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

Sony has just unveiled its new flagship OLED TV, the Bravia 8 II (also called Bravia 8 Mark II or XR80M2), as part of its 2025 TV lineup announcement on April 2, 2025. This new model succeeds the highly regarded A95L from 2023 and brings notable improvements in brightness and color reproduction while maintaining Sonys reputation for premium picture quality. Early hands-on impressions suggest this TV represents a meaningful evolution rather than a revolutionary change, but with enhancements that maintain Sonys position in the high-end TV market.Designer: SonyTwo Decades of BraviaThe Bravia 8 II arrives as Sony celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Bravia TV line, marking two decades of the brands presence in the television market. Despite speculation that Sony might adopt LGs new quad stack OLED panel technology, the company has instead chosen to continue with an improved version of Samsung Displays QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) panel technology that powered the previous A95L model.Photo: SonyIn Sonys revamped naming scheme, the Bravia 8 II sits as the flagship OLED model, though not at the absolute top of Sonys entire lineup that position belongs to the Bravia 9 Mini LED TV. This naming convention represents Sonys current product hierarchy, with the II designation indicating this is the second iteration of the Bravia 8 series, though its worth noting that this model is positioned as the successor to the A95L rather than the original Bravia 8.The new TV will be available in 55-inch (55XR80M2) and 65-inch (65XR80M2) sizes, with no 77-inch model announced yet the 77-inch A95L will remain in production to fill that gap in the lineup. Sony has indicated that the Bravia 8 II will be more affordable than the A95L was at launch, potentially making this premium OLED technology accessible to more consumers.Display Technology and Picture PerformanceThe heart of the Bravia 8 II is its latest-generation QD-OLED panel coupled with Sonys advanced processing technologies. This combination delivers significant improvements in key performance areas. One of the most notable upgrades is in brightness capability. The Bravia 8 II offers 50% more brightness than the current WRGB OLED-based Bravia 8, and multiple sources suggest its 25-125% brighter than the A95L, depending on the reporting source. This increased luminance allows for more impactful HDR highlights and better performance in bright room environments.Photo: SonyThe TV incorporates an integrated temperature sensor with XR Contrast Booster 15 technology that controls brightness at the pixel level to enhance picture depth and detail. This precision control helps maintain the perfect black levels that OLED is known for while pushing brightness in specific areas of the screen. The Bravia 8 II features Sonys XR Triluminos Max technology, an evolution of their color processing that takes advantage of the QD-OLED panels natural color purity and wide gamut capabilities. Early demonstrations showed vivid saturated colors against a deep black background, creating a dimensional image quality.Sonys XR Processor powers all this visual performance, featuring AI-driven scene recognition technology. This system analyzes each scene to enhance realism by comparing content with a reference library of known backgrounds and patterns, helping to fill in details that might be missing from the source material. Additional picture enhancement features include XR Clear Image for clarity enhancement, XR OLED Motion for smoother movement, Live Color for color enhancement, and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer for improved contrast.Technical Specifications and FeaturesThe Bravia 8 II delivers a premium viewing experience with its 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring both crystal-clear static images and smooth motion handling. The display maintains excellent visibility from virtually any angle thanks to its wide 178-degree viewing field, making it ideal for larger rooms where viewers might be seated off-center. Content creators will appreciate the TVs comprehensive HDR format support, which includes HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with virtually all high dynamic range content available today.Photo: SonyThe anti-reflection coating helps maintain image quality even in brightly lit rooms, though early reports suggest Sony has taken a balanced approach that preserves image integrity while reducing the most distracting reflections. For viewers concerned with seeing content exactly as directors intended, the Filmmaker Mode disables post-processing effects that might alter the original creative vision. Beyond this purist option, the TV offers a rich selection of picture modes to suit different content types and viewing preferences, from the vibrant colors of Vivid mode to the specialized settings of the gaming-focused FPS and RTS modes.Connection options cover all modern needs with four HDMI 2.1 ports that support the latest high-bandwidth gaming and video standards. Two USB ports allow for media playback or recording functions, while traditional connectivity is maintained through an Ethernet port for a stable internet connection and an RF input for antenna or cable connections. Audio output options include the optical digital audio output for connecting to legacy sound systems. The implementation of HDCP 2.3 across all HDMI ports ensures compatibility with protected content sources, while HDMI CEC functionality through Bravia Sync allows for simplified control of multiple compatible devices with a single remote. The eARC/ARC support streamlines audio setup, enabling high-quality audio transmission to compatible sound systems with minimal cabling.Sony continues to differentiate its TVs through innovative audio approaches with the Bravia 8 II featuring Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which uses actuators to transform the entire TV screen into a speaker. This creates a more immersive experience where sound appears to emanate directly from the on-screen action. The speaker system consists of a 2.1.2 channel configuration with four speakers plus one subwoofer, delivering a combined 40W of audio power. Format support is extensive, covering Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS Express, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS. The TV also supports Sonys Acoustic Center Sync feature, which allows integration with compatible Sony soundbars or speaker systems to enhance dialog clarity and improve the localization of on-screen sound, working with the BRAVIA Theater Bar 8, BRAVIA Theater Bar 9, and BRAVIA Theater Quad systems.The Bravia 8 II runs on Google TV as its operating system, providing access to a vast range of streaming services and apps through the Google Play Store. The TV includes 32GB of storage for app installation and supports popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV. Built-in Chromecast for casting from mobile devices, Apple AirPlay support, and screen mirroring capabilities ensure flexible content sharing options. Voice assistant functionality, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Core Calibrated mode, Bravia Cam support, and Google Home integration round out the smart features. A new addition is Sonys Studio Calibrated movie mode, designed to present content exactly as creators intended.For gamers, the Bravia 8 II offers several features aimed at enhancing the interactive experience. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support on HDMI ports 3 and 4 prevents screen tearing during gameplay, while Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) across all four HDMI ports automatically switches to low-lag mode when a game source is detected. High Frame Rate (HFR) support enables 4K content at 120Hz for ultra-smooth motion. HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) compatibility improves HDR gaming performance, while Game Optimizer settings allow for tailoring the experience to different game types. Dedicated FPS Game and RTS Game picture modes complete the gaming package. These features collectively work to reduce input lag, eliminate visual artifacts, and optimize picture quality specifically for gaming content.Market Positioning and AvailabilityThe Sony Bravia 8 II is positioned as a premium OLED TV that succeeds the A95L in Sonys lineup, though at a potentially more accessible price point. Sony has stated that it will be more affordable than the A95L, though specific pricing has not yet been announced. The TV is expected to begin shipping later this Spring (2025), with exact availability dates to be confirmed. When it launches, the Bravia 8 II will compete in the high-end TV market against other premium OLED and Mini LED models from competitors like LG, Samsung, and Panasonic.Photo: SonySony appears to be maintaining a dual approach to premium TVs, with the Bravia 9 Mini LED at the absolute top of the lineup and the Bravia 8 II as the flagship OLED option. This strategy gives consumers a choice based on their viewing preferences and environment. Early hands-on impressions from reviewers have been positive, with What Hi-Fi describing it as a meaningful upgrade on one of the best TVs ever made. The decision to stick with QD-OLED technology rather than switching to LGs newer quad stack OLED panels suggests Sony remains confident in the performance capabilities of the Samsung Display panels, particularly when paired with Sonys proprietary processing technologies.Some potential drawbacks noted in early impressions include the continued limitation of just two HDMI 2.1 sockets (though the specifications suggest all four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 features). Additionally, the absence of a 77-inch model at launch means consumers seeking larger screen sizes will need to either wait or consider the older A95L in that size.The post Sony Bravia 8 II: Sonys New Flagship OLED TV for 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lighting fixtures have evolved far beyond their utilitarian origins to become pivotal design elements in contemporary interiors. The most compelling fixtures manage to harmonize form and function, becoming focal points that define a spaces character while providing essential illumination. Yet many designer lamps sacrifice adaptability for aesthetic impact, presenting stunning but static visual statements that cannot evolve with changing interior needs or personal preferences.The Domino pendant lamp by Kuzco Lighting, created in collaboration with Branch Creative, offers a refreshing departure from this limitation. Its ingenious design draws inspiration from the simple yet iconic game pieces that have captivated players for generations. The lamps composition of seven identical rectangular forms stacked in a linear arrangement creates a striking visual rhythm that commands attention while maintaining an understated elegance that complements rather than overwhelms its surroundings.Designer: Branch Creative for Kuzco LightingWhat truly distinguishes this pendant from conventional lighting fixtures is its remarkable adaptability. Each of the seven rectangular elements can be independently positioned and rotated, allowing for countless configurations that range from perfectly aligned to playfully askew. This flexibility enables the lamp to transform from a formal, symmetrical arrangement suitable for traditional settings to a dynamic, seemingly random composition that adds energy and visual interest to contemporary spaces.The thoughtful construction incorporates high-quality materials that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Crafted from steel with a frosted acrylic diffuser, the lamp projects a warm, inviting glow that softens the geometric precision of its form. The integrated LED technology provides 3000K warm white illumination, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and comfortable, perfect for spaces where both style and livability matter.The lamps dual-direction lighting is particularly noteworthy, casting illumination both upward and downward to create layered lighting effects that enhance spatial perception. This bidirectional light distribution allows the fixture to serve multiple lighting needs simultaneously, providing task lighting for activities below while washing ceilings with ambient light that expands the perceived volume of the space. This functional versatility makes it suitable for installation over dining tables, kitchen islands, or living areas.The lamps visual language speaks to current design trends while avoiding trendy excesses that might quickly date it. Its clean lines and geometric simplicity reference modernist principles, yet the playful configurability introduces an element of spontaneity that keeps it from feeling austere or cold. This balance of discipline and whimsy creates a timeless quality that will likely maintain its relevance as interior styles evolve around it.The post Domino-Inspired Pendant Lamp Balances Artistic Form with Functional Flexibility first appeared on Yanko Design.