Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altmans OpenAIBy Karen Hao 15PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, 2025, $32 Read MIT Technology Reviews excerpt here.Play It Again, Sam: Repetition in the ArtsBy Samuel Jay Keyser, HM 97, emeritus professor of linguisticsMIT PRESS, 2025, $30Data, Systems, and Society: Harness AI for Societal GoodBy Munther A. Dahleh, professor of EECS and founding director of the Institute for Data, Systems, and SocietyCAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2025, $27.99So Very Small: How Humans Discovered the Microcosmos, Defeated Germsand May Still Lose the War Against Infectious DiseaseBy Thomas Levenson, professor of science writingPENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, 2025, $35Perspectives in Antenna Technology: Recent Advances and Systems ApplicationsBy Jeffrey S. Herd, group leader of the RF Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and Alan J. Fenn and M. David Conway, both senior staff in the RF Technology GroupMIT PRESS, 2025, $125Misery Beneath the Miracle in East AsiaBy Arvid J. Lukauskas and Yumiko T. Shimabukuro, PhD 12CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2024, $34.95Send book news to MITAlumniNews@technologyreview.com orMIT Technology Review, 196 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139

InsightsThe Fluid Future of Work: Rethinking Roles in the Age of Intelligent MachinesMark Marone, PhDJuly 25, 2025Sylverarts/Getty ImagesIn brief:AI-driven role changes require proactive, nonlinear approaches to workforce planning and leadership development.Leaders must transition from traditional decision makers to sense makers, orchestrating complex AI-human interactions.Learning and developments priority shifts from closing existing skills gaps to anticipating future capability needs, ensuring organizational agility.As AI advances, human employees roles are evolving in unpredictable ways. Organizations must now anticipate and prepare for nonlinear role shifts, where job responsibilities fragment, fuse, or disappear altogether. The ability to proactively adapt leadership, learning, and development strategies to this new reality is emerging as an important competitive differentiator.To meet this challenge, learning and development (L&D) must not only close current skills gaps but also forecast future ones. This means redefining how we think about jobs, how we develop talent, and how we support leaders who are navigating uncharted organizational terrain.The Need to Prepare for the Nonlinear Evolution of RolesIn an AI-transformed world, job roles are being rapidly reshaped. Traditional workforce planning models arent enough to get the job done. Organizations are faced with the need to rethink their approach to workforce planning and development.This imperative, which we call predicting the nonlinear evolution of roles, was identified by global leaders as one of the three most urgent objectives in our 2025 Global Leadership Development Study. Alongside the rise of digital labor and the acceleration of AI, it is changing not just how work gets done but also who does it and what capabilities they need to succeed.For decades, workforce planning has typically followed a relatively linear and role-based approach: define the roles needed to support strategic goals, identify the skills and experiences required for each, and create structured career paths to build proficiency. That model no longer works. Today, leaders must anticipate role changes before they happen and equip teams to adapt in real time.In our study, 44% of respondents said their organization is placing greater emphasis on upskilling and reskilling within leadership development. And almost half (45%) said expectations are rising for leaders to actively support their own teams AI upskilling.These trends highlight the fact that leaders themselves are seeing their roles change, sometimes dramatically. Moves that create entirely new leadership roles, such as merging IT and HR departments, are making headlines.1 Leaders are increasingly valued as sense makers who can deal with complexity and guide AI-enabled systems rather than as decision makers and subject matter experts. They are navigating new responsibilities that may not have existed a year ago, and that may change again in six months.AI Is Driving and Redefining Role EvolutionAs AI tools grow more sophisticated, they are no longer simply assisting with tasks. Increasingly, they are performing end-to-end processes autonomously. In many companies, AI has already evolved from the role of helpful assistant to agent.One multinational company we interviewed shared their use of a 4B framework to determine how work gets done in the future: Will a task be handled by human talent that is bought, built, or borrowed? Or will it be transferred to a bot or button (AI)? This type of thinking, which was once rare, is becoming common across industries and functions.In some cases, AI orchestrates entire workflows. Take UBS, for example. Since 2024, the financial firms AI-driven service approves loans without human intervention. Credit officers didnt disappear, but their responsibilities changed. Today, they define parameters, conduct scenario testing, and coach AI systems rather than make each decision themselves.That kind of shift has implications for how we design leadership development. L&D teams must prepare leaders to take on new responsibilities, some of which may not be clearly defined yet. This requires not only technical upskilling but also a rethinking of leadership identity, agency, and capability.Whats at Stake: Leadership Pipelines and Capability GapsThe nonlinear evolution of roles affects more than just current job holders; it upends the traditional leadership pipeline. In industries where AI displaces entry-level roles, organizations may lose the proving grounds where future leaders once developed. Without action, this will create serious capability gaps down the road.Thats why the most forward-looking companies are redesigning development paths to reflect the new reality. They are investing in tools to model likely role changes, analyze skill adjacency, and forecast future workforce needs. Crucially, they are embedding learning earlier and more broadly to build readiness, not just at the top but across the enterprise.What L&D Can Do NowSo how should L&D leaders respond? Start by shifting the question from What does this role require now? to What will this role likely become? Then, work backward. What experiences, knowledge, and capabilities must be built today to support success tomorrow?Effective teams are:Building dynamic role profiles that adapt as new technologies and business models emergeIntegrating AI into workforce planning tools to simulate different futures and surface new opportunitiesRedesigning development programs to account for lateral moves, hybrid roles, and new leadership expectationsSupporting leaders through transitions, helping them redefine their contributions as machines take over more routine tasksThis is not about predicting the future perfectly. It is about being prepared for many possible futures and helping people adapt and thrive in any of them.The Bottom LineStatic job descriptions are a thing of the past. The future requires leaders who recognize that human and digital roles will be frequently reimagined. To lead in this world, people must be trained not just to perform but to pivot.The role of L&D is no longer to close skills gaps. It is to help organizations anticipate them. And to do that, L&D leaders must be fast, fluid, and relentlessly future-focused.Now is the time to rethink not just what we teach but why we teach it and whether its whats needed to prepare people for what lies ahead in the world of work.Explore further insights by downloading our 2025 Global Leadership Development Study: Fast, Fluid, and Future-Focused.Research Report2025 Global Leadership Development Study: Fast, Fluid, and Future-FocusedDownloadBousquette, Isabelle, Why Moderna Merged Its Tech and HR Departments, CIO Journal, May 12, 2025. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-moderna-merged-its-tech-and-hr-departments-95318c2a?utm. Future of WorkLeadership DevelopmentStrategic AlignmentShare this resourceShare on LinkedInShare on FacebookShare on XShare on WhatsAppEmail this PageConnect with usChange isnt easy, but we can help. Together well create informed and inspired leaders ready to shape the future of your business.Contact usLatest InsightsTalent ManagementScale Innovation with Speed: The ABCs of Leading InnovationInnovation is an organization-wide capability requiring leaders who can foster collaboration, experimentation, and execution at Read more: Scale Innovation with Speed: The ABCs of Leading InnovationArticleStrategic AlignmentWhy the Tortoise Doesnt Win Anymore: Speed to Skill as a Competitive AdvantageIn a fast-changing market, sustainable advantage comes from how quickly organizations can identify skill needs, Read more: Why the Tortoise Doesnt Win Anymore: Speed to Skill as a Competitive AdvantageArticleTransformationBreaking Through: People-Centered Transformation Powered by LearningOrganizations can embed learning measures into learning for more immediate impact to enrich the experience Read more: Breaking Through: People-Centered Transformation Powered by LearningArticleFuture of WorkFPT Partners with Harvard Business Impact, Empowering Global Workforce with AI-Driven Learning SolutionsFPT partners with Harvard Business Impact to boost leadership development and talent growth. Read more: FPT Partners with Harvard Business Impact, Empowering Global Workforce with AI-Driven Learning SolutionsNewsThe post The Fluid Future of Work: Rethinking Roles in the Age of Intelligent Machines appeared first on Harvard Business Impact.

ActuGaming.net Le film Return to Silent Hill, qui adapte Silent Hill 2, se dévoile avec un premier teaser Le timing est impeccable pour Konami. La licence Silent Hill est de nouveau très présente […] L'article Le film Return to Silent Hill, qu

IntroductionBlender has established itself as a powerful and versatile tool in the world of 3D design, offering capabilities that rival even the most expensive software packages. One of its most impressive features is its ability to produce highly realistic renders, making it a go-to choice for artists, designers, and animators who want to create stunning visuals. In this blog, well explore essential tips and techniques for achieving high-quality, photorealistic renders in Blender, whether youre working on an animation, architectural visualization, or any other 3D project.Understanding Blenders Rendering EnginesOverview of Blenders Rendering EnginesBlender comes equipped with two primary rendering engines: Eevee and Cycles. Both are powerful in their own right but serve different purposes. Eevee is a real-time rendering engine, making it perfect for fast previews and projects where speed is crucial. On the other hand, Cycles is a path-tracing engine designed for photorealism, capable of producing incredibly detailed and realistic images by simulating the behavior of light.Choosing the Right Engine for Your Project Choosing between Eevee and Cycles depends on your projects requirements. For quick animations or real-time visualizations, Eevees speed and efficiency are unmatched. However, if youre aiming for the highest level of realism, especially in still images or high-end animations, Cycles is the better choice due to its ability to produce detailed lighting, reflections, and shadows that closely mimic reality.Setting Up Your Scene for Realistic RenderingLighting TechniquesLighting is one of the most critical aspects of achieving realism in 3D renders. In Blender, using HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) can significantly enhance your scenes realism by providing a more natural light environment. HDRI maps provide a wide range of light information, including direction, color, and intensity, resulting in more authentic shadows and reflections.When setting up your lighting, focus on creating realistic shadows that add depth to your scene. Utilize multiple light sources to mimic natural lighting conditions, and adjust the softness or hardness of shadows to match your desired aesthetic.Material and TexturingMaterials and textures are key components of a realistic render. Blenders Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials simulate the physical properties of real-world materials, providing a solid foundation for creating believable surfaces. When applying textures, use UV mapping to ensure they align correctly with your 3D models. Adding displacement and bump maps can further enhance the detail of your surfaces, giving them a more tactile, three-dimensional appearance.Optimizing Render Settings for High-Quality OutputsAdjusting Render SettingsRender settings play a crucial role in the quality of your final image. In Cycles, one of the most important settings is the number of samples. Higher samples reduce noise and produce cleaner images, but at the cost of longer render times. Denoising techniques in Blender can help mitigate this by smoothing out noise without sacrificing too much detail.Finding the right balance between quality and render time is essential. Experiment with different sample settings, denoising, and resolution to achieve a high-quality render that fits within your time constraints.Post-Processing in BlenderAfter rendering, Blenders Compositor allows you to enhance your image further through post-processing. Color correction can help adjust the tone and mood of your scene, while effects like bloom and depth of field add a professional touch. Post-processing is where your render can go from good to great, adding the final polish that makes your image stand out.Advanced Tips for Enhancing RealismSubsurface Scattering and VolumetricsFor materials like skin, wax, or leaves, subsurface scattering (SSS) is crucial. SSS allows light to penetrate the surface of an object and scatter within it, mimicking the way light interacts with translucent materials in the real world. This effect is essential for creating realistic organic materials.Volumetric effects like fog, smoke, or atmospheric lighting can add a layer of depth and realism to your scene. By carefully adjusting volumetric settings, you can create a sense of scale and environment that grounds your render in a believable world.Motion Blur and Camera EffectsAdding motion blur can bring a dynamic and realistic touch to your renders, especially in animations or scenes with fast-moving objects. Similarly, camera effects like depth of field and lens distortion can simulate the imperfections of real-world cameras, adding another layer of authenticity to your renders.Common Pitfalls to AvoidOvercomplicating the SceneWhile its tempting to add as much detail as possible, overcomplicating your scene can lead to longer render times and a cluttered composition. Focus on key elements that enhance realism and avoid unnecessary details that dont contribute to the overall quality of the render.Ignoring Render Time OptimizationHigh-quality visuals are important, but so is efficiency. Neglecting render time optimization can lead to hours or even days lost in rendering. Use techniques like render layer management and simplified geometry where possible to keep render times manageable without compromising on quality.ConclusionAchieving realistic rendering in Blender requires a combination of good lighting, material setup, and careful optimization. By understanding and utilizing Blenders powerful tools and settings, you can create stunning, high-quality visuals that stand out in any project. Remember, the key to mastery is practice, so dont hesitate to experiment with different techniques and push the boundaries of whats possible in Blender. Happy rendering!Resources:Blender Documentation: Cycles RendererDescription: Official Blender documentation that covers the Cycles rendering engine in detail.Link: Cycles Renderer DocumentationBlender Guru: Photorealism TutorialsDescription: A series of video tutorials by Blender Guru that focuses on achieving photorealism in Blender.Link: Blender Guru Photorealism SeriesHDRI HavenDescription: A free resource for high-quality HDRI maps that can be used in Blender to enhance lighting realism.Link: HDRI HavenBlender Artists ForumDescription: A community forum where Blender users share tips, tricks, and tutorials on various aspects of Blender, including rendering.Link: Blender Artists ForumCreative Shrimp: Advanced Rendering in BlenderDescription: A blog and tutorial site that offers advanced tips and tricks for rendering in Blender.Link: Creative ShrimpBlender Market: PBR Material PacksDescription: A marketplace where you can purchase high-quality PBR materials specifically designed for Blender.Link: Blender Market PBR MaterialsAndrew Prices YouTube ChannelDescription: Andrew Price, also known as Blender Guru, offers numerous tutorials on rendering, materials, and lighting in Blender.Link: Andrew Price YouTube ChannelBlenderNation: Daily Blender NewsDescription: A site that provides daily updates on Blender news, including tutorials, add-ons, and community projects.Link: BlenderNationBlender Compositor DocumentationDescription: Official documentation on using Blenders Compositor for post-processing and enhancing renders.Link: Blender Compositor DocumentationBlender CloudDescription: A subscription service that provides access to a large library of Blender tutorials, assets, and training resources.Link: Blender Cloud

Apple today unveiled AppleCare One, a new way for customers to cover multiple Apple products with one simple plan.

The iPhone Control Center is a feature that hadn't changed all that much in recent years, but iOS 18 brought about some big improvements. Here's how to get the most out of it.iOS 18 updated Control Center with new customization options.Control Center has long offered iPhone owners a quick and easy way to access and toggle features like Wi-Fi, cellular data, and more. But the number of options available to iPhone owners was previously limited and the layout was cramped with just a single page of buttons available.That's all changed with iOS 18, with Apple adding multiple groups to separate buttons as well as support for more types of buttons including support for third-party buttons from many of the apps that you use the most. 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.In Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wine, the Cit des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne stands just beyond the historic center, where the landscape opens to vine-covered hills. Designed by Emmanuelle Andreani Architectes, the building draws direct inspiration from the grapevine its spiraling helical ramp echoing the tendrils climb and its material palette is rooted in the soils and forests of the region. Set apart from the dense medieval fabric, the striking first impression this building makes needs room to breathe and make itself known just like the grapevines that inspired its exterior aesthetics.Exterior of Cit des Climats Et Vins De Bourgogne by Emmanuelle Andreani Architectes, Beaune, FranceThe project is dedicated to educating visitors on the culture, industry, traditions and processes that define one of the worlds most famous wine-growing regions. Meanwhile, the site itself acts as a bridge between the iconic centuries-old cellars that litter central Beaune and the towns iconic wine route, where oenophiles can explore vine-covered hills around the ville. The importance of this position is hard to overstate.Opening around the same time as the winemaking climats of the region were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an accolade saved for geographically unique destinations, practices and cultures, local materiality is key to the designs sustainable credentials. For example, burgundy stone and indigenous timber, with more wood used for the external faades, too, which have been filled with hemp concrete.All these products help reduce the buildings footprint, and nature plays a significant role elsewhere, too. Over 400 trees have been planted in the stunning grounds, encouraging indigenous ecosystems to use the estate as they would the untouched countryside.Cit des Climats Et Vins De Bourgogne by Emmanuelle Andreani Architectes, Beaune, FranceLooking to the rooftop, 1,000 vines effectively create a new climat for the region. In doing so, they contribute to the culture that is celebrated within, where there are a range of activities and displays across reception and retail areas, offices, a tasting room-cum-lecture space and exhibition zones. Then a stunning restaurant with panoramic views from an outdoor terrace offers a chance to taste the goods firsthand.All the better for taking in the spectacular landscapes that have hosted winemakers for hundreds of years already. Rural environs are reflected in the building itself. The iconic exterior ramp was directly inspired by the tendril of a vine, and specifically how this wraps around trellis wire after taking root in a vineyard. The design choice also represents the constant movement of natures yearly growth cycle, repeated every 12 months despite never really being the same.Exterior of Cit des Climats Et Vins De Bourgogne by Emmanuelle Andreani Architectes, Beaune, FranceAccording to the architects, Cit des Climats Et Vins De Bourgogne is conceived as an authentic place imbued with discovery, exchange and tradition. The firm believes the project can be discovered in the same manner as one tastes wine: with desire, appetite and modesty.Striking as it is, you cant help but pick up on what that means. The building does not want to impose on the countryside nor insist on itself. Exquisite landscaping helps it swerve both, complementing the surrounding area rather than detracting or distracting from it. This means nature remains the star of the show.The fact this visitor attraction has opened at a point in time when a number of Frances more southerly winemaking regions are facing an existential crisis due to climate change only makes the concept feel more significant.Alongside areas of California, Greece, Italy and Spain, its no longer a question of whether adaptation is necessary for French winemakers. (Notably, in Australia, 65% of traditional vineyards could become unsustainable.) Instead, we must ask how much adaptation is going to be required. And at what point does that adaptation become unfeasible or unaffordable?Cit des Climats Et Vins De Bourgogne by Emmanuelle Andreani Architectes, Beaune, FranceRelocating to higher ground is the most obvious solution for many. But until we know the extent to which the planet will heat this century, its impossible to ascertain whether such a move will offer a quick fix or long-term solution.For Burgundy, the impact of global warming has so far been less pronounced than, say, Champagne or Bordeaux. Nevertheless, the regions reliance on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes both extremely sensitive to spring frosts and heat waves means the local industry is vulnerable and adaptation will be necessary to survive and continue to thrive., So, one day Emmanuelle Andreani Architectes beautiful ode to local bottles could either become an invaluable interactive timeline chronicling how the industry transformed and continued, or a tribute to what has been lost.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 Sustainable Practice: Designing With Terroir in Burgundys Wine Country appeared first on Journal.

Have you ever marvelled at a photograph of a hummingbird frozen mid-flight or water droplets suspended in mid-air? These stunning images are possible through high-speed photography, a technique that freezes fleeting moments too fast for the human eye. Mastering this form of photography not only enhances your skills but also transforms everyday occurrences into captivating visual stories.Lets dive into the fascinating world of high-speed photography and discover how to perfect this thrilling technique.Why High-Speed Photography?High-speed photography is more than just capturing actionit reveals the invisible beauty hidden in brief moments. By using rapid shutter speeds and precise timing, photographers can showcase the intricate details of fast-moving subjects, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary imagery.Unlike slow shutter photography, which emphasizes blur and movement, high-speed photography brings clarity and dramatic impact through sharpness and precision.Key Elements for Successful High-Speed ImagesInstead of focusing solely on gear first, lets look at the essential elements behind impactful high-speed shots:Precision Timing: The most critical element is timing. Capturing the perfect moment often involves anticipation and practice. Using burst mode helps you capture multiple frames quickly, greatly increasing your chance of getting that flawless shot.Proper Lighting: Good lighting is essential. High-speed photography requires ample illumination, often achieved through external flashes or natural daylight, to allow for faster shutter speeds without compromising image quality.Fast Shutter Speed: A shutter speed of at least 1/1000 second (often even faster) is necessary to freeze motion effectively. Faster shutter speeds capture sharper, clearer images, ensuring even rapid movements are perfectly crisp.Essential Camera GearEquipped with the knowledge of key elements, now lets explore essential gear that facilitates high-speed photography:DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Allows full manual control for precise adjustments.Fast Lens (Wide Aperture): Lenses with apertures between f/1.8 and f/2.8 increase available light, supporting faster shutter speeds.External Flash (Speedlights): Freezes action sharply and clearly illuminates subjects.Sturdy Tripod: Maintains stability and composition, especially critical for detailed, sharp images.Remote Shutter Release: Reduces vibrations for pinpoint clarity.Creative Subjects to ExploreLooking for inspiration? Here are some fantastic subjects perfect for high-speed photography:Liquid Splashes: Water droplets, milk splashes, or colorful liquids frozen in dynamic shapes.Exploding Objects: Balloons bursting or fruit splattering can create visually dramatic and artistic compositions.Wildlife in Action: Birds mid-flight or animals leaping showcase intricate details of motion and natural beauty.Sports Moments: Capture athletes intensity, determination, and skill at the peak of action.Expert Tips for High-Speed Photography SuccessTo truly excel in high-speed photography, keep these expert insights in mind:Pre-Focus and Anticipate: Autofocus often lags. Pre-focus manually at the spot you expect action.Practice Your Timing: Repeat your setup multiple times. Practice helps perfect your reflexes and results.Use Flash Effectively: External flashes placed strategically can dramatically improve lighting, allowing for sharper captures.Keep Backgrounds Clean: Simple, uncluttered backgrounds highlight your subject clearly and enhance visual impact.Common Mistakes to AvoidAvoid these typical pitfalls that beginners often encounter:Too Slow Shutter Speed: Insufficient speed results in blurry images. Always start at 1/1000 second or faster.Poor Lighting Conditions: Adequate illumination is essentialuse flash or natural daylight effectively.Over-reliance on Auto Modes: Manual settings provide control and consistency, crucial for precise action shots.Wrapping Up: Your Journey to Stunning High-Speed PhotosHigh-speed photography allows you to explore and appreciate fleeting moments. With the right equipment, attention to timing, and plenty of practice, you can create striking, memorable images that stand out. Begin capturing those elusive moments today, and turn split seconds into visual art.Extended reading:Embracing the beauty of chaos in photographyThe post Capturing the Moment: Mastering High-Speed Photography appeared first on 500px.

Collisions node removes instances placed too close to each others.Collisions nodes uses instances collision spheres which can be setup in scatter nodes.Raduis multiplier scales instances colilision spheres by the multiplier. It resuluts in different instaces density.Collision group allows interaction between different collision nodes with the same group.

NHL 26 shifts from last years more offensive-oriented innovations to focus more on goaltending. The result is a far more dynamic defensive AI and a new goalie system dubbed crease control. Tying all the iterations together is the collaboration with NHLs EDGE, which allows a stream of complex data points across real rinks into the virtual space of the game. While particular insights into Franchise and Be A Pro mode arent revealed at this time, theres a lot of additions and changes to this years hockey game worth looking at. Heres everything you need to know before purchasing NHL 26.Mix of Generic and Authentic Face Scans for Player ModelsEAs NHL series still lags behind their other sports titles when it comes to player facial scanswell, aside from College Football where the scanning of hundreds of teams players just isnt feasible today. In previous NHL games, only breakout star players had their likeness meticulously and authentically scanned, relegating other players to one of two lesser options: AI scans, or the uncanny generic character creation assets available to use in-game. NHL 26 is keeping this same structure, with more players getting the AI scan treatment than before, as seen through gameplay footage and previews.80 New Save AnimationsOne aspect EA is adamant about improving is how goalies react and play. NHL 26 is practically overhauling the entire goalkeeping aspect of the game. The most immediately noticeable upgrades are the 80-plus new save animations. Better yet, goalies can now interrupt an animation to react to surprise situations. This will make it more of an authentic challenge to score goals, but also allow much smoother and responsive gameplay when playing as goalie yourself.Goalies Behave with Unique PersonalitiesDespite the added variety, canned animations can still feel somewhat inauthentic if thats all thats driving the AI. NHL 26 has an another way to keep goalies from feeling predictable and generic and thats its new size-based behavior system. Now the smaller goalies step out towards the ice to confront breakaway skaters with their positional agility using stick pokes and other moves to act on the shot. While larger more imposing goalies stick to the back of the net like a wall.Positional Logic System for GoaliesBut the big gameplay additions come in the form of what EA terms a positional logic system. Every veteran NHL gamer knows how effective, and in some cases broken, the quick cross-net one-timer is against AI goalies. Well, this year attempts to challenge that. Goalies now anticipate such opportunities by spreading across the net when the AI detects the possibility. This should not only provide better authenticity but also allow more scores via fake passes and trick shots.New Ice-Q 2.0 Uses Real NHL EDGE DataMoving on from goalies to general skaters, an overhauled AI system dubbed Ice-Q 2.0 arrives for NHL 26. This is more than mere PR-speak on behalf of EA, the NHL itself has partnered to give the series first-ever NHL EDGE real-time data. NHL EDGE is used to track various data points in real life games such as puck speed, skater acceleration, and puck score positions across infrared arena cameras.How NHL EDGE Data is Used in the GameAll of this is being implemented into the game to better simulate player attributes, player tendencies, and the overall presentation and style. The game will use 14 infrared cameras to gather and track this data using the same system the real NHL does in their games.Unique Player Tendency HabitsEA is also making an effort to differentiate players and make them more identifiable through their play. Theyre doing this through a new AI system dubbed Tendencies. Tendencies are more subtle quirks, like wrapping the puck around tiny holes on the side of the net or powering through the center with confrontation in mind. These include some stat boosts but are more driven by specific AI habits, and with 22 Tendencies at launch, theres a reasonable amount to differentiate players.More Detailed Broadcast PresentationsOf course, where NHL EDGE makes its presence known in real life hockey is the stat sheet and replay booth. And this is precisely how replays operate in NHL 26. Using all that useful data, replays now show valuable info like puck speed along with a dozen other more in-depth stats. Expect a whole lot more info to be present during game broadcasts this time around.Nerfed Vision ControlNHL 25 heavily promoted its new Vision Control mechanic last year; thats still here, but its nerfed a bit. Vision Control is a way to maintain forward posture and space around the ice in front of the neutral zone. The thing thats getting nerfed? Unlimited use without any downside. It was far too beneficial to just always use forward facing Vision Control in an aggressive fashion. Now theyve taken feedback, balanced things a bit, and are penalizing over-usage of Vision Control. We dont know the specifics on how this is balanced, but it should keep gameplay more realistic and competitive.Addressing Player FeedbackThe team at EA is doing more than just Vision Control adjustments. Following the feedback from last years game, several gameplay functions have been tweaked and balanced. Toe Drags, for example, are possible while skating backwards or sideways and not just when going forward. My favorite addition is a deception pass out of a fake shot, something that wasnt at all fluid or organic in previous games. Wrist shots arent mentioned among the feedback items, which is disappointing considering how unnecessarily convoluted the control scheme was for wrist shots in NHL 25.Overhauled X-FactorsX-Factors no longer provide passive buffs to skaters. The focus this time around is on situational X-Factors. Like other EA sports games, these X-Factors activate when a player is on a hot streak or in a high pressure situation. The added situations here serve to make each individual skater more unique, dovetailing with the Tendencies mentioned earlier. And for RPG fans, each X-Factor has three tiers that can be leveled up for greater effects. NHL 26 has 28 X-Factors in total with more to come in future updates.Historic Players Added to HUTFor longtime NHL fans, the inclusion of all-time greats like Sergei Federov and Chris Pronger to HUT makes team-building even more attractive. A range of historic players from the past get grouped into Heroes and Icons categories. Theres six each at launch with more to drop as the year progresses.Cross-PlayWhile EAs NHL series is still limited to just PlayStation and Xbox platforms, at least cross-play works well between the two consoles. Cross-play will work within the WoC and HUT modes, allowing for both co-op and competitive play against friends through invitations and invites.Release TimesThe trend of staggered launch days continues and shows little sign of stopping. NHL 26 officially launches for retail worldwide on September 12th. Thats a full seven days after the early access launch on September 5th, which is available only for Deluxe Edition buyers and members of EA Plus, who get a 10-hour early access demo.Platforms and EditionsLike last year, EAs NHL game is available only on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Theres only two editions at launch, the basic 69.99 standard edition, including a HUT NHL Player Pack, two World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boosts, and a Matthew Tkachuk item worth 99 overall. And the Deluxe Edition at $99.99, of which the price was suspiciously absent on the official website. This edition includes the following:7-day early access (starting September 5)4600 NHL PointsHUT Starter Choice Pack (83 OVR)HUT NHL Player PackHUT Icon Choice Pack (86 OVR)HUT Heroes Choice Pack (84 OVR)Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR item* (available immediately in NHL 25 with digital pre-order)World of Chel Vanity SetWorld of Chel Battle Pass XP Boost (x2)