Image: GenkiAccessory manufacturer Genki has well and truly stuck its middle finger up to Nintendo in recent days, opting to openly showcase its planned accessories for the as-yet unannounced 'Switch 2' during CES 2025.Now, in a new interview with The Verge, Genki's co-founder and CEO Eddie Tsai divulged a few more details regarding the console itself, including the new magnetic Joy-Con controllers. According to Tsai, pressing the release buttons on the back of the Joy-Con causes a small pin to protrude from the side of the Joy-Con, thus pushing it away from the main body enough to break the magnetic connection.However, Tsai also states that users may be able to pry the Joy-Con away with brute force, though we'll just recommend right off the bat that you probably shouldn't even attempt to do this. With the magnets active, the Joy-Con are said to be secure enough for regular use, with the release buttons detaching the controllers from the Switch 2 with ease.Naturally, Tsai wouldn't specify how he learned of these details, but we're willing to bet that Nintendo hasn't given Genki the go-ahead to release so much information to the public. Chances are the company managed to obtain such information by other means; according to Laura Kate Dale, it's even possible that it was able to purchase a functioning Switch 2 via the black market. Yikes, Genki.When handling Genki's 'Switch 2' mock-up, The Verge claims that its size is overall more comparable to the Steam Deck than the original Switch, though because the new console's Joy-Con are not as pronounced or ergonomic as the Steam Deck's grips, it's still noticably smaller.And so, we continue to wait. Nintendo has promised an announcement before the end of March 2025, but it really feels like something may be just on the horizon. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, folks. 4.3 million Switch 2 sales predictedIt's the notes you don't playWhat are your thoughts on the new Joy-Con controllers so far? Do you prefer the proposed magnetic functionality over the current slide rails? Let us know with a comment.[source theverge.com]Share:00 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRumour: New 'Switch 2' Photos Show Off A Very Legit-Looking Joy-ConBlack and blue, not white and goldNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed yearIs This Our Best Look Yet At 'Switch 2'?Update: Genki's website now shows a new videoDigital Foundry Weighs In On 'Switch 2' Motherboard - Just How Powerful Is It?Expect lots of PS4 portsSwitch's First 'Rebootless Update' Of 2025 Is Now Live, Here Are The DetailsFollowing Version 19.0.1's rollout last October

Image: NintendoThis is a warning to all those who are yet to play Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and want to work through the mystery unspoiled: do not watch Nintendo's latest trailer for the game.Yesterday, Nintendo uploaded a new trailer for the 2024 mystery entitled 'What Lies in the Past' (we've linked it in that last sentence but won't be embedding it for obvious reasons). It's an innocent-looking title and, without any form of warning at the start, bar the age certification the Nintendo of America upload, you would be forgiven for thinking it's just another promo. Perhaps, at a stretch, the reveal of some upcoming DLC. But no, it's actually loaded with late-game content that you might want to avoid.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube791kWatch on YouTube This was brought to our attention on BlueSky by both LuigiBlood and the wonderful Jon Cartwright, each clarifying that the trailer is snipping together moments from the end of the game. Admittedly, these snippets come without context, but it does show a lot more than you might want particularly if you are already mid-way through the narrative.That trailer is using the final moments of the game, just as a warning, but I still recommend playing Emio. Even the other games in the series. Yakumono (@luigiblood.bsky.social) 2025-01-08T18:25:11.648ZEchoing @luigiblood.bsky.social do not watch this trailer! They spoil the coolest parts of the game. It actually sucks they did this Jon Cartwright (@jon.gvg.io) 2025-01-09T10:18:28.353ZIn its defence, the Nintendo UK upload does state "(Warning: This video contains spoilers!)" in the YouTube description, but it's three lines deep and, notably, after the eShop link directing you to the Emio free demo. Hardly the most preemptive warning, eh?For those who haven't been spoiled, we reckon Emio - The Smiling Man is well worth checking out. It's true that the core gameplay is a little slow and the dark marketing blew things a little out of proportion, but we still awarded it a 7/10 in our review praising the stellar writing and stating, "Once this troubling and intriguing story has its hooks in you [...] it's hard to put down". Smells like teen...MURDER?!Title deals with dark, mature themesWere you unlucky enough to have Emio spoiled by the new Nintendo trailer or have you managed to avoid it? Let us know in the comments.[source bsky.app]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 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 ArticlesRumour: New 'Switch 2' Photos Show Off A Very Legit-Looking Joy-ConBlack and blue, not white and goldNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed yearIs This Our Best Look Yet At 'Switch 2'?Update: Genki's website now shows a new videoDigital Foundry Weighs In On 'Switch 2' Motherboard - Just How Powerful Is It?Expect lots of PS4 portsZelda: Breath Of The Wild Tops Rolling Stone's 50 Best Games Of All TimeOf course it does!

Fast food.After arriving overseas at the end of last year, McDonald's restaurants across the UK have now finally got their hands on a Sonic the Hedgehog 3-themed Happy Meal, though the tie-in toys are a little different to those found in the US (thanks, Eurogamer).Yep, while our friends across the pond landed plastic figurines of Sonic and co. to mark the arrival of the third movie, UK Happy Meals instead get a range of fabric balls with the faces of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles or Shadow emblazoned on the front. There are also some, uhh, Super variants of select characters, but we won't get into that here.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Xocean, an Irish marine robotics startup that provides ocean data to the energy and hydrography industries using uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), has raised 115 million ($119 million) as it looks to expand coverage to additional sectors. Founded in 2017, Xocean has built a fleet of remotely-controlled USVs that can remain offshore for long periods of time. The vessels are equipped with sensors that capture datasets such as high-resolution depth and seafloor topography, as well as subsurface sediment layers and geological structure data, with satellites used to control the USVs and transmit data back to shore. The company counts big-name customers, including BP, Shell, and various government agencies.Xocean is the handiwork of founder James Ives, formerly CEO of tidal stream turbine developer OpenHydro, which was acquired in 2013 by French marine engineering company Naval Energies (then called DCNS) in a deal worth $173 million. Our mission is to deliver data that drives the sustainable development of our oceans in a safe, cost-effective, and ultra-low-impact way, Ives said in a statement. Xoceans investment is coming at an opportune moment. Not only is it an example of one of new wave autonomous and robotics startups emerging in the market, but it also it comes at a time when some VCs have started to rethink the thesis behind backing climate tech startups, with some increasing their focus on solutions that can be used (read: generating revenues) today. Xocean ticks that box.Oxcean founder and CEO James IvesImage Credits:XoceanOceans edgeOceans are critical to regulating the Earths climate, and theyre also ideal locations for hosting wind farms. Theyre also host to infrastructure for transferring data around the globe. Xocean helps gather data in aid of those projects, with its data used to monitor environmental changes, establish the best location for a new wind turbine installation by scanning the seabed, or run maintenance.The company has now raised around $189 million since its inception, and with its fresh cash injection it says it plans to expand its geographic presence and across multiple offshore segments, including wind energy sector; asset integrity assurance; carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS); and civil hydrography (data collection to support civil engineering projects).The companys latest investment was backed by S2G Ventures, a climate tech investment firm that last year spun out of Builders Vision, an umbrella organization for Walmart heir Lukas Waltons philanthropic efforts. Other investors include Climate Investment (CI), Morgan Stanleys 1GT fund, and an affiliate of the Crown familys CC Industries (CCI).

VLC media player, the popular open-source software developed by nonprofit VideoLAN, has topped 6 billion downloads worldwide and teased an AI-powered subtitle system.The new feature automatically generates real-time subtitles which can then also be translated in many languages for any video using open-source AI models that run locally on users devices, eliminating the need for internet connectivity or cloud services, VideoLAN demoed at CES.The firm didnt say when it planned to rollout the feature.VideoLAN started in 1996 as a project by students at Ecole Centrale Paris trying to stream videos across campus. Unlike many open-source projects that have struggled to survive on donations alone, VLC has maintained its free, ad-free model while expanding across multiple operating systems. The media player continues to operate without advertising, data collection, or commercial revenue streams.The number of active users of VLC is actually growing, even in this age of streaming services, VideoLAN president Jean-Baptiste Kempf wrote in a LinkedIn post.

The year has just begun, and Apple might already be in Sherlocking mode to create a new app for iOS called Invites. Details are still thin on what this app might look like, but it could potentially be a competitor to Evite orPartiful.According to findings in iOS 18.3 beta 2 code by 9to5Mac, Apple might be creating a new way to share invites for both in-person and online events. The report suggested that this app would be integrated with iCloud and would possibly have a web version hosted on iCloud.com as well.Apple already lets you send invites through the Calendar app for events such as meetings. However, the new Invites app might not work like calendar invites. It could be a way to share a link to a page that shows event details in a visually compelling way as well as a list of invitees think about birthday parties, weddings, school reunions, company-wide events, etc.The report suggests that Apple will be using a relatively new internal framework called GroupKit to manage groups of people, such as invitees. It also noted that Apple could release a mini app for iMessage to access the Invites app.The company hasnt officially announced anything or given any hints to indicate that users will be able to try out this new app soon.

This course covers the many aspects of creating compelling, realistic VFX in Unity. It covers a broad range of topics that will provide you with a solid understanding of the tools and processes involved in creating performant real-time visuals.Designed for beginners or intermediates in mind (with many tips and tricks for the more experienced), all of the fundemetnal areas of VFX are explored, equipping you with the tools and knowledge for you to create your own awesome VFX!Youll find the course on UDemy here: https://www.udemy.com/course/creating-realistic-vfx-in-the-unity-game-engine/?referralCode=83EB45C5C41564E9093D

Elizaveta Porodina pushes the boundaries of modern photography in her 2024-25 collaboration with New York City Ballet. All images courtesy of the artistNew York City Ballet Art Series Presents Elizaveta PorodinaJanuary 9, 2025SponsorNew York City BalletElizaveta Porodina is a renowned photographer and artist based in Munich, Germany, whose work often features surreal, symbolic narratives, blending fashion, fine art, and documentary influences. Her background in clinical psychology shapes her work with the complexities of the human experience, using photography as a medium for exploring the subconscious mind.Working in a diverse range of styles from dark, cinematic portraits to vibrant, dreamlike compositions, Porodinas photography invites the viewer to embark on a journey through time and space, drawing them into deep, sometimes ambiguous, worlds. With a keen eye for cinematic compositions and a profound connection to the emotional power of imagery, she continues to push the boundaries of modern photography in her 2024-25 collaboration with New York City Ballet.Porodinas work will be on view at three special New York City Ballet Art Series performances on January 24, 31, and February 8 eve. The evenings will include a ballet performance, viewing of the installation, and a post-performance afterparty where all tickets are priced at $54 (including fees).To learn more and purchase tickets, visit nycballet.com/artseries.Next article

Tech Solar device transforms used tires to help purify water so that it's drinkable A sustainable solution for water purification and energy generation Published January 9, 2025 6:00am EST close Solar device transforms used tires to help purify water so that it's drinkable Clean drinking water is available even in the most remote areas. Imagine a world where clean drinking water is readily available even in the most remote areas.This vision is becoming a reality thanks to innovative research from scientists in Canada.A team of scientists at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has developed a groundbreaking device that could revolutionize water desalination, offering hope to millions facing water scarcity worldwide. Floating solar still process (Dalhousie University)The power of plasmonic solar stillsAt the heart of this innovation is a floating solar still, a device that harnesses the sun's energy to purify seawater.Dr. Mita Dasog, an associate professor of chemistry and Killam Memorial chair at Dalhousie, explains the science behind it: "Refractory plasmonic nanomaterials are very good at capturing light and converting that light into heat."This principle forms the foundation of their ingenious design. The solar still, conceptualized by Dr. Matthew Margeson during his Ph.D. studies, addresses challenges that have long plagued similar devices. It minimizes thermal losses, prevents salt buildup and can withstand harsh maritime conditions. Researcher pictured next to floating solar still (Matthew J. Margeson)How it worksThe floating solar still operates through an elegantly simple yet highly effective process. First, ocean water is drawn up to the device's foam surface through a wicking system. Once the water reaches the surface, it is evaporated by solar-heated plasmonic materials. As the water vapor rises, the salt is left behind, ensuring that only purified water is collected. The vapor then recondenses on a clear plastic dome situated above the device. Finally, the purified water is funneled down the sides of the dome and collected in a sealed bag for easy access.The results of this process are impressive. In real-world tests conducted in Halifax Harbour, the device produced up to 0.97 gallons of clean water daily, which was a record-breaking yield for passive floating solar stills.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Floating solar still process (Dalhousie University)Upcycling for sustainabilityWhat sets this device apart is its use of unconventional materials. Instead of relying on expensive precious metals, the team turned to an unlikely source: used tires. Through a process called pyrolysis, carbon waste from tires is transformed into a crucial component of the desalination unit.Dr. Dasog emphasizes the importance of accessibility: "We shouldn't be making an expensive or very complicated device. It has to be easy to manufacture, last for a long time and be easy to take apart and move." This approach not only makes the technology more affordable but also addresses the environmental issue of tire waste.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Floating solar still process (Dalhousie University)Affordable water purification and energy generation in one deviceThe device's capabilities extend beyond water purification. It can simultaneously desalinate, disinfect and decontaminate water at a remarkably low cost: less than one cent per liter. It can also generate a small amount of thermoelectricity, potentially powering onboard water quality sensors.Looking aheadThe team's next step is to conduct further testing in South Asia, with the ultimate goal of making the device available worldwide. Dasog, nominated for the Emerging Leader award at the Water Canada Summit, envisions the device as a lifeline for communities displaced by war or climate change.Kurts key takeawaysAs we tackle the growing challenges of water security, innovations like the plasmonic solar still shine a light of hope. By blending cutting-edge science with sustainable materials, the researchers at Dalhousie University are doing more than just purifying water; theyre paving the way for a future that is both equitable and resourceful. This device not only makes clean drinking water accessible but also highlights how we can use renewable energy sources to address pressing global issues.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIf the sun could power one solution to improve human life, what would you want it to be? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.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 Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

Maria Diaz/ZDNET2025 just began, and it's already shaping up to be a great year for robot vacuums. We're seeing unparalleled innovation in this category at theComputer Electronics Show (CES), with futuristic technology coming to store shelves near you this year, including robotic arms and robots that can climb stairs.Also: CES 2025: The 15 most impressive products so farAs I roam the halls of CES this year, it's becoming clear that robot vacuums are not what they were even five or six years ago. With self-washing and self-emptying robots becoming the norm, the competing edge has shifted to looking for innovation elsewhere, developing more of the robotic aspects of the device. We've checked out all of the most innovative robot vacuums at CES this year, and here are our picks for the best ones.1. Roborock Saros Z70Best robot vacuum at CES 2025 Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Roborock Saros Z70 is our pick for the best robot vacuum at CES 2025. This new robot vacuum and mop with a mechanical arm will be available in the first half of the year. The five-axis arm is tucked into the robot's body and automatically deploys.During a first pass, the robot vacuum cleans your floors and takes note of any temporary objects it detects and recognizes on the floors. The Saros Z70 then does a second pass across your floors to deploy the robotic arm to pick up the objects and put them away in a predetermined spot, then cleans the spot the item occupies.Also:The best CES 2025 products you can buy right nowAs mentioned above, the Roborock Saros Z70 will be available later this year, but the price has yet to be announced.2. Dreame X50 UltraBest robot vacuum for high thresholds at CES 2025 Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Dreame X50 Ultra is a brand-new robot vacuum and mop that is a redesign of the previous model, the X40 Ultra. This robot is so unique that it can climb short steps up to 6cm in total, with new robotic legs that lift the robot as it approaches a step it can tackle.The robot vacuum has a new dual-roller brush system that directs dirt and debris toward one side of the robot's body, where the nozzle is now located. This approach prevents hair tangles expertly, as the hair slides off the roller brush towards one end, instead of staying in the middle of the brush while trying to go into the nozzle.Also:The best wearable tech we've seen at CESThe best part? The Dreame X50 Ultra's MSRP is lower than its predecessor, the $1,900 X40 Ultra. The new Dreame X50 Ultra has a $1,700 MSRP, but an early bird pre-order offer has it at only $1,310.3. Mova V50 UltraBest suction power in robot vacuum at CES 2025 Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe strongest suction in a robot vacuum on the market is from a brand you've likely never heard of. After years in Europe and Asia, Mova is entering the US market with the Mova V50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop that features 24,000Pa of suction power. This is the strongest suction we've seen so far, with the next tier featuring the Roborock Saros Z70 and Eureka J15 Max Ultra, both of which feature 22,000Pa of suction.The Mova V50 Ultra has a mopping feature with dual-rotating mop pads, an extendable side brush and mop pad, and it also features a retractable LiDAR sensor that tucks itself into the robot when it detects it needs to clean under furniture.4. Ecovacs X8 Pro OmniBest mopping robot vacuum at CES 2025 Maria Diaz/ZDNETEcovacs' new X8 Pro Omni is the company's latest robot vacuum and mop, released with an extendable OZMO roller mop instead of rotating mop pads. The mop technology, developed by partner Tineco, ensures the robot always mops your floors with clean water instead of dragging a dirty pad. The mop is continuously scrubbed clean within the robot's body, which features two separate clean and dirty water tanks.Also:CES 2025: These 9 best mobile accessories have impressed us the mostThe X8 Pro Omni, launching this spring, features 18,000Pa of suction power on the vacuum side, expert navigation that creates a real-time 3D map of its surroundings, and improved AI to navigate complex environments.5. Narwal FlowBest robot vacuum for carpets at CES 2025 Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe latest Narwal Flow is the company's new flagship robot vacuum, with a redesigned logo and new technology packed into the robot. This robot vacuum and mop also features a mop roller instead of dual rotating mop pads, but its biggest strength lies in the vacuum.The Deep Carpet Boost technology automatically increases suction when a carpet is detected and lowers the roller brush to reach deep into carpet fibers, reaching dust and dirt that other machines would otherwise miss.Honorable mentions Maria Diaz/ZDNETYeedi S14 Pro: The new Yeedi S14 features the same OZMO roller technology from the Deebot X8 Omni, with TrueEdge 2.0 adaptive cleaning and ZeroTangle 2.0 technology. This robot vacuum and mop will be available in March.Eureka J15 Max Ultra: This Eureka robot vacuum is smart enough to detect clear liquids in front of it, turn off the suction, and turn around to mop up the liquid with the mop pads. It's coming to the market in June at the $1,299 price.SwitchBot K20+ Pro: This is the best multitasking robot vacuum at CES 2025. It's a self-emptying robot vacuum with an overlaying platform that connects to the robot for navigation. The platform works to transport items around the house, but it also has various ports to connect a camera and have the robot surveil your home, for example. What is CES? The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a technology show that takes place each year in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's the biggest event of the year for the technology world, where thousands of companies showcase their latest products. Show more ZDNET Recommends