Google Search is an illegal monopoly. That’s not just me stirring the pot, it’s the official determination of the US Department of Justice, following an case that finished up in 2024. The DoJ had hoped to force Google to sell or split off the Chrome browser, a remedy the federal judge in the case passed on. But at both the federal and state level, the push to force Google to sell Chrome is continuing. According to a report from Reuters, both federal prosecutors and state attorneys general are appealing the final punishment put in place by Judge Amit Mehta. They want harsher penalties than being forced to provide search data to competitors. Exactly what remedies the Department of Justice would prefer haven’t been spelled out…but since prosecutors wanted Google to be forced to break off the Chrome browser, Google Search, Android, or some combination thereof, it seems like one of those eventualities is the goal. It should be pointed out that Google has its own, separate appeal, hoping for an even more lenient sentence. Which seems like a hell of an ask, since the company had avoided the biggest monopoly breakup in the United States since AT&T in the 1980s. Precisely which states joined in the appeal, and which attorneys general, was not spelled out. That might be a crucial factor. While the prosecution of Google’s search monopoly started under President Biden in 2021 and concluded in his term, the final stages and appeals are occurring under President Trump, who has expressed animosity towards Google in particular, and isn’t afraid to bend the full might of the federal government’s power to personally benefit himself and further his political goals. A particularly relevant example is the Paramount-Skydance merger, which only proceeded with FCC approval after Paramount paid $16 million to Trump personally in a lawsuit settlement. Michael Crider / Foundry Google has made various payments and concessions to the Trump administration, in the form of similar lawsuits like a $24.5 million payout over YouTube and donations to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom construction project. This kind of payola has benefited dozens of other donors, who have seen their federal enforcement problems disappear and their economic options broaden. Nvidia has opened up new avenues for lucrative GPU sales to China by cutting the federal government a slice. But Google’s generous donations to Trump, both personal and governmental, don’t seem to be solving its regulatory issues. One deputy attorney general told reporters that “Google has deplatformed conservative speech,” and another said Google is a threat to “our freedom of speech, our freedom of thought.” As Newsweek notes, neither of these complaints has actual bearing on the business and monopoly issues that began the investigation and prosecution years ago…but the goals seem to have shifted quite a lot in a new administration. The appeals from Google and the federal government, the final decision on monopoly enforcement, and exactly how much money and control Google has to give up for Search, Chrome, and Android, will have huge effects on the web as we know it. And that’s without bringing in the second monopoly suit over web advertising, which Google also lost. Read...

I had a feeling this was coming. While Valve has never confirmed the price of its hotly anticipated Steam Machine revival, the specs of the tiny, console-style PC indicated something cheaper than a full gaming desktop—and its exact price will be crucial to its success. But a bit of info hidden in a new FAQ page indicates that even Valve is sweating about the price as much as the rest of us are. “When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now,” says the FAQ. “But the memory and storage shortages you’ve likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then.” (You can say that again!) Due to the explosion of “AI” data centers gobbling up memory production capacity, RAM in particular is getting insanely expensive. It has doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled in price for the kind of speedy DDR5 DIMMs that PC builders crave. (Shout out to Aftermath’s brilliant title on this topic: “The Steam Machine Has Been Delayed Because Stupid Little Babies Can’t Stop Using AI To Write Their Emails.”) The price impact isn’t quite so dire for finished electronics due to economies of scale, but a 20 percent bump in the price of PCs is the general estimate making the rounds. Valve recently stopped production of the cheapest Steam Deck handheld, and while we can’t pin that solely on the RAM crisis, it seems almost inevitable that shrinking margins and vanishing supplies of cheap memory were factors in the decision. Valve continues in the FAQ: “Our goal of shipping all three products in the first half of the year has not changed. But we have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change.” The company says it will work hard to get information to us sooner. But the RAM crunch isn’t expected to get any better this calendar year, possibly extending for multiple years. Either the Steam Machine is going to cost a lot more than the initial (and entirely unofficial) estimates of $800 to $1,000… or Valve will need to bite the bullet and subsidize some of the expense, in the same loss-leader approach that game console hardware is generally sold. With a big push to extend Steam’s power in the PC gaming space and take a bite out of the console market, it might be worth dipping into Valve’s seemingly endless coffers. The FAQ wasn’t all gloom and doom. We did learn that the Steam Machine is targeting 4K/60FPS graphics, albeit with the help of AMD’s FSR upscaling and frame generation tech. Some especially intense games will need to cut down to 1080p and lower frame rates, which isn’t shocking given an 8GB GPU. The internal SSD and RAM DIMMs will be user-accessible and upgradeable. And the Steam Frame VR headset should be able to fit most glasses inside, with a possible option for prescription lens inserts (something already available for competing headsets like the Meta Quest and Valve’s own Index). Read...

Ahead of Waitangi Day, Tama Potaka joins Mihingarangi Forbes for a wide-ranging interview, discussing the Treaty Principles Bill, the Ngapuhi settlement, emergency housing, whether he has ambitions to become Attorney-General, and Peeni Henare`s shock r... Read...

There are a few important options that you should check and configure correctly in the settings in order to run Windows 11 effectively. Here are some helpful tips for additional Windows 11 features that should remain permanently active in everyday use — or be deliberately deactivated to avoid unnecessary data collection, performance slowdowns, and distractions. Remove recommendations and account notifications from the Start menu By default, Windows 11 displays recently used files, app recommendations and account-related notifications in the Start menu. This content creates distraction and requires additional usage data. Open the settings with Windows key + I, switch to Personalization and then to Start. Deactivate “Show recently added apps”, “Show most used apps” and all switches in the “Recommended” area. In Windows 11, you can also select the “Show most used apps” layout to completely suppress the recommendation area. Sam Singleton Control system-wide notifications and app pop-ups Notifications are one of the biggest distractions. Open Settings, go to System and Notifications. First, disable the global “Notifications” option. If you want individual applications to continue sending messages, activate “Do Not Disturb” instead and configure individual apps specifically under this option. In the same menu, scroll down to “Additional settings” and deactivate “Receive tips and suggestions when using Windows”. This will permanently remove setup pop-ups and advertising notices. Microsoft regularly expands this area and sometimes changes the names of the menu items. However, this does not change the fact that it is worth taking a look here. Sam Singleton Protect your lock screen from data leaks Notifications on the lock screen can display content in plain text. Open Settings, go to System and Notifications and deactivate “Show notifications on the lock screen”. This will keep content hidden as long as the device is locked. Sam Singleton Disable advertising ID, language list and app tracking By default, Windows creates usage profiles for personalized advertising and app statistics. Open Settings, go to Privacy and security and General. Disable “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”, “Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list” and “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches”. The system will continue to function as before, but will not create profiles. Microsoft also changes the names of the settings at regular intervals. Sam Singleton Keep Inking & typing personalization local The “Inking & typing personalization” function analyzes keyboard and pen inputs. Open Settings, go to Privacy and security and Inking & typing personalization. Deactivate the “Custom inking and typing dictionary”. Input remains fully usable without text entries being evaluated. Strictly limit diagnostic data and turn off feedback Open Settings, go to Privacy and security and Diagnostics & feedback. Leave only “Send required diagnostic data” enabled. Deactivate “Send optional diagnostic data”. Expand all other areas and set “Feedback frequency” to “Never”. Use “Delete diagnostic data” to remove any information that has already been stored. Sam Singleton Disable or restrict location services Open Settings, go to Privacy and Security and Location. Disable location access completely or restrict it to individual applications. Weather apps will continue to work with a manually set location. Under Privacy and security, you will find the areas “Camera”, “Microphone”, “Contacts” and other sensors. Open each category and revoke access for applications if it’s not absolutely necessary. It is important to check apps from the Microsoft Store, which often request more permissions than necessary. Limit background activities of apps Many applications continue to run in the background. Open Settings, go to Apps and Installed apps. Open the Advanced options for individual programs and set “Background app permissions” to “Never”. This noticeably reduces memory and CPU load. However, these options are not available for all apps. Sam Singleton Restrict app installation to verified sources For systems used by less experienced users, it’s advisable to restrict app sources. Open Settings, go to Apps and Advanced app settings. Under “Choose where to get apps from”, set the option to “Microsoft Store only”. This will allow only verified applications to be installed. Consistently clean up autostart Right-click on the taskbar and open the Task Manager. Go to Startup apps and disable all programs that are not absolutely necessary for system startup. Manufacturer tools and update utilities in particular slow down the startup process. Thomas Joos Open Settings, go to Apps and Installed apps. Go through the entire list and uninstall any software that is not used. This reduces background services, autostart entries and security risks. Permanently display file extensions To immediately recognize dangerous file types, open File Explorer, click on the three dots and select Options. Go to View and deactivate “Hide extensions for known file types”. Confirm with “Apply”. Restrict delivery optimization for updates By default, Windows also distributes updates to other computers. Open Settings, go to Windows Update, then to Advanced options and Delivery optimization. Disable “Allow downloads from other devices” or restrict the function to the local network. Consciously control update restarts Under “Windows Update” and “Advanced options”, you can specify whether Windows automatically restarts after updates. Enabling automatic restarts increases security, but can interrupt ongoing work. Set the behavior to suit your own working style. Optimize power settings Open the Control Panel, go to System and Power and battery. Click on “Lid, on/off, and standby mode button controls” and adjust the settings to your requirements. Here, Windows also shows the power consumption of individual applications in detail. Identify conspicuous apps and limit their background activity. On notebooks, this significantly extends the runtime. Configure user account control sensibly Enter “User Account Control” in the search field and open Change User Account Control settings. Select a level that allows queries for app installations but not for internal Windows actions. This reduces queries without completely removing protection mechanisms. Disable game background recording Open Settings, go to Gaming and Captures. Disable background recording. This reduces GPU and CPU load, even when no games are actively being used. Use night mode permanently Open Settings, go to System and Display and enable “Night light”. Configure the schedule so that the mode is activated automatically. Alternatively, it can be switched on directly via Windows key + A. Enable advanced clipboard Open Settings, go to System and Clipboard. Activate “Clipboard history”. You can then paste multiple copied items using Windows key + V. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Comprehensive strength training, functional units and programs in one system Very compact design despite high performance High-quality materials and stable mechanics Fast, smooth app operation directly on the device Extensive and sensibly coordinated accessories Cons Weight adjustment during certain exercises is cumbersome Some functions require a subscription Our Verdict The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is a well-designed, technically advanced home gym for anyone who wants to train seriously and regularly. It replaces traditional weights, saves a huge amount of space, and impresses with its intelligent training control. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best pricing today Best Prices Today: Speediance Gym Monster 2 Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The Speediance Gym Monster 2 is positioned as a latest-generation digital strength training station and is aimed at ambitious home gym users who want to replace traditional dumbbells with intelligent resistance technology. Within the growing market for connected fitness products, it represents the approach of combining as many forms of training as possible in a single, compact system — controlled via an integrated display and cloud-based training logic. Design and workmanship As soon as the pallet is delivered by a shipping company, it becomes clear that the Gym Monster 2 is no toy. Three large packaging units (with a total weight of just under 353 pounds, or 160 kilograms), one of which is extremely heavy and bulky, require some planning and strong helpers to transport them to the desired installation location. This can be a real challenge in narrow stairwells or small basement rooms, and the main module, which makes up half that weight, is almost impossible to move safely on your own. However, after unpacking and disposing of the packaging material, the initial effort is quickly put into perspective: Instead of having to screw together a large number of individual parts, as was the case with my EX90 PLUS cross trainer, the Gym Monster 2 is delivered largely pre-assembled. The device has a simple, modern design and is very cleanly manufactured. The gaps, surfaces, and mechanics appear well thought-out and durable; nothing rattles or seems improvised. Christoph Hoffmann When unfolded, it measures 72.8 inches (185cm) in height and just under 27.5 inches (70cm) in width. With the base plate, the Gym Monster 2 is around 48 inches (122cm) deep; when folded, the space requirement is reduced to 14.5 × 27.2 × 72.8 inches (D × W × H). With its slim, tall body, the Gym Monster 2 clearly stands out from classic multi-function stations, which often require a lot of floor space. Despite its small footprint of less than 3 square feet (without benches), the technology is completely integrated into the device: two 800-watt electric motors generate the resistance and allow not only classic loads, but also dynamic modes such as chain, eccentric or constant, which would be difficult to replicate with conventional weights. Added to this is the adjustable cable pull with several height positions, so that in practice the device covers a wide range of exercises, from rowing and pressing to pulling and isolation exercises, without a cable pull tower dominating the room. I tested the Gym Monster 2 in the Family Plus version. In addition to the actual device with its base plate and screen, the adjustable bench, barbell hooks, triceps rope, extension straps, ankle straps, handles, clips, and rings, this version also includes a rowing bench. This allows the station to be used more like a modular system, whereas classic fitness stations often remain tied to a fixed exercise logic and require more compromises in terms of handle and bench setups. Christoph Hoffmann The included accessories present a mixed picture. The barbell is quite heavy and gives a stable, confidence-inspiring impression. The individual handles are not quite up to par in terms of quality and appear to be of a much simpler design in direct comparison. There is also room for improvement with the bench: Instead of practical quick-release fasteners, Speediance relies on conventional screw bolts. According to the manufacturer, the main new features compared to previous generations of devices are the improved mechanics of the cable guide and the finer resistance control, which now works noticeably more smoothly. The 21.5-inch touch display can not only be tilted, but also responds smoothly to swipe gestures — including a quick menu for volume, brightness, and system settings. In principle, the screen behaves like a large smartphone, including quick access to central functions. That may sound trivial, but it’s important. I never feel like I have to fight my way through “fitness equipment menus” — instead, I navigate through a modern training interface. Assembly and commissioning The actual assembly is surprisingly straightforward — despite the heavy weight. The assembly is logically structured so that even less technically savvy users can quickly achieve their goal without frustration. For someone like me, who rarely feels like doing complicated assembly work, this is a huge added value. For me, the entire process, including unpacking, took just over an hour, with the actual commissioning being completed surprisingly quickly. In about 10 minutes, the device was ready for use in its place — free-standing, with no need to screw anything to the wall. Then, at the touch of a button, the training platform is unlocked and folded down, the bench is assembled — in the adjustable version, this requires only two screws and no tools — and finally the power plug is connected. The system is then basically ready to go. It took me an additional 20 minutes or so to assemble the optional rowing bench from the Family Plus package. Christoph Hoffmann Good: Thanks to the integrated castors, the Gym Monster 2 can be easily positioned in the room for training. The initial setup follows the familiar smartphone principle: registration by email, a short introduction, and then the complete system is available. The screen responds precisely, the menu navigation is self-explanatory, and you can connect to your own user profile directly on the device. Christoph Hoffmann The way the Gym Monster 2 guides new users is particularly successful. Guided programs explain not only how to perform the exercises, but also how to use the accessories correctly. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry and makes the system accessible even to beginners. Within a few minutes, you get the feeling that you are working with a mature product that does not require lengthy configuration. In addition to the device display, the Speediance app is available for smartphones and tablets. It is not essential for training with the Gym Monster 2, but it does offer significant added value. Your training data is automatically synchronized so that you can view your progress, statistics, and training history at any time. Christoph Hoffmann What’s more, you can select, plan, and customize workouts and programs directly in the app and then start them on the device. The app thus serves as a central hub for planning, evaluation, and motivation, complementing your training on the Gym Monster 2. These training programs are available Several training programs and modes are available for the Speediance Gym Monster 2 Family Plus, which can be used via the integrated display and training software. Guided workouts & coaching: The Gym Monster 2 Family Plus offers over 500 guided training programs, ranging from strength and full-body workouts to functional units. These include structured strength training, HIIT sequences, flexibility, and core workouts, as well as programs specifically designed for specific goals such as muscle building, fat loss, or improving fitness. Strength training: Classic strength training series are well represented. These include programs for bench presses, squats, deadlifts, rows, and other basic exercises, where resistance and repetitions are specified or suggested. AI support automatically adjusts resistance and progression to your progress. Cardio training and short workouts: In addition to pure strength training, the system also offers cardio options — such as rowing sessions (with optional rowing machine in the Family Plus package) and dynamic short workouts. These programs are a good link between endurance and strength. Mobility, yoga, and flexibility: Gentler sessions for mobility, stretching, or yoga are also integrated. They are particularly suitable for warming up, regeneration, or as a supplement to strength training. Free training and custom workouts: In addition to the pre-designed programs, users can put together their own workouts and save them in the system — ideal for individual training plans or personal routines. Training plans with AI adaptation: Some versions offer structured training plans spanning several weeks, with AI dynamically adapting the program to performance and progress and making suggestions for optimal training sequences. More training options with a wellness subscription The Wellness+ subscription from $19.99 per month (on offer, otherwise $24.99) for the Speediance Gym Monster 2 adds AI-supported, personalized features to the training device. While you can use the Gym Monster without a subscription for classic strength training and many standard workouts, Wellness+ picks up where individual coaching begins. The system analyzes your training data, recognizes progress, and automatically adapts training plans to your goals — such as muscle building, fat loss, or general fitness. Christoph Hoffmann Over time, the AI learns which loads are appropriate for the user and makes recommendations on weight, repetitions, and recovery. Wellness+ also offers advanced evaluations and holistic approaches such as nutrition, sleep, and stress tracking, provided you use these functions. You also get access to additional programs and regular new content. Overall, Wellness+ makes the Gym Monster 2 less of a pure training device and more of a digital personal trainer. The subscription is subject to a fee and is particularly worthwhile for users who appreciate structured plans, motivation, and data-based optimization. The (daily) workout The real strength of the Gym Monster 2 becomes apparent in everyday training. Depending on the program I select, I am guided through the workout and always receive precise instructions on how and when to use the accessories correctly. The digital resistance of 110 pounds per motor completely replaces traditional weights and allows for finely graded adjustments without changing discs or moving dumbbells. Strength training, functional units, and even rehab-related workouts can be realistically simulated. The system really comes into its own with guided strength programs: pace, repetitions, and resistance work together effectively, making the training structured and challenging. Less convincing are programs that have little to do with the device, such as floor-based yoga sessions. Here, the display is too high to be used effectively during the exercise. Such content feels more like an additional offering. Therefore, I can only recommend pure training plans without using the device to a limited extent. In my opinion, weight adjustment during ongoing exercises is not always optimally solved. Since the adjustment is made via the touchscreen, this can be impractical for exercises such as bench presses when both hands are already on the bar. The Bluetooth ring, which serves as a practical remote control under load, significantly mitigates the problem, but it does not solve every situation in which one would actually expect haptic quick control directly on the bar. Apart from these points, the Gym Monster 2 impresses with its enormous versatility and, in practice, replaces a complete home gym in just a few square feet. Our experience after a few weeks of training: Strength and accessory workouts are very well suited to the device, because that’s when the Gym Monster 2 really comes into its own. Content that focuses heavily on mat work on the floor, on the other hand, is less elegant because the screen remains fixed to the device. Is the Gym Monster 2 worth it? The Gym Monster 2 from Speediance is one of the most impressive smart strength training devices for home use currently available. It combines genuine, progressive strength training with an extremely space-saving design and sophisticated digital training control. The workmanship, mechanics, and resistance feel are of a high standard and completely replace classic dumbbells in practice. The system is particularly strong when it comes to guided strength and accessory workouts, where resistance, tempo, and exercise selection are sensibly interlinked to enable structured, challenging training. The app integration directly on the large touchscreen is fast, intuitive, and easy to understand, even for beginners. Weaknesses are evident in the weight adjustment during individual exercises, which is not always ideal. Content that is not directly related to the device seems more like an add-on. Overall, the Gym Monster 2 is clearly aimed at ambitious users who train regularly, have limited space and are looking for a technically mature all-in-one home gym — and that’s exactly what it delivers. Technical data Dimensions: Unfolded approx. 48 × 27 × 73 inches, folded approx. 14.5 × 27× 73 inches (D × W × H) Weight: Approx. 172 lbs Display: Tiltable 21.5-inch HD touchscreen with 1080×1920 pixel resolution Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C Resistance & motor: 2 × 800 watt PMSM permanent magnet synchronous motors Maximum digital resistance: 220 lbs, or 110 lbs per side Digital weight increments: Approx. 1 lb Audio: Stereo speakers 2 × 5 watts subwoofer 20 watts Resistance modes: Classic, increasing at end movement, increasing in the negative phase, uniform Read...

If your PC is lagging or not getting good frames rates in games, your Windows system settings could be to blame. It may be the case that a few smart tweaks of your settings can speed things up dramatically. Here we show you how to make a few useful speed tweaks. What to do: On your Windows Search bar type msconfig and click the result. Here you will find the system configuration where you will see General, Boot, Services, Startup and Tools. Click on Boot. Now select Advanced options. A window will pop up. In the window check the box named “Number of processors.” Now in the drop-down menu change the number of processors to the maximum number you have. Then click Ok. Then hit Apply and click Ok again. Now we’ll do the second step. In the search bar type Power. Choose the search result for Power Sleep and Battery settings. Now under power mode use the drop-down menu to change from Balanced to Best performance for “Plugged in” and “On battery”. Now close that window. Dominic Bayley / Foundry Now for the third step Type Task manager in the Search bar and click on the Search result. In Task manager click on the tab Startup apps. Locate the apps that you don’t want booted at startup and right click on them and select disable. Reset your PC. Note: Disabling your apps doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use them. It just means they won’t open at startup and will have to be opened manually when you need them. You should now get faster performance from your PC. Take advantage of it with some gaming. That’s a wrap for this tip. For more tips and tricks be sure to subscribe to our PCWorld Try This newsletter. Read...

Natural law number 4,568 states: There are never enough power outlets in the house. That’s why most of us rely on good old power strips. Unfortunately, this solution also has its pitfalls, because not all devices are suitable for power strips. Read on to find out which devices these are and what can happen in the worst case scenario: Electric cookers Electric cookers should never be plugged into a multiple socket. Such appliances are designed for high power consumption and are connected to a high-voltage power supply. The maximum load capacity of standard multiple sockets is usually between 3,000 and 3,500 watts. Cookers significantly exceed this value, especially when the hob and oven are in use at the same time. This would result in the cables heating up significantly, which could damage the insulation – in extreme cases, there is a risk of a cable fire. Other power strips Forget about system hacks: so-called “daisy chaining” – i.e. connecting several power strips in series – significantly increases the risk of overload. Use an extension cable instead. Power tools and grooming appliances Drills, saws, and other power tools generate high current peaks when started. The same applies to hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons, which have high heating resistances. It is always better to connect such appliances directly to a wall socket, especially in damp rooms such as bathrooms, where multiple sockets are generally problematic. Kitchen appliances Many kitchen appliances also appear harmless, but are not when it comes to electricity. Toasters, kettles, air fryers, microwaves and sandwich makers often have a power output of 1,500 to 3,000 watts. A single appliance may not overload a multiple socket under certain circumstances. However, it becomes critical when several kitchen appliances are operated simultaneously via a power strip. Power guzzlers Appliances such as tumble dryers, older refrigerators and air conditioners are among the biggest power consumers in the household. They either require high electrical power over a long period of time or generate particularly high power peaks when switched on. Tumble dryers work with powerful heating elements that continuously draw a lot of energy. Refrigerators and air conditioners, on the other hand, operate in cycles and switch their compressors on and off regularly. This results in so-called inrush currents that exceed normal operating consumption. These short-term load peaks can place a heavy strain on multiple sockets. If you exceed the maximum power rating of a power strip, there is a risk of fire. Thichaa General tips for multiple sockets The maximum power rating of a multiple socket can be found either near the switch or on the underside of the power strip. If this power is exceeded, there is a risk of the cables overheating and even catching fire. Therefore, pay attention to how many watts the connected devices require when switched on. Only buy high-quality multiple sockets with the seals from trusted third parties such as UL Solutions, CSA, etc. Avoid using multiple sockets in damp rooms such as bathrooms or in the sink area of the kitchen. Ensure that multiple sockets have sufficient air circulation and are not covered or squeezed between the wall and furniture (this promotes overheating). Never place multiple sockets next to flammable objects such as cardboard boxes or curtains. Read...

I’ve had my HelloFresh subscription for over five years now. A lot has changed in my life since then. At the beginning, I was still a student, writing my bachelor’s thesis and moving into my first apartment at the same time. Shortly afterwards, the coronavirus crisis began and going shopping suddenly became a real problem (just think of the long queues in front of the supermarkets). Hello Fresh came at just the right time and made things a lot easier. I could simply choose dishes, have the ingredients delivered to my home and cook with them for a whole week. But now I’m not as satisfied as I used to be, and now I view Hello Fresh’s offering rather critically. Let me explain why. Reason 1: Rising prices, less food My first problem with Hello Fresh is the rising costs. These don’t stop at the subscription, because the service has become significantly more expensive in recent years. In 2020, I paid £34.99 plus shipping for three meals for two people (i.e. six portions). Now, however, the price has risen to £44.99, which is a good £10 more. These price increases usually came at the turn of the year and were mainly justified by rising food costs. That’s fair, because I’m paying more at the supermarket too. What is not fair, however, is the fact that I am also getting less food for my money — without this even being communicated to me. An example: a recipe that used to call for 250 grams of chicken or fish for two people now only calls for 200 grams. This is not balanced, because it means that carbohydrates dominate most dishes. Hello Fresh thinks that 240 grams of duck breast is fine for two people. Even though I paid extra for the “premium dish”. It’s clear that they simply halved a piece of meat to save costs. There is also no specific quantity information when ordering.PC Welt / Laura Pippig In other cases, ingredients are simply omitted altogether. Hello Fresh used to only expect me to have the absolute basics such as oil, salt, pepper, and maybe sugar at home. Other ingredients such as honey, butter, or vinegar were included if the recipe called for them. Nowadays, this is rarely the case. As a rule, it is assumed that I will use my own ingredients. And Hello Fresh sometimes changes the recipes I used to enjoy cooking, but sometimes forgets to change the pictures on the recipe cards! So I can even see from the picture which ingredients are different from before. All in all, this is textbook shrinkflation: the customer pays more but gets less and less in return. And I think that’s a shame. When I asked, customer support couldn’t tell me anything about it, because they usually only help if ingredients are missing or have been delivered incorrectly. Hello Fresh generally responds to criticism with rejection and relativization, as shown by the responses on Trustpilot, among other places. Tip: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of an ingredient or if it was not delivered in sufficient quantity, you should complain about it in the app. That way, you will at least get some of your money back and won’t have to pay for the missing ingredients out of your own pocket. Reason 2: Inconsistent menu quality One thing you have to give Hello Fresh credit for is that over the years, the selection of dishes has increased significantly and now offers everything from meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan options to quick meals and recipes for families with children. The quality of these menus is not always consistent, however. I’ve had the feeling a few times that I’ve chosen a dish that looked really good, only to end up disappointed. Or to feel like I’ve just paid an awful lot of money for a portion of pasta with tomato sauce. I can cook that myself, without Hello Fresh. In addition, there are many dishes that are too similar. If you like to eat chicken with rice in all possible variations, or tolerate a maximum of three different vegetables in your meal, this can be an advantage. However, sometimes that certain something is missing that makes me want to try Hello Fresh’s somewhat limited menu planning. At least a few themed weeks throughout the year, such as Veganuary, festive Christmas dishes, or street food from around the world, add some variety. However, I have to pay extra for many of these dishes because they are marked as special “gourmet menus”. Then a portion suddenly costs up to £10 instead of £4.75. So if I find Hello Fresh’s normal offering too monotonous in the long run, I inevitably have to pay extra to try other dishes. But even here, the price-performance ratio is not always right. I’d rather go shopping myself… Hello Fresh also offers some special dishes. But the price isn’t always right.PC Welt / Laura Pippig Reason 3: Few advantages for long-term users As a long-standing customer, there is little to reward my loyalty to Hello Fresh. A few months ago, Hello Fresh introduced a bonus system that unlocks certain benefits once you have ordered a certain number of boxes. However, these bonuses generally fall into three categories: discount on shipping costs, discount on the next box, or discount on gourmet menus. The latter remains valid for several boxes and can be worthwhile. Otherwise, there are hardly any incentives to order a box every week. I used to get extras from Hello Fresh every now and then, such as a free dessert. New customers still get really good discounts to entice them to subscribe, but everyone else doesn’t. As is often the case, unfortunately. I’m quite far along with Hello Fresh Rewards, but I hardly benefit from it. The normal meals almost always cost the same, but I can buy more and save money in the process. Oh well.PC Welt / Foundry Reason 4: More waste instead of less One thing Hello Fresh likes to advertise is the environmental friendliness of its service. With a subscription, you not only save yourself the trip to the shops, which many people would do by car, but you also supposedly produce less waste. This is also due to unused ingredients that spoil. However, the reality is somewhat different. For one thing, Hello Fresh generates an incredible amount of paper waste, as I have a relatively large cardboard box on my doorstep every week. Almost all of the ingredients are also individually packaged. From mushrooms and bread to tiny bags of precisely portioned spices or sauces. Some items are also wrapped in plastic, which of course cannot always be avoided. In general, however, I had the feeling that I was producing more waste than less with Hello Fresh in the long run. Unfortunately, some ingredients sometimes end up in the bin because I cannot eat them due to allergies or because they do not keep for long (e.g. packaged salads, spinach). That’s a real shame, so I usually try to give ingredients away before I have to throw them in the bin. But that doesn’t always work, which is why I increasingly prefer to cook with leftovers before ordering another box. If you order from Hello Fresh every week, you’ll quickly end up with a pile of paper waste. But at least most of the packaging is recyclable.PC Welt / Laura Pippig Reason 5: Change in life situation Last but not least, I would like to emphasise that much of my dissatisfaction with Hello Fresh also depends on my changed life situation. I am no longer a student, I no longer cook just for myself, and fortunately, the peak of the coronavirus pandemic is behind us. Compared to before, I also have more money at my disposal and other options for shopping. Even when things get stressful and I don’t have time to do my weekly shopping, I can use other services such as Knuspr to get groceries delivered to my home. And in some cases, I can cook with them for longer than with Hello Fresh. Because there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget: Hello Fresh can be worthwhile if you want to cook exact portions. Hello Fresh likes to calculate the costs and emphasizes the money you supposedly save. But overall, you always end up paying more, if only for the convenience and the rather expensive home delivery. When I buy a kilogram of potatoes at the supermarket, I have a whole kilo and can cook with it three times. With Hello Fresh, I only get 300 grams for the same price, which is only enough for one dish. Hello Fresh argues: “This ensures less food waste,” but I don’t throw away the remaining potatoes otherwise, do I? The same applies to spices, sauces, etc.: I buy them once and then have enough to last a long time, instead of only being able to cook with them once. Hello Fresh creates an illusion of affordability that simply cannot exist. Conclusion Ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves whether the Hello Fresh subscription is still worthwhile. Families with children may see things very differently from me and appreciate the fact that the service tells you what to cook and only delivers as much as you really need. For me personally, however, the concept no longer makes much sense. Especially since I’ve noticed that I can save a lot of money by keeping an eye out for special offers in supermarkets and buying in bulk (especially for non-perishable foods). How to cancel Hello Fresh Incidentally, cancelling your Hello Fresh subscription is not that easy. Unfortunately, you won’t find a button labelled “Cancel subscription” in the app, and simply pausing the delivery of the meal boxes is not enough. Instead, you have to contact customer service and initiate a cancellation, or follow the instructions on this page. Optionally, you can also specify a cancellation date and reason here. However, this is not mandatory. In any case, you must be the account holder in order to cancel. Read...

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