Halfway through October 2021 my youngest daughter, just 7 years old at the time, came to me with concern in her eyes. The Nintendo Switch wouldnt turn on, and its last few moments of operation were concerning. Something about a download that had just completed, she said, and a button that said update. That was the end of the line for that particular unit, but only the beginning of my troubles with a console that would proceed to try my patience until this very day an experience that makes me loath to consider buying the Nintendo Switch 2.The Hall family had been victim to a technical snafu as old as mobile devices themselves, the dreaded low-power firmware update. Thats when a device, like an iPhone or a graphics card or a $250 red-and-black plastic hunk of shit, loses power while its upgrading its most important layer of software. Firmware refers to the pieces of code that tell a device that its a device and not a 398-gram brick, and as I took the tripartite console from her tiny little hands where it was cradled like a dead bird I knew that it was a total loss. But that wasnt the worst part.Inside that black mirror of despair were dozens of tiny, furry neighbors her digital friends from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The new island backup feature had only recently been introduced, and her idiot father hadnt yet taken the time to perform the arcane rites required to save a Nintendo Switch game to the cloud.Her friends were all dead, of that I was sure. So, too, was the bell-selling knickknack shop that she and her older sister had built from scratch before showing it off on the Polygon Twitch channel. My house, my wifes house, those damnable ladders and bridges that took weeks to build, and, of course, the peach trees that we all loved so much none of them were ever coming back.Ultimately, its my fault. Im the user here, and it was my error. But I get to be angry at Nintendo for not making something like backing up hundreds of hours of irretrievable gameplay, shared joyfully during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, just a little bit easier or dare I say it a feature that gets turned on automatically from the start.Everything about the Switch is a quirk, and some of them are more obnoxious than othersBut Nintendo doesnt treat the cloud like other console manufacturers do. It doesnt treat online storefronts like other console manufacturers do, either. Or onboard storage. Or game cartridges. Or online multiplayer. Or friends lists. Or televisions, for that matter. Everything about the Switch is a quirk, and some of them are more obnoxious than others.While having our original Nintendo Switch replaced by a refurbished one set me back pert near $120, Ive easily spent at least that much buying additional controllers over the years. Both of the original Joy-Cons that shipped with our original Switch suffered from Joy-Con drift, something that my children suffered through wordlessly for months before I realized it.What is happening to Mario? I asked one day while watching the girls play in the basement.Oh, thats just how the controllers work now, said my oldest. I was incredulous. There is no scenario where I would accept anything other than absolute obeisance from a human input device, but here my kids were making do, trying to complete nefarious jumping puzzles with a joystick that was barely capable of walking a virtual avatar in a straight line. Suffice it to say that they eventually lost the taste for piloting the tiny red plumber especially when it took the better part of two months to get our controllers back after being repaired under the warranty.When the next two broke, I just threw them away. It wasnt even worth a trip to the post office for me.Today were in a better place, thanks. The girls both have healthy relationships with video game consoles like the Xbox Series X, with iPhones and iPads, and with Windows PCs, as well as a catalog of games that each of them can call home. But they remain literally afraid of the Nintendo Switch, a console that let them down multiple times for various reasons. I cant even coax them to bring it along for road trips.They wont forget that experience, and I wont either. And thats why Im waving off the Nintendo Switch 2. Ive got enough to worry about in the year of our lord 2025 that risking a visitation from another wonky portable console isnt even on my radar.

Marvel Studios went live at 11 a.m. EDT with a stream on Instagram and YouTube depicting a canvas directors chair with Chris Hemsworths name on it. The studios official account on X posted the stream with no context except the word ANNOUNCEMENT and the text take a seat. The stream is currently revealing further chairs one at a time at roughly 10-minute intervals, each featuring a new familiar name of an actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe roster. The logical assumption is that were seeing a slow-burn reveal of the cast for Marvel Studios upcoming event movie Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and probably as many Avengers as Marvel can cram on screen. (But not Dr. Strange, apparently.)As of this posting, weve seen chairs for Hemsworth (presumably returning as Thor), Vanessa Kirby (set to play Sue Storm, aka Invisible Woman, in Fantastic Four: Next Steps later this year), Anthony Mackie (fresh off his run as Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World), Sebastian Stan (as Bucky Barnes, aka Winter Soldier, who showed up for a cameo in Brave New World and will co-star in Thunderbolts* in May), and Letitia Wright (Shuri from the Black Panther movies).If the current pace continues, and the primary cast is as sprawling as it was for previous Avengers movies, we can expect this livestream to continue for hours, with fans mostly waiting to see whether supposedly retired MCU players like Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson have been lured back into the game. (The latter is an extreme long-shot, given Johanssons recent interview where she emphasized that her MCU character, Black Widow, is dead, and that Marvel fans should move on.)But the real appeal in the stream and on social media is the raucous live-chat and run of memes, as Marvel fans with nothing to do but wait try to out-funny each other in expressing their impatience for the stream to move on. pic.twitter.com/B6JY1kIfvb arianators wildin (@arianatorswildt) March 26, 2025This post is being updated live as the stream continues. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in 2026.

Most traditional investment firm offices hardly exude a sense of warmth, but rather have a staid, buttoned-up aesthetic. A refurbished commercial space, designed by dMFK Architects, now fosters connection and community in a welcoming environment.Located in Londons Mayfair neighborhood, the 6,500-square-foot headquarters is set within a heritage building. The base-build renovation, while high quality, had diluted some of the historic character. The architects were tasked with creating a range of distinct, separate areas that still encourage collaboration among all staff members. We wanted to maintain the separation for the employees who work quite autonomously, but to also facilitate regular interaction between everyone, says Joshua Scott, director at dMFK Architects.The original split-level space has been subdivided into a range of smaller offices, working pods, and intimate meeting rooms. These areas flow into larger open-plan sections, which creates a circuit of connectivity. The arrangement supports any number of styles of work for the 50-person team. Staff members can come together in small groups for conversation or to brainstorm. They can also choose from quieter spots, ideal when privacy is needed.Rich materials are layered to bring added depth to interiors, yet are still in harmony with the existing elements. It was a deliberate choice to mix and match finishes and textures, just like you would find in a home, notes Dagmar Heiman, associate at dMFK Architects. It lends a softness to the overall space, which is in contrast to the streamlined but almost clinical office settings that we often see today.Light and dark stained woods, for example, are paired with natural stone or ceramic slabs. Ash flooring alongside oak joinery provides subtle variation. A neutral palette complements the clients curated collection of artwork on display throughout the office. From sculptures to paintings with bold brushstrokes, the pieces add pops of vibrant color. They enliven every corner, offering moments of surprise as individuals move from one floor to another.Furnishings, specifically selected or custom designed, contribute to the lived-in feel, and are made to fit rooms of varying sizes. A bespoke dining table rests at the heart of the hub, a central spot for employees to gather for shared meals or events. Even a sit-stand desk gets a sophisticated update in wood, developed in tandem with the client to reflect the elevated surroundings rather than detract from them.The architects envision a headquarters that will evolve as the needs of the staff and leadership change. Theres an authenticity and a tactility here thats meant to last, and like a patina, we hope it will get better with age, Scott adds.For more information on dMFK Architects, visit dmfk.co.uk.Photography by Ed Reeve.

Most everyday objects go largely unnoticed switch plates, coat hooks, salt shakers. Functional and familiar, theyve often remained unchanged for decades, serving their purpose without much thought. But every so often, a design comes along that challenges convention. CIRCUIT, a fruit bowl designed by Swiss designer Renaud Defrancesco, does just that, reimagining both materiality and function. Inspired by marble runs, it transforms a simple storage vessel into a dynamic display of freshness.Available in two shapes (O and S) and crafted from cork, oak, and maple wood, CIRCUIT rethinks the traditional fruit bowl, where produce is often piled together, accelerating ripening. Instead, it allows each piece of fruit to rest individually, improving air circulation and prolonging freshness. More than just a neatly organized and visually striking display, this thoughtful design helps reduce food waste by preventing over-ripening and spoilage. This inventive approach is central to Defrancescos work he thrives on reimagining everyday objects, as seen in TWIST, a playful take on the classic pencil sharpener, and his boot design with a built-in pocket for shears, seamlessly blending function with unexpected detail.Handcrafted in protected workshops in Switzerland, CIRCUIT also reflects Defrancescos commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and ethical production, merging utility with artistry that elevates the everyday. Whether cradling fruit on a kitchen counter or holding essentials like keys and sunglasses on an entryway table, CIRCUIT brings elegance to even the most ordinary moments.To learn more about CIRCUIT and bring it into your own home, visit renauddefrancesco.ch.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you're in the market for a sleek wireless speaker, the Sonos Era 100 is currently $50 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Normally priced at $249, the current discount brings the speaker down to just $199. This is as low a price as this speaker has ever been, according to price-tracking tools.The Sonos Era 100 is a smart speaker that can work as stereo with a pair or as rear speakers in a Sonos surround sound system. It is an updated version of the Sonos One smart speaker, offering better bass and other improvements. The speaker is a favorite among anyone looking for high-quality sound in a smart-system package. It has an "excellent" review from PCMag for its ability to play stereo with a single device (it has a dual tweeter setup), its balanced audio, and the well-developed companion app that allows you to adjust the EQ. Sonos Era 100 $198.00 at Walmart $807.42 Save $609.42 Get Deal Get Deal $198.00 at Walmart $807.42 Save $609.42 As Lifehacker's deals expert Daniel Oropeza explains, Sonos takes their user-friendliness seriously. When people complained about an update on their companion app that got rid of many cool features, Sonos listened and put them back. It's no wonder they've been so popular in the audio market. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including:The Best Over-Ear HeadphonesThe Best Wireless EarbudsThe Best Adjustable Dumbbell SetsThe Best Projectors

You may have seen a headline this week imply that OneNote, the extremely popular note-taking application from Microsoft, is shutting down. That's not the caseonly a specific version of OneNote, named "OneNote for Windows 10," is shutting down.What's this mean? If you don't use Windows, this news doesn't affect you. If you do use Windows, and your version of OneNote does not say "OneNote for Windows 10" at the top of the window, this news doesn't affect you. If your version of OneNote does say "OneNote for Windows 10" at the top of the window, then this news is relevant: The version of OneNote you're currently using will be discontinued on Oct. 14. You can download the desktop version of OneNote for free, though, and all of your notes will sync over.It's worth noting that the desktop version of OneNote offers features that OneNote for Windows 10 never didit can save your notebooks offline, for example, meaning you don't need a OneDrive account to use the application. And the shutdown isn't a surprise by any meansMicrosoft announced this transition would happen years ago.Still, not everyone is happy about this. OneNote for Windows 10 was built to work well on mobile devices and, to this day, some users prefer it for touch screen Windows devices. I tested both versions while writing and regularly updating the OneNote review for PCMag and I personally find the desktop version more complete, but I understand why some might prefer the "for Windows 10" versionit's clean, fast, and does what most people want.You can still, as of this writing, download OneNote for Windows 10 at this link. Microsoft advises you not to, and plans to show pop-ups and even intentionally slow down syncing speed in order to persuade people to switch. Support ends completely in October, after which there will be no security updates and, if history is any guide, functionality will likely slowly break.So, if you're using OneNote for Windows 10, it's time to figure out what you want to use for note-taking going forward. I'd recommend downloading and trying the desktop version of OneNote first. If you're not a fan, there are other note-taking applications out there: Obsidian, which I've written about, can even import your notes from OneNote.

Anker devices make up some of our top picks for the best power banks on the market, and the company debuted a few new ones at CES this year. Those included Anker's Laptop Power Bank, a 25,000mAh portable charger with three 100W USB-C ports and a single USB connector. That new device is down to the best price we've seen since launch as part of Amazon's Spring Sale just $88, which represents a 20-percent discount from its original price. The new power bank, available in Black and Silver, comes with two USB-C cables and can charge four devices simultaneously. It works with laptops, smartphones, cameras, gaming consoles and more. For example, it can charge an MacBook Air with an M3 chip to 50 percent in 33 minutes. It can also get an iPhone 16 to the same level in just 25 minutes. Plus, its display shows the battery's health and temperature, along with output and input wattage. Anker's 140W four-port wall charger is also discounted for Amazon's Spring Sale. You can pick it up right now for $77, down from $90. It offers a display that tracks power usage for each port, fast-charge status and temperature. Plus, it has something Anker refers to as an "odometer," tracking lifetime usage hour by hour. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ankers-latest-chargers-and-power-banks-are-up-to-20-percent-off-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-130131799.html?src=rss

The Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum has been discounted to $150 as part of the Amazon Spring Sale. Thats 25 percent off and close to a record-low price. The sale only applies to the standard white model and not the blue one. The LVAC-200 made our list of the best cordless vacuums. We loved the lightweight design. It only weighs three pounds and it can easily be disassembled for storage. Just pop the cleaning head from the extension arm and the arm from the motor base. It also features a locking mechanism, so it can stand upright between cleaning sessions. The cleaning power here is more than sufficient. We found that it did a good job with "all kinds of dry messes." It has three suction modes, so it can handle both hard and carpeted floors. It can even suck up pet hair, which is the true test of any vacuum. The design allows for the vacuum to easily reach underneath couches and beds, which is a fantastic bonus. On the downside, the dustbin is pretty small, at just 0.75 liters. We found during our testing that the bin could fill up with just one full cleaning session. The vacuum also includes a five-stage filtration system, but it doesnt include a true HEPA filter.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-cordless-vacuums-drops-to-150-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-153019530.html?src=rss

Samsung has announced US pricing for its new 4K and 8K mini-LED TVs, and prices for the flagship 8K series are largely higher than in 20204.

Microsoft is adding deep reasoning to Copilot Studio as well as even more autonomy with agentic AI.