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Benita Long disappeared. So why wasn't she added to this missing person database?

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/10/2025 - 04:00

A federally funded database helps track long-term, missing-person cases. Yet an NPR investigation finds that even in states legally required to use it, more than 2,000 people haven't been added.

(Image credit: Jovelle Tamayo for NPR)

Categories: News

Postal workers conducting the census is part of a Trump pitch for a USPS takeover

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/10/2025 - 04:00

The Trump administration has suggested bringing the U.S. Postal Service under White House control, and having mail carriers conduct the census. Here's what to know about the controversial ideas.

(Image credit: Brandon Bell)

Categories: News

Trump wants to clear homeless camps in D.C.; Mayor says his policies hurt the city

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/10/2025 - 04:00

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser about the capital city under President Trump and the planned renaming of Black Lives Matter Plaza.

(Image credit: Alex Brandon)

Categories: News

Deadliest phase of fentanyl crisis eases, as all states see recovery

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/10/2025 - 03:12

In some parts of the U.S. drug deaths have plunged to levels not seen since the fentanyl crisis exploded. Addiction experts say communities still face big challenges.

(Image credit: Rachel Wisniewski for NPR)

Categories: News

CFOs: Are you ready to let go and trust AI?

TechRadar News - Mon, 03/10/2025 - 02:41

I’ve never wanted to sky dive or do a bungee jump, but when I read some industry commentary it feels like this is what CFOs are being asked to do when it comes to investing in AI tools. For example, Ashu Garg and Jaya Gupta at Foundation VC claim: “This isn’t just a new category of software; it’s the dismantling of enterprise software as we know it.”

Knowing CFOs as I do, they are a pragmatic bunch who are not easily swayed by marketing speak and will only invest when tangible value can be demonstrated. They are also unlikely to invest in AI if there is any sense they might lose control of critical decision-making processes. So, if vendors want to encourage CFOs to embrace AI, finance leaders must be confident they can trust the technology to deliver accurate results.

Putting aside the hype, it is not likely that existing large language models (LLMs) and conversational AI tools will dismantle every element of finance workflows any time soon. However, change is coming, and CFOs need to get ready. Right now, they should be thinking about getting the correct foundations in place so that when the time comes to adopt AI tools, they have ultimate flexibility to do it in a pragmatic way; rather than the unnerving sensation of jumping off a cliff into the unknown attached to a bungee cord.

AI and the randomness of life

Once the organizational and IT foundations are established, CFOs will have more confidence that AI tools will base their decisions on accurate information. They will also be better placed to oversee the AI tool to avoid incorrect decisions. For example, unpredictability in forecasting and planning is a primary challenge.

Black swan events can have dramatic and unforeseen effects on performance, but this is not simple for LLMs to address. Traditionally, they require training on every eventuality to make decisions, but with the right building blocks in place finance teams can decide how best to approach such unique scenarios with AI tools.

One way AI Agents will be able to address these more complex situations is by collaborating with one another to complete tasks autonomously, as the analyst and industry commentator, Phil Wainewright has highlighted. Potentially, this approach will see these tools find new solutions and create opportunities to drive productivity, as well as business performance.

Three priorities to build trust in AI

In such an example, CFOs must be prepared to allow critical finance systems to operate autonomously without supervision. This will require huge trust in AI, but finance leaders can be more confident in ceding control to AI tools if they have addressed three priorities:

1. Integrity of input data: it is obvious, but data must be accurate, and its integrity protected if AI tools are to make trustworthy decisions. AI agents must be able to share data if they are to collaborate, so organizations must have a single source of truth for all the information within their systems, as well as be able to integrate information easily from external sources. This also means being able to read all data, in all formats – structured and unstructured. On top of that is data security and knowing that the data comes from trusted sources – if AI Agents are talking to one another unhindered, how do you guarantee they are all trustworthy?

2. Problem complexity: the AI tool you adopt needs to fit the problem. Generalist AI models, like conversational AI tools, may not be suited to making decisions for niche challenges. How you train the AI is critical – does it have the right data source relevant to the problem you’re looking to solve? But the even bigger question is how you deal with randomness. Phil Wainewright talks about the “ingenuity of humans” which today AI systems cannot replicate. In the world of finance, if you are looking at forecasting, there are a multiplicity of known factors affecting business performance, but there are also black swans which are very difficult to train an AI to adapt to. How will your AI model cope with randomness?

3. Transparency of decision making: if we are going to let go and trust AI Agents to take more decisions in finance environments, then we must be able to trust the answers they provide. Unsupervised learning is a key step on the path to “letting go” but this requires confidence both in the model being used and the training data. With LLMs this process can also become inefficient. The more data they require to train the AI, the bigger the black box becomes, the more unwieldy and harder it is to understand the decision making. It also poses the risk of unreliable data sources being introduced into the model. Businesses cannot afford to rely on technologies and data that cannot be decoded, so it is critical to find more elegant, streamlined ways to demonstrate what data is being used and how the model uses the data to reach decisions.

Addressing these priorities from the outset will give CFOs the confidence that AI is being embraced as part of a structured approach, surrounded by defined policies and guidelines. Having such checks and balances in place will ensure adopting AI is not a leap of faith. Certainly, there is an element of stepping into the unknown, because we don’t yet know the full extent of what mature AI technologies will be capable of, but if you approach it right, it will not feel like you’re attached to a bungee, curling your toes over the edge of the cliff while you psyche yourself up to leap.

We've compiled a list of the best RPA software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Categories: Technology

ICE arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 03/10/2025 - 01:03

Mahmoud Khalil was inside his university-owned apartment Saturday night when several Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered and took him into custody.

(Image credit: Ted Shaffrey)

Categories: News

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, March 10

CNET News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 23:58
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for March 10.
Categories: Technology

Surprise strike at Germany's Hamburg Airport affects more than 40,000 passengers

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 23:56

The walkout, which reportedly took place with only about a half-hour advance notice, came before a broader series of preannounced strikes across 13 airports in Germany on Monday.

(Image credit: Andreas Arnold)

Categories: News

Canada's new Prime Minister is Mark Carney

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 18:57

Carney, 59, will succeed Justin Trudeau, who announced in January that he would step down amid low approval ratings following a decade in office.

(Image credit: Jason Franson)

Categories: News

I've reviewed dozens of dash cams, and 70mai's new rotating 4K dash cam is unlike any other

TechRadar Reviews - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 18:00
70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: one-minute review

I remember reading the review of the original 70mai 360 Omni Dash Cam just over a year or so ago and thinking it was something of a curio. After all, it’s easy to ponder over the appeal of a camera that can rotate 360 degrees while attached to the windshield of a car. As it turns out though, the 70mai 360 Omni is ideally suited to anyone who wants to record a variety of angles using just one in-car camera. It is also perfect for anyone who vlogs from behind the wheel.

The new and improved version of the original is called the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam and the not-so-secret is in the title; a new Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 sensor which delivers crisp and clear 4K video footage up to 60fps. Performance is therefore beefier than the earlier incarnation, but there are other highlights too, including AI Motion Detection 2.0, 70mai’s after dark tool called Lumi Vision, voice control and dual-channel HDR capability.

If you’ve never seen it before, the Omni is a quirky looking creation. The design hangs down from your windshield in a similar way to the smaller and less capable Nextbase Piqo. In fact, it’s a slightly odd thing to look at, far removed from the more conventional design lines of, say, the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam or indeed any of the other best dash cams out there for that matter. However, the design is perfect for the task in hand as it includes a revolving lower section that contains the lens assembly, which rotates as and when it’s needed.

Another addition this time around is the option for two-channel shooting, thanks to this particular bundle containing a secondary rear-facing camera, which captures video in 1080p. It’s more conventional to look at than the front-facing Omni and connects to the main unit via a lengthy piece of cable. Both cameras can be controlled using 70mai’s app, which has been reinvented in order to exploit the newer features and functions offered by the upgraded Omni unit. Voice activation is another bonus control option.

As you’d expect from an upgraded product, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is more potent. In fact, 70mai’s own figures suggest a 68 percent improvement in sensor size compared to the original Starvis, a 90 percent improvement in light sensitivity and a 100 percent improvement in low light performance. In addition, there’s a larger rear screen, improved field of view, beefier Wi-Fi plus a supercapacitor/ button cell battery setup for increased efficiency. On paper, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam sounds like a drastic improvement over the older product.

(Image credit: Future) 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: price and availability

The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam will cost from $279.99 / £268 for the single model and $406 / £389 for the 4K Omni with the rear camera, 256GB microSD card and a hardwire kit. There will also be various bundle offers from 70mai offering variations on the theme, details of which can be found on their website or by searching for the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam on Amazon.

70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: specs 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: Design

On first impressions, the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam looks remarkably similar to its lower specification predecessor. The bulbous body design has been retained and this both looks and feels like a quality component. However, as noted in the previous review, the body does need to be handled with care as the lower part contains the 360-degree rotating lens section, which if forcibly handled feels like it could affect performance. Aside from that, the overall design of the body feels rugged enough and is manufactured from quality plastic.

As before, the buttons on the side are brightly colored in red while on the other side of the unit, there now sits a microSD card slot. This also has a rubberized type of cover on it to keep dust, dirt and moisture out, even when the card is in situ. Meanwhile, there’s an angled joint that divides the sticky part of the windshield attachment with the rest of the body, so it’s quick and easy to get the camera positioned correctly, no matter what the angle of the screen is.

(Image credit: Future)

Around at the back of the main camera body is the 1.4-inch IPS screen, which is a step up from the 1.2-inches of the previous model. Again, the screen covering looks and feels rugged enough while the resolution of the various graphics is crisp and clear. Most of the management of the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam is best done via the supplementary app, although there is also the added bonus of voice control, which is useful when you’re behind the wheel.

The same level of quality extends to the rear camera unit as well. This is a fairly standard barrel-type of design, with a rotating lens protruding at one end along with a short cable that needs to be press fitted to a longer one. This then feeds into the main camera unit via a small jack plug next to the power cable. Expect to spend some time pushing the associated cables behind trim panels, but there’s a small plastic tool included to help you do just that.

(Image credit: Future) 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam: Performance

As always with setting up a dashcam for the first time, some of this is best done before you get the camera into position. Equally, however, it does need to be on the windshield so the angle can be previewed, via the app ideally, and then adjusted for an optimal view of the road. The same goes for the rear-facing camera, which in some ways I found even trickier to position due to the angle of the rear glass and an obtrusive parcel shelf. Expect to take some time for this setup process.

I haven’t tried the original incarnation of the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam, but the performance delivered by the new model seems like a step up, especially based on the specifications. The Sony Starvis sensor is beefier than before and there’s the 4K capability. After popping a microSD card in and running through the setup process, the camera was quick to get started. Registering an account was the most time-consuming part of the process because you get sent a code to your email, which then needs to be dialled in before a time limit runs out.

(Image credit: Future)

Nevertheless, once everything is up and running I found the cameras to be everything I expected from them. Front-facing 4K footage is just that, and of a very decent quality. Adjustments can be made to video settings if storage is an issue too, although 70mai does have a cloud option within the package if the microSD card isn’t going to be substantial enough, even though recordings are done in the usual loop fashion. The rear-facing footage is very acceptable too, with a good level of clarity that allows license plates to be read and recorded as and when needed.

I do like the way the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam can be controlled using voice commands, which works particularly well for the vlogging environment. Anyone who needs to tell a tale while they’re at the wheel and doesn’t want to be distracted by fiddling with controls will find this feature a real boon. On command, the lens simply rotates around the cabin and focuses on the driver, and it works to good effect, although there is a slight fish-eye effect as it pans around.

(Image credit: Future)

The 70mai app is okay and comes with all of the features and functions I needed. However, alongside the rest of the kit setup, it did feel a little less impressive than alternatives from the likes of Nextbase, and is perhaps the weakest link in the chain. Everything works as expected, but I think it could do with a little tightening up on the functionality front. It’s not always quite as intuitive as I’d like either and I quite often found myself fiddling inside menus when I shouldn't really have had to. It’s not a deal breaker, just mildly irritating in places.

Should you buy the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam?

(Image credit: Future) Buy it if...

You need more coverage than most
The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam can be bought as a dual camera bundle, with the added attraction of a 360-degree lens for vlogging.

Easy installation and setup is a must
There’s quite a lot of wiring to hide but apart from that this model is very straightforward to get up and running.

You want better quality footage
The old model didn’t shoot 4K, whereas this one does and there’s the benefit of the high-quality rear-facing camera too.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not in need of added features
Some of the features and functions might not be needed by some motorists so it’s worth checking the specification before buying.

You don’t tend to vlog
Being able to record videos of yourself in-car is a neat trick, but it’s not an essential requirement for many vehicle owners.

You prefer plug and go simplicity
While this model is easy to use, there are lots of features, some of which require the optional hardwire kit in order to function.

How I tested the 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam
  • I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
  • I used it for several journeys during both day and night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

70mai loaned me the Omni and supplied everything I needed to test it. This included a microSD memory card and a hard wire kit, which is an optional extra. I installed the camera in a test vehicle, which I was also reviewing at the time, which allowed me to try out all the features and functions. Testing also meant plumbing in all of the wiring around the car, which meant I was able to check that cable lengths were adequate even in large size vehicle.

I used the 70mai Omni over an initial period of two weeks, although I have since continued to use it in test vehicles being used for review purposes. However, due to the temporary nature of test loans I have been unable to permanently fix the dash cam into a vehicle using the hard wire kit. Nevertheless, the test period did allow me to explore all of the core features and functions of the 70mai Omni 4K, aside from the additional parking options that come as a result of the hard wire installation. The dash cam was also used in a variety of winter conditions, which included plenty of low light and after dark scenarios, along with lots of variation in temperature.

  • First reviewed March 2025
Categories: Reviews

More than 1,300 Syrians killed in 72 hours amid clashes and acts of revenge

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 16:50

A human rights group characterized the killings as executions and massacres, carried out in revenge against the Alawite community, which made up Assad's longtime base of support.

(Image credit: Moawia Atras)

Categories: News

Is the moon too far for your data? IBM's Red Hat is teaming up with Axiom Space to send a data center into space

TechRadar News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 16:26
  • Red Hat and Axiom Space plan to send an Orbital Data Center to the ISS
  • AxDCU-1 will run AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing tests in space
  • The aim is to deliver secure, low latency processing off-world

It seems as if space really is the next frontier for data centers. We recently reported Lonestar was preparing to send the first physical data center (actually a RISC-V processor with a Phison SSD running Ubuntu) to the Moon, following the company's earlier success in testing the world’s first software-defined data center on the International Space Station (ISS).

Now, IBM’s Red Hat has announced a tie-up with Axiom Space to send a data center to the ISS in spring 2025. The Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) prototype will be powered by Red Hat Device Edge, an enterprise-grade version of MicroShift (a lightweight Kubernetes distribution derived from Red Hat OpenShift), along with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform.

AxDCU-1 will test applications in cloud computing, AI/ML, data fusion, and space cybersecurity on the space station while also demonstrating initial Orbital Data Center (ODC) capabilities.

In-space data processing

“Off-planet data processing is the next frontier, and edge computing is a crucial component,” said Tony James, chief architect, Science and Space, Red Hat. “With Red Hat Device Edge and in collaboration with Axiom Space, Earth-based mission partners will have the capabilities necessary to make real-time decisions in space with greater reliability and consistency.”

AxDCU-1 is part of Axiom Space’s ongoing work to develop space infrastructure and will allow data to be processed closer to off-world sources, including spacecraft and satellites. The aim is to support more secure and faster decision-making in space.

“We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration with Red Hat enables for ODC infrastructure and the future of space operations. Infusing terrestrial-grade cloud solutions into ODCs will enable users to seamlessly transition and enhance their terrestrial workloads to orbit while leveraging the lower latency and increased security inherent with ODCs," said Jason Aspiotis, global director of in-space data and security at Axiom Space.

Axiom Space says use cases for ODCs include in-space data processing for satellites, AI/ML training, cybersecurity, autonomy, space weather analytics, and off-planet backup for Earth's critical infrastructure.

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Trump rebuffed by Iran's leader after sending letter calling for nuclear negotiation

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 14:43

Iran's UN mission says its open to limited talks over "militarization" of its nuclear program

(Image credit: AP)

Categories: News

Best Internet Providers in Arizona

CNET News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 14:11
Looking for internet in Arizona? CNET has listed the top internet service providers with reliable service and broad coverage.
Categories: Technology

Well, that's unexpected: Samsung will team up with its fiercest Chinese rival to produce next gen NAND flash

TechRadar News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 13:31
  • Samsung has signed an agreement with China’s YMTC to use its hybrid bonding tech
  • The move will prevent infringement claims in production of 400-layer NAND
  • US-China trade tensions may also have influenced the agreement

Samsung Electronics has signed a contract with Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC) which will allow it to use the Chinese semiconductor company’s bonding technology in the production of its 400-layer NAND flash memory.

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Wuhan, China, YMTC is a subsidiary of Tsinghua Unigroup, which is backed by the Chinese government. It focuses on 3D NAND flash memory, a critical component in storage devices like SSDs, smartphones, and data centers, and most famously developed Xtacking technology, a proprietary architecture that improves NAND flash performance and density.

According to Korea’s ChosunBiz news site, Samsung likely entered into the agreement to avoid a patent dispute related to this “hybrid bonding,” which will be an essential process in the mass production of 400-layer NAND memory.

US-China trade war a factor?

"YMTC registered the hybrid bonding patent and was the first to apply the relevant technology in the manufacturing process of NAND flash memory. Although YMTC significantly trails behind global memory semiconductor corporations such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in terms of market share, it is quickly catching up with South Korean firms, recently starting mass production of 294-layer NAND flash memory," the site explains.

It is believed the agreement will protect both firms from violating each other’s patents. YMTC sued Micron in a U.S. court last year, alleging infringement of its NAND tech.

ChosunBiz quotes a semiconductor industry insider as saying, “In the memory semiconductor industry, companies sign licensing agreements in advance to avoid patent disputes ahead of next-generation product development and manufacturing. While such agreements are a common practice in the industry, concerns are growing over the rapid narrowing of the technology gap between China and leading companies, as Samsung, the top player in the NAND flash memory market, is now using patents from a Chinese firm.”

eeNews Analog points out that there could be more to the agreement than just wanting to avoid infringement. “It may also reflect that a US-China trade war may impact YMTC’s ability to sell memory components outside China and that a licensing or cross-licensing arrangement for various technologies could benefit YMTC,” the site writes.

ChosunBiz’s article doesn’t mention SK Hynix, Samsung’s South Korean memory rival, but it’s possible - likely even - that it too will have explored or entered into similar licensing agreements with YMTC to secure the hybrid bonding technology for its own NAND flash production.

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The new M4 MacBook Air finally fixes an Apple keyboard annoyance that's been around for decades

TechRadar News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 13:30
  • The Mac mute button now matches the on-screen graphics
  • Keyboards for MacBooks and iPads have been updated
  • It's the first tweak to the button design since back in 1999

Apple unveiled some shiny new MacBook Airs for 2025 earlier this week – and as well as featuring the latest M4 chipsets inside, they also correct a keyboard oversight that's been around since the last century.

As spotted by iCulture (via MacRumors), the mute button on the keyboard now shows a small speaker with a strikeout line through it. Previously, the icon was just a speaker, with none of the sound waves next to it that the other volume buttons show.

Why does this matter? Well, as you'll notice if you're reading this on a Mac, if you tap the mute button on an Apple keyboard, you get a speaker icon with a strikeout line through it on screen. The keyboard graphics now match the macOS visuals.

It's not much of a change in the grand scheme of computing upgrades, but it's nice to now have some consistency. The old mute button icon has been around since the launch of the PowerBook G3 all the way back in 1999.

Looking good

The updated laptops bring with them a fresh color (Image credit: Apple)

Apple hasn't said anything officially about the updated iconography, but the change has also been made on the new Magic Keyboard that comes with the refreshed 7th-generation iPad Air tablet, powered by the M3 chipset.

That would indicate the new look is here to stay, and will continue to feature on Mac keyboards going forward. The next computers we're expecting from Apple are the M5 MacBook Pros, due before the end of the year.

Judging by the comments on the MacRumors article linked above, this isn't something that has been particularly confusing or frustrating for users – but given Apple's usual attention to detail, it's strange that the inconsistency has persisted.

Our full review of the M4 MacBook Air is still in the pipeline, but we have managed to get some hands-on time with the updated laptops already – and the fresh Sky Blue color is definitely one that catches the eye.

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I asked Gemini to play a text-based adventure game with me and the AI whisked me away to a word-based fantasy

TechRadar News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 11:30

Gemini, Google's AI chatbot running the 2.0 Flash model, is well equipped to handle complex conversations, generate instant images ("I need a picture of a guy working on the weekend on his computer"), and handle difficult math equations. I know all this, and yet, sometimes, I just find myself chatting with the thing, and when I do that, I often discover hidden capabilities, like classic video gameplay.

Remember Zork? In 1977, a trio of MIT researchers created the first text-based adventure game for a DEC mainframe and eventually ported it to the earliest PCs. I discovered the minimalist game in 1980 at my high school's math lab, home of the school's only computer. The game offers you descriptions and options while a witty narrator carries you through the storyline. Your decisions define your experience and gameplay. It was difficult and inscrutable, but I loved it.

BFFs

The subject of the game came up quite by accident during a casual conversation with Gemini.

I started using Gemini more after I found I could place the Gemini widget on my iPhone 16 Pro Max's lock screen. Now, the LLM is one tap away. As with most AI conversations, they follow my own somewhat random stream of consciousness. I started by asking Gemini about AGI (artificial general intelligence). Gemini spelled it out for me and admitted that it does not yet have AGI.

The conversation felt stilted, so I asked, via voice, Gemini to make its responses more casual like it was my best friend. It heard the word "casual" as "coffee" and then comically blended coffee references into its now much friendlier banter.

Gemini asked about my weekend plans, and then I asked if it liked to play games. Among the responses it offered is that it enjoyed text-based games. Then Gemini asked what games I like to play.

(Image credit: Future)

I explained my love of chess and poor modern video game skills. Then I described playing "one of the very earliest video games where there was nothing but text and you would sort of go on an adventure and you'd get a prompt, and then you would figure out what you were supposed to do based on some options."

This description clearly intrigued Gemini, and it asked if I wanted to talk more about these classic games, play chess, or play a text-based adventure that it would create.

I recalled the game Zork, which Gemini described as a "legendary game," and gave me some details about its history.

Then Gemini offered to set up a little "Zork-inspired adventure."

Do you want to play a game?

Don't worry; this isn't a tale where a sinister computer offers to set up a game that inexplicably has geopolitical and possibly world-ending implications. Gemini is not that AI. But I will say, the game that followed was impressive, if a bit too precious.

Here's how it started:

"You find yourself standing at the edge of a whispering forest. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient trees. A narrow path winds its way into the depths of the woods, disappearing into the shadows. To your left, you see a crumbling stone wall, partially overgrown with ivy. To your right, a small, gurgling stream flows from the forest, its water dark and clear.

What do you do?

Options:

1 Follow the path into the forest.

2 Examine the stone wall.

3 Follow the stream.

4 Listen to the sounds of the forest.

Enter the number corresponding to your choice."

Mostly, I selected numbers that I thought would keep the adventure percolating. The descriptions were rich and mostly well-written; if I closed my eyes, I could imagine the scene. I was entertained and curious enough to keep going.

The game's storyline led me through a path in the woods to, naturally, an old moss-covered cottage. Inside was a "figure" who was eventually described as "Edler." At one point, Gemini took to calling the figure "them" and "they," which might have meant the figure had no gender or that Gemini had lost a bit of the thread.

Throughout more than a dozen prompts, we explored the woods, retrieved a magical key, and examined the contents of a mysterious box. Perhaps my favorite part of the game was how it tied together, retrieving the key from a magical stone and then realizing that it was also the key that unlocked that special box.

The game went on so long that I had to take breaks. When I returned to Gemini, I thought I'd lost the game, but Gemini keeps track of all prompt discussions in the chat icon on the upper left corner of the app. As soon as I opened that prompt, we were able to continue from where I left off.

Gemini's idea of a big reveal fell a little flat. We found a locket in the box containing photos of Edler's parents. Their tale of love found and lost wasn't particularly magical or even that dramatic, but Edler's obvious sadness did touch me.

However, once the Elder shared the 'secret" of the locket, I was no longer interested in the Elder's story or the cottage, so I chose the option where I said goodbye and left the cottage.

(Image credit: Future)

Here was the final gameplay text:

"Thank you for sharing your story, Elder," you say, your voice soft and respectful. "I'm glad I could help you recover this precious memento."

You rise from your chair, ready to take your leave. "I should be heading back now. The sun is setting, and I don't want to get lost in the forest."

Elder nods slowly, their eyes filled with gratitude. "You are a kind and courageous traveler," they say. "May the forest guide you safely on your journey. And may you always remember the power of love and memory."

You turn and walk towards the door, the creaking hinges echoing in the quiet room. As you step out into the twilight, you glance back at the cottage. The flickering candlelight casts a warm glow through the window, illuminating the figure of Elder, still holding the silver locket.

You turn and walk away, the sounds of the forest closing in around you. The path back to the edge of the woods seems clearer now, as if the forest itself is guiding you.

The End."

Gemini wasn't that good at raising the stakes – a key component of the best gameplay – but I was engaged, and I think the game might've been more interesting if I'd made some different choices or been more involved in the game development. I'm sure Gemini would let me adjust some of the mechanics.

It's another reminder that we're far from discovering the full depths of these chatbots' capabilities. We must be ready to look beyond the obvious, choose our path, and take an AI adventure.

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Categories: Technology

Trump dismisses concerns over back-and-forth levies, says 'tariffs could go up'

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 11:16

President Trump says economy is in a "period of transition" and can't predict if U.S. will fall into a recession

(Image credit: Ben Curtis/AP)

Categories: News

Pope Francis pens prayer thanking hospital staff, as he shows 'mild improvement'

NPR News Headlines - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 10:53

The Holy See Press Office said the pontiff has shown "a good response to the therapies." He was hospitalized on Feb. 14 for a case of bronchitis.

(Image credit: Christopher Furlong)

Categories: News

The Last of Us season 2's new trailer teases a huge showdown between Bella Ramsey's Ellie and Pedro Pascal's Joel, but the big moment I'm waiting for is still being held back

TechRadar News - Sun, 03/09/2025 - 10:43
  • The Last of Us season 2's final trailer has been released
  • HBO's hugely successful TV show will return to our screens in mid-April
  • Its new teaser is full of moments pulled right of the series' videogame namesake

The Last of Us season 2 is, at the time of writing, just over a month away – and HBO has more than whet our appetite for its arrival with a pulsating new trailer.

Clocking in at around two minutes, the teaser was released online after its worldwide debut at South by South West yesterday (March 8). I predicted season 2's new trailer would be revealed during the show's panel at this year's Austin, Texas-based festival, so I'm glad I was right.

Anyway, the latest footage is full of thrilling, tense, and dark moments (literally and thematically) that have been pulled right out of Naughty Dog's videogame franchise of the same name. Suffice it to say: if The Last of Us' return wasn't already one of my most anticipated new series of 2025, it certainly would be now.

There's a lot – and I mean a lot – to unpack from The Last of Us TV show's latest trailer. The most notable moment is saved for its final few seconds, though, as it confirms that Ellie (Bella Ramsey) will eventually learn about what Joel (Pedro Pascal) did in last season's finale. I'll refrain from spoiling that for anyone who's still working their way through The Last of Us season 1, but you can read all about in my guide on The Last of Us season 2 if you need a reminder or aren't fussed about spoilers.

The incident I'm referring to also sets up some big plot threads for season 2, which begs the question: will that incredibly shocking and divisive event from The Last of Us Part II be a part of this season's narrative? The short answer is: I don't know. Season 2's latest trailer didn't give us any indication that it would. Neither did The Last of Us season 2's first trailer or another teaser that was released in early January.

Of course, HBO isn't going to ruin one of the most important moments from the aforementioned game ahead of one of the best Max shows' return. My best guess? It will happen before the upcoming season ends, and might even be the basis for a cliff-hanger ending that leaves us devastated and longing for the show's in-development third season to arrive ASAP.

What is the release date for The Last of Us season 2?

Season 2 arrives in mid-April worldwide (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

The hit show's sophomore outing will be released on Sunday, April 12 in the US. It'll launch a day later (April 13) in the UK and Australia.

As for where you can watch it, US audiences can stream it on HBO and Max – the latter being one of the world's best streaming services. UK viewers can watch it on Sky and Now TV, while Australians should tune into Binge and Foxtel.

The Last of Us season 2 cast: Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Kaitlyn Dever, and more

Kaitlyn Dever's Abby should play a massive role in season 2 (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Joining Ramsey and Pedro on the returning cast roster are Gabriel Luna as Tommy and Rutina Wesley as Maria.

Where newcomers are concerned, Kaitlyn Dever is the most noteworthy addition as she's playing Abby, The Last of Us Part II's deuteragonist. Due to her importance to the story, she'll likely have a co-starring role with Ramsey and Pascal throughout this season.

Other confirmed faces you can expect to see in season 2 are Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Catherine O’Hara will play a currently unnamed therapist who interacts with Pascal's Joel, too. You can learn more about all of them in my season 2 hub, which I linked to earlier.

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