Felix Navidad.It might not feel like Nintendo itself has been particularly busy this year, but goodness, there's still been an awful lot of new games in 2024. Some great ones, even!Since we're now fast approaching the end of the year, it seems only right that the lovely chaps on our video team share their personal top five games of 2024. Now, it's important to note that these might not all be titles that released in 2024; they're just ones that the guys happened to have played over the last 12 months.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Welcome back to Week in Review. This week, were looking at OpenAIs last and biggest announcement from its 12 Days of OpenAI event; Apples potential entrance into the foldable market; and why Databricks is choosing to wait to go public. Lets get into it.P.S. Were off for the holidays! Week in Review will be back in your inbox in the new year.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the successors to its o1 reasoning model family: o3 and o3-mini. While the models are not widely available yet, safety researchers can sign up for a preview. The reveal marks the end of the companys 12 Days of OpenAI event, which saw announcements for real-time vision capabilities, ChatGPT Search, and even a Santa voice for ChatGPT. You can catch up on everything you missed here.The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses got a big upgrade this week. Members of Metas early-access program can now download firmware v11, which adds live AI. The feature lets wearers continuously converse with Meta AI to reference things they discussed earlier in the conversation and it works with real-time video. Live translation between English and Spanish, French, or Italian, as well as functionality with Shazam are also included in v11.UnitedHealths Optum left an AI chatbot, used by employees to ask questions about claims, exposed to the internet and anyone could access it with a web browser. While the chatbot did not appear to contain or produce sensitive personal or protected health information, its inadvertent exposure comes at a time when its parent company faces scrutiny for its use of AI tools and algorithms to allegedly override doctors medical decisions and deny patient claims.If youd like to receive the Week in Review newsletter in your inbox every Saturday, sign up here!NewsImage Credits:OuraOura nabs $200M: The smart ring maker closed a $200 million Series D funding round, bringing the companys valuation to $5.2 billion. Oura says the cash will help the company expand its product offerings and further invest in product, science, AI, and more. Read moreYou can now call ChatGPT from a landline: In an effort to make ChatGPT accessible to as many people as possible, OpenAI announced a 1-800 number to call the chatbot even from a landline or a flip phone. Users can call 1-800-CHATGPT, and the AI assistant will respond through the phone. Read moreTesla tries to boost Model S sales: After abandoning its free Supercharging for life offer in 2018, Tesla is bringing it back for some Tesla Model S cars at the end of the year. But its important to note that Tesla also just increased the price for the Model S by $5,000. Read moreGoogle wants to take on Sora: Google DeepMind announced Veo 2, a next-gen video-generating AI. Veo 2 can create two-minute-plus clips in resolutions up to 4k. Thats 4x the resolution and over 6x the duration that OpenAIs Sora can achieve. Read moreApple eyes the foldable market: Apple is aiming to launch two foldable devices in the next few years, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Another report from Bloomberg, however, claims the companys focus is on a giant, foldable iPad. Read moreBob Lee verdict: A San Francisco jury found Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal 2023 stabbing of Bob Lee, the Cash App creator and former CTO of Block. The jurors decided Lees murder was not premeditated and found Momeni not guilty of first-degree murder. Read morePerplexity acquires Carbon: Perplexity acquired Carbon, a small startup specializing in connecting AI systems to external data sources. The company says Perplexity will soon be able to search through your files and work messages in Notion, Google Docs, or Slack sometime in early 2025. Read moreTemu is still on top: Temu was once again the most downloaded free app in the U.S., according to Apples list of top apps and games across the App Store. The shopping app moved into the No. 1 slot last year, stealing the position from TikTok. Read moreGitHub launches free version of Copilot: GitHub now has a free version of its popular Copilot code completion/AI pair programming tool. Until now, developers had to pay a monthly fee, with only verified students, teachers, and open source maintainers getting free access. Read moreGoogle releases its own reasoning model: Google has released Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental, what it calls its new reasoning AI model. Its currently in the experimental stages, and from our brief testing, theres certainly room for improvement. Read moreAnalysisImage Credits:David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty ImagesTo IPO or not to IPO: Databricks just closed one of the largest funding rounds ever, raising a staggering $10 billion. Naturally, technology investors were quick to ask what this means for the companys highly anticipated IPO. In an interview at Axios AI Summit, CEO Ali Ghodsi said its dumb to IPO this year and is instead waiting until at least 2025. Databricks is using this Series J to let early employees cash out and continue growing. While 2024 was uncertain in many ways, the IPOs of ServiceTitan, Reddit, and other companies have largely been successful. But, as Maxwell Zeff writes, why risk it when you can just raise as much money as Databricks? Read more

The clock strikes 4 p.m., and the monotony of your office is beginning to hit. Yoursmartphone, that trusty sidekick you rely on to stay organized and productive, is gasping for life at a perilous 15% battery. Panic? That's not your style. You recall your secret weapon: A power bank. With one swift move, you reach into your bag, pull out your trusty power bank, and hook it up to your device -- turning the tide and keeping your productivity on point.A good power bank is a game changer in the modern tech arsenal. New portable chargers can fuel everything from tiny earbuds all the way up to a high-end Apple MacBook Pro. Yet, the journey to find a top-notch, dependable power bank amidst the multitude of subpar knock-offs can be treacherous. Fear not, for I am here to be your guide, navigating you through the tech wilderness to uncover the perfect power bank that stands tall in quality, safety, and reliability.What is the best power bank right now?I've rigorously tested hundreds -- yes, literally hundreds -- of power banks in recent years, putting me in the perfect position to identify which ones truly deserve your hard-earned money.My pick for the best power bank overall goes to the Anker Nano 10,000 mAh for its portability, quality construction, and the fact that it has USB-C and USB-A ports, which means it caters to both old and new devices, and it has a super handy built-in USB-C cable. While it's my favorite, there are plenty of other options with different price points, features, and brands in mind. For example, if you're looking for a power bank with sheer power, the Cuktech P-series 25,000 mAh can give you several recharges of a smartphone or close to a full recharge of a MacBook Pro. Read on for all of my picks for the best power banks you can buy right now. Sort by All Number of USB ports Max port output Travel friendliness Features Max output The best power banks of 2024 Show less View now at Amazon While MagSafe power banks are now all the rage, if you need to charge anything else, you still need to remember a cable. The Anker Nano has a built-in USB-C cable and two USB ports -- one USB-C and one USB-A.The built-in USB-C cable is a decent length at 0.6ft (19cm) and can be used for both charging the power bank and charging other devices. The cable fits through a metal loop on the power bank, keeping it out of the way when not in use and allowing it to be used as a lanyard loop when you're not charging anything.Review: Anker Nano 10,000 mAhThis simple but highly effective feature makes the power bank easy to carry around, especially when your hands are full with other gadgetry.Online reviews for this power bank are very positive, praising its lightweight, compact design.Anker Nano 10,000 mAh tech specs:Capacity: 10,000mAh|Ports: 1 x USB-C cable, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A|Max output: 30W Number of USB ports 7 Max port output 7 Travel friendliness 9 Features 7 Max output 7 Pros Small, lightweight, and portable Built-in USB-C cable USB-C and USB-A ports Cons No wireless charging Anker Nano 10,000 mAh Best power bank overall 3.7 / 5 Score While MagSafe power banks are now all the rage, if you need to charge anything else, you still need to remember a cable. The Anker Nano has a built-in USB-C cable and two USB ports -- one USB-C and one USB-A.The built-in USB-C cable is a decent length at 0.6ft (19cm) and can be used for both charging the power bank and charging other devices. The cable fits through a metal loop on the power bank, keeping it out of the way when not in use and allowing it to be used as a lanyard loop when you're not charging anything.Review: Anker Nano 10,000 mAhThis simple but highly effective feature makes the power bank easy to carry around, especially when your hands are full with other gadgetry.Online reviews for this power bank are very positive, praising its lightweight, compact design.Anker Nano 10,000 mAh tech specs:Capacity: 10,000mAh|Ports: 1 x USB-C cable, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A|Max output: 30W Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This power bank is what I'd consider as chunky. It's a fair-sized brick weighing in at a pound. Inside are batteries that hold 20,000mAh (72Wh) of power, enough for a few charges of a modern smartphone and more than one charge of a laptop -- while still being within the limit for airline travel.The batteries are rated for 1,000 recharge cycles, and the unit can hold its power for up to 200 days, which is relatively long.Review: Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh 130WAt the end of the power bank, there are three ports with a combined output of 130W. Two USB-C ports, one of which can charge the unit in as little as two hours, and a USB-A port for legacy devices.But the real trick up the sleeve of this power bank is the TFT display. This shows a multitude of information, including battery capacity, inputs and outputs, whether trickle charge is enabled, and real-time voltage, current, and power curve.The online reviews for this power bank are very strong, with owners praising its power output, reliability, and dependability.Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh, 130Wtech specs:Capacity: 20,000mAh|Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A|Max output: 130W Number of USB ports 8 Max port output 7 Travel friendliness 2 Features 6 Max output 8 Pros High power capacity Enough output power to run a laptop Easy to read OLED display Trickle charge mode Cons Chunky and heavy Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh 130W Best power bank for large power capacities 3.1 / 5 Score This power bank is what I'd consider as chunky. It's a fair-sized brick weighing in at a pound. Inside are batteries that hold 20,000mAh (72Wh) of power, enough for a few charges of a modern smartphone and more than one charge of a laptop -- while still being within the limit for airline travel.The batteries are rated for 1,000 recharge cycles, and the unit can hold its power for up to 200 days, which is relatively long.Review: Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh 130WAt the end of the power bank, there are three ports with a combined output of 130W. Two USB-C ports, one of which can charge the unit in as little as two hours, and a USB-A port for legacy devices.But the real trick up the sleeve of this power bank is the TFT display. This shows a multitude of information, including battery capacity, inputs and outputs, whether trickle charge is enabled, and real-time voltage, current, and power curve.The online reviews for this power bank are very strong, with owners praising its power output, reliability, and dependability.Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh, 130Wtech specs:Capacity: 20,000mAh|Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A|Max output: 130W Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This is one of the smallest power banks that you can buy, but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's basic. Here, not only do you get 5,000mAh of battery capacity, but you also get a wireless charging pad and a USB-C port that can be used both for charging the power bank and other devices.This bank also supports MagSafe wireless charging for an additional layer of convenience since iPhone owners don't need to carry a cable around with them. Finally, there's a trickle charge mode that allows the bank to charge low-power devices such as headphones or smartwatches without the power bank automatically switching off, so you can keep listening to tunes and audiobooks for longer.This power bank makes a great, stylish, and practical gift -- I've sent them out to folks for the holidays, and I also keep a few handy to hand out to people who don't have a power bank of their own.Reviews are very positive for this power bank, and owners are pleased with its size and performance. I noticed some reports of overheating, but I've not experienced that and speculate that the owner might have a thick case on their smartphone.Tech specs: Capacity: 5,000mAh|Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x wireless charging pad|Max output: 15W Number of USB ports 6 Max port output 6 Travel friendliness 7 Features 5 Max output 5 Pros Small Magnetic, wireless pad for iPhones Trickle charge mode for low-power devices Cons Not enough power to fully recharge a big smartphone Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank Best small power bank 2.9 / 5 Score This is one of the smallest power banks that you can buy, but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's basic. Here, not only do you get 5,000mAh of battery capacity, but you also get a wireless charging pad and a USB-C port that can be used both for charging the power bank and other devices.This bank also supports MagSafe wireless charging for an additional layer of convenience since iPhone owners don't need to carry a cable around with them. Finally, there's a trickle charge mode that allows the bank to charge low-power devices such as headphones or smartwatches without the power bank automatically switching off, so you can keep listening to tunes and audiobooks for longer.This power bank makes a great, stylish, and practical gift -- I've sent them out to folks for the holidays, and I also keep a few handy to hand out to people who don't have a power bank of their own.Reviews are very positive for this power bank, and owners are pleased with its size and performance. I noticed some reports of overheating, but I've not experienced that and speculate that the owner might have a thick case on their smartphone.Tech specs: Capacity: 5,000mAh|Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x wireless charging pad|Max output: 15W Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Newegg It's hard to come across a power bank that impresses me anymore. Most are mundane plastic enclosures with a few ports. However, the Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh power bank is a game-changer. With its stylish design and advanced technology, it pushes the envelope of what a power bank can achieve.After using it on a week-long trip away from home, I was amazed by its durability. Everything about the P-series power bank feels premium and stylish; from the packaging to the design. There's even a futuristic pulsing blue light on the front while the power bank is in use that looks very sci-fi.I must admit that my inner geek loves the TFT display on this power bank. It displays important -- at least to me! -- information such as battery level, power, voltage, and current. A tap of the button brings up a graphical display of the input and output wattages.Online reviews highlight the power of this unit, along with the usefulness of the display, and the cool, futuristic styling goes down well with geeky owners!Cuktech P-series tech specs: Capacity: 25,000mAh|Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A|Max output: 210W Pros High capacity Readable display Massive 210W max output Trickle charging Cons Not pocket size Not lightweight It's hard to come across a power bank that impresses me anymore. Most are mundane plastic enclosures with a few ports. However, the Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh power bank is a game-changer. With its stylish design and advanced technology, it pushes the envelope of what a power bank can achieve.After using it on a week-long trip away from home, I was amazed by its durability. Everything about the P-series power bank feels premium and stylish; from the packaging to the design. There's even a futuristic pulsing blue light on the front while the power bank is in use that looks very sci-fi.I must admit that my inner geek loves the TFT display on this power bank. It displays important -- at least to me! -- information such as battery level, power, voltage, and current. A tap of the button brings up a graphical display of the input and output wattages.Online reviews highlight the power of this unit, along with the usefulness of the display, and the cool, futuristic styling goes down well with geeky owners!Cuktech P-series tech specs: Capacity: 25,000mAh|Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A|Max output: 210W Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Whenever I encounter a power bank that's rated for water and dust resistance, it immediately captures my interest. This kind of resilience in a power bank is not only impressive but also incredibly practical for anyone leading an active outdoor lifestyle.The Nitecore NB10000 Gen III offers just that, a carbon fiber-clad power bank that has it all -- it's ultralight, ultra-thin, and waterproof to IP68. I've thoroughly tested the dust and water resistance of this power bank, and it impressively shrugs off both elements.Review: Klarus K5It has a maximum output of 22.5W and can charge two devices simultaneously or charge one while the pack is being charged. The capacity is enough to charge one and a half to two modern smartphones, and the pack can be fully recharged in about two and a half hours.What sets this power bank apart from the competition is its size and weight. At 0.42 inches and 5.29oz, this is the power bank you want to have with you if you're going to be carrying it for days on end. Its lightness was quite shocking the first few times I picked it up. It also excels in cold conditions -- I tested the NB10000 Gen III in cold conditions -- I threw it into a freezer at -18C/0F overnight -- and found that while the output was reduced, I could still get a respectable 8,000mAh from a fully charged pack.Nitecore NB10000 Gen III tech specs: Capacity: 10,000mAh|Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, |Max output: 22.5W Pros Thin and lightweight IP68 water for dust and water-resistance Built-in trickle charge feature Cons No covers for the USB ports allow dirt and water to collect No larger option Whenever I encounter a power bank that's rated for water and dust resistance, it immediately captures my interest. This kind of resilience in a power bank is not only impressive but also incredibly practical for anyone leading an active outdoor lifestyle.The Nitecore NB10000 Gen III offers just that, a carbon fiber-clad power bank that has it all -- it's ultralight, ultra-thin, and waterproof to IP68. I've thoroughly tested the dust and water resistance of this power bank, and it impressively shrugs off both elements.Review: Klarus K5It has a maximum output of 22.5W and can charge two devices simultaneously or charge one while the pack is being charged. The capacity is enough to charge one and a half to two modern smartphones, and the pack can be fully recharged in about two and a half hours.What sets this power bank apart from the competition is its size and weight. At 0.42 inches and 5.29oz, this is the power bank you want to have with you if you're going to be carrying it for days on end. Its lightness was quite shocking the first few times I picked it up. It also excels in cold conditions -- I tested the NB10000 Gen III in cold conditions -- I threw it into a freezer at -18C/0F overnight -- and found that while the output was reduced, I could still get a respectable 8,000mAh from a fully charged pack.Nitecore NB10000 Gen III tech specs: Capacity: 10,000mAh|Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, |Max output: 22.5W Read More Show Expert Take Show less Top portable chargers compared Which is the best power bank really depends on what you want from a power bank -- for some, portability is the main feature, for others it might be having the maximum possible output power. For others, it might be how many ports it has.Power bankPricePortsMax outputAnker Nano 10,000mAh$301 x USB-C cable, 1x USB-C, 1 x USB-A 30W Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh $992 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A 130W Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank $30 1 x USB-C, 1 x wireless 15W Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh $602 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A 210W Nitecore NB10000 Gen III $651 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A 22.5W Show more Which is the right power bank for you? As always, it depends on your needs and what you're looking for. Some people want giant power banks for multi-day adventures, others want something small to get them out of an emergency. Some want something stylish and sleek, while others want total geekery and get something that's more like a charging computer than a simple power bank. Choose thispower bankIf you wantAnker Nano 10,000mAh The best power bank overall. It's portable, well built, and offers both USB-C and USB-A ports, and that built-in USB-C cable is perfect for those who always forget to pack a cable! Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh The best power bank for its large battery capacity and power, and a display that is clear and readable. One of my all-time favorites and is available for $70. Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank A tiny power bank that packs a big punch. You can have this attached to your iPhone and forget that it's there. Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh A big, powerful power bank with a great futuristic look. It features a really detailed display that will appeal to those who want to know everything that's going on, and the 210W max power output can keep up with anything.Nitecore NB10000 Gen III A sleek, stylish, and lightweight power bank that's also dust and water-resistant. This is perfect for use when camping, hiking, or working outdoors. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a power bank A variety of factors impact the quality and usability of power banks. Here are some things to take into consideration before buying one:Battery size: Power banks range from giving you a single charge to several charges, and may increase in size and price accordingly. I think of anything below 7,500 mAh as a small power bank that perfect for topping up a smartphone, 7,500 to 20,000 mAh as a medium power bank good for a few recharges, and maybe an emergency top-up of a laptop, and 20,000 and above as a big power bank better suited to those wanting to charge laptops and such or who are going to be away from a power outlet for a few days.Portability: Some people want giant power banks for multi-day adventures, while others want something small they can hold in their pocket for daily charging or emergencies.Design: Some want something stylish and sleek, while others want total geekery and get something that's more like a charging computer than a simple power bank.Weight: Big power banks can really pull on your pocket or bag, so choose wisely if you intend to carry it around with you.Ports: Do you want one or two or more ports? Do you need USB-A or will USB-C be fine? These are points to consider before making a purchase.Passthrough: Do you want to be able to charge the power bank while it is charging other devices? I find this a handy feature when traveling because I can use the power bank as a charger for multiple devices so I only need a small wall charger. Show more How we test power banks I test and review a lot of power banks, and this allows me to filter through hundreds of units to find the best of the best. On top of that, I use power banks a lot when traveling or going off-grid for hiking and camping. This allows me to get real-world, hands-on experience of the product for extended periods of time. Finally, every product that I use, test, or review is thoroughly safety tested to make sure that you'll be buying a reliable, safe product.Here are the key factors I consider when testing power banks:Capacity: I've seen plenty of companies make exaggerated claims about their power bank's capacity. I charge and discharge each power bank several times to test the rated capacity to make sure that this corresponds with the capacity stated on the box.Power output: A lot of cheaper power banks might be able to hit the rated power output for short periods, but this can take a dive under heavy load or when the power bank gets warm. I test every power bank under heavy load to make sure that it can output the maximum stated output power for extended periods.Safety: If the power bank overheats in use or when charging, it doesn't make this list. Plain and simple.Robustness: How does the power bank stand up to regular use? Does the shell resist scratches and knocks? Are the ports high quality and durable? If it's going to make this list, it must be tough enough to put up with heavy use. Show more FAQs on power banks Is there a limit of the size of power bank I can take on an airline? There is, but fear not, because it's actually quite a generous limit.FAA rules (and this rule is mirrored by most aviation authorities) allow you to take a power bank with a capacity up to 100Wh or 27,000mAh without declaring it. Beyond this, you must check with the airline and declare the power bank. Show more Can you simultaneously use and charge a power bank? Most modern power banks have a feature called pass-through charging that allows you to charge it and use it to charge other devices simultaneously. This is a handy feature if you have limited number of power outlets and what to charge multiple devices -- for example, when traveling. Show more How long do power banks last? Lithium-ion batteries -- the batteries found in most power banks -- are good for about 800 recharge cycles. This means if you used a power bank daily, and each day you ran it empty before recharging it for the next day, you'd get more than two years of life.In reality, people easily get 5 years from a power bank, and normally, it's technology moving forward and making the power bank obsolete that kills it, not usage. Show more How long does charging time vary across power capacity levels? The bigger the power bank's capacity, the longer it will normally take to charge. However, this depends on a lot of factors -- from whether it charges using USB-A or USB-C, to the power output of the charger doing the charging. Show more Other power banks to considerHere are a couple of alternative power banks to consider -- all from reputable manufacturers and all offering safe, reliable charging. Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Cyberpunk 2077CDPRFortnite is the home of a million crossovers, most recently of which has included Mariah Carey, of all people. But now the game is treading into territory I am very well familiar with, releasing skins from my favorite game of all time, Cyberpunk 2077. Think Im crazy for saying that? Go and play it in its final form now. Youll get it.We now know who and what from Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Fortnite, and while I think there should have been double the amount of skins, I am not surprised with who has been picked. Heres what we know, and this stuff will hit the shop on Monday, December 23, via dataminers:V Skin (1,500 V-Bucks)Johnny Silverhand Skin (1,500 V-Bucks)Johnnys Katana (800 V-Bucks), Wrap (500) and EmoteVs Mantis Blades (800 V-Bucks), Quadra Vehicle (1,800 V-Bucks)FortniteEpicA few things to note here. First, we do not know whether this V is going to be one specific gender, or maybe both. However, Fortnite just posted an official teaser for the collab that only features female V. I would argue she is the better choice in the game itself, but as is the nature of games, she had a much lower % pick rate than male V. It seems like the obvious option here is to have both of them, but theres no word on that, or if it could be buy-one-get-one as an alternate style. Fortnite has not really dealt with the created character issue from video game crossovers much. Regardless, they are certainly sure to look like the default versions used to promote the game.Johnny showing up as the second skin is no surprise. This will be the second skin to feature Keanu Reeves likeness in the game, the first being John Wick (and before that, Fortnite had its own bootleg John Wick), This is another thing that doesnt happen often, and the only example I can think of is a double Zendaya feature for Chani from Dune and Mary Jane from Spider-Man.MORE FOR YOUFinally, Mantis Blades as a mining tool? Oh, absolutely yes. That is instantly going to be one of the coolest tools in the game, right up there with Wolverine claws, Id argue. I am guessing these are not exclusively for V, but I do wonder if they will have some sort of special pop out animation or something. Probably not, but either way, very cool.Sometimes with big crossovers Epic circles back to release more skins, and I would kill for Judy and Panam skins to join these as the other two most iconic characters from this game. But alas, we only have the leads right now.I am sure visuals of the skins will leak pretty soon, and I will be picking these up immediately. I dont think Johnny would appreciate being sold as a microtransaction in Fortnite, however. V wouldnt care so long as she got paid.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Sonic 3Sonic 3Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is not just a box office hit, projected to dominate this weekend before Christmas, but its also a critic and especially audience hit.The reviews are coming in, and with over a thousand verified ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, Sonic 3 has a 98% audience score, one of the highest of any film this year, and tied with other animated films like Transformers One and The Wild Robot, which also have 98%s (and are worth watching by all ages). It also has a very solid 85% critic score. Heres how all the movies stack up:Sonic the Hedgehog 64% critic score, 93% audience scoreSonic the Hedgehog 2 69% critic score, 96% audience scoreSonic the Hedgehog 3 85% critic score, 98% audience score.Sonic 3Rotten TomatoesObviously, we know the curse of third films in trilogies, but Sonic has defied that, and this is the best-reviewed movie across all metrics. As for its potential box office, the first film made $319 worldwide, making it enough of a hit to warrant a sequel. The second film improved and made $405 million. If that trend continues, we could be looking at a half a billion dollar haul for the third film, and no doubt this will probably lead to even more films in the future, given the trajectory of the franchise here. Sonic 3 is looking to open with $70 million or so this weekend, which puts it above the first film and right around the second. More, if it surpasses these estimates.Sonic 3 brings back the OGs James Marsden and Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba returns as Knuckles from the second film and now Keanu Reeves has been added as the infamous Shadow the Hedgehog, which it seems has gone very, very well. I havent gotten the chance to see it yet, but the trailers look awesome, and I guess it really panned out.The first Sonic the Hedgehog was one of the first batch of video game projects in the modern era that convinced people we were starting to break the video game curse of terrible adaptations. All three Sonic movies have done great, Super Mario Bros. was a megahit. Weve had incredible live action and animated video game shows like The Last of Us, Fallout, Arcane, Cyberpunk 2077 and Castlevania. This probably really kicked off with Castlevania in 2017, but that wasnt the wild breakout hit that Sonic was in 2020 in the same way.MORE FOR YOUSo, lets see what we learn about Sonic 4 in a few months, most likelyFollow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Yeah! Science! Scientists at the CERN Large Hadron Collider the most powerful particle accelerator ever built have detected the heaviest form of antimatter observed. This discovery is as significant as CERN's previous breakthroughs, like the Higgs Boson particle, B-meson decay, and hypernuclei. Scientists from the ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) at CERN's Large Hadron Collider reported evidence of a new antimatter particle called antihyperhelium-4, essentially the "evil twin" of another weird particle called hyperhelium-4. This incredibly exotic form of matter contains two antiprotons, an antineutron, and an unstable particle called an antilambda comprised of subatomic quarks.This discovery is important because it allowed physicists to study the extreme conditions of the cosmos when it was less than a second old. It also gives us insights into one of our biggest mysteries: the baryon asymmetry problem.When the universe burst into existence during the Big Bang, matter and antimatter should have existed in equal amounts. Since the opposing pairs always annihilate each other, all matter and antimatter should have converted into pure energy. Somehow, we ended up with a universe dominated by regular matter, with just a tiny bit of antimatter surviving. Studying hyperhelium and its antimatter twin could help unlock this puzzle.The discovery of antihyperhelium-4 resulted from a collision experiment performed with the LHC in 2018. It slammed together lead ions at stupendous speeds, recreating the hyper-hot conditions of the newborn universe. Researchers then used a cutting-edge machine learning model to study the data from the collision. The analysis spotted the signature of antihyperhelium-4 particles as they decayed into other particles.Also spotted was the lighter antihyperhydrogen-4. The researchers precisely measured the masses of these two particles and were able to match the data with the most current physics theories. The experiment's results confirm that matter and antimatter are created in equal portions. So, what tipped the balance if the universe started with level proportions? // Related StoriesPhysicists are still without adequate answers. However, the LHC receives occasional upgrades, like the one that installed supersized magnets for sharper beams earlier this month. Who knows what new antimatter extremes may emerge next?

Google is on a quest to push its Gemini AI chatbot in as many productivity tools, as possible. The latest app to get some generative AI lift is the Files by Google app, which now automatically pulls up Gemini analysis when you open a PDF document.The feature, which was first shared on the r/Android Reddit community, is now live for phones running Android 15. Digital Trends tested this feature on a Pixel 9 running the stable build of Android 15, and the latest version of Googles file manager app.Recommended VideosWhen users open a PDF document in the Files app and pull up Gemini via a screen gesture or the power button shortcut the chat overlay now shows an Ask about this PDF chip above it.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsTapping on this chip integrates the PDF attachment in the chatbot, readying it for the AI model to process it. Next, all you have to do is type in the relevant query, and Gemini will pull up the response in natural language after reading through it.Please enable Javascript to view this contentDigital Trends tried scientific research papers and the whole system worked flawlessly. This is one of the more thoughtful implementations of Gemini and also saves users the hassle of importing PDF files in other standalone AI apps, including the Gemini mobile app.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsHowever, if the feature is yet to appear in the Files app, users can still pull off a similar trick within the Gemini mobile app. Just open the app, tap on the + icon in the Ask Gemini chat bubble, and attach the requisite PDF file.RelatedUsers can pick a PDF file from the local storage drive, or even pull one from their Google Drive. The AI chatbot, thanks to its multi-modal capabilities, can also access and comprehend media assets lifted from the on-device gallery.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsThere is, however, a caveat. The Gemini-powered PDF analysis facility is only limited to devices running Android 15 and Google accounts that pay for Gemini Advanced access.Thankfully, you can avoid the payment hassle and still benefit from similar AI convenience by ditching Gemini. Instead, you should check out NotebookLM, one of the best AI tools from Google, which is free and can parse information from files, URLs, and even YouTube videos.Editors Recommendations

It seems to be yet another sign that hybrids are leading the charge forward as sales of electric vehicles (EVs) slow.Giant auto group Stellantis is reshuffling the planned launches of two much-awaited Ram models. The brands first electric pickup truck has been postponed to 2026, while the Ramcharger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will take center stage next year.Recommended VideosThe decision to launch Ramcharger first was driven by overwhelming consumer interest, maintaining a competitive advantage in the technology and slowing industry demand for half-ton (battery EV) pickups, Stellantis says in a statement.Please enable Javascript to view this contentOrders for the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger will open in the first half of 2025.RelatedSales of hybrids powered gains in overall EV sales in the third quarter, reaching a record 10.8% of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales. And hybrids are now considered to be as reliable as gas-powered vehicles, according to a Consumer Reports survey. They also offer a more affordable option than purely electric vehicles while freeing drivers from having to worry about finding available chargers.Meanwhile, consumer hesitations over EV charging and lifestyle changes explain why RAM delayed the launch of its all-electric pickup truck, seen as a potential rival to Teslas Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 Lightning, to 2026.As for the new Ramcharger, it promises innovations, even in the realm of plug-in hybrids. Its basically an EV with an electric range of 145 miles, but its gas generator extends the range up to 690 miles. It features a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack, paired with an onboard 130 kW generator, sending power to 250 kW front and 238 kW rear electric drive modules (EDMs).The new Ramcharger also allows vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging, giving it the flexibility to charge another Stellantis battery EV or provide power back to the grid.Editors Recommendations

Googles ongoing antitrust tussle spawned a list of sweeping policy suggestions including a proposed sale of the Chrome business by the Department of Justice. The focus of the lawsuit centers on the Search monopoly, but it has serious ramifications for Android and the overall browser situation.Now, Google has shared its own remedies proposal to the DOJs recommendations, which it claims are going far beyond what the Courts decision is actually about.Recommended VideosThe first remedy would be that partners like Apple will have the freedom to choose a browser engine of their choice. Google pays billions of dollars to top companies like Apple and Samsung so that they can push Google Search as the automatic default on their respective products.Please enable Javascript to view this contentIn the name of flexibility, Apple allows users to change the default search engine on their iPhones. And last year, an Apple executive confirmed that with iOS 17, users can set separate search engines for browsing in regular and private mode with the Safari browser.RelatedGoogle also pays rivals of the Chrome browser to favor its search engine. For example, Google funnels hundreds of millions of dollars to Mozilla each year, and that hefty sum has actually helped keep the browser-maker on its feet.The fresh proposal notes that the company would offer separate search engine deals to these companies for each platform. That means Google and Apple would ink distinct search deals for iPhone (iOS) and iPad (iPadOS) platforms, as well as browsing modes.Another interesting element of Googles proposal is the freedom to renew the partnership each year, which means the likes of Apple will have the chance to look elsewhere in the pool.[Theres] the ability to change their default search provider at least every 12 months, explains Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Google. As mentioned above, the Search situation is tied deeply to Android, and that could change dramatically if the terms are accepted.Denny Mller / UnsplashOur proposal means device makers have additional flexibility in preloading multiple search engines and preloading any Google app independently of preloading Search or Chrome, says Google.The key here is what you can call conditional licensing, where a brand has to embrace one Google service to access the other. Googles licensing deal with Android device makers for Google Mobile Services (GMS) includes certain preinstallation clauses and agreements for rival search engines.Android partners would not need to license Google Search (or Chrome) in order to preload Google Play or other Google applications on Android devices, addressing the Courts concerns about device manufacturers options to preload a rival search engine, including on an exclusive basis, says Google in its filing.Googles proposal also notes that it wont restrict its partners from preloading rival search engines or browsers on their devices. That also covers the AI field. In order to access core Google products like Search, Google Play, or Chrome, Android device makers wont have to mandatorily bundle the Gemini AI assistant.Moreover, Google also wont push for any exclusive distribution or licensing hurdles if a device-maker bundles a generative AI product that rivals Gemini. The broad idea is that Google will not impose Search as the licensing criteria for accessing other products like Play services on a device.Notably, all the remedial proposals would cover a span of three years instead of the 10-year spell requested by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. We dont propose these changes lightly, says Google, adding that they would come at a cost to its partners but still address the courts core concerns.Editors Recommendations

Blake Lively has sued her 'It Ends with Us' costar, Justin Baldoni, for sexual harassment.Lively said Baldoni, who also directed the film, tried to damage her reputation.Baldoni's lawyer told TMZ Lively sued him to "fix her negative reputation."Blake Lively sued her "It Ends with Us" costar, Justin Baldoni, for sexual harassment, retaliation, and coordinating attempts to damage her reputation.The hype around "It Ends with Us" was intense ahead of the film's August release, but much of the attention focused on the working relationship between its stars, Lively and Baldoni. Lively played Lily Bloom, and Baldoni played Ryle Kincaid. Baldoni also directed the film, and his company, Wayfarer Studios, produced it. Lively said in the lawsuit, obtained by Business Insider, that she attended an "all hands" meeting with Baldoni and "It Ends with Us" producer Jamey Heath during filming to address the "hostile work environment that had nearly derailed production of the Film." Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, also attended the meeting."Ms. Lively was forced to address concerns about Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath's misconduct with them directly, and began doing so months before filming began," according to Lively's lawsuit. "The concerns she raised were not only for herself, but for the other female cast and crew, some of whom had also spoken up."The meeting ended with all parties agreeing to a code of conduct for on-set behavior, including "no more showing nude videos or images of women, including the producer's wife," to Lively or her employees. The agreement also required "no more mention of Mr. Baldoni or Mr. Heath's previous 'pornography addiction' or BL's lack of pornography consumption to BL or to other crew members." Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images Lively says in the lawsuit that another issue arose between her and Baldoni after filming due to differing marketing strategies. Lively adhered to a "marketing plan" that focused on her character's "strength and resilience as opposed to describing the film as a story about domestic violence."Baldoni, however, "abruptly" switched marketing strategies before the film and focused on the domestic violence aspect, according to the lawsuit.During the film's press tour, social media users criticized Lively's lighthearted marketing approach, which led to a wave of backlash. In contrast, fans sided with Baldoni's approach and he emerged relatively unscathed by the fallout.Lively said in the lawsuit that Baldoni and his team engaged in "social manipulation" to "destroy" her reputation through a "sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation for Ms. Lively exercising her legally protected right to speak up about their misconduct on the set, with the additional objective of intimidating her and anyone else from revealing in public what actually occurred."The lawsuit included a series of text messages, including some between Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan. Abel is an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. Nathan is a crisis communications specialist for The Agency Group PR LLC, which Baldoni retained in early August.In one message shared with Business Insider by a representative for Lively, Abel wrote to Nathan that Baldoni "wants to feel like she can be buried," referring to Lively. Justin Baldoni starred and directed "It Ends with Us," which was released in theaters in August. John Nacion/Getty Images Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, said in a statement that claims made in Lively's lawsuit were "categorically false.""It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation, which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions," the statement said.The statement added: "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media."Freedman's statement said Wayfarer Studios decided to hire Nathan before the film's marketing campaign "due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not show up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met."A representative for Lively referred BI to a statement shared with The New York Times on Saturday."I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted," the statement said.She also told the outlet that neither she nor her representatives spread negative stories about Baldoni or Wayfarer Studios.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.