As suggested by the initial Switch 2 reveal, the big launch game for Nintendos new system will be an all-new Mario Kart. Its called Mario Kart World and will launch alongside the console on June 5, Nintendo revealed during Wednesdays Switch 2 Direct. The game has a $79.99 price tag, although you can get Mario Kart World for less if you pre-order it as part of a Switch 2 bundle priced at $499.99.Mario Kart World is an open-world racing game in the style of Forza Horizon, in which fields of 24 racers compete across a huge map with different regions. It has many features associated with more realistic racing games, including a photo mode, dynamically changing weather conditions, and time-of-day that will affect the racing experience.Players will be able to go off-road and drive virtually everywhere in this world in a free-roam mode, while the drive from one race to another during a traditional Mario Kart four-course Grand Prix will be an integral part of the competition. Knockout Tour races are a new battle royale-style variant that see players racing from one side of the map to the other, getting knocked out at checkpoints as they go.The trailer showed off a wide variety of custom vehicles, including snowmobiles, jet skis, and karts adapted for actual flight not just gliding. On some levels, its possible to perform the Mario Kart equivalent of wall-running and grinding rails. The cast of characters encompassed all the Mario Kart favorites and a few wild cards (like a playable cow), and it seemed as though custom outfits will be a thing in Mario Kart World.Therell be more detailed about Mario Kart World in a dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 17.Nintendos focus on Mario Kart World at the launch of the Switch 2 is easy to explain: Its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, has been a smash hit on the original Switch, selling an astonishing 67 million copies. Its the best-selling Switch game by a large margin. In fact, if you add sales of the original Wii U version to bring the total to almost 76 million, Mario Kart 8 is the fifth-best-selling game of all time. Its also, arguably, Nintendos biggest hit ever Wii Sports has shipped more copies, but that was bundled free with the Wii console in many territories. Mario Kart 8 was so successful that Nintendo kept adding to it throughout the Switchs lifespan, unleashing six waves of new courses and characters through the Booster Course pass.So its no surprise that Nintendo should peg Switch 2 marketing to a hugely popular series that both defined and dominated the kart racing genre, and that has been a perennial on every Nintendo system since Super Mario Kart debuted on the SNES in 1992. Mario Kart is one of the biggest games series in the world. Will Mario Kart World continue the trend?Update: This article has been updated to include Mario Kart Worlds price.

There are many ways to copy text that can't be easily selected, but few that are as simple and fast as Text Lens ($6)a new Mac app by prolific developer Sindre Sorhus. Text Lens lets you select any part of your Mac's screen and automatically copy all of the text from that part. This makes it easy to copy text from images, videos, scanned pages, settings menus, and other types of text that are otherwise impossible to grab.Text Lens vs. Apple's Live TextLive Text, which is built into macOS, allows you to capture text from screenshots. While it's good enough to get you started, it works only with Safari, Preview, and the built-in screenshot tool. You can't select text from other apps without taking a screenshot first, which adds an extra step to the process. With tools such as Text Lens, you can instantly go into selection mode to capture and copy text. There's no need to take a screenshot and then extract text.Using Text Lens on your Mac Credit: Pranay Parab Text Lens is simple and fast, but you should take a moment to configure it to make the most of the app. Once you've installed the app, click its menu bar icon and go to Settings. In the General tab, enable the following options:Launch at loginClick menu bar icon to capture [you can right-click it to open the menu]Next, go to the Shortcuts tab and record keyboard shortcuts for this app. You can even use Raycast's Hyper Key to quickly create unique shortcuts. Once this is done, you're ready to use the app. Try either its keyboard shortcut or click the menu bar icon to fire up the selector. Click and drag to cover the area you want to copy text from, and release the mouse when you're done.Text Lens will show a popover to confirm if the text has been copied to your clipboard. (In case it fails to copy, the same popover will tell you that no text was detected.) Once it's successful, you can now paste the text in any app and carry on with your day. This app supports 18 languages including English, French, and Spanish. Text Lens will also allow you to copy text from saved files on your Mac: You can import images, PDFs, or other files, and Text Lens will copy everything on the page. The app can also copy text from images in your clipboard. Credit: Pranay Parab While I was quite impressed with Text Lens' accuracy with smaller bits of text, I imported a few larger batches of text to see how it works. For this, I compared it with the results from TextSniper ($11.99 for unlimited license) and Cleanshot X($29), two other Mac apps that let you copy text from images. I used one of my invoices to see how all three apps handle formatting challenges, and at the end of the quick test, TextSniper did the best job with the file.Text Lens and Cleanshot X were able to capture text from the invoice fairly well, but they both included a few typos and messed up the formatting. Both these apps listed all the items and dates first, and lumped together the prices at the end. Meanwhile, TextSniper listed each item, its date, and the price together. It also had the fewest typos.Still, for basic text copying, Text Lens does a fairly good job and is priced quite well. I hope that it gets better at copying large amounts of text in the future, but for copying a few lines here and there, it will do what you need it to do without much of a fuss.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is quite a bit different than the OG Switch: The Joy-Cons are beefier and connect via magnets; when docked, the console supports 4K 60fps output; and you can finally charge the console when playing in tabletop mode. But at the end of the day, what matters most about a new console like the Switch 2 is the games: If there's nothing new to play, what's the point?Of course, Nintendo shared a number of Switch 2 exclusives during its big Direct on Wednesday. This isn't a repeat of the Nintendo 3DS launch: There are games to play if you buy a Switch 2 on day one. But there are also a number of interesting titles coming soon and later this year. (There's even a new From Soft title coming in 2026!)Games launching the same day as Nintendo Switch 2 Whoa. Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5. While many of the games announced today do not launch alongside the console, there are also many that doincluding Mario Kart World.True to its name, this game offers an open-world Mario Kart experience. You can drive around the world, with friends, as you travel to different races. Not that every game needs to be open-world, but this one's kind of a no brainer. It just seems like fun to drive around a giant Mario Kart map. You don't even need to drive anywhere in particular: Nintendo encourages you to drive around leisurely, taking selfies as you do. Of course, the core gameplay is still the same: Race other drivers around a track. But now, you can compete in races with up to 24 people at a time, and part of the competition is driving to the next race. There's even a new "Knockout Tour," where you race non-stop from one side of the map to the other. If you pass through a checkpoint in too low a position, you're eliminated. Plus, you can bounce off walls like Mario in a platformer, grind on rails, and play as a cow, for some reason.Here are the rest of the games that you can play on launch day:Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome TourStreet Fighter 6 Split FictionHogwarts LegacyHitman World of AssassinationBrave & Default Flying Fair (HD Remaster) Yakuza 0 Director's CutThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo Switch Online)Soulcalibur II (Nintendo Switch Online)F-Zero GX (Nintendo Switch Online)Deltarune 1 + 2 + 3 + 4Civilizations VII Survival KidsCyberpunk 2077 Ultimate EditionFortniteArcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Puyo Puyo Tetris 2SNobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete EditionFast FusionUpcoming Nintendo titlesThere are a number of first-party games and upgrades Nintendo announced during its presentation that won't be ready for launch on June 5. Drag X Drive (Summer 2025) Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube This is an entirely new game for Nintendo. Drag X Drive is wheelchair basketball that uses the new mouse controls on the Switch 2 Joy-Cons. You can push both controllers forward, as your character pushes both wheels forward on their wheelchair. You can also swing the Joy-Con to throw a basket, similar to the experience with Wii Sports.Donkey Kong Bananza (TBA) Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube After a number of remasters, Donkey Kong is finally getting a new game. This was the last announcement of the Direct, and was worth the wait: Bananza looks like Donkey Kong's version of Super Mario Odyssey3D platforming in an open environment (though I'm not sure if it's "open world.") The biggest difference? You smash your way through just about anything you can see in the world. Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025) Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube This is the third entry in the Hyrule Warriors series, and takes place prior to the events of Tears of the Kingdom. I won't go into spoiler territory here, but you will get to play out the events of the Imprisoning War, and even get to play as Zelda.Kirby Air Riders (2025) Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube It looks like we're finally getting a sequel to 2003's Kirby Air Ride. We don't have a lot of details yet, other than seeing stars, bikes, and space ships as rideable vehicles. But Kirby Air Riders is directed by Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of both Kirby and Super Smash Bros., which bodes well. Nintendo Switch 2 EditionsLike other consoles, Nintendo is now offering Switch 2 users upgraded versions of certain Switch 1 titles. These can include better visuals, faster performance, or new features that take advantage of the Switch 2's controllers. These upgrades include: Super Mario Part Jamboree + Jamboree TV (July 24, 2025)The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (TBA)The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TBA)Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World (TBA)Metroid Prime 4 Beyond (TBA)Pokmon Legends ZA (TBA)GameCube gamesNintendo Switch Online is finally adding support for GameCube gamesbut only for Nintendo Switch 2. (Why my 2017 Nintendo Switch is incompatible with games that ran on a system from 2001 is beyond me, but I digress.) In addition to the three aforementioned GameCube titles that will be available at launch, here's what's coming down the line, none of which have release dates yet:Super Mario SunshineFire Emblem: Path of RadiancePokmon XD: Gale of DarknessSuper Mario StrikesChibi-RoboLuigi's MansionPokmon ColosseumThird-party titles Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube Nintendo ran through a number of third-party titles that are making their way to Switch 2. They include:Elden Ring Tarnished Edition (2025)Hades II (TBA)Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion (Sept. 5, 2025)Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Summer 2025)Project 007 (TBA)Borderlands 4 (2025)WWE 2K (TBA)NBA 2K (TBA)Enter the Gungeon 2 (TBA)Starseeker Astoneer Expeditions (2026)Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (TBA)Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessHollow Knight: Silkson (2025)Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Aug. 27, 2025)Goodnight Universe (2025)Silksong (2025)Two Point Museum (2025)Wild Hearts S (July 25, 2025)Witchbrook (Holiday 2025)Marvel Comic Invasion (Holiday 2025)Star Wars Outlaws (2025)Shadow Labyrinth (July 18, 2025)RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19, 2025)No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (July 25, 2025)REANIMAL (2025)Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025)Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27, 2025)Human Fall Flat 2 (TBA) The Duskbloods (2026)

Amazon has reportedly joined the growing list of suitors angling to acquire TikTok as a new ban deadline approaches. According to The New York Times, the retailer has made a last-minute bid to buy the app, and has approached Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the offer.Its not clear why Amazon is making an offer this late in the process. TikTok is currently facing an April 5 deadline to strike a deal, though President Donald Trump has said he would likely extend it if necessary. The Times reports that White House officials dont seem to be seriously considering the longshot bid. Amazon declined to comment.Amazon joins several other companies and investors that have proposed bids. The group includes YouTuber MrBeast (with backing from a group that includes Roblox CEO David Baszucki), Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian (who joined a group of investors known as Project Liberty) and Perplexity AI, which has proposed integrating the shortform video into its search engine.Even with the deadline just days away, we still don't know exactly when a decision will be made about TikToks future. Trump has said he wants to announce a deal before the Saturday deadline.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/amazon-reportedly-wants-to-buy-tiktok-now-too-173957102.html?src=rss

Nintendo just dropped a boatload of Switch 2 news, including the release date, price and a launch title or two. It also announced a bevy of accessories thatll be available for the console on June 5. Lets go over the most notable of these doodads.For my money, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is the highlight here. This was featured heavily in the companys livestream, as the Switch 2 will allow for in-game video chat. This is thanks to the magical C button on the right Joy-Con controller. The camera will also shrink down your head to use as a live avatar in certain games. It costs $50.It wouldnt be a Nintendo console without a pro controller. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will cost $80, but it includes the aforementioned C button, a screen capture button, an audio jack and HD rumble 2. It also allows for motion controls and Amiibo functionality. The GL/GR buttons can be mapped to suit different playstyles.The company also announced a dedicated GameCube controller for use with Nintendo Online. It comes in iconic purple and also includes a C button. It charges via USB-C so you wont burn through AA batteries like Wall-E or something. We dont have a price on this yet, but Nintendo did say its launching with the console. We do know, however, that its only available to Nintendo Online subscribers.The Switch 2 is launching with a new Mario Kart game, so you know what that means. The Joy-Con wheel controllers are back. The Joy-Con 2 Wheel ships in a two-pack, which costs $20. The set includes one blue wheel and one red wheel.There are two official carrying cases. Theres one just for the console, for handheld mode, that costs $35. Theres also a much larger one that holds everything, including the console, dock, cables and game cards. That one costs $80.Those are the most interesting items, but Nintendo also announced the usual replacement components. An AC adapter costs $30, while a dock set costs $110. A pair of Joy-Cons will set you back $90 and replacement straps cost $13.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-official-switch-2-accessories-include-a-camera-a-gamecube-controller-and-more-173912613.html?src=rss

ReactOS, the free Windows-like OS built from scratch without Microsoft code, gets its first major update in four years.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream has confirmed and expanded previous rumors on the Joy Con 2s mouse functionality, showcasing games that make the most of the new control mode.

Consumer electronics companies reliant on manufacturing operations in China, Mexico and Canada are reeling from the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariffs.

Nationwide Hands Off! protests of the Trump administration and adviser Elon Musk are planned for this Saturday, April 5 in all 50 states including many red states like Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and Florida, and major cities such as New York, L.A., San Francisco, with a flagship march scheduled to take place on the grounds of the Washington Monument in D.C.We expect April 5th to be the largest single-day protest since Donald Trumps second inauguration, a spokesperson for Hands Off! told Fast Company. Actions are scheduled in over 1000 cities nationwideand counting, with over 250,000 people expected to attend. Events [will] include marches, demonstrations and rallies.The protests are organized by Indivisible, a grassroots movement aimed at rebuilding democracy and defeating Trump, which is partnering with a broad coalition of groups including: the Womens March, the United Federation of Teachers, Public Citizen, the Progressive Democrats of America, Common Cause, Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn, the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, and some unions including AFL-CIO, UAW and SEIU.The aim of the protests is to voice opposition to various Trump administration policies, and massive budget cuts and layoffs across federal agencies spearheaded by Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Many of the protests are scheduled to take place at state capitals, federal buildings, and congressional offices including at Social Securitys headquarters, the Daley Center in Chicago, city halls in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Bryant Park in Manhattan; along with multiple cities outsider the U.S, in London, Madrid and Zurich.This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history Theyre taking everything they can get their hands on, Hands Off! said on their website. Our health care, our data, our jobs, our services were taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!Indivisibles co-executive director Ezra Levintold MSNBCs Rachel Maddow that Hands Off! is going through a wave moment in which they are seeing a larger number of people interested in volunteering, organizing and participating.

Top minds at the worlds largest atom smasher have released a blueprint fora much bigger successorthat could vastly improve research into the remaining enigmas of physics.The plans for the Future Circular Collider a nearly 91-kilometer (56.5-mile) loop along the French-Swiss border and below Lake Geneva published late Monday put the finishing details on a project roughly a decade in the making atCERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.The FCC would carry out high-precision experiments in the mid-2040s to study known physics in greater detail, then enter a second phase planned for 2070 that would conduct high-energy collisions of protons and heavy ions that would open the door to the unknown, said Giorgio Chiarelli, a research director at Italys National Institute of Nuclear Physics.History of physics tells that when there is more data, the human ingenuity is able to extract more information than originally expected, Chiarelli, who was not involved in the plans, said in an e-mail.For roughly a decade, top minds at CERN have been making plans for a successor to the Large Hadron Collider, a network of magnets that accelerate particles through a 27-kilometer (17-mile) underground tunnel and slam them together at velocities approaching the speed of light.The blueprint lays out the proposed path, environmental impact, scientific ambitions and project cost. Independent experts will take a look before CERNs two dozen member countries all European except for Israel decide in 2028 whether to go forward, starting in the mid-2040s at a cost of some 14 billion Swiss francs (about $16 billion).CERN officials tout the promise of scientific discoveries that could drive innovation in fields like cryogenics, superconducting magnets and vacuum technologies that could benefit humankind.Outside experts point to the promise of learning more about theHiggs boson,the elusive particlethat has been controversially dubbed the God particle, which helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang.Work at the Large Hadron Colliderconfirmed in 2013 the existence of the Higgs boson, the central piece in a puzzle known as the standard model that helps explains some fundamental forces in the universe.CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti said the future collider could become the most extraordinary instrument ever built by humanity to study the constituents and the laws of nature at the most fundamental levels in two ways, by improving study of the Higgs boson and paving the way to explore the energy frontier, and by looking for new physics that explain the structure and evolution of the universe.One unknown is whether the Trump administration, which has been cuttingforeign aidandspending in academia and research, will continue to support CERN a year after the Biden administration pledged U.S. support for the study and collaboration on the FCCs construction and physics exploitation if its approved.The United States is home to 2,000 users of CERN, making them the single largest national contingent among the 17,000 people working there, including outside experts abroad and staff on site, Gianotti said.While an observer state and not a member, the U.S. doesnt pay into the CERN regular budget but has contributed to specific projects. Most of the CERN regular budget comes from Europe.Costas Fountas, the CERN Council president, said he had spoken with some U.S. National Science Foundation and Department of Energy staff who relayed the message that so far theyre under the radar of the cuts of the Trump administration. Thats their words.CERN scientists, engineers and partners behind the plans considered at least 100 scenarios for the new collider before coming up with the proposed 91-kilometer circumference at an average depth of 200 meters (656 feet). The tunnel would be about 5 meters (16 feet) in diameter, CERN said.Jamey Keaten, Associated Press