While the vast majority of Monster Hunter Wilds players are tackling the game as intended, a select few nefarious hunters are using cheats to engage in unauthorized hunts, which provide a ridiculous amount of valuable rewards upon completion. Read more

Image: Nintendo LifeIt's the collaboration that we only thought possible in our dreams, but LEGO and The Pokmon Company are officially teaming up on a set (dare we say "sets"?) in 2026.The problem is, we have no idea what's in store yet the brief teaser from LEGO showcased a bricky Pikachu tail and that's about it. It's safe to assume that the flagship 'mon will be landing a set of its own, but with a series as full of icons as Pokmon, we have to hope that there's room for something a little less electric down the line too.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube799kWatch on YouTube Armed with no more than our hopes and some rampant speculation, we Nintendo Lifers have got together to share some of the Pokmon-themed builds we hope to see in the future... Update: LEGO confirmsThe Pokdex & Pok Balls - Jim Norman, Staff WriterImage: The Pokmon CompanyI'm game to splash the cash on just about any Pokmon set LEGO can think of, but if there's one that I'd really like to get on my shelf, it would be a Pokdex.I don't mean 151 mini-sets for me to neatly lay out in numerical order (I totally do mean that too), no, I'm talking about the Pokdex that you see Trainers whip out to scan Pokmon in the anime. It's changed shape a few times over the years, but I'm picturing the classic hinged model, complete with a little display screen and pressable buttons la NES and Atari LEGO sets.Just think how neat that little red box would look on the shelf! The set could even come with little translucent 'screens' for you to insert into the model as if it's displaying info on a select Pokmon! Oh, or it could work like the 2-in-1 Deku Tree set and give you the bricks to build two different generations of Pokdex appearances the flippy OG model and the sliding one from the X & Y era, maybe!Okay fine, if that all sounds like too much then I guess I'll have to empty my bank account on a range of LEGO Pok Balls *whips out world's smallest violin*...Entire Towns - Ollie Reynolds, Staff WriterImage: The Pokmon CompanyI've never been particularly fond of Lego sets based on anthropomorphic characters; I just think they look a bit weird. So like the recent Mario Kart set and indeed most of the Super Mario range, the thought of Lego based on Pikachu, Mewtwo, Charizard, and whoever else makes me feel a bit iffy.I'd personally love to see cute dioramas based on specific towns from the earlier games (i.e. Red and Blue/Gold and Silver). The grid-based setup of those initial generations would translate wonderfully to Lego, but then there's also a big opportunity to spruce things up a bit and inject some elements from the remakes into their designs.If I had to pick one specific town, then it would probably be Goldenrod City. It's got unique buildings, a nice body of water, and a few clusters of trees to mix things up a bit.If Lego wants to go wild, then I wouldn't say no to a replica of New Island from The First Movie. A bit ambitious, perhaps, but Lego has certainly produced more complex structures in the past.Pokmon Center - Alana Hagues, Deputy EditorImage: The Pokmon CompanyGosh, what wouldn't I want? Look, I know the 'mons are the draw and all, but I'd love to see some iconic buildings, personally.Specifically, I'd love a Pokmon Center. Sure, that's essentially a hospital, but imagine getting little mini figures of Chansey and Blissey and other little creatures, with Nurse Joy and perhaps even a Trainer or three. An upstairs section from where you used to trade your Pokmon. Some extra little flourishes. It could be adorable.If we want to go a little more traditional and assume we'll just get a bunch of Pokmon, I think Rotom would be such a fun one. You can build any of its forms from, so I could have a little Lego Washing Machine on my shelf. C'mon, the idea sounds amazing, right?Alternatively, combine buildings and Pokmon and have Duraludon build. Genius.Region Maps & Game Boy Carts - Gavin Lane, EditorImage: The Pokmon CompanyAlthough this will be the first time a wild Pokmon appeared in the world of Lego, Mega Bloks has been turning out block-based Pocket Monsters for years, which is important to note. It'll be very interesting to see what Denmark's finest can deliver that Canada couldn't.Ollie mentioned towns, but I'd prefer region maps littered with microscale Pokmon in appropriate spots. In fact, microscale is the only hope most of us would have of completing a Pokdex from any region, let alone the 1000+ monsters in existence. I'd love to have a map of a region and be able to mark out where specific 'mon can be found.I'd also like to see some sort of compatibility with the upcoming Game Boy set. A cart you could plug in would be obvious, but a little battle screen moc-up to attach to the screen would make for a great display piece.We're sending those wishes off to Ho-Oh, but which is your favourite? Were you thinking along the same lines as us or do you have any other ideas? Let us know the Pokmon LEGO set you'd most like to see in the following poll then take to the comments to keep the wishlist growing.What's your dream Pokmon LEGO set? (38 votes)Pokdex 0%Pok Balls5%Entire towns8%Individual Pokmon models32%Pokmon Center29%Regional maps13%Game Boy carts 0%Nah, I won't be buying any of it13%Other (comment below) 0%See AlsoShare:00 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNiantic Sells Pokmon GO And Entire Gaming Division For $3.5 BillionPikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now are also goingPokmon Scarlet & Violet: Mystery Gift Codes ListAll the current Pokmon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift codesNintendo Museum Launches Keychains That Play Your Favourite Console JinglePortable nostalgiaSwitch 2 Predicted To Cost "$400 Or More"It could also be the "biggest console launch ever"

Nvidia at GTC 2025 announced a new lineup of AI personal supercomputers powered by the companys Grace Blackwell chip platform.Jensen Huang, the semiconductor companys founder and CEO, unveiled the two new machines, DGX Spark (previously called Project Digits) and DGX Station, during his keynote on Tuesday. The computers will allow users to prototype, fine-tune, and run AI models in a range of sizes at the edge. This is the computer of the age of AI, Huang said during the presentation. This is what computers should look like, and this is what computers will run in the future. And we have a whole lineup for enterprise now, from little, tiny ones to workstation ones.DGX Spark delivers up to 1,000 trillion operations per second of AI computing thanks to a GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, Nvidia says. As for the DGX Station, it features Nvidias GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Desktop Superchip combined with 784GB of memory.DGX Spark is available now, while DGX Station is expected to be released later this year through manufacturing partners including Asus, Boxx, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.AI agents will be everywhere, Huang continued. How they run, what enterprises run, and how we run it will be fundamentally different. And so we need a new line of computers. And this is it.Check out TechCrunchs other coverage of all the news and announcements from GTC over on our live blog.

In BriefPosted:12:48 PM PDT March 18, 2025Image Credits:Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc / Getty ImagesFTC removes posts critical of Big Tech from its websiteThe FTC has removed over 300 blog posts published during the agencys leadership under former chair Lina Khan, Wired reports. These include posts that are critical of companies like Amazon and Microsoft for their handling of customer data.The FTC did not respond to a request for comment.As FTC chair during the Biden years, Khan was known as a tough enforcer of antitrust law, seeking to hold mega corporations accountable for their potential to stifle competition in American markets. In an interview with TechCrunch, she once referred to Big Tech leaders as mob bosses. But in the Trump era, the FTC is unlikely to be as vigilant about Big Tech.The deletion of these blogs could potentially violate laws on how government data is handled; meanwhile, the behavior is consistent with the Trump administrations ongoing campaign to remove certain words and phrases from public and private government documents. These terms include Black, disability, feminism, genders, Latinx, LGBTQ, transgender, victims, and women, among others.Topics

Researchers at NOVA University of Lisbon have developed a new approach to evaluating additive manufacturing (AM) maturity, offering a more precise way for companies to assess their progress.Having applied fuzzy logic, the researchers created a model that captures the nuances of AM adoption, addressing the gaps in traditional maturity models that often fail to account for real-world complexities.While AM has become a key part of Industry 4.0, seamlessly integrating it into manufacturing workflows is far from straightforward. Many organizations find themselves in a transitional phase, where AM is being used to some extent but hasnt yet become a core part of production.Traditional maturity models often categorize companies too rigidly, making it difficult to identify specific areas for improvement. To address this limitation, the fuzzy AM maturity model (Fuzzy AMMM) offers a more flexible assessment that accounts for human judgment and the uncertainties inherent in technological adoption. Fuzzy AMMM development method. Image via NOVA University of Lisbon.Evaluating AM maturity across strategy, workforce, and technologyPublished in Procedia Computer Science journal, the model evaluates AM maturity across three key areas: organizational, cultural, and technological. Organizational maturity looks at whether AM is integrated into a companys strategy, how committed leadership is, and the level of investment in AM projects.Cultural maturity assesses workforce readiness, employee skills, and openness to AM adoption, while technological maturity focuses on how well AM is implemented in production processes, including CAD software use and part manufacturing.To put the model to the test, the researchers conducted a case study at an undisclosed automotive supplier that has been using AM for five to ten years.The assessment involved a combination of surveys and interviews with company representatives, including an operations manager with expertise in mechanical engineering. Results indicated an overall AM maturity level of 3, placing the company at an intermediate stage where AM is in use but has yet to significantly impact production.A closer look at the scores revealed a strong performance in organizational and technological maturity, both ranking at 4.68, suggesting that the company has integrated AM into its strategy and production workflow. However, cultural maturity lagged at 3.00, pointing to a gap in workforce training.Employees showed proficiency in CAD software, design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), and slicing software, but there was a noticeable lack of personnel with leadership skills to oversee AM operations. Additionally, while some external training initiatives exist, there is no structured internal competency development program, limiting long-term growth.One of the studys key findings was a disconnect between leaderships commitment to AM and employee readiness. The company had made substantial financial investments and adapted its processes, but without dedicated AM specialists and structured training programs, it faced challenges in maximizing AMs potential.This underscores a broader issue seen across industries, having the right technology in place is only part of the equation. Without the necessary skills and expertise among employees, full integration remains out of reach.By applying fuzzy logic, the researchers were able to capture a more accurate and realistic picture of AM maturity compared to conventional models, which tend to oversimplify the assessment process. According to the researchers, the Fuzzy AMMM not only helps organizations determine where they stand but also highlights the specific areas that need improvement.Future research aims to expand the models application across multiple industries, refining its framework to support organizations as they navigate their AM journey. With clearer insights, businesses can make more informed decisions, ensuring that AM integration becomes not just a technical upgrade, but a strategic advantage.Novel approaches to assessing AM maturityAdding to this years expert predictions, Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, stated that developing an AM maturity model could help standardize processes and refine material properties, contributing to the future of 3D printing.At Formnext 2023, industry players including Siemens, DyeMansion, Forward AM, EOS, and HP introduced the Additive Manufacturing Industrialization Navigator (AM I Navigator) initiative. Designed to address industrial 3D printing challenges, the initiative outlines a structured maturity model to help companies integrate AM into traditional workflows.Through this tool, companies can evaluate their AM maturity through a Maturity Check, based on Siemens Digital Manufacturing Excellence framework, to identify gaps and receive recommendations for improvement. The goal is to support a transition from manual to fully autonomous AM production while optimizing process coordination.Left to right: Franois Minec (Global Head, Polymers 3D Printing, HP 3D Printing), Martin Back (Managing Director, BASF Forward AM), Karsten Heuser (Vice President Additive Manufacturing, Siemens Digital Industries), Felix Ewald (CEO & Co-Founder, DyeMansion) & Nikolai Zaepernick (CBO, Managing Director, EOS). Photo via DyeMansion.While structured maturity models provide a roadmap for AM adoption, some companies take a more direct approach by focusing on quality assurance. Parts sourcing AM platform MakerVerse and ZEISS showcased a range of dimensional, surface, and material property assessment solutions, enabling companies to systematically evaluate the reliability of their AM parts.Through Optical 3D Scanning, Tactile CMM, Surface Roughness measurements, and Industrial CT/X-ray inspections, this platform offers a data-driven approach to AM maturity, ensuring that printed parts meet certification standards and are suitable for full-scale production.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the Fuzzy AMMM development method. Image via NOVA University of Lisbon.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

Last summer, the world watched as determined athletes competed for gold in converted arenas throughout Paris and its suburbs. We sat at the edge of our seats as beach volleyball players spiked the ball into the sand in front of the Eiffel Tower. We marveled at horses leaping over obstacles on the sprawling grounds of Versailles. Our eyes were glued to the skateboarders as they performed gravity defying tricks with the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk erupting behind them in Place de la Concorde. The arenas built or retrofitted for the 2024 Summer Olympics used the City of Lights as a backdrop, incorporating an architectural element into the games. As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28) approach, AECOM will help transform L.A. arenas into competition venues for the worlds best athletes.Last week, the design and infrastructure consulting giant AECOM was named the Official Venue Infrastructure Partner for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The projects scope includes architecture, engineering, planning, program management, and construction management. Committed to sustainability, AECOM must plan and execute the retrofitting of existing stadiums, making LA28 the first Games in which no permanent venues will be built.The Los Angeles Olympics will stage around 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports across 800 events with over 15,000 participating Olympic and Paralympic athletes. AECOM has performed architectural, design, and construction services for several stadiums including Citi Field, the Intuit Dome, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Just as athletes push the boundaries of performance in pursuit of excellence, AECOM said, our team brings deep technical expertise and relentless innovation to deliver world-class infrastructure that makes these moments possible.In 2028 the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will become the first stadium to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times. (CanonStarGal/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)Stadiums, arenas, and venues around Los Angeles are being allocated to specific sporting events. SoFi Stadium, home to NFLs Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, will host the swimming competition. The football field will be turned into a 164-foot pool and the stands will house 38,000 fansdouble the seats of an average Olympic swimming event. Other venues include the University of Southern California Sports Center for badminton matches, the Intuit Dome for basketball games, and the historic L.A. Memorial Coliseum (which in 2028 will become the first stadium to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times) for Track and Field events.More locations are to be announced as Los Angeles and AECOM prepare for the biggest sporting event in the world. In choosing these venues around the city, LA28 chairperson and president Casey Wasserman hopes to provide, the ideal Hollywood stage for the worlds top athletes.

Spring has sprung, so it's time for another Amazon Big Spring Sale. The sale officially begins next week, but popular headphones and earbuds like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are already on sale. If you need a new pair of headphones or earbuds, now is a good time to take advantage of sale prices to snag your next pair.There's a sea of headphones and earbuds to choose from, and paying $250 to $450 for a new pair can be a big commitment. Therefore, it's understandable if you've previously purchased a cheaper pair to hold you over. Still, the more expensive headphones and earbuds can last you at least 3 years if you care for them. Luckily, some headphones and earbuds are upwards of $170 off right now, so here are the best early Amazon Spring Sale deals to make your shopping easier.Shop more deals at AmazonBest headphone and earbud deals for Amazon Spring Sale 2025Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds: $179 (save $50): Google's latest premium earbuds debuted with meaningful upgrades to their fit, design, sound, and noise-canceling properties. These earbuds are the best ones out there for most Android users.Sonos Ace over-ear headphones: $379 (save $70): Sonos' over-ear headphones offer users an elevated design, all-day comfort, and a dynamic sound profile. These Dolby Atmos-compatible headphones are best for watching movies and TV shows, especially if you have a compatible Sonos soundbar.Bose QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones: $349 (save $80): Bose's premium flagship headphones offer listeners best-in-class noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and a sporty yet premium design. If you regularly commute, travel, or simply need peace and quiet, these headphones are for you.Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones: $180 (save $170): These flagship Beats headphones offer maximum utility to Android and iOS users, providing noise cancellation, spatial audio, and device location features. They're currently on sale for an all-time low price.Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones: $160 (save $20): Shokz's OpenRun Pro delivers excellent sound, a lengthy battery life, and proprietary bone conduction audio technology for runners and exercise enthusiasts.Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones: $328 (save $72): Sony's flagship headphones deliver its signature warm sound profile, touch controls, and plenty of feature customization in the companion app. They are perfect for everyday use.Apple AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds: $199 (save $50): If you have multiple Apple devices, especially an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect auditory companion. They offer great sound and noise cancellation along with advanced Siri features.JBL Live 770NC over-ear headphones: $160 (save $40): These midrange JBL headphones offer advanced software features and a marathon battery life at an affordable price.Bowers & Wilkins Px8 over-ear headphones: $439 (save $261): These high-end headphones use high-quality materials for a comfortable and luxurious look and feel while offering premium internal audio components for pro-level sound quality.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro wireless earbuds: $210 (save $40): Samsung's flagship earbuds deliver great sound and noise cancellation, plus advanced Galaxy AI features for Galaxy users.Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ear headphones: $255 (save $125): These Sennheiser headphones include Senneheiser's acclaimed internal audio components, offering users an elevated audio profile. Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $179Original price: $229Google's newest premium earbuds offer a smaller bud design, improved noise-canceling technology, and an impressive 12-hour battery life from a single charge. These earbuds are the perfect premium earbuds for most Android users, as any Android smartphone running Android 6.0 or newer. Show more View now at Amazon Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $349Original price: $429Bose's premium over-ear headphones offer users a comfortable, all-day wear, universal spatial audio support, a intuitive companion app, industry-leadiing noise cancellation, and an elevated yet sporty design. These headphones are ideal for commuters, frequent flyers, or anyone needing to effectively quieten the world around them. Show more View now at Amazon Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $199Original price: $249Apple's premium earbuds may be a few years old, but they still offer maximum utility for Apple fanatics. These earbuds have many iOS-exclusive features, like spatial audio, automatic device switching, and adaptive noise cancellation. If you have a compatible iOS device, you can use the AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids. Show more View now at Amazon Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $379Original price: $449Sonos' premium over-ear headphones sport an elevated design, Dolby Atmos compatibility, a 30-hour battery life, and compatibility with Sonos soundbars. If you're a dedicated Sonos fan, these headphones are the missing piece in your ecosystem. Show more View now at Amazon Best Amazon Spring Sale Apple headphone and earbud deals ZDNETApple AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds: $199 (save $50): If you have multiple Apple devices, especially an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect auditory companion. They offer great sound and noise cancellation along with advanced Siri features.Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds (with ANC): $169 (save $10): These newly-released AirPods provide users with a straightforward audio and software experience. If you're an iOS user who's not a habitual earbud wearer or doesn't require fancy software features, these earbuds are for you.Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds (without ANC): $117 (save $12): If you like the straightforwardness of the AirPods 4 without ANC but require noise cancellation, consider the AirPods 4 with ANC.Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones: $479 (save $70): Apple's over-ear headphones now sport a USB-C port (not for wired listening), and every color is on sale right now.Best Amazon Spring Sale Beats headphone and earbud deals ZDNETBeats Studio Pro over-ear headphones: $180 (save $170): These flagship Beats headphones offer maximum utility to Android and iOS users, providing noise cancellation, spatial audio, and device location features. They're currently on sale for an all-time low price.Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones: $130 (save $70): Beats refreshed the Solo 4 with a sleek and refined design while improving its internal audio components for a less bass-heavy sound profile.Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds: $169 (save $31): These earbuds are ideal for exercise enthusiasts. They offer water and sweat resistance, noise cancellation, and compatibility with Android and iOS devices.Beats Studio Buds wireless earbuds: $100 (save $50): These everyday earbuds use silicone earbuds to give listeners optimal sound performance.Best Amazon Spring Sale Bose headphone and earbud deals ZDNETBose QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones: $349 (save $80): Bose's premium flagship headphones offer listeners best-in-class noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and a sporty yet premium design. If you regularly commute, travel, or simply need peace and quiet, these headphones are for you.Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones: $249 (save $100): These midrange Bose headphones offer everything we love about Bose without the higher price tag: all-day comfort, great sound, and industry-leading noise cancellation.Bose Ultra Open open-ear earbuds: $249 (save $50): Bose's open-ear earbuds provide listeners with a comfortable design and fit, great sound, and an open-ear form factor for environmental awareness.Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless earbuds: $219 (save $80): Bose's premium earbuds are essentially the QuietComfort Ultra headphones in earbud form, defined by universal spatial audio, industry-leading noise cancellation, and all-day comfort.Bose QuietComfort wireless earbuds: $149 (save $30): If you want the best of Bose at a lower price, the QuietComfort earbuds won't disappoint.Best Amazon Spring Sale Sony headphone and earbud deals ZDNETSony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones: $328 (save $72): Sony's flagship headphones deliver its signature warm sound profile, touch controls, and plenty of feature customization in the companion app. They are perfect for everyday use.Sony Ult Wear over-ear headphones: $148 (save $52): These Sony headphones debuted with Sony's "Ult Power Sound," which doubles the bass of any music you listen to with the press of a button. Although not as premium as the XM5, the Ult Wear are comfortable with lots of comfort at an affordable price.Sony WH-CH720N over-ear headphones: $98 (save $52): Sony's affordable WH-CH720N provide decent sound, noise canceling, and comfort.Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds: $248 (save $52): These flagship Sony earbuds sport an unobtrusive rounded bud design, touch controls, and memory foam eartips for fit. If you want premium earbuds for everyday use, consider the WF-1000XM5.Sony LinkBuds Fit wireless earbuds: $178 (save $22): These newly released Sony earbuds are great for exercise enthusiasts. They offer solid noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and an enjoyable listening experience.Sony INZONE H9 gaming headset: $198 (save $102): These premium gaming headphones are ideal for PlayStation gamers. They deliver noise cancellation, immersive sound, and intuitive software features.FAQs When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?This year, Amazon's Big Spring Sale begins on March 25 and ends on March 31.Are headphones and earbuds really cheaper during Amazon sales?Yes, you can find many headphones and earbuds at cheaper prices during Amazon's sales. However, the spring sale typically offers smaller discounts than Amazon's fall and holiday sales later in the year. During Amazon's sales, headphone and earbud brands also slash prices on their sites to compete for your dollars. Sometimes, prices are lower at other retailers, so you should compare factors like prices, return policies, and free items included with your purchase before buying. If you want all-time low prices on the latest headphones and earbuds, wait until later in the year.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?I spend most of my time testing the latest headphones and earbuds and revisiting headphones and earbuds released in past years to provide our readers with the most sound buying advice. I also notice products' retail prices and when the lowest prices were offered, typically later in the year.Additionally, by retesting products, I can determine if they're still worth hundreds of dollars a year or two later. If they are, I will still recommend them during significant sales. Another factor I consider is when newly-released products are on sale; if a product I recommended was released six months ago and is already on sale, I'll notify our readers to take advantage of the sale price.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends Show more Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Lance Whitney/ZDNETIn the past, I'd never been a big user of the Apple Pencil or other stylus devices. I just didn't see much need for them. But after snagging the latest iPad Pro last year, I decided to add the Apple Pencil Pro to the package. And I'm glad I did.Since working and playing with the new Pro pencil, I've been able to enjoy and appreciate its capabilities. Writing, drawing, and annotating on the tablet are fun and easy, especially with the Pro pencil's powers. You can squeeze and tap the pencil to activate its palettes and tools. When you squeeze the pencil, you'll receive haptic feedback as confirmation. The Pro pencil also works with the Find My app, so you can locate it if it gets lost.Also: The Apple Pencil Pro drops to $99 thanks to Amazon's likely upcoming Spring SaleYou must meet a few requirements before you can use the Pencil Pro. At this point, you'll need one of the following iPads: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2 or M3), iPad Air 11-inch (M2 or M3), or iPad mini (A17 Pro). You also must be running iPadOS 17.5 or higher.The Pencil Pro will work with many text-based and drawing apps. But you may not be able to tap into all its features, or you might find that the features vary. Some apps convert any text you write into regular typed characters. In other apps, your text remains how you draw it but is transformed into more legible and straightened characters. Certain apps also support squeezing the pencil to display the palette and similar tools, while others do not.I typically use the pencil in such built-in apps as Notes and Freeform. But I've also tried it in several third-party apps, including note-takers, drawing and painting programs, and even ones that help you learn to draw. Ultimately, you'll have to experiment to see which apps are the most Pencil-Pro friendly. To get a head start, open the App Store app on your iPad and run a search for "Apple Pencil" or "Apple Pencil Pro." You'll find a host of apps that support the pencil.One more option I'd recommend is getting a case with a pencil holder. Yes, the pencil attaches magnetically to the iPad, but it can come loose. A good case will hold it in place. I use a Fintie Hybrid Slim Case for the iPad Pro 11, with a colorful lilac marble front cover, a hard plastic back, and a convenient space to hold the Pencil Pro.Now, here's how I use the Apple Pencil Pro and how you can use it as well. 1. Squeeze to access the palette Squeezing the pencil to quickly access the palette may be my favorite feature. For this, you can squeeze anywhere on the stem of the barrel, but doing this near the tip probably works best if your hand is already positioned there. Not all apps support the squeeze, but you'll know right away based on whether or not a palette pops up in response.Depending on the app, the palette should display the different drawing or painting tools available as well as a circle to change the color and icons for undo and redo. Hover your pencil over each icon to see it respond. Tap the tool you want with the pencil tip. Tap the dot to switch the color. Tap undo to reverse your last action. You may also find an ellipsis icon that offers access to more tools and settings. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETAlso:iPad Pro review: Apple's most advanced tablet is no MacBook, and I'm okay with that 2. Double tap to switch between tools Here's a quick way that I switch between tools. Double tap the barrel of the pencil with your forefinger. Continue to double tap and you'll switch between the last two tools that you accessed, such as a pen, paintbrush, or eraser. Depending on the app you're using, the tool you choose will appear, pop out, or be highlighted on the screen to show you which one you're about to use. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 3. Hover over the screen I haven't got the steadiest hand when it comes to drawing or writing on the screen, so I'll take all the help I can get. That includes the hover feature, which shows you where the pencil is about to hit the screen. For this, choose a pen tool. As you move the tip of the pencil toward the screen, a small circular shadow shows you where the tool will land, allowing you to precisely start drawing or writing in a specific area. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETAlso: The best iPad stylus of 2025: Expert tested 4. Change the thickness Instead of fiddling with the palette to change the thickness of the pencil or brush, I like to adjust it by varying the pressure. To try this out, draw lightly on the screen to create a thin line or shape. Apply more pressure and repeat the same action. Do it a third time, applying even more pressure. You should see a difference in thickness among the three items you drew. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 5. Draw a straight line My mom was the artist in the family. Me? I can't even draw a straight line, at least not without help. But that's where I rely on a ruler. Certain drawing and even note taking apps let you turn on a ruler so that you can draw against its edge and produce a straight line.Also: This $80 off iPad deal is a steal - and it's the model I recommend to most peopleTo try this, open an app like Notes on your iPad. Tap the pencil icon at the top to display the palette at the bottom. Select the Ruler tool and position the straight edge ruler on the screen with your fingers. You can then create a straight line by drawing it against one of the edges of the ruler. Tap the Ruler tool again to remove it from the screen. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 6. Select an object Sometimes I want to move, resize, or otherwise modify an image I've drawn. One quick and easy way to do that is with the lasso tool. From the palette in Apple Notes, select this tool (it's the one to the left of the eraser). Draw over and around any objects on the screen to select them. You're then able to move the selected area and make other changes to it. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 7. Convert handwriting into text Sometimes I find it easier and more comfortable to write text with the pencil than type it out on the iPad's virtual keyboard. But ultimately I still want that text to be editable. For that, I can choose a tool to turn my handwriting into text. Here's how. Open the palette and tap the pencil with the letter A on it. Write some words, and your handwriting is turned into text. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 8. Auto refine handwriting Here's another option I use to turn my messy handwriting into more legible characters. With auto-refine, the words you draw with the pencil are smoothed out and straightened while still retaining the original look and style.Also: How to transform your doodles into stunning graphics with Apple's Image WandTo try this, squeeze the barrel of the Pencil Pro. At the small curved toolbar, tap the ellipsis icon, pick the gear settings icon, and turn on Auto-refine Handwriting. Use one of the drawing tools to draw a word or two on the screen. Wait a few seconds, and the text is transformed into more refined characters. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 9. Practice, practice, practice Before I first took the Pencil Pro for a spin with actual apps, I wanted to practice some of the actions to get the hang of them. To do this, go to Settings and select Apple Pencil. Turn on the switch for Scribble if it's off and then tap the entry for Try Scribble. At the next screen, you can practice handwriting with the pencil as well as deleting, selecting, inserting, and joining characters. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 10. Check your battery level The longer you use it, the more the pencil's battery charge gets drained. To check on the current charge, just attach the pencil to your iPad. Go to Settings and select Apple Pencil. The setting at the top shows you how much charge is left. If the charge is low, keep the pencil attached until it reaches 100% -- which takes no more than 15 to 20 minutes. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 11. Change pencil actions and gestures The default settings for the Pencil Pro work for me. But you can always change specific actions and gestures. Head to Settings and select Apple Pencil. Under Actions, you're able to modify what happens when you squeeze and double tap the pencil. Further down under Pencil Gestures, you can tweak what happens if you swipe the pencil diagonally from the corners of the screen. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 12. Find your Apple Pencil Pro If you ever forget where you put your Pencil Pro, you can locate it with the Find My app. To add it initially, open the Find My app on your iPad. Tap Devices and attach the Apple Pencil Pro to your iPad. Tap the plus button, tap Apple Pencil, and follow the on-screen instructions.Also: The best Bluetooth trackers of 2025: Expert testedIf you ever misplace the Pencil, open the Find My app on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or the iCloud website. Select the Devices icon and tap Apple Pencil Pro. Follow the directions to find the pencil or mark it as lost if you can't track it down. Show more Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.More how-tos

The sun rises behind the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center on the spring equinox ... [+] in New York City on March 20, 2021, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhat day is the first day of spring 2025? This week sees the vernal (meaning spring) equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical fall (or autumn) in the Southern Hemisphere.Equinoxes happen twice a year, as do solstices. Heres everything you need to know about when they are and what they mean.When Is The Spring Equinox In 2025?This years spring equinox will occur on Thursday, March 20, at precisely 09:01 UTC. That translates to these times in North America: 3:01 a.m. EDT 2:01 a.m. CDT 1:01 a.m. MDT 12:01 a.m. PDT 11:01 p.m. AKDT (Alaska) 9:01 p.m. HST (Hawaii)According to Timeanddate.com, the March equinox always occurs between March 19 and 21, while the September equinox happens between September 21 and 24.What Is The Spring Equinox?Equinox is Latin, with equi meaning equal and nox meaning night. The March equinox is one of two days each year when every location on the planet experiences equal amounts of sunlight, so 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night. It marks the moment when the sun is directly above the equator at midday.Thats not always the case because Earth orbits the sun on an axis tilted by 23.4 degrees. A consequence of that tilt is each hemisphere receiving different amounts of sunlight throughout the year causing the seasons.Marchs equinox is called the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere because it signals the point in Earths orbit when this region of the planet begins getting more hours of sunlight than darkness, so begins to warm up. In the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox has the opposite effect, as the region begins to tilt away from the sun, marking the end of summer and the start of fall (or autumn).What Are The Solstices?While equinoxes mark the moments when the sun crosses the celestial equator, solstices indicate the days when Earths axis is tilted toward or away from the sun. This creates the longest period of daylight in one hemisphere and the longest night in the other.The next solstice called the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere because it signals the beginning of summer will occur on Friday, June 20. It will be followed by the September (fall) equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, and the December (winter) solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21.The northern lights dance in the sky as they reflect in the still water of North Pond in Smithfield, ... [+] Maine, on May 10, 2024. (Photo by Michael Seamans/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhy The Northern Lights Are More Common At EquinoxThe same celestial geometry that ensures equal day and night on Earth also positions the planets axis side-on to the sun. According to the Russell-McPherron Effect, this causes an alignment of Earths magnetic field with that of the solar wind charged particles from the sun temporally making displays of aurora more frequent and more intense.Solar activity is also at a 23-year high, with the sun thought to have reached solar maximum the peak of the 11-year Solar Cycle last October.How To See The Spring EquinoxThe equinox itself is not a visible astronomical event except for the sun appearing higher in the sky at midday in the Northern Hemisphere. Its best appreciated at sunrise or sunset on the day itself because only on the day of an equinox does the sun rise due east and set due west. The fastest sunsets and sunrises of the year occur on the equinoxes, according to EarthSky.Another sure-fire way of seeing the arrival of spring written in the stars is to look north from the Northern Hemisphere after dark to see the Big Dipper riding high. Stargazers even have a memory aid in honor of the sight spring up, fall down.Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

Magna and Nvidia are partnering on AI computer technology to improve speed and accuracy of vehicle ... [+] safety and self-driving systems.gettyMajor automotive supplier Magna International and technology giant Nvidia have reached a deal to combine technologies aimed at boosting accuracy and speed of on-board safety and self-driving systems, the companies announced Tuesday.Our goal is to make sure that the car behaves in the same way as you would expect from a human driver, in fact, better, saidAs the automotive industry transitions to safer, more intelligent vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, our collaboration with Magna is the latest in our endeavors to bring our safety-certified in-vehicle accelerated compute and AI to the transportation industry, added Ali Kani, vice president of automotive at Nvidia, in a statement. By combining core technologies and Magna's integration expertise, we aim to shape the future of mobility.Nvidia Drive AGX platform Thor module. The company has partnered with auto supplier Magna ... [+] International to integrate the platform into its safety and self-driving technology to greatly improve performance.Nvidia/MagnaThe deal calls for Magna to integrate Nvidias Drive AGX platform within its next generation of advanced technology solutions. The Drive AGX platform Thor system-on-a-chip which runs the safety-certified DriveOS operating system and is built on the Blackwell GPU architecture. It consolidates increased functionality to improve efficiency, speed, and scalability.Indeed the Nvidia Drive AGX Thor delivers up to 1,000 trillion operations per second of AI compute power, featuring 8-bit floating point support optimized for transformer models, large language models and generative AI workloads.For Jenkins, its a capability thats coming none-too-soon.I've been waiting for this time to come around for a long time, having the capability of such a chip, remarked Jenkins. What it really means is you can process the world around you in a much better way, with much more responsiveness, much more perception, much more ability to do things.Things, such as integrating advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous driving and interior cabin AI features and providing system solutions that meet specific market needs and regulatory requirements.MWhen combining all that increased computing power assisted by AI integrated into Magnas systems, the goal is reaching that human-like or better performance to which Jenkins referred.What that really means is you shouldn't feel that you're in a car and you're having someone drive you, explained Jenkins. That will be partially because you'll be able to communicate with this thing properly. It will be able to help you and guide you and guide you along your route. But it will also be very robust. It won't turn off suddenly, if the weather gets bad or it won't turn off suddenly, if it can't understand the scenario, it will be on for the long term. So it will be as robust as a person.The next step is developing a working demonstration model of the platform, which is expected to arrive during the fourth quarter of this year, according to Jenkins.As is the custom for automotive suppliers, the names of specific automakers that are likely to become customers for the new combined platform are under wraps for now, but we have a lot of customer interest, Jenkins teases.The fact that Magna is based in Canada and Nvidia in the U.S. brings broaches the question of how any import tariffs that might be imposed by Pres. Donald Trump might affect production or costs. But Magna has 59 manufacturing plants in the U.S. which would immunize any parts made at those plants from any tariffs.At this point, Jenkins isnt worried, offering, I think we have a good handle on how things will affect us and our customers.