MacworldThis falls much-anticipated iPhone 17 Air launch could be the start of something even bigger, if a new report is to be believed. Apple, its claimed, is using the 17 Air as a testbed for far more radical changes in its wider design strategy, and if that device is successful we could see portless and foldable iPhones from as early as next year.In the latest instalment of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman discusses the slimmer model expected to form part of the 17-series iPhone launch (which he refers to as the 17 Air, but could be called 17 Slim or some other branding), and explains that its current design is a watered-down version of an originally more ambitious plan. At one stage, for example, Apple hoped to release a phone with no physical port, relying entirely on wireless charging and data transfer, but eventually decided against this out of concern it would anger EU regulators. It also wanted to give the 17 Air a 6.9-inch screen, but was worried this could lead to a repeat of 2014s Bendgate controversy and plumped instead for 6.6 inches.While this falls handset represents a compromise on Apples original vision, however, it could lead to more exciting things if it proves successful. The company, Gurman claims, is working on a plan to use the technological developments in the 17 Air to create far more groundbreaking iPhones in future. A foldable iPhone, he says, could arrive as early as 2026 thanks to the 17 Airs battery, display, modem and silicon breakthroughs. Apple intends to make further attempts at a portless iPhone. And by 2026 or 2027 elements of the Dynamic Island could be moved beneath the screen bring the iPhone closer to a truly all-screen design.The iPhone 17 Air represents the beginning of a sea change for Apple, writes Gurman, ushering in a new industrial design that accompanies this years revamped iOS. But only if its successful. The 17 Air will be used to test consumer appetites for slim phone design and willingness to tolerate compromises in other areas, much as the iPhone 16e is currently being used as a testbed for the C1 modem and its pros (improved power efficiency) and cons (weaker cellular performance).All the more reason, then, to hope that the slim iPhone is a success. Although the struggles Apple has had selling the mini and Plus models that precede the Air as the fourth model in the line-up, along with the 17 Airs anticipated $900 price tag and single rear-facing camera lens, suggest its hardly a guaranteed hit. Well know more in September.For all the latest news and rumors about this falls launches, check out regularly updated iPhone 17 superguide. If you cant wait that long, bookmark our guide to the best iPhone deals in order to get the best possible price on the current range.

MacworldAt WWDC 25 this summer, Apple Intelligence will celebrate a full year since it was first announced. Remember that flurry of hype and optimism last June? We were all younger then, and how we wanted to believe! But now we are older and wiser, and a great deal more cynical.How will we look back on those past 12 months? Not positively, I fear. Your AI tools are both ambitious and real, Mr Giannandrea, we might say, but the parts that are real are not ambitious, while the parts that are ambitious are a load of phony-baloney vaporware codswallop.Thats a point made last week (albeit in slightly different words) by Daring Fireballs Jon Gruber, in a quietly devastating takedown of those AI promises at WWDC 24. He observed that Apple Intelligence is an arbitrary umbrella term used to conflate two separate sets of software offerings: those that Apple was happy to demonstrate and have since been launched to the public; and those that have not yet been seen by anyone outside Cupertino and may never launch. The cynics among us can guess which set contains the most interesting and groundbreaking features.The problem with Apple Intelligence, to coin another sub-Johnsonian aphorism, is that it was simultaneously unveiled both too early and too late. It was too early because it wasnt readyeven the most basic planks in the system werent available at the launch of the iPhone 16 three months later (which was heavily marketed on the strength of those missing AI features). And it was too late because so many other companies were much further down the AI road. Apple already looked silly for not announcing anything before WWDC, which is probably why the keynote scriptwriters let their imaginations run away with them.Of the two issues, the earliness is by far the worst. Making promises and then failing to deliver, as Gruber writes, is a dangerous game, because it undermines the faith of your customersboth the existing and potential ones. An industry based around free software updates and rapid security fixes relies on trust. A company that asks you to spend $1,000 on a phone you intend to use for three years but has a warranty that lasts only one is selling belief as well as hardware. And a company that says youll have certain features on your iPhone 16 and then makes you wait until the iPhone 17 for the best of them might not be a company you can rely on. In the end, Apples word is all it has.One of my favorite ever pieces of journalism is an interview from 2015 in which the British games writer John Walker sorrowfully eviscerates Peter Molyneux, a legendary designer he once admired. (I dont use the word eviscerate lightly. The opening question is Do you think that youre a pathological liar?) In a 15-year sequence of astonishing creativity, Molyneux created Populous, Syndicate, Theme Park, Dungeon Keeper, and Fable. But then he spent the next decade squandering his reputation by overpromising and underdelivering on a series of disastrous projects. He became far better at talking about the games he was going to make than actually making them. By the time of the interview, his fanciful promises had become an industry meme and a Twitter account.Peter Molyneux is a cautionary tale of which Apple should take careful heed. In the games industry, you can get away with hyperbole for a surprisingly long time, especially when you have a solid body of work behind you (see Grand Theft Auto VI). But if a significant portion of the worlds iPhone buyers start to doubt Apple can be trusted to deliver on its promises, the fall could be much more rapidlets see how many people believe the iPhone 17 ads this fall. The stakes are a lot higher when youre the biggest tech company in the world.I wont pretend to understand how and why Apple ended up so far behind in the AI race. As my colleague Jason writes in another eviscerating article, the company had a big head start in the personal assistant marketAI before it was called AI, essentiallyand the developmental resources to engineer its way to long-term domination. That it failed to do so will remain one of the great mysteries of the tech industry. But it doesnt really matter now how that position was squandered. What matters is how Apple responds to this failure, and it will need to start by being honest.FoundryWelcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too.Trending: Top storiesSiri isnt an assistant, says Jason Cross. Its an embarrassment.Eugen Wegmann gave Apple Arcade a chance. Heres why you should too.Mahmoud Itani comes up with 9 ways to use your iPhones USB-C port (other than charging).M3 Ultra exposed: Inside Apples hybrid chip powerful enough to take on Nvidia.Which is the Siri delay gonna be, asks the Macalope. The C1 modem or AirPower?We finally have a good explanation for the iPads A16 processor.Podcast of the weekIs the iPhone 16e a good phone? Whos it for? Most importantly, should you buy one? Find out in the latest episode of the Macworld podcast.You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast onSpotify,Soundcloud, thePodcasts app, orour own site.Reviews corneriPhone 16e review: A study in contrasts (meaning its weirdly lopsided).15-inch MacBook Air (M4) review: A Mac rhapsody in (sky) blue.Mac Studio (M4 Max) review: Heir to the Mac Pro throne.Samsung T5 EVO review: Time to update your hard drive.SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD review: Even more rugged than before.Adobe Acrobat AI vs ChatGPT: Which is best for contract analysis?The rumor milliOS 19 and macOS 16 will reportedly bring a huge interface overhaul.Talking of which, Apples smart home hub has been delayed to align with that dramatic iOS 19 launch.AirPods to get live translation feature as part of iOS 19 update.Apple will soon force everyone to use the new Home app.Software updates, bugs, and problemsThe iPhone 16e has an annoying Bluetooth issueand a fix is on the way.macOS Sequoia 15.3.2 brings bug fixes and one major security patch.iOS 18.3.2 is released with a single critical WebKit fix.And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up forour newsletters, including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow usonFacebook,Threads,Bluesky, orXfor discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

Googles generative AI chatbot, named Gemini, is available as a web app. But you can also access most of Geminis AI tools in a side panel as youre using Google Workspace apps including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Gmail. Using the Gemini sidebar within a Workspace app is much more convenient and contextual than copying and pasting between browser tabs.When youre in one of these five main Workspace apps, open the Gemini side panel by clicking the nova star icon thats next to your user profile icon at the upper-right corner. From this side panel, you can instruct Gemini to generate new content (such as text, tables, or slides), make changes to your current document or other file, or analyze its content to provide context.The Gemini side panel in Google Docs.Howard Wen / FoundryKeep in mind that, like all genAI tools, Gemini can make mistakes, so its always advisable to check the output carefully for errors. Whats more, the copy it writes is often generic and flat, but it can be a useful starting point for you to refine and add color to. As youll see, Geminis real strengths lie in taking away drudge work such as summarizing a long document or extracting a key piece of information from a sea of emails. This guide explains how to use these AI capabilities from the Gemini side panel in the Google Workspace apps. Who can use Gemini in Google Workspace appsThe Gemini AI tools that include this side panel are now included with paid Google Workspace plans from the Business Standard plan and up. If you have a regular Google personal account, you can subscribe to Google One AI Premium to have access to these tools. Or, for no cost, you can sign up for access to Google Workspace Labs with your Google account to be permitted to try out Gemini in the Workspace apps.Get started: Use a suggested prompt or type in your ownIn the Gemini side panel, youll usually see suggested prompts these are action links you can click that instruct the AI to do something, such as creating an outline.Many of these suggested prompts will be the same, or similarly phrased, across the five Workspace apps that you can use the Gemini side panel in. But they can also vary from app to app and sometimes depend on whether you start with a blank document or open an existing one.Suggestions in the Gemini side panel for Gmail, Sheets, and Slides.Howard Wen / FoundryIn Docs, for instance, Gemini might prompt you to brainstorm a list of ideas, whereas in Slides it might prompt you to create a slide to pitch an idea. In some cases, prompts might be customized for you based on the emails in your Gmail account or files in your Google Drive. (If you want to see additional suggested prompts, click More suggestions in the panel.)To choose a prompt, click it, and it will appear in the entry box at the bottom of the window, where you can customize it for your needs. When its worded the way you want, press Enter.Or you can skip the suggested prompts: just type your own prompt inside the entry box and press Enter.Next steps: Insert, copy, retry, or refineAfter you enter your prompt, Gemini generates a result, which appears in the side panel. Like all genAI tools, Gemini sometimes makes errors, so youll want to carefully check over its output.If youre happy with the result, you can click the arrow icon on the toolbar below it to insert the generated text, image, or other content into your document, email draft, slide, or spreadsheet. Or you can click the Copy button to copy it to your PC clipboard.Geminis generated result appears in the side panel.Howard Wen / FoundryIf you want to see what the result will look like in your document before inserting it, click the vertical three-dot icon (More options) and select Preview. If you wish, you can send Google feedback on the result by clicking the thumbs up or thumbs down icon on the toolbar.Right above this toolbar, you may see a link labeled Sources. When clicked, this action will list the sources (your documents, emails, presentations, spreadsheets, etc.) that Gemini used to generate the content.If youre not happy with Geminis generated result, you can instruct it to generate a fresh result from your original prompt by selecting More options > Retry or More options > Retry with Google Search in the toolbar.Below the toolbar you might see one or more additional prompt suggestions. Click a suggestion, and Gemini will generate a second result that builds on the first one.Another option is to instruct Gemini to refine the current result rather than starting over from scratch. To do so, just type how you want the result refined into the entry box and press Enter.A few additional tips for using the Gemini side panel:To erase your previous prompts and results from the panel, click the three-dot icon (More options) at the top of the Gemini side panel and click Clear history.To make the side panel larger so you can see the results better, click the Expand button immediately to the right of the More options button at the top of the panel.To close the side panel, click the X in its upper right corner.7 useful tasks to try via the Gemini side panelNow that you know how to use the side panel, lets look at some specific use cases. There are too many possible actions to cover in this article, and Google adds new capabilities all the time. But here are some common examples of what you can prompt Gemini to do.1. Summarize documents and emailsGemini can quickly summarize your emails and files stored in Google Drive in a variety of ways.In Docs, Sheets, and Slides: Open a document, spreadsheet, or presentation, then open the Gemini sidebar. When you do, Gemini automatically generates a summary of the file, provided that it has enough text or data content. The summary appears near the top of the Gemini panel; you may need to click the three-dot icon (View more) to see the whole thing.Gemini can instantly summarize the contents of a document.Howard Wen / FoundryIn Drive: Select a document or other file, then click Summarize this file on the toolbar above the file listing. This will open the Gemini side panel, and a summary for the contents of the file will be generated if possible.Gemini can summarize documents stored in Google Drive.Howard Wen / FoundryYou can summarize all the contents of a folder in Google Drive in the same way. Navigate to the folder in Drive, select it, and click Summarize this folder on the toolbar above the listing.Another method to summarize files in Drive is to open the Gemini sidebar first, then write a prompt in the entry box telling it what you want it to summarize. Type summarize @ and start typing the documents filename. A small menu of suggested files will open, and you can select the one you want.If you cant remember the filename, you can try describing the document or file, and Gemini may be able to determine which file youre referring to. You can also instruct Gemini to summarize more than one document or file together.Examples:Summarize the meeting notes from the July meetingSummarize @Office Budget Winter and @Office Budget AnnualIn Gmail: Open an email or email thread first. Then, in the Gemini side panel, you can click a suggested prompt to generate a summary of the email or thread.You can also prompt Gemini to summarize multiple emails, even if theyre not in a single thread. To do so, open the Gemini sidebar and describe what you want it to summarize in the entry box.Give me a summary of the emails that Saulo sent me regarding our upcoming meetingSummarize the emails I sent to Mona over the last weekGemini can also summarize multiple emails based on a description you provide.Howard Wen / Foundry2. Extract specific info from files or emailsInstead of asking Gemini to summarize an entire document or email, try asking it questions about your files in Drive or about your emails in Gmail to extract specific information.What are the key points in @Business Plan: IT Consulting for Restaurant Management?How much is allocated for new technology purchases @Office Budget Annual?How much has [business name] charged me this year?Ask Gemini for specific information from your emails and files.Howard Wen / Foundry3. Create a tableGemini can generate a table template with headings, placeholder text, and even formulas in its cells. After you insert it into your document, email draft, slide, or spreadsheet, you fill out the table with your own data.Gemini works best at designing tables for project management, so try describing a table that has dropdowns, lists, task lists, or to-dos. It can also generate a data table that you can insert into a spreadsheet and then create a chart from it.Make me a table depicting 12 months with 3 categories per monthCreate a table with dropdowns with selections that include Greek, Japanese, Italian for a business luncheonA generated table template in Sheets.Howard Wen / FoundryWhen you create a table in Sheets, it will appear as an overlay on the spreadsheet. Click the Insert button below it to insert it in the spreadsheet.Note: In Sheets, when you launch a new, blank spreadsheet, the Tables side panel will automatically open on the right. To switch to the Gemini side panel, either click the Help me create a table button in the Tables side panel or just click the nova star icon at the top of the screen.If the spreadsheet you open already has data in the cells, and theyre not organized in a formal way, try clicking one of the Create a table suggested prompts. Gemini will generate a table with this data arranged in a neater fashion.Finally, its worth noting that Sheets has another table template tool called Help Me Organize that weve covered previously. See How to use Gemini AI to make templates in Google Sheets for details on how to use it, along with ideas for crafting successful table prompts that would work in the Gemini sidebar as well.4. Create an imageDescribe the kind of image that you want Gemini to generate. In Slides, you can prompt Gemini to generate an image based on the content of the slide that youre currently viewing in the main window.Create a cartoon of a giraffe reading a menu while seated at a restaurant tableCreate an image based on the current slideIn Slides, Gemini can create images related to the current slides content.Howard Wen / Foundry5. Write a text draftYou can use the Gemini side panel to generate a first draft for an email or document. In Docs or Gmail, open the side panel and type a prompt describing the kind of text that you want Gemini to generate.Create an opening paragraph pitching my IT consulting service for restaurant ownersCreate an email to send to Eric Jones in which I suggest we catch up at the tech conference in San Diego next weekUsing email as an example, from the main page of your Gmail account, open the Gemini side panel and enter your prompt. If you like Geminis generated draft, click the Insert button, and a composition window for a new email will open with the generated text inserted into it. You can add or make changes before sending it out, or leave it in your Drafts folder to work on later.A new email draft generated by Gemini.Howard Wen / FoundryThe Gemini side panel will also present suggested prompts that you can click to guide you through refining or rephrasing your document or email draft.All that said, a better way to generate and redo text is to use the Help Me Write tool (which is also powered by Gemini). See our story How to use Gemini AI to write (and rewrite) in Google Docs and Gmail for full instructions on using Help Me Write.6. Create a formula in SheetsDont know most of the formulas that you can use in Sheets, or want some ideas? Describe to Gemini the kind of calculation you want, and the AI will try to generate something workable. You can then insert the formula into a cell on your spreadsheet.Formula for the sum of Column B divided by 10 and then multiplied by 1.67Formula to calculate compound interest at 3.5% over 3 yearsIn Sheets, Gemini can help you create a formula.Howard Wen / Foundry7. Create a slide in SlidesIn Slides, describe a slide that you want Gemini to generate.You can even ask Gemini to create a slide based on the content of a document, spreadsheet, or other file in your Google Drive.Create a slide that introduces an annual business budget reportCreate a slide using @Office Budget WinterGemini can create a slide based on a document or other file.Howard Wen / FoundryThis is just a sampling of what you can ask Gemini to do in Google Workspace apps. Once you start experimenting, youll likely find numerous ways it can help you in your work.[ See more Google Workspace tips and tutorials ]

Apple's work to diversify its supply chain is continuing, with assembly partners preparing to start manufacturing AirPods in India as soon as April.AirPods in a handApple has gradually increased its production base in India over the years, and that expansion is set to continue. After producing iPhones in India for export to other countries, Apple is getting ready to do the same with AirPods.According to sources of The Economic Times, Apple will be commencing manufacture of AirPods from April. The production will be taking place at a Foxconn plant located in Hyderabad, with AirPods produced at the facility intended for exports only. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote to Ireland's new prime minister to congratulate him and talk about the future of the company in the country.Apple's European headquarters, located in Cork, Ireland image credit: AppleIreland is Apple's base for the whole of its non-US sales, and was at the center of a decade-long tax dispute between Apple and the EU. On January 23, 2025, Micheal Martin became Ireland's Taoiseach, or prime minister, for the second time, and Tim Cook sent him congratulations in the following week.The text of Cook's letter has now been seen by The Irish Times, and excerpts from it include the Apple CEO describing Ireland as "incredibly important" to the company." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Digital branding dominates across every industry. Bold logos, engaging graphics, and easily adaptable strategies make digital output the place where most companies spend the majority of their budgets. However, physical spaces also offer a powerful and lasting way to establish identity.The challenge for architects and brand strategists lies in creating designs that make a strong first impression while also standing the test of time. Unlike a print ad or social media campaign, a building is a long-term investment in brand identity. It needs to capture attention quickly but also remain relevant and impactful for years to come. This often involves incorporating elements that can be easily updated or refreshed, allowing the brand to evolve its image without major structural changes. Yet, branding in architecture is often relegated to superficial applications like simple applied graphics and a splash of corporate colors rather than being integrated into the design itself. Approaches such as this are missed opportunities to make a deeper impact.Buildings are long-term brand statements that should embody the brands ethos. KDO Kinetic System, the latest launch from Kriskadecor, is a groundbreaking system that does exactly this rethinking faade aesthetics by harnessing natural forces, offering a faade solution that is visually engaging, incredibly functional and highly adaptable.Kinetic Faades, Timeless CraftOritia & Boreas Aerodynamics Laboratory by Water Scales Arquitectos, Esczar, Granada, Spain | Photo by ngel SeguraUsing the brands signature lightweight aluminum chains, optimized for outdoors, the KDO Kinetic System moves instinctively with the surrounding airflow, transforming static structures into ever-changing, visually striking surfaces. Unlike LED screens or mechanical elements, this system operates without electricity, programming or maintenance, meaning it doesnt require constant updates or observation.Since its foundation in 1926, Kriskadecor has been guided by the values of innovation, customization and craftsmanship. Led by its third generation, the company continues to embody the spirit of its founder, Josep Maria Sans Amill. Specializing in manufacturing aluminum chains for architectural and interior design projects, the Montblanc (Spain) and Miami (USA) based company offers versatile, lightweight solutions for both interior and exterior applications.With in-house technology and an extensive palette of colors, Kriskadecor can reproduce text, images and patterns with remarkable precision, ensuring complete personalization in color, shape and dimensions. Additionally, every component, from the chain links to bespoke fastening systems, is produced on-site, with a dedicated technical team guiding clients through the process.Harnessing Airflow for Dynamic DesignWhen it came to designing the faade of the Aerodynamics Laboratory of Oritia & Boreas in Granada, Spain, Kriskadecors KDO Kinetic System was the perfect choice. As a leader in wind engineering, the institution needed a faade that wouldnt just symbolize airflow but would also physically demonstrate it, and KDO Kinetic System fit the brief masterfully.The installation spans 92 feet (28 meters) in width and 72 feet (2.2 meters) in height and is positioned in front of a west-facing window. The aluminum chains, customized in satin silver and signal blue (RAL 5005), feature the institutions branding while interacting dynamically with the areas thermal winds. The transparency of the chain links enhances the buildings ambiance, maintaining exterior privacy and interior visibility. While the ever-shifting faade detail visually represents the airflow patterns studied in the lab within, the architecture is an extension of the companys purpose; it also complements the rest of the polycarbonate-clad faade beautifully.Beyond its eye-grabbing appearance, the kinetic faade also addresses practical concerns, with sustainability being one of its core advantages. Made from 100% recyclable aluminum, the system lowers material waste and improves energy efficiency by providing solar shading, minimizing glare and reducing heat gain. The chain-formed mesh also supports natural ventilation. Unlike standard mechanical louvers or static shading elements, KDO adapts in real time without requiring energy consumption or maintenance, offering a passive and efficient approach to climate control.Sustainable Strength, Minimal MaintenanceOritia & Boreas Aerodynamics Laboratory by Water Scales Arquitectos, Esczar, Granada, Spain | Photo by ngel SeguraOf course, durability and sustainability are essential in kinetic architecture. Kriskadecors aluminum chains are tested for 10,000 hours of solar exposure under UNE-EN ISO 11341:2005 standards, ensuring they withstand environmental conditions without fading or corroding. The system operates without motors or mechanical components; upkeep is therefore minimal.Because it is lightweight and easy to install on both new and existing buildings, architects and designers can comfortably specify the KDO Kinetic System as a scalable solution that is adaptable to various urban contexts. Meanwhile, the ability to form curved or linear forms makes the system incredibly versatile and a suitable option for almost any architectural project.Finally, Kriskadecor has spent time and invested resources to ensure the user experience is seamless. Packaging has been optimized for efficiency. Tailored to product dimensions for compact, lightweight shipments, when delivered, the system produces minimal waste, and the logistical impact is small. These design provisions ensure easier handling during installation, allowing a single person to transport and assemble the system with ease.Designing Identity Through Built SpaceOritia & Boreas Aerodynamics Laboratory by Water Scales Arquitectos, Esczar, Granada, Spain | Photo by ngel SeguraHuman brains are wired to make split-second assessments. Research in social psychology suggests that within milliseconds, people form opinions based on visual cues; architecture can play a critical role in that instinctive process. When considered holistically, a well-designed building can become a tangible, immersive experience that reinforces a brands values and presence. Every material, color and structural element contributes to an impression before a visitor ever steps inside. A buildings faade, when thoughtfully designed, is the initial handshake, acting as a psychological tool to shape the perception of the business within. In understanding this, brands are now investing heavily in innovative architectural designs that capture attention swiftly and effectively communicate their essence.Many brands have spent decades refining their visual identities across digital platforms, yet these mediums often lack permanence and physical impact. Digital spaces are transient and subject to algorithmic shifts, fleeting user engagement and trends. Physical architecture, on the other hand, offers an enduring, place-based expression of brand identity.As seen in the case of Oritia & Boreas and their use of Kriskadecors KDO Kinetic System, a thoughtfully designed faade is not only a way to express visual identity; it can also build a deeper emotional connection with its clients through communicating values. Creating an experience that is both memorable and immersive, harnessing architecture not just for aesthetics but for engagement, differentiation and identity reinforcement.To learn more about how to harness the KDO Kinetic System for your next project, visit Kriskadecors website.The post Branding in Motion: How Architects Can Build Identity Beyond the Screen appeared first on Journal.

Upcoming mystery survival game Atomfall might be its own unique thing, but the developers did expect it to be compared to games like Bethesdas Fallout series. Speaking to IGN, art director Ryan Greene spoke about how the studio expected comparisons to Fallout, and also mentioned that players will find the game to be its own thing when they actually play it.In the interview, Greene mentions that Rebellions upcoming title being set in a post-apocalyptic world would invite obvious comparisons to the popular Fallout franchise.Once you play the game, you realize its not Fallout, but yes, we knew, said Greene. And one of our owners, Jason Kingsley, hes a big Fallout fan, so inevitably there was going to be some parallels in that any kind of survival in the apocalypse, immediately Fallouts going to come up as a thing. And those guys are great at what they do. And thats cool.Greene went on to talk about how the comparison could be misleading for players. He also thanked fans that compared Atomfall to the Fallout games thanks to its visual themes and post-apocalypse setting, since making a game of Fallouts complexity would be quite an accomplishment and the developers of Fallout games are skilful as well.Once you play it for a bit, youre like, oh, this is its own thing for sure, Greene said.The reality is, heres this very successful franchise and were version 1.0, he continued. To be compared to those guys thank you very much Yes, we appreciate it because thats a skillful team thats making that stuff.Greene also revealed a few other details about Atomfall, including the fact that its story will take players around 25 hours to finish. He also mentioned that there will be a lot more to do in the upcoming game aside from just playing through the story, and completionists will get plenty of more mileage from Atomfall.He also revealed that players will be able to finish the game even if they end up killing some important characters along the way. This is thanks to the fact that Atomfall has been designed with the idea of having multiple routes to its finish.You can kill anyone or everyone if you choose, said Greene. Thats fine. We have multiple finishes to the game, so some of those would shut down if you were supposed to work with them throughout, but youll find multiple other routes to finish the game and achieve a result.As for more pacificism-minded players that might want to play through the game without killing anyone, Greene believes that it is theoretically possible.Ive made it about nine hours in, probably close to halfway running at a pretty fast dev play speed and killed no one, said Greene. Im fairly certain you can do it and theres no gating of having to kill anyone ever.Atomfall is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on March 27. For more details, here is everything you need to know about the game.

A new FCC filing by Nintendo indicates that the company is getting ready to launch a new version of the GameCube controller. Labelled as BEE-021, the filing (caught by Famiboards user Pokemaniac) indicates that it might be for a new GameCube controller owing to the placement of the FCC label that will be present on the product.The position of the label with respect to the rest of the diagram is in a similar position as what we saw in the previous GameCube controller release, where the label would fall on the back side of where the C-stick sits. The filing also states that it will be a wireless controller that will make use of the 2.4 GHz range for communication with the console.The idea of it being a controller for the Switch 2 comes from its BEE-021 listing ID. The BEE prefix has been used for products related to the Switch 2, whereas the original Switch and its peripherals used the HAC prefix in its filing IDs.While this is far from a confirmation that Nintendo will be bringing back the GameCube controller for the Switch 2, the company is likely going to bring it back at some point. The last time around, the GameCube controller was released for the Nintendo Switch to be specifically used with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Historically, fans of Smash Bros. games have preferred the GameCube controller, since one of the most popular titles in the franchise was originally also a GameCube release.This filing could indicate one of two things: either Nintendo has been working on a new game in the Super Smash Bros. franchise, or the company is trying to make sure that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players who want to play the title on the Switch 2 through backwards compatibility wont have to worry about not having their preferred controller.As noted by Nintendo Everything, the filing is likely not for a Pro Controller for the Switch 2 as the listing doesnt make any mention of NFC capabilities. The Pro controller would need NFC along with the JoyCons to be able to properly use Nintendos Amiibo figurines and the digital in-game rewards they often come with.After having officially unveiled the Switch 2 back in January, Nintendo is currently getting ready to reveal more details about its next console during a special Direct showcase dedicated to the Switch 2 on April 2. The company is expected to give us a rundown on the consoles new features, while also elaborating on its hardware upgrades over its predecessor, as well as showing off some games that might come out during the systems launch period.In the meantime, recent rumours have indicated that Nintendo has already been shipping the Switch 2 to retailers in US and Canada for some time. Caught by another Famiboards users, around 383,000 units of the Switch 2 have been reportedly shipped to the US and Canada between January 17 and January 22. For more details, check out our coverage of the rumours here.

People who are holding on to free G Suite legacy accounts will soon lose their individual storage allotment perks. In an email seen by The Verge, Google has started informing G Suite legacy free edition plan users that they will be switched to pooled storage thats shared across all users within your organization starting May 1st.G Suite was rebranded as Workspace in 2020. G Suite legacy free edition, which Google stopped offering in 2012, provides each user with 15GB of free allocated storage and was offered for personal use making it ideal for families or groups that need to share a collective domain. Existing users have been permitted to access Workspace services at no additional charge, but Google says its now making this change because pooled storage provides a simpler and more flexible way to manage storage.Google Workspace customers have had the benefit of pooled storage for years, and now were rolling it out to users with this legacy offering, Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson told The Verge.No action is required for the switch according to Google, and users cannot opt out of the pooled storage transition. The total amount of storage allocated to the entire G Suite account wont be reduced, but if more storage is required then it can be purchased at a discount starting at increments of 100GB, which typically costs $15. Google hasnt specified how large this discount will be.Storage limitations can still be set for each user within the G Suite account after the transition to prevent the collective storage pool from being hogged by individual users. These limits will have to be manually assigned by an account admin, however.Google attempted to scrap the individual storage allocations before, initially announcing in January 2022 that all users would need to migrate to new subscription plans with pooled storage allotments. Google later backtracked and said it would allow people to keep their existing accounts free of charge including subscriptions that allowed users to extend their individual storage allowance but only for personal use.The transition creates more work for admins who prefer the status quo, but its a beneficial change for groups that want to share underused storage allocations with other users.See More:

3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab has launched a new toy system called CyberBrick under its MakerWorld brand, which pairs reusable and programmable electronics components with 3D-printable models to enable a range of possible toys based on both official and community designs. CyberBrick is initially only available through Kickstarter, but has already surpassed its funding goal, and the first kits are expected to reach backers in May 2025.CyberBrick is launching with three official toys: a forklift, a truck, and a soccer bot, plus a wireless controller that works with them all. The initial kits include solderless electronic modules and wireless components, along with instructions on how to 3D print more parts and assemble the official designs, starting at $29.99. The Kickstarter campaign also includes the option to buy kits that include pre-printed parts, though Bambu warns that once sales move to its regular Makers Supply storefront, those pre-printed kits will no longer be available.The real appeal of CyberBrick lies beyond the three official toys, however. Bambu has already shown off the start of what it hopes will be a range of community designs that use its electronic components, which so far include a lunar rover, a walking table, a replica Tesla Cybertruck, and more. The tech extends beyond toys too, with Bambu also selling components for a kit that helps you capture timelapse footage of 3D printing. Everything is programmable, too.This isnt Bambu Labs first foray into 3D-printable tech. It already uses the same MakerWorld brand to sell the components needed to 3D print a range of other toys and simple gadgets, from mice to smart lights, but this is the first time its brought its offering together into a cohesive ecosystem. CyberBricks designs arent restricted to Bambu Labs own 3D printers, which will be a relief to anyone still aggrieved by the companys recent decision to use an authentication tool to restrict access to its printers, limiting users ability to remotely print using third-party tools.See More: