MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series looks across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of themhere. In November, a young man named Noland Arbaugh announced hed be livestreaming from his home for three days straight. His broadcast was in some ways typical fare: a backyard tour, video games, meet mom. The difference is that Arbaugh, who is paralyzed, has thin electrode-studded wires installed in his brain, which he used to move a computer mouse on a screen, click menus, and play chess. The implant, called N1, was installed last year by neurosurgeons working with Neuralink, Elon Musks brain-interface company. The possibility of listening to neurons and using their signals to move a computer cursor was first demonstrated more than 20 years ago in a lab setting. Now, Arbaughs livestream is an indicator that Neuralink is a whole lot closer to creating a plug-and-play experience that can restore peoples daily ability to roam the web and play games, giving them what the company has called digital freedom. But this is not yet a commercial product. The current studies are small-scalethey are true experiments, explorations of how the device works and how it can be improved. For instance, at some point last year, more than half the electrode-studded threads inserted into Aurbaughs brain retracted, and his control over the device worsened; Neuralink rushed to implement fixes so he could use his remaining electrodes to move the mouse. Neuralink did not reply to emails seeking comment, but here is what our analysis of its public statements leads us to expect from the company in 2025. More patients How many people will get these implants?he posted on X: If all goes well, there will be hundreds of people with Neuralinks within a few years, maybe tens of thousands within five years, millions within 10 years. In reality, the actual pace is slowera lot slower. Thats because in a study of a novel device, its typical for the first patients to be staged months apart, to allow time to monitor for problems. Neuralink has publicly announced that two people have received an implant: Arbaugh and a man referred to only as Alex, who received his in July or August. Then, on January 8, Musk disclosed during an online interview that there was now a third person with an implant. Weve got now three patients, three humans with Neuralinks implanted, and they are all working well, Musk said. During 2025, he added, we expect to hopefully do, I dont know, 20 or 30 patients. Barring major setbacks, expect the pace of implants to increasealthough perhaps not as fast as Musk says. In November, Neuralink updated its US trial listing to include space for five volunteers (up from three), and it also opened a trial in Canada with room for six. Considering these two studies only, Neuralink would carry out at least two more implants by the end of 2025 and eight by the end of 2026. However, by opening further international studies, Neuralink could increase the pace of the experiments. Better control So how good is Arbaughs control over the mouse? You can get an idea by trying a game called Webgrid, where you try to click quickly on a moving target. The program translates your speed into a measure of information transfer: bits per second. Neuralink claims Arbaugh reached a rate of over nine bits per second, doubling the old brain-interface record. The median able-bodied user scores around 10 bits per second, according to Neuralink. And yet during his livestream, Arbaugh complained that his mouse control wasnt very good because his model was out of date. It was a reference to how his imagined physical movements get mapped to mouse movements. That mapping degrades over hours and days, and to recalibrate it, he has said, he spends as long as 45 minutes doing a set of retraining tasks on his monitor, such as imagining moving a dot from a center point to the edge of a circle. Noland Arbaugh stops to calibrate during a livestream on X@MODDEDQUAD VIA X Improving the software that sits between Arbaughs brain and the mouse is a big area of focus for Neuralinkone where the company is still experimenting and making significant changes. Among the goals: cutting the recalibration time to a few minutes. We want them to feel like they are in the F1 [Formula One] car, not the minivan, Bliss Chapman, who leads the BCI software team, told the podcaster Lex Fridman last year. Device changes Before Neuralink ever seeks approval to sell its brain interface, it will have to lock in a final device design that can be tested in a pivotal trial involving perhaps 20 to 40 patients, to show it really works as intended. That type of study could itself take a year or two to carry out and hasnt yet been announced. In fact, Neuralink is still tweaking its implant in significant waysfor instance, by trying to increase the number of electrodes or extend the battery life. This month, Musk said the next human tests would be using an upgraded Neuralink device. The company is also still developing the surgical robot, called R1, thats used to implant the device. It functions like a sewing machine: A surgeon uses R1 to thread the electrode wires into peoples brains. According to Neuralinks job listings, improving the R1 robot and making the implant process entirely automatic is a major goal of the company. Thats partly to meet Musks predictions of a future where millions of people have an implant, since there wouldnt be enough neurosurgeons in the world to put them all in manually. We want to get to the point where its one click, Neuralink president Dongjin Seo told Fridman last year. Robot arm Late last year, Neuralink opened a companion study through which it says some of its existing implant volunteers will get to try using their brain activity to control not only a computer mouse but other types of external devices, including an assistive robotic arm. We havent yet seen what Neuralinks robotic arm looks likewhether its a tabletop research device or something that could be attached to a wheelchair and used at home to complete daily tasks. But its clear such a device could be helpful. During Aurbaughs livestream he frequently asked other people to do simple things for him, like brush his hair or put on his hat. Arbaugh demonstrates the use of Imagined Movement Control.@MODDEDQUAD VIA X And using brains to control robots is definitely possiblealthough so far only in a controlled research setting. In tests using a different brain implant, carried out at the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, a paralyzed woman named Jan Scheuermann was able to use a robot arm to stack blocks and plastic cups about as well as a person whod had a severe strokeimpressive, since she couldnt actually move her own limbs. There are several practical obstacles to using a robot arm at home. One is developing a robot thats safe and useful. Another, as noted by Wired, is that the calibration steps to maintain control over an arm that can make 3D movements and grasp objects could be onerous and time consuming. Vision implant In September, Neuralink said it had received breakthrough device designation from the FDA for a version of its implant that could be used to restore limited vision to blind people. The system, which it calls Blindsight, would work by sending electrical impulses directly into a volunteers visual cortex, producing spots of light called phosphenes. If there are enough spots, they can be organized into a simple, pixelated form of vision, as previously demonstrated by academic researchers. The FDA designation is not the same as permission to start the vision study. Instead, its a promise by the agency to speed up review steps, including agreements around what a trial should look like. Right now, its impossible to guess when a Neuralink vision trial could start, but it wont necessarily be this year. More money Neuralink last raised money in 2003, collecting around $325 million from investors in a funding round that valued the company at over $3 billion, according to Pitchbook. Ryan Tanaka, who publishes a podcast about the company, Neura Pod, says he thinks Neuralink will raise more money this year and that the valuation of the private company could triple. Fighting regulators Neuralink has attracted plenty of scrutiny from news reporters, animal-rights campaigners, and even fraud investigators at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of the questions surround its treatment of test animals and whether it rushed to try the implant in people. More recently, Musk has started using his X platform to badger and bully heads of state and was named by Donald Trump to co-lead a so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk says will get rid of nonsensical regulations and potentially gut some DC agencies. During 2025, watch for whether Musk uses his digital bullhorn to give health regulators pointed feedback on how theyre handling Neuralink. Other efforts Dont forget that Neuralink isnt the only company working on brain implants. A company called Synchron has one thats inserted into the brain through a blood vessel, which its also testing in human trials of brain control over computers. Other companies, including Paradromics, Precision Neuroscience, and BlackRock Neurotech, are also developing advanced brain-computer interfaces. Special thanks to Ryan Tanaka of Neura Pod for pointing us to Neuralinks public announcements and projections.

Submitted by WA ContentsOppenheim Architecture carves out a resort inside the Hejaz Mountains in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Architecture News - Jan 16, 2025 - 15:22 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Miami, Basel, and Tirana-based architecture firm Oppenheim Architecture has carved out a luxury resort inside the Hejaz Mountains inSaudi Arabia.Named Desert Rock, the new resort was completed as a component of the Red Sea Project (TRSDC), a development along the west coast of Saudi Arabia that would create a network of 90 inhabited islands.One of the most anticipated luxury hospitality experiences in the world, Desert Rock, was officially opened. Desert Rock consists of 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms.Working closely with developer Red Sea Global, Oppenheim Architecture developed and designed the innovative project tucked away in Saudi Arabia's ancient highlands.Desert Rock, establishing a new standard for immersive design, celebrates the fusion of architecture and environment in keeping with Oppenheim Architecture's philosophy of planning and building with the land, not on it.With accommodations that complement rather than obstruct the breathtaking landscape, Desert Rock, which is carved into the Hejaz Mountains, provides a close connection to the natural world. Desert Rock honors this rich past by drawing inspiration from the Nabataean culture, which was once thriving on the Arabian Peninsula and is well-known for its rock-carved structures.When guests arrive, they enter a hidden valley that gradually reveals a group of amenities spread across 30,000 square meters of property.The resort offers a variety of choices for accommodation, from suites nestled into the mountains to ground-level villas, all of which are designed to optimize natural light, unobstructed views, and a tactile connection to the desert.The Cliff Hanging Villas, which are perched high above the resort and offer dramatic views; the Mountain Cave Suites and Mountain Crevice Villas, which offer privacy and cliffside pools suspended on the edge of the Massif; the Wadi Villas at Desert Rock, which have private pools and spacious living areas; and the Royal Villa, which is tucked away in a completely private section of the valley, offers a customized private retreat.Every component of the resort's architecture was thoughtfully chosen to reduce its environmental impact. Excavated materials were recycled into the project's infrastructure as it was being built. Native plants help create a more lush, green wadi, and the incorporation of passive cooling and effective systems lowers energy usage throughout Desert Rock.When taken as a whole, these environmentally conscious factors demonstrate Desert Rock's dedication to sustainable tourism and the idea of preserving the area's natural beauty rather than destroying it."Desert Rock embodies our philosophy of connecting architecture to the spirit of place," said Chad Oppenheim, Founding Principal of Oppenheim Architecture."By respecting and enhancing the natural environment, we have created a sanctuary that allows guests to experience the beauty and power of the landscape in deeply personal and meaningful ways," Oppenheim added.The opening of Desert Rock is a major turning point in Oppenheim Architecture's quest to reinvent premium eco-tourism, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary of creating architecture that blends in with its natural surroundings. It is a powerful example of how building can foster reverence for the natural environment. Through careful consideration of site-specific design, Oppenheim Architecture keeps influencing a future in which ecological stewardship, comfort, and style are exquisitely combined.Oppenheim Architecture revealed preliminary design of the project in 2021. In addition, the firm unveiled new vision for College Of Europe's Tirana Campus. Moreover, the firm won an international architecture competition to design the new Besa Museum, which will be Albanias newest cultural institution.All images courtesy Red Sea Global and Oppenheim Architecture.> via Oppenheim Architecture

Scheme to restore sites Victorian glass houses back to their original characterCGI showing how the gardens will look after the restoration1/4show captionHowells has been given the green light for a transformation and restoration of Birminghams grade II*-listed botanical gardens.The 15-acre gardens in Edgbaston were laid out in 1829 and developed over the course of the 19th century with several large glass houses.It is now home to 10,000 species of temperate, tropical and subtropical plants, the largest collection in the Midlands.Howells will work with heritage practice Donald Insall Associates on a refurbishment of the site aiming to restore its buildings to their original Victorian character.Howells partner Sandeep Shambi said: The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are one of the last independent botanical gardens in the UK and so its vitally important that this important heritage asset is conserved but also given space to develop.Donald Insall Associates practice director Matthew Vaughan added: Conservation of the glasshouses to respond to these particular heritage considerations will be a key challenge, protecting the historic fabric while enhancing their performance for the needs of the collection within.The Growing our Green Heritage project is supported by a Stage 1 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A bad mattress can have serious health implications that go far beyond relentless tossing and turning at night. It can cause severe pain and easily exacerbate existing health conditions. That's why the IRS allows you to use your pre-tax dollars in yourhealth savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) towards health-forward items, such as asmart ring or bedding. An HSA or FSA can be a great way to afford that new mattress you need, but it isn't available to just anybody. First, you have to qualify.Every mattress manufacturer has a different process. For example, with Sleep Number, you purchase your mattress first and then complete a survey for qualification. With Avocado, you fill out your survey first and then check out. If you're considering purchasing a new bed, this is how to buy your next bed with HSA or FSA funds.Can I use my FSA or HSA for a mattress? Andrey Popov/Getty ImagesMattresses are not generally covered byHSA and FSA funds, but there are exceptions. According to theHSA Store, "A mattress expense is only eligible when its components and construction costs exceed those of a standard mattress for general health." To use your funds for a new mattress, you'll need to provide a letter of medical necessity (LMN)from a medical professional stating you have a medical need for a new HSA- or FSA-eligible mattress. Common symptoms for an LMN include but are not limited to the following:Mattress eligibility includes beds for both adults and children. For 2024, the annual pre-tax contributions for ahealth savings account are capped at $4,150 individually or $8,300 per family, with an additional $1,000 allotment for those 55 years and older. You have all year to use these funds, but any unused funds are forfeited after December 31 of each year. After you submit your claim and LMN, it typically only takes days to receive expense approval.Mattress brands that may be FSA- or HSA-eligibleThese are some of the most popular mattress brands that may be FSA- or HSA-eligible and their respective processes forbuying a new mattress.Sleep Number Video producer and mattress expert Owen tests the adjustable bed frame on Sleep Number's Climate360 smart bed. Jon Gomez/CNETSleep Number is one of the most well-known manufacturers of mattresses and has an established process for buying new FSA- and HSA-eligible mattresses. Its line of smart beds includes the c2, p5 and i8 smart beds.It's easy to purchase a new Sleep Number bed, with just three steps required.Buy your mattress:Complete the Truemed survey: Your receipt or order confirmation will hold a link to a quick reimbursement survey from Sleep Number's health advocacy partner,Truemed. Results will automatically be submitted to a licensed provider so you can access a free evaluation.Submit paperwork:Nectar Sleep writer Aly Lopez testing the Nectar Premier Hybrid as a stomach sleeper. Dillon Lopez/CNETNectaris a popular mattress manufacturer, withpopular modelssuch as theNectar LuxeandNectar Premier Hybrid.Nectar uses a simple process, much like its competitors, to apply HSA or FSA funds toward a new mattress purchase.Go to checkout:Complete the questionnaire: Nectar requires you to complete a quick survey regarding your health to confirm eligibility.Submit your claim: Use your HSA or FSA funds directly to pay for your mattress, or you can use a personal payment method to submit a claim later to your HSA or FSA administrator.Avocado Video producer and mattress expert Dillon Lopez testing the Avocado Green mattress. Jon Gomez/CNETWith Avocado, you have a wide choice of FSA- and HSA-eligible mattresses available for both adults and kids. All mattresses are eligible and have an exclusive HSA/FSA callout with a green check icon where the "Buy Now" box is located.Avocado also requires three steps, but they're slightly different from Sleep Number.Check your eligibility: Complete a quick survey from Sika to determine eligibility.Purchase your mattress: Buy your selected mattress using Sika to checkout with your HSA or FSA funds.Submit your claim: Instructions for submitting your reimbursement claim will be on your Sika receipt. Your letter of medical necessity will then follow if you're approved.DreamCloud Video producer and mattress expert Wes Ott testing the edge support of the DreamCloud mattress. Jon Gomez/CNETDreamCloud also requires three steps to receive reimbursement for your new bed.Checkout: Add your DreamCloud mattress to your cart and choose "Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment method.Complete the survey:Pay for your mattress: You can use your HSA or FSA card like a normal credit card to make payment. You can also use a personal form of payment and submit a claim through your HSA or FSA administrator.Ghostbed Video producer and mattress expert Jon Gomez testing the edge support of the GhostBed mattress. Owen Poole/CNETWith Ghostbed, you have mattress options like the Ghostbed Oasis or the Ghostbed Luxe. Ghostbed offers a straightforward process that works in conjunction with Truemed.Go to checkout:Complete the Truemed survey:Finish checkout: After the survey, you can complete checkout directly through Truemed. If you prefer to pay with a personal payment method, you'll need to file a claim afterward for reimbursement.Bottom lineIf your sleep is beingsabotaged by your mattress, you could receive pre-tax dollars to put towards a new one. However, mattresses are commonly excluded from HSA/FSA funds unless a medical professional deems them medically necessary. Keep in mind that it can be challenging to become approved, so you may not receive the funds for a new bed.If budget is a concern, consider a more affordable mattress like theBrooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, which is a cost-effective choice with great value. Our guide to thebest mattresses of 2024 can help you find the right mattress for your needs at a price you can afford.

Nintendo hopes to beat Switch, sell 20m Switch 2 consoles in first year, analysts sayLuigi's mission.Image credit: Nintendo/Eurogamer News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on Jan. 16, 2025 Nintendo has reportedly set itself up with a supply chain network which will ultimately allow the company to sell in excess of 20m Switch 2 units during the console's first year on the market.This nugget of information comes from a Bloomberg report citing Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Robin Zhu. To put that number into more perspective, Nintendo sold "around 15m" Switch units during its own first four quarters after release, so we are looking at (potentially) a 33 percent increase in sales during those first 12 months."Given the hardware segment drove 40 percent of fiscal 2024 top line, a successor to the 2017 Switch could go hand-in-hand with its stronger game pipeline in fiscal 2026, reversing what is expected to be the fourth consecutive year of lackluster sales growth in fiscal 2024," added analyst Nathan Naidu.Nintendo Switch 2 Reactions - THE SWITCH 2 REVEAL TRAILER IS HERE!Watch on YouTubeToday's announcement of the Switch 2 has been a long time coming. Over the last two or so years, we have been presented with leaks and reports from what felt like every corner of the internet bar Nintendo itself.Now, however, the day has finally come for Nintendo's Switch successor to take the spotlight. Along with what appears to be mouse functionality for its Joy-Cons, Nintendo also teased a new Mario Kart game coming to Switch 2.We will hear more about Switch 2 in April, when Nintendo hosts a Direct for the console. As for when we will be able to get our hands on the hardware, it will be available to play in London on April 11th to 13th.If it is still more Switch 2 you want, our Tom has broken down today's teaser so you can enjoy the console from every angle.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereNetEases Marvel Rivals is still going strong with the release of Season 1, the free-to-play game saw a huge meta shift with the arrival of huge buffs and nerfs. With new heroes coming every month-and-a-half, and the developers plans to never add a Role Queue, NetEase is hoping that frequent meta shakeups will keep the game alive.After Season 0 win rates revealed the games most popular characters were also its biggest losers, the huge balance changes have changed everything.Marvel Rivals Season 1 win ratesVia stat-tracking website Rivals Meta, its possible to see exactly what characters are getting the most wins in Marvel Rivals. In Season 0, Hulk was the top character in the free-to-play game, but the radiation-powered behemoth is now the tenth-best character in the game.In Season 1, the most successful character is the weather-controlling mutant Storm. During the season, Storm has gained a total win rate of 56.48% with a pick rate of 17.55%. This gives the character a massive lead with the second most successful character, Rocket Raccoon, resting at a 54.85% win rate.In terms of popularity, Cloak and Dagger is currently the most popular pick for Marvel Rivals Season 1 with 48.30% of picks. However, the characters success rate has massively dropped to just 48.20%.As for the games biggest loser, the sniper-focused assassin Black Widow takes both spots. With a disastrous pick rate of just 2.7% and a win rate of just 40.32%, Black Widow is, by far, the biggest loser of Rivals Season 1 update. Take her back to Vormir, guys.With Rivals developers working on a host of new heroes and villains for the gameincluding Ant-Man/Iron Man villain Ultron, every season should hopefully see huge meta shifts just like this one. Who will be the biggest loser of Season 2? Me. The answer is me.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Sleeping in a cavern or grotto might not sound like a luxury getaway, but thanks to a growing number of cave hotels its become an increasingly chic experience. Rest assured, these arent sleeping bags on a rocky floor, but rather accommodationssometimes even opulent onesbuilt directly into natural cavities.Theres a stillness in a cave that just cant be replicated elsewhere. In many ways, it could be seen as the pinnacle of the silent travel trend, since sleeping in a cave can help guests escape the hustle and bustle of ordinary lifewhether thats busyness and stress from work, school, or other people.But cave hotels arent just a symbol of our modern need to leave behind the noise of everyday life. As Spencer Bailey, author of a multivolume books series starting with Design: The Leading Hotels of the World and cofounder of the media company The Slowdown, explains, theres a long history of human connection with caves. I feel like people have always wanted to live, stay, or rest in caves for time immemorial. Its simply an innate human desire, he says. Consider Lascaux in France, which is a cave covered in prehistoric art. Its perhaps one of the earliest cave hotels ever; or Matera, an entire city built on a rocky outcrop in Italy, with a complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside, Bailey adds.Jump to today, and lodging in caves is a highly coveted experience. Take The Cave in Hocking Hills, Ohio. The luxurious rental has a waiting list of five yearsyep, its true. From craggy rock house style abodes befitting the Flintstones to sleek stone retreats whitewashed in Greek traditional paint, theres a cave accommodation for every kind of aesthetic. So pack your bags and get ready to stay in some of the most amazing cave hotels in the United States and around the world.

Robert Triggs / Android AuthorityTL;DRThe top IP lawyer at Nintendo agreed that emulators are technically legal at a panel for intellectual property rights.They run afoul of the law when they bypass encryption, recreate copyrighted programs, or point users to pirated material.Nintendos legal team has been aggressively pursuing emulation projects for years.Last year was rough for emulation, with Nintendo pressuring and shutting down several emulation projects like Yuzu, Citra, and Ryujinx. However, none of these cases went to court, so the legal status of emulation is still largely untested. And now, we might know why.At the Tokyo eSports Festa earlier this week, top lawyers and intellectual property leaders from Capcom, Koei, Sega, Konami, and Nintendo discussed a variety of issues concerning copyright and IP in the gaming industry (via Denfaminico Gamer). Regarding emulators, patent attorney and deputy general manager of Nintendos intellectual property department, Koji Nishiura, agreed that they are, technically, completely legal.However, there are still a number of ways that emulators can violate the law. For example, the Nintendo Switch has certain technical restriction measures that prevent it from playing pirated games. If a Switch emulator seeks to bypass those measures, it opens itself up to legal trouble.Nintendo knows that emulation is legal, but developers are walking a tightrope.Note that this discussion was based on Japanese law, but the same language is found in the DMCA Section 1201(a)(1)(A): No person shall circumvent a technological measure that effectively controls access to a work protected under this title. That law is more than 26 years old, going into effect a month after Google was founded, but the language remains in place.Additionally, the specific programs a console uses, such as the home screen or menus, are subject to copyright protection. Copying those elements in an emulator opens a separate but equally squiggly legal can of worms.In other words, emulation itself isnt illegal, but using an emulator in certain ways can still violate the law. Nishiura stated that Nintendo shut down emulators around the globe for bypassing technological restriction measures, framing it as a way to protect developers. The company did something similar back in 2009, when it teamed up with 54 developers to shut down a company making a device that played pirated DS games.Nishura also pointed out that emulators that direct users to pirated games or other copyrighted material are also in clear violation of the law. That appears to have been the case with Yuzu developer Tropic Haze, who is rumored to have been internally sharing ROMs for the latest Switch titles.Its also possible that Nintendo has ramped up legal action recently due to compatibility with the just-announced Nintendo Switch 2 console, which will launch later in 2025.Got a tip? Talk to us!Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.You might like

Again And AgainUntil Dawn's first full trailer has Wendigos and an unsettling Peter Stormare in an entirely different (but enticing) storyTime loops make every story more attractive.Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing News by Fran Ruiz Contributor Published on Jan. 16, 2025 Following last year's Until Dawn remaster and a first look at the movie adaptation earlier this week, the full trailer forDavid F. Sandberg's (Shazam!) flick has just been released.The initial reaction to the announcement of an Until Dawn movie was, unsurprisingly, a ton of players scratching their heads. What was even the point of bringing a game that's essentially a playable, make-your-own-story horror flick to the big screen? How do you make it stand on its own and not feel like a direct downgrade of that experience? Well, the aforementioned preview, which included behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, revealed a pitch (completely separate from the game) that had time loops at its core. We were intrigued by this, and the trailer promises a refreshing horror flick and take on the material... if the execution doesn't fail.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Quick warning: In typical Sony Pictures fashion, I think the trailer is quite revealing, so skip it if you're already interested in the movie and would prefer to go in fresh when it releases on April 25, 2025. If you don't mind, check it out below:Alright, so that's a packed one. Peter Stormare is back as Hill (though we're not sure how that works considering the nature of his character in the game), and the young cast includes Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Ji-young Yoo, Odessa A'zion, and Belmont Cameli. You've got a slasher killer with heavy Dead by Daylight vibes, a ferocious pack of scary Wendigos, zombifying worms, and even a freakin' kaiju of sorts. How does this all work? Each time the youngsters perish, they 'respawn' a few hours before their deaths. This is a familiar premise, but the main twist is that the dangers lurking in the shadows change with every reset... and it seems there's a limit to how many times they can fail to escape.I'll be honest: I was expecting this one to look much worse and far more uninspired. Sandberg's pre-DC efforts in the horror space were strong enough to catch the attention of many producers in Hollywood, and regardless of what ends up happening here, I'm happy to see him doing spooky stuff again.The late spring release window is an odd one for a horror flick, especially with huge blockbusters like Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts* nearby, but maybe this one could overperform due to the lack of direct competition.

Image: ThunderfulPublisher Thunderful has announced that Laika: Aged Through Blood, the critically-acclaimed 'motorbike metroidvania', will finally be gracing the Nintendo Switch on 30th January 2025.Originally scheduled to launch over a year ago on 11th January 2024, the game was delayed just one day prior, with Headup the game's publisher at the time stating that it wanted to "ensure the version we launch is in the best possible shape it could be in".It's not known exactly what kind of work was needed to spruce the game up on Switch, but given the lengthy delay, one wonders exactly what kind of state it was in this time last year. Hopefully we can expect a significantly polished experience when it finally lands on Switch.Affectionately described as a "motorvania", the game sees you traverse an apocalyptic wasteland as you combine motorcross gameplay with brutal, bloody combat. Its striking visuals, visceral violence, and melancholic atmosphere means that this probably won't be one for the younglings out there, but may prove to be a hit with more mature audiences.Let's check out the features:- Vehicular combat on a fast and agile motorbike.- A beautiful, hand-painted and post-apocalyptic world.- A deep story about a mother-daughter relationship, vengeance and loss.- A varied world, epic boss battles and loads of missions.- The very first MOTORVANIA!Images: ThunderfulAre you glad that Laika: Aged Through Blood is finally launching on the Switch? Will you be picking it up? Go ahead and leave a comment to let us know.