Exactly. This is not a competition, we don’t have to cheer for either side. Horrible things are happening

Two things (countries) can be bad at the same time

I understand their strategy, I just don’t like it as a console player. I also don’t think it is a very good one from business perspective. For me it seems like they failed in the console (hardware) market, so they pivoted to the cross-platform software focus.

I know like/dislike is subjective, so I understand if others have different opinion. And business-wise, these strategic decisions will show their true impact over many years, so there would be no point in comparing current numbers, let’s see if what they plan pays off in the future.

I have a PS5 and a Series S, so I’m not partial to either of them, just to consoles as a hardware platform. I don’t like this Windows-ification of Xbox, as I moved from PC gaming to consoles around 2 decades ago, and I like my choice. I also switched to iPhone from Android, and happy to have lost all the headaches that came from the more open platform.

Again, these are personal preferences. Maybe I’m the “old” man (gen Y) screaming angrily at the clouds, or maybe the Microsoft MBAs are wrong. Manufacturers are going back on large touchscreens in cars, which was also celebrated as the FUTURE^TM years ago, yet it’s just cost saving that sacrifices the safety of the driver.

Very disappointing, with arguably misleading marketing and videos.

I was so hyped watching the reveal, then only realized from comments that this only plays Windows compatible Xbox games. I was hoping for a true Xbox handheld, where I can play all Xbox games natively.

If somebody is already deep into handhelds, this might be obvious to them, but I think many buyers will be disappointed when they realize this.

I saw a 10 min video of MS and ASUS team explaining the device, and they intentionally dance around the issue, diluting the original meaning of words like “Xbox”, which is a video game console. Not a PC, not a launcher in Windows, and not a meaningless branding for MS published games.

There is a reason Nintendo and Sony is killing it in their focus segments: they make a console and sell video games you can play on it. Sony might release PS games on PC for extra revenue, while MS is trying to do that as a main focus, because they didn’t sell enough consoles. MS really shit the bed with Xbox this gen (again). Gamepass is not going to save them, they were first to the market, but Sony is also selling subscription, but in addition (and not instead) of console sales.

mph:

I was also thinking about this around the beginning of the war. It is very logical that for the reasons you explain, their nuclear capabilities are not as great as the world thinks. After the shitshow we have seen, it’s obvious that corruption and incompetence wouldn’t allow for this level of delicate nuclear maintenance on a large scale. I heard something like the US spending on nuclear arsenal upkeep is comparable to the Russian pre-war military budget.

However, according to the START treaty (iirk), US and Russia regularly checked each other’s nuclear arsenals (I assume until the start of the war), to confirm the numbers and status. Based on those inspections, the Russians seem to be still cooking. I don’t know how deep these inspections go, maybe it’s easy to put on a show. Also, I think Putin knows that MAD is the only reason he and his country still exists, so maybe they have at least a few dozens warheads in good condition, personally managed and checked by a trusted associate of his.

Comparing the statistics to other countries, I don’t think it would affect the safety, that is I think more related to driving skill, attitude, and car safety features.

Regarding environment and emotionality, you are certainly right. For general speed limit to get accepted, DB would need to be much better, so maybe the goverment should start saving the planet there.

Yes. And the Taycan behind me was very far, but coming very fast, so it was good to get a “notification” in time. I don’t mind as long as they are not breathing down my neck and flashing their lights constantly.

I don’t do it myself, I usually just wait a bit and they notice (but I’m also not going 300).

Exactly. I often stay in the left lane when going very fast, to leave one empty lane between me and others going much slower. I will not go 200 km/h next to a truck or a car with a trailer going 90, as that is just not safe. If there is a car in the lane next to me, I slow down before I come close. If there are multiple cars, I slow down even more, as somebody might decide to overtake and come into my lane. And if I see somebody faster behind me, I pull over and let them pass.

The only time I really speed up, is if there is a lot of space all around, on a straight road with good visibility and road conditions, which is quite rare. So most of the time the autobahn just feels like a regular highway, with a bit more flexibility.

Exactly. I drive quite a bit between countries, and even Austria is worse than Germany. And any more east to that is just Mad Max.

I moved to Germany 2 years ago, and was afraid of highways being like Mad Max, but I was positively surprised.

Most drivers are very attentive and skilled, keeping the rules, driving safe. I like it much better, than Eastern EU, where people are also going 150+, and are being assholes in the meantime. The upper limit of 130 just puts stress on me, because I obey the laws, but the giant SUV in my ass flashing their highbeams does not. In Germany this barely happens to me, most drivers are polite and safe, even in expensive sports cars.

I really came to enjoy the liberating feeling of driving at my own (and the traffic’s) pace on the autobahn. Yesterday I was travelling between Dusseldorf and Berlin, long open stretches of 3-lane roads, with only a few cars around. I was going around 200, yet I saw a car far behind me coming up fast, some polite flashes of lights from the distance, I pull to the right, and let a Porsche pass me quickly.

I might sound like a carbrain, but I’m not. Everybody should try German highways once, so they can form their own opinion, and not judge based on internet memes. I feel 10x safer on the autobahn, than on some shitty Eastern EU highway with a bunch of apes around me, who don’t care about the rules.

Similar, I used Saxenda under a Dr’s supervision, lost 25kgs in 2 years, and another 10 since stopping (with diet). Half the max dose was enough for me. Now I am healthier and look better than ever in my adult life.

I struggled with with my weight since childhood. Obesity is a disease, and now there is finally a cure. It’s a drug with certain risks, witch is also true for every other medicine from aspirin to covid vaccines. Obesity is also risky, everybody can make their choice after consulting a doctor.

“They’re sending us their criminals!"

• President Bukele

“We are lucky they are so fucking stupid”