Technology

• Sega is considering its own game subscription service
• That's according to a recent interview with the BBC
• It could aim to compete with the likes of Xbox Game Pass and EA Play

Sega is weighing up a game subscription service, potentially aiming to compete with subscription offerings from other major publishers such as Xbox Game Pass, EA Play, and Ubisoft Plus.

This was revealed in a recent BBC interview with Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi. Utsumi stated that such subscription services were “very interesting” and that Sega was “evaluating some opportunities” in the area.

He went on to say that “we’re thinking something - and discussing something – we cannot disclose right now”. This would all suggest that there could be a subscription service on the cards.

Utsumi’s comments follow another interview with The Guardian in which he stated that Sega was “not just a nostalgic company” and needs “to be innovative” to remain relevant. Could the launch of a subscription service be part of an effort to bring the company into the modern world?

As for what could be included in such a service, the company’s large catalog of retro titles is an obvious choice. Many classic Sega games are already available as part of competitor’s services, so introducing a dedicated subscription for players who just want to experience those titles makes a lot of sense.

I would happily shell out a couple dollars a month for easy access to absolute classics like Crazy Taxi, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Streets of Rage.

That said, Sega also has a robust selection of more modern properties to work with. Throw in access to brilliant recent games like Total War: Warhammer 3, Two Point Hospital, Metaphor: Refantazio, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth and you could have quite a worthy Game Pass competitor that commands a similarly premium price tag.

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• Genshin Impact Version 5.3 arrives on January 1, 2025
• It adds two new five star playable characters
• This is in addition to a new four star character, story act, in-game events, and more

Developer Hoyoverse has shared some details about the Genshin Impact Version 5.3, or ‘Incandescent Ode of Resurrection’ update that is set to launch on January 1, 2025.

Headline additions include the debut of not just one, but two five star characters: Mavuika and Citlali. As Pyro Archon, Mavuika features two unique combat styles. She can either fight with her claymore sword or decimate foes atop Flamestrider – a one of a kind fiery motorbike construct.

Her Element Skill summons the Ring of Searing Radiance, which follows your active character doling out substantial Pyro damage to nearby enemies. She has a unique Fighting Spirit resource too, which is required to activate her Element Burst Pyro attack and enter a special, more powerful state. A new story quest will also be available, introducing you to the character.

Image 1 of 3

Mavuika (Image credit: Hoyoverse)Image 2 of 3

Citali (Image credit: Hoyoverse)Image 3 of 3

Lan Yan (Image credit: Hoyoverse)

On the other hand, Citlali, also known as ‘Granny Itztli’, is a powerful Cyro Catalyst fighter. She is accompanied by two companions, Itzpapa and Citalin, which transform into a magical set of cushions and pillows that she floats atop of while exploring. In combat, Citali uses her companions to summon shields and deal high Cyro damage.

The second half of Version 5.3 will then debut Lan Yan, a four star Anemo Catalyst user with a Swallow-Wisp shield that can absorb Hydro, Pyro, Cyro, or Electro elemental damage. The absorbed damage type can then be dished back out to the enemy with her air attacks.

The update will also bring a new story act for Natlan’s Archon Quest in which the player will face off with the powerful new Abyssal Mimic Dragon, or Lord of Eroded Primal Fire, boss.

The Lantern Rite event is returning to Liyue Harbor, bathing the area in a soft warm glow. Players can claim free rewards, including 1,600 Primogens and the 'Wings of Fate’s Course Intertwined' glider via the in-game mail system in celebration of the festival. This is on top of 10 Intertwined Fate via daily login rewards and a free four star character for those who complete the Lantern Rite event.

If you're seeking more outfits you can claim Xiangling's ‘New Year’s Cheer’ look by completing quests to increase the event's Festive Fever level. Hu Tao’s ‘Cherries Snow-Laden’ outfit will also be on sale in the in-game shop at a limited-time discount.

This is all on top of a range of balance changes, plus the permanent introduction of the popular rhythm game mode.

If you want to try Genshin Impact for yourself ahead of the update’s launch, it’s available as a free-to-play title on Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

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It’s a tad rote to extol the virtues of Valve’s Steam Deck in 2024; it’s been the handheld PC that’s had gaming and tech journalists alike wax lyrical about it. Yet here I am, about to tell you why it’s my most-played games device over the past 12 to 18 months.

But first some context. Naturally, as a curious tech journalist and long-time PC gamer I was intrigued by the Steam Deck, and when it launched I chewed over reviews, opinions and its capabilities detailed by folks lucky enough to get one before stock disappeared.

Despite the praise, it took me a while to be convinced by the Steam Deck. I felt it came across as a tad limited in terms of power, battery life and display, as well as compatibility. Plus I’m not a huge on-the-move gamer, and if so I’d use my Nintendo Switch; otherwise I’d stick with my PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X as my gaming machines.

Then the Steam Deck went on sale, grabbing my attention. But I missed this discount, meaning the moment to jump on board this Steam train was missed.

Just when I thought I was out, the Steam Deck pulled me back in, thanks to Valve very nicely popping up and sending me one for testing and so on. And very soon I was hooked.

Steaming ahead

(Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)

Now, I’d already tried a Steam Deck and was impressed by it, I just wasn’t fully convinced it was for me. Yet having my own Deck that I could set up around my one Steam library changed my perspective in a big way.

No longer was I looking at Elden Ring run at 30 frames per second, instead I was digging into Disco Elysium, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Fallout 4 and more. These were games I'd previously have had to use my PC for, and then sit at my desk where I already spend too much time, or make do with less than optimal Switch ports.

Having the Steam Deck recontextualized how I approached certain games. I was no longer tethered to a monitor or TV, and there’s just something satisfying about lounging in a comfortable chair or bed and digging into a big role-playing game.

And as has been discussed many times before by other journalists, it's just fun throwing things at the Steam Deck to see what works well and what doesn’t.

However, that was just the beginning. As game compatibility expanded and developers optimized for the Steam Deck, the more capable it became. On top of that, Sony started to bring PlayStation games to PC, with the likes of God of War 2018 and The Last of Us playable on the Deck; suddenly, this wasn’t just a Steam machine but also a pseudo PSP.

As I got sucked into the Steam Deck, I started to dig into more of what it could be coaxed into doing. Some fiddling about and pouring over guides and I now have access to my GOG library and Xbox Cloud Gaming; the latter culminating in me finishing Starfield on the Deck rather than my Series X or powerful gaming PC.

Speaking of which, I'm very lucky to have an enormously powerful PC from custom PC builder Starforge Systems; it’s an incredible machine that makes 1440p to 4K gaming a reality. Yet despite this, I’ve found myself playing the likes Cyberpunk 2077 - a game that relishes ray tracing and Nvidia’s DLSS tech - on my Deck at 720p.

(Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)

Even writing that sentence makes me sound ridiculous, but I’ve not lost my mind. For starters, Cyberpunk 2077 looks rather good on the Deck; sure not everything is crisp, but in motion it’s still a very good looking game at 720p. Secondly, it simply blows my 38-year-old mind that a machine I can hold in my hands can run a game that gives you a hugely detailed city with a host of simulation in it, and that runs reasonably well; I'm talking 30 fps here.

Thirdly, I refer back to my desk situation - I love PC gaming but I live in a small apartment so my gaming desk is also my work desk. This means I don’t always want to flip from my MacBook and switch to my PC, without some form of break. The Steam Deck is the panacea to that, where I can move from my desk to my sofa and boot up the aforementioned Cyberpunk 2077. And thanks to cloud saves and cross-compatibility, when I want high-end lighting effects and the option to see the muck of Night City in granular detail, I can pick up where I left off on my PC.

This also means it’s a great holiday gaming machine, allowing me to continue a fair chunk of my PC gaming when I go visit family without the need to lug around a hefty gaming laptop.

It’s this flexibility that’s made the Steam Deck my go-to gaming machine over the past 18 months. While the libraries of both the PS5 and Xbox Series X have expanded and now feel next-gen, there’s just something so compelling about the Steam Deck that draws my attention. While there are now a suite of comparable handheld gaming PCs, especially with the Asus ROG Ally, I can’t help but feel Valve has nailed the blending of PC gaming adaptability and range, with the joy of handheld gaming the Switch offers.

Despite the Steam Deck nearing its third birthday, and murmurs of a Steam Deck 2, I still feel there’s more to be had out of it, meaning if you’ve yet to take the plunge on it, then I highly recommend you do as it could really shake up your gaming life.

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As I wander towards my mid-40s, the aches and pains are starting to become more regular. Things aren’t working as well as they once were, and I have to deal with days of tiredness and lack of sleep that a simple ‘few drinks’ can bring.

As such, I’ve become really aware of how my senses are performing - after all, once they degrade it’s not easy to restore performance – and I’ve noticed something recently: I can’t hear my daughters as well as I used to when we’re out and about on the street.

It’s not massive, but it wandered into that ‘I probably should do something about this…’ category, before then doing nothing about it because I’ve got a stack of washing to do and, well, Netflix isn’t going to watch itself.

So when I heard that Apple was going to be upgrading its AirPods Pro 2 to help those with hearing loss, I was intrigued. How would that work? Could they actually be a real competitor to professional hearing aids?

Well, it turns out I only needed to wonder about part of that, as UK health officials haven’t approved them for use as clinical hearing aids, unlike in the US.

But, with the launch of iOS 18.2, we do now have access to the Hearing Test, which creates a detailed audiogram to help map out where any hearing loss might be present…

Even though I’m likely to get some bad news, I decide I can’t hide from the truth any longer. I slip the headphones into my ear holes and take a deep breath.

(Image credit: Apple) The truth unfurls

The test begins by checking the fit of the earbud and assesses whether your location is quiet enough. I passed both these tests with flying colors – and I can’t pretend that I didn’t feel a smidge of joy about this achievement, despite it only showing that I’m able to put headphones adequately in my ears and can sit in a not-loud room.

Actually, I didn’t even really do well at the second part – while my iPhone believed I was in a quiet enough environment, the test (which is a series of progressively quieter beeps) was slightly ruined by the distant hum of cars scooting by, so I had to decamp to an even-less-noisy part of the house.

However, once I was in the right setting, the test felt good and thorough. It’s a simple case of tapping the screen when hearing a beep, across a range of frequencies and volumes, to discern where my hearing is strongest.

I heard a lot of ‘phantom beeps’, where the sound was sometimes so quiet that even thinking about the beep made it play in my head (rather than actually hearing it), and sometimes I found I was guessing when the sound might have been and convincing myself I’d heard something.

I tried to be a good little rule-following boy and only tapped when I felt I’d heard something, but it got really hard as the beeps became quieter.

(Image credit: Apple)

The frustration began to set in – I was almost certain there were sounds being played, but I couldn’t hear them. My fears about having hearing loss were about to be confirmed, and I wondered how fast the deterioration may be.

A surprising result

The results are in. I look down, and I can’t believe what I’m seeing: I had little to no hearing loss, despite the swathes of silence in the test making me sure I’d only heard half the beeps.

I was able to still hear in the normal ranges! Maybe my body isn’t starting to let me down as much as I worried it was!

However, Audiologist Ashish Shah slightly punctured this joy when she told me that this result is as expected:

“For someone of the age of 41 we would not generally expect to find a hearing loss and therefore would expect results to be within the normal range of 0-20dBHLm’; she said.

“However, hearing loss does not discriminate so there can be onsets of early hearing loss as well as conditions and external factors such as noise which can have an impact on anyone's hearing.”

I was also left with some questions because the results graph, called an audiogram, was a little hard to understand.

Despite being told I have little to no hearing loss, there were still some dips in the graph that, according to the explanation of the results, put me into the ‘mild’ hearing loss camp at some points.

Is that natural, that everyone’s ears have fluctuations through the audio frequencies, or is that something to be wary of?

(Image credit: Apple)

Bad news: it’s the latter. My graph dips somewhat at the 4Hz and 6Hz frequencies, and Shah says this is something I’ll need to think about:

“A dip at 4kHz like that would indicate some degree of noise-induced hearing loss; this could be consistent with noise exposure recreationally or through work such as excessive exposure to loud music or loud machinery.”

More to do

While I like the ability to test my hearing and learn the ‘shape’ of my hearing capabilities, I do think that there’s more Apple can do here.

Whether it’s helping you dig further into the results, encouraging you to go and see a specialist or just something as simple as turning on the Headphone Safety in your iPhone (which caps the volume to a certain level to protect your eardrums), the results feel quite basic.

Shah also suggests that my results – or anyone with less-than-perfect results on the Hearing Test – mean I should think about getting myself checked out, as it’s not just hearing prowess that can be measured and assessed by a professional.

“It is always a good idea to see an audiologist in these circumstances as it’s not only about conducting a hearing test, of which a Pure Tone Audiogram is only one element.

“But it’s always beneficial to also have an audiologist then also check the health of your ears. Early intervention is also far more beneficial when it comes to our senses that impact communication.”

There’s one other thing that’s niggled me too – while I understand that the AirPods Pro 2 haven’t been approved as clinical-grade hearing aids in the UK, I don’t see why my results can’t be used to improve the AirPods’ performance.

For instance, why can’t I use my personalized audiogram to calibrate how music and movies sound to my ears? This is possible in the US as part of the full Hearing Aid feature, but annoyingly not in almost all of the rest of the world – even though I think just tweaking the music output shouldn't really count as a medical adjustment.

But the Hearing Test feature has certainly impressed me. When everyone started strapping heart rate monitors to their wrists, the sudden influx of heart health data that arrived helped save lives; being able to diagnose the potential for hearing loss in millions of people – or just track their hearing health over time – is a great thing to have available.

So, even if I do find that I start struggling to hear certain frequencies, I’m glad I went all in and did this test. It’s a good reminder to look after my ears even more, and to not be afraid to keep doing this test regularly to see if anything changes.

I’d much rather spot a decline in my ability to hear rather than hide away from the fact it might be happening…

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• GreenSKUs redefine server design for sustainable cloud computing efficiency
• Energy-efficient GreenSKUs tackle the growing carbon costs of cloud computing
• Microsoft leads in reusing server parts to cut emissions

Servers consume vast amounts of energy while operational and generate substantial carbon emissions from manufacturing.

To address this challenge, researchers from Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Washington have developed "GreenSKUs," a sustainable approach to server design.

Unlike standard practices where components are discarded after 3–5 years of use, the GreenSKUs framework focuses on reusing parts like random-access memory (RAM) modules and solid-state drives (SSDs) from decommissioned servers.

Backward compatibility unlocks reuse

The foundation of GreenSKUs lies in leveraging backward compatibility. Advances in technology, such as Compute Express Link (CXL) controllers, allow compatibility between different generations of memory modules, like DDR4 and DDR5, making it feasible to reuse older components without significant performance loss.

To ensure reliability, the researchers created a framework that evaluates components for reuse, which identifies parts that won’t cause unacceptable performance declines or excessive energy consumption.

The team’s efforts extend beyond hardware, introducing a software layer to further refine performance that determines which compute tasks are best suited for GreenSKUs compared to standard Azure servers.

The GreenSKUs feature energy-efficient AMD Bergamo processors alongside reused RAM and SSDs sourced from defunct servers, helping to cut emissions tied to hardware manufacturing.

According to the Association for Computing Machinery, cloud computing’s carbon footprint is poised to grow significantly, potentially contributing 20% of global emissions by 2030. Currently, cloud operations consume around 3% of global energy annually.

The GreenSKUs project aligns with these efforts and the researchers estimate an 8% reduction in embodied and operational carbon emissions for servers using this approach. At scale, the technique could lower global carbon emissions by 0.1–0.2%, a reduction comparable to emissions from all smartphone usage in the United States.

However, repurposing older components isn’t without challenges. The reused RAM modules introduced latency and reduced memory bandwidth, which researchers overcame with memory pooling techniques. Similarly, lower read/write speeds in SSDs were addressed using RAID striping.

However, not all limitations had workarounds. For example, AMD Bergamo processors, while energy-efficient, had reduced cache performance. Researchers incorporated such tradeoffs into their broader framework to ensure each server configuration could still meet Azure requirements.

Via IEEE Spectrum

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Politicians fully embraced the creator economy in 2024, blurring the lines between punditry and journalism. By 2028, the lawmakers could become creators themselves.

Ever since the pandemic, when so many people were cooped up, out of work or otherwise left to their own devices, I’ve heard one word discussed more than ever: routine.

Routine has long been a brick in the foundation of a “functioning society”, but it crumbled when the scaffolding of strict working hours, commutes and leisure activities such as gym attendance were removed. For many, the gradual return to work and reopening of public spaces was enough to reestablish normalcy – but others have struggled, and I count myself among them.

Now, I’m all for living life unconventionally, and I’m sure there’s a version of me who freelances or is a bohemian making art for a living – but this version very much likes her job and the structure of a 9-5.

Of course, it would be no fun to just do it the old-fashioned way. That’s why I’ve set out to use Alexa to guide me through automating some of the best smart home devices and best Alexa speakers to help me build some semblance of normalcy in my day-to-day life. And guess what? It’s had a real impact.

Want to follow along with me? Check out our guide for how to set up an Alexa Routine or watch the video below to learn more about how automating smart home devices on Alexa works.

Routinely important…

I’m a late-bloomer neurodivergent, and without a solid routine, my life is a never-ending gyre of chaos until I reach a boiling point, accomplish everything at once, and burn out for another two weeks, thus returning to chaos. I’m not alone, with a recent YouGov survey finding that 19% of Americans identify as neurodivergent, and the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) estimating a similar statistic of one in seven people (roughly 14%) being neurodivergent in the UK.

However, it’s not an exclusively neurodiverse problem. Various disabilities, mental and chronic health conditions can impede one’s ability to build – and stick to – routines, as can living conditions such as shift work, a college lifestyle or parenthood. According to Adobe’s State of Work 2023 report, more than half of US workers (59%) find it more difficult to maintain a positive work-life balance or stay on top of growing workloads, while a survey conducted by Acuity training found that less than 1 in 5 people (18%) have a proper time management system.

Before knuckling down to lay out my automations, I spoke with Polly Miskiewicz, a Jungian Art Psychotherapist (HCPC, MA) and coach with more than 10 years of experience with neurodivergence – both lived and professional – to ask for some top tips.

The benefits of routine, she explains, are wide-reaching: “Routines regulate our nervous system, especially for those of us who might experience heightened sensory or emotional overwhelm.

“From a somatic perspective, predictable patterns in our day can calm the body, ease hyper-vigilance (the always-on feeling), and help us feel more in control.”

For our physical health, Miskiewicz explains routine as “a love letter to your body,” supporting better sleep, digestion, and energy regulation. She continues, “Mentally, routine does a ton of heavy lifting. It reduces the cognitive load, helping with executive functioning by taking repetitive decisions off the table. It acts as an anchor during times of uncertainty or big life transitions. Whether we’re adjusting to a new job, a diagnosis, or personal change, routines provide stability and a sense of continuity, helping us navigate what feels unfamiliar.”

It’s not just a box-ticking exercise either, says Miskiewicz – routines create little wins that build momentum: “These small habits don’t just help regulate emotions in the moment; they contribute to long-term mental health by fostering (healthy and maintainable) levels of resilience and even a sense of accomplishment.”

(Image credit: Getty/Maria Korneeva) But routinely forgotten...

So, if they’re so important and so good for us, why do so many people struggle to maintain a routine? Miskiewicz says “From a psychological perspective, routines often fail because they’re not truly ours. They get tangled up in societal ‘shoulds’ or the pressure to be ultra-productive, leaving us feeling disconnected or unmotivated to ever try again.”

This resistance, she explains, ties into self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), which shows that motivation thrives when we feel autonomy, competence, and connection. “If a routine doesn’t align with our values or feel like something we choose, it’s much harder (or impossible) to stick with it.”

Where possible, the best thing we can do to build a routine according to Miskiewicz is:

• Do not aim for perfection: “Allow yourself to take a day off or forget what you were meant to do.”
• Be mindful of your personal experiences: “Make choices that align with your interests or already existing mechanisms.”
• Focus on micro-routines to start: “Do not set yourself up for a failure.”
• Factor in your feelings: “Routines that resonate emotionally (thank you, Jung!) reflect your true self.”
• Plan tools not rules: “Routines should grow with you, not hold you back.”
• Plan for the body, not just the mind: “Build moments of regulation into your day: stretch, breathe, or find stillness to keep things somatically aligned.”

With Miskiewicz’ top tips in mind, I went ahead to plan my smart home-assisted day.

(Image credit: Future) Oh, what a beautiful morning

Miskiewicz advises that your morning routine should “set the tone” for your day, suggesting activities like stretching, small tasks like making your bed or a fresh cup of coffee and enjoying some natural light (tricky, here in the UK during winter!) to start you off.

Easy enough, and especially so with my trusty fleet of Alexa-enabled devices and other smart home gadgets. Remembering what Miskiewicz had said about starting small, I focused on three achievable milestones outside of getting myself ready for the day: wake up to more natural light, have a cup of tea and clear up small messes.

First up, let’s tackle natural light; I reviewed the Philips Hue Twilight, a smart wake-up light, a few months ago, and it’s been a mainstay in my bedroom ever since. It’s Alexa-compatible, but the Philips Hue app offers more sophisticated controls, and in the end I actually used the native app instead of Alexa to set up my first automation. Talk about failing at the first hurdle.

Regardless, my routine starts at 7:30AM when my Hue Twilight begins gradually increasing brightness through to its full Sunrise setting at 8AM, which is when Alexa kicks in with its morning regimen.

(Image credit: Future / Amazon)

Just as my alarm goes off at 8AM, my Amazon Echo Spot chimes in with a randomized morning greeting, and then I programmed the ‘Wait’ function to give myself five minutes to lie in bed and pass through the various stages of grief following my recent awakening. Next up is making myself a cup of tea, for which task I have my Swan Alexa Kettle scheduled to kickstart at 8:05AM while I listen to Alexa’s flash news briefing and make my bed. On Wednesdays and Fridays, Alexa also reminds me to clean my floor, because it’s robot vacuum cleaner day.

Then, Alexa waits a further 50 minutes which, depending on the length of my flash briefing, usually means she pipes up again around the time I move into my office. ​​A recent study from Yale University shows clutter might actually have an impact on productivity, which Alexa reminds me of just before the workday begins, and then delivers a custom message asking: “Tell me when your calendar is open and I’ll remind you to stretch your legs.”

Thus, my first task of the day when I log on to work is to pick a 20-minute window to stretch and move around, which I set up as a reminder with Alexa before cracking on with my morning.

I'll take afternoon tea if you take it with me

During work hours, I shy away from using Alexa’s Routine feature too much, as my job can often chop and change drastically throughout the day. However, I do run some simpler automations that help move the day along, or as Miskiewicz describes it, “keep the flow”.

For instance, once at 11AM and once at 3PM, Alexa will ask me about my mood and if I have drunk enough water during the day, and will remind me when it’s time for lunch. Miskiewicz encourages recharging creatively as the day goes on by doing things like dancing or losing yourself in a podcast; easily accomplished with a quick voice command and my smart speakers, too.

There are also some automations that don’t come into play every day, and for good reason. Miskiewicz warns that “Tech can be a game-changer for building routines, but as a therapist I need to say – it can also turn into too much of a good thing.

“Ever found yourself drowning in reminders from five different apps or stuck scrolling between a million productivity tools? That’s decision paralysis in action, and it’s exhausting. Constant notifications – instant overwhelm. And when life gets messy (because it always does), missing an app prompt can leave you feeling like you’ve failed (you didn’t).”

(Image credit: Future / Canva)

Instead, I’ve also set up custom automations triggered by me saying key phrases such as “I’m struggling to focus”, which prompts Alexa to set a Pomodoro timer intermeshed with relaxing music for a five-minute break. That way, I’m not beholden to aggressive reminders or push notifications, but rather can live in comfort that past Josie has present Josie’s back, and I have the option to initiate certain structures throughout my day.

Some automations also happen only on specific days to keep things a bit more dynamic; for instance, on Wednesdays and Fridays, the robot vacuum I alluded to earlier cleans up everywhere except my office during the morning while I work, and then barges in at 6PM to irritate me out of working too late.

When the night has come and the land is dark

(Image credit: Future / Amazon)

Miskiewicz’ advice for the evenings is to “unwind your way”. So, at 6:15PM, my next Alexa Routine kicks in, with the voice assistant encouraging me to set a to-do list for the evening.

Normally, these are small tasks; from wellness rituals like writing in my journal, to practicing Japanese on Duolingo, or just washing the dishes. The idea is that I can complete each of them in roughly 10 minutes and leave room for breaks in-between. Meanwhile, Alexa checks in between tasks until 7PM, when it’s time to cook dinner.

Alongside this, all of my Alexa speakers play music from my relaxation playlist, and my Philips Hue lights transition to warmer, more comforting hues, following Miskiewicz’ advice to “give your senses a respite.” Increasingly, there are smaller smart devices like the smart diffuser I tried last year which can also be automated to help give some sensory reprise – or you can just opt for one of the best smart plugs to remotely operate different fans, speakers and lighting setups.

As the evening draws to a close, the unwinding continues; an hour before my midnight bed time, my smart kettle once again brews to begin my evening herbal tea ritual, and while it steeps I know it’s time to start my skincare routine and relax. My smart lights gradually begin to dim, and all of the smart screens in my home are switched off just in time for me to get ready for bed.

(Image credit: Future / Made with Canva) Alexa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep

Overall, my time spent testing an Alexa-driven routine served its purpose and then some; it helped me regulate much more effectively, with the knock-on benefit being a marked improvement in my mental health and productivity. However, the biggest learning of all was that self-regulation has to, at some point, take the fore.

Alexa’s Routine function proved to be hugely beneficial as I got to grips with my new lifestyle, and definitely helped keep me on track for the first few weeks. However, it’s all too easy to pass accountability onto an app, a voice assistant, or even another person, and there are some clear drawbacks to depending on technology to manage your life – a worrying realisation as we creep ever closer to a reality where AI does our thinking for us.

As I noticed myself becoming less motivated and engaged with the routine, I slowly started to phase out some of Alexa’s more forceful interjections, focusing instead on time-based device automations such as screen power settings, smart light scenes and my tea rituals.

And, wouldn’t you know it, Miskiewicz’ advice aligns perfectly with my experience: ”Bring on the tech! Just don’t let your tech take over. Balance it out with moments away from screens, because sometimes a sticky note or a doodle on a napkin can work just as well as the fanciest app.” Great news, then, for the seven million notepads I’ve accrued over the years.

Whether you want to try habit-building apps, voice assistants or even smartphone features like iPhone Shortcuts to give you some tech-assisted structure, here’s my best advice; go for it, but it’s a band-aid and not an end-all solution. Think of it as routine rehab until you’re ready to fly solo – or, at least in my case, smart solo.

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• A third of security workers see CISO roles as ‘no-wins’
• Companies still aren’t giving security workers enough resources
• 15% say prosecution threats are preventing them from taking up CISO roles

Amid ongoing skills shortages, new research has revealed why many IT experts are unwilling to take up roles in cybersecurity despite healthy earning potentials.

Seven in 10 IT security decision-makers surveyed by BlackFog said stories of CISOs being held personally liable for cybersecurity incidents have negatively impacted how they see the role, putting them off wanting to progress into managerial and leadership positions.

Moreover, the survey participants added that leaders with responsibility are often finding themselves in a no-win situation, adding to the stress of the role.

Cybersecurity workers don’t want the pressure

One in three (34%) noted that security leaders would either face internal consequences for failing to report findings or face public criticism and potential prosecution if they do. The pressure isn’t just coming from within, though, with regulatory action influencing how companies are handling cybersecurity incidents.

Nearly half (44%) added their companies have already implemented processes to reduce their cybersecurity exposure in order to prevent regulatory scrutiny and accountability.

Two in five (41%) also noted that their Boards are taking cybersecurity more seriously as a result, however security workers are still waiting for leaders to take action, such as by providing more resources; only 10% have seen more money devoted to cybersecurity efforts.

“The role of the CISO is all about managing risk for the organization but, as regulations tighten, security leaders increasingly need to consider their own personal risk," noted BlackFog CEO Dr Darren Williams.

The research highlighted a clear split – half (49%) believe that the potential for an individual to be prosecuted following a cyberattack would improve accountability and transparency, with 15% stating that this would deter them from wanting to take up CISO roles in the future.

Dr Williams called for clearer governance and incident reporting and response procedures, however cybersecurity workers including CISOs need the backing of their companies.

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Rates up to 4.70% APY may not last much longer.

• A new patent filed by Microsoft details enhanced haptic feedback motors
• They can produce more intense haptics feedback
• Or be tuned to simulate vibrations that can be perceived in multiple ways

More advanced haptic feedback could be coming to Xbox controllers, that is if a recent patent filed by Microsoft is anything to go by.

As spotted by gaming blog tech4gamers, the patent was published earlier this month and details a new kind of haptic feedback motor. In the current Xbox Wireless Controller, a haptic feedback motor is located in each grip, firmly attached to the housing of the controller.

Each haptic feedback motor features a motor shaft attached to an eccentric mass counter weight (or ERM) which is effectively just an unbalanced, cylindrical weight. The ERM is rotated quickly on the motor shaft to produce the vibrating effect that we all know and love. Xbox Wireless Controller models with Translucent face plates, like the cool Ghost Cipher Special Edition, even allow you to see this mechanism in action if you look closely.

The patent outlines the concept of a haptic motor that is not attached to the controller’s housing. Instead, it moves relative to it which, according to the patent, allows for a significantly boosted vibrational output. This could potentially be used to reduce the size of the haptic motors used in controllers, reducing the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing. Alternatively, the size of the haptic motor could be kept the same for a more powerful haptic response.

It also explains that this new form of haptic motor can be tuned with different mass, stiffness, and dampening factors in order to create a range of vibration frequencies that are perceived in different ways. In theory, this could lead to much more detailed and interesting haptic feedback – perhaps finally giving the highly immersive DualSense Wireless Controller haptic feedback a run for its money.

Interestingly, the patent goes on to state that this new haptic feedback motor would be backwards compatible with older games, which is definitely good news for those already with extensive game libraries.

Of course, the existence of a patent is far from an official confirmation that any kind of new or improved controller is in the works. Companies frequently file patents for technology that ends up never reaching consumers. We’ll have to wait and see whether Microsoft has anything in store.

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There are still savings rates over 4% APY, but just like 2024, they're poised to disappear.

Sandy Springs residents have access to fast internet options. Here are the best plans, handpicked by CNET’s internet experts.

What sort of 2024 did AMD experience? This year was quiet in some respects for Team Red – with not much activity in the GPU space, save for one notable exception – but there was more happening on the CPU front, although the introduction of new Zen 5 processors proved controversial.

New laptop chips for Copilot+ PCs and a fresh X3D offering were definite highlights, so without any further preamble, let’s dig into what was good, bad, or indifferent for AMD in 2024.

(Image credit: AMD) Vanilla Ryzen 9000 CPUs fizzled upon launch

This year we received new Ryzen processors, although the launch of these Zen 5 chips was pushed back a month from July to August – a delay which some regarded as ominous at the time. Those more pessimistic mutterings turned into something of an online outcry when the Ryzen 9000 range did eventually arrive, with the PC community seemingly quick to label the new processors a flop.

That’s a harsh conclusion to jump to, perhaps, although it’s undeniable that Ryzen 9000 did not meet the expectations of would-be CPU buyers, particularly for gaming performance, where uplifts were widely reported to be closer to 5% than the 10% AMD was touting prerelease (which is where the ‘Zen 5%’ joke comes from). The better news is that Ryzen 9000 swiftly received better performance thanks to fine-tuning work in Windows 11 24H2 – though crucially, Ryzen 7000 chips got close to the same (major) uplift.

Following rather shaky reviews of the mainstream Ryzen 9700X and 9600X offerings, sales appeared to flag out of the gate – partly due to Ryzen 7000 chips still being around with pretty deep discounts applied, making them comparatively more tempting.

So, the flak AMD caught from a gaming angle wasn’t good at all here, but Team Red did have a couple of things in its favor. Its desktop CPU rival, Intel, spent the whole of 2024 dealing with way worse issues than a lukewarm reception around gaming prowess – with Team Blue’s 13th and 14th-gen processors being plagued by nasty instability issues (that were eventually fixed). On top of that, Intel’s new Core Ultra 200S (Arrow Lake) desktop CPUs fared just as badly as Ryzen 9000 – actually, worse – out of the gate in terms of gaming performance.

That gave AMD some breathing room, and then Team Red shot back with a powerful volley to entice PC gamers in terms of a swift launch of its new 3D V-Cache processors.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) Ryzen 9800X3D to the rescue

Last year, we saw the introduction of 3D V-Cache for Zen 4 CPUs, and the Ryzen 7800X3D caught fire as the most popular gaming CPU out there. While normally AMD takes some time to push out X3D chips for any given generation, with Zen 5, these gaming-focused processors arrived very swiftly. Indeed, the Ryzen 9800X3D debuted in the first week of November, only a few months after Ryzen 9000 chips.

You could argue that this hasty appearance was pushed through to take away the bad taste from Ryzen 9000, and indeed the Ryzen 9800X3D did exactly that for PC gamers. As we found in our review, this CPU is seriously pepped up (with the ability to be overclocked for the first time, too), and an excellent gaming chip – we called it the best processor release of 2024, in fact.

The sticking point for the 9800X3D was the slightly hiked MSRP, along with the initial stock selling out very quickly, a situation compounded by scalping woes. Still, this clearly was the piece of silicon AMD needed to get out of the door to recover its CPU reputation, and really take the fight to Intel.

Also, i's worth noting that we were treated to a welcome wallet-friendly last-gen offering from AMD, the Ryzen 7600X3D, as a budget gaming CPU (and a great fit for small form-factor builds) – but as a Micro Center exclusive in the US (again).

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) GPU disappointment – with a big saving grace

AMD was a hive of activity with graphics cards last year, filling out the RDNA 3 series with various models of GPU, from the lower-end RX 7600, through the mid-range territory with the RX 7700 XT and 7800 XT. Before that in 2022, we only had high-end models with the RDNA 3 family.

To say this year was a bit of a contrast is an understatement. At the very start of 2024, we did get a new RX 7600 XT, the pepped-up take on the most wallet-friendly RDNA 3 GPU, but it was a modest upgrade, not all that compelling in the value stakes, and overall it didn’t stand up well compared to its Nvidia rival (the RTX 4060).

We were hoping for some new entrants at the true budget end of the GPU market in 2024, below the RX 7600, but the rumored RX 7400 and 7300 never showed. (Although bizarrely, we did get some milking of ancient low-end Radeon GPUs).

We were also hoping for RDNA 4 with even more eagerness, of course, but that didn’t happen either. Despite the rumor mill firmly believing these next-gen graphics cards could debut later in 2024, they didn’t – and the grapevine now has a Q1 2025 launch predicted. Overall, the no-show from RDNA 4 – which is rumored to top out at the mid-range, with an RX 8700 XT flagship in theory – was one of the biggest disappointments in the PC sphere for us in 2024.

What we did get, though, was a rocket-powered rabbit – a Golden Rabbit Edition, or GRE, version of the RX 7900, to be precise. Now, this was a GPU that was launched in China in the middle of 2023, but it was only released globally in February 2024. At that point, the RX 7900 GRE stormed our list of the best GPUs and stole the top position, arguably being the best entry-level option for 4K gaming.

So, it wasn’t a complete washout for Team Red after all, particularly when you consider that the RX 7800 XT also topped our best GPU list when it emerged last year. The GRE was the only thing that was GRE-at (sorry) about 2024 for AMD’s GPUs, though.

(Image credit: AMD) Ryzen AI 300 bursts onto the scene to take on Qualcomm Snapdragon X

As you doubtless noticed, 2024 was the year that Copilot+ PCs launched, and the only chips powering these AI laptops were Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X SoCs to begin with.

AMD and Intel weren’t that far behind with CPUs that had a beefy enough NPU to qualify as the engine of a Copilot+ PC, though, and Team Red’s Ryzen AI 300 (x86) processors (also known as Strix Point) arrived in laptops starting from July 2024. However, the available models were very thin on the ground to begin with, and indeed the amount of choice with Strix Point notebooks remains limited even as this year draws to a close.

Ryzen AI 300 proved to be strong for AI, and also general performance and mobile gaming, too, easily matching Qualcomm’s effort – with the advantage of having none of the compatibility issues that the Arm-based Snapdragon X CPUs have as baggage.

That said, Intel also debuted Lunar Lake mobile (x86) processors for Copilot+ PCs in 2024, and these also proved to be very strong CPUs – and a match for Ryzen AI 300 in many respects. In short, two great x86 alternatives to Qualcomm Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs emerged in 2024, albeit we need more laptops packing this silicon.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) Concluding thoughts

Other notable happenings for AMD in 2024 included the release of FSR 3.1 – which remains lagging behind Nvidia DLSS, although maybe AI will fix that – and an eye-opening achievement in outgunning Intel in the data center arena in terms of overall revenue.

While the launch of Ryzen 9000 CPUs caused some wobbles, we have to remember that these aren’t bad chips by any means – they just didn’t meet (gaming) expectations, and didn’t seem all that great value compared to previous-gen processors (at heavily cut prices) which are still very much on shelves (for the time being).

Ryzen 9000’s time will doubtless come, and at any rate, AMD recovered suitably with the Ryzen 9800X3D – and wasn’t exactly under pressure from Intel, either, as Team Blue had bigger worries than the criticisms Team Red faced.

GPU launches were thin on the ground from AMD, and rather disappointing – save for that RX 7900 GRE – and RDNA 4 failing to appear this year was a further source of some dismay.

Unfortunately, 2024 also saw AMD implement major layoffs, with the company making no bones about an increasing focus on the world of AI, where plentiful profits are to be made.

Is that increased leaning into AI anything to do with pushing back RDNA 4 graphics cards, perhaps? We don’t know that, and wouldn’t get carried away with any paranoia around AMD deprioritizing consumer GPUs yet – it’s probably more to do with market conditions and selling through current-gen RDNA 3 stock. Furthermore, you could apply that line of worried thinking to Nvidia equally, with next-gen Blackwell gaming GPUs also failing to turn up this year, and perhaps set to launch in the shadow of much bigger potential AI profits.

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• Leaders and execs are preparing for “when” the next major IT disruption will occur
• 83% of businesses were caught off guard by CrowdStrike 2024 outage
• More than half of IT leaders now see preparation as an ongoing effort

Business leaders are preparing for the next big outage as we head into 2025, new research by PagerDuty has claimed.

The research explores how mindsets have changed following the widely reported July 2024 disruptions, when a dodgy CrowdStrike update caused an estimated 8.5 million Windows Server devices to go offline.

Nine in 10 (88%) now believe that another major incident is inevitable within the next year.

Leaders are preparing for the next big outage

Business leaders have significantly increased their spend on cybersecurity in recent years amid growing attacks and threats from nation-state actors, however 86% now believe they’ve prioritized security at the expense of their readiness for disruptions similar to 2024’s CrowdStrike-induced outage.

A similar number (83%) also noted that the July outage caught them off guard, with British businesses being most surprised by the disruption (89%).

"The … study shows that executives around the globe are shifting their leadership priorities with major incidents in mind, with 100% of those surveyed reporting a heightened focus on preparing for future service disruptions at their companies," noted PagerDuty CIO Eric Johnson.

The effects of the July disruptions were felt widely, with more than a third (37%) of the businesses surveyed saying that they lost revenue or were unable to process sales transactions. Nearly half (44%) had to revert to old manual processes or workarounds as a result, highlighting the reliance on digital tools.

Looking ahead, between 78% and 91% of leaders (depending on country) are now preparing for “when” the next outage or major disruption will occur, rather than “if” they’re likely to be affected by one.

PagerDuty is calling for more real-time data tools, with more than half (55%) of IT leaders and execs now seeing outage readiness preparation as a continual effort rather than a one-off investment.

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Now that 2025 is upon us that means one thing: new year, new movies. And that's not just subject to brand new cinema releases, as Hulu has a range of exciting new titles arriving in January 2025, and we'd expect nothing less from one of the best streaming services.

Joining the array of best Hulu movies and best Hulu shows is yet another mix of TV specials and movie franchises from action thriller John Wick, to the horror series Insidious and even the Paul Blart movies. Like clockwork, most of Hulu's January titles will be available to stream on January 1, meaning that you can jump straight into tailoring your 2025 movie wish lists.

What's great about Hulu's monthly lists is the range of genres it packs, so whether you're more of a sci-fi buff or you prefer a simple comedy you know Hulu will have it.

Everything new on Hulu in January 2025

Arriving on January 1

Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025: Special Premiere (TV show)
Kids Diana Show: Let's Celebrate Together season 1 (TV show)
Papa Jake: Epic Box Forts season 1 (TV show)
After Earth (movie)
American Psycho (movie)
The Devil's Own (movie)
The Devil's Own En Español (movie)
Dirty Grandpa (movie)
Empire Records (movie)
Ender's Game (movie)
The Great Debaters (movie)
Heat (movie)
Insidious (movie)
Insidious: Chapter 2 (movie)
Insidious: Chapter 2 En Español (movie)
Insidious: Chapter 3 (movie)
Insidious: Chapter 3 En Español (movie)
The Intouchables (movie)
John Wick (movie)
John Wick: Chapter 2 (movie)
John Wick: Chapter 3 (movie)
The King of Comedy (movie)
Little Manhattan (movie)
Man of the House (movie)
Man of the House En Español (movie)
Mr. Deeds (movie)
Pacific Rim (movie)
Paddington (movie)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (movie)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (movie)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 En Español (movie)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop En Español (movie)
Shutter (movie)
Sorry to Bother You (movie)
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (movie)
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada En Español (movie)
Threesome (movie)
The Town (movie)
To Rome with Love (movie)
The Walk (movie)
xXx (movie)
xXx En Español (movie)
xXx: State of the Union (movie)
xXx: State of the Union En Español (movie)

Arriving on January 2

2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Special Premiere (TV show)
American Pickers season 25 (TV show)
Beyond the Headlines: The Tanya Kach Story with Elizabeth Smart season 1 (TV show)
The Butcher season 1 (TV show)
Dark Side of the 90s season 3 (TV show)
My City's Just Not That Into Me season 1 (TV show)
The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 3

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition series premiere (TV show)
Animal Control season 3 Premiere (TV show)
Going Dutch series premiere (TV show)
Mother's Instinct (movie)

Arriving on January 7

Dead Pixels seasons 1-2 (TV show)
Stopmotion (movie)

Arriving on January 8

The Rookie season 7 (TV show)
Will Trent season 3 (TV show)
Doc series premiere (TV show)
Ishura season 2 (TV show)
Fall (movie)
65 (movie)

Arriving on January 9

Celebrity Jeopardy! season 3 (TV show)
Shifting Gears season 1 (TV show)
Biography: Alice Cooper season 1 (TV show)
Biography: Chris Farley - Anything for a Laugh season 1 (TV show)
Biography: Jeff Dunham - Talking Heads season 1 (TV show)
Biography: Jeff Foxworthy - Stand Up Guy season 1 (TV show)
Booked: First Day In season 2 (TV show)
Extreme Builds season 1 (TV show)
Interrogation Files season 1 (TV show)
Mashle: Magic and Muscles season 1 (TV show)
More Power season 1 (TV show)
My Hero Academia season 7, episodes 148-159 (TV show)
Kitchen Nightmares season premiere (TV show)
Special Forces: World's Toughest Test season 3 (TV show)
Dance First (movie)
65 En Español (movie)

Arriving on January 10

Goosebumps: The Vanishing season premiere (TV show)
The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story (TV show)
American Star (movie)

Arriving on January 12

The Silent Hour (movie)

Arriving on January 13

Toilet Bound Hanako-kun season 2 premiere (TV show)
Biography: WWE Legends season 2 (TV show)
The First 48 season 25 (TV show)
The Mega-Brands That Built America season 2 (TV show)
Murder at the Motel season 1 (TV show)
Quarter Ton Teen season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 14

My Penguin Friend (movie)

Arriving on January 15

Unmasked season 1 (TV show)
Sniper: The Ultimate Competition season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 17

Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers special premiere (TV show)
The Bad Shepard (movie)

Arriving on January 20

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 21

Rurouni Kenshin season 1 (TV show)
Sleep (movie)

Arriving on January 22

Whiskey on the Rocks season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 23

The Misfit of Demon King Academy season 1-2 (TV show)
Persona5 the Animation season 1 (TV show)
Swamp People: Serpent Invasion season 4 (TV show)
Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 24

The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story (movie)
Arcadian (movie)
City of Dreams (movie)

Arriving on January 28
Paradise series premiere (TV show)
The Bachelor season 29 premiere (TV show)
Humane (movie)

Arriving on January 30
The First 48 Presents: Critical Minutes season 3A (TV show)
The Food That Built America season 5 (TV show)
Holy Marvels with Dennis Quaid season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 31

Rachael Ray's Meals in Minutes season 1 (TV show)
Scamanda series premiere (TV show)
Take Cover (movie)

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