RTSamuel KrugThe Default Cube's Conquest of Earth

Strands is back with another puzzle that turns a simple word search into a clever brain teaser. Todays grid hides a set of themed words connected by a single clue, and the challenge lies in uncovering them all while using every letter exactly once.

Today's Connections presents another set of sixteen words that need to be organized into four clever categories. With only three incorrect guesses permitted, the pressure is on to identify the right groupings.

According to Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter this weekend, we may see at least two devices with Apples upcoming M5 chip before the end of the year. Gurman reports that the M5 iPad Pro has reached the late stages of testing, putting it on track for production in the second half of this year. And the M5 MacBook Pro should be here sometime in the fall, in line with the timing of the past few years releases.This years iPad Pro likely wont be the generation that adopts Apples in-house modem, though. According to Gurman, that shift is expected to happen in 2027 with the arrival of the M6 models which he reports that Apple has already begun early work on. Apple introduced its first in-house cellular modem, the C1, with the iPhone 16e in February this year, and so far it seems to be performing pretty well.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/apple-is-reportedly-on-track-to-launch-the-m5-ipad-pro-and-macbook-pro-later-this-year-211013731.html?src=rss

MagStor has launched the world's first Thunderbolt 5 LTO tape drive, but it wont be cheap.

You might not know David Delahunty, but if youre a designer, youll know him by his IG account designershumour. The biggest design meme account on social media, Delahunty has a way of finding humor in every aspect of a designers creative line of work, from client woes to just how uniquely designers tend to look at the world around them. When Delahunty isnt creating humorous content, hes concocting creative ideas on his personal account like this tennis ball inspired by Apples frozen computer rainbow ball.Just like Windows has the Blue Screen Of Death, Apple has the Spinning Wheel Of Death a rotating rainbow-colored beach ball that replaces your cursor every time your MacBook or Mac slows down or crashes. Despite its colorful appearance, its universally disliked because of what it represents a laggy or crashed computer but Delahunty decided to give the icon an upgrade. Meet the Wilson x Apple Tennis Ball an unofficial, AI-generated ball thats as gorgeous as its different.Designer: David DelahuntyMade for a game of tennis, this ball aims at grabbing the eye while playing on a court. While most tennis balls are either neon green or deep red, this one has 8 swatches with 6 colors, creating a blurry rainbow as the ball moves across the court. With tennis balls, the point of the balls bright color has always been to enhance visibility not just for players but also for the referee, the audience, and the camera. A rainbow-colored ball would arguably be a lot more eye-catching in theory, although thats yet to be tested as a practical application.The fuzzy ball is purely an AI rendition of what would otherwise be a gorgeous collab between Apple and Wilson. Although theres really no overlap between their audiences, Apples been slowly (but surely) infiltrating the entertainment space with its billion-dollar deal with the NFL, a working relationship with Messi and his Inter-Miami football club, as well as a successful sports-comedy TV show in Ted Lasso. There might not be a direct link between Apple and Wilson, but there are areas where they would thrive as co-collaborators.Its a creative branding exercise, although Im not entirely sure how this would affect the balls performance on the court. Even then, imagine if other brands with spherical logos had collaborated with Wilson to create unique tennis balls? Id totally love a Google Chrome ball, an Xbox ball, a Target ball, a Volkswagen ball, and perhaps just perhaps, a Starbucks ball!The post Apples Spinning Wheel Of Death Transforms Into A Wilson Tennis Ball With This Unexpected Collab first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Keychron Q3 HE is a great compact mechanical keyboard, one that offers lots of customization thanks to its Hall Effect switches.The Keychron Q3 HE in full viewIt's 2025 and it's raining keyboards, be they big, small, mechanical, low-profile, RGB lights, wired, or wireless. With a cavalcade of features as vast as the acts from an 1880s Vaudeville show, the industry is busting at the seams.Companies around the world are producing amazing keyboards, but Keychron stands out as an industry leader with its staggering array of styles, colors, and features. Unlike many manufacturers, Keychron offers keyboards targeted at Mac users with cross-platform compatibility. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

AI agent memory comprises multiple layers, each serving a distinct role in shaping the agents behavior and decision-making. By dividing memory into different types, it is better to understand and design AI systems that are both contextually aware and responsive. Lets explore the four key types of memory commonly used in AI agents: Episodic, Semantic, Procedural, and Short-Term (or Working) Memory, along with the interplay between long-term and short-term storage.1. Episodic Memory: Recalling Past InteractionsEpisodic memory in AI refers to the storage of past interactions and the specific actions taken by the agent. Like human memory, episodic memory records the events or episodes an agent experiences during its operation. This type of memory is crucial because it enables the agent to reference previous conversations, decisions, and outcomes to inform future actions. For example, when a user interacts with a customer support bot, the bot might store the conversation history in an episodic memory log, allowing it to maintain context over multiple exchanges. This contextual awareness is especially important in multi-turn dialogues where understanding previous interactions can dramatically improve the quality of responses.In practical applications, episodic memory is often implemented using persistent storage systems like vector databases. These systems can store semantic representations of interactions, enabling rapid retrieval based on similarity searches. This means that when an AI agent needs to refer back to an earlier conversation, it can quickly identify and pull relevant segments of past interactions, thereby enhancing the continuity and personalization of the experience.2. Semantic Memory: External Knowledge and Self-awarenessSemantic memory in AI encompasses the agents repository of factual, external information and internal knowledge. Unlike episodic memory, which is tied to specific interactions, semantic memory holds generalized knowledge that the agent can use to understand and interpret the world. This may include language rules, domain-specific information, or self-awareness of the agents capabilities and limitations.One common semantic memory use is in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) applications, where the agent leverages a vast data store to answer questions accurately. For instance, if an AI agent is tasked with providing technical support for a software product, its semantic memory might contain user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs. Semantic memory also includes grounding context that helps the agent filter and prioritize relevant data from a broader corpus of information available on the internet.Integrating semantic memory ensures that an AI agent responds based on immediate context and draws on a broad spectrum of external knowledge. This creates a more robust, informed system that can handle diverse queries with accuracy and nuance.3. Procedural Memory: The Blueprint of OperationsProcedural memory is the backbone of an AI systems operational aspects. It includes systemic information such as the structure of the system prompt, the tools available to the agent, and the guardrails that ensure safe and appropriate interactions. In essence, procedural memory defines how the agent functions rather than what it knows.This type of memory is typically managed through well-organized registries, such as Git repositories for code, prompt registries for conversational contexts, and tool registries that enumerate the available functions and APIs. An AI agent can execute tasks more reliably and predictably by having a clear blueprint of its operational procedures. The explicit definition of protocols and guidelines also ensures that the agent behaves in a controlled manner, thereby minimizing risks such as unintended outputs or safety violations.Procedural memory supports consistency in performance and facilitates easier updates and maintenance. As new tools become available or system requirements evolve, the procedural memory can be updated in a centralized manner, ensuring that the agent adapts seamlessly to changes without compromising its core functionality.4. Short-Term (Working) Memory: Integrating Information for ActionIn many AI systems, the information drawn from long-term memory is consolidated into short-term or working memory. This is the temporary context that the agent actively uses to process current tasks. Short-term memory is a compilation of the episodic, semantic, and procedural memories that have been retrieved and localized for immediate use.When an agent is presented with a new task or query, it assembles relevant information from its long-term stores. This might include a snippet of a previous conversation (episodic memory), pertinent factual data (semantic memory), and operational guidelines (procedural memory). The combined information forms the prompt fed into the underlying language model, allowing the AI to generate coherent, context-aware responses.This process of compiling short-term memory is critical for tasks that require nuanced decision-making and planning. It allows the AI agent to remember the conversation history and tailor responses accordingly. The agility provided by short-term memory is a significant factor in creating interactions that feel natural and human-like. Also, the separation between long-term and short-term memory ensures that while the system has a vast knowledge repository, only the most pertinent information is actively engaged during interaction, optimizing performance and accuracy.The Synergy of Long-Term and Short-Term MemoryTo fully appreciate the architecture of AI agent memory, it is important to understand the dynamic interplay between long-term memory and short-term (working) memory. Long-term memory, consisting of episodic, semantic, and procedural types, is the deep storage that informs the AI about its history, external facts, and internal operational frameworks. On the other hand, short-term memory is a fluid, working subset that the agent uses to navigate current tasks. The agent can adapt to new contexts without losing the richness of stored experiences and knowledge by periodically retrieving and synthesizing data from long-term memory. This dynamic balance ensures that AI systems are well-informed, responsive, and contextually aware.In conclusion, the multifaceted approach to memory in AI agents underscores the complexity and sophistication required to build systems that can interact intelligently with the world. Episodic memory allows for the personalization of interactions, semantic memory enriches responses with factual depth, and procedural memory guarantees operational reliability. Meanwhile, integrating these long-term memories into short-term working memory enables the AI to act swiftly and contextually in real-time scenarios. As AI advances, refining these memory systems will be pivotal in creating smart agents capable of nuanced, context-aware decision-making. The layered memory approach is a cornerstone of intelligent agent design, ensuring these systems remain robust, adaptive, and ready to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving digital landscape.Sources: Sana HassanSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions.Sana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Advancing Medical Reasoning with Reinforcement Learning from Verifiable Rewards (RLVR): Insights from MED-RLVRSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Efficient Inference-Time Scaling for Flow Models: Enhancing Sampling Diversity and Compute AllocationSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/UCLA Researchers Released OpenVLThinker-7B: A Reinforcement Learning Driven Model for Enhancing Complex Visual Reasoning and Step-by-Step Problem Solving in Multimodal SystemsSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Vision-R1: Redefining Reinforcement Learning for Large Vision-Language Models

The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Sunday, March 30, below:Super Mario RPG for $19.99Super Mario RPG - Nintendo SwitchThe remake of Super Mario RPG is $19.99 at Target right now, which is a great price for this classic title. If you've yet to either play the original or check out the remake, this is the perfect time to do so. Composer Yoko Shimimura returned to compose the remake's original soundtrack, and each boss and environment has been expertly recrafted for the Nintendo Switch.Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for $40DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (XSX)Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake takes the beloved NES game to brand-new heights using HD-2D. For $40, this is an excellent deal and the lowest we've seen the game yet. I spent 70 hours obtaining the Platinum Trophy for this one on PlayStation 5, so you can expect a giant adventure ahead. Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming KeyboardLogitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming KeyboardThis weekend, you can save over $100 off the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Keyboard. This wireless mechanical keyboard is perfect for any setup, with a wide variety of customization options available. You can expect around 40 hours of battery with one full charge, with low profile mechanical switches to deliver faster speed and accuracy with each key press.SanDisk 1TB Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD for $59.99SanDisk 1TB Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD - PCIe Gen 4.0If you're in the market for a new SSD, this SanDisk 1TB Extreme Gen 4 SSD is on sale this weekend for just $59.99. It's perfect for media storage, games, or anything you need!Apple AirTag 4 PackApple AirTag 4 PackWhy buy one AirTag when you can get four for just $69.99, down from $99? Throw one in your luggage, attach one to your keys, slap one in your backpack, and hand one to a forgetful friend. With Ultra Wideband Precision Finding and the Find My network, losing your stuff is basically impossible. This 4-pack is one of the best deals Apple offers, so grab it while its discounted.$40 Off This LEGO Back to The Future Time Machine SetLEGO Icons Back to The Future Time MachineYou can also save $40 off the LEGO Icons Back to The Future Time Machine set. If you're a fan of the beloved sci-fi trilogy, this is the perfect set to add some out of this world decor to your collection.Ace Attorney Investigations Collection for $34Ace Attorney Investigations Collection - NIntendo SwitchAce Attorney Investigations Collection brought both Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutors Gambit in one package, with Prosecutor's Gambit releasing in English for the very first time. This release features updated visuals, new animations, gallery mode, conversation history, and more. You can even switch between the old and new sprites!Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $32.99Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - PlayStation 5Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is $32.99 at Woot right now, making this the lowest we've ever seen the RPG. The massive adventure across the planet to track Sephiroth was one of the biggest games of 2024, and it's absolutely a must-play game. A 40+ hour main story awaits, with over 35 side quests available after you clear the story. Kiki's Delivery Service Film Comic: All-in-One EditionKiki's Delivery Service Film Comic: All-in-One EditionStudio Ghibli has produced many of the most beloved anime films ever, and Kiki's Delivery Service is a prime example. If you wish to experience this film in a new way, the Kiki's Delivery Service Film Comic: All-in-One Edition is a great way to do so! This hardcover book contains the entire film across 584 pages - perfect for any Ghibli fan.Preorder Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D RemakeRelease Date TBDDRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (NSW)$59.99 at AmazonRelease Date TBDDRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (PS5)$59.99 at AmazonRelease Date TBDDRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (XSX)$59.99 at AmazonAlso at Best Buy: Nintendo Switch | PS5 | Xbox Series X - $59.99Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake received a new trailer at last week's Nintendo Direct, and pre-orders have officially opened as a result! These remakes are crafted in the HD-2D art style, and there's even a tease of a brand new character.

Image by Getty / FuturismDevelopmentsNot to burst your perfectly blown bubble, but it turns out that chewing gum may be flooding your mouth with microplastics.As detailed in a pilot study, which is awaiting peer review, a team of UCLA researchers found that chomping down on just one stick of the rubbery candy releases up to thousands of microplastic shards into your saliva.The findings, which will be presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society this week, are yet another example of widespread microplastic pollution, which is so pervasive it's invaded the human brain. The authors, however, urge us not to panic about our chewing gum habit at least not yet."Our goal is not to alarm anybody," lead author Sanjay Mohanty, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at UCLA, said in a statementabout the work. "Scientists don't know if microplastics are unsafe to us or not. There are no human trials. But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life, and that's what we wanted to examine here."We tend to be worried about microplastics seeping into our food. With gum, it literally is our food. Brands produced by manufacturers like Wrigley, you may be horrified to learn, are made from a variety of synthetic rubber substances, including the stuff used in car tires. And yet, despite being a partly petroleum-based product, the candy's potential for spreading microplastics hasn't been widely studied, according to the latest study's authors.To fill that gap, Mohanty and a colleague analyzed saliva samples from a single subject who chewed on a stick of gum for four minutes each. In all, they tested ten brands: five synthetic gums, and five natural gums."Surprisingly, both synthetic and natural gums had similar amounts of microplastics released when we chewed them," coauthor Lisa Lowe, a UCLA researcher, said in the statement.What did that look like in numbers? On average, chewing a stick of gum, which can weigh between one to six grams, released up to 600 microplastic shards per gram, they found. If someone chewed 180 pieces per year, they could be ingesting around 30,000 microplastics.That's a notable amount, but Mohanty stressed that it's not all that much compared to other foods. A liter of bottled water, for example, contains an average of 240,000 microplastics.Should you be worried, then? It's more of an open-ended question than you'd think."I don't think you have to stop chewing gum just yet," Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor at Australia RMIT University who wasn't involved in the research, told Agence France-Presse. Most of the microplastics, if swallowed, "would likely pass straight through you with no impact," Jones added.Because we're only just beginning to piece together the toll of microplastics, the health implications remain unclear. On the other hand, there's a burgeoning corpus of evidence linking microplastics with numerous deleterious effects on the human body especially once the particles enter the bloodstream including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. More recent research found that the particles could induce blood clots in the vessels of the brain.Erring on the side of caution, one way you could limit your microplastics exposure without quitting gum entirely is by chewing on the same piece for longer, the researchers suggested. They found that most of the microplastics were released within the first two minutes, so if you avoid habitually changing out your gum the second it loses its taste, you could be doing yourself a favor. But for the love of all that is holy, please don't spit it out onto the street.More on microplastics: Scientists Just Discovered Something Absolutely Horrifying About MicroplasticsShare This Article