Nintendo confirmed some time back that the upcoming Switch 2 will be backward compatible with Nintendo Switch titles, but can we expect the company to handle cross-gen enhancements for previous-gen titles on next-gen hardware similar to what we have seen with PlayStation and Xbox?It seems like that may very well be the case, or at least with certain games. Nintendo recently went live with an official webpage for the newly-announced game sharing Virtual Cards system. Interestingly, fine print on the bottom of the page seems to indicate that Switch 1 titles will get enhanced Switch 2 versions.Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system, the text reads.With Switch 2 exclusive games and Switch 2 Edition games mentioned separately, its possible that Nintendo is referring to native Switch 2 games with the former, and upgraded versions of Switch 1 titles with the latter. Whether that means we can expect that for every Switch 1 titles or if it will be something thats entirely up to the developer/publisher remains to be seen.A Nintendo Direct presentation focused on the Switch 2 is scheduled for April 2, so we will have more details soon enough. Stay tuned for further updates.

Leaks have insisted in recent months that Ubisoft is in talks with Tencent to kickstart a new venture with some of the formers biggest properties, with the latter investing a significant amount of money. That has now been officially announced.Ubisoft is establishing a new subsidiary headquartered in France that will receive a 1.16 billion investment from Tencent in exchange of a 25 percent minority stake. The new subsidiary, which hasnt yet been given a name, will oversee, manage, and drive Ubisofts three biggest properties-Assassins Creed, Far Cry, andRainbow Six.The subsidiary will have a a worldwide, exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual license over those three properties, including all games that have released and all that will in the future, with parent company Ubisoft continuing to receive royalties. Under a dedicated leadership team and board of directors, the subsidiary will, according to Ubisoft, make swift, high-impact decisions across development, marketing, and distribution, to ensure these brands continue to evolve, attract new audiences, and deliver groundbreaking gaming experiences for years to come.The company says its new subsidiary will focus on building game ecosystems designed to become truly evergreen and multi-platform, and thanks to greater investment and boosted creative capacities, will be enabled to drive further increases in quality of narrative solo experiences, expand multiplayer offerings with increased frequency of content release, [and] introduce free-to-play touchpoints.Today Ubisoft is opening a new chapter in its history, says Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. As we accelerate the companys transformation, this is a foundational step in changing Ubisofts operating model that will enable us to be both agile and ambitious. We are focused on building strong game ecosystems designed to become evergreen, growing high-performing brands and creating new IPs powered by cutting-edge and emerging technologies.With the creation of a dedicated subsidiary that will spearhead development for three of our largest franchises and the onboarding of Tencent as a minority investor, we are crystalizing the value of our assets, strengthening our balance sheet, and creating the best conditions for these franchises long-term growth and success. With its dedicated and autonomous leadership team, it will focus on transforming these three brands into unique ecosystems.We are committed to building a sharper, more focused organization-one where talented teams will take our brands to the next level, accelerate the growth of emerging franchises, and lead innovation in next-generation technologies and services, all with the goal of delivering enriching, memorable games that exceed players expectations, and create superior value for our shareholders and other stakeholders.We are excited to extend our longstanding partnership with Ubisoft through this investment, which reflects our continued confidence in Ubisofts creative vision and exceptional talent to drive sustained success in the industry, says Tencent president Martin Lau. We see the immense potential for these franchises to evolve into long-term evergreen game platforms and create engaging new experiences for gamers.Ubisoft itself will continue to oversee and manage other properties that it owns, including Ghost Recon, The Division, Rayman,and others. The company will also continue working on new IP and delivering state-of-the-art production game engines and online services.Ubisoft says this deal will be finalized by the end of 2025, and that it will reveal further details on the new subsidiary and how it (and Ubisoft itself) will operate going forward at a later date, so stay tuned.

Jestico + Whiles body of work made the shortlist at lastsAYAs, as the practice was named a finalist for two awards, includingHigher Education Architect of the Year.In this series,we take a look at one of the teams entry projects and ask the firms director, James Tatham, to break down some of the biggest specification challenges that needed to be overcome.The building marks a new typology for the university, where similar spaces have traditionally been provided on a collegiate basisWhat were the key requirements of the clients brief? How did you meet these both through design and specification?The West Hub was conceived as a place for people across different university departments and disciplines to come together and for the broader Cambridge community. The university sought a building that would be flexible on a day-to-day basis to support a range of uses, and adaptable in the longer term to meet changing needs over time. Our solution, a new typology for the university, which is neither college nor faculty, is designed to nurture cross-departmental collaboration and serendipitous connections in an attractive, welcoming and open environment.The building is graduated vertically, and each storey height is different, creating a spectrum of ambiences and environments: a vibrant, active and lively ground floor with a focus on hospitality, a relaxed and calmer first floor, and a quieter upper floor intended for focused study. Acoustic control was achieved by carefully selecting ceiling, wall and floor treatments.Alongside more structured spaces, the buildings generous circulation and breakout areas make space for informal study and socialising. In addition to a more traditional library space, a range of individual and small group study areas in various semi-enclosed and open-plan environments are provided.The university sought a building that would be flexible on a day-to-day basis to support a range of uses and adaptable in the longer term to meet changing needs over timeWhat were the biggest specification challenges on the project and how were these overcome?The design and specification of the perforated, corrugated external aluminium cladding panels was particularly challenging. The panels form a multifunctional veil across the facade that controls daylight, glare and heat into the spaces behind, while also providing a translucent quality that allows the building to glow lantern-like after dark.Many of the panels are visible from the interior and the exterior, so they require elegant detailing. They also needed to be hinged in places to allow access to the glass behind. The finish needed to work with the perforations to be simultaneously reflective and transparent. Full-size mock-ups and prototyping were used to refine the design.What are the three biggest specification considerations for the project type? How did these specifically apply to your project?The specification of the cladding was crucial to the buildings appearance. The folded, polished and perforated aluminium panels we specified reflect the hues and colours of the surrounding landscape dynamically, reflecting shifting daylight patterns. At dusk, integrated lighting creates a warm, lantern-like radiance that glows through the perforated cladding and acts as a beacon at the heart of the campus. Achieving this effect required careful design development, close collaboration with specialist suppliers and iterative testing of physical samples through mock-ups and prototypes in different environmental conditions.The interiors are relaxed and intentionally non-institutional, more akin to a modern workplace than a traditional academic setting. Exposed concrete was used extensively internally to the soffits and to feature walls within the two atriums. Biophilic design was integral to the design on an architectural level: sunken pits are built into the foundation to form planting areas in the buildings two atrium spaces.The hub also features a cafeteria and bar. For these, we looked beyond academic institutions to draw on various commercial and hospitality projects for inspiration. These non-academic environments resonated with the client and aligned with their non-institutional vision for the building. The specification of materials and finishes in these areas needed to strike a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.The design and specification of the perforated, corrugated external aluminium cladding panels was particularly challengingDo you have a favourite product or material that was specified on the project?We were looking for a way of closing the servery from the main cafeteria space when not in use. We wanted to avoid folding and sliding doors and shutters, which we found expensive, prone to maintenance issues and visually unappealing. Instead, we specified a light gauge chainmail curtain, created using Drapetech Coil Mesh supplied by Waverley. The curtain can be pulled across to wholly or partly divide the space as required while still allowing a degree of connection between the two areas. It references the aluminium cladding on the buildings facade, which also acts as a reflective and transparent veil, tying together the buildings interior and exterior.Are there any suppliers you collaborated with on the project that contributed significantly? And what was the most valuable service that they offered?Fixed and loose furniture was specified to contain and release space within the building. The learning spine was conceived as a multifunctional component. Formed of orange-faced plywood, this ribbon of bespoke furniture weaves through the length of the building, tightening to enclose private spaces, relaxing to create openings and frame views, and fracturing to subdivide larger areas.We created an outline design and specification for the learning spine in collaboration with Frapont Joinery. They produced a 1:1 mock-up, allowing us to review finishes and details. The resulting installation exceeded expectations.What did you think was the biggest success on the project?The West Hub is a new landmark central to delivering the West Cambridge masterplan. It is key to the universitys vision of transforming the site into a lively, active teaching and research quarter. It sits opposite the Ray Dolby Centre, the new home for the universitys Cavendish Laboratory, also designed by Jestico + Whiles.Since the building was conceived, the Covid pandemic has had a seismic impact on working practices. The flexibility of the hub has allowed it to flourish in this new context and support new ways of working that align with the clients long-term vision.Situated at the heart of the universitys emerging Innovation District in west Cambridge, the West Hub incorporates co-working spaces, teaching rooms, a terrace and a library, with a permeable ground floor activated by a cafeteria and bar1/16show captionProject detailsArchitectJestico + WhilesClient University of CambridgeMain contractor Bouygues UKStructural engineer RambollServices engineer Hoare LeaLandscape Architect Plincke Landscape LtdQuantity surveyor AecomProject manager Currie & BrownAcoustic and fire consultant RambollCatering consultant Tricon FoodserviceAccess consultant David BonnettLighting designer Studio Fractal LtdLight gauge chainmail curtain WaverleyLearning spine Frapont JoineryOur What made this project series highlights the outstanding work of our Architect of the Year finalists.To keep up-to-date with all the latest from the Architect of the Year Awards visithere.

Those in states bordering Canada will have the best chance.

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for March 28.

Deepfake technology is creating a dangerous wave of health misinformation, from fake celebrity ... More endorsements of "miracle cures" to AI-generated medical advice that undermines trust in healthcare professionals.Adobe StockToday, more of us than ever are turning to the internet and technologies like remote medicine for healthcare services and advice.But given the explosion of AI-generated fake news and disinformation online, is this potentially putting our health at risk?This is a worrying question we have to tackle head-on in the age of deepfakes highly realistic AI-generated content showing things that never happened or people saying things they never said.Most people first came across deepfakes as often viral, entertaining novelties like DeepFake Tom Cruise. But their darker side takes in political manipulation, election interference, conspiracy theories and non-consensual pornography.However, some of the most nefarious uses are increasingly in healthcare, where accurate, factual information and trust are critically important to good outcomes.From faked celebrity endorsements to harmful AI-generated medical advice, are deepfakes fueling a dangerous wave of misinformation and disinformation that could seriously damage our health?How Can Deepfake Information Be Bad For Your Health?Fake celebrity endorsements have always been a problem onlineas Oprah has spoken about her frustration over fake ads for diet pills and supplements for many years. But in an age when virtually anyone can easily create a convincing video of anything they want in seconds, the problem is significantly amplified.Tom Hanks is one of the high-profile figures who has felt the need to issue a public warning that deepfake video of him promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs are not genuine and could pose a threat to health.If you wouldnt necessarily trust Tom Hanks to give you medical advice anyway, what about a famous TV doctor? There have been several cases where deepfake videos of well-known professionals have been used to entice viewers into buying bootleg or illegal medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure.Charities can be targets too in Australia Diabetes Victoria said that footage of experts endorsing supplements as an alternative to medical treatment for diabetes was deepfake.The people featured in deepfake health disinformation don't even have to be real as long as they seem trustworthy. A wave of fake and potentially dangerous medical advice in TikTok videos prompted a New York Post investigation, which found that fake clips featuring entirely made-up people can be created with a few clicks on an app.There are also fears that deepfakes could be used to spread misinformation about public health issues like pandemics and vaccinations. Disinformation spread by fake celebrities or healthcare professionals could impact compliance with public health advisories like mask-wearing or hand-washing, reducing their effectiveness.Deepfakes threats to healthcare are particularly concerning because of the importance of trust. After all, a society that doesnt trust healthcare professionals probably wont stay healthy for long. If people genuinely have difficulty distinguishing between genuine medical advice and dangerous disinformation, the consequences for everybody could be severe.Staying Healthy In The Age Of Deepfake DisinformationThe important thing to remember is that deepfake technology is as easy to spot and unconvincing now as it will ever be. Tomorrow, like all AI, its going to be much more sophisticated.This is a scary prospect if youre already wondering how youre supposed to survive in a world where Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks are trying to kill you with bad advice.Lawmakers in some areas are starting to get to grips with the sale of the challenge. The EU AI Act, Chinas Generative AI Measures regulations, and various US state-level laws, all contain measures aimed at preventing harm.But as with the explosion in so many other digital crimesphishing scams, ransomware and the liketheres a limit to what the law will do. As an international crime with a very low barrier to entry, its unlikely to be stamped out any time soon.For most of us, the answer lies in ourselves, which means taking on the responsibility of developing our own critical thinking and deepfake-era survival skills.This starts by understanding the threats. Its possible that the employee of a Hong Kong business who transferred $25 million to scammers on the instructions of a deepfake of her CEOs voice might not have done it if theyd known it was an increasingly common scam.You also need to hone your skills at verifying information, checking sources for reliability, and looking out for technical signs that what youre watching isnt right. These often include unusual facial movements or audio and video that seem mismatched.Navigating the mountain of online content, help and advice related to health, exercise and diet online was a minefield at the best of times. Thanks to deepfakes, it's getting a whole lot tricker. But by understanding the threat and taking a few steps to help you establish fact from fiction, we can all help to protect ourselves and each other from harm.

Do not use your passwordVCG via Getty ImagesAll change for Microsoft. The company has suddenly confirmed a major update for over 1 billion end users, as the deletion of passwords for all users becomes real. Your Microsoft password, it warns, could be easily forgotten or guessed by an attacker, and its now time to completely remove the password from your account.The password era is ending, Microsoft warned in December. Bad actors know it, which is why theyre desperately accelerating password-related attacks while they still can. With 7,000 attacks on passwords [blocked] per second almost double from a year ago, the company is on a mission to convince a billion users to love passkeys.And this latest update is the next stage. By the end of April, most Microsoft account users will see updated sign in and sign-up user experience for web and mobile apps. This has enabled the company to rethink the default experiences for sign in, putting even greater emphasis on usability and security our new UX is optimized for a passwordless and passkey-first experience.Microsoft explains that when signing up for a new account, just entering your email address will be enough. You dont have to create a new Microsoft password All you need to do is verify the email with a one-time code, and this becomes the default credential for your new account, so you start off passwordless.Goodbye passwordMicrosoftOnce signed in, users will then create their passkey. Were also updating the Microsoft account sign in logic, so your passkey is the default sign in choice whenever possible, because passkeys are more secure and three times faster than passwords.Microsoft has been very clear as to why adding passkeys is not good enough if passwords remain on the account. Even if we get our more than one billion users to enroll and use passkeys, if a user has both a passkey and a password, and both grant access to an account, the account is still at risk for phishing.Thats why password deletion is the goal, and it becomes more critical with new AI-fueled attacks and successful 2FA compromises making weekly headlines. Our ultimate goal is to remove passwords completely and have accounts that only support phishing-resistant credentials, Microsoft says. Millions of users have deleted their passwords.Kudos to Microsoft for the clarity and simplicity of its messaging here. The adoption of passkeys is accelerating, with HYPR confirming this week that phishing-resistant authentication, led by FIDO passkeys, is projected to become the most widely deployed authentication method within two years. But theres much more still to be done.What we need now is the same password deletion clarity from all other major platform providers to ensure this shift is wholesale. Google, in contrast to Microsoft, talks about passwords remaining as a backup credential for account access. But per Microsofts warning, this leaves a vulnerability in place. This should be the year we see consistent advice on passkeys and the eradication of password and simple 2FA usage.

In brief: While covering a wide range of topics during his keynote at Nvidia's GTC, CEO Jensen Huang briefly touched on the company's GPU roadmap beyond the upcoming Rubin architecture. The Feynman generation and those that follow will likely adopt semiconductor nodes featuring gate-all-around (GAA) transistors the next evolution in transistor technology after FinFET. During a Q&A session at the GPU Technology Conference, Huang estimated a roughly 20% performance uplift from transitioning to GAA architecture. His comments offer an early indication of the company's expectations for future graphics chip designs.Semiconductor manufacturers such as TSMC and Intel have touted GAA transistors as a key technology for process nodes beyond 3nm. Recent nodes, including 3nm, have employed FinFET, a structure where the transistor gate surrounds the current channel on three sides. However, as bleeding-edge transistors shrink and become more densely packed in advanced nodes, electrical leakage becomes a growing concern.Also see: How CPUs are built, the design process touches on the basics of how transistors workGAA addresses this issue by stacking current channels vertically, increasing the total channel area while allowing gates to surround the channels on all four sides. Although the technique is more expensive, it enhances both performance and energy efficiency.Intel's upcoming 18A node will introduce GAA with Panther Lake laptop CPUs and Clearwater Forest server processors later this year. TSMC plans to adopt GAA for its 2nm N2 process, which is nearing production and is expected to debut in the iPhone 18 Pro's A20 SoC in late 2026. // Related StoriesAt GTC, Huang officially revealed Nvidia's next GPU generation, Vera Rubin, which will be built on TSMC's N3 node and is expected to become available to enterprise clients next year. He also shared early details about Rubin's successor, Feynman, which is anticipated to arrive in 2028.Although information on Feynman's semiconductor process is forthcoming, it's likely to utilize a 2nm-class node, though Nvidia may also consider Intel's 18A. In either case, GAA will be a key component. Huang remarked that while a 20% performance boost from GAA isn't revolutionary, "we'll take what we can get."Meanwhile, backside power delivery is emerging as another critical technology for sub-3nm nodes. TSMC is not expected to implement it until the following node called A16 beginning 2026, whereas Intel will introduce its version with 18A later this year.Interestingly, during the GTC Q&A, Huang also described Nvidia as an "AI infrastructure company." While Nvidia rose to prominence for its gaming GPUs, the AI boom has propelled the value of its enterprise division into the multi-trillion-dollar range.

How often do you take screenshots of exciting destinations from travel blogs and TikTok videos but forget about them entirely when youre planning your next vacation? Dont fuss if the answer is plenty. The increasing information overload leaves little room for memories of a fascinating spot in another random part of the world. Thankfully, the new Gemini AI features in Google Maps can do just that, so your interesting saves dont go buried under the myriad screenshots on your phone.After recently receiving Geminis superpowers to assist you in discovering places, Google Maps is gaining the ability to look through your screenshots to help you plan travels. The Maps app is getting a new screenshot list feature that will identify text from your screenshots and open up details on Google Maps. Googles blog post also says you can save useful places in a list, which can be shared with others who might be traveling with you.GoogleCurrently, Google Maps screenshot list can only read text from your screenshots. While image recognition would be ideal to help us locate some unidentifiable spots from images, that ability is not available just yet. One reason for that may be to allow all the processing to happen on-device instead of uploading your media to Googles cloud centers.Recommended VideosMoreover, the screenshot list functionality is not turned on by default and must be toggled manually which, I feel, is a good way for people to safeguard their privacy.Please enable Javascript to view this contentAt the moment, the feature is starting to roll out only to iOS and will arrive on Android soon.In addition to helping you jot down a list of places to add to your itinerary, AI overviews in Google Search will also help you create travel plans for specific destinations and based on the duration of your stay.In addition, Google is expanding the popular price drop alerts it already offers for flights to hotels. If you search for hotel prices using Google, you will be able to set a price drop alert for specific dates and location. In case of a reduction in hotel room prices, Google will send you a notification via email.Editors Recommendations

The cashless society has made paying for stuff a lot more convenient for many folk. But theres also been another benefit that you may not have thought of a dramatic reduction in the number of children swallowing coins or sticking them up their nose.With fewer coins around the home these days due to the growing adoption of digital payments, children are far less likely to pop one into their mouth, an act that in some cases can result in a trip to the hospital.Recommended VideosAnalysis published recently in The Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England journal and reported on by the Associated Press, found a notable drop in the number of children in England requiring hospital procedures to extract objects from throats and other airways. The researchers examined hospital data in England gathered over 22 years from 2000, focusing on objects removed from individuals aged up to 14.The data showed a significant decline in removals from 2012 the same year that contactless payments really began to take off in the U.K.Over the following 10 years until 2022, the researchers noted a 29% drop, from 2,405 cases in 2012 to 1,716 three years ago.Our research shows that using cashless payment methods instead of coins has potentially helped keep children safe and reduced the need for surgery, said Akash Jangan, the studys lead author. This unintended finding proves that changes in how we live can make a difference to peoples health.While the studys findings are of course to be welcomed, its important to keep in mind that other hazardous items still exist for curious children whose first response when grabbing anything new is to stick it in their mouth.Indeed, with the growing use of gadgets over the years, coins have been replaced by things like button batteries as a potential hazard. Other common items that children have a habit of ingesting include things like jewelry, nails, marbles, and toys, or parts of toys.A study conducted by a childrens hospital in the U.S. that looked at data across a 20-year period revealed that in the U.S., pennies were the most commonly ingested coin. Quarters were the second most common, with its larger size resulting in a greater chance of hospitalization among the children who swallowed one.