Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will feature Nvidia DLSS and ray tracing.

Google released its new Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental AI model late last month, and its quickly stacked up top marks on a number of coding, math, and reasoning benchmark testsmaking it a contender for the worlds best model right now. Gemini 2.5 Pro is a reasoning model, meaning its answers derive from a mix of training data and real-time reasoning performed in response to the user prompt or question. Like other newer models, Gemini 2.5 Pro can consult the web, but it also contains a fairly recent snapshot of the worlds knowledge: Its training data cuts off at the end of January 2025.Last year, in order to boost model performance, AI researchers began shifting toward teaching models to reason when theyre live and responding to user prompts. This approach requires models to process and retain increasingly more data to arrive at accurate answers. (Gemini 2.5 Pro, for example, can handle up to a million tokens.) However, models often struggle with information overload, making it difficult to extract meaningful insights from all that context.Google appears to have made progress on this front. The YouTube channel AI Explained points out that Gemini 2.5 fared very well on a new benchmark test called Fiction.liveBench thats designed to test a models ability to remember and comprehend context information. For instance, Fiction.liveBench might ask the model to read a novelette and answer questions that require a deep understanding of the story and characters. Some of the top models, including those from OpenAI and Anthropic, score well when the amount of stored data (the context window) is relatively small. But as the context window increases to 32K, then 60K, then 120Kabout the size of a noveletteGemini 2.5 Pro stands out for its superior comprehension.Thats important because some of the most productive use cases to date for generative AI involve comprehending and summarizing large amounts of data. A service representative might depend on an AI tool to swim through voluminous manuals in order to help someone struggling with a technical problem out in the field, or a corporate compliance officer might need a long context window to sift through years of regulations and policies.Gemini also scored much higher than competing reasoning models on a new benchmark called MathArena, which tests models using hard questions from recent math Olympiads and contests. The test also requires that the model clearly show its reasoning as it steps toward an answer. Top models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and DeepSeek failed to break 5% of a perfect score, but Gemini 2.5 Pro model scored an impressive 24.4%.The new Google model also scored high on another superhard benchmark called Humanitys Last Exam, which is meant to show when AI models exceed the knowledge and reasoning of top experts in a given field. The Gemini 2.5 scored an 18.8%, a score topped only by OpenAIs Deep Research model. The model also now sits atop the crowdsourced benchmarking leaderboard, LMArena.Finally, Gemini 2.5 Pro is among the top models for computer coding. It scored a 70.4% on the LiveCodeBench benchmark, coming in just behind OpenAIs o3-mini model, which scored 74.1%. Gemini 2.5 Pro scored 63.8% on SWE-bench (measures agentic coding), while Anthropics latest Claude 3.7 Sonnet scored 70.3%. Finally, Googles model outscored Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI models on the MMMU visual reading test by roughly 6 points.Google initially released its new model to paying subscribers but has now made it accessible by all users for free.

The Trump administrations 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts is expected to disrupt the auto industry and raise car prices by thousands of dollars. Electric vehicles are at particular risk.Trumps tariffs on vehicle imports went into effect on Thursday, and tariffs on imported auto parts will go into effect by May 3. For the car industry broadly, the lowest-priced American vehicles could see additional costs of $2,500 to $5,000 due to the tariffs, the Anderson Economic Group said in a report this week.SUVs, in particular, could be hit even harderthough many are assembled in the U.S., they have parts from Canada, Europe, and Mexico, and so could see price hikes of $10,000 to $12,000. EVs, as well, could see price increases that exceed $15,000, according to the report. For some imported models, tariffs could raise prices by up to $20,000. All told, U.S. consumers could see an estimated $30 billion increase in the cost of cars in the first full year of the tariffs.Though the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) sought to spur domestic EV manufacturing, there are still a handful of EVs that are importedincluding the Polestar 2 (from China), the Mustang Mach-E (from Mexico), the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ (from Germany), and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (from South Korea), though Hyundai did just open a U.S. plant to build its Ioniq 5 and 9 EVs in Georgia.EVs manufactured in the U.S. still rely on imported materials, primarily batteries and battery components. The IRA has led to the establishment of domestic production facilities, but the transition is still ongoing, says Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive. Even Teslas, which are made in the U.S., have about 20% to 25% of their value in components sourced from Mexico. Elon Musk himself said that the cost impact of these tariffs is not trivial.And these arent the only tariffs at play for EVs. While both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles are affected by tariffs, EVs are impacted more by aluminum tariffs and battery materials, which can significantly raise production costs, Valdez Streaty says. EVs use more aluminum than gas-powered cars as a way to reduce weight and make them more efficient (both vehicle types use about the same amount of steel, which is also facing tariffs).Trump could also impose even higher tariffs on graphite, a key component in anodes and batteries overall; the U.S. International Trade Commission says China has been exporting artificially cheap graphite, which has suppressed the U.S.s own graphite industry. Petitions from U.S. producers of anode materials have requested tariffs on Chinese graphite be raised to as high as 920%. (The U.S. produces no graphite itself, and so relies on imports.)That could raise the cost of synthetic graphite anode material from $4,200 per metric ton to approximately $42,672 per metric ton, Valdez Streaty says, which could raise the entire cost of NMC 811 cells, a type of lithium-ion-battery, by 51%.Tesla, Volkswagen, and Ford have used such battery cells.Tariffs, EV tax credit removal would hurt EV demandThe U.S. already lacks affordable EVsespecially compared to China, which has made EV models for as cheap as $10,000. Tariffs, combined with the potential rollback of the EV tax credit, could sink domestic EV demand, even those made by American workers.The EV tax credit, part of the IRA, was meant to spur domestic EV production; getting rid of it could then eliminate the need for future EV or EV battery factories here, according to a Princeton University study from March. That study found that if that EV tax credit goes away (and also if tailpipe emissions regulations are reversed), then as much as 100% of planned EV factories could be at risk of being canceled or closed. Between 29% and 72% of U.S. battery factories operating by the end of 2025 would also be unnecessary to meet automotive demand and could be at risk of closure, the study noted.Thats because removing the tax credit could cause EV sales to drop about 30% in 2027 and 40% in 2030, compared to a scenario in which those policies continued. The study found that cumulatively, there could be 8.3 million less EVs and plug-in hybrids on U.S. roads in 2030.

At just 8 meters (26 feet) in length, the Kookaburra boasts an efficiently designed interior that comfortably accommodates two people. It features a spacious, light-filled living area, a complete kitchen, and even a home office. Named after a terrestrial kingfisher known for its unique call, the Kookaburra was created by the Australian company Unplgd Tiny Homes. It is built on a triple-axle trailer and finished with wood and metal accents. An optional large wooden deck enhances its appeal, accessible through double glass doors that seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoors.Designer: Unplgd Tiny HomesAs you enter the home, you are welcomed into a generously sized and open living room. This area has a large L-shaped sofa, providing ample seating for relaxation and socializing. The high ceiling enhances the sense of space and openness, allowing natural light to flood the room and creating an inviting atmosphere. Adjacent to the living room is the home office area. This space is efficiently designed with a compact desk, making it an ideal setup for those who work from home or require a dedicated area for managing daily tasks.The kitchen is conveniently located nearby and is well-equipped to meet all culinary needs. It includes a sink, oven, microwave, and an electric cooktop. The kitchen also features a refrigerator and a breakfast bar that comfortably seats two, perfect for casual dining or enjoying a morning coffee. There is an ample amount of cabinetry designed to offer storage space for kitchen essentials.On the opposite side of the tiny house, near the office, youll find the bathroom. This well-designed space includes a shower, a vanity sink, and a flushing toilet. The bathroom is also designed to accommodate a washer/dryer unit. There is also ample storage space available for toiletries and other necessities, ensuring everything you need is within easy reach.The Kookaburra features a single bedroom that can be accessed via a staircase that doubles as integrated storage. This clever design maximizes space efficiency. The bedroom is a classic tiny house loft, marked by its low ceiling, which gives it a cozy and intimate feel. It also includes a skylight which brings in natural light, while offering a view of the stars at night. It includes a double bed and a little storage space, keeping your essentials within reach.The Kookaburra offers a variety of customization options to suit diverse preferences and needs. You can add a second bedroom if needed, and it can be accessed via a ladder as well. This sleeping space is perfect for housing guests, or creating extra room for a growing family. You can also choose to add a deck area, which serves as a fun outdoor space for entertainment or relaxation. There are plenty of choices regarding the materials and furniture. For those interested in sustainable living, the tiny house can be fully equipped to operate off-the-grid. This includes the installation of solar panels for renewable energy, water tanks, and a composting toilet.The post This Tiny Home With Big Features & Customization Options Offers Off-Grid Living Solutions first appeared on Yanko Design.

Digital audio players have historically occupied a distinct niche in the audio ecosystem, excelling at delivering high-quality sound on the go but typically returning to your pocket or drawer when you arrive home. This separation between portable and home audio equipment has long been accepted as a natural limitation, with different devices serving different purposes in the audio chain. Astell&Kerns new PS10 challenges this conventional wisdom by creating a single device that seamlessly transitions between portable player and home streaming component, potentially eliminating the need for separate equipment in both contexts.Designer: Astell&KernThe Korean audio specialists have built their reputation on premium portable players that push the boundaries of whats possible in mobile audio. Their latest creation represents more than just another iterative improvementit fundamentally rethinks what a digital audio player can accomplish. The PS10 arrives at a time when many audiophiles maintain separate ecosystems for mobile and home listening, often resulting in redundant purchases and complicated setups.The Revolutionary Docking SystemThe PS10s most significant innovation comes in the form of its included docking cradle, a component that instantly converts the portable player into a full-featured high-resolution network streamer for home audio systems. Unlike basic charging stands or afterthought accessories, this cradle represents a thoroughly considered extension of the players capabilities, featuring professional-grade XLR balanced outputs on its rear panel that enable direct connection to powered speakers or integration with existing two-channel systems. These balanced connections provide the purest possible signal path, minimizing interference and noise that can degrade sound quality in less sophisticated implementations.When docked and connected to a home network, the PS10 supports resolutions up to an astonishing 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, specifications that exceed what most commercial recordings currently offer. For those invested in the Roon ecosystem, the PS10 functions as a certified Roon Ready endpoint, integrating seamlessly with that sophisticated library management platform without requiring additional hardware or complex configuration. The cradle effectively eliminates the need for a separate network streamera category that typically starts around $1,000 for quality componentscreating a compelling value proposition for audiophiles who demand consistent quality across all listening scenarios.Engineering Excellence WithinThe PS10 incorporates Astell&Kerns HEXA audio circuit design first developed for their flagship SP3000 player. This architecture physically separates digital and analog signal processing paths, a crucial distinction from conventional approaches that dramatically impacts sound quality. Four AKM AK4498EX DACs handle the conversion process, making the PS10 the worlds first DAP to utilize this specific chip, while two separate AK4191EQ chips are dedicated to digital signal modulation.Most digital players process both digital and analog signals together inside the DAC, but the PS10 takes a different approach. Its advanced HEXA structure reduces digital noise by using the AK4191EQ as a separate digital delta-sigma modulator, allowing the AK4498EX DACs to focus exclusively on analog conversion. This separation matters tremendously because digital processing generates electrical noise that can bleed into analog stages, creating subtle distortions that degrade the listening experience. By physically isolating these circuits, the PS10 achieves remarkably clean sound reproduction that would be impossible in more conventional designs.The player also features dual independent amplifier circuits, each supporting normal and high gain modes, allowing precise matching with various headphone impedances and sensitivitiesfrom power-hungry over-ears to delicate in-ear monitors. For less technically inclined listeners, the Smart Gain feature automatically detects connected headphone impedance and adjusts settings accordingly, ensuring optimal performance without requiring deep technical knowledge from the user.Comprehensive Connectivity OptionsPracticality hasnt been sacrificed in pursuit of sound quality, as the PS10 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to an additional 2TB. This generous capacity accommodates extensive high-resolution music libraries without constant management or compression compromises. Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures stable streaming even in crowded wireless environments, while Bluetooth 5.3 with support for high-resolution codecs including aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC enables wireless listening without severe quality compromises when paired with compatible headphones.The PS10 also functions as a Bluetooth DAC, allowing users to stream audio from external sources like smartphones through the player to a home audio system. This versatility means your phones streaming services can benefit from the PS10s superior conversion capabilities without requiring direct physical connections. DLNA support and USB-C connectivity round out the package, providing multiple pathways for getting music onto and out of the device depending on user preferences and existing equipment.Design Evolution and Physical CharacteristicsVisually, the PS10 represents a significant departure from previous Astell&Kern players, abandoning the companys signature volume wheela defining characteristic of their design language for yearsin favor of physical buttons that enable intuitive one-handed operation. Astell&Kern describes the PS10 as inspired by the Contrast Cube concept, combining stainless steel and glass for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that stands apart from their previous offerings while maintaining premium material quality throughout.Despite its substantial capabilities, the PS10 remains genuinely portable at just 104 x 66.5 x 14.8 mm and weighing only 165g, ensuring it remains practical for on-the-go use rather than becoming a home component that technically can travel but rarely does. The 6-inch touchscreen display dominates the front panel, providing an intuitive interface for navigating music libraries and adjusting settings without requiring external controllers or complicated menu systems.Battery Performance and Software EnhancementsA device that bridges portable and home use requires power management to match, and the PS10 incorporates a 5,770mAh battery delivering up to 15 hours of playbacksufficient for extended listening sessions without constant recharging. When power does run low, fast charging via Power Delivery 3.0 quickly replenishes the battery, a practical consideration that ensures the PS10 remains ready for use whether at home or on the move.Astell&Kern has incorporated several software features that enhance the user experience beyond basic playback functions. ReplayGain provides volume normalization across tracks with varying recording levels, preventing jarring volume changes when moving between different albums or artists. Crossfeed settings improve headphone listening by creating a more speaker-like presentation, reducing the extreme channel separation that can sometimes make headphone listening fatiguing over long periods. AK File Drop enables wireless file transfers without requiring physical connections, streamlining the process of adding new music to the device from computers or other storage sources.Market Position and Product FocusThe PS10 is priced at $2,500, positioning it below Astell&Kerns flagship offerings while still representing a significant investment for audio enthusiasts. This price includes the crucial docking cradle, making it a complete solution for both portable and home listening scenarios. According to Astell&Kern, the PS10 will debut at CanJam Singapore on April 5-6, 2025, with global availability beginning in May 2025 through authorized dealers.The devices dual-purpose functionality addresses a specific need in the market: high-quality audio that maintains consistency whether youre on the move or at home. The comprehensive technical specificationsincluding four AKM AK4498EX DACs, dual AK4191EQ chips for digital signal handling, and professional-grade XLR outputs on the docking cradledemonstrate Astell&Kerns commitment to performance in both use cases. With support for audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, plus certification as a Roon Ready endpoint, the PS10 offers capabilities that match or exceed dedicated home streamers while maintaining the portability expected from a premium DAP.The PS10s thoughtful design choices extend to practical considerations like the 5,770mAh battery delivering up to 15 hours of playback, fast charging via Power Delivery 3.0, and 256GB of internal storage expandable to 2TB via microSD. These specifications ensure the device remains functional and convenient in daily use, not just impressive on a technical level. Additional features like Smart Gain for automatic headphone impedance matching, ReplayGain for volume normalization, and AK File Drop for wireless transfers further enhance the user experience beyond basic playback functions.The post Astell&Kerns PS10: The Hybrid Device That Transforms Portable Audio first appeared on Yanko Design.

US president Donald Trumps massive, sweeping tariffs sent global stock markets tumbling on Thursday, setting the stage for a worldwide trade war and ratcheting up the dangers of a punishing recession.Experts fear that the US cleantech sector is especially vulnerable to a deep downturn, which would undermine the nations progress on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and undercut its leadership in an essential, growing industry.It would be hard for me to think of cleantech or climate tech sectors that arent facing huge risks, says Noah Kaufman, senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, who served on the Council of Economic Advisers under President Joe Biden.I think were a country without a federal climate strategy at this point, with an economy headed in the wrong direction, so I dont see a lot of reason to be optimistic, he adds.Indeed, there are mounting challenges and rising risks across the cleantech and climate tech sectors. How deep and wide-ranging the impact of the economic changes could be depends on many variables and on reactions still taking shape. In particular, the negotiations underway in Congress over the budget will determine the fate of subsidies for electric vehicles, battery production, and other support for clean energy. Many of those programs were established by former president Bidens signature climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act.Beyond the tenuous government support, any slowdown in the broader economy threatens to tighten corporate and venture capital funding for startups working on carbon removal, synthetic aviation fuels, electric delivery vehicles, and other technologies that help companies meet climate action goals.In addition, Trumps tariffs, particularly the now 54% levy on Chinese goods, will push up the costs of key components for many businesses. Notably, the US imported $4 billion worth of lithium-ion batteries from China during the first four months of last year, so the tariff increase would impose a huge tax on products that go into electric vehicles, laptops, phones, and many other devices.Higher prices for aluminum, steel, copper, cement, and numerous other goods and materials will also drive up the costs of doing all sorts of business, including building wind turbines, solar farms, and geothermal plants. And if China, Canada, the European Union, and other nations respond with retaliatory trade measures, as is widely expected, it will also become harder or more expensive for US companies to export goods like EVs or battery components to overseas markets.Even traditional energy stocks took a beating on Wall Street Thursday, out of fear that any broader economic sluggishness will drive down electricity demand.Trump administration cuts to the Department of Energy and other federal programs could also take away money from demonstration projects that help cleantech companies test and scale up their technologies. And if Congress does eliminate certain subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act, it could halt billion-dollar projects that are being planned or perhaps even some that are already under construction.The growing policy uncertainty and weakening economic conditions alone may already be causing some of this to occur.Since Trump took office, companies have canceled, delayed, or scaled back at least nine US clean energy supply chain developments or operations, according to the Big Green Machine, a database maintained by Jay Turner, a professor of environmental studies at Wellesley College, and student researchers there. The projects that have been affected represent some $8 billion in public and private investments, and more than 9,000 jobs.They include KORE Powers planned battery facility in Arizona, which the company halted; Envision Automotive Energy Supplys paused expansion in Florence County, South Carolina; and Akasols closure of two plants in Michigan.VW also scaled back production at its recently expanded EV factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, amid slower-than-expected growth in sales and, perhaps, the expectation that the Trump administration will strive to roll back consumer tax credits for vehicle purchases.The biggest challenge for companies that are making hundred-million- or billion-dollar capital investments is dealing with the uncertainty, Turner says. Uncertainty is a real deterrent to making big bets.Venture capital investments in clean energy have been cooling for a while. They peaked at $24.5 billion in 2022 and settled at around $18 billion annually during the last two years, according to data provided by Pitchbook. First-quarter figures for this year arent yet available, though industry watchers are keen to see where they land.Some parts of the cleantech sector could hold up better than others through the Trump administration and any upcoming economic gloom.The Pitchbook report, for instance, noted that the surge in development of AI data centers is fueling demand for dispatchable energy sources. That means the type that can run around the clock, such as nuclear fission, fusion, and geothermal (though in practice, the data center boom has often meant commissioning or relying on natural-gas plants that produce planet-warming emissions).Trumps new energy secretary, Chris Wright, previously the chief executive of the oilfield services company Liberty Energy, has also talked favorably about nuclear power and geothermaland rather unfavorably about renewables like solar and wind.But observers fear that more sectors will lose than win in any economic downturn to come, and Turner stresses that the decisions made during this administration could last well beyond it.The near-term concern is that this emerging clean-energy industry in the US suffers a significant pullback and the US cedes this market to other countries, especially China, that are actively working to position themselves to be leaders in the clean-energy future, he says.The long-term concern, he adds, is that if government policies on cleantech simply advance and retreat with the whims of each administration, companies will stop trying to make long-term investments that bank on such subsidies, grants or loans.Catherine Wolfram, a professor of energy and applied economics at MIT, also notes that China and the European Union are forging ahead in developing policies to drive down emissions and build up carbon-free sectors. She observes that theyre both now moving on to the tougher work of cleaning up heavy industries like steel, while the US is losing ground on even making clean electricity.Its the worst kind of US exceptionalism, she says.

Developers, it's time to start refreshing your email. Apple has begun notifying the lucky few that get to attend WWDC in person.WWDC 2025. Image source: AppleThe annual Worldwide Developer Conference is held every June, and this year it starts on the 9th. Swift Student Challenge winners, press, and a select few developers get to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park.As is tradition, developers have begun posting their invitations and rejections on social media. Developers must claim their seat to ensure it isn't released for someone else to claim. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Like a lot of people, I have an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and some AirPods and they all need to be charged. Normally, that means three cables and three AC outlets, but that doesn't have to be the case.Satechi Q2 Trio review: There's something magical about charging three things at once.Wireless charging stations have been around for a long time, and some of them are pretty great. With the launch of Qi2 in 2024, many of them have been refreshed with the upgraded spec including the Satechi Trio.As the name suggests, this device can wirelessly charge three things simultaneously: an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods. It does it quickly, and dare I say, it does it in style to boot. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Bloombergis reporting on the decision of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to decamp from its longtime offices in the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building in Washington, D.C. to a likely suburban destination. The Brutalist building, constructed in 1965 after a design from Marcel Breuer, apparently requires an excess of $500 million in costs attributed to differed maintenance. We covered the many implications that the new Trump Administration's proposed budget cuts might have on the agency as it tracks everything from housing delivery to homelessness and housing affordability for Americans earlier in March.

Design nerds and amateur cartographers alike are rejoicing over the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)s new updated map of the subway system in New York City. It is said to be a replica of the 1972 Unimark map that left an impression despite its mere five-year tenure. The new map debuts the same year as the planned phasing out of the iconic yellow MetroCards that have been around since 1993. The MTA is currently about $48 billion in debt.Its chairman, Janno Lieber, told the New York Times, "This is a linchpin moment, like in 1979, when we started to fix the subway system."