Uber and Chinese company Pony.ai are gearing up to launch a robotaxi service for Europe, starting with Zagreb in Croatia. The companies are working with Croatian company Verne, which will provide the service ecosystem and operational framework for the service. They’re using Arcfox Alpha T5 vehicles made by Beijing-based automaker BAIC Motor powered by Pony.ai’s Gen-7 autonomous driving system. Initially, the autonomous rides will be offered on Verne’s app, but they will eventually be available through Uber.
In their announcement, the companies said they have already started on-road testing in Zagreb, where the service will be available “soon.” They’re hoping to expand it to other European cities in the future, and then to more markets, with the goal of deploying a fleet with thousands of robotaxis over the next few years. Verne will be in charge of securing regulatory approval for the rollouts, while Uber has agreed to invest in the Croatian company.
This is but one of Uber’s partnerships centering around its efforts to offer more and more driverless rides to its passengers. Just earlier this month, it announced that it was launching a pilot program for a robotaxi service in Tokyo in late 2026 with Nissan and UK self-driving startup Wayve. Uber also started offering robotaxi rides to passengers in Las Vegas at the same time. The fleet deployed in the city is made up of Hyundai Ioniq 5 autonomous EVs, developed in partnership with Motional.
Welcome to the 1.114 release of Visual Studio Code.
Happy Coding!
To try new features as soon as possible, download the nightly Insiders build, which includes the latest updates as soon as they are available.
March 23, 2026
Pinned chat sessions show a pin icon indicator in the sessions list, making it easier to distinguish pinned from unpinned sessions. #304046
A new ${taskVar:name} variable lets you capture dynamic values from a task’s problem matcher output and use them in launch configurations. For example, capture a server URL from task output and reference it with ${taskVar:serverUrl}. #303361
We really appreciate people trying our new features as soon as they are ready, so check back here often and learn what’s new.
Mate Rimac, the founder of Croatian electric vehicle maker Rimac Group, started working on electric robotaxis seven years ago. Now, part of his vision is coming to fruition through a strategic partnership between Uber, Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai, and his own robotaxi startup Verne.
The three companies announced plans Thursday to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Europe, starting in Zagreb, Croatia. Pony.ai will supply the autonomous driving system and a robotaxi called the Arcfox Alpha T5 that was developed with Chinese automaker BAIC. Verne will own and operate the fleet, and Uber will provide its vast ride-hailing network.
The ride-hailing giant also indicated it intends to invest an undisclosed amount into Verne and support future expansion as a strategic partner.
The companies didn’t provide a specific launch date for the commercial service, though on-road testing in Zagreb — where Rimac Group is based — is already underway.
Verne doesn’t have the same name recognition as Waymo or Tesla — at least not in the United States. But it has the same outsized ambitions.
Verne started in 2019 as a project called Project 3 Mobility (or P3) within Rimac Group, a growing ecosystem of companies that includes hypercar maker Rimac Bugatti, Rimac Energy, and Rimac Technology. Mate Rimac holds a 23% stake in the group.
There were occasional updates about the project, but it wasn’t until July 2024 — when Verne launched with 100 million euros in funding — that the public got a more detailed look at its plans.
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Rimac’s vision has always been for Verne to operate an urban robotaxi service with purpose-built two-seater electric vehicles. That might sound like an odd mission for the person behind the Nevera, an electric hypercar that starts around $2.2 million. But as he explained to this reporter a couple of years ago, Rimac was never interested in making a high-volume EV that humans would drive — precisely because he believes that autonomous vehicle technology will make that business obsolete.
“It will take a while, but it’s coming; I’m sure about that,” he’d told me at the time.
Verne isn’t developing its own self-driving system. Instead, the company is focused on the urban electric vehicle, the ride-hailing app, and the back-end infrastructure to manage the fleet, including cleaning and maintenance.
Verne plans to produce its robotaxi EVs at a new factory in Lučko, Croatia, expected to begin operations later this year.
Verne hasn’t launched the two seaters yet, nor did it provide an update on the vehicles in its announcement with Uber and Pony.ai. The company said in November that it had produced and tested 60 verification prototypes.
For now, the Verne robotaxi service will use the Pony.ai-BAIC vehicle, the Arcfox Alpha T5. Users will be able to hail one via Uber as well as through Verne’s own app.
Verne is starting small with its commercial launch, but it has plans to scale to a “fleet of thousands of robotaxis over the next few years,” according to Thursday’s announcement. And its aspirations go far beyond the borders of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and home to Rimac Group.
“Europe needs autonomous mobility that can move from testing to a real service,” said Verne CEO Marko Pejkovic, in a statement. “At Verne, we are bringing together the technology, platform, and operational capabilities required to make this a reality, starting in Zagreb before expanding to new markets.”
Summer is almost here and it’s such a super exciting time to get ready for all things sunshine, beachy, 🏝️ travel, and bright! 🌟
If you’re looking for a summer words list, you’re in the right place. This A to Z collection is packed with summer words and summer vocabulary that starts with every letter of the alphabet, so it’s easy to find exactly what you need fast. 🚀 And if you searched for words that starts with a specific letter, you’ll find those too, all organized by ABC. ❤️
Use this super fun summer words that starts with A to Z list for all your cute seasonal projects!
You’ll have tons of inspiration for whatever you’re creating, whether it’s for writing, printables, games, classroom activities, or just soaking up all the happy summer vibes. 🌴
Creative Ways to Use This Summer Word List
You’ve probably scrolled through this massive summer word bank and thought, “Sarah, these are all so cool (!), but what should I actually do with them?”
Personally, I use the words for lots of things from studying the words to get “in the vibe” of a particular holiday to creating free printable word searches for the blog, etc.
The options are seriously endless! 🎉 Whether you’re a teacher prepping for the last days of school, a mom trying to beat the “I’m bored” blues, or just someone who’s obsessed with a good summer DIY, here are a few fun ways to use this list:
Summer Scrapbooking – Use these words to find the perfect descriptive titles for your vacation photos and memory books.
End of School Activities – Teachers, use this list to create summer-themed vocabulary bingo or word searches for the classroom.
Road Trip Games – Build a custom I-Spy or scavenger hunt list to keep the kids busy during long car rides.
You can use these:
Summer nouns for a sunny word search
Short summer words for quick puzzles and crafts
Summer adjectives to spice up your social media captions and cards
…and more!
Summer Words That Starts with A – Z (Alphabetical Summer Words)
Be sure to check out my other A-Z lists for more fun! 🥳
Want to keep testing your knowledge of gaming trivia? We’ve got loads more PC Gamer quizzes, on everything from healthbars to weird currencies to absurd patch notes.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but I’m gonna be real with you for a moment and admit I have absolutely zero sense of direction (both in games and in real life). Stress on the zero, because if you ask me whether to take a left or a right at the stop sign, I’m going to let you down.
So perhaps it’s no surprise to learn I’m always looking at the world maps when playing videogames, though at least those are fun to use. It helps that using one for the first time always feels a bit magical, too. There’s just nothing quite like deciphering fantasy town names or mysterious landmarks—it’s the opposite feeling I get from Siri’s robotic shouting to announce I’ve missed the turn again.
That’s why I’ve settled on making this week’s challenge a tribute to the fictional GPS of videogame world maps, and seeing just how many games you recognize by a lay-of-the-land screenshot. You won’t have to know your left from your right, but you will have to know Midgard from Ishgard.
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You’ve got 15 minutes to identify 20 videogames based on a screenshot of their world map. Some images give away more than others, and you won’t always see worlds in their entirety, but gaming cartographers should have it in the bag, easy.
Let us know how you did in the comments, and maybe answer a quick question for me:When it comes to videogame world maps, what are some examples that stand out to you?
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
JTB SSMPropEditor streamlines editing Sheet Set Manager properties across multiple CAD sheets, saving significant time for users of AutoCAD and similar platforms.
Edit Sheet Set Properties, Sheet Properties, and custom properties in bulk on multiple sheets simultaneously. Copy properties between sheets or sets, increment revisions, export/import to Excel or text for find/replace, and optionally rename drawing files or layouts.
Users praise it as a “must-have” for large sheet sets, with comments like renumbering 120 sheets in 20 seconds and fixing performance issues. Many call it the “best investment” for bulk edits that save days of manual work.
Download the trial and try yourself.
Here’s the latest news:
AutoCAD 2027 support added.
Allow more formatting in exported Excel files.
Recent Sheet Sets functionality in File menu improved to show latest used at top.
Options settings defaults and bugs fixed.
Allows custom property named Sheet ID that previously could cause error when importing.
Fixed Expected path and Found Path bugs.
Improved drag and drop of DST from Explorer so it can be dropped in the tree view.
Better support for cloud based DST files.
Fixed bugs where paths were not handled as expected.
Fixed bug where model view paths could not be edited.
Ghost in the Shell is one of the most important franchises in manga and anime. The series began as a manga created by Masamune Shirow, which has seen numerous sequels, film and anime adaptations, video games, and more. It’s even set to receive another anime adaptation courtesy of one of the best contemporary anime studios, Science Saru, set to premiere in July 2026. If you’re looking to experience the source material before this new anime series drops, you’re in luck–the original manga and several of its sequel books were reprinted earlier this year with the gorgeous The Ghost in the Shell Legacy Edition box set, and thanks to Amazon’s Spring Sale event, you can snag the three-book set for just $107, saving you nearly 25% compared to its $140. This is a temporary price cut that will only be available during Amazon’s sale, which ends on March 31.
The Ghost in the Shell Legacy Edition Manga Box Set includes three deluxe hardcover volumes housed in a slipcover case. The first is the original The Ghost in the Shell that restores the scenes and artwork from the original Japanese version of the manga that were removed for the western release. The set also includes both manga follow-ups, The Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processor and The Ghost in the Shell 2.0: Man‑Machine Interface.
Along with the books, the collection also comes with a set of ten 10-ich posters based on the rare 1997 Cyberdelics releases. Each posted is printed on etched metallic vinyl stock with holographic spot gloss finish–in other words, these are high-quality prints. There’s also a set of multi-colored Fuchikoma robot stickers and an additional poster with information about Shirow’s creative process.
A Los Angeles court jury has reached its final verdict, stating that it finds Meta and YouTube guilty of being “negligent” in the addictive nature of their social media apps.
Kaley, otherwise referred to as K.G.M., claimed that she had become extremely addicted to YouTube and Instagram from a young age, which led to severe mental health problems.
K.G.M. was awarded $3 million in damages, of which Meta will handle 70%.
A verdict has reportedly been reached in the trial of social media addiction that put Meta and YouTube in the spotlight.
This afternoon (Mar 25), it was reported that Meta and YouTube had “failed” to warn users, especially younger users, about the potential dangers of excessively using social media. CNBC reiterates that the trial concerned Kaley (or K.G.M.), a young woman who took these two companies (among others) to court. The plaintiff, now 20 years of age, said that she had become “addicted” to social media since she was a child. K.G.M. added that, due to her usage of such apps, her mental health declined, resulting in “mental health-related harms,” per CNBC.
Mental health issues highlighted during the trial included “severe body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts.” As addressed by APNews, K.G.M. argued that the “infinite scrolling” mechanic present in many social media apps was a part of its addictive nature. What’s more, the constant, steady flow of notifications didn’t help anything.
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At one point, it was mentioned during the trial that K.G.M. had started her usage of YouTube at the age of six before joining Instagram at nine. She would reportedly remain on these apps “all day long.” In their defense, Meta used her therapists in saying that none of them cited social media as “the cause” for her mental health issues. Additionally, YouTube declined its categorization as a social media app, adding that K.G.M’s time on the platform rapidly declined as she aged.
Regardless, the jury found both Meta and YouTube guilty of negligence, awarding K.G.M. $3 million in damages. It has been stated that Meta is to handle 70% of this cost, leaving YouTube to take care of the rest. APNews mentions that the plaintiff also sought TikTok and Snap; however, those two settled before this ever reached the courtroom, leaving Meta and YouTube.
Is there an issue here?
(Image credit: Chris Wedel/Android Central)
While a verdict has been reached, Meta delivered a statement shortly after, stating, “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.”
We’ve seen similar arguments held overseas in Australia during its social media ban. Back on December 10, Google informed Australian users that it would begin logging anyone out who was not 16 years or older. Australia’s social media ban no longer excluded YouTube, so the company had no other choice but to comply. Google’s counterargument stated that a ban such as this wouldn’t help the problem.
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Instead, it encouraged parents to look toward the available selection of parental controls to place limits on their children. One question was asked by Android Central’s Jerry Hildenbrand: “Can YouTube be ‘bad’ for kids?” The argument by Jerry was made that, yes, it can be, but what that means will differ from parent to parent.
Android Central’s Take
A trial like this is an interesting one. I’m no one would disagree that, yeah, there are dangers with anything on the internet. You can stumble across drugs or more nefarious—potentially harmful—content. Of course, it’s the internet. But where I diverge, and where I agree with Jerry, is who should take responsibility: the parents. In this case, much like any other, the parent is responsible for what their child views, uses, and interacts with. I grew up in a time when such limitations were given to me, since I was always interested in computers and phones. Sure, maybe there should be a big red warning. “Hey! This could be a problem if you use it too much.” Aside from that, it is the parents’ job by default to do what their title entails: parent.
Relocating from New Zealand to Australia requires careful preparation. Although the two countries are geographically close, the process still involves international shipping, documentation, and settlement planning. Sorting the most important tasks early can prevent delays and make the transition far smoother. By addressing key practical matters first, individuals and families can move forward with a clearer plan and fewer last-minute complications.
Confirm Your Moving Timeline and Logistics
The first priority when relocating internationally is organising how your belongings will travel. Shipping arrangements influence the entire moving schedule, including packing dates, departure timing, and arrival plans in Australia.
International moves typically involve freight forwarding, shared shipping containers, or dedicated container space, depending on the volume of household items. Transit times across the Tasman may vary, so confirming shipping logistics early helps establish realistic expectations.
Many households begin by researching options for moving to Australia from NZ with experienced relocation support to better understand the transport process and timeline. Clarifying these logistics early ensures belongings are packed properly and shipped within the required timeframe.
Review Visa and Residency Requirements
New Zealand citizens generally have straightforward access to Australia, but it is still important to understand the relevant immigration rules before moving.
Most New Zealanders enter under the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444), which allows them to live and work in Australia. However, residency conditions, healthcare eligibility, and long-term settlement options can vary depending on personal circumstances.
Reviewing these requirements early helps individuals understand their rights and responsibilities once they arrive. It also ensures that employment arrangements, schooling plans, or healthcare access can be organised with confidence.
Organise Essential Personal Documents
International relocation often requires multiple documents for identification, employment verification, and administrative registration.
Before leaving New Zealand, it is important to gather key records, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic qualifications, and employment documents. These records are frequently required when opening bank accounts, applying for housing, or registering with services in Australia.
Many institutions rely on identity verification systems to confirm personal details. Having certified copies ready can make these processes significantly faster after arrival.
Creating digital backups of important documents also provides an extra layer of security while belongings are in transit.
Decide What to Ship and What to Replace
One of the most practical decisions when relocating internationally is determining which belongings should be shipped and which should be replaced after arrival.
Shipping costs depend on container space, item size, and transit handling. As a result, many households review furniture, appliances, and bulky items carefully before deciding whether they are worth transporting.
High-quality furniture, sentimental items, and irreplaceable belongings are often prioritised, while easily replaceable items may be left behind. This stage often involves assessing international removals logistics, where shipment volume directly affects overall costs.
Sorting belongings early reduces shipping expenses and allows packing teams to prepare items according to export requirements.
Prepare Financial and Banking Arrangements
Financial planning is another task that should be addressed early in the relocation process. Informing your New Zealand bank about the move from NZ to Australia can help avoid issues with international transactions, while also reviewing any existing entitlements, as payments like Working for Families tax credits may be affected or stopped once you move overseas.
Many people also open an Australian bank account before arriving so that funds are immediately accessible for everyday expenses. This can be particularly useful when paying rental deposits, utilities, or transport costs.
Understanding currency exchange systems and international transfer fees is also important when moving savings between countries. Organising finances early helps ensure that financial access is smooth during the first weeks in Australia.
Plan Housing and Short-Term Accommodation
Housing arrangements often need to be considered before leaving New Zealand. Some people secure long-term accommodation in advance, while others arrange temporary housing until they find a suitable property.
Australia’s rental market can vary between cities, and landlords typically require identification, references, and employment confirmation. Preparing these documents ahead of time can help speed up the application process.
Temporary accommodation may also be necessary while shipped belongings are still in transit, ensuring households remain comfortable during the transition period.
Starting With the Right Priorities
Relocating from New Zealand to Australia involves several moving parts, but focusing on the right tasks early makes the process much easier. Confirming transport logistics, reviewing visa requirements, preparing documents, and organising finances all help create a clear relocation plan.
When these priorities are handled early, the remaining steps of the move from NZ to Australia become far more manageable, allowing individuals and families to settle into their new environment with greater confidence.
Reddit is stepping up its fight against bots, and now your account could be asked to prove it is human if the platform detects fishy behaviour.
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says these checks will be rare, but they are meant to protect what makes Reddit work in the first place – real people talking to real people.
As AI-generated content spreads, Reddit admits it is getting harder to tell who is behind a post. So instead of broad crackdowns, it is focusing on suspicious behavior and adding clearer signals across the platform.
How Reddit plans to separate humans from bots
Reddit
If Reddit detects signs of automation or unusual behavior, it may trigger a human verification check. This could involve simple actions like passkeys or FaceID that confirm a human is present.
In some cases, third-party biometric systems like Sam Altman’s World ID may be used. The platform may also use government-issued IDs in regions where laws require them. However, Reddit says that your identity will stay separate from your account.
The company is also standardizing labels for automated accounts. Approved bots will carry an [APP] tag, making it obvious you are interacting with software. Developers will need to register their tools to get this label, which adds a layer of transparency.
Since Reddit says this is not a sitewide verification system, most users might never be asked to prove anything. Even when such checks take place, the focus will be on confirming a human exists, not identifying who that person is.
At the same time, the platform will continue removing harmful bots at scale, already taking down around 100,000 accounts daily. It is also improving reporting tools so users can flag suspicious activity more easily.
Reddit is not banning AI-written posts outright, but it is drawing a firm line. For now, the platform cares less about how content is written and more about who is behind it.
