As one of the biggest names in the TV game, Samsung rolls out some of the best rated TVs every year. It released more than a dozen new sets for 2025, bringing staggering sizes, dazzling specs, and the best picture quality we've ever seen. If you're looking for the best of the best, a budget model, or something in the middle, Samsung has a TV that will fit your needs.Also:The best TVs you can buyWhat is the best Samsung TV right now?ZDNET staff went hands-on with plenty of Samsung TV models, and our pick for the best Samsung TV overall is the Samsung S95D Its Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ add an incredible level of immersion usually only found on high end sound bars, a 144Hz maximum refresh rate keeps everything running smoothly, and the anti-glare coating is the best around. We know everyone has different budgets and needs for their TV, though, so we built a list that includes a variety of Samsung TVs for any situation. Sort by All The best Samsung TVs of 2025 Show less View now at Samsung Picking the top Samsung TV isn't hard. The S95D was the best of CES 2024, and ZDNET's Jason Hiner called it "the best in the world right now." In addition to signature OLED picture quality, you'll also be able to push your TV's refresh rate as high as 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games. It also has high-quality audio with support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology for audio that follows the on-screen action as it moves. Even if you're a casual gamer, you'll find things to love here like support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and other visual glitches, plus Samsung's Gaming Hub that gives you deep access to video game-specific settings.Samsung S95D tech specs: Screen size:55-77 inches |Panel type:OLED |Refresh rate:Up to 144HzResolution:4K |HDR:OLED HDR Pro |Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Pros Excellent audio and picture quality AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ Cons Expensive No Dolby Vision support Picking the top Samsung TV isn't hard. The S95D was the best of CES 2024, and ZDNET's Jason Hiner called it "the best in the world right now." In addition to signature OLED picture quality, you'll also be able to push your TV's refresh rate as high as 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games. It also has high-quality audio with support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology for audio that follows the on-screen action as it moves. Even if you're a casual gamer, you'll find things to love here like support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and other visual glitches, plus Samsung's Gaming Hub that gives you deep access to video game-specific settings.Samsung S95D tech specs: Screen size:55-77 inches |Panel type:OLED |Refresh rate:Up to 144HzResolution:4K |HDR:OLED HDR Pro |Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Walmart If you want your television to be eye-catching even when it's not in use, there's no better option than Samsung's Frame. Many TVs these days have an "art screensaver" option where paintings scroll by, but that's not what the Frame does. With its ultra-thin design and anti-glare matte screen, this set actually looks like a canvas hanging on your wall.This is simply a gorgeous TV, and the specs are amazing as well. With its 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, Dolby Atmos audio, and Quantum Processor 4K, this TV checks all the boxes. Video game fans will be happy with the Game Bar feature, and the artificial intelligence upscaling makes any content shine.Several generations of the Frame are available for purchase now, including the newest 2025 model. If you're willing to sacrifice a few tech specs, you can scoop up an older model for a great deal and still keep the most appealing part of this set -- it's physical appearance.Samsung Frame tech specs: Screen size: 32-85 inches |Panel type:QLED|Refresh rate:120Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:HDR10+ |Audio:Object Tracking Sound Lite |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Pros Looks absolutely stunning Cons Can get pricey Frame sold separately If you want your television to be eye-catching even when it's not in use, there's no better option than Samsung's Frame. Many TVs these days have an "art screensaver" option where paintings scroll by, but that's not what the Frame does. With its ultra-thin design and anti-glare matte screen, this set actually looks like a canvas hanging on your wall.This is simply a gorgeous TV, and the specs are amazing as well. With its 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, Dolby Atmos audio, and Quantum Processor 4K, this TV checks all the boxes. Video game fans will be happy with the Game Bar feature, and the artificial intelligence upscaling makes any content shine.Several generations of the Frame are available for purchase now, including the newest 2025 model. If you're willing to sacrifice a few tech specs, you can scoop up an older model for a great deal and still keep the most appealing part of this set -- it's physical appearance.Samsung Frame tech specs: Screen size: 32-85 inches |Panel type:QLED|Refresh rate:120Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:HDR10+ |Audio:Object Tracking Sound Lite |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Samsung If you want the best big screen Samsung TV, it's hard to look past the QN90F. It's available in a 98-inch size right now, but a 115-inch model is coming soon -- Samsung's largest ever consumer display. Be aware the biggest models of this set carry an equally massive price tag -- the 98-inch version is $15,000, but the 85-inch version is a much more reasonable $4,500.The QN90F has an incredible 4K picture and dynamic sound for everything you watch. There's virtually no glare, multi-dimensional AI-enhanced sound that tracks to on-screen motion, Samsung Vision AI, and a NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor. This is one of Samsung's most advanced sets and the technology is optimized for super-large screens.ZDNET's Jason Hiner and Kerry Wan saw this set at CES and said, "we immediately felt the impact of the matte-frosted, light-diffusing treatment," adding "the lack of reflections was apparent, ultimately making the already premium TVs feel even more so."Samsung QN90F tech specs: Screen size: 43-115 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate: 120Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Quantum HDR+ |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Pros Up to 115-inch screen Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite Cons No Dolby Vision support If you want the best big screen Samsung TV, it's hard to look past the QN90F. It's available in a 98-inch size right now, but a 115-inch model is coming soon -- Samsung's largest ever consumer display. Be aware the biggest models of this set carry an equally massive price tag -- the 98-inch version is $15,000, but the 85-inch version is a much more reasonable $4,500.The QN90F has an incredible 4K picture and dynamic sound for everything you watch. There's virtually no glare, multi-dimensional AI-enhanced sound that tracks to on-screen motion, Samsung Vision AI, and a NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor. This is one of Samsung's most advanced sets and the technology is optimized for super-large screens.ZDNET's Jason Hiner and Kerry Wan saw this set at CES and said, "we immediately felt the impact of the matte-frosted, light-diffusing treatment," adding "the lack of reflections was apparent, ultimately making the already premium TVs feel even more so."Samsung QN90F tech specs: Screen size: 43-115 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate: 120Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Quantum HDR+ |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Samsung The Samsung Q60C is an excellent option for anyone who needs a smaller-screen TV for their apartment, bedroom, or dorm. It's available in screen sizes as small as 32 inches, making it almost perfect for a second screen or for saving space in a living room that's on the tiny side. And just because it's a small-screen TV, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice cool features.You'll get object-tracking sound for virtual 3D audio and support for Alexa, Bixby, and Hey Google voice controls. With popular, preloaded apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, you can start streaming your favorite movies and shows right out of the box. And with the Tizen operating system, you can download thousands more to turn your TV into the ultimate entertainment hub.Samsung Q60C tech specs: Screen size:32 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate:60Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Quantum HDR+ |Audio:Object Tracking Sound Lite |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Pros As small as 32 inches Object tracking sound support Support for multiple voice assistants Preloaded apps Cons Pricey for a small TV No Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision support The Samsung Q60C is an excellent option for anyone who needs a smaller-screen TV for their apartment, bedroom, or dorm. It's available in screen sizes as small as 32 inches, making it almost perfect for a second screen or for saving space in a living room that's on the tiny side. And just because it's a small-screen TV, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice cool features.You'll get object-tracking sound for virtual 3D audio and support for Alexa, Bixby, and Hey Google voice controls. With popular, preloaded apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, you can start streaming your favorite movies and shows right out of the box. And with the Tizen operating system, you can download thousands more to turn your TV into the ultimate entertainment hub.Samsung Q60C tech specs: Screen size:32 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate:60Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Quantum HDR+ |Audio:Object Tracking Sound Lite |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you want one of the most budget-friendly Samsung TVs, the DU6900 is a strong contender. The 55-inch model costs $280 right now and includes aUHDpanel with crisp detailing, bright colors, sharp contrast, and Crystal Processor 4K.This set has Motion Xcelerator for less blur and lag while gaming, Object Tracking Sound Lite to hear 3D surround sound that follows the movement on screen, and 4K upscaling. This is an amazing value for a TV of this size from a reputable name.SamsungDU6900tech specs: Screen size:43-75 inches |Panel type:Crystal UHD |Refresh rate:60Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:HDR10+ |Audio:Dolby Audio|Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Pros Nice variety of screen sizes Very affordable Support for multiple voice assistants Cons No Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision support Only 60Hz refresh rate If you want one of the most budget-friendly Samsung TVs, the DU6900 is a strong contender. The 55-inch model costs $280 right now and includes aUHDpanel with crisp detailing, bright colors, sharp contrast, and Crystal Processor 4K.This set has Motion Xcelerator for less blur and lag while gaming, Object Tracking Sound Lite to hear 3D surround sound that follows the movement on screen, and 4K upscaling. This is an amazing value for a TV of this size from a reputable name.SamsungDU6900tech specs: Screen size:43-75 inches |Panel type:Crystal UHD |Refresh rate:60Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:HDR10+ |Audio:Dolby Audio|Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Samsung TVs, compared Best Samsung TVPriceAudioPanel typeSamsung S95D$3,000 (65-inch)Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+OLEDSamsung The Frame$1,600 (75-inch)Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+QLEDSamsung QN90F$3,300 (75-inch)Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound LiteQLED Samsung Q60C$430 (32-inch)Object Tracking Sound LiteOLEDSamsung DU6900$280(55-inch)Dolby Digital Plus UHD*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Why choose Samsung over other TV manufacturers? The biggest reason to choose Samsung over other manufacturers like LG or Sony is simply quality. TVs like the S90C and S95D are at the top of their class. Samsung is a versatile brand, with options that range from high-end to value-focused. No matter what type of TV you need, Samsung has options - and every one offers quality for the money.Samsung TVs are also noted for their reliability, with the company making TVs for decades. In a television landscape that sees flashy new models roll out every year, many customers report being perfectly happy with their Samsung sets for many years.If you're a gamer, you'll appreciate the Samsung Gaming Hub, found on newer sets like the S90C. The Gaming Hub gives you access to cloud-based services like Luna so you can game without a console. Show more Which Samsung TV is right for you? Once you've hammered out a budget and made sure the new TV will fit in your space, the most crucial factor to consider when buying a new Samsung TV is how you will use it. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? Choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps and the ability to mirror your mobile device screens.Are you a console gamer? Samsung offers dedicated gaming modes for reducing input lag and response times and toggling VRR technology like FreeSync and G-Sync on or off. Buy this best Samsung TV...If you need...Samsung S95DThe best overall option. You get signature OLED picture quality and Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+.Samsung The FrameA beautiful TV that becomes a centerpiece of your home even when turned off.Samsung QN90FA big-screen Samsung TV with QLED panel for better brightness, color, and contrast. tableSamsung Q60CA small-screen Samsung TV. The Q60C is available in 32-, 43-, and 50-inch screen sizes for bedrooms, dorms, and apartments.Samsung DU6900A budget-friendly Samsung TV. The DU6900 retails for much less than other Samsung models and competitors but still offers great features. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a Samsung TV: While shopping for a Samsung TV, there are a few factors to keep in mind to help you stay on-budget and get the most value for your money:Price:Samsung has a wide range of televisions available, from basic and budget-friendly to premium-grade OLEDs. We've included a variety of Samsung TVs at different price points to fit different budgets.Picture and audio quality:While Samsung doesn't include support for Dolby Vision HDR on their televisions, they do offer Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound or Dolby Digital for enhanced audio. Samsung also uses a proprietary HDR codec to enhance detailing, color, and contrast for images. Each TV featured on this list has been ensured to support at least basic HDR10 and Dolby Digital audio.Connectivity:A new TV, Samsung or not, isn't worth much if you can't do anything with it. Each product on this list has been tested and researched to ensure that they offer HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for setting up game consoles and playback devices as well as for screen sharing from mobile devices and downloading streaming apps. Show more What's the future of Samsung TVs? There's no reason to think that Samsung will stop being one of the top names anytime soon. Like every aspect of technology right now, AI is the popular trend. This year's Samsung sets did incorporate some AI processing, and since AI isn't going anywhere, expect to see more of that. Samsung has also done a good job with smart home connectivity, with recent models having a built-in SmartThings hub. It would be nice to see that expand to other ecosystems in the future. Show more How did we choose these Samsung TVs? While researching and testing each Samsung TV featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:Reasons to upgrade: It seems like every year, TV brands release updated product lineups with gimmicky features to try and get you to upgrade your current screen. Each Samsung TV on this list was chosen because it offered enough new and unique features over the previous generation of products to warrant a possible upgrade.Smart features: People have come to expect smart features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and virtual assistants as-standard in their new TVs. Each Samsung TV that was chosen offers a suite of features from hands-free voice controls to screen calibration and free TV channels.Screen sizes: No two homes, and no two rooms within those homes, are exactly alike. It's important to get the right sized screen for your space to avoid making the room either feel like an endless void due to a too-small TV or cramped and uncomfortable from one that's too large. Show more FAQs on Samsung TVs What size TV is best for my room? The best way to find the ideal TV size for your space is to measure the distance (in inches) from where your TV will be mounted on the wall or placed on a stand to where you will be sitting, and then divide that distance in half. So if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) from where your new TV will be, the ideal screen size for your room would be around 60 inches.You can go a bit bigger or smaller depending on what sizes are available from each brand and what your budget allows. But there is such a thing as a TV that is too big or too small. A screen that is too large will overwhelm your space and could even cause motion sickness, while a screen that is entirely too small will make your room feel like a huge cavern and force everyone to crowd around in order to see. Show more What's the difference between QLED and OLED? Short answer: Marketing.Long answer: Unlike OLED, the term "QLED" is a marketing gimmick rather than an acronym for a specific piece of technology. A QLED television from Samsung or another brand like Hisense really just uses a regular LED panel to create an image while a fancy processing chip uses proprietary software to boost color, brightness, and contrast. The "Q" in QLED stands for "quantum," which is a marketing term to get you interested in the TV rather than an indication of actual quantum TV tech (whatever that would be).In contrast, an OLED television uses a special LED panel where each individual pixel is represented by a single LED bulb with its own power source. By allowing individual LED lights to be switched off completely, an OLED television is capable of true blacks that make brighter colors pop and enhance contrast. They also use an organic substrate which is activated by an electrical current to produce colors. This substrate is very expensive and difficult to produce, which is why OLED TVs are much more expensive than their LED and QLED counterparts. Show more How long will a Samsung TV last? If you aren't running your Samsung TV 24/7, you can reasonably expect it to last at least five years. You can extend the life of your Samsung TV by ensuring that the operating system and firmware are up to date via automatic updates.Unfortunately, the era of TVs lasting decades as long as there weren't any mechanical issues is long over. Because almost all new televisions are internet-enabled, there will eventually come a point where older TVs are no longer able to support new firmware updates or new versions of streaming apps. This means that you'll almost be forced to buy a new TV every 10 or so years if you've cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming your content. The average TV lifespan will give you plenty of time to save up for when the time comes to upgrade. Show more Are Samsung TVs good for gaming? Absolutely! Along with a variety of screen sizes available,Samsung TVs like the QN90C and S95C include the Samsung Gaming Hub. The Hub gives you access to cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass, as well as lowered input response times, support for VRR technology like AMD FreeSync, and enhanced contrast. You'll also get multiple HDMI inputs for connecting more than one console, as well as an RF connection for some retro consoles like the SNES. Show more Other Samsung TVs we've tested ZDNETs TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends

Its been a while since we heard anything about 'Titanic Scion', but we now know its not only a Switch 2 game but it is also based around power armor.

SpaceX is making final preparations to bring home the Fram2 crew, which launched to orbit in a private mission on Monday.The Crew Dragon and its four crewmembers will splash down off the coast of California on Friday, marking the first Crew Dragon mission to land in the Pacific OceanRecommended VideosUp to now, the Crew Dragon capsules have landed off the coast of Florida, but to eliminate risks on the ground involving fragments of the trunk section that jettisons from the spacecraft during descent, SpaceX has decided to switch the landing zone to the Pacific.RelatedSpaceX actually used the Pacific for the first uncrewed Dragon supply missions, but switched to the East Coast in 2019. How to watchThe Fram2 mission is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, April 4. The Crew Dragons homecoming will be livestreamed on SpaceXs X account, though the company has yet to confirm when the broadcast will start. We will update this article with timings just as soon as the details are announced.More about the missionSponsored by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang, Fram2 is the first-ever crewed mission to take a polar orbit.The crew comprises Wang, Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German roboticist Rabea Rogge, and Australian polar adventurer Eric Phillips.While in orbit, the Fram2 crew is carrying out more than 20 experiments focused on advancing scientific understanding of spaceflight, which could prove useful for future missions. They include radiation measurements, mushroom cultivation in microgravity conditions, and observing polar light phenomena like auroras. While some experts have questioned the missions scientific merit, Fram2demonstrates the potential for innovative commercial ventures to contribute to long-term space exploration goals.Travling around 270 miles above Earths surface, the crew has already been sharing dramatic imagery captured from the Crew Dragons cupola window. Wang has also shared social media posts explaining how he and his fellow crewmembers felt a little rough as they adjusted to the microgravity conditions during their first day in orbit.Editors Recommendations

A New Chapter for Google AI Google shakes up Gemini leadership, Google Labs head taking the reins With fresh leadership, Google aims to create new products based on Gemini. Ryan Whitwam Apr 2, 2025 3:40 pm | 5 Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreOn the heels of releasing its most capable AI model yet, Google is making some changes to the Gemini team. A new report from Semafor reveals that longtime Googler Sissie Hsiao will step down from her role leading the Gemini team effective immediately. In her place, Google is appointing Josh Woodward, who currently leads Google Labs.According to a memo from DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, this change is designed to "sharpen our focus on the next evolution of the Gemini app." This new responsibility won't take Woodward away from his role at Google Labshe will remain in charge of that division while leading the Gemini team.Meanwhile, Hsiao says in a message to employees that she is happy with "Chapter 1" of the Bard story and is optimistic for Woodward's "Chapter 2." Hsiao won't be involved in Google's AI efforts for nowshe's opted to take some time off before returning to Google in a new role.Hsiao has been at Google for 19 years and was tasked with building Google's chatbot in 2022. At the time, Google was reeling after ChatGPT took the world by storm using the very transformer architecture that Google originally invented. Initially, the team's chatbot efforts were known as Bard before being unified under the Gemini brand at the end of 2023.This process has been a bit of a slog, with Google's models improving slowly while simultaneously worming their way into many beloved products. However, the sense inside the company is that Gemini has turned a corner with 2.5 Pro. While this model is still in the experimental stage, it has bested other models in academic benchmarks and has blown right past them in all-important vibemarks like LM Arena.In his role leading Google Labs, Woodward oversaw the launch of Notebook LM, a popular generative AI tool that can provide answers and analysis based on user-supplied data. It can also generate a "podcast" style conversation based on the data that is both informative and creepy. This capability was recently added to the Gemini Deep Research tool. A demo of Google's Project Mariner, which was developed by Woodward's group. In addition to working on Notebook LM, Woodwards team was involved with Google's Project Mariner, an experimental AI agent that can control the Chrome browser. Google and other major AI players see agentic systems as the next frontier in AI development, so it does make sense to bring someone with that experience in to lead the Gemini team during this crucial time.Anyone who uses Google products has no doubt seen Gemini in existing apps, but most of Google's Gemini integrations so far boil down to adding a chat window so you can query Gemini about the content in a product like Drive or Gmail. Putting Woodward in charge suggests Google hopes to use the success of Notebook LM as a guide as it begins finding ways to turn its most capable AI model into new AI-powered products. Google may find that people are more receptive to generative AI when it backs a new experience rather than invading the apps they've already been using.Ryan WhitwamSenior Technology ReporterRyan WhitwamSenior Technology Reporter Ryan Whitwam is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering the ways Google, AI, and mobile technology continue to change the world. Over his 20-year career, he's written for Android Police, ExtremeTech, Wirecutter, NY Times, and more. He has reviewed more phones than most people will ever own. You can follow him on Bluesky, where you will see photos of his dozens of mechanical keyboards. 5 Comments

Some companies can still keep a secret A look at the Switch 2s initial games, both familiar and what-the-heck A bit of early 2020s triple-A, some neat originals, and two wild arrivals. Kevin Purdy Apr 2, 2025 3:20 pm | 15 Credit: FromSoftware Credit: FromSoftware Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreI don't think anybody outside Nintendo or FromSoftware was expecting a spiritual successor to Bloodborne to be one of the titles announced at the Nintendo Switch 2's launch today. Not just "playable" on the Switch 2, but exclusive to it. But there it was, The Duskbloods, debuting its dread horror action just a few minutes before the luminously pink and puffy Kirby Air Ride 2.The Switch 2's launch titles, and other announced games, are quite the rich stew. Here are some of the AAA ports, exclusives, and unexpectedly gruesome games arriving on the just-announced system.Switch exclusives, including Nintendos own Riding it like he stole it (in 2003). Credit: Nintendo Riding it like he stole it (in 2003). Credit: Nintendo We'll get to FromSoftware's surprising Switch 2 exclusive in a bit. Far less surprising is a new Mario Kart game, as Mario Kart 8sold more than 67 million copies, covering more than 40 percent of all Switches sold. Mario Kart World goes big, with 24 simultaneous players, and the ability to explore off the course in a kind of open-world setting.These are the other Switch 2 exclusives Nintendo touted today:Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the 2003 GameCube titleKirby's Air Ride, puts the adorable pink inhalation monster and his friends on jet-powered stars.Donkey Kong Bananza has the big guy doing his usual 3D/2D platforming, but also digging into mines.Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonmenthas Koei Tecmo and Nintendo putting a prequel story toTears of the Kingdom into theDynasty Warriorsmass slash-em-up mold.Drag x Driveuses both the Joy-Con's mouse mode and motion controls for moving, shooting, and even waving to your teammates for the ball in a stylized wheelchair basketball match.Along with those Switch 2-only titles, Nintendo is offering "Switch 2 editions" of many titles for the original Switch, including the not-yet-released Pokmon Legends Z-A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Civilization 7. Existing titles Super Mario Party Jamboree, theZelda games Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, andKirby and the Forgotten Landwill have both Switch 2 Editions and upgrade packs for original Switch title owners.You can read a lot more about original Switch games' compatibility on the Switch 2, "Editions," and upgrade packs elsewhere in Ars' Switch 2 launch coverage.AAA games of recent vintage Switch 2's "Partner Spotlight," Part 1 With the promise of new hardware capable of 1080p, 120 frames per second, HDR, and even mouse capabilities, the Switch 2 is getting attention from developers eager to make up for lost timeand stake out a place on a sequel to the system that sold more than 150 million hardware units.Elden Ring Tarnished Edition,Yakuza 0,Hitman: World of Assassination,Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, andFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade stood out as games from the near-to-middle past slated to arrive on the Switch 2.Final Fantasy 7 Remake,Street Fighter 6, Civilization 7, andCyberpunk 2077 are due to arrive at launch on June 5, with the rest arriving in 2025.Notable independents (most notably Silksong) Proof of life. Credit: Nintendo/Team Cherry Proof of life. Credit: Nintendo/Team Cherry The cruel games industry joke, ever sinceSilksong's announcement in 2019, is that the game, originally intended as DLC for acclaimed platformer/MetroidvaniaHollow Knight, is always due to be announced, never gets announced, and resumes torturing its expectant fans.But there it was, for a blip of a moment in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal:Silksong, coming in "2025." That's all that is known: it will, purportedly, arrive on this console in 2025. It was initially due to arrive on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox when it was announced, but that remains to be seen.Another delayed indie gem,Deltarune, a kinda-sequel to Undertale, purports to land all four chapters of its parallel story on Switch 2 at the console's launch.Other notable games from across the studio-size spectrum:Hades 2(2025)Split Fiction (at launch)Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster(at launch)Enter the Gungeon 2 ("Coming soon")Two Point Museum (2025)Human Fall Flat 2("Coming soon")The legally distinct game that sure looks like Bloodborne 2 The hero of this sanguine tale. FromSoftware The hero of this sanguine tale. FromSoftware Everybody's excited about the Switch 2, even this person. FromSoftware Everybody's excited about the Switch 2, even this person. FromSoftware Dig in, it's an unexpectedly rich feast. FromSoftware Dig in, it's an unexpectedly rich feast. FromSoftware Everybody's excited about the Switch 2, even this person. FromSoftware Dig in, it's an unexpectedly rich feast. FromSoftware The next original game from FromSoftware, maker of beautifully realized finger-torture titles like Elden Ring and theDark Souls series, is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive,The Duskbloods. The trailer, with its gore-etched hands, gothic churches, and eldritch/Victorian machinery, certainly stood out from the Kirby andDonkey Kong games around it. The game arrives sometime in 2026.The Duskbloods announcement from the Switch 2 launch event. It's not FromSoftware's first visit to the Switch, as it broughtDark Souls Remasteredto the original in 2018. But it's the first console exclusive the successful studio has made sinceBloodborne, the 10-year-old PlayStation 4 title that remains available only on the PS4 and PS5, despite clamoring for a PC port or other re-release of many fans' favorite FromSoftware title. Sony, the publisher ofBloodborne, has yet to indicate it intends to release the game wider or even remaster it, while director Hidetaka Miyazaki has said he's keen on it but is hamstrung by Sony.FromSoftware does not typically go for direct sequelseven the multiplayer co-op Elden Ring: Nightreignplays very differently than its single-player predecessor. But the looks, name, and guns of The Duskbloods has even the most devoted Bloodborne fans optimistic that has, all along, been quietly hearing them. The Is Bloodborne on PC account on X posted after today's Switch event that, "I wanted to make an April Fools post about the Nintendo event today but the only fool would have been me. 2 Blood 2 Borne here we go!"An X post by Nintendo citesDuskbloods as multiplayer, and a translation of the game's website implies co-op play versus enemies. This would suggest that, likeNightreign, single-player may not be the focus, or it could not be available at all, though the latter would be surprising.While being a Nintendo exclusive will likely cut off future generations of fans from playing The Duskbloods on newer hardware or different platforms, that is seemingly just the price to pay for more blood-driven boss fights.Kevin PurdySenior Technology ReporterKevin PurdySenior Technology Reporter Kevin is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering open-source software, PC gaming, home automation, repairability, e-bikes, and tech history. He has previously worked at Lifehacker, Wirecutter, iFixit, and Carbon Switch. 15 Comments

Mexico and Canada were spared from Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs, but according to the White House, that doesn't mean the US' neighbors are off scot-free. WhiteHouse.gov 2025-04-03T02:02:24Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced sweeping tariffs on imports of goods from around the globe.Two countries, Canada and Mexico, were notably spared from the latest round of tariffs.However, the two neighboring nations are still subject to pre-existing 25% tariffs.President Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs had two surprising omissions: Mexico and Canada.Many countries, including China, were slapped with large reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday. After Trump's announcement, CNBC reported that Chinese goods could receive a 54% tariff when combining the new tariffs (34%) with ones that have been previously announced. European Union goods will be subject to a new 20% tariff.According to the White House, this doesn't mean the US's neighbors are off scot-free. Pre-existing 25% tariffs on most Mexican and Canadian goods will remain.USMCA and Trump's previous tariffsUnder Trump's previous order, a 25% tariff was applied to all Mexican and Canadian goods that are not compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.The White House has said the tariffs are necessary because the two countries are not doing enough to stop illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States from the northern and southern borders. Leaders of both countries have disputed this claim.The USMCA trade deal, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020, maintains NAFTA's zero-tariff treatment for most agricultural products, textiles, apparel, and other goods that meet the trade agreement's rules of origin.Non-compliant energy and potash from the bordering nations remain subject to a 10% tariff; the latter was viewed as the White House bowing to pressure from the farm industry worried about a key ingredient in fertilizers.Chris Tang, a UCLA professor and expert in global supply chain management and the impact of regulatory policies, told Business Insider the Trump administration's choice to leave Canada and Mexico off the tariffs list on Wednesday may be a symbol that the president recognizes the neighboring nations' significance to the US economy but it's also likely a negotiation tactic."So, for example, right now, the products that comply with the USMCA are still tariff-free," Tang said. "But that's temporary. Trump has said, 'Well, that may adjust.' And that gives him still some wiggle room to negotiate."If Trump's prior order were terminated, a spokesperson for the White House told Business Insider all non-USMCA compliant goods would be reduced to a 12% tariff.Margaret Kidd, an instructional associate professor of supply chain and logistics technology at the University of Houston, told Business Insider, "It's not in our best interest for the United States to alienate our two closest trading partners."She added that there was about $945 billion in trade between Mexico and the US in 2024, with most of the products exchanged flowing through Texas. The tariffs on the southern country, she said, have an outsized effect on the border states, which rely on the local economy built around international trade."It's all intermingled," Kidd said.Tang said he's hopeful that the omission of Canada and Mexico from Wednesday's tariffs could act as a sort of olive branch with the nation's allies to soothe the trade tensions that have increased since Trump took office."Really, our economies are interlinked," Tang said. "So, hopefully, they can really sit down and work it out because these are our allies, our neighbors this is very important. So I hope there is a possibility that these three countries can work together."Recommended video

For vice presidents of the United States, frequent travel is in the job description. Luckily, they get to travel in style.While traversing the country and the world, Vice President JD Vance flies in a custom C-32 plane featuring an advanced communications center, conference room, and private stateroom.The plane measures 155 feet long and can fly 5,500 nautical miles without refueling. When Vance is on board, it's known as "Air Force Two."Take a look inside the vice president's plane.Any Air Force plane carrying the US vice president is called "Air Force Two."Air Force Two. BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images Similar to the president aboard "Air Force One," the designation of "Air Force Two" refers to any Air Force plane carrying the vice president, not a specific jet or model.Over the years, several different planes have carried the Air Force Two title, transporting vice presidents and their staff around the world. The most commonly used jet is a C-32, a customized military version of a commercial Boeing 757-200 plane.The vice president is generally prohibited from flying on "Air Force One," a plane carrying the president.Vice President JD Vance on Air Force Two. Ben Curtis/POOL/AFP/Getty Images The president and vice president don't travel together for security reasons.It's customary for presidents and vice presidents to salute service members as they board and disembark presidential planes.Kamala Harris saluted service members while disembarking Air Force Two. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson Service members are required to salute the president as commander in chief, but not the vice president. Still, it's customary for troops to salute vice presidents, as well.Richard Nixon was the first vice president to travel internationally via jet on official business, visiting what was then the USSR in 1959.Richard Nixon on Air Force Two. Thomas J O'Halloran/US News & World Report Collection/PhotoQuest/Getty Images Nixon, who served as President Dwight D. Eisenhower's vice president, flew on a Boeing VC-137A Stratoliner to visit the USSR in 1959.Beginning with the Ford administration in 1975, this DC-9 jet flew as Air Force Two until 2005.A retired DC-9 that was part of the Ppresidential fleet. Matt York/AP The jet was first used by President Gerald Ford's vice president, Nelson Rockefeller.It featured a VIP cabin with 10 seats and a main cabin with 32 first-class seats.A retired Air Force Two plane. Matt York/AP The plane was retired from service during the Bush administration in 2005 and placed up for auction by the General Services Administration in 2013.Vice President Al Gore decorated the VIP cabin with family photos.Al Gore and Tipper Gore on Air Force Two. LUKE FRAZZA/AFP via Getty Images Gore worked on his acceptance speech for the 2000 Democratic National Convention aboard Air Force Two.The cabin also featured a clock with different time zone displays.A clock inside the retired DC-9 that served as Air Force Two. Matt York/AP The clock featured the time in Washington, DC, and whatever destination Air Force Two was bound for.The updated C-32 plane most commonly used by vice presidents first deployed in 1998.Air Force Two. IAN LANGSDON/AFP via Getty Images With a wingspan of nearly 125 feet, each engine features 41,700 pounds of static thrust, according to the Air Force.As vice president, Joe Biden hung a map of the world in his Air Force Two work area.Joe Biden on Air Force Two. Charles Ommanney/Edit by Getty Images Biden traveled over one million miles on Air Force Two during his time as vice president.Mike Pence's staff decorated Air Force Two for his birthday in 2017.Mike Pence celebrated his birthday on Air Force Two. @VP45/Twitter Staffers celebrated the vice president's birthday with streamers and balloons aboard the jet.Kamala Harris also celebrated birthdays on the plane.Kamala Harris celebrated a staffer's birthday on Air Force Two. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson Harris brought cupcakes and sang "Happy Birthday" to her domestic policy advisor, Kate Childs Graham, in 2021.Second gentleman Doug Emhoff traveled aboard Air Force Two, as well.Doug Emhoff on Air Force Two. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson Air Force Two is occasionally used by the first lady and Cabinet members.Emhoff filled out his March Madness basketball bracket en route to Las Vegas in March 2021.The back of Air Force Two contains 32 business-class seats for members of the press.Kamala Harris addressed members of the press on Air Force Two. RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images Vice presidents and staff occasionally hold informal briefings with reporters known as "press gaggles" aboard Air Force Two.The press area features TV screens that can play cable news.Kamala Harris on Air Force Two. Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The rear cabin also contains a galley, two bathrooms, and closets.Vice President JD Vance has taken several international trips on Air Force Two, including to France, Germany, and Greenland.JD Vance disembarked from Air Force Two in France with his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children. IAN LANGSDON/AFP via Getty Images In February, Vance visited France and Germany with his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children. Vance attended the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris and the Munich Security Conference.In March, the vice president and second lady toured Pituffik Space Base, the only US military base in Greenland. Usha Vance was originally scheduled to visit historical sites and attend Greenland's national dogsled race on a solo trip. The visit was scaled back amid tensions between the US, Greenland, and Denmark as President Donald Trump doubled down on his longtime goal of acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, in the interest of national security.

By Germain Lussier Published April 2, 2025 | Comments (0) | Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba in the first Wicked. Universal Pictures The past two years, Universal chose CinemaCon to debut the first footage from its adaptation of Wicked and now, with the second and final film on the way, it had to happen again. Director Jon M. Chu, producer Marc Platt, and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were all on hand to debut the first footage from the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good, and while its not yet online, heres what happened. Glass breaks on what appears to be a brand new apartment. Glinda is living in in the Emerald City. She goes out to her massive balcony and says, Elphaba Thropp, I know youre out here, come in before the monkeys see you. The camera circles her twice and then, boom, Elphaba is there. Elphaba has set up a home for herself somewhere in the woods. There, she looks at some of the propaganda that has been spreading about her. Monkeys fly through Oz. Glinda gets a massive crown placed upon her head. Madame Morrible says that the witch will be caught soon, now that Prince Fiyero and his squad are hot on her trail. So, we see Fiyero riding a horse through the woods, in uniform, with many soldiers behind him. The words Our Wizard Lies are written in the sky. People are on the streets of the Emerald City with torches. Glinda returns to the tower from the end of the first film and walks up the stairs. Glinda and Elphaba are sitting together on a swing discussing all the good they can do together. A shot of Glinda in a huge church-like place, wearing a long, pink, flowing gown, is followed by a shot of Fiyero standing on an altar. Are they getting married?A scene shows what appears to be Glinda and Elphaba back in the Wizards big room, with massive flashing colored lights all around, and it looks like they are all dancing together. Someone handles a few yellow bricks. The Wizard has what is clearly Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow in his palace and tells them to Bring me the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West. A follow-up to the dancing scene sees Fiyero pointing a gun at Elphaba with the Wizard there, only for him to shift it over to him. Hes still on her side.Elphaba is talking to Glinda and says, Youre the only friend I ever had. And Ive had so many friends, Glinda jokes back, and the two hug and cry. As the footage ends, Elphaba is standing in place. She puts up her right arm and draws her hat in. She puts up her left arm and draws her broom in. Then she says, Im off the see the Wizard, followed by scenes of her flying through Oz, being chased by the monkeys. I knowmuch of that doesnt make sense, but it was a trailer filled with lots of very cool and intriguing moments. It certainly felt like a trailer audiences are sure to see later this summer, but well have to wait and see. Wicked: For Good comes to theaters on November 21. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Sabina Graves Published March 20, 2025 By James Whitbrook Published March 3, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 26, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 25, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 12, 2025 By Sabina Graves Published February 5, 2025

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With winter having come to a close, people living near the Rocky Mountains will have to reckon with the effects of snow contamination, an enduring issue magnified by mining activities in the region. A new study provides an unprecedented look at the heightened levels of contaminants that have been carried to the Rockies by winter storms.The study, recently published in the journal Environmental Pollution, has pinpointed mining operations in the Pacific Northwest as the source of contaminants. Mercury and other metals from these mines have been infused into snow that accumulates in the northern range of the Rockies. Since the western U.S. heavily relies on mountain snowpacks for water, increased snow contamination could entail dire consequences in the near future.The Significance of SnowpackIconic winter pastimes in the western U.S., like skiing and snowboarding, wouldnt be possible without mountain snowpack, which builds up and eventually melts by spring and summer. But the importance of snowpack extends beyond recreation, as it provides the region with water for hydropower, agriculture, and household use for millions of Americans.Snow contamination in the northern Rockies now threatens this vital component of the water cycle. The new study found that higher levels of metal contaminants Mercury, Zinc, Cadmium, and Antimony now plague the mountains snowpack.An Increase in ContaminationDuring the spring of 2018, researchers collected snow samples from 48 different sites throughout the Rockies and measured metal concentrations in each one. This not only included metals from mining but also metals like calcium that come from natural dust.The researchers compared the portion of metals that only came from natural dust to those that came from both dust and mining activities. They also looked at data from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, which measured mercury and calcium in precipitation from 2009 to 2018. The results showed significant metal contamination in the northern Rockies, spanning across Montana, Idaho, and northern Wyoming.The snow samples showed us that contamination is higher in the northern Rockies, and that was really interesting, said Monica Arienzo, a hydrologist with the Desert Research Institute, in a statement. Looking at mercury contamination over time helped us say that 2018 is not just a fluke. When you start to see these trends that are consistent between different records, it makes you feel more confident that somethings really happening here.While contamination levels were within the EPAs guidelines for drinking water and aquatic life, the contaminants can cause the snowpack to reflect less sunlight and melt faster.Surging Snowpack ProblemsThe researchers tracked down the probable source of the contaminants by following previous winter storms and referencing a USGS dataset with information on mining and smelting locations.According to the study, the northern Rockies received many storms that moved in from the Pacific Northwest, while the southern Rockies received storms that moved across the Mojave Desert. The contaminants examined by researchers likely originated from mining sites near the northern Rockies and were transported by the storms.Our idea is that the dust from current and historical mining sites gets carried up into the mountains and deposited across our study sites, said Arienzo in a statement. This study shows the importance of continued scientific monitoring efforts, like the long-term USGS datasets we used here, as well as mitigation of current and historical mining sites.Future studies by the research team will survey mercury levels in tree rings and compare them to mercury levels in the snowpack to determine how the metal spreads throughout the environment. The West faces an uncertain future with regard to its snowpack, which has been declining year after year in some regions. Earlier snowpack melt, along with an increase in rainfall, could start to impact water availability and cause potential snow droughts, possibly warranting a revamping of water management strategies in the coming years.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:National Environmental Education Foundation. The American West's Disappearing Winter SnowpackJack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before joining Discover in 2023, he studied journalism at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and previously interned at Recycling Today magazine