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The company recently showcased the technology but confirmed that, for now, it's not rolling it out for consumers. Instead, STLA AutoDrive 1.0 remains a work in progress, with Stellantis exploring ways to boost its capabilities, potentially increasing its speed limit to 59 mph and even incorporating off-road functionality.

STLA AutoDrive 1.0 offers SAE Level 3 autonomy, meaning the driver can take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road&mdash;but only in specific conditions. The system is designed for congested urban areas, where stop-and-go traffic dominates the daily commute. The goal? It lets drivers reclaim time usually lost behind the wheel&mdash;whether reading emails, watching a quick video, or relaxing while the car handles the slow crawl ahead.

But while it sounds futuristic, there are limitations. The speed cap means it won&rsquo;t be helping on highways anytime soon, and Stellantis hasn&rsquo;t confirmed when or if it will be integrated into vehicles available for purchase.

Once the system detects suitable road and traffic conditions, drivers are notified that STLA AutoDrive is available. By pressing a button, the system takes over steering, speed control, following distance, and braking, allowing for a hands-free experience.

The technology is said to function in low-light conditions and even poor weather, adding an extra layer of reliability. However, the system isn&rsquo;t a permanent chauffeur. Drivers must remain ready to take over when needed, as Level 3 automation still requires human intervention in certain situations.

Stellantis has been deliberate and measured in its approach to self-driving technology. While rivals like Tesla and Mercedes have aggressively pushed out advanced driver assistance systems, Stellantis chooses to wait until market conditions align before launching STLA AutoDrive commercially.

In a statement, Stellantis acknowledged that the technology is fully developed but not yet ready for deployment due to the limited market for Level 3 autonomy. Instead of rushing a product to market, they are holding back to assess demand, regulatory developments, and industry shifts before making the next move.

The company remains committed to evolving the system, with future upgrades expected to include higher speed capabilities and even off-road driving modes. STLA AutoDrive's modular nature suggests that it could eventually be adapted for different vehicles and global markets, allowing for a broader rollout when the time is right.

For now, Stellantis is playing the long game, ensuring its autonomous driving tech is robust and market-ready before making it widely available. While the prospect of fully self-driving cars still feels distant, STLA AutoDrive 1.0 offers a glimpse of what&rsquo;s coming&mdash;one slow, cautious step at a time.

Stellantis Debuts Self-Driving Feature—But With a Slow Start

<h3>A new era for 007</h3>

The deal, which forms a joint venture between Amazon MGM and longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, grants the streaming giant creative control while allowing the Broccolis to retain an ownership stake. This arrangement ends the family&rsquo;s near-total authority over the franchise, which they have guarded fiercely since Albert &ldquo;Cubby&rdquo; Broccoli first brought Bond to the big screen in 1962&rsquo;s Dr. No.

The transition comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Daniel Craig&rsquo;s final outing as Bond in 2021&rsquo;s No Time to Die left the series in limbo, with no clear successor, script, or director in place. Amazon, which acquired MGM in 2022 for $8.5 billion, has been eager to capitalize on its investment. However, the Broccolis&rsquo; meticulous approach to development&mdash;often taking years between films&mdash;has clashed with Amazon&rsquo;s desire for faster output. This tension reportedly led to friction between the two parties, with the Broccolis resisting Amazon&rsquo;s push to expand the franchise into streaming spinoffs and cinematic universes.

<h3>What does this mean for Bond&rsquo;s future?</h3>

With Amazon at the helm, the Bond franchise is likely to undergo significant changes. The most immediate question is who will replace Daniel Craig as 007. Speculation has run rampant, with names like Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and James Norton frequently mentioned. With that in mind, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos even took to social media to crowdsource suggestions, signaling a more open and fan-driven approach to casting.

Amazon&rsquo;s influence could also lead to a more expansive Bond universe. While the Broccolis focused exclusively on feature films, Amazon may explore streaming series, spinoffs, and even origin stories for characters like Moneypenny or Q. This approach aligns with the current trend of building interconnected franchises, as seen with Marvel and Star Wars. However, it remains to be seen whether fans will embrace a more fragmented Bond universe or if the series will lose its unique identity in the process.

<h3>Quality and frequency of future films</h3>

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Amazon&rsquo;s takeover is whether the quality of Bond films will suffer. The Broccolis&rsquo; deliberate approach ensured that each installment felt like an event, with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on cinematic spectacle. Amazon, on the other hand, has struggled to produce blockbuster hits that resonate with audiences. While the company has found success with smaller, critically acclaimed films like Manchester by the Sea, its big-budget tentpoles, such as <a href="https://several.com/news/should-you-stream-red-one" target="_blank">Red One</a>, have yet to make a significant impact.

That said, the frequency of Bond films is very likely to increase under Amazon. The Broccolis typically released a new Bond movie every three to five years, but Amazon&rsquo;s need to maximize its investment could lead to a faster turnaround. This raises questions about whether the franchise can maintain its high standards under a more accelerated production schedule.

<h3>Speculation and challenges ahead</h3>

The announcement has sparked a flurry of speculation about the franchise&rsquo;s future. Some industry analysts believe Amazon will take a more modern approach, potentially addressing contemporary issues like climate change or artificial intelligence through its villains. Others hope the series will return to its roots, emphasizing the fun and escapism that defined earlier Bond films.

<figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="A still from Skyfall (2012)" loading="lazy" src="https://dwy9ix7d387oz.cloudfront.net/attachments/2025/1/b3b05035-5024-4f65-ba83-4879a4c74347.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will the 007 franchise ever be the same as it was under the Broccoli's creative control?</figcaption>
</figure>

However, challenges remain. The Bond franchise is a cultural institution, and any misstep could alienate its loyal fanbase. Amazon will need to strike a delicate balance between innovation and tradition, ensuring that the series evolves without losing its essence. The company&rsquo;s decision to appoint a dedicated executive to oversee the franchise, similar to Kevin Feige&rsquo;s role at Marvel, could be crucial in maintaining quality control.

<h3>A fond farewell to the Broccolis</h3>

The Broccolis&rsquo; departure marks the end of an era. Under their stewardship, the Bond franchise became a global phenomenon, grossing over $7.8 billion across 25 films. Their commitment to preserving the character&rsquo;s legacy earned them widespread respect, even as their cautious approach occasionally frustrated studio partners. As they step back to focus on other projects, their influence on the franchise will be deeply missed.

In the words of Timothy Dalton, who played Bond in the late 1980s, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s sad that [Cubby Broccoli] is not with us anymore. He was well in charge of the show, and that&rsquo;s not so anymore.&rdquo; Dalton expressed hope that Amazon would honor the franchise&rsquo;s heritage while bringing fresh energy to the series. Whether the next 007 will deliver cat food or save the world remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching.

Amazon Takes the Wheel: What’s Next for the James Bond Franchise?

Riot Strikes Again with Mordekaizer’s “Scam Uzal” $250 Skin

Riot’s $250 Gacha Skin: A New Low for League of Legends?

<h3>The rise of Ne Zha 2</h3>

Released on January 29, 2025, to coincide with the Lunar New Year, Ne Zha 2 is the sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, which grossed $742 million worldwide. The film, directed by Yang Yu (known as Jiaozi), is based on the 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods. It follows the titular character, a rebellious deity-like figure, as he battles destiny and powerful enemies to protect his town. The film&rsquo;s blend of traditional Chinese mythology, cutting-edge animation, and universal themes of identity and resilience has resonated deeply with audiences.

Ne Zha 2 <a href="https://several.com/news/hollywood-didnt-make-this-1b-box-office-smash-china-did" target="_blank">achieved unprecedented success</a> in China, where it became the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing even Avengers: Endgame. Remarkably, over 99% of its box office revenue came from mainland China, a feat unmatched by any other film in history. This contrasts sharply with Inside Out 2, which relied on a global distribution strategy to achieve its $1.699 billion haul.

<h3>Why Ne Zha 2 succeeded where Hollywood struggles</h3>

The remarkable success of Ne Zha 2 underscores several pivotal factors that have propelled China&rsquo;s film industry to unprecedented heights. Deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, the film offers a narrative that resonates profoundly with domestic audiences, instilling a sense of cultural pride and nostalgia in a population four times the size of the US. This cultural specificity, intertwined with universal themes such as family bonds and defying destiny, has captivated viewers both within China and internationally.

The film also showcases China&rsquo;s advancements in animation, boasting over 2,000 special effects shots and 10,000 special effects elements with a visual sophistication that rivals Hollywood productions. The integration of cutting-edge techniques, including GPU rendering and artificial intelligence, has elevated the animation quality, seamlessly blending traditional Chinese art styles with contemporary aesthetics.

Strategic release timing further amplified the film&rsquo;s success. Premiering during the Lunar New Year holiday&mdash;a peak moviegoing period in China&mdash;Ne Zha 2 attracted massive family audiences, leading to record-breaking ticket sales. This well-planned release, combined with positive word-of-mouth, propelled the film to historic box office achievements.

Moreover, substantial government support has been instrumental in nurturing China&rsquo;s domestic film industry. Initiatives aimed at fostering homegrown talent and storytelling have borne fruit, as evidenced by the triumph of not only Ne Zha 2 but also Jiang Ziya and White Snake. These successes reflect the maturation of China&rsquo;s animation sector, positioning it as a formidable contender on the global cinematic stage.

<h3>The broader implications for Hollywood</h3>

The triumph of Ne Zha 2 underscores the shifting dynamics of the global film industry. For decades, Hollywood has dominated the box office, relying on international markets to boost revenues while dictating tastes and trends. However, as China&rsquo;s domestic market grows, its films are increasingly achieving global success without heavy reliance on Western audiences. This trend challenges Hollywood&rsquo;s traditional strategies, such as adding China-specific scenes or censoring content to appeal to Chinese censors.

<figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Chinese audiences watching Ne Zha 2" loading="lazy" src="https://dwy9ix7d387oz.cloudfront.net/attachments/2025/1/343d20fd-4bc6-44ef-9af1-5e7ba2f53f74.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ne Zha 2 proves that Chinese audiences are a major economic source, not just a supplementary demographic for Hollywood movies.</figcaption>
</figure>

On the whole, Ne Zha 2&rsquo;s success highlights the limits of Hollywood&rsquo;s influence in China. While films like Inside Out 2 perform well globally, they often struggle to resonate with Chinese audiences. In contrast, Chinese films like Ne Zha 2 are tailored to local tastes, leveraging cultural familiarity and emotional depth to captivate viewers.

<h3>A new era for global animation</h3>

The rise of Ne Zha 2 signals a broader shift in the animation industry. For years, Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks set the standard for animated storytelling. However, Ne Zha 2 demonstrates that compelling narratives and cutting-edge animation can emerge from outside the traditional Hollywood bubble. This success paves the way for more international collaborations and cross-cultural storytelling, offering global audiences fresh perspectives rooted in diverse mythologies and traditions.

As streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime invest in foreign animation, Chinese films are poised to reach even broader audiences. Ne Zha 2&rsquo;s record-breaking performance is not just a victory for Chinese cinema but a redefining moment for global animation, proving that the art form is no longer dominated by Western studios. As Hollywood grapples with this new reality, the success of Ne Zha 2 serves as a reminder that the future of animation&mdash;and cinema as a whole&mdash;will be shaped by diverse voices and stories from around the world. The era of Hollywood&rsquo;s unchallenged dominance may be coming to an end, and the global film industry is all the richer for it.

Hollywood’s Animation Crown Toppled With China’s ‘Ne Zha 2’

Ne Zha 2: China's Animation Triumph Surpasses Hollywood

Recently, he has entered the political landscape, weighing in on topics ranging from corporate governance to free speech and DEI policies. His growing influence in these discussions has made him a polarizing figure, attracting strong support and vocal criticism.

Now, a new social media group is directly aimed at him and his latest creation&mdash;the Tesla Cybertruck. A TikTok page called &lsquo;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@cybertruck_hunters" target="_blank">Cybertruck Hunters</a>&rsquo; has gained rapid attention by tracking down Cybertrucks in public and projecting messages onto them using a portable projector. The group, led by an anonymous masked figure known as &ldquo;Angry Jack,&rdquo; along with another unidentified person, has only been active for about a week but has already amassed a following for its unconventional brand of protest.

Cybertruck Hunters follow a simple yet striking concept&mdash;they drive around, find Cybertrucks, and project critical messages onto them. The messages often reference Tesla, Musk, and political issues. Some of their statements poke fun at Tesla, such as &ldquo;The Most Recalled Truck in 2024.&rdquo; and &ldquo;No, the prices of eggs aren&rsquo;t falling, but the price of this piece of junk sure is.&rdquo;

Other messages highlight Musk&rsquo;s controversies, including his hand gesture at President Trump&rsquo;s 2025 inauguration, which sparked debate when German activists projected the same image onto Tesla&rsquo;s Berlin Gigafactory in protest. One message reads, &ldquo;I wonder if everyone who&rsquo;s passing me thinks I am a Nazi? Or do they think I am just an arrogant prick?&rdquo;

While some see Cybertruck Hunters&rsquo; actions as provocative or in poor taste, others view it as an exercise in free expression&mdash;a principle that Musk has publicly defended. When acquiring X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated that the platform failed to uphold free speech values, and he <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1798223581668896817" target="_blank">tweeted</a>, "Freedom of speech is worth fighting for."

By that logic, some argue that Cybertruck Hunters simply engage in visual protest, using Musk&rsquo;s philosophy to challenge him.

One unanswered question is why Cybertruck Hunters focuses solely on Musk and Tesla rather than other corporations or figures. While the group has not explained their specific reasoning, many of their messages reference Musk&rsquo;s influence, political stances, and business decisions. Whether their criticism is part of a larger ideological stance or simply a personal mission remains unknown

For now, Cybertruck Hunters continue to track down Tesla&rsquo;s most controversial vehicle, turning public roads into their personal protest space. As the group gains more visibility, it will be interesting to see if Musk himself responds&mdash;or if this is just another short-lived internet movement.

Cybertruck Hunters Project Anti-Musk Messages on Cybertrucks

Cybertruck Hunters: The Group Targeting Musk’s Cybertrucks

The ring, likely given as a token of affection between 1650 and 1750, represents a long-standing tradition of love as something tangible&mdash;something you can hold, wear, and cherish. Known as a posy ring, it belongs to a historical category of jewelry engraved with romantic inscriptions, often hidden inside the band so that the words are pressed against the wearer&rsquo;s skin. These rings weren&rsquo;t always for marriage; they were often exchanged as symbols of commitment or even courtship gifts.

<figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="The 300-year-old lovers ring found in Lancashire, England" loading="lazy" src="https://dwy9ix7d387oz.cloudfront.net/attachments/2025/1/721bdc39-4c6a-405f-8b99-0e83a1427c99.jpg" /><qb-highlighter class="qb--mac-os" contenteditable="false" style="display: none;"><qb-div class="qb-highlighter__wrapper" spellcheck="false" style="width: 845px !important; height: 20.7969px !important; transform: none !important; transform-origin: 422.5px 10.3984px !important; zoom: 1 !important; margin-top: 544.797px !important;"><qb-div class="qb-highlighter__scroll-element" style="top: 0px !important; left: 0px !important; width: 845px !important; height: 20.7969px !important;"></qb-div></qb-div></qb-highlighter>

<figcaption data-gramm="false" data-qb-tmp-id="lt-532177" spellcheck="false">The 300-year-old lovers ring found in&nbsp;Lancashire, England</figcaption>
</figure>

Finding this ring buried near Whittington Hall raises questions: Who was its owner? Was it a promise never fulfilled, a lost token of devotion, or simply misplaced by a lover centuries ago? We may never know. But we know this&mdash;people have always wanted to give love form, to make it permanent.

Before engagement rings, wedding bands, commercial Valentine&rsquo;s Day cards, and overpriced roses, there was Saint Valentine&mdash;or rather, there were several. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different Saint Valentines, all martyred. One legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in third-century Rome who secretly performed marriages after Emperor Claudius II outlawed them. Another claims he was executed for helping persecuted Christians escape Roman prisons. A more romantic version tells of a Valentine who fell in love with his jailer&rsquo;s daughter and wrote her a note signed, &ldquo;From your Valentine.&rdquo;

Over time, these legends merged with older Roman traditions, particularly Lupercalia, an ancient fertility festival and matchmaking celebrated in mid-February. As Christianity spread, Lupercalia was banned, and February 14 became a day for love, cementing Valentine&rsquo;s name in history.

But love isn't just about dramatic stories or secret marriages. It&rsquo;s about the small, everyday gestures&mdash;the things we give, the things we say, the things we bake.

Regarding giving love in tangible forms, Romans had their tradition: the maritozzo. This sweet, cream-filled bun dates back to ancient Rome, when wives packed them in their husbands&rsquo; saddlebags as a high-calorie treat for long work days. By the Middle Ages, the maritozzo symbolized romance, often given during Lent as an acceptable indulgence.

<figure class="image-captioned"><img alt="Different variations of Roman Maritozzis" loading="lazy" src="https://dwy9ix7d387oz.cloudfront.net/attachments/2025/1/ed938e58-48f1-4e90-b850-41ca12ec1396.jpg" /><qb-highlighter class="qb--mac-os" contenteditable="false" style="display: none;"><qb-div class="qb-highlighter__wrapper" spellcheck="false" style="width: 845px !important; height: 20.7969px !important; transform: none !important; transform-origin: 422.5px 10.3984px !important; zoom: 1 !important; margin-top: 544.797px !important;"><qb-div class="qb-highlighter__scroll-element" style="top: 0px !important; left: 0px !important; width: 845px !important; height: 20.7969px !important;"></qb-div></qb-div></qb-highlighter>

<figcaption data-gramm="false" data-qb-tmp-id="lt-576125" spellcheck="false">Different variations of Roman Maritozzis</figcaption>
</figure>

Then came the real tradition: hiding an engagement ring inside the bun. If a man planned to propose, he&rsquo;d present his beloved with a maritozzo, often secretly containing a ring or a love note. If she accepted, he was promoted from suitor to maritozzo&mdash;&ldquo;almost a husband&rdquo; in Italian.

It&rsquo;s no surprise that maritozzi are still popular today. Once nearly overshadowed by French pastries, the bun is making a major comeback in Rome and beyond, enjoyed at breakfast with a cappuccino or even transformed into gourmet variations filled with mortadella, shrimp, or caviar.

From engraved rings to whipped cream-filled pastries, history proves that humans love the idea of love as much as we love each other. But why do people keep inventing new ways to express something so universal?

One reason may be that love is both timeless and deeply personal. &ldquo;Present my affection&rdquo; meant something unique to the person who received that ring, just as a maritozzo meant something special to the couple who shared it. Love is a story, and we want to leave our mark on it&mdash;whether in gold, writing or in cream-filled pastries.

So, next Valentine's Day, instead of a clich&eacute; card, take a page from history. Give your partner an engraved ring, a maritozzo, or both. After all, people before us must have known how to do love right.
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Stellantis Debuts Self-Driving Feature—But With a Slow Start

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