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  • Report: Disney Is Putting the Live-Action Tangled on Hold
    gizmodo.com
    A planned adaptation of Disneys 2010 animated hit Tangled has reportedly hit the brakes as the studio rethinks its Disney Princess live-action strategy. According to the Hollywood Reporter, sources close to Disney say the film has been put on pause and that theres uncertainty in regards to whether Tangled will move forward down the road or undergo a creative rethink. Its concerning to see after Snow Whites middling receptionits currently at 40% for critics, 73% for audiences on Rotten Tomatoesdue to critically panned casting for the Evil Queen and mixed results on CG dwarfs. Rachel Zeglers performance was unanimously praised in most reviews as the films biggest strength. The actress overcame racist online bullying over her casting with audiences and a smear attempt over political posts even before the films release in an apparent move to pin the films struggle on her. So far, Snow White has made a modest $69 million domestically and $145 million worldwide against its $270 million budget, which was inflated due to the 2023 labor strikes, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Tangled also briefly faced similar online culture war discourse to Snow White and The Little Mermaid when Mean Girls musical star Avantika was rumored to be in the running for the role of Rapunzel. It was never confirmed she was being seen for the part and yet she still faced internet attacks and harassment from those against the idea. The reaction to this summers Lilo & Stitch may determine how Disney will handle its live-action adaptations moving forward. It will be curious to see how Snow White does on Disney+, as it could be much like Encanto and find its audience on the streamer. Perhaps this pause on Tangled, rather than outright shelving, might be a way of waiting to be informed on what to do between the box office and home streaming performances of both live-action films released in 2025. Still in the pipeline are the live-action Moana, which is now in production, and Hercules, which isin pre-production. For now well keep waiting for Rapunzel to let down her live-action hair. io9 reached out to Disney for comment and will update this post if we hear back. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • The First Glimpse of Predator: Badlands Is Full of Skulls and Snarls
    gizmodo.com
    Fans of the long-running Predator series were delighted by the news that Dan Trachtenbergwho made 2022s Prey, which brought a fresh jolt of energy to the franchisewould be continuing to steer the ship with not one, but two new movies. One is live-action adventure thriller Predator: Badlands, and the other is an until-now mysterious animated feature. Today at CinemaCons Disney presentation unfortunately didnt reveal anything about the animated film, but weve now got more to go on with Predator: Badlands. In addition to presenting creatures that are bigger, grosser, and have much cooler high-tech weapons than anything weve seen from the series before, Badlands will pose a surprising question: what if the Predator, ruthless intergalactic big-game hunter, was actually the good guy? Something unpredicented happens in this movie, Badlands star Elle Fanning told the CinemaCon audience. My character teams up with the Predator and you see him in a new light. The first footage unfolded as follows: A lair filled with skulls. Elle Fannings voice: I didnt think you survived. Were on some kind of alien planet. Vast landscapes, barren, and a spaceship flies into frame. The deadliest hunter returns to the big screen, the trailer says. The predator walks on a mountain, Fannings character has white eyes that kind of roll back into her head. Everything on the planet is alien. The plants, the creatures, everything.The trailer describes this as a planet of hurt and we see the Predator himself being hunted. We thought Predators were bad but theyre nothing compared to these creatures. Theyre bigger. Grosser. Youre hunting something that cant be killed, Fannings character says. We see the main character Predator standing mid frame, his hair pulled back into almost a pony tail, and he does that classic snarl with all four fangs. We then see what hes snarling at. A massive, massive beast that starts jumping into the frame. Predator: Badlands hits theaters November 7. Additional reporting by Germain Lussier. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • This Months Epic Lightspeed Story Is One of the Best Weve Read in Years
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    io9 is proud to present fiction from Lightspeed Magazine. Once a month, we feature a story from Lightspeeds current issue. This months selection is Does Harlen Lattner Dream of Infected Sheep? (Part 1) by Sarah Langan; part two will post Thursday, April 10. Enjoy! Does Harlen Lattner Dream of Infected Sheep? (Part 1)by Sarah Langan January 16, 2034 From the Associated Press: Congo CEO Jeff Jassey is expected to testify in congress over his companys software update, which literally broke the internet last month. For eighteen seconds, every warehouse, screen, and air traffic control system went dark. Initially invented to assist Congo warehouse workers retrieve stock, Congo software is now the global number one employee-employer interface, with a ninety-eight percent market share. The body opened too easily, like paper wrapping on room temperature butter. This isnt right, Lattner said, at first to himself, then louder, for the trauma nurse and anesthesiologist to hear. The patient, a John Doe, had arrived at the ER reporting pain in his right side and copious bloody vomit. A CT showed a twisted large intestine and organ dysplasia. When Lattner got the alert, hed been trying to read The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, but mostly worrying about the big reunion. Hed gained thirty pounds since college. Or maybe forty. Would Gerry recognize him? Was Gerry even going? Also, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter was a really sad book about two best friends or maybe lovers. Theyre the only people who understand one another. Then one of them goes crazy and leaves the other bereft. It was a poor reading selection for a man going through a divorce, living in a divorced sad-man apartment with deep pile carpet and slivers of bar soap caked to the ceramic tile dish in the bathroom. He should have picked an upbeat novel. Something like: Heaven Is Real So Dont Worry So Much! or Dumpy White Guy Success Stories! Hed been relieved when the hospital had pinged his home console; glad for the excuse to leave the house in the middle of the night, where hed been sitting in bed eating peanut butter dipped in granulated sugar with his index finger, nothing but a suicide novel and his own insomnia to keep him company. Now, looking at the patients innards, he was no longer glad. He was freaked out. Are you seeing this? he asked the anesthesiologist, a twenty-something whod checked his Congo App every step to make sure he was doing the job right. Instead of headsets, the younger generation liked to implant their Congo relays against either temporal bone. You could tell because the skin ahead of their ear canals blinked green whenever they were interfacing, which was most of the time. At first, Lattner had tried to talk him through the procedure, set him at ease, but like Lattners teen kids (who also thought he was stupid and irrelevant), the anesthesiologist had ignored him, trusting only the electronic, humanoid voice in his ear. Look. Lattner spread the Balfour retractor, opened the incision widea six-inch slash in this John Does abdomen. It should have been hemorrhaging. But it wasnt. No bleeding at all. There were also no discernable organs. Instead, all the way to the spine and lateral ribs, Lattner found wide organic tubing the color of faded pink Pepto Bismol. Green light blinking, the anesthesiologist didnt know what he was looking at. Just nodded with fake bravado. You? Lattner asked the nurse, Ocean Philips. She was old guard, from before even Lattners time. Shed outlasted all the docs shed come up with, whod gotten cancer or some other toxic exposure diseaseyou think of hospitals as clean, but a lot of chemicals keep them that way. Physician, heal thyself: So many docs had wanted to work past retirement, but noned had the health. Ocean was skinny and short with curly silver and black hair. Shed refused to wear the Congo headset interfaces required of most nurses. Her seniority, all those years of accumulated knowledge, had made her too valuable to fire. At least for now. Lattner imagined that Ocean was just as competent in her private life as her professional one. Probably had four kids and ten grandkids. Babysat them all, kept a clean house, everybody had jobs. Beloved matriarch. How does a person become such a thing? Are they taught it? Do they just know? Lattner widened the Balfour retractor. Where there should have been a stomach and large intestine, all he saw was more coiled pink, wormlike tubing. He indicated for Ocean to reach her gloved hand into the mans internal cavity, root around. See if you can find any organs, he said. Nuh-uh. No way, she said. So, hold the instrument for me, he said. She took it. He rooted on his own, even as he felt a strange retraction all along his scalp, a coldness. Was this a parasite? A giant worm? Lattner found no heart or intestines. No lungs or alimentary canal. The entirety of John Does internal chest cavity was this simple coiled tubing held in webbed place by what appeared to be florid and colorful fungal hyphae, like the mushrooms you might find in a forest. What fluid existed was thin, watery pink, specked with black particles. The whole thing pulsed like breath, up and down, in and out. This is a prank, Ocean said. Someones messing with us. Back in med school, this guy Cameron VanLieden stole the arm off a cadaver and stuck it to the side of a toll booth. Another time, somebody put human eyes in a bowl on their anatomy professors desk. But people didnt play those kinds of jokes anymore. It was a sensitive world, where everybody traveled with lap dogs and cried over microaggressions even as the roads collapsed and the bombs sailed overhead. The wormlike tubing was warm and pulsing through Lattners gloves. Hed never have known this until right now, but a person innately intuits the presence of sentience. This thing was or had once been human. Its not a prank. This is living tissue, he said. Organic. He noodled some more as Ocean, an excellent nurse, anticipated the direction of his hands and adjusted the retractor accordingly. The flowery tubing, a kind of uniform alimentary canal, pulsed oddly in the section lower down, with backflow like a heart murmur. Then he found the problem: it was knotted near the groin. For this reason, the whole apparatus was in a spasm. I see whats wrong. Its this swell right here, he said. Should I untangle it? The kid anesthesiologist was typing on the corner Congo console. What are you doing? Lattner asked him. Im asking the software what to do, he said. The kids skin was pale, with a greenish-yellow hue. These young people didnt get out much. Its routing me to surgical headquarters in India. I think theres a real person there. Whats it say so far? This guys in arrest. Im still at the prompts. Its got all these questions. Im not at the part yet where I explain the problem. Theres not a multiple choice for this. Lattner looked to Ocean. She shrugged a kind of dont ask metheyre paying you the big bucks. Which wasnt true. He wasnt paid big bucks. Sometimes it felt like he was paid with canned cream of corn and Pez. Beads of sweat rolled all down Lattners forehead. The guys whole insides pulsed and swelled, fluid rushing into the knot and getting trapped there. Soon, hed go into cyanotic failure. Lattner needed to do something. Still, if he failed to untangle this knot correctly, he might kill the guy. Thered be an inquiry. The higher-ups would review the recording and quibble over every decision he was about to make. Theyd look at all his prior reviews. Theyd ask him why, right now, he hadnt sewn the guy up and awaited further instructions. Its fine if the outcome is goodnobody cares how you got there. But when its bad, youre neck deep. Looking at the throbbing innards of this human-shaped being, he thought of his rich wife whod left him. He thought of his kids, who didnt like him. He thought of Gerry, whom he hadnt seen in over twenty years. He was a free agent. What did he have to lose? You got an atraumatic clamp? he asked. Ocean handed it over. He clamped the knotted body to hold it still. But Shit! The metal tore right through John Does soft tissue, slicing it open. His whole body went into a spasmodic fit, shoulders slapping steel. Hold him! Lattner cried. Ocean gave Lattner a look that meant: Id better not go down for this. Then she held the man. When that didnt work, she climbed up on the table and shoved her knees up against his shoulders, pinning him. That slowed John Doe down enough that Lattner could carefully release the clamp without tearing any more tissuethat tender, pulsing canal. Does body went scarily still. Torn tissue bled strange and slow, its color cotton candy pink, vital signs going flat. Whatever this washuman or pod personit was dying. Panting, his mask wet with old breath, he reached inside the patients cavity and unknotted the canal like untwisting moss-slippery boat rope. Right away, the thrumming stopped. John Does fluid whooshed, all in the same direction. Vitals rose slightly, with a pulse of twenty and oxygen levels at forty five percent. The patient stabilized. Classified Internal Memorandum, Congo Corp February 13, 2032 To: Mica Peters, Congo CEO Lorna Lattner, Department of Innovation, Legal Frank Henry, Congo Trust Reserve, Applications From: Paul Mackenzie, R&D Simon Iscariott, R&D Lucas Johnson, R&D To our senior officers, Imagine a world without pain. Imagine drudgery without suffering. The new Congo Application offers exactly this. For years, weve heard the cries from employees. At last weve found our solution. It is with great pride that we proudly introduce Congo 5.0. The solution to modern life. An hour later Lattner watched the playback of the surgery. In it, he appeared especially fat, bald, and middle-aged. This was not revelatory, but rather, a familiar disappointment. The recording evaluated his performance according to a rubric that took agility, decisiveness, cleanliness, and politeness into account. Hed gotten a two out of ten. Congo stopped the program on Lattner as hed asked the nurse what was happening and announced: spreading negative emotions; halting activity; paralysis. Lattner entered a dispute ticket, upon which he wrote: The guys organs were dissolving on the table. Hes either an alien or a symbiote. Fear and paralysis were appropriate responses. But the algorithm had no matches for dissolving organs or alien so the dispute was denied. The film continued. Lattner watched his too flawed, too human body onscreen. He watched himself fish inside the patient with his hands. Hands arent allowed! Congos voice announced. Error! Error! But screw Congo, because he saw, with great satisfaction, that hed completed the surgery with competence. Hed saved this thing, whatever it was. As Congo continued to deliver more advice (If patient sues for malpractice, please be aware the hospital will not pay for your lawyer. Use of hands is a violation!), he found himself smiling. Hed been down on himself lately. But he was a good surgeon. He sent the footage to everyone on staff, plus his old colleagues, plus Congo, with its tentacles on every continent. Yeah, he muttered as he watched the footage again and again. Thats not human. Is it human? Thats not human. A half-hour later, no one had gotten back to him. He stopped at triage. According to the nurse there, John Doe had shown up late the night before with a swollen abdomen and amnesia. Shed given him Congo E-File paperwork, told him to fill out what he could. Then hed thrown up blood and fainted. How did he present to you? She looked at him blankly. Was he cognizant? Were his wits about him? The nurse shrugged. She was wearing her headset, listening to a voice in there instead of him. What was it telling her? Was it even talking, or was it playing slow, soporific music to soothe the monotony of her work? I dont remember. He went to surgical processing on the second floor. Can I see his clothes? he asked the two admins. They exchanged glances. This was unheard of. Doctors never picked through patient clothing. Its not allowed, they finally agreed. You could hold it up in the Ziplock; just let me see. I wont touch anything. I have reason to believe he carried an infectious disease. Youll need permission. I cant take something out unless I log it and I cant log it unless I have permission, the admins said in flat stereo, each clearly repeating the instructions that had come through their headsets. Lattner looked at one, then the other. When I went into medicine, I thought people would respect me. They looked back at him like being a middle aged white man was a sin, and he deserved to die. Maybe, in the name of all privileged people everywhere, he deserved exactly this. But as a man whose life had turned out pretty shitty, whod come from nothing and had the terrible suspicion he was headed for nothing again, it felt unfair. In search of permission, he went to the dean of surgical excellence, a nice smart guy with hands as precise as baked potatoes. Management had promoted him past his ability just to get him away from patients. Through a smart Congo investment, his dad owned the hospital. I got your message. Fascinating case. Looks like infection by invasive species to me. But I cant grant you access, Dr. Tucker Rhodes said. Actually, Congo cant grant it. Theres no specific form and they dont let me create new ones. They have to be preexisting. Theres a real person in Madison, Wisconsin apparently, but the hold time is two days. Theyre gonna call me back. A man whod made only safe decisions his whole life, and had consequently grown tired of his life, Lattner didnt give a shit. This wont wait two days. What about next of kin? If theres no next of kin, which there isnt, I can claim that. Tucker typed into the Congo console. These were mounted touchscreens. The attendant wireless headsets most people were required to wear were ergonomic, expanding or shrinking to fit inside ear canals and so porous human immune systems rarely rejected them. You could, and people did, wear them indefinitely. Theyd been known to weave inside skin, attaching there, just like the implants attached to bone. Less than a week ago, the new Congo 5.0 app broke the internet. For nearly a minute, everything went dark. Lattnerd been reading Heart Is a Lonely Hunter in his apartment. For him, the world already felt like it was ending, so the blackout hadnt alarmed him so much as validated him. The body count was high: People fell off balconies, stumbled into traffic, were crushed by the boxes they were receiving, crashed on highways, expired on blacked-out ventilators that no one thought to reset once power returned, fell out of the sky on lost planes. Youd think, after something like that, that people would be pissed off at Congo. And they were. But more than that, they doubled down. They got more implants, they installed more consoles. People are strange. Uggh, Tucker said as he pressed both hands to his ribcage and pain-grunted. You okay? Lattner asked. Yeah. Just... ate something bad a week ago and it hasnt gotten better. Listen, if I put you down as next of kin, Im not taking the fall if something happens. Ill say you lied and told me he was your cousin. You think Ill get in trouble? Tucker looked around his crumbling office, where papers filed in triplicate lined the walls, and three consoles were running at once. Though he was still youngish, in his late forties, his skin looked sick. Why was everyone so green lately? Who knows? Tucker asked. Theres so much noise lately its hard to think. Lattner got his way. Tucker filed next of kin. He went to the on call surgical manager who told him that the permission needed to be printed and signed and filed on a special Congo app. He mustered all this, returned to surgical processing. I have it! he said. But the people at the desk were new and didnt care that hed been through an ordeal. They just gave him the Ziplock. This contained some ordinary stretch fabric jeans, a jacket, and a t-shirt with a bib of bloody vomit that was red, not pink. The shoes were decent work boots with worn treads. No jewelry. Wrapped within all this, he found a Congo Employee Badge from the warehouse outside town. Instead of a name, it had a barcode. Did you guys see this? Did you call anyone at Congo? They looked at him like: Whos this asshole trying to assign us extra work? Just then, the head ER doc on duty pinged him with a response to the video hed sent. Is this a joke? No, he answered. Whoa. Did you get a tox report? Pending. I sent samples to all three labs. Typing dots arrived. They stayed there for a while. Then went away. Head ER doc was a political position. He probably didnt want the stain of this on his record. Also, it didnt fit into a neat box; would be a lot of extra work. Dawn was just breaking. Lattner was headed for his locker when the e-file announced that his John Doe had been moved from observation to recovery. He headed there, thinking again about the pulsing tubing, the missing organs, the strange floral growths. Was it a fungal infection? A parasite? A symbiote that was eating him while keeping him alive? . . . Was it contagious? He arrived at the hospital bed. The patient, who should have been unconscious, was gone. January 23, 2034: From the AP News in a minute: The measure to provide all public school children with free Congo 5.0 implants and consoles passed last Friday, amidst vocal protesters outside city hall shouting Down with AI Slavery! Frustrations with Congo have reached a frenzied peak in the aftermath of the Internet blackout two weeks ago. In other news, SS Prometheus, a mining ship on route home from Mercury, was blown up by terrorists last week. . . A week after the surgery, Lattner was headed for his college reunion in Scranton. He rented a Congo self-driving car. For legal reasons these cars were equipped with emergency human drivers. The guy sat unobtrusive up front, his implant flashing green, reminding Lattner of a mannequin. This wasnt newmost jobs over the years had switched from autonomous to drudge work. The people who performed them tended to recede inside their own skin. But this dude was especially stiff, his breath especially slow. He could have been sleeping with his eyes open. The trip from Harrisburg took two hours. Lattner passed semi-odorless gas the whole ride. Hed done something very vain and ordered three girdles from Congo. Hed tried on all, picked the tightest. It wasnt comfortable. When youre on your way to your reunion and youre going by yourself because you havent kept in touch with anyone, some thoughts enter your mind. For instance: was he a failure? When his wife Lorna told him shed fallen in love with someone else, hed at first been surprised, then relieved. Theyd been married almost twenty years, and every day of that marriage hed woken up thinking: The idea that time is finite is a myth. Its interminable. After her confession, there hadnt been much arguing. Theyd simply gone about the business of splitting things apart, only to find that theyd never really merged: bank accounts were separate; clothing in separate closets. Theyd even kept their cookware separate. How was that possible? How hadnt he noticed that for twenty years, the people he called family had been strangers? Then again, hed never been the type to notice much. Months later, she broke it off with the new guy. She told Lattner that she hadnt actually loved him. Do you want to get back together? Hed asked. Though he hadnt wanted this, hed thought it might make life easier. Less kid schlepping, less grocery shopping, less emotional wreckage. No, she told him. I cheated because I wanted to do something so bad there wasnt any coming back. In a way, she was brave. He wished hed done it first. The casualties here were the kids. But it was hard to see them as casualties, given they didnt like him. Beatrice was sad, slow-moving, and heavyset. Shed been prescribed the same anti-depressants that Lattner had taken during adolescence. If Lattner thought about it, hed feel very badly that his tendency toward the melancholy had stained the next generation. So he didnt think about it. He ignored it. Dylan was angry like his mother and resentful like her, too. His moods blasted through rooms like earthquakes. Ever since the kid could walk, hed charged. But over the years, some piece of his courage had left him, and what remained was surliness. He no longer charged, he sat still, eyes watching with furious judgment. Lattner felt awful that theyd turned out so badly. He blamed Lorna, whod chosen her career over motherhood. It was an unnatural choice. Deviant, even. She hadnt always been so selfish. Early on, shed been devoted. The type who cooked and cleaned and loved and supported. But she got bitter. Or maybe she just got too much success in her work at Congo. She started picking fights. Hed been forced to play the role of reason, to talk her down, underplay the thing, convince her she was overreacting. Eventually, they avoided one another. And then, somehow, they avoided the children, too. What surprised him was that after he moved, in the silence, he missed Bea and Dylan. Well, maybe not them. They were pills. But he missed the idea of them. Lately, hed come to wonder: Should he have married Lorna at all? He could have stayed with Gerry, a man hed genuinely loved. Would his kids, born someplace else, to a better nurturer than Lorna, have been happier? With his career falling apart and his options contracting, he wondered, too, whether his stamp on the world was a stamp at all, or a castle of sand. Its true that crises precipitate change. In the lonely silence of his new, downsized life, he found his college syllabus. Something about the paper, browned and old from a time when his life held promise, had drawn him near. And so, Carson McCullers. Hed been reflecting, lately. But not a lot. It was unpleasant. When his John Doe went missing, Lattner initiated all the protocols, filed all the correct reports. Are you saying he got up and walked out? Tucker Rhodes asked. He looked sicker than the day before, his skin sickly green like he needed to vomit. I dont see how he could have. Im saying he died and got misplaced, probably, Lattner answered. But sure, theres a non-zero chance of nanoparticles eating humanity, so maybe he walked out. Were saying he walked out. I rescinded your other reports indicating otherwise. Lattner thought about that. Knew there was nothing he could do, short of searching the morgue for the body, which hed already done. Okay, he said. Probably, he should have been up that night, worrying about an infectious fungus about to take over humanity. But he slept. What would Gerry think of all this? He wondered as he inched his finger inside the truss to soothe the skin it was pinching. If Gerry were watching Lattner right now, seeing through Lattners eyes, would he approve? Gerryd been his secret college boyfriend. Theyd both had jobs at the cafeteria, both smelled like fried lard. The bravest act of his life, hed kissed Gerry while walking from work to their separate dorm rooms. He still remembered the feel of Gerrys hands, his sparse chest hairs and gangly kid-body that had flung frisbees with grace. Theyd liked to read to one another at night. Well, Gerry had done the reading. Lattner had listened. When you meet the love of your life at nineteen, its practically unfair. Its too soon. Too momentous. Impossible. He broke up with Gerry for a woman who checked all the boxes: pretty, smart, and just a little brittle. He forgot about Gerry, the way you forget about all your most important things when youre young. And then during the long slog of his marriage, when the friction between their personalities had been like barbed wire, hed remembered. He searched online, found a wedding photo. Older, shaggier, Gerryd stood beside his buff, beautiful husband. Gerry was happy, clearly. Hed moved on. It hit Lattner like an invisible hammer big as Thors, straight to the bowels. They say love lives in the heart, but theyre wrong. It lives in a tangled place below the belly. Further research told the story of their romance. Theyd met at the library where they worked. After a few years together, their jobs got automated and they became Congo warehouse employees. They publicly posted about these career blows. People, presumably friends, responded with great compassion. Lattner had never posted about personal things. He wondered whether he should have. No, he decided. Revealing yourself is lame. At night, when he wasnt trying to read sad books from his old syllabus, he scrolled the online pictures of Gerry and thought: I still love you, Gerry. Do you love me? He imagined that this thought traveled through the screen, reaching its object on the other side. He imagined Gerry thinking of him right then, wanting him back. These feelings had to be reciprocated, he decided in the magic of dark. Somewhere right now, Gerry was thinking of him, too. Then he rubbed one out. And so, traveling at exactly the speed limit, the human driver in a twilight sleep wrought from boredom, Lattner pondered Gerry, whod possibly been the love of his life, and was just as possibly the grasping fantasy of a sad, failed man. If he saw Gerry alone at the reunion, he wanted to say this: Ive come lately to realize that life is short. You and me and everyone we know will die. Maybe its a party after that, but maybe its not. Maybe theres nothing. No thoughts. No love. No memory. No identity. Maybe we are erased. It seems to me that this human condition seeks to hide the big black from its own consciousness. It is so hysterically afraid that it builds trappings and walls and somethings from nothings. We eagerly occupy ourselves with such distractions because we cannot tolerate death. We scroll and we watch fantasies and we happily surrender our autonomy to anything that thinks for us, anything that promises youll be okay. But in doing so, we sleep little deaths. We are zombies. When my wife left me, I woke up. I know now that its better to live with fear. Its better to see it clearly, and be brave. Ive come to understand that everything we do in this world matters. Ive come to understand that I loved you back then. I want to love again. Im sorry I spent my life pleasing people who wont remember or care about me after Im dead, because it was wasted time. I could have been with you. I could have been alive. It didnt matter what Gerry said after that. It only mattered that he found the courage in himself to say the words. Classified Internal Memorandum, Congo Corp October 9, 2033 To: Mica Peters, Congo CEO Lorna Lattner, Department of Innovation, Legal Frank Henry, Congo Trust Reserve, Applications From: Paul Mackenzie, R&D Simon Iscariott, R&D Lucas Johnson, R&D To our senior officers, While its true the beta rollout of Congo 5.0 interface had a fatality, we believe the individuals burst appendix was unrelated to Congo. Autopsy showed an invasive fungal-like infection. The other sixty-four test subjects responded positively. We recommend rollout continue. The reception took place at the student union where hed once watched comedians tell bad jokes before heading back to the library to memorize the citric acid cycle. It was a gorgeous day. Bright, cherry blossom-colored sun bled through the windows and spilled across tables. No one recognized him. He introduced himself as Lattner: Everybody called me by my last name! Im a doctor now! Everybody who had a clique sat together at their own tables. He sat with three other guys and a sad looking lady with tears in her eyes. They had to scan the menus and give their order to a screen. Then a waiter wearing a headset came out and brought drinks. At his failure table, they made polite conversation about the cherry blossoms and whether Pakistan was really sinking. This guy across said that the college probably shouldnt have spent eighty million dollars on an Olympic gymnasium, given the dorms were garbage and the library books had all rotted. And then someone said, But people dont need paper books. Its all online. The truss and Gerrys absence (Where was he? Hed been so stupid to assume!) had made Lattner cranky and a little mean. Doesnt look like theyre using this fancy gym. Look around, these kids are made of dough. Look at us. Whens the last time anybody at this table did a push up? Everybody got quiet after that, because youre not supposed to body shame college kids or your table mates. It makes them feel bad. The sad lady got up with her drink, which he thought hed heard her order as a Sexy Frida Kahlo, and joined another table. She was thick in the middle just like the rest of them, and he wanted to tell her: This isnt an assessment of your human value. Ive never cared what other people look like on the outside. Ive only ever been interested in their insides. Literally, as a surgeon, but figuratively, too. Except it sucks having to get to know someone. It sucks making all that effort, just to find out whats under the skin, especially when you might be wasting your time. They might be awful or they might be hurtful or they might be too too imperfectly human... I think I say these awful things because I dont like my own outside very much. I dont like my inside, either. It was a useful epiphany that gave him an oddly joyous jolt: Lady, it turns out this is about me, not you! But he couldnt tell her any of this. Hed only hurt her worse. He looked around the table. Four guys with empty seats all between. Theyd started cross-talking about Congo 5.0s power outage. I think something happened. It did something to us, a guy said. He was skinny with bucked teeth, his cheeks sunken. What did it do? a guy across asked. He was only half listening because he was wearing a headset. These people who wore during non-work hours: what was wrong with them? Something, the guy said. My wife and kids dont eat anymore. They dont sleep. The part of this that Lattner heard wriggled inside him like a worm of worrywas this connected to his patient?... Something was very wrong in the world and it wasnt just his divorce. Something was happening, a kind of tipping point had been passed, and it felt like falling. It felt like the end of the world, if he let himself feel itbut mostly he didnt hear it. Theres so much noise all around. Its hard to pay attention, especially when your mind is on your own broken heart. He typed on his interface. There werent names of the drinks, just pictures. This seemed off-brand, given they were at a college. He decided to have a Sexy Frida Kahlo out of secret solidarity with the sad lady. Fifteen minutes later, a kid with a headset delivered the drink. How do you like this job? Lattner asked. I used to work in this same cafeteria. Maybe the kid would talk to him. He and the kid would bond. Theyd become like brothers and over the years, Lattner would give him advice, help him thrive. Hed prove he could be a good dad. A good person. This kid would become president and in his inaugural speech, hed thank Lattner. Gerry would hear all that and drive to his sad guy apartment. I saw how you raised that kid to be president. Id die for you, Gerry would say, eyes wet with pain and love. Dont excite yourself. Save that for later, Lattner would answer, rye and suave as James Bond. . . . Where the hell was Gerry? The young waiters eyes glazed like they belonged on a doll. He didnt hear Lattner through his headset. He was carrying a full tray, moving on to the next table, when Lattner raised his voice. Hey! he shouted. Everybody at his table stopped. Everybody at tables around stopped. Im a mess, he thought. Its the divorce, but its not the divorce. Its like Ive been boiling my whole life and suddenly the lids come off. Everything messy and terrible and wonderful and shameful has spewed out. The waiter stopped, too, of course. But his eyes stayed glazed. Sorry, Lattner said, low. The kid didnt hear him. He was tall with a full head of hair and had his life ahead of him. Maybe he was in love. Lattner hoped he was in love. The kid wanted to set down his tray so he could pull his headset down but there was no place to put it. Lattner considered taking it, knew hed never balance it right and the drinks would fall. He didnt take it. Do you like this job? he asked, voice raised. The kid was confused by the question. His nametag wasnt a name, but a number with a scannable bar code. I have to do this job. Its telling me table three now. Table three. Do you like those headsets? My job wants me to wear them as a prophylactic against lawsuits. The kid had gone to table three. Lattner watched him make the rounds, the headset telling him whom to serve and in what order and exactly how to proceed step by step from one guest to the next. Your brain shuts off when youve got another brain murmuring orders in your ears. The disuse is sandpaper, smoothing all your most interesting edges. By then, everybody at his table was ignoring Lattner, so he downed his drink and had two more, sweet as diabetes in a glass. It was then, drunk and disheartened, that he finally found his love. He was at the appetizer buffet, even though waiters were now serving main courses. Drunk, Lattner went for it. As he crossed the room, his heart pounded. This was Gerry. No doubt. Older. Shorter, maybe? But it was him. Gerry? The man turned. At first, no recognition. Even a little feara drunk was calling his name. But then, that smile Lattner remembered, generous and open. Harlen Lattner! Lattner stood there, his nerves too alive. Can you die from the anticipation of future joy? Gerry put his plate down right on top of the cut melons, opened his arms, and hugged him. Lattner hugged back, too long, too tight. Gerry squirmed. The hug felt so good. How are you? I think about you all the time! Gerry said. Just then, the buff husband appeared. Lattner hated him. They shook hands. Lattner pretended not to be heartbroken. Have you been here this whole time? I didnt see you! Gerry said. Lattner nodded, temporarily losing his ability to speak. Gerry slapped his thigh in a show of frustration. What a shame! I have to be goingIve got a night shift. But lets get together! Yes! Lattner said. Three drinks in, the truth came out: Youre the only person I came here to see! The hot, amiable husband narrowed his eyes, sniffing intentions. Be afraid, Lattner thought, be very afraid. They didnt get the chance to make plans because a bad thing happened. That kid, the waiter, collapsed on the floor and went into a seizure. Youd think, with nearly eighty members of a graduating class at a reasonably good college, youd have more than one medical professional on site. But the smart ones had gone into tech. The rest had gone into humanities, which no longer existed. Lattner was on deck. He rushed to the doll-eyed kid, held him down by pinning knees against shoulders. I need help! Call someone! he cried, and maybe that happened. Gerrys husband turned out also to be capable and strong. He took over holding the kid down as Lattner checked his pulse, heart, and pupils. Just like the John Doe hed operated on, this guy had no heartbeat. His whole chest cavity was pulsing. Lattner got the defibs and shocked him twice. The pulsing kept going. It reminded him of a squid or octopusthis wet squishing just beneath his skinbut his heart didnt come back. Fast, the local rescue service from the college took over. Lattner tried to tell them what had happened, but they were listening to their headsets and not him. The kids body stopped pulsing. It stopped everything. They put him in a gurney and carried him out. Somehow, between finding Gerry and the kid getting carried out, hours had passed. The center had emptied out, reunion over. Gerry and the husband were gone. Lattner felt a great sadness inside him, not just for his own small, disappointments. The kid was young. Maybe he was in love. That was all over now. He went home that night and scoured the internet for posts about infectious disease and spontaneous seizures in the young. Found nothing. The next morning, Gerry poked him on their friend web. Lattner accepted the poke, got a message: Hey! That was awful. We wanted to stay with you but we had work. Im so sorry! Lets get together soon. AI DAILY COMPENDIUM: From Harpers: We always thought the human brain was impossible to replace, but in fact its the other way around. The human brain is easily replaced. Look at Congo Warehouses, where employees stand in strategic formation throughout aisles of stock, their headsets directing them on the exact paths to retrieve merchandise. Scientists cant replicate bipedal locomotion, a combination of conscious and unconscious decisions based on trillions of data points, but they have generated algorithms that complete human tasks as mundane as mail delivery and as complex as heart surgery. All this time, we imagined wed lose our jobs to robots. But the robots dont want our crappy jobs. They want to run the show. At work the following Monday three John and Jane Does died in the waiting room, coughing blood. Did we get autopsies? Lattner asked. Tucker was holding his belly. Hed gone from pale green to pea green, like his gallbladder had popped. Congo Interface wont allow it, he said. No autopsies until further notice. Money saving thing. Okay. What if this new crop has the same disease as my John Doe with the mushrooms for intestines? Tucker shrugged. Was he hungover? Having come to his personal awakening very late in life, Lattner took this cowardice personally. Its a public health concern. Fuck Congo. Talk to your dad. I pinged him, Tucker said. His secretary told me hes indisposed. Is there a point person at the CDC? Lattner asked. I pinged them, too. Their mailbox is full. Its a three-day wait. The robots supposed to call me back. Lattner sat heavy in Tuckers spare chair. This is fucked, he said. Tucker opened his desk drawer. Pulled out a headset. The Doc headsets came in. He handed it to Lattner. Try it on. They want feedback. Rollouts Friday. It was smooth in his hands, like tooth enamel, and it covered both ears but didnt add weight. Hello, a dulcet womans voice whispered. The earpieces curled inside his canals, warm and pleasant. Please state your employee number. I hate it, Lattner said. The timer went off on Tuckers headset. My breaks done, he said as his eyes glazed over. It took longer than usual to get a car service to take him back home to his apartment. The driver looked just as green and sick as Tuckerd been. At home, Lattner got tired of Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. It made him too sad. People have oceans of emotions inside them. Hed known this intellectually, but lately he was beginning to feel the knowledge in his gut: even the dullards of the world have hearts and conflicts and private wars no one will ever know. Humanity is everywhere. He flipped on the streamies, and learned that excess deaths today, according to the AP, had quadrupled. Hospitals were filling up and so were morgues. This wasnt the big news, though. Congo announced that now was a great time for the unemployed and underemployed to visit Congo Work Centers. For the sake of the economy, it was the civic duty of all to keep the supply line flowing. They were willing to pay minimum wage and a half. Feeling weird, he called Lorna. You guys okay over there? he asked. Why? Her voice sounded dead. Because Im curious? he asked, like a question. He was new at asking Lorna personal questions. When they were married, hed have considered it rudean invasion of privacy. They already lived on top of one another; why compound the problem? I dont know how I feel because nobody ever asks me. I just asked you. Literally, I just asked you how youre doing, he said. You dont count. Youre lonely and no one likes you. Youre in one of your bitchy moods, he said, then regretted it, because it wasnt such a helpful observation. Then they were both quiet until he tried again. Some guy showed up at the hospital last week with his insides all mutated. I dont mean to alarm you. But it seems like its something that might be going around. I called to check on you and the kids. There was another long pause. Youve heard about the excess hospitalizations? Excess deaths? The news is saying its nothing, but a kid at my college reunion collapsed right in front of me, Lorna. Its not nothing. Ive been hearing about it, too. But were okay, Harlen, she said, a surprising softness entering her voice. Congo put the whole neighborhood on lockdown until this is resolved. Were behind tall gates. Yeah, he said, not feeling any more reassured. Okay. January 30, 2034 From the Associated Press: Congo CEO Jeff Jassey testified in congress yesterday over his controversial software update. In his speech, directed at the House Speaker Cora Leigh Sherwood, he said, Maam, Im very sorry to hear some users think it made them sick or changed their personalities, or whatever. But weve done every bit of diligence on this product. Sometimes we think a thing is causal and its not. Listen, we updated almost two weeks ago and excess morbidity and mortality are happening only now. Dont you think it could be radiation or infection? Wouldnt that make a lot more sense? Lattner came early to the gaming restaurant so he wouldnt have to make an entrance. The place was called Play it Again, Sam and all the walls showed retro screenies from the 2020s. He asked for a table someplace quiet and dark. We have an erotic experience room if you want that. Twenty percent starter special? Whats that like? She paused before answering: the headset was supplying preselected words. Its wonderful, Mr. Lattner. Itll clean your pipes, get your heart racing. Though her cadence was seductive, her affect was flat. I like men, too, he said, and this was the first time hed ever admitted this. I like men more. The waitress paused again, as the system ran his words through an algorithm. The booth was red vinyl. It was a seedy restaurant, a seedy part of town. On his doctors salary plus Lornas Congo money, hed spent the last two decades in a gated community. We have role play for every scenario, Dr. Lattner, the waitress said. All kinds of men. The best kinds. Great. Ill think about it, Lattner said, and as she swiveled stiffly, heading for the next client, he realized that maybe he would. Twenty minutes later, fashionably late, Gerry appeared. He wore a tan Congo uniform, a badge with a barcode. Lattner jumped up, hugged him. He didnt smell like lard anymore. He smelled beer sugary and middle aged. It made Lattner laugh. Gerry reached out, grabbed Lattners face in his hands. What? Am I that bad? Lattnerd forgotten this, the way Gerryd needed reassurance, the way hed never been able to supply it. Or maybe hadnt wanted to. It would have been too committal. No! I love you! I meanI love it. I love this! Its just, were not the same. Gerry traced his hands down Lattners face, to his shoulders, then his waist. He tried not to be hopeful. Maybe Gerry was in one of these free spirit relationships hed read about. Youre definitely the same. I am? I dont think so, Lattner said. Gerry sat down across. Youre still blunt. Is that a euphemism for shitty? No. Just blunt. I always appreciated it. Until you told me youd screwed Candace Lyons. But it worked out. You did me a favor. Lattner gulped. Hed brushed his teeth twice before coming here, soaped behind his ears and given his balls a somewhat painful loofah. Hed steamed a real cotton shirt, which was buttoned to the top. Im sorry for that. I was crazy. What you did was a kindness. Wow, did I get strung along after you. You wouldnt believe the crap I cut and ate like a finely aged steak. Lattner remembered then, the drama of Gerry. The ease with which hed cried, his saint-like devotion to mind-altering drugs. Thered been problems. Hed forgotten that. . . . Did he even like Gerry? Im sorry. Its been rough? Gerry told him all about it. The boyfriends who turned into psychopaths, the normal boyfriends hed tormented because hed been afraid of love, the quest for purpose, the heartbreaking failure at the library when it closed. He told him about his husband, and the fact that they were getting a divorce. I was so happy to have found someone. All my life, Id been looking... But then one day you realize you never really saw the person. You just wanted the warm body. Apparently, the husband spent all his time watching streamies. He didnt talk. He didnt want sex. He didnt show interest in anything except lifting weights. He used to be into me. Now hes like a zombie. Its worse than being alone... Honey, I need the touch. Lattner told him about his time with Lorna. Theyd had a nice life. It had been a lie. He told him that hed been following Gerry for a while now, missing him, though he didnt know if the feeling was real. He thought about his big speech. Distilled it to this: Im trying to be more human but I have no idea how that works or what it means. Theyd both finished their fake meat sandwiches by then. Gerry got up, moved beside Lattner. The lights were dim. Most of the other customers were on their headsets, watching screenies. No one would care. He reached over, tucked his hand against Gerrys already erect dick. He opened Gerrys trousers. Gerry did the same. Probably, it happened fast. But to him, it was all of time. The expanse of the universe. Lattners pants were slick wet. He pulled his shirt to conceal it, his white crisp shirt. It felt decadent and insane. He was so happy he was laughing. They both wiped at each other with napkins, and it was such a generous, intimate thing. Then Gerry looked at his watch. Gotta go. They dock pay if Im a minute late. He was up, leaving Lattner breathless. You do this all the time, dont you? Lattner asked, and he couldnt tell if he felt possessive or jealous or just insignificant. Or none of those things. Alive. In any case. he felt alive. Gerry winked. Ive been in a sexless marriage for three years, Harlen. Id do a gorilla. Will I see you again? If I know you, Harlen, you dont want me to say yes. You want me to play hard to get. Then, he was gone. Lattner realized hed been stuck with the bill, then remembered that Gerryd never paid for anything. Which was fine. He thought of all the quibbles hed had against his lover, stacking them like a laundry list, ranking them and naming them and memorizing them and repeating them, and it now seemed like such wasted time. Hed wasted so much of his life. On his way out, a patron in a Congo Warehouse uniform fell out of her chair. Lattner rushed to help her and as he lifted her, she coughed blood. It trickled down her lips and it wasnt red, but dull pink. An ambulance appeared ten minutes later, maybe less. He watched the woman get wheeled away. Her heart wasnt beating, but her internal organs throbbed with a slow, methodic, swish-swish. [End of Part 1 check back Thu/10 for Part 2 here on io9.] About the Author Sarah Langans a three-time Bram Stoker Award-winning novelist and screenwriter, whose novels (A Better World,Good Neighbors,The Missing, etc.) have made best of the year lists at NPR,Newsweek,The Irish Times, AARP, andPW. Her short stories have appeared inNightmare,F&SF,WIRED,Years Best Horror,Years Best Dark Fantasy and Horror,Years Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, etc. She has an MFA from Columbia University, an MS in Environmental Health Science/Toxicology from NYU, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, the writer/director JT Petty, their two daughters, and two maniac rabbits. Her novellaPam Kowolski Is A Monster(Raw Dog Screaming Press) and her story Squid Teeth (Reactor) are both forthcoming May, and in 2026, TOR UK is releasing her sixth novelTrad Wife. Adamant Press Please visit Lightspeed Magazineto read more great science fiction and fantasy. This story first appeared in the April 2025 issue, which also features short fiction by Rich Larson, Nigel Faustino, Oyedotun Damilola Muees, Deborah L. Davitt, Jon Lasser, Dominica Phetteplace, and more. You can wait for this months contents to be serialized online, or you can buy the whole issue right now in convenient ebook format for just $4.99, or subscribe to the ebook edition here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • Did Trump Use ChatGPT to Determine Disastrous New Tariffs?
    gizmodo.com
    Following President Trumps announcement of sweeping global tariffs on Wednesday, users on social media were quick to try and decipher the math behind the tariffs. On top of a baseline 10% tariff against the entire world, individual countries will face additional tariffs based on how unfairly Trump believes they are treating the U.S. It turns out, however, that the White House may have used rudimentary suggestions from a chatbot to come to its calculations. From The Verge: Economist James Surowiecki quickly reverse-engineered a possible explanation for the tariff pricing. He found you could recreate each of the White Houses numbers by simply taking a given countrys trade deficit with the US and dividing it by their total exports to the US. Halve that number, and you get a ready-to-use discounted reciprocal tariff. The White House objected to this claim and published the formula it says that it used, but as Politico points out, the formula looks like a dressed-up version of Surowieckis method. Asking various chatbots for a simple way to rectify trade imbalances with other countries, The Verge found that they all suggested a formula that aligns closely with the one used by The White House. That should not be terribly surprising to anyone who understands the fundamentals of chatbots. They are imitating what they frequently see posted online. The trick to understanding chatbots is to preface anything they say with, I have heard a lot of people are saying that But in the same way that you would not trust a survey of fifty people who do not know anything about a subject, you should not trust what a chatbot says either. They confidently say things that are wrong or confounding all the time. Although the administration has denied using a basic chatbot over experienced economists, it has already gotten itself into hot water over its penchant for using consumer apps. It just went through a scandal for prolifically using the consumer app Signal to discuss confidential war plans, a move that seems likely to have been influenced by Elon Musk, who is known for using Signal. And his DOGE cost-cutting initiative has been forthright in its plans to use AI across the federal government in order to cut costs. Further supporting the idea that the White House haphazardly put together its tariff strategy is the fact that there are territories on the list that are uninhabited, like Heard Island. And other countries being hit with tariffs, like Australia, in fact, have a surplus with the United States, meaning they buy more from the United States than they export. You have to wonder if they even read the tariff list before sharing it.There are perfectly good reasons why a country might have a trade deficit with another. The United States is a service economyit does the lucrative work of designing products, developing software, managing supply chains, and other work while outsourcing the physically laborious work to other nations. The U.S. has a trade surplus in services as countries use many American services, from Facebook to Netflix. Every country has what economists call a comparative advantage, something they do well that other countries do not. Americans, put simply, do not want to do the grunt work, so the country imports a lot of goods from countries that will do it. Somehow, the president expects factories are suddenly going to come roaring back, and deporting migrants will not make lettuce more expensive.
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  • Ancient Bacteria Were Breathing Long Before Oxygen Became Abundant
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    By Margherita Bassi Published April 3, 2025 | Comments (1) | Prochlorococcus marinus, a cyanobacterium. Luke Thompson from Chisholm Lab and Nikki Watson from Whitehead, MIT, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Today, oxygen makes up about 21% of our atmosphere, but it wasnt always so plentiful. Around 2.7 billion years ago, cyanobacteriaaquatic bacteria that generate energy through photosynthesisevolved and began releasing oxygen into the oceans. This oxygen gradually accumulated in the atmosphere in a process called the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), which took place between 2.4 and 2.1 billion years ago. New research, however, suggests that aerobic (oxygen-dependent) bacteria may have emerged long before the GOE. An international team of researchers has reconstructed the evolutionary tree of one of Earths earliest life forms, revealing that bacteria may have adapted to the presence of oxygen long before it was plentiful in our atmosphere. Their work, detailed in a study published today in the journal Science, challenges the previous assumption that most life prior to the GOE was anaerobic, that is, organisms that dont need oxygen to survive. The researchers used a multidisciplinary approach to reconstruct an evolutionary tree for bacteria and trace when they adapted to oxygen. This included analyzing geological records, fossil evidence, and over 1,000 diverse bacterial genomes; applying phylogenetic reconciliation (comparing the history of two closely intertwined life forms); and computer modeling. According to their evolutionary tree, the last common ancestor of modern bacteria likely existed sometime between 4.4 and 3.9 billion years ago. This combined approach of using genomic data, fossils, and Earths geochemical history brings new clarity to evolutionary timelines, especially for microbial groups that dont have a fossil record, Gergely Szllsi, a co-author on the study and an evolutionary biologist from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, said in a university statement. Their results suggest that some aerobic bacteria emerged before the GOE, around 3.22 to 3.25 billion years ago. Its likely that these bacterial lineages were the ancestors of cyanobacteria, meaning they evolved the ability to metabolize small amounts of oxygen before developing photosynthesis. In fact, the research suggests that oxygen adaptation may have played a crucial role in the evolution of cyanobacterias photosynthetic abilitiesand, as a consequence, the changes in Earths atmosphere during the GOE.The teams approach works well for studying the spread of aerobic metabolisms and might also be a useful approach for exploring how other traits emerged and interacted with the planets shifting environment across geological time, said Tom Williams, a computational evolutionary biologist from the University of Bristol and also a co-author on the study. The study is also a reminder of the fact that the atmosphere we enjoy today was shaped by billions of years of microbial activity.Daily Newsletter
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  • Doctor Who Will Celebrate Its Revivals Big Anniversary With a New Documentary
    gizmodo.com
    Last week,Doctor Who marked a major milestonethe 20th anniversary of the airing of Rose, the landmark episode that brought the show back to TV after almost 20 years in hiatus, kicking off a whole new era. But it did so in a relatively quiet manner compared toWhos usual recent grand anniversary overtures. But it turns out theres a reason for thatand that soon enough, itll be rectified. Speaking to io9 over Zoom ahead of the series latest return in a few weeks, showrunner Russell T Davies exclusively confirmed there are plans for an hour-long episode of Doctor Who Unleashed, the series behind-the-scenes companion show, that will explore and celebrate the making of Doctor Whos revival era. It will air in the coming months on the BBC iPlayer in the UK, and worldwide on Doctor Whos YouTube channel. The reason it didnt arrive timed to the anniversary of Rose? Well, in part, Davies himself. To be honest, [the anniversary wasnt on my mind]. Im very much aware how on Disney+ worldwide, going to some territories that have never had Doctor Who before, Davies told io9 as he reflected on the latest season of the show airing so close to the 20th anniversary of Rose. There are some people watching this to who Ncuti isthe Doctorthe number one, their Doctor, and so youve got to bear that in mind. Thats always been the case, for many years, to look for that new audience. So I actually thought itd be a bit backward, be a bit heavy handed to [acknowledge] and now were here and Im kind of slightly kicking myself, because everyone seems to be full of joy about it! Seeing that joy in the build up to the anniversary ultimately spurred Davies into realizing the series should also celebrate in some way too, and chose to do so with the new documentary. Its coming out late, because I was the one saying lets not do anything!, Davies laughed. And then quite late in the day I changed my mind! Everyones talking about it, lets do something!. So we are. Stay tuned to io9 next week for more from our talk with Russell T Davies. Doctor Who returns for a new season of adventures on the BBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and worldwide on Disney+, from April 12. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • Google Just Took $200 Off the Pixel 9 Smartphone, No Trade-In Needed
    gizmodo.com
    Need a new smartphone? It can feel a lot like needing a new laptop, camera, and phone all in one with all the features you have to shop around for. The line between smartphone and professional camera keeps getting blurrier, and Googles Pixel 9 pushes that boundary even further. Combining their most advanced camera system yet with cutting-edge AI features, the Pixel 9 isnt just taking photos its reimagining whats possible with mobile photography.See at AmazonFrom being able to put yourself in group shots youve taken to completely transforming photo backgrounds with Magic Editor, this is the closest thing to having a professional photographer and photo editor in your pocket.Amazon has slashed $200 off the Google Pixel 9, bringing it down to $699 from its regular price of $899. This 22% discount makes Googles latest flagship more accessible than ever.Your new favorite smartphone, evolvedThe heart of the Pixel 9 is its revolutionary camera system. The 50MP main sensor delivers exceptional detail and color accuracy, while the new 48MP ultrawide camera with Macro Focus capabilities lets you capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate close-ups with stunning clarity.Googles AI features transform good photos into extraordinary ones. The new Add Me feature lets you jump into group photos youve taken, while Best Take ensures everyone looks their best by combining multiple shots. Magic Editor takes photo manipulation to new heights, allowing you to reframe, resize, and even reimagine entire scenes with just a few taps.Gemini, Googles latest AI assistant, makes the Pixel 9 more than just a camera powerhouse. The new Gemini Live feature follows your conversations naturally, understanding context and switching topics seamlessly. Its like having a personal assistant who actually understands you. Gemini is capable of doing so much more with the photos you take, and it runs so snappily thanks to the tech under the hood.Being unlocked means freedom to choose your carrier and plan. The Pixel 9 works with all major US carriers, including Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Google Fi, ensuring youre never locked into a specific network. Thats especially useful if youre someone who likes to shop around for new phone service should your old provider get too pricey, as they often do.At $699, the Pixel 9 offers incredible value for anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience. Whether youre a photography enthusiast, a multitasking professional, or someone who wants the latest AI features at their fingertips, this deal makes Googles most advanced phone yet surprisingly attainable.See at Amazon
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  • Do You Need a Measles Booster Shot? The Answer May Surprise You
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    By Ed Cara Published April 3, 2025 | Comments (0) | Even a single shot of the MMR vaccine provides substantial protection against measles, but two doses are standard. SamaraHeisz5 via Shutterstock Measles has been making an unwelcome comeback in the U.S. and world lately. Its resurgence might be enough to make many of us reasonably wonder: Just how protected am I from measles? And should I think about getting a booster vaccine shot? Its important to emphasize that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effectiveproviding 97% protection from measles with the standard two-shot series. Most Americans have and are still getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, thanks to routine childhood programs that were established nationwide starting in the 1980s. These programs require children to receive several vaccines to attend public school, but families can obtain medical or personal exemptions depending on the state. As of the 2023-2024 school year, roughly 93% of school-age children in the U.S. have received their MMR shots. That said, this percentage has slightly dipped in recent years and is now below the threshold of herd, or community, immunity needed to prevent the highly contagious virus from spreading widely in any given area. Hence the recent outbreaks. The current measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, now officially over 500 cases, are occurring almost entirely among pockets of unvaccinated people, and its the unvaccinated who are much more vulnerable to measles, particularly very young children. But there are certain situations in which you might want or need a catch-up vaccination.Walter Orenstein, a professor at the Emory University School of Medicine and former director of the U.S. immunization program at CDC, notes that there were two types of measles vaccine that first became available in the U.S. in 1963. One was a live, weakened virus vaccinethe same type used today, though later modified to be milderand the other was an inactivated, or killed, measles virus vaccine. Unfortunately, the inactivated vaccine didnt provide lasting immunity and increased the risk of a severe form of measles, known as atypical measles, in people who later caught the virus naturally. It was pulled by 1967but some people who got it are still around today.So if someone was vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 with this vaccine, or an unknown vaccine, its reasonable to get another dose of the measles vaccine thats actually effective, Orenstein told Gizmodo. People who received this vaccine or are unsure of which vaccine they received during this time period are recommended to get at least one dose of the standard measles vaccine. Practically everyone born before 1957 is likely to have contracted measles, which also provides long-lasting immunity, so theyre generally fine. The Centers for Disease Control has said that healthcare personnel born before 1957 with no evidence of measles infection (either in their records or from lab tests) should consider the standard two-dose series. Its also worth noting that Americans born between 1968 and 1989 received only one shot of the MMR vaccine. Even a single shot is highly effectiveabout 93%so most people in this scenario are well protected. But the CDC does recommend that adults at higher risk for measles exposure get their second shot if they havent already. These higher-risk groups include college students, healthcare personnel, people traveling internationally, and anyone else whos deemed to be at risk by public health officials, such as people living near active outbreaks. The nearly 100% protection provided by full MMR vaccination does still leave open some tiny room for vulnerability, of course. Sometimes, a fully vaccinated person, exposed to measles during an outbreak, will get sick. This might happen because the persons immune system didnt mount a full protective response at the time of vaccination, or because a persons immunity has waned over time.Thankfully, waning immunity isnt a major individual concern. Studies have estimated that somewhere between 0.22% and 0.04% of the vaccines effectiveness declines yearly. This means it would take between five and 25 years for the average person to be 1% less protected than they were right after their MMR shots. If you are concerned about your susceptibility to measles, or you dont know your vaccination status, you can always talk to your primary care doctor. Your doctor might run a blood test to check for measles antibodiesor even proactively recommend an MMR dose. While no one likes a needle, the MMR vaccine is perfectly safe, so getting an extra shot is fine even if you might already be well-protected. One of the pluses, if someone happens to be already immune, is that nothing would happen because their bodies would kill the vaccine virus before anything can happen, Orenstein said.Outside of a few corner situations, though, measles remains a more serious threat to the unvaccinated, including people who are too young or medically unable to get vaccinated, such as people with severely weakened immune systems. The best way to keep the virus contained, he notes, is to make sure everyone who can get vaccinated does. Thats why its so critical that we get very high immunization levels in our communities. Because for the measles virus to survive, it needs to be transmitted from an infectious person to a susceptible person. And if the infectious person only comes in contact with immune people, that chain of transmission is broken and indirectly protects people who cant be vaccinated because they have legitimate medical contradictionstheyre all protected if theyre not exposed, Orenstein said. Children are recommended to get their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months of age, and their second shot between 4 and 6 years of age, though children at risk of exposure during an outbreak or international travel may receive them earlier and/or an extra dose. Measles is no jokeits highly contagious and can be dangerous especially for kids and people who cant get vaccinated. If youre at risk, or uncertain about your status, you may want to talk to your doctor sooner rather than later.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Ed Cara Published April 2, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 26, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 14, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 13, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 12, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 11, 2025
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  • Can a LEGO Star Wars Kit Make the Kessel Run in 12 Parsecs? Find Out for Just $70
    gizmodo.com
    Youll have to forgive Luke Skywalker for calling the Millennium Falcon a pile of junk, because he clearly did not see the LEGO Star Wars version thats on sale for just $70 right now at Amazon. This amazingly detailed 921-piece model of the most famous spaceship in sci-fi history (Sorry, USS Enterprise) celebrates the 25th anniversary of the long and extremely fruitful collaboration between LEGO and the Star Wars franchise.LEGO Star Wars has turned out hundreds of awesomely fun playable kits for kids, but the 25th anniversary Millennium Falcon is an adults-only endeavor. Its incredibly intricate, with the emphasis more on detail and aesthetics than playability no mini figures or shooting pieces here. It comes with a display stand, nameplate, and a commemorative LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary brick to complete the tableau.See at AmazonFun and NostalgicIts almost impossible to believe that Star Wars is approaching its 50th anniversary in just 2 short years, but its longevity asthe iconic sci-fi franchise means there are millions upon millions of adult Star Wars fans out there, many of whom also cherish the memory of building LEGO Star Wars kits when they were kids. Thats clearly who this Millennium Falcon kit is aimed at. As part of the mid-scale LEGO Star Wars Starship Collection, its a fun and detailed kit to build now and very likely will become a sought-after collectors item in the future.The 921 LEGO bricks that come together to create the Millennium Falcon are amazingly detailed, from the cannons used to blow away Imperial TIE Fighters to the blue glow of the lightspeed engines in the rear. (When they work, of course Luke may have had a point about the Falcons mechanical integrity.)Use the ForceTheres more than a little fun escapism involved when you unpack the LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon and set yourself up for a long and rewarding building experience. Its an excellent stress-buster, and working with a LEGO kit brings back great childhood memories. LEGO may be one of the only brands thats even more universal than Star Wars, and their collaboration is still going strong after 25 years.Theres definitely a place of honor on your bookshelf or mantel for the Millennium Falcon as rendered in LEGO form, and Amazons sale cutting 18% from the price of this beautiful 921-piece LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon 25th Anniversary kit with display stand is your opportunity to fill it.See at Amazon
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  • Amazon Offers the Seagate 5TB Portable Hard Drive at a Black Friday Price Now
    gizmodo.com
    Storage is a hot commodity. No one knows this better than the professionals working with large files on a regular basis. Be it you are a photographer, videographer, or even a gamer, you may be interested in this new offering at Amazon. Right now, the Seagate One Touch portable SSD has been marked down by 18%. This brings this 5TB SSD down from $140 to just $115.The Seagate HDD is designed for portability. For all the videographers, photographers, or any professional on the go, youll have access to a full 5TB of data right in your pocketwithout sacrificing speed. Its compact and lightweight so you can take it with your wherever you need. Its only about the size of your wallet at about 2.5 inches. The HDD has a lovely aesthetic, featuring a minimalist brushed metal enclosure to keep the disc protected from the elements while looking stylish.See at AmazonThis portable HDD uses a USB 3.0 interface so you can transfer files to and from Window, Mac, and Chromebooks right out of the box without needing to reformat the drive. For use with USB-C computers, an adapter will be necessary.Backup Your Data and Stay ProtectedThe backup software utilizes folder mirroring and can be enabled for on-demand backups to happen automatically on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basisits up to you! This will help prevent you from losing your data if you ever run into an issue with your Mac or PC , corrupting your files. Youll always have the backup handy in case of an emergency. Mirroring software will allow you to seamlessly access files across multiple devices. The drive also comes with a Dropbox backup plan. Enjoy a six month free trial to keeping copies of your files in the cloud. Youll also get a six month free trial to Mylio Photos to help organize, declutter, and enhance your pictures.Seagate puts your security at the forefront, offering an advanced password option with hardware encryption to ensure your files and photos are protected from those you do not wish to give access.Keep up to 5TB of photos, videos, documents, and more safely secure with the help of this password-activated portable external hard drive from Seagate. The Seagate One Touch HDD is normally priced at $140. However, as part of an ongoing Amazon deal, the price has been reduced by 18%. That brings the total down to just $115making for a savings of $25.See at Amazon
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  • T-Mobile Bug Reveals Names, Images, and Locations of Random Children
    gizmodo.com
    T-Mobile sells a little-known GPS service called SyncUP, which allows users who are parents to monitor the locations of their children. This week, an apparent glitch in the services system obscured the locations of users own children while sending them detailed information and the locations of other, random children. 404 Media first reported on the extremely creepy bug, which appears to have impacted a large number of users. The outlet notes an outpouring of consternation and concern from web users on social platforms like Reddit and X, many of which claimed to have been impacted. 404 also interviewed one specific user, Jenna, who explained her ordeal with the bug: Jenna, a parent who uses SyncUP to keep track of her three-year-old and six-year-old children, logged in Tuesday and instead of seeing if her kids had left school yet, was shown the exact, real-time locations of eight random children around the country, but not the locations of her own kids. 404 Media agreed to use a pseudonym for Jenna to protect the privacy of her kids. Im not comfortable giving my six-year-old a phone, but he takes a school bus and I just want to be able to see where he is in real time, Jenna said. I had put a 500 meter boundary around his school, so I get an alert when hes leaving. Jenna sent 404 Media a series of screenshots that show her logged into the app, as well as the locations of children located in other states. In the screenshots, the address-level location of the children are available, as is their name and the last time the location was updated. Even more alarmingly, the woman interviewed by 404 claims that the company didnt show much concern for the bug. Jenna says she called the company and was referred to an employee who told her that a ticket had been filed in the system on the issues behalf. A follow-up email from the concerned mother produced no response, she said. As a mother, this is super alarming to me, and I raised flags right away [with T-Mobile] and nobody took me seriously there, Jenna told the outlet. I was probably shown more than eight children. I would log in and I couldnt see my children but I could see a kid in California. I refreshed and then I had no trackers, and then I refreshed again and would see a different child. When reached for comment by Gizmodo, a T-Mobile spokesperson told us: Yesterday we fully resolved a temporary system issue with our SyncUP products that resulted from a planned technology update. We are in the process of understanding potential impacts to a small number of customers and will reach out to any as needed. We apologize for any inconvenience.The privacy implications of such a glitch are obvious and not really worth extrapolating on. That said, its also a good reminder that the more digital access you give a company, the more potential there is for that access to fall into the wrong hands.
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  • No, This Garmin GPS Running Watch for $149 Is Not a Belated April Fools Joke
    gizmodo.com
    We most definitely had to check our calendar when we saw this Amazon deal offering the Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS running watch for just $149. We know Garmin is one of the leading brands for GPS running and fitness watches, if not the leading brand. We also knew that the Garmin Forerunner 55 had never been priced this low before. But, sure enough, this isnt an April Fools prank. Amazon is selling the Garmin Forerunner 55 for just $149, a savings of $50 off its usual price and an all-time lowest Amazon price.Of the dozens upon dozens of smartwatches and sports-oriented wearables sold by Garmin, the Forerunner 55 sits in the most comfortable place of all for many running enthusiasts it is by far the simplest Garmin smartwatch to use, stripped down to the essentials that you need for tracking your times, your pace, your heart rate, and more. There is beauty in simplicity, and the Garmin Forerunner 55 is the proof.See at AmazonOutlasts Your Longest RunEven if youre a marathoner, youll exhaust yourself well before the battery of the Garmin Forerunner 55 runs out. It has up to 2 weeks of life while in smartwatch mode, and up to 20 hours even when the GPS is deployed. That GPS accessibility, which has long been a hallmark of Garmins smartwatches, is what allows the Forerunner 55 to give you exceptionally accurate measurements of your time, distance, pace, and speed whether youre racing, training, or just walking the dog.The Forerunner 55 takes that data and gives you smart workout suggestions every day. Garmin technology looks at your performance history and takes into account recovery time, and gives you a recommended run that fits in with your training goals. And when race day comes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is ready with GPS-based pace guidance to keep you from blowing yourself out too early. Using the Garmin Connect app, you can enter the course or distance youre about to tackle and let the Forerunner keep you on pace for optimal performance.All Athletes WelcomeAs good a running watch as the Garmin Forerunner is, its also preloaded with apps to measure and help guide you along in other sports and activities, including Pilates, HIIT, and swimming. And if youre starting to red-line and wear down as you train, the Forerunners recovery time feature will let you know when its time to take a rest day.The features packed into this easy-to-use and exceptionally comfortable smartwatch normally come with a much steeper price tag than the $200 the Garmin Forerunner normally sells for. Amazons 25% off deal that offers this robust fitness and running smartwatch from a leading brand for just $149 makes this one of the best deals weve seen on a wearable for runners and other fitness fans in a long time.See at Amazon
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  • Top-Rated VPN Deal Get Up to 61% Off Before Its Gone!
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    Unblock the world of content and stay private with this outstanding ExpressVPN deal. While this VPN has never been affordable, the new, fresh-out-of-the-oven deal promises many great things youll surely enjoy.ExpressVPN has slashed the price of its 2-year plan by 61%, resulting in a monthly cost of a meager $4.99/mo. Pair this with 4 extra months for free, and you get one of the least expensive premium VPNs in 2025.Get Started With ExpressVPNHow ExpressVPN Enhances Your Online ExperienceUsing a secure VPN yields many benefits. Primarily, youll enjoy rock-solid 256-bit encryption, which will keep snoopers and spies away. ExpressVPN uses a state-of-the-art kill switch to keep data leaks miles away.On top of that, it relies on RAM-only servers, whose data is wiped clean with each restart. To spice up the deal, ExpressVPN includes a certified no-logging policy with multiple third-party audits. Talk about impeccable privacy!ExpressVPN is far more than that, however.It offers 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, which makes the VPN ideal for torrenting, streaming, unblocking websites, and ad-free browsing. Yes, the VPN blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, allowing for pure online bliss. Again, thats not all!The VPN also includes a built-in password manager, a modern Lightway Turbo protocol, and various ID Theft protection features. Its a multi-purpose security/privacy juggernaut used by millions around the globe.Best of all, ExpressVPN is beginner-friendly. Its easy-to-use apps work on all devices, plus, each subscriber gets 8 simultaneous connections.Flash Sale Get Your Discount Here (+ 4 Months Free)Now, lets get back to ExpressVPNs irresistible offer.The 24-month plan with 4 free months is the star of the show. At $4.99/mo or only $139.72 for 28 months, youre getting everything you need for your online privacy.We havent mentioned it, but each subscriber can buy a dedicated IP on top. Additionally, ExpressVPN comes with a free 5 GB eSIM for seamless connectivity worldwide. ExpressVPNRest assured, ExpressVPN is risk-free to test due to a 30-day money-back guarantee. If youre unsatisfied or simply dont need it anymore, ask the support team for a refund, and theyll issue it the same day.To save 61% on ExpressVPN and get 4 free months, all you have to do is use the buttons in this article. Once on the site, select the deal in the middle, subscribe, and youre ready to soar.ExpressVPN also has a 12-month plan with 3 free months at 48% off. Its ideal for a shorter ride but with less value for money because its $6.67/mo. The 2-year deal, as said, remains the king grab it while its fresh.Visit ExpressVPN Website
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  • The First Footage From Wicked: For Good Just ScreenedHeres What Happened
    gizmodo.com
    By Germain Lussier Published April 2, 2025 | Comments (0) | Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba in the first Wicked. Universal Pictures The past two years, Universal chose CinemaCon to debut the first footage from its adaptation of Wicked and now, with the second and final film on the way, it had to happen again. Director Jon M. Chu, producer Marc Platt, and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were all on hand to debut the first footage from the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good, and while its not yet online, heres what happened. Glass breaks on what appears to be a brand new apartment. Glinda is living in in the Emerald City. She goes out to her massive balcony and says, Elphaba Thropp, I know youre out here, come in before the monkeys see you. The camera circles her twice and then, boom, Elphaba is there. Elphaba has set up a home for herself somewhere in the woods. There, she looks at some of the propaganda that has been spreading about her. Monkeys fly through Oz. Glinda gets a massive crown placed upon her head. Madame Morrible says that the witch will be caught soon, now that Prince Fiyero and his squad are hot on her trail. So, we see Fiyero riding a horse through the woods, in uniform, with many soldiers behind him. The words Our Wizard Lies are written in the sky. People are on the streets of the Emerald City with torches. Glinda returns to the tower from the end of the first film and walks up the stairs. Glinda and Elphaba are sitting together on a swing discussing all the good they can do together. A shot of Glinda in a huge church-like place, wearing a long, pink, flowing gown, is followed by a shot of Fiyero standing on an altar. Are they getting married?A scene shows what appears to be Glinda and Elphaba back in the Wizards big room, with massive flashing colored lights all around, and it looks like they are all dancing together. Someone handles a few yellow bricks. The Wizard has what is clearly Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow in his palace and tells them to Bring me the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West. A follow-up to the dancing scene sees Fiyero pointing a gun at Elphaba with the Wizard there, only for him to shift it over to him. Hes still on her side.Elphaba is talking to Glinda and says, Youre the only friend I ever had. And Ive had so many friends, Glinda jokes back, and the two hug and cry. As the footage ends, Elphaba is standing in place. She puts up her right arm and draws her hat in. She puts up her left arm and draws her broom in. Then she says, Im off the see the Wizard, followed by scenes of her flying through Oz, being chased by the monkeys. I knowmuch of that doesnt make sense, but it was a trailer filled with lots of very cool and intriguing moments. It certainly felt like a trailer audiences are sure to see later this summer, but well have to wait and see. Wicked: For Good comes to theaters on November 21. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Sabina Graves Published March 20, 2025 By James Whitbrook Published March 3, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 26, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 25, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 12, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 5, 2025
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  • A How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Sequel Is Already on the Way
    gizmodo.com
    The first live-action How to Train Your Dragon arrives June 13, and now we know its story will continue.
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  • The Five Nights at Freddys 2 Trailer Promises More Animatronic Mayhem
    gizmodo.com
    The sequel based on the hit horror game series and starring Josh Hutcherson lights up only in theaters this December.
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  • New Line Cinemas Planning More Horror Sequels, but Hasnt Given Up on Originals
    gizmodo.com
    As horror fans look forward to Final Destination: Bloodlines, New Line Cinema president and CCO Richard Brener discussed the history and future of the alternative filmmaking arm of Warner Bros. with the Hollywood Reporter. Especially in the 90s and 2000s, the company spun out into not only franchise makers but arthouse staples built on storytelling that have resonated over time. You could say that it was the blueprint for A24 or Neon with properties that originated with horror, cult, and auteur fare including Nightmare on Elm Street, The Mask, Austin Powers, Mortal Kombat, Seven, Lord of the Rings, Elf, The Conjuring, and so many more. Now in its current era New Lines focus is squarely on horror, but to Brener thats due to the climate of cinematic demand in the genre most easy to make. Its not been a huge change in the sense that weve kind of been making the same kinds of movies, whether its horror, comedy, female-driven films, he told THR. The budgets havent changed, the expectations dont change and the pressure doesnt change. Theres an ebb and flow in the sense that we probably are making less comedies today and more horror movies, because horror movies have been working more and there are people who are nervous about comedies, I think unjustifiably. Even so, the pressure to find a balance between doling out more franchise foddersomething audiences claim to be tired of, but yet still show up forand original fare, which can have trouble filling theater seats, is something New Line is trying to navigate. Take Companion, for instance: the film was received well by audiences and critics alike but didnt do so well during its box office run. To that end Brener shared, I think its very rare to find a movie that scores as well with the audience and critics. There may be some things in the concept that were hard to get through in short form in marketing, but were super proud of the movie and would love to work with [writer-director] Drew [Hancock] again. Hes an amazing talent. The movie will be profitable for us.And its often the case that a solid horror film does tend to find its audience over time. Thats something that New Line is familiar with thanks to past films that went from cult faves to horror or genre mainstays like Dark City, Spawn, or Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. New Lines current horror master in residence is James Wan, who is closing out his era of Conjuring movies by producing the ninth film in the universe, The Conjuring: Last Rites.The film from Michael Chaves, which will see Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, is set to be a wrap up of sorts. And it sounds like the studios hoping for a blockbuster farewell, as Brener teases early versions of the film are already testing through the roof.He also classified Last Rites as the last of what we call phase one, and noted we are hopeful that we can make more. It will be interesting to see if that means the second phase will reboot the universe or be anchored by new leads outside of the Warrens. Brener continued to describe the focus on franchise titans of terror. Were also making our second Evil Dead movie with plans for a third as well. But theres also new fresh ones that you havent heard of that we believe, in success, well have multiple installments, he said, adding that while fans want more Nightmare on Elm Street, perhaps the film that laid the companys solid foundation, its a bit trickier to pin down: We hope so. Its complicated because of the rights. Head to THR to read the full interview with Brener. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • Doctor Whos Eurovision Episode May Not Make It to UK TV Because of Eurovision
    gizmodo.com
    The sixth episode of this upcoming season of Doctor Who may be thwarted by the BBCs other behemoth of primetime television: Eurovision. And, because time does sometimes get quite wimey in the real life, its when the series is airing its own Eurovision send-upan episode aptly titled The Interstellar Song Contest, guest-starring real-life Eurovision host Ryan Clark. The BBC Ones scheduled set of release dates for new Doctor Who episodes could see an interruption not just because of Eurovision, but because of another major TV event in the form of the FA Cup Final. Doctor Who is supposed to air between the two, but the schedule only works if the soccer game ends when its supposed to, which as sports fans know is hardly a given. According to RadioTimes.com, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies is taking things in stride. The most exciting week of all is the Eurovision week, because that afternoon is the FA Cup Final live on BBC One, he said. At 8 oclock at night is Eurovision live across Europe. Were in the middle. If the football has lots of goals and things, going into extra time and penalties, we get crushed in the middle. So yes, the Doctor is between quite a rock and a hard place there. Its like we cannot movethe football cant move, Eurovision cant move. So we genuinely dont know if well be transmitted that day. Either way, itll be on the iPlayer, Davies continued, but fans will have to keep an eye on the game to see whether or not BBC One will be able to run the episode. They said to us, Do you want to move it? and I said, Thats the most exciting thing Ive ever heard. Lets find out if were transmitting. Lets feel alive. So that Saturday is going to be fun.American Doctor Who fans, who watch the series along with the non-UK rest of the world on Disney+, need not worry about any conflicts, of course. Doctor Who returns to Disney+ around the world, and the BBC in the UK, April 12. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • Dems Celebrate Elons Humiliation After MAGA Loss in Wisconsin
    gizmodo.com
    By Matt Novak Published April 2, 2025 | Comments (0) | Elon Musk tosses a signed cheesehead hat into the audience during an America PAC town hall ahead of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, US, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Jamie Kelter Davis/Bloomberg via Getty Images Elon Musk spent $20 million in Wisconsin trying to elect a MAGA judge to the state Supreme Court, just to lose by 10 points on Tuesday. And there are already reports that Musks time in the White House may be limited due to President Donald Trumps patience wearing thin. But if you ask leaders of the Democratic Party, who see the billionaire oligarch as electoral poison, they want Musk to keep campaigning for Republicans. The Democratic National Committee held a press call Wednesday to celebrate the partys victory in Wisconsin, encouraging Musk to keep being the public face of the Republican Party. We should be putting Elon Musk into every state right now campaigning because hes actually a huge boon to Democrats right now, said DNC chair Ken Martin. And frankly, the American people are quite frustrated with this guy and what hes been doing since Donald Trump was inaugurated. So the more Elon Musk wants to get out there, I say go for it, Elon. Theres plenty of other states wed love you to campaign in. The chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Ben Wikler echoed that sentiment, pointing out the destruction Musk has wrought as the head of DOGE, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which has unilaterally dismantled federal agencies like USAID and fired tens of thousands of federal workers. Elon Musks spending comes with it the taint of an administration that is attacking Social Security, that is dismantling unions, that is ravaging the Veterans Administration, that is doing things that have always been known to be political suicide, Wikler said. And for Elon Musk to then tie himself to Republican candidates is the political kiss of death.But Wikler also seemed to revel in the fact that Musk was still in the White House, perhaps betraying the Democratic Partys tendency to focus too heavily on optics and elections rather than the substance of what Musk is destroying in between elections. I hope that he stays at the White House with Donald Trump, Wikler said of Musk, that they appear together in the Oval Office, that he dominates cabinet meetings, and that he poses for photos with every member of the Republican House and Senate.The posing part makes sense. The Tesla CEO appears to be toxic to regular voters if the vote tally in Wisconsin on Tuesday is any guideto say nothing of the protests and vandalism at Tesla dealerships around the world. But Wiklers message that Musk should continue to be involved in day-to-day decisions by the Trump regime clearly runs counter to what Democrats should want. And Wikler may have realized his verbal slip-up, later saying during the press call that he wanted Musk to get stripped of any real power. Elon Musk should become Donald Trumps special envoy for midterm elections and go out and speak on the campaign trail in every possible state in every possible district, Wikler said. At the same time, Elon Musk should be removed as quickly as possible from any position of power over the federal government. The damage that hes doing to irreparable institutions that have served families across the state of Wisconsin and across the country, its a horror. Elon Musk is gutting the Social Security Administration, gutting the Veterans Administration. Democrats have finally started to push back against Musk in various ways, though some tactics may prove to be more effective than others. Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter Wednesday to FBI director Kash Patel asking for an investigation into Musks ties to China. Its an important ask, given Musks interest in interfering with global politics from Germany to the UK.But Democrats clearly need to remember that this isnt just about winning or losing elections. The part that really matters is what happens in between those elections. And while Musk might be hurting Republicans at the ballot box right now, he can still do tremendous damage between now and the next election.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Matt Novak Published April 2, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published April 2, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 1, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 1, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published April 1, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 1, 2025
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  • Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi Router (3-Pack) Slashed to $100, Cheaper Per Unit Than a Single Pack
    gizmodo.com
    Reliable WiFi has become as essential as electricity or running water. Frustrating dead zones, buffering streams, and dropped video calls can transform your smart home into a source of constant aggravation. The Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi Router offers a simple yet powerful solution to these common connectivity problems, utilizing advanced mesh technology to deliver consistent coverage throughout your living space without the technical complexity of traditional networking equipment.For a limited time, the Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi Router (3-pack) is available for just $100, down from its regular price of $170. This substantial $70 discount represents an impressive 41% savings on a device that can fundamentally transform your home network experience. At this remarkably low price point, upgrading your WiFi infrastructure has never been more affordable.See at AmazonLevel up your home internet for lessAs a standalone unit, this compact router provides reliable coverage for spaces up to 1,500 square feet, making it ideal for apartments, condos, or smaller homes. Its sleek, unobtrusive design blends seamlessly into any decor while delivering the performance you need for everyday connected activities.The Eero system shines with its Alexa integration capabilities. When paired with any Alexa-enabled device, you can easily manage WiFi access across your network using simple voice commands. This feature proves invaluable for parents wanting to limit screen time or temporarily pause internet access for specific devices without complex configuration.One of Eeros greatest strengths is its modular expandability. As your needs grow or change, you can easily add additional Eero units to extend coverage without replacing your existing equipment. This forward-thinking approach ensures your initial investment remains valuable even as your home network requirements evolve.Setting up the Eero couldnt be simplerthe intuitive mobile app guides you through the entire process in minutes, not hours. This same app provides ongoing network management tools accessible from anywhere, allowing you to monitor usage, create guest networks, or troubleshoot issues even when youre away from home.The router utilizes Eeros patented TrueMesh technology to intelligently route traffic throughout your home, automatically adapting to avoid congestion and reduce those frustrating connectivity dead spots. This dynamic approach ensures reliable performance even as devices move throughout your space.Security remains a priority with automatic updates that help protect your network against emerging threats. Additional security features and advanced network management tools are available through an optional subscription service for those seeking enhanced protection.At just $100, this Eero router (3-pack) represents an exceptional opportunity to upgrade your home network with technology thats both powerful and user-friendly. Whether addressing current WiFi challenges or preparing for an increasingly connected future, this 41% discount makes the Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi Router one of the most compelling networking deals available today.See at Amazon
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  • This Experimental Pill Could Become the First-Ever Drug for Cocaine Addiction
    gizmodo.com
    By Ed Cara Published April 2, 2025 | Comments (2) | Over 10 million Americans misused stimulants like cocaine in 2022. photopixel via Shutterstock Theres new hope for people struggling with an addiction to cocaine. In clinical trial results released today, an experimental drug developed by Novartis was found to reduce cocaine use in people with cocaine use disorder. Scientists at Novartis led the research, a Phase II trial of 68 people with diagnosed cocaine use disorder. Compared to those on a placebo, people taking the experimental treatmentcalled mavoglurantused cocaine and also drank alcohol less often over the following three months. The findings require further validation, but mavoglurant could eventually become the first approved drug intended to treat cocaine use disorder. Cocaine and similar drugs like methamphetamine or prescription stimulants are frequently abused. In the U.S., its estimated that 10.2 million Americans over the age of 12 misused stimulants in 2022, while about 4.5 million people met the criteria for a stimulant use disorder (continued long-term use even when its actively harming a persons health and relationships). Stimulant misuse also appears to be rising, and these drugs are contributing to growing overdose deaths as well, particularly when combined with other drugs like opioids. Currently, the only widely recommended treatments available for helping people with stimulant misuse are psychosocial, such as counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy. There are no approved medications for reducing peoples urges to use cocaine, and off-label options like disulfiram have shown limited effectiveness overall. So theres an urgent need to fill this treatment gapone that could possibly be filled with mavoglurant. Mavoglurant was originally developed to treat the genetic condition Fragile X, though it ultimately failed to do so in large clinical trials. The drug is known to block a receptor called mGluR5, which some studies have suggested plays a role in regulating our reward response to stimulants. Novartis researchers hoped that mavoglurant could be retrofitted into a treatment for stimulant use disorder.In this latest trial, the researchers randomized people with cocaine use disorder to either receive a placebo or mavoglurant (taken as a pill) twice a day for 98 days. Cocaine use was measured through self-reported use as well as urine and hair tests that looked for known byproducts of the drug in the body. Overall, the researchers found that mavoglurant significantly reduced cocaine use compared to placebo, which was supported by urine tests. They also found evidence, though not as clear, that it reduced peoples alcohol use as well. The drug seemed to be generally safe and tolerated, with common adverse events including headache, dizziness, and nausea.In this small and short trial, mavoglurant reduced cocaine and alcohol use in patients with chronic cocaine use disorder, the researchers wrote in their paper, published in Science Translational Medicine. As the authors note, this is only one small trial. So larger, more diverse, and longer-lasting trials will be needed to confirm the findings. Given the current lack of options, however, this research could be an important step forward for the treatment of stimulant use disorder. The potential effects it may have on peoples alcohol use also suggest that mGluR5 might also play a larger role in regulating how we respond to alcohol, which could open a new avenue of research.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Ed Cara Published March 31, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 19, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 17, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 16, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 2, 2025 By Ed Cara Published February 19, 2025
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  • Screamboats Director Breaks Down the Ins and Outs of Public Domain Horror
    gizmodo.com
    Winnie the Pooh. Popeye. Steamboat Willie. These days, it seems the instant a recognizable character becomes public domain, someone immediately turns them into a horror movie. Why is that, and what is it like behind the scenes? To get those answers, io9 spoke with Steven LaMorte. Hes the co-writer and director of Screamboat, a Steamboat Willie slasher film thats in theaters April 2. As we covered in the first half of our interview, its a film that might be a love letter to Disney, but that doesnt come without some guardrails. In order to avoid being sued, films like Screamboat have to adhere to some simple but important guidelines, which makes for a very interesting exercise in storytelling. As this is LaMortes second public domain horror filmhe did a Grinch-themed film called The Mean One in 2022we spoke to him about all that and more. You can see the line between legal and Disney lawyers being very mad in full effect when you watch Screamboat April 2. Check out the interview below. Steven LaMonte editing Screamboat in an exclusive image Sklae Lorand This interview was edited for length and clarity. Germain Lussier, io9: So having made a movie about the Grinch, you were kind of familiar with public domain films. When did you hear that Steamboat Willie was coming up, and how did it come about that you got involved with it? Steven LaMorte: So after the sort of viral sensation that was The Mean One, we knew we had to do a follow-up. I dont know what it was going to be, but we knew we were going to do something. And I was really struggling to figure out what that project was going to be. My wife said, Well, dont worry about characters or IP or any of that stuff. Whats a story youve always wanted to tell? And I said, Well, Ive always wanted to make either a slasher or a murder mystery or some kind of big adventure story thats a little scary on the Staten Island Ferry. So I said, Lets dust that concept off and see if theres something there.Im from New York City. Ive ridden the Staten Island Ferry thousands of times, going back and forth at all hours of the night, commuting to college where I went to film school. And so I did a little research and I said, Well, which characters are coming into the public domain that might fit with that? And then it became clear that Steamboat Willie was next up. So theres no way theyre going to let him go into the public domain. But lets take this idea, well sit it on the shelf, let it marinate and see what happens. And then as we got closer, it became more and more clear that the killer really could be Steamboat Willie. And doing my ferry history research, the Staten Island Ferry was once powered by steam. Its like a perfect mix. And you set it with the backdrop of the greatest city in the world, New York City. Like what could be better? io9: Yes, exactly. Thats great. So you have this idea, it comes together, but with something like a Disney IP such as Steamboat Willie, clearly youre not the only one who sees that and notices it. And we know theres at least one other movie like this. At that point, does it become a race? Do you follow those other movies and does it matter if you are first? Im curious if thats a consideration when youre looking for financing and all that kind of stuff.Screamboat director Steven LaMorte on set with his mouse Sklae Lorand LaMorte: I dont know if its a race per se. I think its a race if youre trying to grab clicks or headlines or just grab attention, for sure. I mean, our goal when we set out to make this movie was to make something fun and entertaining. Something that really honored the character and did it justice. Because we didnt want to do a Steamboat Willie-inspired film that loosely follows the design. We wanted to do something that was a creature feature where he was mischievous, where he was small, and so we knew that was going to take time to really do and to execute correctly. Not only from the standpoint of we wanted to wait until he was fully in the public domain before we started shooting, but also knowing that the effects take time, shooting the gore gags the way that we do takes time. I mean, if youve ever seen a Terrifier movie, theyll spend a whole week on a kill just to get it right. And knowing that it was important to us that we didnt just execute, but executed it at a level that did the IP justice, that would really be a fun theatrical experience, meant it was going to take a little bit of time. So it wasnt critical to us that it came out first. What mattered was that we did it right and that we were really proud of the film we made. io9: So what is the line? Is there anything you cant do legally? And how closely, and at what steps, are the lawyers involved with the process? Also is there something you tried to do but maybe couldnt?LaMorte: Well, I mean, I dont want to go into anything that we couldnt do. Because some of it will surprise you. And if we spend more money on legal, maybe we can do it in the future. So I wont go into that. But, there are definitely certain guidelines we were given up front as far as What is the difference between Steamboat Willie and Mickey Mouse? What will be in the public domain by the time the movie comes out versus what went into the public domain in 2024? Thats relevant. And then really just looking at it and making sure that were following the letter of the law. That were not violating the trademark or trying to create confusion in the marketplace. We dont want kids to see the movie. We dont want people to think this is Mickey Mouse. We dont want people to think this is officially sanctioned by any big corporation. So a lot of it is just staying hyper-focused on what is cleared and then staying away from the rest. Anything else that sort of tows the line is more: Is it a loving homage? Did we change it slightly? Is it parody? And thats where a woman named Cindy in a blue dress, no one can own that, right?io9: [Laughs] Right. Allie Seibold, Stephanie Bates, Kailey Hyman, Savannah Whitten, and Poonam Basu in Screamboat Sklae Lorand LaMorte: Its a lot of things like that. And it actually became really easy to follow once we dialed in the idea that Disney as a concept does not exist in the world of the movie. So at that point, it allows you to introduce homages because no one has ever heard of this character or this movie or this reference. And then, if youre on the inside and youre watching something, out of context, the reference might not make sense. But in the context of this world, were like, Ah, yes, Disney does not exist. Therefore, everything is fair game. io9: Oh, cool. So, you have legal looking at this at every step just to make sure, but there were strong guidelines that were the foundation. LaMorte: Thats right. Yes. And it was important, especially after The Mean One, a lot of people said The Mean One couldnt be done. Id been pitching that movie for 10 years. And when the time came to do this one, it was the same thing where industry professionals and plenty of qualified individuals are like, Dont do that. You should not do that. But I didnt get anywhere in life by playing it safe, right? So, we said, What would it take to figure out exactly how this is going to work and how we can do it right and do it justice? And were willing to put that work in. And ultimately, it forced us to stick to the source material, which went with our goal of honoring the character anyway. So the guidelines didnt end up being a limitation as much as a reminder to stick to the script. io9: Gotcha. Now, this might be an obvious one, but Im still curious what your perspective is. When a character like this comes into the public domain, why is the instinct immediately to do a gory slasher horror movie? Is it just because it is so 180 degrees from what we know? Tell me a little bit about like why you think that is what were seeing so much of it today.The poster for Screamboat Sleight of Hand LaMorte: Well, I think there are a lot of reasons why independent producers gravitate towards these reimaginings of these characters. You could say, from a business standpoint, theres always money to be made in horror, right? And if youre an independent film, you could make two guys in the woods get attacked by a snake monster, or you could do two guys in the woods get attacked by something people have heard of. Thats brand recognition, right? Many people say they want original stories but when they know a character, it creates a curiosity factor. It helps the independent film stand out because we dont have the marketing budget to teach you who Mike Jones, the adventurer, is. But if its Indiana Jones, chances are someones heard of that person, and maybe it helps sell your movie. But from my standpoint, where Im coming from, Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse, the Mean One, characters like that, we have this nostalgia for. We have this connection. This early love. But theres not a lot of Steamboat Willie content out there thats geared towards an older audience. And Im not watching cartoons anymore I think there really is this thing that I love now, which is horror movies and scary, thrilling, surprising, maybe sometimes a little shocking, maybe a little risqu, where now I can take this new way of connecting with a character that I love and a genre that I love, and you put them together and now, Oh, Im a Steamboat Willie fan again. The nostalgia has reawakened in me. And I dont think there are any adults that see Mickey Mouse or Steamboat Willie at a theme park who dont want to give him a hug. And I have to tell you, the first time David Howard Thornton came out in the suithes got claws, hes got teeth, hes covered in blood, hes like six foot four with the hat and giant ears. And hes like, All right, what do you want me to do first? Im like, Youre gonna give me a hug, you big furry goofball, like I just want to squeeze you! Hes just so cute. The teeth and the claws, his eyes are black. And I mean, Davids super nice. But when he walked through the door, the sun was shining in behind him, youre like, Oh my god, that is a six-foot-five rat monster. And hes just fluffy and furry and hes executed so beautifully that the crew started lining up. Im like, Guys, Im gonna have to start charging for these pictures. We have to shoot the movie like were burning through time. So I think the inclination towards horror, theres certainly a financial side to it. But I also think, we love horror, we love these characters, and the nostalgia hits differently. Horror is such a fun way to reconnect with something you loved.Reconnect with Steamboat Willie, if you dare, when Screamboat hits theaters April 2. Learn more here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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  • Missed the Spring Sale? Amazon Still Has the Bluetti AC70 Power Station at Nearly 50% Off
    gizmodo.com
    In a world where staying connected is non-negotiable, the Bluetti AC70 stands out as a portable powerhouse that keeps your essential devices running wherever life takes you. This isnt just another battery pack its a 768Wh mobile power station that can handle everything from charging your laptop to powering small appliances, making it perfect for camping trips, power outages, or creating a mobile workspace.Amazon has dropped the price of the Bluetti AC70 to $329, down from its original $599. This massive 45% discount saves you $270 on one of the most versatile portable power stations available.See at AmazonSay goodbye to blackouts foreverThe AC70s 1000W inverter (with 2000W surge capacity) provides enough juice to power most household devices, while its rapid charging capabilities set it apart from competitors. Using standard AC power, it goes from empty to 80% in just 45 minutes, with a full charge taking only 1.5 hours no bulky adapter required.For the environmentally conscious, the AC70 supports up to 500W of solar input, allowing for a complete charge in as little as 2 hours of good sunlight. This makes it an ideal companion for off-grid adventures or as part of a home emergency preparedness kit.Smart features arent forgotten the Bluetti app provides remote monitoring and control of your power station from your phone. Check battery levels, adjust charging modes, and even update firmware without touching the unit.The package includes everything needed to start powering your devices immediately: the AC70 unit, AC charging cable, car charging cable, and solar charging cable. The compact design makes it easy to transport, while the robust build quality ensures it can handle the rigors of outdoor use.At $329 (45% off), this power station offers exceptional value for anyone needing reliable portable power. Whether youre an outdoor enthusiast, remote worker, or simply want peace of mind during power outages, the Bluetti AC70s combination of capacity, charging speed, and versatility makes it a compelling choice at this significantly reduced price point.See at Amazon
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  • Trump Might Actually Dump Elon After Embarrassing Defeat in Wisconsin
    gizmodo.com
    By Matt Novak Published April 2, 2025 | Comments (0) | Elon Musk carrying an Air Force One stuffed toy while leaving presidential helicopter Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on February 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images President Donald Trump may finally be getting rid of Elon Musk soon, according to a new report from Politico. And while this isnt the first time rumors like this have surfaced from the depths of the White House, theres more reason to believe the hype this time. Why? The conservative judge that Musk spent $20 million trying to get elected in Wisconsin got absolutely shellacked in his election on Tuesday. The report from Politico says Trump has been telling his inner circle, including members of the cabinet that Musk will be stepping back in the coming weeks. The billionaire oligarch is not officially part of the cabinet, though hes been taking a dominant role in cabinet meetings. Ever since Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20 (the same day as Musks infamous salutes), the Tesla CEO has been destroying the federal government with DOGE, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which has been illegally accessing private information and unilaterally cancelling government contracts it has no right to cancel. The Politico report suggests Trump is happy with the destruction that Musk has been able to accomplish, but hes not too thrilled with everything else that comes with an extremely wealthy man consolidating power in the richest country on the planet. Trump, as we all know, wants to always be the most powerful guy in the room. Trump insiders are frustrated with Musks unpredictability, according to Politico, which seems like a polite way of saying that hes lost his marbles. The billionaire acts erratically in public and lashes out at perceived enemies while spreading conspiracy theories about the forces working against him. As just one ironic example, Musk held an event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Sunday where he was giving out $1 million checks in an effort to buy votes for the election on Tuesday. When some protesters started shouting, Musk told them to say hi to George, a reference to George Soros, who he accuses of buying elections. And its that defeat in Tuesdays election that may spell the end of Musks time in government. Or, at the very least, a more diminished role. Musk had supported Judge Brad Schimel, who had been running against Judge Susan Crawford. Musk poured millions into the race, but in the end, Crawford won with 55% of the vote, while Schimel managed to get just 45%, according to the Associated Press.Musk is classified as a special government employee, a designation that only allows a private citizen to serve for 130 days without having to go through the normal vetting processes required of cabinet members. If Musk was required to adhere to the same ethics and conflict-of-interest rules as everyone else in government, theres virtually no way he wouldve taken the job. The billionaire has lucrative contracts with the federal government through his companies like SpaceX, and the fact that hes now choosing which contracts should live and die is a blatantly obvious conflict of interestto say nothing of the intelligence value hes likely derived from rooting around in government computers that hold data on competitors. As with all of these reports about Trump and Musks relationship, its important to take them with a grain of salt. Politico quotes an anonymous White House official who said that anyone who thinks Musk will disappear completely is fooling themselves. Weve been hearing since even before the election that perhaps Trump would ditch Musk, but that obviously hasnt happened yet. As Gizmodo has argued before, the two men need each other to accomplish their fascist goals. But the main reason Trump has tolerated Musks presence is that he can deliver votes, not just in the 2024 presidential election, but in smaller ways.Musk, for instance, bought ads in Iowa to pressure Sen. Joni Ernst when it looked like she might not support Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. Ernst came around, thanks to Musk, and even though Vice President JD Vance had to cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, Hegseth was confirmed. If Musk cant deliver votes anymore, even in smaller judicial races like the one in Wisconsin yesterday, hes outlived his usefulness to Trump. Trump may be casting his lustful, oligarchic eyes elsewhere these days, as Mark Zuckerberg was spotted walking into the White House on Wednesday, according to CNN. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images When Musk was asked last week about whether he would step aside after 130 days, the billionaire didnt actually give a definitive answer to the question. I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion within that time frame, Musk told Bret Baier of Fox News. Youll notice that Musks statement isnt actually an admission that hed step aside. And if weve learned anything from the history of oligarchies, its that nobody in that position gives up power willingly. Heres that moment in the Fox News interview. Musk is asked if hes leaving after 130 days, as required by law. Musk replies I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars within that time frame. Youll notice he never commits to leaving. [image or embed] Matt Novak (@paleofuture.bsky.social) March 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM But only time will tell whether Musk is actually kicked to the curb. Even if he left tomorrow, hes already done enormous damage to the country by destroying USAID and firing tens of thousands of people across federal agencies. The average American may not understand it yet, but Musks actions will be felt for generations to come, as the U.S. surrenders its position as a world leader. As soon as the average American does figure it out, it will be way too late to do anything about it. But Musk doesnt have to worry, hes got plenty of contracts around the world to prop up his wealth. Thats the neat thing about being the richest guy in the world. Theres no reason to have an allegiance to just one country, despite what Musk keeps saying about betting on America.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Passant Rabie Published April 2, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published April 2, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 1, 2025 By Passant Rabie Published April 1, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 1, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published April 1, 2025
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  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Goes Half Price With Trade-In Hack, Cheaper Than Apple Watch Ultra
    gizmodo.com
    Samsungs latest deals on their elite-level Galaxy Watch Ultra are the ultimate case of a no-lose scenario. If you have wearables or other devices that youre willing to trade in, you can get up to $325 in instant trade-in credit, which would cut the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra in half. And if you dont have anything youre willing to give up, Samsungs offering $230 in instant savings to bring the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra down to just $420.Either way, you now have two great paths to score Samsungs newest and best smartwatch for hundreds of dollars less than the price of its closest competitor, the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Throw in the special bundling offers of over 40% off a pair of Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the deal suddenly becomes almost irresistable.See at SamsungAdvanced AI On Your WristGalaxy AI is one of the Galaxy Watch Ultras main calling cards, especially how it powers its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. Galaxy AI helps to eliminate heart-rate monitor inaccuracies caused by motion, so your readings are far more accurate. VO2 Max measurements, estimated sweat loss, and performance tracking that lets runners and cyclists see their improvements are all enhanced by the powerful Galaxy AI built into the Ultra.The sleep monitoring skills of the Galaxy Watch Ultra are also greatly enhanced by Galaxy AI. When worn overnight as a sleep tracker, the Ultra can help detect moderate to severe sleep apnea, helping you ward off a potentially dangerous health condition.A superior workout and fitness monitoring smartwatch also needs to be durable and built to withstand more punishment than the average watch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is as physically tough as it is technologically advanced, with a titanium case and 10 atmospheres of water resistance. Enhanced GPS tracking and turn-by-turn navigation earn the Galaxy Watch Ultra kudos as a trail-running, rock-climbing, and long-haul hiking companion.More Endurance Than Youll NeedYou may be an ultra-marathoner or some other form of extreme athlete, but no offense even you wont be able to outlast the battery life of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. In exercise power saving mode the Ultra battery lasts for 48 hours, and in regular power saving mode its good for 100 hours.All the amazing features and physical attributes make the Galaxy Watch Ultra a solid buy even at its full price of $650, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. But when you factor in the $325 in potential trade-in credit or the $230 in instant savings without a trade-in, Samsungs newest and best fitness smartwatch is a cant-miss deal.See at Samsung
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  • How to Preorder the Nintendo Switch 2
    gizmodo.com
    Nintendo Switch 2 is now here, and yes, you can soon buy itor at least as long as the stock holds. The Switch 2 is set to launch June 5 for $450. Preorders are set to start June 9 for the base console and a $500 bundle with the launch title Mario Kart World. Before you scream Shut up and take my money, just be aware you should try to avoid scalpers as much as possible, especially as Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has claimed it should have enough Switch 2s at launch for everyone. We suggest you sign in to your accounts, whether on Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy and have your credit card information already saved to get the fastest checkout. Most shops will be selling Switch 2s on a first-come, first-served basis, and if this is your first rodeo, its best to be prepared to avoid disappointment. Just dont get confused by any listings for Nintendo Switch Version 2, as those are just an updated version of the original Switch. Nintendo / Gizmodo For U.S.-based customers, the Switch 2 should be available to preorder on Nintendos online store. For now, Nintendo has a dedicated page where you can register your interest in a Switch 2. You need to log in with your Nintendo Account, but once you select your preferred console the company issues a notice reading Eligible Nintendo Account holders will receive an email when its time to purchase. These invitations will start hitting customers inboxes on May 8. Youll have just 72 hours to confirm your system and you should get your Switch 2 order close to release day June 5. Nintendo normally lists a store locator on its pages to see which local shops have in-person stock, but we likely wont see that up and running until June. As for outside retailers, GameStop already has its Switch 2 page available for U.S.-based customers, with a space to put in an email to get updates once preorders go live. Best Buy now has a livestream page dedicated to the Switch 2. The site is also hosting a deal for Best Buy Plus or Total members to get a $20 gift card for every $150 spent on Nintendo products. We expect other sites to add their own preorder pages soon, and well update this post to list them once they become available. For others in North America, Walmart Canada already has a page offering preorder information for the Switch 2.If youre looking for the best, fastest deal posters, we suggest you log into Bluesky and find Wario64, or if for some reason youre still on Twitter, find Cheap Ass Gamer. With big tech releases, it often matters how quick on the draw you are to hit the preorder button before somebody else, but we stress that you shouldnt make it your lifes mission to get a Switch 2 on launch day. Theres still time between then and now, and anything can happen. Its always better to wait for hands-on reports and reviews before you take the plunge on big expenses.
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  • This Pocket-Sized Powerhouse Charger Hasnt Been Priced This Low in Years
    gizmodo.com
    The old adage that says good, fast, and cheap you can only have two was clearly written before the INIU Portable Charger hit the market. This super-slim portable charger packs a huge 10,000mAh punch (good), its twice as fast as 2.1A chargers (fast), and right now at Amazon its at its lowest price point in years at just $16 (cheap).If you have never heard of INIU, they come with plenty of bona fides. They have over 38 million global users, and Amazons sold over 10,000 of these portable chargers just in the past month. Over 73,000 Amazon reviewers have given the INIU portable charger an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.See at AmazonThin Is InWhen INIU says their charger is portable, theyre serious. Its only a half-inch thick, and at 5.2 by 2.7 inches and a feathery 7 ounces, its pocket-sized power for your device whenever you need it roughly the size of an iPhone 13 Mini. It has two USB-A ports in addition to its USB-C port, which can be used as an input to recharge the INIU portable charger or as an output to juice up your device.What kind of device youre carrying is basically a moot point, because the INIU portable charger is as close to universally compatible as possible. iPhones and iPads, Samsung and Google smartphones and tablets, and wireless earbuds like the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds can all be connected to the INIU portable charger for a fast-charging top-off.That fast charge comes from the 3A technology and INIUs AutoFit feature which identifies your device and meets its ideal fast-charging speed. Thats how the INIU portable charger juices up devices at twice the speed of the more-common 2.1A portable charging devices it can take an iPhone from zero to 78% in just one hour, which is an incredible performance for a portable charger thats this thin and this inexpensive.Take It On the GoThe INIU portable charger is airline-approved, earning a permanent spot in your carry-on. Since it can power up 3 devices at once, its perfect for hotel stays or weekend trips, and it even has a built-in flashlight for an added bit of convenience. With enough power to charge an iPhone 15 up to 1.8 times or a pair of AirPods Pro 18 times, its clearly designed to be your go-to travel charger.With all of the formidable power the INIU portable charger packs into a half-inch-thick package, not to mention the ability to use all 3 of its outlet ports at the same time, were frankly a little stunned by the $16 price tag its currently sporting at Amazon. It is a limited-time deal, though, so dont let it pass you by.See at Amazon
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  • Social Security Website Crashes as DOGE-Linked Disruption at the Agency Continues
    gizmodo.com
    Key parts of the Social Security website have proven inaccessible over the past week, and the agency now says that it is probing the cause of the service disruptions. The problems come not long after the agency compelled retirees to seek help more exclusively online, as it attempts to downsize its phone operations. Last week, the Washington Post reported that the agencys website had crashed four times in 10 days this month because the servers were overloaded, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts. Now, the agency has responded, claiming thats not quite the case. There have been a couple of recent incidents impacting My Social Security and we are actively investigating the root cause, SSA spokeswoman Nicole Tiggemann told the Associated Press. Tiggemann claimed that the website was still operational during the incidents but that some people may have experienced a problem signing in to their personal My Social Security account. The reported problems took place not long after the agency encouraged retirees to reach out for help online and announced the nixing of phone-based identity verification. After much backlash, the agency partially retracted the announced policy change for those retirees applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income. However, the plan still seems to be to drastically scale down the agencys phone services, which could have a major impact on Americans access to benefits. Newsweek recently reported that the people who would be hit hardest by the changes are Trumps own voters. The agency has been on the defensive in recent weeks, as ongoing backlash to its announced policy changes (and the involvement of Elon Musks DOGE in those changes) have spurred an outpouring of confusion and anger. Critics believe that DOGE may be intentionally attempting to sabotage the agency in an effort to justify its closure. Meanwhile, Musk has continued to publicly disparage Social Security, spreading lies about the amount of fraud impacting the program. At a political event in Wisconsin this week (where the billionaire is attempting to buy the Supreme Court election), Musk claimed: One interesting statistic was that 40 percent of the calls into Social Security were fraudulent, meaning that it was someone trying to get a Social Security payment that was going to a senior instead to go to a fraud ring, a claim that the New York Times has noted has no basis in reality and may in fact be a misunderstanding (or a purposeful skewing) of a different statistic.The SSA recently disputed the news that it would be closing field offices across the country, despite the fact that DOGE has very publicly listed dozens of SSA field offices on a website dedicated to federal lease terminations. Recent reports in the media that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is permanently closing local field offices are false. Since January 1, 2025, the agency has not permanently closed or announced the permanent closure of any local field office, the agency said last week. From time to time, SSA must temporarily close a local field office for reasons such as weather, damage, or facilities issues, and it reopens when the issues are resolved, it continued. The agency has announced the permanent closure of one hearing office, in White Plains, NY. The announced closure of the White Plains office is actually quite a big deal, as it is one of the largest in New York state, and is the only one in the county of Westchester (which has a population of approximately a million people). SSA identified for the General Services Administration underutilized office space to ensure the government is spending taxpayer money as prudently as possible. The agency provided GSA a list of sites for termination, the statement continues, seeming to admit thatcontrary to what it just saidit is planning on closing numerous SSA offices. Most of these are small hearing rooms with no assigned employees. Since most hearings are held virtually, SSA no longer needs these underutilized rooms.Social security activists have said that the changes ushered in under DOGEs watch will lead to deaths, and former federal officials have been highly critical of the governments new approach to the nearly 100-year-old program. The agencys former commissioner, Martin OMalley, has claimed that the changes instituted could lead to large-scale service disruptions as soon as June.
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  • RIP Val Kilmer, Our Batman, Huckleberry, and Plenty More
    gizmodo.com
    Batman Forever, Willow and Heat helped turn Val Kilmer into a beloved film presence and one of the leading men of his generation.
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  • Trump Regime Used Gmail Accounts to Discuss Sensitive Plans: Report
    gizmodo.com
    By Matt Novak Published April 1, 2025 | Comments (3) | US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz joins US Vice President JD Vance for a visit to the US military's Pituffik Space Base on March 28, 2025 in Pituffik, Greenland. Photo by Jim Watson - Pool / Getty Images Top national security officials at the White House, including national security advisor Michael Waltz, have sometimes been using regular Gmail accounts to discuss highly sensitive military operations, according to a new report from the Washington Post. Gmail is not end-to-end encrypted like more secure government systems available to officials like Waltz and can be intercepted by foreign adversaries. The Gmail accounts were used to discuss sensitive military positions and powerful weapons systems relating to an ongoing conflict, according to the Post, citing three unnamed government officials and emails reviewed firsthand by the newspaper. Personal email accounts of any kind are not considered a secure way to communicate sensitive information, though National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes told the Post that no classified information was transmitted over insecure channels. The report comes after Waltz and roughly two dozen officials were outed as using Signal to discuss attack plans in Yemen after mistakenly adding the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Waltzs Yemen group chat wasnt the only Signal chat where sensitive plans were being discussed. Waltz is rumored to be losing support from President Donald Trump over the scandal, but Trump has also demonstrated a lack of understanding in his public comments. During one recent White House press conference, a reporter asked Trump if Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths job was in danger. Trump wondered why anyone would ask about Hegseth since he had nothing to do with the snafu. But Hegseth wasnt just involved, he was the one who appeared to share the most sensitive information in the Signal group chat texts that were made public by the Atlantic, including the types of planes that were being deployed and when. The New York Times reports that Vice President JD Vance and Trumps chief of staff Susie Wiles met with President Trump last Wednesday to discuss whether Waltz should lose his job, but ultimately decided to keep him on. Its not clear whether this latest article from the Post about Waltzs use of Gmail will cause Trump to reconsider, but that seems dependent upon whether the story breaks through at Fox News. The president is infamous for watching a lot of TV and will often tweet his thoughts on TV news coverage on his social media platform Truth Social. The amount of TV coverage a given topic gets often determines whether Trump will act. Trump seemed reluctant to pull the nomination of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General until Fox News wouldnt stop harping on the story.The use of insecure email accounts by top Trump officials is ironic, of course, given the fact that Trump made information security such a central part of his 2016 presidential campaign. His opponent, Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton, used a private server for some of her work as Secretary of State, something that Trump often said she should get tossed in jail for. Waltz himself has criticized Democrats for not being careful with classified material. Bidens sitting National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sent Top Secret messages to Hillary Clintons private account, Waltz tweeted in June 2023. And what did DOJ do about it? Not a damn thing. It seems unlikely that Waltz is going to advocate for charges to be brought against himself.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Lucas Ropek Published March 31, 2025 By Matt Novak Published March 31, 2025 By Matthew Gault Published March 31, 2025 AJ Dellinger and Matt Novak Published March 29, 2025 By Matt Novak Published March 28, 2025 By Matt Novak Published March 27, 2025
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