for an offer as big as $97.4 billion, this could also give Musks x.AI an OpenAI competitor access to sensitive internal information. And once theyve seen it all, their diligence could also provide them with a reason to withdraw their offer.The offer could undermine Musks lawsuitThe $97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI contradicts Musks legal claims that the startups assets cant be transferred away for private again, OpenAI lawyers argued in a court filing in the lawsuit on Wednesday.OpenAI suggested the offer isnt serious, but an improper bid to undermine a competitor. However, Musks consortium says their offer is indeed serious and that its cash would go to OpenAIs non-profit to further its mission.Musk may withdraw if OpenAI stays a non-profitMusks legal team says he will drop his bid to acquire OpenAI if the board commits to keeping it as a non-profit, according to a court filing on Wednesday.The filing argues that Musks buyout offer is a genuine one, stating that the non-profit should receive fair market value for its assets based on what an independent buyer would pay.This seems to validate what some pundits have alleged: that the offer was intended to drive up the price Altman would have to pay to take the company private.In a statement, the lawyer representing OpenAIs board said Musks bid doesnt set a value for [OpenAIs] non-profit and that the non-profit is not for sale.

In BriefPosted:11:23 AM PST February 13, 2025Image Credits:Gabby Jones / Bloomberg / Getty ImagesTim Cook teases Apple product news for February 19 likely the iPhone SEApple CEO Tim Cook took to X Thursday to tease the newest member of the family, set to arrive February 19. The safe money is on a fourth-generation iPhone SE. The budget-minded handset had previously been tipped for a potential release a week prior, but we got new Beats headphones instead.Its been three years since Apple released the last iPhone SE at $429. Its an oversight for a product that plays such an important role for the company in massive markets like China and India. This time out, Apple is likely to ditch the Touch ID home button once and for all in favor of Face ID authentication.The upcoming handset is also rumored to sport the same chip that powers the iPhone 16, allowing it to run the companys generative AI offering, Apple Intelligence. The handset would arrive shortly after Alibaba confirmed that it is working with Apple to bring AI to the iPhone in China.Topics

The interior of Matt Buas cabin in Catskill, New York. Photo by Photo by Kevin Witte Productions. All images courtesy of Matt Bua, shared with permissionMatt Buas Repurposed City in Upstate New York Just Hit the MarketFebruary 13, 2025ArtDesignKate MothesOn nearly 27 wooded acres outside the town of Catskill, New York, artist Matt Bua has been hard at work on a creative compound like no other. For two decades, he has constructed an artist-built environment from salvaged materials comprising numerous living spaces and work areas. Recently listed for sale for $269,000, the off-grid property known as B-Home could be yours.Buas project originated with the idea to build one of every type of dwelling we could with materials that were easily at hand, the artist tells Colossal. From repurposed vinyl records, bottles, and reclaimed wood, a sprawling repurposed city emerged as painted signs, sculptures, and one-of-a-kind structures popped up over time.Bua describes his approach as intuitive building, working in response to the natural terrain, found materials, and vernacular structures of the northeast. He wrote a book titled Talking Walls, which focuses on the regions tens of thousands of miles of historic stone walls and considers history and material culture merge in the ways we understand place.Bua lived in Brooklyn when he purchased the property. All I wanted to do was go up there and build, he recently told Artnet. He was inspired by self-sustaining communities like Drop City in Colorado, an artists commune formed in 1960 with a reputation for remarkable hand-built homes. Incidentally, he also used to maintain Catskills quirky Catamount Peoples Museum, an installation of an enormous bobcat made from scraps of wood.Along with a cohort of friends who have contributed freestanding artworks and functional structures over the years, Bua approached B-Home as a collaborative experiment informed by the needs and desires of our surrounding community.Learn more about Buas work on his website. All images courtesy of Matt Bua, shared with permissionMap of B-HomeNext article

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better humidifier at this price point. Jack Wallen/ZDNETWhat's the deal?Amazon is currently offering the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier for $60 for its Presidents' Day Sale.Why this deal is ZDNET recommendedThis humidifier is nearly perfect, offering a slue of easy to use functions and additional capabilities that makes it a worthwhile and smart investment.ZDNET's key takeawaysRegularly priceed at $75, the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier is on sale on Amazon for $60..This humidifier is easy to use, includes a demineralization filter, works with Alexa, allows you to add essential oils, adds both sleep and auto modes, and packs plenty of other features to help it rise above the rest.The only downside of the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier is that it doesn't offer a warm mist option.Along with being a writer, I've been an actor and singer for decades. Those two other skills require that I take care of my body, which includes my voice. To that end, I've depended on humidifiers for a very long time. And because I suffer from year-round allergies, which cause perpetual dry mouth and throat, raising the humidity in my office (or whatever room I'm in) is essential.Also: The 60+ best early Presidents' Day tech deals live now: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and moreI've been using an inexpensive (but very effective) humidifier I purchased from Amazon years ago. That humidifier predates the whole smart revolution, which means it's a set-it-and-forget-it device. The only thing I have to do with that humidifier is add water now and then.Recently, I was sent the Dreo Smart 5L humidifier for review. I've become rather skeptical of devices that claim to be "smart." Not every piece of hardwarehasto be smart. And, if I'm being 100% honest, a humidifier certainly doesn't need the added boost of intelligence. details View at Amazon However, I played along. I set up the Dreo 5L Smart Humidifier, installed the app, and connected the device to my network. For the most part, I've used the Dreo without the app, but that's not to say the app doesn't have a place. Actually, I found there are features in the app that I rather like (such as scheduling, cleaning reminders, and filter life). That doesn't mean you have to use the app.But, in the name of the review, I willingly dove down that rabbit hole.The specsWhat is there to say about a humidifier? Add water, turn on, and mist gently wafts from the machine. However, the Dreo does add a few nice options. Here are the specs.Dual-intake and 360 dual mist outletsIntelligent humidity control5-liter tankLow noise42-hour continuous operationModular design for easy cleaningDesalination cartridge that can remove up to seven types of mineralsVoice (with Alexa) and app controlTop fill tank for easier fillingNight lightDigital displayAroma diffuserMy experienceYou might think that humidifiers are all pretty much created equal. Trust me when I say they are not. Although they all share the same goal (to raise the humidity in a room), they do not all achieve the same level of success.For instance, many cheaper humidifiers do not sense ambient humidity. Instead, you turn them on and they just go. Even my old humidifier (which I still use) can sense the level of humidity in a room and can be programmed to stop when it reaches a certain level.Also: Hybrid work is in trouble. Here are 4 ways to make it work in the longer termWithout this feature, you run the risk of introducing mold, which you do not want. So humidity sensing is a must. The Dreo 5L does a great job of sensing humidity and stopping when it reaches that point. This feature has an added bonus: You won't be filling the water tank as often.Speaking of whichMy only beef with my old humidifier is that the tank had a screw-on cap at the bottom, which had to be removed for refills. The problem is that the cap can get very tight. And even though I have a fairly strong grip, I always have to place a towel on the cap to get it loose. Simply remove the top and fill the tank. It doesn't get any easier. Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe Dreo 5L has an easily removable top, which greatly simplifies the tank-filling process. In fact, running this humidifier is quite simple. Insert the desalination cartridge, fill the tank, insert the tank, place the lid on the tank, turn the unit on, set the desired humidity level (either from the front Auto button or the app the app being the easiest method), adjust the output vents, and enjoy the mist.Also: The best smart air purifiersAt first, I was making adjustments via the front display panel but eventually realized it was much easier to do so with the app (which can be found on the Google Play Storeand the Apple App Store. You can also easily switch the Dreo 5L from Manual, Auto, and Sleep modes. Sleep mode is the same as Auto but will turn off the display, sounds, and ambient light. The Dreo app makes it easier to adjust and monitor the humidifier. Jack Wallen/ZDNETOne very nice touch is the aroma diffuser. On the right side of the device is a pop-out drawer with a small felt pad. A few drops of your favorite essential oil and the mist will carry with it a subtle scent. I've tried it with both orange and cinnamon oils and it works beautifully. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to fill the room with a delightful scent. Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe caveatThere is only one nit I can pick with the Dreo 5L: It doesn't include a warm mist function. My old humidifier does offer the feature and I used it all the time. To get warm mist from the Dreo, I have to fill the tank with warm water, which cools down fairly quickly. So, if you require/prefer warm mist, you'll have to look elsewhere.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Dreo 5L is, by far, the best single-room humidifier I've ever used. It's an elegant solution that should serve you well when the ambient moisture has your lips cracked, your throat dry, and your skin itching.Just remember, however, to drink plenty of water (so you've got plenty of moisture within as well).ZDNET Recommends

The Blink Outdoor 4 with a Floodlight mount is the perfect security camera for the unlit side of my yard, especially at only $87.

Apple Health Study bannerAppleApple has launched a wide-range health study, and those in the U.S. can use their iPhone, Apple Watch and even AirPods to get involved.The study is available for sign-ups in Apples Research app.Its a longitudinal study, meaning it will use data harvested from participants over time, and operates in co-operation with Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.The study also has a much wider brief than some of Apples previous research projects, seemingly willing to touch on just about every area that could be studied using wearables and other mainstream consumer tech gadgets.Apple says the study spans a number of health and disease areas, including activity, aging, cardiovascular health, circulatory health, cognition, hearing, menstrual health, mental health, metabolic health, mobility, neurologic health, respiratory health, sleep, and more. Thats a lot.The core goal of the study is to help inform future product development, and look into ways consumer tech can, in the future, impact healthcare.When one aspect of a persons health changes, their body can emit a signal, either physically or emotionally, Apple writes in its release statement.For example, early detection of a change in hearing health could reduce the risk for cognitive decline.Apple has already gone big on hearing. In 2024, iOS 18 began letting people use their AirPod Pro 2 headphones as hearing aids, which cost just a small fraction of the amount of a higher-end dedicated pair.The earphones can be used for a hearing test, and to work out a profile that works for the wearer. Early reports were largely positive too, mostly citing some unwanted noise/feedback and short battery life as the primary issues.The valuable insights weve gained since launching the Research app have allowed us to bring innovative new tools to our users including the Vitals app on Apple Watch and Walking Steadiness on iPhone and surface new insights in areas of health that have long been undervalued, like menstrual and hearing health, says Sumbul Desai, vice president of Apples Health division.Previous Apple studies have looked into hearing, womens health, mobility and heart health. A trio of studies in these areas were announced in 2019.In 2024, Apple announced preliminary findings from its hearing stuff, in regards to tinnitus. Stats revealed in its summer include that 78.5% per cent of sufferers experience the noise as a pure tone and 8.8% described it as very loud or ultra loud.Apples initial insights from this super-wide-ranging new study are unlikely to come out for a few years, but those who want to get involved can do so today. You are also given the ability to leave the study whenever you want, and that those analysing data will not have access to any information that could be used to identify you.