Category: Tech

“Discover the latest advancements in technology, from innovative gadgets to cutting-edge software solutions. Stay updated on tech trends, reviews, and insights that shape our digital future.”

  • From 220M data points to revenue: How AI is transforming sports entertainment ROI

    From 220M data points to revenue: How AI is transforming sports entertainment ROI


    Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More


    The Super Bowl is one of the largest sports entertainment events on the planet, bringing in more than a hundred million viewers and a billion in revenue.

    But for NFL teams and sports entertainment in general, there is a long road to championship as franchises aim to build brand, grow fandom and maximize revenues.

    One of the ways to make that happen is AI.

    The technology is no stranger to the world of sports entertainment. Predating the modern era of generative AI — as far back as 2017 — big vendors like IBM were already discussing how AI would disrupt sport entertainment networks. The NFL itself is using AI to help improve player safety with a Digital Athlete system developed in partnership with AWS. The NFL is also using AWS to build gen AI-powered apps using the Amazon MemoryDB database.

    For individual teams, both in the NFL and across the sports entertainment landscape, there are other options for implementing gen AI. One such option, launching today, comes from Elevate, a technology vendor led by Al Guido, who is also the president of the San Francisco 49ers NFL football team.

    The company’s new Elevate performance and insights cloud (EPIC) data and AI platform combines consumer insights, ticketing management and property analytics to help sports and entertainment organizations engage better with fans. The platform helps organizations with targeted engagement efforts to better understand potential customer personas. That information helps determine stadium seating options, ticket pricing and fan retention. The platform has already been used by more than 25 organizations, including the Tennessee Titans.

    Elevate has been in operation since 2018, but now with the advent of gen AI, the company is able to do much more with data.

    “Building EPIC has reinforced a fundamental truth that we’ve seen and validated with our clients since we’ve been in operation — data is only as powerful as the decisions it enables,” Guido, Elevat’s chairman and CEO, told VentureBeat. “In sports, the challenge isn’t just capturing that data but harnessing it to drive real, actionable intelligence that improves fan engagement, revenue strategies and operational efficiency.”

    The data challenges of building an AI-first engagement system

    Elevate already has data for approximately 220 million people in its system. The company collects first-party data through its client work and relationships. This includes data on fan behavior, ticket sales, sponsorships and other property-related information. Elevate also licenses and purchases third-party data sets to further enrich user profiles.

    Guido noted that many organizations collect what seems like infinite amounts of data, but they struggle to unify and leverage it. EPIC was designed to bridge that gap. 

    To fully benefit from modern gen AI, data should be in a vector database format, Elevate contends. CIO Jim Caruso explained to VentureBeat that his company has undergone an intensive process to not only vectorize data, but to make sure it’s the right data to help inform business decisions.

    There is no shortage of database vendors and technologies that claim to make vectorizing data simple. In reality, Caruso stressed that the vectorization process isn’t as simple as turning on a switch. As part of building EPIC, they reevaluated all data and how it could work together to provide the best insights. The actual vectorization process involved testing different approaches and processing pipelines to find the right balance of accuracy and performance.

    Currently, Elevate uses Amazon Sagemaker to make its vectorization work.

    How Anthopic Claude, XGBoost and Amazon Bedrock help to power AI insights for EPIC

    Caruso explained that the EPIC system provides a wide range of AI-powered applications, from pricing tickets to developing consumer insights personas. Elevate is using a combination of different technologies to build those tools.

    At the core is the Anthropic Claude Haiku 3.5 large language model (LLM), which has been fine-tuned on Elevate’s data. Claude provides the interface to ask questions and get insights based on different personas. 

    For example, one persona could be a venue operator that wants to determine the best way to configure premium seating in a venue. That operator will need to understand who would be interested in those seats and how they should be marketed to different groups.

    Elevate went beyond just identifying broad demographic segments, like suburban millennials. Instead, they created a series of distinct personas with a range of attributes including finances, buying preferences, entertainment choices and social networking engagement. The key goal is to provide very concrete, detailed personas that enable organizations to make specific business decisions.

    The system also uses the XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) open-source machine learning (ML) library via Amazon Sagemaker to specifically help with numerical data for ticket pricing.  XGBoost is a supervised ML algorithm that uses decision trees to make predictions. Caruso explained that his team converted historical data, as well as real-time data, into 55 different features. These include event details, inventory details and recent sales information. All were then then fed into the XGBoost algorithm. 

    The competitive landscape for AI across sports entertainment

    Guido said that across the NFL and beyond, the initial response to EPIC has been positive.

    Many properties face similar challenges: fragmented data sources, evolving fan expectations and the need for smarter, more efficient revenue generation. Guido also clearly recognizes that the competitive landscape for this kind of technology is expanding. There are traditional customer relationship management (CRM) and analytics providers, like Salesforce, but in his view, they often lack the industry-specific intelligence that EPIC brings to sports and live entertainment.

    “What sets EPIC apart is its deep integration with the realities of sports,” said Guido. 

    How AI-powered insights are driving real-world impact for the Tennessee Titans

    Among the early users of EPIC is the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. The team is working with Elevate as it develops a new $2.1 billion stadium set to open in 2027.

    As part of the engagement, Elevate has helped lead sponsorship sales for the new stadium. The company developed a strategic partnership revenue roadmap, a category-specific go-to-market strategy and set annual sales goals through the stadium’s launch. 

    With EPIC, the Titans have been able to build out detailed personas for fans to inform targeted marketing strategies, from messaging to premium seating and hospitality offerings. Although the new stadium is still several years away from opening, the Titans have been able to exceed sales targets for premium seating already, with data and AI-powered insights as the foundation.

    It’s not just for the NFL; college athletics are also benefiting from AI-powered insights

    While there is big money in the NFL, there is also a lot of opportunity (as well as many challenges) at other levels of sports entertainment, including colleges.

    “University athletic departments are undergoing a profound digital transformation, and data is at the center of it,” Tom Moreland, chief commercial officer at the University of Illinois Athletics, told VentureBeat. “One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that technology alone isn’t the solution — strategy comes first.”

    Moreland explained that his school has been prioritizing how it collects, interprets and applies data to enhance the experiences of its coaches, student-athletes, and fans. 

    So far, the EPIC platform has provided University of Illinois Athletics with the crucial data-driven insights required to improve football and men’s basketball ticketing, as well as an annual giving model. Moreland said that the EPIC analysis provided intelligence that enabled the school to move beyond assumptions and make strategic, informed decisions. Ultimately, he noted, EPIC empowered his department to create a more engaging and sustainable model for loyal fans and donors.

    “Athletic departments that take the time to invest in data quality, structure and application will be the ones that truly benefit from any new technology,”  said Moreland.



    Source link
  • I used the Galaxy S25 Ultra as my daily driver for two weeks – and I’m worried for Samsung

    I used the Galaxy S25 Ultra as my daily driver for two weeks – and I’m worried for Samsung


    dsc03940-2.jpg

    ZDNET’s key takeaways

    • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium flagship meant for users who want the most out of their phone, with a starting price of $1,299.
    • Key improvements include new Galaxy AI features, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a 50MP ultrawide lens.
    • No major shifts to camera hardware, battery size, and charging speeds leave a lot to be desired.

    more buying choices

    Samsung’s Big Bad Galaxy phone is here, and it may be the least surprising device I’ve tested so far. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which starts at the same bold price as last year, $1,299, remains the company’s do-everything handset. This premium Android phone is now Samsung’s best phone overall, with a more durable display, an upgraded camera lens with some handy editing tricks, and the latest Qualcomm processor keeping things running. Oh, and yes, AI is everything, everywhere, all at once.

    Also: I tried to replace my laptop with the Galaxy S25 Ultra – and I’d do it all over again

    While last year’s Galaxy S24 series ushered in Samsung’s Galaxy AI era, this year feels more like the company cementing itself as the leader in the smartphone space, besting Apple and even Google (for now) on features and capabilities. Of course, how decorative that honor is ultimately depends on how invested you are in using AI.

    I’ve spent the past two weeks testing the S25 Ultra and wasn’t too surprised to find myself both fascinated and bored. After all, this is now Samsung’s fifth iteration of the S-series Ultra model, and the changes year-over-year have been modest, to be generous. But if you’re currently using a three- to four-year-old handset and considering an upgrade, take this first-hand testimonial to heart. (And if you’re an enthusiast, it’ll matter just as much to you.)

    The Galaxy S Ultra has always been a big-phone, two-handed affair, and that holds this year. When I first unboxed the S25 Ultra, it felt like the fanciest calculator ever (and I mean that in a nice way), with its round edges and tall stature. Coming from the OnePlus 13 I recently reviewed — which, on paper, is relatively similar in size — the S25 Ultra had a bolder and more striking presence.

    From left to right: iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

    From left to right: iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

    Kerry Wan/ZDNET

    Fortunately, the device is not as top-heavy as I remember previous models being, even though Samsung encased the four rear cameras with thicker rings this time around. In fact, the S25 Ultra is lighter than its predecessor by 16 grams, earning it the title of the thinnest Galaxy S Ultra ever. You should still opt for the slimmer S25 and S25 Plus if that’s the form factor you’re after, and you’ll likely hear more about the “thinnification” of phones later this year. Furthermore, if small phones are your style, refer to our roundup on the best small phones of 2025.

    Also: I’ve tested every Samsung Galaxy S25 model – and my favorite isn’t the Ultra

    The other notable design upgrade with the S25 Ultra is the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layered over the front display. It doesn’t take away from the anti-reflection surface treatment that made headlines on last year’s S24 Ultra, yet promises improved drop protection and scratch resistance. I believe it. My S24 Ultra last year had numerous micro scratches after just days of testing, while my S25 Ultra review unit has remained pristine so far — even after I removed the privacy screen protector I initially installed on it.

    Now if only Samsung could bring back the glory days of psychedelic Aura Glow finishes, because these S25 Ultra colors are uninspiring. Perhaps it’s the nature of titanium finishes or the harsh reality that consumers are more likely to opt for safer colors with black, white, and silver hues than poppy and bright. Regardless, you’ll want to slap on a case to give your S25 Ultra even a touch of personality.

    Under the hood is a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for Galaxy, which is an overclocked variant of the processor powering competing Android phones in 2025 like the OnePlus 13 and Honor Magic 7 Pro. The most notable benefit of the chipset comes in the form of AI experiences — specifically, a 40% increase in NPU performance compared to last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

    Also: A privacy screen protector seemed perfect – then I put it on my Galaxy S25 Ultra

    In layman’s terms, on-device AI features should take up less bandwidth and power to operate while also functioning quickly. I saw the results in person, placebo effect or not, as my S25 Ultra can swiftly remove subjects (along with their shadows) from the background of photos via Generative Edit and pull up Gemini search results in a matter of seconds. I ran a couple of response tests with the iPhone 16 Pro (running Siri and ChatGPT) and Google Pixel 9 Pro (running Gemini), and the Galaxy S25 Ultra was the clear front-runner.

    You can also credit the performance to the enhanced Gemini app, which can now be fired up with a long press of the power button. Previously, Samsung phones were limited to Bixby — or Google Assistant, if you made some sketchy backend modifications — so this change is a breath of fresh air. It makes transitioning from any other Android phone that uses Gemini as the default assistant much more burdenless.

    Speaking of which, the new Gemini-Bixby hybrid AI agent, as Samsung confusingly presents it, can handle natural-sounding, conversational chains of actions, such as looking up the upcoming schedule of your favorite sports team and adding the date(s) to your calendar. While the agent-like capability mainly works across Google and Samsung apps, some third-party services like Spotify are supported, too.

    Also: I may finally ditch my Google Pixel for a Samsung Galaxy phone in 2025. Here’s why

    The important thing is knowing how to phrase your commands. For example, when I asked the AI agent to create a Spotify playlist for road trips and send it to my wife, it responded that it was unable to do so. When, instead, I asked it to find songs that were good for road trips, it curated the list and drafted a modifiable text message. My AI advice: if a prompt doesn’t work, try and try again.

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Now Brief

    Kerry Wan/ZDNET

    Considering last year’s S24 series introduced Google’s Circle to Search feature, and this year’s S25 series is doing the same for the enhanced Gemini-Bixby experience, it wouldn’t be farfetched to say that Samsung, not Google, makes the best AI phone on the market right now. 

    Some other new Galaxy AI tools, like AI Select and Now Brief, only reinforce that statement. The former is an adaptive, context-aware screen selection tool, and the latter gives daily summaries of the weather, calendar events, and news. 

    Also: These useful One UI 7 features are coming to the Galaxy S25 series – and older models too

    I just wish Now Brief showed me more than just political news; even after two weeks since setting my topic preferences within my Samsung News app to technology and sports, the app still treats my mornings with the generic “Uplifting Morning Prep” Spotify playlist and latest scoop on the US president signing executive orders.

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera

    The new 50MP ultrawide lens pulls in four times more detail than the previous generation’s 12MP sensor, according to Samsung.

    Kerry Wan/ZDNET

    One of the key reasons to buy a Galaxy Ultra phone continues to be the camera, though Samsung hasn’t improved the specifications much this year — at least on paper. The only hardware change is the 50-megapixel ultrawide lens (up from 12MP), which, from my two weeks’ worth of shots, yields greater detail and vividness, especially when capturing macro photos. 

    The rest of the lenses, such as the 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto, are identical to last year’s S24 Ultra, but several internal contributors like the improved ISP of the Qualcomm chip have made the S25 Ultra’s output more true to real life, especially when it comes to face tones and details in low light.

    Also: The best camera phones of 2025: Over 1,000 photos and videos taken by experts

    There’s a bigger focus on the software side of things, with Samsung introducing helpful photo and video features like 10-bit HDR video recording by default to capture a wider dynamic range, a new Audio Eraser feature that lets you adjust the volumes of various frequencies (classified as audio subjects like voices, wind, and noises), and the ability to record in Galaxy Log mode. 

    The latter feature allows you to better spot overexposed areas and adjust the dynamic range as you’re recording videos, while also applying LUTs in post for better color and light control.

    ZDNET’s buying advice

    My two weeks of testing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra confirms several things for me. While most aspects of the phone, such as the vibrant, glare-free display and versatility across the cameras and AI features, are easy to appreciate, the upgrades this year feel iterative and safe. 

    In ways, Samsung has even taken a few steps back, with the S Pen stylus no longer supporting Bluetooth controls and gestures, and the company opting for Qi2-ready cases instead of embedding the actual technology within its phones. Samsung may reason the absence of magnets with added weight and bulk, but it’s inexcusable when Apple continues to make the iPhone slimmer while offering similar functionality.

    Also: The best Google Pixels of 2025

    It’s understandable that early adopters and tech enthusiasts might feel underwhelmed by the S25 Ultra; when you brand your phone as “Ultra,” it should, theoretically, lead the market in multiple aspects. In today’s landscape, however, Samsung needs to give us a bit more than just a new chip and some software features. Otherwise, it’s becoming harder and harder for me to justify spending $1,300 on a phone.

    But for consumers who are coming from an S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung’s new flagship handset checks almost every box you can think of. Just make sure to survey your local carrier or retailer for a generous trade-in deal before you make the investment.





    Source link

  • 10 best fantasy shows of all time, ranked

    10 best fantasy shows of all time, ranked


    Great fantasy shows invite viewers to step away from the ordinary and enter new realms where anything is possible. These worlds are anything but mundane, delivering dazzling spectacles and character-driven stories that keep fans hooked for seasons on end. Whether it’s sprawling kingdoms full of political warfare or magical domains overrun by bizarre creatures, the genre has a variety of enthralling worlds to choose from.

    From cultural phenomenons like Game of Thrones to beloved cult classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the best fantasy shows shaped and defined the genre. This spectacular series offers excitement and escapism through the small screen, with the very best going on to be influential and award-winning classics that fans can revisit over and over again.

    10. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)

    Xena crouched down in the grass with weapons on her back in Xena: Warrior Princess.
    Renaissance Pictures / Universal Television

    Xena: Warrior Princess is a nostalgic cult classic from the 1990s that served as a spinoff of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys where the titular protagonist was introduced as a supporting character. Focusing on here as the star instead, the spinoff chronicles Xena’s (Lucy Lawless) redemption arc as a former warlord wanting atonement by using her skills as a warrior for good. Alongside the storyteller-turned-fighter Gabrielle (Renee O’Connor), the duo take on mythological creatures, warlords, and even gods on their journey across the ancient world.

    Xena‘s setting is inspired by Greek mythology, making each episode an interestingly-rich and imagined world brimming with fascinating characters. The show also doesn’t take itself seriously, with high-stakes drama complemented by campy humor that showcases the writers’ wit. Xena was also a trailblazer in fantasy TV, as it served as a precursor to modern female-led action epics and tackled feminist themes through its main characters’ storylines.

    Stream Xena: Warrior Princess on Prime Video.

    9. Charmed (1998-2006)

    Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) in Charmed.
    The WB

    With the “Power of Three,” Charmed cast a spell on countless fans and became one of the most popular fantasy shows of its era. The WB series follows the Halliwell sisters — Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) — as they explore their abilities and roles as the Charmed Ones, the most powerful witches ever prophesied. Living in their ancestral San Francisco manor, the trio struggle to balance their ordinary lives with their supernatural side. The group was also later joined by Paige (Rose McGowan).

    Charmed offered magical whimsy with some binge-worthy drama, keeping fans coming back for more. At its core, the show is beloved for its celebration of the friendship between three powerful women who choose to be good witches. Its impact as a pioneering series is still felt today, with new audiences discovering it on streaming platforms. Charmed has even inspired a less successful reboot on The CW, which premiered in 2018.

    Stream Charmed on Prime Video.

    8. Outlander (2014-)

    Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe in Outlander.
    Starz

    Outlander is a historical drama and fantasy series based on Diana Gabaldon’s eponymous novels. The show follows Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a World War II nurse mysteriously transported back to 1743 Scotland through the standing stones of Craigh na Dun. While navigating a chaotic era where her freedom and identity are changed significantly, Claire unexpectedly falls in love with the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). She’s then caught between the life she made in 1743 and the one she left with her husband in 1945.

    After a decade’s worth of storytelling, Outlander has captivated viewers with its unique time-traveling period story that tells an epic romance. On top of that, the series also places its protagonists in historical settings, involving them in political events, real-life rebellions, and more. It becomes impossible not to root for them as they experience the march of history and fight for their love across time and space. Fans of the series can look forward to a confirmed spinoff titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood, which will further explore the original’s one-of-a-kind world.

    Stream Outlander on Starz.

    7. Merlin (2008-2012)

    Colin Morgan as Merlin.
    BBC One

    In a reimagining of the Arthurian legends, Merlin sees the titular wizard (played by Colin Morgan) first as a young man who discovers his magical powers. He must keep them a secret since King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) has outlawed the use of magic in his kingdom. When Merlin is tasked with protecting the king’s son, Prince Arthur (Bradley James), he realizes that he must use his powers to protect him while also guiding him to become a better future ruler.

    The bond that forms between Arthur and Merlin becomes the cornerstone of the series, with the duo evolving as characters with each new threat they face. Merlin attracts audiences with its light-hearted adventures but keeps them investing in the increasingly serious stakes as Arthur faces his role and Merlin finds himself. While its CGI hasn’t aged the best and betrays the show’s low budget, it’s still worth revisiting for fans of the genre.

    Stream Merlin on Prime Video.

    6. Bewitched (1964-1972)

    The cast of Bewitched.
    ABC

    Bewitched is a must-see classic sitcom that centers on a charming witch, Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), who marries mortal adman, Darrin Stephens (Dick York, later Dick Sargent), and vows to live as an ordinary suburban housewife. Of course, suppressing her magical powers proves easier said than done, as it’s much easier to get through daily life with them. There’s also the problem of her meddling spell-casting relatives, who mostly dislike her husband and resent her situation.

    The comedic series relies on funny domestic situations with a twist on magic. What made it such a standout, however, is that it uses this mischievous humor to subtly comment on modern domesticity and gender roles. Samantha’s efforts to balance her built-in magic with her desire for a “normal” life mirror the struggles of women in the 1960s, cementing Bewitched as a groundbreaking and daring show that would inspire the fantasy sitcoms that followed.

    Stream Bewitched on The Roku Channel.

    5. The Witcher (2019-)

    Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia looking ahead in The Witcher.
    Netflix

    Based on the eponymous book series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher is a gritty fantasy show that follows Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), who hunts monsters for a living. The series is set in a fictional medieval-inspired world where the titular witcher finds himself following the destined path that leads him to Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra). The trio then works together as they fight bigger forces and participate in larger political conflicts that escalate into all-out wars.

    Fans of both the books and the game can appreciate The Witcher‘s interpretation of its source material. It thrives thanks to its morally gray approach, lending the show a darker and grittier feel for fantasy enthusiasts who prefer those types of stories. While it remains to be seen how Cavill’s controversial recasting — with Liam Hemsworth taking over the role of Geralt of Rivia — will affect the series, it’s safe to say that for now, it’s considered among the best modern fantasy shows.

    Stream The Witcher on Netflix.

    4. Stranger Things (2016-2025)

    Four kids gather around a desk and stare at the computer.
    Netflix

    Netflix’s crowning achievement in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, Stranger Things is a megahit that needs no introduction. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the series begins in 1983 with the mysterious disappearance of young Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). As his friends—Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo)—search for him, they find Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a mysterious girl with telekinetic abilities. Their journey soon leads to the discovery of a secret government experiment and a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down.

    Stranger Things soars thanks to the friendship between its characters and the satisfying way fans have grown up alongside the talented cast. It also seamlessly fuses 1980s nostalgia with a supernatural story that can be scary at times, without ever losing sight of the fun times between the group. The fifth and final season, slated for release in 2025, promises to provide an explosive ending to what the show has been building up to all of these years, and viewers can only hope that they stick the landing.

    Stream Stranger Things on Netflix.

    3. Supernatural (2005-2020)

    Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki in Supernatural.
    Warner Bros.

    Supernatural is a genre-defining series that ran for an unprecedented 15 seasons, becoming one of the most beloved and enduring TV shows of all time. It’s centered on the brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), who travel across America on what is essentially a “monster-of-the-week” road trip. The show evolves to incorporate more complicated storylines that touch on the brothers’ familial issues and bigger supernatural foes.

    Supernatural embraces its horror roots, drawing inspiration from urban legends, folklore, and pop culture to create enthralling stories every week. The brothers’ relationship is at the heart of the series, which made it so popular. The Winchester brothers are the iconic duo that served as the anchor for the show for all those years, keeping fans coming back for more each week. The show would eventually focus on their arcs, focusing on their struggles and inner battles, giving audiences even more reasons to stay tuned.

    Stream Supernatural on Netflix.

    2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

    Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
    Warner Bros.

    A pioneering work within the supernatural and fantasy genres, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an addictive blend of action, humor, and drama. It revolves around Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a high school student who reluctantly accepts her role as the Chosen One — destined to battle dark forces like vampires and demons. Relocating to Sunnydale, a California town situated over a Hellmouth, Buffy struggles to balance her supernatural duties with the everyday hardships of teenage life.

    Each season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer features a “Big Bad” or a major antagonist like the ancient vampire The Master. To take them down, Buffy is supported by the “Scooby Gang,” made up of her friends and mentor. With sharp storytelling and numerous innovative twists on classic tropes, the series became a celebrated classic that many fans continue to reference and revisit today. It has an active fandom that collects its hundreds of tie-in products, and the show also spawned the “Buffyverse,” which includes its popular spinoff titled Angel.

    Stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu.

    1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

    Daenerys Targaryen with Drogon behind her in Game of Thrones.
    HBO

    HBO’s epic adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones is a monumental achievement in fantasy television and an undeniable cultural phenomenon. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series begins as noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne while a looming threat from beyond the Wall—the White Walkers—threatens to upend the known world. Over eight seasons, the show explores the various political factions, new romances and alliances, dramatic betrayals, and so much more.

    Despite its terrible final season, Game of Thrones still stands as the peak of fantasy TV, thanks to its cutting-edge visuals, ambitious and far-reaching arcs, and amazing cast. The series is a spectacle that delivered an unparalleled sense of scale to the small screen, all while relying on Shakespearean drama to keep fans glued to their screens every week. While it didn’t end on a high note, Game of Thrones’ influence on the genre has cemented it alongside the greats, with numerous planned spin-offs being a testament to its legacy.

    Stream Game of Thrones on Max.








    Source link

  • The 9 best Super Bowl TV deals: Take up to $630 off sets from Samsung, LG, Sony and others

    The 9 best Super Bowl TV deals: Take up to $630 off sets from Samsung, LG, Sony and others


    We’re a few days from Super Bowl LIX, and it remains a decent time to grab a new TV at a discount. At this point, you’ll likely have to buy in-store if you want to make a living room upgrade in time to watch Chiefs and Eagles go at it (again), as shipping times for most sets have stretched beyond Sunday. However, if you don’t care so much about football (or Super Bowl commercials) and just want a quality TV at a reasonable price, there are still a number of discounts worth checking out. To save you some time, we’ve searched through Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers to find a few Super Bowl 2025 TV deals that are actually solid value. 

    To be candid, many of the better offers stem from TVs naturally falling in price this time of year rather than Super Bowl-specific sales. In general, most TVs follow a similar pricing timeline: arrive in the spring, drop a little over the summer, receive a larger price cut around the holidays, then gradually fall cheaper until being discontinued the following year. We’re in the last stage of this pattern now, and with TV makers like Samsung and LG unveiling their 2025 lineups during CES last month, last year’s models are likely to drop even further in the months ahead.

    That said, if you need to make a change today, a number of well-regarded TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and Hisense are back down to the prices we saw around Black Friday. In some cases, they’re even cheaper. We’re also seeing a couple deals on streamers and soundbars we like from Roku and Sonos. Though we at Engadget do not formally review TVs, we’ve scoured feedback from other reviewers we trust and checked price histories to ensure everything below is a genuine deal.

    • LG B4 OLED TV (48″) for $600 at Best Buy ($200 off MSRP): This ties the lowest price we’ve seen for the 48-inch LG B4, which is the entry-level model in LG’s 2024 OLED lineup. While it’s not as bright or color-rich as some higher-end alternatives, it still offers the essential perks of any good OLED TV: superb contrast with deep black tones, clear motion, wide viewing angles and the like. It’s also a nice value for gaming, as it has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support refresh rates up to 120Hz. It’s just better off in a darker room, and this particular model is relatively small.

    • Hisense U7N QLED TV (65″) for $698 at Amazon ($300 off): Several reviewers we trust say that the U7N delivers better brightness, contrast and HDR performance than most TVs in its price range. It’s built with most of the features expected from pricier LED sets, including quantum-dot color, mini-LED backlighting and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also runs on the handy Google TV platform. Its viewing angles are poor, so it’s not great for watching shows with a large group, and you may need to tinker with settings to get an optimal image. But the 65-inch model should be a strong value at this price, which is only about $20 more than the all-time low we briefly saw around Cyber Monday. Also at Best Buy. If you’d prefer a smaller size, the 55-inch model is also back within $20 of its best-ever price at $498.

    Samsung The Frame
    The Samsung Frame TV.
    Amy Skorheim
    • Samsung The Frame 2024 QLED TV (55″) for $868 at Woot ($630 off): This deal from Amazon subsidiary Woot has been live for several weeks, but it ties the best price to date for the 55-inch version of Samsung’s stylish Frame TV outside of a one-off eBay coupon deal. You’d buy The Frame for its design above all else: It can’t match the contrast and color volume of other TVs in its price range, as it lacks local dimming altogether, but it’s convincingly built like a framed piece of wall art that can blend in with your home decor. Its matte panel helps it fend off glare in a bright room, and you can display actual artwork onscreen when you’re not watching something. It’s worth noting that Samsung unveiled a new and improved “Frame Pro” TV at CES, but we’d expect that to cost more whenever it arrives.

    • TCL Q651G QLED TV (65″) for $368 at Amazon ($182 off): The Q651G is a fairly basic LED TV that might appeal to gamers on a budget, as it can play at a fast 120Hz refresh rate — albeit only when you drop the resolution from 4K to 1440p or 1080p. It’s another one without local dimming, so its contrast is limited. Most reviewers suggest that the Hisense U6N (which isn’t majorly discounted) provides a brighter and much more dynamic image for not much more. However, while the U6N can also play in 1440p/120Hz, the TCL model has a wider variable refresh rate (VRR) range in that mode. In simpler terms, that means it’ll have an easier time allowing your PS5 or Xbox games to run smoothly. This discount marks a new low for the 65-inch model. Also at Best Buy and Walmart.

    The Samsung S90D OLED TV.
    The Samsung S90D.
    Samsung
    • Hisense U8N QLED TV (65″) for $898 at Amazon ($602 off): The U8N’s picture quality is a broad step-up from the U7N above, with better contrast, more vibrant colors and supremely high peak brightness. It still has most of the same drawbacks — mediocre viewing angles, minor blooming in a dark room, just decent upscaling of lower-res content — but it should be a worthy upgrade if you have more cash to burn. This is another discount we saw for much of November and December, but it ties the all-time low for the 65-inch variant. Also at Best Buy.

    • Samsung S90D QD-OLED TV (55″) for $1,198 at Amazon ($600 off): The S90D stands out for its QD-OLED panel, which mixes the benefits of an OLED display with a layer of quantum dots to boost color performance. Most reviews say that it can put out a wider gamut of more vibrant colors and brighter HDR highlights than more traditional OLED TVs like the LG C4. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports that can play up to 144Hz. It doesn’t support Dolby Vision HDR, however, and Samsung’s Tizen interface can be clunky. The company has also made the aggravating step of using both QD-OLED and more standard WOLED panels within the same product line, but this 55-inch version comes with the superior display in North America. (The 65- and 75-inch models do as well.) This deal is the second-best price we’ve seen and about $150 off this variant’s average street price in recent months. Also at Samsung and Best Buy. 

    The Sony Bravia 7 QLED TV set up in a living room.
    The Sony Bravia 7.
    Sony
    • Sony Bravia 7 QLED TV (55″) for $1,198 at Amazon ($100 off): The Bravia 7 isn’t as strong of a value as the Hisense U8N, but some reviews suggest that it’s a decent alternative if you’re willing to trade some contrast and peak brightness for a more accurate picture out of the box. Like the Hisense TV, its image washes out when viewed from an angle and it only has two HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. In general, most people will be happier with a good OLED TV around this price. But if you want a brighter LED TV that looks great right away, this one might be worth a look. This is a new low for the 55-inch model. Also at B&H and Best Buy.

    • Roku Ultra (2024) for $79 at Amazon ($21 off): Roku’s Ultra set-top box is overkill for most, but it might be worthwhile if you prefer the simplicity of Roku’s interface and need built-in Ethernet and USB ports. It supports just about all the major apps and HDR formats, plus it lets iPhone owners cast video from their phone via AirPlay. Unlike the cheaper Roku Streaming Stick 4K, it also comes with a rechargeable remote that has backlit buttons, built-in voice controls and a lost remote finder. We call it the best Roku player in our guide to the best streaming devices. This deal was available for much of the holiday season, but it ties the latest model’s all-time low. Also at Roku, B&H and Best Buy.

    • Sonos Beam (Gen 2) for $399 at Sonos ($100 off): Yes, the recent overhaul of the Sonos app has been an abject disaster, to the point where the audio brand’s CEO and chief product officer have left the company entirely. However, if you’re not already tied up in the Sonos ecosystem and just want a clean-sounding soundbar that won’t chew up a ton of space, the Sonos Beam’s hardware still does enough right to be worth a look. We call it the best midrange option in our guide to the best soundbars. It only has one HDMI port, and it’s too small to deliver truly room-rattling bass, but it still compares favorably to most alternatives in its size range. This deal is $30 above the device’s all-time low but still $100 off its typical street price. Other Sonos home theater gadgets are similarly discounted, including the more compact Sonos Ray for $179 and the Sub 4 subwoofer for $679. These offers are also available at Amazon and other retailers. Sonos says they’ll run until February 9.

    • LG C3 OLED TV (65″) for $1,197 at Amazon ($303 off): The LG C3 was released in 2023, but it’s not a huge downgrade from last year’s LG C4, so it’s still worth considering when it’s available for less. The C4 should be slightly better in terms of brightness and color volume, plus it supports refresh rates up to 144Hz rather than 120Hz, though the latter is only really useful for PC gaming. Neither model can quite match the QD-OLED panel on the Samsung S90D, but the C3 will still look excellent if you’re not comparing the two side-by-side and just want to save some cash on a larger premium display. This discount ties the lowest price we’ve tracked outside of a handful of in-store-only and eBay coupon deals.

    • Sony A95L OLED TV (65″) for $2,498 at eBay via BuyDig ($500 off): The A95L is wildly expensive even with this discount, but many reviewers agree that it’s the best TV on the market if money is no object. It’s another QD-OLED TV like the Samsung S90D, but it’s more color-accurate out of the box and should be better at preserving details in shows that aren’t presented in 4K. It also supports Dolby Vision, unlike Samsung’s TVs, and its Google TV software is generally easier to navigate than Tizen. The only serious drawback is that it’s limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports, which may be annoying for those who own a soundbar and multiple game consoles. This discount from ties the lowest price to date for the 65-inch model; just use the code SAVEBIG20 at checkout. It comes from eBay via BuyDig, which Sony lists as an authorized seller.

    Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

    This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-9-best-super-bowl-tv-deals-take-up-to-630-off-sets-from-samsung-lg-sony-and-others-161012679.html?src=rss



    Source link

  • Best Printer for 2025 – CNET

    Best Printer for 2025 – CNET


    Printers? Today, this technology might seem a little obsolete when nearly all forms, documents and the like are available digitally. But a good printer can be a useful member of your workspace setup, especially when you need a hard copy of concert tickets, homework or photos. Many printers even have scanners onboard that come in handy for the reverse, digitizing what’s most important. Though printers might not be the flashiest or must-have tech, there are still plenty of great options. Thankfully, I’ve been testing the latest printers for a while now, often running dozens of machines simultaneously. It’s noisy, but the best overall options always cut through the chaos.

    What is the best printer overall?

    In this roundup, you’ll find printers capable of mobile printing and wireless printing from a phone or any PC, Mac or Chromebook. You can also print over a cabled connection and via wireless printer connectivity. (Note that some, but not all, printers support Apple’s AirPrint and Google’s Cloud Print protocols, which are usually less onerous than the printer vendors’ proprietary systems.) Some of the printers here go beyond the standard options. We’ve included thermal label printers, sublimation printers, and even DTF printers to offer a well-rounded selection for your printing needs.

    For a home office with just one or two people using it, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is the best overall choice. The print speed was excellent, and all the printed words were crisp and clear. This isn’t a photo printer, and it shows, but it works well enough for daily imagery tasks. If you’re using it to print brochures or Word documents, this is an almost perfect printer for you.

    Best printers of 2025

    If you work from home but need all the advantages of an office printer, the OfficeJet Pro is an excellent choice. In terms of sheer printing speed, the HP is ahead of most others in its price range. It printed the 10 pages in just 32 seconds and scanned and printed them in 58 seconds. Very impressive.

    The last model had some issues with graphics and imagery, but this new upgrade is much better. The graphics in the brochure test were sharp and accurate, and the images, while being a little dotty, still looked great. The text was excellent, with clearly defined edges, even the Comic Sans parts. It’s a bit larger than some of the printers I tested, but the deep paper tray and auto-feed for the scanner make the size worthwhile.
    Of the printers I’ve tested so far, the OfficeJet Pro is the most versatile. It also comes with three months of free ink, based on a standard usage if you sign up for HP Plus. While HP Plus does give you some extra helpful app choices for free and the ink, the downside is you can only use HP inks while subscribed to it. 

    With this HP Envy 6458E wireless all-in-one printer, you’ll pick up a home printing center that covers all the basics. Print, scan, and copy everyday documents for school, work, and side gigs simply and wirelessly. Intuitive setup with the HP Smart app means you’re ready on any device. 

    Includes the HP Envy 6458E wireless all-in-one printer, an HP 67 tri-color ink cartridge, and an HP 67 black ink cartridge.

    • Print, scan, and copy
    • Built-in Wi-Fi
    • 35-page auto document feeder
    • Prints up to 10 pages per minute black, and up to 7 ppm color
    • Automatic two-sided printing
    • HP Smart app
    • Measures 6.8 by 14.2 by 17 inches

    First off, this is not a typical printer machine. The bulky square shape is not something you would want to see in a fashionable home office. It is solidly constructed, though, and unlike some of the other products in this price range, it doesn’t have any creaky plastic pieces. It’s built well and it shows.

    Because of the extra paper tray, the Epson can hold a large amount of paper for use. This makes it perfect if you and another person use it daily. It prints fast too — the fastest in our test, though the scanning is a little slow. The graphic, text, and webpage text were all excellent, though the image quality on glossy paper was only good. This is a workhorse though, designed for high-volume text, not imagery.

    My only real issue with the Workforce Pro was the size of the ink cartridges. It’s great that there are two large paper trays to hold a lot of paper, but if the amount of ink you have doesn’t match, then you’ll have a problem.

    The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a terrible name for a pretty good printer in this price bracket. Photos came out clear and sharp as did the graphics on the website and brochure test. Even the text was very sharp. For an all-in-one printer at this price, it did every job well. It’s good that it has Amazon dash replenishment, though, as the inks are woefully undersized for the printer.

    DTF printing is a fairly new technology that combines the color choices of screen printing with the ease of heat transfer vinyl, which you might see on a Cricut vinyl cutter. To use it, you print a full-color image onto a special film, cover the back in a special powder, and cook it in a small oven to create an adhesive layer. From there, you use a heat press to seal it into an item of clothing or other surface. Procolored makes several DTF printers, with the Panda F8 being a more consumer-friendly version than their other, larger machines. It works very well to make small batches or products, so using the Panda F8 to print unique clothing items for your Etsy store is better than using a Cricut or sublimation printer, especially for shirts that are not white.

    My biggest issue with the Panda F8 is the need for it to be in constant use. The ink delivery system is unstable, so it needs constant use to keep it from getting stale. That’s fine if you have a lot of orders, but if you don’t, you’ll need to print stuff anyway to keep it going.

    The Canon Pixma TR4720 isn’t going to be winning any awards in any category. In all of my testing, it came out around the middle of the pack in just about every category. While that could be seen as a negative in a printer that costs several hundred dollars, for one that is as cheap as the Pixma, it’s encouraging. 

    The Pixma scored better in color reproduction when placed against other, more expensive all-in-one printers when printing on glossy paper. Some printers suffer from dimpling when printing images, but the Pixma didn’t and the skin tones were far better on the Canon image than on other brands. My only real negative is the machine’s volume. You can tell it was built on a budget, but as far as budget printers go, this one’s pretty good.

    HP’s latest Smart Tank is a midlevel all-in-one with some really nice features and a few that are missing. In all our tests, it did very well, especially the website printing test, where all the graphics were as crisp and clear as the text. The image test was good too, though not as good as that of the more expensive Smart Tank 7301. The colors were vivid, and there was no sign of chromatic abrasion. There was a little grain in the image, but nothing that better paper couldn’t fix.

    My big bugbear with the 5101 is the rear-loading paper tray. It makes the printer deeper than a standard shelf, limiting where it can be put. It also limits the amount of paper it can store to just a few sheets, making it less than ideal for a larger workload. The lack of a scanner feeder on the top also slows you down, forcing you to scan each document a single page at a time.

    Overall the 5101 is a good choice if you want excellent color recreation at a reasonable price. And because it’s an ink tank system, the ink should last at least a year. 

    I love a tool that is for one purpose, and it does that purpose almost perfectly. The Nelko thermal printer is specifically designed to print labels for packages — though it does print other labels, too — and if, like me, you have an Etsy or Shopify store, it can be invaluable.

    Most of the tests I’ve designed for this article don’t apply to the Nelko, though the print speed per page is shockingly fast, so it is not comparable to the other printers here. It’s also at the top of the pack of the thermal printers I’ve tested. The app-controlled Bluetooth connection makes it even easier to print shipping labels. Simply purchase them through Etsy on your phone and print them using the app. You can even crop the image to remove the white space. It’s so simple I should have bought one years ago.

    My only gripe with the Nelko is the lack of roller hooks. I like that the printer is small, but there is no room for a roll of thermal stickers, limiting you to single sheets, or jury-rigging something to fit.

    Sublimation is the process of transferring ink from paper to other materials like t-shirts, mugs, and canvases. There are plenty of options if you are looking to convert a standard printer to use sublimation ink, but if possible, you should buy a dedicated printer like the Brother SP1 for the job.

    Brother has recently entered the sublimation market with the SP1, and it’s a pretty impressive offering. Like all modern printers, it has Wi-Fi printing, and, using the Artspira app on your phone or tablet, you can create really great layouts for printing just about any design on anything you can heat press. I appreciate how easy it is to use, though I wish the inks were a little bigger. The price is excellent for a sublimation printer too.

    After testing the Expression, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this printer did. Being Epson’s budget option it could have been poor, but instead performed excellently at text reproduction and about average on the image quality. The setup was quick and easy and the Wi-Fi connection seems to be solid wherever I put it in my house. Print time was average at 1 minute, 15 seconds, but the text quality more than made up for the speed. All of the text, even the photocopied text was legible and smooth.

    The only downside is how small the ink cartridges are on this printer. I know ink is where companies make the most money, but replacing these tiny cartridges every few weeks or months will get old quickly.

    Not all the printers we test make it to the top table. Some of them are good but don’t quite make the top of our list, some we replaced with a new version, and some are so bad that we omitted them entirely. Here are some of the home printers that nearly made it or have been on the best list but replaced by different models.

    Show more

    The Sawgrass SG500 is purpose-built to print using sublimation ink and paper. It works great, too. You can print up a storm of artwork to put on T-shirts for the whole family. While this has a larger ink well than the brother, the creaky feeling of the plastic, and the extra hundreds of dollars it costs means it can’t quite hit the top slot.

    The Munbyn is good — for a thermal printer. It printed quickly and its labels were crisp and sharp, with no issues reading barcodes. However, it fell when trying to connect to the app. I found the app needed a lot of work, and it failed to connect more times than it connected. It’s also a hundred dollars more than its peers and not worth the extra money.

    Know what you want your printer to do

    What you intend to print will determine the best printer for you. If you’re mostly working with shopping lists, concert tickets, or travel itineraries, excellent print quality is arguably less important than print speed and price. If you’re using your printer for professional materials or photo printing, then color accuracy, printing quality and features like borderless printing will be primary considerations when choosing the right home printer.

    Budget

    Another factor to consider is the cost of ink and ensuring you have enough ink to print everything you need. (There’s nothing more frustrating than having a printer but no ink in the tank.) Inkjet printers use liquid ink to print, whereas laser printers use toner cartridges containing powder. Even if you’re getting a great printer deal, be sure to research how to refill the ink, so you can choose the best printer for your overall budget. Some new printers include an ink subscription in their original price tag, so that may be something to consider.

    Show more

    For a long time, CNET’s methodology for testing printers didn’t change. Our original testing was designed in the days when Wi-Fi printers were rare and faxing was an important consideration when choosing a device. These days, Wi-Fi is standard, app-controlled printers are everywhere, and what and how we print has changed considerably. I designed a new set of printing parameters in 2022 that I hope will mesh with how we use printers nowadays.

    HP printer printing a photo test print

    James Bricknell / CNET
    • Print and copy speed: The speed at which things print and copy are important in our daily lives. Printing a quick theater ticket or copying a document needs to be done speedily and accurately. Testing this is easy; I simply used a stopwatch and printed 10 pages of text of varying sizes and typefaces. I used Fillerama to generate random text from Star Wars and Monty Python and changed the font size randomly across the page. I also used different fonts, like Arial and Times New Roman, to see how they’d print. I even added Comic Sans to the mix, because some people still think it’s a good idea to use it (for middle managers mostly).
    • Brochure and webpage test: When asked, people told me they use their home printer for printing online tickets from webpages as well as their resumes for job interviews. With that in mind, I used the standard brochure template from Google Docs, which I changed a little — I made the font size smaller and larger and changed the font too — to give that modern resume look. I also saved my article about becoming a Star Wars action figure into a PDF — I needed to keep the ads the same on every test, so the live article wouldn’t do. Sometimes we’re in too much of a rush to select just the ticket, so printing the entire webpage is easier. This test simulates that.
    • Receipt test: When you work from home, you often have to submit your receipts for travel and incidentals. One of the most common ways to do that, if you aren’t lucky enough to have an app, is to tape receipts to a piece of paper and scan them into your computer. That way you can email them wherever they need to go quickly and easily. To re-create that, I taped my receipts from my food shopping to create a scan. I used a mixture of new receipts and ones that had faded in my wallet, then I checked the scan for legibility. Most scanners will enhance the image you’re scanning, and that certainly helps with receipts.
    • Picture quality test: As in previous CNET photo tests, I used the PhotoDisc Target file for my image tests. I printed images on the same Canon glossy paper and studied them according to the guidelines associated with this industry standard. I took special note of the skin tones at the bottom to make sure they were replicated correctly and also checked for chromatic abrasion. Chromatic abrasion is a purple hue that often surrounds images and can make even the best picture look cheap and tacky. I also checked for stippling; an image error that occurs on poorly calibrated inkjet printers. 

    Show more

    Should you buy a printer with an ink subscription?

    Ink subscriptions are becoming more common, with several printers on this list offering them as part of the original cost. Are they any good? It all depends on how much ink you use. If you’re printing more than 100 pages a month, then yes, it likely is a good deal. Less than that and you may find you don’t need it.

    Most ink subscriptions offer you a certain number of months free, so it’s worth trying it to see if it can fulfill your needs, but remember to cancel it before you’re supposed to start paying if you don’t want it.


    Show more

    What are the different types of printer?

    The most common printer types are:

    • Laser: Uses light, heat, and toner to create text and images (best for text).
    • Inkjet: Uses small dots of ink to create an overall shape (best for images).
    • Sublimation: Same as an inkjet, but the ink sticks to materials like mugs or T-shirts.
    • Thermal: Uses heat and thermal paper to produce text and images (best for labels).


    Show more

    How much should a home printer cost?

    Printer prices can vary from $100 for simple budget printers, to $700 or more for complex printers that can seem like magic. The best home printers, especially the all-in-one printers that scan and copy as well, tend to sit at the $200 to $300 mark. If you need something only for text, you can get a good one for $150.


    Show more





    Source link

  • Where to find abortion resources off social media

    Where to find abortion resources off social media


    On June 24, 2022 , the U.S. Supreme Court — led by a conservative majority — chose to repeal the privacy rights afforded to all Americans by overturning the landmark precedent enshrined in Roe v. Wade. Its immediate effect relegated the right of abortion access to the states, effectively threatening reproductive health services for millions of people. 

    In the years since, and with the nation now led by a presidential administration seeking to wage war on “elective” abortion, reproductive health care has transformed from an enshrined right to a political bargaining chip. Between 2020 and March 2024, 42 abortions clinics and reproductive health centers shut down. National abortion funds have endured, continuing to provide financial and logistic services to populations who now have to travel beyond state lines for abortion care, as well as to those for whom the services are much more difficult to access within their own communities. Sales of emergency contraception have skyrocketed, too, ballooning once more in the wake of the 2024 election results and on inauguration day

    President Trump has invoked the Hyde Amendment to justify the loss of reproductive health funding nationwide and pledged to return the “issue of life,” or what his recent executive order refers to as “violations of faith and conscience,” to the states. Just mere days after he was sworn into office, Trump pardoned 23 people who had been convicted of violating the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The bill protects reproductive health services from threats of force, obstruction, and property damage, including blocking physical access to abortion clinics, breaking into facilities, stealing fetal tissue, and accosting pregnant patients.

    Violence against abortion providers has been on the rise, as well. “Since 1977, there have been 11 murders, 42 bombings, 200 arsons, 531 assaults, 492 clinic invasions, 375 burglaries, and thousands of other incidents of criminal activities directed at patients, providers, and volunteers,” reports the National Abortion Federation.

    SEE ALSO:

    I’m quitting Instagram. You should too.

    And now, with Big Tech’s leaders cozying up with the new administration and instituting regressive, conservative policies across their platforms, abortion providers and reproductive justice advocates are facing an increasingly hostile online environment, as well. Aid Access, one of the country’s largest providers of emergency contraception, accused Meta of obscuring search results and censoring posts containing images and information on medication-based abortion. Other abortion and reproductive justice pages have been removed from search results for various periods of time, and Meta has confirmed it suspended accounts and removed related content. 

    Federally, the Trump administration has moved to erase resources on reproductive health and other inclusive medical care provided on government sites, including modifying obstetric guides to contraceptive options. With fears of misinformation and censorship on social media growing, and support for reproductive health care at risk, the fight for abortion access may have to move offline — or, at least, off the For You Page.

    Mapping the state of abortion access in the U.S.

    Center for Reproductive Rights Abortion Laws Map

    The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global, human-rights based coalition of attorneys and reproductive health advocates. Their U.S. Abortion Laws Map provides an overview of the legal landscape for abortion seekers in each state, and can be filtered by specific laws or regulations.

    A multi-colored map of the United States showing which states have hostile abortion laws.


    Credit: Center for Reproductive Rights

    Guttmacher Institute’s Interactive Law Map

    The Guttmacher Institute is a research and policy organization focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world. The institute’s Interactive Law Map is a consistently updated overview of the most protective and most hostile state abortion laws — individuals can search the institute’s database by specific state or policy, such as total abortion bans, constitutional protections, state abortion care funds, or shield laws for providers.

    A multi-colored map of the United States showing which states have the most protective and most hostile abortion laws.


    Credit: Guttmacher Institute

    Noise for Now Clinic Map

    Noise for Now is a non-profit organization that organizes benefit concerts and artist collaborations that raise funds for reproductive justice. The organization’s interactive map locates Planned Parenthood Health Centers, independent abortion clinics (vetted as part of the Abortion Care Network, National Abortion Federation), and abortion funds for reproductive health seekers across the country.

    Fake Clinic (AKA “Crisis Pregnancy Centers”) Maps

    Crisis Pregnancy Center Map monitors and documents organizations created by anti-abortion groups that purport to offer reproductive health care centers, also known as “crisis pregnancy centers,” “anti-abortion centers,” “fake clinics,” or “pregnancy resource centers.” The group’s interactive online map allows abortion seekers to find and avoid locations that may divert them from having abortions.

    Expose Fake Clinics, with support from groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America and Abortion Access Front, maintains a database of “crisis pregnancy centers” organized by state. Abortion and reproductive justice organization Reproaction also monitors and documents anti-abortion pregnancy centers.

    A screenshot of an online map of the U.S. with large circles indicating areas with high numbers of fake abortion clinics.


    Credit: Crisis Pregnancy Center Map

    Abortion travel times by congressional district

    Nonpartisan policy institute the Center for American Progress has turned national data on reproductive health access into an interactive map displaying the average travel times for individuals seeking abortions in each state. It is organized based on congressional district and was last updated in January 2025.

    A screenshot of a U.S. map showing congressional districts. Each district is a different color, indicating how far it is to the nearest abortion provider.


    Credit: Center for American Progress

    Abortion and emergency contraception access

    I Need An A 

    Launched in 2016, I Need an A is “the first comprehensive, regularly updated, and personalized resource for abortion seekers in the U.S.,” the site explains. Partnered with organizations like Abortion Care Network, Apiary for Practical Support, and National Network of Abortion Funds, the platform connects abortion seekers with local (or the nearest) clinics — prioritizing user data privacy.

    National Network of Abortion Funds

    The National Network of Abortion Funds is a network of more than 100 abortion funds that provide financial support for abortion seekers around the country. The coalition offers grants, leadership, and technical assistance to local funds. Abortion seekers can use the site to answer questions like insurance coverage and connect with local financial assistance.

    Abortion Finder

    Abortion Finder is a comprehensive abortion information and resource platform that is operated by the nonprofit Power to Decide and its digital reproductive health platform Bedsider. Abortion Finder offers clinic maps, provider databases, funding and emotional support resources, as well as general information on abortion. Individuals can also find state by state guides to abortion access.

    Abortion On Our Own Terms

    Part of a national campaign to change the way self-managed abortion is discusses and regulated, Abortion On Our Own Terms connects individuals to secure (and culturally-sensitive) information on at-home abortion options, such as medical abortion, and menstruation tracking. Self-managed abortion with pills remains one of the most common forms of abortion.

    Plan C

    Plan C, started as a public health campaign, provides up-to-date information on how to access at-home abortion pill options online and by mail. Collating legal information, telehealth services, and online vendors, Plan C lays out the current state of medical abortion access.

    You Always Have Options 

    A central resource hub created by I Need an A, Shout Your Abortion, Plan C, and abortion chatbot Charley for individuals who live in states where abortion is restricted. You Always Have Options collates links for finding providers, emergency contraception options, and resources for securing your digital privacy, acting as a one-stop shop for essential answers to reproductive justice questions.

    Mashable Top Stories

    Identity-based and regional resources 

    Asking for a Friend

    A California-based, youth-focused platform that offers a variety of mental and reproductive health resources, Asking for a Friend provides practical and decision-making support to abortion seekers, including in-person and at-home options.

    “The health services that we direct people to are compiled resources that we have found ourselves, that have been recommended by young people, Power to Decide (which also powers Abortionfinder.org & Bedsider), LGBTQ+ centers, as well as publicly available state data sets about providers who participate in safety net programs,” the platform explained to Mashable.

    Reproductive Agency Honoring Impacted Muslims (RAHIM)

    An ongoing initiative from HEART — a Muslim-led national reproductive justice organization tackling gender-based violence, sexual health, and reproductive health — RAHIM seeks to provide culturally relevant resources and support to Muslim abortion seekers.

    Right to an abortion for immigrants

    The National Immigration Law Center offers guidance and a Know-Your-Rights guide for immigrant populations seeking abortion and reproductive health care. According to the center, undocumented people are not disqualified from seeking and obtaining an abortion based on their immigration status, although many providers may require photo ID.

    Indigenous Women Rising (Rain Fund) 

    Indigenous Women Rising fights for equitable and culturally safe health options for indigenous communities, including abortion, midwifery, and doula care. The organization’s abortion fund (Rain Fund) is available to all Native and Indigenous people in the U.S. and Canada.

    Medical and legal support

    National Abortion Hotline

    How to get in contact:

    Call 1-800-772-9100

    Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. ET

    Weekends, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. ET

    Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline

    How to get in contact:

    Call or text 1-833-246-2632

    Everyday, 8 A.M. ET to 1 A.M. ET

    All Options Talkline

    How to get in contact:

    Call 1-888-493-0092

    Monday to Friday, 10 A.M. to 1 A.M ET

    Saturday to Sunday, 10 A.M to 6 A.M. ET

    Repro Legal Helpline

    How to get in contact

    Call 1-844-868-2812 for general legal advice.

    Call 1-866-463-7533 for financial assistance via their legal defense fund.

    Fill out a contact form online to be connected with a lawyer.

    Submit an online application for funding.

    Abortion Defense Network

    How to get in contact:

    Fill out an assistance form online. 





    Source link

  • The 43 Best Shows on Netflix Right Now (February 2025)

    The 43 Best Shows on Netflix Right Now (February 2025)


    Streaming services are known for having award-worthy series but also plenty of duds. Our guide to the best TV shows on Netflix is updated weekly to help you know which series you should move to the top of your queue. They aren’t all surefire winners—we love a good less-than-obvious gem—but they’re all worth your time, trust us.

    Feel like you’ve already watched everything on this list that you want to see? Try our guide to the best movies on Netflix for more options. And if you’ve already completed Netflix and are in need of a new challenge, check out our picks for the best shows on Hulu and the best shows on Disney+. Don’t like our picks or want to offer suggestions of your own? Head to the comments below.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    The Night Agent

    Special agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is back, and the stakes have never been higher. While the first season of The Night Agent wove a compelling spy drama out of the idea of a mole at the heart of America’s intelligence services, the newly arrived second season takes a more global approach—Sutherland hunts down a stolen chemical weapon project, drawing him back into the orbit of tech savant and sometime love interest Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), while Iranian diplomatic aide Noor Taheri (Arienne Mandi) offers secrets to the CIA in return for asylum, and a deposed Eastern European dictator aims to manipulate everything from behind bars. Sure, the show’s mix of politics and spook work won’t surprise genre diehards, but it weaves together its many influences—and many more plot threads—into a supremely entertaining thriller.

    Asura

    The four Takezawa sisters are close but have little in common. Eldest Tsunako (Rie Miyazawa) is already a widow; repressed Takiko (Yû Aoi) and rebellious Sakiko (Suzu Hirose) are always at each other’s throats; and second-born Makiko (Machiko Ono) tries to balance keeping the peace with being a housewife and mother to her own two children. Yet when Takiko learns that their father Kotaro (Jun Kunimura) may have a second, secret, family, the sisters’ bonds are put to the test as they struggle to uncover the truth. Asura is far more than a turgid family drama—it’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, capturing the complexities of the relationships between its quartet of protagonists. Keeping the 1970s setting of Kuniko Mukōda’s original novel allows Palme d’Or– winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters) to craft a gorgeously shot period piece that still feels incredibly timely and modern.

    Castlevania: Nocturne

    In the midst of the French Revolution, citizens rise up against a parasitic ruling class—but vampire hunter Richter Belmont and his magic-wielding allies Maria and Annette are more concerned with what’s literally bleeding the people dry. The first season of this grisly adult animated series saw the team coming together to face the rise of a “Vampire Messiah” prophesied to devour the sun, but the new second season ratchets up the action as the heroes team with Alucard, son of Dracula, to try to restore light to the world. Let’s just say the stakes (sorry) have never been higher. While Nocturne’s second season has some closer links to the previous Castlevania animated series, it still works perfectly well on its own, delivering high quality animation, brilliant action, and a fantastic cast of characters to sink your teeth into (sorry, again).

    Sakamoto Days

    Taro Sakamoto used to be the worst of the worst, a hit man par excellence, his lethal skills making him a legendary figure in the criminal underworld. Then he fell in love, got married, and retired to run a convenience store with his wife Aoi and their daughter Hana. Unfortunately, he didn’t exactly leave his old job on the best of terms, and now a cadre of killers are out for the billion yen bounty on his head. Luckily, Sakamoto’s lost none of his skills—even though he has let himself go in other areas—but can he protect his family without breaking Aoi’s strict “no killing” rule? Based on the manga by Yuto Suzuki, this comedy-action anime is a blast, and with a new episode each Saturday rather than Netflix’s usual drop-it-all-at-once model, it’s appointment viewing you won’t want to miss.

    Jentry Chau vs the Underworld

    You know the drill—everyday teenager learns she has superpowers and is destined to fight the forces of darkness. Except Jentry Chau (voiced by Ali Wong) is not like any other teenage girl—she’s known about the supernatural her whole life (her uncontrollable fire powers were a giveaway) and spent a lifetime avoiding it. Sent to study in Korea for her own safety, Jentry is drawn back into the mystic world after being attacked in Seoul by a jiangshi named Ed (Bowen Yang). Brought back to her home in Texas by her great-aunt, Jentry has to survive not only the formidable mogui Mr. Cheng, who intends to drain her soul and powers, but the horrors of high school, culture shock, and the pain of her own past. Taking the “high school is hell” metaphor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, adding a dash of Gravity Falls’ mystery, and rooting it all in Asian mythology, Jentry Chau vs the Underworld is one of Netflix’s freshest animated shows in years.

    Missing You

    Netflix’s latest adaptation of a Harlan Coben novel sees British police detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) drawn into a web of betrayal and conspiracy when she finds her former fiancé, Josh (Ashley Walters), on a dating app—11 years after his disappearance. It’s far more than a brutal ghosting though, as a missing woman was last seen with him, and Josh’s vanishing may have connections to the murder of Kat’s own father. Missing You may feel slightly padded at times—annoying when it’s only five episodes to begin with—but this twisty crime thriller is perfect viewing for the cold winter months.

    Squid Game

    Produced in Korea, Squid Game blends Hunger Games and Parasite with a battle-royal-style contest. Hundreds of desperate, broke people are recruited to a contest where they can win enough money to never need to worry about their debts again. All they have to do to win the ₩45.6 billion ($35.8 million) jackpot is complete six children’s games. But it’s not that simple: All the games have a twist, and very few people make it out alive. Squid Game is intense, brutal, and often very graphic, but it is also completely gripping. After the show became a cultural phenomenon in 2021, fans waited what felt like an eternity for another season. That second season finally dropped on December 26.

    Queer Eye

    A reformatted Fab Five return, ready to change the lives of 10 new heroes. Relocating to Las Vegas, the ninth season of Queer Eye sees Karamo, Tan, Antoni, Jonathan, and new host Jeremiah Brent—taking Bobby Berk’s seat as the design whiz—helping a retired showgirl regain her sparkle, organizing a dream wedding for new parents, and, in possibly their strangest case yet, teaching a magic dragon to shed his scaly exterior. No, really. Netflix’s most feel-good show.

    No Good Deed

    Take Selling Sunset and add a grisly tragicomic twist and you just about have No Good Deed. A dark comedy from Liz Feldman, creator of Dead to Me, this eight-part series starts with Lydia and Paul Morgan (Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano) putting their gorgeous home on the market, and descends into darker territory as prospective buyers go to ever more desperate attempts to get their hands on the house, nosy neighbors interfere, and the grisly history of the house itself threatens to come to light. Buoyed by a stellar cast including Teyonah Parris, Abbi Jacobson, Luke Wilson, and Denis Leary, this is a glossy, witty, and possibly only slightly exaggerated take on the brutality of the Los Angeles property market.

    A Man on the Inside

    The latest show from comedy mastermind Michael Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), A Man on the Inside features Ted Danson as Charles Nieuwendyk, a retired engineering professor who’s lost all direction since his wife passed. But when private investigator Julie Kovalenko (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) needs a man of his demographic to go undercover in a retirement community to investigate allegations of resident abuse, Charles may find an unlikely new lease on life—if he can figure out how to use his smartphone, that is. Reflecting on end-of-life realities as much as it plays up Charles’ fish-out-of-water situation, it’s a show that’s equal parts poignant, melancholic, and achingly funny—and it’s based on a true story, to boot.

    Black Doves

    Helen Webb (Keira Knightley) is wife to the UK defense secretary, mother to two children, and bored with her picture-perfect life. Spectacular cover then, since she’s actually a spy for the mercenary organization Black Doves, selling state secrets to the highest bidder. But when her real love Jason (Andrew Koji) is killed, Helen is determined to find out who killed him and why—and her pursuit of the truth threatens both her public and private lives. Paired with assassin and old friend Sam (Ben Whishaw, in a very different spy role to his turn in the James Bond films) at the behest of stern operator Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), Helen’s obsession could have led to a dour, gritty thriller, but Black Doves bucks the grim-dark trend to serve up a pulpy, colorful outing with enough heart to balance its violence. At only six episodes (with a second season already confirmed), it’s a brisk watch too.

    Arcane

    Animated series based on video games can run the gamut from cheap cash-ins to half-decent if forgettable tie-ins, inaccessible to anyone but hardcore devotees. Yet Arcane stood out by making its connections to Riot Games’ League of Legends almost optional. While its central figures, orphaned sisters Vi and Jinx, are playable characters in the game, this steampunk saga of class war, civil uprising, and the people caught in between is entirely accessible. The second and final season, released in a trio of movie-length blocks of three episodes apiece, escalates the conflict between the warring factions but never loses its central focus on the fractured relationship between sisters. With a gorgeous painterly art style, strong characters, and frequently shocking story beats, Arcane is one of the best animated series in years—and it has racked up plenty of awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program, to prove it.

    Cobra Kai

    Picking up decades after Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence’s iconic fight at the end of the first Karate Kid movie, Cobra Kai initially follows a washed-up Johnny as he reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo, finding new purpose after defending his young neighbor Miguel (Xolo Maridueña, Blue Beetle) in a fight. Over the course of six seasons, the stakes get higher—and frankly, increasingly, gloriously, ludicrous—as rival martial arts schools start cropping up all over California. Alliances are forged and broken with alarming regularity, and everything gears toward a global battle for karate supremacy. It’s all a little bit tongue-in-cheek, and with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their 1980s roles, the show is an unabashed love letter to the classic action flicks, but thanks to some seriously impressive fights and stunt work, it’s a retro-styled delight.

    Hellbound

    Imagine a supernatural figure appeared and told you precisely when you were going to die—what would you do? Now, imagine if this wasn’t a one-off personal experience, and society as a whole was aware of such warnings from beyond. Forget the giant smoke demons dragging foretold victims to hell, the societal shifts are the real hook of this striking South Korean horror series from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho. The first season delved into complex theological issues such as the nature of sin and justice, while the newly arrived second season takes things further with a series of very public resurrections, further shaking a world already on the brink of existential chaos. Hellbound remains one of the most innovative horror shows in years.

    The Diplomat

    If there’s a West Wing-shaped hole in your life, look no further than The Diplomat—a tense geopolitical thriller elevated by a superb central performance by The Americans’ Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, newly appointed US ambassador to the UK. Far from being an easy assignment in a friendly country, Kate’s role coincides with an attack on a British aircraft carrier, leaving her to defuse an international crisis while also navigating her fraying “special relationship” with husband Hal (Rufus Sewell). The second season picks up from a literally explosive cliffhanger and propels Kate into a political conspiracy—and a potential promotion to vice president. Some of the twists along the way are faintly ridiculous, but The Diplomat has become one of Netflix’s biggest hits in recent years, and a third season is already in the works.

    Nobody Wants This

    Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: An agnostic sex podcaster and a Rabbi walk into a party … OK, it’s not quite a setup for a joke, but rather for a sharp romcom—one based, in exaggerated form, on creator Erin Foster’s own experiences. Joanne (Kristen Bell, The Good Place) is cynical and burned out on modern dating, even as it provides her material for the increasingly successful podcast she hosts with her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe). When she meets young, handsome Noah (Adam Brody, The OC), the attraction is instant and mutual—except he’s just broken up with the stereotypical Nice Jewish Girl™ his family expected him to settle down with. Yet as the pair swirl through each other’s lives, the show proves it’s less about culture clash than it is exploring what the seemingly mismatched pair are willing to change and sacrifice to make their burgeoning relationship work. With sizzling chemistry between its leads, Nobody Wants This is a romcom with an emphasis on the romance.

    Heartstopper

    One of the most joyful shows on Netflix returns for another school year of teen drama and heartfelt queer romance. In the long-awaited third season, things heat up between the central couple, with Charlie (Joe Locke) preparing to say three little words to Nick (Kit Connor) for the first time, while Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) try to have the perfect romantic summer before Elle starts art college. Heartstopper‘s return also sheds some of its earlier cloying tendencies, growing up alongside its talented young cast and giving them more serious material to work with, tackling more mature themes of sex, eating disorders, and gender dysphoria—all without losing the warmth and charm that made audiences fall in love with the show in the first place. The show younger LGBTQ+ viewers need now, older ones needed years ago, and one that everyone needs to watch, whatever their sexuality.

    Terminator Zero

    Watch the above trailer for Terminator Zero and you might think it’s merely an animated repeat of the highlights from James Cameron’s first two Terminator films—and to an extent, you’d be right. But look beyond the familiar imagery of cyborg cops hunting down innocent humans and plucky resistance fighters pushing back against AI-driven extinction, and you’ll find one of the sharpest entries in the Terminator franchise in years. The first half of this eight-episode series treads that familiar ground, with computer engineer Malcolm Lee (voiced by André Holland, English language; Yuuya Uchida, Japanese) and his children in 1997 Tokyo targeted by Skynet’s murder-bots from the future for his work developing Kokoro (Rosario Dawson/Atsumi Tanezaki), an intelligence system to rival Skynet, which he somehow knows is set to bring about Judgment Day. With only human resistance soldier Eiko (Sonoya Mizuno/Toa Yukinari) able to protect them, there’s plenty of the kinetic, visceral action that Terminator is known for. The back half, though, brings considerably more depth, tapping into the often overlooked hard sci-fi elements of the universe, exploring time travel and paradoxes alongside existentialist discussions on the nature of consciousness. The best balance of brains and brawn since Terminator II.

    Baby Reindeer

    Stalking is no laughing matter, which makes this dramatized—and highly controversial—retelling of Scottish comedian Richard Gadd’s own real-life experiences more than a little uncomfortable. Adapted from Gadd’s one-man stage show of the same name, Baby Reindeer follows Donny (Gadd, playing a fictionalized version of himself) after he meets Martha (Jessica Gunning) at the pub he works at. Despite claiming to be a lawyer, Martha can’t afford a drink—and a sympathetic gesture on Donny’s part opens the door to increasingly obsessive and dangerous behavior as she proceeds to infiltrate his life. It’s shockingly honest and self-aware in places—does Donny, and by extension Gadd, on some level relish the attention of his stalker? Are his occasional moments of kindness and warmth toward Martha inviting her further in? Is he using her, finding her a strange source of material for his stand-up career? A fiercely paced seven episodes, shot more like a horror movie, this Emmy-winning miniseries explores trauma and intimacy, shame and masculinity, and how society often silences the victims of abuse.

    The Boyfriend

    “Anyone can fall in love with anyone” is the opening narration to The Boyfriend, Japan’s first same-sex dating show—a bold and progressive statement that reflects the shifting tide of opinion in the country. Throwing nine single men together in an idyllic beach house for a summer and charging them with running a coffee truck, the over-arching concept is to see who’ll pair up, but the series is as interested in exploring the friendships that emerge between the cast as it is the romantic relationships. Unlike Western dating shows, there are no scandals, no dramatic twists, no betrayals, and the “challenges” are adorably focused on confessing feelings. The gentleness of it all adds an almost relaxing quality, with the men discussing their emotions—and the nature of being queer in Japan—earnestly. An absolutely joyful example of reality TV.

    Kleo

    If you’re pining for more Killing Eve, then this German thriller may be the next best thing. Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the series follows the eponymous Kleo (Jella Haase), a Stasi assassin imprisoned by her agency on false treason charges. Released after the fall of the Berlin Wall, she seeks revenge on her former handlers—but West German detective Sven (Dimitrij Schaad), the only witness to her last kill, may have something to say about that. As dark and violent as you’d expect given the period and the themes of betrayal and vengeance, Kleo is lightened by its oft-deranged sense of humor and a charismatic lead duo who brilliantly bounce off one another—chemistry that’s only heightened in the second season as Kleo’s pursuit of her old allies intensifies, attracting attention from international spy agencies in the aftermath of the Cold War.

    Sweet Home

    Based on the Korean webcomic by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, Sweet Home offers a very different vision of apocalyptic end times—rather than pandemics, disasters, or even zombies, this posits an end of the world brought about by people’s transformation into grotesque monsters, each unique and seemingly based on their deepest desires when they were human. The first season is a masterclass in claustrophobic horror, as the residents of an isolated, run-down apartment building—chiefly suicidal teen Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), former firefighter Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young), and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-wook), who may be a brutal gangster—battle for survival. The second and third seasons explore what remains of the wider world, delving into the true nature of both monster and man—and if there’s any hope for what remains of humanity. With phenomenal effects work blending prosthetics, CGI, and even stop-motion animation for some disturbingly juddering creatures, this stands apart from the horror crowd.

    Star Trek Prodigy

    Paramount+’s loss remains Netflix’s gain, as the streamer’s license rescue of this great Star Trek spin-off warps into its second season. After escaping a distant prison planet and becoming Starfleet cadets under the watchful eye of Star Trek Voyager’s Admiral Janeway (voiced by the venerable Kate Mulgrew), the ragtag crew—led by aspiring captain Dal R’El and bolstered by astrolinguist Gwyndala, engineer Jankom Pog, energy being Zero, scientist Rok-Tahk, and indestructible, gelatinous Murf—find themselves cast through time on the most dangerous mission of their young lives. While aimed at younger audiences and intended as an intro to the wider Trek universe and its ethics, Prodigy packs in plenty for older Trekkers to appreciate, particularly with a slate of returning Star Trek legends voiced by their original actors. Prodigy is something of a sleeper hit, but one of the best Trek shows in years.

    Supacell

    One by one, five Black Londoners awaken to strange superpowers. Struggling father Andre (Eric Kofi-Abrefa) develops superstrength, nurse Sabrina (Nadine Mills) unleashes phenomenal telekinetic might, drug dealer Rodney (Calvin Demba) races at superspeed, and wannabe gang leader Tazer (Josh Tedeku) turns invisible. But it’s Michael (Tosin Cole, Doctor Who) who may be the most pivotal, realizing he can leap through time and space and learning he only has three months to save his fiancée’s life. Created by Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu, Supacell is a show about superpowers, but not necessarily superheroes, with its fantastic cast offering up a far more realistic and human exploration of now-familiar ideas than anything you’ll find in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And the mystery of why—and how—only Black people seem to be gaining powers builds up to a more powerful punch than an Asgardian god of thunder. A smart, modern, and refreshing take on the genre.

    The Good Place

    After suffering an improbable and humiliating death, Eleanor (Kristen Bell) finds herself in “The Good Place,” a perfect neighborhood inhabited by the world’s worthiest people. The only problem? She’s not meant to be there. Desperate to not be sent to “The Bad Place,” she tries to correct her behavior in the afterlife, with the help of her assigned soulmate, philosophy professor Chidi (William Jackson Harper). A twist at the end of the first season remains one of the best ever, while the show’s ability to sprinkle ethical and philosophical precepts into a sitcom format is frankly astounding. With a sensational cast rounded out by Manny Jacinto, Jameela Jamil, D’Arcy Carden, and Ted Danson, The Good Place more than earns its place in the good place of TV history.

    Bridgerton

    Still ranking as one of Netflix’s most-watched series ever, Bridgerton is set during the Regency period in England and follows the powerful Bridgerton family as they navigate love, marriage, and scandal—with most of the latter stirred up by the gossip columns penned by the anonymous Lady Whistledown. Created for screen by Chris Van Dusen and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, this incredibly bingeable and shockingly entertaining show is based on a series of novels by Julia Quinn, with each season focusing on a different branch of the Bridgerton tree. The third and latest season sees the spotlight fall on the long-simmering relationship between wallflower Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), a pairing that threatens to reveal powerful secrets that have been bubbling away since the very first episode.

    Bodkin

    When American podcaster Gilbert Power (Will Forte) and his enthusiastic assistant Emmy Sizergh (Robyn Cara) descend on the sleepy Irish town of Bodkin—reluctantly aided by investigative journalist Dove Maloney (a brilliantly acerbic Siobhán Cullen, cussing out everyone who glances her way)—he thinks he’s going to crack a decades-old missing-persons cold case. What he finds is a community with absolutely zero interest in his investigation, and even less in his attempts to “connect” with his Irish roots. But before long, the villagers’ quirky behavior starts to feel stereotypical, performative even—and Power realizes the cold case may not be quite so chilly. Bodkin suffers from a slow start—give it at least two episodes before writing it off as not for you—but once this darkly comedic mystery gets going, you’ll likely be just as invested as in your favorite true crime podcast. (Just don’t take inspiration and try sleuthing any cold cases yourself.)

    3 Body Problem

    In 1960s China, at the height of the Cultural Revolution, gifted scholar Wenjie Ye witnesses her physicist father being beaten to death for his research, only for her to be recruited to a secret project relying on that same knowledge. Fast-forward to the present day, and physics is broken: Particle accelerators around the world are delivering impossible data, while scientists are being plagued by countdowns only they can see. Meanwhile, strange VR headsets appear to be transporting players to an entirely different world—and humanity’s continued existence may rely on there being no “game over.” Game of Thrones’ creators D. B. Weiss and David Benioff and True Blood executive producer Alexander Woo reimagine Chinese author Cixin Liu’s acclaimed hard sci-fi trilogy of first contact and looming interplanetary conflict as a more global affair. Wildly ambitious, and boasting an international cast featuring the likes of Benedict Wong, Rosalind Chao, Eiza González, and GOT alum John Bradley, Netflix’s 3 Body Problem serves up the opening salvo in a richly detailed and staggeringly complex saga.

    Ripley

    Perhaps best known nowadays from 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, novelist Patricia Highsmith’s inveterate criminal Tom Ripley has a longer, darker legacy in print and on the screen. For this limited series, creator Steven Zaillian goes back to Highsmith’s original text, presenting Ridley (a never-more-sinister Andrew Scott of All of Us Strangers) as a down-on-his-luck con man in 1950s New York who is recruited by a wealthy shipbuilder to travel to Italy and persuade the businessman’s spoiled son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to return home. But once in Italy, Ripley finds himself enamored with Dickie’s lavish lifestyle—and will do anything to take it for himself. Shot in black and white to really sell its noir credentials, this is an instant contender for the finest interpretation of Highsmith’s works to date.

    Girls5eva

    Saving it from Peacock after two seasons, Netflix has gotten the band back together for this sharp comedy from creator Meredith Scardino. Twenty years after they split up, girl group Girls5Eva—Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Gloria (Paula Pell), Summer (Busy Philipps), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry)—find themselves back in demand after their one big hit is sampled by popular rapper Li’l Stinker (Jeremiah Craft). Turning their renewed popularity into an opportunity to reunite, the women try to gain the stardom, respect, and musical integrity they never had in their youth, even as life has taken them in very different directions. Poking fun at the absurdity of the late ’90s/early ’00s pop scene—and how little has changed since—and heightened by an almost surrealist edge in places, Girls5eva is a comedy that deserves its time in the spotlight.

    Avatar: The Last Airbender

    A talented young cast bring to life the tale of Aang (Gordon Cormier), the latest in a long line of avatars who can control all four cardinal elements, but is frozen in time for a century when his world needed him most. Awakened by new friends Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley), he sets about continuing his training as the Avatar in an attempt to restore balance, all the while pursued by the relentless Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu), heir to the imperialist Fire Nation that has conquered the world. Consider this a cautious recommendation—the original animated version, also on Netflix, remains superior—but Netflix’s live action Avatar remake serves up scale and spectacle, without betraying the heart of the classic show. It’s also already confirmed for two more seasons, so viewers can look forward to the complete saga without the now-familiar Netflix cancellation worries.

    The Legend of Korra

    If you’re still not sold on the live-action Avatar, this sequel to the original series is well worth your time. Set 70 years after the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra explores how Aang’s world has progressed after decades of relative peace. When Korra, the new Avatar, moves to Republic City to complete her training under the tutelage of Tenzin—Aang’s son, now with a family of his own—she finds herself and new friends Mako and Bolin caught in the growing tensions between element benders and the Equalist movement, who claim the unpowered are an oppressed class. As the series progresses over its four seasons, The Legend of Korra proves itself a very different beast than its predecessor, exploring political themes and social prejudices in deeper—and often darker—detail, while also expanding the more fantastic elements of the universe and revealing the origins of the first Avatar. Even more brilliantly animated, and with a unique 1920s inspired aesthetic, Korra is a show that grew up alongside its audience, and is all the stronger for it.

    Beef

    Ever been cut off in traffic? Ever had it happen when you’re having a really bad day? Ever just wanted to take the low road, chase the person down and make them pay?! Then—after a few deep breaths—Beef is the show for you. It’s a pressure valve for every petty grievance you’ve ever suffered, following rich Amy (Ali Wong) and struggling Danny (Steven Yeun) as they escalate a road rage encounter into a vengeance-fueled quest to destroy the other. Yet Beef is more than a city-wide revenge thriller—it’s a biting look at how crushing modern life can be, particularly in its LA setting, where extravagant wealth brushes up against inescapable poverty and seemingly no one is truly happy. Part dramedy, part therapy, Beef is a bad example of conflict resolution but a cathartic binge watch that clearly resonates—as evidenced by its growing clutch of awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Limited Series.

    Loudermilk

    Something of a sleeper hit for years—its first two seasons debuted on AT&T’s now-defunct pay TV channel Audience in 2017, before its third season appeared over on Amazon—all three seasons of this bleak comedy are now available on Netflix. Ron Livingston stars as Sam Loudermilk, a vitriolic former music critic and recovering alcoholic who proves almost pathologically incapable of holding his tongue when faced with life’s small frustrations—a personality type possibly ill-suited to leading others through addiction support groups. It’s dark in places, and its central character is deliberately unlikeable, but smart writing and smarter performances shape this into something of an acerbic anti-Frasier.

    Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

    Adapted from the beloved graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, animated by one of the most exciting and dynamic studios in Japan, and voiced by the entire returning cast of director Edgar Wright’s 2010 live-action adaption, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off would have been cult gold even if it was a straight retelling of its eponymous slacker’s battles against lover Ramona Flowers’ seven evil exes. Yet somehow, in a world devoid of surprises, this packs in killer twists from the very first episode, making for a show that’s as fresh and exciting as ever. Saying anything else would ruin it—just watch.

    Pluto

    Think you know Astro Boy? Think again. In 2003, Naoki Urasawa (Monster, 20th Century Boys) updated original creator Osamu Tezuka’s hugely influential “The Greatest Robot on Earth” story arc for his manga Pluto, opting for a more adult approach. The focus shifts from the heroic boy robot to grizzled cybernetic detective Gesicht as he investigates a series of murders of both humans and robots, each victim left with makeshift horns crammed into their heads. Meanwhile, Atom (Astro’s Japanese name) is recast as a former peace ambassador, effectively a propaganda tool rolled out at the end of the 39th Central Asian War, still dealing with trauma from the experience. This adaptation is not only a faithful recreation of Urasawa’s retelling, but is stunningly animated to a standard rarely seen in Netflix’s original anime productions. With eight episodes, each around an hour long, this is as prestigious as any live-action thriller the streamer has produced, and a testament to both Tezuka and Urasawa’s respective geniuses.

    Blue Eye Samurai

    In the 17th Century, Japan enforced its “sakoku” isolationist foreign policy, effectively closing itself off from the world. Foreigners were few and far between—so when Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine) is born with blue eyes, nine months after her mother was assaulted by one of the four white men in the country, it marks her as an outsider, regarded as less than human. Years later, after being trained by a blind sword master and now masquerading as a man, Mizu hunts down those four men, knowing that killing them all is the only way to guarantee her vengeance. Exquisitely animated—which makes its unabashed violence all the more graphic—and with a phenomenal voice cast bolstered by the likes of George Takei, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Kenneth Branagh, Blue Eye Samurai is one of the best adults-only animated series on Netflix.

    Pending Train

    Netflix: License one of Japan’s best SF dramas in years. Also Netflix: Do nothing, literally nothing, to promote it, not even create an English subbed trailer. Which is where WIRED comes in—Pending Train is a show you (and Netflix) shouldn’t sleep on. When a train carriage is mysteriously transported into a post-apocalyptic future, the disparate passengers’ first concern is simply survival. Between exploring their new surroundings and clashing with people from another stranded train car over scarce resources, one group—including hairdresser Naoya, firefighter Yuto, and teacher Sae—begins to realize that there may be a reason they’ve been catapulted through time: a chance to go back and avert the disaster that ruined the world. A tense, 10-episode journey, Pending Train offers a Japanese twist on Lost, but one with tighter pacing and showrunners who actually have a clue where they want the story to go.

    One Piece

    Mark one up for persistence: After numerous anime adaptations ranging from “awful” to “not too bad,” Netflix finally strikes gold with its live-action take on the global phenomenon One Piece. Despite fans’ fears, this spectacularly captures the charm, optimism, and glorious weirdness of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, manifesting a fantasy world where people brandish outlandish powers and hunt for a legendary treasure in an Age of Piracy almost verbatim from the page. The perfectly cast Iñaki Godoy stars as Monkey D. Luffy, would-be King of the Pirates, bringing an almost elastic innate physicality to the role that brilliantly matches the characters rubber-based stretching powers, while the crew Luffy gathers over this first season—including swordsmaster Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), navigator and skilled thief Nami (Emily Rudd), sharpshooter Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), and martial artist chef Sanji (Taz Skylar)—all brilliantly embody their characters. A lot could have gone wrong bringing One Piece to life, but this is a voyage well worth taking.

    The Chosen One

    Based on the comic American Jesus by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Kingsman) and artist Peter Gross (Lucifer), The Chosen One follows 12-year-old Jodie (Bobby Luhnow), raised in Mexico by his mother Sarah (Dianna Agron). While the young boy would rather hang out with his friends, his life—and potentially the world—changes forever when he starts exhibiting miraculous powers, attracting dangerous attention from sinister forces. While this could have been yet another formulaic entry in Netflix’s expansive library of supernatural teen dramas (the Stranger Things vibe is particularly strong), the decision to shoot on film and in a 4:3 aspect ratio make this a visual delight, unlike almost anything else on the streamer at present. There’s an English dub, but stick to the original Spanish with English subs for a better viewing experience. (Confusingly, there’s another show with the exact same title on Netflix, a 2019 Brazilian series following a trio of relief doctors in a village dominated by a cult leader—also worth a watch, but don’t get them confused!)

    Alice in Borderland

    When slacker Ryohei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) is mysteriously transported to a deserted Tokyo, his keen gaming skills give him an edge navigating a series of lethal games that test intellect as much as physical prowess. Yet after barely scraping through several rounds, Arisu is no closer to uncovering the secrets of this strange borderland, or to finding a way home—and the stakes are about to get even higher. Not only are Arisu and his allies Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), Kuina (Aya Asahina), and Chishiya (Nijiro Murakami) faced with another gauntlet of sadistic games, but they find themselves caught between rival card suit “courts” vying for power—and not everyone can be trusted.

    With its willingness to kill off main characters at a moment’s notice, the first season of this gripping adaptation of Haro Aso’s manga kept viewers on tenterhooks throughout. As the long-awaited second season leans further into its twisted Alice in Wonderland imagery, expect more shocking developments in this taut thriller.

    Russian Doll

    In Russian Doll, Nadia has one very big problem: Time keeps breaking around her. Season one finds Nadia—played by Natasha Lyonne, who is also a cocreator on the show—dying at her own birthday party, only to wake up there over and over again, trapped in a Groundhog Day-style loop until she can unravel her personalized knot in the space-time continuum. Things only get stranger in season two, where Nadia finds herself traveling back in time to 1982 and inhabiting the body of her own mother—currently heavily pregnant with Nadia herself. Both seasons are funny and thought-provoking, reflecting on personal and generational trauma, all without overegging the potential for philosophical musing.

    Lupin

    Arsène Lupin, the belle epoque burglar created by French novelist Maurice Leblanc in the early 1900s, is reinvented as Assane Diop, a first-generation Frenchman with a mania for Lupin books and a grudge against the powerful forces who decades ago framed his father for a theft he didn’t commit—and led him to die in prison. Pairing drones, social media bots, and hacking skills with traditional tools of the trade like fake beards, picklocks, and quick wits, Diop hunts down his adversaries as he searches for the truth about his father’s fate. In his spare time, Diop also tries to patch together a crumbling marriage and build a better rapport with his son. Worth watching in the French original, this five-episode series’ strength lies in the dialog, the character development, and the charismatic performance of Omar Sy as Assane. The actual escapades and daring heists are beautifully choreographed, but a lot of the mechanics—how a certain piece of legerdemain worked, when an impenetrable building was infiltrated—are left to the viewer’s imagination.



    Source link

  • Zoox robotaxi hands on: safe, but lagging

    Zoox robotaxi hands on: safe, but lagging


    I’m standing outside a nondescript corporate office park in Las Vegas next to a box-shaped vehicle with no proper front or back. It’s got a set of sliding doors, no steering wheel, and touchpad controls. It’s bidirectional, meaning it can move in either direction without turning around. And to be completely frank, it looks more like an oversized toaster than an actual car.

    This is the second-generation Zoox robotaxi, a purpose-built autonomous shuttle that has been testing in and around Las Vegas for the last year and a half. Zoox, a subsidiary of Amazon, has been working on it for over a decade, and during this year’s CES, it finally let a few journalists take a ride.

    So far, the only robotaxis operating on public roads in the US are run by Alphabet’s Waymo. Others have tried but tend to run out of money or get sidelined by traffic mishaps (or, in the case of Cruise, both). Unlike Waymo, Zoox isn’t open to the public. It hasn’t even said when it will be. And as Waymo eyes new cities and new partnerships, Zoox is still stuck in beta mode.

    But maybe it’s about to get unstuck. Inviting journalists to go for a ride is certainly a step toward a public launch.

    “We’ve just tried to stay really steady, grounded, and focused on our mission, no matter what else is going on,” Zoox cofounder and CTO Jesse Levinson said during the ride. “We can certainly learn from our fellow travelers. We can be inspired when they’re doing well, and we feel like, hey, you know, this is possible. We should catch up here. And then, you know, if they make some missteps, we can learn from that and we do.”

    A Zoox autonomous robotaxi in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Amazon owned Zoox Inc. has started testing its electric robotaxis in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

    A Zoox autonomous robotaxi in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Amazon owned Zoox Inc. has started testing its electric robotaxis in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
    Bloomberg via Getty Images

    More than 10 years and a billion dollars in investments later, Zoox is currently only available to employees and their families in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle, with more locations, including Austin and Miami, coming later this year. While most people still won’t be able to hail a Zoox anytime soon, the company will open an invite-only Zoox “Explorer” program soon, much like what Waymo did with its Early Riders.

    But aside from Waymo, the broader robotaxi project seems on the verge of faltering, with companies like Cruise and Argo AI shutting down after funding dried up. China is ramping up its own efforts, alarming legislators and tech workers alike. Tesla’s Elon Musk recently vowed to launch his own robotaxi operation in June, but doubts remain about his approach to safety.

    “We should catch up here. And then, you know, if they make some missteps, we can learn from that and we do.”

    Zoox still feels like it’s behind the curve. Its business model relies on building completely bespoke autonomous vehicles, which is enormously expensive, labor-intensive, and relatively fraught, thanks to various rules and regulations. There are some questions about the company’s self-certification process for its vehicles. And its test vehicles are under investigation by NHTSA after two motorcyclists were struck last year.

    To be sure, Zoox has its own fleet of retrofitted Toyota Highlander hybrids to test its software in places like San Francisco and Las Vegas. About 60 of the Highlander mules sat parked or idling in the nondescript warehouse in Las Vegas, alongside a handful of the company’s first-generation EVs in different states of disassembly.

    But the Highlanders are old news. Zoox is betting all its chips on purpose-built AVs. And whether people embrace these funny-looking toasters-on-wheels will depend a lot on how they feel on the road.

    The autonomous vehicles I’ve ridden in before have all had traditional controls or familiar steering wheel/brake pedal setups. They also had familiar car shapes and designs. Zoox doesn’t have any of these things.

    One of the technicians opens the sliding doors of the low-floored electric vehicle using an iPad. I step inside, along with Levinson and a Zoox PR rep. The interior is spacious, resembling more the interior of a bus or a subway.

    The seats are firm and covered in a woven industrial material for easy cleaning should anyone get sick or spill something. Levinson tells me that they recently updated the seats to be more comfortable based on feedback from the employees who’ve been testing them. Because the seats are facing each other, there’s not a ton of visibility out either end of the vehicle. If you easily get carsick, sitting backward may be a bad idea.

    The sliding side doors offer a decent view of what’s happening off to the side of the vehicle, though the seats come up above shoulder height, blocking your direct view. There are custom airbags hidden throughout the vehicle in case of a crash, and of course, seatbelts.

    Levinson and I sit next to each other while the PR rep sits across, and there’s enough space between us to cross one’s legs without bumping into anyone. We buckle up and start the ride by using one of the tablets near the door. These are the only controls in the vehicle: riders can control the temperature, ask the vehicle to pull over, check the duration of the ride, and control the audio. Presumably some of these functions will also be controllable through the app.

    Zoox autonomous robotaxis in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Amazon owned Zoox Inc. has started testing its electric robotaxis in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

    Zoox autonomous robotaxis in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Amazon owned Zoox Inc. has started testing its electric robotaxis in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
    Bloomberg via Getty Images

    The route we take is a pre-determined 30-minute loop to the very edge of the Las Vegas Strip and back. It’s all local roads, no freeways, with speed limits around 45 mph. As we wind past restaurants and strip malls, we encounter construction zones, pedestrians, and other normalcies.

    The first challenge comes when we arrive at a construction site with a closed right lane ahead of an intersection. While the robotaxi navigates it fine, it still feels inorganic and slightly robotic. Instead of merging before coming to the lane closure like a human driver would, the Zoox drives right up to the sign blocking the lane, comes to a full stop, signals, and waits for a relatively large gap in the traffic to merge left. It takes a full minute before traffic lets up enough that the robotaxi feels confident enough to safely move over.

    Later, we encounter a pedestrian waiting to cross with the light. No issues here: the Zoox waits patiently while the person crosses, and after the light changes, away we go.

    If you easily get carsick, sitting backward may be a bad idea.

    Beyond those two real-world challenges, the ride is largely uneventful, with the exception of some random and rather sudden jerky braking at the last minute when it comes to a light or a stop sign. Overall, the experience feels safe but less fully realized than a Waymo ride.

    While the company says that it’s made some upgrades to things like suspension, brakes, and the electric drive units, the ride is still a bit rough, and the braking occasionally feels abrupt. With the wheels at the outer corners of the vehicle, and the body so low to the ground, rough roads (like the construction zone) and potholes are felt acutely. And since the seats have minimal padding, those undulations travel directly through your seat and into your body. That could be a problem for folks more attuned to the high-riding comfort of most modern SUVs.

    Overall, the robotaxi did well, but it’s important to note that this wasn’t the first time that Zoox had driven the same route — nor was it the second or third time. There had already been at least 10 other journalists who had done the same route, not counting all the times Zoox ran the trip before inviting us aboard. Experts believe that the ability to route dynamically, without any pre-planning, is one of the most important tests of a driverless taxi service. With that in mind, Zoox still has a lot to prove.

    And then there are those, for lack of a better term, pucker moments: when you cringe or brace because the autonomous vehicle is about to do something stupid. While there were a few unexpected braking moments along the way, and strangely conservative lane choices, the Zoox robotaxi never behaved in a way that made me feel unsafe.

    Zoox is taking the slow and steady route to autonomy, while keeping a handle on its own design and proprietary software. Making the leap from a few test vehicles to wider success in places that aren’t always sunny with clear skies and moderate temperatures year-round is still a long way off for any robotaxi company. But Zoox thinks it has the winning formula.

    “This experience that we’re having in this vehicle, there’s nothing like it now,” Levinson contends. “You can’t get that in a retrofitted car. You can’t get that in a Cybercab… We think we’re onto something.”



    Source link

  • Tesla’s Dojo, a timeline | TechCrunch

    Tesla’s Dojo, a timeline | TechCrunch


    Elon Musk doesn’t want Tesla to be just an automaker. He wants Tesla to be an AI company, one that’s figured out how to make cars drive themselves. 

    Crucial to that mission is Dojo, Tesla’s custom-built supercomputer designed to train its Full Self-Driving (FSD) neural networks. FSD isn’t actually fully self-driving; it can perform some automated driving tasks, but still requires an attentive human behind the wheel. But Tesla thinks with more data, more compute power and more training, it can cross the threshold from almost self-driving to full self-driving. 

    And that’s where Dojo comes in. 

    Musk has been teasing Dojo for some time, but the executive ramped up discussions about the supercomputer throughout 2024. Now that we’re in 2025, another supercomputer called Cortex has entered the chat, but Dojo’s importance to Tesla might still be existential — with EV sales slumping, investors want assurances that Tesla can achieve autonomy. Below is a timeline of Dojo mentions and promises. 

    2019

    First mentions of Dojo

    April 22 – At Tesla’s Autonomy Day, the automaker had its AI team onstage to talk about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, and the AI powering them both. The company shares information about Tesla’s custom-built chips that are designed specifically for neural networks and self-driving cars. 

    During the event, Musk teases Dojo, revealing that it’s a supercomputer for training AI. He also notes that all Tesla cars being produced at the time would have all hardware necessary for full self-driving and only needed a software update.

    2020 

    Musk begins the Dojo roadshow

    Feb 2 – Musk says Tesla will soon have more than a million connected vehicles worldwide with sensors and compute needed for full self-driving — and touts Dojo’s capabilities. 

    “Dojo, our training supercomputer, will be able to process vast amounts of video training data & efficiently run hyperspace arrays with a vast number of parameters, plenty of memory & ultra-high bandwidth between cores. More on this later.”

    August 14 Musk reiterates Tesla’s plan to develop a neural network training computer called Dojo “to process truly vast amounts of video data,” calling it “a beast.” He also says the first version of Dojo is “about a year away,” which would put its launch date somewhere around August 2021.

    December 31 Elon says Dojo isn’t needed, but it will make self-driving better. “It isn’t enough to be safer than human drivers, Autopilot ultimately needs to be more than 10 times safer than human drivers.”

    2021

    Tesla makes Dojo official

    August 19 – The automaker officially announces Dojo at Tesla’s first AI Day, an event meant to attract engineers to Tesla’s AI team. Tesla also introduces its D1 chip, which the automaker says it will use — alongside Nvidia’s GPU — to power the Dojo supercomputer. Tesla notes its AI cluster will house 3,000 D1 chips. 

    October 12 – Tesla releases a Dojo Technology whitepaper, “a guide to Tesla’s configurable floating point formats & arithmetic.” The whitepaper outlines a technical standard for a new type of binary floating-point arithmetic that’s used in deep learning neural networks and can be implemented “entirely in software, entirely in hardware, or in any combination of software and hardware.”

    2022

    Tesla reveals Dojo progress

    August 12 – Musk says Tesla will “phase in Dojo. Won’t need to buy as many incremental GPUs next year.”

    September 30 – At Tesla’s second AI Day, the company reveals that it has installed the first Dojo cabinet, testing 2.2 megawatts of load testing. Tesla says it was building one tile per day (which is made up of 25 D1 chips). Tesla demos Dojo onstage running a Stable Diffusion model to create an AI-generated image of a “Cybertruck on Mars.”

    Importantly, the company sets a target date of a full Exapod cluster to be completed by Q1 2023, and says it plans to build a total of seven Exapods in Palo Alto. 

    2023

    A ‘long-shot bet

    April 19 – Musk tells investors during Tesla’s first-quarter earnings that Dojo “has the potential for an order of magnitude improvement in the cost of training,” and also “has the potential to become a sellable service that we would offer to other companies in the same way that Amazon Web Services offers web services.”

    Musk also notes that he’d “look at Dojo as kind of a long-shot bet,” but a “bet worth making.”

    June 21 The Tesla AI X account posts that the company’s neural networks are already in customer vehicles. The thread includes a graph with a timeline of Tesla’s current and projected compute power, which places the start of Dojo production at July 2023, although it’s not clear if this refers to the D1 chips or the supercomputer itself. Musk says that same day that Dojo was already online and running tasks at Tesla data centers. 

    The company also projects that Tesla’s compute will be the top five in the entire world by around February 2024 (there are no indications this was successful) and that Tesla would reach 100 exaflops by October 2024.

    July 19 – Tesla notes in its second-quarter earnings report it has started production of Dojo. Musk also says Tesla plans to spend more than $1 billion on Dojo through 2024.  

    September 6 – Musk posts on X that Tesla is limited by AI training compute, but that Nvidia and Dojo will fix that. He says managing the data from the roughly 160 billion frames of video Tesla gets from its cars per day is extremely difficult. 

    2024

    Plans to scale

    January 24 – During Tesla’s fourth-quarter and full-year earnings call, Musk acknowledges again that Dojo is a high-risk, high-reward project. He also says that Tesla was pursuing “the dual path of Nvidia and Dojo,” that “Dojo is working” and is “doing training jobs.” He notes Tesla is scaling it up and has “plans for Dojo 1.5, Dojo 2, Dojo 3 and whatnot.”

    January 26 – Tesla announced plans to spend $500 million to build a Dojo supercomputer in Buffalo. Musk then downplays the investment somewhat, posting on X that while $500 million is a large sum, it’s “only equivalent to a 10k H100 system from Nvidia. Tesla will spend more than that on Nvidia hardware this year. The table stakes for being competitive in AI are at least several billion dollars per year at this point.”

    April 30 – At TSMC’s North American Technology Symposium, the company says Dojo’s next-generation training tile — the D2, which puts the entire Dojo tile onto a single silicon wafer, rather than connecting 25 chips to make one tile — is already in production, according to IEEE Spectrum. 

    May 20 – Musk notes that the rear portion of the Giga Texas factory extension will include the construction of “a super dense, water-cooled supercomputer cluster.”

    June 4 – A CNBC report reveals Musk diverted thousands of Nvidia chips reserved for Tesla to X and xAI. After initially saying the report was false, Musk posts on X that Tesla didn’t have a location to send the Nvidia chips to turn them on, due to the continued construction on the south extension of Giga Texas, “so they would have just sat in a warehouse.” He noted the extension will “house 50k H100s for FSD training.”   

    He also posts

    “Of the roughly $10B in AI-related expenditures I said Tesla would make this year, about half is internal, primarily the Tesla-designed AI inference computer and sensors present in all of our cars, plus Dojo. For building the AI training superclusters, NVidia hardware is about 2/3 of the cost. My current best guess for Nvidia purchases by Tesla are $3B to $4B this year.”

    July 1 – Musk reveals on X that current Tesla vehicles may not have the right hardware for the company’s next-gen AI model. He says that the roughly 5x increase in parameter count with the next-gen AI “is very difficult to achieve without upgrading the vehicle inference computer.”

    Nvidia supply challenges

    July 23 – During Tesla’s second-quarter earnings call, Musk says demand for Nvidia hardware is “so high that it’s often difficult to get the GPUs.” 

    “I think this therefore requires that we put a lot more effort on Dojo in order to ensure that we’ve got the training capability that we need,” Musk says. “And we do see a path to being competitive with Nvidia with Dojo.”

    A graph in Tesla’s investor deck predicts that Tesla AI training capacity will ramp to roughly 90,000 H100 equivalent GPUs by the end of 2024, up from around 40,000 in June. Later that day on X, Musk posts that Dojo 1 will have “roughly 8k H100-equivalent of training online by end of year.” He also posts photos of the supercomputer, which appears to use the same fridge-like stainless steel exterior as Tesla’s Cybertrucks. 

    From Dojo to Cortex

    July 30 –  AI5 is ~18 months away from high-volume production, Musk says in a reply to a post from someone claiming to start a club of “Tesla HW4/AI4 owners angry about getting left behind when AI5 comes out.” 

    August 3 – Musk posts on X that he did a walkthrough of “the Tesla supercompute cluster at Giga Texas (aka Cortex).” He notes that it would be made roughly of 100,000 H100/H200 Nvidia GPUs with “massive storage for video training of FSD & Optimus.”

    August 26 – Musk posts on X a video of Cortex, which he refers to as “the giant new AI training supercluster being built at Tesla HQ in Austin to solve real-world AI.” 

    2025

    No updates on Dojo in 2025

    January 29 – Tesla’s Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings call included no mention of Dojo. Cortex, Tesla’s new AI training supercluster at the Austin gigafactory, did make an appearance, however. Tesla noted in its shareholder deck that it completed the deployment of Cortex, which is made up of roughly 50,000 H100 Nvidia GPUs. 

    “Cortex helped enable V13 of FSD (Supervised), which boasts major improvements in safety and comfort thanks to 4.2x increase in data, higher resolution video inputs … among other enhancements,” according to the letter. 

    During the call, CFO Vaibhav Taneja noted that Tesla accelerated the buildout of Cortex to speed up the rollout of FSD V13. He said that accumulated AI-related capital expenditures, including infrastructure, “so far has been approximately $5 billion.” In 2025, Taneja said he expects capex to be flat as it relates to AI.

    This story originally published August 10, 2024, and we will update it as new information develops.





    Source link

  • Price, screen, cameras, release date

    Price, screen, cameras, release date


    The fourth-generation iPhone SE is set to bring about a multitude of visual and functional changes taken from earlier iPhone models. Here’s what to expect from Apple, as soon as next week.

    For the past two iterations, Apple’s iPhone SE has maintained a dated look, with thick bezels and a Touch ID Home button that make it virtually indistinguishable from an iPhone 8. All of that is set to change quite soon, as the budget-friendly iPhone SE is going to receive its first major redesign in years.

    Alongside its new design, the iPhone SE 4 will gain a variety of new hardware features, many of which are carry-overs from more recent iPhone models. With every iPhone release, however, it becomes difficult for the average person to know what to expect with the fourth-generation iPhone SE.

    To remedy the situation and provide our readers with insights about the upcoming device, AppleInsider has spoken to people familiar with internal designs and pre-production prototypes of the iPhone SE 4. The individuals we spoke to have provided countless details about the iPhone 16 range ahead of launch.

    Leaving no stone unturned, however, we have also decided to provide an outline of everything rumored for the fourth-generation iPhone SE, even though many of the claims made about the device outright contradict each other.

    The rumor cycle of the iPhone SE 4 has been chaotic, more so than those of standard iPhone models. Initially, it was rumored to be a relatively straightforward update, derived largely from the design of the iPhone XR. Then it was suggested that Apple was testing its new in-house modem with the device, after which the project was supposedly canceled and subsequently brought back.

    Here’s everything we know about the iPhone SE 4 so far, and how the different rumors stack up against each other.

    The iPhone SE 4 will echo the standard iPhone 14

    Apple’s next-generation budget-focused iPhone will receive a significant design refresh. Rather than resembling the massively outdated iPhone 8, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will feature a design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14.

    A light blue smartphone with dual cameras on a wooden surface, showing an apple logo.
    The iPhone SE 4 will likely be based on the standard iPhone 14, with minor changes.

    In practice, this means that the iPhone SE 4 will have the same overall dimensions as the iPhone 14, with an aluminum housing made of the same alloy. This information comes from people familiar with the matter, who have spoken to AppleInsider and accurately revealed details about prior Apple hardware releases.

    For the fourth-generation iPhone SE, Apple plans to use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, with minor changes such as room for the USB-C port, replacing the previously-used Lightning. USB-C has been the standard connector for iPhones since the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, so its inclusion in the iPhone SE 4 is an obvious choice, as it ensures compliance with EU regulations.

    Given that the device is largely based on the existing, base model iPhone 14, the fourth-gen iPhone SE will gain an OLED panel and support for Face ID, both of which have never been available on the iPhone SE until now. Some pre-production prototypes also featured an Action button in place of the mute switch, though it is unclear if the final mass production units feature this change, as Apple tested multiple hardware configurations.

    While all signs, including prototypes, point to the phone heavily resembling Apple’s base model iPhone 14, that hasn’t stopped unreliable leakers from claiming otherwise. Some have said the device will use a modified iPhone 16 chassis, and there’s even a bizarre claim of an alleged “iPhone 16E” marketing name, which would seemingly phase out the iPhone SE branding. An unlikely scenario in any case.

    iFace ID coming via iPhone 14-style notch, Dynamic Island unlikely

    With the introduction of a 6.1-inch OLED display, Apple will finally phase out Touch ID on the iPhone SE. As a replacement, the iPhone SE 4 will feature a more modern form of biometric identification, known as Face ID. This information comes from people familiar with Apple’s pre-production designs and prototypes.

    Smartphone displaying a cluttered home screen with various app icons and widgets, resting on a wooden surface adorned with autumn leaves.
    The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to feature a notch rather than Dynamic Island.

    The fourth-generation iPhone SE will most likely feature a notch near the top of the display, where the TrueDepth Camera and associated Face ID sensors are located. This will give the device a look similar to the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 13, with a smaller notch compared to the iPhone 12.

    Unlike the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the new-and-improved iPhone SE is not getting Dynamic Island. Apple wants to make its low-end iPhone visually distinct from its flagship models, while also saving on further development costs by re-using iPhone 14 components and designs.

    Though some have claimed the iPhone SE 4 will indeed ship with Dynamic Island, the overall consensus is that the device will feature a notch. The people we spoke to, along with reliable leakers, and multiple different dummy units all suggest that Apple’s budget-oriented phone will be equipped with a notch rather than Dynamic Island.

    One rear camera, with an impressive 48 MP

    Another notable difference compared to the iPhone 14 can be seen in the rear camera availability of the iPhone SE 4. The device will feature a single rear camera on the back rather than two.

    White smartphone with a silver logo lies on a dark, speckled surface, its camera lens facing upward, next to a wooden object.
    Though the iPhone SE 4 is getting a new 48 MP camera, its position will be similar to the one on the iPhone SE 3.

    This means that Apple has created a custom backplate for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. According to people familiar with the matter, the company experimented with at least five different designs for the backplate and rear camera bump. Even so, the device was always supposed to feature only one rear camera.

    The flash module, meanwhile, will be on the right side. Leaked cases show a horizontal cutout for the camera, which may mean it won’t have a camera bump, but one lens jutting from the back. This is consistent with the designs Apple tested, AppleInsider was told.

    The device is meant to include a 48 MP image sensor, developed under the codename Project Portland. Multiple different reports have indicated that the new-and-improved iPhone SE will feature a 48 MP rear camera, leaving little room for doubt.

    Apple Intelligence, finally on the iPhone SE

    With the fourth iteration of the iPhone SE, Apple will likely usher in support for its latest suite of generative AI tools. Known as Apple Intelligence, the software is currently available for devices with an A17 Pro or newer chip, or iPad and Mac products with an M1 or newer Apple Silicon system-on-chip.

    Colorful abstract shape resembling a glowing, intertwined loop with smooth gradients against a black background.
    Apple Intelligence will most likely be available on the iPhone SE 4 straight out of the box.

    Apple Intelligence offers a variety of AI-powered utilities, which were made available via the iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 updates. With Apple Intelligence, it’s possible to edit text, remove objects from photos, summarize conversations, categorize emails, and generate imagery, all through AI.

    Apple’s artificial intelligence features are available across the entire iPhone 16 range, from powerful iPhone 16 Pro featuring the A18 Pro to standard iPhone 16 with its A18 chip. The iPhone maker wants to ensure that Apple Intelligence is available across different product tiers rather than being exclusive to “Pro” models, as is evidenced by the iPad mini 7, which uses the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro.

    The iPhone SE 4 is expected to use the same A18 chip found in the base model iPhone 16, which partially serves as a means of bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPhone. This would allow the phone to compete and better position itself against similarly priced Android phones that include Google Gemini or similar generative AI software for the end user.

    Person holds phone, zooming in on a detailed, cylindrical metal sculpture outdoors, surrounded by greenery.
    The iPhone SE 4 will not get Visual Intelligence, as the device more than likely won’t feature the Camera Control button.

    The popularity and overall prominence of artificial intelligence features has increased dramatically over the past few years. Naturally, consumers expect a new phone to offer generative AI features in some capacity. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook himself even said that Apple Intelligence influenced iPhone 16 sales, and that the device performed better in markets and regions where the company’s AI features were made available.

    Apple’s iPhone SE 4 is expected to ship with iOS 18.3 pre-installed, so users will likely have access to Apple Intelligence features immediately after purchasing the device. This assumes, of course, that the device will be equipped with the A18 chip. It would be a logical choice for the iPhone SE, given that people will likely hold onto the device for years, all while expecting new software features.

    New modem, older iPhone 14 battery

    While not definitive, there is a strong possibility that the iPhone SE 4 might reuse the battery of the existing iPhone 14. This seems like an obvious upgrade, given that the device is heavily based on the standard iPhone 14, with only minor differences between the two.

    Close-up of a smartphone screen corner displaying 5G signal, battery icon, and a fingertip touching the screen on a blurred background.
    The iPhone SE 4 could feature Apple’s “Sinope” project, an entirely new 5G modem.

    Pre-production units of the iPhone SE 4 are known to have used the same A2863 battery found in the standard iPhone 14. The A2863 battery has a capacity of 3279 mAh, which is 1250 mAh more than the 2018 mAh battery of the third-generation iPhone SE.

    This could lead to a significant increase in battery life compared to the previous iteration of the iPhone SE — another potential selling point for the device.

    Nonetheless, it’s worth pointing out that the iPhone 14 battery was used on pre-production prototypes of the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Apple often tests multiple hardware configurations ahead of launch, so there are no guarantees that the final product will use the same battery.

    There’s also talk of a new 5G modem, developed in-house by Apple under the project codename “Sinope” with the intent of replacing the existing Qualcomm modems found in current iPhone models. AppleInsider is familiar with the project, and there’s a good chance it will debut with the device, though benefits for the end user are unclear, if there even are any.

    iPhone SE 4 release date, availability, and price

    As for pricing, the current third-generation iPhone SE can be purchased brand new for $429. Multiple rumors suggest that Apple wants to maintain a price point below $500, which would ultimately make sense for a budget-friendly device like the iPhone SE.

    AppleInsider was told that the device could be available in white and black color options, with the latter being internally referred to as “Midnight” in some instances. This information comes from people familiar with pre-production prototypes, however, and may not reflect the final units, though it does align with colors seen on dummy units.

    Apple could announce the fourth-generation iPhone SE as soon as the week of February 14, 2025, while the first units are expected to reach customers later in the month. It’s possible that there will be no dedicated launch event for this device, and that it will make its debut via a simple press release instead. Previous rumors have all said that the device would be available in early 2025, so the timing makes sense in that regard.



    Source link