German govt. wants smartphone makers to offer 7 years of updates, repairs

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If Germany has its way, it wants smartphone makers to update software and offer spare parts for seven years. It's part of a new environmental responsibility proposal from the German government to the European Union. Germany's Ministry of Economics also wants spare parts to be available "at a reasonable price."

This proposal exceeds the demands of the EU Commission, which wants these companies to offer five years of updates and repairs for smartphones and six years of spare parts for tablets.

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Google Home app gets Air Quality setting with AQI appearing on Nest Hub

Source: Google

Google announced last month it would begin showing Air Quality (AQI) information for its Nest Hub users in the US. Many of these users are seeing a new setting in the Google Home app, even if the actual reading isn't available on all the smart displays yet. 

"Air quality" will now be a new option in the "Photo Frame" menu on the Google Home app. You can also access it on the device in the "Hey Google, change photo frame" menu with the setting "Show air quality when available in your area." It may or may not show up on your Nest Hub device yet.

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'Top Gun' expansion for 'Microsoft Flight Simulator' pushed back to May 2022

Source: Microsoft/Asobo Studio/Paramount

With the delay of Top Gun: Maverick's release in cinemas, the Top Gun expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator gets delayed, too. Paramount pushed back the release date for another six months to May 27. It makes sense that developer Asobo Studio wants the release of the expansion and the film to be synced.

"Paramount Pictures recently shifted the release date of Top Gun: Maverick to Memorial Day weekend, May 27, 2022," the studio wrote in a brief blog post. "As we have previously announced, the Top Gun: Maverick expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator for Windows 10 PC, Steam, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox Game Pass will be released alongside the movie. We look forward to sharing more information in the future."

Source: Engadget

'The Sims 4' Spa Day Game Pack gets refreshed this week

The Sims 4 and its Spa Day Game Pack is getting a free update this week that brings features like a new nail design from modder Ebonix and a new "High Maintenance" trait. Danielle "EbonixSims" Udo is a veteran modder for the game who has made significant contributions to the game's ability to create diverse Sims. She joins modders like Amira "Xmiramira" Virgil, who've added new skin tones and hairstyles for Black sims, which offered diversity options the original game lacked.

Child Sims can also now do yoga and meditation. You'll get new options for manicures, pedicures, and facial masks, and Sims can earn money from teaching mindfulness. If you want, your Sim can aspire to be a Zen Guru or Self-Care Specialist or simply aim for Inner Peace.

Source: The Verge