A technical breakdown explains how Windows XP picked a user's initial account picture: it used the RtlRandomEx function seeded with GetTickCount(), scanning the default pictures folder once rather than twice. This single-pass method is a special case of reservoir sampling, selecting one item fairly as the folder is enumerated.
Google is shortening the grace period for deleted photos backed up to Google Photos from 60 days down to 30 days, matching the retention limit already used for locally stored images. The company has updated its support documentation and started notifying Android users within the app about the change.
Aaron Sorkin has written and is releasing 'The Social Reckoning' through Sony Pictures on October 9, a follow-up to his 2010 film 'The Social Network' that examines how Facebook has evolved into a driver of extremism and division. The film's trailer debuted the same week Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion in penalties tied to claims its platform harmed children.
Sony has activated free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels on PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States, adding a media tab with more than 100 live channels and on-demand content from Sony Pictures Television. The lineup spans movies, TV shows, anime, news, sports, documentaries, gaming and comedy programming, including titles like Community, The Walking Dead and Naruto. Sony says it will keep updating the service and plans to expand it to Canada and other markets.
Shailene Woodley has spoken about her experience being cast as Mary Jane Watson in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' a role that was ultimately removed from the finished film. Her scenes were filmed but left on the cutting room floor as the studio shifted the sequel's focus.
StudioCanal is bringing James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day back to theaters this weekend to mark the film's 35th anniversary and the franchise's fictional 'Judgment Day' date of August 29, 1997. The re-release prompted a retrospective look at the sequel's production history, including Schwarzenegger's push for a follow-up and Cameron's decision to reframe the original Terminator as a protective figure for young John Connor.
The writer describes a growing hobby that began with Rolife miniature kits—starting with a tiny library model and a sakura train—before moving on to a particularly complex build involving fragile wooden pieces. They also detail a new venture into Warhammer 40k, having just purchased their first Adepta Sororitas and Black Templar Crusade Ancient figure sets, with no plans to build a full army or even play the game.