Monday, April 08, 2024

Technology News and More-Eclipse Monday Edition...

Technology News and More...




Scandinavian Airlines Joining SkyTeam, Getting Air France-KLM Investment
2KOne Mile at a Time / 2h
In October 2023, we learned that Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) would get an investment from Air France-KLM, and would leave the Star Alliance in favor of SkyTeam. At the time there wasn’t much info about the timeline for all of that happening, but we now have an exact timeline (thanks to Hans for flagging this). Let’s cover all the details. SAS gets new shareholders, including Air France-KLM In Jul


Xbox president confirms commitment to backwards compatibility with 'new team dedicated to game preservation'
24TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Xbox president Sarah Bond has confirmed that backwards compatibility with previous-generation Xbox games will remain a priority for the company's hardware going forward. In emails obtained by Windows Central , Bond states: "We have formed a new team dedicated to game preservation, important to all of us at Xbox and the industry itself. "We are building on our strong history of delivering backward


Spotify will let you use AI to create personalized playlists


Mashable / 1h
Artificial intelligence is ramping up on Spotify. First, the company launched its AI DJ . Now, select users can use AI to help create personalized playlists based on niche prompts — even simply using emoji. Spotify Premium users can enter prompts that will generate AI playlists, a feature now available for subscribers in the UK and Australia on Android and iOS devices. The AI Playlist is currentl


Windows 11 24H2 blanket bans some desktop customization apps in test builds – and a lot of folks aren’t happy
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2min
Windows 11 users who have customized the interface of the operating system with a third-party app may run into trouble with the incoming 24H2 update later this year, if what’s happening in testing is anything to go by. Tom’s Hardware spotted a Neowin report noting that in the recently deployed preview build 26100 of Windows 11, which is supposedly the RTM version of the 24H2 update , Microsoft ha


New report says an Apple TV with camera would support gestures, but do we really need this?
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2min
The Apple TV is a great way to watch movies and TV shows at home, but it’s never really taken over the mainstream or sold in iPhone-level numbers. Apple is no doubt trying to change that, and one of the company’s ideas is apparently to build in a camera that will let you conduct video calls and control the device using in-air gestures. That’s according to the latest Power On newsletter from Bloom


Gizmodo Monday Puzzle: How to Always Win at Poker
Gizmodo / 15min
If you could see your opponent’s cards in poker, could you always clear them out? Game theorists draw a distinction between games with perfect information and games with imperfect information. Poker is a classic example of the latter category because players don’t know each other’s cards. Chess and tic-tac-toe, on the… Read more...


The Best Printers You Can Buy Right Now
Gizmodo / 15min
It’s fair to say that printers are hardly the most exciting electronic gadgets, but when you need a physical copy of something, what will your smartphone or laptop do about it? Printers remain a necessity for a lot of us, and if you’re in the market for one, this shortlist of our favorite printers available in 2024… Read more...


This fake Midjourney Facebook page tried to push malware on over a million people
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 16min
Cybercriminals are operating Facebook pages with millions of subscribers, through which they’re promoting various fake Generative AI tools. These tools are actually infostealers and other malware that generate huge databases of sensitive data, which are later sold on the dark web for profit. These are the conclusions echoed in Bitdefender’s latest report, published late last week. Targeting Europ


AI Scam Calls: How to Protect Yourself, How to Detect
Wired / 18min
AI tools are getting better at cloning people's voices, and scammers are using these new capabilities to commit fraud. Avoid getting swindled by following these expert tips.


A frozen lake and several Lamborghinis provide lessons on traction control
Ars Technica - All content / 20min
Enlarge / You can learn a lot about traction when there's very little of it around. (credit: Michael Teo Van Runkle) Lamborghini provided flights from Las Vegas to Montreal and accommodation so Ars could attend the ice driving school. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. From the passenger seat of my Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, 24 Hours of Daytona winner Corey Lewis gives me a "slow down


The Morning After: Apple allows game emulators on the App Store
Engadget / 27min
Apple, in its latest update to its App Store developer guidelines for iPhones and iPads, flagged by 9to5Mac , says it will allow game console emulators – and even downloadable games. Apple warns developers, however, they “are responsible for all such software offered in [their] app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.” So don’t expect to p


Boeing 777X Delivery Delays: Is 2025 Realistic?
500+One Mile at a Time / 29min
The 777X is Boeing’s new flagship aircraft. While the jet was initially supposed to enter commercial service in 2020, that timeline has been pushed back considerably, and officially the plane is now supposed to enter service as of 2025. That’s right around the corner, so I wanted to talk about that timeline a bit more in this post — could we actually see this plane enter service next year? Or is


Android Auto behaving weirdly with voice commands if you don't use Google Maps? A fix is rolling out now
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 38min
Recently, some Android Auto users have found that voice commands haven't been working quite as they should, but it appears that a fix for the problem is arriving in an update now. As reported by 9to5Google , the problem is that Android Auto was passing voice commands through to Google Maps only, rather than to a user's preferred navigation app (such as Waze). If you already have a navigation app


Nothing set to unveil something in April, and that something is two new earbuds
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 38min
The Nothing Ear (1) was the first product from the stylish phone and audio brand that it released just three years ago, and now there are two brand new earbuds preparing for launch: the Nothing Ear and the Nothing Ear (a). Both sets of buds are going to be launched later this month, and according to Nothing they represent the "ultimate iteration" of the firm's audio expertise (see X post below).


Someone converted the Framework laptop into a portable desktop PC
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 38min
Framework is best known for its customizable laptops that let users swap out internal (and external) components at will. But the company’s products have now been put to use in a very different device, as one person has used them to create an ergonomic desktop PC in a very portable package. YouTuber noisycarlos has managed to convert a Framework laptop into a battery-powered all-in-one (AIO) deskt


The World Doesn’t Need More Journal Apps
Wired / 48min
We’re not sharing intimate details of our lives on the internet anymore. We don’t have to—despite the flood of tech companies looking to fill the vacuum.





How to Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse from Anywhere
How-To Geek / 50min
On April 8th, 2024, the Moon will move in front of the Sun, and some 32 million people in North America will be treated to one of the most spectacular astronomical events there is. However, even if you don't live in the path of the totality, you can still take part.


NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 8
Mashable / 52min
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times ' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe. With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it. So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustr


Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra tipped to get another camera update to fix 3 lingering problems
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 52min
It's fair to say the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 's cameras haven't had the smoothest of launches since the phone came out – but it sounds as though a fix is on the way to deal with the final three outstanding problems. As per serial tipster @UniverseIce (via SamMobile ), Samsung's engineers are on the case with solutions for below-par telephoto image quality, inaccurate white balance problems, and


Hugging Face says it fixed some worrying security issues, moves to boost online protection
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 52min
Multiple generative AI models uploaded to Hugging Face were found to be vulnerable in a way that allowed threat actors to run malicious code and extract sensitive user information. This is according to a new report from the cloud security firm Wiz . In a blog post published late last week, Wiz said that it found two critical architecture flaws on the platform where people collaborate on their mac


Tesla Robotaxis set for August launch, as Musk denies the project has killed off affordable Model 2
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Recent reports from global media agency Reuters suggest that Tesla has scrapped work on the platform that was due to underpin the much-hyped "affordable" Tesla Model 2 in favour of pursuing a Robotaxi project. The news agency says that internal company messages and interviews with sources familiar to the matter state that "Elon's directive is to go all in on Robotaxi”, hinting that the platform a


Inside the Election Denial Groups Planning to Disrupt November
Wired / 1h
Groups like True the Vote and Michael Flynn’s America Project want to mobilize thousands of Trump supporters by pushing baseless claims about election fraud—and are rolling out new technology to fast-track their efforts.


RPA & IA: the automation tools reshaping business
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has experienced widespread adoption across many sectors and has become an integral part of organizational strategies, with a staggering 94% of businesses either having already implemented RPA or plan to in the near future. The interest in RPA software is due to its ability to automate routine processes typically handled by humans, freeing workforces from repetitiv


iPad Pro 2024: 5 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet
Mashable / 1h
The iPad Pro 2024 has been reportedly pushed back several times, according to DigiTimes , alongside the next-generation iPad Air. Citing Apple's suppliers as its source, the Taiwan-based publication claims that the iPad Pro 2024 was supposed to be released in March (perhaps with the new M3 MacBook Air ). However, its release has been reportedly postponed several times. Fortunately, according to M


Spotify tests AI-generated playlists based on text prompts
Engadget / 1h
Spotify is following the lead of many companies over the last year and dipping its toe into the world of AI prompts . The platform has announced AI Playlist , a new beta feature that lets you create playlists with a few words that get into the music vibe you want, such as "an indie folk playlist to give my brain a big warm hug." According to Spotify, the AI playlist will accept prompts involving


iDrive is adding cloud-to-cloud backup for personal Google accounts
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
iDrive , one of our best cloud backup service providers, is adding another string to its bow by allowing personal Google account users to back up the contents to its own service. Per the blog post announcing the move (via Storage Newsletter ), the cloud storage service is now offering backups of Google Drive , Mail, Calendar, and Contacts, with a 10TB storage limit for $20 a year. iDrive have for


Spotify's new ChatGPT-like AI prompt makes it easy to create cool playlists – here's how to use it
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Late last year, we reported on Spotify's plans to build AI into more of its feature – and in particular, what appeared to be an incoming update to create AI-generated playlists. Spotify confirmed at the time that AI playlists were indeed being tested, and now the feature has gone live to all Premium subscribers in the UK and Australia. The Spotify feature, which is still a beta so may be rough ar


Ugreen NASync DXP2800 Review: Tempting Hardware With Underbaked Software
How-To Geek / 1h
Ugreen is shaking up the network-attached storage (NAS) market with NASync, a collection of attractive, powerful, and reasonably-priced home servers. I've spent about a month testing the two-bay NASync DXP2800, and while I'm impressed by the hardware, Ugreen's ecosystem lacks the mature software experience that most customers need.


How I Became a Python Programmer—and Fell Out of Love With the Machine
24Wired / 1h
When I started coding, I was suspicious of all the abstractions. Then I discovered the Django framework.


A conversation with Dragoș Tudorache, the politician behind the AI Act
MIT Technology Review / 1h
Dragoș Tudorache is feeling pretty damn good. We’re sitting in a conference room in a chateau overlooking a lake outside Brussels, sipping glasses of cava. The Romanian liberal member of the European Parliament has spent the day hosting a conference on AI, defense and geopolitics attended by nearly 400 VIP guests. The day is almost over, and Tudorache has promised to squeeze an interview with me


Amazon's Fallout TV show includes 'the one thing we could never do', Bethesda boss Todd Howard says
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Bethesda boss Todd Howard has opened up on the one big difference between the iconic Fallout videogame series and its Prime Video TV adaptation. Speaking exclusively to TechRadar, Howard revealed that he was keen for Amazon's live-action take on Fallout to explore what the world was like prior to events depicted in the popular post-apocalyptic first-person shooter (FPS) games. The franchise is se


New iPad Pro and Air may launch soon (with a Pro price bump), but there's a wait for cheaper iPads
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
We're expecting 2024 to be a big year when it comes to iPad launches, and we've now got a better idea of when the most expensive models – the next-gen iPad Pro and the iPad Air 6 – are going to be arriving. This information comes from the usually reliable Mark Gurman at Bloomberg , who reckons these tablets are "probably" going to break cover the week starting May 6. As well as the iPad Pro and i


Apple M3 Ultra: everything we know about Apple's next superchip
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
With Apple WWDC 2024 on the way in a couple of months, a lot of expectation is building that Apple will announce its last SoC for this generation, the Apple M3 Ultra, a powerhouse chip that will run high-end Mac Studio and Mac Pro workstations. Apple surprised everyone at the end of October 2023 with its Scary Fast event , where we got not just the expected Apple M3 chip , but also the Apple M3 P


Microsoft AI gets a new London hub fronted by former Inflection and Deepmind scientist Jordan Hoffmann
TechCrunch / 2h
Microsoft has announced a new London hub for its recently unveiled consumer AI division. It will be fronted by Jordan Hoffmann, an AI scientist and engineer Microsoft recently picked up from high-profile AI startup Inflection AI, which Microsoft invested in last year. The news comes some three weeks after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella unveiled a new […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For p


2024 iPad Air: 3 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet
Mashable / 2h
The iPad Air 2024 is arguably the most highly anticipated tablets of the year. It also may be one of the most delayed consumer products of 2024. The new iPads — both the Air and Pro models — were poised to be released in March (perhaps alongside the new M3 MacBook Air), according to DigiTimes , which cited Apple's suppliers. However, it has been frequently pushed back throughout March and April.


Check the weather up to 10 days in advance with this $40 app
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: Through April 16, Weather Hi-Def Radar is a weather radar app that lets you see real-time weather conditions, and it's only $39.99 for life. Don't miss out on your outdoor plans because of bad weather. There's nothing like getting ready for a fun day outside. You grab your trusty hiking boots, pack up a few snacks, and then you see a cloud rolling in. You could gamble and go out anyway, or


Use this $79.99 AI to help make job hunting easier
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: As of April 8, get help on your job hunt with a set of AI-powered tools. Resso is a job hunter's AI toolkit , and it's only $79.99 for life. Job hunting can be a grueling process. You may not have to pound the pavement anymore, but constantly revising your resume, writing new cover letters, updating your LinkedIn, and prepping for intense interviews isn't really an easy alternative. Howeve


Try a new way of learning up to 14 languages for $31.99
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: Through April 16, if you've already tried the other language learning apps or just want a more fun way to learn 14 languages, try Beelinguapp on sale for $31.99 for life with code ENJOY20 . There's more than one way to learn a new language. If the methods in other language learning apps didn't really work for you, you may want to try Beelinguapp. Beelinguapp is a language-learning tool tha


How to watch the 2024 Boston Marathon online for free
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Boston Marathon for free with WCVB5 . Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . Every marathon is special, and anyone who manages to complete the distance deserves massive amounts of respect. That being said, there is something extra special about the Boston Marathon. The marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London , Berlin , Chicago , and New York are


Learn how to build your own business on Amazon for just $24
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: Through April 16, if you're looking for a side hustle that lets you create, sell, or resell on your own Amazon store , then study up with this course bundle for only $23.99 with code ENJOY20 . Side hustles aren't uncommon, but finding one that pays off isn't easy. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and Shopify drop-shipping are two ways to start your own store online . Starting your own li


Microsoft announces new AI office in UK
BBC News / 2h
The firm says its new London hub will "drive pioneering work" to advance AI models and development.


The latest iPhone 16 battery leak is great news for some models but bad news for one
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
In recent years Apple has delivered great battery life on its biggest phones, but while the iPhone 16 Pro Max might continue that trend, the iPhone 16 Plus possibly won’t. That’s based on leaked battery capacities from OvO Baby Sauce OvO on Weibo (via Phone Arena ), who claimed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will apparently have a 4,676mAh battery, which would make it 5.7% larger than the 4,422mAh ce


Cathay Pacific Removing First Class From Boeing 777-300ERs
100+One Mile at a Time / 2h
Cathay Pacific plans to remove first class from its Boeing 777-300ERs as it installs a new business class product, which has some pretty major implications… Cathay Pacific eliminating first class with business class retrofit Cathay Pacific is in the process of introducing a new Boeing 777-300ER business class product, which will be known as Aria Suites . This is a significant upgrade over the car


The Internet Archive Just Backed Up an Entire Caribbean Island
30Wired / 2h
By becoming the official custodian of an entire nation’s history for the first time, the Internet Archive is expanding its already outsize role in preserving the digital world for posterity.


Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for April 8 (#302)
How-To Geek / 2h
Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.


Today's Wordle Answer and Hints for April 8 (#1024)
How-To Geek / 2h
Stuck and need the answer to today's Wordle? We've got you covered. We have some hints for the Wordle, in case you'd like to take another crack at it yourself before we tell you. If you want to get straight to the answer, tap or click "What is Today's Wordle Answer" in the table of contents.


Don’t dive into GenAI waters without first learning to swim
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
It’s now been over a year since Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) exploded onto the scene and made its way into apps and headlines around the world, and business leaders today are starting to realize that GenAI interest was not just driven by ‘hype’, and instead could be truly transformative for almost any sector. Companies are scrambling to stay ahead of the competition – often by adopt


Paddy Cosgrave returns as Web Summit CEO after resigning over Israel/Gaza controversy
TechCrunch / 3h
Paddy Cosgrave, the co-founder of the Web Summit tech conference, is returning to his role as CEO after resigning in October over controversial statements he made about the Israel/Gaza war last year on social media. Rumors of his return began to surface over the weekend; Cosgrave confirmed the move in a post on X today. […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Save On Hyatt Hotel Stays With Amex Offers (Targeted)
500+One Mile at a Time / 3h
The Amex Offers program frequently has promotions for hotel stays, which can save you money or earn you bonus points for stays you’d make anyway. We’ve just seen Amex roll out a new offer for Hyatt hotel stays, which complements one offer that’s available through the end of the month. Let’s go over the details, as this could be an opportunity to save money on a hotel stay. Spend $250+ with Grand


Avendus, top India venture advisor, seeks $300 million for new PE fund
TechCrunch / 3h
Avendus, India’s leading investment bank for venture deals, is looking to raise about $300 million for its private equity unit, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The Mumbai-based firm, backed by U.S. private equity giant KKR, has established itself as the top financial advisor in India, working with popular growth-stage startups including Zepto, […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All right


Review: BYD Atto 3
24Wired / 4h
The Chinese EV giant has arrived in Europe with the Atto 3—an acceptable and good-value alternative to better-known rivals. But beyond the funky interior there’s little to get truly excited about.


Critical milestone: how new SEC rules affect business cybersecurity
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
In 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) implemented new cybersecurity disclosure rules. These regulations mandate the disclosure of "material" threat and breach incidents within four days of occurrence, along with annual reporting on cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance. The introduction of the new SEC cybersecurity requirements represents a critical milestone in


No light without dark : making the most of ‘shadow IT’
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 5h
In the last few decades, technology has created a modern digital workforce that is technically skilled and adept at finding innovative solutions that would help them succeed at work. However, with 95% of employees struggling with digital friction in the workplace - including a lack of access to the right tools - ambitious employees who are hungry for results have often needed to explore fixes out


Samsung is raising SSD prices — but it could be for a good reason, as AI boom starts to reach its peak
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 6h
Samsung Electronics has announced plans to raise the price of its enterprise SSDs by 20-25% in Q2 of 2024. This is a significant increase from the initially projected 15%, with the price hike being attributed to the booming AI industry. The past few weeks have seen a global shortage of NAND flash enterprise SSDs, a situation that is being blamed on high demand from new data centers and the rapid


How to watch Manchester United Women vs. Chelsea Women online for free
Mashable / 7h
TL;DR: Stream Manchester United Women vs. Chelsea Women in the Women’s FA Cup semi-final for free on BBC iPlayer . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . Things didn't go to plan for Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final against Arsenal, but they don't have time to sulk. It's on to the next one for Chelsea, this time in a massive matchup against Mancheste


This Amazon FBA and Shopify dropshipping bundle course is on sale for 94% off
Mashable / 7h
TL;DR : The Amazon FBA and Shopify Dropshipping Bundle is on sale for £23.69, saving you 94% on list price. The average Amazon Prime user reportedly spends around £1,000 a year on the e-commerce giant, while non-Prime members spend about half. This year, perhaps it's time to change all that and earn via Amazon for once instead of the other way around. If you've always wanted to learn the ropes in


How to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund online for free
Mashable / 7h
TL;DR: Watch Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund for free on ServusTV . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . The Champions League is back with some massive quarter-final matchups, and you can watch Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund without spending anything. And no, we're not talking about relying on a dodgy stream with really dodgy adverts. If yo


Brazil Supreme Court judge opens inquiry into Musk
84BBC News / 7h
The billionaire owner of social media platform X has defied a court order to block certain accounts.


Spotify launches personalized AI playlists that you can build using prompts
46TechCrunch / 7h
AI playlists will initially become available to users on Android and iOS devices in the U.K. and Australia and will be iterated on in the months ahead. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 8
Mashable / 9h
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle . As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer. If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 8's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. Where did Wordle co


NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 8
Mashable / 10h
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle , Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle. If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the e


Maryland Passes 2 Major Privacy Bills, Despite Tech Industry Pushback
21NYT > Technology / 11h
One bill would require apps like Instagram and TikTok to prioritize young people’s safety and the other would restrict the collection of consumer data.


Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa: Should you get the personal or business card?
20The Points Guy / 11h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles are popular among Alaska Airlines and Oneworld loyalists — so getting one of their two cobranded credit cards might interest you. Those two cards are the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card . In addition to how useful Alaska miles


How to watch Purdue vs. UConn basketball without cable
Mashable / 12h
Wondering how to watch the men's basketball championship game? Here are your best options: Most channels Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20) Most affordable Max With Ads $9.99/month The Purdue and UConn men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in the tournament championship game in Phoenix on Monday, April 8. The game is scheduled to start at 9:20 p.m. ET/6:2


Quordle today – hints and answers for Monday, April 8 (game #805)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints, plus the answers for both the main game and the Daily Sequence spin off. Quordle is the only one of the many Wordle clones that I'm still playing now, more than two years after the daily-word-game craze hit the internet, and with good reason: it's fun, but also