Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo LifeFor all the Switch 1 Pro Controller's good points (and there are a lot of them), it can take its sweet time getting to a full charge. Fortunately, the Switch 2 Pro Controller seems to be speeding things along in this department. Nintendo has revealed the technical specifications for the upcoming console's official controller, claiming that it will take approximately 3.5 hours for a full charge — when charged with the right cables, of course. For comparison's sake, the original Pro Controller took almost twice as long for a full charge, with Nintendo estimating a whopping six hours to take it to 100%. Both controllers have an estimated 40-hour battery life, too, so you'll need to give the Pro Controller 2 a full charge just as infrequently as its predecessor. Aside from charging twice as fast, the Pro Controller 2 also boasts a handful of console-specific additions like the new C Button, HD Rumble 2 and two bonus GL/GR buttons on the back. It's also marginally smaller and lighter, measuring in at 105mm x 148mm x 60.2mm and weighing 235g (compared to the original controller's 106mm x 152mm x 60mm, 246g). Oh, and it also has a headphone jack now, which we're still amazed its predecessor missed out on. Other than that, it's much the same as what we've seen before. The Pro Controller 2 has the same gyro and NFC capabilities as the 'Pro Controller 1', and comes packed with a USB-C charging cable. For those not sold on the new features, you'll still be able to use your original Pro Controller on Switch 2, you just won't be able to wake the console by pressing the controller's home button. Nintendo thought instant input was the "better option" Could it really be the "pinnacle of all controllers"? So smooth What do you make of the Switch 2 Pro Controller? Let us know in the comments. [source nintendo.com] See Also Share:0 1 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Switch 2's Backwards Compatibility List Provides Updates On Two Titles Here's what you can expect 126 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Partner Spotlight' eShop Sale (North America) Every game we scored 9/10 or higher Paul Rudd Returns In An Awesome SNES-Style Switch 2 Commercial Super together! 123 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Save & Play' eShop Sale (Europe) Every game we scored 9/10 or higher

The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit Monday against Uber, alleging the ride-hail and delivery giant charged customers for its Uber One subscription service without their consent. The lawsuit also claims Uber failed to deliver the savings promised in its subscription service and made it unreasonably difficult for users to cancel despite its “cancel anytime” promises.  Uber has denied any wrongdoing and accused the FTC of rushing the investigation process and basing its claims on “unvetted allegations.”  The lawsuit comes after the FTC has pushed companies with subscription services to make them easier to cancel under its previous director, Lina Khan. In October 2024, the agency finalized its “click to cancel” rule that requires companies to make canceling a subscription as easy as signing up for one. Despite facing some challenges by industry groups, the rule is expected to go into effect May 14.  “Americans are tired of getting signed up for unwanted subscriptions that seem impossible to cancel,” FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement. “The Trump-Vance FTC is fighting back on behalf of the American people.” The FTC’s complaint, which follows an investigation that began last year, alleges that Uber customers are wrongly promised savings of $25 a month.  “Even if that were true, Uber does not account for the cost of the subscription (up to $9.99/month) when calculating those savings,” reads a statement from the FTC. “The company also obscures material information about the subscription (for example, by using small, greyed out text which consumers can easily miss).”  The complaint accuses Uber of automatically charging consumers who signed up for a free trial before their billing date. It also alleges that Uber makes it “extremely difficult” for customers to cancel, wherein users can be forced to navigate “as many as 23 screens and take as many as 32 actions to cancel.” Those actions come in the form of explaining why they want to cancel, dealing with Uber urging them to pause their membership, and if that fails, presenting offers to stay.  “Some users are told they have to contact customer support to cancel but are given no way to contact them; others claim that Uber charged them for another billing cycle after they requested cancellation and were waiting to hear back from customer support,” reads the FTC’s statement. Uber clarified that previously, customers who wanted to cancel within 48 hours of their sign up date had to contact customer support to cancel. The company says that is no longer the case. TechCrunch has reached out to learn when Uber updated its policy to allow those customers to cancel within the app. The plaintiffs are pushing the court to prohibit Uber from continuing its alleged deceptive practices and to force the company to pay monetary relief.  “We are disappointed that the FTC chose to move forward with this action, but are confident that the courts will agree with what we already know: Uber One’s sign-up and cancellation processes are clear, simple, and follow the letter and spirit of the law,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement. “Uber does not sign up or charge consumers without their consent, and cancellations can now be done anytime in-app and take most people 20 seconds or less.” Tim Muris, a former FTC chair who represented Uber during the case’s investigation period, accused the FTC of failing to do a full investigation and basing its complaint on “misunderstandings of both the facts and the law.” Uber’s current outside counsel, Christine Wilson, said, “The unconventional nature of the rushed investigative process that preceded this enforcement action was compounded by the addition of new and unvetted allegations at the last minute. It is disappointing to see the FTC stray from the rigor and fairness that has long defined the agency at its best.” Uber One’s member base reached 30 million across 34 countries in 2024, and the company says it is growing roughly 60% year-over-year. A year ago, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi estimated that Uber One’s membership fees would be “in excess of $1 billion” in 2024.

ADDiTEC, a US-based developer of advanced metal additive manufacturing technologies, unveiled its first Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) system during RAPID + TCT 2025 in Detroit. The new platform, called Fusion S, expands the company’s technology offerings, which previously focused on Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ). With this release, ADDiTEC becomes one of the few companies globally offering three complementary metal additive manufacturing technologies. “Our new LPBF platform, Fusion S, brings high-precision, production-grade metal 3D printing to the forefront of our offering,” said Brian Matthews, CEO of ADDiTEC. “This launch marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver a full-spectrum metal AM portfolio that addresses the most demanding use cases—from aerospace and defense to medical and energy. RAPID is the perfect venue to showcase this evolution.” The Fusion S LPBF printer (left) paired with its integrated powder handling system. Image via ADDiTEC. Fusion S was developed through a strategic collaboration that merged a proven LPBF foundation with ADDiTEC’s engineering and commercialization expertise. The resulting platform integrates powder handling and post-processing capabilities in a compact footprint. It features a closed powder architecture to enable operation without direct contact with metal powder, along with optimized parameters for printing with titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and other advanced alloys. The new system is designed for high-value applications requiring complex geometries and fine detail. By offering LPBF alongside its existing DED and LMJ technologies, ADDiTEC aims to provide users with greater process flexibility across different part requirements and performance needs. Visitors to Booth 2520 during RAPID + TCT 2025 observed a range of printed components and live demonstrations of the Fusion S system. According to the company, its multi-process strategy allows customers to choose the most appropriate method for each application while receiving support from a single provider. The addition of LPBF builds on ADDiTEC’s existing focus on sectors such as aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and tooling, where part complexity and material requirements vary significantly. Brake lever metal parts printed using ADDiTEC’s new Fusion S system. Photo via ADDiTEC. RAPID + TCT 2025 signals industry shift toward application-specific AM platforms Stratasys, a polymer additive manufacturing company headquartered in Israel, introduced multiple hardware and materials at RAPID + TCT 2025, including the Neo800+ stereolithography system and the PolyJet ToughONE material. The company’s display featured over 120 printed parts across six active machines and five technologies, highlighting functional applications in aerospace, healthcare, and industrial tooling. A focal point was the CALLUM SKYE electric vehicle, used to demonstrate end-to-end additive workflows from design through to part fabrication. In his remarks, Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, positioned these releases as part of a broader transition toward production-grade AM tools capable of addressing real-world manufacturing constraints. 3D Systems, based in South Carolina, also emphasized application-driven innovation at the event, revealing three new solutions targeting specific production workflows. The Figure 4 135 platform was designed for high-mix, low-volume production using flame-retardant, high-temperature materials. Alongside it, the company launched a process-optimizing module for its EXT Titan Pellet printers, enabling automatic part density control and bed mapping for improved large-format part quality. The third offering, QuickCast Diamond, updates a legacy investment casting solution for complex metal parts by integrating SLA precision with enhanced throughput. According to CEO Dr. Jeffrey Graves, these developments reflect the company’s strategy to meet expanding industrial demands with targeted additive tools. 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. Stratasys booth at RAPID + TCT 2025, featuring the CALLUM SKYE electric vehicle. Photo via CALLUM. Featured image showcase the Fusion S LPBF printer (left) paired with its integrated powder handling system. Image via ADDiTEC. 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.

A green oasis intended to contribute to neighbourhood health in Rio de Janeiro, Parque Realengo is rapidly being colonised by consumer culture In order to improve the life and wellbeing of citizens in boroughs far from beaches or public gardens, Rio de Janeiro’s municipal government recently launched the Parques Cariocas programme to oversee the renovation of existing and creation of new parks with leisure and health facilities. Opened in June 2024, the Parque Realengo Susana Naspolini is among the new parks created under the scheme, and is located in a populous lower‑middle‑class neighbourhood whose origins date back to the early 19th century. Although it is flanked to the south by the 12,400 hectares of Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, one of the largest urban forests in the world, the Realengo neighbourhood did not have public spaces suitable for outdoor physical exercise and other leisure activities. The most popular site of recreation among Cariocas (Rio residents) might be the beach, but the closest one to Realengo is 22km away, an hour and a half by public transport. Due to its geographical position, wedged between hills with limited wind flow, and the lack of trees in its streets, Realengo is notorious for its extremely high temperatures – it is common for them to soar above 40°C. In the centre of the neighbourhood, a large piece of land lay abandoned for decades, with vegetation taking over scattered industrial remnants. Home to the Brazilian Army’s Cartridge Factory from 1898 to 1977, the plot was set to be transformed into a residential complex for military personnel but met resistance from the local community. After about two decades of political struggle, the City eventually agreed to convert more than half of it, corresponding to 80,500m2, into a public park. Local architecture and landscape firm Ecomimesis Soluções Ecológicas was commissioned for the park’s masterplan and landscaping, and construction began in 2022. Mayor Eduardo Paes’s idea was to create a local version of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. There was no shame or shyness in wanting to build ‘supertree’ simulacrums; the municipality aspired to create a landmark in the suburban landscape, a symbol of its administration. This decision is best explained not by urban planning theory, but by a famous quote from the great Carioca carnival designer Joãosinho Trinta: ‘The people like luxury, those who like poverty are intellectuals.’ This is the quintessence of Rio de Janeiro’s culture. Like the floats of samba schools parading down the Avenida Marquês de Sapucaí during carnival, the towers of Parque Realengo seek to represent wealth and opulence. It was a conscious strategy to create a popular symbol, and copying the foreign reference of the time is nothing new; in the 1924 carnival, a replica of the Eiffel Tower was built in nearby Madureira. The five towering structures of Parque Realengo rise above a water basin and among curvilinear walkways designed to provide Instagrammable views. As lower‑tech versions of their half siblings in Southeast Asia, they integrate a water sprinkler system to mitigate the heat‑island effect with planters at their base, for vegetation to climb and twine round the metal profiles. The structures truly come to life after dark; every evening, a sound and light show takes place, a low‑cost Dubai fireworks spectacle with powerful speakers playing popular Brazilian music.  Parque Realengo is a real stage for popular activities and celebrations, with an intense and vibrant energy. This is the product of both the current day‑to‑day management of the park and enthusiastic appropriation by the locals, rather than the architecture and landscaping. Throughout the day, it is buzzing with bicycles, food carts, skateboards, and the hustle and bustle of crowds. This is not a park for silent enjoyment or to admire botanical species. Ecomimesis did propose the planting of 3,700 trees, incorporating 60 new native species in the park grounds, yet the landscape design does not follow any specific Brazilian tradition. Its approach is closer to the École Nationale Supérieure du Paysage de Versailles (where Ecomimesis founder Pierre‑André Martin studied), concerned with the resilience of microenvironments, than to the ideas of Roberto Burle Marx, whose tropical compositions alluded to cubist paintings. Internal paths are winding, so the park reveals itself gradually to those who walk, run or cycle. While there is no privileged vantage point from which to see the place as a whole, the park delivers a series of pleasant surprises, with most structures and stops along the route protected from view by vegetation. Between the football pitch and the skatepark is the community’s vegetable garden; the use of two multisport courts and a smaller one for 3 × 3 basketball is regularly fought over by neighbours; the outdoor gym equipment seems popular among older people. Dozens of benches and tables scattered throughout the park provide places for users to stop, rest and picnic, while the covered barbecues spread around the lawns become meeting points around which families and friends gather; when I visited, on a summer’s Friday night, four birthdays were being celebrated at the same time. Noise levels reach a climax in the water play area, with fountains shooting water upwards and hanging buckets that tip over once filled, their water pouring down to the delight of children who want to cool off. After sunset, once temperatures begin to drop, children rush to the playground with their toys. Although the builders did not follow the design to the letter, the infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and help with soil drainage is functioning. To minimise the impact of extreme rainfall – increasingly common due to global warming – the park’s rain gardens and bioswales absorb and filter excess water before it is directed and stored in a retention basin near one of the park’s entrance gates.  Two structures stand out for their architectural quality. Both were designed by six young architects commissioned by Ecomimesis: Juliana Ayako, Helena Meirelles, Larissa Monteiro, Carlos Saul Zebulun, Rodrigo Messina and Francisco Rivas. At the southern end of the park, the Mercado na Praça (‘market square’) acts as a gateway from the busy street. The improvised, non‑legalised shops that previously stood on the site were removed to widen the pavement and create a large square just outside the park’s boundary. Two long, horizontal structures provide shelter from the elements; overlapping and arranged at a 90° angle to one another, they also structure the open space. The lower, single‑storey axis consists of a row of 11 units where shop owners were relocated; above, running perpendicular to it, a 66m‑long, 3m‑tall steel roof seems to float, its trusses supported by just a few pillars. Designed without a specific programme, the space below and around the canopy – peppered with flowerbeds, tables and benches – supports spontaneous and ephemeral occupation. At the other end of Parque Realengo, the Cobertura Multiuso (‘multipurpose canopy’) speaks a similar language. Deep metal trusses hold a roof that slopes inwards, descending towards a central patio. The architects imagined it could host yoga sessions, dance classes or samba school drum rehearsals, but nine stalls have been built underneath the roof, turning the whole into an outdoor food court. Like Venturi and Scott Brown’s ducks, the popcorn kiosk and ice cream parlour have the shapes of the products they sell; their eccentric, oversize decor works surprisingly well at one of the structure’s corners, partially overtaking the roof. The six architects also designed a third building: another hollowed‑out structure with a courtyard, this one with its roofs sloping upwards towards the centre. Only its general proportions and the roof silhouettes were kept; the building, intended to be a cultural centre, now houses a health centre and educational space for the locals.  Parque Realengo represents the triumph of consumerism. It is an open‑air public space full of free activities, but with a high number of commercial establishments – around 40, both carts and fixed structures. With its motorised go‑karts for children to rent out and race, its main alley resembles a shopping‑mall corridor. The unemployed and underemployed members of the local community have spontaneously taken possession of the park as their economic platform – not part of the architects’ projects, this necessity was understood and facilitated by the municipality. Consumption and ideas of a healthier lifestyle coexist. In its own way, Parque Realengo has proven to be a success, so much so that the city recently reached an agreement to use the remaining land belonging to the army to expand it in the coming years. 2025-04-22 Francesco Perrotta-Bosch Share AR April 2025Buy Now

Tech Discover the world’s first hydrogen outboard engine-powered boat How you’ll pick from gasoline, diesel, electric and now hydrogen fuel in near future Published April 22, 2025 6:00am EDT close 'CyberGuy': World’s first hydrogen outboard engine powers a cleaner marine future Tech expert Kurt Knutsson talks about how Yamaha’s hydrogen outboard motor could revolutionize boating with zero emissions. ​​Imagine powering your boat not with gasoline but with clean hydrogen fuel. That’s exactly what Yamaha, together with Roush Industries and Regulator Marine, is working on right now. They’re developing the world’s first hydrogen-combustion outboard engine, aiming to make boating greener and more sustainable.This is part of Yamaha’s big plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, using a mix of electric, alternative fuels and now hydrogen technology.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S ‘THE CYBERGUY REPORT’ NOW Hydrogen fuel motor (Yamaha) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The big, big moment: First hydrogen fill-upTo reach their goal, a specially modified Regulator Marine 26XO boat was taken to a hydrogen fueling station. The team filled its tanks with hydrogen for the very first time, which was a huge milestone. This 26-foot boat runs on a tweaked version of Yamaha’s powerful 450hp XTO outboard engine, but instead of gasoline, it’s fueled by gaseous hydrogen.Matt Van Benschoten from Roush, who’s been deeply involved in the project, called it "a big moment." He handled the tricky job of designing and integrating the hydrogen fuel system, making sure everything was safe and worked smoothly. Hydrogen fuel tanks (Yamaha) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What’s different about this hydrogen outboard?Yamaha started with their largest offshore outboard, the XTO 450, and made some smart changes to handle hydrogen. They adjusted parts like the cylinder heads, fuel lines and injectors to work with hydrogen’s unique properties. But most of the engine is still the same as the gasoline version.The boat itself was modified to fit three high-pressure hydrogen tanks, each holding fuel at 700 bar (that’s super-high pressure). These tanks are designed to expand as they fill up, so Yamaha’s engineers had to come up with clever mounting solutions that let the tanks move a bit without causing problems. Though Yamaha hasn't disclosed the gasoline equivalency of the hydrogen tanks, they are striving to achieve optimal capacity for marine industry applications. Hydrogen fuel tanks (Yamaha) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Safety first: Smart systems on boardSafety is a huge focus here. The boat uses a standard hydrogen refueling connector and follows strict protocols to make sure filling up is safe and efficient. There’s even tank monitoring feedback between the boat and the fueling station that monitors tank conditions and can stop refueling if things get too hot.Inside the boat, multiple hydrogen detectors keep an eye on gas levels. If hydrogen starts to build up, the system alerts the captain. If it gets too high, the engine shuts down and vents the gas safely. Plus, Roush designed a special ventilation system to make sure any leaked hydrogen escapes from the highest points on the boat, since hydrogen is lighter than air and rises. Hydrogen fuel motor (Yamaha) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Showing off the tech and what’s nextYamaha first showed off this hydrogen outboard at the Miami Boat Show, then took it to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas to get the automotive and marine industries talking about hydrogen infrastructure. They’ve built two boats so far: one for display and one for real-world testing. Now, the team is focused on fine-tuning the system, running safety tests and figuring out how far the boat can go on a tank of hydrogen. They’re also working on making refueling faster and more convenient. Hydrogen fuel motor (Yamaha) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Challenges and possibilities of hydrogen technologyRight now, the tanks are cylindrical and take up a lot of space, limiting how much hydrogen the boat can carry. However, in the future, Yamaha hopes to use other tank alternatives to integrate more efficiently and fit better inside the boat hull. Finding the right parts for these super-high-pressure hydrogen systems isn’t easy either; the supply chain is still catching up. However, with partners like Roush and Regulator Marine, Yamaha is pushing through these challenges.And it’s not stopping there. Yamaha recently acquired electric outboard maker Torqeedo, showing they’re serious about exploring all kinds of clean marine propulsion technologies.Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha's U.S. Marine Business Unit, tells Cyberguy, "Our hydrogen outboard concept is on the water now, and we’re learning more about how to optimize its performance every day. We believe a multiple-technology solution is the best way to achieve cleaner products on the water, and hydrogen represents one of those pathways within our product line. We’re optimistic about the future of hydrogen in the marine industry, and we look forward to sharing specific performance data as it becomes available." Hydrogen fuel motor (Yamaha) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurt's key takeawaysYamaha’s hydrogen outboard project is about rethinking how we power our boats in a way that’s safe, practical and sustainable. While there’s still work to do, this collaboration is making real progress toward cleaner waters and greener adventures. If hydrogen can take off in boating, it could change the game for the entire marine industry.Do you think hydrogen-powered outboard engines are the real future of boating or just an idea that still has a long way to go? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.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.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the court that rules on the lawfulness of surveillance by police and intelligence agencies, has no powers to award costs against government bodies when they deliberately withhold or delay the disclosure of relevant evidence or fail to follow court orders. A panel of five judges has found that the tribunal has no statutory powers to impose sanctions against police forces or intelligence agencies if they delay or fail to follow orders from the tribunal to disclose relevant evidence. The ruling comes after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal found that two UK police forces had unlawfully spied on investigative journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, including harvesting phone data, following their investigations into police corruption. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) targeted Birney and McCaffrey after they produced a documentary exposing police collusion in the murders of six innocent Catholics watching a football match in Loughinisland in 1994. Although the people alleged to be behind the killings are known to police, none have been prosecuted. The tribunal acknowledged in a judgment on 18 April that the PSNI repeatedly withheld and delayed the disclosure of important evidence, in some cases until the night before a court hearing. However, five tribunal judges concluded they had no statutory powers to award costs against the police force. The judges have called for the Secretary of State to intervene to address the matter by introducing rules for the tribunal or passing primary legislation. “We do not regard the outcome as entirely satisfactory … the facts of the present case illustrate why it would be helpful at least in principle for this tribunal to have the power to award costs,” the judges said. They added that they “see force” in the journalists’ submissions “that there is a need for the tribunal to have the power to award costs, in particular against respondents, where there has been expenditure wasted as a result of their conduct and where, in particular, orders of the tribunal are persistently breached”. However, the five judges found they had no powers to award costs under existing legislation or the tribunal rules, and that it “would be a matter for the Secretary of State or Parliament”, to intervene, they said in a 19-page ruling.  Birney and McCaffrey had claimed for reimbursement of part of their legal costs, after the PSNI allegedly misled the tribunal by obfuscating critical evidence of PSNI and Metropolitan Police surveillance operations against them, leading to two court hearings having to be abandoned. Ben Jaffey KC, representing the journalists, told a tribunal hearing in March 2024 that the PSNI had failed to disclose surveillance operations against the two journalists until the night before scheduled court hearings, in breach of the tribunal’s orders.  In one case, the PSNI served key evidence at 11:19 pm the night before a court hearing, forcing the journalists’ lawyers to work through the night, and leaving no time to properly consider the evidence the next day. On another occasion, the PSNI failed to disclose a Directed Surveillance Order against the two journalists until the morning of a court hearing, when the journalists’ legal representative was allowed to take notes from it but not allowed a copy. Commenting on the verdict, Trevor Birney said the tribunal’s conclusion that it lacked power to order costs was deeply disturbing. “The tribunal has effectively said that public bodies can behave badly – delay, obstruct, conceal – and face no consequence,” he said. “That’s not justice; it’s a reward for wrongdoing.” Barry McCaffrey added: “The tribunal recognised the delays and failures in disclosure but effectively said its hands were tied. That leaves us with a system where transparency and accountability can be deliberately undermined without fear of reprisal.” How the PSNI delayed disclosure of key evidence 16 February 2024: Durham Police incorrectly told the lawyers of the journalists there had been no Directed Surveillance Authorisation against them. 16 February 2024: PSNI served a “skeleton argument” making additional disclosures but neglected to disclose the Directed Surveillance Authorisation. 23 February 2024: PSNI disclosed the existence of a Directed Surveillance Authorisation issued to authorise spying against the journalists “only two clear days” before a court hearing: “No clear explanation has ever been offered for that exceptionally late disclosure.” 25 February 2024: PSNI discloses further evidence at 11:19pm on the evening before a court hearing. 26 February 2024: On the day of the scheduled court hearing, a lawyer for the two journalists was allowed to view and take limited notes of the Directed Surveillance Authorisation only the morning before the court hearing. Lawyers for the journalists attempt to make sense of large volumes of additional material disclosed just before the court hearing. This includes a disclosure from the PSNI that it had received extensive phone communications data from the Metropolitan Police Service, which was later added as a respondent to the case. The hearing is adjourned late on the first day as it could “not fairly go ahead”. 8 May 2024: PSNI discloses large volumes of evidence raising new issues, including a “defensive operation” to monitor police phone calls to journalists by the PSNI, and details of an attempt by a Durham Constabulary to preserve journalist Trevor Birney’s emails stored on Apple’s iCloud. The tribunal ordered further searches of evidence and written explanations for the late disclosure. The journalists warned that the ruling risks eroding public confidence in legal safeguards and sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden further misconduct by public authorities.  The chief constable of the PSNI, Jon Boutcher, has appointed Angus McCullogh KC to conduct a review into PSNI surveillance of lawyers and journalists. Birney and McCaffrey have called for a full public inquiry into the unlawful surveillance and institutional failures surrounding their case. Read more about police surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland Investigative reporter Dónal MacIntyre has asked the Investigatory Powers Tribunal to look into allegations that he was placed under directed surveillance and had his social media posts monitored by Northern Ireland police. Journalists seek legal costs after PSNI’s ‘ridiculous’ withholding of evidence in spying operation delayed court hearings. The Metropolitan Police monitored the phones of 16 BBC journalists on behalf of police in Northern Ireland, a cross-party group of MPs heard. Over 40 journalists and lawyers submit evidence to PSNI surveillance inquiry. Conservative MP adds to calls for public inquiry over PSNI police spying. Tribunal criticises PSNI and Met Police for spying operation to identify journalists’ sources. Detective wrongly claimed journalist’s solicitor attempted to buy gun, surveillance tribunal hears. Ex-PSNI officer ‘deeply angered’ by comments made by a former detective at a tribunal investigating allegations of unlawful surveillance against journalists. Detective reported journalist’s lawyers to regulator in ‘unlawful’ PSNI surveillance case. Lawyers and journalists seeking ‘payback’ over police phone surveillance, claims former detective. We need a judge-led inquiry into police spying on journalists and lawyers. Former assistant chief constable, Alan McQuillan, claims the PSNI used a dedicated laptop to access the phone communications data of hundreds of lawyers and journalists. Northern Irish police used covert powers to monitor over 300 journalists. Police chief commissions ‘independent review’ of surveillance against journalists and lawyers. Police accessed phone records of ‘trouble-making journalists’. BBC instructs lawyers over allegations of police surveillance of journalist. The Policing Board of Northern Ireland has asked the Police Service of Northern Ireland to produce a public report on its use of covert surveillance powers against journalists and lawyers after it gave ‘utterly vague’ answers. PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher has agreed to provide a report on police surveillance of journalists and lawyers to Northern Ireland’s policing watchdog but denies industrial use of surveillance powers. Report reveals Northern Ireland police put up to 18 journalists and lawyers under surveillance. Three police forces took part in surveillance operations between 2011 and 2018 to identify sources that leaked information to journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal hears. Amnesty International and the Committee on the Administration of Justice have asked Northern Ireland’s policing watchdog to open an inquiry into the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s use of surveillance powers against journalists. Britain’s most secret court is to hear claims that UK authorities unlawfully targeted two journalists in a ‘covert surveillance’ operation after they exposed the failure of police in Northern Ireland to investigate paramilitary killings. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is unable to delete terabytes of unlawfully seized data taken from journalists who exposed police failings in the investigation of the Loughinisland sectarian murders. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal has agreed to investigate complaints by Northern Ireland investigative journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey that they were unlawfully placed under surveillance.

Researchers say the hallucinations make o3 "less useful" than it would be.

To maximize AI's benefits, businesses must approach adoption strategically—rather than treating it as a passing trend.

A hot potato: It's been said that those born at the dawn of the internet age have grown up lacking the life skills essential for many jobs. In an attempt to address this problem, Gen Z students in Manchester, England, are to learn "soft skills" that include empathy, time management, and speaking to people in person and on the phone. Generation Z, typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012 (give or take), is typically considered to consist of digital natives. The term is defined as a person who grew up with the presence of digital technology or in the information age, making them comfortable and fluent in all things tech – but not typing, apparently. Being a digital native might mean that Gen Z tends to be more tech savvy, but being raised during a time when most interactions moved online and the world experienced turbulent periods has left many of this generation with few social skills. One employer said digital natives struggled to find work as they were too afraid to speak on the phone or do face-to-face job interviews. The Guardian reports that the Unesco-partner non-profit Higher Health launched Skills 4 Living in Greater Manchester this week. It hopes to reach 10,000 young people in the city and has partnered with higher education providers, including the University of Manchester. While the curriculum will be delivered online, students will be expected to complete assessments by interacting in person with others. In addition to learning empathy and time-management, there will be seminars on spotting fake news, staying safe on the internet, how to challenge racism, sexism and homophobia, gambling awareness, and avoiding scams. It's believed that growing up with the internet, social media, and texting has left Gen Z with fewer "everyday but essential" communication skills than older generations. Courtesy of Cake.com There are also more cases of mental health issues among young people than in the past. Prof Sandeep Ranote, a leading child psychiatrist said, "When I started in my career as a consultant in 2005, one in 10 young people had a diagnosable mental health condition. We're now [at] one in five. That's not okay. Could it have been prevented? Yes is the answer. This is a toolkit to prepare young people for, even in the space of 25 years, a very different global world." // Related Stories In December, a survey found that over a quarter of executives wouldn't consider hiring a recent college graduate today due to a lack of soft skills that included communications, problem solving, adaptability, and conflict resolution. Worldwide, about a fifth of those aged between 15 and 24 were not in employment, education, or training in 2023. While the lack of soft skills will be a factor -- and some put it down to laziness and selectiveness -- others blame the rise of useless university degrees.

Star Wars Celebration came and went without a lot news about the live-action series beyond Ahsoka season 2. Now, there’s word that a new Star Wars TV series in the works from Lost co-showrunner Carlton Cuse and his son, Nick Cuse. Via Deadline, The InSneider broke the story about the father-and-son team collaborating on the project for Lucasfilm. No details are currently available about what the show’s premise is or when it takes place in the Star Wars timeline. The project is still very early in development and it marks the first time that Carlton and Nick Cuse have collaborated in Hollywood. Recommended Videos The elder Cuse has a long history in the industry with credits including the cult series The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Nash Bridges, Bates Motel, The Strain, Jack Ryan, and Netflix’s recently premiered medical drama Pulse. Nick Cuse worked with Lost‘s other showrunner, Damon Lindelof, on HBO’s Watchmen and The Leftovers. His other previous shows include Station Eleven and Masters of the Air. Related Despite a heavy push towards scripted series on Disney+ at the beginning of the decade, Lucasfilm has recently returned its focus to bringing Star Wars back to the big screen. In lieu of The Mandalorian season 4, Lucasfilm is releasing The Mandalorian & Grogu in theaters in May 2026. A first look at The Mandalorian & Grogu was shared at Star Wars Celebration, but that footage has yet to be shared online. In other Star Wars news, the franchise will celebrate its 50th anniversary in May 2027 with a brand-new standalone film, Star Wars: Starfighter. Shawn Levy will direct the movie, which will feature Ryan Gosling in the leading role. It will be the first live-action Star Wars project to take place after The Rise of Skywalker. It’s currently unknown if characters from that film will appear in Starfighter. Editors’ Recommendations