Multiple Nintendo Switch game prototypes have leaked online, including prototypes of an unreleased Ridge Racer game and a canceled RPG that was in the works by Metroid Prime series' developer Retro Studios.According to multiple online reports, the prototypes leaked online after they were found in a devkit, and include old Splatoon 2 debug builds, the Nintendo Switch version of RiME, an unreleased Lego Civilization game, an ARMS debug build and prototypes of a new entry in the Ridge Racer series and of Retro Studios' canceled Project Harmony music RPG which was reportedly in development after the studio released Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze and Metroid Prime Remastered. Footage of the latter two games was also shared online and can be found here for Project Harmony and below for the Ridge Racer prototype.Given Bandai Namco's strong relationship with Nintendo, it is not surprising to see that the collaboration between the two companies was leading to the return of the Ridge Racer series on Nintendo Switch. While the game has been canceled, the collaboration between the two companies still continues to this day, as Bandai Namco is working with Smash Bros. series creator Masahiro Sakurai on Kirby Air Riders, which is launching this year on Nintendo Switch 2. A collaboration that is hardly surprising, considering Sakurai-san teamed up with Bandai Namco for the development of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & 3DS and Ultimate.Deal of the Day

Borderlands 3 isn't the most beloved entry in the franchise, and there are plenty of reasons why. One of the installment's biggest pitfalls was its antagonists, the Calypso Twins, who were seen by many to be characters trying too hard to be Handsome Jack in their charisma, humor, and needless violence, with cringey dialogue and shallow character arcs to boot. They weren't the only thing that ultimately sank Borderlands 3, however, with another character, in particular, taking home the prize as one of its most controversial characters: Ava. Now, assuming Ava returns in Borderlands 4 (and she is expected to), the upcoming sequel will need to go to the ends of the earth to redeem her character arc.

Summary:In this article I first talk about how broken the metagame design of existing and old games are, highlighting the flaws of traditional designs that seem to have become normalized to the point where no one is noticing or questioning if they were a good idea to begin with.Afterwards, I explain how to set up an infinite metagame via procedural campaign generation where anything that could be a parameter within the campaign - be it difficulty, pacing, length, starting cond

How a simple safety device became a source of urban stressContinue reading on UX Collective

The iPhones lock screen isnt just the place you check the time or your notifications anymore its a fully customizable space where you can express your personality, highlight your favorite photos and even stay on top of your day with helpful widgets. With iOS 18, Apple has given users even more control, letting you personalize your home screen and adjust lock screen controls..Whether you want something functional, minimal, photo-heavy or playful, well walk you through exactly how to make your lock screen your own from changing fonts and adding widgets to switching between screens throughout the day.How to create a custom lock screenTo start personalizing, youll first need to create a new lock screen or modify an existing one.Wake your iPhone, then touch and hold anywhere on the lock screen until you feel a buzz and see the wallpaper editor.Youll see a carousel of lock screens youve created. Tap the + (Add New) button to start fresh, or swipe to an existing one and tap Customize.A gallery of wallpaper options will appear. Choose from:Photos (pick one from your library)People (iOS intelligently finds portraits)Photo Shuffle (select multiple images that change)Emoji, Weather, or AstronomySuggested themes like color gradients or Live PhotosOnce youve picked your background, you can dive into the fun part: customizing fonts, colors, widgets and more.Georgie Peru for EngadgetPhotos and PeopleYou can set a favorite picture as your wallpaper and tweak its color or crop to make sure you have the best view of your loved ones. Note that these steps will only allow you to select one picture if you want a rotating selection of backgrounds, skip to the Photo Shuffle section below.Tap Photos to bring up a list of Photos and Collections. You can search for specific images, or filter by All, Featured, Live Photo, People, Pets, Nature and Cities.Once youve selected a photo, you then have more options. You can Pinch to Crop the image, change and customize the filters (Natural, Black & White, Duotone and Color Wash)You also have the option to Add Widgets and remove the Flashlight and/or Camera.You can also set a photo as your wallpaper directly from the Photos app by tapping the Share icon, and then selecting Use as Wallpaper.Photo ShuffleWith Photo Shuffle, you can select multiple photos that change depending on the frequency youve selected.Select the types of photos you want to include, e.g. People, Pets, Nature and Cities, or select an Album.Tap the Shuffle Frequency option and choose between On Tap, On Lock, Hourly or Daily.Select whether you want to Use Featured Photos or Select Photos Manually.It would be worth going through your selected photos separately to make sure they are cropped correctly (e.g. if you have a mix of landscape and portrait images).You also have the option to Add Widgets and remove the Flashlight and/or Camera.Emoji and ColorIf you dont want to use a photo, you can select an emoji or color instead.Select Emoji and choose up to six emojis. Alternatively, if you want a single color, you can select the Color option.Choose between Dynamic, Grid, Large, Radial and Spiral to customize how the emoji background will appear.Once youve selected an emoji or multiple, you can change the color of the background.You also have the option to Add Widgets and remove the Flashlight and/or Camera.How to change the clock styleThe default iPhone clock gets the job done, but it doesnt have to be boring. In iOS, you can customize the font, weight and color of the clock to match your aesthetic. This small change can have a big impact on your lock screens overall vibe.In the lock screen editor, tap the time. You can do this before or after youve personalized your lock screen with photos, weather, etc.Choose from a selection of font styles. Drag the slider to increase the font weight and tap the available fonts to see what they look like.Use the color picker or swipe through presets to find something that fits.How to add widgets to your lock screenWidgets are a game changer for lock screen productivity. Whether you want to see your calendar, the weather forecast, activity rings or even battery levels at a glance, widgets can make your lock screen both pretty and practical. Widgets are compact, but you can fit up to four small ones or a mix of two medium and one small on a single lock screen, depending on the layout.While editing the lock screen, tap the field below the time or select Add Widgets if the option appears (sometimes it can be tricky to see).Choose from Apples widget library or supported third-party apps.Drag and drop widgets into the space where youd like them to live.You can also tap the date above the time to change or remove the default calendar widget.Georgie Peru for EngadgetHow to customize controls at the bottom of the lock screenIn iOS 18, Apple lets you personalize the quick access buttons at the bottom of the lock screen the ones typically reserved for the flashlight and camera. You can set different controls for different lock screens and tie them to specific Focus modes as well.Touch and hold the lock screen, then tap Customize.Tap one of the bottom controls to select it.Tap the Remove icon (-), then tap the Add (+) option to open the controls gallery.Youll see a gallery of available buttons for tools like Calculator, Translate, Shazam, Notes and more.Pick the one you want, then tap Done.How to link a Focus mode to your lock screenOne of the smartest features in iOS is the ability to link different lock screens to Focus modes. That means you can have a minimalist screen for work, a bright one for weekends and a sleep-ready design for winding down. If you dont see Focus options when you edit your lock screen, go to Settings then Focus to set up a new one first.Touch and hold the lock screen, then tap Focus.Choose a Focus mode (e.g., Work, Sleep, Do Not Disturb).That lock screen will now automatically appear when that Focus is active.How to switch between lock screensOnce youve created a few lock screens, you can swap between them on the fly. If youve linked a Focus to any of them, switching lock screens will also switch the Focus automatically.Touch and hold the lock screen.Swipe left or right to cycle through your saved designs.Tap the one you want to use.How to delete a lock screenIf you want to delete a lock screen you no longer want or need, you can do so very easily.Touch and hold the lock screen until the carousel appears.Swipe to the screen you want to delete.Swipe up on the lock screen.Tap the Trash icon, then confirm with Delete This Wallpaper.Dont worry this wont delete any photos from your library. It just removes the layout.If youre looking for more iPhone customization tips, you might also enjoy our guide on how to make the most of the iPhones Action Button.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-personalize-your-iphone-lock-screen-120015173.html?src=rss

OnePlus Watch 3 pre-orders will begin shipping on April 15.

Rising Sun Pictures President Jennie Zeiher on her studios machine learning toolset called REVIZE, used on many projects for face and body replacement.Here at befores & afters were continuing our season of episodes on AI and ML in VFX. Today were chatting with Jennie Zeiher, who is the President of Rising Sun Pictures. Were going to take a look at what is more of a business and marketing exploration of Rising Sun Pictures REVIZE toolset. This is a machine learning toolset the VFX studio has now used on many projects for face replacement and now even body replacement.Ian Failes and RSP President Jennie Zeiher.Some of the projects it has been used on include Furiosa, for young Furiosa which combined the features of the younger actor Alyla Browne with those of the adult Furiosa, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. The VFX studio also utilized REVIZE for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 for the laser dance seen featuring Jim Carrey, who played two characters in that scene.Listen in above.The post How Rising Sun Pictures REVIZE machine learning tech came to be appeared first on befores & afters.

Its no secret: Landing a job in todays economy can feel overwhelmingly difficult. Qualified candidates regularly apply to hundredssometimes even thousandsof positions before receiving that one coveted offer. In fact, over half of unemployed job seekers have been searching for four months or longer, highlighting how competitive the market has become.And its not just the job market itself thats challenging. Were living through one of the most turbulent periods in modern history:The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.1%, the highest in over two years.23,000+ tech layoffs occurred in the first three months of 2025 alone.Nearly 50% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.Consumer debt hit an all-time high of $18.04 trillion, with credit card delinquencies increasing sharply.University degrees are no longer a guarantee of success. Even government jobs, once considered safe, are under threat. Its no wonder many job seekers feel anxious or fearful about asking for more.Negotiation expert and career coach Ted Leonhardt notes that the fear of asking for higher pay has always been an obstacle. And in todays volatile environment, that fear can feel even more paralyzing. But he emphasizes: Workers at any level are more vulnerable today than any time in memory, perhaps since the Great Depression. This makes knowing your worth and advocating for yourself all the more essential.Here are six essential tips for confidently negotiating your salary in todays tough economy.1.Hide your desperationA Pew Research Center survey found that most U.S. workers did not ask for higher pay the last time they were hired, with men slightly more likely than women to negotiate (32% vs. 28%).Even if youre surviving on ramen and desperately need the job, dont let it show. Employers often interpret eagerness as desperation, leading to lower initial offers. Take your time to respondusually 24 to 48 hoursand subtly indicate youre considering multiple opportunities. This helps maintain your negotiating power.Leonhard further advises: Always be developing a new opportunity for yourself. A side gig. A better job elsewhere. Having other options in progress or appearing to can drastically reduce that sense of desperation.2. Know your worth and back it up with dataBefore negotiating, gather salary benchmarks from sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary. Present clear, data-backed reasons for your requested salary based on your experience, skills, and current market rates.Leonhardt succinctly puts it: Know your value and use it as leverage. Leverage is always your superpower. Staying true to your worth can provide dividends. Annie Papp, executive vice president at Career Group Companies, advises that: In any job market, applicants should be prepared to come right out and ask for a raise or negotiate higher compensation. While it may seem obvious, most people dont do this, assuming their employer will offer a raise without promptingwhich is rarely the case.3. Quantify your valueMake a detailed list of your accomplishments and quantify your impact whenever possible. For example: Increased sales by 300% within one year or Managed projects that increased revenue by $X amount. Even before the negotiation, review this to remind yourself of your accomplishments and the value you bring, boosting your confidence.4. Bet on yourself and plan for the futureIf the job offer isnt quite where you want it to be, focus on creating a clear path to get there over the next year. Jason Giagrande, CEO of Hospitality Farm, suggests: Bet on yourself. Propose a lucrative bonus structure with aggressive milestones or KPIs that your boss would be happy to pay if accomplished. Everyone wins, and it will motivate your growth individually as well as help your company grow. Not only does this show initiative, but it also aligns your compensation with company goals, making it easier for employers to say yes.5. Be willing to walk away (if you truly are)One key to negotiation success is the willingness to walk away. Listen carefully, remain composed, and always take time to consider the offer before responding.6. Consider negotiating benefits, not just salaryIf salary negotiations stall, consider other forms of compensation. Diversify your requests to reach a deal that satisfies both sides. Signing bonuses, professional development funds, flexible work arrangements, or extra vacation days can all hold significant value.This market is different because employers are being more cautious when it comes to hiring and budgeting. A few years ago, on the heels of the pandemic, applicants could negotiate higher salaries much more easily because every employer was in a desperate race to retain talent. Now, thats not the case. The frenzy has slowed, and employers are taking their time.While inflated salary increases may no longer be the norm, advocating for growth is still crucial. Losing strong talent can ultimately have a far greater cost than providing a reasonable raise, Papp says. If higher compensation isnt immediately feasible, ask for a timeline to revisit the conversation.Finally, Leonhardt offers a lasting piece of advice: Always be developing your connections and community both online and off. Connections with those you help are always the best opportunity for your continuously evolving future.Negotiation can feel intimidating, especially in a fragile, uncertain world. But by advocating for yourself thoughtfully and strategically, youre not just setting yourself up for immediate successyoure safeguarding your long-term career stability.

In this digital era, mobility and efficiency are paramount, and the right tech accessories can enhance your productivity and connectivity while on the go. If youre a digital nomad, a busy professional, or a tech enthusiast, having compact and versatile gadgets can make your life easier and more organized.We have curated a collection of the top portable tech accessories essential for individuals who are always on the move. From multifunctional USB-C hubs to innovative document cameras and powerful portable storage solutions these devices offer a blend of functionality, convenience, and style. Dive in and pick these gadgets that promise to elevate your mobile tech experience, keeping you connected and efficient no matter where your journey takes you.1. The Dockcase 7-in-1 HubThe Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub is an innovative tech accessory, that is elevating the standard USB-C hub to new heights. Designed with a keen understanding of user needs, it transforms the mundane hub into a sophisticated tool equipped with a touchscreen dashboard and a strong metallic shell. This hub combines aesthetics with functionality, offering features that cater to power users who require high-speed data transfers, external storage, and multiple device connections simultaneously.The interactive display is the hubs star attraction, providing real-time feedback on transfer speeds, power delivery status, and SSD health. This transparency is like having a personal mission control panel, ensuring users have full oversight of their connected devices. The hub also houses multiple ports, including a 10 Gbps USB-C host port, HDMI output supporting 4K 120Hz, and slots for both UHS-II SD and TF cards.What we likeThe hub offers comprehensive connectivity options, making it ideal for multitasking professionals.The metallic shell adds durability, ensuring the hub withstands the rigors of travel.What we dislikeThe complex features might be overwhelming for users who prefer simpler devices.2. IOCHOW-X1The IOCHOW-X1 is a game-changer in the realm of remote work and online collaboration. This sleek and lightweight device redefines document scanning, sharing, and presentation, making it a must-have for educators, designers, and professionals who frequently engage in virtual environments.Weighing a mere 300g, the IOCHOW-X1 is designed for maximum portability, ensuring that users can carry it effortlessly wherever their work takes them. Its development was guided by extensive research into online working habits, resulting in a product that eliminates inefficiencies and facilitates seamless transitions between personal and professional tasks. The IOCHOW-X1 excels in environments where space is an issue, offering a compact alternative to traditional bulky scanners.What we likeUltra-lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and use in various settings.Perfect for scanning, sharing, and presenting documents, enhancing productivity in remote work scenarios.What we dislikeMay lack some advanced features found in larger, more traditional scanners.Requires a stable internet connection for optimal functionality, which might not always be available.3. UnifyDrive UP6The UnifyDrive UP6 reimagines the concept of Network Attached Storage (NAS) by introducing portability and versatility in one impressive package. Unlike typical NAS devices that require external access through computers, the UP6 is equipped with a built-in battery and a touchscreen, offering direct and immediate interaction. It accommodates six M.2 2280 SSDs, providing a staggering 48TB of storage, which is both compact and resilient to physical movement.This design promotes durability, making it suitable for those who need reliable storage on the move. The UP6 supports data access through cables or local wireless networks, and its Bluetooth capability allows seamless data transfers from phones and cameras, catering to diverse needs with its cutting-edge technology.What we likeOffers up to 48TB of storage, ideal for users with substantial data requirements.The built-in touchscreen and battery provide easy access and control without relying on external devices.What we dislikeDespite being portable, it may still be bulkier compared to other storage solutions.Initial setup and configuration might require a learning curve for less tech-savvy users.4. OrbaDesigned by Artiphon, the Orba is a portable musical instrument that combines a synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller into a single, compact device. Tailored for music enthusiasts and creators, the Orba opens up endless musical possibilities, enabling users to compose and play music wherever they are.The Orba boasts a sleek, compact design, resembling a cross between a gaming controller and half a grapefruit. Its feather-touch sensitivity ensures effortless operation, providing musicians with the freedom to explore new sounds and foster creativity. Its compact and portable body allows you to carry it with you wherever you please!What we likeUser-friendly interface thats easy to learn, suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians.Multifunctional design that integrates multiple devices into one, offering versatile capabilities.What we dislike:Advanced music production may require additional devices or software for more complex tasks.5. Harman Kardon TravelerHarman Kardons design language has been expertly applied to create the Traveller, a super-slim Bluetooth speaker reminiscent of a Sony point-and-shoot camera. With its premium body, the Traveller exudes the iconic and special appeal of the Esquire Mini 2. Equipped with touch control buttons and LED light indicators on the top, this stylish and portable speaker is ideal for tech enthusiasts who are frequently on the move.The Traveller delivers clear and crisp sound, ensuring an exceptional music experience whether youre at home or on the road. Its sleek, slim design is perfectly suited for travel, making it easy to carry and use wherever you go. With its blend of style and functionality, the Traveller enhances your auditory experience and also complements your lifestyle, providing convenience and quality in one compact package.What we likeSleek and attractive design makes it a stylish addition to your tech collection.Features reverse charge functionality, allowing it to double as a power bank.What we dislikeThe speakers sound may not match the volume and power of larger, more powerful speakers.6. Nuwa PenKnown as the Nuwa Pen, this cutting-edge writing instrument is designed to digitize your notes in real-time. Equipped with a motion sensor and a triple camera array, it captures your writing flawlessly and transfers it to the Nuwa App. As a cost-effective alternative to digital tablets, the Nuwa Pen offers a seamless blend of traditional writing with digital convenience.The pen ensures end-to-end encryption for your notes, whether youre jotting down ideas on a post-it or drafting an essay. Your work is securely stored and easily accessible, with notes digitized on the device and transmitted via Bluetooth to your phone. The accompanying app allows you to sync notes or share them with team members effortlessly.What we likeEconomical compared to digital tablets.Provides real-time digitization of notes.What we dislikePremium features require a paid subscription.7. The MINISFORUM MDSA156The MINISFORUM MDSA156 is an innovative solution for enhancing mobile productivity by offering a dual-monitor setup that is both affordable and portable. Priced at $231, it is almost half the cost of typical portable dual monitors, making it accessible without compromising on quality. The vertical configuration of this monitor setup offers a space-saving design, allowing for easy repositioning without the hassle of multiple cables, thanks to its single USB-C connection for power and data.Laptop users will find this dual-monitor setup beneficial, as it allows them to switch between configurations based on their needs, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. Despite its compact form, weighing 2.2 lbs and measuring 0.95 inches thick, the MDSA156 provides flexibility and efficiency, making it an ideal companion for those who need extra screen real estate while traveling.What we likeOffers a cost-effective dual-monitor solution.Supports multiple configurations for diverse working environments.What we dislikeMay require frequent glancing down, which could be ergonomically challenging.8. PS10The Astell&Kern PS10 gives portable audio a whole new meaning by seamlessly integrating a digital audio player with a full-featured home audio network streamer. This hybrid device addresses the problem of maintaining separate audio systems for mobile and home use, offering a unified solution that minimizes redundancy and complexity.Its innovative docking cradle transforms the portable player into a high-resolution streamer with professional-grade XLR balanced outputs, ensuring the purest audio signal for home systems. The PS10s HEXA audio circuit design, featuring four AKM AK4498EX DACs and two AK4191EQ chips, delivers unparalleled sound quality by separating digital and analog signal processing.What we likeCombines portable and home audio capabilities in one device.Innovative circuit design ensures pristine audio output.What we dislikeMay require additional components for optimal home integration.9. CylinThe Cylin reimagines portable computing by integrating a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses into a compact cylindrical device. Designed to address the limitations of current AR interactions, the Cylin offers a practical solution for diverse environments, from casual video-watching to professional writing tasks. Its scroll-like structure includes a dedicated slot for AR glasses, a folding keyboard interface, and an integrated mouse for precise control.This innovative concept provides a seamless blend of physical and digital interactions, enhancing usability without sacrificing portability. It offers a versatile computing experience within a single device and paves the way for a new category of portable tech that combines convenience with cutting-edge functionality.What we likeCombines AR glasses and computing tools in a portable format.Provides a practical solution for varied environments.What we dislikeMay not yet be available for consumer purchase.Users may need time to adapt to the unique interface.10. Foldable Portable 3D PrinterThis foldable portable 3D printer concept signifies a groundbreaking shift in design and manufacturing. Featuring five rotational axes, the printer collapses into a compact form, approximately the size of a briefcase. This innovative design empowers designers and engineers to transport their manufacturing capabilities to any location, promoting a more dynamic and flexible approach to prototyping and production.With the ability to operate directly at client meetings or field locations, this printer eliminates the need for a permanent workspace, allowing for real-time testing and refinement of ideas. Not only does it enhance convenience, but it also expands creative possibilities for professionals across various industries, making it an essential tool for the modern maker.What we likeThe compact design facilitates easy transportation and on-the-go use.Supports real-time prototyping and collaboration beyond traditional workspaces.What we dislikeFolding and unfolding may require careful handling to ensure precision.The post 10 Best Portable Tech Designs To Enhance The Mobility Of On-The-Go Professionals first appeared on Yanko Design.

Graphic design is back.