This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.The biggest AI flops of 2024The past 12 months have been undeniably busy for those working in AI. There have been more successful product launches than we can count, and even Nobel Prizes. But it hasnt always been smooth sailing.AI is an unpredictable technology, and the increasing availability of generative models has led people to test their limits in new, weird, and sometimes harmful ways. These were some of 2024s biggest AI misfires.Rhiannon WilliamsIf youre interested in the latest developments in the weird and wonderful world of AI, check out the AI Hype IndexMIT Technology Reviews highly subjective take on whats for real and whats just a lot of hallucinatory nonsense. Our latest edition features emotional robotic pets, Pokmon Go, simulated humans, and much more.Why EVs are (mostly) set for solid growth this yearIt looks as though 2025 will be a solid year for electric vehiclesat least outside the United States. (Inside the US, sales will depend on the incoming administrations policy choices.)Globally, these cleaner cars and trucks will continue to eat into the market share of gas-guzzlers as costs decline, consumer options expand, and charging stations proliferate.But ultimately, the fate of EV sales will depend on the particular dynamics within specific regions. Heres a closer look at whats likely to steer the sector in the worlds three largest markets: the US, the EU, and China. Read the full story.James TempleThis piece is part of MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series, looking across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of them here.How wind tech could help decarbonize cargo shippingInhabitants of the Marshall Islandsa chain of coral atolls in the center of the Pacific Oceanrely on sea transportation for almost everything. For millennia they sailed largely in canoes, but much of their seafaring movement today involves big, bulky, diesel-fueled cargo ships that are heavy polluters.Theyre not alone. Cargo shipping is responsible for about 3% of the worlds annual greenhouse-gas emissions, and at the current rate of growth, the global industry could account for 10% of emissions by 2050.The islands have been disproportionately experiencing the consequences of human-made climate change: warming waters, more frequent extreme weather, and rising sea levels. Now its residents are exploring a surprisingly traditional method of decarbonizing its fleets. Read the full story.Sofia QuagliaThis story is from the forthcoming magazine edition of MIT Technology Review, set to go live on January 6its all about the exciting breakthroughs happening in the world right now. If you dont already, subscribe to receive future copies.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 A Tesla Cybertruck exploded at Trumps Las Vegas hotelAuthorities are investigating if the incident is linked to a similar attack in New Orleans. (The Guardian)+ The Cybertrucks driver was killed, while seven others were injured. (Reuters)+ Both vehicles were rented using the same app, called Turo. (Insider $)+ The New Orleans suspect appears to be inspired by the Islamic State. (Economist $)2 What five years of covid has taught usHow prepared we are for future pandemics hinges on governments willingness to listen. (New Scientist $)+ Covid exposed how vulnerable global health systems are. (The Guardian)3 Americas tech industry needs imported laborEscalating tensions over the future of the H-1B visa lays that bare. (WSJ $)+ Thousands of overseas workers are trapped by the US immigration system. (Insider $)+ Tech workers had a pretty rough 2024. (Ars Technica)4 Elon Musk has support in his legal battle with OpenAITwo major tech investors have joined his cause. (WP $)5 A science journals editors have resigned over its use of AIThe Journal of Human Evolutions board is protesting how owner Elsevier used te technology to format papers. (Ars Technica)+ The worlds most expensive artist isnt a fan of AI, either. (The Guardian)6 How much will it cost to live forever?Investment in longevity firms has dropped in recent years. (FT $)+ Maybe you will be able to live past 122. (MIT Technology Review)7 Podcasts arent restricted to just audio any moreAspiring podcasters better be prepared to appear on video these days. (NY Mag $)8 Were on the verge of living in the oceanWithin five years, this ambitious project hopes to establish permanent underwater colonies. (IEEE Spectrum)9 What the year ahead holds for techElon Musk attempting to buy TikTok appears pretty inevitable. (The Information $)10 How to spend less time staring at your phone in 2025Take back control and break the habit. (Wired $)+ How to log off. (MIT Technology Review)Quote of the dayIts nothing other than business as usual for me.Sarah Perl, a Los Angeles-based content creator, tells the Wall Street Journal why shes not worried about the looming prospect of a US-wide TikTok ban.The big storyThis fuel plant will use agricultural waste to combat climate changeFebruary 2022A startup called Mote plans to build a new type of fuel-producing plant in Californias fertile Central Valley that would, if it works as hoped, continually capture and bury carbon dioxide, starting from 2024.Its among a growing number of efforts to commercialize a concept first proposed two decades ago as a means of combating climate change, known as bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration, or BECCS.Its an ambitious plan. However, there are serious challenges to doing BECCS affordably and in ways that reliably suck down significant levels of carbon dioxide. Read the full story.James TempleWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Feel like times running away with you? To slow it down, you need to shake things up.+ Sicilys cathedral of Monreale houses Italys largest Byzantine-style mosaics, and theyre truly awe-inspiring.+ If youre looking for some sci-fi short stories to get your year off to a literary start, look no further.+ How to teach yourself to love wintereven when its really freezing.

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.Choosing the right architecture firm to start or advance your career can feel like choosing between two distinct worlds. Small firms and large firms each offer unique environments, opportunities and challenges; deciding between them often depends on your personal and professional aspirations. But the differences go far beyond just size its about the kind of architect you want to become and the experiences you seek along the way.In a Small FirmImage generated by Ema Bakalova via DALLEIn a small architecture firm, theres an undeniable intimacy to the work. Team members know each other well, and the office often feels like an extended family. Youre not confined to a single role; instead, youre likely to find yourself immersed in all stages of the architectural process. One day you might be sketching initial designs, the next youre sitting in on client meetings or even overseeing construction on-site. This kind of environment is perfect for architects who thrive on variety and want to see the big picture.Ive head many of my fellow coworkers and architects who begun their career in a boutique studio, recall how transformative this experience was for them. In a small firm, youre not just designing in isolation, they explained. Youre part of every step, which means you learn to connect the dots between design, clients and construction. That close involvement can be especially rewarding for young professionals eager to develop a broad skill set early in their careers.In my opinion, starting at a large firm allows you to hone your hard skills in a more forgiving environment, while transitioning to a small firm later can provide the focus and specificity needed to truly master your craft. I find small firms to be more fulfilling, offering the opportunity to engage deeply with projects, take on greater responsibilities, and make impactful day-to-day decisions. In my experience, small firms often handle projects of manageable size, allowing me to see the entire design process from concept to completion while ensuring the work feels meaningful and rewarding.Mentorship vs PrestigeImage generated by Ema Bakalova via DALLEThe mentorship in small firms is another significant advantage. With fewer employees, senior architects often have the bandwidth to guide junior team members closely. Feedback flows naturally in this environment, allowing for rapid skill-building and personal growth. Sometimes there are trade-offs. Like I previously mentioned, small firms typically work on smaller-scale projects, and their budgets might not allow for the use of advanced technology or tools. If your ambitions lean toward designing skyscrapers or city-wide master plans, this setting might feel limiting over time.On the other end of the spectrum, large architecture firms represent a completely different reality. These firms, often with hundreds or thousands of employees, handle projects that shape city skylines and define urban experiences. Working for a globally recognized name carries a certain prestige. Its the chance to be part of something monumental, whether its a cutting-edge airport terminal or a world-class cultural institution.Early in your career, working at a large firm can offer exposure to an incredible breadth of experiences the work, the people, the projects and the clients. Even if your role feels small amidst hundreds of employees, you gain invaluable insights and learn a great deal by observing and collaborating with others.In a Large FirmImage generated by Ema Bakalova via DALLEMany large firms thrive on specialization. Within these organizations, architects often focus deeply on specific aspects of a project, such as sustainable design, faade engineering or parametric modeling. While this can feel narrow to some, its also an opportunity to become an expert in your chosen niche. A friend of mine, an architect with a decade of experience at a global firm, speaks to the scale of opportunities. Ive collaborated with teams from across the world, from Tokyo to Dubai, he shares. The exposure to diverse cultures and innovative approaches has been invaluable.Beyond the projects themselves, large firms boast impressive resources. State-of-the-art software, research divisions and generous budgets enable architects to push boundaries in ways smaller firms often cant. Structured professional development programs and clear career progression paths are common, offering stability and long-term growth. Yet, working in such a vast organization can have its downsides. Bureaucracy and slower decision-making processes can frustrate architects who value creative autonomy. Additionally, its easy to feel like a small cog in a massive machine, where individual contributions might not always feel visible.Experiencing Both EnvironmentsImage generated by Ema Bakalova via DALLEDeciding between small and large firms ultimately comes down to personal preference and career goals. If you dream of designing homes or intimate community spaces, a small firm may be the perfect match. If you envision your designs having a global impact or want to delve into large-scale infrastructure, a big firm could be your ideal fit. Your learning style might also guide your choice. Some architects thrive in a small firms hands-on, generalist environment, while others prefer the structured, specialized learning opportunities of a large firm.Work-life balance is another factor to consider. Small firms might offer flexibility but often require longer hours due to tighter resources. Large firms, on the other hand, tend to have well-defined boundaries and comprehensive benefits, though the pressure of high-profile projects can be intense. These are generalizations and examples, but they can vary significantly depending on the specific company and team dynamics.Many architects find that experiencing both environments over the course of their careers brings the best of both worlds. Starting in a small firm can provide a strong foundation in practical skills and project management, while transitioning to a large firm later can open doors to advanced tools and global exposure. Conversely, architects who begin in large firms might eventually move to smaller practices to regain creative freedom and a sense of ownership over their work (as this is what I observe most often).Navigating your career in architecture is rarely a linear path. It requires reflection and flexibility, as your goals and circumstances may evolve over time. Researching firms thoroughly, attending industry events and connecting with professionals who have worked in various settings can provide valuable insights as you make your decision. Ultimately, whether you choose a small or large architecture firm, the goal is to align your choice with your ambitions and values. Each type of firm offers unique lessons and opportunities, and both can contribute meaningfully to your growth as an architect. By understanding the dynamics of these two worlds, youll be better equipped to craft a fulfilling and purposeful career in architecture.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.The post Scaling Your Career: What Small and Large Firms Offer Architects appeared first on Journal.

Retro and vintage photography is making a major comeback as photographers embrace the charm of timeless aesthetics. This style combines nostalgic elements with modern techniques, offering endless creative opportunities to evoke emotion and storytelling in your images. Whether youre drawn to film photography or want to replicate vintage vibes digitally, heres how to master this enduring trend in 2025.Understanding retro and vintage aestheticsRetro and vintage photography is all about capturing the look and feel of a bygone era. This can include the use of muted tones, grainy textures, and classic compositions to create a sense of nostalgia. Choosing the right subjectSelect subjects that naturally evoke a vintage feel, such as old architecture, vintage cars, or timeless fashion. Pairing these subjects with era-appropriate props, like rotary phones or analog cameras, adds an authentic touch to your composition.Leveraging natural lightNatural light plays a crucial role in achieving a vintage aesthetic. Soft, diffused lighting, such as the kind found during golden hour or on overcast days, can help mimic the feel of classic film photography. Techniques for achieving a retro lookBringing retro vibes to your photography doesnt require a full switch to analog gearthough shooting with film is a fantastic way to achieve an authentic vintage look. Digital photographers can also replicate this style with a few key techniques.Film photographyIf youre venturing into film photography, choose a camera that matches the era you want to emulate. Experiment with expired film for unpredictable, nostalgic results, or opt for color-negative film for a softer, muted look. Digital replicationDigital cameras allow you to replicate vintage styles with more control. Adjust your settings to prioritize softer contrasts and lower saturation. Use in-camera filters or presets designed to mimic classic film stocks like Kodak Portra or Fujifilm Superia. This allows you to experiment with a retro aesthetic while maintaining the flexibility of digital editing.Composition tips for retro photographyThe composition is key to reinforcing a vintage feel. Pay attention to the framing, subject placement, and overall scene balance.Symmetry and simplicityRetro photography often leans on symmetry and clean lines, which reflect the classic, minimalist styles of earlier decades. Frame your subject using leading lines or natural shapes to guide the viewers eye. Layering for depthAdd layers to your photos by including foreground elements like curtains, plants, or reflections. These details create depth and lend a cinematic feel to your images.Adding texture and grainA hallmark of vintage photography is the texture and grain inherent to film. To mimic this digitally, consider these approaches.Shooting at high ISOUse a higher ISO setting to introduce natural-looking grain, especially in low-light conditions. Modern cameras allow for precise control over noise levels, so experiment with how much grain suits your composition.Post-processingApply film grain effects during editing to replicate the look of analog film. Subtle texture adjustments, like adding scratches or vignettes, can further enhance the vintage vibe. Avoid over-editing, as this can detract from the authenticity of the style. Capturing timeless emotionsRetro photography thrives on storytelling. Convey timeless emotions by focusing on candid moments, intimate portraits, or nostalgic themes. The goal is to transport viewers back in time through both the subject and the mood of your images.Additional tips for retro and vintage photographyExplore black-and-white: Monochrome images are inherently timeless and can enhance the nostalgic quality of your photos.Use vintage lenses: Pair your digital camera with vintage lenses for unique characteristics, such as soft focus or natural lens flares.Keep an eye on wardrobe: If photographing people, suggest era-appropriate outfits to reinforce the vintage narrative. Retro and vintage photography taps into universal feelings of nostalgia and familiarity, making it an evergreen trend. Whether youre shooting film or working digitally, the key to success lies in your attention to detail, composition, and ability to evoke emotion. Use these techniques to give your photos a timeless quality that resonates in 2025 and beyond.Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.The post Reviving nostalgia through retro photography appeared first on 500px.

Lean and mean games that you can finish without having to smother your social life with a pillow obviously have undeniable appeal, but the draw of a gargantuan experience that promises endless dozens of hours of gameplay can be hard to resist (if the game is good, at least). Weve had several such games in 2024, and with the year winding down, here, were going to talk about the ones that stood out to us the most.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: HEART OF CHORNOBYLS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2made grand promises about its size and scope leading up to launch, and it makes good on those promises without a shadow of doubt. Even seeing the main story alone to completion requires a hefty time investment, but if youre trying to experience every single thing the game has to offer, youreeasilygoing to clock in at least a hundred hours, if not more.MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024is exactly the sort of game for you if you like pouring endless hours into a single game. Like its 2020 predecessor, it lures you in with the promise of a large, authentically recreated digital twin of our planet and flight simulation mechanics, while this time, theres an even greater amount of content and attention to detail in general to be impressed with. Chances are, if the game gets its hooks in you, youre going to keep going back to it for some time to come.LIKE A DRAGON: INFINITE WEALTHA longLike a Dragongame? Whod have thunk, eh? Of course, almost dauntingly long runtimes have been a key characteristic ofYakuzagames for a long time now, but even by the series standards,Infinite Wealthis particularly beefy. Even the quickest of playthrough of this colossal RPG can easily take between 50-60 hours, but players who want to experience everything in the game are easily looking at over a hundred hours.FINAL FANTASY 7 REBIRTHEpic doesnt begin to describe the scope ofFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth.Square Enix truly went all out with this game, as illustrated by just how much has been crammed into the experience. This is a massive open world RPG that if, in addition to the main story, youre also doing all of the side quests and every single side activity while taking the time to thoroughly explore each map can keep you glued to your screen for upwards of even 150 hours.PALWORLDIn its early access form, Palworldisnt technically a finished game, but Pocketpairs open world survival MMO is still a sizeable game. How sizeable exactly? Well, given its genre, it is designed around being highly replayabe, which gives it an inherent leg up in this area. Though a 30-40 hour playthrough is technically enough to get through the games critical path,Palworldhas enough meat on its bones to keep you occupied for more than twice as long.HELLDIVERS 2The beauty of endlessly playable live service multiplayer games likeHelldivers 2(i.e. the good ones, which is admittedly a bit of a rare breed) is that you can play them almost infinitely. Not literally, maybe, but Arrowhead Game Studios co-op shooter is so incredibly well made and boasts such a strong core gameplay loop that many have already clocked an almost unreasonable amount of time into the game since it came out earlier this year.ONCE HUMANStarry Studios open world multiplayer survival gameOnce Humanis definitely a flawed piece, with issues such as some tedious mechanics, combat issues, rough storytelling, and more dragging it down. There is, however, plenty to enjoy here as well, and if that stuff does end up grabbing you, the good news for you is thatOnce Humanhas no shortage of content to get lost in.THRONE AND LIBERTYWeve mentioned a few multiplayer-centric games here that find different ways to keep players coming back- but that is, of course, baked into the very DNA of an MMORPG. That is admittedly a genre with a historically low hit rate, and though Amazon GamesThrone and Libertyis far from perfect, itdoesgive players plenty of reasons to keep diving into its fantasy world. Grindiness may be an issue, but at least theres plenty to do.TEKKEN 8A good fighting game has several tricks up its sleeve to keep players glued over a prolonged period of time, andTekken 8is one of the very best fighters out there, which means this is the sort of game that you can completely lose yourself to. You can technically see the game through to full completion in under 20 hours, butTekken 8delivers one of the most addictive and captivating fighting experiences out there, which means pouring in that amount of time multiple times over is very much conceivable.DRAGON BALL: SPARKING! ZERODragon Ball: Sparking! ZEROis a very different kind of fighting game fromTekken 8, but it, too, is not only good enough, but also substantial enough to keep players busy forlongstretches. The core mechanics are immaculate, theres plenty of content on offer, and the roster is stupidly crowded.Dragon Ballfans can spend days upon days just pitting an infinite combination of characters against each other.RISE OF THE RONINTeam Ninjas open world debut did not go as well as many would have hoped, andRise of the Roninis certainly nowhere near as good as theNiohgames, but though its got its share of rough edges, its also undoubtedly a large game. It does suffer from rote and repetitive design, which means not everyone may have the patience for everything that the game encompasses, but given the fact that the combat and traversal mechanics always remain highly enjoyable at their core, spending close to a hundred hours playingRise of the Roninmight have some appeal.SATISFACTORYOver five years in early access had assured many thatSatisfactorywould be good, and sure enough, its good. How good? Well, just its main story alone requires over a hundred hours, while a completionist run is going to take you roughly twice as long. And in spite of those daunting demands, this is still a game that those whove played it will heartily will recommend to you. Thats how goodSatisfactoryis.DRAGONS DOGMA 2Sticking to the critical path to finish the main story will see you putting roughly 25-30 hours intoDragons Dogma 2, but honestly, thats one of the worst possible ways to play this game. Capcoms open world action RPG constantly begs players to go off the beaten path, mess around with its sandbox systems, follow your curiosity, and be distracted by the abundant optional content on offer. Theres lots to do inDragons Dogma 2, the majority of which is a blast, to the extent that even a comprehensive 100-hour playthrough can pass by in a flash.ELDEN RING: SHADOW OF THE ERDTREEFrom Software has made it a habit of delivering expansive, action RPGs that can keep you busy for long, long stretches, and Elden Rings expansion Shadow of the Erdtree doesnt buck that trend. From a lengthy critical path line to plentiful side content to a number of difficult to find secrets, Shadow of the Erdtree has no shortage of things to do- and thanks to its slick combat, engrossing boss fights, and eye-popping art style, youre going to have an absolute blast as youre doing all of it.GRANBLUE FANTASY: RELINKSimply playing through its main story is a solid enough way to get a taste ofGranblue Fantasy: Relink, but Cygames action RPG is at its best when you truly dive into its co-op offerings, optional content, and its sizeable endgame. Repetitive quest design and grindy progression can be grating, but the games pros outweigh its cons, which is why so many of its players have happily sunk over a hundred hours into it.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of PlayStation, Herman Hulst, CEO of the companys Business Group spoke about the future of the Sonys plans for cross-platform releases in the future. Speaking to Famitsu, Hulst speaks about the success of co-op shooter Helldivers 2, its cross-platform release on PC and PS5, and plans for the future.Hulst places an emphasis on the fact that live-service titles tend to require a strong player-base to justify continued development. This means that PlayStation needs to get new players on to its releases, and this can only happen by expanding the scope of a games release outside of PlayStation hardware.Since live service titles are released on multiple platforms, the key to success is how to attract new players and increase the number of players, said Hulst when asked about the game. Therefore, maintaining momentum at the time of release and broad player adoption are especially important in the live service sector.Hulst goes on to talk about how, while Helldivers 2 was a big hit, single-player releases are still a key aspect of the appeal behind PlayStation consoles. This essentially means that the company will continue to work on its single-player games while also expanding the audience on PC. This indicates that, while we might continue to get single-player PlayStation games on PC, multiplayer titles will also get strong support by integrating PlayStation Network with its PC games.Single-player games are a key component of the PlayStation platforms appeal, and each title has a strategic sales period, he said. While consoles remain our core business, expanding to PC and other platforms will allow us to bring our games to a wider audience. Our priority is always to provide the best possible experience for our players, and as part of that, we are also promoting the integration of PSN accounts on PC.Hulst also talks about expanding PlayStations releases on to other platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch. When asked about the release of LEGO Horizon Adventure on PC, PS5 and Nintendo Switch, Hulst said that release plans tend to depend on the game, and what would be the best way to reach a wider audience.Live service titles are released on multiple platforms because it is important for multiple players to be able to play the game together, said Hulst. For other titles, we will consider and decide on the best sales format for the players and the company.Over the last few years, Sony has seen quite a bit of success by releasing its titles on PC. While multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 saw a simultaneous release across platforms, the company is still cautious about its single-player games. Titles like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War Ragnark, for example, have only been released on PC a few years after they were originally released on consoles.The release and success of Helldivers 2 itself indicates a larger plan for PlayStation to bring its multiplayer titles to PC alongside PS5 in order to garner and maintain a strong player-base, since these types of titles tend to require larger player numbers in order to justify continued development of content.

In a recent interview with Famitsu, PlayStation boss Herman Hulst speaks about the upcoming PlayStation game he is most excited for: Ghost of Yotei.While Hulst acknowledges that picking just one first-party title can be a tough order for him considering PlayStations prolific output, Sucker Punchs Ghosts of Yotei seems to be of particular note owing in large part to the studios history in making critically-acclaimed games in the past.It is very difficult to single out just one game or studio, as we have high expectations for all the projects currently in development, but the announcement of Ghost of Yotei by Sucker Punch Productions, which has produced a number of masterpieces in the past, is very special, said Hulst. The announcement of Ghost of Yotei by Sucker Punch Productions, which has produced many masterpieces in the past, was a special one.Ghost of Yotei, the upcoming sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, was announced with a trailer back in September. As part of the announcement, we learned quite a few things about the upcoming adventure game, including the fact that it will feature a female protagonist, and will be set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima.The game will also feature more expanded gameplay features. Back in September, developers of the game revealed in an interview that players will have more control over the overall story of the game than they did in Ghost of Tsushima. While the preceding title allowed players a choice of which missions to take on, the games plot was more-or-less set in stone, with little in the way of options for players to affect the story as a whole.Ghost of Yotei is slated to be the first major single-player release by a first-party PlayStation studio in 2025, and back in November, Sony has stated that this will be the start of a trend. The company has plans of releasing a major single-player game every year starting from 2025. Currently, however, no other new releases aside from Ghost of Yotei have been revealed.For more details about Ghost of Yotei, here is everything you should know about the 2025 single-player title.

Stardew Valley reaches 41m lifetime sales | News-in-briefSince its 2016 launch, the open-ended RPG has sold over 26 million copies on PC and 7.9 million on Nintendo SwitchImage credit: ConcernedApe News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Jan. 2, 2025 This is a News-in-brief article, our short format linking to an official source for more information. Read more about this story by following the link below:Stardew Valley reaches 41m lifetime sales

Just a few days after LG announced its CES 2025 lineup of monitors, Samsung is doing the same. The company just introduced several new models, and perhaps the most impressive among them is the Odyssey OLED G81SF. Its a 27-inch 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, 0.03ms response time, a glare-free display, and rear-core lighting with 52 color options. Samsung is also including a number of burn-in protection measures to ensure that the Odyssey G81SFs screen looks pristine for years to come. The G8 is likely to be using the latest and greatest OLED panel from Samsung Display.Next up is the Odyssey OLED G60SF also a 27-inch OLED monitor with a QHD resolution and an impressive 500Hz refresh rate that Samsung says effectively eliminates lag and motion blur for ultra-smooth gameplay during critical moments.In 2025, Samsung is also finally shipping the Odyssey 3D monitor it first teased at least years CES. It lets you experience 3D visuals without any special glasses by using a lenticular lens on the front panel. Eye tracking monitors the movement of both eyes using a built-in stereo camera, while view mapping continuously adjusts the image to enhance depth perception, Samsung said in its press release. The Odyssey 3D only comes in a 27-inch 4K size; the larger 37-inch display mentioned last year has apparently been scrapped. The company says it offers a rapid 1ms gray-to-gray response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate.Samsungs Smart Monitor series is making the switch to OLED. Image: SamsungThat does it for the gaming-focused monitors, but Samsung is also announcing two others that are more focused on everyday productivity. The SmartMonitor series is finally going OLED with the new Smart Monitor M9. And this year, Samsung is throwing in a ton of AI capabilities including AI Picture Optimizer. Like on its TVs, this feature analyzes input signals to determine the type of content being viewed such as gaming, video, or productivity applications and automatically adjust the display settings for the best visual experience. This also works for gaming and can detect the genre of what youre playing.AI Upscaling Pro can make lower-res content look crisper at the M9s 4K resolution, and the monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz. Thats a significant upgrade from the M8, which topped out at 60Hz. Samsung says moving to OLED also allows for a new ultra-slim design for the Smart Monitor M9 that should take up considerably less desk space.The last monitor being announced (at least for today) is the only non-OLED model of the bunch. The new 37-inch ViewFinity S8 has a 16:9 aspect ratio, a built-in KVM switch, 90W USB-C passthrough charging, and covers 99 percent of the sRGB color gamut. Peak brightness for this 4K display tops out at 350 nits, which should be perfectly suitable for anything youll be doing at a desk.Pricing and release dates are still to come, but The Verge will be in Las Vegas for CES 2025 in a matter of days. So you wont have to wait much longer for some first-hand impressions of Samsungs new monitors.

27-inch 4K OLED 240Hz monitors seem to be like buses: you wait ages for one and then three turn up at once. Asus, Samsung, and MSI are all announcing the industrys next-generation QD-OLED gaming monitors that offer the benefits of 4K OLED 240Hz panels at the smaller 27-inch size instead of 32 inches.All three appear to be using the same fourth generation QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display, which Asus says offers a longer lifespan over previous-gen OLEDs. Both the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED (who names these things?) include DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20), which offers 80Gbps of bandwidth to support 4K at 240Hz without the need for Display Stream Compression (DSC). Samsungs press release about its Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF) doesnt mention DisplayPort 2.1a compatibility, but its reasonable to assume its part of the spec list.Asus latest OLED monitor has a 26.5-inch viewable display. Image: AsusSamsungs Odyssey G8 now comes in a 27-inch OLED 4K 240Hz variant. Image: SamsungMSI and Asus models both support DisplayHDR True Black 400, and Asus also supports Dolby Vision HDR. Both MSI and Asus are offering a three-year warranty that includes burn-in protection, but Samsung hasnt confirmed its warranty situation for its latest G8 model. Samsung also hasnt fully detailed the specs of its latest G8 OLED model, but its reasonable to assume it will support DisplayHDR True Black 400 at the minimum.Interestingly, Asus model only has a 26.5-inch viewable display, but both MSI and Samsung are marketing their monitors as 27-inch ones. With all three offering the 0.03ms response times of OLED, 240Hz refresh rates, and above 160PPI, the choice will really come down to design, features, and pricing. Unfortunately, Samsung, Asus, and MSI havent announced release dates or pricing yet.

2025 has kicked off with even more Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, although this time theyre accompanied by a fresh patent that suggests the console includes exciting new tech.Lets start with the patent, filed July 2023 but published for the first time just this week. As noted by Eurogamer, the patent describes AI image upscaling technology that would help keep video game download sizes small enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while offering up to 4K textures.Now for the leak. Again, as noted by Eurogamer, we have a look at what appears to be the Switch 2s internal components. It tallies with information suggested by previous image leaks that have helped give us a decent idea of what to expect from Nintendos next-gen console.Heres what we know for sure: Nintendo has confirmed that the yet-to-be-announced Switch 2 will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will feature Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo has also said it will announce the Switch 2 by the end of March 2025, which means the reveal is fast approaching. As for a release date, the console is not expected to launch during Nintendo's current financial year, so it will arrive April 2025 at the earliest.In September, unverified images a mix of Computer-aided design (CAD) images and printed circuit board (PCB) photos that were said to have originated from a Chinese website before making their way onto Reddit, depicted a device similar to the existing Switch console, but with a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Cons. There is a USB-C port on the top and bottom of the console, which you can see in the latest leaked images above.Accompanying the images was an alleged specifications list that mentioned 12GB of RAM (the original Switch has 4GB), and 256GB of internal storage (the original Switch has 32GB). Theres a new "C" button on the right Joy-Con, too.We even have developers outright saying they plan to release their upcoming games on the console, with others teasing a Switch 2 release for their games. When Switch 2 does eventually come out, Nintendo expects to have plenty of stock available, which in turn will hopefully combat scalping.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.