At Project Convergence-Capstone 5 (PC-C5), Firestorm, a California-based military drone manufacturer, showcased its xCell and Tempest mUAS systems. The demonstration highlighted their potential to revolutionize logistics and sustainment for forward-deployed forces.During the US Army exercise, Firestorms xCell system demonstrated on-site expeditionary manufacturing, enabling rapid production and repair of critical equipment. Notably, xCell fabricated three Tempest B1 platforms for Lockheed Martins Long-Term Autonomous Demonstration (LTAD). It also repaired a downed Tempest drone within 72 hours using 3D printed components.The system played a key role in allied collaboration by producing M777 Howitzer traverse assemblies for a U.S.-UK joint initiative. Additionally, it responded to a DEVCOM request by manufacturing 10 ground sensor components overnight. Operating the Firestorm xCell. Photo via Firestorm Firestorm xCell: Advancing Expeditionary ManufacturingThe Firestorm xCell is optimized for expeditionary manufacturing with quick deployment, modular flexibility, and on-demand production. It supports unmanned aerial systems (UAS), spare parts, and mission-critical components in deployed environments. This containerized, semi-autonomous system reduces logistical dependencies while ensuring sustained operational readiness.The xCell system deploys in two 20-ft or one 40-ft ISO container, allowing easy integration with air, sea, and ground military transport. With a production capacity exceeding 50 units per month, it fabricates UAS platforms, replacement parts, and specialized components. Advanced manufacturing capabilities include additive manufacturing, robotic assembly, and automated production, enabling in-theater manufacturing without factory infrastructure.Designed for off-grid operations, xCell features an integrated generator power system for reliability in remote or contested areas. Its semi-autonomous nature minimizes the need for specialized personnel, reducing the logistical burden in the field.Printing parts with Firestorm xCell. Photo: FirestormGrowing Military Adoption of 3D PrintingThe militarys use of 3D printing is expanding rapidly. In 2024, the U.S. Navy deployed several 3D printers, including the XSPEE3D cold spray system from Australian manufacturer SPEE3D and Snowbird Technologies SAMM Tech hybrid DED manufacturing system, to evaluate their effectiveness in strengthening military supply chains. The trial aimed to reduce part delivery times from days to hours through a comprehensive cradle-to-grave approach.Elsewhere, Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) has partnered with Velo3D to deploy the Sapphire XC large-format printer for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. In collaboration with materials company ATI, BPMI is leveraging Velo3Ds metal additive manufacturing technology to 3D print missile components previously produced via casting, significantly reducing lead times for critical propulsion system parts.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image showsthe Firestorm xCell. Photo via Firestorm. Paloma DuranPaloma Duran holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in Journalism. Specializing in writing, podcasting, and content and event creation, she works across politics, energy, mining, and technology. With a passion for global trends, Paloma is particularly interested in the impact of technology like 3D printing on shaping our future.

In Portland, Maine, a 2024 ruling declassified the 19th-century building at 142 Free Street as a historic building, removing its protection as part of the Congress Square Historic District. As of late, the building has been the subject of a preservation debate in the small East Coast city, where the Portland Museum of Art (PMA), which owns the historic building, is expanding its footprint.When AN first reported on PMAs plans for expansion, we noted the growing displeasure from local groups surrounding the possible demolition of 142 Free Street. Now, despite opposition, a path has cleared for the demolition to take place. In response to the declassification, Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL)a preservation nonprofit founded in 1964appealed the decision in Cumberland County Superior Court. A judge has now rejected the appeal, siding with the museum.It doesnt need to come down to a choice between new and old. Theres room for both. And historic districts are created to allow change in that way, not to stop change, Kate Lemos McHale, executive director of GPL, shared in Back in 2024, the Historic Preservation Board, Portland Planning Board, and GPL were among those who recommended against stripping 142 Free Street of its landmarked status. However, on May 20, the city council settled the buildings fate with a 6-3 vote. Those recommending reclassification noted significant alterations to the buildings interiors. However, those who oppose the declassification and subsequent demolition noted that the columned facade, renovated by John Calvin Stevens in the 1920s, plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of nearby contributing structures. PMA acquired the property in 2019 after its previous occupant, the Childrens Museum & Theatre of Maine, decamped to a more spacious location at Portlands waterfront Thompson Point Development. Previously, the building served as the home to Portlands former Chamber of Commerce, the Free Street Baptist Church, and a theater. The demolition is part of PMAs $100 million museum expansion, which will expand its physical footprint for the first time since Henry Cobbs Payson Building opened in 1983.In 2022, the 140-year-old museum began a capital campaign (initially for $85 million) to fund its PMA Blueprint: Building A Landmark For The Future project. The plan was sparked by an exponential rise in museum attendance alongside the growth and diversification of the collection. Through this initiative, the original campus, spanning about 40,000 square feet, will double in size. Following a design competition, a jury ultimately selected a scheme led by LEVER Architecture to realize the plan.A proposed vision for the expansion at 142 Free Street includes accessible open space on the ground floor, classrooms, galleries, and a new auditorium. The space would also play into LEVERs greater Free Street concept, utilizing the facades facing Free Street as a unifier, forming a connection point between new timber additions and the four existing historical structures. In light of the rejected appeal, LEVER and PMA now have the ability to raze the current structure to make room for the new plan.

Pilar Viladas, a bonafide architecture writer and editor, and former AN Best of Design juror, died on March 15 at a Connecticut hospital. Her passing from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs disease) was confirmed by her sister, Luisa, and later reported by The New York Times. Viladas was 70 years old. Viladas is remembered for her intellect; editorships at The New York Times Magazine, Progressive Architecture, and Home & Garden; and articles for Town & Country and Architectural Digest.Julie Iovine, former AN executive editor, shared heartfelt words after Viladass passing. Pilar Viladas was not only a consummate professional and elegant writer but also a deeply responsive and caring friend, Iovine told AN. Iovine continued:In her prose, Pilar represented a gold standard in architecture criticism. Her instincts were sharp, her voice clear and her insights unassailable. Modernism was her passion, nurtured by an early career writing books about midcentury Californian architecture. And even as modernism itself teetered and tottered this way and that, Pilars seeking eye for quality remained unerring. Before ever meeting her, I knew of Pilar by reputationas anyone in the field of design and architecture wouldfrom her pointedly intelligent essays in House & Garden, where she was on staff, and Architectural Digest, where she earned one of those golden gigs of yore. She was incomparable at drawing a perceptive bead on the significant essence of even the most banally plush homes in order to make clear what you needed to know or notice. Her own understanding of history, context and all the most amusing cultural asides ran very deep.When I moved from The New York Times Magazine to the daily newspaper, Pilar took my place and dedicated her pages in the magazine to showcasing the best of contemporary modernism and where it was headed. She left no good architect unnoticed, and seemed to be a close familiar to every elite design manufacturer. To watch her work a vernissage at the Italian Furniture Fair was to see connoisseurship in action.We lunched regularly and connected with the kind of deep fellow feeling that colleagues often do, based less on personal confession and more on the minutiae of shared daily dramas. Pilar could be biting in hilarious ways that wish I could remember. Above all, Pilar cared about finding and championing honesty and clarity in architecture and, from time to time, in the lucky people who knew her.Born Maria Pilar Viladas in 1954 in Greenwich, Connecticut, she later graduated with a degree in art history from Harvard University in 1977. Two years later, she got a job at Interiors, a trade publication. She quickly cut her teeth writing about the rise of the Memphis school, and Reagan-era decadence of the 1980s. In 1995, she published Los Angeles: A Certain Style. After a series of important editorial roles at powerhouse publications, mentioned above, Viladas completed a Loeb fellowship in advanced environmental studies at Harvard in 1997.In 2005, Viladas published another book, Domesticities: At Home with The New York Times Magazine. She continued to edit, write, and participate in academic and culture forums.After her recent passing, friends and readers remembered Viladas on social media, including Chicago critic Blair Kamin. On Instagram, interior designer Nicole Hollis remembered the writer and editor as having a keen eye for beautiful work. Hollis also looked back on the joyful hours together, sipping tea and talking about all aspects of my upbringing, her upbringing, the influences that shaped us as women.Writer Farran Nehme shared on X an article about Viladass favorite apartment, Ingrid Bergmans London flat in Indiscreeta decisive statement coming from someone who frequented well-designed residences.

With some patience and experimentation, you can tweak your TV's basic settings for crisper images and a better viewing experience.

Kerry Wan/ZDNETDid you know that whenever you turn on yoursmart TV, you invite an unseen guest to watch it with you? These days, most popular TV models utilize automatic content recognition (ACR), a form of ad surveillance technology that gathers information about everything you watch and transmits it to a centralized database. Manufacturers then use your data to identify your viewing preferences, enabling them to deliver highly targeted ads.Also: 5 Chromecast tricks to unlock your TV's full potential (including a hidden streaming hack)What's the incentive behind this invasive technology? According to market research firm eMarketer, in 2022, advertisers spent an estimated $18.6 billion on smart TV ads, and those numbers are only going up.To understand how ACR works, imagine a constant, real-time Shazam-like service running in the background while your TV is on. It identifies content displayed on your screen, including programs from cable TV boxes, streaming services, or gaming consoles. ACR does this by capturing continuous screenshots and cross-referencing them with a vast database of media content and advertisements.According to The Markup, ACR can capture and identify up to 7,200 images per hour, or approximately two images every second. This extensive tracking offers money-making insights for marketers and content distributors because it can reveal connections between viewers' personal information and their preferred content. By "personal information," I mean email addresses, IP addresses -- and even your physical street address. Also:The fastest VPNs of 2025: Great speeds and secure connections anywhereBy understanding what viewers watch and engage with, marketers can make decisions on content recommendations to create bespoke advertising placements. They can also track advertisements that lead to purchases.But the most disturbing part is the potential for exploitation. In the wrong hands, sensitive information gathered through ACR could be exploited or misused, which may result in security risks or, at worst, identity theft.Because ACR operates clandestinely in the background, many of us aren't even aware of its active presence each time we're enjoying our favorite shows. Opting out of using ACR is complex and sometimes challenging. Navigating through your TV settings might take several dozen clicks to protect your privacy better.If you, like me, perceive this feature to be intrusive or unsettling, there's a way to dismiss this data collection feature on your smart TV. It might take some patience, but below is a How-To list for five major brands demonstrating how to turn off ACR.How to turn off ACR on a smart TV For Samsung TVs Press theHomebutton on your remote control.Navigate to the left to access the sidebar menu.In the sidebar menu, choose thePrivacy Choicesoption.Select theTerms & Conditions, Privacy Policyoption.Ensure that the checkbox forViewing Information Servicesis unchecked. This will turn off ACR and any associated ad targeting.Select theOKoption at the bottom of the screen to confirm your changes. Show more Also:I changed these 6 TV settings to drastically speed up its performance (and why they work) For an LG TV Press theHomebutton on your remote control to access the home screen.Press theSettingsbutton on your remote.In the settings side menu, select theSettingsoption.Navigate to and select theGeneraloption.In the General menu, chooseSystem.SelectAdditional Settings.In Additional Settings, locate and toggle off theLive Plusoption.LG further allows you to limit ad tracking, which can be found in Additional Settings.In the Additional Settings menu, selectAdvertisement.Toggle on theLimit AD Trackingoption.You can also turn off home promotions and content recommendations:In the Additional Settings menu, selectHome Settings.Uncheck theHome Promotionoption.Uncheck theContent Recommendationoption. Show more For a Sony TV Press theHomebutton on your remote control to access the main menu.Navigate to and selectSettings.ChooseInitial Setup.Scroll down and selectSamba Interactive TV.SelectDisableto turn off Samba TV, which is Sony's ACR technology.Sony also allows for enhanced privacy by disabling ad personalization:Go toSettings.SelectAbout.ChooseAds.Turn offAds Personalization.As an extra step, you can entirely disable the Samba Services Manager, which is embedded in the firmware of certain Sony Bravia TVs as a third-party interactive app.Go toSettings.SelectApps.SelectSamba Services Manager.ChooseClear Cache.SelectForce Stop.Finally, selectDisable.If your Sony TV uses Android TV, you should also turn off data collection for Chromecast:Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.Tap the Menu icon.Select your TV from the list of devices.Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.ChooseSettings.Turn offSend Chromecast device usage data and crash reports. Show more For a Hisense TV Press theHomebutton on your remote control to access the main menu.Navigate to and selectSettings.ChooseSystem.SelectPrivacy.Look for an option calledSmart TV Experience,Viewing Information Services, or something similar.Toggle this option off to disable ACR.To disable personalized ads and opt out of content recommendations:In the Privacy menu, look for an option likeAd TrackingorInterest-Based Ads.Turn this option off.Look for options related to content recommendations or personalized content.Disable these features if you don't want the TV to suggest content based on your viewing habits. Show more For a TCL TV (and other Roku-powered TVs) Press theHomebutton on your TCL TV remote control.Navigate to and selectSettingsin the main menu.Scroll down and select thePrivacyoption.Look forSmart TV Experienceand select it.Uncheck or toggle off the option labeledUse Info from TV Inputs.For extra privacy, TCL TVs offer a few more options, all of which can be found in the Privacy menu:SelectAdvertising.ChooseLimit ad tracking.Again, select Advertising.UncheckPersonalized ads.Now, still in the Privacy menu, select Microphone.AdjustChannel Microphone AccessandChannel Permissionsas desired. Show more Remember that while these steps will significantly reduce data collection, they may also limit some smart features of your TV. Also, it's a good idea to periodically check these settings to ensure they remain as you've set them. Especially after software updates, your revised settings may sometimes revert to their default state.Also: How to clear the cache on your TV (and why it makes such a big difference)The driving force behind targeted advertisements on smart TVs is ACR technology, and its inclusion speaks volumes about manufacturers' focus on monetizing user data rather than prioritizing consumer interests.For most of us, ACR offers few tangible benefits, while the real-time sharing of our viewing habits and preferences exposes us to potential privacy risks. By disabling ACR, you can help keep your data to yourself, and enjoy viewing with some peace of mind.Featured

'Stars Reach' is an extremely ambitious science-fiction MMORPG in development byPlayable Worlds, a new studio from the visionary developer who popularized sandbox MMOs.

Finally: This morning's Switch 2 exclusive Nintendo Direct finally answered all the burning questions about the device, including key specs, price, and release date. As expected, many of the rumors regarding the handheld were validated, but let's make it official. The Nintendo Switch 2 is significantly bigger than its older sibling, featuring a 7.9-inch capacitive touch display, adding to its heft compared to its 6.2-inch predecessor. The 1080p IPS LCD has 120Hz variable refresh rate technology and HDR support.Nintendo was tight-lipped about the Switch 2's processor. The only detail it has divulged is that it is a custom-built CPU/GPU from Nvidia. Obviously, it's a step or two up from the first-gen switch, as evidenced by its shortened battery life. Users can expect between two and 6.5 hours of playtime, depending on the game. By comparison, the Switch could go about 4.5 to nine hours on a charge.Nintendo bumped the Switch 2 to 256GB of internal memory for eight times the storage, which should delight game hoarders like myself. It still has a slot for expanding storage but has switched from microSD to microSD Express. Even though it now has more storage, Nintendo has not abandoned physical game cards. The new mini-cartridges are virtually identical to the first-gen's but are red instead of gray. Additionally, last week's Nintendo Direct unveiled "Virtual Game Cards" to share your digital purchases just like physical media.The Switch 2's JoyCons are significantly different as well. The controllers are a bit bigger, as necessitated by the system's larger screen. However, the Switch 2 and its Joy-Cons (now branded "Joy-Con 2") maintain the same 13.9mm thickness of the original unit. I'm on the fence about whether this is good or bad.On the one hand, keeping it slim minimizes weight, which is essential for a handheld device. On the other, its thin profile is one of my nitpicks about the first-generation Switch. I always found it uncomfortable to use the controllers while attached. I was constantly having to adjust my grip because of its slim design. So, I mainly used the Joy-Con grip attachment for a better feel.Nintendo also confirmed the rumors that Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically to the screen. There were initial concerns that this was a flimsy way to connect them, but that doesn't look like much of a problem with the Joy-Con 2's deep inset sockets and powerful internal magnets. The controllers should remain securely in place until the release lever is activated, no matter how much a user fidgets while playing. // Related StoriesOther nifty features include mouse mode and the "C" button. Mouse mode is just as it sounds. Users can position a single JoyCon sideways on a flat surface like a mouse. It's ideal for puzzle games, golf, or other compatible titles. The C button, which also appears on the new Nintendo Pro Controller, launches a self-explanatory new feature called GameChat and pulls up its related options. Switch's lack of a proper chat function was a big complaint, so it's nice to see Nintendo listen to user feedback.The last notable change to the Switch 2 is its docking system. The first thing users will notice is that the dock is much thicker. This extra thickness accommodates a cooling fan. Docking blocks airflow, and users typically play games longer while docked. Additionally, the hybrid supports 4K HDR at 60fps when connected to a TV, which probably increases heat generation. So, a fan to vent excessive heat makes sense.Pre-orders for the Switch 2 open next Wednesday, April 9, for $450. Customers can also buy the console bundled with Mario Cart World for $500. Units ship to pre-order holders and retailers on June 5. Check out the Nintendo Direct breakdown below for more details, including the new Switch 2 Camera.

Wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, and one of the best brands on the market for TWS ANC tech is Apple. For years, the AirPods Pro have been a staple of in-ear audio tech, and it just so happens that the latest and greatest version of these buds are on sale today:For a limited time, when you purchase the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and Apples Hearing Aid Feature, youll only pay $200. The full MSRP on this model is $250.Whether youve owned numerous Apple products over countless years or the AirPods are your very first Apple purchase, youre in for one heck of a treat.RelatedThe AirPods Pro 2 deliver some of the best ANC performance youll find on a pair of buds in 2025, and thats putting them up against heavy hitters like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Features like Conversation Awareness, which automatically pauses media and switches over to Transparency when you start talking, help to further sweeten the noise-canceling suite.As far as sound quality goes, the AirPods Pro 2 bring a full-bodied default audio profile with a little extra oomph in the low end that sounds great when listening to rock, hip-hop, EDM, and other bass-heavy genres.And because these are TWS earbuds, youll be able to recharge them with the provided MagSafe case, which supports both USB-C and wireless Qi charging. On a full charge, you can expect about six hours of battery life from the AirPods Pro 2 and an extra 24 hours with a fully charged case.Its hard to say how long this markdown is going to last, but we wouldnt take too long to take advantage of this offer. Save $50 when you purchase the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and Apples Hearing Aid Feature today. We also suggest taking a look through our roundups of the best AirPods Pro deals, best AirPods deals, andbest Apple deals for even more discounts on top Apple hardware!Editors Recommendations

The Michael Jackson biopic hit another snag.Per Deadline,Michaelcould be split into two movies. The current cut of Michael is approximately four hours. Furthermore, the movie will likely be removed from its release date October 3, 2025 and pushed to 2026.Recommended VideosWhile Jeff Sneider reports thatMichaelwill be removed from the 2025 calendar, Deadlines report says Michael could still find a new release date later this year. Universal Studios will handle the international distribution of Michael, so several issues must be ironed out before finding a new release date.RelatedThe news comes one day after Lionsgate, the studio behindMichael, did not show footage from the biopic during its 2025 CinemaCon presentation. At 2024s CinemaCon, Lionsgate exec Jim Packer calledMichaelthe biggest movie weve ever had.In November, Lionsgate movedMichaelfrom April 2025 to the movies current release date of October 3.Pucks Matthew Belloni reported in January that Michael would undergo significant rewrites and reshoots due to a massive legal issue between the Jackson estate and Jordan Chandler, who accused the pop star of molestation in 1993. The third act includes the allegations made by Chandlers family and how Jackson planned to handle the lawsuit. However, Jacksons legal team reached a settlement with Chandlers to never include them in any movies or projects about Jacksons life.Im humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michaels story to life. To all the fans all over the world, Ill see you soon.Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023The entire third act needed to be reshot due to Chandlers inclusion. The Jackson estate reportedly paid for the reshoots on Michael, which already carried a budget of $155 million.Jaafar Jackson, Michaels nephew, plays his uncle in the biopic. The cast also features Colman Domingoas Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Derek Luke as Johnnie Cochran.Antoine Fuqua directsMichaelfrom a screenplay by John Logan. Graham King, who won Best Picture for The Departed, producesMichaelalongside Branca and John McClain.Editors Recommendations

The shows secret to comedy gold: three millennial writers with a work arrangement few could replicate.