Google reshapes Fitbit in its image as users allege “planned obsolescence”

Generative AI may not be enough to appease frustrated customers.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/03/google-reshapes-fitbit-in-its-image-as-users-allege-planned-obsolescence/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

VMware admits sweeping Broadcom changes are worrying customers

Broadcom has cut VMware products, perpetual licenses, and its partner program.

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/vmware-admits-sweeping-broadcom-changes-are-worrying-customers/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is a fine entry point into the auto-shooting depths

This fleshed-out Early Access version could convert first-timers to the genre.

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/02/deep-rock-galactic-survivor-is-a-fine-entry-point-into-the-auto-shooting-depths/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

#GoogleIO revealed the two weirdest features as a pair.

1. Give a short summary and Google will draft an e-mail for you based on it. You can even click "elaborate" and it will make the e-mail longer.

2. When opening an e-mail, Gmail can summarize the entire thing for you so you don't have to read all of it.

Does everyone realize how fucking bizarre this is?

Both people in the conversation want to work with directness and brevity, and Google is doing textual steganography in the middle.