January 16, 20253 min readPowerful Forces Threaten Climate Action, Biden WarnsIn his farewell address, President Biden warned that a powerful oligarchy could undo four years of progress on climate policyBy Scott Waldman & E&E News President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House as he gives his farewell address Wednesday. Mandel Ngan - Pool/Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | President Joe Biden used the first half of his 17-minute farewell address Wednesday night to tout his achievements over the past four years, highlighting infrastructure and climate legislation that created new jobs across the country.Then it got dark.Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden warned that a powerful oligarchy threatens U.S. democracy and is working to diminish and destroy his climate policy. He said climate change was among the most dire threats facing the country and that he was concerned about the fate of his landmark climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act. The law included almost $400 billion in clean energy spending which President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to claw back.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.We've proven we don't have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy, we're doing both, Biden said. The powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we've taken to tackle the climate crisis, to serve their own interest for power and profit.Biden never named Trump directly. But he blamed a fog of misinformation for misleading the American people. The free press was crumbling, he said. Social media fact-checkers have been eliminated, he said referencing tech giant Meta's recent announcement that it would no longer use fact-checkers.I'm equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country as well, Biden said. Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power.Bidens address made it clear that he is concerned his climate legacy is under threat. He oversaw the most aggressive climate plan in U.S. history and some of its impacts, like boosting clean energy manufacturing and electric vehicles, will likely survive the Trump administration.But Bidens climate efforts will also now face a four-year frontal assault. Trump wants to repeal or weaken as much of the Inflation Reduction Act as possible, and hell begin targeting regulations on fossil fuels with an expected flurry of executive orders as soon as he takes office.Gone will be the president who frequently called climate change an existential threat. Seated at the Resolute desk will be a president who promises to drill, baby, drill.Trump has promised that the government's support of EVs is now over. He will transform a White House now focused on getting all federal agencies to consider climate change into one determined to ramp up fossil fuel production as quickly as possible.And while Biden increased the number of federal employees focused on climate change, carbon emissions reductions and environmental justice, Trumps incoming Cabinet officials have promised to purge them.In the final moments of his Oval Office speech, just days away from completing nearly a half-century in public office, Biden ended with a small note of hope.After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure, he said. Now it's your turn to stand guard.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

Hideki Kamiya calls out "sh**ty leakers" in wake of Switch 2 reveal"They need to be crushed as soon as possible."Image credit: Daniel Robson News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on Jan. 16, 2025 Hideki Kamiya has called out "shitty leakers" in the wake of Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal, stating they "should be cursed".Earlier today Nintendo finally revealed its Switch 2 console after months of leaks and speculation.Following the reveal, Kamiya (game designer of Okami, Bayonetta, Devil May Cry and more) took to social media to express his frustration towards those who leaked Switch 2 information ahead of the official reveal.Nintendo Switch 2 First-look trailerWatch on YouTube"I hope that all of the people who leaked Switch 2 information/those who helped leak it will be cursed for the rest of their lives to always have poop on the soles of their shoes when they get home," he began, jokingly enough (via machine translation).Kamiya referred back to the surprise reveal of an Okami sequel in development from last year's The Game Awards. "Now that I've enjoyed the surprise announcement of Okami with all the users, I truly believe that... all those damn leakers should be cursed," he said.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.He continued, referring to theoretical leakers as "the worst of scum"."The shitty leaker only acts for his own pleasure and self-satisfaction, not only is he not contributing to anyone's benefit, he is incurring all sorts of opportunity losses, and has done nothing to be proud of in front of others," he said. "He is the worst of scum, so he should be covered in shit from head to toe and thrown out of the atmosphere... and then stop thinking and wander forever."He concluded the thread with a further vent of frustration."These damn leakers are in a position of responsibility where they have access to information that only a very select few know, yet what they do is nothing more than an expression of a filthy desire for approval that lacks a shred of rationality; they are shameful people, so it is not the manufacturers whose secrets have been exposed who should be blamed, but these damn people, and they need to be crushed as soon as possible," he said.The outspoken Kamiya is known for his hot takes on social media, yet while his thread is lighthearted to begin with, there appears to be an undercurrent of genuine annoyance.Indeed, leaks have become an issue across the industry. In recent years, many major releases - from Nintendo and other studios - have been leaked ahead of release. This week, former Nintendo staff said the company had likely been "very, very, upset" by Switch 2 leaks, due to their "disruptive impact".Kamiya's Okami sequel, thankfully, didn't leak before its reveal. It's being developed by his new studio Clovers.The Switch 2 is still without a firm release date, but was finally announced earlier today along with a tease of a new Mario Kart game.

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 here Contents hide Call of Duty in 2025 is a mixed bag. While Black Ops 6 multiplayer and Warzone continue to be overrun with cheaters ruining matches for legitimate players, the Zombies mode keeps on thriving thanks to Treyarchs unwavering support. Whether its through quality-of-life updates or the addition of new content, the undead-slaying mode is back at the top of Activisions shooter series.Once The Tomb map launches as part of the Season 2 update, Black Ops 6 Zombies will have a total of four maps for players to choose from guaranteeing plenty of choice when it comes to slaying the undead. A recent leak claims there are even more battlegrounds are on the way this year.More Black Ops 6 Zombies inboundNotable Call of Duty leaker TheGhostOfHope is at it again. This time around, the leaker claims that there are at least two more Zombies maps expected to launch during the remainder of the Black Ops 6 cycle.The news of even more maps making their way to Black Ops 6 shows Treyarchs commitment to making Zombies a flagship mode once again. Considering Modern Warfare 3 Zombies missed the mark by moving away from the round-based formula, the developer is determined to keep the momentum rolling.Exact details on the unreleased maps remain a mystery but rumours are already pointing towards Richtofens mansion and the Janus Towers being potential locations for the next chapters of the Dark Aether storyline.The resurgence of CoD ZombiesZombies in Call of Duty has been a staple of Treyarchs games since World at War. While other instalments also feature the mode, the Black Ops developer has spearheaded the mode into a constantly engaging co-op experience.Once Season 2 and The Tomb map launch on January 28th, 2025, there are four more Black Ops 6 seasons remaining. With plenty of content seemingly in the works, this year looks set to be a memorable one if youre fans slaying undead and completing all kinds of epic Easter eggs.For more Call of Duty, check out the best Jackal PDW loadout for close-quarters combat along with the best mouse and keyboard settings to keep your aim on the right track.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Situated among the picturesque Green Mountains, the best hotels in Stowe, Vermont allow visitors to vacation in peak comfort 365 days a year. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Stowe Mountain Resort, where Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak are groomed with steep, snowy trails. Hikers and mountain bikers tend to visit in the spring and summer, when wildflowers line the verdant paths. And leaf-peepers come for the colorful fall foliage, which typically peaks at the end of September with hues of vibrant crimson and fiery orange.No matter what season draws you to Stowe, youll have an impressive selection of hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to choose from. For modern travelers, both AWOL Stowe and Field Guide Lodge are Lark Hotels properties catered towards millennials. Those seeking ski-in-ski-out mountain access should book The Lodge at Spruce Peak, while The Sound of Music fans will adore a stay at the alps-style Trapp Family Lodge. In addition to the best hotels the city has to offer, youll even find a handful of well-appointed Airbnbs and resorts on our list for a cozier or more private experience.Browse According to Category:Stowe HotelsPhoto: Chris DelaneyAWOL StoweOn the edge of Cady Hill Forest, AWOL Stowe is a tranquil getaway designed for adults. Each earthy minimalist bedroom features a plush king bed, a walk-in shower, and La Bottega toiletriesand the communal amenities are above and beyond for a boutique hotel. Firepits, cedar hot tubs, and cold plunge pools provide Nordic-style relaxation; the guest-only bar serves up craft cocktails and light bites; and the complimentary breakfast includes an artisanal toast bar with sweet and savory toppings. Starting at $279.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Lark HotelsField Guide LodgeAWOLs family-friendly little sister, Field Guide Lodge is located in the heart of Stowe village. Its classic double-occupancy rooms can be found in the modern ski-house-inspired main building, while its spacious suites and cottages for larger groups are set back by the heated pool and hot tub. At Aprs Only, the on-site bar and tasting room, 80s nostalgia is on offer alongside local beer, wine, whiskey, and snacks like charcuterie boards and warm Bavarian pretzels. Starting at $119.BOOK NOWPhoto: Maverick CreativeThe Lodge at Spruce PeakRight at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort (part of the Epic Pass system), The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a Destination by Hyatt property with over 250 rooms, suites, and residences. Its ski-in-ski-out access makes it ideal for hitting the slopes during the winter, but its also home to an acclaimed golf course for playing 18 holes during the summer. Its outdoor pool, all-natural spa, and five food and beverage concepts complete the year-round appeal. Starting at $349.BOOK NOWPhoto: Chadwick EsteyTrapp Family LodgeAfter touring the United States in the 1940s, the singing von Trapp family settled in Stowe because its panoramic mountain views reminded them of their native Austria. They opened a rustic inn soon thereafter, which eventually grew into the 96-room Trapp Family Lodge that exists today. Still owned by The Sound of Music family, the alpine lodge sits on 2,600 bucolic acres where guests can ride in horse-drawn carriages, go snowshoeing, and take a sunset yoga class. Starting at $235.BOOK NOWPhoto: Matt KisidayPhoto: Matt KisidayCady Hill LodgeBuilt for adventure-loving families and groups of travelers, Cady Hill Lodge is the ideal basecamp for holing yourself up by the fireside and taking a dip indoors after enjoying all the wintery activities Stowe has to offer. The hotel is part of the Bluebird by Lark family and ideally positioned beside some of the best hiking trails, just a short walk from the village, and five miles from the state's highest ski mountain. The large, wood-clad lobby lounge exudes warmth and rustic charm and there are several places to sprawl out with friends and a warm beverage among the leather-clad Togo chairs and other cozy seating in the communal areas. When youre ready to retire for the evening, plaid-filled bedrooms that complement the outdoorsy vibe await you. Starting at $156.BOOK NOWPhoto: Read McKendreeTlta LodgeScandinavian hygge is the name of the game at Tlta Lodge, another Bluebird by Lark property thats geared towards rugged adventure seekers. The neutral palette and clean lines of its rooms are heightened by charming storage details such as the pegboard wall seen here and the open closet for plopping down ski gear and accessories. Outdoors, theres plenty to keep you busy between the river access and recreation path, indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub, yoga room, and sauna. Starting at $150.BOOK NOWPhoto: Christopher Delaney, Courtesy of Outbound HotelsOutbound StoweOutbound Stowes contemporary bedrooms are outfitted in a cool blue-and-green color palette, with plaid prints and abstract art. Its bar, Eastside, mixes craft cocktails that can be sipped on the patio, and its outdoor pool is the regions largest, sitting adjacent to the flowing West Branch Little River. The hotel also offers direct access to the 5.3-mile paved greenway called the Stowe Recreation Path, so guests can walk, run, and bike in nature. Starting at $209.BOOK NOWPhoto: Cameron Neilson, Courtesy of Topnnotch ResortTopnotch ResortFor a luxury retreat, check in to Topnotch Resort, which is set on an 120-acre wooded glade in the Mount Mansfield foothills. All of the rooms and suites have a mountainy touch, the on-site restaurant highlights local ingredients, and the newly renovated fitness center is primed for individual workouts and group classes. Youll also find a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a tennis academy with six seasonal outdoor and four indoor hard courts. Starting at $199.Book NowPhoto: Ryan Bent PhotographyEdson HillWith 22 rooms spread across multiple buildings and 38 lush acres, Edson Hill is a bed-and-breakfast with sophisticated rustic flair, courtesy of Susan Stacy Design. Vintage four-post beds meet wood-paneled walls, tufted upholstery, and antique objects. Its Nordic Center is equipped with gear rentals so you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike on the miles of historic trails, while its fine-dining restaurant focuses on elevated New England fare. Theres also a seasonal swimming pool and a spring-fed pond. Starting at $395.BOOK NOWStowe Home RentalsCourtesy of AirbnbTimber-Framed HomeWith a timber frame sourced from a local forest and straw bale insulation from nearby Shelburne, Vermont, this cozy one-bedroom home combines traditional building methods and modern energy-efficient design. Natural light flows in the sliding glass doors, which are outfitted with sheers and blackout curtains for privacy and heat control. A pellet stove can help warm the space in the winter. The bathrooms walk-in shower, with its rain head and hand wand, is finished in Moroccan tadelakt plaster. Starting at $285.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbHistoric Former SchoolhouseIn the middle of the historic district, the 1845 Stowe Village Schoolhouse has been thoughtfully converted into a charming Airbnb that sleeps eight guests. Period details and antique furniture are paired with modern amenities like a washer and a dryer for a comfortable stay. The full blue kitchen is stocked with premium appliances like an ILVE oven, an LP gas six-burner range, and a Bosch dishwasher, so you can cook elaborate meals. Starting at $550.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbModern A-FrameFor the quintessential A-frame experience, consider booking this enchanting three-bedroom house that accommodates up to eight people. The airy living room, with its vaulted ceiling, fireplace, sink-right-in sofa, and 50-inch television, is ideal for marathoning movies or staying in for a game night after a few hours skiing or traversing the local hiking trails. A full kitchen and long dining table make for easy family dinners, while the hot tub, rain shower, and jacuzzi simulate a luxurious spa. Starting at $525.BOOK NOWMore Vermont Destinations to ExploreGetty Images/Tom NarwidTwin FarmsJust an hour south of Stowe, Twin Farms is an all-inclusive 300-acre estate in Barnard, Vermont. The main house rooms, farmhouse suites, two-bedroom lodge, cottages, and treehouses each have their own look, from traditional New England to soothing neutral. Activities include canoeing on the pond, skiing on the private slopes, axe-throwing, and perusing the gardens where produce for the two farm-to-table restaurants is grown. The Bridge House spa and fitness center are extra perks that complete the offerings. Starting at $2,800.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Woodstock Inn & ResortWoodstock Inn & ResortAn hour and 20 minutes south, you can find Woodstock Inn & Resort, a historic hotel right off the main street in Woodstock, Vermont. Its 142 rooms and suites (some of which are pet-friendly!) are designed in classic New England style with gingham prints, dark wood dressers, and rolled-arm seating. Two year-round restaurants, as well as seasonal concepts for both summer and winter, feed guests with local flavors and ingredients. The golf club draws enthusiasts from all over the Northeast. Starting at $299.BOOK NOWCourtesy of The WestonThe WestonThe Weston, located two hours south of Stowe in Weston, Vermont, is a new country property from the Sharp family, the hoteliers behind The Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles and The Carlyle in New York. Theyve channeled their signature glamour into five rooms and three suites, and they added a New England aesthetic, with floral patterns, jewel tones, and hand-carved poster beds. Guests can also enjoy French bistro fare at The Left Bank restaurant and relaxing massages at the spa. Starting at $450.BOOK NOW

An age-old question Texas defends requiring ID for porn to SCOTUS: Weve done this forever SCOTUS likely to find Texas' age-gating of porn unconstitutional, expert says. Ashley Belanger Jan 15, 2025 2:38 pm | 166 Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreOn Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments that could determine if a Texas age-gating law preventing kids from accessing pornography online is overly burdensome for adults. A ruling against Texas could put an end to allegedly invasive age-verification laws in nearly 20 states.A decision isn't expected until summer 2025, so it's too soon to say which way the court is leaning.The question before the court is whether the 5th Circuit was right to stay a preliminary injunction that had previously been blocking Texas from enforcing the law or whether that decision should be reversed and remanded based on the level of constitutional scrutiny that the 5th Circuit applied.Texas and the 5th Circuit agreed that a rational basis for limiting access to speech, which is the lowest level of scrutiny, applied.But the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued Texas, arguing that strict scrutiny may be necessary. The civil rights groups claim that the statutory languagerequiring age-gating on any site where porn comprises a third of its contentrisks blocking adults from accessing protected speech, including both sexual and potentially non-sexual content, if adults wish to avoid showing ID on any given site.A lawyer for groups suing, Derek Shaffer, told justices Wednesday that everyone agrees that Texas has a compelling interest in restricting minors from accessing adult content online.But Shaffer warned that he thinks that while Texas is genuine in raising these concerns, the state allegedly has a "broader anti-porn interest in preventing willing adults from accessing this content." He accused Texas of designing the law to require more restrictive means for age-gating specifically to chill speech, ditching methods like content-filtering because allegedly "they want to make it more difficult" and "more costly" for adults to access porn.At the heart of the case is a question that justices raised repeatedly throughout the hearing: Where do states draw the line when verifying users' ages online?If judges agree that Texas' requirement of an ID or transactional data (like employment or bank records) to access adult content is no more burdensome than requiring an ID for gambling sites or to buy porn at a brick-and-mortar store, an important precedent could be set that could cement age-gating laws similar to Texas' law that have been passed in almost 20 states.Shaffer argued that requiring a government ID is "especially chilling" of adult speech and pointed out that Texas currently has no digital ID available that could be considered a less restrictive way to verify age.The porn industry, including Pornhub owner Aylo, has long advocated for device-based age verification. Still, justices questioned whether that might put the cost of protecting kids from obscene content online on phone makers like Apple or Google rather than the sites being regulated.Aylo declined to comment on today's arguments, instead referring Ars to the FSC and ACLU.Eric Goldmanan Internet law expert who joined other experts in filing a brief explaining how online age authentication," as required by Texas' law, "is more problematic than the offline age authentication procedures" SCOTUS has previously approved. He blogged about the trial, predicting that Texas may have lost. He wrote that his "view is that the Supreme Court isnt likely to take Texas bait and will not agree with the Fifth Circuits apathetic level of constitutional review."In a post-trial statement, Shaffer called on all states passing age-verification laws to "consider less restrictive, more effective solutions than the approach taken by Texas... We hope the Court will confirm the need to apply strict scrutiny to laws that burden and chill adults exercise of their First Amendment rights, and we look forward to the Courts decision."Texas law doesnt protect kids, groups argueGroups suing have asked SCOTUS to not just reverse and remand to the 5th Circuit, but also provide clear guidelines if heightened scrutiny applies, perhaps even directly stipulating that the preliminary injunction must be reinstated as the litigation continues.Also weighing in was a Department of Justice attorney representing the US, Brian Fletcher, who warned the court that he shared their "discomfort" with potentially "watering down strict scrutiny" by siding with Texas.Shaffer urged the court that Texas' age-verification law as implemented "will chill" speech and "will be invading privacy." Further, the ACLU said that it's not protecting kids, who can easily use a VPN to mask their location or access non-compliant adult sites where they could be possibly exposed to even more online risks that popular commercial sites like Pornhub say they more aggressively combat."You can use VPNs, the click of a button, to make it seem like you're not in Texas," Shaffer argued. "You can go through the search engines, you can go through social media, you can access the same content in the ways that kids are likeliest to do."Texas attorney Aaron Nielson argued that the problem of kids accessing porn online has only gotten "worse" in the decades since Texas has been attempting less restrictive and allegedly less effective means like content filtering. Now, age verification is Texas' preferred solution, and strict scrutiny shouldn't apply to a law that just asks someone to show ID to see adult content, Nielson argued."In our history we have always said kids can't come and look at this stuff," Nielson argued. "So it seems not correct to me as a historical matter to say, well actually it's always been presumptively unconstitutional. But we've done it forever. Strict scrutiny somehow has always been satisfied."Like groups suing, Texas also asked the Supreme Court to be very clear when writing guidance for the 5th Circuit should the court vacate and remand the case. But Texas wants justices to reiterate that just because the case was remanded, that doesn't mean the 5th Circuit can't reinstitute the stay on the preliminary injunction that was ordered following the 5th Circuit's prior review.On rebuttal, Shaffer told SCOTUS that out of "about 20 other laws that by some views may look a lot like Texas'" law, "this is the worst of them." He described Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as a "hostile regulator who's saying to adults, you should not be here.""I strongly urge this court to stick with strict scrutiny as the applicable standard of review when we're talking about content-based burdens on speakers," Shaffer said.In a press release, Vera Eidelman, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said that efforts to childproof the Internet not only hurt everyones ability to access information, but often give the government far too much leeway to go after speech it doesnt likeall while failing to actually protect children."Ashley BelangerSenior Policy ReporterAshley BelangerSenior Policy Reporter Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. She is a Chicago-based journalist with 20 years of experience. 166 Comments

A fresh update for EA Sports FC 25 has dropped today, January 16, along with the reveal of the game's Team of the Year squads and absolutely no other news in the world of gaming whatsoever.Voting opened up on this year's UT Teams of the Year last week, so here's hoping you got your picks in on time if you're hoping to see the players you think deserve the nod here. Regardless, it looks like EA's gioven you a good reason to fire FC 25 up again.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. You can find the two finalised TOTY XIs - on mens and one womens as has become standard - in the graphics included in the tweets below. They do a pretty great job of going through each player, so I'll not bother rattling off every name that's made the cut - you can find those here if you need 'em. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.These cards are set to start arriving in the game from January 17 - the attackers will be first out of the tunnel on that date, followed by midfielders on January 19 and the duo of defenders and goalkeepers on January 21. The full TOTY rosters will be added to the Ultimate Team pool of items from January 23 through January 31, and there's a 12th man and woman dropping on January 24 to keep the numbers nice and even.EA's also deployed an update to FC 25 today that's designed to serve as a "gameplay refresh", with the developer writing that "its the most significant mid-season gameplay overhaul weve ever made based on your feedback". No pressure then. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.The full notes for this update can be found here, and the big headlines are as follows:Major updates to core gameplay systems like passing, shooting, goalkeeping, and defending.Addressed issues like defenders catching up to dribblers too often.More offensively fluid gameplay enabling you to move the ball easier.Reduced tacklebacks and AI interceptions.If you've been diving into FC 25 for the first time in a little bit to check out TOTY, make sure to check out our guides that can help you take on the game, including the best tactics codes and formations, plus the best young stars to sign in career mode.

The wait is over!Image: NintendoPerhaps there's more to come. Some of us think the all-but-confirmed mouse-style functionality could be a game-changer, but it's hard not to see Switch 2 as a stop-gap console at this stage. This is a straight sequel to a barnstormer that gives Nintendo another generation to figure out what to do next - and I don't think Nintendo has another eight-year cycle to figure it out.Don't get me wrong: I love the look of this thing and the clack of the colourful, mercifully larger new Joy-Con into the system, and Nintendo will squeeze innovative interactions out of the familiar format. I imagine we'll be racing the buzzing Joy-Con across the table, using that optical sensor for things other than mouse movements, and plugging things into that USB-C port on the top for all sorts of zany peripheral action to surprise and delight.But the base offering here appears to be the least immediately intriguing home console the firm has put out since, what, the GameCube? And that had the benefit of a dramatic graphical upgrade over N64's visuals, plus a novel form factor. Mario Kart looks pretty good when you analyse the details, but nothing that couldn't be achieved on the current Switch (which has led some people at NL Towers to think it may even be cross-gen).Then again, everything Nintendo has done with Switch has been more influenced by its past handheld lines than its home consoles, and as we and other onlookers have said before, Switch 2 is very much the 3DS to Switch's original DS, just without the namesake gimmick.Might we all be madly theorising about this 'port' had the optical mouse-style functionality not been revealed through leaks? Image: NintendoThe thing is that Switch doesn't exist in a vacuum anymore. We've seen a flurry of bespoke handheld gaming devices come to market that, while not direct rivals with Nintendo's system, certainly take inspiration from it.The Steam Deck and Lenovo's line of handheld PCs are the most prominent, and Valve recently signalled that Steam OS is coming to other devices. Elsewhere, Sony's PlayStation Portal acknowledges players' increasing desire to play console games away from the TV. With Nintendo having proved that there's a mass market appetite, rumours that both Sony and Microsoft are working on new handheld devices suggest that the market is only going to get more crowded.Which is good. Competition forces innovation and it's in Nintendo's DNA to use tried-and-tested tech in new, unexpected ways. We're eager to see what the developers can do when they swing around for a second pass. And having extricated itself from the specs race many years ago, Nintendo is in its own bubble to an extent; whatever the competition does, they're not going to have Mario and co., at least not in any official capacity.I can't imagine Nintendo hardware tying us to a TV ever again. Increasingly big companies need to follow their audience wherever they go - that's why Microsoft and Sony are spreading beyond their own consoles. Given Switch's success, Nintendo's in a great position, but without some big new idea, it's rock-and-hard-place territory.Image: NintendoThis all sounds like a downer when the future is very bright and there's so much we still don't know. Sony fans don't get glum when the next console is a PlayStation with a new number, and rightly so. The reveal did the job and let us all breathe a sigh of relief - I just don't see this cycle lasting anywhere near as long as the last (which some might say is a good thing). At some point, Nintendo will have to upend the tea table with something truly unexpected and take video games in a new direction. For all the relief, there's a lingering question in the air: What's next, really?The answer? Great Nintendo games, of course; the tantalising prospect of a new generation's worth of first-party gems! As we've said in the past, nobody does 'more of the same' better than Nintendo; it just looks like 'delight' will be taking the wheel with 'surprise' in the backseat this gen. Dj vu2 soonSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube792kSee AlsoShare:00 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Asks Wii U Owners To Refrain From Using "Unauthorised" Online ServicesUpdate: Pretendo respondsNintendo Breaks Silence On 'Switch 2' Image And Video LeaksThe "official" announcement will take place this fiscal yearRumour: 'Switch 2' Will Reportedly Be Officially Revealed This ThursdayThough software won't be the focusIs This Our Best Look Yet At 'Switch 2'?Update: Genki had a visit from Nintendo's lawyers, it's claimed

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here for free just click TechCrunch Mobility!Before we move into the news of this week, we have one more roundup of transportation tech at CES 2025. As I noted last week, autonomous vehicle tech was everywhere. But there were other themes, too. Check it out here.Now, on to the latest and greatest future of transportation tech news.A little birdImage Credits:Bryce DurbinNo little bird this week, but figured this was the best place to bid farewell to Hindenburg Research, the short-seller firm that investigated tips from whistleblowers and used its own research to root out fraud in publicly traded companies. Hindenburg Research founder Nate Anderson posted a note Wednesday that the firm is shutting down.In the transportation and climate tech worlds, Hindenburg is famous for exposing Nikola Motors, Lordstown Motors, and billionaire Gautam Adani of The Adani Group, who was indicted over an alleged scheme to pay more than $250 million in bribes to Indian officials in exchange for contracts to a 12-gigawatt solar power project.Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com, Sean OKane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com, or Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com. Or check out these instructions to learn how to contact us via encrypted messaging apps or SecureDrop.Deals!Image Credits:Bryce DurbinJust a bunch of deals this week! Heres what stood out.Caramel, a startup that helps car sellers and buyers complete the final steps of the transaction, is being acquired by eBay. Terms were not disclosed.EV startup Harbinger raised $100 million in a Series B round co-led by early Tesla investor Capricorn Investment Group and Leitmotif, a new U.S. fund co-founded by the former M&A head for Volkswagen. Also joining the round were Tiger Global and mobility venture firm Maniv, both of which were existing investors.Sarla Aviation raised $10 million in a fresh funding round led by Accel and included angel investors such as Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, and Swiggy co-founder Sriharsha Majety.Tesla was a winner and a loser in the latest round of federal funding for electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. The Department of Transportation snubbed Tesla on its application for $97 million to fund a big-rig charging corridor from California to Texas. But Tesla, along with three other industry partners, ended up being awarded a separate $100 million in funding to build electric truck charging stations across Illinois.Shippeo, a startup that developed real-time tracking software across all modes of transport, raised $30 million in a funding round led by Toyotas growth fund Woven Capital.Battery Ventures, Partech, NGP Capital, Bpifrance Digital Venture, LFX Venture Partners, Shift4Good, and Yamaha Motor Ventures also participated.Notable reads and other tidbitsImage Credits:Bryce DurbinAutonomous vehiclesAurora Innovation is taking federal safety regulators to court in a case that centers around the rather commonplace practice of placing physical warning triangles around semi trucks stopped along highways. TL;DR: This could have far-reaching implications for self-driving truck companies operating in a regulatory environment designed around humans.The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a final rule that would ban the sale or import of connected vehicles from China and Russia due to national security concerns. The rule would also bar Chinese car companies, such as WeRide and Pony AI, from testing self-driving cars on U.S. roads.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed its investigation into Cruise and whether the companys robotaxis exercised appropriate caution around pedestrians. The agency noted that Cruise had issued a recall on its software and that the self-driving vehicle subsidiary of GM had since ceased business operations.Electric vehicles, charging, & batteriesArc Boats came to CES 2025, and senior reporter Sean OKane took its Arc Sport boat for a joy ride on Lake Mead. Heres what he thought of the startups newest offering.Tesla revealed a new-look Model Y meant for the Chinese and other Asian Pacific markets, marking the first major update to the SUV since its launch in 2020.Sean Duffy, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to head the U.S. Department of Transportation, thinks owners of electric vehicles should pay to use roads. As reporter Rebecca Bellan explains, achieving that goal isnt so easy.This weeks wheelsImage Credits:Kirsten KorosecRight before the holidays, I had a chance to get into a production prototype of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus. I plan to spend more time driving the production version soon, but for now here are a few thoughts on this all-electric minibus that was priced at $69,595.Ive been waiting for this electric minibus since 2017 when it was presented by Volkswagen as a concept. This reimagined microbus had a near-impossible mission. It had to be instantly recognizable and give a nod to its iconic past while paving a new futuristic and EV road forward. And in many ways, the ID. Buzz does that. Its eye-catching; people stopped me constantly. Its fun while being practical. And although its more expensive than other minivans on the market, its not completely outrageous.The version I tested was all-wheel drive, with the Metro Silver Metallic paint and copper interior with leatherette seating. There is a ton of space really cavernous and nice details throughout, giving it an elevated feeling. It was easy to maneuver on tight city streets, despite its 195.4-inch length. Which yeah, thats long!It met a lot of my expectations. But I wonder about its future. This vehicle would be great as a kid and grocery hauler around town. I could see it being used in commercial fleets in urban environments as well. But with a 91 kilowatt-hour battery that gets an estimated 234 miles of range, I wonder if it will live up to its past as a roadtrippin machine?Side note: In the last newsletter, I offered up a few tidbits on my Zoox robotaxi rides. Heres my full write-up on my Zoox experience in Las Vegas.What is This weeks wheels? Its a chance to learn about the different transportation products were testing, whether its an electric or hybrid car, an e-bike, or even a ride in an autonomous vehicle.

The Advanced Imaging Society just shared that due to the impact of the tragic Southern California fires, they are canceling the 15th Annual awards celebration; winners will still be announced February 7.

InterviewsDune Prophecy: Mike Enriquez (Production VFX Supervisor) & Terron Pratt (Production VFX Producer)By Vincent Frei - 16/01/2025 In 2021, Mike Enriquez shared insights into the visual effects teams efforts on the inaugural season of Foundation. He later contributed to the second season before transitioning to work on Dune: Prophecy.After breaking down the visual effects of Stranger Things: Season 4 in 2022, Terron Pratt is now setting his sights on the epic world of Dune: Prophecy.What was your feeling to enter into the Dune universe?Mike Enriquez, VFX Supervisor: As a huge sci-fi fan, I was a bit incredulous when I was offered this show. I had just come off of two seasons of Foundation, and the opportunity to go from one sci-fi classic to another was massively exciting. Of course, after the excitement came the pressure of having to make sure the VFX in Dune: Prophecy properly carry forth the amazingly grounded yet fantastic look the Dune features have.Terron Pratt, VFX Producer: I had been following this project for a while, since around the time that the first feature was released, so I was very excited when I realized that the timing was going to work out for me to be involved in the project. Having spent 5 years with another beloved sci-fi series prior to Dune: Prophecy, I was looking forward to the challenges that a new sci-fi series would bring.How was the collaboration with the showrunner and the directors?Mike Enriquez: Alison Schapker was great to work with. She always made time for VFX and the discussions that needed to happen to dial in the feel of major shots and scenes. I was always amazed at her ability to go from one facet of the show to another and give her all, especially when our sessions would go for hours on end. Working with the directors was also a pleasure. Each had their own way of working, but all made sure VFX were able to do our jobs on set.Terron Pratt: Its one of the things I love most about working on series in VFX; we have a very close working relationship with both the directors and the showrunner. With a show like Dune: Prophecy, there is a lot of opportunity for VFX to be involved so when a director pitches an idea, we quickly get to work thinking about what that idea might look like in our world. How are we going to achieve this? Lets get previs going or additional concept art to flesh out the idea.Our showrunner, Alison Schapker, loves the filmmaking process but especially post. She understands the technical side of what we do but allows our team the freedom to run with an idea to make it great. Its a huge plus when your boss is also your biggest fan.How did you choose the various vendors and split the work amongst them?Mike Enriquez: Terron and I have a pretty good sense of the strengths of various VFX vendors, and thankfully we were able to lock down the vendors pretty early on for this show. That allowed us to use who we really wanted to use for the various parts of the show. The work split was a bit tricky, as there is a lot of crossover in terms of the effects in the show.Terron Pratt: All of the vendors that were involved in Dune: Prophecy have worked on several, if not all, of my previous projects. As such, I was very familiar with each teams strengths. Additionally, there seemed to be a natural split of the work by environment, which ended up being the perfect amount for each vendor while not overwhelming anyone on back-to-back episodes or overloading them with work on any one episode. For example, Important Looking Pirates (ILP) has done a tremendous amount of amazing organic environments for me in the past, so it was natural that theyd take on everything involving the Sisterhood Complex and the surrounding environment. As well, there is a great deal of comfort working with the team at ILP and I know that we can award them pretty much anything so they also took on all space shots, the burning flesh along with the Agony sequences. Rodeo FX brought the grandeur to the work around the Imperial Palace while my history with Accenture told me that theyd be the perfect fit for the extensive hard surface work at the spaceport as well as a number of one-off creative challenges. Image Engine had a wide variety of work this season since their workload did not include any one major environment that we returned to over and over. That said, theyve done a great deal of animation and simulation work for me in the past on Lost in Space, so they were a great choice for ALL of the Shai Hulud work as well Anirul amongst many other effects in the series. Our icy planet, Lankiveil, was masterfully brought to life by the team at Raynault VFX.What is your role on set and how do you work with other departments?Mike Enriquez: Working as a VFX supervisor on set can be tricky. You need to have an understanding of all the other departments and how they affect the work you need to do. You have to interface with the various departments and discuss the needs for the day, and then keep a constant eye on things to ensure that they dont deviate from the plan. That said, I very much enjoy being on set. I learn something new on every show I work on.My on-set team is an important part of working with other departments. Our data wranglers are always interfacing with other departments to ensure we have all the data we need to do our VFX work.Terron Pratt: On set, Im there to support my team and facilitate their needs so I try to focus my attention on the days or weeks leading up to the shoot; attending location and tech scouts as well as concept & bidding meetings, to make sure that we can find a good blend of VFX in support of production design, props and even the camera department.How did you approach designing the diverse ecosystems and terrains for the planets featured in Dune: Prophecy?Mike Enriquez: The general design and concept for the planets all came from descriptions in the books. Wallach IX is cold and rainy, with a blue-white sun. Salusa Secundus is sunny and temperate, at least before it is destroyed far in the future. Lankiveil is bleak and frozen, and Caladan is wet and lush.What were the biggest challenges in making each planet feel unique while staying cohesive within the Dune universe?Mike Enriquez: The main challenge in this regard was Zimia city on Salusa Secundus. It was tricky getting a sunny, temperate environment to feel like it belonged in Dune. We explored skies, color temperatures, various types of haze and atmosphere until we found something that felt right.How did the collaboration between the VFX and production design teams shape the look of the planets?Mike Enriquez: We worked closely with production designer Tom Meyer who provided designs for the various locations. On Salusa, Tom provided concepts of the Imperial Palace, the general coastline, the space port, and parts of the city. We then took those concepts and fleshed out the overall city layout, spaceport, and Zimia docks with Mackevision while we worked with Raynault to give life to our tighter aerials and ground level Zimia city scenes. In terms of the palace and Imperial Gardens, our friends at Rodeo tackled that task.For Wallach IX, the concepts from Tom were based on a quarry in Budapest and were brought to life with very little adjustments as it took shape. The final looks of Caladan and Lankiveil were also very close to the concept art.Which planet was the most technically complex to bring to life, and why?Mike Enriquez: Id have to say Salusa Secundus, as we not only had to build the massive palace and the dense gardens that surround it, but we also had to build out how that connects to Zimia city. The city itself required a build that was used for our distant skyline shots, and a separate build for our in city shots, along with the suspensor cars and foot traffic that goes with it. Additionally, we had to flesh out the spaceport and Zimia docks as several scenes took place there. This planet had a lot of moving parts and was tricky to parse in a way that would give us what we needed without overbuilding and wasting time and money.How did you balance practicality and imagination when designing the planetary environments?Mike Enriquez: Every location in this show needed to feel grounded. No matter what sci-fi component needed to be present, each place had to feel like somewhere you could go with materials you feel like you could reach out and touch. Many times, our aerial shots and establishers would just end up too pretty and idealistic, so wed pull back and try to find the right balance for each location.What role did lighting and atmosphere play in setting the tone for each planet?Mike Enriquez: Id say they played the most important role. Light quality and type of atmosphere were our main tools in differentiating the various planets. While we had structural differences between them, we needed a visual language for the planets. Wallach IX always has a blue tint and is often foggy or raining. Salusa Secundus has warm sunlight and fluffy clouds, with a steamier feel in the night scenes. Lankiveil was always soft, cold light with overcast skies and snow in the air. Lastly, on our brief visit to Caladan we leaned on the wilderness aspect, leaning towards filtered light and a more natural atmosphere.Were there any specific visual references or concept art that were pivotal in defining the planets environments?Mike Enriquez: I cant speak to the inspirations of Tom Meyer and his art department, but while figuring out where I wanted the finished look of our environment shots, I mostly turned to landscape photography. I really wanted our shots to feel natural. Of course, we always kept in mind the vibe of the recent Dune films since we wanted the show to feel like an extension of that world.Desmonds ability to burn people with his thoughts is visually striking. How did you conceptualize and execute the effects for this power?Mike Enriquez: We decided pretty early on that we didnt want any visible effect on Desmond while he was triggering the burning aside from the toll it takes on him we see in later episodes. However, the effect on the people was heavily discussed, and we went back and forth a bit on the progression of the effect on the victims as well as the severity at the peak of the effect. Each burning scene started with tracking the motion of the camera and actors so we could place a rudimentary burning effect on their skin throughout the scene to test out the progression and intensity. That allowed us to make the most of the effect in each scene to best play into the vibe Alison wanted. Each instance of burning was tailored to the scene to have the greatest impact.What inspired the visual style and intensity of Desmonds psychic energy during those scenes?Mike Enriquez: Given that the burning was driven internally, we tried to figure out what it might look like if someone was superheated from the inside, without any external heat source. We wanted to avoid anything that would take it into comic book superhero territory, or anything over the top like an internal light source. There isnt really any magic in Dune, so it had to have a scientifically grounded feel.The sandworms are iconic to the Dune universe. How did you reimagine their design while paying homage to the original material?Mike Enriquez: They really are iconic. I dont think you can say Dune without people thinking about sandworms. Given that we want to be in the same universe as the features, and sandworms are ancient beings that live for thousands of years, we stayed true to the sandworms portrayed in the feature. The sandworms in our show are the same design as what fans are accustomed to.Could you share the process of integrating the sandworms into their environment and making them feel alive?Mike Enriquez: We had to approach the Arrakis scenes in our show a bit differently than the features did. Since we did not shoot in the deserts of Jordan, we had to recreate the dunes of Arrakis in CG. Though that allowed us to completely integrate the Sandworm and the FX from the interaction with the sand with the environment. It was a lot of work, but Martyn Culpitt and his team over at Image Engine did a fantastic job.There is no real shortcut to creating shots of the sandworm in the sands of Arrakis. The desert environment had to be built first, so we had a photorealistic environment to place the worm into. The worm itself was quite an undertaking, as the way it needed to move required a rather unique rig to most creatures done in VFX. The way it bends, how the skin moves, how the mouth opens and closes, all of it needed to be sorted out given how featured the worm was going to be in our shots.Were there any unexpected technical or creative challenges encountered during the production?Mike Enriquez: Every production has its issues and unexpected challenges, and this one is no different. The intro sequence in episode 1 went through some creative changes that were challenging for VFX. The Agony ended up a bit different from the idea we had when we shot it, so it required a full CG replacement. Anirul was also quite a challenge, but perhaps that wasnt really unexpected. We knew visualizing the breeding index would be a mountain to climb.Terron Pratt: I think one of the biggest creative challenges that weve had this season was living up to the impressive visuals in the recent features along with the worlds that all of the fans have envisioned in their heads for so long. Creating something unique to our world but living up to those expectations puts a lot of pressure on the team and the creative process. We knew going in that wed be compared to the features but really hoped that wed carve our own path in the Dune Universe.Looking back on the project, what aspects of the visual effects are you most proud of?Mike Enriquez: Im really happy with how Wallach IX turned out. You cant differentiate the full CG shots from the shots using location photography at the quarry. Kudos to Philip Engstrom and his team at Important Looking Pirates.The Agony especially stands out in my mind. Im very happy with how that scene turned out. Additionally, the sandworm shots were very successful, as was Valyas vision in episode 6.Terron Pratt: There is a lot to be proud of this season and ALL of our creative teams around the world did a fantastic job so its hard to pick favorites. That said, seeing Shai Hulud breaching in the first few minutes of the series was a special treat and kind of set the tone for what was to come. But, as Mike mentioned, Wallch IX is amazing, and you cant tell where the practical environment ends, and the CG begins.The Agony was so creepy and a bit of a pivot in post so its a sequence that everyone was very excited to see come together, especially once sound design and music was added!The Zimia spaceport set was stunning in its own right, and Tom & team really did an incredible job with that build. Once the CG set & environment extension was complete, it really felt so expansive. I think it was one of the best collaborations between production design and VFX in the series.How long have you worked on this show?Mike Enriquez: I came onto this show in May of 2023, so about a year and a half.Terron Pratt: Ive been on the project since July of 2022Whats the VFX shots count?Terron Pratt: We ended up around 2800 shots over the 6 episodesA big thanks for your time.WANT TO KNOW MORE?Image Engine: Dedicated page about Dune: Prophecy on Image Engine website.Important Looking Pirates: Dedicated page about Dune: Prophecy on Important Looking Pirates website.Rodeo FX: Dedicated page about Dune: Prophecy on Rodeo FX website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025