Yes this sounds like a very convoluted way to go about things, but I am not sure if it was the actual verdict that is so badly constructed that it demands this or that Google gives itself and everyone else a lot of unnecessary pain.

Samsung also does auto updates etc and co-exists with the play store on samsung phones (granted, it lives within their android skin), even updates some Google play store (installed) apps, so I am not sure what or where the issue is/lies.

But now Google wants app stores within app stores within app stores as a solution?

Well one small step would be to stop selling or dealing with subcontractors, will not fix it but does add an extra hurdle to things.

Technical issues? Go on-site to where the machine is supposed to be … have your own technicians look at the machines on site and report back.

But I guess those costs put pressure on the profits of the company.

Cancelation fees (and steep ones at that) on digital goods/“services” … shows how far things sunk towards the lower hells.

An early synopsis promised me a scifi story with a more serious twist on Buck Rogers and some Gravity mixed in.

What I got was a first episode of scifi and the following half of the season drowned in a repetitive psychological drama… It could not hold my interest beyond episode 4.

Acting and production all was top notch but how the story went made it clear to me it was not a long lasting show.

Years ago I happily used some Razer mice and keyboards, even a headset, so in the not too far past I told people around me that Razer was fairly good, quality wise, but alas, I think each and every one I recommended Razer products to had them break and or die well within warranty, and they always had to start a stupid discussion to get the warranty/RMA accepted, a few times even replacements denied outright by Razer.

For me this stands in sharp contrast with Logitech whom has never denied me a warranty, even for products a few weeks beyond the date, and they generally just send out a new item. That is, for me it is rare for a Logitech product to actually require replacement to begin with, I have a few mice, keyboards and headsets far older than 5 years and they work fine plus are still supported in the drivers.

Speaking of drivers, Razer at one point also made the decision to have their drivers require an account login to function properly (multi-button mice would only have 2 functional buttons if not logged in etc). But after some flak from its users it slightly changed that to the login being optional, but profiles would still be hampered without a continuous online presence.

Coming back to Asus, for a few years now I hear of people having quality issues and grumpy asus service desks, but for me their videocards ways ran fine (even without coil whine, unlike some MSI cards). I am quite hesitant to buy an Asus monitor or motherboard though.

If this is true it will be devastating for Qualcomm … they hyped the new chips big time, and some huge manufacturers happily announced products with the new chip. So if this falls flat, a few influential players will not be happy at all…

Not to mention the rest of the tech media… they will happily sell the pitchforks and torches.

The thing is though it is not only now that the US was perceived as weak, it started during Trump’s time in power. The way Trump plainly kissed Putins feet in deep adoration, and utterly discredited his own forces any way he could, set the tone for the 12 years to follow… Trump being the loser he is only knows to blame others and the way he puts Biden in the spotlight as inept is not doing the US’ reputation any good.

Back then the international “politicians” could see that not only Trump’s 4 years were weak, but Bidens term and the next 4 years after that will be of the same mess with either the republicans destroying Democracy or throwing tantrums and blocking all legislation, regardless who wins the US finds itself in a gridlock of indecisiveness and infighting. (And it’s quite clear it’s all orchestrated by Putin himself … time and time again there’s evidence of strong Russian influence in the US politics and the republicans brush it aside and block investigations with a sheepish smile)

That makes it 12(!!) full years of the US rapidly losing status and power on the world stage.

All in all, Putin knew the US was so predictably incompetent that he could calculate to have 6 years at minimum to wreack as much havoc in Ukraine as he wishes… and we’re only in year 2 of his meat grinder.

I’d say the thought is that if Hungary falls out of the EU it will eventually become a vassal state to Putin. This would create a horrid mess greater than keeping it in the EU and trying to coax the Hungarian government more towards European values.

I realise there might be confusion, I meant Episode 7 the movie (The Force Awakens), ever since that management has been molding star wars into what it is not. Even if succesful a show gets twisted into stupidity later on.

I liked Ahsoka for the attempt it was, though it was badly rushed from the start, and the ending was rushed as well. I feel the show needed at least 2 more episodes to flesh out the path to the ending. Baylan’s story could have used more time, as did Ezra and Sabine meeting, even Thrawn could have used some more spice.

“Universe shaking” is what fits more to the whole disastrous influence and hamfisted policy Kennedy and crew had since episode 7. It just got worse and worse after that, creativity and quality was bled out because certain concepts had to be forcibly injected in the product. And it is clear they can’t leave things alone as they are, everything has to change from the success it was.

Both the IP and the fanbase were shaken violently by a rabid dog like a small bunny it preyed on.