SyBridge Technologies, a US provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, has announced an expansion of its collaboration with Carbon, a 3D printer manufacturer known for its Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. As part of the first phase of investment, SyBridge is more than doubling its DLS-dedicated manufacturing space at its Chicago-area headquarters. The move is designed to enhance production capabilities and support growing demand—particularly from North American reshoring initiatives. This plant expansion marks a key milestone in the eight-year partnership between SyBridge and Carbon. To date, SyBridge has produced nearly two million parts using Carbon’s DLS platform, demonstrating its reliability and scale in additive manufacturing. “We’re thrilled to further strengthen our relationship with Carbon as a preferred North American partner for high-volume DLS applications,” said Byron J. Paul, CEO of SyBridge Technologies. “This investment establishes SyBridge as the largest domestic solution for cost-effective DLS production, enabling American companies to localize manufacturing, reduce supply chain risks, eliminate tariff exposure, and lower total production costs.” Carbon DLS. Photo via Carbon. DLS Platform: Capabilities and Strategic Impact In a press release, SyBridge explained that Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis platform offers significant advantages for producing end-use parts. It leverages engineering-grade materials with consistent mechanical performance and enables the creation of complex geometries—including flexible lattice structures used in foam replacements—that are not achievable with conventional manufacturing methods. The process also offers high precision and repeatability, with tolerances as tight as ±40 microns. In addition to technical performance, Carbon’s system is optimized for consumer-ready applications, with broad color customization and design flexibility that meets both functional and aesthetic standards. By combining this technology with SyBridge’s lean manufacturing approach, the partnership makes large-scale DLS production both technically and economically viable. Close-up of the M3. Photo via Carbon. Leveraging DLS Technology in Previous Collaborations In 2021, Adidas maintained its enduring collaboration with Carbon, resulting in the creation of the 4DFWD, a 3D printed midsole. Employing the DLS 3D printing technology, Carbon worked closely with Adidas designers on the development of this running midsole. The 4DFWD proved its prowess in mechanical tests by generating up to three times more forward motion compared to its predecessors. While production was initially done in Germany, this was not continued and manufacturing was relocated. Other applications using Carbon’s DLS technology include Adidas’ 3D printed Futurecraft 4D shoes, sports helmet lining, dental models, casting, and implant guides through its FDA-approved 3D printable DENTCA resins and M2 3D printers. Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content. Featured image shows Carbon DLS. Photo via Carbon. Paloma Duran Paloma Duran holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in Journalism. Specializing in writing, podcasting, and content and event creation, she works across politics, energy, mining, and technology. With a passion for global trends, Paloma is particularly interested in the impact of technology like 3D printing on shaping our future.

© Cristian Bădescu In Sebeșu de Sus, Romania, within the Făgăraș Mountains, a temporary architectural installation was constructed in 2024 for the Făgăraș Fest. Titled “It’s oh so quiet”, the project by atelier VRAC explores themes of spatial retreat, material impermanence, and site-specific design. Developed through an ideas competition organized by Conservation Carpathia, the installation examines the intersection of festival architecture and natural environments through a restrained and context-aware approach. It’s Oh So Quiet Installation Technical Information Architects1-3: Atelier VRAC Location: Sebeșu de Sus, Romania Site Area: 49 m2 | 527 Sq. Ft. Project Year: 2024 Photographs: © Cristian Bădescu We envisioned a space where architecture fades into the landscape—where slowness, silence, and local materials guide the experience. – Cristian Bădescu & Zenaida Florea, atelier VRAC It’s Oh So Quiet Installation Photographs © Cristian Bădescu © Cristian Bădescu © Cristian Bădescu © Cristian Bădescu © Cristian Bădescu © Cristian Bădescu © Cristian Bădescu Contextual Framework: Between Festival and Landscape The installation was designed to operate at the periphery—physically removed from the core of the festival activities, yet conceptually integrated into the broader experience of the event. This marginal positioning became a transitional zone between the human-centered event and the surrounding forested terrain. Thematically, the project responds to two intertwined objectives: preserving the Carpathian ecosystem and promoting design strategies that are environmentally responsible and locally grounded. This context situates the work within a lineage of architectural interventions that seek to tread lightly—literally and ideologically—on the land. In contrast to installations that assert their presence, “It’s oh so quiet” performs a more nuanced role, inviting users into a meditative relationship with nature and one another, while emphasizing the ecological fragility of the setting. Design Intent and Spatial Strategy Rather than imposing a fixed program, the installation embraces indeterminacy. It functions simultaneously as an amphitheater, an observatory, a resting platform, and an informal gathering space. This ambiguity is not a lack of intention but a deliberate act of architectural restraint, allowing meaning to emerge through occupation rather than prescription. A dual-facing structure defines the spatial experience. On one side, a solid wooden façade—rigid, almost defensive—establishes a boundary and shelters the interior. On the other hand, a cascading series of hay bales creates a stepped amphitheater open to the landscape. This bifurcation is central to the architectural concept: it frames a threshold between introspection and outward engagement. The act of climbing—whether via the vertical staircases embedded in the corners or through the slow ascent of the haystack—becomes a spatial ritual, encouraging users to alter their pace, perspective, and attention. The amphitheater’s orientation toward the mountains intensifies this effect. Through geometry and scale, visitors are guided toward a posture of observation. The installation becomes less a backdrop to activity than a device for amplifying the surrounding environment. Material Assemblage and Tectonics The project is unapologetically local materially. Hay bales sourced from the region are deployed as both structural and experiential elements. Their texture, smell, and temporality ground the installation in agricultural practice and seasonal rhythms. These bales are not decorative—they are integral components of the architectural language, used modularly to define form and function. Skeletal frameworks made of locally harvested timber, precisely joined but visually modest, support these. The tectonic clarity reinforces the installation’s performative role as a temporary structure: robust enough to hold, light enough to disassemble, and destined for decay or reuse. By embracing materials that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and easily handled by hand, atelier VRAC positions construction not as a permanent imprint on the landscape but as a momentary negotiation with it. The addition of solar-powered luminous spheres enhances this ethos, introducing soft, self-sustaining light that activates the space at night without compromising its ecological sensitivity. It’s Oh So Quiet Installation Plans Floor Plan | © Atelier VRAC Axonometric Diagrams | © Atelier VRAC It’s Oh So Quiet Installation Image Gallery About Atelier VRAC Atelier VRAC is a Romania-based architectural practice led by Cristian Bădescu and Zenaida Florea. It is known for its experimental and context-sensitive approach to design. The studio explores architecture as a medium of spatial storytelling, often working with local materials, temporary structures, and participatory processes that emphasize ecological responsibility and cultural resonance. Credits and Additional Notes Architects / Designers: Cristian Bădescu, Zenaida Florea – atelier VRAC Client: Conservation Carpathia Manufacturers / Fabricators: Hans Scherer, Sebastian Big, Oana Big, Ioana Iacob

Events A Golden Opportunity to Learn at the Return to El Dorado Ghi Sign Service resumes its gilding-themed Letterheads meets following their pandemic postponement. Better Letters Apr 17, 2025 • 5 min read Gold slinging returns to Ghi Sign Service in Canaan, Connecticut. Panel: Philip Ghi. Philip Ghi, owner of Ghi Sign Service, has been hosting Letterheads meets since 1995, and the recent gathering in Canaan, Connecticut, saw the ressurection of his long-running series of gilding themed events. However, he is quick to credit his friend Mike Szczoczarz with the original 'El Dorado' concept, which emerged during an encounter at the USSC trade show in Atlantic City, New Jersey:"There was a corner of the convention centre that was affectionately referred to as the 'Bullpen'. This was a place where we could escape the noise of the hi-tech cutters, routers, and vinyl vendors, and actually ply our craft with paint and brush."Philip Ghi lettering his 'Fishheads' panel at the recent 'Return to El Dorado' meet. His son Dominic is behind, working on a glass panel.Their shared passion for hand-crafted work led to a conversation about the changes they were witnessing in the trade. These included the proliferation of 22 karat gold vinyl, which was replacing more and more of the gilding work on signs and vehicles. As a retired firefighter, Mike was particularly saddened by the impact on the long tradition of firetrucks being gilded and lettered by hand."He [Mike] pitched me the idea of a Letterhead meet that focused primarily on gold and metal leaf. I quickly agreed and offered to host it at our shop. The details are a little foggy but I think it was a couple of years later, and with some encouragement from other sign buddies, that I committed to a meet in March 2013."Guests from the 2017 El Dorado meet at Ghi Sign Service, and panels from the event in 2018.After that first gathering, Ghi's 'El Dorado' events were an annual fixture until the series was brought to an abrupt halt by the pandemic. He likens them to the old-style meets of the 1980s and 1990s, with no cover charge and everything run on a loose 'come as you are' basis. He tells attendees that they can:"Work on whatever you feel like working on when you get here. I do have glass and books of gold available at cost for anyone that needs it. I also provide paint, panels and all the fixings even though most attendees come pretty well equipped. I have a couple of screens burned to do the yearly themed reverse-glass panel project, which gives people the opportunity to leave with a finished (or nearly finished) glass piece at the end of the weekend."Work-in-progress on some of the diverse projects that participants got busy with at the recent 'Return to El Dorado' meet: 'DeWayne Cannot' striping a skateboard, Louie Pacuzzi applying water size to a glass piece, and Frank 'Rooster' Inzerillo using his dagger on a sword.As any past host knows, these events are what Ghi describes as "a labour of love", and they also double as "an excuse to finally clean the shop a little better than usual!" They're invariably team efforts, and would never have happened without the tireless help and support of his wife Maria and his son Dominic who each "rolled up their sleeves and got the hard work done".Frank 'Rooster' Inzerillo (left), Dominic Ghi (right), and jewellery maker Lucinda with her freshly painted nameplate.And what about the 'El Dorado' name, or in the case of the most recent event, the 'Return to El Dorado'?"It was meant to conjure up the idea of the never-ending search for gold, or in our case, the never-ending search for the perfect gold leaf application. Mike would say 'I can show you how to gild in 15 minutes ... but it would take years to master the skill'."Shop talk: Zeke Lemanski, Dan Danzenbaker, Paul Quinn and Frank 'Rooster' Inzerillo in conversation.Each of these events has had attendees at different stages of that search, ensuring the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Part of this comes from the opportunity to work with a pre-designed glass panel, with screens used to replicate the artwork. However, the final panels are anything but carbon copies, as Ghi points out:"Even though the back screens are the same, the finished pieces come out very different with the use of different karats of gold, abalone, mother of pearl, etching, chipping, and opaque and transparent paints. I'm always amazed at the creativity and imagination that goes in to each and every project."Hot Rod Jen working with Philip Ghi's design, and Ghi's finished piece for the 2025 Return to El Dorado meet.Project designs from past meets: 'Cigars' (2018) by Mike Szczoczarz; 'El Dorado' (2016) by Doug Bernhardt; and 'Lost City' (2017) by 'DeWayne Cannot'.Personal projects from the 2025 Return to El Dorado meet: Mayan head with palm leaves by Brian Schofield; stone jaguar by Paul Quinn; and 'Clingstone' by Shawn Gilheeney.After a wonderful time back in the hosting saddle, Ghi feels like he'll be returning to El Dorado again in the near future. He enjoys their informality — "it ends up being about half social event and half working" — and also the sharing that happens through one of his favourite traditions, the panel swap:"This happens near the end of the day on Saturday, and is very simple: bring a panel to swap and get a panel in return. Participants pull a name out of a hat and the name you draw is the person's panel you get. The projects and the panels become the lasting reminder of a weekend spent with friends new and old."Team El Dorado with souvenirs of their adventures in gilding.Thank you to Philip Ghi for sharing these photos and the El Dorado back story. And to Maria and Dominic Ghi for helping to make it all happen.More Letterheads

close Travel expert unveils hottest destinations for summer 2025, shares tips to plan perfect cruise Travel expert Colleen Kelly shares the hottest travel destinations for this summer and provides tips for travelers planning a cruise. As you rush through busy terminals, juggling bags and boarding passes, your credit cards may be at risk, not just from pickpockets, but from digital thieves using high-tech tools like RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimmers. While today’s chip-enabled cards are more secure than old magnetic stripes, it’s still wise to take extra precautions, especially in crowded places like airports. Here's how to keep your cards protected while traveling.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S ‘THE CYBERGUY REPORT’ NOW A person holding a passport while traveling (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?How credit card theft happens while travelingBefore diving into how to protect yourself, it helps to understand the most common ways credit cards are compromised during travel.RFID skimming: Some credit and debit cards are equipped with RFID chips that enable contactless payments. Thieves carrying handheld RFID readers can capture your card’s data simply by being near you. No physical contact is required, and you often won’t even notice it happening.Card skimming at ATMs and terminals: In some regions, criminals install fake card readers over legitimate machines at airports, gas stations or retail locations. These skimmers copy your card’s information when you insert it. In many cases, a hidden camera is also installed nearby to record your PIN as you type it.Pickpocketing and physical theft: Airports are full of distractions, which thieves rely on. A quick bump in a security line or a moment of inattention at the check-in counter is all it takes for someone to slip your wallet out of a bag or pocket.Public Wi-Fi snooping: Using unsecured airport or hotel Wi-Fi can expose your private data. Hackers connected to the same network can intercept sensitive information, including credit card numbers and login credentials, especially if you're making purchases or accessing banking apps without protection.Lost or stolen cards: It's not uncommon to misplace a card during travel. If someone finds it – or worse, steals it from your luggage or hotel room – they could make unauthorized purchases before you realize it’s missing.Ways to protect your credit cardsThe good news is that protecting your credit cards while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart habits and the right tools, you can avoid the most common threats and enjoy your trip with more peace of mind. Here are some easy ways to keep your cards safe while you're on the move. A man holding a credit card wallet (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)1. Use RFID-blocking gearSome credit cards include RFID chips that make contactless payments easy and convenient. However, this same feature can be exploited if someone with the right equipment gets close enough to scan your card without your knowledge. Using RFID-blocking gear such as a wallet, card sleeve or passport holder is a simple and affordable way to prevent this type of theft. These items are widely available and effective at blocking unauthorized scans. 2. Carry only what you needLimiting the number of cards you bring reduces the risk of your wallet being lost or stolen. Ideally, take only one or two credit cards that you plan to use during your trip. Keep any backup cards in your hotel safe and store a secure digital record of your card details in a password manager. This can be helpful if you need to cancel or replace a card while you’re abroad. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.3. Set up real-time spending alertsMost credit card companies offer instant notifications through their mobile apps. Turning on transaction alerts ensures you’ll be notified the moment your card is used, allowing you to spot suspicious activity quickly. If your card issuer offers the ability to lock your card directly from the app, enable that feature as well, so you can act immediately if anything looks off.4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactionsPublic Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafés is rarely secure. Avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites while on these networks, unless you're using a virtual private network (VPN). A reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data from prying eyes on shared networks. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE A woman using a mobile payment method (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5. Watch for card skimmers at ATMs and terminalsBefore using an ATM or card reader, take a moment to inspect it. Skimming devices are sometimes placed over the card slot or keypad. Gently wiggle the card reader or look for anything that seems loose, bulky or out of place. When possible, use ATMs inside banks or secure buildings instead of freestanding machines, which are easier for thieves to target.6. Lock your cards when not in useMany credit card apps now allow you to temporarily lock your card with a single tap. If you're not planning to use a card for a day or two, consider locking it until you're ready to make a purchase. This simple habit adds an extra layer of protection. If someone tries to use the card while it’s locked, the transaction will be declined.7. Use mobile or contactless paymentsApple Pay and Google Pay provide an additional level of security by creating unique, one-time-use codes for every transaction. Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen. Mobile payments are also faster, touch-free and less vulnerable to physical theft.Bonus tips before you travelNotify your bank or credit card issuer about your travel dates and destinations to prevent legitimate purchases from being flagged or declined.Review your credit card statements daily during your trip. It only takes a minute and can help you catch fraud early before it escalates.Use a credit monitoring service to receive alerts about suspicious activity on your accounts while you’re away. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.Kurt's key takeawaysTraveling with credit cards doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple steps, like carrying only the cards you need, using RFID-blocking gear, enabling transaction alerts and avoiding public Wi-Fi without a VPN, you can reduce your risk of theft or fraud significantly. Digital tools like card-locking apps, mobile payments and identity monitoring services add even more layers of protection. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or an international trip, these habits can help keep your finances safe so you can focus on enjoying the journey.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHave a tip or tool that worked for you while traveling? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Cyber security remained the most pressing challenge facing those in supply chain management roles during the first three months of 2025, but since the inauguration of Donald Trump in January, uncertainty over the president’s approach to tariffs has caused chaos for supply chains not just in the US, but around the world, and these two areas of risk are closely entwined. This is according to a report from cyber and risk management consultancy West Monroe, which found that while security remains top of mind for 23% of respondents to a recent polling exercise, the impact of tariffs has surged to become the top issue for 20%, in a matter of weeks edging out factors such as geopolitical tension, material costs, the climate crisis and labour costs. Although its fieldwork was conducted in March, prior to Trump’s so-called Liberation Day tariff announcement, West Monroe’s data shows that during Q1, a significant number of organisations in the US started making changes to their supply chains in advance. A total of 58% said they altered their product, materials or sourcing mix, 56% altered their transportation mix, 45% altered their production schedule, 31% updated their pricing to pass increased costs to customers, and 28% altered their geographic presence. “I don’t think these are necessarily quick changes to make, but there is cyber risk if and when those changes are made,” said Christina Powers, cyber security partner at West Monroe. Broadly, she said the need to move quickly to replace lost revenues, shifts in the supplier ecosystem and other impacts arising from the tariffs may create gaps in best practice when it comes to supply chain management. “For example, if you’re starting to work with a different supplier – maybe they were already on your list but they weren’t a tier one supplier, you’re tapping into tier two suppliers – so maybe they went through less due diligence and less scrutiny when you were initially onboarding them,” said Powers. “Or if you’re looking to change suppliers now, there could be a little more of a rushed diligence process being done to try to make that change more quickly,” she said. “There could be less visibility into what potential access these companies may have. From another angle, if you’re not working with a familiar contact, or not working with familiar processes, there’s a higher risk of things like impersonation attacks, whether or not that’s for financial gain or to get access to sensitive data.” Read more about the impact of US tariffs IT buyers appear to have spent the past few months refreshing PCs in preparation for the new US tariffs. Moore’s Law predicts that every 18 months, IT buyers can get more for the same outlay. But US tariffs may mean they end up paying a higher price. Delivering excellent customer experience is a tough job on regular days. Now add rising prices because of tariffs. Finally, with goods potentially priced higher thanks to the tariffs, some organisations may also look to offset costs in rather more creative ways than simply passing them onto their customers. In some instances, however ill-advised this may be, this could see IT and cyber security budgets taking a hit. “There is a risk around cyber security which is often viewed as a cost centre,” said Powers. “It is focused on value preservation and risk reduction, but it’s not necessarily value creation per se. So, there could be pushes to offset some of what organisations are having to deal with.” But the story doesn’t end here, she said, for there are other ways in which cyber security and tariffs are coupled together. “With a lot of the uncertainty that’s happening right now, there’s a very volatile market,” she said. “From a cyber security perspective, that could lead to incentives for individuals or groups or nation-states to look to exploit vulnerabilities or go after certain companies. “You may see that nations that were historically friendly [to the US] have different feelings now, so there could be an increase in exploitation. “On the data side, there could be an increase in potential espionage looking for trade secrets, intellectual property and things of that nature,” said Powers. “There are some Chinese manufacturers exploiting luxury brands and where their goods are being made, and what it takes to produce them.” If there’s a core message for security leaders to hold onto during this time of intense economic uncertainty and volatility, it would be not to allow the organisation to lose focus on the integrity of its supply chain arrangements. “Now is the time to be more vigilant, not only to hold the line, but actually to increase supply chain scrutiny from a cyber perspective, because there is so much uncertainty, change, volatility and, I think, anger associated with this,” said Powers.

A new Earth Day Apple Store promotion lets you get rid of old tech for a discount on new tech. Here's which items qualify.

Think about these eight issues with implementing AI in business.

Handheld gaming consoles are about to see a wave of exciting developments, with the imminent arrival of the Switch 2 in June and rumors of the Steam Deck 2 coming in 2026. Right now, chip giant AMD is considered the pack leader, with its graphics chips used in handhelds from the ASUS ROG Ally to the Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go. Nvidia, on the other hand, dominates the cloud gaming market, with Nvidia GeForce Now available on handhelds like the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud. PC players also tend to gravitate towards Nvidia, and it’s ahead in aspects like neutral rendering. With Nvidia’s T239 chip expected to appear in the Nintendo Switch 2, could AMD’s hold on the market falter? Nintendo Switch 2: Tech Specs and Nvidia’s T239 Chip Nintendo has always played its cards close to its chest when it comes to its tech specs, but we do know a bit about the hardware for the upcoming Switch 2: The handheld will feature an Nvidia SoC, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and machine learning capabilities (DLSS). That chip is the T239, according to reputable PC leaker kopite7kimi (h/t Eurogamer) and may share the same GPU architecture as the T234 processor used in Nintendo’s Nanodev kit — the Ampere architecture in RTX 30-series cards. We can also expect a 128-bit memory interface, 1536 CUDA CoreGPU, and the processor to measure 200mm² — though that’s still bigger than the Steam Deck SoC. Nvidia claims the T239 chip provides “up to 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch”. That means 3.9 teraflops of performance in docked mode and 1.5 teraflops in handheld mode, compared to 4 teraflops in the Xbox Series X and 1.6 teraflops in the Steam Deck. Teraflops (TFLOPs) are a unit of one trillion floating-point operations per second, and are a critical measurement in graphics rendering for games. Generally speaking, more teraflops mean faster performance and improved graphics. The T239 chip is built on Samsung 8nm technology, compared to the Steam Deck’s 162mm² processor’s 7nm process, also used in PS5 and Xbox Series consoles dating back to 2020. Image Credit – Samsing Electronics It will pack RT cores for real-time ray tracing, a variable 120Hz refresh rate via Nvidia G-Sync, and Tensor cores to power DLSS, Nvidia’s AI-based frame generation and resolution scaling. These are nothing new to PC gamers, but seeing them appear in the Switch 2 is still thrilling. AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter 6, and Elden Ring have already been confirmed for the Switch 2. Tom’s Guide says the handheld’s “gameplay response times are snappy and tearing is non-existent,” with only the smallest signs of ghosting visible around characters and objects. The Switch 2 will also run at a higher power level, delivering up to 4K resolution when docked, thanks to the dock’s built-in fan. In contrast, the Steam Deck is limited to its maximum wattage in handheld mode, though there are workarounds. AMD Boosts Visuals and Performance with FSR 4 While Nvidia focuses on raw performance claims, AMD prioritizes visual enhancement and performance optimization with its FSR 4 technology. Launched on March 6, 2025, FSR 4 is an upscaling technology that improves frame rate for smoother gameplay on less powerful hardware or at higher resolutions. Perfect for handhelds, then. Image Credit: Carota Design According to Digital Foundry, AMD’s FSR 4 is a major improvement over FSR 3 on the OG Steam Deck and Nvidia’s DLSS 4. The problem is, you can only get it on RDNA 4 desktop GPUs. However, if rumors are true, we could soon see it on the Steam Deck 2. The rumored AMD Ryzen AI Z2 chip could bring better frame generation with its NPU through its AI capabilities. According to leaker Hoang Anh Phu on X, the chip will reportedly use RDNA 3.5. If FSR 4 is ported to RDNA 3.5, that could lay the grounds for better image quality and performance on the Steam Deck 2. Valve has confirmed there will be no Z2 Steam Deck, and the company isn’t thinking about new hardware until 2026 at least. Is Nvidia on the Road to its Own Handheld? AMD rivalry aside, Nvidia’s sidestep into handhelds could pave the way for the graphics giant to launch its own portable gaming device A 2024 leak from YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead (h/t Gamesradar) revealed that the company was “getting serious about making more handheld gaming devices with their graphics IP”. We’ve heard rumors that Nvidia could partner with Intel to make a premium gaming handheld. We could even see a streaming device linked to GeForce Now, or Nvidia could make a version of the T239 for inclusion in PC handhelds. As for whether Nvidia has the goods to go head to head with AMD, we’ll need to wait and see what Valve has in store when the Steam Deck 2 lands next year. Paula has been a writer for over a decade, starting off in the travel industry for brands like Skyscanner and Thomas Cook. She’s written everything from a guide to visiting Lithuania’s top restaurants to how to survive a zombie apocalypse and also worked as an editor/proofreader for indie authors and publishing houses, focusing on mystery, gothic, and crime fiction. She made the move to tech writing in 2019 and has worked as a writer and editor for websites such as Android Authority, Android Central, XDA, Megagames, Online Tech Tips, and Xbox Advisor. These days as well as contributing articles on all-things-tech for Techreport, you’ll find her writing about mobile tech over at Digital Trends. She’s obsessed with gaming, PC hardware, AI, and the latest and greatest gadgets and is never far from a screen of some sort.Her attention to detail, ability to get lost in a rabbit hole of research, and obsessive need to know every fact ensures that the news stories she covers and features she writes are (hopefully) as interesting and engaging to read as they are to write. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her gaming on her Xbox Series X or PS5. As well as story-driven games like The Last of Us, Firewatch, and South of Midnight she loves anything with a post-apocalyptic setting. She’s also not averse to being absolutely terrified watching the latest horror films, when she feels brave enough! View all articles by Paula Beaton Our editorial process The Tech Report editorial policy is centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. 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In a nutshell: Apple released iOS 18.4.1 this week with patches for two critical iPhone security flaws, both of which were being exploited in the wild. The update also contains important bug fixes, including one for an annoying CarPlay glitch that caused random connection issues and other problems. The first security vulnerability addressed in the latest update is in CoreAudio, tracked as CVE-2025-31200. According to Apple's security bulletin, it allowed for malicious code execution when processing an audio stream from an infected media file. The vulnerability is described as a memory corruption issue that was fixed with improved bounds checking. Apple says it has received reports that this bug was exploited in an "extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS," but did not divulge further details or how it was exploited to target unsuspecting users. The vulnerability was detected by Apple and the Google Threat Analysis Group. The second security flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-31201, is in RPAC and reported by Apple. The bug could allow an attacker with arbitrary read and write capability to bypass Pointer Authentication in some cases. Like the first bug, this vulnerability was also exploited in targeted attacks against specific iPhone users. It was fixed by removing the faulty code. Devices impacted by these two vulnerabilities include iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later, Mac models running macOS Sequoia, Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (all models), and Apple Vision Pro. The bugs were fixed in iOS 18.4.1, iPadOS 18.4.1, tvOS 18.4.1, macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, and visionOS 2.4.1. Apple is advising all users to install the latest updates on their devices as soon as possible to protect themselves from potential attacks. // Related Stories Apart from the security patches, iOS 18.4.1 also includes a fix for a CarPlay bug that resulted in random connection problems. Some users claimed that their CarPlay connection suddenly became unstable following the iOS 18.4 update, resulting in frequent disconnections. Others reported that they were getting a blank CarPlay screen and were unable to use the software at all. Apple says it has now fixed the issue for good, so users will hopefully be able to use CarPlay seamlessly in their vehicles once again.

Need a budget vacuum? You may want to turn your attention to vacuum deals. Some offers are still pretty expensive, but certainly not this one — the PrettyCare W200 cordless stick vacuum for a very affordable $80, following a $320 discount from Walmart on its original price of $400. That original MSRP sticker price seems a bit too high, but in any case, you’ll still be getting a cordless vacuum for under $100 — that’s a steal no matter how you look at it. Take advantage of this offer today as it may already be gone by tomorrow! For cordless vacuums, PrettyCare isn’t one of the popular brands, but the PrettyCare W200 cordless stick vacuum is a solid budget-friendly option. It’s equipped with a 180W motor with your choice between 15 kPa suction, which will allow its battery to last up to 48 minutes on a single charge, or 28 kPa suction, for extra power at the trade-off of lasting just 20 minutes. The cordless vacuum also features a six-stage HEPA filtration system that will allow it to expel nothing but clean air back into your home. The PrettyCare W200 cordless stick vacuum comes with various attachments and accessories to make cleaning more efficient. The floor brush attachment has four LED headlights to make it easy to see where you’re cleaning; a crevice nozzle lets you pick up dirt and debris from tight spaces; and a 2-in-1 brush lets you sweep dust before having them picked up by the cordless vacuum. Everything goes into its 1.3-liter dust collection cup, which you can empty with a simple press of a button. Related The PrettyCare W200 cordless stick vacuum’s original price of $400 at Walmart appears to be overestimated, but that doesn’t matter since a $320 discount brings it all the way down to only $80. We’re not sure how much time is remaining before stocks of this cordless vacuum sell out though, so you’re going to have to hurry if you don’t want to miss out on this chance to buy the PrettyCare W200 cordless stick vacuum for less than $100. However, if you want a cleaning companion that’s more hands-off, take a look at our favorite robot vacuum deals. Editors’ Recommendations