Google is rolling out a new Gmail update that is designed to help you find the email youre looking for more quickly. The company announced on Thursday that it will now use AI to consider factors like recency, most-clicked emails, and frequent contacts when surfacing emails based on your search query.Up until now, Gmail has simply displayed emails in chronological order based on keywords.With this update, the emails youre looking for are far more likely to be at the top of your search results saving you valuable time and helping you find important information more easily, the company wrote in a blog post.Google is also introducing a new toggle so people can switch between Most relevant or Most recent emails on a search results page. The toggle is aimed at users who prefer seeing search results displayed in chronological order, rather than the new Most relevant default option. Image Credits:GoogleThe update is rolling out globally for users with personal Google accounts and is available on the web and in the Gmail app for Android and iOS.Google plans to expand the feature to business users in the future.The launch of the new search functionality comes as Google has been building out its email offering to better compete with Apples Mail app, which got a slew of Gmail-like features with iOS 18 last year. For instance, Gmail recently gained a Gemini-powered feature that lets users add events to a Google Calendar directly from an email.A few months ago, Gmail rolled out Summary cards that allow users to take actions in their inbox, like tracking packages, checking in for flights, setting reminders, marking bills as paid, and more. Gmail also introduced the ability for users to chat with Gemini about their inbox directly within the app on both iOS and Android.

InterviewsThe Gorge: Christian Irles VFX Supervisor Image EngineBy Vincent Frei - 20/03/2025 In 2019, Christian Irles discussed Image Engines contributions to John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum. He later worked on Mulan, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, The School for Good and Evil, and Foundation.How did you and Image Engine get involved on this show?We have a good working relationship with Skydance. They sent us an initial bid package for The Gorge back in August 2022. If I recall correctly, neither Erik or Rich were attached to the show at that point.Then, in November 2022, once Erik and Rich had joined the show, we received a second bid package including early art work from the art department. Due to the nature of the work and our previous work experience with Erik and Rich (The School for Good and Evil), we were extremely excited about the project.How was your collaboration with VFX Supervisor Erik Nordy and VFX Producer Rich Yeomans?Due to the highly creative and subjective nature of The Gorge, we had a very close collaboration with Erik. Erik and I have known each other since 2012. We are good friends and have a great working relationship. This allows us to focus on what matters most, tackling creative challenges to fulfill the directors vision, while having fun along the way!What are the sequences made by Image Engine?We built a desolate, abandoned town covered in purple fog. Within it, there is a church in which lead actors, Drasa and Levi, take cover and get attacked by terrifying Skull Spiders and Hollowmen. As they get overrun, Drasa and Levi escape and make a run towards the command center, a bunker-like building embedded at the base of the gorge cliff wall.Soon after, still within the purple fog world, Drasa unintentionally steps onto a rope trap and is forcefully dragged across the ground into the thick fog.Lastly, we built a massive underground industrial facility and developed one of the films more intricate visual elementsa vast, organic network of translucent entangled bodies (aka the bodyweb), which was a complex challenge both technically and artistically.The abandoned village has a very distinct atmosphere. Can you walk us through the design process and the key artistic influences behind its look?There were three key components to the distinct look of the town: its abandoned nature (decay and weathering), the bonemoss that had grown/overtaken the town, and the purple fog.Our art department provided concepts for the overall mood the director was after, and also provided a Blender model of the town.Although we knew the visibility of the town through the purple fog was going to be somewhat limited, we had to inject the right amount of detail to make the town look believable. We spent quite a bit of time in assets, making sure each building and road had the correct level of weathering based on camera angles. We then proceeded in our layout department to populate the town with bigger objects like cars, trucks, trash cans, etc. Lastly, we procedurally covered all sidewalks and roads with debris and vegetation.The moss, or more specifically the bonemoss, was a key component of the unique look of the town. The idea behind it was that the radiation that caused all mutations within the gorge also affected regular moss at a DNA level. Its pattern also hinted at spiderwebs made out of bone, which subconsciously led us to the Skull Spiders Attack sequence within the church. The bonemoss was created procedurally by Felix Barthel, hard surface modeler using Houdini. His setup was done in such a way that our clients could art direct the overall look of the bonemoss and how it covered all objects located in the town on a per shot basis.Last key component, but not least, was the purple fog. Early on, there were many conversations about how the fog within the gorge should look like. At a certain point, the fog was almost meant to be a character in itself. Framestore also worked on sequences within the gorge, so we collaborated closely to ensure the look of the fog remained consistent throughout the film, regardless of its colour. Maintaining continuity in an environment as atmospheric as the gorge was key, and it was great working together to achieve a seamless and cohesive final look.As post-production progressed, the fog became a more naturalistic aspect of the film, rather than something more stylized. We referenced real fog and smoke to achieve the desired effect. To populate the town with fog, we created long FX caches in Houdini (pockets of fog if you like) that one of our CG Supervisors, Xander Kennedy, artistically placed. This methodology allowed us, on a shot-by-shot basis, to quickly create the depth required, while not having to constantly run complex simulations. The eerie fog layer close to the ground was a separate simulation also done in Houdini. All fog throughout our sequences was achieved in a similar manner.How did you balance practical set elements with digital extensions to enhance the sense of decay and isolation in the village?What was built on stage was quite minimal. From the plates, we only kept the actors, the ground they walk on, and the church and its entrance. Everything else that you see in the film is CG.The Skull Spiders have a very unsettling, almost unnatural movement. What references or animation techniques did you use to bring them to life?The animation of the Skull Spiders was challenging due to their size and what they are made of (predominantly bone). And to make things more difficult, they also had to move quickly as its a fast-paced action sequence!Their movement was predominantly driven by the weight of their head/skull. After all, skulls are heavy, so their legs had to work extra hard to keep them upright. We also used the weight of the skulls to create an uneven sense of balance when they walked or ran.To create variations, we had three different Skull Spider sizes: child skull spider, woman skull spider and man skull spider. Each moved differently due to the size of the skull.The Hollowmen attack in the church is an intense and chaotic sequence. What were the biggest challenges in animating their movements to make them feel both terrifying and physically grounded within the environment?The Hollowmen were extremely fun to be involved with! As a starting point, we received concepts and sketches from the art department and Framestore, respectively. Then, our concept artist, Daniel Cox took these to a highly detailed level before starting the 3D models.The impact of their design in regards to animation can be narrowed down to three components: how emaciated they were, their mutated anatomy, and how much their mutations had progressed.Their rage is driven by hunger, but their bodies, due to starvation and physical mutations, did not allow them to move like healthy human beings. These traits directly drove the uncanny manner in which they moved during the church attack scene.How did you handle the interaction between the Hollowmen and the churchs architecturewere destruction elements, lighting effects, or simulations key factors in making the scene more immersive?I believe true immersion is the culmination of all departments working together, at their best, to create invisible visual effects work. For work to be truly immersive, everything must be spot on. From matchmove to seamless 2D integration.In terms of FX simulations, we were very careful not to physically destroy the church as the sequence and fight progressed. Otherwise costs would have skyrocketed very quickly due to continuity. This being said, we extensively used FX simulations for bullet impacts, spiders exploding, Hollowmen being hit, etc.Lighting had to be spot on for the Skull Spiders and Hollowmen to look believable. Our clients went above and beyond to provide all the references needed for this (per shot HDRIs, chrome/grey balls, stuffies, etc). And although we always lit to match the plate, there were many instances in which we added rim lights to accentuate the shape and terrifying nature of our CG creatures.Lastly, amazing compositing from our team was crucial to bring this scene to life.What were the biggest challenges in blending creature animation with the environment, especially in terms of interaction with fog and terrain?Luckily, our creatures (Skull Spiders and Hollowmen) only interacted with the interior of the church. The challenge for us was making sure their lighting and shadows matched perfectly to the plate. This process was tricky due to the way the church was lit on set and its dilapidated architecture. There were many pools of light and shadow, which helped tremendously to the eerie feel of the sequence. Making sure our CG characters sat properly in this lighting was key.To help interaction between the abandoned church and the Skull Spiders, we added dust kick-ups whenever they were moving fast. These were created in Houdini once animation was approved.Were any specific simulation techniques used to give the Hollowmen or Skull Spiders a unique sense of weight, texture, or procedural movement?Yes. For the Skull Spiders, our rigging department created a very clever system that allowed all the little branches and bits hanging off of them to jiggle as they moved and ran around. This added a secondary layer of visual complexity while the spiders were in motion.For the Hollowmen, our creature FX department ran cloth simulations. The design of their costume was a perfect fit for this as their clothes were heavily torn.The bodywebs have a fascinating translucent quality. What were the key technical challenges in achieving this look while ensuring they remained visually readable on screen?The bodyweb is by far the most difficult work Ive ever been involved with in visual effects. It is one of those items that only once you got there, you knew you had hit the mark. You couldnt take small steps to know if you were heading in the right direction, you had to finish a shot to confirm we had nailed the bodywebs look. Even 2D concepts could only take us so far due to its translucent and backlit look. Very very challenging, and as you can imagine, render intensive.We had to double the size of our renderfarm to deliver the bodyweb scene, we never anticipated this when starting the show. It was bonkers.The main technical challenge was the sheer amount of geometry and translucency needed to achieve the final look. All bodyweb components, from bodies to small vines had to have the following geometry: exterior surface (its skin), inner geometry (veins, bones, internal matter), and exterior geometry (small vines, twigs and thorns). The bodyweb bodies seen near and around the walkway were hand-modeled based on 2D concepts, and most vines attached to them and the environment were procedurally generated. All the inner and outer geometry was procedurally generated as well.In terms of readability, it took quite a bit of back and forth to find the right balance between having a key light that helped shape the bodies while injecting the right amount of translucency to compliment it.Was there a particular reference or real-world material that inspired the way light passes through these structures?Dumplings! Also, some types of frogs, grapes and skin, amongst many others. Early on, we received a substantial amount of references and concepts from our clients. We gathered some too. And although none by themselves was a solid reference for the intended look of the bodyweb, each had interesting aspects to it. Some of the references were specific no nos as well!How did you ensure the bodywebs remained consistent in their visual language across different lighting conditions and camera perspectives?This was one of our main concerns while working on the first hero shots. We knew that the bodyweb was extremely sensitive to changes in lighting, so we came up with a robust light rig that kept the look consistent. We also kept this sequence with a specific group of lighting artists that understood all the intricacies of illuminating the bodyweb. It took time for them to understand how to light it, but once they got into the groove of things, it became a smoother process.The industrial facility has a massive and imposing presence. What was the approach to designing its environment to ensure it felt both realistic and visually striking within The Gorges world?The design of the silo interior environment was taken care of by the production art department. They provided concepts and a Blender model for it.Our mandate was to convert the mood of the concepts into a photo-real and believable world that belonged in The Gorge. We up-resed every model provided and paid meticulous attention as to how much everything needed to be weathered. All locations in The Gorge had to look as if they had been abandoned since the 1950s.One of the most difficult challenges was lighting such a vast environment. It had to feel natural, eerie and immense. But due to its simple shape and location, a long underground rectangle, we had to be very strategic as to where to place our lights to sell its scale.In terms of the colour palette, we settled on complementary colours set by the art department and principal photography: ambient red (caused by the red contaminant), green key light (light coming from the exterior), and incandescent yellow (lamps).Were there any memorable moments or scenes from the film that you found particularly rewarding or challenging to work on from a visual effects standpoint?Oh, its hard to pick! I love the uncanny look of the abandoned town, but my personal favourite scenes in terms of creative challenges are the Skull Spiders Attack and the Bodyweb.Looking back on the project, what aspects of the visual effects are you most proud of?What Im most proud of is the quality and photo-real nature of our work, and how consistent it is across our sequences. This level of excellence could not have been possible without the talent of our team, their passion for our craft and their dedication. Kudos to each one of them!And special mention to the bodyweb team, my goodness, it was hard. I have to say though, I am so proud we created something thats never been done before. That is pretty special.Lastly, I want to thank Skydance and our clients, Erik, Rebecca, Rich and Nick. Thank you for letting us be part of this adventure, and for the trust you always put on us. We had a blast working on The Gorge!Thank you for the interview!How long have you worked on this show?September 20, 2022 May 27, 2024Whats the VFX shot count?181.What is your next project?Im working on a Netflix TV series with more details to come.A big thanks for your time.WANT TO KNOW MORE?Image Engine: Dedicated page about The Gorge on Image Engine website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research has unveiled Prusa EasyPrint, a web-basedapplication designed to simplify 3D printing by enabling users to slice models directly from their phones, tablets and laptops, enhancing accessibility for beginners in 3D printing.Prusa EasyPrint aims to bypass some of the traditional processes for 3D model printing preparation, such as configuring printer profiles and fine-tuning specific settings. As a browser-based solution, users can easily look for models on Printables, access a 3D preview with a single click, and let the application automatically detect connected printers via PrusaConnect. The system applies the appropriate slicing profiles before printing.Prusa Easy Print UI. Photo via Prusa Research.Features and how to access Prusa EasyPrintThe application features additional functions such as material status assessment and printer readiness verification, further streamline the process. Once a user starts a print, the app sends the model to PrusaSlicer, which runs on cloud servers. Finally, the G-code is generated and sent to the printer.PrusaSlicer-derived, or forked, slicers such as Orca and BambuStudio are compatible since the app runs the slicers on the back-end. This suggests potential future support for non-Prusa 3D users.Users can also use the cloud slicer interface for offline printers, by manually downloading and adding the G-code for transfer via USB or SD Card.Josef Pra has addressed concerns regarding forced cloud dependency. He emphasized that EasyPrint is an optional tool, and technically, not a slicer itself. Instead, its a web application that generates 3MF files, which are compatible with modern slicers.The decision to use cloud-based slicing is primarily driven by the memory and processing constraints of mobile devices. Data security in 3D printing is one of Prusas key priorities, making cloud-based slicing a secure and efficient solution rather than a restriction.Currently, EasyPrint has some limitations, such as support for only one job at time and restrictions on model size and detail. Prusa Research plans to improve these aspects while also introducing more features, such as cloud storage and sharing.Early access is available via an invite-base system. Users who have already received access can invite a limited number of others. Additionally, a form was shared for 100 more users to join, with Printables handlesCloud Integration in 3D PrintingCloud-based slicing and remote management tools are being integrated in various 3D printing ecosystems. Services like Prusa Connect and RaiseCloud provide printer monitoring and job management, while platforms such as OctoPrint offer open-source remote printing solutions. Other manufacturers, like UltiMaker, have also developed cloud-integrated solutions for print preparation and device coordination. Platforms like 3DPrinterOS offer offline 3D printing capabilities, allowing users to prepare, slice, and manage print jobs without an internet connection, thereby addressing concerns related to offline access.Discussions around data security, offline access, and user control remain pertinent. For instance, in July 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General released a report highlighting significant cybersecurity risks associated with 3D printing technologies.The audit revealed that these systems were often misclassified as mere tools rather than information technology assets, leading to inadequate implementation of cybersecurity controls. This oversight exposed critical design data to potential unauthorized access and manipulation, posing risks to both the integrity of 3D-printed components and the broader DoD Information Network.Other concerns regarding access to 3D printers and dependence on cloud-based applications have arisen. While cloud integration enhances accessibility and remote monitoring, it also raises issues of operational reliability and user autonomy. For example, Bambu Labs recent authentication update sparked controversy by introducing a proprietary mechanism that some users feared could restrict third-party tools and materials. Although the company defended the update as a security enhancement, critics raised concerns about vendor lock-in and potential limitations on independent modifications. This incident highlights the ongoing debate between security, cloud connectivity, and the importance of maintaining offline functionality and user control in 3D printing.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.The Prusa EasyPrint software. Photo via Prusa Research.

Sculpteo, the France-based digital manufacturing company and subsidiary of BASF, has introduced PA12 Blue, a new 3D printing material designed specifically for food handling, preparation and storage. This material complies with key regulations such as the European Unions (EU) food safety directives and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, making it applicable across other industries with stringent safety regulations.Founded in 2009, Sculpteo offers on-demand 3D printing services to businesses worldwide. The company provides a wide range of materials and technologies, including Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), and Stereolithography (SLA). In 2019, Sculpteo wasacquired by BASF, further strengthening its material innovation capabilities and expanding its market reach.PA12 Blue 3D-printed components. Photo via Sculpteo.Expanding Applications of PA12 BluePA12 Blue builds upon the widely used PA12 (Nylon 12), a material known for its excellent mechanical properties, durability, and resistance to chemicals and wear. PA12 has been a staple in additive manufacturing for applications requiring high-performance thermoplastics, including aerospace and automotive components. By introducing PA12 Blue, Sculpteo expands the capabilities of this material into food-safe applications. The material is highlighted by its mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and durability. These properties make it ideal for producing custom food processing tools, machinery parts, safety equipment, and kitchen utensils. The blue color is deliberately chosen, as blue is rarely found in natural foods, making it easier to detect foreign objects and reduce contamination risks.The material is versatile in the 3D printing industry, as it allows for rapid prototyping as well as finished consumer products. It has a high abrasion resistance and good UV resistance, which is ideal for highly demanding environments. The biocompatibility of this 3D printing material allows it to 3D print objects for medical and pharmaceutical applications, such as 3D printed prostheses.PA12 Blue is printed using SLS and its available in two formats, rough and smooth. The smoother finish is achieved through a chemical process that reduces the porosity of the material making it waterproof and easier to clean.Technical Benefits and Industry AdoptionSculpteos introduction of PA12 Blue aligns with a growing trend of incorporating 3D printing in the food industry, where rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing are becoming crucial for efficiency. With the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing in industrial sectors, the availability of certified food-safe materials expands the potential applications of 3D printing in commercial food production.As regulatory compliance remains a critical factor in food-related industries, materials like PA12 Blue could pave the way for wider adoption of 3D printing in food manufacturing and packaging solutions. Companies seeking to innovate in hygiene-sensitive environments may benefit from the flexibility and cost savings that Sculpteos new offering provides.Hygiene and Safety in Additive ManufacturingThe role of 3D printing in food safety has gained more relevance as industries seek innovative solutions for hygienic and regulatory-compliant manufacturing. ERIKS, an international industrial equipment supplier, has demonstrated how Ultimaker S5 3D printers can be leveraged to produce food-safe components, ensuring compliance with strict food safety standards. By using certified filaments and rigorous quality control measures, ERIKS has successfully integrated additive manufacturing into environments where contamination risks must be minimized.Meanwhile, researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a method of 3D printing which 3D prints and cooks food simultaneously. This system employs artificial intelligence (AI) and graphene based infrared heating to improve precision, efficiency and safety in the food printing process. The infrared-treated samples showed significantly reduced bacterial growth compared with traditional cooking methods.The importance of high sanitary standards in additive manufacturing has also been demonstrated in the medical sector. Similar to food production, the medical field demands precise material properties that prevent contamination and ensure compliance with industry safety regulations. Mass customization has transformed hygiene-sensitive industries, including healthcare and food production by leveraging industrial-grade 3D printing materials to manufacture made-to-fit medical devices, ensuring biocompatibility and regulatory compliance. Through its collaboration with Twikit, a digital manufacturing software company specializing in mass customization workflows Sculpteo demonstrates how advanced 3D scanning and customization workflows enable manufacturers to meet strict regulatory standards while maintaining cost efficiency.As 3D printing technologies continue to evolve, their applications in food safety and production efficiency are expected to expand, providing manufacturers with new ways to optimize processes while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Sculpteo PA material in blue. Photo via Sculpteo.Rodolfo HernandezRodolfo Hernndez is a writer and technical specialist with a background in electronics engineering and a deep interest in additive manufacturing. Rodolfo is most interested in the science behind technologies and how they are integrated into society.

In Buffalo, New York, the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo (LACB) has an important cultural role to play in the city that overlooks Lake Erie. Houses by Frank Lloyd Wright, Olmsted-designed parkspaces, and cultural institutions by other greats including Eliel and Eero Saarinen are among the buildings and landscapes that shape the city. The nonprofitfocused on advancing the citys architectural heritage and legacyoperates from the Richardson Olmsted Campus, a milieu with its own rich history. LACB recently announced plans to expand its footprint within the historic site. LACB will decamp from its post inside a tower of the Richardson Olmsted Campuss central building and instead set up shop in a former kitchen building part of the original campus function as a hospital. A new glass addition from Hweler + Yoon will accompany the restored historic structure.Building 12 was formerly a kitchen when the campus operated as a hospital. (Courtesy Hweler + Yoon)The LACBs new home not only involves saving and reusing another historic structure on the Campus, but, more importantly, represents an investment in the community by expanding the scope of the Centers mission to highlight one of the greatest collections of period architecture in the country, Paris Roselli, executive director of Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, shared in a statement. Before it was the Richardson Olmsted Campus, the buildings and accompanying property encompassed the Buffalo State Hospital, a treatment center for individuals with mental illness. The masonry buildings were designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The facility opened in 1880 and treated patients for nearly one hundred years before closing. Part of the campus was sold off in 1927 to create the Buffalo State University campus, while the remaining structures, including the historic copper-topped tower building, were left for naught until a reuse plan surfaced at the start of the 21st century. In 2017, TenBerke completed work on the propertys regeneration and the former hospital is now a hotel and conference and event center.Today, Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo mounts exhibitions on Buffalos architectural past inside the Richardson Hotel, the hospitality venture that opened in the towers building of the former hospital. In 2023 a contract was executed by to restore and stabilize Building 12, so LACB could move its operations and exhibitions to a more permanent location on the campus. The existing structure is a low-lying masonry building with a shingled hipped roof. The nonprofit also has plans for an addition.The glass addition will be faced with 18-foot, scalloped glass panels. (Courtesy Hweler + Yoon)Renderings of the proposed addition from Hweler + Yoon show a new rectangular glass vestibule connecting the historic Building 12 to a round glass pavilion. This primary volume will feature swelled, convex glazing. The structure will be built so as to nearly encircle the masonry building. Eric Hweler said the addition will create a mirage-like effect, a result of the 18-foot tall scalloped glass panels that face it. Inside, there will be gallery space. Under the original campus plan Building 12 was used as a kitchen; it was connected via a curved corridor to the other campus buildings. Similar corridors were implemented across the campus connecting the two wings to a central administration building.Reinforcement work on Building 12 is already underway. A timeline for the groundbreaking and construction of the glass addition will be announced this spring. Hweler + Yoon and LACB will work with Hadley Exhibits, Buffalo Construction Consultants, Cannon Design, Fisher Associates, R.E. Kelly, J.A. Gulick Window Company, and Weaver Metal & Roofing on the project that will surely only cement Buffalos architectural legacy.

Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET's key takeawaysLG's MyView Smart Monitor is exactly that: a monitor for your PC that doubles as a smart TV, with a starting price of $599.The dual-functioning nature of the monitor and ample screen size (32 inches) makes it ideal for offices, dorm rooms, and other confined spaces.You'll still want an external speaker or soundbar for the best entertainment experience. Trust me.The LG MyView Smart Monitor is currently on sale at Amazon for $497 (17% off)Every time I walk past the LG MyView Smart Monitor in my room, I think about how much better life would've been had it existed when I was "dorming" in college. The idea of a 32-inch 4K monitor that doubles as a TV just makes sense, especially for users in confined spaces and/or those who don't have the budget for both appliances. (I also wonder if I would've been able to get any studying done had the latest streaming services been just a remote click away. I digress.)Also:The 85+ best early Amazon Spring Sale tech deals live nowOver the past two weeks, I've been testing the 32SR85U model specifically, priced at $599. That's the highest configuration for the MyView series, offering a 4K UHD display, 90W USB-C passthrough charging, DCI-P3 95%, and a modular webcam accessory included in the box. I found all of those distinctive features beneficial for workflows that involved photo and video editing, writing, and collaboration. But even if you're more lax about how you use your monitor, there are still good reasons to read on. details View at Amazon Setting up the LG MyView is fairly straightforward; a snap-on mechanism secures the monitor to the height and tilt-adjustable base stand, a power cable keeps the device running, and you can pair a PC or laptop via one of the two HDMI ports on the back. Surely, you can connect a gaming console to the monitor too, but with a max refresh rate of 60Hz, don't expect to see the smoothest animations, even if you're on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox One X. The back of the monitor has three USB-C ports and two HDMI. Kerry Wan/ZDNETYou can technically operate the monitor without any input source because it is, after all, a smart TV. The MyView operates via LG's webOS 23 platform, which is more user-friendly than I expected, with just about every major streaming service laid out on the home screen and several "Quick Cards" above them for access to content folders like Game, Music, Sports, and Home Office.In theory, this categorization of apps and services should make it easy to navigate the TV. But I often found myself thinking deeply about what I needed to do or wanted to watch on the TV before clicking any further. When in doubt, I'd just go to YouTube or Netflix and call it a day, defeating the purpose of the UX.Also: The Mini LED TV I recommend to most people is currently $600 off at Best Buy - but not for longThe design of the MyView is remarkably similar to Samsung'sM8 Smart Monitor, from the frosted white finish to the magnetic webcam slot to the handy remote controller. That similarity should come as no surprise, considering how competitive the two brands have been in the home entertainment space. I welcome more options in this niche but ever-evolving smart monitor category.The MyView is better than the M8 in several ways, the first being the IPS panel versus Samsung's VA. The matte-treated IPS display on the LG monitor makes it ideal for photo and video editing, which are use cases that rely heavily on color accuracy and off-access viewing angles. I'm also a fan of LG's 90W charging via USB-C (versus the M8's 65W) for keeping my beefier MacBook Pro powered throughout the day. Kerry Wan/ZDNETOne area where the MyView lags is audio quality -- 5W built-in speakers don't do the multifaceted, entertainment-first nature of the smart monitor any justice, with a tinny, back-firing output that made me reach for a third-party speaker at first listen. For documentaries and podcasts, the monitor's speakers are passable. For just about everything else, I'd connect a secondary source or pair of wireless earbuds because the added hassle is absolutely worth it.Also: The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP - and why it makes such a big differenceWhat the MyView smart monitor lacks in audio, it makes up for in display quality, with a default color setting that I found pleasant on the eyes and not at all jarring (read: high brightness and oversaturation) -- which some TV panels tend to be at factory setting. From streaming shows on webOS to editing photos in Adobe Lightroom with my MacBook connected, MyView didn't overcompensate scenes and visuals to the point where I had to tone things down in the monitor settings, which was refreshing.ZDNET's buying adviceThe LG MyView Smart Monitor isn't going to out-pixel a standalone, professional-grade monitor or high-end TV. Still, it does provide a level of convenience that neither of the two can, and at a relatively accessible price. The MyView's pick-and-choose nature means there's likely a smart monitor available for almost every user type. As I mentioned earlier, this is the kind of product I wished I had back at my college dorm, in which I likely would've opted for the cheapest $199 variant of the MyView(which is also on sale for $167) with fewer ports and a smaller 27-inch screen. Because who wouldn't buy a TV-monitor hybrid that costs the same amount as a textbook? When will this deal expire? It's unknown exactly how long this deal will last as an expiration date wasn't given, but don't expect it to last for very long. Act fast and take advantage of the discounts while they last. Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on a deal, but don't fret -- we constantly find new chances to save and share them with you on ZDNET.com. Show more Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Featured reviews

AI video creation sounds magical - until you try it.

Snow WhiteCredit: DisneySince the moment it was revealed that Rachel Zegler would play Snow White in the live-action remake of the Disney animated classic, the film has been embroiled in controversy. This is hardly surprising. On some levels, Disney has invited the divisiveness, puzzlinglingly race-swapping various Disney princesses instead of making live-action films like The Princess And The Frog, which stars a black female protagonist.When it comes to Snow White, you cant help but wonder if Disney is just reverse-trolling. Trolling the trolls may be good for laughs (it was the entire strategy behind the Disney+ series She-Hulk) but it may not be a great strategy for box office success.Zegler herself stirred up plenty of controversy when she said of the new version of Snow White that Shes not going to be saved by the prince and shes not going to be dreaming about true love. She also called the prince a stalker saying, "The original cartoon came out in 1937 and very evidently so. Theres a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her weird." She noted that The prince is not a priority anymore and said of the original that she watched it once "and then I went on my merry way because I didn't need to watch it again."Many fans took these comments to be weirdly disrespectful of the source material, especially coming from the star of the new film who youd expect would issue more positive commentary promoting the live-action remake. (I dont particularly like the original, but then Im not promoting the remake!)Peter Dinklage also stirred up controversy when he called Disney hypocritical for remaking a movie about seven dwarfs living in cave. Actors affected by dwarfism took issue with Dinklages comments, which many saw as a reason Disney chose to use CGI dwarfsin the remake.So controversy has dogged the Marc Webb-directed film ever since its inception. Even the very act of remaking the film, particularly in a way that makes big changes to the originals plot, has been divisive. Of course, the 1937 film is dated and absolutely requires a modern refresh, which weve seen in past adaptations like Snow White and the Huntsman, but the black cloud swirling above this remake shows no signs of relenting.Had the film debuted to stupendous reviews, this controversy may have been muted. As it stands, the films current Rotten Tomatoes score, combined with bad word of mouth and anemic promotion from Disney itself, practically guarantees a box office failure.What The Critics Are SayingRotten TomatoesScreenshot: Erik KainAs of this writing, and just a day before Snow White hits the big screen, the film has a certified Rotten score of just 46% from 108 critics. For many critics, the film simply lacks imagination or depth, while offering up lackluster performances (aside from Zegler, who many praise as outstanding).The only positive outcome for Snow White, Disneys latest live-action reimagining of its classic animated catalogue, would be if it inspired a moratorium on such blatant consumerist film studio pursuits, Nicholas Bell of Fish Jelly Films says in his video review, echoing the view of audiences weary of what many see as blatant cash grabs devoid of originality.Carla Hay of Culture Mix notes that Even though Rachel Zegler shines as the title character of Disney's Snow White, the rest of this remake's live-action performances are mediocre to terrible. No magical spells can erase this cash-grab film's unconvincing visual effects and other missteps.This Snow White may not be the worst live-action adaptation of an animated touchstone," Rolling Stones David Fear writes, "though its a strong contender for its blandest. The movie does earn points as a bedtime story, however, because it will definitely put you to sleep.The films animated dwarfs and overall style turned off many critics.The most distracting flaws are rooted in the problematic re-creation of animated material, The Irish Timess Tara Brady writes. The permanent magic-hour lighting is hard to look at. Worst of all, the decision to cartoonise the dwarves alongside human actors is hugely problematic.In her video review, Dana Han-Klein says of the film: "If nightmarish CG dwarven polycules are your thing, boy howdy is there a film for you in the form of the creatively bankrupt live action remake of Snow White! It made us wish we had our own poison apple to eat instead of watching."Most of the praise for the film is perhaps ironically for Zegler, its most controversial star. Edward Douglas of The Weekend Warrior notes that she is truly a revelation and various other critics use the word shines to describe her performance, even while many of those same reviewers slam the rest of the film. MovieWebs Julian Roman writes: Zegler is magnificent in an enchanting live-action adaptation with fantastic musical numbers and just enough darkness to soften the sweet sentiments.It is not all doom and gloom, obviously, but many of the positive reviews are tepid at best. The Hollywood Reporters David Rooney writes that if the films premise sounds like the standard female-empowerment template thats almost obligatory in contemporary fairy-tale retreads, it more or less is. But the incandescent Zegler sells it with conviction and heart.Not The Fairest Live-Action Remake Of Them AllSnow WhiteCredit: DisneySo how does Snow Whites Rotten Tomatoes score compare to the other 20-odd Disney live-action remakes that have come before it?The best of the bunch, according to reviews, was 2016s The Jungle Book from director Jon Favreau. That sits at 94% with critics and 86% with audiences. That same year, David Lowerys Petes Dragon remake nabbed an 88% with critics, and a 72% with audiences, making it the second-best reviewed of the bunch.At 84%, Cinderellas Rotten Tomatoes score places the 2015 film in third place, with Cruellas 75% earning it the fourth spot (though audiences liked it a lot more, with a 97% rating). I called that film a stylish slog which I think is fairly accurate. (Theres a 1994 remake of The Jungle Book that reviewed slightly better but Im not including it in the current phase of Disney live-action remakes).2020s Mulan comes next with 71%, though audiences panned the film giving it a 46% which is far more realistic given how bad that movie was, ditching just about everything that made the animated film so charming.In seventh place is 2017s Beauty and the Beast (which I liked more than most of these, but which still pales in comparison to the original, which is an animated masterpiece) at 71% with critics and 80% with audiences.The Little Mermaid (2023) and Lady and the Tramp (2019) both have 67% with critics, though miraculously The Little Mermaid has a 94% audience score. Admittedly, I liked that film much more than I expected but it was so lifeless and drab compared to the wonderful animated original. Even Halle Baileys phenomenal singing couldnt undo the dreariness of the CGI. I suppose my expectations were so low that the end-result was still better than I thought it would be.After these films we get Peter Pan & Wendy at 65% with critics and just 11% with audiences; Aladdin at 57% critics / 94% audiences; Mufasa: The Lion King at 57% / 89%; Maleficent at 54% / 70%; The Lion King at 51% / 88%; Alice in Wonderland at 50% / 55% and finally Dumbo.Dumbo, from director Tim Burton, has 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, putting it at #16 in the list. Audiences liked it one percentage point better. We obviously dont know what Snow Whites audience score will look like, or what its final Rotten Tomatoes score will be, but as of now its tied with Dumbo in 16th place. Only a handful of Disneys live-action remakes have scored worse. These are:Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (40%/95%)101 Dalmatians (39%/40%)102 Dalmatians (30%/32%)Alice Through The Looking Glass (29%/48%)Pinocchio (27%/27%)At least it appears that Snow White will not be as terrible as Robert Zemeckiss disastrous Pinocchio, though this is obviously the lowest of low bars. It still puts the film in the bottom tier of Disneys live-action remakes, if not on the bottom rung, and this should cause the House Of Mouse concern. This should make Disney reconsider the course the company has been on in recent years and the widespread perception the live-action flood has created that this is little more than a massive cash-grab altogether devoid of originality and creativity.The Future Of Disney Live-Action RemakesShould Disney stop making these altogether? Do we really need a CGI fox as Robin Hood in a live-action remake of that film? Im not sure. I still think that a Princess and the Frog remake could be fantastic if the right people were involved. Or Tangled, which I still rank as the best Disney princess film of the 21st century (yes, even over Moana, as good as that movie was, and certainly over the Frozen films). And lets be honest, the Lilo & Stitch remake looks great! This might be the best-looking live-action remake so far!In any case, I do plan on heading to Snow White in theaters and judging for myself. Perhaps going in with very low expectations will make me enjoy it more, as happened with The Little Mermaid. But I cant help thinking that the very talented Rachel Zegler, PR snafus aside, deserves better than this, as do fans of all these wonderful old animated films. Then again, if I had it my way wed be getting more lovingly hand-drawn 2D Disney princess movies with people like Zegler and Bailey doing the voice work. And Alan Menken composing. If only Alan Menken could live forever and compose every Disney musical, I would be a happy moviegoer.I miss the days of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. The animation was so incredible and the music was better than anything these new films have come up with. Its still odd to me that the short-lived Galavant series did a better job at capturing the live-action feel of old Disney films than any of these remakes.Will you be at the movies this weekend? What are you going to see? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

The Qualcomm FastConnect 7700QualcommWi-Fi 7 is still a relatively new and high-end technology that has traditionally been reserved for flagship phones and other high-end mobile devices. A lot of this has to do with cost; the desire by chipmakers to bring this cost down is why we are starting to see Wi-Fi 7 chipsets like the new Qualcomm FastConnect 7700 that are specifically targeted at mainstream smartphones and other mobile devices.Qualcomm is one of the undisputed leaders in the semiconductor industry when it comes to Wi-Fi solutions, especially for the Wi-Fi 7 standard. For a while now, its FastConnect 7800 and 7900 chips have been found in many of the worlds leading flagship phones and high-end laptops. The company even brags that across client devices and infrastructure it has more than 1,000 of these designs launched or in development.Qualcomm began this journey back in 2022 with the FastConnect 7800, which was the companys first Wi-Fi 7 product and can now be found in over 450 products. After the FastConnect 7800, the company followed up with the 7900, which added AI enhancements and was the companys first integrated Wi-Fi solution with Bluetooth and UWB connectivity.How The FastConnect 7700 Fits Into Qualcomms LineupThis brings us to the recently launched FastConnect 7700, which is part of Qualcomms second-generation of Wi-Fi chipsets, taking more from the 7900 and less from the 7800. What this means is that the 7700 starts with stronger fundamentals such as AI-enhanced Wi-Fi, which I detailed when I wrote about the FastConnect 7900 last year. The 7700 uses those on-device AI models to optimize traffic through quality of service, which delivers optimized battery, latency and bandwidth based on traffic. The FastConnect 7700 also maintains 320-megahertz channel support (which many low-cost Wi-Fi 7 solutions drop down to 160 megahertz) and still offers 4K QAM modulation. This is why the FastConnect 7700 can still claim a peak theoretical Wi-Fi speed of 5.8 Gbps, the same as the 7800 and 7900.The 7700 is also an upgrade over the 7800 in the sense that it has Bluetooth 6.0 support versus Bluetooth 5.4. It also includes Bluetooth Channel Sounding, which is a useful feature for improving Bluetooth accuracy and for using a device as a trusted Bluetooth connection for automotive or other applications. The FastConnect 7700 also brings Qualcomms XPAN technology along with Snapdragon Sound yet another upgrade over the 7800, while offering parity with the 7900. The 7700, like its FastConnect siblings, still supports 6-gigahertz, 5-gigahertz and 2.4-gigahertz connectivity (where applicable, since not all countries support 6 gigahertz over Wi-Fi).In terms of missing features, the FastConnect 7700 loses Qualcomms Dual-Band Simultaneous and High-Band Simultaneous connectivity, which allow for better speeds and reduced latency in demanding low-latency applications like gaming. It also lacks the UWB connectivity integration of the FastConnect 7900, which makes sense given that the 7700 is a lower-cost design.What is interesting is that the FastConnect 7700 adopts the same 14nm process node as the FastConnect 7800, meaning that its a very mature manufacturing process for Qualcomms Wi-Fi business and offers considerable cost savings. That said, it also isnt as advanced as the 6nm process node on the FastConnect 7900, which likely means less power savings for the 7700.Expanding Wi-Fi 7s ReachI believe that Qualcomm is right when it says that the FastConnect 7700 is a chipset targeting OEMs that want to upgrade from Wi-Fi 6 rather than devices already using Wi-Fi 7. A lower-cost solution using a more mature process node should mean better accessibility for Wi-Fi 7, which is inherently faster and lower-latency than Wi-Fi 6 while also being more secure. Qualcomm claims that this chip is 2x faster than Broadcoms 160-megahertz solution in the Apple iPhone 16, but real-world speeds are often much closer than that. (Speed differences are more noticeable in real-world settings when a Wi-Fi 7 chip is paired with an appropriate Wi-Fi 7 router.)I would expect most devices using the FastConnect 7700 to be mainstream smartphones, but I could see tablets and PCs leveraging this chip as well, especially now that Qualcomm has a Snapdragon X processor for mainstream PCs that the 7700 could be paired with. I expect that the FastConnect 7700 will compete directly with offerings from the likes of Broadcom and MediaTek, and it will be interesting to see which design wins Qualcomm collects across the ever-widening set of compute verticals it supports. While I dont expect every FastConnect 7700 to ship with a Snapdragon processor, I do expect this combination to be the most likely one well see for now and a significant avenue for uptake of the 7700 in the market.Moor Insights & Strategy provides or has provided paid services to technology companies, like all tech industry research and analyst firms. These services include research, analysis, advising, consulting, benchmarking, acquisition matchmaking and video and speaking sponsorships. Of the companies mentioned in this article, Moor Insights & Strategy currently has (or has had) a paid business relationship with Broadcom, MediaTek and Qualcomm.Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades

Recap: It has been nearly a full decade since an ultra-rare prototype of a Super Nintendo / PlayStation mashup was discovered. The curious creation was the result of a partnership between Nintendo and Sony in the early 90s that ultimately soured, and it was believed that all 200 or so prototypes had been destroyed. The unit discovered in 2015 was believed to be the only surviving example, and fetched a healthy $360,000 at auction. A controller for the system went for $35,000. As it turns out, there's at least one other Nintendo PlayStation in existence.Japanese photographer Julian Domanski recently met with former Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Ken Kutaragi, who just so happened to have another prototype in his closet.Kutaragi joined Sony in 1975 and worked his way up the ranks. The company had no interest in video games at the time but after watching his daughter play Nintendo's Famicom, Kutaragi saw a future in it. Working in secret, he developed the SPC700 sound chip that'd eventually find its way into the SNES.The project led to Nintendo and Sony working together on a CD-ROM add-on for the SNES as well as a console called the Play Station that accepted both SNES cartridges and CDs. Given Kutaragi's involvement, it's not terribly surprising to learn he kept a prototype hidden away all this time. // Related StoriesKutaragi went on to oversee the original PlayStation as well as the PS2 and PS3, and is known in many circles as the Father of the PlayStation. He left Sony in 2007.Domanski shared photos of the prototype on X, which looks to vary slightly from the unit that cropped up in 2015. Kutaragi's system, for example, has three audio jacks on the front whereas the 2015 unit only featured a single headphone jack. We'd love for Kutaragi to elaborate more on the project and his prototype, although that seems unlikely considering this is the first we have even heard of its existence.Image credit: Julian Domanski