I have noticed that more and more of late Siri seems to be getting dumber as time goes by. While there was always a general acknowledgement that Siri was the "dumbest" of the smart assistants it was generally serviceable, especially if you needed it to do the basics i.e. play music on your apple devices. Because it is a machine and machines do not understand natural language one always had be careful with the prompts. Instructions kept simple were always implemented.

Nowadays the very same instructions that I've given Siri over the years seem to no longer work. Siri reverts with the same "I've found some web results, ask again from your phone" reply.

I'm beginning to suspect that Apple has shifted resources from base Siri to the deal it has with OpenAI for Siri integration. Alternatively, perhaps Apple has deliberately "dumbed" down Siri in a push to get more people to use "Apple Intelligence." The problem with Apple Intelligence is that it requires heavy computing power that basic Siri enabled devices such as my HomePods do not have. I don't need 99% of what Apple is offering through their partnership with OpenAI. I just need some basic level of common sense when asking Siri to play something on my HomePod.

More thoughts on "A.I" here.

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you dear reader that soon-to-have-been US AG Gaetz has withdrawn his application for the position. While many will speculate on the reasons for his withdrawal, it is evident that there is a sum too high and a cadre too devious suckling on the teats of the American cash-cow. Congealed blood that has coagulated around America’s open sores. Not to provide much needed healing but to prevent fresh blood from flowing and sweeping through the disease killing the American sub-continent and with it the rest of the world.

Many soldiers have trudged on this past four years to a much needed victory. Victory that was both sweet and hard-won. Yet, it is evident that there is yet to be rest for their weary souls. Many have set up encampment on a hillside they mistakenly believe to be a place of final respite. Elysian fields to renew their weary souls as they lazily stare off into the horizon scoffing down hearty meals while they make merry. Yet, yonder, slightly farther than the eye can see a fire rages. The weary troops are but two steps from hell, quenching their thirst with water from the river styx. 

During this lull, the troops should not put down their armour. They should simply take it off for the briefest of moments to be polished by the armour bearers, ready for one last battle. One that has already encroached on their victory day celebrations. One that threatens to be drawn out over the next few years. Resilience, hope and courage will fuel this fight. Discouragement will come and it will come in spades. An enemy in retreat is a ferocious beast. There will be betrayals and there will be losses too great to fathom. In honour of those lost and the hard-won victory the fight has to go on.

This being said, these are the words of but a humble blacksmith. One who has set up shop close to the encampment, staring at the gaetz of hell. Using the meagre skills I have to fashion arms for any in need. Arms hopefully Imbued with runes soon to be wielded in what should be a hellscape of ruins.

Image credit: Juuso Hämäläinen

So, purchased this late last night. Finally decided to let go of Forza Horizon 5 and try something else. Lots of key differences, some things are better, others not as well executed. Funniest thing is the driving physics felt like the driving physics in Far Cry 5 & 6. So I looked up the game engine used to build the game and it turns out it's a modified version of the Dunia engine which powers the Far Cry games.

Sadly, while this engine is good for open world game development its not quite suitable for a racing game. In Forza, when the cars go off road or on the grass you can almost feel every pebble the tires roll over. I can feel steering wheel resistance, gear changes, break feel, etc. This is what makes Forza so special. In The Crew Motorfest you can feel that the physics are only skin deep. The car bounces when off road because that what the engine interprets the car to be doing. Bobbing left and right but not going over an actual surface. Also, no reflections in the mirrors. While this is usually just a simulation in racing games, Ubisoft has been unable replicate the same. I suspect this is due to the game engine's constraints. 

Some things are done well though. The cockpit view is amazing and full reticulation of the steering wheel helps with the immersion. In addiction, Hawaii is beautiful and the drives are a much welcome respite to my recently hectic days.