Ubisoft's upcoming game Star Wars Outlaws will require an internet connection to install, even for those who purchase physical copies. While offline play will be supported after installation, concerns have been raised about the long-term playability of physical copies, especially as servers shut down and companies go out of business. This move highlights the ongoing challenge of preserving video games for future generations.
YouTube TV now allows users to permanently reduce broadcast delay on various devices, providing a better game experience, particularly for live events like the Super Bowl. Users can choose to keep the reduced delay on by default, but may experience more playback disruptions due to less time for buffering. The feature is available on a wide range of devices, and users can select "Default" to minimize interruptions or "Decrease" to reduce live spoilers.
Cruise, the self-driving car company, shared footage of a pedestrian-dragging incident with regulators using a bad internet connection, preventing them from seeing the full video clearly. An independent review found that Cruise's approach to alerting government officials was passive and non-transparent, reflecting deficient leadership at the highest levels of the company. The incident led to the suspension of Cruise's robotaxis, the resignation of several executives, and ongoing investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The new slim version of the PlayStation 5 requires an internet connection to pair the detachable disc drive with the console upon setup, even if the drive comes pre-attached. Sony's concern may be users buying aftermarket disc drives or modifying the device with other modules. This hardware DRM could pose a problem in the future when Sony eventually abandons the PS5 servers, as users will have no way to activate their disc drive to play older games. Sony has a history of being protective of its hardware, and all major console makers have excluded themselves from upcoming right-to-repair legislation in California.
The new PS5's detachable disc drive reportedly requires an internet connection for setup, according to images of an upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III PS5 bundle. This is likely due to a required handshake between the optical drive and the console's motherboard for authentication and unique pairing. While an internet connection won't be needed after the initial setup, concerns have been raised about the future shutdown of the server responsible for disc drive verification. Sony has not yet clarified any internet requirements associated with the removable disc drive. The redesigned PS5 console will be available in November, with the Disc model priced at $499.99 and the Digital console at $449.99.
The upcoming optional disc drive for the PlayStation 5 will require an internet connection to pair it to a console for the first time, likely as a security measure. However, this has raised concerns about preservation, as the servers needed for verification may eventually become unavailable. Sony may release an update to remove the requirement in the future, but it is expected to be many years later. The pairing method is used to prevent piracy and unauthorized repairs. The new PS5 model will launch in November and will come with 1TB storage. The PS5 Digital Edition will allow users to add a disc drive later, which will be sold separately.
Spotify is testing an "Offline Mix" feature that automatically downloads a playlist of songs based on a user's listening history, which could be a game-changer for those with spotty internet connections. However, not all of Spotify's recent features have been successful, such as the AI DJ that interrupts users' listening with commentary. The company recently laid off 200 employees, affecting its podcasting arms Gimlet Media and Parcast.
Spotify is testing a new feature called "Your Offline Mix" that automatically saves a mix of recently played songs for offline listening when internet connection is patchy. The feature is similar to YouTube Music's Offline Mixtape and is expected to roll out soon. While Spotify already allows users to download playlists or albums for offline listening, the new feature will make it easier for users to listen to a mix of their favorite songs without having to manually select and download them.
Using a VPN doesn't automatically make you anonymous online, and it's important to understand what a VPN can and can't do. Paying for a VPN service won't help you set up a client-server model with your home network, and it's important to test your VPN connection to ensure it's secure. Using old encryption schemes, free or cheap VPNs, and failing to use a no-log VPN or a kill switch are common mistakes. Routing your entire internet connection through a VPN tunnel is not recommended for most people, and it's crucial to opt for a VPN outside of the United States when torrenting.
Proper placement of your Wi-Fi router is crucial for optimizing its signal strength and avoiding interference from surrounding objects such as electronics, bulky furniture, and water. Experts recommend placing the router in a central location and mounting it high to avoid hindering the signal. Avoid placing the router near a microwave or behind a TV. If your Wi-Fi is still slow, try rebooting it or contacting your internet provider for assistance.
