Good news, Android users: You no longer need to pay in order to use Gemini Live's camera and screen share features. Google announced the update in a post on X on Wednesday. The company cited the "great feedback" they received from users' experiences with Gemini Live camera and screen share, and revealed plans to roll out the features to all Android users over the coming weeks. You might even see the options right now. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Gemini Live has come a long way Gemini Live is the conversation mode for Google's AI assistant. Originally, it supported audio-only experiences: You could have a back-and-forth conversation with the chatbot, as if on a phone call with Gemini. However, back in March, Google announced "Gemini Live with Video," which added two key features to the conversation mode: First, you can give Gemini access to your camera and ask it questions about your surroundings. For example, you could point your camera at a sign in another language, and ask Gemini to translate. On the flip side, you can also share your phone's screen with Gemini, and ask it questions about what you're up to. Google originally rolled these new Gemini Live features to the Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25, and while we knew support for more smartphones were on the way, the company had slated these options as exclusive to Gemini Advanced. If you wanted to share your camera or screen with Gemini Live, you needed to plan to spend $20 a month for the privilege.Following Wednesday's announcement, however, that's no longer the case. As long as your Android phone can run the latest version of the Gemini app, you'll be able to try out these features free of charge. Google must have made the calculation that the expanded user base was worth more than the monthly $20 from a much smaller pool of willing subscribers—likely because of the magnitude of AI training data those extra users will generate for the company. It's a departure from other companies that offer similar features, like OpenAI: You need to pay for ChatGPT Plus to access "advanced voice" mode's camera and screen share features. Lifehacker's David Nield tried out Gemini's camera and screen share features earlier this month when it was exclusive to the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9. He found that it worked well—to a point, anyway. The bot made mistakes, but most were understandable, like falsely identifying a Fitbit Charge 6 as a Fitbit Charge 5. It could translate social media posts and identify who won a soccer match on website showing the score, but when asked when the game was played, mistook the recent match for one that was played nearly two years prior.These features were available as of Wednesday, April 16, but Google says they will be rolling out over the coming weeks. If you don't see the options yet on the latest version of the Gemini app, just hang tight.

After announcing it last month, ILM has revealed more details of its mixed reality "playset" called Star Wars: Beyond Victory for Meta Quest headsets. At its Star Wars Celebration 2025 in San Francisco, ILM released a new video that shows some gameplay and gives a taste of the other mixed reality experiences. The experience revolves around podracing. It includes three distinct modes, according to ILM's press release: Adventure, Arcade and Playset. The first uses virtual and mixed to reality to follow Volo, "an aspiring podracer whose life gets flipped upside down under the mentorship of the infamous Sebulba [from Star Wars Episode I]." Arcade offers podracing in mixed reality on a virtual holotable, and Playset lets players create "Star Wars moments in mixed reality with a collection of unlockable virtual action figures and vehicles."  We're calling this a Playset because it isn't just a game; it's an entirely new way to experience the Star Wars galaxy and the worlds we create at ILM. This new mixed reality experience blends the physical and digital worlds in a way that's unlike anything we've done before and we’re so excited to share a special first look with our incredible Star Wars community. I was a bit underwhelmed by what I saw, though perhaps the video doesn't do it justice. That said, there is a dearth of decent mixed reality content and any Star Wars IP will likely be welcome. ILM has let to announce a release date and price for Star Wars: Beyond Victory — A Mixed Reality Playset but you can at least add it to your wishlist on the Meta Horizon store. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/ilm-has-made-a-star-wars-mixed-reality-experience-for-meta-quest-120033010.html?src=rss

HP will pay $4 million settlement following lawsuit.

Friday, April 18, 2025, is Good Friday. But when it comes to what places are open and closed on Good Friday, things can be a bit tricky. That’s because Good Friday is not a federal holiday but a religious one. It’s the Friday before Easter, which is always celebrated on a Sunday. Yet Good Friday is also a state holiday in select states. This means that public institutions may be closed in one state but open in another on Good Friday. Here’s what you need to know about what’s open and closed on Good Friday 2025. Is Good Friday a federal holiday? No. Good Friday is not one of the officially recognized federal holidays. Of the 12 federal holidays in 2025, the last one was Washington’s Birthday on February 17, and the next one will be Memorial Day on May 26. Is Good Friday a state holiday? Yes—in some states, anyway. According to the Federal Times, Good Friday is a recognized state holiday in 12 states: Connecticut Delaware Florida Hawaii Indiana Kentucky Louisiana New Jersey North Carolina North Dakota Texas Tennessee In most of these states, public offices will likely be closed on Good Friday. Are banks open on Good Friday? Yes, most major banks should be operating as normal on Good Friday. This includes banks like Chase, Citibank, PNC, and more. Online banking services will be available via the bank’s website and smartphone apps, in addition to physical bank branches being open. Are ATMs open on Good Friday? Yes. ATMs will be open on Good Friday. However, as it is the start of a holiday weekend for many people, ATMs may get picked over sooner than usual.  Is the post office open on Good Friday? Yes, as the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a federal organization, it will be open and operating as normal on Good Friday. This includes both at USPS branches and at home mail delivery. Is mail delivered on Good Friday? Yes. The USPS will deliver mail as normal on Good Friday. Are FedEx and UPS operating on Good Friday? According to FedEx’s holiday schedule, some FedEx delivery services will have a modified schedule on Good Friday, including its FedEx and FedEx Freight services. FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical, and FedEx Logistics will be open as normal. UPS says it will be operating pickup or delivery services on Good Friday. It also notes that UPS Store locations will be open. Is the stock market open on Good Friday? No. Major U.S. stock markets will be closed on Good Friday. This includes the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. Are schools open on Good Friday? Many schools should be closed on Good Friday, but it’s best to check with your school. Despite not being a federal holiday, many public schools choose to be closed on Good Friday. Most private, religious schools will also be closed. Are restaurants open on Good Friday? Most restaurants should be open on Good Friday. This includes well-known chains like McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Arby’s, and Chipotle, which should be open. However, note that some franchise locations could be closed, as Chick-fil-A points out. Likewise, many sit-down restaurants should remain open, but you should call ahead first to make sure. Are retail stores open on Good Friday? A majority of big-box retail stores will be open on Good Friday. This includes major chains like Target, Costco, Best Buy, and Walmart. Are pharmacies open on Good Friday? You can expect most pharmacies to be open on Good Friday, including those found in Walgreens. However, pharmacies may have adjusted hours on Good Friday. It’s best to check with your preferred pharmacy to confirm their hours on Good Friday. Are grocery stores open on Good Friday? Many regional grocery store chains should be open on Good Friday. However, they may have reduced hours. It’s best to check with your grocery store directly to see what their operating hours are on Good Friday.

LEGO has always been more than just a toy. For decades, it has inspired generations to dream, build, and reimagine the world around them. Every month, inventive builders and the company itself unveil new sets that push the boundaries of creativity, engineering, and storytelling. March 2025 was quite special, with fan creations and official releases that captured imaginations worldwide. These models aren’t just collectibles—they’re love letters to movies, art, and the marvels of mechanical engineering. From a breathtaking tribute to Studio Ghibli’s magical worlds to a functioning cuckoo clock, March’s best LEGO designs prove there’s no limit to what can be built, brick by brick. Here are our top five picks that made March unforgettable for LEGO fans everywhere. 1. LEGO Cuckoo Clock LEGO has long been a playground for mechanical ingenuity, but now and then, a build comes along that redefines what’s possible with plastic bricks. The fully functional LEGO cuckoo clock is one such marvel. This isn’t just a decorative model—it’s a working, weight-driven clock with a self-winding mechanism, a moving pendulum, and a pop-out cuckoo bird that announces the passing hours. Using a combination of Technic elements and parts borrowed from other sets (notably the Liebherr Crawler Crane), this creation showcases the intersection of engineering and whimsy that defines the best LEGO projects. It’s a testament to the builder’s ingenuity and a delight for anyone who loves both timepieces and toys. 2. LEGO Buffy The Vampire Slayer Set The LEGO Ideas Buffy the Vampire Slayer set serves as a loving homage to the groundbreaking television series that reshaped TV storytelling. Created by Martin_Studio, this set recreates the iconic Sunnydale High School Library, the central stage for many of the show’s pivotal confrontations with evil. The build is rich in detail, featuring rows of meticulously crafted bookshelves filled with mystical volumes, a central study table reminiscent of Giles’ memorable lectures, and the characteristic second-floor walkway where key moments and plot twists often took place. Every aspect of the library is thoughtfully rendered, capturing the physical environment and also the unique atmosphere of tension, friendship, and knowledge that defined the series. The set includes minifigures of the core cast: Buffy, Giles, Angel, Willow, and Xander. Buffy wields her signature wooden stake, ready for action as the Slayer! 3. LEGO KaLEGOidoscope LEGO isn’t just about recreating objects—it’s about reimagining how we interact with them. Milan Sekiz’s KaLEGOidoscope is a perfect example of this inventive spirit. This build isn’t just a static model – it’s a fully functional kaleidoscope made almost entirely of LEGO bricks. Combining creativity with interactivity, the KaLEGOidoscope invites users to become artists themselves, mixing and matching tiny colorful studs to create mesmerizing geometric patterns. It’s a hands-on experiment in optics and color, blending play and art in a way that’s unmistakably LEGO. Even without a defined brick count, its modular design, complete with a display stand and storage for the kaleidoscope’s “ingredients,” makes it a delight for builders of all ages. 4. LEGO “World of Studio Ghibli” Set Some creations transcend their medium, becoming tributes not just to a film or an artist, but to the very act of imagination itself. The “World of Studio Ghibli” LEGO set, designed by LEGO Ideas member janrssx, is one such creation. Comprising 4,200 pieces, this intricate diorama celebrates the heart and soul of Studio Ghibli’s beloved films in a way that no digital art ever could. Each section is a miniature masterpiece, brimming with references and details that only the most devoted fans will recognize. From Nausicaä’s glider soaring over the Toxic Jungle to the ever-watchful Laputian robot, every element is a loving homage. The set displays iconic moments, but also invites you to wander through them, brick by brick, as if you could step into the stories themselves. 5. LEGO Spider-Man & Iron Man Bust Set Superheroes and LEGO are a match made in heaven, and March 2025 saw the LEGO Marvel Mini Bust Collection, featuring the iconic Iron Man MK4 and Iron Spider busts. These sets mark the first time LEGO has officially referred to their superhero head-and-shoulders models as “Bust” sets, distinguishing them from previous “Helmet” collections. With 436 pieces for Iron Man and 379 for Iron Spider, these models are accessible yet detailed, making them ideal for both seasoned builders and newcomers. Priced attractively at $60 each, they promise an engaging build and a striking display piece that captures the essence of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. Whether you’re a fan of Tony Stark’s technological prowess or Spider-Man’s agile spirit, these busts bring the Marvel Universe to your shelf in bold, brick-built form.  The post 5 Best LEGO Designs Of March 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Please try to enjoy each key equally.

These tips and recommendations can help you get some shut-eye before you fly.

“The market for social networks, or even what Meta is, is very different now than it was even a couple of years ago.”

Macworld Apple has changed its MacBook connection standard from Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 5, but some earlier MacBook Air models had their ports listed as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” and “Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4” on its Pro and Max models. What does all this mean? What is the difference between Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 3? And then what is USB 4? We thought that USB and Thunderbolt couldn’t get any more confusing with many different speeds (from 5Gbps to 120Gbps) and functions possible using the same “Type-C” connection. From an Apple user’s point of view, there isn’t a great deal in Thunderbolt 4 that was new or different from Thunderbolt 3, with which it is backwards compatible. The big changes have arrived with Thunderbolt 5. Indeed, in its M1 and M2 MacBooks tech specs, to add to the confusion Apple didn’t even call it Thunderbolt 4, listing it as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” including Thunderbolt 3. For the superior M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models, Apple listed the ports as full Thunderbolt 4—this is because the Pro/Max versions can support multiple external screens, unlike the limited plain M1 or M2 MacBooks. Without the ability to connect to two external displays, it can’t be labelled as certified Thunderbolt 4. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5? After much teasing in 2022 and a demo in October 2022, Intel officially announced Thunderbolt 5 on September 12, 2023, and Apple started introducing it into its MacBook Pro, Mac Studio and some Mac mini models from 2024. Thunderbolt 5 is a real step up from Thunderbolt 4—unlike Thunderbolt 4’s minor (Mac) enhancements on Thunderbolt 3. Bandwidth is doubled from 40Gbps to 80Gbps, and display connections go as fast as 120Gbps—so up to three times more bandwidth than previous existing connectivity solutions. Thunderbolt 5 supplies up to 240W of charging power downstream to the connected Mac. Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro supports 140W PD 3.1 through its MagSafe 3 port and now via its Thunderbolt 5 ports; Thunderbolt 4 ports are rated PD 3.0 and limited to 100W. That means the Thunderbolt 5 MacBooks can fast-charge via either the MagSafe 3 connection or Thunderbolt 5 ports (using either 240W-rated Thunderbolt or USB-C cables). Thunderbolt 5 also supports DisplayPort 2.1—compared to today’s DisplayPort 1.4. DisplayPort 2.1 supports a max 10K resolution (10240-×-4320 pixels at 60Hz) on a single display, compared to the 8K resolution supported by DisplayPort 1.4. It also includes improved version of Display Stream Compression (DSC 1.2a) that improves bandwidth management. Thunderbolt 5 offers the ability to daisy-chain up to 10 devices thanks to the dual USB Type-C ports. It can dynamically adjust bandwidth, prioritizing one direction over the other based on usage Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 devices, so you can upgrade without having to replace existing peripherals. What is the difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4? Intel didn’t want there to be a confusing USB 4.1, 4.2, etc, so it jammed the 4 right next to the USB. Apple ignores this and insists, in its Apple-like way, on calling it “USB 4”. Both use the same Type-C connector, just like Thunderbolt 3, too. Thunderbolt 4 is based on the same underlying protocol as USB4—the two are tightly connected, with all Thunderbolt 4 devices supporting USB4. If someone has a USB4 laptop, they can use a TB4 device and the other way around. In fact, Thunderbolt 4 is USB4 with all the trimmings. Not all USB4 devices will be as powerful as the fully certified Thunderbolt 4, however. Just like Apple’s version of Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 will always have a full 40Gbps bandwidth. USB4, however, starts at 20Gbps but can also reach Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps. Look out for USB 20 or USB 40 in product marketing. A USB4 port can only support one display. Thunderbolt 4 can support two 4K displays. The good thing about USB4 is that it will mean that manufacturers can release more powerful hubs and docks that are not Thunderbolt, at a cheaper cost. However, since Thunderbolt products are certified, it means that they are of the highest standard. USB4 devices don’t need to be certified and so eventually we will see many USB4 devices flooding the market with varying degrees of quality, as we see with USB-C hubs today. What is Thunderbolt hubbing? Thunderbolt 4 is, in some ways, just a software upgrade for Mac users. You need at least Apple’s Big Sur operating system (macOS 11) to get its new hubbing functionality. Hubbing does away with the risks of Thunderbolt device daisy-chaining. You’ve always been able to connect multiple Thunderbolt devices but in a potentially long chain, which meant that if you removed any one of them (except the last one in the chain) all the others became unusable until the chain was re-established. Now, with Thunderbolt hubbing, you can have up to four Thunderbolt ports in a hub or dock—each a separate ”branch” that can be disconnected without affecting any other Thunderbolt devices connected in the other ports. Up to six Thunderbolt 4 devices can be smartly daisy-chained. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4? Thunderbolt 4 is only significantly different for Windows PCs, whose Thunderbolt 3 variations were often limited in features—where Apple always gave its users the full Thunderbolt 3 feature set. Thunderbolt 3 on a Windows laptop could lack the full 40Gbps bandwidth, or maybe not support multiple displays or power delivery. Poor PC users, you’ve got to feel for them. Thunderbolt 4 requires mandatory certification for all computers, which means Windows users finally get all the great features Apple users got with Thunderbolt 3. So Thunderbolt 4 standardizes Thunderbolt 3 for all computer users. It’s backwards compatible, but buying Thunderbolt 4 or 5 devices will also future-proof your setup. So if your Mac has “just” Thunderbolt 3, don’t worry. It’s just that Windows PCs can now join in the fun without limitations, where in the past PC manufacturers could claim theoretical specs but not deliver the best they could by being merely “compatible” rather than “certified”. It should be noted that the MacBooks with Apple’s own M1 or M2 chips had a significant limitation: they can’t run more than one external display natively. However, there is a workaround that allows M1 and M2 MacBooks to run more than one external display. In fact, Thunderbolt 3 was required to support only one external 4K monitor, whereas every Thunderbolt 4 laptop has to support two 4K displays or one 8K display. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ensure that you can wake a computer with the shake of a mouse or the tap of a keyboard on Thunderbolt 4 or 5 docks. This wasn’t always the case with Thunderbolt 3. This is maybe why Apple isn’t specifically calling its Thunderbolt version 4, due to the M1/M2 display limitation. TB4 and TB5 are also a more data-safe technology, as they requires Intel VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection, also known as DMA remapping. What else? Well, Thunderbolt 4 supports PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) at 64Gbps for faster storage speeds than TB4’s 32Gbps and TB3’s 16Gbps. Some of the early Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks had less bandwidth available on the right-hand-side Thunderbolt ports. Faster PCIe is important if you frequently transfer very large files between storage devices. Here we are talking about the portion of total Thunderbolt bandwidth allocated for PCI Express data transfer. With Thunderbolt 4 and 5, you’re assured to have all four lanes of PCI Express available—so PCIe can consume up to 32 or 64Gbps of the total 40Gbps/80Gbps Thunderbolt bandwidth. With Thunderbolt 3, depending on your laptop manufacturer and model, some implementations offer only 16Gbps of PCIe bandwidth.  Other advantages of Thunderbolt 4 and 5 include that hubs and docks can now have more than two Thunderbolt ports (up to four) and that TB4 and TB5 cables can be up to 2 meters long and still handle the 40Gbps bandwidth. Previously, passive TB3 cables had to be 0.7m or under to handle full bandwidth. Thunderbolt 4 and (most) USB4 support the latest USB PD 3.1 standard that allows for maximum charging of 240W compared to USB PD 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3’s 100W. Remember that you need the correct type of cable for the higher charging rates: read our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 cables. Thunderbolt docks We have tested the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs and docking stations.  The TB4 and TB5 hubs generally feature four Thunderbolt ports (one upstream to connect to the computer, and three downstream to external devices). Docks sometimes swap out one or two downstream Thunderbolt ports for more traditional display connectors (such as HDMI and DisplayPort). You can learn more about the most fully featured hub we’ve tested in our Caldigit Thunderbolt 5 Element 5 Hub review. This hub features four Thunderbolt 5, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports. Foundry The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element hub features four Thunderbolt 4 and four 10Gbps USB-A ports. Intel Who owns Thunderbolt? Intel or Apple? Apple and Intel have collaborated on Thunderbolt technology since 2010, releasing its first Thunderbolt MacBook in 2011. Apple even registered the trademark “Thunderbolt” although it passed this on to Intel, in return for “unrestricted use of the technology”. But Intel is the official owner of the Thunderbolt technology. Before this agreement, the technology was known by Intel as “Light Peak”.

Apple and Google know that smart glasses will replace the smartphone as the main device people use the most, according to recent news. And the two leading smartphone platform makers don’t want Meta to own the future of mobile computing, but they know Meta is leading the race so far.  Meta is the current and surprising leader in AI glasses that don’t show a screen to the user. The best rough estimates are that Meta has shipped 2 million Ray-Ban Meta glasses and earned $600 million in revenue. This is small potatoes compared to smartphone sales, but far ahead of any other player in the market.  Competitors fear that Meta will expand its lead in non-visual AI glasses like Ray-Ban Meta glasses and then leverage that lead into AR glasses.  Meta is reportedly working on a few smart glasses with displays integrated into the lenses. One, code-named “Hypernova,” is expected to be an advanced version of the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses, featuring a screen in the right lens, specifically in the lower-right quadrant. This display will show a home screen similar to the Meta Quest interface, allowing for apps and notifications. These glasses could cost between $1,000 and $1,400 and could launch in the latter half of 2025. They’re expected to include an upgraded camera and will almost certainly offer voice and multimodal access to Meta’s AI assistant.  In addition to voice commands, users might be able to control the glasses via capacitive touch sensors on the sides and a “neural wristband” for hand gestures. A second-generation model, code-named “Hypernova 2” is planned for release around 2027, with displays in both lenses. Meta is also developing Oakley-branded smart glasses designed for athletic use, which might include a display.  According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple CEO Tim Cook is “hell bent” on launching true augmented reality glasses before Meta can get there.  Gurman’s reporting suggests that Cook has made the clobbering of Meta in this market his top priority, spending most of his time on it and seeing it as the company’s future. In other words, Cook has an obsession today with AR that his predecessor, Steve Jobs, had with the iPad in the early 2000s. Apple’s vision is clear: lightweight, all-day wearable glasses that overlay digital information onto the real world. This product could one day replace the iPhone as the company’s flagship device.  Unfortunately, Apple is still years away from delivering such a product. Several key technologies —l ike ultra-high-resolution displays, powerful-yet-efficient chips, and tiny batteries that last all day — are simply not yet ready.  Apple is also working on two new versions of its pricey Vision Pro headset, a kind of stop-gap product to attract users and developers while Apple makes the real AR product.  Meanwhile, Google has re-entered the conversation around AR glasses in a big way. At TED2025 in Vancouver last week, Google’s head of Android XR, Shahram Izadi, took the stage wearing a prototype of the company’s new AI-powered AR glasses. The demo was impressive: the glasses translated spoken Farsi into English in real-time, scanned a book cover for contextual information, and even helped the wearer find a lost hotel key card using a “memory” feature powered by Gemini, Google’s latest AI assistant.  Unlike the original Google Glass, these new glasses look like regular eyewear, with a lightweight frame and a small, embedded display. All the heavy processing is offloaded to a connected smartphone, which keeps the glasses comfortable and stylish.  Google’s approach is to make the glasses a natural extension of the phone, streaming data back and forth and giving users access to Android apps and Google services without ever looking down at a screen.  According to reports from TED2025 and The Korea Economic Daily, these glasses are being developed in partnership with Samsung. Samsung will handle manufacturing and marketing, and a full release is planned for 2026. If you take the projections at face value (which you shouldn’t), Meta will be first, and Apple will be last in getting to market with AR glasses that can be worn all day in public.  The hard reality is that Meta, Google, and Apple all face the same technical barriers that have slowed progress for years.  According to Bloomberg, Apple’s engineers are still struggling to shrink high-resolution displays and batteries down to a size and weight that people would actually want to wear all day, while also making the glasses powerful enough to run advanced AI and AR features.  Because of these technical barriers, the device many Silicon Valley insiders say will replace the smartphone will depend entirely on smartphones to function for the foreseeable future.  Building glasses that are light, stylish, and comfortable enough to wear all day, while also packing in high-res displays, cameras, microphones, speakers, and a battery that lasts, is a massive engineering challenge.  At least for the next few years, such glasses can be affordable or powerful and appealing to wear, but they can’t be both.  Still, the recent flurry of news, demos, and leaks show that the industry is more serious than ever about making AR glasses a reality. Apple is pouring billions into R&D, Google is betting on AI and partnerships, and Samsung is gearing up for a major hardware launch. The next few years will be critical, but the nirvana of slipping on a pair of glasses and seeing the digital world blend seamlessly with the real one remains, as always, just out of sight.