Hilfe, mein neues Handy macht mich komplett wahnsinnig
Wie ging nochmal der Code – die Installation eines neuen iPhones kann einen zur Verzweiflung treiben
Wird die Technik immer menschenfeindlicher – oder bin ich einfach zu alt?
Ja, ich bin 50. Ja, ich kann keinen Computer programmieren. Aber arbeite täglich mit dem Laptop, schreibe über Technik und Wissenschaft und nutze künstliche Intelligenz. Doch ein Gerät, das Millionen in der Tasche mit sich herumtragen, stellt mich vor Herausforderungen ...
Kürzlich habe ich (aus beruflichen Gründen) ein neues iPhone15 bekommen. Natürlich musste ich alle Apps, Einstellungen, Fotos und E-Mails von meinem alten auf das neue Telefon bekommen. „Ist doch ganz einfach!“, dachte ich. „Man legt die Dinger einfach nebeneinander, und dann machen die das von selbst.“ Pustekuchen!
Das Problem ist nämlich nicht das Telefon, sondern die vielen Apps, die alle unterschiedliche Sicherheitseinstellungen haben.
Mal eben bei der Krankenkasse die Bonuspunkte checken? „Sie benötigen einen neuen Sicherheitscode. Den schicken wir Ihnen gerne zu.“ Per Post! Avisiertes Ankunftsdatum: irgendwann nächste Woche. Willkommen in der digitalen Zukunft. Mann stelle sich vor, auf der Raumstation ISS fällt ein Computer aus und benötigt ein neues Back-up. „Schicken wir Euch per Post“, schreibt dann die NASA. „Falls die Luke aufgeht, Luft anhalten!“
Nächstes Dilemma: die unterschiedlichen Banking-Apps. Jede benötigt andere, spezielle Zugangsdaten, die auch nur bei der (seltenen) Einrichtung eines neuen Geräts benötigt werden. Ich welchem Ordner waren die noch mal? Oder habe ich den Zettel schon weggeworfen? Das alte Handy hatte ja schon ein paar Jahre auf dem Buckel.... Und wehe, man kommt auf die irrsinnige Idee, bei der Hotline der Bank anzurufen. Da arbeiten doch kaum noch echte Menschen. Und wenn man von denen tatsächlich einen sprechen und sich nicht von der säuselnden Computer-Stimme abwimmeln lassen will, muss man zur Belustigung der Kinder „Ich möchte bitte einen Service-Mitarbeiter sprechen“ ins Telefon brüllen.
Bei Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, Ebay, Facebook etc. häufig das Gleiche. Man muss sich neu anmelden, mit Daten, die man vielleicht nicht mehr hat.
Der führende Experte für Künstliche Intelligenz (KI), Prof. Stuart Russell, hat in einem Interview mit mir prognostiziert, dass es keine Garantie dafür gibt, dass „Menschen weiter existieren werden“, wenn wir es nicht schaffen, die rasante Entwicklung der KI zu kontrollieren.
Ganz ehrlich: Bis es so weit ist, hoffe ich, dass es bald eine Künstliche Intelligenz gibt, der ich sagen kann: „Richte mein neues iPhone ein!“ Und alles funktioniert ....
Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — It is always chaotic in the metro during the holidays. Malls are swarming with people, schedules are blocked off for never-ending parties and get-togethers, traffic is bad everywhere.
On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, it can get awfully noisy and polluted beyond tolerance, with all the firecrackers and fireworks, so Tagaytay is always a more peaceful and enjoyable option for a lot of families.
Visitors get a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake upon waking up. The cloudy feel that surrounds you is fog, not the smog of Manila, and the cold weather is like a gentle hug that envelops you.
More than just a getaway, though, Tagaytay is a place that invites you to breathe, savor, and make memories that linger long after you leave. With its cool breeze, majestic views, and serene atmosphere, this popular destination offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, especially during the holidays, without taking away the warmth and festive feel that it brings.
For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of Tagaytay, The Lake Hotel Tagaytay — located in the heart of the city —offers 10 tips that you do for an unforgettable getaway experience.
1. Choose a hotel with magnificent views
Nothing elevates a trip quite like a room with a view.
The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, perched along the Tagaytay ridge, offers sweeping views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Imagine waking up to this stunning sight each morning — a backdrop that makes your getaway feel like a truly special occasion.
2. Start your day with a hearty breakfast
Food is a central part of any travel experience, and Al Dente by The Lake, which is The Lake Hotel Tagaytay’s very own restaurant and cafe, delivers a memorable start.
With breakfast options that cater to every palate, from Filipino classics to Continental favorites, you are sure to enjoy a leisurely morning as you savor each bite while gazing over Tagaytay’s breathtaking scenery.
3. Relax in a room designed for comfort and luxury
When it comes to accommodation, a room’s ambiance can make all the difference.
The hotel's rooms range from cozy singles to spacious two-bedroom suites, each thoughtfully designed to blend elegance and comfort. After a day of exploring Tagaytay, returning to this haven feels like home indeed.
4. Explore Tagaytay’s famous attractions
Tagaytay offers a range of attractions.
Visit the Sky Ranch for thrilling rides, take a calming walk at Picnic Grove, or unwind with a wellness retreat at a nearby spa.
5. Enjoy a leisurely swim with a view
There’s something incredibly relaxing about a swim overlooking a scenic view.
The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor pools, so you can unwind in any weather while soaking up views of Taal. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The view still makes a world of difference in the way you get to enjoy Tagaytay.
6. Savor local flavors with a twist
Dining at Al Dente by The Lake is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
The restaurant serves a mix of traditional Filipino and international cuisines, allowing you to enjoy familiar flavors and discover new ones. A dinner here is a must, especially when accompanied by the stunning night views over the lake.
7. Capture the beautiful Tagaytay sunset
Tagaytay sunsets are renowned for their beauty, and the hotel offers some of the best vantage points to catch them. Whether from your room, the dining terrace, or the garden, take a moment to watch the sky change colors as the sun dips below the horizon — a magical end to the day.
8. Make use of the hotel’s leisure amenities
The hotel has an array of amenities that make your stay extra special. Relax in the game room, get active in the fitness center, or let the kids enjoy the playroom. These small touches add up to create an experience where everyone can unwind, enjoy, and be happy.
9. Explore local culture and pick up some souvenirs
A trip to Tagaytay wouldn’t be complete without exploring local culture and bringing souvenirs back home with you.
The hotel staff can guide you to nearby markets and shops where you can find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and other local delights. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Tagaytay back home.
10. End your day on a high note with a peaceful night’s sleep
At the end of an exciting day, there’s nothing better than a restful night’s sleep.
The hotel features comfortable bedding and serene atmosphere — not to mention its top-notch security enhanced by recently installed baggage X-ray scanners and metal detectors — ensure you sleep well, feel safe, and wake up ready for the next day’s adventures. It’s the kind of comfort that makes you long to return even before you depart.
As you leave Tagaytay, you carry with you more than memories; you take with you a feeling of renewal and warmth. This is a place where you’re not just a visitor but a welcome guest, and the echoes of each serene sunrise and breathtaking sunset call you back.
Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com
January 2, 2025 | 12:12pm
MANILA, Philippines — Andrea Brillantes denied the basher's claim that she underwent plastic surgery after she was named the “Most Beautiful Face in 2024” by the UK-based TC Candler and the Independent Critics.
Andrea posted a TikTok video where she wrote "My face card at nine years old.” It was a reply to a netizen who asked, "Baka ginawa ni doc?" The video shows a compilation of Andrea's photos since she was young.
“Pretty since day one baby. Pretty with or without enchantments,” she captioned the post.
Andrea led the seven Filipinas, including former No. 1 Liza Soberano and new entry BINI’s Aiah, in the list of 100 most beautiful faces of 2024 by the global beauty poll.
Andrea bested the likes of Jisoo and Rose of Blacpink, American actress Sydney Sweeney, Korean-American K-pop idol Nancy McDonie, and Chris Evans’ wife, Portuguese actress Alba Baptista.
After Andrea, Janine Gutierrez entered the list for the fourth year at the 28th spot.
Actresses Belle Mariano and Ivana Alawi also figured in the list at the 52nd and 69th spot, respectively.
Everyone is optimistic for the film business in 2025, and the offerings for moviegoers — which include at least 110 films projected to open on over 2,000 screens — according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. And the momentum is there.
Movie ticket sales took a bit of a hit in 2024. The annual domestic box office is expected to end up at around $8.75 billion, down more than 3 percent from 2023, according to estimates from Comscore.
It’s not as dire as it was in the pandemic years, but it’s also not even close to the pre-pandemic norm when the annual box office regularly surpassed $11 billion.
This is the year the business felt the effects of the Hollywood strikes of 2023, the labor standoff that delayed productions and releases and led to a depleted calendar for exhibitors and moviegoers. And yet it’s not as bad as it could have been, or at least as bad as analysts projected at the start of the year.
“This has been a really incredible comeback story for the industry,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “Just a couple of months ago it was a question of whether we would even hit $8 billion for the year.”
Hollywood continues to learn lessons about what moviegoers really want, what works and what doesn’t. Here are the biggest takeaways from 2024.
The Hollywood strikes might have ended in 2023, putting productions back into full swing and sending stars out on the promotional circuit again — but the ripple effect of the work stoppages and contract standoffs showed their real effects on the 2024 release calendar.
The first two quarters were hit hardest, with tentpoles pushed later in the year (“Deadpool & Wolverine,” for one) or even into 2025 (like “Mission: Impossible 8”). With no Marvel movie kicking off the summer moviegoing season, the box office was down a devastating 27.5 percent from 2023 right before “Inside Out 2” opened in June.
“It’s an unpredictable business but it thrives on stability,” Dergarabedian said. “When the release calendar is thrown off, the momentum stops.”
Sequels and franchises dominated the top 10 movies of the year, as has often been the case in the past 15 years. But this year, films carrying a PG rating did especially well, starting with the biggest movie of 2024: “Inside Out 2,” which also became the biggest animated movie of all time, not accounting for inflation.
Family films with a PG rating — including “Despicable Me 4,”“Moana 2,”“Wicked,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Mufasa” and “The Wild Robot” — grossed over $2.9 billion this year, accounting for around 33 percent of the annual box office, according to Comscore. Movies rated PG-13, by contrast, made up about 30 percent of ticket sales.
After a quieter 2023 and several years without a film at the very top of the charts, the Walt Disney Co. came back roaring in 2024 with three of the top five movies of the year: “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Moana 2.” In mid-December, it crossed the $2 billion domestic mark, the second time any studio has done so since 2019 (that was also Disney, in 2022). Its 20th Century division also played an important part with “Alien: Romulus” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
“It’s a different industry when Disney commits to theatrical releases,” said Daniel Loria, an executive at the movie data and analytics trade The Boxoffice Company.
Every year has high-profile flops and disappointments, and this was no exception. Sony had a rough go with its “Spider-Man” adjacent titles like “Madame Web” and “Kraven the Hunter” (but this also seems to be the fate lately for anyone not named “Deadpool”). Universal had higher hopes for “The Fall Guy,” as did Warner Bros. for “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
Then there were the filmmaker-driven (and financed) passion projects that failed to take off like Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis.”
“It’s a reductive way of thinking about those passion projects,” Loria said. “Those movies didn’t come out with huge expectations, meaning theaters didn’t clear out the house and give them three auditoriums per site in hopes for money to come in.”
This was, however, part of the problem with “Joker 2,” which was expected to be more in line with the first which made over $1 billion. But even that has a caveat, Loria thinks.
“It wasn’t just that ‘Joker’ didn’t perform, it’s that there was nothing coming in behind it to make up that momentum,” Loria said. “That’s more the fault of a release schedule where one movie is supposed to carry a month. That model doesn’t work anymore.”
What does work, Loria said, is a diverse lineup, with the Thanksgiving and Christmas successes being the perfect example. At Thanksgiving, there was “Wicked,” “Gladiator II” and “Moana 2.” Christmas had “Mufasa,” “Sonic 3,” and a lot of adult offerings too, including “Nosferatu,” “A Complete Unknown” and “Babygirl.”
Horror is often the safest bet for theatrical, but this year had even veterans pleasantly surprised by just how enthusiastic that audience can be, with hits like “Longlegs,” “Nosferatu,” “Terrifier 3” and “Smile 2” getting people out of the house.
The Blake Lively drama “It Ends With Us,” which had its share of ongoing off-screen drama as well, also became an event. Audiences turned out for smart thrillers, like “Conclave” as well as unexpected originals including “Anora,” “The Substance” and “The Brutalist.”
Re-releases of movies in theaters that are also widely available in the home thrived this year. Some of the biggest successes included Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar,”“Coraline” and “The Phantom Menace.”
“It just shows our industry once again that audiences truly understand the difference between a communal, big screen theatrical experience that they crave even on films that they’ve had the opportunities to see in the home,” Nolan said in December. “That theatrical experience that we all know and love is so powerful and so exciting. It’s a very clear demonstration of it.”
As silly as it sounds, this is the year the novelty popcorn bucket became a star. It started with the accidentally suggestive “Dune: Part 2” creation, which “Deadpool & Wolverine” latched onto in a less accidental way. More recently, the “Nosferatu” coffin buckets have been fetching high resale prices.
For Loria, it’s all part of a trend that theaters have been noticing since reopening during the pandemic: Moviegoers aren’t back in pre-pandemic numbers, but those who did come back were spending more on concessions and premium tickets (like IMAX and other large format screens) than ever before.
Everyone is optimistic for the film business in 2025, and the offerings for moviegoers — which include at least 110 films projected to open on over 2,000 screens — according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. And the momentum is there.
“There’s been a huge amount of box office generated in the last six weeks of the year,” Dergarabedian said. “This is the best opening act 2025 could have.”
