Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)If you looked at the title of Atari’s latest release and thought, 'The Will Smith movie?', don’t worry. I, Robot has nothing to do with the 2004 sci-fi film, nor the original Isaac Asimov short stories upon which it was based. Instead, this is a Llamasoft-developed remake of the 1984 arcade title I, Robot from Dave Theurer (Missile Command, Tempest), a game famous for its pioneering use of 3D polygonal visuals, yet one that also commercially failed upon launch, with fewer than 1000 units manufactured. It’s the perfect game, then, for Llamasoft’s Jeff Minter, a developer who is often keen to give lesser-known titles a revival, modernising them for current platforms while still retaining their original spirit. Llamasoft’s previous game, Akka Arrh, was very much the same deal, with Minter and development partner Ivan “Giles” Zorzin revamping an ‘80s arcade game that never made it beyond the prototyping stage. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) Oddly enough, I, Robot probably shares more in common with George Orwell’s 1984 than it does with Asimov’s short stories. The remake, like the original, sees you navigating your way across maze-like structures to remove the tiles from every inch of space. As you’re doing this, the ever-watchful eye of Big Brother has its gaze constantly fixed upon you, periodically attacking by opening wide and turning red. When it does this, you need to keep your feet firmly on the ground, as jumping will result in instant death. Jumping, however, is vital to completing many of the 55 levels, and you do so by simply moving to the edge of a tile and pushing forwards. The game lets you know if this is possible by indicating a dotted line between the tiles, making the action much easier to parse against the wild, psychedelic background – but more on that later. It’s not just Big Brother you’ll have to contend with, though. Many of the levels contain a variety of obstacles and enemies that get in your way. Black orbs float around the stage, snakes slither across tiles, birds glide from the back of the stage to the front… It’s a lot, and although you do have a projectile weapon for defence, simply avoiding the enemies is often preferable to maintain your score. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) Speaking of which, removing tiles adds a multiplier until you reach a maximum of 300 points per tile. Dying resets your multiplier, but the game also encourages you to keep moving where possible, chipping away at your multiplier slowly if you stay stationary for too long. When you’re first getting to grips with things, your focus will be on simply staying alive, but as you become more adept, you’ll start looking at ways in which to complete each level in the most efficient way, keeping your enemies at bay while building the maximum possible score. For example, when you reach that 300-point limit, you become invincible, and your character radiates a multicoloured aura. This means you're essentially free to navigate the levels without worrying about the enemies that might be lurking or, indeed, Big Brother itself. Again, however, you'll need to work to maintain this by directly running into enemies, Pac-Man-style. Working out the right path to take, maintaining invincibility, and keeping that 300-point multiplier going until the end is the key to — as Minter puts it — "rinsing" the level. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) In between each stage, you’ll enter a tunnel of sorts that transports you from one maze to the next, and it’s about the closest we’ll probably ever get to a new Tempest game. Here, you’ll need to fire toward incoming ‘tetras’ while making sure that nothing hits you. It’s a great way to keep momentum going and add to your score, as destroying all tetras automatically nets you 50,000 points. If you fail to do this, simply staying alive will add an extra life, so there's good incentive to make sure you nail these sections as best you can. Finally, every four or five levels introduces an Arena stage. These are open spaces in which you have complete freedom to move around at will, but you’ll have enemies coming at you from all directions. Shooting them is completely automatic, so all you need to worry about is moving and positioning yourself correctly to ensure you’re targeting the right enemies (you can hold down 'A' to 'hold your breath', releasing to let out a wide-reaching wave of bullets). Defeating them results in small explosions that uncover the immediate surrounding tiles, so completing the level is a case of reaching a certain percentage of tiles uncovered. Think of it like a weird arcade take on Splatoon, and you’re on the right track. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) Truth be told, when we played through the first couple of levels, we couldn’t help but think that I, Robot was perhaps a bit too weird, even for a Minter game. Yet there’s something about the methodical removal of the tiles mixed with the more fast-paced, Tempest-inspired gameplay that kept us hopelessly hooked. When you get into a rhythm and start increasing your score exponentially, it’s a remarkably engaging and rewarding experience; one that can stand proudly on Switch alongside Tempest 4000 and Akka Arrh. We can’t sign off without talking about the presentation, one of the most attractive aspects of Llamasoft’s titles for many fans. In short, it’s probably the most wildly psychedelic Minter release yet. You’ve got pulsing, kaleidoscopic patterns in the background, seemingly random words popping up as you start nailing your score (bangin’! rizz! proper!), and colourful effects that burst from the screen to signify the completion of a level. I, Robot uses procedural music, adding abstract tunes that increase in intensity alongside your score, along with auditory effects that will be instantly familiar if you’ve played Tempest 4000 and Akka Arrh. These have become almost synonymous with the developer's games at this point, and frankly, it would feel a bit odd if they weren’t there. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) That said, we understand that it might prove a bit too much for some players, and it seems Llamasoft is aware of this. You can remove the psychedelic background patterns in the main menu to something that resembles the far reaches of space, bringing the visuals a bit closer in line with the original. On the flip side, if you enjoy the wilder presentation, you can also head into the Ungame mode, another callback to the arcade original that lets you mess around with the parameters of the lightsynth patterns at will. It’s a cool little extra, but not one we felt compelled to play around with for longer than a few minutes. One final note on performance: for the most part, it's absolutely rock solid throughout, with barely a dip in the 60fps frame rate. However, if we put the Switch in sleep mode without closing the game down, reloading would occasionally cause it to slow down exponentially. Following a pre-launch patch, we've not been able to replicate it, though, so hopefully it's totally eliminated in the launch version. Conclusion I, Robot is a weird game, but one that feels effortlessly engaging and rewarding once it gets its hooks into you. The psychedelic presentation can be a bit tough to parse at first, but you can remove a lot of it via the options, and once you get to grips with the gameplay and what each level is asking of you, I, Robot reveals an incredible amount of depth that you'll spend hours uncovering as you work to increase your score. This isn't a remake we were particularly begging to see, but it's one we're very thankful for. Gameplay that's irresistibly addictive once it clicksDeceptively deep when you start focusing on score-buildingThat classic 'Jeff Minter' aestheticExcellent procedural music and sound effectsYou can remove the psychedelic background if it's a bit much It takes a few moments to really 'get' what's going onThe 'Ungame' mode is cool, but won't hold your attention Great 8/10

Breakdown & Showreels Bref – Season 2: VFX Breakdown by Irrational By Vincent Frei - 17/04/2025 For season 2 of Bref, the Paris-based studio Irrational dives into a surreal playground of visual effects — crafting imaginary worlds and visions, chaotic alien clouds, and clever invisible tricks that serve the comedy, not outshine it! WANT TO KNOW MORE?Irrational: Dedicated page about Bref – Season 2 on Irrational website. © Vincent Frei – The Art of VFX – 2025

UE5 Blueprints 201 – Ep.01: Cellgrid Part 1 by Christopher Kopic 17.04.2025 comment 0 Part of: UE5 Blueprints 201 Premium Course, UE5 Blueprints 201 We built our base setup, now it’s time to tackle our first actual project, which will be the dividing grid of geometric cells, you already saw teased in the first episode. We’ll also learn how to structure a project in Unreal compared to Houdini or Blender and build some of the bread and butter mechanics, like clicking on an object, or assigning meshes and materials automatically. As per usual you’ll get a first preview of this course here for free. If you like what you see, follow the link below to support us on Patreon and get access to the next episode launching May 1st. Liked it? Take a second to support Christopher Kopic on Patreon!

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PostProcess Technologies, a U.S.-based developer of automated post-printing systems for additive manufacturing, has reached a new benchmark with the sale of its 800th solution. The unit was delivered to PartsToGo GmbH, one of Europe’s largest 3D printing service providers, as part of its expanded post-processing infrastructure. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, PostProcess Technologies specializes in developing software-driven hardware and chemical systems that automate common post-printing processes such as resin removal, support material elimination, and surface finishing. The company’s latest delivery to PartsToGo included a DEMI 4100 system, designed for compatibility with Stratasys NEO and J Series 3D printers, enabling higher throughput and reduced lead times. PartsToGo has integrated the new machine into its service bureau operations to address increasing demand across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. The company emphasized the impact of the system on productivity and output quality. “The DEMI 4100 is a game changer for us,” said Tobias Röcker, Chief Executive Officer of PartsToGo GmbH. “The automation and efficiency provided by PostProcess are indispensable in meeting the growing demands of modern manufacturing, enabling us to continue delivering top-tier parts to our customers.” Interior view of the DEMI 4100 system. Photo via PostProcess Technologies. PartsToGo, which operates out of Germany, continues to expand its industrial additive manufacturing capabilities by investing in automation across its workflow. The company provides engineering-grade parts using high-performance polymers and photopolymers, serving clients with tight turnaround requirements and demanding tolerances. PostProcess CEO Jeff Mize highlighted the milestone as evidence of broader adoption trends. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with PartsToGo, a company that shares our commitment to advance additive manufacturing through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability,” he said. “The DEMI 4100 is designed for scalability, ensuring that companies like PartsToGo can achieve greater throughput, repeatability, and cost savings while significantly reducing waste.” The U.S. company has positioned its offering as a solution to persistent challenges in additive manufacturing, including manual labor costs, inconsistent post-printing outcomes, and safety risks. Its portfolio is compatible with major AM technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and powder bed fusion (PBF). PostProcess solutions are deployed across a variety of sectors, providing a standardized and automated alternative to manual finishing methods. Logo of PostProcess Technologies. Image via PostProcess Technologies. Automation and Scaling Trends in Additive Manufacturing PostProcess Technologies’ milestone comes at a time when large-format and high-throughput systems are reshaping industrial 3D printing workflows. Eplus3D, a Chinese manufacturer of metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) systems, recently announced it has delivered over 100 machines worldwide. Nearly 40 of these systems feature build volumes exceeding one meter in all axes, including the 64-laser EP-M2050. This surge in multi-laser adoption reflects an industry-wide push for faster production of large-scale components, particularly in aerospace and energy sectors. Eplus3D’s systems have been deployed globally, including at JINGYE and Paradigm 3D, where they support certified aerospace part production. Meanwhile, EOS, a German company recognized for pioneering work in additive manufacturing, has surpassed 5,000 installations of its industrial 3D printers worldwide. This milestone highlights the increasing industrial integration of metal AM technologies across sectors such as aerospace, defense, medical, and energy. The 5,000th machine, an EOS M 400-4, was installed at Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM) in North Carolina, a facility that now operates 18 EOS systems. EOS attributes its expansion to sustained innovation and long-term customer partnerships, emphasizing both quality control and technical scalability.  Eplus3D Large-format Metal PBF 3D printers installed in JINGYE Additive Manufacturing. Photo via Eplus3D. Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights. Feature image showcase the interior view of the DEMI 4100 system. Photo via PostProcess Technologies. Anyer Tenorio Lara Anyer Tenorio Lara is an emerging tech journalist passionate about uncovering the latest advances in technology and innovation. With a sharp eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Anyer has quickly made a name for himself in the tech community. Anyer's articles aim to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. In addition to his writing, Anyer enjoys participating in industry events and discussions, eager to learn and share knowledge in the dynamic world of technology.

The Captain John Clark House in Canterbury, Connecticut, is one of the finest examples of the Federal style of architecture in New England, and has remained in a fine state of preservation since its construction in the early 19th century. The house was built by 1802 for John Clark (1731-1834), who purchased an earlier home on the site from and had it either taken down or enlarged to its present appearance. The mansion is symmetrical with five bays, central entry and twin chimneys projecting through the hipped roof. The central bay is a showstopper with its triangular pediment at the roofline containing a fanlight, Palladian window at the second floor, and main entrance with its own pediment, sidelights, fanlight transom, all framed by two-story columns. The house’s south facade is equally beautiful with its own Palladian window and entrance.

I've tried countless cables. This one comes with a few neat tricks, making it a great addition to my carry kit.

Do you think affection is just “nice to have”? Recent psychological research shows it may be ... More essential to your relationship’s success.getty Most people probably have a general sense that physical affection matters in a relationship. But according to recent research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, many couples might be underestimating just how much of an impact these behaviors actually have — not just on how connected they feel to each other, but on how genuinely satisfied they are in their relationship and sex life overall. The study, which surveyed a diverse group of adults in committed relationships, identified three distinct patterns of physical behavior between partners. As it turns out, these patterns were strongly associated with different levels of both relationship and sexual satisfaction. One group, in particular, stood out as consistently happier — and more sexually fulfilled — than the others. Here’s what these categories actually look like in real relationships, and why, according to the study, they matter more than you might think. 1. Infrequent Physical Behaviors The first group — those who reported infrequent physical behaviors — also reported the lowest levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction overall. This included low engagement in both affectionate and sexual physical contact, and only a moderate amount of behaviors like kissing or hugging. While this might seem like an intuitive finding, it’s worth pausing to consider what this actually looks like in a long-term relationship. Some partners might be quick to say, “That doesn’t sound like us.” But in reality, it’s the smallest, most easily overlooked moments that tend to matter the most. These kinds of couples might share a home, a calendar, even pets or kids. However, over time, the small gestures that were once littered throughout their daily routine might begin to fade. They may wake up next to each other, but without touching each other. They might say goodbye before heading to work, but without a hug or kiss. They sit together at dinner, maybe watching a show, but there’s no arm around the shoulder or hand resting on a knee. These behaviors may seem insignificant on their own. But, without them, partners may start to feel as though something isn’t quite the same anymore — that something’s off, or missing. They may very well still love each other deeply, and declare this love verbally. But, without being paired with anything tangible, verbal expression alone might not be enough of a reminder. In this context, physical closeness cannot be discounted as a mere means for pleasure or comfort. In reality, it’s one of the most meaningful acts — both physically and metaphorically — of reaching for one another. These small, physical habits may be inconspicuous, but they’re perhaps one of the most potent ways for partners to remind each other that their love, attraction and affection are still alive and kicking. When physical intimacy slumps — especially the everyday, affectionate kind — emotional intimacy may gradually follow suit. In time, tight-knit partners may eventually start segregating; the relationship may become more logistical than it is loving. And, as the researchers suggest, even without active conflict or major issues, the absence of physical connection can silently pull a couple’s sense of closeness apart. 2. Affection-Focused Behaviors The second group, who prioritized affection-focused behaviors, frequently engaged in affectionate physical behaviors — like hugging, cuddling and kissing — but were less engaged in sexual behaviors. Interestingly, these couples reported very similar levels of relationship satisfaction as those in the highest-performing group, and moderately high sexual satisfaction. This finding alone speaks to just how important the little, everyday gestures of intimacy can matter to your partner. As the research shows, couples who take the time to prioritize these moments — or have already made them an unspoken norm — will feel their benefits palpably. A morning cuddle before getting out of bed. A kiss on the forehead while cooking dinner. Holding hands while watching TV. A reassuring squeeze on the arm during a hard conversation. These aren’t ostentatious. They’re not even overtly sexual. But they’re consistent, gentle ways for partners to reaffirm how much they value each other’s physical presence in their day. These physical touchpoints, no matter how small or unconscious they are, allow partners to remain emotionally tethered in turn. Affection-focused behaviors, even in the absence of frequent sex, communicate fondness in ways that words simply can’t. They may also help partners feel desired; they tenderly signify yearning in both a sexual and emotional way. This could explain why these couples tend to feel satisfied in their relationship, even if their sex life isn’t especially active. In other words, you don’t need a wildly active sex life to feel close to your partner. But you do need touch. Without it, even the most loving relationships can start to feel emotionally lackluster. 3. Comprehensive Physical Behaviors Finally, the third group — those who engaged in comprehensive physical behaviors — reported the highest levels of both sexual and relationship satisfaction. These couples were regularly affectionate and sexually active. This is the Goldilocks zone of relationships: not just emotional, not just physical, but a strong and contented blend of both. This dual emphasis on touch evokes intimacy in many unparalleled ways. These are the kinds of couples who greet each other with a kiss, rest their feet against each other under the dinner table, exchange casual touches while walking through a store — and, just as importantly, they intentionally make time for sex. Not out of obligation, but out of shared desire and enjoyment. In these relationships, touch is frequent, varied and holistic. It’s not limited to special occasions or bedroom-only interactions. It punctuates each segment of their daily routine. And, importantly, affection and sexual touch aren’t at odds; in fact, one often fuels the other. When affection is consistent, sex doesn’t feel like a pressure point. And when sex is satisfying, it tends to reinforce a couple’s emotional closeness. Researchers suggest that such a well-rounded approach to physical intimacy may be the key to both short-term pleasure and long-term connection. There’s a growing belief that physical intimacy is somehow less “serious” or “real” than emotional intimacy, but this study challenges that assumption. For many couples, physical closeness is the gateway to emotional connection. It softens tension. It reinforces attraction. And it reminds partners that they are more than just roommates or co-parents — they’re still in love. Is your relationship thriving? Or could it just be surviving? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Relationship Flourishing Scale

A hot potato: Tesla is being sued over allegations it alters the odometers of customers' cars. According to the lawsuit, the automaker does this to increase the money it makes on repairs, avoid warranty obligations, and force customers to purchase warranty extensions early. Nyree Hinton brought the suit after he bought a 2020 Tesla Model Y in December 2022 with 36,772 miles on the clock, which meant it was still covered under the 50,000-mile warranty. The California financial analyst says he had to visit a repair shop five times over several months soon after buying the EV to have work done on a recurring problem related to the suspension. After his fifth visit to the shop in June, Hinton noticed that the car seemed to be recording more miles for the same trips. He says that from December 14, 2022, to February 6, 2023, he averaged 55.54 miles per day, but between March 26, 2023, and June 28, 2023, the odometer was recording the exact same journey as 72.53 miles. Hinton adds that his previous vehicles averaged 6,086 miles over six months, but the Model Y reported 13,228 miles over the same period, a 117 percent increase. By July 2023, the odometer showed that he had traveled more than 50,000 miles. Hinton then found that Tesla had issued a recall for the suspension problem that had been affecting his car. When he went to the shop for a sixth time in January 2024, he was told he would have to pay for the work, as the warranty had expired and the recall did not apply. A 2020 Tesla Model Y Hinton didn't proceed with the repairs. The suspension finally detached from the vehicle in October and it had to be towed to a Tesla store, which said fixing the vehicle would cost $10,000. A representative also told him that all Tesla repairs are covered by warranty for a year, so the suspension could have been fixed for free in January 2024. // Related Stories Hinton's lawsuit against Tesla argues that the rather than using mechanical or electronic systems to measure distance, its EVs rely on "predictive algorithms, energy consumption metrics, and driver behavior multipliers that manipulate and misrepresent the actual mileage traveled by Tesla vehicles." All of which means the mileage-based warranties end sooner than they should. Hinton is requesting class-action status for his suit so other Tesla owners can join. Hinton isn't the only Tesla owner questioning the car's odometer readings. This Reddit user writes that one 70-mile trip was showing as 90 miles. Another person on Tesla's forum claims a 122-mile journey showed as 188 miles.

Love crossword puzzles but don’t have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? That’s what The Mini is for! A bite-sized version of the New York Times’ well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isn’t always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt. Recommended Videos Just like our Wordle hints and Connections hints, we’re here to help with The Mini today if you’re stuck and need a little help. Related Below are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today. New York Times Across Person, ___ or thing – PLACE Like someone you shouldn’t trust with fragile objects – KLUTZY A time to dye? – EASTER Dangle a carrot in front of – ENTICE Class for a cognitive science major, for short – PSYCH Down Activities on the docket – PLANS Full of sexual desire – LUSTY Commonly cobwebby room – ATTIC From Prague, say – CZECH Jane in classic literature – EYRE Not get rid of – KEEP Editors’ Recommendations