Apple has recently announced that they will be relaxing their policy on used parts for iPhone repairs. This is great news for those who have broken iPhones and want to fix them without breaking the bank. Previously, if you went with a third-party supplier or through a repair shop with spare iPhone parts, you had to use Apple-supplied parts, or the device wouldn’t work correctly. Now, used genuine Apple parts will have the same functionality and security as new parts, thanks to remote calibration.

One of the main reasons for this change is the Right to Repair movement, which has been gaining momentum in recent months. The movement aims to give consumers and repair shops access to the tools and information they need to repair their devices without relying on the manufacturer. Apple’s decision to relax its policy on used parts is likely a response to this movement and a way to appease customers who are looking for more affordable repair options.

Another factor that may have contributed to Apple’s decision is the sheer number of iPhones that are being produced and sold each year. As more and more people purchase iPhones, there is a growing demand for replacement parts. By allowing third-party vendors to sell used genuine Apple parts, Apple can meet this demand without having to produce as many new parts itself.

Of course, Apple is also implementing some measures to prevent the use of stolen iPhones in repairing devices. The company will not calibrate components in a new body if the device is declared lost. This feature, called Activation Lock, helps deter a black market of stolen iPhone parts.

Overall, Apple’s decision to relax its policy on used parts for iPhone repairs is a win-win for both the company and its customers. It makes it easier and more affordable for people to fix their broken iPhones, which can only help to maintain Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market share. And who knows – maybe this change will even lead to an increase in iPhone sales as people opt for older models that are more affordable and still offer top-notch capabilities.

The Tech Industry’s Latest Attempt to Automate Art: AI Music Platform Udio Beta Launches

The tech industry has been trying to automate art for some time now, and the latest attempt comes in the form of Udio beta, an AI music platform that claims to allow “anyone to create extraordinary music in an instant.” While the platform may be full of acoustical nonsense, it’s hard to deny the novelty of using AI to create music. However, the results are often less than impressive, with most of the “songs” on the platform being mercifully short and lacking in any real musicality.

Despite the questionable quality of the music produced by Udio, it’s hard not to be fascinated by the platform’s ability to generate such a wide range of styles and sounds. From folk to metal to pop, Udio seems to be able to mimic any genre or style you can think of. However, this raises some important questions about the role of technology in the creative process. Is it truly possible for AI to create art that is on par with human-created content? And what does it say about our society when we begin to rely on machines to create our art and entertainment?

One of the most notable aspects of Udio is its ability to generate songs based on popular culture references. For example, one of the songs on the platform is a folk-inspired ballad about the pineapple-on-pizza debate, while another is a heavy metal track about hell in the bathroom. These songs may be derided as “braindead jingles” by some, but they also show the potential for AI to create music that is both catchy and memorable.

However, it’s hard not to feel a sense of unease when listening to the songs produced by Udio. There’s something unsettling about the lack of human emotion and feeling in the music, which can sometimes sound like nothing more than a soulless algorithm churning out sounds and rhythms without any real purpose or meaning. This raises questions about the value of art created by machines, and whether it can ever truly be considered “art” in the classical sense.

Ultimately, the success of Udio and other AI music platforms will depend on how well they are able to balance the novelty of using AI to create music with the need for genuine artistic expression. While the platform may be fun to play around with, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment when listening to the songs produced by Udio. The future of art and entertainment may be AI-powered, but it’s up to us to ensure that these machines are used in a way that truly enhances our cultural landscape, rather than replacing the human creativity and emotion that makes it so rich and vibrant.

Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA: A Bizarre and Confusing Event

If you’re looking for a unique and bizarre experience, look no further than Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA. The event, which is hosted by House of Illuminati LA on Eventbrite, promises to be a realm of pure imagination and features “two complimentary jelly beans” and the chance to meet the mother oompa loompa, Kristy Paterson, from the original event in Glasgow.

However, things quickly get confusing. The event listing notes that rumors abound that renowned comedians are vying to moderate a Q&A session following the LA experience, though it seems they started the rumors themselves. Additionally, users on X claim that the Eventbrite listing earlier today listed actor Timothée Chalemet as “perhaps maybe” expressing interest in attending.

The Guardian reports that the Eventbrite post also listed Zach Galifianakis and Nathan Fielder as potential attendees, though they’ve since been removed. Gizmodo has been unable to confirm the person behind this event, but it does not appear to be Billy Coull, the organizer of the original Glasgow event and head of The House of Illuminati.

The original Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow left kids crying and forced the police to be called, and it seems that this LA event is attempting to capitalize on that notoriety. However, this event does not seem to be child-friendly, as it features live comedy and musical performances followed by a transition to “Willy’s Rave” around 9 p.m., scheduled until 4 a.m. the next day.

All proceeds from the event are allegedly being donated to charity, but it’s worth noting that the original Glasgow event was plagued by issues with refunds and communication. House of Illuminati LA did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment.

The script for the LA event features a completely hallucinated new character that never appeared in the Willy Wonka movies: The Unknown, an evil rival chocolate maker that lived in the walls of the factory. House of Illuminati claims any resemblance to existing characters is “coincidental.”

Overall, Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA promises to be a bizarre and confusing event that is not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, this might be worth checking out. But proceed with caution, as the event’s organizers have a history of causing chaos and confusion.

Transformers: One, the first animated theatrical Transformers film since the 1986 masterpiece, promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise. Directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4), the film tells the story of how Optimus Prime and Megatron, two of the most famous Transformers, went from best friends to mortal enemies. With a star-studded cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm, the film is set entirely on Cybertron and follows the story of two lowly worker robots who embark on an epic journey to the forbidden surface of Cybertron.

However, based on the first footage revealed at CinemaCon, the film may not be what fans were hoping for. The CG animation looks familiar and aimed at a very young audience, with a tone that is more humorous than gravitas. The characters, particularly Prime and Megatron, do not resemble the ones we know and love, with no faceplates and a more childlike appearance. The footage shows the characters attempting to figure out how to use their powers, with plenty of bungling and mistakes along the way.

The film’s focus on humor over action may be a departure from the darker, more serious tone of previous Transformers films, and it may not be what fans were hoping for. While the footage did show some promise, with an extended scene in 3D that added to the experience, it was clear that this Transformers is aimed at a younger audience than previous installments.

While Transformers: One may not be the spiritual followup to Transformers: The Movie that fans had hoped for, it is clear that the film is aimed at a new generation of fans. With its colorful animation and humor-focused tone, the film promises to bring a fresh take to the franchise. Whether or not it will live up to the legacy of the 1986 masterpiece remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Transformers: One is set to be an exciting addition to the Transformers universe.

Dbrand’s Social Media Mishap: A Lesson in Customer Service and Cultural Sensitivity

In today’s digital age, social media has become a crucial platform for businesses to connect with their customers. However, it can also be a double-edged sword that can backfire and cause more harm than good. This is exactly what happened to Dbrand, a prominent maker of skins for mobile devices and faceplates for consoles, when they decided to mock a customer’s name on Twitter.

The incident began when an X user named Bhuwan Chitransh tweeted at Dbrand asking for advice on how to keep a Macbook skin the same color. Instead of offering helpful suggestions, Dbrand decided to make fun of Chitransh’s last name in a cringe-worthy and arguably racist way. The now-deleted tweet read, “Your last name is basically shit rash, be serious.”

The tweet quickly sparked outrage among Dbrand’s followers, who called out the company for their insensitive and disrespectful behavior. One user tweeted, “You’ve fully crossed the line here mate, no coming back from this,” while another user posted, “Wait really @dbrand? In lieu of any attempt at customer support, you make fun of a customer’s foreign name?”

Despite the backlash, Dbrand initially tried to brush off the situation by posting a flippant apology on their support Twitter account. However, as the criticism continued to mount, the company was forced to take a more serious approach. On Wednesday, they posted a lengthy statement acknowledging their mistake and offering a $10,000 gesture of goodwill to Chitransh.

In their statement, Dbrand acknowledged that they had “fully crossed the line” with their tweet and that it was not acceptable to make fun of someone’s name or cultural background. They also emphasized that they had been poking fun at customers on social media for over a decade, but that this time, they had gone too far.

Chitransh, who initially expressed his disappointment with Dbrand’s tweet, eventually accepted the $10,000 offer and posted a message on Thursday thanking the company for their gesture. However, he also emphasized that engaging in racial discussions that degrade communities is not cool.

The incident serves as a valuable lesson for businesses on social media etiquette and cultural sensitivity. It’s important to remember that social media platforms are public spaces where anyone can see your posts and engage with your content. As such, it’s crucial to be mindful of the language and tone you use when interacting with customers online.

Moreover, the incident highlights the importance of customer service and treating all customers with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or name. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, it’s important to recognize that people come from different cultures and backgrounds, and that we should strive to understand and appreciate these differences rather than making fun of them.

In conclusion, Dbrand’s social media mishap serves as a cautionary tale for businesses on the importance of cultural sensitivity and customer service. While it may be tempting to use humor or sarcasm to engage with customers online, it’s important to remember that these interactions can have real-life consequences and can damage your reputation and relationships with your customers. By being mindful of the language we use and treating all customers with respect, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming online community for everyone.

On Monday, August 21st, the Great North American Solar Eclipse swept across the United States, providing millions of people with a rare opportunity to witness the Sun’s corona. However, the excitement of this celestial event was overshadowed by a concerning issue: fake eclipse glasses.

The Moorestown Library in New Jersey issued an urgent statement after learning that the eclipse glasses they had distributed to patrons may have been counterfeit. The library had purchased the glasses from Walmart.com, and while they were labeled as being manufactured by Medical King, a brand approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), it is now suspected that they may be counterfeits.

The library advised people against using the eclipse glasses and apologized for the error. One comment on the library’s Facebook post read, “I called a testing lab to see about having my glasses tested for safety. The lab wanted $1200-$1500. I’ll just have to wait and see whether I eventually go blind.”

The AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force had previously issued a warning in late March, stating that they had found evidence of counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses in the market that were falsely labeled as being made by legitimate manufacturers. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Public Health recalled eclipse glasses that were sold on Amazon and available in several retail stores in the midwestern state.

As the Moon concluded its brief stint of blocking the view of the Sun, people took to the internet to complain about eye pain. According to Google Trends, searches for “my eyes hurt” and “why do my eyes hurt” surged after the total solar eclipse ended on Monday. There were approximately 100 cases of eclipse-related retinopathy following the 2017 solar eclipse across the U.S. and Canada, according to AAS. However, we still don’t have figures for the number of people who may have been affected by the most recent eclipse.

The issue of fake eclipse glasses highlights the importance of being cautious when purchasing eye protection for such events. The AAS recommends using only glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for eye protection during a solar eclipse.

The Moorestown Library’s mistake serves as a reminder to always verify the authenticity of products, especially when it comes to something as important as eye protection during a solar eclipse. It is better to be safe than sorry, and to prioritize your eye health by using only legitimate and safely tested eclipse glasses.

In conclusion, while the Great North American Solar Eclipse provided a rare and awe-inspiring experience for many, it also served as a cautionary tale about the importance of eye protection and the potential dangers of fake eclipse glasses. We must be vigilant in our efforts to ensure the safety of all individuals who choose to observe such celestial events.

Ios 17.5 Beta: A Puzzling Experience

The latest iOS 17.5 beta has introduced a new game for Apple News+ subscribers called Quartiles, which promises to be a challenging and exciting puzzle game. However, after trying out the game, I have to say that it falls short of its potential and is not as enjoyable as other puzzle games available in the market.

At first glance, Quartiles appears to be similar to several crossword games found in the New York Times, with a grid of morphemes, phonemes, syllables, and word snippets that players must match to create longer words. However, unlike these games, Quartiles is incredibly frustrating and demands a high level of expertise to play.

The game features five-by-five tiles with word snippets that players must match to create longer words. The problem is that the tiles are incredibly difficult to manipulate, and there is no control to segment the tiles for the player’s use. This makes it almost impossible to form meaningful words, and the game becomes a frustrating exercise in guesswork rather than skill.

Furthermore, the game does not evolve or get easier as players progress. Each Quartile is as difficult as the last, and there is no sense of triumph or accomplishment when a player manages to find a word. Instead, it feels like a never-ending loop of guesswork and frustration.

In comparison to other puzzle games like Spelling Bee or Connections, Quartiles falls short in terms of design and user experience. These games introduce mechanics gradually, making it easier for players to learn and progress. In contrast, Quartiles throws players into the deep end with no onramp or guidance, leaving them feeling lost and frustrated.

Additionally, the game is only available to Apple News+ subscribers, which may be a turn-off for some players. The fact that players need to pay for access to the game also adds to the frustration, as it feels like a waste of money on a poorly designed game.

In conclusion, while the idea behind Quartiles is interesting, the execution falls short. The game is incredibly frustrating, and the lack of controls and guidance makes it difficult to play. If you’re looking for a puzzle game that is challenging yet enjoyable, I would recommend exploring other options.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Returns for Season 2 and Beyond!

The Monsterverse is back and bigger than ever! Following the success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Apple TV+ has announced a new multi-series deal with Legendary Entertainment, which includes a second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and multiple spinoff series based on the franchise. While there are no details yet on which characters will star in the upcoming series, the possibilities are endless!

In a statement, Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV+, expressed the company’s excitement for viewers to experience even more thrills in season two and embark on epic, new journeys within the Monsterverse. We couldn’t agree more!

For those who may be new to the Monsterverse, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters follows the story of a group of scientists and explorers known as Monarch, who are tasked with studying and protecting the world’s most iconic monsters. Think Godzilla, King Kong, Mothra, and more!

The first season saw the team face off against a variety of creatures, including a giant spider, a swarm of flesh-eating insects, and even a rogue Godzilla. It was a wild ride, to say the least!

Now, with the Monsterverse expanding into new territory, the possibilities for season two and beyond are endless. Will we see more familiar faces from the franchise? Will we meet some new monsters? The answer is yes!

While there’s no official release date for the second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, fans can rest assured that it will be worth the wait. With the success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and the expanding Monsterverse, it’s an exciting time to be a fan of monster movies!

So, what do you hope to see in the upcoming seasons of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters? Let us know in the comments below! And for more io9 news, check out our roundup of the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Monsterverse and beyond!

Aang: The Last Airbender Film Set for October Release

Paramount Pictures has announced that the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, titled Aang: The Last Airbender, will be released on October 10, 2025. The feature film promises to deliver an exciting continuation of the beloved animated franchise, with an older cast of voice actors and a bold move to release concurrently with the Avatar: The Last Airbender television series on Netflix.

The film will take place presumably after Avatar: The Last Airbender but before The Legend of Korra, wrapping up Aang’s story. Dune and Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista will voice an as-yet-unnamed bad buy, while Eric Nam will voice Aang, Dionne Quan as Toph, Jessica Matten as Katara, and Román Zaragoza as Sokka. The film is directed by Lauren Montgomery and co-directed by William Mata, with Avatar: The Last Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko on board as producers alongside Latifa Ouaou and Maryann Garger.

The Aang: The Last Airbender film is the first of three films to continue the stories originated from Avatar: The Last Airbender, and fans can expect the feature to fill in on a lot of what happened in between both critically acclaimed television series. The live-action adaptation, which has recently been renewed for a second and third season with shifting creative leadership after the first season, was greatly impacted by the departure of the animated series’ creative team and their oversight.

With the release of Aang: The Last Airbender, fans can look forward to an exciting continuation of the Avatar universe on the big screen. The film promises to deliver all the action, adventure, and humor that the franchise is known for, and with a talented cast of voice actors and a team of experienced producers and directors, fans can expect a faithful adaptation that will satisfy their love for the original series.

In conclusion, Aang: The Last Airbender is an exciting addition to the Avatar franchise, offering fans a new chapter in the beloved story of Aang and his friends. With its release concurrently with the Avatar: The Last Airbender television series on Netflix, fans can indulge in even more adventures set in the world of bending. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 10, 2025, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey with Aang and his friends.

The Running Man: A Promising Update on the Long-Teased Remake

It’s been a few years since the announcement of a remake of Stephen King’s 1982 novel, The Running Man, and now we have some exciting news to share. Edgar Wright, the acclaimed director known for his work on Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Baby Driver, is still on board to direct and produce the new version of the film, and it’s been announced that Glen Powell will star in the lead role. The announcement was made at CinemaCon 2024, and according to Deadline, Wright will also produce along with Nira Park and Simon Kinberg (Deadpool 2, multiple X-Men films).

For those who may be unfamiliar with the original novel, The Running Man takes place in 2025 and follows a man who, desperate for money to buy medicine for his sick daughter, joins a hugely popular reality show put on by a government-sponsored TV network. The catch? He must survive being hunted by a team of assassins in order to win a tempting cash prize. The themes explored in the book, such as outrageous health care costs and audiences hungry for train-wreck TV, feel just as urgent today as they did when the novel was first published over 40 years ago.

Fans of Wright’s work will be thrilled to hear that he is still attached to the project, as his unique blend of humor and action has proven to be a winning combination time and time again. Additionally, Powell is an in-demand actor who has shown his range in films such as Twisters and Anyone But You. The casting of these two talents bodes well for the remake, which is sure to bring King’s novel to life in a new and exciting way.

While there is no release date yet, 2025 feels like an awfully short wait for what promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking film. The Running Man remake is one to keep an eye on, and we can’t wait to see what Wright and Powell bring to the table.

In conclusion, The Running Man remake is shaping up to be a promising update on the long-teased project. With Edgar Wright at the helm and Glen Powell in the lead role, fans of the original novel and of Wright’s work are sure to be in for a treat. We’ll have to wait and see when the film will be released, but for now, we’re just excited to know that this project is still moving forward.