Smitch The Unshakable Resolve of "this guy are sick" Member Apr 21, 2022 4,752 New ‘Marathon’ Info: Bungie Morale, Launch Worries And Changing Plans After a rough playtest and now plagiarism confirmation, Bungie is changing some Marathon plans and internally, things are bad. www.forbes.com Chaos has engulfed Bungie after an artist, ANTIREAL, came forward to accuse Bungie of ripping off her 2017 work as its upcoming extraction shooter Marathon was starting to take shape as early as 2018. Bungie admitted to the plagiarism, supposedly the work of one ex-artist, and promised to make things right, but the story gained traction among gaming outlets and reaction streamers alike, and it's poisoned the previous positive conversation about the aesthetic of the game. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I've spoken to some current and former employees about Bungie's excuse for the art theft, studio morale, the possibility of a delay and some very real changes when it comes to the upcoming presentation and playtesting of the game. Here's what I've learned: The public explanation for the art theft, one ex-employee taking things in 2020, is the same one being given internally at Bungie among the rank and file. Sony and Bungie legal are now sorting through this and there is unlikely to be any much new information as all of this continues to unfold. It is not clear how long an "audit" will take of the assets to remove or find any more plagiarism, as it's an expansive enough process to have Bungie not even show any footage at all in its recent livestream. Morale is in "free-fall" across all departments, and "the vibes have never been worse." Everyone has the same concerns about what happens to Bungie as a studio if Marathon bombs, which is something they absolutely cannot afford. There are not even hints or jokes about a delay from the September release date internally. With that said, it is entirely possible, if not likely, those conversations are happening privately between higher-up Sony and Bungie leadership. It's unclear what the plan is to launch the game in a "now actively hostile environment" just a few months from now, or how to turn that around. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Some changes to future plans had been made even before this new plagiarism development. Mainly as a reaction to gameplay footage and now the Closed Alpha. At the start of this month Bungie pulled the plug on its main Marathon marketing plan which was going to have a new trailer in June along with the launch of pre-orders. The whole campaign needs to be reworked now. A heavily marketed Public Beta in August may be changed into a "roadmap of public playtests" with no actual details set yet. This would align with Bungie's stated multiple opportunities to play before launch, rather than just the upcoming Beta. Marathon was originally pitched by higher-up "good old boy" Bungie leadership and as far back as five years ago devs were telling them what would and wouldn't work and were often ignored. Many have said previously that it needed to have some sort of PvE component. Click to expand... Click to shrink...   Crossing Eden Member Oct 26, 2017 58,458 It's a shame what has happened to Bungie. Since their inception every single one of their titles has had development woes and issues and that shadow has been steadily catching up to them since they left Halo, most especially when it comes to their tech debt and how much of a hinderance that must be for production. It's so strange because when you actually play Bungie games there are often few signs of the dev issues but now it's like, "Hey btw if you get this game you're gonna be pretty lost because they removed the intro campaign."  Last edited: Yesterday at 11:04 AM Maelstrom Member Apr 22, 2025 95 This sucks, for everyone. I hope their studio will be stronger after this.   Red Kong XIX Member Oct 11, 2020 13,234 They probably have to delay it.   maze001 Member Sep 18, 2024 628 Crazy thing is even if they delay 6 months that means Arc Raiders and Tarkov (Steam release) will be out by then and it will put Marathon closer to GTA6 and maybe Fairgames release dates so it may end up even worse for them.   Jagi Member May 6, 2025 43 Whatever it may be, the livestream yesterday made it insanely difficult for Sony and Bungie lawyers to create a narrative of their own. Its all in 4K: the accusation, the admittance, even the trial was online yesterday. If they could've saved face, yesterday stripped them naked of all absolution.  Vourlis Member Aug 14, 2022 5,836 United States Sometimes it's just amazing that anything gets made, ever.   MANTRA Member Feb 21, 2024 1,113 maze001 said: Crazy thing is even if they delay 6 months that means Arc Raiders and Tarkov (Steam release) will be out by then and it will put Marathon closer to GTA6 and maybe Fairgames release dates so it may end up even worse for them. Click to expand... Click to shrink... *If* the delay results in a better product I think thats a worthy trade-off imo. Miyamoto quote etc.   Mini-Me Member Oct 25, 2017 1,126 I genuinely don't know what they do with this. Any delays would need to be significant enough to add and/or re-tool a lot of content to make it more exciting and more than just a basic ass extraction game but then that puts it closer to something like GTA (unless they delay by a year or more which seems unlikely). Not delaying seems like a death sentence. Not delaying and launching it instead as an early access title or something like that also seems futile. The entire thing seems doomed to fail, especially as public sentiment online nowadays is so, so hard to turn around.   Gamer @ Heart Member Oct 26, 2017 11,418 Red Kong XIX said: They probably have to delay it. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Unless they have a magical way of generating hundreds of millions in revenue the rest of the fiscal year, then that means Bungie leadership will likely get pushed out by Sony. They have metrics to meet to stay whatever ridiculous floundering semi independent status they are in. Which is probably a good thing  IDontBeatGames ThreadMarksman - Saved Transistor's sanity twice Member Oct 29, 2017 21,030 New York MANTRA said: *If* the delay results in a better product I think thats a worthy trade-off imo. Miyamoto quote etc. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I don't disagree but I do wonder if this entire fiasco ends up sticking around Marathon like a bad cloud even if it gets delayed a few months, meaning like, I wonder if folks will choose to not actively support it even if the game is delayed a few months and gets fixed due to all of this.   ianpm31 Member Oct 27, 2017 7,397 Probably getting delayed. I don't understand Bungie at all. Just make Destiny 3 along with a single player co op project like the halo days.  Man Called Aerodynamics Member Oct 29, 2017 8,315 Everyone has the same concerns about what happens to Bungie as a studio if Marathon bombs, which is something they absolutely cannot afford. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I just don't understand how a big studio with so much history and talent gets to a place where they're betting the entire farm on this one risky project.  Truant Member Oct 28, 2017 6,914 If they play this right this might be just what this game needs.   maze001 Member Sep 18, 2024 628 Mini-Me said: I genuinely don't know what they do with this. Any delays would need to be significant enough to add and/or re-tool a lot of content to make it more exciting and more than just a basic ass extraction game but then that puts it closer to something like GTA (unless they delay by a year or more which seems unlikely). Not delaying seems like a death sentence. Not delaying and launching it instead as an early access title or something like that also seems futile. The entire thing seems doomed to fail, especially as public sentiment online nowadays is so, so hard to turn around. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Yeah, given a lot of the feedback I've heard it doesn't seem like a September > March delay would give them enough time to spice the game up beyond super basic extraction shooter. They would definitely need more time than that.   Lowrys Member Oct 25, 2017 14,650 London Jagi said: Whatever it may be, the livestream yesterday made it insanely difficult for Sony and Bungie lawyers to create a narrative of their own. Its all in 4K: the accusation, the admittance, even the trial was online yesterday. If they could've saved face, yesterday stripped them naked of all absolution. Click to expand... Click to shrink... What trial?   ElFly Member Oct 27, 2017 3,719 ianpm31 said: Probably getting delayed. I don't understand Bungie at all. Just make Destiny 3 along with a single player co op project like the halo days. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I think the cost of developing Destiny 2 constantly has scared them of single player or PvE elements it's why Marathon is strongly oriented towards PvP, cause making campaigns or tons of maps for one story event or animating NPCs is expensive. Meanwhile people are still playing Counterstrike. They want that level of non production. Maybe they can put new guns into it constantly, that's one thing they've learned to do predictably at Destiny. But that seems to be the level of investment they want to put in.  Mini-Me Member Oct 25, 2017 1,126 maze001 said: Yeah, given a lot of the feedback I've heard it doesn't seem like a Sept > March delay would give them enough time to spice the game up beyond super basic extraction shooter. They would definitely need more time than that. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Yeah I put about 8 hours into the alpha and the game just does not have much of anything going on. It feels akin to something like DMZ in COD or whatever the Battlefield extraction mode was in that it's a mostly fine but very simple extraction mode that's part of a larger package of multiplayer and single player offerings. Except in Marathon's case that's it, that's all they have. I don't think 3 extra months fixes anything. I don't even think 6 months fixes anything.   theSoularian Member Oct 25, 2017 3,942 ianpm31 said: Probably getting delayed. I don't understand Bungie at all. Just make Destiny 3 along with a single player co op project like the halo days. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If only it was that simple. A Destiny 3 would be years away.  Chumunga64 Member Jun 22, 2018 17,133 Sony should have really noticed the red flags when Microsoft, during the time they were buying everyone didn't even entertain the thought of buying the studio that gave them the franchise that prevented the xbox brand from being dead on arrival   wellpapp Member Aug 21, 2018 528 Gothenburg My gut feeling says it's going to bomb in Sony's eyes regardless.   Risev "This guy are sick" Member Oct 27, 2017 3,889 theSoularian said: If only it was that simple. A Destiny 3 would be years away. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If they started right now? It would take 5 years minimum most likely. But the wish would be that they would have started working on a Destiny 3 years ago, just like they did Destiny 2. I just don't understand why they didn't take Destiny through that same few steps. Those were Destiny's best and most successful years.  Zok310 Member Oct 25, 2017 6,019 Gamer @ Heart said: Unless they have a magical way of generating hundreds of millions in revenue the rest of the fiscal year, then that means Bungie leadership will likely get pushed out by Sony. They have metrics to meet to stay whatever ridiculous floundering semi independent status they are in. Which is probably a good thing Click to expand... Click to shrink... They got that covered with the Destiny stans, just drop a "new strike" that we already paid for into D2 and 1 billion dollars overnight.   DieH@rd Member Oct 26, 2017 12,012 Hopefully they'll pull through, D2 is great to play but it's hard to attract new players due to large amount of expansions, vaulting, and complicated UI/progression. I still play it regularly, and the upcoming expansions sound interesting. Marathon looks nice, but I'm mostly solo player...  Dekuman Member Oct 27, 2017 20,993 Sony throwing good money after bad. The whole live service push has been a boondoggle. Wiping off years of PS profits off the books.  Mr.Deadshot Member Oct 27, 2017 23,141 These mega studios need to get a grip. They need to make smaller scale games with a clear vision and focus. They can expand on that. And they fore sure need to steer away from chasing the "forever" game bullshit. Right now it feels like Marathon will be delayed for 6-12 months and then bomb anyway. It would be nice if Bungie could salvage the art and make a true Marathon 4 but we all know that won't happen in nowadays industry.  Audiblee Member Mar 14, 2025 1,461 It was in trouble before the theft was discovered. Reaction to the alpha was mid at best.   Smokey Member Oct 25, 2017 4,471 Chumunga64 said: Sony should have really noticed the red flags when Microsoft, during the time they were buying everyone didn't even entertain the thought of buying the studio that gave them the franchise that prevented the xbox brand from being dead on arrival Click to expand... Click to shrink... They did entertain it though. The only reason they didn't is because Bungie wanted to "independently publish and creatively develop our games", which MS wasn't willing to do iirc  GameAddict411 Member Oct 26, 2017 10,093 I just don't see a happy ending for the studio and the victims in the end will be all the devs. We all know all the shitty executives will get golden parachutes.   super-famicom Avenger Oct 26, 2017 30,483 Man Called Aerodynamics said: I just don't understand how a big studio with so much history and talent gets to a place where they're betting the entire farm on this one risky project. Click to expand... Click to shrink... It's not the same Bungie that existed 15+ years ago. Upper management changed, along with what they valued and wanted to focus on. Other employees changed too.  Sydle Member Oct 27, 2017 4,576 It's crazy to me that they didn't start on Destiny 3. If the formula was tuned a bit, I feel like it has an incredibly high shot of being another cash cow. Chumunga64 said: Sony should have really noticed the red flags when Microsoft, during the time they were buying everyone didn't even entertain the thought of buying the studio that gave them the franchise that prevented the xbox brand from being dead on arrival Click to expand... Click to shrink... Isn't the rumor that Microsoft was in talks, but thought the asking price was too high? With the Xbox division's increasing focus on their studios having to each be financially healthy I'm not sure Bungie would have been better off at MS. AAA development is so insanely expensive now that it demands to be run like any other business with a ton of cash at stake. Ultimately, it seems like Bungie leadership needs a shakeup.  Jarmel The Jackrabbit Always Wins Member Oct 25, 2017 22,658 New York Mini-Me said: Yeah I put about 8 hours into the alpha and the game just does not have much of anything going on. It feels akin to something like DMZ in COD or whatever the Battlefield extraction mode was in that it's a mostly fine but very simple extraction mode that's part of a larger package of multiplayer and single player offerings. Except in Marathon's case that's it, that's all they have. I don't think 3 extra months fixes anything. I don't even think 6 months fixes anything. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I'm thinking full year delay.   Billfisto Member Oct 30, 2017 17,859 Canada I'm livid that they tacked the Marathon name onto this for basically no reason and now it's absolutely poisoning it. We're never going to get a "proper" Marathon sequel because this entire ill-advised excursion has made the name so toxic that they'll never be able to justify using it again to the money people, even if they wanted to.  Tobor Died as he lived: wrong about Doritos Member Oct 25, 2017 34,006 A new actual Marathon game, or even a full remake, would have been a big deal and had lots of people talking about Bungie being back. But no, let's do an extraction shooter.  Killer Member Oct 27, 2017 2,961 Bungie's fate hang on Marathon. That really grim. People from the other thread said if it bombed Bungie will be fine   Kyuuji The Favonius Fox Member Nov 8, 2017 38,287 Whole situation is shit. It was troubling enough following the feedback from the alpha but art theft at the scale found, in a game sold and hyped on its aesthetic, is a disaster. I don't know how you get back to good will on that, let alone in 4 months. Obviously it has to start with making the situation with Antireal right, but past that it still feels like a mammoth task with where general sentiment is at after it all. This is as someone who loved the alpha and was completely sold on the game. I still can't get my head around not having had Destiny 3 being developed in the background to baton-pass to following the conclusion of The Final Shape.  DieH@rd Member Oct 26, 2017 12,012 Sydle said: It's crazy to me that they didn't start on Destiny 3. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Destiny 2 was a mandate from Activision, but IMO, that was just just another in a row of expansions. I don't think D3 is coming, but they need better way to onboard new players.  Steamy Manatee ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 18, 2022 2,949 Bungie's legal team is in deep trouble to say the least. They will have to audit every single texture in the game in probably less than two weeks while getting absolutely railed by Sony management who will intervene and reprimand them. Direction at Bungie should definitely use this is a (great) excuse to delay the game. But also if the marketing plan is being reworked from scratch mid-May, I think this means the game is definitely getting delayed. Either way, I feel so bad for the team. I know the feeling of working on something you just know it's not going to work out well. The odds of success were stacked against them, now it feels like it is almost impossible unless they delay to Q1 2026 before GTA VI  Last edited: Yesterday at 11:35 AM 03-AALIYAH Member Jul 21, 2023 1,367 ianpm31 said: I don't understand Bungie at all. Just make Destiny 3 along with a single player co op project like the halo days. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Not an expert, but I don't understand why they didn't choose to pursue that option years ago as Destiny seems to still have a large fanbase ?   DrScruffleton Member Oct 26, 2017 14,856 How do you release, let alone on time, after the art situation? Just try to pay off the artist as quickly as possible?   artsi Member Oct 26, 2017 3,368 Finland I hope I'm wrong but my feeling is that Bungie is done already. This game will be the final nail in the coffin.   Mifec Member Oct 25, 2017 19,347 Smokey said: They did entertain it though. The only reason they didn't is because Bungie wanted to "independently publish and creatively develop our games", which MS wasn't willing to do iirc Click to expand... Click to shrink... They would only pay 2bil max and wanted exclusivity was the rumor yeah. Well once this flops and they're reassigned there goes the exclusivity too.  ElFly Member Oct 27, 2017 3,719 Killer said: Bungie's fate hang on Marathon. That really grim. People from the other thread said if it bombed Bungie will be fine Click to expand... Click to shrink... to be fair, they always say this to make the employees work extra hours and then they fire them anyway  Bardeh Member Jun 15, 2018 3,827 I'm amazed that a studio the size and pedigree of Bungie, after 5+ years of development, isn't more confident in the direction of this project. The bones and foundation should be absolutely rock solid by now. They should be immutable. These final months should be 'betas' that are stress tests and marketing tools (like ARC Raiders recent test was, to huge success) to build up to release as final tweaks and bugfixes are made. Instead the feedback from the Alpha seems to have shaken them and thrown things into disarray, even before the plagiarism shitshow made things even worse. It really looks like the whole project has been absolutely terribly managed, and a whole lot of money and time spent on something that still doesn't quite know what it wants to be. Things aren't looking good.  Man Called Aerodynamics Member Oct 29, 2017 8,315 Jarmel said: I'm thinking full year delay. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Perfect, it can release once Arc Raiders is already well entrenched.   Mini-Me Member Oct 25, 2017 1,126 Jarmel said: I'm thinking full year delay. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Mhm, they need a lot of time to get away from the discourse and add in a ton of extra content. But a year is a massive delay and I doubt it gets that   Lampa Member Feb 13, 2018 4,003 I dunno, I don't think they can delay it. They probably should, but at some point a product has to come out from Bungie and we know they have a lot of them in development, They have to start making money, Destiny certainly won't be carrying all those projects in development anymore.   Jarmel The Jackrabbit Always Wins Member Oct 25, 2017 22,658 New York Man Called Aerodynamics said: Perfect, it can release once Arc Raiders is already well entrenched. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If they can't outshine Arc Raiders then they were cooked anyway. It's not like they're first to market regardless and Tarkov is the market leader. Mini-Me said: Mhm, they need a lot of time to get away from the discourse and add in a ton of extra content. But a year is a massive delay and I doubt it gets that Click to expand... Click to shrink... 6 months pushes it right into GTA. 9 is possibly but GTA Online might be really ramping around then. It's not how much time the game needs but GTA looming in the background.   Lampa Member Feb 13, 2018 4,003 Bardeh said: I'm amazed that a studio the size and pedigree of Bungie, after 5+ years of development, isn't more confident in the direction of this project Click to expand... Click to shrink... It was rebooted last year or so, when they replaced the director and some other top people on the project.   IMCaprica Member Aug 1, 2019 10,982 Should we have taken it as a sign that the project that was reported on as being the studio's favorite (Gummy Bears) was the one that got that team spun-out into their own PlayStation studio away from Bungie? Billfisto said: I'm livid that they tacked the Marathon name onto this for basically no reason and now it's absolutely poisoning it. We're never going to get a "proper" Marathon sequel because this entire ill-advised excursion has made the name so toxic that they'll never be able to justify using it again to the money people, even if they wanted to. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Tobor said: A new actual Marathon game, or even a full remake, would have been a big deal and had lots of people talking about Bungie being back. But no, let's do an extraction shooter. Click to expand... Click to shrink... What would honest expectations for that game be, given that Bungie as a studio hasn't made a game like that in 15 years?  

As the Switch 2’s release date crawls closer, the internet is not thrilled with Nintendo’s choices. Between reports of modding bans that could brick your console, unreliable Joy-Con performance in demos, and digital games tied so tightly to online access that you basically lease them, many gamers are looking to buy other handheld gaming consoles. One great option is the Retropian Color, a modern version of the Game Boy Color. Not only can you ditch the poor screen quality and AA batteries, but you can also play multiple generations of console titles in one with open-source emulators already built-in (including Nintendo). The price tag is also far more friendly than the Switch 2 at $79.99 with free shipping (reg. $129). The best of nostalgia and modernity in one console This handheld doesn’t lock you into an ecosystem or require an internet connection. Instead, it’s loaded with support for over 10,000 games. Use built-in emulators or load your own legally acquired ROMs onto a microSD card and play titles from consoles like the NES, SNES, GBA, PlayStation 1, Sega Genesis, Dreamcast, and more. It’s like carrying an entire childhood of game libraries in your pocket. Unlike the ’90s Game Boy Color, the Retropian Color boasts a crisp 3.5-inch IPS display, a rechargeable battery with up to six hours of playtime, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support for two-player gaming. It runs on an open-source Linux-based system, so tinkering and customizing are fully allowed (and encouraged). In other words, it does everything the Switch 2 refuses to. So if you’re looking for a gaming fix that’s actually fun, offline-capable, and gives you control over what you play and how, you might want to look backward to move forward. Order your Retropian Color retro gaming console here for $79.99 with free shipping (reg. $129). StackSocial prices subject to change. _ Retropian Color Retro Handheld Gaming Console See Deal

Security is the cornerstone of many virtual private network (VPN) providers and one of the most common claims is operating and adhering to a no-logs policy.No-logs policies are public documents that decree the VPN provider will not hold, store, or sell customer data, including logs of their activities, timestamps, data transfers, or how they use VPN servers. If a VPN operates a no-logs policy and has independent audits to back it, this is considered an important measure in maintaining user privacy. While it's not possible to delve into VPN companies' inner infrastructure, a transparent approach to logs is a critical component of my recommendations. What is the best no-log VPN right now?ZDNET's top choice for a no-logs VPN and one most likely to protect your privacy is Mullvad. While one of the lesser-known VPNs around, Mullvad has proven how it handles user data requests and law enforcement requests with no data handed over. It has a fixed price of €5 ($5.60) per month. Our second favorite no-log VPN is NordVPN. NordVPN combines strong security, excellent speeds, and a vast server network with a no-logs policy and a transparent approach to privacy that many users trust. Plans start at $3.39 per month.Also: Best business VoIP providersZDNET writers have tested and reviewed VPNs for years. I rely on my experiences with the best VPNs on the market, frequent speed tests, and customer feedback to recommend the top VPNs you should consider before signing up. Below, you will find my selection of the best no-log VPNs. Sort by All The best no-log VPNs in 2025 Show less View now at Mullvad Mullvad VPN is a lesser-known VPN provider, but its customers know the organization takes privacy and security seriously, making it my top choice as a no-logs, open source VPN.Why we like it: Based in Sweden and protected by the country's strict data privacy laws, Mullvad operates a firm no-logs policy and does not collect or store activity logs. Payment data may be processed and protected by local laws, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), but the company focuses on user anonymity. Mullvad goes so far as to number accounts rather than ask you for personal details such as your email address. Furthermore, I've seen how Mullvad deals with law enforcement requests. When subjected to a search warrant in 2023, Mullvad discussed the situation publicly and confirmed that while police intended to seize computers with customer data, no such devices existed for them to take. To back its transparent approach to security further, Mullvad allows users to verify its new Android app. The technical guidance is available on GitHub, alongside Mullvad's other open source projects.Who it's for: If you're looking for a VPN with a demonstrated approach to law enforcement requests and user data collection, check it out. I also like how easy this VPN is to use and its upfront pricing structure, although it would be great to see an expansion to its rather limited server network.  Mullvad offers a fixed pricing structure without changes or promotional deals. This way, you know whether you want a month, a year, or a decade of service, you will pay €5 ($5.60) per month. Who should look elsewhere: Customers like the transparent nature of this VPN and its provider, but would like to see more advanced features in the future. If you're looking for a large server network or a greater number of simultaneous connections, check out my next top pick. Mullvad VPN features: Simultaneous connections: 5 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fedora Android TV, Fire TV, routers, and browser extensions | Countries: 49 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Numbered accounts, billing in accordance with law | Money-back guarantee: 14 days, some payment methods | Trial: No Pros Search warrant transparency Reasonable speeds Fixed pricing Open source Cons Limited simultaneous connections Low server network Mullvad VPN is a lesser-known VPN provider, but its customers know the organization takes privacy and security seriously, making it my top choice as a no-logs, open source VPN.Why we like it: Based in Sweden and protected by the country's strict data privacy laws, Mullvad operates a firm no-logs policy and does not collect or store activity logs. Payment data may be processed and protected by local laws, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), but the company focuses on user anonymity. Mullvad goes so far as to number accounts rather than ask you for personal details such as your email address. Furthermore, I've seen how Mullvad deals with law enforcement requests. When subjected to a search warrant in 2023, Mullvad discussed the situation publicly and confirmed that while police intended to seize computers with customer data, no such devices existed for them to take. To back its transparent approach to security further, Mullvad allows users to verify its new Android app. The technical guidance is available on GitHub, alongside Mullvad's other open source projects.Who it's for: If you're looking for a VPN with a demonstrated approach to law enforcement requests and user data collection, check it out. I also like how easy this VPN is to use and its upfront pricing structure, although it would be great to see an expansion to its rather limited server network.  Mullvad offers a fixed pricing structure without changes or promotional deals. This way, you know whether you want a month, a year, or a decade of service, you will pay €5 ($5.60) per month. Who should look elsewhere: Customers like the transparent nature of this VPN and its provider, but would like to see more advanced features in the future. If you're looking for a large server network or a greater number of simultaneous connections, check out my next top pick. Mullvad VPN features: Simultaneous connections: 5 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fedora Android TV, Fire TV, routers, and browser extensions | Countries: 49 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Numbered accounts, billing in accordance with law | Money-back guarantee: 14 days, some payment methods | Trial: No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at NordVPN NordVPN is one of my top picks in the VPN market as a robust, speedy VPN with an expansive server network. Why we like it: NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy that has been validated multiple times since 2018. Deloitte verified the policy's claims for the fifth time at the end of 2024. Furthermore, NordVPN is based in Panama, which does not enforce any data retention laws that would force the VPN provider to abandon this policy.While I would like to see support for unlimited simultaneous connections added in the future, NordVPN still stands out due to its excellent speeds, server network of over 110 countries, and multi-platform compatibility. Also: NordVPN reviewI've consistently found that NordVPN provides a stable, solid server network, fantastic speeds, and good connection times. 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Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $5 per month, or one month of access costs $13.Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN will suit many users as a no-logs VPN, but if you want the best speeds available, consider ExpressVPN.NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 118 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android Pros Excellent speeds Massive server network Attractive user interface Independent no-logs verification Cons Expensive premium plans NordVPN is one of my top picks in the VPN market as a robust, speedy VPN with an expansive server network. Why we like it: NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy that has been validated multiple times since 2018. Deloitte verified the policy's claims for the fifth time at the end of 2024. Furthermore, NordVPN is based in Panama, which does not enforce any data retention laws that would force the VPN provider to abandon this policy.While I would like to see support for unlimited simultaneous connections added in the future, NordVPN still stands out due to its excellent speeds, server network of over 110 countries, and multi-platform compatibility. Also: NordVPN reviewI've consistently found that NordVPN provides a stable, solid server network, fantastic speeds, and good connection times. Customers say this VPN is easy to use and that customer support is prompt and friendly.Additional security points of note include a double VPN for an extra layer of protection, a private domain name system (DNS) service, split tunneling, and meshnet, which operates like a secure local area network (LAN) and allows for secure data transfers.Who it's for: Anyone who wants a trustworthy VPN with a solid security background for all use cases. If you're interested in trying out NordVPN, the biggest savings can be found on two-year contracts, starting at $3.39 per month. If you agree, you will also be given free Sally eSIM data. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $5 per month, or one month of access costs $13.Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN will suit many users as a no-logs VPN, but if you want the best speeds available, consider ExpressVPN.NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 118 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ProtonVPN Protected by Swiss privacy laws, Proton VPN is another great VPN if you want a service that prioritizes security and privacy -- even on its free plan.Why we like it: Proton VPN operates a no-logs policy and does not collect or store data such as activity logs or session duration records. This VPN is also open-source, which means that any third party can examine its code for security or privacy flaws. Also: Proton VPNI've picked this VPN as one of the best options if you want a free plan, because while limited, it is backed by paid subscribers -- meaning you aren't trading your data for the service, despite not paying toward the running of the service.Free servers exist in five locations: the U.S., Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, and Japan. You are given one device connection.Who it's for: Whoever wants a free VPN plan. In general, customers like Proton's attitude to security and privacy, and many like the user interface. Although Trustpilot ratings are low, the feedback primarily relates to the firm's free plan limitations and customer support system. Despite this, as a free plan, Proton VPN is one of the few we recommend as a trustworthy service.Who should look elsewhere: If you're able to sign up for a paid option, I would do so -- as you will have full access to Proton VPN's network and better speeds, as you won't be limited to a small subset of server locations.Proton VPN's pricing is reasonable, but not as cheap as some of its competitors. Plans lasting two years offer the best value for money and are priced at $4.49 per month. Alternatively, annual plans cost $5 per month, whereas one month of service is $10.Proton VPN features: Open-source | Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on plan | Countries: 117 (5 free) | Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Free option Pros Security pedigree Open source Free plan Cons Limited simultaneous connections Protected by Swiss privacy laws, Proton VPN is another great VPN if you want a service that prioritizes security and privacy -- even on its free plan.Why we like it: Proton VPN operates a no-logs policy and does not collect or store data such as activity logs or session duration records. This VPN is also open-source, which means that any third party can examine its code for security or privacy flaws. Also: Proton VPNI've picked this VPN as one of the best options if you want a free plan, because while limited, it is backed by paid subscribers -- meaning you aren't trading your data for the service, despite not paying toward the running of the service.Free servers exist in five locations: the U.S., Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, and Japan. You are given one device connection.Who it's for: Whoever wants a free VPN plan. In general, customers like Proton's attitude to security and privacy, and many like the user interface. Although Trustpilot ratings are low, the feedback primarily relates to the firm's free plan limitations and customer support system. Despite this, as a free plan, Proton VPN is one of the few we recommend as a trustworthy service.Who should look elsewhere: If you're able to sign up for a paid option, I would do so -- as you will have full access to Proton VPN's network and better speeds, as you won't be limited to a small subset of server locations.Proton VPN's pricing is reasonable, but not as cheap as some of its competitors. Plans lasting two years offer the best value for money and are priced at $4.49 per month. Alternatively, annual plans cost $5 per month, whereas one month of service is $10.Proton VPN features: Open-source | Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on plan | Countries: 117 (5 free) | Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Free option Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at PIA Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is another of our favorite no-logs VPNs. Why we like it: This service is open source and its stringent privacy policy is frequently audited by independent parties, including Deloitte, verifying that PIA does not collect or store your data. PIA also makes use of RAM-only servers, which removes traces of online activity. Review: Private Internet AccessDuring our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the fact that this VPN provides unlimited simultaneous connections for its price point. Customers, in particular, applaud its Linux support.Who it's for: Anyone who wants a consistently affordable option with unlimited simultaneous connections.The best deal right now is for three-year contracts, which cost only $2.19 per month and come with two extra months of service. You can also sign up for six months, priced at $7.50 per month.Who should look elsewhere: If you want a faster VPN with a larger server network and a similar security pedigree, I'd take a look at NordVPN. It will cost a little more, though. Private Internet Access features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days, Android and iOS Pros Unlimited simultaneous connections Mobile trials Open source Six-month contract available Cons Average speeds Limited server network No yearly contract Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is another of our favorite no-logs VPNs. Why we like it: This service is open source and its stringent privacy policy is frequently audited by independent parties, including Deloitte, verifying that PIA does not collect or store your data. PIA also makes use of RAM-only servers, which removes traces of online activity. Review: Private Internet AccessDuring our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the fact that this VPN provides unlimited simultaneous connections for its price point. Customers, in particular, applaud its Linux support.Who it's for: Anyone who wants a consistently affordable option with unlimited simultaneous connections.The best deal right now is for three-year contracts, which cost only $2.19 per month and come with two extra months of service. You can also sign up for six months, priced at $7.50 per month.Who should look elsewhere: If you want a faster VPN with a larger server network and a similar security pedigree, I'd take a look at NordVPN. It will cost a little more, though. Private Internet Access features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days, Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ExpressVPN If speed and a strict no-logs policy is what you're after, ExpressVPN will be the right choice for you.Why we like it: ExpressVPN also operates a strict no-logs policy and will not collect or store personal data, including browsing history, traffic records, domain name service (DNS) queries, or internet protocol (IP) addresses. The company uses RAM-only servers for additional data protection, and independent audits of its no-logs policy have been conducted since 2019.Also: ExpressVPN reviewWe like this VPN's extreme speed. It always performs very well on our speed tests, taking center stage as the best on offer, with a robust 105-country server network as a bonus.Who it's for: Those looking for the fastest no-logs VPN on the market today. It's fast, user-friendly, and in my experience, both connection and network speeds are some of the best available.Who should look elsewhere: We would like to see the price reduced, and this sentiment is reflected in customer reviews. It has dropped from an average of $6.67 per month since last year, but pricing is not yet in line with many competitors. It is an excellent service, but not the cheapest. The two-year subscription -- with four extra months included -- costs $5 per month. The one-year plan costs $6.67 per month, and one month of service is $12.95. A 7-day free trial is included with all plans and works on every supported device.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days Pros Excellent speeds Large server network Mobile trials User-friendly Cons Expensive No unlimited simultaneous connections If speed and a strict no-logs policy is what you're after, ExpressVPN will be the right choice for you.Why we like it: ExpressVPN also operates a strict no-logs policy and will not collect or store personal data, including browsing history, traffic records, domain name service (DNS) queries, or internet protocol (IP) addresses. The company uses RAM-only servers for additional data protection, and independent audits of its no-logs policy have been conducted since 2019.Also: ExpressVPN reviewWe like this VPN's extreme speed. It always performs very well on our speed tests, taking center stage as the best on offer, with a robust 105-country server network as a bonus.Who it's for: Those looking for the fastest no-logs VPN on the market today. It's fast, user-friendly, and in my experience, both connection and network speeds are some of the best available.Who should look elsewhere: We would like to see the price reduced, and this sentiment is reflected in customer reviews. It has dropped from an average of $6.67 per month since last year, but pricing is not yet in line with many competitors. It is an excellent service, but not the cheapest. The two-year subscription -- with four extra months included -- costs $5 per month. The one-year plan costs $6.67 per month, and one month of service is $12.95. A 7-day free trial is included with all plans and works on every supported device.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days Read More Show Expert Take Show less No-log VPNs, compared No-log VPNNo-logs policyWarrant canary/transparency reports?Server networkPriceMullvad VPNYesNews publications49$5.60 per monthNordVPNYesTransparency reports118$3.39 per monthProton VPNYesYes, plus transparency reports117$4.49 per monthPrivate Internet AccessYesTransparency reports91$2.03 per monthExpressVPNYesTransparency reports105$5 per month Show more What is a no-log VPN service and why should you use one? A VPN service is a virtual private network that encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides a relatively anonymous and secure connection. A VPN makes it more difficult for people to digitally eavesdrop or monitor your online activities, but there is no point if your information is being collected or exposed. That's why choosing a no-logs VPN is crucial. Otherwise, some free VPN providers offer a VPN in exchange for your data and records. That's why you should pick a paid plan from a reputable VPN with a no-logs policy.See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one? Show more How to set up a no-log VPNOnce you've chosen the VPN you want to install, head to an official software repository -- such as Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store -- or directly to the VPN's website, which should have links to all the download sources. June Wan/ZDNETDownloaded the app and install it. You may have to provide the VPN with specific device permissions. Once the software is installed, open it and log in with your credentials, QR code, or one-time passcode. Also: Best password generators of 2025 ZDNETSelect a country or choose quick connect, and you're done.See also: How to set up a VPN on your routerHow we test VPNs Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We've been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression. ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, community, local internet service provider (ISP), and nation has a different infrastructure. I analyzed the no-log best VPNs below using the following criteria that are most important in helping you make an informed decision: No-logs policies: We thoroughly examined the transparency and security standards of each VPN we recommend. Each VPN must operate a no-logs policy and keep user data collection to a minimum.Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs.Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN if your connection continually drops or lags.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming. Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our no-logs VPN recommendations naturally have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps.Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page. Show more Choosing the right no-logs VPN Choose this VPN...If you want...Mullvad VPNA transparent no-logs VPN. Mullvad is based in Sweden and subject to strict data protection laws. The company is transparent in regard to police activities.NordVPNThe best overall no-logs VPN. NordVPN provides the whole package: robust security, speed, and a validated no-logs policy.Proton VPNA free VPN focused on security and privacy. While the free plan is limited, it is backed by paid subscribers, so your data should not be collected and sold.Private Internet AccessA no-logs VPN with unlimited connections. PIA is open-source, uses RAM-only servers, and is known for its stringent approach to security.ExpressVPNA speedy no-logs VPN. ExpressVPN provides fantastic speeds and is easy to use, and audits have been conducted to verify its no-logs policy.  Show more What are the factors to consider when choosing a no-logs VPN? When you are selecting your new no-logs VPN, consider the following factors:Privacy: It is important that your new VPN takes user privacy and security seriously. Look for no-logs pledges, transparent security reports, warrant canaries, and practices like frequent patch updates.Price: You need to consider the overall price of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers -- they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars. Many VPN providers will also offer free, limited mobile app trials. We recommend that you avoid free VPNs -- with a few exceptions -- as they may sell your data or bombard you with ads.Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN, you might want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop, a laptop, or smartphone. We recommend that you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.Contract length: You must also decide how long you want to use a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but other options are available. After you've made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee.Apps: When selecting a VPN, you should consider what devices you want to protect. For example, if you have a Windows PC and an iPhone, take a look at the apps on offer to see if you like their user interfaces and functions. Show more FAQs What does no-logs mean? A no-logs policy ensures that a VPN will not log your activity including the websites you visit, the online services you access, or domain name service (DNS) queries when your requests are sent through its server network. A no-logs policy doesn't mean that the VPN provider doesn't log all traffic and data. For example, a VPN provider may still log your VPN usage records, sessions, and billing information. They may also be required to log some customer information to comply with the laws of the country they are headquartered in. Show more Can the police track a VPN? The police can request user information from a VPN provider in the same way they do for any other organization. With a court order, the VPN vendor will have to comply, but the information they can provide depends on their logging activities.Law enforcement may be able to detect VPN use and may investigate IP addresses associated with you, but it's highly unlikely they would go down this route unless you are suspected of involvement in illegal activity. Remember, a VPN is not a foolproof privacy barrier and does not guarantee full anonymity.  Show more How do I tell if my VPN is safe? To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.Next, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device's settings, typically under Wi-Fi, or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP address, your VPN may not be working properly.You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any domain name service (DNS) leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.Finally, be careful with free VPNs offered by unknown or shady companies, especially if they are outside of official app repositories. This could open your device to surveillance or malware.  Show more Are no-logs VPN services legal? Yes, no-logs VPN services are legal in the U.S., but the legality of using VPNs varies from country to country.It is important to check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries ban their use outright such as North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq, whereas other countries including Russia and China, frown upon using any non-state-controlled VPN.For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN's guide. Show more Can my employer see my browsing history if I use a VPN? Potentially, yes. If your VPN is working properly, your data and activities are hidden within an encrypted tunnel, and you have improved protection and anonymity online, but this doesn't mean that your browsing history isn't logged through your browser or that monitoring software on corporate PCs isn't logging your activities. Corporate VPNs may also log your website visits.  Show more Are there alternative no-logs VPNs to consider?Our recommendations above are the best no-logs-focused VPNs on the market today. If they aren't quite right for your particular needs, there are other trustworthy options below.Latest updates In ZDNET's May update, we performed substantial copy and layout changes. We also featured Mullvad as our top pick. Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Who's paying for a blue checkmark on X-formerly-Twitter these days? According to a new report by the big tech accountability nonprofit Tech Transparency Project (TTP), the answer is: a bunch of terrorists.The TTP investigation found that more than 200 X users including individuals who appear to be affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Syrian and Iraqi militia groups — all deemed foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) by the US government — are paying for subscriptions to Elon Musk's X.Put simply, Musk is doing business with actual terrorists, highlighting major flaws in his social media company's content moderation practices.These paid subscriptions are granting apparent terrorists blue verification badges, which can offer the accounts an added air of legitimacy. Most importantly, though, the subscriptions are granting the users access to premium X features and perks like content monetization tools, the ability to publish longer posts and videos, and greater platform reach — which the TTP says allows for terrorism-linked users to more effectively distribute and monetize propaganda, as well as promote their fundraising efforts."They rely on the premium services for the amplification of long propaganda posts and extended videos," TTP director Katie Paul told The New York Times. "They are not just subscribing for the blue check notoriety, they are subscribing for the premium services."As the TTP points out, X's terms of use forbid users from paying for premium services if they're affiliated with groups under US economic sanctions, including ones imposed by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.Neither X nor the Treasury Department responded to a NYT request for comment.Though X says it reviews subscribed accounts to ensure they "meet all eligibility criteria" for verification, the feature has been pretty broken since Musk took over the platform and made the feature pay-to-play.What's more, last year, a similar TTP report found that over two dozen users with apparent terror links were paying X subscribers with blue badges. Several of those accounts were banned or stripped of their verification status following the release of the report, but as the NYT points out, several have since been able to regain access to premium features.The TTP investigation raises serious questions about X's due diligence around content moderation and platform safety. After all, if X can suppress users that Musk doesn't like, and speech that authoritarian governments don't like, can't it keep US-designated terrorists — whether they're the real deal or impersonators — from nabbing blue checks and using X perks to spread and cash in on propaganda?"There is clear evidence of these groups profiting and fundraising through X," Paul told the NYT. "They are sanctioned for a reason, and the fact that somebody who has such influence and power in the federal government is at the same time profiting from these designated terrorist groups and individuals is extremely concerning."Share This Article

In a new, lengthy report regarding Apple’s AI strategy, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has detailed a number of strategic failures for the launch of Apple Intelligence. As many of us have already believed, Apple was caught off-guard by the new generative AI trend. Additionally, according to Gurman, Apple is ‘unlikely’ to spend a lot of time talking about Siri at this years WWDC. That includes future upgrades and the already announced (but since delayed) features from last years WWDC. What went wrong with Apple Intelligence I won’t be summarizing the entire report, so if you’d like to read it in full – you can do so here. In short, Apple software chief Craig Federighi didn’t believe a ton in AI. He was “reluctant” to invest a lot into the technology, and didn’t see it as a “core capability.” In Federighi’s eyes, it’d take away from everything else without actually paying off. This wasn’t just a Craig Federighi thing, though: Other leaders shared Federighi’s reservations. “In the world of AI, you really don’t know what the product is until you’ve done the investment,” another longtime executive says. “That’s not how Apple is wired. Apple sits down to build a product knowing what the endgame is.” The report also claims that while other executives were “convinced” AI would be “revolutionary”, they were unable to convince Federighi. A lot of it “fell on deaf ears.” On top of that, Apple AI chief John Giannandrea was never truly able to hit the ground running. When he started at Apple, he concluded that Apple would need to spend a lot more money than it currently is. However, his efforts were “often stymied.” The future As for how Apple plans to bounce back from this strategic failure, well – we won’t find out quite yet. According to Gurman, that won’t be too big of a focus at next months WWDC, where Apple will announce iOS 19 and more: Significant upgrades to Siri—including the ones promised nearly a year ago—are unlikely to be discussed much and are still months away from shipping. The report reaffirms that Apple plans on adding additional Apple Intelligence capabilities to other apps, and that the company is also planning on adding an AI powered battery optimization tool. Apple also plans on launching Project Mulberry, a virtual health coach. Apple also is working on implementing a new capability for European Union residents: the ability to ditch Siri entirely. Instead of having Siri as your voice assistant, you’ll be able to use third-party options. Specific third-party options weren’t named, but it’s worth noting that this will be a distinct feature from the already-existing ChatGPT integration in Siri. Last but not least, Apple is continuing to work on its new “LLM Siri” infrastructure, which’ll fix a lot of the engineering mess that got us to severely-delayed Siri in the first place. Despite that, the company wants to separate Siri from Apple Intelligence in its marketing efforts: The Apple sources say the company, despite its hopes for LLM Siri, is also preparing to separate the Apple Intelligence brand from Siri in its marketing. It’s a tacit admission that the voice assistant’s poor reputation isn’t helping the company’s AI messaging.  Apple also wants to stop touting features more than a few months before they’re able to launch, according to the report. My favorite Apple accessory recommendations: Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Starting this week, Xbox Insiders will notice a fresh set of customization options rolling out to the recently played games and apps list on Home. This update is part of our ongoing effort to make Home more personal, flexible, and responsive to your feedback. What’s New? The recently played games and apps list on Home is getting three new settings that give you more control over what you see and how you interact with your content: Hide System Apps – Want a cleaner view focused on your games and entertainment? You can now hide system apps from the recently played games and apps list on Home, reducing clutter and keeping your Home focused on what matters most to you. Pin Favorites to Home – You can now pin up to three of your recently played games or apps directly to the recently played games and apps list. These pins will stay near the front of the list as you launch other things, giving you quick access to your go-to titles. Reduce Tile Count (Coming Soon!) – Prefer a more minimal look? This setting allows you to reduce the number of visible tiles in the recently played games and apps list, helping you streamline your Home and surface only the essentials. We’re still refining this setting, and it will be coming soon. These new options will be available to Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha users first, and we’re eager to hear what you think. Your feedback will help shape how these options evolve before they roll out more broadly. Why It Matters We’ve heard from many of you that Home should feel more like your space. Whether it’s surfacing your favorite games, hiding what you don’t use, or simply making Home feel less crowded, this update is a direct response to that feedback. As always, you can share your thoughts via Report a Problem or join the conversation on the Xbox Insiders subreddit. Your input is a key part of how we build the future of Xbox. Shape the future of Xbox We want to thank all the Xbox Insiders for the feedback you share with us. Your feedback is a key part of our process. If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We always recommend replying to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! You can also provide direct feedback to Team Xbox by following the steps here: Provide feedback to Team Xbox, and follow the Xbox Insider Program on Twitter @XboxInsider to stay in the know. If you’re not yet an Xbox Insider, and you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC. For more information, and to keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes visit the Xbox Insider Home. The post Xbox Insiders Get New Ways to Personalize Home appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, launched in March 2024 for iOS and Android, will no longer receive new content. The official Twitter account has confirmed that the title didn’t meet expectations and will be delisted from the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Its social features will also be retired, but those who install it before May 19th can still play with servers remaining online. Even cross-progression remains available. Unfortunately, there won’t be any new seasons or updates to the gameplay. Call of Duty Points and Black Cell also won’t be available to purchase. If you have any left, they’re still redeemable in the in-game store. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile’s woes began almost immediately after launch, as it reportedly earned $1.4 million in its first four days. Call of Duty Mobile earned $4.2 million in the same period when it launched in 2019, translating to a 67 percent drop for the new title. We deeply appreciate your dedication and passion for Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. Going forward, we will be streamlining the scope of the game. This decision was made after careful consideration of various factors and while we're proud of the accomplishment in bringing Call of… pic.twitter.com/2FU3itRRZ9— Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (@WarzoneMobile) May 16, 2025

Apple is reportedly preparing to allow iPhone users in the EU to select third-party voice assistants to be the default, instead of Siri.Siri may become only an optional voice assistant in the EUApple has tried hard to deal with the regulatory changes in the European Union, such as the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act. It now seems that Siri could be the next major victim in the Apple ecosystem from those rule changes.According to Bloomberg on Sunday, Apple is working to meet EU regulations that affect Siri. Specifically, Apple is working to enable other digital assistants to operate in Siri's place. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Does your manager hate to delegate tasks? It might sound like a good thing—after all, that means less work for you. But, just like having a micromanaging boss is no fun, having a manager who takes on much of your work can create a work environment that is both stifling and unproductive. We asked three experts about what causes some bosses to act this way and how to encourage your supervisor to step aside and allow you to do your job.  What is a ‘snowplow manager’? A “snowplow manager” is a supervisor who takes on excessive work themselves rather than delegating to their team, says Frank Weishaupt, CEO of videoconferencing tech company Owl Labs. His team recently came up with the term, says Weishaupt, after noticing this trend in management, which “resembles snowplow parenting, where a parent removes as many challenges from their child’s life as possible.” Signs that your manager is snowplowing can include micromanagement, not letting you lead projects or calls, excluding you from meetings with senior leadership, and stepping in to do work they had previously assigned to you, says Jennifer Dulski, CEO and founder of software company Rising Team. Another telltale sign your boss is snowplowing is that they rarely delegate meaningful tasks to you. “Instead, they hand off smaller, administrative work to your team while they handle bigger, more significant projects themselves,” says Weishaupt. Rather than empower workers with self-reliance, snowplow managers often request constant updates and check-ins, showing their lack of trust in their team. He says they will use phrases like “I’ll just handle this,” or “It’s faster if I do it.”  Why some managers act this way According to Owl Labs’s 2024 State of Hybrid Work Report, the trend of “snowplow managers” likely stems from managers’ worries about their own job requirements and expectations. “The study revealed that managers’ stress levels are 55% higher than non-managers,” says Weishaupt. Respondents said they were concerned about their teams’ productivity and employee engagement—particularly among workers who are hybrid or entirely remote.  Good managers help remove obstacles for their teams, but removing any and all adversity reports may encounter will hinder their team’s development and success. “When managers hog the work, they strip away learning moments,” says Annie Rosencrans, people and culture director at HiBob. ”You lose the chance to problem-solve, build resilience, and grow your skills. The short-term relief isn’t worth the long-term setback to your career.” So, what’s causing managers to behave this way? For some, their own reputation is a top priority. “Some may be concerned that poor results will reflect badly on them, especially in high-pressure situations where the manager’s supervisor expects a lot from them,” says Weishaupt.  Other managers may not trust their team to complete tasks to their standards. And, finally, they may believe that it’s just easier to complete a task themselves. “Efficiency can also be a misleading motivator as some managers convince themselves it’s faster to handle a task themselves than explain how it should be done,” says Weishaupt. The impact of potential layoffs Fear of downsizing can play a role in driving snowplow managers, experts say. “As layoffs increasingly become a looming threat, managers can feel intense pressure to demonstrate results to protect both their team and their own position,” says Weishaupt. “At organizations that emphasize short-term results over long-term team development, snowplow management can become a survival strategy to hold on to your position.” Those in middle management may be experiencing particular worries. “Many recent rounds of layoffs at large companies like Amazon have specifically targeted middle managers, so people at that level may rightfully be worried about their jobs,” says Dulski. “Those middle-management layoffs also leave the remaining managers with more scope, which compounds the problem of them feeling overwhelmed and worried about their team’s performance.” At times like this, she says managers may overcompensate by stepping in to “snowplow” for their teams by helping in areas the team should be able to do on their own. “Ultimately that does not always lead to better team performance, and long-term it kneecaps the ability for the team to deliver without help,” says Dulski. How to deal with a snowplow manager If you realize that your manager is acting this way, there are strategies you can try. Rosencrans recommends thanking your boss for their guidance but then suggests pivoting to express an interest in more latitude at work. Consider saying something like: “I’d love to take more ownership of this project. Would you be open to that?” Or, “I noticed that some of the tasks I’ve been assigned are quite limited in scope. I’m keen to develop my skills further. Could we discuss ways I could take on more responsibility or contribute to higher-level work?” Another strategy could be to offer to give your boss a well-needed break. Dulski suggests saying something like this to a “snowplowing” supervisor: “I know you have a lot on your plate, and I want to find ways to support you more. I’d love to take the lead on [specific task or project] to be helpful. It would also be a great learning opportunity for me. I’d be happy to run with it, check in for your input, and keep you updated along the way. I’m ready to jump in if that would be helpful.” What to do if there’s pushback If your manager resists giving you more responsibility, don’t give up. Instead, try and reframe the conversation. “Ask what specific skills or milestones they’d need to see before entrusting you with more complex tasks,” suggests Rosencrans. “This shifts the dynamic from rejection to development, giving you clear goals to work toward. In the meantime, keep a record of your contributions and successes to build a case for your growth.” You can also seek opportunities outside your direct manager’s scope—join cross-functional projects, find a mentor in another department, or take advantage of internal training, she says.  If, after multiple attempts, your development is still blocked, consider having a respectful conversation with HR. “Focus on your desire to grow and contribute more, rather than criticizing your manager,” cautions Rosencrans. “The goal is to advocate for your potential in a way that opens doors rather than escalates tension.”