Image: United LabelThe latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it's bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!Switch eShop - HighlightsSTAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (Aspyr, 23rd Jan, $19.99) - Take back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game set in the STAR WARS galaxy! You will have the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins and other creatures from STAR WARS: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Jump into side-scrolling arcade action with fan favorite characters like Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi and more. Play solo or bring a friend along with you for the entire 10-level campaign in couch co-op mode! - Read our STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles reviewSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube794kWatch on YouTube Cuisineer (Marvelous (XSEED), 28th Jan, $29.99) - This roguelite game combines delectable dungeon crawling and fast-paced restaurant management elements into one cute and tasty mix. Dive into dungeons and cook up a storm as Pom, an adventurer-turned-restaurateur! Food-focused action challenges you to build your dinner the hard way: by dungeon-diving for materials and ingredients. Work with local artisans to customize your kitchen and tailor your dining hall to the needs of loyal patrons eager to experience the rare recipes youve cooked up.Switch eShop - New ReleasesAchilles: Legends Untold (Dark Point Games, 23rd Jan, $24.99) - Discover an extraordinary adventure in a dynamic Action RPG with souls-like combat. Explore the mythical world of ancient Greece, where youll assume the role of the fearless warrior, Achilles.Aquarun (Afil Games, 22nd Jan, $4.99) - Dive into the vibrant world of AquaRun, a fast-paced 2D pixel art platformer that tests your reflexes, precision, and determination! Inspired by the best of hardcore platforming games, AquaRun challenges you to guide a fragile yet determined character through 40 meticulously designed levels filled with relentless obstacles, devious traps, and tricky platforms.Arcade Archives ESCAPE KIDS (HAMSTER, 16th Jan, $7.99) - " ESCAPE KIDS " is a sports-action game released by KONAMI in 1987. ESCAPE KIDS has only one rule: run faster than everyone else. Use the RUN and SUPER JUMP buttons to win the future superhero race.Car Heist Simulator Thief Mechanic (VRKIWI Games, 25th Jan, $7.99) - Car Heist Simulator - Thief Mechanic invites you to test your skills in the world of car theft, where careful planning and agility are the keys to success. In this game, youll explore various locations, each with unique features and security levels.Casual Sport Series: Tennis (Revulo Games, 24th Jan, $5.99) - Choose from an array of vibrant characters, each with their own unique flair, and compete on beautifully designed courts. With stunning visuals, smooth animations, and colorful environments, every match is a feast for the eyes, making each rally as engaging to watch as it is to play.Cats Visiting Lunar New Year (AGE Zero, 23rd Jan, $3.99) - Welcome to Cats Visiting Lunar New Year, a festive and charming hidden object game celebrating the Chinese New Year!Codename: Ocean Keeper (RetroStyle Games, 17th Jan, $12.99) - Welcome to Ocean Keeper, a mining roguelike shooter with a top-down view. Play as a Miner whose spaceship has crashed on a planet, filled with underwater monsters. Find resources and artifacts for purchasing valuable upgrades.Courageous Reasoning Nori 9 Reasoning Tournament Sticking Nori (HERO GAME, 16th Jan, $1.50) - Courage and others will participate in the deduction competition. Will they be able to emerge victorious?Cycle Chaser H-5 (Ratalaika Games, 24th Jan, $5.99) - Do you have what it takes to defeat the rampaging alien forces? Burn through waves of impenetrable foes with a sleek arsenal of weapons.Dance of Cards (Pineapple Works, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Dance of Cards is a tactical gambling RPG where you try to survive seven days of a deadly cruise by playing poker. With no option to escape, they are forced to accept the rules and put their lives at stake for a fleeting hope of salvation.Doll Style: Underground Design and Dress (Cooking & Publishing, 16th Jan, $3.99) - Are you ready to create the coolest and most urban looks? Design unique and comfortable outfits that will make your girls shine in their everyday life. Explore a wide variety of clothes, hairstyles and accessories to mix and match in original ways. Unleash your creativity and become the most trendsetting stylist on the street!Dragon Takers (KEMCO, 23rd Jan, $14.99) - The Dragon Army, commanded by the ruthless Drake Emperor Tiberius, marches ever closer to total conquest of the world. The once-mighty nations stand divided, each struggling in isolation as their lands fall one by one under the growing shadow of the army. Amid the chaos, a young man named Helio, from the humble village of Haven, faces his end in a vicious dragon attack. However, just as hope fades, a mysterious power awakens within him.EGGCONSOLE ZANAC MSX (D4 Enterprise, 23rd Jan, $6.49) - Released in 1986 in Japan, ZANAC is a vertically scrolling shooting game. Players pilot the ZANAC fighter to battle the runaway system. ZANAC utilizes both normal shots and special bullets to fight.Escape from Nightmare: Horror Tales (Megame, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - Explore the gloomy corridors of abandoned premises, full of dangers and secrets. Each step can lead to new tricks or unexpected finds. Unravel the history of this cursed place, collecting notes left by previous inhabitants. The atmosphere of the game is filled with tension and fear. Discover dark secrets and show your courage to survive this terrible test.Escape Game The Resort Facility (Regista, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - This game is an escape-the-room game (mystery-adventure game). Point the screen with a cursor to solve riddles, and story goes on.Folk Hero (Smart Space Solutions, 23rd Jan, $11.99) - Folk Hero is an action-slasher with rogue-lite elements set in the world of Slavic fantasy. Explore the ever-changing island, find treasures, combine weapons and artifacts to defeat mythical enemies. Challenge your skills! One life, one try.Golden Rails: Valuable Package Collectors Edition (Ocean Media, 16th Jan, $6.99) - After being chased by bandits and losing some valuable packages, postman Philip turns to his new friends, Jack and Jill, for help in delivering all the remaining packages to their rightful owners. But it's not just a simple delivery task - the bandits are still on the loose and willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on the rare and valuable packages.Gravitators (eastasiasoft, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Old-school challenge and style collide with modern advancements and mission design in Gravitators, a twin-stick shooter that puts you in control of 4 different ships as you defend mankind against invasion!GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Nintendo Switch Edition (ARC SYSTEM WORKS, 23rd Jan, $59.99) - State of the art 2.5D fighting game is coming to Nintendo Switch! Guilty Gear -Strive-, the latest entry of the Guilty Gear series with more than 3 million users worldwide, finally arrives as Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition!How to Start Yoga: A Beginners Guide (Cooking & Publishing, 16th Jan, $2.99) - Immerse yourself in the world of yoga with this comprehensive guide, designed to inspire you to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Learn how to increase your flexibility and mobility through a selection of postures explained in detail, from chest openings to gentle stretches. Discover simple techniques that will help you reduce stress, improve sleep quality and look after your postural health.Hunter Simulator : Wild Hunting (16BIT, 24th Jan, $9.99) - Step into the heart of the wild with Hunter Simulator: Wild Hunting, where breathtaking landscapes meet the ultimate hunting challenge. Traverse vast open worlds, from dense forests to towering mountains, as you track elusive prey in an unforgiving environment.Infernitos (Afil Games, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - Take on the role of a mischievous imp chef tasked with crafting devilishly delicious dishes for picky demon patrons. In this fiery puzzle adventure, youll navigate a blazing kitchen, skillfully pushing and delivering dishes to satisfy your infernal clients.Master Of Bow (Zakym, 24th Jan, $4.99) - This charming pixel art puzzle game offers 30 increasingly challenging levels across 3 unique biomes. Deliver dishes by skillfully solving puzzles with a wicked twist!Motorbikes Pro 2025 (Baltoro Minis, 17th Jan, $4.99) - Step into the world of archery where precision and skill are your greatest allies. In Master of Bow, take on the role of a master archer and challenge yourself to hit a variety of targetsfrom straw big targets and wooden smaller moving targets to flying balloons and mannequinsNeptunia Riders VS Dogoos (Idea Factory, 28th Jan, $39.99) - This dimension is different from Gamindustri... Choose from 6 playable characters, scour the land on your trusty bike, and collect as many variants of Dogoos as possible to win! As players progress through 15 Dogoo-filled stages, Uzume must find a way to snap her friends out of their weird fascination with Dogoos! The Dogoo Bounty HunterOsman Gazi (UMURO, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Take charge of the army with Osman Gazi and witness the foundation of the Ottoman Empire. Play the story of an epic heroism inspired by real people and events. Lead your people! All comrades like alps, balas and chicks are fighting under your leadership.PicoMix by NuSan (Potico Games, 16th Jan, $14.99) - PicoMix by NuSan features games made by creator NuSan over a 8 years period of time. Its a compilation of works in multiple genres, like platform, puzzle, crafting, or base building for a total of about 20 fun games and experiments, some will provide hours of interesting challenges while others can be completed in a few minutes.Portal Balls (Zakym, 24th Jan, $4.99) - PicoMix by NuSan features games made by creator NuSan over a 8 years period of time. Its a compilation of works in multiple genres, like platform, puzzle, crafting, or base building for a total of about 20 fun games and experiments, some will provide hours of interesting challenges while others can be completed in a few minutes.PUNYAN (G-MODE, 16th Jan, $6.99) - PUNNYAN is a falling puzzle and merge game to enjoy together with cute cats living on the Nyanten Island! The game is easy to play with simple controls, but with the addition of original rules, a new puzzle experience awaits you, requiring a deep strategy!Ravenswatch (Nacon, 23rd Jan, $29.99) - Ravenswatch is a top-down roguelike action game that combines intense real-time combat with deep gameplay and high replay value. After the success of Curse of the Dead Gods, Passtech returns with a new formula and game experience that can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op.ROBOT ANARCHY (Infinite Zone, 29th Jan, $4.99) - Prepare for heart-pounding action as you blast through waves of deadly machines across a series of diverse and gripping levels. The game offers a unique mix of intense gunfights, puzzles, and secret areas that keep you on your toes. Built using old-schoold 90's technology to deliver an authentic experience.Save The Doge (NOSTRA GAMES, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - Solving the puzzles and saving the little puppies is the best way to spend your time. Draw the lines accurately, so the angry bees can't even touch our beloved dog.Sliding Cubes 2048 Mania (Zakym, 24th Jan, $3.99) - Immerse yourself in this addictive puzzle game where strategy is key! Merge colorful cubes with matching numbers to create higher-value cubes, like combining two 2s to make a 4, and so on. Your goal is to score as high as possible while keeping the board clear. If more than 20 cubes fill the board, its game over.Strania -The Stella Machina- EX (G.rev, 23rd Jan, $14.99) - The all-out robot action-shooting game "Strania -The Stella Machina-", reminiscent of the good old days of arcade games, has evolved into the EX (Extra) version and will become available on the Nintendo Switch!SUMMER GIRLFRIEND (CyberStep, 16th Jan, $19.90) - With a single sentence from his grandfather, Yuuichi Yagami starts to think about romance for the first time in his life. However, for someone like Yuuichiwho's only ever focused on his family and friendsthe idea of romance is completely foreign and feels like an impossible challenge.Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection (Grimorio of Games, 23rd Jan, $24.95) - Return to the world of Sword of the Necromancer like never before! Resurrection is a 3D remake of the original game, completely reimagined with new graphics and gameplay mechanics. Dive into an adventure full of emotions, strategy, and action, with an artistic style inspired by the classics of the 6th generation console era, now brought to the modern age.Symphonia (Headup Games, 23rd Jan, $19.99) - In the realm of Symphonia, music acts as a source of life and energy. But since the founders and their orchestra vanished the inhabitants are divided, and the world slowly falls into silence. What if there was a way to gather a new orchestra? That's the question Philemon, the mysterious musician in Symphonia, will have to answer.Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter (United Label, 28th Jan, $24.99) - As Arlo, young heir to the Warden of the Wastes, journey through the vast, snow-ravaged lands of the North in an epic quest to overcome the Dark Wings once and for all. Hunt down giant beasts. Unite disparate clans. Upgrade your settlement. And discover a terrible secret of blood and crownThe Bakery Tales (Loneminded, 24th Jan, $4.99) - The Bakery Tales is a delightful bakery management game where you take the reins of a cozy shop in a bustling town. Choose your menu from a selection of recipes, carefully manage stock and ingredient levels, and ensure smooth operations by hiring and managing staff.The Exit Project: Backstreets (NOSTRA GAMES, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Do you realize that you are in a very strange place? Everything around you seems normal and ordinary, but look closely. What do you see? Step by step, you're back in the same place you started. Try it again. Look carefully around you. Back again? Then you missed something.Vermitron (Clickteam, 24th Jan, $7.99) - They're Coming! Get ready to defend your lovely Flower from invading insect! Prepare your Bug Spray, Call your Holo-Pet, Fortify base and don't forget your mission: Find the Watering-Can! Vermitron is an Retro styled Arcade Twin-Stick shooter with Tower Defense elements inspired by the classic titles like Robotron, Smash-Tv, Gauntlet or PSSST from ZX-Spectrum.Witch It (Barrel Roll Games GmbH & Co. KG, 16th Jan, $19.90) - Explore and hide within humble villages, exotic islands, and peculiar forests brimming with secrets and surprises for you to discover. Each map contains a variety of prop arrangements, keeping matches unique and exciting every time you play!Worlds of Aria (Ishtar Games, 23rd Jan, $14.99) - Lead your own DnD like adventuring party on an epic exploit narrated by Laura Bailey. Invite your friends for free to the group with the Friends Pass, or strike out on your own. Collaboration, betrayal, and the luck of the dice what wild escapades will you and your companions embark on!What will you be downloading this week? (110 votes)Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles9%Cuisineer5%Achilles: Legends Untold3%Aquarun 0%Arcade Archives ESCAPE KIDS5%Casual Sport Series: Tennis 0%Codename: Ocean Keeper 0.9%Cycle Chaser H-5 0%Dance of Cards 0%Doll Style: Underground Design and Dress 0.9%Dragon Takers 0%Eggconsole Zanac Msx4%Folk Hero 0%Gravitators 0.9%Guilty Gear -Strive-: Nintendo Switch Edition14%Hunter Simulator : Wild Hunting 0%Infernitos 0%Master Of Bow 0%Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos2%Osman Gazi 0%PicoMix by NuSan 0%Portal Balls 0%Punyan 0%Ravenswatch4%Robot Anarchy 0%Save The Doge 0%Strania -The Stella Machina- EX3%Summer Girlfriend 0.9%Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection4%Symphonia3%Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter13%The Bakery Tales 0.9%The Exit Project: Backstreets 0%Vermitron 0%Witch It 0.9%Worlds of Aria3%Nothing for me this week25%So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks!

Autograph, the $3.1 billion valuation NFT company co-founded by Tom Brady, is merging with the digital fitness company Future. As part of the merger, Brady will join the board of directors of Future and serve as co-chair of the company.Brady co-founded Autograph in 2021 to find ways to connect athletes and artists with fans, ultimately launching an NFT marketplace and raising more than $200 million, according to Pitchbook. The company re-launched late last year without the NFT component as a platform that tracks fan engagements and rewards them for it. It counted the likes of Naomi Osaka and Tony Hawk on its board of advisors and was backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners.Future, meanwhile, connects people with digital fitness coaches and builds personalized fitness routines for users.Autograph faced some challenges, especially after the crypto market crashed and the NFT market cooled. In 2023, the company had layoffs and at one point was down to 30 people, as reported by Fast Company.Rishi Mandal, co-founder and CEO of Future, made the announcement on LinkedIn. Speaking to TechCrunch, Mandal said he and Brady met through a mutual friend. They discussed partnerships, but ultimately decided they should be one company, he said. While all parties are calling this a merger, not an acquisition, the company will retain the name Future. Mandal said it was too early to announce new products, but said that Future will look to combine Autographs celebrity connections with Futures athletic mission. The goal is to find a way to let people train with top athletes and receive expert coaching.Future has raised more than $100 million and was last publicly valued at $275 million, according to Pitchbook.

A security researcher found a hidden unreleased feature in the Waymo app that allowed her to display whatever characters she wanted on the robotaxis top display.Jane Manchun Wong, a well-known security researcher, posted an image on X on Saturday showing the top display of a Waymo car officially called dome that included her X handle, and other strings of characters.I hacked my Waymo into showing weird texts like empty string, wongmjane, and emojis as the Car ID, pls dont ban me or patch it @waymo lol, she wrote.Wong, who lives in San Francisco, told TechCrunch that she was able to customize the characters on the self-driving Jaguar I-Pace dome by fiddling with the Waymo mobile app on her Android phone as she waited for the robotaxi to show up.The good old magic of messing around with the Waymo mobile app. I guess their servers didnt validate the input for the Car ID from non-employees, said Wong. So no jailbreaking or rooting the car itself. All I did was change the Car ID to something beyond what itd normally accept. A pretty harmless thing I suppose.Despite her pleas, it appears Waymo updated the app to stop riders from customizing the dome like Wong did. On Tuesday, Wong posted an update saying she was not able to change the Car ID anymore.Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp confirmed that Wong found a hidden feature, and the company shut it down for regular users like Wong.Jane identified an unreleased feature given her advanced Android knowledge, Karp told TechCrunch. We have restricted access to the dome display features.In 2020, Waymo announced that it added moving LEDs to its dome so that it can act as a mechanism for riders to identify the vehicle day and night and know which vehicle is theirs when there may be more than one Waymo car waiting.The dome is also used to communicate with pedestrians that the car is yielding to them, or to cyclists that the passenger is about to open the cars door. And the company has also used the display for marketing purposes.

Execs 20-year career began at Lucasfilm/ILM; has worked on a diverse range of projects, from Star Wars to campaigns and collaborations with Ferrari, Lady Gaga, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

To close out 2024, the AIAs Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reported another drop. After a turnaround in October where an increase in billings was reported (one of only two upticks since October 2022), in December the score fell again to 44.1any number below 50 indicates a decline in billings. Despite the dip in billings, the AIA noted in its report that inquiries into new projects continue to be on the up and up, albeit at a slower rate than what we have been seeing. The value of newly signed design contracts has, however, dropped.AIA chief economist Kermit Baker summed up Decembers decline succinctly and also ruminated on the uncertainty of this upcoming year in a statement: While there were signs that the design cycle was bottoming out in the fourth quarter, the December reading indicated a step back, Baker said. There remains considerable uncertainty as to the feasibility of many planned construction projects, so the wait-and-see period is extending into 2025. In addition to reporting a national score, each month the AIA breaks down the billings index by region and building sector. In December, the West reported a strong 52.2, indicating an increase in billings, while the other regions all reported declines, with their scores each falling under that coveted 50 mark. The region with the lowest was again the Northeast, 41.7.No particular sector saw any significant upward movement in billings from the previous period. Firms reported the lowest amount of billings decline from institutional projects. Concern over inflation was pervasive throughout 2024 and will likely only increase throughout 2025. In its report the AIA cited the University of Michigans most recent Index of Consumer Sentiment, the results show a spike in consumer concern about inflation over the next six months, the AIA shared.Worries over increasing costs for products, goods, and services had waned slightly when the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates. Already, President Donald Trump has said he plans to add tariffs on goods coming from China, as well as bordering U.S. neighbors, Mexico and Canada. With interest rates likely to not drop much more than they already have, financing for projects and construction work is on the line.

In Gretna, Louisiana, a historic city just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, an old Italianate schoolhouse from 1911 by Stevens and Nelson Architects was recently repurposed into coworking space. The old Gretna Primary School building sat vacant for nearly fifty years before it was transformed by Studio BKA, a local firm that specializes in historic preservation.Today, the former schoolhouse in the lush Gretna Cultural District houses Primary Workspace. The idea to reuse the building for shared offices reflects recent trends in Gretna, where the city has had an influx of remote workers in recent years, the architects said.As a result of prolonged vacancy, the grandiose building sustained some water damage, but many of its original features were restored. Meanwhile, newly added features incorporate art deco motifs, which contrast nicely with the original Italianate architecture.The buildings signature feature is its proscenium arch. (Courtesy Studio BKA)Users enter Primary Workspace from its signature main common area after having transcended a second floor entrance. Here, the walls were lined in walnut millwork. The lobby areas ornamental casings and carpentry were restored, but the floor materials were swapped out with new, black and white marble tiles laid out in a checkered pattern. From here, visitors enter toward a grand split staircase which then feeds to two historic corridors.Private booths were tucked under the mezzanine to form private working spaces furnished with velvet-upholstered booths and a wood table designed for ample work space.Work booths were placed under the mezzanine. (Courtesy Studio BKA)Split stairwell (Courtesy Studio BKA)A palatial 2-story auditorium space remains one of the most historic elements. This is the location of the buildings grandest feature: A plaster proscenium arch that frames the auditorium. That component hangs from joists in the attic. Much of the redesign was in response to the proscenium arch, which the architects sough to emphasize. Toward that end, common amenity spaces are inserted beneath it and, during events, the stage is oriented on axis with the arch. Hot desks were installed in various locations on the stage, while its front was lined with more velvet-upholstered seating.In the main coworking area there are numerous seating and workspace options for tenants to choose from. (Courtesy Studio BKA)Primary Workspace also touts expansive, historic corridors washed in natural light thanks to grand double-hung windows. All of these features were restored for the project. Users have access to private offices, conference and meeting rooms, mail rooms, and phone booths which branch off of the historic corridors. Several small hot desks and meeting tables were peppered within those spaces.The furniture choices provide perhaps the most contemporary accent within the historic space, creating for an attractive coworking hub in touch with the past.

Second Place in the Macro category: Imogen Manins, Patterned Safe Haven, Rye Pier, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. All images the photographers, courtesy of the Underwater Photography Guide, shared with permissionIn the 2024 Ocean Art Contest, Circling Sharks and Squadrons of Rays Steal the ShowJanuary 23, 2025NaturePhotographyKate MothesMobula rays are often referred to as devil rays, but unlike their relatives, stingrays, they lack a stinger, making them a bit less nefarious than their name implies. When rays gather together into a group, its known as a squadron, and for photographers Brittany Ilardi and Eduardo Acevedo, the phenomenon inspired award-winning photos in the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest presented by Underwater Photography Guide.Now in its 13th year, the competition saw record-breaking participation with entries submitted from more than 90 countries. From macro views like Imogen Manins capture of a fish camouflaged in coral to stunning black-and-white scenes like Eduardo Labats best-in-show sighting of circling white-tip sharks, the winning images showcase the beauty, diversity, and vulnerability of underwater ecosystems.Honorable Mention in the Black-and-White category: Brittany Ilardi, Fevered, La Ventana Bay, La Ventana, Baja California Sur, MexicoAdditional commended images include portraits of nudibranchs in the Philippines, a swimming octopus in Spain, and diving seabirds in Scotlands northern isles. A category devoted to underwater conservation encourages us to think more carefully about what happens to single-use plastics when were finished with them or how discarded fishing equipment and ghost nets can harm wildlife. Other creative categories include digital, blackwater, behavior, and underwater fashion.The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography, says contest organizer Nirupam Nigam, who is also president of Bluewater Photo and editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the oceans beauty.Dive into the online winners gallery, and keep an eye on the competitions website for announcements about the open call for the 2025 edition.Fifth Place in the Portrait category: Ilaria Mariaguilia Rizzuto, Mr. Bo, Anilao, PhilippinesBest in Show winner and First Place in Black-and-White category: Eduardo Labat, Dancing White Tips, Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, MexicoThird Place in the Nudibranchs category: David Pleuvret, Hydatina, La jete, St-Pierre, La RunionSecond Place in the Cold Water category: Kat Zhou, Plunge, Shetland, ScotlandHonorable Mention in the Black-and-White category: Xaime Beiro, Below the Octopus, Louro (Galicia), SpainHonorable Mention in the Wide Angle category: Eduardo Acevedo, The Mobula Ball, Magdalena Bay, Baja California, MexicoFirst Place in the Portrait category: Stefano Cerbai, Exceptional Shipping, AustraliaHonorable Mention in the Underwater Conservation category: Olivier Clement, Ocean Litter, Indonesia, Raja AmpatHonorable Mention in the Nudibranchs category: Giancarlo Mazarese, Underwater Flowers, Philippines, Anilao, Koala ReefFirst Place in the Macro category: Adam Martin, Juvenile Batfish, Tulamben, Bali, IndonesiaNext article

There is nothing more terrifying than the thought of losing track of a child, and it can be even more difficult when your child is too young for a smartphone. Thankfully, expert-tested and parent-reviewed GPS trackers can ensure you know where your child is at all times, no matter how frequently they wander off.I would balance the need for safety with respecting [my child's] privacy and autonomy, using the tracker as a tool for peace of mind rather than for constant surveillance." Dr. Kaitlyn Siu, CEO of Tech Your Kids Code "As a mother, ensuring the safety and well-being of my child is of utmost importance,"Dr. Kaitlyn Siu,a child neurologist and founder and CEO ofTeach Your Kids Code, told ZDNET. "However, I would balance the need for safety with respecting [my child's] privacy and autonomy, using the tracker as a tool for peace of mind rather than for constant surveillance."What is the best GPS tracker for kids right now?ZDNET spoke to parents and professionals like Dr. Siu to determine the best GPS trackers and devices to stay aware of your child's location. Our pick for the best GPS tracker for kids overall is the Apple AirTag since it's reasonably priced and uses Apple's comprehensive Find My network for accurate tracking. Read on for other top GPS trackers for kids, including devices from Apple, Garmin, and more. Sort by All The best GPS trackers and devices for kids in 2025 Show less Apple's AirTags are about the size of a quarter, and there are countless accessories you can use to attach the small tracker to a jacket or backpack (or even slip it into your child's pocket). There's no monthly fee, and the CR2032 battery lasts around a year and is easily replaceable.As far as performance goes, the AirTag does a solid job. The one caveat is that an AirTag requires another Apple device to be nearby and connected to the internet to share its location with Apple's Find My network. For example, if your child doesn't have an Apple device with cellular capabilities, tracking a young child on the school bus requires someone -- most likely another student or the bus driver -- to have an iPhone or cellular Apple Watch. If there aren't any Apple devices on the bus, the location can't update.Review:Apple AirTagZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani tested out placing AirTags on his children's backpacks and found that he could still track them during a school day. "One backpack was located about 30 minutes prior, and the other had just had its location reported 2 minutes before I'd checked," he wrote. "Presumably, a teacher walked by their backpack with an iPhone in their pocket, or one of the students' iPads picked up the tag's Bluetooth signal and reported it back Apple, which in turn lets me view the location in somewhat real-time."96% of customers who purchased an AirTag at Best Buy said they would recommend it to a friend, and the device's overall review rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.Apple AirTagspecs: Price:$29 or four for $85 |Battery life:One year |Real-time tracking:No |Monthly cost:None |Connectivity:Bluetooth, Apple's Find My Network Pros Inexpensive Battery lasts for one year Cons Only works with Apple products Problems with Apple's Find My network Apple's AirTags are about the size of a quarter, and there are countless accessories you can use to attach the small tracker to a jacket or backpack (or even slip it into your child's pocket). There's no monthly fee, and the CR2032 battery lasts around a year and is easily replaceable.As far as performance goes, the AirTag does a solid job. The one caveat is that an AirTag requires another Apple device to be nearby and connected to the internet to share its location with Apple's Find My network. For example, if your child doesn't have an Apple device with cellular capabilities, tracking a young child on the school bus requires someone -- most likely another student or the bus driver -- to have an iPhone or cellular Apple Watch. If there aren't any Apple devices on the bus, the location can't update.Review:Apple AirTagZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani tested out placing AirTags on his children's backpacks and found that he could still track them during a school day. "One backpack was located about 30 minutes prior, and the other had just had its location reported 2 minutes before I'd checked," he wrote. "Presumably, a teacher walked by their backpack with an iPhone in their pocket, or one of the students' iPads picked up the tag's Bluetooth signal and reported it back Apple, which in turn lets me view the location in somewhat real-time."96% of customers who purchased an AirTag at Best Buy said they would recommend it to a friend, and the device's overall review rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.Apple AirTagspecs: Price:$29 or four for $85 |Battery life:One year |Real-time tracking:No |Monthly cost:None |Connectivity:Bluetooth, Apple's Find My Network Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Garmin Garmin's latest kids' smartwatch, the Bounce, offers real-time location tracking, communication features, health and sleep tracking, games, and more. Regarding GPS, parents can use Bounce's location tracking to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app and be notified when their child leaves pre-approved areas.Also:The best Garmin watchesLTE connectivity (which you can purchase from Garmin for $10/month) allows your child to text and voice message up to 20 parent-approved contacts.You can also view various health metrics like sleep, steps, and active minutes to keep an eye on your growing child. Garmin also includes activity-related games within the watch so kids can unlock rewards for meeting goals or responsibilities, like completing a chore.Parents on Reddit who have bought the watch for their kids say it's greatwith notifications and location updates, especially for school-bound kids.Garmin Bouncespecs: Price:$150|Battery life:Two days|Real-time tracking:Yes|Monthly cost:$10/month|Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, LTE Pros Color touchscreen display Low monthly cost Loaded with features and tracking Cons Battery life isn't great LTE Signal strength goes in and out Garmin's latest kids' smartwatch, the Bounce, offers real-time location tracking, communication features, health and sleep tracking, games, and more. Regarding GPS, parents can use Bounce's location tracking to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app and be notified when their child leaves pre-approved areas.Also:The best Garmin watchesLTE connectivity (which you can purchase from Garmin for $10/month) allows your child to text and voice message up to 20 parent-approved contacts.You can also view various health metrics like sleep, steps, and active minutes to keep an eye on your growing child. Garmin also includes activity-related games within the watch so kids can unlock rewards for meeting goals or responsibilities, like completing a chore.Parents on Reddit who have bought the watch for their kids say it's greatwith notifications and location updates, especially for school-bound kids.Garmin Bouncespecs: Price:$150|Battery life:Two days|Real-time tracking:Yes|Monthly cost:$10/month|Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, LTE Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at T-mobile For kids who are too young for a smartphone but mature enough to care for a gadget, we recommend products like T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids Watch 2 and the Verizon GizmoWatch (more on that below). The SyncUp wrist-worn gadget costs $174, but if you add a line to your T-Mobile account, you can get the watch for free. In general, the SyncUp watch has similar functionality to that of a regular smartwatch. It includes a camera, and your child can use the device to send and receive messages. With the task manager, a parent can add chores or other tasks for their child to focus on after school, along with real-time location tracking.The interface is playful and easy for a child to use and includes a "School Mode" that disables extra features during class time to limit distraction.One T-Mobile reviewer who gave the device five stars said, "The only people allowed to contact the watch are set by you, the parent. It's a good way to access your kids when they are away, but it also lets them feel like they are growing up some."SyncUp Kids Watch 2specs: Price:$174 |Battery life:8 hours of talk time |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:4G LTE Pros Camera and task manager included Easy and fun for kids to use Free with service plan Cons Battery life could be better For kids who are too young for a smartphone but mature enough to care for a gadget, we recommend products like T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids Watch 2 and the Verizon GizmoWatch (more on that below). The SyncUp wrist-worn gadget costs $174, but if you add a line to your T-Mobile account, you can get the watch for free. In general, the SyncUp watch has similar functionality to that of a regular smartwatch. It includes a camera, and your child can use the device to send and receive messages. With the task manager, a parent can add chores or other tasks for their child to focus on after school, along with real-time location tracking.The interface is playful and easy for a child to use and includes a "School Mode" that disables extra features during class time to limit distraction.One T-Mobile reviewer who gave the device five stars said, "The only people allowed to contact the watch are set by you, the parent. It's a good way to access your kids when they are away, but it also lets them feel like they are growing up some."SyncUp Kids Watch 2specs: Price:$174 |Battery life:8 hours of talk time |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:4G LTE Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Verizon The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 has many of the same features as T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids watch. You can send and receive messages and calls, and it has a built-in camera. You can add up to 10 trusted contacts for your child to communicate with while wearing the watch.You'll also get real-time tracking and geofence support to receive alerts when your child leaves or arrives at a specific location. Similarly to the SyncUp Kids watch, you can create tasks for your child and set up school mode to prevent them from using the watch at school or during other activities."We bought the Verizon GizmoWatch about two years ago for our kiddos, then aged 6 and 8," said Kendra Paulson, who is a freelance writer. "We live on a military base, and while it is pretty safe here, we wanted to have a way to communicate with our girls while they were out riding bikes and playing in the neighborhood. I can glance at the Gizmo map and see where my kids are, and we can text and call back and forth, so it's like having a starter phone that straps to their wrist."Both GizmoWatch models have a one-time $35 activation fee from Verizon. Another downside is that Verizon customers say the battery life is shorter than advertised.Verizon Gizmo Watch3 tech specs: Price:$150, plus a $35 activation fee |Battery life:Up to 3.5 days (standby) or 1.5 days constant use |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:GPS, Cellular (4G) Pros School mode Real-time tracking Video calling Cons LTE connectivity costs extra Battery life isn't as advertised The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 has many of the same features as T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids watch. You can send and receive messages and calls, and it has a built-in camera. You can add up to 10 trusted contacts for your child to communicate with while wearing the watch.You'll also get real-time tracking and geofence support to receive alerts when your child leaves or arrives at a specific location. Similarly to the SyncUp Kids watch, you can create tasks for your child and set up school mode to prevent them from using the watch at school or during other activities."We bought the Verizon GizmoWatch about two years ago for our kiddos, then aged 6 and 8," said Kendra Paulson, who is a freelance writer. "We live on a military base, and while it is pretty safe here, we wanted to have a way to communicate with our girls while they were out riding bikes and playing in the neighborhood. I can glance at the Gizmo map and see where my kids are, and we can text and call back and forth, so it's like having a starter phone that straps to their wrist."Both GizmoWatch models have a one-time $35 activation fee from Verizon. Another downside is that Verizon customers say the battery life is shorter than advertised.Verizon Gizmo Watch3 tech specs: Price:$150, plus a $35 activation fee |Battery life:Up to 3.5 days (standby) or 1.5 days constant use |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:GPS, Cellular (4G) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Xplora XGO3 watch uses GPS, active Wi-Fi, and GSM triangulation to provide real-time location tracking. It also offers geofencing, so you can set up safety zones around key locations like home and school. If your child wanders out of these pre-marked areas, you will be notified.The watch doesn't have any games, but games are available via the GoPlay app. For every 1,000 steps that your child takes, they will earn one Xcoin, which can be saved up and redeemed for real prizes in the GoPlay store (though to use this experience, you'll need to access a smartphone or tablet). Verified customers say it's an intelligent way to gamify health and fitness for little ones.Review:Xplora XGO3ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the watch on her daughter and said it gave her peace of mind. "From my testing, the GPS tracking in the XGO3 is reliable, especially because I can set up specific safety zones within the Xplora app, like for home and school, and be notified when my child leaves those areas," she wrote in her review. "The app also shows historical tracking data, which is handy when you need to recall past activities."You'll also need a SIM card to use the watch's cellular functions. The SIM card is included with the watch and works with most mobile carriers except Verizon. Keep in mind that the watch requires a minimum one-year $9.99 subscription.Xplora XGO3specs: Price:$100 |Battery life:72 hours (on standby) |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:$9.99/month |Connectivity:Cellular (SIM card), Wi-Fi, GPS Pros Camera SOS button Five different color options Cons SIM card sold separately The Xplora XGO3 watch uses GPS, active Wi-Fi, and GSM triangulation to provide real-time location tracking. It also offers geofencing, so you can set up safety zones around key locations like home and school. If your child wanders out of these pre-marked areas, you will be notified.The watch doesn't have any games, but games are available via the GoPlay app. For every 1,000 steps that your child takes, they will earn one Xcoin, which can be saved up and redeemed for real prizes in the GoPlay store (though to use this experience, you'll need to access a smartphone or tablet). Verified customers say it's an intelligent way to gamify health and fitness for little ones.Review:Xplora XGO3ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the watch on her daughter and said it gave her peace of mind. "From my testing, the GPS tracking in the XGO3 is reliable, especially because I can set up specific safety zones within the Xplora app, like for home and school, and be notified when my child leaves those areas," she wrote in her review. "The app also shows historical tracking data, which is handy when you need to recall past activities."You'll also need a SIM card to use the watch's cellular functions. The SIM card is included with the watch and works with most mobile carriers except Verizon. Keep in mind that the watch requires a minimum one-year $9.99 subscription.Xplora XGO3specs: Price:$100 |Battery life:72 hours (on standby) |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:$9.99/month |Connectivity:Cellular (SIM card), Wi-Fi, GPS Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best GPS tracker for kids? Our recommendation for the best GPS tracker for kids is Apple AirTag. However, any of the options on this list would make good GPS trackers and devices for kids. It just depends on what you want, and which features are a priority to you. GPS tracker devicePriceBatteryReal-time tracking?Apple AirTag $29 One year No Garmin Bounce $150 Two days Yes SyncUp Kids Watch 2$174 One week Yes Verizon GizmoWatch $170 Up to three days (standby) or 1.5 days of constant use Yes Xplora XGO3 $100 72 hours (on standby) Yes Show more Which GPS tracker is right for you? Choose this GPS tracker...If you want...Apple AirTag The best overall tracker for most people. There's no monthly fee, and the battery lasts around a year. Garmin Bounce A smartwatch loaded with features and real-time tracking. Parents can use location tracking on the Bounce to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app, SyncUp Kids Watch 2A wearable watch for kids under T-Mobile. The wrist-worn gadget costs $174, but you can get it for free if you add a line to your account. Verizon GizmoWatch A wearable watch for kids under Verizon. You can create tasks for your child and set up school mode to keep them from using the watch at school. Xplora XGO 3 A GPS watch that encourages kids to play outside. With geofencing, you can set up safety zones around critical locations, like home and school. Show more Factors to consider when choosing the best GPS tracker for kids If you're buying a GPS tracker for your kids, you should consider the following:Privacy:Keeping your child's information and data is of the utmost importance with any tech device, so we looked at trackers and devices with privacy features like encryption, parental controls, and two-way communication so you can contact your child.Real-time tracking:We included trackers and devices that have real-time GPS tracking, which uses satellite signals to determine the precise location of the device, so you know exactly where your child is at any given moment.Battery life:A tracking device serves little purpose if it's out of battery, so we looked at devices with long battery lives so you don't have to recharge constantly.Price:These tracking devices can range dramatically in price, but we tried to keep all products under at least $200. Show more How we test smartwatches When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best whentested in the real world.Daily wear: We wear the smartwatch as our primary watch, with communications, applications, and other elements being tested as if it were our only smartwatch.Application selection and performance: One aspect that makes smartwatches different than standard watches is the support for applications. We load up the watch with apps and then test the performance and functionality of those applications. For example, Apple particularly excels in the area of third-party application support.Workouts: Smartwatch makers have embraced health and fitness so we take smartwatches out for running with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and walking with the family. GPS and heart rate data is tracked and then we evaluate the accuracy against proven GPS sports watches.Sleep and activity tracking:Sleep tracking has improved with smartwatches over time and we evaluate and compare them to smart rings and other watches. Nighttime is also a good time to charge your smartwatch, so you may choose not to use your watch to track sleep so your watch can serve faithfully all day and into the night.For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensivesmartwatch testing methodology. Show more FAQs on GPS trackers for kids How do GPS trackers work? GPS trackers work like this: The device uses a satellite network to determine its location. A GPS tracker converts these satellite signals into data such as velocity, time, and position so that you can see exactly where the device (and, in turn, your child) is. Show more Does Fitbit have a GPS tracker for kids? No, Fitbit makes GPS-enabled activity trackers for kids, but not location trackers with real-time location tracking. Show more What about privacy concerns? Privacy concerns and ethics are the main concerns about GPS tracking devices in general, especially when it comes to tracking children. ZDNET asked parents how they felt."As my daughters grow older and eventually head off into the world on their own, it will cross my mind wanting to know where they're at and whether they're safe," said parent and Ling App co-founderKanyarat Nuchangpuek."On the other hand, it bothers me that I could be crossing a line peeking into their private lives. It's similar to finding out that your mother read your diary. It's an invasion of privacy and may also deter my children from experiencing life in their own way. Having to wonder, "Is mommy watching?" shouldn't be a natural thought."Regardless of your choice, it's a good idea to protect your data, especially when it involves your child's location.For example, when signing up for an account, use a unique and complicated password -- preferably stored in a password manager -- to add a layer of protection to your account.If you're unsure about a product or service, always be sure to read through the company's privacy policy. Show more Do you have to pay a monthly fee for a GPS tracker? Unfortunately, many GPS trackers and devices for kids require an additional subscription payment. This is especially true if the device requires an app with advanced features or a wearable that provides LTE connectivity.Be sure to factor this extra cost into your final decision. Show more Other GPS trackers to considerMeet the experts ZDNET sourced external industry experts for this article. Here is more information about them:Dr. Kaitlyn Siu: A child neurologist, mother, and founder and CEO ofTeach Your Kids Code.Kendra Paulson: A parent and freelance writer.Kanyarat Nuchangpuek: A parent with a Masters in Information Systems, andLing Appco-founder, a language-learning app. Show more Wearables Wearables Roundups Robot Vacuums Reviewed & Compared ZDNET Recommends

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A general view outside of UnitedHealth Group's United Healthcare corporate headquarters in ... [+] Minnetonka, Minnesota on December 4, 2024, the day United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on the street in New York City before he was to attend the company's annual investors meeting. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)Getty ImagesUnitedHealth Group Thursday announced veteran internal executive Tim Noel will become chief executive of the companys health insurance business, UnitedHealthcare.Tim joined UnitedHealth Group in 2007, and most recently served as chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealth Group announced in a brief statement Thursday afternoon. He brings unparalleled experience to this role with a proven track record and strong commitment to improving how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners.Aside from last weeks 2024 fourth quarter and annual earnings, its the first major public announcement since the December 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. His death unleashed a barrage of scrutiny on health insurer denials of medical care and certain other business practices from social media trolls and industry critics including some in Congress who say theyd like to see reform.Thompson was among several executives who ran UnitedHealth Group businesses with the title of CEO. UnitedHealth includes the health insurance company UnitedHealthcare that included Thompson as well as the Optum medical care services business and its many subsidiaries including OptumRx, one of the nations largest pharmacy benefit managers.The selection of Noel comes at a critical time for UnitedHealthcare. The company, like other health insurers last year, grappled with rising medical costs in its health plans. Thus, UnitedHealths earnings report last week showed the company is spending more on medical care as the companys annual medical care ratio, or MCR, which is the percentage of premium revenue that goes toward medical costs, rose dramatically. The full year medical care ratio was 85.5% compared to 83.2% in 2023, the company said last week.Health insurance company profits began to soar not long after the coronavirus hit the U.S. in 2020 because people werent seeking care amid lockdowns, office closures and doctor appointment windows that were limited. When people dont go to the doctor, a claim isnt filed with the health plan so the insurance company makes more money.UnitedHealths net income for 2024 was the lowest annual income in five years. The company reported net income of $22.3 billion last year, had net income of $20.6 billion in 2022 after making $17.3 billion in 2021 and $15.4 billion in 2020. Before the pandemic UnitedHealth made $13.8 billion in 2019.At UnitedHealthcare, full-year revenue grew 6% to $298.2 billion as the company grew its customers served in its domestic commercial benefits grew by 2.4 million in 2024. UnitedHealthcare provides health benefits to more than 50 million people.