Autor: Alex

**Comcast Unveils New $15 Streaming Bundle Featuring Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV Plus** *Image: Comcast* Get ready for a game-changer in the world of streaming! Comcast has announced the launch of its new "StreamSaver" bundle, combining three major streaming services for a low cost of $15 per month. Starting May 29th, Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and TV customers can enjoy this budget-friendly package, which merges Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and Peacock. This bundle offers an impressive monthly savings of approximately $8. Here's the breakdown of what you'll get in this bundle: - **Netflix's Ad-Supported Plan** at $6.99 per month - **Peacock's Ad-Supported Premium Plan** at $5.99 per month - **Apple TV Plus**, which is ad-free by default, at $9.99 per month Though some ads come with this package, it's a small…

### The EPA Ramps Up Cybersecurity Efforts to Protect Water Infrastructure  *The East Bay Municipal Utility District Wastewater Treatment Plant on March 20th, 2024, in Oakland, California. | Photo by Justin Sullivan / Getty Images* In an era where cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking decisive action to safeguard the nation's critical water infrastructure. On March 20th, 2024, the EPA announced plans to intensify inspections of water utilities, following growing concerns over their vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. ### An Urgent Call for Action The urgency of this crackdown stems from an "enforcement alert" issued by the EPA, which highlights significant concerns regarding the cybersecurity of the United States’ drinking water systems. The agency's top…

## Hellblade II: Headphones On, Heart Rate Up  *Image: Ninja Theory* As gamers around the globe eagerly await the release of Hellblade II, there's no doubt that this highly anticipated sequel by Ninja Theory is set to deliver an immersive and unforgettable experience. One key recommendation for maximizing your journey through this dark and compelling narrative? Play with headphones. Why headphones, you might ask? The original *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice* set a benchmark for integrating binaural audio to create an unparalleled atmosphere and a profound sense of immersion. Hellblade II is set to push these boundaries even further. When you slip on those headphones, you're not just playing a game; you're entering a world where the sounds and whispers around you feel incredibly real. ### The Power of Sound…

## Uber and Lyft to Stay in Minneapolis After State Lowers Driver Pay Requirements  Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge Great news for ride-hailing users in Minneapolis! Uber and Lyft have announced that they will continue their operations in the city following the state legislature's recent decision to approve a reduced minimum pay rate for drivers. This update was reported by the Minnesota Reformer and the StarTribune. ### The New Pay Structure Starting January 1st, 2025, if the bill turns into law, drivers for Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis will be assured a minimum pay of $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute. This reshaped pay structure marks a significant alteration from the previously proposed rates. ### Previous Dispute Over Pay Rates Earlier this year…

**Introducing Little Snitch 6: The Ultimate Firewall for macOS** In the heart of Vienna, the software studio Objective Development has just released the latest version of its renowned network monitor, Little Snitch. Celebrated by privacy-conscious users for over two decades, Little Snitch 6 marks the sixth major update of this indispensable macOS application. ### Unveiling New Features Little Snitch operates locally as a network monitoring tool, alerting users whenever an application attempts to establish an internet connection. Beyond making these otherwise invisible online communications noticeable, it empowers users to block any unwanted connections. The latest version, Little Snitch 6, is packed with enhancements including: - **DNS Encryption**: This feature ensures secure server name queries, safeguarding your online activity from prying eyes. - **Integrated Block Lists**: Users can now easily install…

**For the Director of "I Saw the TV Glow," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Was Just the Beginning** *Photo by Monica Schipper / Getty Images for IMDb* To fully grasp the essence of Jane Schoenbrun and their latest cinematic creation, *I Saw the TV Glow*, one must delve into the transformative arc of the iconic TV series *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, particularly its pivotal second season. **A Journey Through Pop Culture** Jane Schoenbrun's filmmaking journey is a testament to the profound impact that pop culture, especially television, can have on an individual. For Jane, *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* wasn't just a show; it was a revelation, a cornerstone that played a crucial role in shaping their creative vision. The evolution of Buffy and her gang from high school underdogs to supernatural…

# The Best Entertainment of 2024: A Year of Unmissable Picks  In today’s digital age, finding something to watch or play can be an overwhelming task. With a plethora of choices across theaters, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles, it often feels like navigating a maze. The sheer volume of content vying for your attention can indeed feel like work. Whether you’re a cinephile, a binge-watcher, or a gamer, the quest for quality entertainment is real. **Why This List?** As we’ve done in years past, we've curated a list of the best releases of 2024 to help streamline your choices. The aim is to simplify your decision-making process, ensuring that your free time is spent enjoying top-notch entertainment rather than endlessly scrolling and searching. From blockbuster films that live…

### Hellblade II’s Stunning World Is Alive with Horror #### Traversing the Nightmare Realms of the Human Mind The world of horror gaming is rich with tales that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche. It's these stories about what might be lurking in the shadows, and the terrifying monsters we create from everyday sounds, that fuel our fascination with terror. This is particularly true for **Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II**, where players are plunged into the chilling depths of ninth-century Iceland through the turbulent journey of the Pictish warrior, Senua. This game marks her second adventure in what has become one of the most gripping third-person action-horror series out there. **Image: Xbox** I have always had a soft spot for the first Hellblade game. In it, Senua undertakes…

### Microsoft Steps Into the AI PC Era: Could This Be the Game Changer?  **For years, we've heard the whispers: Windows on Arm will revolutionize the PC landscape with powerful, portable, and long-lasting devices. But for the past decade, those promises have mostly remained unfulfilled. This time around, however, it feels different—almost real.** In the latest episode of *The Vergecast*, Tom Warren reports from Seattle, sharing insights from Microsoft's latest event. He delves into what a "Copilot Plus PC" is, the feel of the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, and why the newly introduced Recall feature could be the groundbreaking AI killer app Microsoft has been searching for. ### What’s New This Time? Microsoft's latest venture heavily bets on the efficacy…

**Sonos Roam 2: Your Portable Audio Dreams Just Got Simpler** *Image: Sonos* Good news for all portable speaker enthusiasts! Sonos has unveiled the next iteration of their compact portable speaker — the Roam 2. This second-generation model, available today for $199, mainly focuses on minor yet meaningful quality-of-life enhancements. While it’s tempting to see the Roam 2 as a significant leap forward, it might be more accurate to think of it as a Roam 1.5. These updates make it clear that this is how the original Roam should have been launched in the first place. **Easy as One, Two, Bluetooth** Earlier this month, I shared that the Roam 2 simplifies the user experience straight out of the box, functioning like any standard Bluetooth speaker. This marks a notable improvement from…