Nintendo has announced a new Switch feature called the Virtual Game Card, making it easier to lend out digital games.

You can download the new Nintendo Today smartphone app, erm, well, today.

Wall Street was optimistic that President Trump term would be more favorable for technology stocks, but the sector has gotten off to a rough start to the year.

Rodeo FX, the award-winning visual effects powerhouse behind major productions like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Dune: Part One & Two, and The Rings of Power, has officially acquired Mikros Animation, formerly owned by the Technicolor Group. This acquisition includes all Mikros Animation operations and Technicolor Canadas equipment, securing the animation studios continuity following the recent shutdown of other Technicolor entities.Mikros Animation, known for its work on PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Orion and the Dark, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, has an extensive portfolio of 17 feature-length animated films and numerous episodic series. The studios content, spanning nearly 300 hours of programming, has reached audiences in over 180 countries through major networks like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, TF1, and France TV.A Shared Vision for the FutureSebastien Moreau, Founder and CEO of Rodeo FX, emphasized the shared creative values between the two studios. Welcoming Mikros Animation into our creative family isnt just about growthits about aligning with people who share our passion for storytelling and the magic of animation. Together, were building a creative home where artists can dream bigger, push further, and inspire the world, Moreau stated.Julien Meesters, the newly appointed President of Mikros Animation, echoed this sentiment. Mikros Animation and Rodeo FX have always shared a mutual respect and admiration. Joining the Rodeo FX family opens new doors for us to explore broader animation horizons and to continually reinvent ourselves. Over the years, weve built incredible stories alongside our partners. Now, were embracing new challenges to ensure Mikros Animation remains a leading home for filmmakers, Meesters said.Strategic Expansion and Global GrowthThe acquisition marks another milestone in Rodeo FXs global expansion, following the opening of its fifth international office in Paris in 2023. This move reinforces the companys economic stability and resilience amid the post-pandemic shifts and recent disruptions caused by Hollywood labor strikes.Above all, we want to preserve Mikros Animations creative magicthat signature that made them the renowned studio they are today, said Jordan Soles, Senior Vice President and Partner at Rodeo FX. This move allows our studios to strengthen their position and continue raising the bar for impactful projects.Mikros Animation will maintain its brand identity, unique projects, production pipeline, and most of its leadership and creative team. The studio is currently working on several high-profile titles, including the third installment of the PAW Patrol film franchise, directed by Cal Brunker.Rodeo FXs Industry LeadershipRodeo FX continues to be a dominant force in the visual effects industry. The studio has earned Academy Awards for its work on Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two and recently received three nominations at the Visual Effects Society Awards for its contributions to Expats, The Rings of Power Season 2, and Dune: Prophecy.With major projects in production for Apple TV+, HBO, and Netflix, Rodeo FXs acquisition of Mikros Animation solidifies its position as a leading creative partner for some of the most ambitious storytelling in the industry.The post Rodeo FX Acquires Mikros Animation from Technicolor Group appeared first on Vfxexpress.

The United States has given an initial approval for the energy-rich Mideast nation of Qatar to buy eight armed MQ-9B Predator drones for its military, an estimated purchase worth nearly $2 billion.The State Department approval announced early Thursday for Qatar comes after Doha had been trying to purchase the drones during the Biden administration, but hadnt gotten the OK despite serving as an interlocutor for Washington to the Taliban in Afghanistan, Irans theocracy and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The immediate approval under President Donald Trump serves as a far-different starting point for his governments relations with Qatarparticularly after he initially backed a four-nation boycott of Doha during his first term.This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.Qatars government did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Qatar is the second-largest purchaser of U.S. military equipment after Saudi Arabia, spending over $26 billion for F-15 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, missile defense systems, and other gear.The proposed sale now goes to the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers typically weigh in on such sales and, in some cases, can block them.Under terms of the sale, Qatar would purchase eight of the drones, as well as hundreds of bombs and missiles to arm the pilotless aircraft with and the equipment necessary to fly them by satellite.General Atomics Reapers, which cost around $30 million apiece, can fly at altitudes over 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and have an endurance of more than 30 hours before needing to land. The aircraft have been flown by both the U.S. military and the CIA over the Middle East for years, in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now over Yemen during the American bombing campaign there. The drone has a land and sea version.The initial approval for Qatar, however, comes after the nearby United Arab Emirates has been waiting since 2020 to purchase up to 18 MQ-9 drones as part of a $23 billion deal also including advanced F-35 fighter jets. Trump has a particularly close relationship with the UAE, which reached a diplomatic recognition deal with Israel under his administration in 2020.Jon Gambrell, Associated Press

In a significant design appointment, Mauro Porcini has been announced as the Chief Design Officer at Samsung.The position, newly created for Porcini, is his third time establishing a Chief Design Officer role at a major companyfollowing 3M and PepsiCo. Its also the first time that Samsung has hired a foreign design lead.Its an aggressive move at a time when Samsungs business is facing crisis-level headwinds. The company just lost its co-CEO Jong-Hee to cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, its shed marketshare in semiconductors to competitors, all while China is becoming better and better at building almost everything. And Samsungs Mexico-based production (which represents a significant part of the business) faces 25% tariffs under the Trump administration.On the other hand, when I visited Samsungs headquarters outside Seoul in late 2023 and met with the design team, I encountered a grounding confidence Ive never sensed during any U.S. corporate tour, when the team stated simply, Samsung is a thousand-year company.During a time when some companiesincluding Appleare investing less in design leadership, Samsung is doubling down on the approach. Porcini has been tasked with an incredible opportunity, and he will have his work cut out for him.

This Multi Auto Spray product is by Japanese industrial design consultancy Lont. The product consists of just the gun. Because all Japanese 500mL bottles (roughly equivalent to our 16-oz bottles in the 'States) have standardized cap threading, the Multi Auto Spray can use any 500mL bottle as its vessel.The product is designed for gardening, cleaning and even dogwalking (for spraying dog mess off of the sidewalk). It comes with a carabiner that loops through the leather strap up top, so it can be hung from a belt. It's powered by an internal USB-rechargeable battery. You rotate the nozzle to either jet or mist, and you spray it by pressing the large button on the back. It can empty roughly 25 500mL bottles on a single charge. The Multi Auto Spray is in production by Japanese gadget company Belle Leaf and retails for 7,000 (USD $47).

PROS: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite silicon Fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging Bright and vibrant displayCONS: No LTPO display technology for dynamic refresh rates Modest battery size compared to its competitorsRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Poco F7 Ultra pushes the boundaries of the mid-tier market segment with a powerful, well-rounded device that offers a solid performance-to-price ratio.Originally launched as a sub-brand of Xiaomi in 2018, Poco has steadily built its own identity by offering powerful smartphones at highly competitive prices. Over the years, it has earned a loyal following by consistently delivering impressive features without the premium price tag. Now, with the Poco F7 Ultra, the brand is stepping up its game with its first-ever Ultra label. This marks a significant milestone, as the coveted Ultra tag, usually reserved for Xiaomis top-tier devices, such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric car, makes its debut in the Poco lineup.As the first phone to carry the prestigious Ultra label and the tagline Unleash Ultra Power, the Poco F7 Ultra aims to redefine expectations for both performance and design, raising the bar for the brand. This release is set to combine robust performance and cutting-edge technology, making it a serious contender in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. In this review, well take an in-depth look at the Poco F7 Ultras design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value. Will this device continue Pocos legacy of shaking up the market? Lets find out.Designer: PocoAestheticsThe design of the Poco F7 Ultra takes a step in a new direction compared to its predecessors. It is available in two color variants Black and Yellow and we had the opportunity to review the vibrant Yellow version. Both variants feature a matte glass back with a subtle two-tone effect, giving the phone a fresh and premium look. The black variant has a glossy top section, while the Yellow variant boasts an entirely matte finish. The matte surface feels smooth and comfortable in hand, and it does an excellent job of resisting fingerprints and smudges, which is always a plus.The circular camera island, which houses the triple-camera setup and IR blaster, is positioned in the top-left corner and sits within an aerospace-grade aluminum deco ring in gunmetal. The cameras are arranged asymmetrically, creating a sense of rhythm, while the radial pattern on the camera island adds visual interest. A subtle gold accent on the camera island further elevates its aesthetic appeal.A standout design feature is a retro-futuristic pattern that wraps around the top third of the back panel, giving the phone a unique and distinctive look. However, the large logo at the bottom is hard to miss and may feel a bit too bold for some, slightly cluttering an otherwise clean design. Overall, the Poco F7 Ultra offers a distinct design with a few bold details that set it apart from the competition without feeling overly complicated.ErgonomicsMeasuring 160.26 x 74.95 x 8.39 mm and weighing 212g, the Poco F7 Ultra isnt the lightest or thinnest phone in its category. However, its design doesnt feel cumbersome. The textured back panel, matte frame, and gently curved edges combine to enhance ergonomics, making the device comfortable to hold for extended periods. While it feels solid and secure in hand, the phones width may pose a challenge for one-handed use, especially for those with smaller hands; at least, that was the case for me.Despite its larger size, the ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor is strategically placed for a natural unlocking experience, ensuring a smooth transition from unlocking to using the phone. As for the placements, the volume rocker and power button are located on the right side, while the bottom houses the dual SIM card slot, USB-C port, and main speaker. The other dual stereo speaker is placed at the top.PerformanceUnder the hood, the Poco F7 Ultra is powered by Qualcomms latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering top-tier performance for demanding tasks. To further elevate the devices capabilities, Poco pairs the Snapdragon 8 Elite with its own dedicated graphics chip, the Vision Boost D7, designed to enhance gaming visuals and provide an exceptional entertainment experience.When playing graphic-intensive titles like Genshin Impact, the phone handles the game effortlessly at the highest settings, offering a smooth, lag-free experience. While the device does get warm during extended play sessions, it never becomes uncomfortably hot, allowing for prolonged gaming without any noticeable issues. Notably, the camera island remains unobtrusive, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience.The stereo dual speakers offer loud and clear sound, though they may lack some depth in terms of bass. Still, they provide a satisfying audio experience, making the phone ideal for music, videos, or gaming. The F7 Ultra runs Xiaomi HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, and Poco promises up to four major Android updates and six years of security patches, ensuring the device remains up-to-date and secure for years to come.The Poco F7 Ultra features a versatile triple-camera setup: a 50MP main camera, a 50MP 2.5x telephoto camera, and a 32MP ultra-wide camera. Additionally, it comes equipped with a 32MP front-facing camera designed to capture sharp and clear selfies. The 50MP main camera, equipped with Xiaomis Light Fusion 800 image sensor, paired with a large 1/1.55 sensor size and an f/1.6 aperture, captures vibrant, detailed images with minimal noise, even in moderately low light conditions. The camera delivers rich colors and sharpness, though it can sometimes produce slightly overexposed highlights in high-contrast situations.Complementing the main camera is the 50MP telephoto lens, offering 2.5x optical zoom with an f/2.0 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). This telephoto lens also doubles as a macro camera, capable of focusing on subjects as close as 10 cm, making it versatile for both distant shots and intricate close-ups. Photos from this lens are sharp, with fine detail, particularly at zoom up to 5x.The 32MP ultra-wide camera, with its f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree field of view, is adept at capturing expansive landscapes and group shots. While the image quality is generally solid, there is some softening around the edges of the frame, resulting in a slight loss of detail in wide-angle shots. Overall, while the photos from all three cameras can sometimes be a bit overexposed and overly saturated, they offer good performance for a non-camera-centric device. Considering the Poco F7 Ultras price point, the camera system holds its own, delivering good results for most everyday photography needs.In terms of video, the Poco F7 Ultra supports 8K recording at 24 fps with the main and telephoto cameras, while the ultra-wide and front-facing cameras are limited to 1080p at 60 fps. Furthermore, the lack of 120fps recording, particularly on a device with the Ultra label, may be disappointing for some users. While the video quality is generally good, these limitations are unfortunate and somewhat hold back its full potential.With its 5,300mAh battery, the F7 Ultra comfortably lasts a full day with regular use. It also supports 120W fast wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for other devices. Its pretty much on par with the latest technologies in this area, but the battery capacity feels a bit too modest given the size of the phone.SustainabilityWhen it comes to sustainability and repairability, the Poco F7 Ultra doesnt appear to have many standout features. While the device doesnt make any major waves in terms of eco-friendly initiatives, there are some practical durability features worth noting. The IP68 water and dust resistance is a welcome improvement, ensuring the phone can withstand splashes, spills, and dust, adding an extra layer of protection for those who tend to be a bit rough on their devices.The F7 Ultra also comes equipped with Poco Shield Glass, which the brand claims to be the toughest screen protection ever on one of their devices. This should give users more peace of mind when it comes to handling the phone day-to-day, as it is designed to resist scratches and minor impacts, making the device more resilient to everyday wear and tear. In terms of software support, Poco offers an impressive four major Android updates and six years of security patches, further prolonging the usefulness of the device.ValuePocos first Ultra label faces fierce competition in the sub-700 price range. Starting at $649 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage all the way up to just $699 with 16GB of RAM and 512GB, quite a tempting offer for consumers on a tight budget. Other models on this tier include the Vivo iQOO 13 and Realme GT7 Pro, both featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite in similar form factors, as well as larger batteries and slightly bigger screens with LTPO technology.However, the Poco F7 Ultra stands out by offering something the iQOO 13 and Realme GT7 Pro dontan expansive ecosystem, thanks to its parent company, Xiaomi. For gamers, the iQOO 13 and Realme GT7 Pro feature larger camera bumps that can obstruct gameplay, while the F7 Ultras dedicated graphics chip ensures a superior visual experience. Additionally, wireless charging on the Poco F7 Ultra is a notable edge for users who value convenience.VerdictThe Poco F7 Ultra marks a bold move for the brand as it enters the Ultra category. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with the dedicated Vision Boost D7 graphics chip, and featuring a vibrant 6.67-inch AMOLED display, the F7 Ultra handles demanding tasks with ease, whether youre gaming or multitasking. It delivers solid performance while offering well-rounded features like a capable triple-camera system, a distinctive design, and 120W wired and 50W wireless fast charging capabilities.Ultimately, the Poco F7 Ultra is a premium mid-range device that brings impressive features to the table. It excels in gaming, display quality, and performance, while also delivering solid camera capabilities. While it does face stiff competition, it is clear that Poco is pushing its boundaries with this device, setting a new bar for itself and its fans. If youre in the market for a powerful, well-rounded device that offers a solid performance-to-price ratio, the F7 Ultra is definitely worth considering.The post Poco F7 Ultra Review: Setting the Bar Higher first appeared on Yanko Design.

Designed by Wittman Estes, an architecture studio in Seattle, the Whidbey Puzzle Prefab offers a refreshing and fascinating perspective on sustainable modular housing. Occupying around 600 sq ft, the compact prototype is situated on Washington States Whidbey Island. It was created to showcase that prefab homes can minimize the environmental impact, while offering a flexible and modular lifestyle.The Whidbey Puzzle Prefab is designed with a compact and innovative modular structure, consisting of four distinct sections that can be easily reconfigured to suit a variety of environments. Whether in remote wilderness areas or suburban neighborhoods, it integrates seamlessly with minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape. This modularity offers residents significant flexibility, allowing the home to adapt and evolve in response to changing needs or desires over time, ensuring it remains a comfortable and relevant living space for its occupants.Designer: Wittman EstesCompared to traditional homes that depend on concrete foundations, the Whidbey Puzzle Prefab employs a pin foundation system, which according to the design studio can cut carbon emissions by 24 tons. This method reduces earthwork and prevents damage to tree roots. Micropin piles are used, thereby avoiding environmental disruption that is usually witnessed with conventional earthwork, thereby preserving tree roots and protecting the surrounding ecosystems integrity. This innovative approach decreases the homes carbon footprint by 77% compared to traditional concrete foundations, showcasing how creative design can harmoniously coexist with nature.The prefab dwelling is designed to operate as a net-zero-energy building, featuring a 4.1-kilowatt solar array that generates nearly 4,000 kWh annually, more than sufficient to meet its energy requirements. It is also equipped with a heat pump system that delivers both hydronic heating and cooling, complemented by an energy recovery ventilation system to maintain air quality while optimizing energy efficiency.Water conservation has also been prioritized in this home it is equipped with a rainwater collection system that directs water from the roof into steel columns for storage and late use. This collected water is purified for drinking and also supports an indoor greenhouse, providing a sustainable solution for the homes water needs.The interiors of the Whidbey Puzzle Prefab home achieve a harmonious balance between compactness and spaciousness. The design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces with large cedar decks that extend the living area into the natural surroundings. Smart systems are installed, enabling residents to monitor and manage energy usage, water conservation, and personal comfort, ensuring that the home is both functional and sustainable.Even though the home is compact, it provides excellent flexibility and a sense of openness due to its thoughtful modular design. This design enables residents to reconfigure the space according to their needs, whether it be for work, leisure, or accommodating family life. Such adaptability makes it an ideal solution for modern living, as it allows the home to evolve alongside its occupants, catering to changing lifestyles and preferences over time.The post This Net-Zero Energy & Eco-Friendly Tiny Home Is The Future Of Sustainable Compact Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Canva Pro makes everything from social media posts through to designing a whole website easy, thanks to its drag-and-drop interface and customisable templates.