US Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York City, announced today that he will introduce the “Power To The Players Act.”
If it becomes law, the bill will see the US Federal Trade Commission create regulations that protect our “ability to own and play” purchased games, according to Torres’ office.
“When you pay for a game, you should own it,” says Torres. “Consumers must have the right to own, the right to play, and the right to transfer the games they buy. A game that can be taken away the moment a company pulls the plug is not a purchase. It is a rental disguised as a sale.”
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The game ownership issue is longstanding on PC, which moved to digital distribution a couple decades ago, but has recently come to the foreground of public consciousness as the consoles also transition away from discs. Earlier this year, Sony announced that it will end physical disc production in 2028.
The related problem of online games being decommissioned before players are done with them has also received more attention in recent years. The Stop Killing Games campaign in particular has raised the issue’s profile, arguing that basic offline functionality should be expected when online games are retired. Founder Ross Scott and organizer Moritz Katzner gained an audience with the European Parliament earlier this year.
As one of its prime examples of the problem, Stop Killing Games has pointed to The Crew, a Ubisoft racing game which went offline in 2024, preventing those who purchased it from continuing to play even the singleplayer campaign.
The aim of the Power To The Players Act is to establish and enforce a more genuine ownership of purchased games, as opposed to the revocable licenses we currently buy, and to require that offline modes be made available before online games are shut down.
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For DRM-free games, such as those purchased from GOG, ownership is a non-issue: Once you have the game files, you can back them up and use them for as long as you can find a PC that’ll run them. Realistically, the FTC is not going to mandate the eradication of software copy protection, so if passed the bill would presumably arrive at a softer definition of ownership.
I’ve reached out to Rep Torres’ office for more information on what enforcement of the bill is expected to look like, should it pass.
That “storage almost full” notification always seems to hit at the worst possible moment, usually right when you’re trying to snap a photo or download something important. The fastest way to free up space on Android is to check your storage breakdown first, then clear cached data and duplicate files before you delete a single photo or app. That single move often recovers several gigabytes without touching anything you actually want to keep.
Most people jump straight to deleting apps or photos when their phone says it’s full, and that’s usually the wrong first move. Cache files, duplicate images, and old downloads tend to eat up far more room than most users realize, and clearing those out first can solve the problem before you lose anything meaningful. This guide walks through the cleanup steps in the order that gets you the most space for the least effort, starting with quick wins and moving into deeper options like cloud storage and factory resets for when your phone still feels cramped afterward.
Start with the Fastest Storage Wins
The quickest way to reclaim Android storage is to look at exactly what’s taking up space before deleting anything. Your phone’s built-in storage manager and a free app called Files by Google can both surface large files and duplicate photos in a few taps, often revealing gigabytes of junk you didn’t know existed.
How Do You Check Storage on Android?
Open Settings > Storage (on Samsung phones, it’s under Battery and Device Care > Storage). You’ll see a color-coded bar showing how much space apps, photos, videos, and system files each use.
This breakdown tells you where to focus. If videos dominate the chart, deleting a handful of old app cache won’t move the needle much. If “Other Apps” or system data looks unusually large, that’s often where cached files and leftover data pile up unnoticed.
Use Files by Google to Find Large Files and Duplicates
Files by Google is a free app built specifically for this kind of cleanup. It scans your device for large files, duplicate photos, blurry screenshots, and unused apps, then presents them in one organized list.
The “Clean” tab inside the app groups these suggestions by category, so you can review and approve deletions in batches rather than hunting file by file. Many users recover multiple gigabytes in a single pass on a phone that hasn’t been cleaned in months.
Empty Trash to Reclaim Space You’ve Already Cleared
Deleted files don’t always disappear right away. Google Photos, Files by Google, and several file managers hold deleted items in a trash folder for 30 to 60 days before permanent removal.
Check the trash or recycle bin in each app you use for photos and files. If you’ve already deleted a batch of large videos, emptying trash manually finishes the job instead of waiting weeks for it to clear on its own.
Remove Apps and App Data Safely
Uninstalling apps you no longer open and clearing cached data from the ones you keep both free up space without risking your files or logins. The two approaches solve different problems: uninstalling removes dead weight entirely, while clearing cache trims bloat from apps you still rely on.
Uninstall Apps You No Longer Use
Go to Settings > Apps and sort by size to spot the biggest space hogs. Games, streaming apps, and social media apps tend to grow larger over time as they accumulate cached media and offline content.
Long-press any app icon and select Uninstall, or remove several at once from the Apps list. If you’re not ready to commit to deleting an app permanently, some phones support archiving it instead, which removes the bulk of its storage footprint while keeping your data intact for a quick reinstall later.
Clear Cache Without Erasing App Data
Cached data speeds up apps by storing temporary files locally, but it builds up fast and rarely needs to stick around. Tap into any app’s info page and select Storage & Cache, then tap Clear Cache.
This step is safe. Clearing cache never touches your saved logins, game progress, or app settings, only temporary files the app can regenerate on its own.
Review Media Stored by Messaging Apps
WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar messaging apps auto-save every photo and video sent to you, and that folder grows quietly in the background. Open each app’s storage settings to review and clear old media you don’t need saved locally.
Many messaging apps also let you disable auto-download for media going forward, which stops the problem from recurring.
Make Room for Photos, Videos, and Downloads
Photos and videos are usually the biggest storage consumers on any Android phone, and backing them up before deleting local copies protects your memories while freeing serious space. Google Photos, Google Drive, and a microSD card each offer a different way to offload files without losing them.
Back Up Photos Before Removing Local Copies
Google Photos includes a storage management tool that flags blurry photos, screenshots, and large videos as candidates for removal. Once your library is backed up, you can free up space directly from the app, which removes local copies while keeping everything accessible in the cloud.
Confirm your backup status before deleting anything. The app shows a clear indicator when every photo and video on your device has synced.
Delete Unneeded Videos and Downloads
Videos take up disproportionate space compared to photos, often several hundred megabytes each. Screen recordings, duplicate takes, and old downloaded files from browsers or social apps are common culprits worth a quick review.
Check your Downloads folder specifically. PDFs, installer files, and shared documents accumulate there and rarely get cleaned out manually.
Move Files to Cloud Storage or a microSD Card
Google Drive works well for documents, backups, and files you access occasionally rather than daily. A microSD card, if your phone supports one, gives you physical expandable storage for photos, videos, and even some apps.
Cloud storage suits people who switch devices often or want files accessible from a computer. A microSD card suits anyone who prefers to keep everything on the device itself without relying on an internet connection to retrieve files.
Clear Offline Downloads and Stubborn Storage
Offline maps, downloaded music, and saved videos from streaming apps quietly consume gigabytes that don’t show up in a typical cleanup pass. These files live inside their own apps rather than a general downloads folder, so they need to be managed one app at a time.
Remove Offline Maps You No Longer Need
Google Maps and Waze both let users download map regions for offline use, and these files can run several hundred megabytes per region. Open the app’s offline maps section and delete regions you’re no longer visiting.
This step matters if you downloaded maps for a trip months ago and forgot to remove them afterward.
Manage Downloaded Music and Video in Their Apps
Spotify and YouTube Music both store offline downloads that count against your phone’s storage separately from your regular music library. Check each app’s downloads or offline content settings and remove albums, playlists, or videos you’ve already listened to or watched.
Streaming apps rarely warn you how much space downloaded content occupies, so a quick check here often surfaces a gigabyte or more.
When Should You Consider a Factory Reset?
A factory reset makes sense only after every other cleanup step has failed to free meaningful space, since it erases everything on the device. Back up photos, contacts, and files completely before starting a factory data reset from Settings > System > Reset Options.
Consider this option if your phone runs painfully slow despite a mostly empty storage bar, which can signal deeper system issues that cleanup alone won’t fix.
Keep Space Available Without Losing What Matters
Freeing up Android storage works best as a repeatable routine rather than a one-time fix. Checking your storage breakdown, clearing cache, reviewing large files, and backing up photos on a regular basis prevents the “storage full” warning from returning every few months.
Set a reminder to run Files by Google once a month, and turn on automatic backup in Google Photos so new photos never pile up unprotected. Small, consistent habits like these keep your phone responsive without requiring a dramatic cleanup session every time storage runs low.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly free up storage on Android?
Open Files by Google and use its Clean tab to find large files, duplicate photos, and unused apps in one pass. Clearing app cache from Settings > Storage adds a fast second win, since it removes temporary files without affecting your saved data.
What takes up the most storage on an Android phone?
Photos and videos typically account for the largest share of storage on most phones, followed by app data and cached files. Messaging apps like WhatsApp also contribute heavily through auto-saved media that accumulates without you noticing.
Is Files by Google a free storage cleanup app?
Yes, Files by Google is a free app published by Google that scans your device for large files, duplicates, and unused apps. It requires no subscription and works on most Android phones running a supported version of the operating system.
What should I delete when my phone storage is full?
Start with app cache, duplicate photos, and old downloads, since these rarely hold anything irreplaceable. Move to unused apps and offline downloads from music or map apps next, saving photo and video deletion for last once everything important is backed up.
Will clearing an app’s cache delete my photos or settings?
No, clearing an app’s cache only removes temporary files the app uses to load faster. Your login information, saved progress, photos, and app settings all remain untouched during this process.
prisoninmate shares a report from 9to5Linux: Ubuntu 26.10 (Stonking Stingray) has been released today, and it is now available for download for those eager to update their Ubuntu systems to a newer release. Powered by the upcoming Linux 7.3 kernel series, Ubuntu 26.10 ships with the latest GNOME 51 desktop environment, TPM-backed full disk encryption (FDE) support on computers without a hardware root of trust, updated Settings to show whether a computer is certified for Ubuntu, and 100% Rust coreutils.
There are several App Center enhancements in Ubuntu 26.10, such as a unified app-details view for Snap and Debian packages, a dedicated Drivers page where you can review the available graphics drivers, including NVIDIA driver branches, and support for installing codecs for one-time playback when a media file uses a codec that’s not installed.’ Other additions include an optional, locally processed AI-powered speech-to-text tool called Myna, system-wide controls for disabling Ubuntu Insights data collection, and better integration with Microsoft Entra ID. Also worth mentioning are the security and software updates that will be available for nine months, through July 2027.
Concept design is the phase in which the product idea transforms into a real, buildable concept. It bridges the gap between a validated idea and detailed engineering. In this phase, the designers define the problem, explore different areas, create several sketches, test and refine solutions. The goal is not to make something look good but to create a product that balances functionality, user needs, materials, and manufacturing possibilities. Cad Crowd’s vetted network of professionals can help you at this exact stage to deliver reliable outcomes.
To better walk you through the article, a fictional “Loop” collapsible reusable coffee cup will be used as an example to show how an idea transitions from an early concept into a manufacturable product phase.
A concept design services usually begins right after validation and not before it. It is important to confirm first if there’s a real reason why this product should be built before committing to the concept work. Starting with sketches early would just be wasted time, effort, and money if it ends up not being needed by customers. The pre-design stages cover gathering insights for the creative process. It helps in better understanding the customer needs, reviewing competitors and defining key product requirements.
Write a one-paragraph problem statement
A strong product has a clear understanding of what problem it can and needs to solve. When it has a defined reason as to why it exists, everything can align to it. Before starting the sketches and drawings, it is helpful to write down a simple problem statement that briefly explains user frustrations. For instance, the problem statement is “Commuters carry disposable cups because reusable ones don’t fit easily in a bag”.
It is important to write down specific problem statements instead of using vague ones like “creating a more sustainable cup. Specific statements describe a goal. It allows the team to be focused on that intent all throughout the design process.
A concept sketch that’s drawn for “everyone” would often lead to unclear designs with too many features and no strong purpose. It may not be able to satisfy anyone at all. It is important to identify the specific person who will use the product and the main situation where they need it most. Concept design and sketch design services should have a clear identity so they cater to a focused target. This can help a lot in being consistent throughout the design process.
For instance, when doing a design for a reusable cup, it shouldn’t be just for “all coffee drinkers”. The focus can be improved by defining it as “for busy commuters who need a cup that fits inside a small work bag”. This can help well in setting a clearer direction for designers as well to come up with features that fit in the specific criteria. It can help in solving the primary problem rather than throwing in random trendy ideas.
Set non-negotiable constraints upfront
Before starting the concept design, it is important to set and define parameters and limits a product must follow. These constraints include ceiling budget, selling price, launch timeline, materials, safety requirements and industry regulations. When these expectations are clearly set, the designers would have a realistic expectation and know which options would work and would not. It helps them come up with a more practical and efficient solution.
For example, a cup that is designed to be sold at an affordable price would require simpler materials or only a few premium components. The parameters set the designers to think of materials that would fit the category and avoid complex manufacturing tools and processes that may be more expensive.
Identify success metrics before sketching begins
Before starting a concept drawing services, measurable metrics should be defined to track its success. A good concept is not just appealing but should meet the defined goals. Its metrics can relate to function, cost, size, materials, or user needs. When these requirements are clearly set, it gives the designers a clear vision of what to work on.
An example of this is how a success criterion for a collapsible coffee cup includes being able to fit in a small bag, reaching a specific folded size, food-safe materials, or staying at an affordable cost. These measurable metrics can help in comparing and evaluating the design if it’s aligned with the target goals.
Aside from listing the description and included features of the product, it also helps to list the exclusions. This should be done before doing the sketch. This allows the designers to know what is and what is not to be considered in their work. It helps in avoiding unnecessary features that could have cost implications or may delay the production timeline.
In the working example of building a reusable coffee cup, the focus is on its portability and easy storage. Its excluded features are the built-in temperature control system or any smart tracking. While this could be explored later as an upgrade, adding too many features too soon would just stray from the product’s main purpose.
How does ideation turn a brief into design directions?
Ideation refers to the creative process of generating multiple possible design directions. In this stage, the goal is not so much on the quality but rather on the volume of ideas. It lets designers focus on exploration across a wide range of possibilities through sketches, variations, and different approaches.
In the example of the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, the designers can explore different folding mechanisms, shapes, lid designs, and storage methods. While other generated ideas may look impractical or expensive, they could spark inspiration for better solutions.
Mind map outward from the core problem
Mind mapping refers to expanding the product idea beyond its initial obvious solution. It can start with a core problem and then later branch out into different areas that could influence the design. Most changes impact the shape, materials, mechanism, user needs and its target market.
For the working example of designing a Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, the team might explore different folding mechanisms and what kind of materials could make it more durable so it can stand out from the ones existing in the market. This approach challenges broader thinking and uncovers ideas that are not too obvious during brainstorming.
One way to be aligned is to create a mood board. Gather and collect reference images that appeal to you and are quite similar to your project. It can include samples of materials, textures, finishes, shapes, and the existing problems. This can help everyone designing to have a sense of direction on the overall style and vibe before proceeding to the actual sketch.
For the working example of designing the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, the mood board would include images of a clean, minimalist aesthetic style, with matte finishes and comprising only neutral colors. It could have bold accents and textured materials but is still minimal. This defined visual helps the CAD designers to sketch that matches the vision and intended brand identity.
Sketch fast and in volume during early ideation
In early ideation, the goal is not really to come up with the perfect drawing but rather to explore as many possibilities as possible. Here, designers would just opt to create dozens of designs to test different elements like its shape, features, and other approaches. This can help in comparing and choosing whichever fits the vision and deserves more attention.
For the working example of designing the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, the early sketches would explore more of the different lid styles, grip shapes and textures, or ways in which the cup would fit the small bag. There are instances wherein some designs may not move forward, but all are useful in helping shape the final design.
Search adjacent industries for analogous solutions
Most great ideas are produced from adapting solutions that realistically work in other industries. During the ideation stage, the designer may look beyond their own product category and explore various fields or industries to see how they solve the same problem. For instance, a mechanism that’s used in luggage, outdoor equipment, medical design device services or other consumer products could inspire a better approach for an entirely different product.
In the example of designing a Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, it could make use of concepts like camping gear or compact storage solutions that are used for travel products. While the references work on a different field, it could be possible to test it out; in case it’s also applicable for the cup.
Run a structured group session, not an open-ended one
In running an ideation session, it should be more than an open-ended question like “What ideas do we have?”. It could actually be more helpful if the discussion is more structured. It helps people to more focused and aligned to the same direction instead of making each concept perfect.
There are techniques like Crazy 8s, wherein participants can create 8 ideas in just 8 minutes. It encourages fast thinking and would generate more design options in a short timeframe. For the example of a Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, an applicable structured session covers exploration of different folding mechanisms, shapes, materials and other user experiences.
What are the different types of concept sketches?
There are a lot of types of concept sketches and each works for different purposes. Each sketch style can help in solving different design questions. It is important to use the right type of sketch at the right stage as it can help the teams to communicate faster and make better decisions.
Quickly captures a new idea before it is forgotten
Internal design team
Very simple: Shows shape and feature only
Exploratory sketch
Compare different design options and choose the best
Internal team and client
More detailed: Shows proportions, key features and relevant notes
Presentation sketch
Communicate a chosen direction
Client, investors, stakeholders
Highly detailed: Includes shading, annotations, realistic visualization
Use thumbnail sketches to capture ideas, not to sell them.
The thumbnail sketches are meant to be rough and are quite disposable. These are the quick sketches used to capture ideas as fast as possible. They’re not really polished and meant to impress anyone. It just needs to be drawn in case there’s a sudden inspiration or an idea pops up. As long as it’s understandable to you, it’s enough.
For the working example, the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup, the sketch can begin with small ones that show how it folds, the lid designs, and its handle styles. There could be a sketch that may not move forward, but it can help in discovering which ones have the most potential.
Use exploratory sketches to compare directions side by side
When ideas are narrowed down to dozens of thumbnail sketches, the next step would be to proceed to exploratory sketches. These are the drawings that need more detailing, like shape, proportions, key features, and how the parts would fit together. These sketches are still quick to produce, but they contain more information to compare with other details.
An explanatory sketch for the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup would be a comparison of several folding mechanisms, lid design, and handle positions side-by-side. This helps in evaluating which best meets the project goals, user needs, manufacturing constraints, and budget.
Reserve presentation sketches for the chosen direction
Presentation sketches are only done when there’s already a design direction established. These drawings are more polished and have shading, annotations, realistic proportions, and refined details. It has to clearly communicate how the product is expected to look and function. The purpose of this sketch is to present a decision.
A presentation sketch for the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup would show the final chosen folding mechanism, materials and key features in a way that clients and other stakeholders can understand.
Treat imprecision as a feature at this stage, not a flaw
In concept design, what matters the most is to communicate the ideas. It doesn’t have to have complete engineering details like dimensions, tolerances and other technical specifications. The sketches are actually flexible and allow designers to explore more forms and functions. It’s not fixed or locked yet since it’s too early to finalize decisions.
Generally, the concept design for the Loop collapsible reusable coffee cup could still go through several changes. It could be related to size, wall thickness, or folding mechanism. Precise measurements are not really required in this stage since it has to be fixed later.
How do you screen concepts for feasibility?
Check technical feasibility against known manufacturing processes
A concept can only be valuable if it can realistically be built. It’s best to invest in detailed engineering prototypes before each design can be reviewed for technical feasibility. A concept that is too difficult or expensive to produce may have to be simplified before moving to the next stage.
It is important to check first if the product can actually be made. It has to be compared against proven manufacturing methods like injection modeling, CNC machining, or 3D printing services.
Run a rough cost estimate, not a final one
Here, a full detailed estimate is not required. A rough estimate is all you need to know the general costs of material, manufacturing, and tooling. The goal of this is to identify ideas that fit in the target budget.
Do a quick legal and IP gut-check
Before committing to investing time and money in the design, a quick check to see if there’s already an existing similar design should be done. It helps in revealing possible conflicts before moving to the detailed engineering.
It is important to check on the materials, electronic parts, and other custom components that can be sourced within the target budget. It helps in knowing if there’s a need to source out other materials or processes or come up with a different design.
How does a concept move into CAD and renders?
Create rough CAD and refine through renders
Once the design direction has already been set, it can now move to 3D visuals. After the rough sketching and engineering design and visual, it can now proceed to photorealistic rendering services. This can show realistic materials, colors and finishes. These can be of great help, especially for non-technical stakeholders to better understand the product concept. The design can be refined through a series of feedback.
How do you choose the final concept?
Final product concept should be selected based on a structured evaluation not through subjective internal excitement. A strong concept has a perfect balance of functionality, customer needs, technical feasibility and business goals.
As per the defined requirements, it is important to evaluate each concept in a way it is based on how well it can solve the problem. Even though a design is visually appealing, if it does not function as intended, it can be a weak choice.
It can help to use a simple scorecard to help the team compare ideas more objectively. This way, factors like usability, manufacturing complexity, cost, materials, and market potential are accounted for and not just based on personal preferences.
Balance desirability, feasibility, and business value
For aproduct development expertsto be successful, it has to balance user demand, realistic development, and market potential. A concept may be exciting to turn into reality but could fail once launched if users don’t really need it. it could fail because it’s too expensive to manufacture. It’s important to score these to be able to account and understand the trade-offs.
In transitioning to detailed engineering, it could help to show the strongest concepts to potential users. Feedback from them can give valuable insights and may reveal issues the internal team has overlooked. It can be used to improve and reshape the design before it moves forward.
What should you expect to receive from a concept design engagement?
Deliverable
Format
Typical Stage
Design brief
Written document
Problem and goals definition
3-5 sketched directions
Thumbnail or exploratory sketches
During brainstorming, ideation
Feasibility memo
Short written summary
Feasibility screening
Refined concept render
Photorealistic 3D render, 2-3 colorways
Concept refinement
Selection scorecard
Simple weighted table
Concept selection
Frequently asked questions
How long does concept design usually take?
Typically, the concept design engagement may run several weeks. It covers ideation, 3-5 sketches, feasibility screening and one refined render.
Do I need a working prototype at the concept stage?
Not necessarily. Concept design deliverables are just sketches and rough CAD work.
What’s the difference between a concept sketch and an engineering drawing?
A concept sketch is intentionally imperfect and not really precise. It is meant to explore and communicate an idea. An engineering drawing has dimensions and tolerances, and should be precise enough for the manufacturing process.
How many concept directions should I expect to see?
Three to five sketched directions are standard for a single concept design round. It will then be narrowed to one refined concept after feasibility screening and selection.
Can AI tools replace a human concept designer?
AI rendering tools can help speed up first-pass visuals. However, they don’t screen for manufacturability, cost, or IP conflicts. It’s important to understand the production constraints to be able to identify possible problems a visual tool may miss.
Concept design is a stage wherein the validated idea begins to take shape to a product that can be realistically built, engineered and manufactured. Through a structured process like defining the problem, generating ideas and refining solutions, the costs can be lowered. This helps ensure that the product is not just visually pleasing but also practical, functional and more aligned with manufacturing requirements. To bring your idea to life, connect with Cad Crowd’s pool of vetted freelance product designers to help in transforming rough concepts to refined designs.
How Cad Crowd can help
Cad Crowd connects businesses with vetted electrical engineers, firmware developers, mechanical engineers, and CAD professionals who specialize in IoT product development, PCB design, embedded systems, enclosure design, wireless connectivity, prototyping, and manufacturing preparation. Whether you’re developing a simple connected sensor or a complex smart device, our professionals can help coordinate each stage of development and turn your concept into a functional, production-ready IoT product. Contact Cad Crowd today for a free quote and find the right engineering expertise to move your IoT project from concept to launch.
MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.
Looking for what to stream this weekend? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve searched the most popular streaming services to bring you our bespoke list of the titles worth watching this weekend, so you can kick back and relax with the most exciting new releases.
Below, you’ll find everything from the latest Marvel Phase 6 release to a heart-breaking tale of loss and love. So, whatever you’re in the mood for this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Our recommendations this week cover Disney Plus, Apple TV, Netflix, and more.
As the weather gets colder, a night in front of the TV has never looked so inviting. We’ve even got a seasonally appropriate horror show to check out, too. So, for our top picks of the weekend, head on down. Happy streaming!
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VisionQuest
(Image credit: Marvel Studios)
Available: US/UK Where to watch: Disney Plus
Marvel’s next TV show has finally arrived. VisionQuest, the final installment in the trilogy that began with WandaVision, catches us back up with our favorite synthezoid after his unconventional resurrection as White Vision.
Paul Bettany returns as Vision, while James Spader is back as Ultron (this time, he even has a human guise). The show also features the debut of Ruaridh Mollica as Tommy Shepherd, AKA Speed.
This is the last MCU release before the mega event Avengers: Doomsday arrives later this year, so it’s well worth getting up to date. The first two episodes are streaming now. You can check out our VisionQuest release schedule to keep track of the rest of the season.
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we’ve got you covered.
Available: US/UK Where to watch: Peacock (US), Sky/NOW (UK)
In this prequel to the Friday the 13th franchise, Linda Cardellini plays Pamela Vorhees, mother of Jason Voorhees (played by Callum Vinson). Pamela is the villain of the first slasher movie, and this show, which hails from A24, is an origin story for her.
“There are ideas we have potentially for a second season that maybe we were playing around with as part of the first season,” writer/director Brad Caleb Kane recently told GamesRadar+. “But it felt like it needed to be compact to tell one story. So we’ll save those.”
Tenzing tells the true story of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, who in 1953 became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain.
Genden Phuntsok plays Norgay, with Marvel veteran Tom Hiddleston as Hillary. The rest of the cast includes Caitríona Balfe and Willem Dafoe. Jennifer Peedom directs.
This star-studded action comedy follows an actor who is taken hostage by a cult during a charity gala.
Chris Evans stars as the beleaguered actor, with the rest of the cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich, and Charli xcx.
The film is not currently available on Netflix in the UK, however it’s streaming in the US from October 16.
This film stars Margaret Qualley as Maya, a woman who embarks on an epic romance with Charlie (Gabriel Basso). But, when tragedy strikes, she must navigate a new life.
Lanterns‘ Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Catherine Keener co-star.
YouTube Music is labeling AI-generated songs to help listeners identify AI involvement.
YouTube combines partner disclosures with AI detection tools to identify tracks, even when creators leave disclosure fields blank.
YouTube plans to bring AI labels to its main video platform, extending transparency beyond music streaming.
YouTube Music is rolling out new labels that tell listeners when generative AI played a big part in making a song. The labels will appear directly on the music player, providing users a more transparent idea of what they are listening to without having to sift through descriptions or wonder if a track was created by a human artist or an AI model.
The feature covers music created largely with AI, including songs where generative models contribute both the composition and vocals. Tap a label, and a menu appears with more information about the song’s AI participation. YouTube says the labels will eventually reach its main video platform as well.
The move comes as generative AI makes it easier to produce music at scale. The challenge for streaming services is to help listeners distinguish between AI-assisted work and AI-made work, without treating all use of AI as the same.
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(Image credit: YouTube)
YouTube is using a mix of disclosure from its music partners and its own detection tools instead of relying on artists and music distributors to flag AI-created content. Partners can identify delivered tracks as “Fully Gen AI”, “Partly Gen AI”, or “No Gen AI” through supported metadata workflows.
This distinction is important since an artist using AI to help in a certain part of the production is not the same as a fully AI-generated song. The labels are not intended to lump every AI-assisted track into one category but rather to provide more context for listeners about that difference.
YouTube’s help page says it may use additional signals when partners don’t provide AI information. If the platform can detect that a track has content created by AI, it could be marked as fully or partially AI-generated. Therefore, not entering anything in the disclosure field is no guarantee a song won’t be tagged.
Not an AI-free listening experience, but transparency
The new labels are not a prohibition on AI-generated music. Instead, YouTube is providing listeners with more information on how tracks were made and letting them choose what belongs in their playlists.
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That approach puts the spotlight on transparency as AI music becomes more prevalent across streaming platforms.
I would love to see AI labels become the standard for everything I consume online, from music and videos to news articles and social media posts. I’m not necessarily against content produced by AI, but I want to be told that I’m hearing or seeing it before I decide what I think about it.
YouTube Music adding these labels is moving in the right direction, and I’d welcome the additional transparency. I just hope the labelling on YouTube is accurate, because a disclosure system is only useful if listeners can trust it.
I love focusing on Scripture! All day, every day. 🙏
I get to focus on it while I’m creating Christian printables and I get to focus on the verses when I color my creations! 🥳 It’s such an important part of my week, to just worship Christ, rest, relax, and focus on Him, centering my thoughts, heart, and attitude!
If you like feeding your mind truths of Scripture, you’re gonna love this free printable John 14:6 coloring page. You can use it in Sunday School classes, VBS, homeschool, Christian schools, in family Bible time, and so much more!
Best of all, there’s more Christian coloring sheets you can use to invest in your heart ❤️ and everyone around you also below!!! 👇 Or if you know someone who needs a little encouragement, you can print the coloring page out smaller and stick it on their Bible in service with a cute encouraging note on the back! 💎 They will absolutely adore it and treasure your heartfelt kindness.
If you love this free John 14:6 printable, you’ll also enjoy these faith-filled activities…
Cute Christian Doodle Coloring Sheet Inspired by John 14:6
This super cute kawaii Bible verse coloring sheet is PACKED with adorable little doodles, happy faces, and meaningful illustrations that can help you teach the truth of John 14:6.
Jesus Is The Way Coloring Sheet
On this Christian kawaii coloring page, you’ll find cheerful images like:
Creative Ways to Use This John 14:6 Bible Coloring Page
The 3-Color Gospel Code
Turn this John 14:6 activity sheet into a secret color-code activity!
Choose three colors to represent the three statements Jesus makes about Himself.
The Way – Color all the images that represent the way blue.
The Truth – Color all the images that represent the truth purple.
The Life – Color all the images that represent the life pink (or green).
Once all the pictures are colored on this kawaii Scripture doodle coloring page, have children point to each group of illustrations and explain what they learned about Jesus. This turns a simple Bible verse coloring sheet for kids into a super cute and interactive John 14:6 Sunday school craft!
Create a 3D Scripture Masterpiece
Print two copies of the John 14:6 Christian doodle coloring page.
Color the first page completely. On the second page, color just a few special illustrations, such as the Bible, directional sign, lantern, and seed packet.
Cut those illustrations out and attach them over the matching pictures on the first page using little folded paper tabs or foam adhesive squares.
They’ll POP right off the page and make 3D art! 🎉
You could even use dimensional puff paint on the rainbow, hearts, and Scripture lettering to create extra texture.
Use as a Sunday School Scripture printable to keep little hands busy and hearts open to the gospel
A Faith-based doodle coloring page for Christian schools
Anytime you want to help kids memorize the verse: John 14:6
Glow-in-the-Dark Truth Challenge
Wanna make this Gospel of John coloring printable EXTRA special? Create a Jesus is the light doodle art!
Use a glow-in-the-dark marker on the lantern flame, flashlight, candles, stars, and the words in the center of the page.
After the paint dries and has been charged under a light, turn off the lights and watch the glowing details appear before your very eyes on this “The Way, Truth, and Life” Bible printable!
Then read John 8:12, where Jesus declares that He is the light of the world.
Talk about how a flashlight helps us see where we’re going in the darkness and how God’s Word reveals the truth to us.
What sets your printables apart?
• Other printables are either functional OR cute. I bridge the gap between the two. Since I’m a single mom and don’t have time to mess around and am a kid at heart, I love something that actually propels me forward and gets the job done quickly, while still having that super cute vibe I’m known for. • I’m a graphic designer FIRST. This means my printables, whether free or paid for, will always be of the highest quality and print crisp and clear on any printer. • I love what I do and I do the work myself. I’m not hiring these out. This is my life, my hobby, my passion, my heart. • My fans are obsessed with my work. To date, I’ve made over $23M on printables alone (organically) in the past 8 years.
Is this printable free to download?
Yes! Except for some large binders, all printables on the blog are 100% free for personal use. I make these because I genuinely want you to have something cute and helpful right now without having to spend a dime. You deserve a life that feels more peaceful, more organized, and more you, and if a simple printable can make your day feel lighter, I am so happy to give that to you.
All printables are for personal use only.
Printables, graphics, backgrounds, SVGs, fonts, and design elements on this site are for personal use only. You may not alter them or redistribute them for free or monetary gain without written consent from the author, Sarah Titus. If you want to share these resources with others, please share the link to the blog post. Teachers & Churches: You may share these with your classes, colleagues, and congregation as long as they are not edited in any way.
Can I use these printables for my classroom or church group?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to print as many copies as you need for your own students or church groups. I only ask that you do not edit them in any way (leaving the full copyright line in tact) or sell them or host the digital files on other websites. Please always link back to this post to share with others.
What’s the best way to print these high-quality printables?
• For best results, I recommend using standard 8.5″x11″ white paper. Since these are professionally designed as high-resolution PDFs, they’ll stay crisp and clear on any printer. To print, simply download the PDF to your device and open your printer settings. Select “Fit to Page” to ensure the printable looks perfect. • If you’re printing stickers, I have a tutorial here.
Google is working on a button to copy multiple links at once.
Engineers are exploring a button to copy URLs for all tabs in a group with a single click.
The one who proposed it says the feature could allow users to easily copy multiple source links at once and share them with an AI chatbot.
AI browsers have been cropping from the left, right, and center, and to keep up with intense competition, Google wants Chrome to feel as exciting as it did at launch. This is why Google is committing to delivering new Chrome features every two weeks, and one such feature could actually make researching and working with AI interfaces much easier.
Google is testing a new menu option that lets you copy multiple links at once. Based on a Chromium-related thread on Google’s Issue Tracker (via Piunika Web), Google engineers are exploring a single button to copy URLs for all tabs in a single tab group.
The five most common signs that your hard drive needs replacement are unusual clicking noises, slow performance, frequent crashes, missing or corrupted files, and repeated startup problems. If your computer shows these warning signs, especially more than one, your hard drive may be failing. A professional diagnostic can confirm the problem before permanent data loss occurs.
Your computer’s hard drive stores everything from family photos and important documents to business files and software. When it starts failing, the consequences can be frustrating, expensive, and sometimes irreversible. Unfortunately, many computer owners don’t recognize the warning signs until their files become inaccessible.
At PC Geeks in Frisco, TX, we understand how important a reliable computer is to your daily routine. Whether you’re working remotely, running a small business, or helping your kids complete school assignments, unexpected computer problems can bring everything to a halt.
Our team helps Frisco residents identify hardware problems, explore replacement options, and protect their valuable data. Knowing when to replace can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
5 Warning Signs Your Hard Drive Is Failing
Hard drives don’t always stop working without warning. In many cases, they show symptoms of deterioration before complete failure.
Recognizing these five signs can help you determine when it’s time to schedule a professional diagnostic or replacement.
1. Why Is My Computer Making Clicking or Grinding Noises?
Repeated clicking, grinding, or scraping noises can indicate mechanical hard drive failure.
Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) contain moving components, including spinning platters and read/write heads. When these components malfunction, they may produce unusual sounds.
Common warning noises include:
Repeated clicking or ticking sounds
Grinding or scraping noises
Unusual buzzing or repeated attempts to spin up
Loud mechanical sounds accompanied by freezing or errors
Occasional normal operating sounds aren’t necessarily concerning. However, new or persistent noises, especially when combined with performance problems, deserve immediate attention.
What should you do?
If your hard drive begins making grinding or repeated clicking sounds, shut down your computer and seek professional assistance. Continuing to operate a mechanically damaged drive can make data recovery more difficult.
Keep in mind that solid-state drives (SSDs) have no moving parts, so they won’t produce mechanical failure noises.
2. Is a Slow Computer a Sign of Hard Drive Failure?
A computer that suddenly becomes extremely slow may have a failing hard drive, particularly when opening files or loading programs takes longer than usual.
While slow performance can result from insufficient memory, outdated software, or malware, deteriorating storage drives can also cause significant delays.
Watch for these symptoms:
Programs take unusually long to open.
Files freeze while loading or saving.
Your computer becomes unresponsive during routine tasks.
Startup times increase dramatically.
File transfers frequently stall or fail.
If these problems persist after basic troubleshooting, your storage drive may need attention.
For Frisco professionals who rely on computers for remote work, video meetings, and business operations, these slowdowns can significantly affect productivity.
What should you do?
Start by checking available storage space and closing unnecessary applications. If performance remains poor, PC Geeks can help determine whether the problem involves your hard drive or another component.
Replacing an aging mechanical hard drive with an SSD may also provide a noticeable performance improvement.
3. Why Does My Computer Keep Freezing or Crashing?
Frequent freezing, unexpected restarts, and system crashes can indicate that your computer is struggling to read information from its storage drive.
When a hard drive develops unreadable sectors or other hardware problems, the operating system may have difficulty accessing essential files.
You might notice:
Frequent blue-screen errors on Windows computers
Applications crashing unexpectedly
Your computer freezing during file transfers
Repeated system errors
Unexpected shutdowns or restarts
However, these symptoms can also result from faulty RAM, overheating, driver problems, or software conflicts.
That’s why professional diagnostics are important.
At PC Geeks, identifying the actual source of a computer problem helps prevent unnecessary hardware replacements.
If testing confirms that your hard drive is deteriorating, replacing it before complete failure can help protect your files and restore dependable performance.
4. What Does It Mean When Files Disappear or Become Corrupted?
Missing files, corrupted documents, and repeated file-access errors are serious warning signs that your hard drive may be experiencing storage problems.
Your hard drive is responsible for preserving the information your computer uses every day.
When storage sectors become damaged, certain files may become difficult or impossible to access.
Warning signs include:
Documents that suddenly refuse to open
Photos or videos displaying errors
Files disappearing unexpectedly
Repeated messages about unreadable data
Folders taking unusually long to load
These issues don’t automatically mean the drive is failing. Software errors, accidental deletion, and malware can produce similar symptoms.
However, unexplained file corruption should never be ignored.
What should you do?
If your files are still accessible and the drive is operating normally, back up important information immediately.
If you suspect physical damage or experience repeated read errors, avoid unnecessary file operations and seek professional help. Intensive troubleshooting can place additional stress on a failing drive.
For Frisco families and businesses, protecting irreplaceable photos, financial records, and important documents should always be the priority.
5. Why Is My Computer Having Trouble Starting Up?
Repeated startup failures, missing operating system messages, and warnings that a storage drive cannot be detected may indicate that your hard drive needs replacement.
Your computer relies on its internal storage drive to load the operating system.
When the drive begins failing, the computer may struggle to locate or read the files needed to start.
Common symptoms include:
Getting stuck on the startup screen
Receiving a “Boot Device Not Found” message
Seeing repeated automatic repair screens
Experiencing unusually long startup times
Receiving storage-related hardware warnings
Some computers also display SMART warnings.
SMART stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. It monitors certain indicators of storage-drive health.
According to Backblaze, which analyzes reliability data from hundreds of thousands of drives, SMART information can help identify potential hardware problems.
Backblaze’s 2025 Drive Stats report recorded a 1.36% annualized failure rate across 344,196 analyzed hard drives. These figures reflect enterprise data-center conditions, not the expected failure rate of an individual home computer.
The takeaway is simple: Even reliable storage devices can fail, and monitoring their condition matters.
If your computer repeatedly struggles to start, professional testing can help determine whether you need a new hard drive or a different repair.
Should You Replace With an SSD?
For many computer owners, upgrading from a traditional hard drive to a solid-state drive is a worthwhile investment.
SSDs generally offer several advantages over mechanical drives:
Faster performance: Applications and operating systems typically load more quickly.
Improved durability: No moving parts means fewer mechanical components that can fail.
Quieter operation: SSDs operate silently.
Better efficiency: Many SSDs consume less power than traditional hard drives.
However, SSDs can still fail, so regular backups remain essential.
A professional technician can evaluate your computer’s compatibility, storage requirements, and overall condition before recommending an upgrade.
For many Frisco residents, replacing an aging drive can extend a computer’s useful life without requiring an entirely new system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drive Replacement
How Long Does a Hard Drive Typically Last?
Many traditional drives operate for approximately three to five years or longer, depending on usage, operating conditions, and manufacturing quality. Age alone doesn’t determine whether replacement is necessary, but older drives should be monitored carefully.
Can a Failing Drive Be Repaired?
Some file-system or software problems can be repaired, but physical damage to internal hard drive components generally requires replacement. A professional diagnosis can determine whether data recovery is possible.
Will I Lose My Files If I Replace My Hard Drive?
Not necessarily. If your existing drive remains readable, a technician may be able to transfer your files to the replacement drive. However, successful data recovery cannot be guaranteed when a drive is severely damaged.
Is It Better to Replace My Hard Drive or Buy a New Computer?
If your computer is otherwise functioning well, replacing the hard drive may be more affordable than purchasing a new device. However, if your computer has multiple hardware problems or is no longer supported by current software, replacement may be the better long-term investment.
Need Hard Drive Replacement in Frisco, TX? Contact PC Geeks!
A failing hard drive can put your important files, productivity, and peace of mind at risk. Recognizing the warning signs early gives you a better opportunity to protect your data and avoid unexpected computer downtime.
Whether your computer is making strange noises, freezing unexpectedly, or struggling to start, PC Geeks is here to help Frisco residents find the right solution.
Our team can help diagnose storage problems, evaluate replacement options, and determine the best approach for protecting your important information.
If you’re experiencing signs of failure, reach out to PC Geeks for professional assistance. Contact PC Geeks Today to get help with hard drive diagnostics and replacement in Frisco, TX!
Ubisoft is planning even more layoffs in the latest of a string of job cuts this year. It plans to shut down its RedLynx studio and reduce its Germany-based workforce by about 100 workers, while Ubisoft Singapore is losing around a fifth of its 350 or so employees.
“Today, we informed our teams of a proposal to close RedLynx in Finland, subject to the local change negotiation process, which would affect up to 52 positions,” Ubisoft told GamesIndustry.biz. “At Ubisoft Singapore, 70 positions have been impacted to align the studio with upcoming production needs. The studio remains an important part of Ubisoft’s global production organization. We deeply value the contributions of both teams and recognize the impact this may have on our colleagues. We are committed to supporting our teams throughout this process and conducting it with care and respect.”
Both RedLynx and Ubisoft Singapore have been providing support to other Ubisoft studios in recent times. They were placed in the Creative Network division as part of a restructuring the company announced last year.
Ubisoft snapped up RedLynx, the creator of the Trials series, in 2011. The company laid off dozens of the studio’s workers a year ago. The last game of its own that RedLynx developed was a decoration and puzzle title for mobile devices called Gwen’s Getaway. The game had a soft launch in 2023 but Ubisoft canned it just over a year later.
Ubisoft Singapore initially opened as a support studio in 2008. Its work on naval combat in Assassin’s Creed games led it to making the Skull and Bones. That game finally arrived in early 2024 after many delays and, despite its protracted development, it hardly set the world alight.
Separately, Stephen Totilo’s GameFile reports that Ubisoft plans to reduce its workforce in Germany by about 100. The company currently has over 600 employees spread across three studios in the country. Mostly focused on supporting the development of larger games, the German studios have also led development on recent The Settlers and Anno games, with its Mainz studio responsible Anno 117: Pax Romana in 2025. According to Totilo, the company will be offering voluntary buyouts to staff, and hopes to avoid having to directly lay anyone off.
