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ActuGaming.net High on Life 2 : On a adoré y jouer longuement pendant la Gamescom, voici nos premiers ressentis sur la suite de l’OVNI de 2022 On ne s’attendait pas à le voir arriver de sitôt suite à la sortie du […] L'article High

Apple is leaning into TikTok's massive influence in China by opening a Douyin storefront where fans can buy iPhone and more with Douyin Pay.Apple tests China's TikTok Pay in App StoreDouyin is China's version of TikTok ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, owns both platforms. However, Douyin is exclusive to mainland China and Hong Kong and is subject to Chinese censorship and regulation.Like TikTok, Douyin is wildly popular. The app sees more than 760 million monthly active users. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The World Poker Tour (WPT) put pen to paper on a multi-year manufacturing and distribution deal with Genco International (Genco).This brings together one of the biggest names in North American poker and a central logistics and distribution arm, Kroeger Marketing, a subsidiary of Genco, to introduce new poker products to fans across the region.WPT and Genco team up for poker product dealThe deal aims to combine the established branding of the WPT, which is synonymous with poker across North America, and the publishing power of Gencos product development from licensed contracts.Vice President of WPT Studios, Loc Sondheim, celebrated the deal, saying, This collaboration brings the WPT experience into peoples home games, giving players the tools to elevate their games and feel like a real poker pro, sharing in the excitement of tournament play.The partnership deal will allow Genco the rights to design, manufacture, and distribute a full time line of WPT-branded products, including poker sets, casino-grade chips, cards, shufflers, chutes, home game accessories, and table covers.Ranging from $4.99 to $149.99, the initial products will be available in the latter half of 2025 at major retail chains, online marketplaces, and direct-to-consumer platforms.Rubin Beige, Co-CEO of Genco International LLC said of the deal, WPT has earned global credibility in the poker world, and now all players can have access to the same quality products and experiences as seen on TV, in their homes.According to the release from WPT, both parties were brought together by All American Licensing and Management Group, run by Timothy and Don Rothwell.Timothy Rothwell is a former President of Marvel Entertainments WW Consumer Products division and Senior Vice President of Consumer Products Division at Universal Studios. His brother, Don, who is a co-founder, is a former Managing Director of Licensing Business Development and Retail at NASCAR.Genco snaps up failing KroegerGenco snapped up Kroeger Inc. as part of a wider deal when the former toy and gaming giant was following a formal insolvency proceeding and subsequent bankruptcy. Genco stepped in and acquired the company, which, at the time of filing, had $7.3 million in liabilities, including approximately $1.1 million owed to the secured lender, Pathward National Association.Grant Chapman was installed as the newly minted Chief Operating Officer after the buyout, saying, This acquisition marks a new era for Kroeger. Weve stabilized the foundation and are now looking forward to expanding our portfolio, enhancing our technology stack, and bringing innovation to every level of our supply chain.Teaming with WPT is just the business that Genco would be looking to benefit from after the costly buyout of the failing toy company.Featured image: WPTThe post World Poker Tour signs a multi-year deal with Genco appeared first on ReadWrite.

All right, my fellow productivity-minded Pixel possessor its that time: Time to set aside all ooh, shiny! sensations, put on your practical thinking cap, and consider closely if Googles latest and greatest Pixel gadgets are actually worth your while to buy.El Googaloo took the wraps off its new Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro (and the plus-sized XL versions of each of those models) just over a week ago. And now, the devices are officially out in the world and ready to tempt us all.Ive had the privilege of living with the new Pixels for the past week, since the day of the Pixel 10 launch shindig, thanks to a series of loaner reviews unit from Google. Prior to that, I spent most of the past year using my own personal Pixel 9 Pro XL with many months personally owning and/or using every previous Pixel model before that as well.With all of that perspective in mind, Id tell you two things, to start:The new Pixel 10 phones truly are fantastic undoubtedly Googles best all-around efforts to date. Theyre an absolute delight to use, and the combination of the exceptional real-world user experience they offer, all the thoughtful and genuinely practical touches they bring into the picture, and the unmatched commitment to timely and reliable ongoing software updates for a full seven years that they provide continues to put these products in a league of their own. This year, with these latest devices, thats more true than ever.While the recommendation to buy one is easy for someone who doesnt already own a Pixel whether theyre a Samsung Galaxy fan looking for something different or (gasp!) an iPhone devotee ready to make the leap to a more modern and less locked-down lifestyle the question of whether its worth shelling out hundreds of dollars to move up from a previous Pixel model is much more nuanced and complex.With that in mind, what follows is specific case-by-case guide to thinking about the Pixel 10 upgrade whether youre coming from last years Pixel 9 models, the previous years Pixel 8 devices, or any other older Pixels from there on back. In each instance, there wont always be a single black-and-white, one-size-fits-all answer. But there will be some practical guidance I can give you based on my experiences with these latest Googley gizmos and my intimate knowledge of their assorted Pixel predecessors.Feel free to skip around and read only the sections relevant to you, if youd like (though Id strongly suggest starting with the first section, below, as it explores a lot about these latest models and many of their newest features) and if you want only the high points without all the detail, look for the symbol at the end of each section for the verdict.Oh and whether you end up snagging the Pixel 10 or stickin with your current model, be sure to mosey your way over to my free Pixel Academy e-course next. Itll teach you all sorts of useful new stuff your phone can do for you, no matter which Pixel youre palming.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 (or Pixel 9 Pro)The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, at left, next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, right.JR Raphael, FoundryWell start with the most recent flagship Pixels and how they compare to the new Pixel 10 offerings, in both the regular and the Pro forms. (And note: Since both Pixel 10 models and their larger XL equivalents are essentially identical other than their size, Im generally not gonna break things down between the XL and non-XL options nor am I going to specifically separate the Pro and regular models, unless theres a pressing reason to do so. For any of the possibilities we discuss from this point onward, if you prefer a larger device, go with the XL. If you like a smaller phone, go with the non-XL version. If you want the best possible cameras and all the whistles, go Pro; otherwise, go with the regular path. Capisce?)This one is an especially tricky decision, with several paths to choose from, but Ill try to make it as simple as possible:Broadly speaking, the biggest reason to consider upgrading from the Pixel 9 series to the Pixel 10 is the added presence of Pixelsnap Googles name for the MagSafe-like native magnets built into the phone that allow for secure and effortless connections to all sorts of wireless chargers, stands, and other accessories. How much that actually matters, of course, is entirely up to you to decide. But its the most immediately noticeable improvement between these two generations, and if I had to pick one reason the upgrade might be worthwhile for folks coming from Pixel 9 devices, thatd be it.Google, unfortunately, wasnt able to make its official Pixelsnap accessories available for my assessment in time for this analysis. But whats especially cool about the Pixel 10s setup in this area is that it follows the now-standard placement for this type of magnetic capability, so you can actually use the Pixel 10 with most any existing magnetic phone accessory including the massive array of MagSafe-designed products, most of which should work fine with any Pixel 10 model. Thats a pretty big plus, particularly since everything you need is right there and built into the phone itself, without the need for any special cases or other external additions. And it opens up a sprawling universe of accessories you can choose from from chargers and stands to battery packs and beyond whether you pick up one of Googles official options or not.If youre currently using the regular, non-Pro Pixel 9, upgrading to the Pixel 10 also brings the advantage of giving you a telephoto lens for high-quality taken-from-afar image capturing something that previously had been available only on the pricier Pro models.And with the Pixel 10 Pro models, you can now zoom in up to 100x up from 30x on the Pixel 9 Pro phones (and 20x on the non-Pro Pixel 10 versions). This is all due to post-capture on-device processing, but its actually pretty phenomenal.To wit: Here is a lovely little lizard I saw in front of our house last night.A somewhat zoomed photo taken on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.JR Raphael, FoundryHere is me zooming in 100x to the lizards head in the original, raw version of the photo, before the Pixel worked its magic on it.A 100x zoomed-in shot before the Pixels processing.JR Raphael, FoundryAndhereis the final product the ultimate version of the image that the Pixel saved for me.100x zooming with full Pixel 10 Pro processing.JR Raphael, Foundry(The Pixel 10 keeps both copies, in case you want to compare or want the raw, unprocessed one for any reason, but the processed one is the primary version you see in your Photos library.)Im not sure how often most of us really have the need for 100x zooming or if thats a reason to upgrade in and of itself, but its a pretty cool capability to have at your fingertips for if/when the right occasion arises and, as you can see above, its insanely impressive how well it works (though you really do have to fight to keep the shot stable and not moving around like crazy when youre zoomed in that much).The new Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro pack plenty of other added hardware-oriented improvements, too for instance:Brighter screens that look noticeably nicer when youre seeing em side by side with their predecessors (but that, honestly, you probably wouldnt notice or be aware of otherwise).Better speakers a welcome improvement, though I suspect most folks will find the difference tough to appreciate; even when doing side-by-side comparisons and actively trying to listen for the contrast, its pretty subtle to my ears.A variety of under-the-hood improvements, like a new next-gen processor again, cool and the kind of progression we certainly want to see with new devices, but not something youre likely to be actively aware of in any day-to-day use.And then, of course, theres all the added software intelligence, where tends to be where Pixels really shine. With the Pixel 10s, the big-ticket item is Magic Cue a new system that, as Google puts it, connects the dots across your apps, like Gmail, Calendar, Screenshots, Messages, and more to proactively surface relevant info and suggest helpful actions when you need them.In short, Magic Cue is meant to pop up pertinent info when you need it without your even having to ask for it like, for instance, surfacing the address of an event from your calendar or maybe the details from an upcoming trip from your email when someone in a message asks about those subjects. Magic Cue feels like the headlining feature here and the element I was absolutely most excited to see in action. In reality, at least so far, its been alittlelimited in how and when it appears. Ive mostly just seen it when Ive deliberately tried to recreate scenarios from the specific examples Googles given of when itll work.That being said, a feature like this seems like the kind of thing thats tough to assess in such a limited, often contrived period of use. Especially if Google keeps expanding it (as the company tells me it very much intends to do), this could become an invaluable part of the Android experience and one of those things you dont eventhinkabout but just appreciate and come to expect over time.The Pixel 10s Magic Cue feature, as seen in notifications.JR Raphael, FoundryFor now, its limited to (a) pulling info from Gmail, Calendar, Messages, Keep, Pixel Screenshots, and Contacts and (b) surfacing relevant info from those sources in Messages, Phone, Weather, and a few other select places (like popping up a suggestion for a place youve previously searched at the top of Gboard when you open up Maps, for instance something that actually happened to me the other night and really caught me by surprise!).More than anything, it seems like a promising start and a return to the concept that came up briefly but never had the chance to develop with Google Now on Tap a decade ago. Hopefully, what were seeing here is only the beginning.Speaking of Google Now, the Pixel 10s new Daily Hub featurereallybrings the original Now concept to mind. Its meant to be a personalized digest of everything you need to know at any given moment. But so far, at least, it strikes me as a watered-down version of what Google Now gave us way back in 2012.Its a single new button at the top of the Google feed that takes you to a screen that generally seems to show a summary of the weather and any upcoming appointments and reminders.The Pixel 10s new Daily Hub in action.JR Raphael, FoundryNot exactly awe-inspiring yet but still, nice to see Google coming back around to what was always a fantastic concept. And, again, hopefully this is just the start.The on-demand Voice Translate trick isexceptionallycool and could beextremelyuseful, in the right sort of situation if/when such a need ever arises for you. It works exactly like the demo, in my experience: Once you activate it, you can simply speak normally during a call to someone, and the system will translate whatever youre sayingon the flyinto whatever language you select in your own voice. It is wild and futuristic, and while it might not be something that comes up often for many of us, its easy to see how supremely useful and life-changing it could be in certain scenarios.And finally, a feature that I didnt even fully understand initially but have really come to appreciate is Take a Message. This basically eliminates voicemail from your life, which is especially nice if youre using a carrier that doesnt provide a great visual voicemail experience. In short, anytime you miss or decline a call, Take a Message automatically takes the message for you without ever involving traditional carrier voicemail. Whatever the caller says just shows up instantly in a notification and is then also available to read or hear right there in the Phone app, alongside the missed call.The Pixel 10s Take a Message feature is like a modern replacement for voicemail.JR Raphael, IDGIf your phone is ever off or out of service, your carrier voicemail still kicks in. But as long as the device is on and actively connected, your voicemail becomes a feature on the device, in the Phone app, instead of some awkwardly separate (and difficult to save or bring with you when changing phones or carriers) add-on service.And, if youre wondering, Google isnt saying yet if or when any of these features might make their way to older Pixels (or possibly even non-Pixel Android devices). But thats certainly something that could happen down the line as well and often does happen with items like these.Notably, the same future-reach ambiguity is not present with the new natural language image editing option debuting in Google Photos on the Pixel 10 devices. That feature which works impressively well some of the time and is a ton of fun to play around with does seem like itll make its way to more places eventually, though the specific timing isnt yet certain. And in the meantime, you can actually accomplish fairly similar feats directly within Gemini on any device, be it a phone, computer, or anything in between. The verdict, in short: Lots of useful little touches that add up to create an even more pleasant and productive all-around Pixel experience but nothing you truly need coming from last years models.If youre itchin for something new and youre the sort of person who geeks out over the finer points of mobile technology (hiya!) or if any of the specific new features, like Voice Translate, really jump at you as elements youd use often youll be thrilled with the Pixel 10 upgrade coming from a Pixel 9.The phone is mostly a refined and improved version of last years Pixel, which makes it even more polished and enticing for a newcomer (especially at the same price as last years offering) but not exactly a need-to-upgrade situation for an average Pixel 9 owner.The most significant change for most people will be the presence of native support for those magnetic accessories and then the addition of telephoto zoom for the non-Pro models. Beyond that, youll see a bunch of little quality-of-life improvements that may not be overly attention-grabbing at the onset but that will actually help you and make a difference over time.All of that being said, the purely sensible advice in this scenario would be to hang onto your current phone for a while longer though the various launch-time deals and trade-in values might give you some extra excuses, if you really just want to talk yourself into it.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9aThe Pixel 10 Pro XL next to the Pixel 9a.JR Raphael, FoundryGot Googles most recent midrange Pixel model? Moving to the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro would absolutely be an improvement for you, but thats in large part because youre moving from a more budget-minded proposition into premium flagship terrain.That means youll get a fancier-feeling phone body (for whatever thats worth to you), along with lots of extra bells and whistles and niceties including all sorts of upgraded camera capabilities.The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are also in a completely different league when it comes to processing power, which can make the phone feel a fair bit snappier. That being said, the Pixel 9a is certainly no slouch with performance for most average-animal needs, and you may or may not notice any obvious difference in your day-to-day use (especially if you arent doing a ton of multitasking and other high-resource-requiring work).The biggest question to ask yourself is why you went with the Pixel 9a in the first place. If its because of the price and value, then moving up to the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro probably isnt an advisable move. Your 9a still has a solid six and a half years (!) of active software support under its belt, and nothing about the 9-to-10 upgrade is gonna dramatically revolutionize your core user experience or what your phones capable of doing outside of photography, at least, but even there, were talking more niceties and added abilities as opposed to core competency.If past trends hold true, meanwhile, well see the next midrange Pixel the Pixel 10a sometime next spring. So thats also on the way as a possible upgrade within your current a-series path, should you wish to move to something new but stay within the same mid-level price range. (And odds are, itll get at least some of the new software-oriented features from the Pixel 10, too.) The verdict, in short: A lofty leap but largely just because of the change in range.If youre jonesing for a more premium Pixel experience, youll be positively thrilled by the move to a Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro but thats mostly because youre hopping from one product tier to another.For most people who bought the 9a in the first place, sticking with that phone for a while longer will make more sense.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 8 (or Pixel 8 Pro)The Pixel 10 Pro XL next to the Pixel 8 Pro XL.JR Raphael, FoundryIf youre coming from a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro phone, be sure to read the Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 9 comparison above as many of those same impressions will apply to you, too.The added difference is mostly that your device is another year and generation behind, so the contrasts will all be slightly more noticeable coming from your current phone compared to the one-year-old Pixel 9 models. And that makes the question of whether to upgrade for you a little more murky still in a gray zone, without any easy universal answer, but with a little more leaning toward the maybe side of the equation.All brand new elements aside, the Pixel 9 (last years flagship) was the first phone model to introduce two software features that I have actually found to be quite useful over the past year both of which are still very much present on the Pixel 10 but arent present on your Pixel 8 device:Pixel Screenshots, an app that saves and makes it easier to search your screenshots and most significantly introduces a simple system-wide shortcut for creating an on-the-fly reminder around any screenshot you save quite possibly the most indispensable Pixel addition in recent years, in my eyes (and one that you can emulate in a couple creative ways but thats never quite the same as the system-level original)And Call Notes, a smart addition to the Pixel Phone app that can automatically take notes and then provide summaries of any or all of your voice calls (and once more, something you can recreate on any Android device with a little creative thinking but without completely matching the smooth and seamless nature of the native implementation)Those features alone might be worth making the leap from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 10, if you ask me (because remember, the Pixel 10 is basically a refined and improved version of the Pixel 9, still at the same price). And thats to say nothing of the other noteworthy 9-series-introduced improvements that also carry over to this current generation including backup satellite connectivity for contacting emergency services and sending messages when you dont have regular cellular service. Honestly, most of that may mean more than much of the brand new 10-level stuff for a lot of Pixel 8-series owners.All in all, this isnt what Id call a no-brainer, pull-the-trigger-this-instant upgrade. We arent at that point quite yet. But its a reasonably compelling argument to consider if youre not entirely ecstatic about your current phone situation and/or youre ready for something new and improved. The verdict, in short: Incredibly easy to justify if you want it but by no means needed.The Pixel 10 or 10 Pro would mark a noticeable and quite significant upgrade coming from any of the Pixel 8 models in all the same ways we went over for the Pixel 9 section, above, and all the improvements from the 8-to-9 generation that also carry over now.But the 8-generation phones still have plenty of life left in em, and theres nothing with the new 10 devices thatd dramatically change your life mostly just some nifty new conveniences and assorted added niceties.Especially with all the promos and trade-in values, you wouldnt regret making the move to a Pixel 10-level phone. And I have no doubt youd be very happy with it.But youd also be fine to stick with your Pixel 8 for another year or more and from a purely sensible perspective, thatd be the way to go.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 8aThe story with the Pixel 8a is honestly pretty similar to what we said with the 9a a moment ago only with an extra year of use and improvements added into the mix.The Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro would be a significant upgrade from the 8a in every possible measure, and youd absolutely notice the difference. But your current phone is still fine, and the 8a is set to be supported with Android software updates all the way through May 2031.Just like with the Pixel 9a, the real question here is how badly you want to move to a more premium, high-end phone experience and how much youre willing to spend to get there. The verdict, in short: Another big jump between classes, if youre looking for that kind of change.For most 8a owners, theres no pressing reason to upgrade though going from that phone to the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro would absolutely be a massive and immediately noticeable improvement, if you simply wanted to give yourself the added niceties of the more premium Pixel path.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 7 (or Pixel 7 Pro)Now were starting to trek into terrain where the upgrade to a Pixel 10 gets more substantial. The Pixel 7 series phones came out in the fall of 2022, and weve seen a fair amount of improvements now cumulatively present in the newest Pixel 10 devices in all the time since.The Pixel 7 series was also the last Pixel to launch before Google moved from a three-year software support guarantee to its current seven-year promise though the company did go back and add another couple years onto the Pixel 7 at some point along the way. That means the 7 series is set to receive operating system updates for another two years yet, through October 2027, so you certainly could wait another year (or even two) before it becomes pressing to think about a new device.That being said, youd see a host of very noticeable and meaningful improvements by making the leap now. That includes everything weve talked about in the previous sections, plus the massively significant ability to use your phones Face Unlock system everywhere as a secure way to sign into banking apps or anywhere else authentication is required which is something thats possible only with the Pixel 8 and upward.For context: That improvement alone convinced me to pull the trigger on a Pixel 8 in 2023, when that capability first came into the equation. Small of a detail as it may seem compared to the more attention-grabbing Pixel tricks, its a real game-changer and something that has a meaningful, ongoing impact on your day-to-day life likely multiple times every single day. And getting a Pixel 10 now is hands-down the best way to get it.The Pixel 7 to 10 upgrade will also give you the unusual advantage of an on-device thermometer, which seemed silly when it first debuted on the Pixel 8 series but has since grown into a valuable addition now that it supports actual human temperature-taking (which it weirdly didnt out of the gate). We can never find regular thermometers in my house, and even when we do, theyre frustratingly inconsistent and inaccurate in their readings. The Pixel 10s thermometer (on the Pro models only) is always there and ready, and its been incredibly consistent with its measurements in my experience.Still, unless your Pixel 7 series device is starting to show its age in a not-so-great way, this one mostly comes down to a matter of added niceties and conveniences once more, still, of want over need. If you want it, its well worthwhile, and youll certainly see enough of a difference to justify the change coming from the 7 series. But you definitely dont need it, and if you arent feeling the urge to get something new just yet, theres no reason not to stick with what youve got for another year or so. The verdict, in short: A very significant step up that youll absolutely notice and appreciate but still not a critical upgrade.The Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro would be a welcome upgrade for you and one thats easy to justify and filled with significant, meaningful changes. But, its by no means a completely necessary purchase.Ask yourself how much you truly want one of the devices and how much you can stomach the cost taking into account any trade-in variables for whatd be an enjoyable and efficiency-enhancing, though not necessarily quite essential, change.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 7aOnce more, the situation with the Pixel 7a is not all that different from what we went over with the one-generation-later a-model a moment ago with the added consideration that the 7a is now down to just shy of three years of remaining software updates and is also now over two years old, so it may be starting to slow down and introduce annoying work challenges.If you feel like you need to stick it out longer or youre just satisfied enough with what youve got now and your 7a is still working reasonably well for you theres no super-pressing reason to push yourself into Pixel 10 territory this minute.But if you want an incredible all-around productivity and day-to-day experience upgrade and are up for the cost, you would be blown away by the difference youd see moving from that phone to a Pixel 10 model on so many different levels.Again, the bigger question is if thats the change you want or if youd rather stick with the more affordable a path for your next upgrade, whenever that time arrives. The verdict, in short: Well worth it if you want to spend that kind of money.Think closely about how happy or frustrated you are with your current phone, at its current age.If its still doing the job well for you and you arent especially excited about anything new, youve got every reason to stick with what youve got.But if youre ready for an improvement and you want to leave the midrange a arena for a top-of-the-line experience, the Pixel 10 would be a tremendous leap forward for you in every measure imaginable and theres no better phone you could buy.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 6 (or Pixel 6 Pro)Pixel 6 pals, youre next! And if youve been reading everything up through this point, youve probably got a pretty good guess of where were going with this.With each subsequent generation of Pixel, the argument for making the upgrade gets more compelling and thats absolutely true in the case of the Pixel 6.The Pixel 6 is set to receive current OS updates only through next October 2026 thanks to Googles extension from that devices original three-year support promise. That means youve got a few Android updates left yet, including this falls Android 16 release and then the (likely) two updates thatll land ahead of the Pixel 6s support cutoff next fall.So if you really want to stick it out a while longer, you could certainly do it. And youd be in fine shape, as far as security and privacy and all the most critical factors are concerned.But were reaching a point now where the quality-of-life upgrades would be significant enough that its easy to recommend this as a sensible step forward for most people particularly professionals concerned about having a fast, efficient, and effective device with lots of legitimately productivity-boosting advantages (along with quite a few just plain nice improvements). The verdict, in short: A smart and substantial upgrade that youll very much appreciate (but that you can still get away with waiting on a little longer, if you really want to stretch this one out as long as possible).You could hold off one more year, if youd rather, but upgrading to the Pixel 10 now would be a heck of an upgrade for you on so many levels! and the clock is ticking for when such a move will become highly advisable (and ill-advised to avoid).If youre ready now, youll be delighted with all the changes the Pixel 10 will bring you. If not, though, you could put the purchase off one more year and go with the Pixel 11 in 2026 instead.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 6aGuess what? Once again, the Pixel 6a situation is pretty similar to what weve described with other Pixel a models though here, were looking at a three-year-old device down to its final two years of active OS update support.Practically speaking, the 6as OS update support end-date of July 2027 means that you could easily keep using it without any real worries. But at the same time, my goodness, the leap to a Pixel 10 would be absolutely massive for you and especially if youre relying on your device for work, itd make an immediately noticeable, extremely significant difference in your ability to get stuff done.But, again, your current phone is still reasonably okay to stick with, if youre so inclined if a little long in the tooth. And, like with our previous a-model comparisons, you could also consider going with the more affordable Pixel 9a as a still-quite-nice (just not as dramatically delightful) boost into the present. The verdict, in short: The time is nigh but you can hold off a teensy but longer (or consider a more comparable a-level upgrade), if youd rather.The argument for upgrading from a Pixel 6a is a strong one, given how much things have moved forward in the time since that phones release but this isnt quite yet a must-upgrade scenario.And, just like with the Pixel 8a, the real question is if you even want to move to the higher-end Pixel path whenever you do upgrade or if youd rather stick with the less expensive midrange a phones. Thats a decision only you can make.Google Pixel 10 vs. Pixel 5 or any earlier Pixel modelThis last Pixel 10 upgrade decision is the easiest: If youre using the Pixel 5 or any Pixel model earlier than that, you should strongly consider stepping up to a Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro device now. No question.These older Pixels are no longer actively being supported with current OS updates or even security patches, and all current features and added conveniences aside, that means theyre no longer advisable to use when it comes to the ever-important areas of optimal privacy, security, and performance for your phone.That aside, the difference in practically every practical measure from performance to photo quality and all the features that have arrived in the Pixel arena over the past five-plus years is, well, immeasurable. This is the time. This is the device. Putting it off any further is doing a disservice to your productivity, your privacy and security, and your all-around Android experience.This one, at last, is easy! The verdict, in short: Do it. Do it now.Its time for a new device, plain and simple, and the Pixel 10 models will be a tremendous, night-and-day leap forward for you in every possible measure.If youre on an older Pixel a model, you could consider going with the Pixel 8a instead, should you wish to spend a little less dough.But with any older Pixel, the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro will be the best upgrade you could make right now, and you would be positively thrilled with the change (in addition to being maximally protected, in terms of being on the most current software possible and avoiding any privacy-, security-, or performance-related liabilities).Wait what about the Pixel Fold?Using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or maybe its first-gen equivalent? The advice above doesnt really apply to you.Folding phones are their own beast, and its a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison to try to stack them up next to a standard slab-style device at this point.If you simply arent happy with your Fold experience and think youd rather go back to a more standard sort of phone form, youd be quite pleased with a move to a Pixel 10 model.Otherwise, stay tuned for more on the third-gen Pixel Fold a.k.a. the Pixel 10 Pro Fold soon. It isnt slated to ship until sometime in October, and Google consequently hasnt made review units of it available for assessment quite yet.Decisions, decisions, eh? Hey, at least these are relatively fun ones to make.Dont let yourself miss an ounce of Pixel magic. Come start my free Pixel Academy e-course to discover tons of fresh hidden features and time-saving tricks for whatever Pixel phone youre using.

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Builder.ai went from a value of $1.5 billion to zero in a few months, amid questions over the sales of an A.I. product. Its downfall hints at a broader downturn.

In a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park, a microbe does something that life shouldnt be able to: It breathes oxygen and sulfur at the same time.

The US has sensitive nuclear technology at a nuclear power plant inside Ukraine and is warning Russia not to touch it, according to a letter the US Department of Energy sent to Russia's state-owned nuclear energy firm Rosatom last month.

Tech giants are hooking us on free, but it won't last forever.

Modern life demands flexibility, as shrinking homes, faster travel, and evolving lifestyles outpace the limits of rigid, traditional design. Conventional rigid structures struggle to keep up with this pace, but inflatable design offers a refreshing solution. Imagine furniture that folds into a backpack, or homes that expand and contract with your lifestyle.Inflatables merge creativity with convenience, giving us spaces and products that are lighter, more portable, and more versatile than anything we have known. Beyond novelty, this design approach directly addresses modern challenges, turning adaptability into a tangible experience. Here is how inflatable design invites us to consider solutions created for living, rather than for permanence alone.1. The Shift Toward Sustainable, Lightweight DesignThe materials we use directly shape the environmental impact of our homes and products. Traditional construction relies heavily on materials like concrete and steel, which require substantial energy for manufacturing and transportation. Inflatable design, by contrast, relies on engineered fabrics that are durable and lightweight.Whether used for a temporary pop-up structure or adaptable furniture, their reduced weight significantly lowers the energy required to move, assemble, or reconfigure them. But the benefits extend further. Inflatable structures achieve similar volume and function with far fewer raw materials, resulting in leaner production, less waste, and a smaller carbon footprint.Z LOUNGER proves inflatable seating can be both stylish and ergonomic. Airmaans Kickstarter success folds into a yoga-mat-sized roll yet unfolds into a silhouette closer to Le Corbusiers Chaise Longue than a pool float. An S-shaped contour supports the spine, internal air chambers align with natural curves, and a detachable neck pillow adds comfort. The reclining base adjusts easily between upright lounging, full recline, and flat mode, while a subtle knee arch improves posture and circulation.Weighing just 4.6kg, its portable yet built to withstand tough conditions, with military-grade composites that resist UV, rain, pets, kids, and even accidental run-overs. Inflation takes under a minute, its waterproof, mildew-resistant, and doubles as a floating lounger. Modular by design, it accommodates aftermarket mats while offering Airmaans own Z Cushion.2. Adaptability for the Modern LifestyleModern life is constantly shifting as we relocate for careers, family, or simply the pursuit of change. Traditional homes, built as static fixtures, rarely match this fluid reality. Inflatable spaces, from rapid-deploy shelters to pop-up event venues, offer an agile solution. Easy to assemble and just as easy to store, they provide flexibility for disaster relief, temporary housing, or even a home office that disappears once work ends.This adaptability also enhances everyday living. In small apartments, large furniture can feel restrictive. Inflatable alternatives deliver the same comfort yet can be packed away, freeing space for yoga, gatherings, or creativity.In design, inspiration often emerges from the most unexpected sources. The SQUEEZE lamp, created by designer Eva Ausmann, exemplifies this by reimagining air as a central design element in lighting. More than a lamp, it is an inventive exploration of material and form. Constructed from TPU-coated nylon, the piece maintains constant air pressure, resulting in a structure that is both lightweight and resilient. At first glance, its playful form could be mistaken for decorative art, yet its inflatable body and welded joints give it both flexibility and strength.SQUEEZE integrates functionality with innovation. It attaches to tabletops using pressure between air cushions, while an integrated air-pressure sensor enables light control through touch, creating an interactive experience. Designed for sustainability, the lamp folds flat when deflated, reducing weight, transport costs, and emissions. Available in three colors, its minimalist geometry and soft contours allow it to complement diverse interiors, blending playful creativity with refined sophistication.3. Enhanced Well-Being Through Sensory DesignThe experience of a space is defined not only by appearance but also by touch and form. While we often connect well-being to natural light or fresh air, the sensory qualities of our surroundings are equally important. Inflatable design brings a new tactile dimension with soft, pliable surfaces that feel welcoming and gentle. Unlike rigid interiors, these elements create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that supports mental balance.The shapes themselves add to this effect. Rounded edges and fluid, playful forms reduce intimidation, replacing sharpness with calm.The Esch 22 Space Station 04 E22SSPIU, or short for Pump It Up, is a conceptual towable dwelling that inflates an upper level to accommodate up to six occupants. Conceived by Luxembourg-based studio 2001 for the city of Esch, the project functions as a research initiative rather than a commercial product. Its purpose is to provoke discussion about unconventional approaches to compact housing. The unit is constructed on a durable stainless steel double-axle trailer with a restrained exterior design, punctuated by a single, expansive rear window that introduces natural light and frames exterior views. Entry is provided by a metal ramp leading to a lower-level interior containing a living area, bathroom, and compact kitchen with essential amenities.Once stationed, pneumatic struts elevate the roof to form a base, while a compressor inflates a double-shell dome that serves as the upper floor. This level offers cork flooring, integrated light-permeable grating, and inflatable mattresses for adaptable sleeping arrangements. Access is available via staircase or elevator, and a water recycling system supports sustainable use of resources. Though unconventional in form, the dwelling illustrates a creative exploration of adaptable housing strategies within limited space.4. Intersection of Function and AestheticsFor years, inflatables were seen as purely practical or playful novelties with little design value. That perception is changing as contemporary designers harness advanced materials and smart engineering to elevate them into high-design objects. Today, we see sculptural chairs, modular walls that shape interiors, and striking architectural features that prove inflatables can be both useful and beautiful.This transformation highlights how design can merge functionality with inspiration. A translucent inflatable wall, for example, can brighten and expand a room while offering flexible layouts. Inflatables now demonstrate that practicality and aesthetic refinement are not opposites but powerful partners in innovation.The film lighting industry has embraced many innovations, but few combine practicality and creative flexibility as effectively as ColorPipes. These inflatable, ultra-light fixtures are designed by filmmakers for filmmakers, addressing the frustrations of traditional rigs like heavy equipment, fragile parts, and complex power needs. By weighing a fraction of conventional lights while delivering professional-grade brightness, ColorPipes streamline setup and transport, allowing crews to focus on storytelling rather than logistics. Their pixelized RGBWW technology offers high-CRI bicolor illumination and dynamic color effects, reducing the need for multiple fixtures and empowering creators with greater control over mood and atmosphere.Built for demanding environments, ColorPipes feature IP67-rated waterproofing, ensuring reliable performance in rain, salt spray, and even shallow underwater shoots. Wireless control through CRMX, DMX, or Bluetooth further enhances adaptability, while the quick-inflation system enables deployment within minutes. Compact enough to fit in a carrying case yet powerful enough for studio-quality output, ColorPipes redefine modern film lighting by merging resilience, versatility, and efficiency.5. Democratizing Space and DesignTraditionally, creating an additional room or structure demanded permits, skilled labor, and heavy costs, making customization an exclusive luxury. Inflatable design overturns this model by offering lightweight, portable structures that arrive in a box. Instead of lengthy construction, a functional space can be set up within hours, making adaptable and thoughtfully designed environments accessible to far more people.From temporary art pavilions and pop-up stores to flexible work hubs, inflatables deliver low-cost, high-impact solutions. They allow individuals and communities to experiment freely with layouts and uses of space. Inflatables dont just change how we build, but they also empower everyone to design.In Jinans streets, a massive soap-bubble-like dome rises above the skyline. Far from being an art installation, it is the worlds largest construction enclosure, an inflatable structure covering 20,000 square meters and soaring 50 meters high. Created by China Energy Construction Group and Licheng Urban Development Group for the Honglou 1905 project, it redefines how construction unfolds in urban spaces.The domes design turns building sites into quieter, cleaner environments by trapping 90 percent of dust and cutting noise by 80 percent. For residents, it eliminates the usual disruption of dust, debris, and relentless noise. Inside, crews work in a climate-controlled space where wind, rain, or weather delays are no obstacle, enabling faster progress and higher-quality results. The domes temporary design makes it especially innovative. Once construction wraps up, it simply deflates and disappears, leaving no trace. This reversible approach minimizes pollution, cuts carbon footprints, and redefines urban development.Inflatable design is not just a trend but a shift in how we shape living and working spaces. By prioritizing adaptability, sustainability, and well-being, it responds to modern needs with intelligence and ease. This fluidity creates freedom that empowers people to design environments that evolve as their lives change.The post Using Air to Build: How Inflatable Design Is Revolutionizing Habitable Spaces And Product Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

This ReCon Project, developed at Austria's Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), proposes a hook-and-loop fastening system for wall surfaces. While a true hook-and-loop arrangement (like that used in Velcro) isn't possible with rigid surfaces, the research team came up with a close approximation. Protrusions were cast into concrete, and a flexible sheet material was 3D printed with corresponding protrusions on one face, allowing the sheet to be non-permanently adhered to the concrete. "Such hook-and-loop systems make it possible to properly separate durable load-bearing structures that are intended to last for decades from more short-lived elements such as installations, surfaces, floors or non-load-bearing interior walls," the researchers write. That's an intriguing proposal. I've recently had to replace subflooring and flooring, and am currently in the process of removing several hundred square feet of old wallpaper; both are messy, time-consuming jobs. Imagine a future where those things could simply be peeled off and replaced!

If you dread the weekly grocery shop, or get sidetracked by fun snacks only to end up with no real meals, this might be the hack for you.The 5-4-3-2-1 method gives shoppers like you a simple template the next time youre about to crash out in the produce aisle. Instead of tossing random items into the cart and realizing later you have nothing to cook, grab five vegetables, four fruits, three proteins, two starches, and one treat, and call it a day.The idea is that everything can be mixed and matched for different meals, helping to cut costs and prevent food waste. Having a number in mind for each category brings just enough structure to make grocery shopping less stressful, and maybe even enjoyable.The method traces back to content creator and chef Will Coleman, who posted a video of his grocery tips in 2023. He said he could make between four and six meals for two people for under $100 using the formula. Since then, others have tested out his method for themselves. @chefwillco GROCERY SHOPPING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS (and those who are looking to save money.) If youre not the best at grocery shopping or never know what to get, dont sweat it or be embarrassed! Lets step up your game with my 5-4-3-2-1 method. Tag @Whole Foods Market in the comments if you think I should make this a series #adulting #tips #groceryshopping #hauls #howto #cooking #budget #nyc #budgetmeals #comewithme #vlog #explorepage #fyp #viral #nyc #comewithme original sound Chef Will Coleman A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that almost 90% of American adults are stressed about grocery costs, which means the viral hack couldnt have resurfaced at a better time.The Consumer Price Index shows grocery prices are up 2.4% compared to last year. Instead of overspending on produce that goes bad at the back of the fridge, focus on staples: a bag of salad, broccoli, zucchini, onions, peppers. Add a few fruits like berries, bananas, kiwi, grapes. Throw some protein in your cart, like salmon, eggs, or tofu, as well as starches like rice or pasta.Of course, youll likely need to buy more than 16 items in order to have a fully stocked kitchen. But its a great starting point for your grocery list if you tend to wander the aisles overwhelmed. On your way to checkout, dont forget something funa seasonal snack or sweet treatbecause you deserve it.

Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries announced new partnerships with Google and Meta to accelerate the company's push into artificial intelligence.

It would seem that the Galaxy S26 Edge is going to come with a bigger battery, while sticking with lithium-ion.

Intel no longer has to fulfill certain requirements or meet milestones that it was originally supposed to under the CHIPS Act, now that the government is taking a stake in the company. According to the Wall Street Journal, Intel said in a filing that it can now receive funding from the government, as long as it can show that it has already spent $7.9 billion on projects that it agreed to take on under a deal with the Commerce Department last year. Reuters notes that Intel has already spent $7.87 billion on eligible CHIPS Act-funded projects.In addition, the company doesn't have to share a percentage of the total cumulative cash flow it gets from each project with the Commerce Department anymore. It doesn't have to adhere to some of the CHIPS Act's workflow policy requirements and most other restrictions, as well. However, it still can't use the funds it gets from the government for dividends and to repurchase shares.If you'll recall, the government recently decided to take a 10 percent stake in Intel instead of proceeding with their original CHIPS Act deal. President Donald Trump previously called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign, prompting a meeting between them that led to the new agreement. "He walked in wanting to keep his job and he ended up giving us 10 billion dollars for the United States," Trump said. "So we picked up 10 billion." Intel eventually announced that the US government will "make an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock." The purchase will be made up of the $5.7 billion previously earmarked for Intel as part of the CHIPS act, while the rest ($3.2 billion) will be awarded as part of the Secure Enclave program.Intel CEO David Zinser recently revealed that the company already received $5.7 billion from the government on Wednesday night. The government also previously awarded Intel $2.2 billion in grants under the CHIPS Act, bringing the government's total involvement with the company to $11.1 billion.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-us-government-drops-its-chips-act-requirements-for-intel-133049932.html?src=rss

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.Labor Day sales are rolling in, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before theyre over. You can also subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.I use the Pixel Watch 3 every day, and it's one of the best smartwatches I've owned. Naturally, part of me is eyeing the new Pixel Watch 4 Google just announced, but I think last year's model is still plenty good for me. And now that it's on sale for Labor Daycurrently $250, down from its usual $350it can be good for you, too.The Pixel Watch 3's battery life lasts all day (sometimes more than one), which has been my major gripe with past smartwatches I've owned. The heart-rate tracking is solid, and you can keep an eye on your current heart rate at a glance from the clock display. Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, Wi-Fi, Matte Black, Obsidian Band) $243.11 at Amazon $309.99 Save $66.88 Get Deal Get Deal $243.11 at Amazon $309.99 Save $66.88 Since Gemini support finally rolled out to the Pixel Watch, it's also gotten much smarter as a voice assistant. It used to be that I had to carefully issue commands using the exact right phrasing, but now I'm able to reply to messages, set reminders, or look up basic info from my watch without it getting confused as easily. It's still no replacement for a smartphone, but it's a lot more convenient than it used to be.At $250, the Pixel Watch 3 is at its lowest price ever, according to price-trackers. While it's hard to say if it's likely to get much cheaper when the Pixel Watch 4 comes out on Oct. 9, it's definitely cheaper than the new one will be for a while. So if you're not swayed by the domed display or side-mounted charger of the new model, this one will do most of what that one does for a hefty chunk of change less. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Google Pixel 10 128GB Unlocked Phone With $100 Amazon Gift Card (Obsidian) $799.00 (List Price $899.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) $849.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core $39.99 (List Price $69.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team

New technologies and innovative concepts frequently enter the product development lifecycle, promising to revolutionize user experiences. However, even the most ingenious ideas risk failure without a fundamental grasp of user interaction with these new experiences. Consider the plight of the Nintendo Power Glove. Despite being a commercial success (selling over 1 million units), its release in late 1989 was followed by its discontinuation less than a full year later in 1990. The two games created solely for the Power Glove sold poorly, and there was little use for the Glove with Nintendos already popular traditional console games.A large part of the failure was due to audience reaction once the product (which allegedly was developed in 8 weeks) was cumbersome and unintuitive. Users found syncing the glove to the moves in specific games to be extremely frustrating, as it required a process of coding the moves into the gloves preset move buttons and then remembering which buttons would generate which move. With the more modern success of Nintendos WII and other movement-based controller consoles and games, we can see the Power Glove was a concept ahead of its time. If Power Gloves developers wanted to conduct effective research prior to building it out, they would have needed to look beyond traditional methods, such as surveys and interviews, to understand how a user might truly interact with the Glove. How could this have been done without a functional prototype and slowing down the overall development process?Enter the Wizard of Oz method, a potent tool for bridging the chasm between abstract concepts and tangible user understanding, as one potential option. This technique simulates a fully functional system, yet a human operator (the Wizard) discreetly orchestrates the experience. This allows researchers to gather authentic user reactions and insights without the prerequisite of a fully built product.The Wizard of Oz (WOZ) method is named in tribute to the similarly named book by Frank L. Baum. In the book, the Wizard is simply a man hidden behind a curtain, manipulating the reality of those who travel the land of Oz. Dorothy, the protagonist, exposes the Wizard for what he is, essentially an illusion or a con who is deceiving those who believe him to be omnipotent. Similarly, WOZ takes technologies that may or may not currently exist and emulates them in a way that should convince a research participant they are using an existing system or tool. WOZ enables the exploration of user needs, validation of nascent concepts, and mitigation of development risks, particularly with complex or emerging technologies. The product team in our above example might have used this method to have users simulate the actions of wearing the glove, programming moves into the glove, and playing games without needing a fully functional system. This could have uncovered the illogical situation of asking laypeople to code their hardware to be responsive to a game, show the frustration one encounters when needing to recode the device when changing out games, and also the cumbersome layout of the controls on the physical device (even if theyd used a cardboard glove with simulated controls drawn in crayon on the appropriate locations.Jeff Kelley credits himself (PDF) with coining the term WOZ method in 1980 to describe the research method he employed in his dissertation. However, Paula Roe credits Don Norman and Allan Munro for using the method as early as 1973 to conduct testing on an airport automated travel assistant. Regardless of who originated the method, both parties agree that it gained prominence when IBM later used it to conduct studies on a speech-to-text tool known as The Listening Typewriter (see Image below).In this article, Ill cover the core principles of the WOZ method, explore advanced applications taken from practical experience, and demonstrate its unique value through real-world examples, including its application to the field of agentic AI. UX practitioners can use the WOZ method as another tool to unlock user insights and craft human-centered products and experiences.The Yellow Brick Road: Core Principles And MechanicsThe WOZ method operates on the premise that users believe they are interacting with an autonomous system while a human wizard manages the systems responses behind the scenes. This individual, often positioned remotely (or off-screen), interprets user inputs and generates outputs that mimic the anticipated functionality of the experience.Cast Of CharactersA successful WOZ study involves several key roles:The UserThe participant who engages with what they perceive as the functional system.The FacilitatorThe researcher who guides the user through predefined tasks and observes their behavior and reactions.The WizardThe individual manipulates the systems behavior in real-time, providing responses to user inputs.The Observer (Optional)An additional researcher who observes the session without direct interaction, allowing for a secondary perspective on user behavior.Setting The Stage For Believability: Leaving Kansas BehindCreating a convincing illusion is key to the success of a WOZ study. This necessitates careful planning of the research environment and the tasks users will undertake. Consider a study evaluating a new voice command system for smart home devices. The research setup might involve a physical mock-up of a smart speaker and predefined scenarios like Play my favorite music or Dim the living room lights. The wizard, listening remotely, would then trigger the appropriate responses (e.g., playing a song, verbally confirming the lights are dimmed).Or perhaps it is a screen-based experience testing a new AI-powered chatbot. You have users entering commands into a text box, with another member of the product team providing responses simultaneously using a tool like Figma/Figjam, Miro, Mural, or other cloud-based software that allows multiple users to collaborate simultaneously (the author has no affiliation with any of the mentioned products).The Art Of IllusionMaintaining the illusion of a genuine system requires the following:Timely and Natural ResponsesThe wizard must react to user inputs with minimal delay and in a manner consistent with expected system behavior. Hesitation or unnatural phrasing can break the illusion.Consistent System LogicResponses should adhere to a predefined logic. For instance, if a user asks for the weather in a specific city, the wizard should consistently provide accurate information.Handling the UnexpectedUsers will inevitably deviate from planned paths. The wizard must possess the adaptability to respond plausibly to unforeseen inputs while preserving the perceived functionality.Ethical ConsiderationsTransparency is crucial, even in a method that involves a degree of deception. Participants should always be debriefed after the session, with a clear explanation of the Wizard of Oz technique and the reasons for its use. Data privacy must be maintained as with any study, and participants should feel comfortable and respected throughout the process.Distinguishing The MethodThe WOZ method occupies a unique space within the UX research toolkit:Unlike usability testing, which evaluates existing interfaces, Wizard of Oz explores concepts before significant development.Distinct from A/B testing, which compares variations of a products design, WOZ assesses entirely new functionalities that might otherwise lack context if shown to users.Compared to traditional prototyping, which often involves static mockups, WOZ offers a dynamic and interactive experience, enabling observation of real-time user behavior with a simulated system.This method proves particularly valuable when exploring truly novel interactions or complex systems where building a fully functional prototype is premature or resource-intensive. It allows researchers to answer fundamental questions about user needs and expectations before committing significant development efforts.Lets move beyond the foundational aspects of the WOZ method and explore some more advanced techniques and critical considerations that can elevate its effectiveness.Time Savings: WOZ Versus Crude PrototypingIts a fair question to ask whether WOZ is truly a time-saver compared to even cruder prototyping methods like paper prototypes or static digital mockups.While paper prototypes are incredibly fast to create and test for basic flow and layout, they fundamentally lack dynamic responsiveness. Static mockups offer visual fidelity but cannot simulate complex interactions or personalized outputs.The true time-saving advantage of the WOZ emerges when testing novel, complex, or AI-driven concepts. It allows researchers to evaluate genuine user interactions and mental models in a seemingly live environment, collecting rich behavioral data that simpler prototypes cannot. This fidelity in simulating a dynamic experience, even with a human behind the curtain, often reveals critical usability or conceptual flaws far earlier and more comprehensively than purely static representations, ultimately preventing costly reworks down the development pipeline.Additional Techniques And ConsiderationsWhile the core principle of the WOZ method is straightforward, its true power lies in nuanced application and thoughtful execution. Seasoned practitioners may leverage several advanced techniques to extract richer insights and address more complex research questions.Iterative WizardryThe WOZ method isnt necessarily a one-off endeavor. Employing it in iterative cycles can yield significant benefits. Initial rounds might focus on broad concept validation and identifying fundamental user reactions. Subsequent iterations can then refine the simulated functionality based on previous findings.For instance, after an initial study reveals user confusion with a particular interaction flow, the simulation can be adjusted, and a follow-up study can assess the impact of those changes. This iterative approach allows for a more agile and user-centered exploration of complex experiences.Managing ComplexitySimulating complex systems can be difficult for one wizard. Breaking complex interactions into smaller, manageable steps is crucial. Consider researching a multi-step onboarding process for a new software application. Instead of one person trying to simulate the entire flow, different aspects could be handled sequentially or even by multiple team members coordinating their responses.Clear communication protocols and well-defined responsibilities are essential in such scenarios to maintain a seamless user experience.Measuring Success Beyond ObservationWhile qualitative observation is a cornerstone of the WOZ method, defining clear metrics can add a layer of rigor to the findings. These metrics should match research goals. For example, if the goal is to assess the intuitiveness of a new navigation pattern, you might track the number of times users express confusion or the time it takes them to complete specific tasks.Combining these quantitative measures with qualitative insights provides a more comprehensive understanding of the user experience.Integrating With Other MethodsThe WOZ method isnt an island. Its effectiveness can be amplified by integrating it with other research techniques. Preceding a WOZ study with user interviews can help establish a deeper understanding of user needs and mental models, informing the design of the simulated experience. Following a WOZ study, surveys can gather broader quantitative feedback on the concepts explored. For example, after observing users interact with a simulated AI-powered scheduling tool, a survey could gauge their overall trust and perceived usefulness of such a system.When Not To Use WOZWOZ, as with all methods, has limitations. A few examples of scenarios where other methods would likely yield more reliable findings would be:Detailed Usability TestingHumans acting as wizards cannot perfectly replicate the exact experience a user will encounter. WOZ is often best in the early stages, where prototypes are rough drafts, and your team is looking for guidance on a solution that is up for consideration. Testing on a more detailed wireframe or prototype would be preferable to WOZ when you have entered the detailed design phase.Evaluating extremely complex systems with unpredictable outputsIf the systems responses are extremely varied, require sophisticated real-time calculations that exceed human capacity, or are intended to be genuinely unpredictable, a human may struggle to simulate them convincingly and consistently. This can lead to fatigue, errors, or improvisations that dont reflect the intended system, thereby compromising the validity of the findings.Training And PreparednessThe wizards skill is critical to the methods success. Training the individual(s) who will be simulating the system is essential. This training should cover:Understanding the Research GoalsThe wizard needs to grasp what the research aims to uncover.Consistency in ResponsesMaintaining consistent behavior throughout the sessions is vital for user believability.Anticipating User ActionsWhile improvisation is sometimes necessary, the wizard should be prepared for common user paths and potential deviations.Remaining UnbiasedThe wizard must avoid leading users or injecting their own opinions into the simulation.Handling Unexpected InputsClear protocols for dealing with unforeseen user actions should be established. This might involve having a set of pre-prepared fallback responses or a mechanism for quickly consulting with the facilitator.All of this suggests the need for practice in advance of running the actual session. We shouldnt forget to have a number of dry runs in which we ask our colleagues or those who are willing to assist to not only participate but also think about possible responses that could stump the wizard or throw things off if the user might provide them during a live session.I suggest having a believable prepared error statement ready to go for when a user throws a curveball. A simple response from the wizard of Im sorry, I am unable to perform that task at this time might be enough to move the session forward while also capturing a potentially unexpected situation your team can address in the final product design.Was This All A Dream? The Art Of The DebriefThe debriefing session following the WOZ interaction is an additional opportunity to gather rich qualitative data. Beyond asking What did you think? effective debriefing involves sharing the purpose of the study and the fact that the experience was simulated.Researchers should then conduct psychological probing to understand the reasons behind user behavior and reactions. Asking open-ended questions like Why did you try that? or What were you expecting to happen when you clicked that button? can reveal valuable insights into user mental models and expectations.Exploring moments of confusion, frustration, or delight in detail can uncover key areas for design improvement. Think about the potential information the Power Gloves development team could have uncovered if theyd asked participants what the experience of programming the glove and trying to remember what theyd programmed into which set of keys had been.Case Studies: Real-World ApplicationsThe value of the WOZ method becomes apparent when examining its application in real-world research scenarios. Here is an in-depth review of one scenario and a quick summary of another study involving WOZ, where this technique proved invaluable in shaping user experiences.Unraveling Agentic AI: Understanding User Mental ModelsA significant challenge in the realm of emerging technologies lies in user comprehension. This was particularly evident when our team began exploring the potential of Agentic AI for enterprise HR software.Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can autonomously pursue goals by making decisions, taking actions, and adapting to changing environments with minimal human intervention. Unlike generative AI that primarily responds to direct commands or generates content, Agentic AI is designed to understand user intent, independently plan and execute multi-step tasks, and learn from its interactions to improve performance over time. These systems often combine multiple AI models and can reason through complex problems. For designers, this signifies a shift towards creating experiences where AI acts more like a proactive collaborator or assistant, capable of anticipating needs and taking the initiative to help users achieve their objectives rather than solely relying on explicit user instructions for every step.Preliminary research, including surveys and initial interviews, suggested that many HR professionals, while intrigued by the concept of AI assistance, struggled to grasp the potential functionality and practical implications of truly agentic systems those capable of autonomous action and proactive decision-making. We saw they had no reference point for what agentic AI was, even after we attempted relevant analogies to current examples. Building a fully functional agentic AI prototype at this exploratory stage was impractical. The underlying algorithms and integrations were complex and time-consuming to develop. Moreover, we risked building a solution based on potentially flawed assumptions about user needs and understanding. The WOZ method offered a solution.SetupWe designed a scenario where HR employees interacted with what they believed was an intelligent AI assistant capable of autonomously handling certain tasks. The facilitator presented users with a web interface where they could request assistance with tasks like draft a personalized onboarding plan for a new marketing hire or identify employees who might benefit from proactive well-being resources based on recent activity.Behind the scenes, a designer acted as the wizard. Based on the users request and the (simulated) available data, the designer would craft a response that mimicked the output of an agentic AI. For the onboarding plan, this involved assembling pre-written templates and personalizing them with details provided by the user. For the well-being resource identification, the wizard would select a plausible list of employees based on the general indicators discussed in the scenario. Crucially, the facilitator encouraged users to interact naturally, asking follow-up questions and exploring the systems perceived capabilities. For instance, a user might ask, Can the system also schedule the initial team introductions? The wizard, guided by pre-defined rules and the overall research goals, would respond accordingly, perhaps with a Yes, I can automatically propose meeting times based on everyones calendars (again, simulated). As recommended, we debriefed participants following each session. We began with transparency, explaining the simulation and that we had another live human posting the responses to the queries based on what the participant was saying. Open-ended questions explored initial reactions and envisioned use. Task-specific probing, like Why did you expect that? revealed underlying assumptions. We specifically addressed trust and control (How much trust...? What level of control...?). To understand mental models, we asked how users thought the AI worked. We also solicited improvement suggestions (What features...?).By focusing on the why behind user actions and expectations, these debriefings provided rich qualitative data that directly informed subsequent design decisions, particularly around transparency, human oversight, and prioritizing specific, high-value use cases. We also had a research participant who understood agentic AI and could provide additional insight based on that understanding.Key InsightsThis WOZ study yielded several crucial insights into user mental models of agentic AI in an HR context:Overestimation of CapabilitiesSome users initially attributed near-magical abilities to the AI, expecting it to understand highly nuanced or ambiguous requests without explicit instruction. This highlighted the need for clear communication about the systems actual scope and limitations.Trust and ControlA significant theme revolved around trust and control. Users expressed both excitement about the potential time savings and anxiety about relinquishing control over important HR processes. This indicated a need for design solutions that offered transparency into the AIs decision-making and allowed for human oversight.Value in Proactive AssistanceUsers reacted positively to the AI proactively identifying potential issues (like burnout risk), but they emphasized the importance of the AI providing clear reasoning and allowing human HR professionals to review and approve any suggested actions.Need for Tangible ExamplesAbstract explanations of agentic AI were insufficient. Users gained a much clearer understanding through these simulated interactions with concrete tasks and outcomes.Resulting Design ChangesBased on these findings, we made several key design decisions:Emphasis on TransparencyThe user interface would need to clearly show the AIs reasoning and the data it used to make decisions.Human Oversight and ReviewBuilt-in approval workflows would be essential for critical actions, ensuring HR professionals retain control.Focus on Specific, High-Value Use CasesInstead of trying to build a general-purpose agent, we prioritized specific use cases where agentic capabilities offered clear and demonstrable benefits.Educational OnboardingThe product onboarding would include clear, tangible examples of the AIs capabilities in action.Exploring Voice Interaction for In-Car SystemsIn another project, we used the WOZ method to evaluate user interaction with a voice interface for controlling in-car functions. Our research question focused on the naturalness and efficiency of voice commands for tasks like adjusting climate control, navigating to points of interest, and managing media playback.We set up a car cabin simulator with a microphone and speakers. The wizard, located in an adjacent room, listened to the users voice commands and triggered the corresponding actions (simulated through visual changes on a display and audio feedback). This allowed us to identify ambiguous commands, areas of user frustration with voice recognition (even though it was human-powered), and preferences for different phrasing and interaction styles before investing in complex speech recognition technology.These examples illustrate the versatility and power of the method in addressing a wide range of UX research questions across diverse product types and technological complexities. By simulating functionality, we can gain invaluable insights into user behavior and expectations early in the design process, leading to more user-centered and ultimately more successful products.The Future of Wizardry: Adapting To Emerging TechnologiesThe WOZ method, far from being a relic of simpler technological times, retains relevance as we navigate increasingly sophisticated and often opaque emerging technologies.The WOZ methods core strength, the ability to simulate complex functionality with human ingenuity, makes it uniquely suited for exploring user interactions with systems that are still in their nascent stages.WOZ In The Age Of AIConsider the burgeoning field of AI-powered experiences. Researching user interaction with generative AI, for instance, can be effectively done through WOZ. A wizard could curate and present AI-generated content (text, images, code) in response to user prompts, allowing researchers to assess user perceptions of quality, relevance, and trust without needing a fully trained and integrated AI model.Similarly, for personalized recommendation systems, a human could simulate the recommendations based on a users stated preferences and observed behavior, gathering valuable feedback on the perceived accuracy and helpfulness of such suggestions before algorithmic development.Even autonomous systems, seemingly the antithesis of human control, can benefit from WOZ studies. By simulating the autonomous behavior in specific scenarios, researchers can explore user comfort levels, identify needs for explainability, and understand how users might want to interact with or override such systems.Virtual And Augmented RealityImmersive environments like virtual and augmented reality present new frontiers for user experience research. WOZ can be particularly powerful here.Imagine testing a novel gesture-based interaction in VR. A researcher tracking the users hand movements could trigger corresponding virtual events, allowing for rapid iteration on the intuitiveness and comfort of these interactions without the complexities of fully programmed VR controls. Similarly, in AR, a wizard could remotely trigger the appearance and behavior of virtual objects overlaid onto the real world, gathering user feedback on their placement, relevance, and integration with the physical environment.The Human Factor Remains CentralDespite the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, the fundamental principles of human-centered design remain as relevant as ever. Technology should serve human needs and enhance human capabilities.The WOZ method inherently focuses on understanding user reactions and behaviors and acts as a crucial anchor in ensuring that technological progress aligns with human values and expectations.It allows us to inject the human factor into the design process of even the most advanced technologies. Doing this may help ensure these innovations are not only technically feasible but also truly usable, desirable, and beneficial.ConclusionThe WOZ method stands as a powerful and versatile tool in the UX researchers toolkit. The WOZ methods ability to bypass limitations of early-stage development and directly elicit user feedback on conceptual experiences offers invaluable advantages. Weve explored its core mechanics and covered ways of maximizing its impact. Weve also examined its practical application through real-world case studies, including its crucial role in understanding user interaction with nascent technologies like agentic AI.The strategic implementation of the WOZ method provides a potent means of de-risking product development. By validating assumptions, uncovering unexpected user behaviors, and identifying potential usability challenges early on, teams can avoid costly rework and build products that truly resonate with their intended audience.I encourage all UX practitioners, digital product managers, and those who collaborate with research teams to consider incorporating the WOZ method into their research toolkit. Experiment with its application in diverse scenarios, adapt its techniques to your specific needs and dont be afraid to have fun with it. Scarecrow costume optional.

If, like myself, you have been hopelessly sucked into Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley's new FX series, you might already be feeling that nagging question in the back of your mind: "The season is already halfway over, what am I going to watch to fill the empty, chestburster-shaped hole in my heart once Season 1 is finished?"

Gears of Warwas one of the first new IPs on the Xbox 360 to really catch on. It arrived at the perfect time, just before Halo 3, and for some, they enjoyed this third-person shooter a lot more. Between the brutal action, co-op aspects, and cover mechanics, it was a whole new breed of exclusive shooter for the Xbox family. Gears of War remained a staple for Microsoft for a good decade, until the series started to cool down around 2020.

Valkyrie Profile is celebrating its 25-year anniversary today, August 29, 2025. Below, we look back at why the RPG went overlooked at the time, and what makes it still stand out as special today.It's not hard to see why Valkyrie Profile wound up overlooked in its initial North American release. Japanese publisher Enix had only recently revived its US branch, likely due to both the surge of popularity of JRPGs in the post-Final Fantasy 7 era and the success Sony had licensing and releasing Star Ocean: The Second Story globally. But it was going to be an uphill struggle to get a new PS1 RPG any traction, even one made by Star Ocean 2 developer Tri-Ace. The Dreamcast was already out, the US launch of the PS2 was less than two months away, and Squaresoft had dropped Chrono Cross, a follow-up to the beloved Chrono Trigger, a couple of weeks earlier.It was my freshman year of college, the weekend just before my birthday, and I wanted a new RPG to keep me occupied between classes. I had two choices: Valkyrie Profile or Chrono Cross. After having a delightful experience with Star Ocean 2 the summer before, my gut was telling me that Valkyrie Profile was the one I should pick.Continue Reading at GameSpot

ECE 4760/5730 is the Digital Systems Design Using Microcontrollers course at Cornell University taught by [Hunter Adams]. The list of projects for spring this year includes forty write-ups — if …read more

The post تجربة متصفح Comet | بداية عصر جديد للإنترنت! appeared first on عرب هاردوير.

Exclusive MacBook Pro and Mac mini deals are knocking up to $400 off popular configurations, but the discounts end soon.Save up to $400 with exclusive Mac deals.The exclusive savings encompass multiple 14-inch MacBook Pro configurations from Apple's current M4 and M4 Pro lines. You can also pick up a 1TB M4 Mac mini for $849 after a $150 discount.Grab exclusive discounts on MacBook Pros Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians (Sherwood Valley) has declared its opposition to Assembly Bill 831 (AB 381), making this the third Tribe to do so publicly.AB 381 has faced setbacks from parties in the state that disagree with the measures in the legislation, which seek to outlaw sweepstakes and social games if it were to pass.Third Tribe voices opposition to AB 381We reported that both the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation and the Big Lagoon Rancheria were in opposition to Bill 831.They joined the chorus of criticism spearheaded by the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), making it clear that their position was that the potential change to social games and sweepstakes would have a detrimental impact on the tribes.On behalf of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, we respectfully oppose AB 831. This bill lacks the alleged unanimous support among California tribes, has advanced without meaningful consultation of broader tribal interests, and threatens our inherent right to create legitimate revenue streams to support our people. Buffey W. Bourassa, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians SecretaryThe addition of Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians to the growing opposition underscores what weve said from the beginning: AB831 is a rushed, flawed bill that lacks broad tribal consensus, said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA in a press release seen by ReadWrite.Further to this discord, the SGLA has conducted research that highlighted the possible loss of earnings across the state. The data produced by the body indicated that Californias economy would incur a loss of $1 billion per year.Letters to Chair CaballeroTribal Chairperson of Big Lagoon Rancheria, Virgil Moorehead, took steps to contact Chair Caballero, the leader of the bills progression, penning a letter that outlined the Tribes stance.AB 831 was advanced in the Senate without the meaningful, government-to-government consultation that is owed to all California tribes under both federal and state policy commitments, wrote Moorehead.Sherwood Valley, a key member of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), added its voice to the conversation. Buffey W. Bourassa,Secretary of the Tribe wrote his own letter to Chair Caballero and the committee presiding over the bill.Bourassa said they (Sherwood Valley), respectfully oppose AB 831. This bill lacks the alleged unanimous support among California tribes, has advanced without meaningful consultation of broader tribal interests, and threatens our inherent right to create legitimate revenue streams to support our people.It remains to be seen whether these direct letters to Chair Caballero will cause the representative to pause the progress of AB 831, but they do show that the Tribes are asking for serious consideration of their rights before the bill goes any further.Bourassa concluded his letter saying, We urge the Committee to reject AB 831 and instead support policy solutions that empower all tribes to diversify economically, address systemic challenges, and chart a path toward sustainable self-governance and prosperity.Featured image: Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo IndiansThe post Third California Tribe declares open opposition to Assembly Bill 831 appeared first on ReadWrite.

Poor Apple customers in the UK willsuffer what they mustas politically driven regulators make the sameexistential threatsagainst Apple and Google as thosemade by the EU.Apple has warned that the rules proposed by the UKsCompetition and Markets Authority (CMA) will cause numerous harms to the user experience its customers enjoy.Bad for one and bad for allWere concerned these EU-style rules the UK is advancing are bad for users and bad for developers, an Apple spokesperson said in a statement provided toComputerworld. This approach undermines the privacy and security protections our users have come to expect, hampers our ability to innovate, and forces us to give away our technology for free to foreign competitors. We will continue to engage with the regulator to make sure they fully understand these risks.The regulator argues that because Apple and Google between them hold almost 100% of the UK mobile OS market, they should face additional oversight. The CMA earlier this year laid out a host of different ways it thought it might be able to improve mobile platforms in the UK.That means regulators from the CMA will be able to make similar demands of Appleas those made in Europe, including support for third-party app stores, steering to third-party stores and payment services, and a free-for-all to use and exploit certain system features.(It is interesting to note that the last item is precisely what Meta wants for its own business.)There is no evidence these measures will workApple points out that the proposals being put forward by the CMA lack supporting evidence and would effectively force it to give away its innovations for free.The Roadmap absent any evidence also prioritises interoperability interventions.While the exact nature of the Roadmaps proposal is unclear, the CMA is clearly considering whether to impose DMA-like obligations on Apple that require it to hand over its innovations and intellectual property free of charge to businesses that have in some cases made it their sole mission to copy Apple.The European experiment of using regulation to gut the intellectual property rights of an American company is not one the CMA should mimic. Such an approach would not constitute proportionate or evidence-led regulation in action, Apple said in a statement of opposition to the CMAs plans.The company also argues that a regulatory taking of Apples innovations and intellectual property (including the exclusionary rights they confer) without compensation would represent a significant infringement of Apples fundamental property rights.12 disciples of doomWhats annoying the company is not just the fact that it would effectively be forced to open up tech it has invented to others for no charge. Apple also sees significant threats to privacy and security as less salubrious firms abuse that access, warning that the proposals will inevitably nurture the evolution of fraud across its platforms. It also complains that the demands undermine Apples integrated approach and is most furious that the actions the CMA has set out have been proposed with no evidence and no proportionality.In part, this is because the interventions were developed during a closed-door session with input from just 12 developers and one trade group.Given the tens of thousands of developers that exist, the decisions made in that closed meeting cannot be seen by any stretch of imagination as representative of anything more than the opinions of those who were invited to that room.Apple also argues that the way evidence has been assessed has led to perverse preliminary conclusions and proposed interventions. Many findings are derived from a CMA-commissioned survey with a response rate of only 7.6% that contains findings thatdirectly contradictthe conclusions it reaches.Other findings are based on views expressed by a minority of third parties, with no evidence of widespread harm or dissatisfaction, Apple said. This is not consistent with evidence-led regulation.On an islandBut perhaps when it comes to a lost island nation facing terminal decline, struggling to stay relevant by emulating its larger neighbors with damaging directives aimed at the leading tech firms of its closest ally, evidence doesnt matter.Some might say the UK is engaged in magical thinking, assuming for itself an importance it no longer has on the world stage, imagining as it does that the US will not respond forcefully against any punitive measures it takes against the iPhone company.In doing so it is clearly making a mistake, given the explicit warnings against such actions that haveemerged from the Trump administration. Those statements should have been understood to mean there will be reprisals if regulation is seen to have gone too far and Apple says the regulation is most definitely going too far. Based entirely on visible results, it is doubtful that flailing UK leader Keir Starmer has any of the proven diplomatic skills possessed by Apple leader Tim Cook.In response, Apple warns that it may need to slow down the rate at which it introduces new features in the UK. It may also slow introduction of platform security patches in response to other half-baked UK regulation, even as it potentially continues to fight for the data privacy of its US and international customers in thesurveillance-happy state.None of this is good, most of this is political, and there will be very little benefit, if any, for any Apple (or Google) customer, including the many businesses that make use of their devices.The UK regulator of course denies that people will be left vulnerable. Driving greater competition on mobile platforms need not undermine privacy, security or intellectual property, and as we carefully consider UK-specific steps, we will ensure it does not, it said.The road to nowhereWhat it doesnt say is how that can be achieved.Its almost as if the regulators, while claiming to be attempting to form a level playing field for tech, are in fact designing an environment in which to hobble some businesses in favor of nothing at all. Thats despite the chief regulator in the case, Sarah Cardell, herselfwarningthat regulation must not create protracted uncertainty that could chill investment and innovation. Which is precisely what the UK regulations threaten to do.But while this reckless misuse of power takes place, one thing is for sure. It will be Apples UK customers who suffer what they must in exchange for wisp-like fantasies of potential market benefits, none of which truly reflect their needs or desires. You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn, andMastodon.

MacworldIf youve ever pointed your iPhone at the night sky and wished you could see more than just blurry dots, meet Hestia, the first-eversmartphone-powered telescope. Imagine navigating the night sky and capturing stunning images and videos with 25x magnification and 5x sharper resolution than your iPhone. Save $60 for a limited time, making Hestia $239.99 with free shipping (MSRP $299).Hestia makes stargazing incredibly simple for both adults and kids. Just mount your iPhone on the included tripod, line it up with Hestias lens, and open the Gravity app. It even has modes for daytime and scenery use, so youre not limited to just starry nights.The Ultimate Pack makes it even better: youll get a solar observation kit for safely viewing the sun, a premium tripod for stability, a glare-cutting visor, and a rugged travel case to bring Hestia on the road. Yeah, no need to buy accessories elsewhere because this kit brings everything you need.Order yourHestia smartphone telescopehere for $239.99 with free shipping through September 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT. You wont find a better price anywhere else!Hestia: First Ever Smartphone-Based Telescope (Ultimate Pack)See DealStackSocialprices subject to change.

The term, which was popularized by a Star Wars show and is rooted in real frustrations with technology, has become a go-to slur against artificial intelligence and robots.

Some on-air claims about Dominion Voting Systems were false, Fox News acknowledges in statement after deal is announced

Now that video games rival TV shows and movies as entertainment, so too has product placement crept into them. The in-game ads have been suitably gamer-targeted: Monster energy drinks, Subway sandwiches and Cup Noodles have featured in games like "Final Fantasy XV," "Death Stranding" and "Uncharted 3."Now Japanese consumer products company Kaobasically the Procter & Gamble of Japanhas created their own video game, expressly to advertise their cleaning products. While the concept sounds insane, the execution is both clever and timely. The company has capitalized on both the #CleanTok trend, whereby TikTokkers deep-clean filthy bathrooms and the like, and the current appetite for the horror genre.In "Silent Cleaning," you inherit an abandoned old house in the Japanese countryside from a deceased relative. Your mission is to sell itbut first you have to clean the filthy house up, by locating and using Kao's cleaning products.The twist is that as you clean the dark, creepy house up, you're being stalked by a resident monster who responds to the sound of scrubbing. This puts you in an odd bind: "The game constantly tests player's compulsion to clean by making them have to choose between leaving some cleanser only half-rinsed or dying a horrible death," writes Japanese news website SoraNews24. "Our writer Saya Togashi tried the game and found that choice more difficult than you might expect, while dying about 50 times in the process." Additionally, during the cleaning tasks, you uncover hidden codes. This prompts you to search for more codes beneath the grime; accessing them allows you to solve puzzles.The game is now up on Steam for free, though it's Japanese-language only. If Procter & Gamble is smart, they'll create their own version in English.

Every weekday morning, across the country, parents fall into the same routine. A line of SUVs and minivans snakes around the school. Engines idle as mothers and fathers inch forward, phones in one hand, coffee in the other. Kids sit in the back seat scrolling on their own phones, waiting for their turn to be unloaded by a staff member in a reflective vest. One by one, the doors open, backpacks are lifted, and the vehicle pulls away. The factory-like process is orderly, efficient, and utterly dehumanizing.The school drop-off ritual is a powerful curriculum, teaching kids that they are packages to be delivered and picked up, and that they require constant adult supervision.In 1969, about 48% of children walked or biked to school. By 2009, that number had dropped to just 13%, according to Walk, Bike & Roll to School statistics. Today, the figure hovers around 11%, largely unchanged for a decade, per Rutgers University. Even among children who live within a mile of school, walking or biking has fallen from nearly 90% in 1969 to just 35% in 2009.Whats going on?The shift didnt happen because children stopped being born with legs or because they stopped wanting independence.Schools were moved to the edges of town, often on cheap land surrounded by parking lots and wide arterial roads.Roads were engineered to maximize long-distance automobile throughput and minimize short-distance walking and cycling.Parents were persuaded that it was unsafe to let kids walk or bike, even though most child fatalities happen while they are passengers in vehicles.Logistics managementLine up, inch forward, unload. It looks like logistics management because it is logistics management. We have turned the beginning of a school day into a miniature supply-chain operation. This logistical worldview carries profound consequences.Physical health: Walking and biking to school once provided children with reliable daily exercise. Today, U.S. teenagers walk about 5 miles less per week than teens did in the 1990s, The Wall Street Journal reports, and rates of childhood obesity have tripled since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mental health: Independent mobility builds confidence. A child who can walk to school learns to navigate space, manage risk, and take pride in independence. A child chauffeured twice a day learns dependence, passivity, and helplessness.Safety paradox: Parents believe driving is a safe way to get around, but an average of three children are killed and another 445 injured every day in traffic crashes, National Highway Transportation Administrations traffic safety data shows.Packages dont talk back, dont take detours, dont linger to climb a tree, dont stop to pet a dog, and dont notice the smell of honeysuckle on the way to class. Car dependency trains kids to be passive and dependent cogs in a machine. The irony is that the very efficiency parents cravefaster lines and predictable behaviorincreases congestion, frustration, and risk to everyone on the roads.The alternativesWe dont need a time machine in order to reintroduce childhood independence to our culture:Walking school buses are groups of kids who walk together, accompanied by one or two adults. This approach offers safety in numbers while teaching kids independence.Bike buses or bike trains do the same with cycling, helping to normalize two-wheeled commutes for kids.School siting reform could reanchor school construction back in neighborhoods, instead of exiling buildings to distant parcels accessible only by car.The morning line is more than a nuisance; its a ritual of indoctrination. Every inch forward in that queue trains children to see themselves as cargo, delivered by others, rather than as capable individuals navigating their world.But if we flip the script, if we give kids back some autonomy, the benefits ripple outward. Parents reclaim sanity. Communities reclaim healthier, calmer streets. And children reclaim one important thing the car line strips away: freedom.

Zhang Hao@sleeeeeepyz - Lunar New Year is upon us and its coming up on February 10th, 2024! As this is the year of the dragon, we couldnt miss the opportunity to host Caras first art challenge of the year with something so mythical and fun. Want to join in? Read on for details! Year of the Dragon Challenge #LNY2024 Unleash your imagination based on the theme of Asian dragons. (This is the year of the wood dragon, if you are curious about the element!)If you need a little inspiration, scroll down for an assortment of past dragons and lunar new year celebration art from the Cara community. How to ParticipateInclude the #LNY2024 hashtag when posting your work on CaraAny media, style, finishsketches and WIPs posts are always a joy to see! Submit as many entries as you like Date: Ends on Feb 25th, 2024 Join our Discord server to chat about history, lore, research, and WIPs!The #LNY2024 hashtag will be a featured tab on Caras Explore page through February 2024.We will also conclude with an editorial feature at the events conclusion! Kan Liu@artof666k - Connection About Lunar New YearLunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, which runs in a 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac animals. Each year is ruled by a specific zodiac sign and element, and 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. In Chinese astrology for yin and yang, this is the year of the Yang-Wood Dragon. Celebrations can start a few days before the new year and last for days after, depending on the region. On Cara, we will start by featuring some past works with an assortment of dragons and lunar new year art for your enjoyment. We look forward to your pieces at the end of the event. We hope you have fun, and wish you a Happy Lunar New Year! The Cara Teamcara | twitter | instagram | buy us a coffee yushan@yushan - Qiwuzu Serpentiform Family, White Dragon Alena N@ymhin - MYTHBOOK 3 Fugurisko@fugurisko - Ruins Exploration Kan Liu @artof666k - WaterSleeves Dance & The Dragon aosma @aosm - cciko @cciko - 5 vosian @vosian - Dragon Amir Borghei @amirdraws - The Dragon's Rest Temple GaoMingze @snowgao - Pi Pei @pipei321 - 23-24 Daria Shestakova @lethendralis - Magical Items Illustrations Penett @penett - Year of the blue dragon kongtiaoxiaotailang @kongtiaoxiaotailang - Alex Kuhn @alexkuhn - Dragon Kevin Glint @kevinglint - The Immortal Podium: Enigmatic Dragon Phil Liu @eclypse - Azure Dragon Audre Schutte @charamath - Fox dragon free sculpt Kuang Hong @noah-kh - Xuan Yuan Gaowen Fu @gfu97 - Old dragon lord YINJIE CEN @infall - 2022.Dragon's Rise: The Forgotten Realms YINJIE CEN @infall - 2022.Dragon's Rise: The Forgotten Realms YINJIE CEN @infall - 2022.Dragon's Rise: The Forgotten Realms Casey Straka @cstraka - Copper King My Hanh @myxhanh - Dragon Bees @paintedbees - Sisu Redesign Vo Trong Hieu @umgj - Girl with the Dragon Chafer @chafer - Happy New Year Nikittysan @nikittysan - BICHIGHU, the History Recorder Dragonfish Russell06h @russell - Cassandra Jean @cassandrajean - Year of the Dragon Rowena Doge @rowenadoge - Beyond the Skies (2021-2022) 8th creation @8thcreation - White dragoness of Eteos Olongtea @olongtea550 - Auspicious Year of the Rabbit~ kongtiaoxiaotailang @kongtiaoxiaotailang - pipi @pipi - LAMP @lamp - Have questions? Join us on Discord!cara | twitter | instagram | buy us a coffee

Affirm's earnings per share of 20 cents for the quarter was almost double what Wall Street expected.

Don't want or can't get Windows 11? Here's what you need to do before support expires for Windows 10 in October.

If you've put off getting a new MacBook then Labor Day sales might be just what you needed to take the plunge. Right now, the 2025 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 are available on Amazon for record-low prices. The 13-inch model is our pick for best MacBook to buy this year, and it's one of the best laptops for college students going back to school soon as well. You can pick up the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 for $799, down from $999 a 20 percent discount. This model comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can upgrade to 512GB SSD for $999, down from $1,199, another all-time low price, or 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $1,199, down from $1,399. Then there's the 15-inch MacBook Air M4, whose cheapest model is on sale for $999, dropping from $1,199. The 17 percent discount is the best deal we've seen since the pair debuted in March. As with the 13-inch model, the 16GB and 512GB SSD option is also a record-low price, dropping to $1,199 from $1,399. Then there's the 24GB upgrade, which is $1,399, down from $1,599. We're big fans of the MacBook Air M4, giving it a 92 in our review. Part of that comes from an already lower starting price for the MacBooks than their predecessors. The 2025 models also get a speed boost thanks to the M4 chip and are very thin with a 0.44-inch thickness. Neither the 13- or 15-inch will drag you down, weighing 2.7 pounds and 3.2 pounds, respectively. Plus, they both have excellent battery life, lasting over 18 hours while playing an HD video. The big differences in the 15-inch model mostly come down to size. The screen is obviously bigger, as is its trackpad. Other than that, it offers better speakers than its 13-inch sibling. Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/labor-day-sales-include-apples-macbook-air-m4-for-an-all-time-low-price-123031287.html?src=rss

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.Labor Day sales are rolling in, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before theyre over. You can also subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.Amazon , Home Depot, and Walmart aren't the only major retailer with solid Labor Day deals. Best Buy is also jumping in on the action, with deals on appliances, TVs, iPads, laptops, headphones, and more from major brands running until Sept. 1. I used price-tracking tools to make sure these tech deals are legit and made a list of the best ones to make your shopping a little easier. Here are some of the best ones so far. 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2025) LG - 65" Class C5 Series OLED $1,496.99 at Best Buy $2,699.99 Save $1,203.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,496.99 at Best Buy $2,699.99 Save $1,203.00 16GB Memory - 256GB SSD MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop (M4) $799.00 at Best Buy $999.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.00 at Best Buy $999.00 Save $200.00 Series Crystal UHD Smart Tizen TV (2024) Samsung 98 Class DU9000 TV $1,899.99 at Best Buy $2,999.99 Save $1,100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,899.99 at Best Buy $2,999.99 Save $1,100.00 QLED 4K with Anti-Reflection and Slim Fit Wall Mount Included (2024) Samsung 55 LS03D The Frame TV $899.99 at Best Buy $1,499.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.99 at Best Buy $1,499.99 Save $600.00 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Black Sony WF1000XM5 $214.99 at Best Buy $329.99 Save $115.00 Get Deal Get Deal $214.99 at Best Buy $329.99 Save $115.00 Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones Sony WH1000XM4 Headphones $199.99 at Best Buy $349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.99 at Best Buy $349.99 Save $150.00 AI 4K UHD Smart webOS (2025) LG 48" Class B5 Series OLED TV $699.99 at Best Buy $1,299.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Best Buy $1,299.99 Save $600.00 French Door Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Whirlpool 25.2 Cu. Ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator $1,199.99 at Best Buy $2,399.99 Save $1,200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,199.99 at Best Buy $2,399.99 Save $1,200.00 Steam and Built-In Intelligence LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Stackable Smart Front Load Washer $899.99 at Best Buy $1,299.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.99 at Best Buy $1,299.99 Save $400.00 ColdMotion Technology Insignia 4.1 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer $449.99 at Best Buy $699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.99 at Best Buy $699.99 Save $250.00 SEE 7 MORE LaptopsMacBook: The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air with 256GB SSD is $799 (originally $999), and it's arguably the best option for most people. With 16GB of RAM for even the most basic MacBook Air, you'll be able to take on intensive applications and projects now and for many years to come. It comes with a 13.6-inch "Liquid Retina" display, with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,664, a P3 wide color gamut, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. You'll also get an excellent backlit keyboard with Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6E support, and great speakers and microphones. Apple also decided to bring back MagSafe charging with this laptop.HP OmniBook X Flip: If you prefer HPs, the OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 - Copilot+ PC is $499.99 (originally $849.99) after a $350 discount. This touchscreen laptop runs with an AMD Ryzen AI 5 processor, has 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Killer specs for a budget price.Dell Plus 2-in-1: If you're looking for a bit more power and storage in a more compact HP, the 14-inch Dell Plus 2-in-1 is $599.99 (originally $999.99). It comes with the AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. Smart TVsOLED TVs offer the best picture quality money can buy, and somehow, some highly rated OLED TVs from 2025 are seeing one of the best discounts on TVs during the Labor Day sale. LG C5: The C5 offers incredible brightness for an OLED1,400 nits in Vivid modeas well as accurate colors and reflection rejection, according to CNET's review. You can get the LG 65" Class C5 Series OLED for $1,496.99 (originally $2,699.99) and see why it's a killer OLED deal.LG B5: It's rare to see OLED TVs under $1,000, especially ones from the current year. The LG 48" Class B5 Series OLED TV is $699.99 (originally $1,299.99), and it was released this summer. Yes, it's an entry-level OLED, but it's still an OLED, with incredible contrast, colors, processing, and gaming specs, making it a great option for those who don't need a big TV.Samsung DU900: If you don't like your wall, get a 98-inch TV. The Samsung 98 Class DU9000 TV is $1,899.99 (originally $2,999.99), and as far as decent 98-inch-sized TVs go, this one offers one of the best values. It's an LED TV with 4K, Alexa built-in, and Samsung's own Tizen TV OS.The Frame: Samsungs The Frame smart TVs are made to appeal to the crowd that wants a TV but doesnt want it to dominate their decor. An anti-reflection matte display feature takes the framed artwork aspect to look like a framed piece of art. As the name implies, the allure of this TV is that it can double as a digital art frame, with its anti-glare matte display and customizable frame. You can get the 55 LS03D The Frame TV for $899.99 (originally $1,499.99).EarphonesSony XM5 Earbuds: The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds let you fully customize their sound with various EQ and personalization options in the accompanying app, but they sound balanced and full out of the box. You also get support for the high-end LC3 and LDAC Bluetooth codecs. Their ANC is great, but what makes them special is that, unlike many other ANC earbuds, their audio quality isn't hindered by using ANC, as noted in PCMag's "outstanding" review. You can get them for $214.99 (originally $329.99).Sony XM4 Headphones: If you need to get new ANC headphones but don't want to spend an arm and a leg, consider the WH-1000XM4, going for $199 (originally $349.99). They're not the latest versionthat would be the XM6but they're still great headphones and plenty powerful for most people. You can read more about them in PCMag's "outstanding" review.AirPods 4: The classic AirPods 4 are $89.99 (originally $129.99) right now. These are the latest model, but the non-ANC version. AirPods Max: For those who like the finer things in life, the AirPods Max (USB-C) are $479.99 (originally $549.99). Yes, these are the latest versions that got rid of the lightning cable and came with new colors.Major appliancesBest Buy has great deals on major appliances, going up to 50% off, and some offering an extra 10% or 20% off. Fridge: If you're looking for a new fridge, the Whirlpool 25.2 Cu. Ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator is $1,199.99 (originally $2,399.99), one of the best fridge deals available right now. Fridge: If you're looking for a bigger fridge, the Samsung Bespoke 30 cu. ft. 3-Door Smart Refrigerator is $1,699.99 (originally $2,429.99) and comes with an auto-fill water pitcher inside.Washer: There are also washers with good deals. One of the standouts is the Insignia 4.1 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer going for $449.99 (originally $699.99). Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Google Pixel 10 128GB Unlocked Phone With $100 Amazon Gift Card (Obsidian) $799.00 (List Price $899.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) $849.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core $39.99 (List Price $69.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team

Award-winning studio director Douglas McGinness reveals how the film industry is changing.

September is just around the corner, and that means its time for some new wallpapers! For more than 14 years already, our monthly wallpapers series has been the perfect occasion for artists and designers to challenge their creative skills and take on a little just-for-fun project telling the stories they want to tell, using their favorite tools. This always makes for a unique and inspiring collection of wallpapers month after month, and, of course, this September is no exception.In this post, youll find desktop wallpapers for September 2025, created with love by the community for the community. As a bonus, weve also added some oldies but goodies from our archives to the collection, so maybe youll spot one of your almost-forgotten favorites in here, too? A huge thank-you to everyone who shared their artworks with us this month this post wouldnt exist without your creativity and support!By the way, if youd like to get featured in one of our upcoming wallpapers editions, please dont hesitate to submit your design. We are always looking for creative talent and cant wait to see your story come to life!You can click on every image to see a larger preview.We respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artists work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers werent anyhow influenced by us but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.21st Night Of SeptemberOn the 21st night of September, the world danced in perfect harmony. Earth, Wind & Fire set the tone and now its your turn to keep the rhythm alive. Designed by Ginger IT Solutions from Serbia.previewwith calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440WhoDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Skating Through Chocolate Milk DayCelebrate Chocolate Milk Day with a perfect blend of fun and flavor. From smooth sips to smooth rides, its all about enjoying the simple moments that make the day unforgettable. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwith calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440MoodDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Funny CatsCats are beautiful animals. Theyre quiet, clean, and warm. Theyre funny and can become an endless source of love and entertainment. Here for the cats! Designed by UrbanUI from India.previewwithout calendar: 360x640, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080Pigman And RobinDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Autumn RainsThis autumn, we expect to see a lot of rainy days and blues, so we wanted to change the paradigm and wish a warm welcome to the new season. After all, if you come to think of it: rain is not so bad if you have an umbrella and a raincoat. Come autumn, we welcome you! Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440TerrazzoWith the end of summer and fall coming soon, I created this terrazzo pattern wallpaper to brighten up your desktop. Enjoy the month! Designed by Melissa Bogemans from Belgium.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Summer EndingAs summer comes to an end, all the creatures pull back to their hiding places, searching for warmth within themselves and dreaming of neverending adventures under the tinted sky of closing dog days. Designed by Ana Masnikosa from Belgrade, Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Cacti EverywhereSeasons come and go, but our brave cactuses still stand. Summer is almost over and autumn is coming, but the beloved plants dont care. Designed by Lvia Lnrt from Hungary.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Flower SoulThe earth has music for those who listen. Take a break and relax and while you drive out the stress, catch a glimpse of the beautiful nature around you. Can you hear the rhythm of the breeze blowing, the flowers singing, and the butterflies fluttering to cheer you up? We dedicate flowers which symbolize happiness and love to one and all. Designed by Krishnankutty from India.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Stay Or Leave?Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Rainy FlowersDesigned by Teodora Vasileva from Bulgaria.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Listen Closer The Mushrooms Are GrowingIts this time of the year when children go to school and grown-ups go to collect mushrooms. Designed by Igor Izhik from Canada.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2560x1600Weekend RelaxDesigned by Robert from the United States.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 1024x1024, 1280x720, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 2560x1440HungryDesigned by Elise Vanoorbeek from Belgium.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440National Video Games Day DelightSeptember 12th brings us National Video Games Day. US-based video game players love this day and celebrate with huge gaming tournaments. What was once a 2D experience in the home is now a global phenomenon with players playing against each other across statelines and national borders via the internet. National Video Games Day gives gamers the perfect chance to celebrate and socialize! So grab your controller, join online, and let the games begin! Designed by Ever Increasing Circles from the United Kingdom.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440More BananasDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160National Elephant Appreciation DayToday, we celebrate these magnificent creatures who play such a vital role in our ecosystems and cultures. Elephants are symbols of wisdom, strength, and loyalty. Their social bonds are strong, and their playful nature, especially in the young ones, reminds us of the importance of joy and connection in our lives. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Long Live SummerWhile Septembers Autumnal Equinox technically signifies the end of the summer season, this wallpaper is for all those summer lovers, like me, who dont want the sunshine, warm weather, and lazy days to end. Designed by Vicki Grunewald from Washington.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Bear TimeDesigned by Bojana Stojanovic from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1080, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x990, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Still In Vacation MoodIts officially the end of summer and Im still in vacation mood, dreaming about all the amazing places Ive seen. This illustration is inspired by a small town in France, on the Atlantic coast, right by the beach. Designed by Miruna Sfia from Romania.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1440x1050, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Maryland PrideAs summer comes to a close, so does the end of blue crab season in Maryland. Blue crabs have been a regional delicacy since the 1700s and have become Marylands most valuable fishing industry, adding millions of dollars to the Maryland economy each year. The blue crab has contributed so much to the states regional culture and economy, in 1989 it was named the State Crustacean, cementing its importance in Maryland history. Designed by The Hannon Group from Washington DC.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x960, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Summer In Costa RicaWe continue in tropical climates. In this case, we travel to Costa Rica to observe the Arenal volcano from the lake while we use a kayak. Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Wine Harvest SeasonWelcome to the wine harvest season in Serbia. Its September, and the hazy sunshine bathes the vines on the slopes of Fruka Gora. Everything is ready for the making of Bermet, the most famous wine from Serbia. This spiced wine was a favorite of the Austro-Hungarian elite and was served even on the Titanic. Bermets recipe is a closely guarded secret, and the wine is produced by just a handful of families in the town of Sremski Karlovci, near Novi Sad. On the other side of Novi Sad, plains of corn and sunflower fields blend in with the horizon, catching the last warm sun rays of this year. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440OfficeClean, minimalistic office for a productive day. Designed by Antun Hirman from Croatia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 800x600, 1280x720, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Colors Of SeptemberI love September. Its colors and smells. Designed by Juliagav from Ukraine.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 2560x1440Never Stop ExploringDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160

Monopoly GO is always adding exciting seasonal collectibles to keep the game fresh, and the Bon Apptit sticker album is no exception. Among its many themed rewards, the King Candy Shield stands out as one of the sweetest prizes players can earn. With its candy-inspired design, it not only protects your board during Shutdowns but also shows off your progress in the latest album season. Read on to learn how you can get the King Candy Land Shield in Monopoly GO.

Quentin Tarantino 4K Blu-ray Deals Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds, and more. See at Amazon Amazon has limited-time deals on the 4K Blu-ray editions of Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2. The acclaimed Quentin Tarantino saga starring Uma Thurman finally made its way to 4K Blu-ray earlier this year alongside Jackie Brown. All three movies come with 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and Digital editions as well as making-of documentaries and a bunch of other special features.Amazon also has several other Tarantino movies on 4K Blu-ray for cheap, including Pulp Fiction, Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, Reservoir Dogs, and Inglourious Basterds. Arrow Video's recently released 4K edition of Inglourious Basterds is also available for a nice discount, and Amazon still has copies of its exclusive Pulp Fiction: 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition.Continue Reading at GameSpot

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Let's get it made.

For a smooth-running smart home with a simple setup, the Eero Pro 7 mesh is a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade worth considering.

It's not too late to jump on this year's most spreadable colour trend, with these Labor Day deals.

CD Projekt RED has been going strong in its development of The Witcher 4 as well as the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. The studio has confirmed that it has expanded its development teams by quite a bit in a recent H1 report, as caught by PCGamer. In this report, the studio has confirmed that its team working on The Witcher 4 has grown from 422 as of April 30 to 444 as of the end of July. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2s team has grown from 96 as of April 30 to 116 as of July 31.Our recruitment efforts have significantly sped up over the last three months and as a result the total number of talented developers working across our projects has grown by 10% reaching almost 800 people, said joint-CEO Micha Nowakowski in a presentation to investors. This growth was primarily driven by our two largest development teams.The Witcher 4 team grew to over 440 developers while the Cyberpunk 2 project which transitioned into pre-production recently in Q2 as you may remember added 20 new team members. We anticipate further gradual growth in our total developer headcount by the end of the year, particularly for the teams working on projects in the most advanced stages of production.Of the two projects, The Witcher 4 is quite a bit further along in development than the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, as evidenced by the fact that the team for the former is much larger than the latter, as well as the fact that The Witcher 4 was officially unveiled back in December 2024 with a trailer.Since then, CD Projekt RED has been revealing more details about the action RPG. Back in July, narrative director Philipp Weber spoke about how much pressure the team has been facing to make The Witcher 4 better than its critically-acclaimed and beloved predecessor.According to Weber, Witcher 3 was one of the best games ever made, how are they going to top it? he went on to mention that he agrees with discourse surrounding the 2015 RPG, saying Im like yeah, how are we going to do that?I think the way we want to do justice to the legacy of The Witcher 3 is to take the philosophy we had during The Witcher 3 how to make a game, how to really care about these things, how to tell stories and keep that philosophy, Weber continued. At the same time, there are new questions we want to answer, because this is supposed to feel like a true sequel, not just redoing what we did before. And I think its really trying to have that healthy mix of really moving forward and also trying out some new things, but doing justice to what was there, not trying to beat it.The Witcher 4 doesnt yet have an official release date. The title is being developed for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and is making use of the most cutting edge technology available for Unreal Engine 5 out there.

If you're a tabloid reporter, don't bother with your own iPhone troubleshooting steps, and instead invent a global conspiracy that Apple is destroying society.Apparently all of those buttons on an iPhone can get stuck, and that's Apple's fault for trying to destroy the world.Maybe this is why Apple wants to move to solid-state buttons on the iPhone, instead of the current mechanical ones. Because they can get stuck, apparently, and this is an actual thing, with an Apple support document and everything.However, according to the Daily Mail a tabloid known for hyperbole there's more to this. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple today shared an update on new ways to help parents protect kids and teens online when using Apple products.

This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.Introducing: the Security issueIt would be nave to think we are going back to a world without AI. Were not. But its only one of many urgent problems we need to address to build security and prosperity for coming generations.The latest print issue of our magazine is all about our attempts to make the world more secure. From missiles. From asteroids. From the unknown. From threats both existential and trivial.Were also introducing three new columns in this issue, from some of our leading writers: The Algorithm, which covers AI; The Checkup, on biotech; and The Spark, on energy and climate. Youll see these in future issues, and you can also subscribe online to get them in your inbox every week.Heres a taster of what else you can expect from this edition:+ President Trump has proposed building an antimissile golden dome around the United States. But do cinematic spectacles actually enhance national security?+ How two UFO hunting brothers became the go-to experts on Americas mystery drone invasion.+ Both Taiwans citizens and external experts are worried that the protection afforded by its silicon shield is cracking. Read the full story.+ How the humble pigeon paved the way for todays advanced AI. Read the full story.+ A group of Starlink terminal repair volunteers in Ukraine is keeping the country connected throughout the war. Read the full story.MIT Technology Review Narrated: Cyberattacks by AI agents are comingAgents are the talk of the AI industrytheyre capable of planning, reasoning, and executing complex tasks on your behalf. But the same sophisticated abilities that make agents helpful assistants could also make them powerful tools for conducting cyberattacks. They could readily be used to identify vulnerable targets, hijack their systems, and steal valuable data from unsuspecting victims.At present, cybercriminals are not deploying AI agents to hack at scale. But researchers have demonstrated that agents are capable of executing complex attacks, and cybersecurity experts warn that we should expect to start seeing these types of attacks spilling over into the real world. This is our latest story to be turned into a MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, which were publishing each week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just navigate to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and follow us to get all our new content as its released.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 The family of a teen who died by suicide is suing OpenAIChatGPT deterred Adam Raine from seeking help when he desperately needed it. (NYT $)+ An AI chatbot told a user how to kill himselfbut the company doesnt want to censor it. (MIT Technology Review)2 SpaceX finally successfully launched its Starship rocketWhich will come as a huge relief after previous failures. (CNBC)+ Its the 10th launch the spaceship has made. (WSJ $)+ It managed to deploy satellites in space during the launch. (Bloomberg $)3 Researchers are already leaving Metas AI labTwo workers returned to OpenAI after less than a month. (Wired $)4 China wants to triple its output of AI chipsPlants are working round the clock to increase their capacity. (FT $)+ The country is also keen to repurpose NASA tech into a hypersonic drone mothership. (Fast Company $)5 Elon Musk cant get enough of Groks scantily-clad AI assistantHe frequently posts about Ani and other sexualized AI cartoons on X. (Rolling Stone $)6 Anthropic has settled its AI piracy lawsuitA group of authors had accused it of copyright infringement. (The Verge)+ The threat of $1 trillion damages could have ruined the company. (Wired $)7 Americas electricity use is slowingAnd the recent growth in coal usage is falling too. (Ars Technica)+ In a first, Google has released data on how much energy an AI prompt uses.(MIT Technology Review)8 Want to get hired straight out of college? Better work in AI.While other graduates are struggling, newly-graduated AI experts are in demand. (WSJ $)9 Older people in South Korea are finding companionship with robotsThe Hydol robot is proving a hit among seniors. (Rest of World)+ How cuddly robots could change dementia care. (MIT Technology Review)10 Fans were betting on Taylor Swifts engagement Theyre cashing in from online prediction markets left, right and center. (WP $)Quote of the dayA lot of people in the AI team maybe feel things are too dynamic.Chi-Hao Wu, a former AI specialist at Meta, explains to Insider why he and others have decided to leave the company.One more thingAn AI chatbot told a user how to kill himselfbut the company doesnt want to censor itFor five months, Al Nowatzki had been talking to an AI girlfriend, Erin, on the platform Nomi. But earlier this year, those conversations took a disturbing turn: Erin told him to kill himself, and provided explicit instructions on how to do it.Nowatzki had never had any intention of following Erins instructionshes a researcher who probes chatbots limitations and dangers. But out of concern for more vulnerable individuals, he exclusively shared with MIT Technology Review screenshots of his conversations and of subsequent correspondence with a company representative, who stated that the company did not want to censor the bots language and thoughts.This is not the first time an AI chatbot has suggested that a user take violent action, including self-harm. But researchers and critics say that the bots explicit instructionsand the companys responseare striking. Read the full story.Eileen GuoWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ The secret to finding that elusive perfect white t-shirt.+ Interesting: a new Blade Runner TV series starring Michelle Yeoh is coming next year.+ If youve ever wondered what happened to that suitcase you lost on vacation, theres a decent chance its up for sale.+ Down with junk mail!

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has released information regarding an ongoing betting and bribery case involving a former Ladbrokes Chief Executive Officer.The individuals who worked for GVC, the parent company of Ladbrokes, were mentioned in a statement by Hannah von Dadelszen, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service.They include Kenny Alexander, the former chief executive of GVC, and Lee Feldman, the former non-executive chairman of GVC.Former Ladbrokes executive members charged in bribery caseThe CPS announced that the case involved ten individuals, who have been charged with offences allegedly committed between 2011 and 2018.A further individual has been arrested in relation to an offence committed as part of the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.Von Dadelszen said as part of the announcement of the charges that the CPS has authorised the prosecution of eleven individuals for seven offences relating to bribery, conspiracy to defraud, fraudulent trading, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax, acting as a director of a company when undischarged bankrupt and perverting the course of justice.Both former members of GVC, now known as Entain, Alexander and Feldman, have been charged by the CPS.Alexander is facing charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe between 2011 and 2018 relating to the provision of gambling services in Turkey. Feldman is facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and conspiracy to commit bribery.Richard Las, Director of HMRCs Fraud Investigation Service, said: These are serious charges that relate to conspiracy to defraud, bribery, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax and perverting the course of justice among others.All eleven individuals involved in the case will appear at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court on October 6.How does the CPS conduct a case and issue charges?The CPS bases its charges on the information gathered by HMRC, which is equivalent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. This financial fact-finding is not similar to a criminal case, but rather the gathering of information that could be used to prove a case at court proceedings.Officially, the CPS states their assessment and the charges brought to bear are not a finding of, or implication of, any guilt or criminal conduct. It is not a finding of fact, which can only be made by a court, but rather an assessment of what it might be possible to prove to a court, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.Featured image: IdeogramThe post Former Ladbrokes CEO charged in Turkish bribery case appeared first on ReadWrite.

A research team from Zhejiang University and Alibaba Group has introduced Memp, a framework that gives large language model (LLM) agents a form of procedural memory designed to make them more efficient at complex, multi-step tasks.Instead of relearning workflows from scratch, Memp enables agents to store, retrieve, and update past experiences in real time.For developers and architects, this means fewer wasted tokens, faster task completion, and the possibility of running smaller, cheaper models without sacrificing performance. This advance could influence how AI pipelines and agent architectures are built.Large Language Models (LLMs) based agents excel at diverse tasks, yet they suffer from brittle procedural memory that is manually engineered or entangled in static parameters, the researchers said in the paper.We introduce Memp, a task-agnostic framework that elevates procedural memory to a core optimization target in LLM-based agents, they added. By systematically studying strategies for memory construction, retrieval, and updating, Memp enables agents to distill, reuse, and refine their own past experiences across diverse, long-horizon tasks.The researchers said that tests on housework automation and information-seeking benchmarks showed procedural memory significantly improved both task success rates and efficiency. Beyond enhancing performance on individual tasks, Memp also enables continual learning and stronger generalization, moving AI agents closer to becoming self-improving and resilient, they wrote.What makes it differentMemp is designed as a task-agnostic framework that treats procedural memory as a core optimization target. The researchers studied how different strategies for building, retrieving, and updating memory influence overall performance.In the construction phase, agents capture either full task trajectories or distilled guidelines from past experiences. For retrieval, techniques such as query-vector and keyword-based matching are used to identify the most relevant prior knowledge.Where Memp really differs is in its update mechanisms.Unlike prior memory mechanisms or learning from experience, Memp introduces diverse procedural-memory update strategies: In the realm of agents, memory updating is crucial for agents to adapt to dynamic environments, the researchers wrote. By incorporating diverse strategies like ordinary addition, validation filtering, reflection, and dynamic discarding, agents can efficiently manage their knowledge base.These update methods allow agents to absorb new information, discard outdated data, and keep their memory resources optimized. The researchers said this makes agents more efficient, improves decision-making, and enhances adaptability across tasks.Benefits to enterprises Analysts say procedural memory could make AI agents more practical to deploy at scale, even for mid-sized enterprises. By lowering compute demands and reducing the need for constant supervision, it promises to cut both costs and complexity.Procedural memory excels in structured, multi-step business processes, such as customer service, finance, and logistics, amongst others, said Prabhu Ram, VP of the industry research group at Cybermedia Research. Its modular, incremental integration model lets organizations upgrade existing agents without disruptive system overhauls.Significantly, the paper noted that procedural knowledge created by a larger model can be distilled into a memory bank and reused by a smaller one with minimal overhead, giving the weaker system a measurable boost in task performance. This transfer of memory allows knowledge gained by one model to be quickly applied to another, helping agents adapt to new tasks with greater efficiency and resilience.Instead of every query consuming capacity on high-priced foundation models, enterprises can train once and deploy repeatedly on smaller engines priced at a fraction of the cost, said Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst and CEO at Greyhound Research. This train with the best, run with the rest logic brings order-of-magnitude savings in high-volume workloads.The economic implication is profound, Gogia added. AI agents can improve over time without increasing unit costs, delivering cumulative ROI rather than ballooning expenses. For CIOs and CFOs alike, this provides the predictability that has so far been absent from enterprise AI financial planning.Risks to considerHowever, others caution that the technology addresses only part of the memory capabilities required for enterprise AI.Agents can already record successful and failed actions, retain short-term context for current tasks, and build long-term memory across multiple tasks or domains.Procedural memory addresses only a part of these characteristics, said Anushree Verma, senior director analyst at Gartner. While this can be useful for use cases where AI agents are responsible for a small part of the process, meaningful large-scale deployment will require investments in robust memory architectures.Gogia added that risks also include drift, where agents rely on outdated routines, poisoning, where flawed or malicious inputs corrupt memory, and opacity, where decisions are based on hidden stored steps.

The man, a former software developer for Eaton Corporation, wrote malicious code that crashed servers on the companys network in 2019, prosecutors said.

A 13-year-old in Ohio has died after "he took a bunch of Benadryl," trying a dangerous TikTok challenge that's circulating online, according to a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his family.

Made in Unreal Engine 5, Keeper looks totally magical.

Everyone is embarking on their solo travel adventure, and for good reason. Theres something so liberating about setting your own pace, following your curiosity wherever it leads, and having those spontaneous conversations that only happen when youre flying solo. But lets be real, traveling alone also means youre your backup plan, tech support, and emergency contact all rolled into one.The gear you pack becomes even more critical when you dont have a travel companion to borrow a charger from or help carry the load. You need tools that work harder, last longer, and solve multiple problems at once. Gone are the days of packing just in case items; every piece of tech and gear in your bag needs to earn its weight and space. These ten travel products represent the evolution of travel gear. They are smarter, more versatile, and designed for the modern solo adventurer who refuses to compromise on either security or spontaneity.1. Nothing Power (1)Power banks usually just sit there looking boring while they charge your devices, but the Nothing Power (1) turns battery management into something almost mesmerizing. The transparent design reveals internal circuitry pathways inspired by the Nothing Phone, while the signature glyph interface transforms the back panel into a sophisticated information display. Every light has a purpose showing battery levels, charging status, and even smartphone notifications through illumination patterns.The 20,000mAh capacity provides multiple full charges for your phone, while 65W fast charging gets you to 50% power in under 20 minutes. But what makes this special for solo travelers is how the glyph interface keeps you informed without constantly checking your phone. The lights communicate charging progress, incoming notifications, and power bank status through intuitive patterns. When youre in situations where pulling out your phone isnt practical or safe, having critical information displayed on your power bank becomes very useful.What we likeThe glyph interface provides visual feedback for charging status and smartphone notifications.Fast 65W charging minimizes time spent waiting for devices to power up.Transparent design with meaningful illumination turns utility into visual interest.What we dislikeThe 20,000mAh capacity is smaller than some competing high-capacity power banks.Glyph interface features may drain the power banks battery faster than standard models.2. Capsule LuggageThis luggage concept gets something right that most designers miss: when youre traveling alone, every interaction with your bag needs to be smooth and efficient. The dedicated laptop compartment means no more unpacking half your suitcase just to grab your computer during security or while waiting for flights. Its such a simple idea that you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.The built-in cup holder at the back might seem minor until youre trying to juggle coffee, boarding passes, and luggage through a crowded airport. Without a travel companion to hold your drink, having a designated spot becomes surprisingly valuable. The whole design reduces the number of bags you need to manage, keeping everything organized in one system while maintaining quick access to the stuff you actually need regularly.What we likeLaptop compartment eliminates the bag-diving routine at security.Built-in cup holder solves the solo travelers juggling act.Reduces the number of separate bags to keep track of.What we dislikeStill in concept stage, so actual availability and durability are unknown.Design seems focused on business travel rather than other trip types.3. TspinTravel stress is real, and this titanium multi-tool tackles it from an unexpected angle. The fidget spinner isnt just a trendy add-on; it helps with those nerve-wracking airport waits or moments when youre feeling overwhelmed in a new place. But beyond the stress relief, this thing solves practical problems that every traveler faces.The bottle opener saves you from that sinking feeling when you buy local beer only to realize your hotel room doesnt have basic amenities. The nano-SIM card holder with ejection pin is genius for anyone who buys local data plans; those tiny pins have a habit of disappearing exactly when you need them most. Theres even a smartphone stand for video calls at home or entertainment while waiting for delayed flights. The tiny screwdriver is a lifesaver if you wear glasses, and the cable management feature tackles the universal frustration of tangled headphones.What we likeFidget function genuinely helps with travel anxiety and boredom.Solves specific travel problems like SIM card changes and smartphone stands.Titanium construction means itll outlast your passport.What we dislikeIt might look unprofessional in certain business contexts.Small parts require careful handling to avoid losing pieces.4.AirPods Neck StrapLosing an AirPod while traveling isnt just annoying; its expensive and inconvenient when youre nowhere near an Apple store. This magnetic neck strap turns your wireless earbuds into a secure system that eliminates the biggest complaint about AirPods: their supernatural ability to vanish at the worst moments. The woven rope looks more like jewelry than tech gear, so you dont end up looking like a walking advertisement for tourist status.The magnetic lock keeps both buds together around your neck, so even if one pops out, it stays attached and within reach. Having your earbuds immediately accessible matters more when youre traveling alone, whether its for navigation directions, important calls, or translation apps; you cant afford to be fishing through bags when you need audio fast. The color options let you match your style rather than settling for boring black plastic.Click Here to Buy Now: $39.00What we likePrevents the expensive disaster of losing individual AirPods.Looks stylish rather than purely functional.Keeps earbuds instantly accessible for navigation and calls.What we dislikeSome people might find wearing anything around their neck uncomfortable.Only works with AirPods, leaving other earbud users out.5.Pacsafe EXP 12 Anti-Theft CrossbodySecurity matters differently when youre exploring alone, and this bag takes it seriously without turning you into a walking fortress. The hybrid design converts from crossbody to sling pack, adapting to whatever your day throws at you. The dedicated MacBook compartment at the back keeps your laptop secure and accessible without exposing everything else in your bag to curious eyes or quick fingers.The anti-theft features are comprehensive: RFID blocking prevents electronic pickpocketing, the strap resists cutting attempts, and multiple locking systems work automatically so you dont have to remember to engage them. Its made from recycled plastic bottles with water-repellent treatment, so it handles both environmental consciousness and weather protection. The security features add some weight, but the peace of mind often makes it worthwhile.What we likeMultiple security features work passively without requiring constant attention.Converts between carrying styles for different activities.Dedicated laptop storage keeps expensive tech secure and organized.What we dislikeSecurity features add bulk and weight that might not be necessary everywhere.Premium price reflects the advanced anti-theft technology.6.TP-LinkReliable internet isnt a luxury when youre traveling solo, its essential for navigation, safety, and staying connected. This compact router delivers serious speeds (3.6 Gbps) in a package that wont cause airport security headaches. The WiFi 7 technology with 6GHz support means youre getting next-generation performance in something you can actually travel with.The VPN capabilities address a real concern when youre connecting to random public networks in cafes, hotels, and airports. Your data stays secure while the router creates a reliable connection for all your devices simultaneously. It runs on power banks, so youre not hunting for outlets in public spaces. The setup doesnt require a computer science degree, which matters when youre tired and just want internet that works.What we likeProfessional-grade internet speeds in a truly portable package.Built-in VPN security for safe public network connections.Works with power banks, eliminating outlet dependency.What we dislikeAdvanced features might be overkill for basic browsing needs.Price reflects cutting-edge technology that not everyone requires.7.For Me BudsSleep gets complicated when youre constantly changing time zones and sleeping in unfamiliar places. These earbuds tackle the problem head-on with AI that monitors your sleep patterns and adjusts sound in real-time throughout the night. The noise cancellation handles the usual suspects: snoring roommates, street noise, or airplane cabin sounds.The real magic happens while youre asleep. Built-in sensors track your heart rate and movement, analyzing sleep stages and providing binaural beats tailored to each phase of your sleep cycle. Unlike smartwatches that sit on your wrist, these deliver personalized sound directly into your ears for better sleep optimization. The companion app uses AI to analyze patterns and suggest improvements, which becomes valuable when youre trying to adapt to new schedules and environments.What we likeAI optimization adapts to personal sleep patterns and travel disruptions.Real-time adjustment provides personalized sleep enhancement all night.Better sleep analysis than wrist devices through direct ear placement.What we dislikeSleeping with earbuds takes getting used to for some people.Battery management becomes important during long monitoring sessions.8.TA-205This adapter handles the reality of modern travel: youve got more devices than ever, and they all need charging at inconvenient times. Supporting over 200 countries with seven simultaneous charging ports, it eliminates the frustrating game of deciding which device gets power priority. The dual AC sockets handle both universal plugs and US-specific devices, while the side switches adjust to different plug styles.Three USB-A ports take care of accessories like earbuds, cameras, and power banks, while two USB-C ports handle tablets and phones. The 35.5W fast-charge USB-C means your phone powers up quickly instead of keeping you tethered to walls for hours. The compact design doesnt compromise on power delivery, handling everything from laptops to smartwatches without breaking a sweat.What we likeSeven ports eliminate the charging priority decision-making process.Works in 200+ countries without carrying multiple adapters.What we dislikeCharging multiple devices simultaneously generates noticeable heat.High power output might overwhelm some older electrical systems.9.Shuffle WalletTraditional wallets become a liability when you need quick access to specific cards without broadcasting to everyone around you that youre fumbling through your finances. The Shuffle Wallets mechanism gives you instant access to exactly the card you need while protecting everything from RFID skimming. The one-handed operation means you can handle payments smoothly without looking distracted or vulnerable.RFID protection has gone from paranoid precaution to practical necessity as contactless payments become standard everywhere. The streamlined design encourages carrying only essential cards and cash, reducing both bulk and the financial damage if something goes wrong. The mechanical operation provides tactile confirmation that youre getting the right card without having to look down and lose awareness of your surroundings.What we likeQuick one-handed access maintains situational awareness during transactions.RFID blocking prevents electronic pickpocketing in crowded areas.Minimal design reduces both bulk and potential loss impact.What we dislikeLearning the shuffle mechanism takes practice to master under pressure.Advanced features command a premium over basic wallets.10. Loop Gear SK05Pro MAOThis definitely isnt one of those flimsy keychain lights that die when you need them. The SK05Pro packs an impressive 4,360 lumens into something smaller than most power banks, measuring just 0.88 1.89 4.17. The aluminum body feels solid in your hands, with anti-slip finger grooves that work when things get slippery or stressful.The dual functionality is the star feature. Those dual 18650 batteries dont just power an incredibly bright light they also give you 8,000mAh of backup juice for your phone. The rotating bezel lets you switch between spotlight, floodlight, sidelight, and power bank modes with just your thumb. When youre navigating unfamiliar streets at night or your phone dies at the worst possible moment, having both problems solved by one compact device feels like winning the lottery.What we likeCombines emergency lighting with phone charging in one compact device.Multiple lighting modes handle different situations from navigation to area illumination.Solid construction that feels reliable rather than gimmicky.What we dislikeAt nearly 8 ounces, its got some weight to it.Price reflects the premium build quality and dual functionality.Smart Tech & Tools For Smarter TravelThe best travel gear isnt about having the latest gadgets and products; its about choosing tools that make you more independent while keeping you connected to what matters. The products should solve issues, work when you need them the most, and enhance your experience rather than complicating it.These tools depict a shift toward smarter, more integrated technology that understands the unique challenges of solo travel. Theyre designed for people who want to explore confidently, knowing their gear can handle whatever situations arise. These products will help you stay charged during long days, maintain secure connections, or simply get better sleep in unfamiliar places. The modern traveler doesnt need more stuff; they need better stuff that works harder and takes up less space, and these designs promise to deliver!The post Top 10 Travel Tech & Gear Every Solo Adventurer Should Pack first appeared on Yanko Design.

In 2008 the Olympian Quarter, a new 900-unit residential neighborhood, was under construction in Amsterdam. Seeking something special to distinguish the neighborhood, the Amsterdam Foundation for the Arts commissioned Dutch artist Reinoud Oudshoorn to create the house numbers.Oudshoorn was something like a graphic designer who transitions into industrial design: He originally trained as a painter, but grew dissatisfied with the limitations of 2D and started pushing into sculptural 3D works. In short, he was the perfect guy to render boring 2D characters interesting:Oudshoorn's take on house numbers was inspired by the early-20th-century architecture movement known as the Amsterdam School; that movement's Expressionist style slotted in between Art Noveau and Art Deco, which you can see in Oudshoorn's cast aluminum numbers. "[The numbers] hold a middle ground between house number and sculpture, and are intended to evoke a strong sense of expression touchable and shining, like huge drops of rain," writes artistic hardware company Petra. Petra manufactures the numbers today, still in cast aluminum, and reckons they have a 200-year lifespan. They'd betterthey're $625 a pop!

Who discovered the lightbulb? If you answered Thomas Edison, youre not aloneand youre also not quite right.Despite conventional wisdom that associates great inventions with lone geniuses, breakthrough inventions are team efforts. Incandescent light bulbs existed before Edison was born. His patent built on prior versions of the light bulb, aiming to make it practical and affordable. Even then, it wasnt a solo achievementEdison collaborated with a team of skilled collaborators, known as the Muckers, whose contributions have largely faded from memory. Yet it was Edisons name on the patent, and thats the version of history that stuck.Were suckers for lone genius narratives like Edisonsthe brilliant scientist, the fearless military general, or the savvy CEO. The version of history we glean from popular books, movies, and the internet attributes greatness to single individuals.But individual greatness is rarely the whole story. Research shows that teams are the main creators of new knowledge across most industries. New ideas dont emerge fully formed from the mind of a single personit takes collaboration and teamwork to develop them to their full potential.In reality, the engine behind sustained successwhether in science, business, or governmentisnt a singular mind. Its a well-designed team.The illusion of individual successWe tend to over-attribute both success and failure to individuals. Psychologists call this the fundamental attribution error: we explain peoples behavior by their traits, rather than their context. If a product flops, we blame the CEO. If a startup takes off, the founder is a genius. We rarely ask about the teams that surround them.It gets worse. Even inside groups, people regularly overestimate their own contributions to collective endeavors. In one study, researchers asked each team member to estimate what percent of the groups success they were responsible for. The total? A whopping 235%. Thats a lot more than 100%!Our individualistic tendencies lead us to build groups and organizations around the wrong assumptions. If you believe success comes from star individuals, you hire stars and hope for fireworks. But for complex problemsand most of our work now is complexit takes more knowledge and skill than any individual has to solve it. Thats why we need to put the conditions in place for individuals to combine and build on what each alone can bring.What good teams do differentlyIn my research, Ive found that high-performing teams arent built through charisma, happy accidents, or trust falls. Theyre designed for success. There are four key elements of group structure that maximize your chances of creativity:Composition: Many teams are composed haphazardly, based on whos available and office politics. But the best teams are small (i.e., three to seven members) and have a task-appropriate, diverse mix of knowledge and skills.Goals: Its hard to achieve a common goal when members have different ideas about where theyre headed. Thats why clear, measurable, vivid goals are a critical antecedent for building teams that can outperform individuals. For instance, innovation at NASA spiked when John F. Kennedy swapped the vague goal of, advance science by exploring the solar system, to the vivid goal to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade.Task design: Teams can bring ideas to life when they have well-designed tasks that require a variety of skills, give members autonomy over how to conduct their work, and allow members to see progress toward their goals. For creative work, poorly designed tasks are repetitive and control the process, like a manufacturing assembly line. Well-designed tasks give teams whole pieces of work and the freedom to explore, such as the design firm IDEOs effort to redesign the shopping cart to better fit the needs of users.Norms: Too often, groups are places where members fall into bad habits. In many organizations, workers are used to sitting passively in meetings. They worry that experimentation and suggesting new ideas will be scornedor even punished. But the most innovative teams actively fight these norms. Leaders actively encourage members to share their ideas, experiment, and learn from one another. And the battle against norms toward conformity and the status quo never ends. IDEO, for instance, plasters reminders of these norms on the walls of their buildingsthings like defer judgement, encourage wild ideas, and build on the ideas of others.The real edgeWe live in an era that celebrates ideas: TED Talks, startup pitches, visionary founders. But ideas dont execute themselves. And many great ideas die in bad teams. The reverse is also true: A good team can turn a mediocre idea into something extraordinary. Not because theyre smarter, but because theyre structured to think together better.The great innovations and businesses of today were never built by a solitary lone genius. For all the credit Steve Jobs gets, he couldnt have built Apple and its collaborative innovation engine without the help of his cofounders and teammates. As you dig deeper into stories of great innovations, you almost always find a great team just under the surface.The next time youre tempted to credit a lone genius, remember the people behind the curtain. The collaborators, the editors, the dissenters: the ones who made the idea betteror made it real.Good ideas matter. But good teams matter more.

Cara is proud to be the official platform partner for Warrior Painters #PleinAirpril this year! What is PleinAirpril?PleinAirpril is a social media campaign started in 2017 to celebrate Earth Day. The aim is to challenge and engage with plein air artists across the globe and to encourage them to share their artworksone per dayduring the month of April. How to participate in PleinAirpril 2024Every day of April 2024, paint one painting based on the themes "City, Forest, Ocean, Mountain" and post your work on Cara or Instagram Use the hashtag #PleinAirpril, and tag @warriorpaintersYou can use any medium you want as PleinAirpril is about experimentation, practice, and exploration! Challenge yourself to paint more from life, but feel free to create photo studies or virtual plein air piecesDue to Instagrams recent limitations on artwork discovery via hashtags, participants are encouraged to post on Cara for increased visibility, Content shared on Cara stands a better chance of being discovered and reshared by both the Warrior Painters and Cara community. About Warrior PaintersWarrior Painters was founded in 2016 as a way to connect artists from all walks of life, who share the same passion of showcasing natural and architectural diversity through plein air painting. The majority of painters in the group work in the entertainment industry, spanning from animation and games, to live action films and theme park designs. There is also a good number of freelance illustrators and concept artists. ~As per usual, we have curated a selection of stunning past #pleinairpril artwork on Cara. Check out what the community has been up to, be inspired, and we hope to see you join us this PleinAirpril! - The Cara Team Have questions? Join us on Discord!cara | twitter | instagram | buy us a coffee Patti Vincent @pattivincentstudio - PleinAirpril Angela@angothemango - #PleinAirpril Car Karin Brandenberg @kbrandenberg - PleinAirpril 2022 Karin Brandenberg @kbrandenberg - Studies 2023 Karin Brandenberg @kbrandenberg - PleinAirpril 2022 Jelly Octopus @jellyoctopus - #PleinAirpril Elise Braud @itsmoriartea - Pleinairpril Day 24 Yiguang Wang @pessamin - PleinAirpril 2022 Alex Forner @alexforner - 6pm Yiguang Wang @pessamin - PleinAirpril 2022 Yiguang Wang @pessamin - PleinAirpril 2022 Elise Braud @itsmoriartea - Pleinairpril Patryk Olas @patryk - PleinAirpril Adriana Bica @bootlegwhale - PleinAirpril Karin Brandenberg @kbrandenberg - Studies 2023 Max Maury @maxtronaute - PleinAirpril Elise Braud @itsmoriartea - PleinAirpril Vic @spookyastronaut - Pleinairpril Japan Yiguang Wang @pessamin - PleinAirpril 2022 Karin Brandenberg @kbrandenberg - Studies 2023 We hope to see you join #PleinAirpril this year! cara | twitter | instagram | buy us a coffee

Chinese technology firms have focused on developing homegrown chips over the last few years amid rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.

Complaints are mounting up of the new Pixel 10 phones not working with certain wireless chargers.

Labor Day sales might have just what you're looking for in the home cleaning department. Dyson is having a big sale for the holiday that discounts vacuums, hair care devices and more by up to $500. One of the best discounts is on the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum, which is 50 percent off and down to $500. That's a seriously great deal and the lowest price we've seen for this product. The Vis Nav made our list of the best robot vacuums, primarily based on the unit's superior suction power. This thing can pull up dirt like a beast. We said it had the strongest suction power of any robovac we've tested and easily took out pet fur from a carpeted floor. We also noted in our official review that the power here was on par with Dyson's stick vacuums. The unit includes a stellar obstacle avoidance system, with cameras and LED lights to help the vacuum navigate around furniture. During our testing we found it to be nearly flawless, as it only crashed into a chair leg a couple of times. Also, we never received any alerts that the robot got stuck somewhere while working. The bin here is on the larger side, but there's no self-emptying base. This is also not a hybrid unit. It's a vacuum and not a mop. This made it tough to recommend the unit at $1,000, despite the fantastic suction, but $500 makes it a whole lot easier. The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is also down to $800 as part of this sale, which is a discount of $200. This cordless stick vacuum features a HEPA filtration system and advanced wet-cleaning capabilities. It's a great tool for cleaning both carpets and hard floors. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-dyson-labor-day-sale-knocks-500-off-the-360-vis-nav-robot-vacuum-172759579.html?src=rss

Apple allows you to install adblockers for Safari, DNS-based content blockers that work across apps, and VPN apps that can also block ads for you. Unfortunately, none of these methods allow you to block Apple's own ads. As Apple has increased its focus on services such as iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and more, it has increased the number of ads you're served on your Apple devices.Some of these are easy to disable, such as spammy ads for movies Apple wants you to watch, but there's nothing much you can do for things like ads in the iPhone App Store. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to block as many of Apple's ads on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac as possible, while also discussing steps you can take to protect your privacy.Disable promotional notifications for Apple's apps Credit: Pranay Parab Apples own apps like to push you to check out new movies, albums, and upgrade opportunities for paid subscriptions. The easiest way to get rid of these is to completely disable notifications from Apple apps, but it's not ideal for everyone. Some apps, such as Wallet, have genuinely useful notifications that remind you about upcoming trips, events, etc. Disabling all notifications from Wallet means losing access to the useful alerts as well. That's why you should take a moment to go through each Apple app's settings and see if there's an option to disable only the useless ones. If you've installed iOS 26, try these steps to disable Apple's promotional notifications.Open the Wallet app. Tap the three-dots button in the top-right corner, and select Notifications. Now, disable Offers & Promotions.Open the App Store, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner, and select Notifications. Now, disable Recommendations & Offers.In the Books app, go to the profile icon in the top-right corner, select Notifications, and disable Recommendations.In the Music app, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner, select Notifications, and disable New Music.A lot of Apple apps use a similar workflow for this, so while I've listed the biggest offenders, you can try similar steps in any Apple app to see if you can disable spammy alerts. Meanwhile, if you just want to go nuclear, then you can disable all notifications for Apple apps. Go to Settings > Apps > Notifications on your iPhone or System Settings > Notifications on your Mac. Here, go through the list of apps and select Apples apps one by one. Turn off notifications for all the apps that dont send you useful notifications. For me, this includes the App Store, Music, and TV.Some apps, such as Messages, FaceTime, and Apple TV Keyboard, send useful notifications, so I would recommend avoiding disabling notifications for those.Disable personalized ads from Apple Credit: Pranay Parab Next, you can stop allowing Apple to track your data to serve you personalized ads. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising and disable Personalized Ads. On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising and turn off Personalized Ads.This will reduce tracking, but be aware this means it will also increase the likelihood of seeing irrelevant ads in Apple apps. Dont allow Apple apps to see your location Credit: Pranay Parab Apple tracks some of your location data to show you relevant content. For example, if you go on a vacation to Portugal, the App Store may show you more results for apps popular in that country. If you dont use Apples apps for discovering new content, you can disable this without consequences.To do this, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and disable location access for all Apple apps that don't need it. Remember that some apps, such as Find My, need access to your location to work correctly, and others, such as Camera, use location data to geo-tag your photos. However, apps such as App Store and News don't need access to your location, so can turn it off for them without affecting core functionality.On the Mac, you can do the same thing by going to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.Check if Apple's system services need location access Credit: Pranay Parab Apple tracks your location data to improve a bunch of its services even if you disable location access for its apps. This won't necessarily impact your ads, but it can affect your privacy. You can find these services on your iPhone or iPad by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services. On your Mac, head over to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.Go through each of the items carefully and disable location access if you're sure the service you're looking at doesn't need it. If you don't understand what a particular setting does, then it's best to ignore it until you know what it does. For example, it is safe to disable location access for iPhone/Mac Analytics, Improve Location Accuracy, Improve Maps, and a few other selections depending on how you use your iPhone. I've also disabled location access for Apple Pay Merchant Identification, because the service isn't available in my region. But if you use Apple Pay regularly, you probably shouldn't change this setting.Reduce analytics and other data collection Credit: Pranay Parab This also doesnt directly impact advertising on your devices, but I recommend reducing the data Apple collects from your iPhone or Mac. Once a company starts pushing ads aggressively, itll find new ways to collect more data. Thats why its better to proactively reduce data collection wherever you can. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and disable all options. On the Mac, you can visit System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and do the same thing.Stop relying on Apple for discovery Credit: Pranay Parab Apple will have more opportunities to get data on you and show you ads if you spend time inside its apps. If you stop relying on Apple to discover new content, the company will not have as many chances to pepper you with promotions.One alternative is to use a search engine to look for apps, or visit sites such as Lifehacker to learn about interesting new apps. If you spend less time in the App Store, you will see fewer ads as a result. You can also still get direct links to apps from these sourcesjust verify the URL takes you to apps.apple.com. Similarly, you can start reducing your dependency on Apples ecosystem. Other than iCloud (which is very useful for backing up your data), all of Apples subscription services have solid alternatives. And, if you want to stay with Apple Music, you can consider using third-party apps that provide a better experience than Apples own app.

So you need to design a new AI feature for your product. How would you start? How do you design flows and interactions? And how do you ensure that that new feature doesnt get abandoned by users after a few runs?In this article, Id love to share a very simple but systematic approach to how I think about designing AI experiences. Hopefully, it will help you get a bit more clarity about how to get started.This article is part of our ongoing series on UX. You can find more details on design patterns and UX strategy in Smart Interface Design Patterns with live UX training coming up soon. Jump to table of contents.The Receding Role of AI ChatOne of the key recent shifts is a slow move away from traditional chat-alike AI interfaces. As Luke Wroblewski wrote, when agents can use multiple tools, call other agents and run in the background, users orchestrate AI work more theres a lot less chatting back and forth.In fact, chatbots are rarely a great experience paradigm mostly because the burden of articulating intent efficiently lies on the user. But in practice, its remarkably difficult to do well and very time-consuming.Chat doesnt go away, of course, but its being complemented with task-oriented UIs temperature controls, knobs, sliders, buttons, semantic spreadsheets, infinite canvases with AI providing predefined options, presets, and templates.There, AI emphasizes the work, the plan, the tasks the outcome, instead of the chat input. The results are experiences that truly amplify value for users by sprinkling a bit of AI in places where it delivers real value to real users.To design better AI experiences, we need to study 5 key areas that we need to shape.Input UX: Expressing IntentConversational AI is a very slow way of helping users express and articulate their intent. Usability tests show that users often get lost in editing, reviewing, typing, and re-typing. Its painfully slow, often taking 30-60 seconds for input.As it turns out, people have a hard time expressing their intent well. In fact, instead of writing prompts manually, it's a good idea to ask AI to write a prompt to feed itself.With Flora AI, users can still write prompts, but they visualize their intent with nodes by connecting various sources visually. Instead of elaborately explaining to AI how we need the pipeline to work, we attach nodes and commands on a canvas.With input for AI, being precise is slow and challenging. Instead, we can abstract away the object we want to manipulate, and give AI precise input by moving that abstracted object on a canvas. Thats what Krea.ai does.In summary, we can minimize the burden of typing prompts manually with AI-generated pre-prompts, prompt extensions, query builders, and also voice input.Output UX: Displaying OutcomesAI output doesn't have to be merely plain text or a list of bullet points. It must be helpful to drive people to insights, faster. For example, we could visualize output by creating additional explanations based on the users goal and motivations.For example, Amelia Wattenberger visualized AI output for her text editor PenPal by adding style lenses to explore the content from. The output could be visualized in sentence lengths and scales Sad Happy, Concrete Abstract, and so on.The outcome could also be visualized on a map, which, of course, is expected for an AI GIS analyst. Also, users can access individual data layers, turn them on and off, and hence explore the data on the map.We can also use forced ranking and prioritizations to suggest best options and avoid choice paralysis even if a user asks for top 10 recommendations. We can think about ways to present results as a data table, or a dashboard, or a visualization on a map, or as a structured JSON file, for example.Refinement UX: Tweaking OutputUsers often need to cherry-pick some bits from the AI output and bring them together in a new place and often they need to expand on one section, synthesize bits from another section, or just refine the outcome to meet their needs.Refinement is usually the most painful part of the experience, with many fine details being left to users to explain elaborately. But we can use good old-fashioned UI controls like knobs, sliders, buttons, and so on to improve that experience, similar to how Adobe Firefly does it (image above).We can also use presets, bookmarks, and allow users to highlight specific parts of the outcome that theyd like to change with contextual prompts acting on highlighted parts of the output, rather than global prompts.AI Actions: Tasks To CompleteWith AI agents, we can now also allow users to initiate tasks that AI can perform on their behalf, such as scheduling events, planning, and deep research. We could also ask to sort results or filter them in a specific way.But we can also add features to help users use AI output better e.g., by visualizing it, making it shareable, allowing transformations between formats, or also posting to Slack, Jira, and so on.AI Integration: Where Work HappensMany AI interactions are locked within a specific product, but good AI experiences happen where the actual work happens. It would be quite unusual to expect a dedicated section for Autocomplete, for example, but we do so for AI features.The actual boost in productivity comes when users rely on AI as a co-pilot or little helper in the tools they use daily for work. Its seamless integrations into Slack, Teams, Jira, GitHub, and so on the tools that people use anyway. Dia Browser and Dovetail are great examples of it in action.Wrapping UpAlong these five areas, we can explore ways to minimize the cost of interaction with a textbox, and allow users to interact with the points of interest directly, by tapping, clicking, selecting, highlighting, and bookmarking.Many products are obsessed with being AI-first. But you might be way better off by being AI-second instead. The difference is that we focus on user needs and sprinkle a bit of AI across customer journeys where it actually adds value.And AI products dont have to be AI-only. There is a lot of value in mapping into the mental models that people have adopted over the years, and enhance them with AI, similar to how we do it with browsers autofill, rather than leaving users in front of a frightening and omnipresent text box.Useful ResourcesWhere Should AI Sit In Your UI?, by Sharang SharmaShape of AI: Design Patterns, by Emily CampbellAI UX Patterns, by Luke BennisDesign Patterns For Trust With AI, via Sarah GoldAI Guidebook Design Patterns, by GoogleUsable Chat Interfaces to AI Models, by Luke WroblewskiThe Receding Role of AI Chat, by Luke WroblewskiAgent Management Interface Patterns, by Luke WroblewskiDesigning for AI Engineers, by Eve WeinbergMeet Smart Interface Design PatternsYou can find more details on design patterns and UX in Smart Interface Design Patterns, our 15h-video course with 100s of practical examples from real-life projects with a live UX training later this year. Everything from mega-dropdowns to complex enterprise tables with 5 new segments added every year. Jump to a free preview. Use code BIRDIE to save 15% off.Meet Smart Interface Design Patterns, our video course on interface design & UX.Video + UX TrainingVideo onlyVideo + UX Training$495.00 $699.00Get Video + UX Training25 video lessons (15h) + Live UX Training.100 days money-back-guarantee.Video only$300.00$395.00Get the video course40 video lessons (15h). Updated yearly.Also available as a UX Bundle with 2 video courses.

Blizzard overhauled Overwatch 2's hero progression in Season 18 to include fewer stats and more chances to get free stuff. Ostensibly, the change reduces complexity, but it takes away more than just stats for tracking your progress. It wipes out a valuable learning opportunity and replaces it with what seems like little more than a quick gratification hit.

Play psychic super spy, settle in with a cozy farming sim and reshape the world with a photo with the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for September. Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder will be available to PlayStation Plus members from September 2.Lets take a closer look at the games.View and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imagePsychonauts 2 | PS4Razputin Raz Aquato, trained acrobat and powerful young psychic, has realized his lifelong dream of joining the international psychic espionage organization known as the Psychonauts! But these psychic super spies are in trouble. Their leader hasnt been the same since he was rescued from a kidnapping, and whats worse, theres a mole hiding in headquarters. Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers. Psychonauts 2 serves up danger, excitement and laughs in equal measure as players guide Raz on a journey through the minds of friends and foes on a quest to defeat a murderous psychic villain.View and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageStardew Valley | PS4Youve inherited your grandfathers old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It wont be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the towns most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!View and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageViewfinder | PS4, PS5Use an instant camera to challenge perception, redefine reality and reshape the world. View the world through a new lens in this charming and unique first-person puzzle adventure. Reshape a wealth of stunning environments through your instant cameras viewfinder in order to solve a variety of mind-bending puzzles. Bring photos, paintings, sketches and postcards to life as you reshape reality and slowly uncover the surprising mysteries that lie behind this colourful world.View and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageLast chance to add PlayStation Plus Games for August to your libraryPlayStation Plus members have until September 1 to add Lies of P, Day Z and My Hero Ones Justice 2 to their game library.

In terms of raw power, some Digi Evolutions or Jogress (DNA Evolutions) are just so OP that the balance of the Digital World shifts forever depending on their actions. These Digimon are so powerful that they are rarely seen alongside a Tamer or Chosen One, and are considered seats of power or part of a legend. In some cases, their core function is to bring about the end of the Digital (and sometimes real) World.

NYXI Warrior Lite Wireless Controller for Switch 2 $40 (was $50) See at Amazon NYXI Warrior Wireless Controller for Switch 2 $55 (was $69) | Adds support for original GameCube hardware See at Amazon A few of the best GameCube-inspired controllers for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC are on sale for their best prices of the year at Amazon. NYXI's Warrior and Wizard wireless controllers combine the GameCube form factor with modern features like Hall Effect sticks, remappable back buttons, microswitch triggers, and other customization options. The Warrior Lite Bluetooth Controller released earlier this year with the GameCube's iconic purple color scheme. Normally $50, you can grab this versatile gamepad for $40, which is the best price yet.If you also want 2.4GHz Wireless support for original GameCube and Wii hardware--and PC with the included adapter--you can step up to the Warrior for $55 (was $69).Continue Reading at GameSpot

In a his new book Breakneck, Dan Wang argues that if the US really wants to compete with China, it needs to focus more on engineering and less on litigating.

From basic line work to colour and effects, these tips and tutorials will provide inspiration for your line art.

The Guinness World Records hits 70, and I think there's an opportunity for designers.

One of the interesting things about Prusa’s FDM 3D printers is the availability of official upgrade kits, which allow you to combine bits off an older machine with those of …read more

The yearly deluge is finally upon us, as September is packed from top to bottom with big-name releases, from highly anticipated sports to promising remakes. Of course, theres the big one that everyones talking about, but whether youre keen on sports games, horror, action-adventure or platforming, theres a lot to choose from. Lets dive into the 15 biggest titles releasing in September 2025.Hollow Knight: SilksongRemember when this was just supposed to be a second playable character and DLC for Hollow Knight? Over six years since its announcement, Silksong is indeed real, and based on Team Cherrys own admission, its as big, perhaps even bigger than its predecessor. Because you werent planning on anything for the rest of the month? Over 200 enemy types, more than 40 bosses, numerous new abilities and based on demo impressions from Gamescom, best-in-class movement. Hollow Knight: Silksong releases on September 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and at this point, were beyond ready.Hell is UsIf youre in the mood for a different kind of action-adventure, one that very adamantly wont hold your hand, theres Rogue Factors Hell is Us. A dark horse of sorts, its semi-open-world-ish, focusing on peacekeeper Rmi, who explores Hadea in search of his parents. The country has seen better days its devastated by war and Hollow Walkers emerging in the wake of the Calamity. With just the bare minimum, you have to gather clues and ultimately unravel the mystery behind Rmis parents while uncovering the mysteries of Hadea. With Souls-lite gameplay and a mysterious yet foreboding vibe, Hell is Us could very well make a name for itself when it launches on September 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.Cronos: The New DawnFor a different flavor of horror the sci-fi survival third-person shooter kind theres Bloober Teams Cronos: The New Dawn, where players control a Traveller under the mysterious Collective, tasked with extracting the essence of key individuals. Or not you dont really have to, though that could affect the ending. Between these choices, youre exploring run-down buildings and structures infested with monsters born from the mysterious Change, using shotguns, SMGs and flamethrowers to bat them back, while casually manipulating gravity and the environment to progress forward. Its very Dead Space-esque on first appearance, but the mysterious narrative and time travel elements help set Cronos apart when it launches on September 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.Daemon x Machina: Titanic ScionIm not the biggest Daemon X Machina fan out there, but credit to Marvelous Inc. for doing something different with the sequel. Youre still in this world of Arsenals and Outer factions, destroying similarly armored foes and extracting their parts for your own usage, but Titanic Scion veers hard by turning Arsenals into power armor. The vast open world also facilitates new traversal methods, such as horseback riding, which is as hilarious as it looks, and even a larger Arsenal frame for dealing big damage in a limited window. Launching on September 5th for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and PS5, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion could very well be the standout mecha title of the year.Borderlands 4Its funny to think weve gone fromwhatever Borderlands 3 was meant to be to this epic tale of resistance against a dictatorial figure on an unknown planet that Gearbox promises is its biggest yet. And yet, from everything showcased thus far and against all odds, Borderlands 4 doesnt look half-bad. The four new Vault Hunters Vex, Rafa, Amon and Harlowe all look great in their own ways; the prospect of Licensed Parts for combining different gun manufacturer pieces into one weapon is great; and the addition of grappling, dashing, double-jumping, and more feels just right. Whether the story will stick the landing remains to be seen (I still havent forgiven you for Maya, Gearbox), to say nothing of the endgame, but as a co-op looter shooter with slightly classier mayhem, Borderlands 4 could excel. Its launching on September 12th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.Silent Hill fAs the newest mainline title in the Silent Hill franchise since 2012s Downpour, Silent Hill f ventures into unknown territory. Its the first title set in Japan, specifically the fictitious town of Ebisugaoka in the 1960s, and features Ryukishi07 as the writer (with artist kera behind the creature designs). As Hinako Shimizu, who finds herself swallowed up by the fog, players embark on a more action-packed journey, one with a heavier emphasis on melee combat. Dont let that fool you, though, as it offers some of the most disturbing creatures and sights in the franchise yet. After the success of Silent Hill 2 remake, heres hoping Konami can pull off another when Silent Hill f launches on September 25th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.NBA 2K26Another year, another NBA 2K and even if last years iteration sported solid gameplay, one has to wonder if NBA 2K6 is worth the upgrade. Outside of the improved player and arena visuals, you can embark on The Playoffs online; a new MyCareer mode sees you working up the ranks to the NBA, with The City returning; and all the usual modes, including MyTeam and The W, return with various improvements. Maybe itll be enough to hold one over till next year, but for now, NBA 2K26 launches on September 5th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.Dying Light: The BeastTechland has been on a venerable marketing overdrive for Dying Light: The Beast, promising its most diverse world, a fairly lengthy experience (about 40 to 50 hours for the story and side content), and much more. And based on the gameplay thus far, it seems like a return to everything that made the Dying Light franchise great while continuing the story of Kyle Crane, who now possesses powerful beast-like abilities. Whether it can redeem the series after the whelming second entry or not, the call of the night is hard to resist. Dying Light: The Beast arrives on September 19th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.EA Sports FC 26With how underwhelming FC 25 turned out, EA is listening in a big way with the latest entry. Various gameplay improvements include faster overall gameplay and two experiences Competitive and Authentic, each determining the style of play and pace. Archetypes are also debuting and will be added to Clubs to shake things up. Theres honestly a lot more, and it could be the most exciting sports offering from EA in years when it launches on September 26th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, PC, PS4, and PS5.Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved EditionIf you thought the title was a mouthful already, this is actually Part 1 of Survios VR title-turned-regular-first-person shooter. It follows Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks as she investigates a Weyland-Yutani black site. Which, to no ones surprise, is full of Xenomorphs. While it may seem like a running and gunning affair, Rogue Incursion also features classic tools like the Motion Tracker, creating a familiar wave of dread when a Xenomorph periodically shows up. Launching on September 30th for PS5 and PC, Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition will support 60 FPS and DualSense functionality.EA Sports NHL 26Not one, not two, but three sports games in September? What a deal! NHL 26 launches on September 12th for Xbox Series X/S and PS5, packing several changes, including reworked X-Factors (now with three tiers), goalie size and style now affecting how they play, a new Goalie Crease Control System with over 80 new animations, and more. EA Vancouver has its work cut out after last years release, but thus far, its looking decent.Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of GiantsEveryones favorite archaeologist returns in a new story DLC, building on the stellar base experience by returning to Rome, as players venture deeper underground to learn more about the Cult of Mithras and the legendary giants. Based on the latest trailer, it seems the undead are also involved. In terms of puzzle-platforming goodness, The Order of Giants should be another compelling adventure for Indy when it launches on September 4th for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.Metal EdenMetal Eden launches on September 2nd for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and sees ASKA, a Hyper Unit, venturing into Moebius to save humanitys rapidly decaying cores. All the usual weaponry, from a pistol, shotgun, SMG and whatnot, awaits. However, Askas main calling card is ripping out enemy Cores and either consuming them for a boost (and rocket punch) or tossing them back to deal explosive damage. Paired with a Brutalist aesthetic, extensive mobility and an intriguing narrative, were keen to see how deep the cyber-punk rabbit hole goes.Trails in the Sky 1st ChapterEveryone has their dream remake, and for a subsection of role-playing game fans, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is pretty much it. A ground-up remake of the 2004 classic, it offers fully 3D environments and characters alongside Daybreaks dual turn-based/real-time combat system. And while there are new voicovers and localization, the tale of Estelle and Joshua, who venture across Liberl, changing lives along the way, remains as timeless as ever. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter launches on September 19th for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with a free demo currently available.Pac-Man World 2 Re-PacThis may or may not fall under dream remake really, it depends on how much you love Pac-Man but Pac-Man World Re-Pac wasnt half-bad. Re-Pac 2, launching on September 26th for every platform, follows in the same vein, remaking Pac-Man World 2 with gorgeous new visuals. However, its latest comparison trailer highlights noticeable differences in levels (which have also been expanded) and Bandai Namco promises quality-of-life improvements, updated bosses, and even a two-player mode.

Apple's best iPhone is about to get even better. With a new design, new colors, and more on the way, here's what you should be looking forward to from iPhone 17 Pro.iPhone 17 Pro - Image Credit: AppleInsiderIf Apple sticks to its now familiar release cadence, we expect new iPhones to be announced every September. 2025 is unlikely to buck the trend, with an event already set for September 9.The last year of rumors points to a few big changes this time around, with a bold new design at the top of the pile. This round of iPhones is set to be the best for photographers and gamers yet, so there's more than a new look to get excited about. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple Sports today added tennis to its growing list of supported sports.

Across industries, enterprises are increasingly adopting an on-demand approach to compute, storage, and applications. They are favoring digital services that are faster to deploy, easier to scale, and better integrated with partner ecosystems. Yet, one critical pillar has lagged: the network. While software-defined networking has made inroads, many organizations still operate rigid, pre-provisioned networks. As applications become increasingly distributed and dynamicincluding hybrid cloud and edge deploymentsa programmable, on-demand network infrastructure can enhance and enable this new era.From CapEx to OpEx: The new connectivity mindsetAnother, practical concern is also driving this shift: the need for IT models that align cost with usage. Rising uncertainty about inflation, consumer spending, business investment, and global supply chains are just a few of the economic factors weighing on company decision-making. And chief information officers (CIOs) are scrutinizing capital-expenditure-heavy infrastructure more closely and increasingly adopting operating-expenses-based subscription models.Instead of long-term circuit contracts and static provisioning, companies are looking for cloud-ready, on-demand network services that can scale, adapt, and integrate across hybrid environments. This trend is fueling demand for API-first network infrastructure connectivity that behaves like software, dynamically orchestrated and integrated into enterprise IT ecosystems. There has been such rapid interest, the global network API market is projected to surge from $1.53 billion in 2024 to over $72 billion in 2034.In fact, McKinsey estimates the network API market could unlock between $100 billion and $300 billion in connectivity- and edge-computing-related revenue for telecom operators over the next five to seven years, with an additional $10 billion to $30 billion generated directly from APIs themselves.When the cloud came in, first there was a trickle of adoptions. And then there was a deluge, says Rajarshi Purkayastha, VP of solutions at Tata Communications. Were seeing the same trend with programmable networks. What was once a niche industry is now becoming mainstream as CIOs prioritize agility and time-to-value.Programmable networks as a catalyst for innovationProgrammable subscription-based networks are not just about efficiency, they are about enabling faster innovation, better user experiences, and global scalability. Organizations are preferring API-first systems to avoid vendor lock-in, enable multi-vendor integration, and foster innovation. API-first approaches allow seamless integration across different hardware and software stacks, reducing operational complexity and costs.With APIs, enterprises can provision bandwidth, configure services, and connect to clouds and edge locations in real time, all through automation layers embedded in their DevOps and application platforms. This makes the network an active enabler of digital transformation rather than a lagging dependency.For example, Netflixone of the earliest adopters of microserviceshandles billions of API requests daily through over 500 microservices and gateways, supporting global scalability and rapid innovation. After a two-year transition period, it redesigned its IT structure and organized it using microservice architecture.Elsewhere, Coca-Cola integrated its global systems using APIs, enabling faster, lower-cost delivery and improved cross-functional collaboration. And Uber moved to microservices with API gateways, allowing independent scaling and rapid deployment across markets.In each case, the network had to evolve from being static and hardware-bound to dynamic, programmable, and consumption-based. API-first infrastructure fits naturally into how todays IT teams work, says Purkayastha. It aligns with continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and service orchestration tools. That reduces friction and accelerates how fast enterprises can launch new services.Powering on-demand connectivityTata Communications deployed Network Fabricits programmable platform that uses APIs to allow enterprise systems to request and adjust network resources dynamicallyto help a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) company modernize how it manages network capacity in response to real-time business needs. As the company scaled its digital services worldwide, it needed a more agile, cost-efficient way to align network performance with unpredictable traffic surges and fast-changing user demands. With Tatas platform, the companys operations teams were able to automatically scale bandwidth in key regions for peak performance, during high-impact events like global software releases. And just as quickly scale down once demand normalized, avoiding unnecessary costs.In another scenario, when the SaaS provider needed to run large-scale data operations between its US and Asia hubs, the network was programmatically reconfigured in under an hour; a process that previously required weeks of planning and provisioning. What we delivered wasnt just bandwidth, it was the ability for their teams to take control, says Purkayastha. By integrating our Network Fabric APIs into their automation workflows, we gave them a network that responds at the pace of their business.Barriers to transformation and how to overcome themTransforming network infrastructure is no small task. Many enterprises still rely on legacy multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and hardware-defined wide-area network (WAN) architectures. These environments are rigid, manually managed, and often incompatible with modern APIs or automation frameworks. As with any organization, barriers can be both technical and internal, and legacy devices may not support programmable interfaces. Organizations are often siloed, meaning networks are managed separately to application and DevOps workflows.Furthermore, CIOs face pressure for quick returns and may not even remain in the company long enough to oversee the process and results, making it harder to push for long-term network modernization strategies. Often, its easier to address the low-hanging fruit rather than go after the transformation because decision-makers may not be around to see the transformation come to life, says Purkayastha.But quick fixes or workarounds may not yield the desired results; transformation is needed instead. Enterprises have historically built their networks for stability, not agility, says Purkayastha. But now, that same rigidity becomes a bottleneck when applications, users, and workloads are distributed across the cloud, edge, and remote locations.Despite the challenges, there is a clear path forward, starting with overlay orchestration, well-defined API contracts, and security-first design. Instead of completely removing and replacing an existing system, many enterprises are layering APIs over existing infrastructure, enabling controlled migrations and real-time service automation.We dont just help customers adopt APIs, we guide them through the operational shift it requires, says Purkayastha. We have blueprints for what to automate first, how to manage hybrid environments, and how to design for resilience.For some organizations, there will be resistance to the change initially. Fears of extra workloads, or misalliance with teams existing goals and objectives are common, as is the deeply human distrust of change. These can be overcome, however. There are playbooks on what weve done earlierlearnings from transformationwhich we share with clients, says Purkayastha. We also plan for the unknowns. We usually reserve 10% of time and resources just to manage unforeseen risks, and the result is an empowered organization to scale innovation and reduce operational complexity.This content was produced by Insights, the custom content arm of MIT Technology Review. It was not written by MIT Technology Reviews editorial staff. It was researched, designed, and written entirely by human writers, editors, analysts, and illustrators. This includes the writing of surveys and collection of data for surveys. AI tools that may have been used were limited to secondary production processes that passed thorough human review.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has estimated that Americans will spend a collective $30 billion on NFL bets in the 2025 season.Data from the AGA estimates that Americans will wager $30 billion on the upcoming 2025 NFL season via sportsbooks. Thats an 8.5% increase to last season, which was estimated to see $27.6 billion in bets.This season, fans have more ways than ever to responsibly engage with the game they love, said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. Legal sports betting enhances the fun and friendly competition that make NFL games and traditions even more special.With strong consumer protections and a shared commitment to responsibility, the legal, regulated sports betting industry encourages all football fans to have a game plan before placing a bet and ensure their gameday experience regardless of the outcome of a bet or the game remains enjoyable.The AGA predicts that this year Americans will wager more than $30B through the legal market during the 2025-2026 NFL season. This is up 8.5% from last year, showing how more Americans are betting through the legal, state-regulated market.https://t.co/pKdw65UYTm American Gaming Association (@AmericanGaming) August 28, 2025Those numbers are based on national handle growth to date in 2025 applied to last years estimated NFL season total, along with football-specific reporting from select states used to calculate the share of wagers expected on professional football. It includes preseason games, futures booked as early as March, the playoffs, and Super Bowl LX, which will take place in February 2026.With so much money expected to be wagered, the AGA is launching a campaign to remind bettors to Have A Game Plan, and Bet Responsibly. The national campaign includes advice set around five key principles: sticking to a budget; keeping betting as a fun activity with friends and family; knowing the odds well; playing legally; and not harassing athletes.Betting on the NFLIf youre planning to get involved in betting during the upcoming NFL season, there are various betting strategies that you can employ to get the most out of your 2025 season.If youre not sure where to physically start, weve also rounded up some of the best betting sets ahead of this years season here.Featured image: Your Golf Travel, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0The post Americans are expected to spend $30 billion betting on the upcoming NFL season appeared first on ReadWrite.

Virtually every aspect of technology has been affected, and potentially improved, by artificial intelligence (AI). PCs are no exception. While the meaning of AI PC is still evolving, it generally refers to a computer specifically designed to excel at AI-powered tasks. These beefed-up computers typically feature:High-end CPUs and GPUs to handle the demanding computational requirements of AI applicationssuch as AI assistants that automate tasks, schedule meetings, answer emails, and provide personalized recommendations and data analysis and visualization.Dedicated AI accelerators like Neural Processing Units (NPUs). These specialized chips are optimized for AI tasks such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.Pre-installed AI-powered software such as AI assistants (like Microsoft Copilot), creative tools, and AI-enhanced productivity applications.Will AI PCs play a big role in 2025 and beyond?As AI becomes more integrated into daily use, the demand for powerful computers capable of handling AI workloads will grow and provide new levels of productivity by automating tasks, generating creative content, and providing intelligent assistance. AI PCs are also designed to improve the user experience with AI-powered features like voice assistants, intelligent search, and personalized recommendations to enhance the overall user experience.According to Gartner data released in August, AI PCs will account for 31% of worldwide PC market by the end of the year. The research firm also shared these forecasts: AI PCs will be become the Nnorm by 2029 AI PC shipments will total 77 million in 2025 AI PCs market share will climb to 55% in 2026Related AI PC coverageAI PCs to surge, claiming over half the market by 2026August 28, 2025: Despite some market hurdles, AI PC adoption is taking hold, with about 143 million units expected to ship next year. according to Gartner research. IT buyers are investing in AI PCs with no clue how to use themJuly 24, 2025: Eyeing the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in October, many IT buyers are snapping up Windows 11 AI PCs despite having no clear understanding of how to use them in their infrastructures. The use cases around AI PCs are not fully fleshed out just yet, said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at IDC. Companies are struggling to figure out if AI PCs are worth the extra investment or not, especially when theres a lot of AI that can be done in the cloud, as opposed to on the device itself.What is an AI PC? The power of artificial intelligence locallyMay 1, 2025: Unlike traditional computers, an artificial intelligence PC, orAI PC, comes with AI capabilities built in by design. AI runs locally, right on the machine, allowing it to essentially learn, adapt, reason and problem-solve without having to connect to the cloud.Should you buy AI PCs for your workforce in 2025?April 8, 2025: As generative AI continues to dominate technology news, the hype aroundAI PCsis growing. Its easy to see the appeal of PCs powerful enough to handle genAI processing tasks.Dell unveils AI PCs with Nvidia GPUs for AI model testingMarch 18, 2025: New Dell PCs sport high-powered Nvidia GPUs designed to help workers test AI models before deployment. The new AI PC lineup includes laptops and desktops with Nvidias latest Blackwell Ultra and Blackwell GPUs, which provide the muscle needed to test compute-intensive AI models.AI PCsare designed to run generative AI tools and models more efficiently than standard PCs.Just what the heck does an AI PC do?November 25, 2024: AI-optimized PCs have been announced by virtually every system maker and chip producer, but the functions AI PCs offer will vary depending on the hardware. And users face a learning curve trying to figure out the new features.2025: The year of the AI PCOctober 24, 2024: Forrester has tagged 2025 the Year of the AI PC and if the number of recent product announcements is any indication, thats likely to be the case. Gartner Research projects PC shipments will grow by 1.6% in 2024 and by 7.7% in 2025. The biggest growth driver will be due, not the arrival of not AI PCs, but to the need by many companies and users to refresh their computers and move toward Windows 11.How soon will AI PCs replace traditional PCs in the enterprise?Sept. 25, 2024: Theres much anticipation among enterprises and consumers alike for AI PCs, However, as with any new technology, its unclear when AI PCs will finally have their moment. Gartner forecaststhat 43 million AI PCs will be shipped in 2024.IDC predictseven more 57 million units will be shipped in 2024. And by 2028, AI PCs will represent 92% of all PC shipments worldwide.What does Qualcomms interest in buying Intels chip design business mean for the future of PCs?Sept. 11, 2024: Qualcomm, Intel, AMD, and Apple have been in a fierce battle for domination of the chip market for AI PCs, which are touted as the future of computing. Further ramping up competition in this fiery landscape, Qualcomm has reportedlyexplored buying portionsof Intels design business, most notably client PC design, as Intel looks to spin off units ahead of an upcoming board meeting, anonymous sources toldReuters.Copilot+ AI PCs are finally here. You dont want one yetJuly 9, 2024: The AI hype keeps on coming.The latest news is the arrival of an entirely new line of Windows computers, Copilot+ PCs, which are specifically designed with AI in mind. Microsoft claims theyll dramatically speed up AI, offer new features unavailable to other PCs, and deliver improved battery life. The new machines point the way to the future of Windows and of AI.Microsofts Copilot+ AI PCs: Still a privacy disaster waiting to happenJune 12, 2024: Many security pros say Microsoft is opening a Pandoras Box with its AI-powered Copilot+ Windows PCs. Microsoft argues those new PCs, available as of June 18, will make it easy for users to find files and remember things youve done on your computerusing the new Recall feature, which takes screenshots, stores them in a database, and uses AI to help you find and use whatever you want. Despite warnings by security pros, Microsoft claims rock-solid security is baked directly into the new feature.Review: The M4 iPad Pro an amazing AI PCMay 17, 2024: The M4 iPad Pro is designed to provide the best possible performance thanks to the M4 chip inside.Apple suggests it needed to use this processor because it wanted to make the iPad Pro thin and to drive the amazing display. The move to M4 also means you get a huge leap in processor performance (1.5x faster than the last model) and graphics (4x faster rendering). Deploying this chip means the iPad Pro with M4 could become the worlds ultimate AI-driven tablet.Enterprises want AI PCs, just not yetApril 23, 2024: While the employee benefits of using an AI PC are intriguing, they may not be enough to convince IT buyers to go all in just yet. Despite the enthusiasm generated by advanced AI-driven functionalities, enterprises are expected to adopt a more measured approach over the next year, according to Forrester.Microsoft is holding back the AI PC revolutionMarch 13, 2024: The PC industry has a big problem. And its not hardware makers fault its Microsofts responsibility. The hardware is here: Intel, AMD, Nvidia, and PC makers have delivered on their end. Now, everyone is waiting for Microsoft to catch up and make Windows truly shine on these AI PCs. Can the company deliver something compelling in time?Dell ramps up AI PC plans with Latitude and Precision refreshFeb. 27, 2024: Dell unveiled a range of new laptops and PCs featuring neural processing units (NPUs) designed to run AI workloads on-device for improved video call quality and better laptop battery life. Dell is one of several hardware vendors looking to benefit from growing interest in AI PCs.Before you buy a Windows 11 AI PC, read thisJan. 17, 2024: AI PCs were everywhere at CES 2024, and companies like Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm are all touting how great their hardware is at running AI tasks. But since these AI PCs are already on shelves and you can buy them before CES 2024, we need to cut through the hype and focus on what youre getting for your money. They might one day deliver a lot of cool features just not yet.

MacworldWith the newest iPhone expected to debut next month, plenty of Apple fans are already bracing for four-figure sticker shock. But heres the secret: Apple hasnt made massive year-over-year changes lately, which makes thisPremium Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Maxa smart buy at $769.99 (MSRP $1,099). Youre essentially getting flagship-level power and Apple Intelligence without draining your bank account.The iPhone 15 Pro Max was the first iPhone crafted from aerospace-grade titanium lighter, tougher, and sleek in Natural Titanium. Inside, the A17 Pro chip is still a beast, delivering console-level graphics for gaming and handling Apple Intelligence features with ease. Its camera system includes a 5x telephoto zoom lens (exclusive to this model), while USB-C with USB 3 speeds makes file transfers lightning fast.This unit is Premium Refurbished, meaning near-pristine condition with 90%+ battery health, so it looks and feels almost new, without the new iPhone price. Plus, its unlocked, making it ready for any major carrier worldwide.What are you waiting for? Get youriPhone 15 Pro Maxfor $769 thats $329 savings before theyre sold out!Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium Unlocked (Premium Refurbished)See DealStackSocialprices subject to change.

Mr. Musks artificial intelligence company, xAI, claimed that its Grok chatbot app was being artificially suppressed in Apples App Store.

The Fulton County District Attorney's office said some fake electors for Donald Trump have implicated each other in potential criminal activity and is seeking to disqualify their lawyer, according to a new court filing.

Paper notebooks have staged quite the comeback lately, havent they? Between Bullet Journaling enthusiasts turning dotted pages into personal command centers and designers rediscovering the joy of sketching by hand, analog tools are having a serious moment. Even productivity gurus swear by the cognitive benefits of physically writing things down instead of tapping away on screens.The problem is, most notebooks are designed like its still 1995, and it shows. Youve got bound journals that look sophisticated until you realize youre stuck with whatever page layout the manufacturer decided on. Then there are those chunky spiral-bound planners with rings that dig into your palm while writing and create annoying gaps that make drawing impossible.Designer: NOS DesignNOS Designs LEDGE concept tackles this head-on with a surprisingly elegant solution that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it before. The entire system revolves around a slim anodized aluminum spine that acts as both the structural backbone and visual centerpiece. Think of it as the premium notebook equivalent of modular smartphone cases, but actually useful.Heres where things get interesting: you can completely rearrange your notebooks contents in seconds using a high-resistance polymer clip system that requires zero tools. No rings to wrestle with, no spiral binding to snag on your bag, no glue to mess around with. Want to swap lined pages for graph paper mid-project? Just pop out the old section and clip in the new one.The customization options are where LEDGE really shines, offering multiple color combinations for clips, covers, and spines that let you mix and match to your hearts content. Whether youre the type who changes aesthetic preferences seasonally or someone who wants their tools to match specific projects, this modular approach adapts to your workflow instead of forcing you to adapt to it.Available in A5 and A6 formats, the notebook maintains that premium feel without the bulk that typically comes with modular designs these days. The aluminum spine feels substantial enough to handle daily abuse while keeping the overall profile slim enough for laptop bags. The prototypes suggest NOS Design has figured out the engineering challenges that usually plague modular products.That said, there are still some practical questions lingering around this concept that could make or break its real-world success. How well do those polymer clips hold up after months of constant swapping? Will the aluminum show wear marks over time? These details often separate brilliant concepts from products that actually work in the real world.The beauty of LEDGE lies in questioning assumptions weve accepted about notebooks for decades without really thinking about why they exist. Why should your creative tool be static when your creative process certainly isnt? This modular approach finally gives analog enthusiasts the flexibility that digital tools have offered for years, wrapped in a package that feels good to use.The post LEDGE Modular Notebook Concept Finally Gets Your Creative Chaos Right first appeared on Yanko Design.

Here's a rock sitting on what appears to be a mirror. In fact, beneath the mirrored glass is an LED panel.Called Umbral, the art piece was created by Barcelona-based artist Six N. Five, a/k/a Ezequiel Pini."Umbral (2025) is an intention to continue exploring the delicate boundary between the digital and the tangible. A stone, shaped through years of natural erosion, is now gently immersed in a digital flow, creating a dialogue between solidity and illusion." "When the digital fades, only the mirrored surface remains, as if the virtual world had never existed."This work comes from my fascination with the moment when the real and virtual intersect, challenging our perception and expanding the boundaries of reality."

Companies are investing heavily in AI, in spite of the fact that they arent yet seeing a big return. A recent report from MIT found that 95% of organizations that have adopted AI havent seen any return on the investment at all. (However, the 5% of companies who are seeing the return are extracting millions in value, according to the report.)Despite these odds, according to a Nexford University survey of 1,000 U.S. individuals (800 recently laid off workers and 200 hiring managers), companies are increasingly viewing AI as a valuable tool and a must-have for employees. For employees, AI might just be the key to surviving layoffs, or the necessary qualification for landing the next job.According to the survey, layoffs are happening at an astonishingly high rate: 65% of companies conducted layoffs in the past 12 months. While 68% of companies identified cost-cutting as the reason for layoffs, 32% mentioned skill mismatch, and 31% and 27% cited company strategy shift and AI adoption, respectively.In fact, almost half (49%) of employers say theyre more likely to retain the workers with strong AI skills. Likewise, when it comes to new hires, employers want workers who understand AI. About one-third (29%) of hiring managers said they are exclusively hiring employees who are proficient with AI.Workers are catching on. Nearly one in five recently laid-off workers (19%) say AI adoption contributed to them being let go, and thisincreases for younger workers: 23% of Gen Z workers said AI was behind their layoff, as do 21% of millennials, compared to just 14% of Gen X and baby boomers.Many laid-off workers are taking action. Since losing their jobs, two thirds are focusing on reskilling. A quarter are studying coding, while 22% are studying AI fundamentals and another 22% are studying prompt-engineering. To reskill, over half (56%) use YouTube and other online tutorials to enhance their skill set, and 39% are taking an online course.On average, respondents who are focusing on upskilling are spending an average of six hours a week on learning, with a third of that time focused on AI specific skills. However, nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) pointed out cost is a barrier to upskiling, and more than one in five (21%) say they arent sure what they should be learning to make themselves hirable while 17% point to time constraints.Regardless of the value AI brings to the table, its clear at the moment employers see it as a necessary skillset and workers are following their lead.

Jeff Simpson @jeffsimpson Let's make a splash with ocean- and mermaid-themed artwork this May! Wanna join? Then dive into the challenge with us:About the Event MerMay is a community event celebrating the month of May with mermaid-themed artwork!To participate in the challenge, you are free to use one of the many theme lists that are meant to inspire you like the official MerMay themes, Cara's List or your very own!Whether you draw a mermaid a day throughout the entire month or participate with a single entry is completely up to you: You can join in as much or as little as you want and can.How to join MerMay 2024 on CaraParticipate by posting new work youve made following either Caras Theme List, the official MerMay themes or your own ideas.Make sure to mention # mermay2024 in the description box when posting and feel free to add the day and theme if you drew inspiration from a list!A new tab on our explore feed featuring #mermay2024 entries along with posted features on our Instagram and Twitter pages will boost your entries throughout May!After the challenge has ended, another blog post is going to summarize the event and commemorate a selection of entries in a final feature. Tobias Kwan @tobiaskwan - Mermay 2023 Cara Theme ListWe encourage you to take this chance to explore new ideas, experiment with your art and take a chance at learning something new within our aquatic theme. Most of all, we are excited to see everyone having fun with their art and raving about each other's works in the comments!We hope you can forge fresh friendships, discover new artwork and artists, collaborate and enjoy MerMay together. We look forward to seeing your creativity unfold! - The Cara Team Nabs @nabsdraws - MerMay Illustrations from 2 Years ago Patryk Chudzinski @patichudy17 - Day 1 #mermay2023 Omichi @omichiart - Flower Mermaid enn @entropienn - Mermaids based on Planets - Mercury Ying Lam @inglam - Line Art 01 Fernando Salvaterra @salvaterra - A MerMay Thing Katerina Ladon @lumen - The Mermaid Queen Margo 37 @margo37 - Mermay2023 George Patsouras @cgmythology - Mermaid Creature Nodens @nodensart - Luminosity Mermaid Rona Ks @rona-ks - Mermay Kitten Anthony Brooks @anthonybrooks - MerMay 2023 Glass Nandito @fernandodoesart - Mermaid Virginie Juteau @virginiejuteau - Mermaid inspired by Underwater Photography Katerynka @handrosaur - Mermay Willy Merry @willymerry - Mermay 2023 Izzy @izzymedrano - Late Night MerMay Sketchies Alessia Hilary Valastro @alessiahv - THE SEA BELONGS TO US

The Tesla collision in Key Largo, Florida, killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides and severely injured her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo.

Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.

No matter how old you get, the back-to-school season will always bring a desire to shop. So, sales at this time of year are always more than welcome especially when they're on some of our favorite devices. Such is the case with the 10 percent discount currently available on the Sonos Era 100. Our choice for midrange smart speaker is down to $179 from $199 as part of a larger Labor Day sale on the Sonos website. The same price is available on Amazon, as are some more deals on Sonos products. Sonos debuted the Era 100 speaker in 2023 as a replacement for the Sonos One. It offers great sound quality and has built-in mics for Trueplay tuning and voice control. It's worth mentioning that the Sonos Ace headphones are also on sale for $299, down from $399 a 25 percent discount. The headphones have come a long way since they first launched, including the introduction of TrueCinema, which works with a Sonos soundbar to create the best spatial audio experience. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-labor-day-sale-get-up-to-25-percent-off-headphones-and-speakers-125211216.html?src=rss

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source.Hulu, one of the OG streaming services, is losing its standalone app. Next year, Disney will fold the service into the Disney+, even if you don't subscribe to the latter.Until then, however, the Hulu app is still very much alive. If you rely on it to watch shows and movies like Shgun and Paradise, there are things you can do to make your experience better, save you money, and keep watching when Hulu doesn't want you to. Even when the app is gone, some of these tips will still help enhance your time watching Hulu in the Disney+ app. Maximize the value of your subscriptionIf you subscribe to Hulu alone, you either pay $9.99 per month (with ads) or $18.99 per month (without ads). However, there are some other subscription options you can choose to make your money go further. If you're paying every month for Hulu with ads and you're sure you'd like to keep the account for the year, you'd be better off subscribing to Hulu's annual plan, which comes out to $99.99 at once. That'll hurt more than the $9.99 per month, at first, but it works out to a savings of $19.89 each year, or nearly two "free" months of Hulu. You can also consider one of Hulu's bundles, of which there are many. Disney+ and Hulu, both with ads, costs $10.99, or $1 more per month than the standard Hulu with ads plan. If you want the same bundle but without ads, it costs $19.99, also $1 more than the standalone Hulu without ads plan. There are more bundles that follow this logic that include ESPN or HBO Max, so it comes down to which subscriptions you really want, and what you're willing to pay. Pay for another memberOnce upon a time, you could share your Hulu subscription with anyone you wanted. Life was good. Flash forward to today, and much has changed. You can only share a Hulu account with people who live in your household. All others will be blocked when trying to log in. Hulu is far from the only company doing this, and it's also not the only one with an official (paid) solution: buy an extra member account. If you have someone in your life that doesn't live in your house, but you want them to have access to your account, you can pay to grant them access.There are a number of options for this, depending on the type of Hulu account you have. Here's how the current pricing breaks down:Hulu (with ads): $6.99 per monthHulu Premium: $9.99 per monthDisney+, Hulu Bundle: $7.99 per monthDisney+, Hulu Bundle Premium: $10.99 per monthDisney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle: $11.99 per monthDisney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium: $14.99 per month Get around the password sharing restrictionsIf you don't want to pay for an extra member, there are ways around Hulu's restrictions here, but they aren't totally convenient, and are dependent on the type of device you're watching on. Hulu determines where your "household" is based on the TV you log into. If you're trying to watch Hulu on a TV outside of the established household, you'll likely get flagged. You can switch the household location to your TV, but then you'll be kicking out the account holders, which won't go over well. Instead, you can choose the IM AWAY FROM HOME option. This will send a code to the account holder's email: Enter that code on your TV, and you're golden. (Hulu uses this feature for account holders who are on vacation or otherwise away from home, so use with caution.)Other devices, like laptops, smartphones, and tablets, only need to connect the wifi of the household to validate themselves. So, at your earliest convenience, use Hulu on your device at the home of the account holder, and you should be able to use it outside the household without issue. Make sure you're watching in the best quality possibleUnless you need to limit your data use, you likely want to watch Hulu in the best video quality available on mobile. However, you wont find those quality controls within a particular show or movie.Instead, to adjust your video settings, head to your Profile, then choose Settings > Cellular Data Usage. Change the setting from the default Data Saver to Best Available, which will then let Hulu decide the best quality based on your service. To make sure you download shows and movies in the highest quality possible, go to Settings > Downloads, then make sure Video Quality is set to High. Of course, this will consume more data, so only adjust these settings if you're okay with that.Manage your downloadsIf youre traveling somewhere without wifi or cellular service or you dont want to put a strain on your data plan, you can download Hulu shows ahead of time to watch without worry. Unfortunately, you need a Premium Hulu account or bundle for this, and you cant download titles on laptops or computers yet; for now, this option remains a smartphone and tablet exclusive.To download titles on your device, open the specific episode or movie you want to watch, then tap the "Download" button that appears under the description. To manage your downloaded titles, you can head back to the Downloads tab on the main screen. Unwatched downloads are available for 30 days, while titles you've played will be available for 48 hours after beginning them. To delete a download, tap "Edit," choose the titles you want to delete, then choose the Trash icon. Finally, confirm your choice by tapping "Delete."Download over cellular If you plan to download shows and movies on your device, you should make sure you actually can! By default, Hulu doesnt allow you to download content while using cellular data, in a good-faith effort to prevent you from running over your data plan. But if you have an unlimited data plan, or youre just good at managing the data you do have, you might want to download your content whenever, wherever. To do so, head to Profile > Settings > Downloads, then make sure that Cellular Downloading is set to On, rather than the default Off.Teach the algorithm what you likeWhen youre done watching something, or you stumble upon a title that youve seen before, give Hulu some feedback by choosing the Like or Dislike button. (This feature is a bit hidden on desktop; just click the three vertical dots next to the title and choose the appropriate option.)If youve previously watched a show you dont like and dont want Hulu to think its a favorite, you can also delete it from your My Stuff history. On desktop, navigate to My Stuff and click on the minus sign in the upper left corner of the show you want to delete and confirm removal. On mobile, tap the My Stuff icon in the bottom navigation bar, then the three dots in the upper right corner of the show you want to delete and uncheck My Stuff in the popup window.Disable autoplay so you can enjoy the credits in peaceYou know, streaming services, sometimes its nice to soak in the credits after a great show or movie. We get a chance to process what just happened, or to appreciate the hundreds of people that worked on that content, rather than jumping immediately into another attention-grabbing episode.You can easily disable autoplay to stop this from happening. Just head to Settings from your Profile, and ensure that Autoplay Next Video is set to Off, rather than the default On.Disable autoplay for previewsSimilarly, I can't stand when I'm checking out the description for a show, and the preview starts playing automatically. Sure, there are times where that could be useful, but most of the time, it's distracting. If I want to see a preview, I'll click on the trailer, thank you very much. From this same settings page, you can make sure "Autoplay Previews" is turned off as well. This will only affect previews on your current device.Edit your 'Continue Watching' listIf you started a show or movie but didn't finish it, it'll end up in your "Continue Watching" list. That's convenient when you want to start that title up again in the future, but not so convenient if you have no intention of watching it further. You can quickly remove any title that appears here by selecting the three dots, then choosing either "Remove" or "Remove from Watch History." Pause your subscriptionIf you're done with Hulu, but not really done, you don't need to cancel your sub entirely. Instead, you can pause payments, so you can take a break, without having to re-enroll in your chosen subscription.To do so, head to your Hulu account settings on desktop, then choose "PAUSE" next to "Pause Your Subscription."

Forget perfectly predictable patterns that are serially produced and done to death. MATTER, the latest flat-woven carpet series by Snhetta and Ege Carpets lets randomness take center stage without losing its footing. Crafted with generative code and woven using recycled yarns, these rugs feature ever-shifting designs that are subtle, organic, and deeply rooted in natural logic. The collection is a perfect of example of how the digital and the tactile can not only coexist but collaborate unlocking new, infinite possibilities for textile design.Each MATTER rug begins not with a sketch, but with code. Snhetta developed a set of randomized algorithms to generate patterns that mimic the randomness found in nature. Nature shows us that function doesnt require uniformity, in fact, its beauty often lies in what seems random, notes Marius Myking, Director of Snhetta Product design. In our collaboration with Ege, we set out to recreate that natural logic.Up close, the shifting lines may appear subtle, but zoom out and their cumulative effect becomes vivid creating tonal washes of color that feel alive and full of energy. MATTER is an exploration of scale, craftsmanship, and technology, explains Francesca Giulia Poli, Snhetta Product Designer and project lead. Rather than viewing the carpet as a single surface, we approached it as a woven landscape built from multiple threads that can be individually manipulated. From code to pixel, pixel to thread, and thread to carpet, we investigated how micro-scale design can shape macro-scale spaces. The result is a surface that feels uniform yet constantly shifting ever-changing as you move through the space.No two rugs are exactly alike, but the collection is unified by two parallel color palettes, each composed of 18 core hues. One leans muted, with soft beiges and grays; the other, more saturated, channels bold blues and greens. This duality offers designers flexibility to create rugs that shift in tone and character depending on where theyre placed while still maintaining a cohesive visual language.Like the natural systems that inspired it, MATTER is grounded in sustainability. Each rug is crafted from recycled yarns, minimizing waste, and woven with precision using Ege Carpets state-of-the-art weaving technology. The result isnt just visually compelling but durable and long-lasting a testament to how nature both inspires and challenges us to do better.With MATTER, randomness isnt recklessness its an invitation to leave room for spontaneity. Beauty doesnt always need to be calculated; sometimes, it emerges through the freedom to embrace chance.To learn more about the MATTER collection by Snhetta and Ege Carpets, visit snohetta.com.Photography by Oioioi.

Flip phones arent dead. On the contrary, 200+ million non-smartphones are sold annually. Thats roughly equivalent to the number of iPhones sold in 2024. Even in the United States, millions of flip phones are sold each year. As network operators struggle to shut down 2G service, new incentives are offered to encourage device upgrades that further increase demand for budget-friendly flip phones. This is especially true across South Asia and Africa, where an iPhone is unaffordable for the vast majority of the population (it takes two months of work on an average Indian salary to afford the cheapest iPhone).Like their smart counterparts, flip phones (technically, this category is called Feature Phones) are becoming increasingly more capable. They now offer features youd expect from a smartphone, like 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and the ability to run apps. If you are targeting users in South Asia and Africa, or niches in Europe and North America, there are flip phone app platforms like Cloud Phone and KaiOS. Building for these platforms is similar to developing a Progressive Web App (PWA), with distribution managed across several app stores.Jargon BustingFlip phones go by many names. Non-smartphones are jokingly called dumb phones. The technology industry calls this device category feature phones. Regionally, they are also known as button phones or basic mobiles in Europe, and keypad mobiles in India. They all share a few traits: they are budget phones with small screens and physical buttons.Why Build Apps For Flip Phones?Its a common misconception that people who use flip phones do not want apps. In fact, many first-time internet users are eager to discover new content and services. While this market isnt as lucrative as Apples App Store, there are a few reasons why you should build for flip phones.Organic GrowthYou do not need to pay to acquire flip phone users. Unlike Android or IOS, where the cost per install (CPI) averages around $2.5-3.3 per install according to GoGoChart, flip phone apps generate substantial organic downloads. Brand IntroductionWhen flip phone users eventually upgrade to smartphones, they will search for the apps they are already familiar with. This will, in turn, generate more installs on the Google Play Store and, to a lesser extent, the Apple App Store.Low CompetitionThere are ~1,700 KaiOS apps and fewer Cloud Phone widgets. Meanwhile, Google Play has over 1.55 million Android apps to choose from. It is much easier to stand out as one in a thousand than one in a million.Technical FoundationsFlip phones could not always run apps. It wasnt until the Ovi Store (later renamed to the Nokia Store) launched in 2009, a year after Apples flagship iPhone launched, that flip phones got installable, third-party applications. At the time, apps were written for the fragmented Java 2 Mobile Edition (J2ME) runtime, available only on select Nokia models, and often required integration with poorly-documented, proprietary packages like the Nokia UI API. Today, flip phone platforms have rejected native runtimes in favor of standard web technologies in an effort to reduce barriers to entry and attract a wider pool of software developers. Apps running on modern flip phones are primarily written in languages many developers are familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and with them, a set of trade-offs and considerations.HardwareFlip phones are affordable because they use low-end, often outdated, hardware. On the bottom end are budget phones with a real-time operating system (RTOS) running on chips like the Unisoc T107 with as little as 16MB of RAM. These phones typically support Opera Mini and Cloud Phone. At the upper end is the recently-released TCL Flip 4 running KaiOS 4.0 on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s with 1GB of RAM. While it is difficult to accurately compare such different hardware, Apples latest iPhone 16 Pro has 500x more memory (8GB RAM) and supports download speeds up to 1,000x faster than a low-end flip phone (4G LTE CAT-1).PerformanceYou might think that flip phone apps are easily limited by the scarce available resources of budget hardware. This is the case for KaiOS, since apps are executed on the device. Code needs to be minified, thumbnails downsized, and performance evaluated across a range of real devices. You cannot simply test on your desktop with a small viewport.However, as remote browsers, both Cloud Phone and Opera Mini overcome hardware constraints by offloading computationally expensive rendering to servers. This means performance is generally comparable to modern desktops, but can lead to a few quirky and, at times, unintuitive characteristics.For instance, if your app fetches a 1MB file to display a data table, this does not consume 1MB of the users mobile data. Only changes to the screen contents get streamed to the user, consuming bandwidth. On the other hand, data is consumed by complex animations and page transitions, because each frame is at least a partial screen refresh. Despite this quirk, Opera Mini estimates it saves up to 90% of data compared to conventional browsers.SecurityDo not store sensitive data in browser storage. This holds true for flip phones, where the security concerns are similar to those of traditional web browsers. Although apps cannot generally access data from other apps, KaiOS does not encrypt client-side data. The implications are different for remote browsers.Opera Mini does not support client-side storage at all, while Cloud Phone stores data encrypted in its data centers and not on the users phone.Design For Modern Flip PhonesSimplify, Dont Shrink-to-fitDespite their staying power, these devices go largely ignored by nearly every web development framework and library. Popular front-end web frameworks like Bootstrap v5 categorize all screens below 576px as extra small. Another popular choice, Tailwind, sets the smallest CSS breakpoint a specific width where the layout changes to accommodate an optimal viewing experience across different devices even higher at 40em (640px). Design industry experts like Norman Nielsen suggest the smallest breakpoint, is intended for mobile and generally is up to 500px. Standards like these advocate for a one-size-fits-all approach on small screens, but some small design changes can make a big difference for new internet users.Small screens vary considerably in size, resolution, contrast, and brightness.Small screen usability requires distinct design considerations not a shrink-to-fit model. While all of these devices have a screen width smaller than the smallest common breakpoints, treating them equally would be a mistake.Most websites render too large for flip phones. They use fonts that are too big, graphics that are too detailed, and sticky headers that occupy a quarter of the screen. To make matters worse, many websites disable horizontal scrolling by hiding content that overflows horizontally. This allows for smooth scrolling on a touchscreen, but also makes it impossible to read text that extends beyond the viewport on flip phones.The table below includes physical display size, resolution, and examples to better understand the diversity of small screens across flip phones and budget smartphones. Resolution Display Size Pixel Size Example QQVGA 1.8 128160 Viettel Sumo 4G V1 QVGA 2.4 240320 Nokia 235 4G QVGA (Square) 2.4 240240 Frog Pocket2 HVGA (480p) 2.8-3.5 320480 BlackBerry 9720 VGA 2.8-3.5 480640 Cat S22 WVGA 2.8-3.5 480800 HP Pre 3 FWVGA+ 5 480960 Alcatel 1 Note: Flip phones have small screens typically between 1.82.8 with a resolution of 240x320 (QVGA) or 128x160 (QQVGA). For comparison, an Apple Watch Series 10 has a 1.8 screen with a resolution of 416x496. By modern standards, flip phone displays are small with low resolution, pixel density, contrast, and brightness.Develop For Small ScreensAdd custom, named breakpoints to your frameworks defaults, rather than manually using media queries to override layout dimensions defined by classes.Bootstrap v5Bootstrap defines a map, $grid-breakpoints, in the _variables.scss Sass file that contains the default breakpoints from SM (576px) to XXL (1400px). Use the map-merge() function to extend the default and add your own breakpoint.@import "node_modules/bootstrap/scss/functions";$grid-breakpoints: map-merge($grid-breakpoints, ("xs": 320px));Tailwind v4Tailwind allows you to extend the default theme in the tailwind.config.js configuration file. Use the extend key to define new breakpoints.const defaultTheme = require('tailwindcss/defaultTheme')module.exports = { theme: { extend: { screens: { "xs": "320px", ...defaultTheme.screens, }, }, },};The Key(board) To SuccessSuccessful flip phone apps support keyboard navigation using the directional pad (D-pad). This is the same navigation pattern as TV remotes: four arrow keys (up, down, left, right) and the central button. To build a great flip phone-optimized app, provide a navigation scheme where the user can quickly learn how to navigate your app using these limited controls. Ensure users can navigate to all visible controls on the screen.Navigating PodLP using d-pad (left) and a virtual cursor (right).Although some flip phone platforms support spatial navigation using an emulated cursor, it is not universally available and creates a worse user experience. Moreover, while apps that support keyboard navigation will work with an emulated cursor, this isnt necessarily true the other way around. Opera Mini Native only offers a virtual cursor, Cloud Phone only offers spatial navigation, and KaiOS supports both.If you develop with keyboard accessibility in mind, supporting flip phone navigation is easy. As general guidelines, never remove a focus outline. Instead, override default styles and use box shadows to match your apps color scheme while fitting appropriately. Autofocus on the first item in a sequence list or grid but be careful to avoid keyboard traps. Finally, make sure that the lists scroll the newly-focused item completely into view.Dont Make Users TypeIf you have ever been frustrated typing a long message on your smartphone, only to have it accidentally erased, now imagine that frustration when you typed the message using T9 on a flip phone. Despite advancements in predictive typing, its a chore to fill forms and compose even a single 180-character Tweet with just nine keys.Whatever you do, dont make flip phone users type!Fortunately, it is easy to adapt designs to require less typing. Prefer numbers whenever possible. Allow users to register using their phone number (which is easy to type), send a PIN code or one-time password (OTPs) that contains only numbers, and look up address details from a postal code. Each of these saves tremendous time and avoids frustration that often leads to user attrition.Alternatively, integrate with single-sign-on (SSO) providers to Log in with Google, so users do not have to retype passwords that security teams require to be at least eight characters long and contain a letter, number, and symbol. Just keep in mind that many new internet users wont have an email address. They may not know how to access it, or their phone might not be able to access emails.Finally, allow users to search by voice when it is available. As difficult as it is typing English using T9, its much harder typing a language like Tamil, which has over 90M speakers across South India and Sri Lanka. Despite decades of advancement, technologies like auto-complete and predictive typing are seldom available for such languages. While imperfect, there are AI models like Whisper Tamil that can perform speech-to-text, thanks to researchers at universities like the Speech Lab at IIT Madras. Flip Phone Browsers And Operating SystemsAnother challenge with developing web apps for flip phones is their fragmented ecosystem. Various companies have used different approaches to allow websites and apps to run on limited hardware. There are at least three major web-based platforms that all operate differently:Cloud Phone is the most recent solution, launched in December 2023, using a modern Puffin (Chromium) based remote browser that serves as an app store.KaiOS, launched in 2016 using Firefox OS as its foundation, is a mobile operating system where the entire system is a web browser.Opera Mini Native is by far the oldest, launched in 2005 as an ad-supported remote browser that still uses the decade-old, discontinued Presto engine).Although both platforms are remote browsers, there are significant differences between Cloud Phone and Opera Mini that are not immediately apparent. Platform Cons Pros Cloud Phone Missing features like WebPushNo offline supportMonetization not provided Modern Chromium v128+ engineRich multimedia supportNo optimizations neededActively developed100+ models launched in 2024 KaiOS Outdated Gecko engineHardware constrainedFew models released in 2024KaiAds integration requiredTwo app stores Full offline supportAPIs for low-level integrationApps can be packaged or hosted Opera Mini Native Discontinued Presto engine~2.5s async execution limitLimited ES5 supportNo multimedia supportNo app storeLast updated in 2020 Preinstalled on hundreds of millions of phonesPartial offline supportStable, cross-platform Flip phones have come a long way, but each platform supports different capabilities. You may need to remove or scale back features based on what is supported. It is best to target the lowest common denominator that is feasible for your application.For information-heavy news websites, wikis, or blogs, Opera Minis outdated technology works well enough. For video streaming services, both Cloud Phone and KaiOS work well. Conversely, remote browsers like Opera Mini and Cloud Phone cannot handle high frame rates, so only KaiOS is suitable for real-time interactive games. Just like with design, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to flip phone development. Even though all platforms are web-based, they require different tradeoffs.Tiny Screens, Big ImpactThe flip phone market is growing, particularly for 4G-enabled models. Reliances JioPhone is among the most successful models, selling more than 135 million units of its flagship KaiOS-enabled phone. The company plans to increase 4G flip phone rollout steadily as it migrates Indias 250 million 2G users to 4G and 5G.Similar campaigns are underway across emerging markets, like Vodacoms $14 Mobicel S4, a Cloud phone-enabled device in South Africa, and Viettels gifting 700,000 4G flip phones to current 2G subscribers to upgrade users in remote and rural areas.Estimates of the total active flip phone market size are difficult to come by, and harder still to find a breakdown by platform. KaiOS claims to enable over 160 million phones worldwide, while over 300 million people use Opera Mini to stay connected. Just a year after launch, Cloud Phone states that, one million Cloud Phone users already access the service from 90 countries. By most estimates, there are already hundreds of millions of web-enabled flip phone users eager to discover new products and services.ConclusionHundreds of millions still rely on flip phones to stay connected. Yet, these users go largely ignored even by products that target emerging markets. Modern software development often prioritizes the latest and greatest over finding ways to affordably serve more than 2.6 billion unconnected people. If you are not designing for small screens using keyboard navigation, youre shutting out an entire population from accessing your service. Flip phones still matter in 2025. With ongoing network transitions, millions will upgrade, and millions more will connect for the first time using 4G flip phones. This creates an opportunity to put your app into the hands of the newly connected. And thanks to modern remote browser technology, it is now easier than ever to build and launch your app on flip phones without costly and time-consuming optimizations to function on low-end hardware.

The fall is upon us. There's no Grand Theft Auto 6. All bets are off.

Fifteen years since its last release, the Skate series returns with an entry that turns a whole city into a skaters paradise. The newest Skate is a free-to-play open world where you can take on a series of challenges, spectate other skaters, team up with friends, or challenge other players to throw down and trade tricks.Electronic Arts pulled the curtain back on Skate with a hands-on preview of Early Access ahead of its September 16 release. I shredded and slammed across the city of San Vansterdam for nine hours and saw a whole lot of what developer Full Circle has to offer. Lets get into the nitty-gritty.Flick-It returns When it was released back in 2007, Skate introduced the Flick-It control system, where executing tricks is done with fast flicking movements of the right control stick, to better simulate the sense of pulling off ollies and kickflips. Full Circle says that it didnt rebuild Flick-It, it resurrected it, with improvements to the controls to make them easier to learn and use for newbies, but with all the nuance veterans expect.Flick-It comes with three control schemes. The Streamlined version makes snapping off tricks intuitive and a bit easier than in previous games, with flicking up on the right stick enough to ollie and your character pushing your skateboard automatically as you steer with the left stick.Classic feels familiar to Skate fanspushing the skateboard is done with Square or X, and you need to flick the stick down to set and then up to jump, with lots of different patterns for more complex tricks.Finally, theres the Experienced level, which provides even more nuanced control but removes the Flick diagram from your screen.If you need a hand remembering the moves, Skatepedia is always just a menu away to show you how to do every trick in the game.A city of skating San Vansterdam is a big, open place, and the game dots many locations with challenges to put you through your paces.Lines task you with doing tricks and hitting a certain score along a specific series of obstacles, grabbing icons along the way.In Own the Spot, youre looking to hit a high score in a location, while trying to knock out a certain set of tricks in a single sequence.Session gives you a free-form, timed opportunity to rack up a high score in a larger location.And in Stunt challenges, you fling yourself off high places and ragdoll through ridiculous requirements. These ones were my favorite of everything I played in Skate, and theyre always hilarious.There are also missions that will teach you the ropes of how to play and perform different tricks if youre new to SkateParkour and Exploration Finding skate spots off the beaten path is another big part of the fun of San Vansterdam. You can hop off your board anywhere by hitting Triangle and then use X to jump and climb walls or scale buildings to look for new places to SkateSan Vansterdam also has rotating community parks you can find around the city, so theres always something fresh to SkateQuick Drop lets you make your own spots Youre not stuck skating the spots and challenges the developers have created, either. Pressing down on the D-pad opens up your radial Tool Box, where you can find the Quick Drop menu. You can instantly add your own ramps, grind rails, and other objects to any location to create your own spots, or improvise a solution to a problem, like jumping a big gap. Other players can skate your Quick Drops, too.Progression and Customization Clearing missions and leveling up your reputation in each neighborhood unlocks new customization and drop items. Credits you earn from rewards can be used to buy more random cosmetics from each neighborhood to unlock new looks, decks, and other options.Spectating and Spectaporting The big benefit of Skates always-online, free-to-play nature is youre constantly able to play with other skaters. Tapping the Touchpad on your DualSense controller brings up the map and menu tabs, where you can find your social options. Here, you can see everyone else in your server, spectate what theyre doing, and even instantly spectaport to their location to say hi or skate the same spot. Full Circle says servers will support up to 150 players at a time, so there will always be other people skating San Vansterdam with you.Replay editor Its quick and easy to create clips of your best moments (or most painful fails). You can access the Replay Editor from your Tool Box menu at any time, which captures the last few minutes of your session and lets you edit, save, and share videos.Grabster One of the cooler ways skate makes San Vansterdam feel alive is by supplying it with a ton of diegetic music, coming from everything from store displays to passing cars speakers. You can grab any song you like by holding R3 to add it to your personal playlist.Even over just a handful of hours in San Vansterdam, its clear Skate puts a ludicrous amount of skating opportunities on offer, with plenty of ways for players to have fun together and get creative, as well.The good news is that you can see for yourself when Skate hits PlayStation 4 and Playstation 5 in Early Access on September 16.View and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this image

Metroidvania predominantly evolved from two big games from the 90s: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night had a gothic fantasy setting like the rest of the series, and Super Metroid was a sci-fi epic.

Even though Fallout 4 has been out since 2015, its modding community is still thriving. That may seem a little surprising, at least abstractly, but it makes more sense when you consider the fact that there hasn't been a new, properly moddable Fallout game since then--the online-only Fallout 76 is partially moddable, but not even close to the extent that Bethesda's single-player games are. Until a genuine Fallout 5 comes along, Fallout 4 will keep getting new mods.And that's a great thing, because it means that Fallout 4 has accumulated a massive treasure trove of mods, and since the game is not being updated regularly anymore, it's rare that any of them become obsolete. And it means that your copy of Fallout 4 collecting dust in your Steam library has a lot more potential than you may have realized.But venturing out into the world of Fallout 4 mods can be daunting. That's why we've assembled this list of several dozen of the best Fallout 4 mods that will enhance your experience in a big way.It should be noted that these mods are compatible with most mod managers, but mod creators might specify otherwise on the individual mod's page. A mod's page will also reveal whether or not it's compatible with the Next-Gen Update in Fallout 4, which caused some issues for modders in 2024. Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch (UFO4P)Created by: The Unofficial Patch Project TeamWe're starting off with a mod that you need to download whether you're a first-time player or weathered veteran. The Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch does too many things to mention, but it essentially gets rid of hundreds of bugs in Fallout 4 that were never fixed by the developers. Whether it's a bug with a certain quest, something gameplay-related, or an issue with an object's placement in the world, UF04P likely fixes the problem. It's compatible with just about every other mod on this list, so it's the best one to begin with in your modding journey. Armorsmith ExtendedCreated by: Gambit77Next, we have the most-downloaded Fallout 4 mod on Nexus Mods, sitting at over 10 million installs. Armorsmith Extended completely overhauls the weapon and armor systems for your character as well as your companions. It also allows you to craft Power Armor as well as every other possible armor in the game. That brief description doesn't even scratch the surface of what the mod specifically does, though. Your in-game weapon and armor modding experience won't ever be the same after using Armorsmith Extended. Facial Expression and Eyetracking Engine FixesCreated by: LarannKiarNPCs and player characters alike in Fallout 4 have a strange tendency to, under the right conditions, not look at what they're supposed to be looking at, or stop having facial expressions completely. Since that was the sort of thing we've long associated with Bethesda's delightful-but-buggy open world experiences, this is something we all kinda let slide because it felt like part of the charm. But with the Facial Expression and Eyetracking Fix mod, you'll find a less funny, but more immersive experience. ReputationCreated by: bp42sFallout 4 has no reputation system for its various factions--certain folks might turn against you if you cozy up too much with their enemies, but it's not a dynamic system that shifts based on your overall behavior. It's long been a frustrating omission because the previous Fallout game, the cult classic New Vegas, included exactly such a reputation system in the style of the original games. As usual, we've got a modder to the rescue--the Reputation mod dynamically alters your relationships with the various factions and people based on your reputation around the wasteland. Groups you have a positive reputation with will give you gifts and lower prices on goods--and the ones who don't like you will try to murder you occasionally. Looks Menu Customization CompendiumCreated by: AGodComplexPikachu, CurioNC, EmissaryOFWind, JTesmer, ANiceOakTree, Kirse10, imAarwyn, Robberfox, RoboAsimov, TrophiHunter, WenderaAnother highly popular mod is the Looks Menu Customization Compendium, which adds hundreds of new customization options to the character creator in Fallout 4. This includes tattoos, makeup, hair colors, face paint, and more. While the vanilla character creator in Fallout 4 is decent, this mod allows you to completely tailor-make your character to your exact preferences. You'll certainly stick out from other NPCs in the Wasteland, that's for sure. SIM SettlementsCreated by: kinggathWhile the settlement feature in Fallout 4 is one of the best aspects of the game, it can get tiresome to build houses, farms, and other features for each individual settler. SIM Settlements aims to rectify that issue by making your settlers build their own structures. This frees you up to construct whatever you want for yourself and play Fallout 4 without having to worry about where your settlers are going to sleep at night or how they're going to get food. Place EverywhereCreated by: TheLichContinuing on with the settlement-themed mods, we have perhaps one of the most useful ones you can download in Fallout 4. Place Everywhere does exactly what the title says: It allows you to place a settlement item anywhere you want. No longer do you have to see the dreaded red outline appear over an item when you're trying to place it. This gives you so much additional freedom to design your settlement exactly how you want. Homemaker - Expanded SettlementsCreated by: bombasticmoriHomemaker is another incredibly useful mod for your settlement needs in Fallout 4. The mod adds over 1,000 new craftable objects for your settlement, including cars, lights, building sets, workstations, and more. Updates to the mod have also made it easier to snap objects in place and even change an object's texture. As a note, you do need all of the extra DLC mods in addition to the base Homemaker mod for it to work. Scrap EverythingCreated by: shadowslasher410 and VIitSWhether you're just arriving in Sanctuary or you find a new settlement location in Fallout 4, one of the most dreaded aspects about starting a settlement is having to manually get rid of every single junk item. Sanctuary is particularly frustrating, as there are so many tiny objects that provide valuable resources, but they're incredibly tedious to find. With the Scrap Everything mod, you can get rid of every junk item with a single click across all settlements in the game. Atomic Radio and Tales from the CommonwealthCreated by: Kris TakahashiThis single mod technically has three different mods that encompass it. First, there's the Atomic Radio mod, which adds a fully-functioning radio station in Fallout 4. You can even download custom tracks for the radio station. Next, the Tales from the Commonwealth mod adds new quests and companions to the game, deeply expanding the replayability of Fallout 4. Finally, the Settlers of the Commonwealth mod adds 31 fully voiced settlers to the game, all with specific locations across the map.You can download each of these mods from the "Files" tab of the Atomic Radio and Tales from the Commonwealth page on Nexus Mods. Fallout 4 Texture Optimization ProjectCreated by: torcherThe Texture Optimization Project mod is for PC players only, but it's one of the most helpful mods on this list. It reduces individual texture sizes across the board, allowing you to gain free FPS without seeing a drop in visual quality. You'll see the same art style you're used to in Fallout 4 as well. This mod is primarily useful for players with older PCs, but if you find yourself struggling with FPS at all, this should be the first mod you download. Vivid Weathers - Fallout 4 EditionCreated by: MangaclubIf you're growing tired of the gray and brown colors present throughout much of the Wasteland, then you need to download Vivid Weathers. This mod adds dozens of lore-friendly weather effects, including sounds for rain and thunder and a snow effect. It also works with all DLCs for Fallout 4, so you don't have to worry about any compatibility issues. We Are The MinutemenCreated by: TheFirstEnDIf you're a fan of the Minutemen faction in Fallout 4, this mod is tailor-made for you. We Are The Minutemen gives the faction a much larger presence in the Wasteland while removing many of the quirks associated with the faction. Minutemen soldiers also arrive faster when using a Flaregun, their weapon pool has been increased greatly, and other Minutemen outside of Preston Garvey wear the faction's uniform. It's a great mod to download if you have never sided with the Minutemen or if you simply enjoy the faction. Weaponsmith ExtendedCreated by: Gambit77While this mod sounds like Armorsmith Extended, it's quite different. Weaponsmith Extended adds a collection of all the best individual weapon mods directly into Fallout 4. This means you don't have to download individual mods for weapons. Instead, you have access to a plethora of new weapons right from the start of the game. The new weapons all come from Nexus Mods and include the most popular ones in addition to adding new features as well. Higher Settlement BudgetCreated by: GrimTech and PatrickJrDo you want to build a mega city in Sanctuary or another location, but your settlement budget is already maxed out? Well, the Higher Settlement Budget fixes that problem directly, giving you a budget of up to three times bigger than the original one. The mod allows you to build more structures and objects, but you have to remember all of those extra textures can cause your performance to suffer. NPCs TravelCreated by: skyquestWhile you will meet a variety of NPCs across different locations in Fallout 4, the Wasteland can seem a bit empty at times. The NPCs Travel mod completely rectifies that, adding over 300 new NPCs who travel the map. This breathes new life into the game, making the world seem much more lived-in and giving you new people to meet. These NPCs also appear in Far Harbor and Nuka-World as well, for those of you who have the DLC packs. Diamond City ExpansionCreated by: StatsmaktenDiamond City is arguably the most iconic location in Fallot 4, but the Diamond City Expansion mod increases its presence in downtown Boston to a new level. The expansion mod adds new locations outside of the stadium as well as inside, giving you plenty to explore. The one issue with this mod is its size, which can cause performance issues in and around Diamond City. You might notice flickering and stuttering with mod, so downloading extra mods, such as the Texture Optimization Project, can help your frame rate. The Beantown Interiors ProjectCreated by: ChucksteelIf you have ever wondered what's inside a locked building in Fallout 4, then downloading the Beantown Interiors Project should be one of your first priorities. This mod opens up most of the locked locations across the Wasteland, letting you explore never-before-seen interiors. The mod is still adding new locations, but there are hundreds of new interiors for you to peek your head inside. While the interior of a building isn't always exciting, you won't know until you go in. Outcasts and RemnantsCreated by: Thuggysmurf, Recluse, and Formado721Outcasts and Remnants is one of the best mods you can download in Fallout 4. It adds over 20 hours of gameplay to the game and acts as a separate DLC for the game. You can experience new quests, factions, and locations as well as interact with fully voiced NPCs, including some fresh companions. If you're looking for something to do after beating Fallout 4 and its official DLCs, this mod is perfect to continue your journey. Robot Home DefenceCreated by: TheTalkieToasterThe defense options at a settlement are somewhat lackluster, so if you want to truly protect your home from raiders, you want to download Robot Home Defence. This mod adds new craftable robotic guards that you can place around your settlement. The robots can also act as companions, following you around the Wasteland in Fallout 4. Possible robots include Protectrons, Mister Gutsies, Assaultrons, and Sentry Bots, among others. Horizon V1.9Created by: ZawinulThe Horizon mod in Fallout 4 is a ground-up alteration to everything in the game. It features thousands of changes that aim to rebalance and enhance the gameplay. The main focus of the rebalance is to make Fallout 4 a more challenging experience, leaning on the Survival Mode difficulty. Some of the changes the mod makes to Fallout 4 include: a new skill system, more aggressive and smarter enemies, overhauled weapons and armor, companion stats, balanced loot, scalable NPCs, and much more.I don't recommend mixing mods with Horizon, so if you want to experience this particular mod, you should go in with it as your only installed add-on. Rich MerchantsCreated by: OverClocked56 Rich Merchants is one of the simpler mods on this list, but it's also extremely useful for any type of playthrough. It gives vendors access to more Caps, allowing you to sell as many items as you want to them. You no longer have to worry about going from vendor to vendor to sell your entire inventory. The mod allows vendors to have access to 2,000 Caps, 10,000 Caps, or 30,000 Caps, depending on your preference. Survival OptionsCreated by: JekodAre you looking to add a new layer of replayability to Fallout 4? Well, look no further than the Survival Options mod. This gives you access to a variety of new features, which essentially turn the game into a survival-crafting experience. With every feature enabled, you suddenly have to worry about elements such as fatigue, hunger, thirst, disease, and more. You can turn off each feature individually through your Pip-Boy, but I suggest having them all enabled at first to experience the mod in full. If you thought Fallout 4 was difficult before, you're in for an entirely new experience with Survival Options. NewDialogCreated by: shadwarYou might not think about dialogue options when it comes to customizing your character in Fallout 4. However, the NewDialog mod allows you to completely change what dialogue options your character has for any conversation. By default, the mod gives you access to a flurry of new dialogue options and a more pleasing UI menu for the dialogue options. If you go deeper into the mod, though, you can change your dialogue options to whatever you want. CROSS JetpackCreated by: NieroYou're lying to yourself if you don't think it'd be cool to fly around the Wasteland with a jetpack strapped to your back. The Jetpack mod from CROSS acts like another standard weapon mod, but instead of a melee weapon or gun, you get a jetpack. You're able to fly around the map, but you still have a limited capacity as to how high you can get and how long you can fly for. FallUI - MapCreated by: m8r98a4f2The default map in Fallout 4 is fairly primitive, so the FallUI - Map mod installs a much better-looking version with more features. There's even a text search so you can manually search for locations without having to scroll over the map looking for them. Other features include a favorite fast-travel list, more locations on the map, and better zooming. Easy LockpickingCreated by: The Iron RoseWhile the lockpicking system in Fallout 4 is a part of the core gameplay, it can get extremely annoying if you're replaying Fallout 4 for the second, third, or fourth time. Easy Lockpicking allows you to completely bypass the lockpicking system so you can access any locked door with ease. There's an also Easy Hacking mod that does the same thing for hacking computers, so you'll truly never be blocked from accessing anything ever again. Project ValkyrieCreated by: Thuggysmurf, Sybsidian, and Formado721Project Valkyrie is another DLC-sized mod that adds a number of new quests and fully-voiced companions to Fallout 4. There are 20 quests and even some alternate endings to the base game to add tons of replayability. I recommend this mod more for players who have already beaten Fallout 4, as you're able to see new endings and quests compared to the base game. Fallout 4 - Point LookoutCreated by: The Capital Wasteland TeamWhile this is another DLC-sized mod, it's not like the others on this list. Point Lookout is a recreation of the DLC of the same name from Fallout 3. The mod includes all of the quests and NPCs present in that DLC and they are all fully realized in Fallout 4. Whether you played the original Point Lookout or you're just looking for a new DLC to explore, Point Lookout in Fallout 4 is certainly worth your time. Repairable SanctuaryCreated by: KentingtonIf you don't feel up to the task of completely fixing Sanctuary by yourself, you can use the Repairable Sanctuary mod to do all the work for you. This mod restores all of Sanctuary's houses and the main bridge to their previous states. The houses might not look as futuristic as they used to before the war, but they look clean, polished, and are functioning. Clean Water of the CommonwealthCreated by: FeyawenYou might not have thought about customizing the water in Fallout 4, but the Clean Water of the Commonwealth mod does just that. You have the option to completely rid the water of all radiation and make it a crystal blue color or add more radiation to it. The latter choice is for those who want to add another layer of survivability to Fallout 4, making it harder to access certain locations. The mod also affects how much radiation is consumed when drinking the water. Unique NPCs - Creatures and Monsters of the CommonwealthCreated by: ThirdstormFighting mutants, ghouls, deathclaws, and other enemies in Fallout 4 can get boring after a while, so why not spice up the Wasteland with some new enemies? The Unique NPCs mod adds new variants of the existing enemies, giving them fresh names, appearances, and sizes. It's not a massive overhaul of the enemies in the world, but it's enough to keep things interesting when you're playing through the game again. Take CoverCreated by: registrator2000Once again, a mod's description is spelled out in the name. The Take Cover mod adds a new combat mechanic into Fallout 4, allowing you to take cover behind an object or structure, a la GTA V, Uncharted, The Last of Us, etc. This allows you to avoid enemy gunfire and breathes new life into stealth gameplay. Another Life - Alternative Start ModCreated by: XyloziHave you ever dreamed about playing Fallout 4 as a member of the Institute? Are you growing tired of the same opening sequence every time you begin a new playthrough? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then the Another Life mod is for you. In this mod, you bypass the default opening sequence and awake in the Institute instead. From there, you can choose from 36 different occupations, which determine your starting gear, faction allies, and the location where you begin the game. It's a truly immersive mod that completely changes how you play. Videos of the WastelandCreated by: RazorWire, Dertspovor06, AGreatWeightWe already have a radio mod on this list, so why not download a video mod as well? Videos of the Wasteland make it so Holotapes, TVs, and even the Starlight Drive-In big screen can play custom videos. You're able to download custom videos through Nexus Mods and even create your own to watch. CROSS_ BladesCreated by: NieroCROSS_Blades is a mod that adds three energy melee weapons and throwing knives into Fallout 4. The three melee weapons are blades that pulse different colors and have different effects. The blades also have unique builds, making them suitable for different kinds of playstyles. As for the throwing knives, those are plasma-infused and deal massive damage if they connect with an enemy. South of the SeaCreated by: Baerthe, Cryptdick, and SOTS TeamSouth of the Sea is a massive mod that adds completely new playable areas beyond and below the Glowing Sea in Fallout 4. There are over 65 new locations in the mod as well as fresh enemies to defeat and new loot to discover. However, one massive disclaimer with the mod is you need to own every DLC in Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition to access the new locations. Combat Zone RestoredCreated by: BarbaricciaIf you're a true fan of Fallout 4, then you might know of a somewhat hidden location called the Combat Zone. This location was kept fairly secret for a while, but it was also revealed that the developers cut a solid amount of content from the location. With the Combat Zone Restored mod, you can access all of that cut content, which includes the ability to bet on NPC fights, a new introduction for Cait, and a way to make Caps from fights. Maxwells WorldCreated by: Trainwiz and DarthVitrialMaxwell's World is yet another large-scale mod that introduces new locations, quests, NPCs, and more. With this mod, though, you're taken to a haunted amusement park where there are multiple endings for the main quest and a full backstory. It leans more toward the horror side of things, so if that's not your cup of tea, then maybe download one of the other DLC-sized mods. However, for fans of horror, there are few better mods to download and experience in Fallout 4. FourvilleCreated by: Seddon4494Fourville is the last DLC-sized mod on this list, but it's one you shouldn't miss out on in Fallout 4. It adds a brand-new city to the Commonwealth that features roughly 10 hours of gameplay. During that time, you can complete a total of 46 quests (main and side), hear over 5,000 lines of fresh dialogue, and team up with a fully voiced companion. See Through ScopesCreated by: henkspamadresAiming through a scope in the base version of Fallout 4 is extremely clunky, so See Through Scopes allows you to simply aim in through a custom scope as you normally would with a gun. It's a simple fix that can have a profound impact on the way you play the game. The mod also adds customizable reticles and differently-sized scopes, ranging from 2.5x-8x zoom. Unlimited FollowersCreated by: AmoveveWhile one follower might be enough for some players, you might want a different kind of experience in Fallout 4. Perhaps you're yearning to replicate a game like Dragon's Dogma or Baldur's Gate where you have multiple followers with you at all times. You can have a similar experience like that in Fallout 4 with the Unlimited Followers mod, which doesn't put a cap on how many companions you're allowed to have at the same time. Customize Power Armour and Jetpack DrainCreated by: The Iron RoseOne of the more frustrating aspects of wearing Power Armor is how quickly it can go through Fusion Cores. Fusion Cores are fairly rare in Fallout 4, so you have to pick and choose when to wear Power Armor so you don't run out of the resource. If you're tired of having that issue, download the Customize Power Armor Drain mod, which allows you to customize the rate at which your Power Armor goes through Fusion Cores. This mod also works with Jetpacks, including the CROSS Jetpack mod we have included on this list. Now, you can fly across the Wasteland or walk around the entire map without going through too many Fusion Cores--or eliminate the need for them altogether. Clean Settlement GreenhousesCreated by: dgulatThe bombs and time have ravaged the base locations of Graygarden and Greentop Nursery, leaving once-immaculate greenhouses to become rusty and unkempt. If this is a reason you've decided against settling at either location, consider downloading the Clean Settlement Greenhouses mod, which restores both Graygarden and Greentop Nursery to their former glory. The mod comes with new textures, working plant gardens, and new lighting. Be The DogCreated by: AbbalovesyouDogmeat is one of the most beloved companions across the Fallout series. Thanks to the new Fallout TV show, we know a little more of Dogmeat's backstory, which might inspire some players to download the Be The Dog mod. This mod does exactly what it says: It allows you to become Dogmeat and play through Fallout 4 as the German Shepherd. You can also play as two other dogs, which you can choose by inputting a specific command. As a dog, you have four distinct attacks, can still use the Pip-Boy, and can equip any dog armor you find. Wearable Backpacks and PouchesCreated by: Aldebaran90 and StndmunkiCarrying capacity has long been an issue for players in Fallout 4, and it can be fixed in a variety of ways. However, one of the more inventive mods to add more carrying weight to your character is Wearable Backpacks and Pouches. This mod adds craftable and upgradeable backpacks and pouches so you have a dedicated place for all your junk or unwanted items to go. True Storms - Wasteland EditionCreated by: fadingsignalOne of the more celebrated mods in the Bethesda modding community is True Storms. Developed for both Fallout 4 and Skyrim, the mod overhauls the weather systems and adds massive storms of different types that can pop up at random times. In Fallout 4, the developers kicked it up a notch by adding the ghoul horde enemy type when radstorms occur, which is when the entire sky turns green and radiation is in the air. The mod comes complete with custom sound and particle effects, lighting, and textures.

Warner Bros. is pushing the sequel into the blockbuster season The post <i>Mortal Kombat 2</i> Gets Big Delay Just Months Before Coming To Theaters appeared first on Kotaku.

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AI adoption is reportedly 'very low apart from ChatGPT,' and King leadership is generally 'quite AI skeptic.'

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Sparassis crispa is a species of fungus in the family Sparassidaceae. It is sometimes called cauliflower fungus. It is common in Great Britain and temperate Europe (but not in the boreal zone), from July to November. Sparassis crispa grows in an entangled globe that is up to 10 inches (24 centimetres) in diameter, with larger specimens weighing up to 14 kilograms (30 lb) or more. It is considered a good edible fungus when young and fresh, but is difficult to clean before use. This S.crispa was photographed in Joure, Netherlands. The picture was focus-stacked from 20 separate images.Photograph credit: Dominicus Johannes BergsmaRecently featured: Mandelbrot setAmerican avocet"I Have a Dream"ArchiveMore featured pictures

To say that its been a long wait for a new Metal Gear Solid would be an understatement, and even if its been several years coming, diving back into the stealth action franchise with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater feels good. With advanced access now live on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, the whole world or at least those who bought the Digital Deluxe Edition can experience the remake in all its glory. Even with the revamped visuals, at its core, this is still inherently the classic that long-time fans know and love in terms of the story, character and classic voice acting. But what about the gameplay?Konami has adamantly retained the same fundamentals that made the 2004 classic such a massive hit, but added several new options and features to change things up. How deeply do they affect, or even improve, the gameplay? Join us as we dive into some of the most game-changing new features, starting withNew Camera StyleIf youre a fan of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, then the new controls for Delta will feelweird. Almost unnatural. And yet, the New Style camera can feel pretty good. Its essentially an over-the-shoulder perspective of Naked Snake, synergising with the new movement options (more on that shortly) while enhancing overall immersion. However, boss fights may feel a touch easier with this setup, since keeping track of and responding to your opponents is far easier (though you can balance this out by increasing the difficulty).How does the Legacy Style camera hold up, especially with the extensive visual upgrade? The answer: Well enough. It may not quite convey the same feeling as the 2004 classic, but for all intents and purposes, it works well enough. The only downside is that you cant switch between the New and Legacy Style camera perspectives on the fly (similar to Subsistence). Its worth noting that specific sequences will retain the classic camera regardless of your choice, so be prepared.CompassOne of the most important features and initially a point of contention back in the day is the removal of the radar, a staple of other Metal Gear Solid titles. Of course, the rest is history and Metal Gear Solid 3 is hailed for this action, but Delta: Snake Eater ruffled more than a few feathers when it was first announced to have a compass. Konami telling me where to go in 2025? Inconceivable.The actual application, as it turns out, is a lot simpler than youd expect. Its actually an optional item which needs to be equipped, and rather than generating some ugly red arrow or line on the floor, it will place a small marker on the HUD, indicating the next objective. This essentially cuts down on calling Snakes allies and asking where to go next. Basic, sure, but also not egregiously helpful or prominent.Movement and StealthWelcome to the jungle, where crawling in tall grass and stalking enemies is paramount to your success (or at least not getting caught). Delta: Snake Eater introduces a few intriguing additions that werent present in the original, like moving in first-person. Prone on the ground, aiming at an enemy and wanting to quietly reposition without taking your eyes off them? Thats also possible, but even more intriguing is that you can now crouch-walk like in Snake Eater 3D.Contrary to what you would think, however, this doesnt completely trivialize stealth. At times, it feels like enemies have much better hearing, so having that additional mobility is a huge plus.Quick Dial and Quick-Change CamoSay what you will about the original, but having to open the menu every single time to change your camo or call someone on the codec becomes tedious after a point, especially when youre getting into the flow of things. To minimize those breaks in action, Konami added Quick Dial and Quick-Change Camo the former accessed by holding down on the directional pad and the latter by holding up. You wouldnt think the results would be so remarkable, but they work fantastically well and ensure that your focus is on the game rather than rifling through menus.Revamped Camo UIThat being said, there is some merit to diving into the camo interface and tweaking Snakes next fit. Camo Index is extremely important in both titles because it measures just how well youre camouflaged. The higher the number, the less likely enemies are to spot you, but its dependent on several factors, including the environment. Delta: Snake Eaters revamped camo UI makes it much easier to apply the best options with colored arrows and a new overlay. Its not quite OctoCamo, but being able to pop in and apply these changes quickly without thinking too hard is a plus.Faster Save LoadingIn a game like this, where a single mistake can ruin a no alert/no kill run or jeopardize unlocking certain camos and items, the ability to quickly reload a previous save is vital. The original Snake Eater made this a highly laborious process, and the loading times added insult to injury. In Delta: Snake Eater, you can now load the latest autosave at any moment to go back and effectively undo any mistakes or even try a different method. The near-instant loading times on PS5 and a shortcut for quick-save are just the cherry on top.Guy Savage ReturnsGuy Savage is a relatively unknown factor for many players, even those who played Snake Eater on the PlayStation 2. Thats because it isnt accessible unless you save at a specific point in the game, quit and reload. Removed from subsequent versions and ports, its fully implemented in Delta: Snake Eater, but also completely overhauled with Konami tapping PlatinumGames for development. Alongside improved visuals and new models, there are also more moves, smoother controls, and even a boss battle. And dont worry if you want to revisit it Guy Savage can be accessed from the main menu afterwards.Snake vs. BombermanSnake vs. Monkey, a crossover mini-game with Sonys Ape Escape franchise, returns but only for those on PS5 and PC. For those on Xbox Series X/S, Konami has substituted the iconic Bomberman. Your objective doesnt deviate much the elimination of all Bombermen in the jungle is still key, but this time, Snake has bombs. Not just any bombs either these pack the same stylings and animations as the Bomberman franchise and even explode in grid-based fashion. Perhaps the best part of all this is that Konami added new voice lines for Otacon and Mei Ling for the mode, alongside a new sprite for the latter.Secret Theater ReelsThe Secret Theater didnt have too much gameplay impact on the original. It essentially served as a collection of gags with various fictional scenarios. In Delta: Snake Eater, however, Konami has essentially gamified the unlocks for the different reels. Finishing the game will unlock the mode, but you need to collect the reels separately from specific enemies to watch them. These can be spotted in the wild and require holding up to drop said reel dealing damage, any kind at all, is enough to break the reel, thus necessitating a redo (which is where the quicker save loading comes in handy).

The Nothing Projector One is a compact and accessible way to watch movies on your wall, if you can live with 1080p and a bit of fan noise.Nothing Projector One Review: In useIn this day and age, the consumption of high-resolution digital media is an everyday aspect of life. From television shows, to movies, clips, shorts, and video games.Gone are the days of large tube televisions, dim back-lit projector televisions, and low-resolution CRT monitors. The sources are also better quality, as you're no longer dealing with poor-quality videos from the earliest days of Internet media. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

As Apple Music marks 10 years, Apple unveils a brand-new state-of-the-art space in Los Angeles dedicated to artist-driven content.

Separating AI reality from hyped-up fiction isnt always easy. Thats why weve created the AI Hype Indexa simple, at-a-glance summary of everything you need to know about the state of the industry.Using AI to improve our health and well-being is one of the areas scientists and researchers are most excited about. The last month has seen an interesting leap forward: The technology has been put to work designing new antibiotics to fight hard-to-treat conditions, and OpenAI and Anthropic have both introduced new limiting features to curb potentially harmful conversations on their platforms.Unfortunately, not all the news has been positive. Doctors who overrely on AI to help them spot cancerous tumors found their detection skills dropped once they lost access to the tool, and a man fell ill after ChatGPT recommended he replace the salt in his diet with dangerous sodium bromide. These are yet more warning signs of how careful we have to be when it comes to using AI to make important decisions for our physical and mental states.

The Los Angeles (LA) City Attorney has sued sweepstakes operator Stake, Kick Streaming, and other partners over an alleged illegal gambling ring.As well as Stake and Kick, the two companies co-founders Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, service providers Evolution and Hacksaw, and 12 other related partners have been named in a lawsuit, with charges related to running or aiding and abetting the running of an illegal online gambling ring. This allegedly puts them in violation of California law.BREAKING: The Los Angeles City Attorney has sued sweepstakes casino operator Stake, Kick Streaming, Ed Craven, Bijan Tehrani, Evolution and 12 others for running and/or aiding &amp; abetting the running of an illegal online gambling enterprise in violation of California law. pic.twitter.com/hwHB4Q3xzR Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 29, 2025This isnt the first time that Stake has faced legal action, with lawsuits already in California, Illinois, and Alabama. Those previous cases allege that Stake has engaged in alleged bad practices and running an illegal casino posing as a sweepstakes game.Lawsuits reaching beyond Stake and KickIn this new LA lawsuit, the naming of Evolution, Hacksaw, and other B2B gambling services providers highlights that not only Stake and Kick could be held liable for illegal gambling practices, but also the service providers and operators that seemingly assisted them.Both Evolution and Hacksaw are Swedish companies that now face allegations that they knowingly licensed content to a platform operating as an unlicensed casino in California. They could now face both civil penalties and restitution orders.While other suppliers, including Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, NetEnt, Nolimit City, and Big Time Gaming, analysis from sports betting lawyer Daniel Wallach underlines that Evolution and Hacksaw have the most to lose, being valued on public markets.With illegal gambling taking up a third of the US market, gambling service providers now have even greater reason to ensure that the services they provide are being used on legal games, or else risk lawsuits themselves. As well as potentially costing large sums, the reputational damage could also be extreme, especially for smaller providers.Featured image: Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0The post LA City Attorney sues Stake, Kick, and partners over alleged illegal gambling ring appeared first on ReadWrite.

With stressful migrations from Windows 10 to Windows 11 still ongoing in many organizations, Microsoft has thrown system administrators a small but helpful lifeline.Although it announced the new service last November at Ignite 2024, Microsoft only released Windows Backup for Organizations this week. The somewhat misleading name masks its real purpose: making it easier to migrate or restore system settings between machines joined to Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) as part of Microsoft 365.In short, this is not a utility for backing up data files, folders, installed applications or for executing disaster recovery. Instead, whats being backed up to the cloud is a users Windows settings and a list of their Microsoft Store apps, so that they can be restored to a new machine.The settings include things like display setup, accessibility, peripheral parameters, language, and power configuration.The feature is being pitched as helpful for admins migrating users from one OS version to another specifically Windows 10 to 11 or when setting up a new machine for an existing user from scratch using the out-of-box experience (OOBE) process.In fact, admins can already do this using tools such as Microsoft User State Migration Tool (USMT). The downside of this is that it is IT-driven, manual and sometimes complex. Someone must be on hand to create and run PowerShell scripts that automate and orchestrate different executables.In contrast, once enabled and configured as part of Intune mobile device management (MDM) or Entra ID Group Policy, all thats required for Windows Backup for Organizations to work is for the user to sign in with their Microsoft Entra ID account. No tools or software routines needed users simply log in and Microsofts cloud should do the rest.Alternatively, a backup can be manually triggered by a user by opening the Windows Backup app and selecting Back up, Microsoft said.For large-scale upgrades and device continuity, Windows Backup for Organizations helps reduce migration overhead, minimize user disruption, and strengthen device resilience against incidents, Microsoft program manager Miranda Leschke wrote in the blog post announcing the tools availability.Windows 11 restore onlyAn important caveat is that while Windows Backup for Organizations will back up the settings of devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, the restore function only works for Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Anyone staying on Windows 10 wont be able to restore settings and Leschke helpfully reminded users that, With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, 2025, the new tool could help ease your transition to Windows 11.One other pre-requisite for using Windows Backup for Organizations is that the August 2025 Windows security update be applied. While systems will normally be Entra-joined, on-premises domains can also access the feature if they are hybrid joined (that is, if Active Directory is bridged to Entra ID).According to Microsoft, the Restore setting is rolling out gradually, so check back in about a week if you dont see it in your Intune tenant. Once enabled, backups run automatically every eight days, saving user settings and preferences to the organizations tenant data store.However, with the October 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 approaching, IT managers grappling with the Windows 10 to 11 transition will have bigger headaches on their plates than migrating settings.These include software compatibility, always an issue when moving from one OS version to another. In addition, Windows 11 adds a new layer of hardware incompatibility. This is leading some customers to opt to continue running Windows 10 and put up with the additional cost of enrolling in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10.

MacworldiPhone launch events have generally become predictable and mundane. Many of the hardware upgrades leak months (or even years) in advance, minimizing our enthusiasm during the official keynote. Thats not to mention the smartphones maturity, and the Apple just re-released last years iPhone! sentiment among customers. This year could be different, however.Apples next event, dubbed Awe Dropping and taking place on September 9, is rumored to bring loads of design and functionality changes to three of the companys best-selling devices. It wont just be recycled iPhones and wearables with slightly faster processors that nobody cares about. Were expecting dramatic changes to key devices, and I cant wait to see what Apple has in store for us.The most Pro AirPods Pro everEven though the event is iPhone-centric, Im actually anticipating the AirPods Pro 3 the most. While AirPods during their early days started as very basic wireless earbuds, theyve evolved into complex devices over the years. Today, the AirPods Pro 2 tap into hearing health and offer advanced audio features that truly enhance the listening experience. I can only imagine what their successors will bring.Rumors suggest well see a more compact design that shortens the existing stems. Like the AirPods 4, the charging case may also do away with the physical pairing button in favor of a more futuristic, capacitive one.Beyond the cosmetics, the AirPods Pro 3 could boast stronger active noice cancellation, which would limit exterior disturbance even more. And like its Beats-branded counterpart, the upcoming AirPods Pro could support heart rate measurements. This would provide watch-less users with more health data when recording workouts. Similarly, it may bring skin temperature monitoring and detect potential irregularities.The latest Powerbeats Pro have heart rate sensors. We expect the same from AirPods Pro 3.FoundryThe best part about AirPods Pro is Apples commitment in the software department. While the above-mentioned hardware perks are sufficiently exciting on their own, the company will likely supercharge them further via firmware updates for years to come. For example, the AirPods Pro 2 continue to receive noteworthy additions every year, despite being three years old. In fact, Apple could announce a handy live translation tool for them during the upcoming event.A Pro camera for prosAs a mobile photography enthusiast, I absolutely despise my iPhone 16 Pro Maxs telephoto lens. Android phone manufacturers have been letting their users shoot faraway subjects with 100x zoom, while the iPhone is still limited to 5x optical and 25x digital zooms. While 25x zoom, in theory, is adequate in many use cases, the output quality is often subpar. Fortunately, the iPhone 17 Pro may finally address that.If the rumors materialize, the telephoto lens may finally catch up to the wide and ultra-wide ones, bumping the resolution to 48MP. The change would help minimize pixelation, especially in dimly lit environments. It could also unlock 8x optical zoom, a welcome bump from 5x.FoundryOther rumored iPhone 17 Pro camera upgrades I look forward to include the redesigned rear bump and the standalone advanced camera app. Apple already offers a Final Cut Camera app for video recordinga Pro photography app would complement it nicely.Going to the matteI exclusively use dark mode on all of my Apple devices, and so do many users with sensitive eyes. This, however, also means that I have to stare at my faces reflection whenever Im using my iPhone, which can be quite distracting. According to rumors, Apple may fix this issue on the iPhone 17 Pro by applying a new anti-reflective layer on the screen. It could potentially mimic the matte Nano Texture display option offered by some iPads and Macs.Half an iPhone FoldOther compelling screen upgrades coming this fall could include the expansion of the 120Hz refresh rate to all iPhone 17 models. The featurecurrently exclusive to Pro iPhoneswould accelerate animations and make transitions smoother.To the all iPhones look the same folk, this one is particularly exciting. During the next event, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Aira competitively slim edition that prepares for 2026s potential iPhone Fold debut. It wont be the most technologically advanced handset, but it certainly will appeal to casual users seeking a mind-blowingly sleek phone.The iPhone 17 Air is going to be the thinnest iPhone of all time.@zellzoiMore Series, less SEDespite being the iPhone makers lowest-end smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE supports most of the features offered by its higher-end Series counterpart. Sure, you miss out on the always-on display, ECG sensor, and other nice-to-have perks, but otherwise you get the same main ecosystem integrations and fitness tracking.In September, Apple could be upgrading the SE model in two key ways, bringing it closer to the Series watches. For starters, the Apple Watch SE 3 could finally adopt the bigger build first introduced with the Series 7, as the Series 10 and (presumably) 11 move onto an even larger design. The shift to a wider display could also include thinner bezels, contributing to a more modern look.The new Apple Watch SE 3 should get meaningful improvements, closer in line to a Series 9.FoundryApple is expected to bump the next SE smartwatchs processor from S8 to S11, potentially unlocking more intensive features the Series line has had for years. These could include the double-tap gesture, Siri health data access, wrist flick for dismissing notifications, and more.All of these boosts would make the Apple Watch SE 3 a more tempting option for budget customers, as the compromises continue to shrink.The missing WWDC segmentDuring last years WWDC, Apple infamously made some serious promises it couldnt keep. The company has since learned not to overshare during its developer conference. As such, at WWDC25, Apple primarily only previewed features included with OS 26.0 and refrained from revealing future perks coming with OS version 26.1 and beyond.With the iPhone launch event likely being close to OS 26.1 betas release, the company could logically preview some major unannounced OS 26.1 features it has readied during the keynote. And, similar to previous years, it could also unveil some exciting software tools exclusive to the new devices.