Startup Colossal Biosciences has edited the DNA of a gray wolf to produce what it says is a de-extincted animal. Does that make it a true dire wolf?

MacworldAs whinged last week, Im not expecting much at WWDC 2025 this June. Im sick of Apple Intelligence and depressed by the likelihood it will dominate the conversation for a second year in a row. But theres another potential topic that scares me even more: the rumored iOS 19 redesign.In fact, the degree to which Apple will revamp iOSs look (and potentially navigational elements) this year is the subject of some dispute. Last month leaker king Mark Gurman described iOS 19 as the biggest redesign since iOS 7, and predicted that controls, icons, buttons, even user interface dynamics and mechanisms would all be altered to achieve greater consistency between iOS and macOS. Thats before we even get to system-wide glassy effects and rejiggering some applications for a new generation of users to better understand.That sounds pretty major. But Jon Prosser, who is more of a leaker jester, promptly showed off alleged screenshots of iOS 19 and insisted that the changes wouldnt amount to very much at all. And Gurman responded to that response by saying the screenshots werent representative and that the operating system wasnt finished yet. It all became rather tit for tat. Is iOS 19 changing radically, or is it staying essentially the same? Right now we dont know.Personally, I hope its the latter. When it comes to operating system interfaces, the means by which we navigate tech devices on a daily basis, sudden radical change is generally a bad idea. It should only happen when it absolutely has to.Take that iOS 7 update mentioned by Gurman, a less-than-positive experience for the vast majority of iPhone users. WWDC might seem like a big deal to members of the Apple media complex, but most iPhone owners didnt watch the keynote that summer and didnt know what was coming. Hence, the total aesthetic overhaul, complete with new app icons and garish color palette, came as a terrible shock, and search traffic for terms like how to go back to iOS 6 spiked on Macworld for weeks afterwards. It didnt help that focusing so much on the broad design language meant factors like productivity and motion sickness went unconsidered, but the looks alone would have ensured a mixed reception regardless.We can debate about whether it was a better or worse design than iOS 6 (and do bear in mind that the initial launch was especially garish, and was toned down in later versions), but above all, it was different: radically, suddenly, and disconcertingly different. When an interface is different its hard to get things done because all the signposts you use to orient yourself have changed. You become slow, cautious, fearful. Its like being a tech newbie all over again. Its disempowering, at least in the short term.In the long term, of course, it could be argued that iOS 7s changes were necessary and positive. For one thing, it makes sense that a device might need a thorough interface revamp six years after launch, given the impossibility of getting everything right first time and the difference in context between a groundbreaking new device for early adopters and a mature blockbuster. Furthermore, the iPhones original interface created for a less digitally literate era that liked note-taking apps to look like physical notepadshad outgrown its purpose. Apple could have handled the transition more sensitively, but I would agree that skeuomorphisms time had run out and change was necessary.But if Apple feels it necessary to rebuild the very foundations of iOS at this stage, a full 18 years into the products lifecycle, my first three questions would all be variants of, Oh God, why? And then my fourth question would be Why didnt you do this years ago? Like, maybe in 2013, when you were changing things anyway. Because as bad as major interface change can be, its a whole lot better than repeated major interface change.Still, it might not be as bad as Im making out. If Jon Prosser is right and Mark Gurman is wrong, we should be looking instead at gentle iterative change, which is the only form of change an operating system of this age should go through. Which will free up Craig Federighi to spend most of WWDC25 talking about Apple Intelligence, and allow me to sleep in peace.The only problem is that this relies on the accuracy of a man who once claimed Apple was going to rebrand iOS as iPhoneOS, and got another prediction so badly wrong that he had to shave off his eyebrows. So you can probably see why Im not looking forward to WWDC.FoundryWelcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too.Trending: Top storiesThe thought of Apples AI doctor is making the Macalope a little queasy. Whereas Dan Moren cant wait to make an appointment.Hey iPhone users, dont fall for Verizons 3-year price lock.I tried the future of multitasking on the Mac and it was amazing and uncomfortable.Cant decide between AirPods Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2? Dont buy either yet.Heres the 50-year-old Microsoft source code that inspired the first Apple computer.Has your Apple Account been hacked? Heres how to knowand fix it.No, the iOS 19 code name isnt a clue about its design.Podcast of the weekYou have thoughts about WWDC25, iPhones without ports, iPads without Apple Intelligence, and more, and we talk about them on the latest episode of the show.You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast onSpotify,Soundcloud, thePodcasts app, orour own site.Reviews cornerAvast Cleanup Premium for Mac review: Genuinely good at getting under the hood of your Mac.Satechi Mac mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure review: More ports and internal storage.Harber London TotePack backpack review: Space miracle for everyday life with small flaws.The rumor millNew chip-and-ship M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro updates set for holiday debut.The iPhone 17 Pros improved telephoto camera is detailed in a new report.Three iPhone models are reportedly about to lose iOS support.Can we expect any new products from Apple in April?Software updates, bugs, and problemsiOS 18.4 has arrived! Here are more than a dozen reasons to upgrade now.Although a weird iOS 18.4 bug is reportedly installing apps you dont want.And yet another iOS 18.4 bug breaks CarPlay this time.How Lucid exploits iMessage to send encrypted phishing attacks to your iPhone.Heres why your AirPods Max dont have lossless audio over USB-C yet.And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up forour newsletters, including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow usonFacebook,Threads,Bluesky, orXfor discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

The AI market could grow to as much as $4.8 trillion by 2033, according to a new report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. At the same time, the money is expected to be concentrated among a few players and could increase inequality between countries, CNBC reports.The benefits of AI-driven automation often favor capital over labor, which can increase inequality and reduce the competitive advantage of cheap labor in developing countries, the reports authors wrote. To ensure developing countries are not left behind, the UN group recommends they be involved in discussions on AI rules and ethics.In the same report, the UN also warned that AI could affect 40% of all jobs, even as the technology has the potential to create new industries and empower workers as long as investments are made in training.

Atto Technology has introduced two Thunderbolt 5 adapters built to support uncompressed 8K video editing, high-speed media transfers, and multi-user post-production workflows.Atto TechnologyThe company unveiled ThunderLink TLFC-5642 and ThunderLink NS 5102 at NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas. These adapters are crucial tools for studios in high-bandwidth post-production, real-time collaboration, and hybrid cloud media operations.With Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, they double the bandwidth of their predecessors and are optimized for macOS environments, including Apple's MacBook Pro and Mac Studio. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Kengo Kuma has designed a special 10-piece limited edition furniture release called the Kigumi Table in a new collaboration with the German brand Eins Zu Eins.The release is said to be inspired by the same Japanese kigumi techniques that were used in his 2013 Sunny Hills bakery design in Tokyo, a previous Starbucks caf location (also in Tokyo), and a Christmas tree installation on display last year at two EDITION hotels in the city.Photography courtesy Eins Zu EinsIts 'wood cloud' delicately latticed table base is made from 20mmx20mm solid white oak slats with the option for an acrylic glass or glass tabletop fastened together by custom-made bronze components.Photography courtesy Eins Zu EinsThe dimensions are 106.3 by 47.2 (inches). Kuma describes it as a "paradox of weight, aesthetics, and optics that almost seems to defy the laws of physics." An artists signature and certificate of authenticity will accompany each of the 10 pieces.Photography courtesy Eins Zu Eins"For me, ...

After extensive feedback from players about the high price of Nintendo Switch 2 titles like the $80 Mario Kart World, Bill Trinen, Nintendo of Americas VP of product and player experience, said he believes the content justifies the price.In an interview with IGN, Trinen said, I would say its less about the strategy of pricing Mario Kart World, its more just whenever we look at a given game, we just look at what is the experience, and whats the content, and whats the value?Mario Kart World, I think especially as you see from the Nintendo Direct, not to give you any hints or anything, but I did read your article this morning, and I think you mentioned that you didnt find a lot to discover when roaming around. So I would say tune into our Mario Kart Direct to see what. Maybe youll be able to find out about that. The Direct is scheduled for April 17th, though you can view plenty of gameplay from Grand Prix mode here.But honestly, Trinen continued, This is a game that is so big and vast, and you will find so many little things in it to discover. And theres still some other secrets remaining that I think as people end up buying and playing the game, theyre going to find this to be probably the richest Mario Kart experience theyve ever had.The same logic applied to Switch 2 editions of titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the former costing $69.99 while the latter is $79.99.Well, again, what I would say, is that we just look at each game, and we look at the content and the value of that game, and then we say, What is the right price for the value of this entertainment?What I would probably counter to some of that is that really what youre looking at is for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, thats the physical price for somebody that has not bought the base game. For somebody who has bought Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild, the upgrade packs for those are $9.99.And if you happen to be a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack member, both Zelda upgrade packs are inclusive within that membership. So theres no additional charge for those. Its worth noting that NSO + Expansion Pack costs $49.99 yearly, but at least you get some other notable features, like access to GameCube Classics.I think overall, our general approach is really just focus on whats the content, whats the value, and whats an appropriate price based on that, Trinen concluded.The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th worldwide for $449.99, though a region-locked version is available exclusively in Japan for cheaper. Pre-orders have been delayed following recent US tariffs, but theres no change to the release date. Nintendo has yet to indicate whether its price will increase or not.

These Are the Building Blocks of Wes Andersons Signature Visual StyleThrough quirky costumes and model hotels, a new exhibition surveys the directors unique creative visionand the work of the craftspeople who help bring it to life Anderson on set of his 2023 film Asteroid CityLa Cinmathque FranaisePicture a Wes Anderson film.Even if you havent seen one of his movies from start to finish, chances are that you know his style. Andersons rich color palettes, rigorous symmetry and idiosyncratic settings have been widely honored, parodied and recreated throughInstagram accounts,books and even anAnderson-designed cafe at Milans Fondazione Prada.By the time Andersons work reaches the silver screen, it appears effortless. But the distinctive and immersive nature of his cinematography comes from thousands of small details, all meticulously arranged, produced and captured oncelluloid film.More than 500 of the objects responsible for building Andersons signature visual languagefrom model hotels to fox puppetsare now on view at theCinmathque Franaise, a film museum and theater in Paris, as part of a retrospective of the directors work.Titled Wes Anderson: The Archives, the exhibition will be on view through July 27 before moving to the Design Museum in London in November. Props from Rushmmore, Anderson's second film Stphane Dabrowski / La Cinmathque FranaiseMore than any other, the cinema of Wes Anderson is one that deserves a true exhibition: a precious setting where the relics of the past become present, and where set design becomes mise-en-scne, Matthieu Orlan, a curator at the Cinmathque, says in astatement.A joint effort by the Cinmathque and the Design Museum, the exhibition tracks the filmmakers artistic evolution from the 1990s to the present.At first glance, at the risk of caricature, film criticJosu Morel says of Anderson in the statement, hes the dandy filmmaker par excellence.But the aim of the exhibition is to travel beyond this first glance, beyond the homage Instagram accounts and deep into the world of Anderson and his collaborators.Anderson made his debut in 1996 withBottle Rocket. After filming wrapped, he wanted to reshoot a few scenes but discovered that Columbia Pictures had already sold his props for next to nothing, as Alex Marshall writes for theNew York Times.He was determined never to repeat that mistake. Costumes worn by Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Stiller inThe Royal TenenbaumsStphane Dabrowski / La Cinmathque FranaiseStarting with 1998sRushmore, his sophomore effort, set at a prep school, Anderson began keeping track of his own props, costumes and other crucial objects.He has meticulously kept many of the props and objects that we see in this exhibition throughout his over 30-year-long career, Johanna Agerman Ross, a co-curator of the show, tells Deborah Gouffran of theAssociated Press.Visitors to the exhibition can see the preppy blue blazers and striped ties that Jason Schwartzman wore in Rushmore; the khaki suit, fur coat and red tracksuit seen inThe Royal Tenenbaums (2001); and the pale aquamarine uniforms fromThe Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004).Reunited for the first time, they represent much more than keepsakes, Orlan says in the statement. They pay witness to how they were used and conserve something of the people who made them and handled them. Objects from the TheDarjeeling LimitedStphane Dabrowski / La Cinmathque FranaiseHe cites, in particular, the model train cars forThe Darjeeling Limited (2007), which were hand-painted by Indian artists.ForThe Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Anderson commissioned British artist Michael Taylor to create afaux Renaissance painting of a boy with a golden apple.Anderson wanted the artwork to be not very funny, just a bit funny, Taylor recalled, asVices Zelly Martin reported in 2014. When the painter and the director butted heads about an element of the painting, Wes usually won.The films eponymous hotel is a centerpiece of the exhibition.Simon Weisse, part of the team of six craftspeople that took three months to build the model hotel, tells the Times that the color choice was Andersons one unyielding preference.I said, Pink? Bright pink and dark pink? No! Weisse recalls. I asked the art department to check there wasnt a mistake, but they said, Its right. Wes has chosen these colors.In the end, hes always right, Weisse adds. The Grand Budapest Hotel model Stphane Dabrowski / La Cinmathque FranaiseThrough Andersons storyboards and notebooks, the exhibition shows a method of work marked by freedom, obligated to no pre-established rules, especially not the hallmarks that Hollywood studios so often dream of, Orlan says in the statement.The retrospective also highlights the artists that help Andersons films come alive. The vision might be his, but the iconic props and products are the work of highly specialized craftspeople.What weve learned through this exhibition is the amazing amount of people involved in that work, Agerman Ross tells the AP.She cites Andersons two stop-motion films,Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) andIsle of Dogs (2018), as examples of this creative relationship. Its the people that are making the puppets, but its also the people that are even posing the puppets, she explains. Puppets fromFantastic Mr. Fox, Anderson's first stop-motion film Stphane Dabrowski / La Cinmathque FranaiseIn both films, the director insisted on using real animal fibers for the puppets. Although the hairs were nearly impossible to pose and control, the creative choice gave the models a dynamic, swishing appearance that totally changed the look of stop-motion films,Andy Gent, a model maker who has worked with Anderson on seven films, tells the Times. It was amazing fun.Wes Anderson: The Archives will be on view at the Cinmathque Franaise in Paris through July 27, 2025. It will then travel to the Design Museum in London, where it will be on display from November 14, 2025 to July 26, 2026. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Twin Sails Interactive, the video game publisher behind Gloomhaven Digital, is spinning out of Asmodee Group as a new indie game studio.Twin Sails is also known for Ember Knights, News Tower, Bloomtown: A Different Story and Survival: Fountain of Youth.Through a strategic management buyout, Twin Sails gains full autonomy and more flexibility to drive its vision for growth.The transition will not impact the companys structure, as Twin Sails will retain its entire team, including CEO Nicolas Godement, Production Director Laurent Lichnewsky, and Marketing Director Adrien Rotondo.This is an exciting new chapter for Twin Sails Interactive, said Godement, in a statement. Our time within Asmodee provided us with invaluable experience, and we are grateful for the collaboration that helped shape our journey. Now, as an independent publisher, we move forward with confidence, ready to pursue our bold and energized vision for the future.Thomas Koegler, CEO of the tabletop game maker Asmodee, said in a statement, We are proud to see Twin Sails Interactive set sail towards new horizons under the leadership of its passionate management team. This transition marks an exciting new chapter, ensuring continuity while allowing both Asmodee and Twin Sails Interactive to thrive in their respective areas of expertise. We look forward to Twin Sails Interactive continuing to meet success and innovate, bringing fresh, engaging experiences to players worldwide and wish them a journey filled with success, creativity, and new opportunities.A new era for Twin Sails InteractiveFounded in 2016 and formerly known as Asmodee Digital, Twin Sails Interactive originally served as Asmodees video game division. While best known for bringing beloved tabletop games into the digital realm, such as Terraforming Mars or Gloomhaven, the company has also made its mark in the independent gaming scene, publishing critically acclaimed titles such as Ember Knights, Survival: Fountain of Youth, and News Tower.With its newfound independence, Twin Sails Interactive is reaffirming its commitment to delivering distinctive, high-quality titles that offer immersive and memorable gaming experiences.At Twin Sails Interactive, we believe every game deserves dedicated expertise and care, said Laurent Lichnewsky, in a statement. Thats why each title is championed by a dedicated Triforcea producer, brand manager, and game designerwho work closely with the developer to shape the games creative vision, a strong market positioning, and overall quality. From production oversight to porting, localization, and QA, were committed to delivering polished, high-impact experiences to players worldwide.We will continue to champion creative titles with strong visual identities and passionate teams behind them, said Rotondo, in a statement. Our goal is to work with our partner studios to create long-lasting game brands that grow through updates, new content, and new titles in the series.Bloomtown: A Different StoryAs part of its growing portfolio, Twin Sails Interactive is excited to announce that Bloomtown: A Different Story, an enchanting monster-taming adventure game released last year on Steam, is now coming to mobile (iOS, Android) in Q2, 2025. With its charming and emotional storytelling blending adventure with heartwarming moments, Bloomtown takes players through an emotional journey rooted in narrative choices, exploration, forming relationships, and battling monsters.News TowerThe popular newsroom tycoon News Tower, available on Steam, is set to launch out of Early Access later this fall 2025. In News Tower, players manage a media company in 1930s New York City, inheriting a small business on the brink of bankruptcy and transforming it into a thriving media empire.Expand your newsroom equipment, hire the right people for the job, and manage everything from deciding which stories get published to rearranging the ever-shrinking office layout and restocking essential charcoal to keep the buildings lights on, all in a bid to become the best-selling newspaper in the city.Ember KnightsFollowing its successful PC and Nintendo Switch launch, the fast-paced co-op roguelite Ember Knights will make its debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Spring 2025. With its frantic action, deep build variety, and highly replayable co-op gameplay, Ember Knights continues to expand its audience and establish itself as a must-play in the roguelite genre.Twin Sails Interactive is actively seeking new projects and partnerships. Developers interested in collaborating can visit the Twin Sails Website or follow the company on X, Instagram, or Facebook for updates.GB DailyStay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox dailyRead our Privacy PolicyThanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.

IDGA-F strengthens commitment to DEI with new chair appointmentShannon Loftis brings expertise to "further the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion for developers globally"Image credit: IGDA News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on April 7, 2025 The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) has welcomed Shannon Loftis as new chair of its board of directors.Loftis replaces Ed Fries, who steps down from his director position after two years but remains on the board.Loftis brings "over 30 years in game development and a commitment to inclusion" at Microsoft that will "allow the Foundation to further its goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion for developers globally."I'm thrilled and honored to lead this board, and to work closely with the foundation and with the IGDA, Loftis said.The IGDA Foundation is one of the most inclusive, intersectional, globally-relevant and effective organizations in game development and I believe our mission is more crucial today than ever before.I have worked alongside Shannon since our days at Microsoft; shes an excellent leader whose background and experience in the industry make her a perfect fit to take on the role of Chair, added Ed Fries, former chair. I am confident that the IGDA Foundation will stay true to its values under her guidance.Though connected, the IGDA-F is a separate entity from the IGDA itself and is a charitable organization serving underrepresented and marginalized game developers all over the world through professional development programs, mentorships, scholarships, and game jams.Last year, the International Game Developers Association challenged the United States Patent and Trademark Office following a new requirement for home addresses to be included during trademark registration.

Microsoft has fired one of the employees who disrupted the companys 50th-anniversary event. In an email seen by The Verge, Microsoft told Ibtihal Aboussad that their employment has been terminated due to acts of misconduct.Aboussad was one of two protesters that interrupted Microsofts 50th anniversary event on Friday by calling Microsofts AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, a war profiteer and demanding that Microsoft stop using AI for genocide in our region. A second protester, Vaniya Agrawal, interrupted Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, former CEO Steve Ballmer, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later on in the event. Both Microsoft employees also sent separate emails to thousands of coworkers, calling on Microsoft to cut its contracts with the Israeli government.Earlier today, you interrupted a speech by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman during the Companys 50th anniversary event in Redmond, Seattle, by yelling and finger-pointing at the CEO before a live audience of thousands of attendees, and making hostile, unprovoked, and highly inappropriate accusations against the CEO, the Company and Microsoft generally, the email to Ibtihal Aboussad says. While the CEO remained calm and attempted to de-escalate the matter, your conduct was so aggressive that you had to be escorted out of the room by security. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Verge (@verge)Aboussad has been fired today by Microsoft Canada, and Agrawal, who resigned as part of her protest, was immediately dismissed after putting in her two weeks notice, according to an email seen by The Verge. Both protestors are associated with No Azure for Apartheid, a group of Microsoft employees rallying against the companys contracts with Israel.The company has concluded that your misconduct was designed to gain notoriety and cause maximum disruption to this highly anticipated event, the email to Aboussad reads. It is also concerning that you have not apologized to the company, and in fact you have shown no remorse for the effect that your actions have had and will have.Weve reached out to Microsoft to comment on the dismissals, but the company didnt respond in time for publication.