Image: ActivisionThe legendary Val Kilmer, who lit up the screen in so many amazing movies such as Heat, Tombstone, True Romance, Top Gun and Batman Forever, has died at the age of just 65.The star, who recently recovered from throat cancer, succumbed to the effects of pneumonia on Tuesday night in LA according to his daughter, Mercedes.Of course, Mr Kilmer had famously always been an eccentric and elusive character, a chameleon of sorts on and off-screen, and so it's very hard to know what his hobbies and interests were, and if he had any inclination towards playing video games, well... we'll likely never know.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube801kWatch on YouTube Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube801kHowever, Val did actually act in one title on Nintendo systems during his illustrious career in the form of Spider-Man: Edge of Time, which was released on DS, 3DS and Wii (in slightly altered versions) back in 2011.You can jump into your very own time machine and check out our review of that game here if you fancy, too, which we concluded didn't keep up the momentum of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.Now, full disclosure: as the kids say, we had to look up who Val played, and we're not sure we remember the role at all (to be fair, it was a very long time ago), but judging by the video above, which dropped in the run-up to the game's release, the man was certainly getting involved as Walker Sloan, and taking the time to consider his role, whilst enjoying the process.There goes our huckleberry. Sleep well, Mr Kilmer.Got any favourite Val Kilmer anecdotes? There were a few! Let us know in the comments.

Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Back in the mid to late 90s when the fifth generation of consoles was still going strong, mascot platformers were all the rage. Hoping to take advantage of the then-growing trend, Argonaut Softwarebest known for its work on Star Fox and the Super FX chip for the SNESmade a pitch to Nintendo for a new 3D platformer starring Yoshi.Nintendo shot them down, but Argonaut wasnt ready to give up on the concept, so the team retooled it into an original game called Croc: Legend of the Gobbos that saw release on other platforms. Now, the studio has decided to bring Croc back for new audiences with a fresh remaster, and while this release is certainly showing its age, its still an enjoyable romp.Croc takes a level-based approach to its gameplay, guiding you through themed worlds packed with obstacles to overcome and collectibles to ferret out.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)The goal of each level is simply to make it to the end and give a gong a good swat with your tail spin attack, but there are also six of the titular gobbos hidden throughout each stage, as well as five coloured gems that unlock access to a sixth gobbo. Collecting them all is technically optional, but the only way youll get to challenge the final boss and see the true ending is if you manage to grab them all.Level designs are relatively linear and lack the size seen in contemporaries like Super Mario 64 and Spyro the Dragon, but there are still plenty of secrets and rabbit trails to distract you from the main path. That said, it can sometimes feel like obstacles are haphazardly placed and the levels tend to be somewhat meanderingCroc is still an enjoyable platformer, but the levels dont flow nearly as well as some genre peers.Then theres the matter of stages tending to get too homogenous over time, especially when youre going through a succession of levels in the same world. There are only so many times you can beat up the same foes and interact with the same obstacles before you start to recognise how few new ideas Croc has to bring to the table; this is the kind of game thats more content to simply remix the same basic elements than to introduce novel gameplay concepts over time. This isnt strictly a bad thing, but it does mean that Croc tends to run out of steam faster than youd hope.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Still, theres something charmingly simple about Crocs approach to 3D platforming which makes it feel worthwhile. Each stage only lasts a few minutes, lending a brisk pace to the overall gameplay, and the straightforward approach to Crocs moveset keeps the moment to moment action from feeling too complicated, unlike the infamous case of Donkey Kong 64. It wont stick out in your memory for very long due to its general lack of creativity and spectacle, but the solid underlying mechanics make it feel worthwhile.This being a modernised remaster, the visuals have naturally received a significant boost in fidelity that improves the moment-to-moment gameplay considerably. By default, the world has all the updated models and textures on display, but with the tap of a button, you can also toggle the retro models if you want a more old-school look. This can be further enhanced by activating filters that simulate a CRT screen. Regardless of your visual choice, everything runs at a buttery smooth 60fps.The gameplay enhancements dont stop there, as Croc now also features full analogue control to bring things more in line with expected platforming standards. Though the original game did have Dualshock support added late in development, it was ultimately designed around D-pad input, and thus went with a very hokey tank-like control approach in which you couldnt both move forward and change direction at the same time.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)If youre particularly fond of that approach, this remaster still allows you to use the old D-pad controls, but the analogue option feels much more natural. The only drawback here, and this is a bit of a nitpick, is that the game not being designed around this can make some sections a lot easier than they were intended.Wrapping up the additions for this remaster is a robust museum section that offers a comprehensive look at various marketing materials, concept art, and other resources from the time of the games original release. Croc was originally planned to be a more expansive multimedia franchise, and while this ultimately never quite panned out, it can be really interesting reading through things like the series bible or scripts for the cartoon that was being considered.There are also numerous interviews to watch with key development staff, as they reflect on the design and development process. We were quite pleased by the museum content on display here; it doesnt have any direct involvement with the gameplay, but it gives a lot of great insight into the development process and stands as a meaningful contribution to the ongoing struggle of video game preservation.

TikTok is shutting down its Instagram competitor, TikTok Notes, on May 8. The photo-sharing app launched in testing in Canada, Australia, and Vietnam last year. The company is notifying TikTok Notes users of its decision to retire the app and is directing them to ByteDance-owned Lemon8, which isnt surprising given that the apps are quite similar and offer the same sort of functionality.Were excited to bring the feedback from TikTok Notes to Lemon8 as we continue building a dedicated space for our community to share and experience photo content, designed to complement and enhance the TikTok experience, a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch.While TikTok didnt provide a specific reason for shutting down the app, its likely that the company didnt see much adoption for TikTok Notes and is deciding to instead push Lemon8, which had around 12.5 million global monthly active users as of December 2024. In a notice to TikTok Notes users, TikTok says the decision to shut down the app was not made lightly. The notice encourages users to download and save their TikTok Notes data and continue sharing your creativity on Lemon8. TikTok says that Lemon8 is a lifestyle app that offers a similar experience to TikTok Notes but with even more features.Lemon8 launched in Japan in 2020 and later expanded to markets across the U.S. and Southeast Asia. The app is similar to Instagram and Pinterest, as it lets users share slideshows and photo collections and browse content through Following and For You feeds. Lemon8 offers users access to creative tools, filters, effects, stickers, text templates, and more.While TikTok is pushing Lemon8 as an alternative to TikTok Notes, ByteDance has also tried to position the app as an alternative to TikTok itself in the face of a potential U.S. ban. Last November, the company made it possible for users to directly access Lemon8 with their TikTok accounts and rolled out the ability for users to cross-share photo content between the apps. The move was seen as a way for ByteDance to move creators onto the new platform without having to get them to sign up for it separately in case TikTok were to go away.Fast-forward to today, and TikTok continues to promote Lemon8 in its app as it faces a new ban deadline of April 5.

Low-code engineering platform Synera and software company PanOptimization have partnered to enhance metal AM simulation by integrating PanOptimizations PanX solver into Syneras Marketplace.Predicting build failures for complex parts has always been a challenge, especially when lengthy simulation times and high computational demands come into play. Juggling disjointed software tools and repetitive manual tasks only adds to the complexity, making a streamlined approach feel increasingly necessary.PanX steps in to address these hurdles with a thermomechanical Finite Element approach designed to improve part quality and throughput. Its Multi-Grid Modeling technique offers a way to boost accuracy, scalability, and runtime for simulations involving Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes.Many conventional methods struggle to handle complex geometries effectively, but PanX offers a more accessible solution by requiring fewer computational resources. Whats more, running simulations on a standard engineering laptop makes it accessible for teams working with limited resources.In developing PanX we have taken an expansive view on simulations role in AM, moving beyond just distortion prediction and into applications including process parameter optimization and topology optimization for manufacturability, said Erik Denlinger, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at PanOptimization.Synera Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) workflow. Image via Synera.PanX integration for streamlined simulation workflowsAccording to the company, Syneras automation platform plays into that effort by providing a structured way to organize product development processes. Its visual editor gives users a straightforward way to set up workflows that integrate tools like PanX.Engineering teams can automate repetitive tasks and keep things moving without getting bogged down by logistical headaches. With AI agents running in the background, theres room to focus on bigger challenges instead of tedious, manual work.Bringing PanX into Syneras Marketplace adds useful functions to the mix. Engineers can run simulations directly from Synera, modify existing analysis templates, process simulation results, and apply automated distortion compensation.Establishing comprehensive workflows through these capabilities helps tackle issues related to part distortion and recoater blade interference, problems that can easily complicate the printing process. With a cohesive framework in place, managing workflows from design to production becomes a far smoother experience.Integrations with other tools add another layer of flexibility. Syneras Marketplace connects with software like Hexagons AM Studio and Emendate, EOSPrint from EOS, Intact.Simulation from Intact Solutions, the Additive Design Toolkit from Fraunhofer Research Institute for Additive Manufacturing (IAPT), and Cognitive Design from Cognitive Design Systems (CDS).Having all those options under one roof gives users more ways to piece their workflows together, making it easier to adapt to whatever project theyre working on.Collaborating with Synera allows us to connect this capability directly to where engineers need it as part of automated workflows that can run continuously without manual intervention. Together, were making advanced simulation accessible and practical for everyday manufacturing, added Denlinger.With early access rolled out for select customers in March, PanX will be available in Syneras Marketplace starting this month.Synera process automation. Image via Synera.Simulation tools for metal 3D printingSimulation tools play a critical role in metal 3D printing by providing a reliable way to predict and prevent issues that could compromise print quality, efficiency, and overall success.In line with this, Altairs Solidthinking division developed Inspire Print3D, a simulation tool to enhance metal 3D printing, particularly through Selective Laser Melting (SLM) processes at Formnext 2019. Aimed to reduce development and manufacturing costs by optimizing designs, this software allows for minimized supports, and identifying defects such as deformation, delamination, and overheating.Built to streamline the design process, Inspire Print3D enables engineers to generate, modify, and evaluate metal part designs using a thermo-mechanical approach. In addition, Altair emphasized its potential to prevent costly failed prints by ensuring accuracy and efficiency from the design stage to production.Elsewhere, metal AM company Velo3D enhanced its Flow print preparation software designed for the Sapphire LPBF metal 3D printer. Built with a physics-driven simulation engine, the software aims to achieve up to 90% first-print success rates by predicting print outcomes and correcting deformation.Flows simulation utility ensures dimensional accuracy before printing, even when working with complex geometries that dont require additional supports.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows Synera Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) workflow. Image via Synera.

Recommended Published April 2, 2025 6:00am EDT close Googles new AI tech may know when your house will burn down The project aims to detect a fire the size of a classroom within 20 minutes. Wildfires are becoming an increasingly common threat worldwide. Record-breaking burns from Australia to the Amazon to the United States are devastating the environment.The deadly wildfires that raged across Los Angeles in January were estimated to have caused more than $250 billion in damages.Current satellite imagery is often low resolution, infrequently updated and unable to detect small fires. But what if there was a way to spot wildfires earlier and more accurately before they become raging infernos?Enter FireSat, a new satellite project designed to detect and track wildfires early. How early? The project aims to detect a fire that's merely 270 square feet about the size of a classroom within 20 minutes. It's also able to detect fires two to three acres in size, roughly the size of two football fields.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW FireSat satellite (FireSat)Finding fires earlier and more accuratelyTheFireSat constellation will consist of more than 50 satellites when it goes live. The satellites are fitted with custom six-band, multispectral infrared cameras designed to capture imagery suitable for machine learning algorithms to accurately identify wildfires, differentiating them from misleading objects like smokestacks.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Illustration of FireSat constellation (FireSat)Building (and testing) a new AI modelUsing artificial intelligence, FireSat rapidly compares a spot, wherever it is in the world, with previous imagery of that location, considering factors like nearby infrastructure and local weather to determine if theres a fire."Differentiating between real fires and random 'noise' in the environment was a challenge," says Chris Van Arsdale, who works on climate and energy projects at Google.The team even loaded a plane with sensors to experiment with their progress."The first time we used the plane, one of our team members lit a barbecue and a fire pit in his backyard so we could fly the plane over and test it," says Erica Brand, one of the project managers for FireSat."And the sensors were able to pick it up."GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Illustration of FireSat constellation images (FireSat)FireSat's long-term vision takes shapeThe first FireSat satellite has already been launched. The entire constellation should be in orbit by 2030. The satellite data will contribute to a global historical record of fire spread so that scientists can better model and understand wildfire behavior. FireSat stats (FireSat)The team behind FireSatGoogle Research and satellite manufacturer Muon Space are founding partners in theEarth Fire Alliance, the nonprofit home for FireSat. Funding for the constellations first satellite comes in part from AI Collaboratives: Wildfires, an initiative created by Google.org that convenes leading nonprofits, academic institutions, government agencies and companies around the joint goal of using AI to prevent the devastating impact of wildfires.As part of AI Collaboratives, Google.org provided $13 million to support the launch of the first satellite in the FireSat constellation. FireSat satellite (Earth Fire Alliance)Kurt's key takeawaysSo, what does this all mean? It means a future where wildfires are detected faster, contained quicker and cause less devastation. FireSat represents a major advance in wildfire management. This ambitious project has the potential to protect lives, homes and the environment we all cherish.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIf FireSat had been around during the last major wildfire in your area, how might the outcome have been different? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Something to look forward to: It's been eight years since Nintendo unleashed the Nintendo Switch on the world. While there have been several variants of that model since then, the company is finally unveiling the official successor in a few hours, and you can watch the whole thing live right here at 6am PDT / 9am ET. There have been a slew of leaks and rumors regarding the Switch 2 over the last 12 months or so. Nintendo offered some actual details during the first-look trailer in January, when it showed off the larger screen, top-mounted USB-C port, and an upgraded kickstand. We also saw the snazzy new controllers that appear to have PC-style mouse functionality.Following the first Nintendo Direct last week (below) that focused on new games, remasters, and the Virtual Game Cards feature that allows users to loan digital games to friends, the second Nintendo Direct takes place today.Nintendo is spending an hour on the Switch 2 reveal, which will hopefully mean we'll get an in-depth look at the console, its hardware, and all the features.There will also be several Switch 2 games unveiled. There was a brief glimpse of Mario Kart 9 during January's teaser, so expect to see plenty more details about that one later today.Other games that could be on display include a new 3D Mario, cross-gen titles, and some Microsoft and Xbox games. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in January that he was looking forward to supporting Nintendo with the company's Xbox games. // Related StoriesIt's rumored that Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Forza Horizon 5, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are all heading to Nintendo's new handheld hybrid, and Microsoft signed a ten-year deal to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo's consoles after it acquired Activision Blizzard. Microsoft's Minecraft is already on the Switch, as are Pentiment and Grounded.There will be plenty of Switch 2 games shown off this week as Nintendo has announced the return of Nintendo Treehouse. These presentations take place at 7am PT / 10am ET today (straight after the Switch 2 livestream) and the same time tomorrow (April 4), when you can watch some hands-on gameplay of Switch 2 titles.

Every fall, Apple drops a number of major software updates for its devices, with last year seeing the arrival of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS 15 Sequoia. We then get smaller updates to these software builds as the months progress with some of those introducing big features that maybe werent ready when the main software dropped, while others are merely bug fixes.This week saw the release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 but while watchOS would usually have dropped at the same time in this case watchOS 11.4 it was notably missing. Still, theres good news in that it is here now, and with it come a couple of new features one of which is especially good for those of you who need an extra kick to get out of bed in the morning.Recommended VideosApples watchOS 11.4 introduces an improvement for the smartwatchs sleep alarm. The Sleep Wake Up Alarm will now be able to break through silent mode on your Apple Watch so you dont need to turn silent mode off before you go to bed in fear of missing your alarm.RelatedThere is still the vibration alarm for those that dont want to wake their partner up, but if the vibration on your wrist isnt enough to wake you up, being able to have your Apple Watchs alarm ring too will no doubt be a welcome addition.The software also sees the Home app on Apple Watch support Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners. That support has been introduced on iPhone through iOS 18.4 and iPad through iPadOS 18.4 too, but with watchOS 11.4, it means you can command your robot vacuum from your wrist.Elsewhere, watchOS 11.4 brings a number of bug fixes and improvements, as is usually the case, including a fix to the bug that made watch face selection unresponsive when switching faces.The watchOS 11.4 software is available to Apple Watch models from the Series 6 and newer. To download it, go to the Watch app on your iPhone and head to General. From there, you will need to tap on Software Update. You will also need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.4 before you can update your Apple Watch.Editors Recommendations