Monthly Archives: March 2026

Deus Ex game studio Eidos Montreal cuts 124 jobs

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Another day, another announcement of game industry job cuts. The latest restructuring is happening at Eidos Montreal, which stated that 124 people are being laid off. As with so many similar cuts, the studio’s LinkedIn post credited the downsizing to “a result of changing project needs and impacts across production and support teams.” The company is also parting ways with its studio head, David Anfossi. 

Eidos Montreal has worked on titles within the Deus Ex and Tomb Raider franchises, as well as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Marvel’s Avengers games. It is one of the many companies owned by Embracer Group, which snapped up a bunch of studios but has been stuck in a downsizing in a loop following an expensive restructuring of its own gaming empire during 2023 and 2024. That activity reportedly included axing a planned new Deus Ex game that Eidos Montreal was working on.

The post from Eidos Montreal didn’t specify what projects it is currently active on, although it has said it is involved with the upcoming Grounded 2 from Obsidian Entertainment and the reimagined Fable from Playground Games.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/deus-ex-game-studio-eidos-montreal-cuts-124-jobs-205057796.html?src=rss

You Can Equip a Complete Home Gym for $1,300 During the Amazon Spring Sale

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Building my garage gym is one of the best investments I’ve ever made. No matter the weather, or the traffic, or how much time I have available on a given day, I know I can always get to the gym (my gym) and get a workout in. If you’ve been thinking of setting up your own home gym, the Amazon Big Spring Sale is a good time to start buying the essential pieces. Here are my picks for what I’d get if I were just starting out. 

Some notes before I dive in: Everybody’s needs will be different, so feel free to skip any items that don’t fit the way you like to work out. Still, I’m going to assume that you’ll want the equipment to do barbell lifts, work out with dumbbells and/or kettlebells, and to do some kind of cardio. I’ll start with small, versatile items, move on to bigger purchases, and finish up the list with a few optional little nice-to-haves.

In total, the core items add up to $1,301. That’s $210 for a set of adjustable dumbbells, $65 for a weight bench, $312 for a starter barbell set with bumper plates, $300 for a Titan squat rack (plus $114 for safeties), and $300 for an entry-level spin bike. You can even add another pair of 45-pound bumpers and a few accessories and still stay under $1,500 for the whole shebang.

The best Big Spring Sale deals on dumbbells

Every home gym can use dumbbells, so let’s start there. You’ll have to decide whether you want to go with adjustable dumbbells or buy the regular (“fixed”) type. Fixed dumbbells can be a bigger investment over time, but you can easily get started with a few pairs and add to your collection as your budget allows. Fixed dumbbells are also more durable since they don’t have moving parts, and they’re more convenient if you have the space. This $160 set has dumbbells from 5 to 25 pounds, and comes with a rack to hold them. Add heavier pairs to your collection as you’re able. 

But if I can only pick one thing, I’ll go with adjustable dumbbells. Adjustables can be pricier than buying a few starter pairs of dumbbells, but are generally cheaper than buying an entire set of the fixed dumbbells that they replace. The Powerblock Elite EXP are a popular option on sale right now for $339.15, and they go up to 50 pounds. You can also get expansion sets to take them up to 70 or even 90 pounds. For a budget pick, these CAP adjustables are only $209 for a pair, and they also go from 10 to 55 pounds. 

The best Big Spring Sale deal on a weight bench

If you like to do bench press or incline presses, a good bench is going to be one of your core home gym purchases. Look for one with a large weight limit (remember, it has to support you and whatever you’re lifting) that can adjust between flat and inclined positions. This bench from NICEPEOPLE fits the description.

The best Big Spring Sale deal on a barbell and plates

If you’re happy only lifting dumbbells, skip this section and just fill out your dumbbell collection. But if you want to deadlift, power clean, or do other barbell exercises, it’s worth getting a bar and plates. (For squats and bench presses, you’ll want a rack, which I’ll cover in the next section.) 

You have a decision here: iron plates or bumpers? Bumper plates are made of (and/or coated in) rubber, the better to harmlessly bounce when they hit the ground. They’re a little quieter for deadlifts, and are essential if you’ll be doing Olympic lifts. They also allow you to bail from squats without needing safety bars on your rack, so long as you’re familiar with how to do that without risking injury. 

This set includes a barbell (standard, Olympic-sized, with 2-inch sleeves) plus enough bumper plates to get you up to a 260-pound total—all for $312. Fill out your collection with more 45-pound plates like these for $53 each.

The best Big Spring Sale deals on squat stands or a rack

To do squats or bench presses, you’ll want something to rest the bar on. A sturdy squat rack is the centerpiece of most serious home gyms, but you still have plenty of options as to what kind to get. 

I would avoid most cheap squat racks you find on places like Amazon, since you can’t install safety bars (to lower the weight onto if you fail a lift). A safety-less squat stand is fine if you’re bailing squats with bumper plates and always doing your bench presses with a spotter (that is, a person who stands by to help if you fail). If you’re fine with those precautions, you can skip the safety bars. 

That said, many of those cheap racks will advertise some kind of “spotter arm” that turns out to be basically useless for that purpose, and these racks don’t generally take standard sizes of spotter arms, so I would make sure to buy a type of rack or squat stand that can take a real set of safeties or spotter arms. Among the items on sale right now, my budget pick would be the Titan T-3 squat stand, which is $300 for the 72-inch version (great for garages with low ceilings). The spotter arms are also on sale right now, for $114 a pair. 

The best Big Spring Sale deal on a cardio machine

Now that the main strength training equipment is taken care of, we need to make sure we’re doing something for our cardiovascular system. You can always put on a pair of running shoes and go for a jog, but the whole point of a home gym is to be able to get your workout in without leaving the house—so let’s add a machine. 

The best type of machine is going to depend on your preferences. Some people love a rower but can’t stand a treadmill, or vice versa. Pick what works for you, but I’m going to recommend a spin bike. A good bike is cheaper than a good treadmill, and takes up less space. It’s more convenient than a rower, not least because you can more easily scroll your phone or watch videos during a workout—which means you’re more likely to actually get on the bike rather than skipping that part of the workout. (Just me?)

My pick here is this $300 Yosuda Pro spin bike with a 35-pound flywheel and 350-pound weight limit. It’s sturdier and more adjustable than the cheaper bikes out there, but still a good value for the money. 

The best Big Spring Sale deals on mats and other extras

With all the items listed above, you’ll have the essential items for a home gym, at a cost of just about $1,300. I’d add some horse stall mats to add some cusion to and protect your floors (buy them in person from your local Tractor Supply) and a selection of smaller accessory items, according to your needs. Here are some good deals on the latter: 

Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now

Deals are selected by our commerce team

Judge halts Nexstar/Tegna merger after FCC let firms exceed TV ownership limit

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Although the Trump administration approved Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna, a US judge has ordered the two companies to stop integrating their assets and operations. US District Judge Troy Nunley, an Obama appointee, issued a temporary restraining order on Friday prohibiting integration of the companies until further rulings by the court.

“Defendants must immediately cease all ongoing actions relating to integration and consolidation of Nexstar and Tegna,” wrote Nunley, the chief judge in US District Court for the Eastern District of California.

Nunley said he agrees with plaintiff DirecTV that immediate integration of the merging firms could eliminate competition, result in newsroom layoffs and shutdowns, and make it more difficult to divest Tegna stations if the court ends up requiring a divestiture after reviewing the merger. DirecTV has established that “the Nexstar-TEGNA merger will substantially lessen competition in markets in which it participates,” and that there would be irreparable harm if a restraining order isn’t issued, Nunley wrote.

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$5 Garage Sale Xbox 360 Dev Kit Contains GTA IV Beta With Zombies And Cut Features

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$5 Garage Sale Xbox 360 Dev Kit Contains GTA IV Beta With Zombies And Cut Features
The gaming world might be eagerly awaiting the release of Grand Theft Auto VI later this year, but a dedicated group of diehard fans continue to unearth new details from prior entries in the legendary franchise. The latest batch of new information comes by way of a lucky find by a super fans in Europe, which is composed of never before seen

These Are the Best Sales on Beats Products During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

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You can find some good deals on Apple products during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, but there’s a notable lack of discounts on AirPods—save for the one deal on “Premium Renewed” earbuds. But Apple’s other headphone brand, Beats, has quite a few sales going on. Here are the deals I’m seeing right now:

Beats Solo 4

Beats Solo 4 are the company’s flagship “on-ear” headphones. As the name implies, these headphones don’t cover your ears; rather, they sit on top of them. It’s a different kind of fit if you’re used to over-the-ear headphones, but it’s a bit of an iconic design for the company.

Beats says these headphones can run for up to 50 hours on a single charge, and support fast charging: You can plug in a dead pair of Solo 4 for 10 minutes to get up to five hours of playback. During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, you can take 40% off the list price, bringing these from $199.95 to $119.99.

Beats Studio Pro

If you’re looking for a more “traditional” headphones experience, you may want to check out the Beats Studio Pro. These are “over-the-ear” headphones, which, as you might expect for a device like this, support active noise cancellation. You can also turn on transparency mode, which pumps in external sounds. That way, you don’t have to take off your headphones in order to hear what’s going on around you. Beats says these headphones can run up to 40 hours on a single charge, and the 10-minute fast charge gets you up to four hours of runtime.

These extra features do cost a bit more than the Solo 4, but not but a ton given the discounts. During the sale, you can take 35% off the Studio Pro, which brings the cost down from $246.62 to $159.99.

Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds are a good AirPods alternative. If you want an earbud that has adjustable silicone tips and noise cancellation, but don’t want to spend $249 to get them, the Buds are way cheaper—especially during this sale.

Beats says the Studio Buds can run for up to 36 hours when you take the charging case into consideration. You can charge the buds for five minutes to give you up to one hour of playback. Right now, they’re 41% off, down from $169.95 to $99.95.

Beats Powerbeats Fit

If you want something a bit more feature-filled, especially when it comes to working out, the Powerbeats Fit might be worth considering. These earbuds have winged tips which are intended to help keep the Powerbeats Fit in your ears. That way, when you’re running or working out at the gym, the earbuds are less likely to fall out.

These also have noice cancellation, and are IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance. Beats says you get up to 30 hours of battery life with the charging case, and up to seven hours per bud on a single charge. When quick charging, you can get up to one hour of playback from a five-minute charge. These are currently 15% off, down from $199.99 to $169.95.

Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian

The only non-headphone Beats deal happening during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is the Kim Kardashian Beats Pill. There’s nothing technically different about this Kim Kardashian Beats Pill when compared to the standard Beats Pill. The collab is really about the color: “Kim’s modern, grayscale tones” according to Beats. If you already have a Beats Pill, you aren’t missing anything.

This speaker is renewed, so it isn’t brand new, but Amazon says all renewed items are “compatible and fully functional.” Regardless, this Beats Pill still has the same features it would have new: It’s IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, and runs for up to 24 hours on a single charge. You can also plug it directly into a laptop via USB-C to play lossless audio. It’s currently 22% off its list price of $89, running for $68.99.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now

Deals are selected by our commerce team

Valve Bans Nearly 1 Million Steam Accounts In Massive Farmer Bot Purge

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Valve Bans Nearly 1 Million Steam Accounts In Massive Farmer Bot Purge
Valve employee Ido Magal, best known as the project lead on Counter-Strike 2 and Global Offensive, as well as a level designer for the original Counter-Strike, has proudly announced that Valve successfully VAC banned roughly 960,000 farming bot accounts. Ido credits the move as “the result of a bunch of investigation that benefited from user

Meta hopes SCOTUS piracy ruling will help it beat lawsuit over torrenting AI data

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Looks like Meta is hoping the recent Supreme Court ruling that found Internet service providers aren’t liable for piracy on their networks will help the social media giant dodge liability claims over its torrenting of AI training data.

Last week, Meta filed a statement in a lawsuit that alleged that Meta should be liable under copyright law for contributory infringement simply because the company knows how torrenting works. By seeding perhaps 80 terabytes of pirated works, the company allegedly knew it was inducing infringement by allowing uploads to help speed up its downloads, the plaintiffs, Entrepreneur Media, argued.

This contributory infringement claim is much easier to prove than a separate claim raised in a class action filed by book authors in Kadrey v. Meta, which alleged that Meta’s torrenting meant it was liable for a “distribution” claim of direct copyright infringement. TorrentFreak noted that the authors’ claim required evidence that Meta torrented an entire work, whereas the contributory infringement claim only depends on proving that Meta facilitated torrent transfers.

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The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Check Out After Watching ‘Heated Rivalry’

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It was the water bottle scene, wasn’t it? The moment you realized that Heated Rivalry was something special. Whether you were aware of Rachel Reid’s romance novels before the Canadian adaptation made its way to HBO last year or not, that electric moment of combined recognition, longing, and lust was when so many viewers realized the relationship between Shane Hollander (Hudson WIlliams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) was going to leave a mark.

If you’ve burned through the first season’s six episodes (and all the streamalike shows we’ve recommended) and you find you need still more sporty dude romance in your life, it’s time to widen your net to other forms of media. There are plenty of books, movies, games, and podcasts that can keep you in the game until Shane and Ilya’s story continues in season two.

The best books to read after watching ‘Heated Rivalry’

One aspect of Heated Rivalry that set it apart was how it conveys intimacy so effectively—the bond between Ilya and Shane is beautiful to watch as it develops from a hookup to a life-changing event. Nothing beats a good book for an intimate experience, so here are some reads that Rivalry fans will adore.

Game Changer, by Rachel Reid

It’s an obvious choice, but a necessary one. There are seven books in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, with one more due out next year. If you want to re-experience the rivalry, romance, and charming characters of show, start reading the series, staring with Game Changer; the first book in the series explores Scott and Kip’s relationship, from that first smoothie to that amazing moment on the ice where Scott comes out in the most dramatic and wonderful way possible. Then experience Shane and Ilya’s story on the page with Heated Rivalry, and get a preview of season two of the show in the direct sequel The Long Game.

Him, by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

If your favorite part of Heated Rivalry is the slow burn of Ilya and Shane’s relationship as they go from denying their emotions to helplessly sinking into each other, Him is just the ticket. It’s the story of Jamie and Ryan, best friends who have a drunken sexual encounter at hockey camp as teens that seemingly ends their friendship. When they face each other while playing college, they have a chance to set their records straight and maybe accept what they really mean to each other.

Two Left Feet, by Kallie Emblidge

If you want more Heated Rivalry with a dash of Ted Lasso, check out Two Left Feet. Oliver is a star player in the Premier League, until an injury cuts his season short. Leo is called up to take his place, and Oliver is charged with ensuring Leo fits in—but he worries that Leo is angling to take his roster spot permanently. But as they work together, something more complicated than a professional rivalry is kindled.

Red, White and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston

This book offers perhaps the closest vibe to Heated Rivalry as it explores the relationship between Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the U.S. President, and England’s Prince Henry. The young men initially hate each other, but when that tension turns into an embarrassing public relations fiasco, they’re forced to fake a truce and smile for the cameras. The ruse starts to turn into something real, however, as they’re forced to spend time together—but their public roles require that everything be kept secret.

Gravity, by Tal Bauer

If you want a deep dive back into the politics and dangers of being closeted in the macho world of professional hockey, Gravity is a good match. Bryce lives and breathes hockey, and his hard work has made him captain of the Montréal Étoiles, headed for the Stanley Cup. But when he meets mediocre player Hunter Lacey, he starts to lose the focus that made him a superstar. And then he starts to make decisions that put his image and his entire career at risk. But it just might be worth it.

The best movies like ‘Heated Rivalry’

Heated Rivalry isn’t just a thoughtful romance, it’s a visual treat. From those washboard abs to the kinetic hockey scenes, it’s just a lot of fun to watch. If you want to wallow in the visuals a little longer, here are some feature-length stories that will hit in similar ways.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

This part ghost story, part romance is a haunting exploration of missed chances and grief. When reclusive, depressed writer Adam (Andrew Scott) meets Harry (Paul Mescal) at his apartment building, he flees Harry’s flirtations. But as he begins having visions of his dead parents, whom he lost as a young boy, he begins to see Harry and slowly learn how to let go of his grief—until a final, gut-wrenching twist you won’t soon forget. Rent All of Us Strangers on Prime Video.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

If it was the deep storm of emotions that made Heated Rivalry sing for you, this movie is a must-watch. In the 18th century, Marianne is hired to travel to an isolated island to pose as a hired companion to a young noblewoman named Héloïse. Marianne’s true mission is to secretly paint a portrait of Héloïse to mark her engagement; Héloïse is unhappy about the wedding and refuses to pose. As the two women grow closer, they enjoy a few days of intense passion that hurtles toward a lyrical, doomed ending. Stream Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Hulu or HBO Max, or rent it from Prime Video.

Challengers (2024)

It’s got sports, steamy bisexual energy, and some really, really attractive people, so Challengers is a perfect substitute for Heated Rivalry. Swapping hockey for tennis, the film follows the careers and extremely horny throuple-ish relationship between tennis pros Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) as they deal with varying levels of professional success, injuries, and personal drama. While it’s not explicitly queer (Patrick and Art are rivals for Zendaya’s affections), the subtext is so close to the surface that fans of Heated Rivalry will love it. Stream Challengers on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.

National Anthem (2023)

As far as we’ve come, there are still plenty of places and subcultures in this country where being out and queer isn’t exactly safe or easy. National Anthem is the story of Dylan (Charlie Plumber), a young man who takes a job as a ranch hand in New Mexico and encounters a happy queer community living their best lives. Entranced by Sky (Eve Lindley), a trans woman, he slowly learns to accept who he is and how he wants to live his life. Stream National Anthem on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

In many ways, Ennis and Jack had to crawl so Shane and Ilya could skate. The classic “queer cowboy” film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal isn’t just an iconic moment in queer film, it’s a truly remarkable work of art powered by two incredible performances. The story of two men who meet while doing seasonal ranch work in Wyoming in the 1960s and conduct an on-again, off-again love affair they must kep secret is still as emotionally powerful today as it was two decades ago. Rent Brokeback Mountain on Prime Video.

The best video games like ‘Heated Rivalry’

If you prefer to be part of your narratives, don’t worry: There are options for gamers who love Heated Rivalry, too.

Shoresy: Legends of the North

Heated Rivalry was created for Canadian television by Jacob Tierney, who you might recognize from his other series Letterkenny and Shoresy. The latter is a story about a hockey player who joins a struggling hockey team in dead last, and was adapted into the surprisingly enjoyable game Shoresy: Legends of the North. It’s a hockey game designed for folks who don’t spend their whole lives thinking hockey, and incorporates both a game-focused multiplayer and a more story-focused mode, with RPG elements where the tonal similarities to Heated Rivalry really show.

Platforms: Steam

Thirsty Suitors

This game is a vibe, and that vibe (a queer, South Asian Scott Pilgrim) lines up nicely with Heated Rivalry, despite a lack of hockey. You play as Jala, who returns home from an awful breakup only to be plunged into a series of knock-down, drag-out fights with her exes. Depending on your choices during the battles, you can realize several different outcomes for Jala and her former flames, which is where the Rivalry-like heart comes into play.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Steam

NHL 26

If part of the reason you love Heated Rivalry is that you love hockey, why not play the latest version of the game that Ilya and Shane play against each other? NHL 26 is the classic pro-level hockey video game that’s been around for more than 25 years now, so if you want more hockey competition to keep you busy until the next season of the show, this is your chance.

Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam

The best podcasts like ‘Heated Rivalry’

There’s nothing like finding people just as obsessed with a show as you are, or finding a narrative that gives you the same feels. Here are some great podcasts for Heated Rivalry fans.

Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast

Credit: Podcast logo

If you want to revisit each episode alongside a ton of analysis and excited discussion about the show’s themes, the characters’ arcs, and everything that makes itspecial, Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast is one you should put some time into.

Puck It! A Penetrating Analysis of Heated Rivalry

Puck It! A Penetrating Analysis of Heated Rivalry

Credit: Podcast logo

Puck It! A Penetrating Analysis of Heated Rivalry is another deep-dive podcast into the show if you don’t have enough people willing to have endless late-night discussions about it.

Big Gay Fiction Podcast

Big Gay Fiction Podcast

Credit: Podcast logo

If Heated Rivalry has opened your eyes to the world of queer romance and you’re actively seeking out more, the Big Gay Fiction Podcast is your guide to a world of books, films, and other media that celebrate queer love and the complexity of modern relationships.

Gay Pride and Prejudice

Gay Pride and Prejudice

Credit: Podcast logo

You might not immediately think of Jane Austen in the context of Heated Rivalry, but romance is romance, and no one did “enemies to lovers” better than Austen in Pride and Prejudice. Gay Pride and Prejudice is a first-class production that retells the story through a modern, queer lens that will hit the same pleasure centers in your brain.

Roommates

Roommates podcast

Credit: Podcast logo

If you’re looking for more gentle queer romance involving boys who slowly learn how to love each other, Roommates is a great choice. During the pandemic lockdown, two sophomores are put together in a housing assignment, resulting in a relationship that starts off as intensely awkward, but then becomes simply intense.

Life With AI Causing Human Brain ‘Fry’

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fjo3 shares a report from France 24: Too many lines of code to analyze, armies of AI assistants to wrangle, and lengthy prompts to draft are among the laments by hard-core AI adopters. Consultants at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have dubbed the phenomenon “AI brain fry,” a state of mental exhaustion stemming “from the excessive use or supervision of artificial intelligence tools, pushed beyond our cognitive limits.”

The rise of AI agents that tend to computer tasks on demand has put users in the position of managing smart, fast digital workers rather than having to grind through jobs themselves. “It’s a brand-new kind of cognitive load,” said Ben Wigler, co-founder of the start-up LoveMind AI. “You have to really babysit these models.” […] “There is a unique kind of reward hacking that can go on when you have productivity at the scale that encourages even later hours,” Wigler said.

[Adam Mackintosh, a programmer for a Canadian company] recalled spending 15 consecutive hours fine-tuning around 25,000 lines of code in an application. “At the end, I felt like I couldn’t code anymore,” he recalled. “I could tell my dopamine was shot because I was irritable and didn’t want to answer basic questions about my day.”

BCG recommends in a recently published study that company leaders establish clear limits regarding employee use and supervision of AI. However, “That self-care piece is not really an America workplace value,” Wigler said. “So, I am very skeptical as to whether or not its going to be healthy or even high quality in the long term.” Notably, the report says everyone interviewed for the article “expressed overall positive views of AI despite the downsides.” In fact, a recent BCG study actually found a decline in burnout rates when AI took over repetitive work tasks.


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Judge Allows BitTorrent Seeding Claims Against Meta, Despite Lawyers ‘Lame Excuses’

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An anonymous reader quotes a report from TorrentFreak: In an effort to gather material for its LLM training, Meta used BitTorrent to download pirated books from Anna’s Archive and other shadow libraries. According to several authors, Meta facilitated the infringement of others by “seeding” these torrents. This week, the court granted the authors permission to add these claims to their complaint, despite openly scolding their counsel for “lame excuses” and “Meta bashing.” […] The judge acknowledged that the contributory infringement claim could and should have been added back in November 2024, when the authors amended their complaint to include the distribution claim. After all, both claims arise from the same factual allegations about Meta’s torrenting activity.

“The lawyers for the named plaintiffs have no excuse for neglecting to add a contributory infringement claim based on these allegations back in November 2024,” Judge Chhabria wrote. The lawyers of the book authors claimed that the delay was the result of newly produced evidence that had “crystallized” their understanding of Meta’s uploading activity. However, that did not impress the judge. He called it a “lame excuse” and “a bunch of doubletalk,” noting that if the missing discovery truly prevented the contributory claim from being added in November 2024, the same logic would have prevented the distribution claim from being added at that time as well. “Rather than blaming Meta for producing discovery late, the plaintiffs’ lawyers should have been candid with the Court, explaining that they missed an issue in a case of first impression..,” the order reads.

Judge Chhabria went further, noting that the authors’ law firm, Boies Schiller, showed “an ongoing pattern” of distracting from its own mistakes by attacking Meta. He pointed specifically to the dispute over when Meta disclosed its fair use defense to the distribution claim, which we covered here recently, characterizing it as a false distraction. “The lawyers for the plaintiffs seem so intent on bashing Meta that they are unable to exercise proper judgment about how to represent the interests of their clients and the proposed class members,” the order reads. Despite the criticism, Chhabria granted the motion. […] For now, the case moves forward with a fourth amended complaint, three new loan-out companies added as named plaintiffs, and a growing list of BitTorrent-related claims for Judge Chhabria to resolve.


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Microsoft Pulls Recent Windows 11 Update After Installation Meltdown

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Microsoft Pulls Recent Windows 11 Update After Installation Meltdown
This week, Microsoft released a new Windows 11 preview build, dubbed KB5079391, but it’s also had to pause the rollout due to an installation error with a currently-unknown cause and fix. It’s a shame, since KB5079391 does incorporate a lot of desirable features and fixes for a variety of Windows 11 issues. These include improved Application

Meta is testing an Instagram Plus subscription service with exclusive features

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Meta is testing a new subscription service for Instagram that offers users “exclusive” features like the ability to post Stories for longer than 24 hours. Screenshots promoting “Instagram Plus” have been spotted by users in the Philippines and Mexico in recent days. 

According to screenshots shared by social media consultant Matt Navarra, a subscription to Instagram Plus comes with a number of Story-focused features not otherwise available to Instagram users. This includes the ability to create multiple “audiences” for Stories posts, see info about who has rewatched your Story, search the list of people who have viewed your Story, preview Stories posts, extend Stories longer than 24 hours and create  “spotlight” Stories. It also mentions something called “super hearts” for reacting to Stories.

A spokesperson for Meta confirmed the test to Engadget, saying that Instagram Plus is currently available in “a few countries,” but didn’t say which. A dedicated help page on Meta’s website says that this feature is not available to everyone right now.”  The spokesperson confirmed the feature list shown below, and added that “preview” would allow people to see some of another user’s Story without “showing up as a viewer” and that Stories posts could be extended for an additional 24 hours. “Our hope from these tests is to understand what’s most valuable to people in a premium feature set,” the spokesperson said.

A list of features that come with Instagram Plus subscriptions.
A list of features that come with Instagram Plus subscriptions.
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It seems that early versions of the service are priced fairly cheaply, with the prices in the Philippines landing at 65 PHP (about $1.07 in USD) a month and in Mexico at $39 MXN (about $2.15 in USD) a month. Meta is also offering prospective users a free one-month trial of the service.

The idea seems to be closely modeled after Snapchat+, which also offers bonus features to the app’s power users. Launched in 2022, the service has racked up more millions of subscribers and has become a significant driver of non-advertising revenue for the company.

Now, Meta is looking to boost its subscription revenue too. The company said earlier this year it would test new types of subscriptions, including those focused on AI features. Elsewhere, Meta has also been pushing its Meta Verified subscriptions more aggressively. Over the last several weeks, I’ve repeatedly seen promotions for discounted Meta Verified plans with an initial one-month trial starting at $1 (the cheapest Meta Verified plans typically start at $14.99/month). The company has also recently tested link-sharing features in Instagram captions for subscribers and limits on link-sharing on Facebook for non-subscribers. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-testing-an-instagram-plus-subscription-service-with-exclusive-features-181215180.html?src=rss

10 Shows Like ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ You Should Watch Next

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In Apple TV’s Your Friends and Neighbors, Jon Hamm plays Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a recently divorced New York hedge fund manager who’s even more recently, unemployed. In an effort to keep up an illusion that nothing in his life has changed, he begins breaking into the homes of his wealthy neighbors to steal and sell their stuff, inadvertently catching on to their secrets as well. (The friends and neighbors of the title include Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall, and Aimee Carrero.)

This dark comedy isn’t exactly about how hard it is to be a once-rich suburban white guy, but neither is it a pointed lesson in the downfalls toxic masculinity. A former insider turned secret outsider, Coop is well positioned to offer up bitchy commentary without becoming a total caricature. Season two launches in April, but until then (and between episodes), catch up on these 10 other shows about all the weird shit that’s going on in your neighborhood while you’ve been holed up inside your house watching TV. Stream Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV.

Weeds (2005 – 2012)

A classic of the crime-in-the-suburbs genre, strains of Weeds definitely run through Your Friends and Neighbors, and many other shows that it inspired. Mary-Louise Parker stars as Nancy Botwin, recently widowed mom who’s desperate to maintain the upper-middle-class lifestyle once provided by her husband. She can’t really handle the idea of giving up the conspicuous consumption to which she’s become accustomed, so she decides to make some bank for herself. And what better way to do that, particularly in the LA ‘burbs, than by selling weed (obviously the show was made and is set before the drug was legalized for recreational use in 2016)? Like Jon Hamm’s Coop, Nancy is just not ready for her family to give up on nice things. Buy Weeds from Prime Video.

Bad Sisters (2022 – 2024)

A pitch perfect pitch-dark comedy, the Irish import Bad Sisters picked up several well-deserved Emmy nominations in its first year. Writer and co-creator Sharon Horgan leads the cast as Eva Garvey, oldest of five sisters, including Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), who’s married to John Paul, an abusive and isolating husband. When the dude winds up dead under rather suspicious circumstances, down-on-his-luck insurance investigator Tom (Brian Gleeson) starts poking his nose into things. We know the sisters definitely wanted John Paul dead, but did they actually do the deed? Tom’s family business will go under if he has to pay out on the life insurance policy, so he’s very motivated to pin the (potential) crime on at least one of the women. Stream Bad Sisters on Apple TV.

The White Lotus (2021 — )

If the characters of Your Friends and Neighbors went on vacation, it might go a little something like this. Each season of Mike White’s anthology show begins with a flash forward to the rather horrible outcomes that will be faced by at least some of the holiday makers traveling to one of the title’s White Lotus resorts (each season is a distinct storyline and location, with the occasional recurring character). The first season’s manager, Murray Bartlett’s Armond, makes clear to the staff that the ultra-wealthy guests are little more than overgrown children, and need to be coddled as such. At these very fancy resorts, at which people have paid absurd amounts of money to be pampered, competitiveness and general toxicity ensure that everyone’s going to have a miserable time, whatever the price. And yet I still kinda want to stay there? Stream The White Lotus on HBO Max.

Good Girls (2018 – 2021)

Beth, Ruby and Annie (Christina Hendricks, Retta, and Mae Whitman, respectively) are three moms in suburban Michigan, and they are all having serious money troubles. They’re not exactly criminal masterminds, so they concoct a scheme to rob the local grocery store to solve them—a store that just happens to be serve as a front for a money-laundering operation. They make off with $500,000, but the gang leader whose money they unknowingly stole wants it back, and the store manager who spotted one of their tattoos and is threatening blackmail. It’s definitely not a sitcom, but it’s a solid comedy-drama with a talented cast of characters who keep finding themselves in deeper and deeper over the course of four seasons. Stream Good Girls on Netflix.

Dope Thief (2025)

Ray and Manny (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) are childhood friends from Philly who’ve been supporting themselves by impersonating DEA agents and robbing low-level stash houses in the inner city. Manny’s looking to move on while Ray’s eccentric mother, Theresa (Kate Mulgrew, clearly having a great time) needs a lot of money fast. And so, as you’ve probably guessed, we’re about to enter “one last big score” territory, which, in this case, involves robbing a meth lab that is, it turns out, part of a large-scale operation that the legit DEA has in its sights. Stream Dope Thief on Apple TV.

Deli Boys (2025 – )

Pakistani-American journalist and producer Abdullah Saeed has long been celebrated for his investigative reporting and his Vice documentaries, many of them dealing with the impacts of cannabis laws. That experience lends a unique verisimilitude to this comedy series following two brothers—hardworking Mir (Asif Ali) and hard partying Raj (Saagar Shaikh)—after the death of their wealthy father, at which point they learn that the bulk of their family’s money comes not from the public-facing chain of delis, but from the illegal drug operation running behind the scenes. It’s fast-paced and frequently very fun, and hits the theme of maintaining a front in modern America, but this time starring people who don’t look like Jon Hamm. Stream Deli Boys on Hulu.

Big Little Lies (2017 – )

Much as with The White Lotus, part of the thrill of Big Little Lies is in watching some some very rich, very attractive, very white (mostly) ladies have a tough time in a beautiful locale (in this case, Monterey, California). Unlike Your Friends and Neighbors, money isn’t really at issue here, except in the ways that even small differences in perceived wealth can lead to big drama—but there are secrets aplenty. In season one, five women (played by Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz) become involved in a murder investigation connected to a school fundraiser that threatens to bring all of their private dirt out into the open. Stream Big Little Lies on HBO Max.

Dead to Me (2019 – 2022)

Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini make for an all-time-great TV pairing in this dark, twisty comedy about a couple of women who become united in tragedy…and lies. Applegate is Jen Harding, a realtor whose husband was killed in a hit-and-run incident; she’s not dealing very well, and takes a bit of inspiration from Cardellini’s Judy, who has maintained a cheery disposition following her fiancé Steve’s death from a heart attack—easier to do, given that Steve’s still secretly alive. And then we discover that Judy has a storage unit with a car that looks suspiciously like the one that killed Jen’s husband—and that’s all just part of the first episode. The show only gets wilder from there. Stream Dead to Me on Netflix.

The Santa Clarita Diet (2017 – 2019)

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant star in the comedy-horror series about a husband and wife real estate team whose lives are turned upside down when she learns that she’s a zombie (a result of some bad clams, natch). She enjoys her new, less-inhibited life, and mostly only eats bad people, so it’s fine. The premise is obviously horror-movie-adjacent, but the joke is very much that everyone in the suburbs is living beyond their means, and everyone has something to hide. It’s just that in the case of the Hammonds, the big secret in question is that she’s undead, and the crimes they’re concealing involve cannibalism. Stream The Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix.