MacworldMost monitors sit on a desk and dont move any more than their stand or arm allows. We have a separate round up of the best monitors for Mac. But sometimes a more portable solution makes sense when the MacBooks own screen simply isnt large enough. There are two main types of portable display: travel monitors that can be slipped into a backpack; or moveable monitors that can be carried from one room to another or quickly hidden from sight when not in use.Here are our picks for the best portable displays to match with your Mac.1. Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display: Lightweight portable USB-C 15.6-inch HD screen ProsFull HD (19201080 at 60Hz) IPS displayLightweight Integrated folding travel cover and stand85W pass-through charging2x downstream 10Gbps USB-C portsConsHD not 4KNot much larger than a laptop screenBest Prices Today: RetailerPricePlugable$239.95View DealCheckPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSize: 15.6-inchResolution: 2K (19201080 pixels) aka HDConnections: 3x USB-CWebcam: NoStand: FoldableOrientation: LandscapeThis 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display doubles most laptops screen space and is simple to setup and connect, and then disconnect and lightweight enough to carry away when youre done.Weighing just 1.85lb (840g) with its cover/stand or 1.35lb (615g) without, it is barely noticeable alongside your laptop in your backpack or briefcaseOn the back of the display is a detachable PU vinyl cover that can protect the screen in transit or storage and doubles up as a foldable stand that is easy to setup.Simon JaryRead our full Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Display review 2. Asus ZenScreen MB249C: Large but portable 24-inch HD screen ProsLarge HD screen areaSturdy built-in and foldable kickstandOffers USB-C for easy single-cable connectionsGood image qualityConsToo large for a backpackHD not 4KBest Prices Today: RetailerPriceCheckPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSize: 24-inchResolution: 2K (19201080 pixels) aka HDConnections: USB-C or HDMI to hostWebcam: NoStand: FoldableOrientation: LandscapePortable monitors are usually associated with travel but, in reality, most never leave the home or office theyre shipped to. Many purchase portable monitors not for their portability but instead their versatility and ease of useso it can be moved across a home or corporate office. At home, it could let you have two home office setups without having to purchase two monitors, or simply store the monitor out of sight in a cupboard when not in use. In an office, it could be carried to meetings if you need to lead a presentation or study a large spreadsheet. Ive been on many a call, trying to keep on track on my MacBook as the presenter talks through a complex Excel doc. As large a portable monitor as possible is what you need in those situationsor a wide TV screen.The Asus ZenScreen MB249C pairs a sizable 24-inch screen with several stand options including a kickstand/handle that makes it easy to tote around a house or corporate office. It provides excellent image quality for its intended purpose. Its bright enough and scores well in contrast, color gamut, and color accuracy, all while avoiding notable problems or pitfalls.The MB249C is a great choice for a second decent-sized monitor, too, as it offers multiple ways to mount and orient it alongside your primary monitor.Matthew S. SmithRead a full Asus ZenScreen MB249C review on PCWorld.3. UPerfect Delta Max Touch: Stacked dual-screen monitor ProsQuality dual HD screensFoldableFlexible adjustmentsConsTouch basic and sporadicScant instructionsBest Prices Today: RetailerPriceCheckPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSize: 2x 18.5-inchResolution: 2x 2K (19201080 pixels) aka HDConnections: USB-C or Mini-HDMI to hostWebcam: NoStand: FoldableOrientation: LandscapeThe standard way of adding more than one external display is to have two external monitors side by side, creating a wide extended screen display. A vertically stacked monitor, such as the UPerfect Delta Max Touch, can be more ergonomic as the body doesnt need to frequently turn left and right. The line of sight remains directly in front of the user, reducing frequent rotation of the neck. It looks sleek in black aluminum, with a built-in stand folded flush to the outside of the lower screen. You can modify the angle of the stand to adjust the height and angle of the screen to suit your best working posture. The central hinge also allows for flexible adjustment of the two screens to a comfortable and ergonomic angle when used in either a stacked arrangement or folded back on itself to share meeting content with people facing yousay, so you looking at one screen and the clients on the other side of the meeting seeing the other.The screens are supposed to feature touch controls and while its definitely there the touch functionality is basic at best and awkward in use. Ignore this aspect and just see this portable monitor as a great solution if you want a good-looking, well-built and super-adjustable portable extended dual screen that connects to your laptop for a more spacious screen experience. The ability to run off two computers and the flexibility to bend right back to offer front and back mirrored screens could be the solutions you are looking for in a adaptable dual-screen display.This is a dual display that can be folded and stored out of sight when working from home, or commuted short distances to an office or farther afield in a car. Theres a larger non-touch version that we have in the test labs right now. TheDelta Megaversion is larger with dual 23.8-inch screens that work even better with chart or spreadsheet work. Once reviewed, well update this feature.Read our full UPerfect Delta Max Touch Dual Screen Monitor review 4. Limink LK14 Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor: Best screen extender for portability ProsAdds two 14-inch screensPortableEasy setupConsHD, not 4KBest Prices Today: RetailerPriceLimink$499View DealCheckPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSize: 14-inchResolution: 2K (19201080 pixels) aka HDConnections: USB-C or HDMI to hostWebcam: NoStand: ConnectedOrientation: LandscapeIf you need a bigger screen you can plug a display into your Mac laptop, but if you want multiple screens without the giant extra monitors, a better option is to buy a portable external display. These displays tend to not be much larger than the display on your laptop, but they dont add a much more weight and can more than double your screen space.The Limink LK14 portable Tri-screen Monitor is a screen extender that your MacBook fits into and adds a 14-inch screen either side of the laptops own. It is compatible with 13-16-inch MacBooks, and connects via either USB-C or HDMI cables (included).Setup is easy and you can attach and detach this extender to your MacBook in about a minute.Its HD rather than 4K and so is not as sharp and clear as the MacBooks own. But its fine for spreadsheets, browsers and other mainstream applications. Its great for adding supplementary screen estate when youre on a video call, or for presentations.At $699, it is expensive, but you are paying for portability and two decent screens. The whole package, which comes with a leather protective cover, can be folded up and placed in a drawer when not in use, and is light enough (3.3lbs; 1.5kg) to take with you on your travels.Simon JaryRead our full Limink LK14 Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor review 5. Arovia Splay: Ultra-portable, foldable monitor and projector ProsFoldable displayConverts into projector Power bank functionConsHigh costBest Prices Today: RetailerPriceCheckPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSize: 24.5-inchResolution: 2K (19201080 pixels) aka HDConnections: HDMI to hostWebcam: NoStand: FoldableOrientation: LandscapeThis clever display is actually an LED Pico projector that can transform into a fold-out 24.5-inch monitor via a collapsible shroud that surrounds the projector as it projects the image from your computer via the HDMI connection. The price is high but this portable all-environment, 2-in-1 screen might solve your display needs away from a standard desk setup.Setup is easy and theres a useful video available for teaching you all its tricks. When collapsed the whole thing fits into a small box a bit larger than an iPad mini or over-ear headphones case (see our photo above), albeit quite a fat one, at 9.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches. It weighs 2.5lbs (1.1kg), so combined with the foldability its more portable than traditional fixed and firmer monitors.The 24.5-inch screen displays a native 1920 x 1080 resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio, with a max brightness of 760 nits in display mode.While the nanomaterial screen is flexible, it is taut and wrinkle-free. You adjust focus and brightness via controls on the top of the projector body. Comapred to a standard hard monitor its not as great for reading a lot of small text on the screen but its target function for viewing from distance.The Splay is marketed at on-the-road presentations and trade shows, videos, but it would work as well for showing videos at home or on a camping trip when a laptop just isnt large enough. The 44Wh battery should keep the screen bright for up to four hours and handily can triple-up as a power bank to top up your phone or laptop via USB-C. It has stereo speakers built-in, with volume controls on the projector.A 35-inch version of the Splay is planned for launch in August.

US President Donald Trumps announcement Friday that the US government is taking a 9.9% stake in Intel to defend national interests will shift the dynamics of IT procurement globally.Intels new identity as a government-backed national champion represents a structural shift in how enterprises must evaluate supplier relationships, said Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst at Greyhound Research. Technology buyers have framed procurement primarily in terms of cost, performance, and roadmap alignment. Intels repositioning disrupts that calculus.President Trump rounded up the size of the governments stake when he announced it on Truth Social: It is my Great Honor to report that the United States of America now fully owns and controls 10% of INTEL, a Great American Company that has an even more incredible future.The United States paid nothing for these Shares, and the Shares are now valued at approximately $11 Billion Dollars., Trump wrote.Intels version was a little different: It said that the US government will make an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock, reflecting the confidence the Administration has in Intel to advance key national priorities and the critically important role the company plays in expanding the domestic semiconductor industry.The truth lies somewhere in between: The $8.9 billion comprises the capitalization of a $3.2 billion grant from the Department of Defenses Secure Enclave program and $5.7 billion in remaining CHIPS Act grants which, with the $2.2 billion in CHIPS Act grants Intel has already received, make up Trumps $11 billion figure.The deal makes the US government Intels largest shareholder, although it will have no representation on Intels board, and has agreed to vote with the board on shareholder matters. Intel has also given the government the right to purchase an additional 5% stake if the company loses majority control of its foundry business, it said.As the only semiconductor company that does leading-edge logic R&D and manufacturing in the US, Intel is deeply committed to ensuring the worlds most advanced technologies are American made, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said in the statement.The new procurement realityThis recasting of Intels role in the industry as a government-backed national champion creates a fundamental shift in supplier evaluation, moving beyond traditional cost-performance metrics to include political considerations.Neil Shah, VP for research at Counterpoint Research, agreed: With Intels growing role as a national champion, IT leaders need to recalibrate their procurement strategies. Intels government-backed status provides a more robust supply chain, reducing disruption risk from global geopolitical tensions.The recalibration becomes more complex when considering Intels dual role as a commercial vendor and national security asset, which creates potential conflicts enterprises must understand when evaluating future technology roadmaps.The core concern centers on resource allocation. The risk for commercial customers is that engineering bandwidth may be diverted away from accelerating competitive product roadmaps in AI, data-center silicon, and edge workloads, Gogia warned.However, Dr. Danish Faruqui, CEO at Fab Economics, disputed this concern: R&D resource allocations for developing leading edge fabrication technologies are the same for both public and private productization, so enterprise customers should not worry about delay in technology maturity.National security vs financial securityThe impact may be more subtle, affecting Intels commercial focus. Shah noted that government support could lead Intel to prioritize national security initiatives over commercial needs, potentially impacting its product roadmaps and cost competitiveness.Beyond these resource allocation concerns, the US governments move creates a two-tiered global market structure affecting enterprises differently based on geographic location and regulatory requirements.International enterprises face the most significant challenges. For European and Asian CIOs, Intels government-backed monopoly raises concentration risk, as supply will inevitably be prioritized for US customers, Gogia warned.Paradoxically, Intels government support could strengthen competition by freeing rivals from confrontation with a subsidized competitor. Shah suggested this could create an opening for rivals like AMD, Nvidia, and Qualcomm to innovate more freely in commercial markets.The competitive landscape benefits from broader CHIPS Act funding. Faruqui emphasized that domestic sourcing extends beyond Intel: Whether leading edge fabrication happens at Intel, TSMC or Samsung foundry on US soil, there should not be any forced choices for customers.Concerns persist for Intels foundry businessThese competitive dynamics become particularly relevant when examining Intels foundry division, where government backing provides financial stability, but analysts questioned whether this resolves fundamental business challenges.The deal offers crucial breathing room for Intels struggling manufacturing-for-hire business, according to Alvin Nguyen, senior analyst at Forrester. This $8.9B investment provides a financial lifeline as they find foundry customers and develop new processes, said Nguyen. However, he cautioned that this does not mean the risks associated with their foundry business are gone.The core issue remains attracting customers rather than capital availability. Gogia explained that despite substantial subsidies, the foundry division continues posting multi-billion-dollar losses with limited customer traction. The problem, he noted, is that subsidies extend Intels financial runway but dont address structural competitiveness weaknesses such as yield rates and process maturity that customers demand.Industry experts emphasized that government cash alone cannot solve market-driven challenges. US government equity holdings is no solution for attracting foundry customers, Faruqui noted.This suggests Intel must still prove its technical capabilities and service quality to win business from major chip designers, regardless of federal support.Keep a close eye on the roadmapGiven these multifaceted challenges and opportunities, analysts provided guidance for navigating Intels transformation into a government-backed supplier, emphasizing continuous monitoring and strategic portfolio management.Performance tracking becomes crucial given Intels hybrid status. IT leaders should closely monitor Intels progress on its technology roadmap and price competitiveness to ensure government backing translates into tangible benefits, Shah said.Strategic positioning requires balancing stability against limitations. Gogia recommended treating Intels foundry as a politically secured option, useful for compliance-heavy workloads where domestic sourcing is required. But it should not be relied upon as the sole provider of leading-edge capacity.

This year has seen gaming titan Caesars introduce live dealer studios, merging the digital world with the physical.Its a new experience for players, with the brand having just expanded into its third major jurisdiction, all in the space of just a few months.While the addition doesnt take away from the physical offerings at the brick and mortar casinos, it does represent a push towards adopting digital products at a time when the industry needs to keep up with moving attitudes, preferences, and interests.What are Caesars Entertainments live dealer studios?First introduced in January 2025, Caesars launched live dealer tables where they use human dealers working at real tables inside their studio and stream this to devices in real time.This allows people who arent there in person to get involved, as they can place bets, chat with the dealer, and see the cards being physically dealt. Unlike computer-generated casino games, Caesars approach is real.While the company isnt the first to adopt this approach, theyve differentiated themselves by launching branded full-scale studios that aim to replicate the ambiance of their properties.Where are Caesars Entertainments current fully-branded live dealer studios?The first branded, live dealer studio, created in partnership with Evolution Gaming, went live at the beginning of the year. It was in January when it went live for players on Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casinos in Pennsylvania.According to the brand, the experience of the live dealer is reminiscent of the energy and grandeur of the Caesars Palace Las Vegas gaming floor.The Philadelphia-based studio includes five blackjack tables, as well as a VIP-exclusive blackjack table, one roulette table, and one baccarat table. Each one has a custom felt with imagery and branding from Caesars Palace and Caesars online casino brands.In April, a branded studio went live in New Jersey inside Tropicana Atlantic City, with this featuring the same amount of tables as the previous. Then, in July, the third live dealer studio launched and is available to players in Michigan.Why has the brand started to adopt live dealer tables?Were always striving to marry the world-class experiences our players enjoy at our destinations with the online casino play they love, said Matt Sunderland, senior vice president and chief iGaming officers at Caesars Digital, in a press release.The introduction is described as having heightened the user experience by providing a Las Vegas Strip-style experience directly in the palm of our players hands.While the actual reasoning behind the modern move hasnt been properly shared, it does come at a time when the iGaming market has seen a huge boom. The industry is expected to grow at an 11.5% CAGR by 2027.Could this be the way forward for casinos looking to expand?While some may roll their eyes at the inclusion of another technology-focused offering, the launch of these studios could appeal to those of a younger generation, or iGaming enthusiasts, who are looking for an interactive experience online.Livestreaming has become a key feature on many social media platforms too, like TikTok and Instagram, with it having grown in interest over the last few years. In Q2 of 2024, it was reported that 8.5 billion hours of live stream content was watched across various streaming platforms.A massive 63% of marketers were also said to be planning to increase their investment in live videos in the future.With this in mind, it appears that Caesars latest digital dealer push could have come at the right time for its audience. It has also come at a time when casinos worldwide have had to adapt to meet the ever-changing demands of their audiences.At a time when Gen Z is becoming a larger portion of the buying power, entertainment has become a huge attraction for the younger audiences. With this age group being used to livestreaming online, could the live dealer casinos become more of an interest as time goes on?When reporting the latest figures from the second quarter, Caesars Entertainment said its digital segment had experienced one of its strongest quarters ever. There has been a 24.3% increase in Caesars Digital in Q2 compared to 2024.Featured Image: AI-generated via IdeogramThe post Caesars latest live dealer push: Gimmick or the future of the table? appeared first on ReadWrite.

Last year, I added my DNA profile to a private genealogical database, FamilyTreeDNA, and clicked Yes to allow the police to search my genes.In 2018, police in California announced theydcaught the Golden State Killer, a man who had eluded capture for decades. They did it by uploading crime-scene DNA to websites like the one Id joined, where genealogy hobbyists share genetic profiles to find relatives and explore ancestry. Once the police had matches to a few relatives of the killer, they built a large family tree from which they plucked the likely suspect.This process, called forensic investigative genetic genealogy, or FIGG, has since helped solve hundreds of murders and sexual assaults. Still, while the technology is potent, its incompletely realized. It operates via a mishmash of private labs and unregulated websites, like FamilyTree, which give users a choice to opt into or out of police searches. The number of profiles available for search by police hovers around 1.5 million, not yet enough to find matches in all cases.To do my bit to increase those numbers, I traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts.The staff of the local district attorney, Anthony D. Gulluni, was giving away free FamilyTree tests at a minor-league hockey game in an effort to widen its DNA net and help solve several cold-case murders. After glancing over a consent form, I spit into a tube and handed it back. According to the promotional material from Gullunis office, Id become a hero.But I wasnt really driven by some urge to capture distantly related serial killers. Rather, my spit had a less gallant and more quarrelsome motive: to troll privacy advocates whose fears around DNA I think are overblown and unhelpful. By giving up my saliva for inspection, I was going against the view that a persons DNA is the individualized, sacred text that privacy advocates sometimes claim.Indeed, the only reason FIGG works is that relatives share DNA: You share about 50% with a parent, 25% with a grandparent, about 12.5% with a first cousin, and so on. When I got my FamilyTree report back, my DNA had matched with 3,309 people.Some people are frightened by FIGG or reject its punitive aims. One European genealogist I know says her DNA is kept private because she opposes the death penalty and doesnt want to risk aiding US authorities in cases where lethal injection might be applied. But if enough people share their DNA, conscientious objectors wont matter. Scientists estimate that a database including 2% of the US population, or 6 million people, could identify the source of nearly any crime-scene DNA, given how many distant relatives each of us has.Scholars of big data have termed this phenomenon tyranny of the minority. One persons voluntary disclosure can end up exposing the same information about many others. And that tyranny can be abused.DNA information held in private genealogy websites like FamilyTree is lightly guarded by terms of service. These agreements have flip-flopped over time; at one point all users were included in law enforcement searches by default. Rules are easily ignored, too. Recent court filings indicate that the FBI, in its zeal to solve crimes, sometimes barges past restrictions to look for matches in databases whose policies exclude police.Noble aims; no rules is how one genetic genealogist described the overall situation in her field.My uncertainty grew the more questions I asked. Who even controls my DNA file? Thats not easy to find out. FamilyTree is a brand operated by another company, Gene by Gene, which in 2021 was sold to a third company, MyDNAultimately owned by an Australian mogul whose name appears nowhere on its website. When I reached FamilyTrees general manager, the genealogist Dave Vance, he told me that three-quarters of the profiles on the site were opted in to law enforcement searches.One solution holds that the federal government should organize its own national DNA database for FIGG. But that would require new laws, new technical standards, and a debate about how our society wants to employ this type of big datanot just getting individual consent like mine. No such national projector consensusexists.Im still ready to join a national crime-fighting database, but I regret doing it the way I didspitting in a tube on the sidelines of a hockey game and signing a consent form that affects not just me but all my thousands of genetic relatives. To them, I say: Whoops. Your DNA; my bad.This article first appeared in The Checkup,MIT Technology Reviewsweekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and read articles like this first,sign up here.

InsightsOn-Demand WebinarFast, Fluid, and Future-Focused:Collective Intelligence in the Age of AIRegister NowMark MaroneDirector, Global InsightsHarvard Business ImpactPrarthana KumarDirector, Strategic Learning Management, APACHarvard Business ImpactRajeev MandloiStrategic Learning Manager, EMEAHarvard Business ImpactAI is reshaping roles, hierarchies, and the pace of changeand L&D is at the center of that transformation.Hear from our experts as they share findings from our 2025 Global Leadership Development Study, capturing insights from over 1,100 L&D professionals and functional leaders across 14+ countries.What to expectIn this session, youll discover:The top objectives for L&Dleaders in 2025How AI is influencinglearning, leadership, and strategyKey actions organizations are takingto build fast, fluid, future-focused learning culturesDont miss these data-backed insights and practical strategies to prepare for the future of work!Register NowYou will be redirected to the webinar recording once you submit the form. First Name * Last Name * Job Title * Organization * Business Email * Country * Please Select United States United Kingdom Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, The Democratic Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic Peoples Republic Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia The Former Yugoslav Republic Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory,Occupied Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia & Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe By checking this box, you agree to receive emails and communications from Harvard Business Impact. To opt-out, please visit our Privacy Policy. Share this resourceShare on LinkedInShare on FacebookShare on XShare on WhatsAppEmail this PageThe post Fast, Fluid, and Future-Focused:Collective Intelligence in the Age of AI appeared first on Harvard Business Impact.

IntroductionOne of the most critical decisions in game development is choosing between 2D and 3D art styles. This choice influences not only the visual aesthetics of your game but also its gameplay, development process, and target audience. Both 2D and 3D styles have their unique advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on the type of game youre creating, your teams expertise, and your overall vision. In this blog, well explore the factors to consider when choosing between 2D and 3D, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your games goals.Understanding 2D and 3D Game ArtWhat is 2D Game Art?2D game art refers to visuals created on a flat plane, where the game world and characters are presented in two dimensions: height and width. This style includes side-scrollers, top-down perspectives, and isometric views. 2D art can be hand-drawn, pixel art, or vector-based, offering a range of artistic expressions.What is 3D Game Art?3D game art involves creating a world and characters in three dimensions: height, width, and depth. This style allows for more complex and realistic environments, with the ability to rotate and view objects from any angle. 3D art requires modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation, making it a more resource-intensive process compared to 2D.Advantages of 2D Game ArtSimplicity and Accessibility2D games are often easier and faster to develop, especially for smaller teams or solo developers. The tools required for 2D art, such as Adobe Photoshop, Aseprite, or Krita, are generally more accessible and have a gentler learning curve compared to 3D software.Nostalgia and Aesthetic AppealMany players have a nostalgic connection to 2D games, which can be leveraged to create an emotional bond with the audience. Additionally, 2D art allows for unique and stylized aesthetics, such as pixel art or hand-drawn illustrations, that can stand out in the market.Cost-Effectiveness2D games typically require fewer resources in terms of time, money, and technical expertise. The absence of complex modeling, rigging, and animation pipelines reduces development costs, making 2D a more viable option for indie developers or projects with limited budgets.Performance Efficiency2D games generally demand less processing power and memory, making them ideal for mobile platforms or lower-end hardware. The reduced computational load ensures smoother gameplay and lower optimization development costs.Advantages of 3D Game ArtRealism and Immersion3D game art excels in creating realistic and immersive environments. The added dimension allows for more detailed and dynamic worlds, where players can explore, interact, and view the game from different perspectives. This level of immersion is often necessary for genres like open-world, simulation, and first-person shooters.Enhanced Gameplay MechanicsThe use of 3D opens up a broader range of gameplay possibilities. Games with complex spatial interactions, like platformers with depth, puzzle games that rely on perspective shifts, or combat systems with dynamic camera angles, benefit from 3D environments.Versatility and Flexibility3D assets can be reused, rotated, and viewed from multiple angles, offering greater versatility in design. Characters, objects, and environments can be manipulated more freely, allowing for more complex animations and interactions. This flexibility can be crucial for games that require a high degree of detail and variation.Future-ProofingAs technology advances, players expectations for realism and graphical fidelity increase. 3D games are generally more future-proof, as they can adapt to new hardware capabilities and continue to meet the rising standards of visual quality.Challenges of 2D Game ArtLimited Visual DepthWhile 2D art can be beautiful and stylized, it inherently lacks the depth and spatial complexity of 3D. This limitation can make it difficult to create a sense of scale, distance, and immersion, which might be necessary for certain types of games.Less Flexibility in Animation2D animation is often more rigid compared to 3D. Animating complex movements, such as rotating objects or characters, can be challenging and time-consuming, as each frame must be drawn individually or carefully manipulated.Market SaturationThe indie game market is crowded with 2D games, particularly in popular genres like platformers and RPGs. Standing out in this space can be challenging unless your game offers a unique visual style or innovative gameplay mechanics.Challenges of 3D Game ArtComplexity and Resource Intensity3D game development is more complex and requires a wider range of skills, including 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and lighting. These tasks require specialized software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or Unitys 3D tools, which can have steeper learning curves and higher costs.Longer Development TimeThe complexity of 3D game art often results in longer development cycles. Creating detailed models, animating them, and ensuring they perform well in-game can be time-consuming, especially for small teams.Performance Considerations3D games are more demanding in terms of processing power, which can lead to performance issues on lower-end devices. Developers need to spend additional time optimizing their games to ensure they run smoothly across different platforms, which can increase development costs.Choosing the Right Style for Your GameConsider Your Games GenreThe genre of your game plays a significant role in determining whether 2D or 3D is more suitable:2D Suits: Platformers, puzzle games, 2D RPGs, and retro-inspired titles.3D Suits: Open-world games, simulations, first-person shooters, and third-person adventure games.Evaluate Your Teams ExpertiseYour teams experience with 2D or 3D art should influence your decision. If your artists and developers are more comfortable with 2D, it might be wise to leverage that strength. Conversely, if your team has a strong background in 3D modeling and animation, then 3D might be the better choice.Assess Your Budget and ResourcesBudget constraints can also dictate your choice. 2D games tend to be less resource-intensive, making them a good option for smaller budgets. However, if you have the resources and time to invest in a 3D game, the potential rewards in terms of player engagement and market appeal can be significant.Consider the Target PlatformThe platform for which youre developing your game can also influence your decision:Mobile Games: 2D games often perform better and are easier to optimize for mobile devices.PC/Console Games: These platforms can handle the complexity of 3D games, allowing you to take full advantage of their hardware capabilities.Think About Your AudienceUnderstanding your target audience is crucial. Some players prefer the nostalgic charm of 2D games, while others might be drawn to the realism and depth of 3D worlds. Conduct market research to determine your audiences expectations and values in a game.Hybrid Approaches2.5D GamesA hybrid approach like 2.5D can offer the best of both worlds. 2.5D games use 3D models or environments but restrict the gameplay to a 2D plane. This style allows for the depth and flexibility of 3D while maintaining the simplicity and nostalgia of 2D gameplay.Mixed MediaAnother approach is to combine 2D and 3D elements within the same game. For example, 2D characters can be placed in 3D environments, or 3D models can be rendered with a 2D aesthetic. This mix can create a unique and visually striking experience.ConclusionChoosing between 2D and 3D art styles is a crucial decision that affects every aspect of your game, from development to gameplay to marketing. By carefully considering your games genre, your teams strengths, your budget, and your target audience, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your creative vision and business goals. Whether you opt for the simplicity and charm of 2D or the depth and realism of 3D, the key is to stay true to the experience you want to create for your players.Resources for Further LearningUnity Learn: 2D Game DevelopmentDescription: A comprehensive guide to developing 2D games using Unity.Link: Unity Learn 2D Game DevelopmentBlender Fundamentals: 3D ModelingDescription: A beginner-friendly series of tutorials on 3D modeling in Blender.Link: Blender Fundamentals 3D ModelingGDC Vault: 2D vs 3D Game DevelopmentDescription: A collection of talks and presentations discussing the pros and cons of 2D and 3D game development.Link: GDC Vault 2D vs 3D Game DevelopmentArtStation LearningDescription: Online courses and tutorials on both 2D and 3D art for game development.Link: ArtStation LearningGameFromScratch: 2D vs 3D DevelopmentDescription: A blog post and video discussing the differences between 2D and 3D game development.Link: GameFromScratch 2D vs 3D

Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2025 third quarter ended June 28, 2025.

After claiming that his Grok AI was being denied exposure that Elon Musk feels he's entitled to in the App Store, he has followed through and has filed an antitrust lawsuit.Elon Musk image credit: TeslaMusk originally made the claim on Twitter, saying Apple's deal with OpenAI meant the App Store would now never promote any rivals. The claim was then refuted by the facts, by online users, by Apple, and even by Grok AI itself.Musk's xAI company has filed suit against both Apple and OpenAI. The suit is specifically concerning AI competition, and App Store rankings. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.Sustainable architecture has been a standard practice in the industry for many years now. New buildings are required to comply with certain regulations in order to reduce the negative impact construction work has on the environment. However, while crucial, tactics such as lowering emissions, using less water or improving energy efficiency treat nature as something to be preserved or mitigated against. On the other hand, regenerative design flips this thinking by promoting a mindset where buildings and landscapes contribute positively to their environment, aiming not for zero impact but for a positive one.Bedford Heritage ParkBy Lemay, Bedford, CanadaPopular Choice Winner, Sustainable Landscape/Planning Project, 13th Architizer A+Awards The Bedford Heritage Park is a project of land reclamation. Over 32 million tonnes of byproduct from limestone extraction were transformed into a thriving regional green space, regenerating a degraded, industrial land. Sustainable practices such as soil rehabilitation, extensive vegetation and runoff management systems protect the local ecosystem, while its meticulously designed infrastructure supports over 9,000 tree species.Horizon HouseBy ONUS Architecture Studio, GreeceJury Winner, Unbuilt Sustainable Residential Project, 13th Architizer A+Awards The Horizon House is constructed in an attempt to give back to its inhabitants the land and the environment, promoting a minimally invasive design. Its construction and operation follow the principles of circular economy and regenerative design. Specifically, by planting native species of flora and fauna as well as installing green roofs with low-water-demand plants offer, preserve and enhance the local biodiversity, while improving the spaces interior thermal comfort.The house also runs on a geothermal system and small-scale wind turbines, achieving net-zero energy consumption. Finally, water is collected on the 3,230-square-foot (300-square-meter) planted roof and processed through a rainwater harvesting and filtration system that further reduces waste and effectively manages natural resources.Zero-Carbon Origami Airplane Shanghai Lingang Starry Sky Theme Park Visitor Service CenterBy China Architecture Design & Research Group (CADG), Shanghai, ChinaJury Winner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 13th Architizer A+Awards The projects intuitive roof design acts as an energy receiver. The folding roof shape is made of BIPV solar panels, which provide 107% of the buildings energy consumption that ensure the structure has zero-carbon emissions, while consuming zero energy. However, the projects most innovative and regenerative aspect is its advanced air filtration system, which continuously monitors air pollution levels and automatically adjusts the air supply to optimize indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact.CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse XiadangBy Hatch Architects, Ningde, China The CATL Zero-Carbon Teahouse, supports Chinas dual-carbon goals. Specifically, the structure fully integrates BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics), ensuring a full-cycle green power supply, while the use of ultra-clear glass and UHPC enhance the buildings energy efficiency. In parallel, the complex is also comprised of an intelligent charging station, enabling bi-directional energy flow to efficiently power the teahouse. With an annual output of 55,000 kWh, it reduces carbon emissions by 54.8 tons, which is equivalent to planting 3,000 trees yearly.S-OASISBy TROP : terrains + open space, Thailand The S-Oasis project is designed as a green retreat for the community, acting as a bridge that connects the city with nature. The project achieved LEED Gold Version 4 certification, promoting health and wellness while reducing energy consumption through the reuse of existing materials found onsite as well as the creation of a rooftop garden that features an array of vegetation and trees. Specifically, the species selected consist of moderate water to drought tolerant plants that conserve water while enhancing environmental stewardship.Shebara ResortBy Killa Design, Saudi Arabia Shebara is a 73-key hyper-luxury eco-resort set within a diverse and untouched environment. The island is home to dense mangroves, desert flora, rolling sand dunes, turtle nesting grounds, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Consequently, the resort is designed to provide an off-grid, zero-energy, zero-water, and zero-waste experience, becoming a next-generation eco-tourism destination. Specifically, all villas are run based on a self-sustaining infrastructure, powered by its own 110,000m2 solar farm and supported by a reverse osmosis plant, sewage and water reclamation systems, and 100% electric land and marine transportation.JonasBy Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners, Amsterdam, Netherlands Jonas addresses the shortcomings of traditional urban design by emphasizing sustainability and ecological functionality over infrastructure. It incorporates strategies such as native vegetation along the banks and underwater habitats, through artificial substrates for mussel communities, as well as vegetation on roofs and facades, which improve thermal insulation. Additionally, water management is optimized via rainwater collection and reuse systems that contribute to the heating and cooling of the space.The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.The post From Do Less Harm To Do Net Good: Regenerative Design Across Scales and Climates appeared first on Journal.

World Photography Day 2025 is more than a celebration of cameras, lenses, and shutter speeds. Its a moment to reconnect with the why behind the imagea day to honor the stories, memories, and emotions photography preserves.At 500px, we believe that photography is more than a craftits a personal language, a creative outlet, and a way of understanding the world. Every photographer, from amateur to professional, carries a different reason for why they shoot. For some, its about documenting fleeting beauty. For others, its about storytelling, emotional release, or quiet reflection.So this year, were asking a simple but powerful question:World Photography Day 2025: Why do you shoot?Its a question that strips away technical perfection and brings us back to the heart of the art form. Its about remembering why we first picked up a cameraand why we keep coming back to it. Its about the moments that move us, the stories we want to preserve, and the ways photography has helped us grow, connect, or even heal.To inspire this reflection, we asked 500px Ambassadors around the world to share what photography means to them. Their words are raw, honest, and movingreminding us that photography is as personal as it is universal.What Photography Means to 500px AmbassadorsPhotography is not just a recording device, it has the power to bring back memories of emotions and sounds. Ryo UtsunomiyaFor Ryo, photography is a time machinemore than visual documentation, it transports you back to feelings, atmospheres, and sensations long forgotten.Photography is not just about capturing what I see; it is about revealing what I feel. Onur AltunsarayOnur turns emotion into imagery. His photography becomes a mirror of his internal world, revealing sentiments that words cant always express.I love how candid photography can show how each of us is the protagonist of our own movie. We are stars on the sidewalk of our existence. Roberto Di PatriziRoberto sees street photography as cinematic storytellinghonoring people in their quiet, everyday moments and showing that were all leading characters in our own lives.Timing is everything but in street photography, we fail 99% of the time. Krid KarnsomKrid acknowledges the raw truth of the street: its chaotic, unpredictable, and humbling. But its also realand thats where its beauty lies.Agnieszka embraces photography as a tool for identity and inclusion. Her lens captures differences, celebrates individuality, and turns it into powerful visual language.In fragments of geometry and bursts of color, I find peace turning architecture into quiet, minimal stories through my lens. Ash CamasAsh finds tranquillity through structure. Photography becomes a way to carve calmness from complexity, finding art in the lines and silence of the built environment.Photography is the only tool capable of stopping time and turning it into a memory that is not only unforgettable, but also shareable. With the power to move viewers as if they had been in that place, at that very moment in time. Antonio ValenteAntonios words remind us of photographys most magical giftits power to let others feel what you felt, see what you saw, and be there with you, if only for a second.A Global Reflection for World Photography Day 2025As we celebrate World Photography Day 2025, let these reflections serve as an invitation to pause and look inward. Photography is more than an aesthetic. Its emotion, memory, culture, healing, voice, curiosity, and joy.Some of us shoot to document the truth. Some to escape. Some to belong. Some to process. Some to share, and some to simply see.There is no right answeronly your own.Join the ConversationThis World Photography Day 2025, we want to hear your story. Whats your why?Post a photo on social media that captures your reason for shootingTag @500px and use the hashtag #WhyWeShootFill out our Instagram Story Template to reflect on your journeyOr leave a comment sharing your personal connection with photographyWhether youre capturing the chaos of the streets, the quiet of a morning light, or the joy in someones eyes, your why matters.Lets celebrate the stories behind the photos, together.Extended reading:How to talk about your work: Eight tips for photographersThe post World Photography Day 2025: Why We Shoot appeared first on 500px.