In context: Intel Core Ultra 200 desktop processors failed to impress some reviewers (including us) when they launched last October as the company's new flagship Arrow Lake-S lineup. While they performed adequately in compute tests, gaming was a mixed bag, with the chips being outperformed in multiple titles by the previous Raptor Lake generation. Fixes do nothing Update (Jan 18): We have yet to test Intel's claimed fixes for its Arrow Lake chips, however Tom's Hardware was quick to run a few gaming benchmarks on the flagship Core Ultra 9 285K. In short, the updates fail to address the underwhelming gaming performance for such a high-end chip.In some cases, performance even decreased after the updates, while previous-gen Raptor Lake Refresh chips benefited more from the required OS update, further widening the gap. Ultimately, we can't justify how Intel is trying to spin this story beyond what can be proven and making false promises does more harm than good.The original story follows below:Intel quickly investigated the situation, and by December, it had a good idea of what was causing the performance hiccups. It turned out to be a combination of power plan problems, anti-cheat settings, and other random issues though the biggest was a missing Performance & Power Management (PPM) package.The first series of fixes landed before the holidays in a mandatory Windows 11 update alongside some publisher patches. But Intel said we'd have to wait until CES in January for the second wave a crucial BIOS update to really unlock the Ultra 200's untapped potential. Well, that update just dropped, and according to Intel's internal tests, it's put the performance woes to bed in a big way.There are some sizable gaming gains in Intel's numbers. For instance, in Cyberpunk: 2077, Intel claims the fixes could net a staggering 26% increase in frames per second on patched Ultra 200 systems, as reported by PC World. Meanwhile, Far Cry 6 could see up to 16% more FPS.However, the performance hikes don't stop at games. Intel also ran the popular 3DMark TimeSpy synthetic benchmark and said patched Ultra 200 systems could see their overall scores skyrocket by up to 97%. // Related StoriesWe'll have to run some tests ourselves before we can corroborate Intel's lofty numbers. But all the software and BIOS fixes are available now, so if you've got an underperforming Arrow Lake build, it's time to load up those updates. Just make sure you're running the latest Windows version and check in with your system or motherboard manufacturer for that all-important BIOS update.Now that the desktop Ultra 200 has (hopefully) been dealt with, Intel can turn its attention to ensuring a smooth, high-performance release for its new Core H and HX laptop CPUs aimed at gamers and creators. Those chips are expected to start shipping soon, so we hope Intel can ensure a smooth release this time.Masthead credit: Madness727

When we think of the best PS5 games, best Xbox series X games, or best Switch games, we tend to go to the big blockbuster titles. These experiences take teams of dozens or perhaps hundreds of developers years to craft. As great as those are, and there are plenty of upcoming video games that fit that description, there are also solo developers who manage to build their own passion projects all on their own. These indie games tend to be smaller in scale but pack in more unique mechanics, experimental art and writing, and a level of personality and charm that is only possible when one person is in complete control. Making a game by yourself is incredibly hard, and yet weve seen more and more people release amazing games with little to no outside help. Here are our picks for the best games made by just one person.Recommended VideosRelatedEditors Recommendations

The platform has provided a surge in discovery and revenue for companies that may not be able to replicate it elsewhere.

I was hesitant to invite my in-laws on family vacations but I don't regret it.My children get to see a can-do, adventurous attitude modeled by their grandparents.Traveling together has many benefits, including shared memories and built-in babysitting.Several years ago, my husband and I invited his parents to take an eight-day trip to Montana and Wyoming with us and our two children. I worried eight days could be too long to spend together in confinedWe went for it anyway.My in-laws jumped at the opportunity to spend extended time with their grandkids. The trip had only minor hiccups whining and little meltdowns from the children but it went so smoothly that we've invited my in-laws on every family vacation since.This year marked our 10th trip with the abuelitos (grandparents). Here's what we've learned.Spending time together strengthens our bondRiding for five- to 10-hour stints in an SUV has promoted heart-to-heart conversations with my mother-in-law about her family and childhood that I'm not sure we would have heard otherwise. Thanks to these long, uninterrupted hours, we know she grew up in a one-bedroom house in Mesa, Arizona, with five of her nine siblings, a backyard garden, and the chickens they raised to eat.These trips have also revealed another side of my father-in-law. He's quiet by nature but my husband and I discovered he loves meeting new people. In a jacuzzi in Jackson Hole, we listened to him crack jokes and engage in small talk with other retirees. Outside of Mexico City, he befriended a man who grew up in the same region of Mexico as he did. The two shared tales of a Quinta (large estate) that housed exotic animals and the area's best watering holes.Traveling together has forged a deeper understanding of each other and our roots. And although it's fun to reflect on the past, these trips also provide opportunities to create new narratives.Our children build memories with their grandparents"Remember that time we" begins many of our conversations. It's one of the best parts of taking vacations together.I'm glad we invited my in-laws on trips when the kids were young, even if whining and tantrums happened. If we'd waited for our kids to be a more "ideal age," my in-laws would have been older and some of those trips to far-off places may not have happened had we waited.Sometimes my children pull out our travel albums and point to photos with their grandparents in front of a geyser or a historical site. These memories are priceless.My husband and I enjoy introducing his parents to places and activities outside their comfort zone.My husband and I have encouraged my in-laws to hike or crawl into caves with us. We've so often pushed them past their boundaries that my mother-in-law admits they start a walking regimen months before our trips to prepare for whatever nonsense I plan.I love that they can count on us for an adventure, and I'm always impressed at their willing attitude.My father-in-law's favorite part of our trip to Yellowstone was the 1.5-mile out-and-back hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring. With a gradual 105-foot climb, he huffed and puffed up that trail and nearly gave up until a couple older than passed him on the path, calling out, "You've got this!"He said their words bolstered him and the Prismatic Spring view was worth the effort. Similarly, at the Teotihicuan Pyramids outside Mexico City, my mother-in-law found the steep, narrow climb nearly impossible. But she said the experience of standing on ancient stones and overlooking the plaza was unforgettable.Unconsciously, but powerfully, my children's abuelitos are modeling a "can-do attitude" to them and that it's never too late to try new things and embrace adventure.Besides the inward gains of traveling together, there are also practical benefits.Traveling in a group is more economicalWe always look for Airbnbs or hotels that accommodate a party of seven. We rent vans or SUVs, allowing us to split the cost of a rental vehicle, making one of the most expensive items on a travel budget more economical.Admittedly, this works more in our favor than theirs, but I appreciate it when they also offer to split a meal with us or add one of the kid's meals to their tab. Meals out are expensive and their willingness to share some of that cost means our family can better afford travel.Another practical aspect of traveling that benefits us is the free babysitting my husband and I receive.Grandparents can be the best built-in babysittersTraveling with three kids has its challenges.On our last trip, my husband and I were so worn out from two long adventure days that we needed a reset."We'll take the kids this morning," my mother-in-law volunteered. "Go, have fun. Don't come back for five hours!"Finally, my husband and I could relax and reconnect.Family dynamics can differ for some, traveling together may be unwise. But if you have extended family willing to adventure with you and you with them, invite them along. These trips might reward you with a trove of stories and photo albums while also deepening priceless ties with each other.

The recent finale for Star Wars: Skeleton CrewJod Na Nawood. Growing up as a poor kid, he was taken in by a Jedi and trained in the ways of the Force. Hes been on the run ever since he watched her die, and it turns out we wouldve met her during the sequence. On Instagram, actor Yasmine Al Massri (who youve heard as Morana on Castlevania) posted photos of herself as Jods master, Jedi robes and doing some brief lightsaber training that wouldve presumably been her putting up a fight before her death. According to her, it was the shortest active job Ive done, but impactful nonetheless: after her single scene wrapped production, she recalled telling the Skeleton Crew team they just created the first Arab female Jedi.To Massris dismay, the scene wasnt part of theSkeleton Crewfinale, but shes taking it in stride. These things happen, she continued. It was the most meaningful [job] to the child in me. [] I cant not share my experience and feelings. Now that Jods officially confirmed to have been a Jedi-in-training and had a master at one point in his life, it raises some questions. Who between them was the Order 66 survivor, or could they both have escaped the Jedi Purge? Additionally, who is sheneither Skeleton Crews finale or Massris post name the character, and it feels like she should have one. If the show gets another season, maybe well learn more about her and Jods relationship, and how he grew from Jedi survivor to pirate with a lot of false identities. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Path Art Studio and Personalized Residence / Dishna Thilanka ArchitectsSave this picture! Ganidu BalasuriyaHousesBoralesgamuwa, Sri LankaArchitects: Dishna Thilanka ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:3149 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Ganidu Balasuriya Lead Architects: Dishna Thilanka More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Maharagama's urban fringe, this project embodies a harmonious blend of art, nature, and architecture. Conceived as a residence and art studio for a renowned metal sculptor, the design captures the essence of the artist's creativity while respecting the natural surroundings. Balancing built form and unbuilt space, the project is a testament to thoughtful design that nurtures artistic expression and tranquility.Save this picture!From its inception, the primary goal was to create a passive-cooled structure seamlessly integrated into the existing environment. Preserving the site's mature trees and green cover played a pivotal role in the design strategy. The structure weaves through the foliage, offering a minimal ecological footprint while maintaining an ideal microclimate. Solar orientation guided the building's placement, ensuring optimal natural light and mitigating excessive heat through careful alignment with the solar axis. This integration fosters a cooling environment while promoting energy efficiency.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The material palette draws heavily from natural and earthy finishes, employing granite, textured cement, natural wood, and metal. These materials celebrate the rugged, expressive nature of the artist's sculptures. The ground floor's stone-clad walls merge into the surrounding landscape, complemented by water features that enhance cooling and create a serene atmosphere. These water bodies, along with strategic fenestration, facilitate cross-ventilation and natural cooling, contributing to the overall comfort of the interior spaces.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The structure adopts a simple geometric language of intersecting linear planes and cubes, articulating a design that reflects clarity and functionality. The pavilion-style open layout fosters an uninterrupted connection with the environment, enabling the artist to draw inspiration directly from nature. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the experience of the space, while concealed services maintain a clean, minimalistic aesthetic. The roof design accommodates solar panels, emphasizing sustainability without compromising the form. Beyond aesthetics, the project addressed broader environmental and societal goals. By minimizing the building's footprint, it aimed to counteract the loss of vegetation and the urban heat island effect prevalent in urbanized regions. The preserved landscape benefits the local microclimate, positively impacting neighboring properties and setting an example for sustainable urban living.Save this picture!The design achieves a balance of robustness and elegance, drawing parallels to the client's artistic philosophy. The earthy materials and openness to the outdoors create an ambiance conducive to creativity and relaxation. It serves as both a sanctuary and a workspace for the sculptor, blending functionality with artistry. The preserved green surroundings inspire a deep connection to nature, enhancing the artist's ability to craft evocative works that reflect his themes of human anatomy, nature, and abstract forms.Save this picture!Ultimately, this project embodies a sensitive response to its natural and social context, balancing sustainability, artistry, and livability. It illustrates how architecture can elevate an artist's journey, offering a canvas for their creativity while inspiring a community to adopt environmentally responsible practices. The residence and studio stand as a tribute to the client's vibrant personality and profound artistic vision, encapsulated in a thoughtfully crafted architectural narrative.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officePublished on January 19, 2025Cite: "Path Art Studio and Personalized Residence / Dishna Thilanka Architects" 18 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025785/path-art-studio-and-personalized-residence-dishna-thilanka-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Nature, Published online: 15 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08609-8Pathogenesis of bovine H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in Macaques

There is never a shortage of things to do in Infinity Nikki, which has helped keep players engaged in Nikki's journey across Miraland since the game's launch in December 2024. While fashion keeps upcoming stylist Nikki quite busy, there are still plenty of other activities to check out in Florawish and beyond. These are not only fun to take part in, but also yield some very tempting rewards.

If you can't seem to figure out how to turn off noise cancellation on your AirPods Pro or AirPods 4 with ANC, you are not alone. After the iOS 18 update, many users across Reddit noticed that the button to turn Noise Cancellation "Off" simply didn't show up for them anymore. Not in Control Center, and not in Settings.As reported by Spencer Dailey on his Key Discussions blog, users facing this issue could still see controls for the Active Noise Cancellation mode, the Transparency Mode, and the new Adaptive Audio mode that blends the two aforementioned modes to control noise levels based on your environment. But the "Off" button was missing, as I confirmed myself while taking the screenshot below. Those affected can't even turn noise canceling or transparency mode off by pressing and holding the stems of their AirPods (instead just switching between the two). Credit: Khamosh Pathak That's a big problem. While transparency mode and noise cancelling are certainly useful, either for staying aware of or shutting out your environment, they also drain battery life. But not all is lost for those looking to eke every minute out of their earbuds. There is an easy way to bring back the Off button, and in typical Apple fashion, it's buried in the Settings app.How to bring back the Off button for Noise Cancellation on the AirPods ProFirst connect your AirPods Pro or AirPods 4 with ANC to your iPhone. Then, tap on your AirPods from the top of the Settings app, scroll all the way down, and enable the "Off Listening Mode" feature. You'll now see a Loud Sound Reduction confirmation box. Here, Apple suggests that you use one of the Noise Cancellation modes to help reduce exposure to loud sounds. Simply tap the "OK" button. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Now, when you scroll up to the top of the AirPods settings page, you'll see four modes again, including an Off button. The Off button should also now be available in both the Press and Hold AirPods menu as well as Control Center. Credit: Khamosh Pathak But if you're using iOS 18.1 or beyond, that might not be the end of the story for you. Even with your new Off button, Apple might keep switching to Transparency as the default mode, instead of turning off Noise Cancellation, every time you put in your AirPods. This is because of the new hearing protection features that Apple introduced with the iOS 18.1 update.Here, again, there is an obscure settings item to disable the Loud Noise Protection feature. After connecting your AirPods, go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods and Beats and tap the Turn off Loud Sound Reduction option. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Now, when you set your AirPods Noise Cancellation mode to "Off", it will stay "Off" no matter what. Although, the tradeoff is that your AirPods won't automatically block out loud sounds anymore. Still, According to Apple, the AirPods Pro last 4.5 hours with Noise Cancellation enabled, but they can last 5 hours if you don't use Noise Cancellation or Transparency features. That tradeoff might just be worth it.

Kids and younger teens might soon be unable to play Genshin Impact'sgachas. The developer behind the game has agreed to block players under 16 years old from making in-game purchases without parental consent in order to settle a complaint from the Federal Trade Commission. It has also agreed to pay a $20 million penalty. Samuel Levine, the director of FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said "Genshin Impact deceived children, teens, and other players into spending hundreds of dollars on prizes they stood little chance of winning."The developer's marketing actively targeted children, the commission said in its complaint, and the company also violated COPPA by collecting personal info from kids under 13. HoYoverse, the developer's US entity, allegedly deceives players "about the odds of winning" its rarer loot box prizes and uses a confusing virtual currency system that's unfair to kids and younger teens. The FTC says this misleads players on how much they actually have to spend to be able to get rarer prizes. Genshin Impact uses a gacha system instead of a traditional loot box mechanic, wherein players can "pull" on banners to win a random item or character.Under the FTC's proposed order, it wants to prohibit Genshin Impact from selling loot boxes using virtual currency unless it also provides an option to purchase them directly with real money. It wants to prohibit the developer from misrepresenting loot box odds and processes, and it wants to require the company to disclose gachas' odds and the virtual currency exchange rate. The commission wants to order HoYoverse to delete personal information collected from kids until 13 unless it was obtained with parental consent, as well. A federal judge still has to approve the proposed order with all these requirements, though, so they won't be enforced immediately.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ftc-orders-genshin-impacts-developer-to-block-young-teens-from-making-in-game-purchases-221532729.html?src=rss