Published January 26, 2025 6:00am EST close Crooks cant steal this motorcycle that disappears in plain sight An electric motorcycle concept blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure. Imagine walking down a busy city street surrounded by the usual urban clutter graffiti-covered walls, chained bicycles and various pieces of street furniture.Among these familiar sights, you might pass by what appears to be a nondescript telecom signal box.But with the push of a button, this unassuming object transforms into a fully functional motorcycle. Welcome to the world of the Nomoto, a revolutionary concept by designer Joey Ruiter that challenges our perception of urban transportation. The Nomoto (J.Ruiter)The invisible motorcycleThe Nomoto, short for "No moto here, buddy," is a remarkable electric motorcycle concept that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure. When parked, it looks like nothing more than a graffiti-covered metal box, seamlessly blending into its surroundings.This camouflage serves a dual purpose. It's an artistic statement about urban design and a practical solution to bike theft.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The Nomoto (J. Ruiter)How the Nomoto worksThe genius of the Nomoto lies in its transformation. At the touch of a button, the seemingly immobile box rises up on wheels, ready to ride. The design eliminates the need for a kickstand because the bodywork lowers itself to sit flush with the ground when parked.A drop-down cover reveals the handlebars, while flip-up covers on the front and rear boxes provide small storage areas. While the Nomoto's primary appeal is its unique aesthetic, it's not just for show. The bike is a fully functional electric scooter, albeit a basic one. It features stealthy headlight and brake light arrangements, though it appears to lack mirrors and indicators. The Nomoto (J. Ruiter)WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Joey Ruiter: The mind behind the conceptJoey Ruiter is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of design. Known for his minimalistic approach, Ruiter strips products down to their essence, reimagining ordinary objects in extraordinary ways.Hisportfolio includes a 215-horsepower watercraft and the Snoped, an upright single-track snow bike with stark, boxy bodywork. Ruiter's work often polarizes opinion, and he wouldn't have it any other way."I don't mind if somebody doesn't like my work," he says. "I think the polarization makes it fun."The Nomoto embodies this philosophy, challenging our expectations of what a motorcycle should look like and how it should function in an urban environment. The Nomoto (J. Ruiter)Kurts key takeawaysThe Nomoto represents a bold reimagining of urban transportation. It's a testament to the power of creative design to solve practical problems while challenging our perceptions. While it may never see mass production, the Nomoto serves as an inspiring example of how thinking outside the box or, in this case, inside a very unusual box can lead to innovative solutions for city living.Would you feel comfortable riding a motorcycle that looks completely invisible when parked, trading traditional motorcycle aesthetics for ultimate urban stealth? Let us know what you think by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium flagship meant for users who want the most out of their phone, with a starting price of $1,299. Key improvements include new Galaxy AI features, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. No major shifts to camera hardware, battery size, and charging speeds. more buying choices Samsung's Big Bad Galaxy phone has arrived, and it's almost everything I expected. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which starts at the same bold price as last year, $1,299, remains the company's do-everything handset, with a more durable display, an upgraded camera system with some handy editing tricks, and the latest Qualcomm processor keeping things running. Oh, and yes, AI is everything, everywhere, all at once.Also: Samsung Unpacked 2025: Five biggest announcements, including S25 Edge and AR glassesWhile last year's Galaxy S24 series ushered in Samsung's Galaxy AI era, this year feels more like the company cementing itself as the leader in the space, besting Apple and even Google (for now) on features and capabilities. Of course, how decorative that honor is ultimately depends on how invested you are in using AI.I've spent the three days so far testing the S25 Ultra and wasn't too surprised to find myself both fascinated and bored. After all, this is now Samsung's fifth iteration of the S-series Ultra model, and the changes year-over-year have been modest, to be generous. But if you're currently using a three- to four-year-old handset and considering an upgrade, take this first-hand testimonial -- I'm not calling it a full review yet -- to heart. (And if you're an enthusiast, it'll matter just as much to you.) details View at Samsung The Galaxy S Ultra has always been a big-phone, two-handed affair, and that holds this year. When I first unboxed the S25 Ultra, it felt like the fanciest calculator ever (and I mean that in a nice way), with its round edges and tall stature. Coming from the OnePlus 13 I recently reviewed -- which, on paper, is relatively similar in size -- the S25 Ultra had a bolder and more striking presence. From left to right: iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Kerry Wan/ZDNETFortunately, the device is not as top-heavy as I remember previous models being, even though Samsung encased the four rear cameras with thicker rings this time around. In fact, the S25 Ultra is lighter than its predecessor by 16 grams, earning it the title of the thinnest Galaxy S Ultra ever. You'll likely hear more about the "thinnification" of phones later this year.Also:I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S25 - and the AI features were surprisingly polishedThe other notable design upgrade with the S25 Ultra is the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layered over the front display. It doesn't take away from the anti-reflection surface treatment that made headlines on last year's S24 Ultra, yet promises improved drop protection and scratch resistance. I believe it. My S24 Ultra last year had numerous micro scratches after just days of testing, while my S25 Ultra review unit has remained pristine so far.Now if only Samsung could bring back the glory days of psychedelic Aura Glow finishes, because these S25 Ultra colors are uninspiring. Perhaps it's the nature of titanium finishes or the harsh reality that consumers are more likely to opt for safer colors with black, white, and silver hues than poppy and bright. Regardless, you'll want to slap on a case if you want to give your S25 Ultra even a touch of personality.Under the hood is a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the same processor powering competing Android phones like the OnePlus 13 and Honor Magic 7 Pro. The most notable benefit of the chipset comes in the form of AI experiences -- specifically, a 40% increase in NPU performance compared to last year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: We tested both, and the winner is not so obviousIn layman's terms, on-device AI features should take up less bandwidth and power to operate while also functioning quickly. I saw the results in person, placebo effect or not, as my S25 Ultra can swiftly remove subjects (along with their shadows) from the background of photos via Generative Edit and pull up Gemini search results in a matter of seconds.You can also chalk up the performance to the enhanced Gemini app, which can now be fired up with a long press of the power button. Previously, Samsung phones were limited to Bixby -- or Google Assistant, if you made some sketchy, backend modifications -- so this change is a breath of fresh air. It makes transitioning from any other Android phone that uses Gemini as the default assistant much more burdenless.Speaking of which, the new Gemini-Bixby hybrid AI agent, as Samsung confusingly puts it, can handle natural-sounding, conversational chains of actions, such as looking up the upcoming schedule of your favorite sports team and adding the date(s) to your calendar. While the agent-like capability mainly works across Google and Samsung apps, some third-party services like Spotify are supported, too.Also:I may finally ditch my Google Pixel for a Samsung Galaxy phone in 2025. Here's whyThe important thing is knowing how to phrase your commands. For example, when I asked the AI agent to createa Spotify playlist for road trips and send it to my wife, it responded that it was unable to do so. When, instead, I asked it to findsongs that were good for road trips, it curated the list and drafted a modifiable text message. Ladies and gentlemen, AI. Kerry Wan/ZDNETConsidering last year's S24 series introduced Google's Circle to Search feature, and this year's S25 series is doing the same for the enhanced Gemini-Bixby experience, it wouldn't be farfetched to say that Samsung, not Google, makes the best AI phone on the market right now.Some other new Galaxy AI tools like AI Select and Now Brief only reinforce that statement, with the former being an adaptive, context-aware screen selection tool, and the latter giving you daily summaries of the weather, calendar events, and news.Also: Samsung appliances are about to get smarter and wiser - thanks to AII just wish Now Brief showed me more than just political news; even with my topic preferences within my Samsung News app set to technology and sports, the app still wakes me up with an "Uplifting Morning Prep" Spotify playlist and the latest scoop on the US president signing executive orders. The new 50MP ultrawide lens pulls in four times more detail than the previous generation's 12MP sensor, according to Samsung. Kerry Wan/ZDNETOne of the key reasons to buy a Galaxy Ultra phone continues to be the camera, though Samsung hasn't improved the specifications much this year -- at least on paper. The only hardware change is the 50-megapixel ultrawide lens (up from 12MP), which, from my initial shots, yields greater detail and vividness, especially when capturing macro photos. The rest of the lenses, such as the 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto, are identical to last year's S24 Ultra.Also:The best Android phones to buy in 2025There's a bigger focus on the software side of things, with Samsung introducing helpful photo and video features like 10-bit HDR video recording by default to capture a wider dynamic range, a new Audio Eraser feature that lets you adjust the volumes of various frequencies (classified as audio subjects like voices, wind, and noises), and the ability to record in Galaxy Log mode.The latter feature allows you to better spot overexposed areas and adjust the dynamic range as you're recording videos, while also applying LUTs in post for better color and light control. I'll be testing the shooting mode more in the coming days.ZDNET's buying advice (for now)My first several day of testing theSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultraconfirms several things for me. While most aspects of the phone, such as the vibrant, glare-free display and versatility across the cameras and AI features, are easy to appreciate, the upgrades this year feel iterative and safe.In ways, Samsung has even taken a few steps back, with the S Pen stylus no longer supporting Bluetooth controls and gestures, and the company opting for Qi2-ready cases instead of embedding the actual technology within its phones.It's understandable that early adopters and tech enthusiasts might feel underwhelmed by the S25 Ultra. But when I consider consumers who are coming from an S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung's new flagship handset checks almost every box you can think of. And you may even score a generous trade-in deal through your local carrier or retailer.Featured reviews

ZDNET's key takeaways Samsung's Galaxy A35 5G is a well-rounded smartphone for $399 You'll love the two-day battery life, amazing screen quality, and four years of software updates The biggest issue? Performance tends to vary from day to day and can lead to overheating. more buying choices What's the deal?Amazon currently has a discounted Galaxy A35 bundle available. On the retailer, you can buy the smartphone packaged with the Galaxy Buds FE for $470.I'm surprised how much I enjoy using the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G. The 2024 mid-range phone in Samsung's lineup isn't necessarily anything special -- it looks like any other Galaxy phone from recent years, and there aren't any flashy features. Still, the mission of mid-range phones is not to make waves; it's to provide a balance between performance, quality, and price. This phone achieves that balance well.Some would argue that this isn't the best $400 phone on the market, but it's certainly one of them, and the screen is the first reason why.The Galaxy A35 5G includes a Samsung signature Super AMOLED display, measuring 6.6 inches diagonally. The display has a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate so everything feels smooth, and 1,000 nits of brightness, which makes it easy to see the screen in direct sunlight. Plus, it's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, which is a nice perk. details View at Samsung One of the best perks of the Galaxy A35 is the battery size. Clocking in at 5,000mAh, this thing can easily last two days on a full charge. During my testing, I only plugged in the phone three times, and that was with moderate use. Unfortunately, there are no wireless charging capabilities, and the charging speed is capped at 25W, so it might take some time to get to 100%. Still, it's nice having multi-day battery life on any smartphone, let alone one that costs $400.Also: The first Android 16 beta is available to download now - here's what's newAnother thing I wasn't expecting to say after spending some time with the A35 is that the cameras aren't that bad. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that at least two of them are good, which is almost impossible to say for most sub-$500 Android phones. Max Buondonno/ZDNETThe main 50MP camera is perfectly capable of taking some nice pictures. Colors aren't overdone as much as on older Samsung phones, while contrast and exposure remain generally on point. You can tell that the A35 is okay with maintaining shadows, for better or for worse, while photo quality generally takes a dip when the lights get low; it's not terrible by any means, but extra grain and noise are hard to avoid unless there's a ton of external or natural light in the frame.I'll also give some credit to the 13MP selfie camera, which is perfectly suited for selfies for Snapchat or your Instagram Stories. Unfortunately, the other cameras on the back of the device are disappointing. The 8MP may be ultra-wide thanks to its 123-degree field of view, but it's grainy and low-quality in almost every lighting condition. Meanwhile, the 5MP macro camera is washed out, and it is impossible to capture anything usable -- unless you're in broad daylight.Also:These useful One UI 7 features are coming to the Galaxy S25 series - and older models tooYou can't buy the Galaxy A35 5G expecting Spielberg-quality videos, but at least you have the option to shoot in 4K, albeit at 30 frames per second. In addition, I like Samsung's camera app, which is well-optimized and easy to navigate. Max Buondonno/ZDNETSome other notable features include the fast and reliable in-display fingerprint scanner, the IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, the Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back, and the microSD card slot, so you can expand your storage whenever you want.The A35 stumbles, however, in performance. The phone isn't slow, but it's not always fast either. It's equipped with an Exynos 1380 octa-core processor that's fast enough for everyday use, but during my testing, the phone would sometimes slow down so much that it would take several seconds to open an app or jump into multitasking. Max Buondonno/ZDNETThe device would also sometimes get inexplicably hot during regular use. For example, in one instance, I was scrolling through an article with Spotify playing in the background, and the A35 became hot enough that I had to put it down.Also: I changed 10 settings on my Android phone to dramatically improve battery lifeThis is a known issue with Samsung's Exynos chips, which have historically fallen behind Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors in performance and efficiency. Luckily, you can rig the A35 with 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, so you won't run out of memory during usage -- just don't push the phone too hard.ZDNET's buying adviceIt's hard to find a mid-range device that balances the smartphone experience well, but the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G does a pretty good job. While performance and camera quality fall behind in some areas, the rest of the phone is good (especially that gorgeous screen) for the price.Of course, if you're going to buy this phone, you're probably also looking at phones like the Pixel 8a or the excellent OnePlus 12R, which hover around the same price. The screen quality on either isn't as nice as the A35, and you won't get a two-day battery life. The cameras are comparable (besides the Pixel 7a, which knocks the socks off the A35 and the 12R). All in all, I think the A35 is a good pickup. It's not perfect, but if you can live with its quirks, I think you'll dig it. How we test phones ZDNET's review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every major phone release, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and special features. Here's a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:Design and ergonomics:How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users' buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.Performance:Several factors affect a phone's performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, all background tasks closed, and as stable a mobile connection as possible.Camera quality:ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.Battery life and charging:It's also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).Special features:These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.Pricing and availability:Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensivephone testing methodology page. Show more This article was originally published on May 2, 2024, and was updated on January 25, 2025.Featured reviews

The Audeze MM-100 are probably the best and most affordable planar magnetic headphones on the market ... [+] right now. The sound, build quality and value for money is unrivalled.AudezeAudeze has been championing planar magnetic driver technology for many years and the companys range of headphones has plenty of fans because the sound produced by planar magnetic drivers can be more dynamic and responsive compared to more traditional dynamic driver technology used in most headphones.Well delve into the pros and cons of planar magnetic technology a little later in this review of the latest pair of planar magnetic headphones from Audeze. Designed in collaboration with 17-time Grammy-winning engineer and producer, Manny Marroquin, the all-new MM-100 are an open-back design that uses the latest planar magnetic transducers from Audeze.The Audeze MM-100 are assembled in the U.S.A. and retail for $399. Based on the companys hugely successful Audeze MM-500 headphones, which were launched at NAMM 2022, the MM-100 use 90mm planar magnetic drivers. And whats so special about planar magnetic technology? The technology uses a magnetic field around a conductor with current flowing through that moves the diaphragm which has incredibly thin and flat conductors in it. The big advantage with the technology is lower distortion, a tighter bass. The lower impedance of the drivers also means they work well with a wide range of amplifications sources. Some people also say the soundstage with planar magnetic drivers is better and I think Id agree with that but it does depend on how good the headphones are.The Audeze MM-100 headphones were designed in conjunction with Manny Marroquin, the 17-time ... [+] Grammy-winning engineer and producer.AudezeThe planar magnetic drivers offer detailed and precise sound with ultra-low distortion levels. The stiffness of the driver material gives the drivers a faster response and a more dynamic sound. The drivers feature patented waveguides, magnet arrays and diaphragms designed by Audeze.Fazor Waveguides And Fluxor MagnetsAudezes Uniforce diaphragms, Fazor waveguides and Fluxor Magnets provide exceptional sonic clarity and low levels of distortion. Thanks to lower distortion, the MM-100 are much easier to listen or mix with for long periods. With high-distortion headphones, the human brain must work overtime descrambling the distortion which makes listening tiring. If youve ever experienced difficulties and tiredness when listening to a pair of headphones, the chances are they have higher levels of distortion.As well as the premium sound, the new MM-100 are a delight to wear thanks to their lightweight chassis made from magnesium and aluminum and weighing 385g. The oversized and gel-filled leather earpads are luxurious while an adjustable suspension strap and spring-steel headband provide a comfortable fit and should be able to stand up to the rigors of studio life. The headphones can also fold flat, making them easier to transport or store.Although the Audeze MM-100 sound great, they also look superb and feel incredibly well made. AudezeTo create the MM-100, Audeze worked with Manny Marroquin who has this to say about the project: Im so excited to make studio-quality sound available to a broader audience. Everyone working in audio needs a headphone they can rely on, inside or outside the studio."Manny is not wrong. A great pair of headphones can bring so much more joy to music. I know from my experience of reviewing countless pairs of headphones that the combination of a great sound, low distortion, easy driving and excellent comfort levels can add up to greatly improved listening and enjoyment of music. The MM-100 strike that happy combination thats what makes them a joy to use.Ben Webster Meets Oscar PetersonVerveTo put the Audeze MM-100 through their paces, I used a jazz mix that Tidal had generated for me. I opted for some classic jazz because I wanted to see how the planar magnetic drivers handled acoustic bass. To kick things off, I listened to the Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson album. It was an excellent choice because the pristine recording showcased the breadth of sonic capability of these headphones. In the past, some planar magnetic drivers might have disappointed me with their lightweight bass. Not so here. Not only is the bass plentiful, but it was also beautifully articulated and is well separated from the midrange. The sound is superbly clean but never clinical with a perfect soundstage.Next up was the Coleman Hawkins Quartet album Today And Now. This is another classic recording from the Hawk and its a great way of testing those new drivers with the smooth tenor sax tones and a gentle acoustic bass. The MM-100 didnt miss a beat. No matter what I listened to with the MM-100, these headphones handled the sound with accuracy and produced a superbly balanced sound that was never dull or unexciting. The MM-100 never strayed into harshness and the treble frequencies are silky smooth which is no wonder when you consider that the frequency range is a very impressive 10Hz 50kHz.Whether you are listening to music for work or pleasure, the Audeze are an unimpeachable pair of ... [+] headphones that make music a joy to listen to.AudezeI used the MM-100 with a range of DACs as well as my trusty old Onkyo Receiver with its Class AB headphone amplifier. Even on this aging piece of kit, the MM-100 headphones sounded sublime. They were also comfortable to wear for long periods. The plush ear cushions didnt cause my ears to sweat and they made lengthy listening sessions are genuine pleasure.Detachable Cable Brings FlexibilityOne superb feature that I appreciated was the provision of a 3.5mm cable jack on both ear cups. This means you can easily change or upgrade the cable. And although the Audeze MM-100 only uses a single connector, you can choose whether to plug into the left or right ear cup which makes it so flexible. For example, I listen to headphones at night with my hi-fi to my right. I was able to switch the cable from left to right and didnt have to put up with the cable trailing over me. Its a clever design. Incidentally, the twisted cable thats supplied feels high-quality and terminates with a 6.35mm jack plug plus theres a short adapter cable supplied for connecting to a source with a 3.5mm jack.The lightweight chassis of the Audeze MM-100 is made from a combination of magnesium and aluminium. ... [+] Weighing 385g, the fir of these headphones is exceptionally comfortable thanks to an adjustable suspension strap and comfy Gell-filled ear cushions.AudezeVerdict: Audeze struck gold by getting Manny Marroquin to help it with the design of the new MM-100 planar magnetic open headphones. The little touches and the perfect tuning of these headphones make them a genuine joy to use. They feel comfortable and the sound produced is sublime. These are the best planar magnetic headphones I think Ive ever reviewed. They offer incredible value for money and are an excellent alternative to the superb Sennheiser HD660 S2 dynamic headphones which set the standard at this price point. If you want a precise and clear sound with clearly articulated bass, clear mids, smooth treble and great soundstage, you will love the Audeze MM-100. Add in the comfort levels, great build quality and the fact these are easy-to-drive headphones and you have a bargain that should definitely be on your shortlist. Highly Recommended.Pricing & Availability: The Audeze MM-100 are available now and priced at $399 / 399 / 399 from Amazon or direct from Audeze.com.Tech Specs:Style: Over-ear (circumaural), open-back.Transducer type: Planar Magnetic.Transducer size: 90mm.Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce.Magnetic structure: Fluxor Magnet Array.Magnet type: Neodymium N50.Phase management: Fazor.Frequency response: 10Hz 50kHz.THD: <0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW).Earpads: Synthetic leather/gel foam.Weight: 385g.

Carcinogenic flame retardant chemicals are added to car interiors to meet a NHTSA flammability ... [+] standard with no proven fire-safety benefit.gettyIn 1960s America, puffing on a cigarette behind the wheel was commonplace. Seat belts were rarely worn, and airbags had yet to be introduced. Such driver behaviors and safety shortcomings contributed to the high vehicle fatality rates that plagued those years.To decrease vehicle crashes and deaths, Congress established the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1970. A year later, the new agency introduced a regulation meant to reduce the risk of fires inside cars, especially ones caused by cigarettes and matches. That regulation, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302, requires that vehicle components inside the occupant compartment do not burn quickly when exposed to a small open flame.Unfortunately, there is no evidence that this fire safety regulation has prevented any car fire fatalities. Yet, more than 50 years laterin a time when lighting up in a car is passthe standard remains unchanged. Worse yet, to meet the standard, automobile manufacturers use cancer-causing flame-retardant chemicals that could harm the health of everyone who rides in a car. These chemicals are added into vehicle seat foam, dashboard plastics, and more, without data to show they are preventing fires or fire deaths.Flame Retardants Used in Cars Are Linked to Cancer and Other HarmsIn a study by Duke University and the Green Science Policy Institute, scientists found cancer-causing flame-retardant chemicals inside the cabins of all the cars they studied101 recent cars from 22 different brands. Astonishingly, all the cars contained one or more forms of tris flame retardantsthe same carcinogenic, neurotoxic chemicals whose use was stopped in baby pajamas in the 1970s, and in furniture and childrens products more than a decade ago.For the technically-minded, tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), a flame retardant under investigation by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as a carcinogen was found in 99 percent of the cars studied. Almost all other cars had other flame retardants present, including tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), both of which the state of California has identified as carcinogens under their Proposition 65.MORE FOR YOUOn top of cancer, flame retardant chemicals are linked to neurological and reproductive harm. Epidemiological studies have shown that the average child in the United States has lost three to five IQ points from exposure to one flame retardant once primarily used inside cars, furniture, and childrens products to meet ineffective flammability standards. This IQ loss has been estimated to have cost billions of dollars in lost productivity across our population. And worse, a recent study estimated those with the highest levels of this same flame retardant in their blood had about four times the risk of dying from cancer compared with people with the lowest levels.Particularly vulnerable are children, whose brains are still developing and who breathe more air pound for pound than adults. Automotive workers, rideshare and taxi drivers, and others who spend considerable time in or around cars would also have higher exposures and potentially greater health harm.The Federal Vehicle Flammability Standard Has No Proven BenefitIn contrast to the health risks, the fire-safety benefit of the standard is not backed by science or data. In research sponsored by NHTSA, General Motors, and the Motor Vehicle Fire Research Institute, fires after simulated crashesthe most common cause of lethal vehicle fireswere found to progress very rapidly once entering the passenger compartment. This suggests that flame retardants in vehicle interiors are not contributing to survivability in post-collision vehicle fires. We also know that the presence of flame retardants can make fires smokier and more toxic, potentially impeding escape and increasing hazard to vehicle occupants, fire fighters, and other first responders.Fixing This Safety ProblemThe good news is that this is a problem NHTSA can and should address by updating its 53-year-old standard. Last week, Consumer Reports, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Green Science Policy Institute formally filed a Petition for Rulemaking calling on the automotive safety agency to Get cancer-causing chemicals out of cars.More than a decade ago, California changed a similar 1970s flammability standard for furniture that had led to manufacturers adding flame retardants to the nations couches, chairs, and baby products. When it became clear that this outdated furniture flammability standard provided no real-world fire-safety benefits but led to severe health harm, it was updated in 2013 to a modern standard that is met without flame retardants.Notably, this update has maintained, or even modestly increased, furniture fire safety by stopping smoldering fires before they reach the flammable foam inside furniture. Best of all, furniture and childrens products purchased in the last decade no longer brings toxic flame retardants into our home. Recent research verified that thanks to the updated furniture flammability standard there are now lower levels of cancer-causing flame retardants in U.S. homes.The outdated federal automobile flammability standard has been exposing drivers, passengers, first responders, and automotive workers to cancer-causing chemicals for half a century without providing a fire safety benefit. NHTSA, the responsible agency, should begin research to find a better test and update this harmful and ineffective vehicle standard as soon as possibleso our cars can be both fire-safe and healthy.

This year is shaping up to be a pivotal one for PC gaming. With the release of more powerful GPUs from Nvidia and AMD, developers are pushing boundaries with titles that showcase even greater graphical fidelity.Game development budgets keep rising, which isn't always a good thing, and one of the most anticipated games in over a decade will arrive in the fall but will it come to PC this year?Our list of the most anticipated games of 2025 features a mix of industry-shaking titles: a game that could determine the future of a long-running studio, the revival of a beloved franchise, one of the most visually stunning games ever created, and an unexpected spinoff of 2022's GOTY. Dive into the full lineup below, complete with trailers and release dates.Civilization VIIClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: February 11Genre: 4X Turn-based StrategyBuy if you like: Previous Civilization games, Humankind, Age of Wonders 3, Old WorldHard as it is to believe, it's been nine years since Civilization 6 arrived. Fans of the long-running 4X turn-based strategy series have been aching for a new entry to sink countless hours into, and judging from what we've seen so far, the wait for Civilization 7 may well be worth it.There are plenty of big changes coming to Civilization 7, including a reworked Ages system in which players guide their civs through the Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern periods, each containing legacy paths or goals.That's fewer than the eight eras (or nine, with Gathering Storm) in Civilization 6, but Civ 7's are longer and more focused. The civilizations evolve throughout the ages, replaced by the new ones you select. These come with a fresh set of bonuses, units, and buildings. Various elements will be carried forward, too, allowing you to create a cultural lineage.The other big change is that players will be able to pair any leader with any Civilization, though the game will recommend certain civs based on leaders' attributes. You also get to pick influential figures such as Ben Franklin, Harriet Tubman, and Machiavelli. And in a series first, players can change their civilizations at different points during the game.Other new features include dynamic map terrain changes that evolve over time, streamlined tech and culture trees, and the introduction of crisis events. Change can be a scary thing, but this is still a Civilization game at its heart. That "one more turn" feeling will return on February 11.AvowedClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: February 13Genre: First-person Fantasy RPGBuy if you like: The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, The Outer Worlds, Fallout: New VegasStar Wars Knights of the Old Republic II, Neverwinter Nights 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity I and II, few companies have a resume filled with as many fantastic RPGs as Obsidian, which is why we should be excited for Avowed.Avowed actually takes place in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity the world of Eora but gone is the isometric view, replaced by a Skyrim-like first-person or optional third-person perspective.With its mix of weapon-based melee combat, firearms, and good old-fashioned spells, Avowed looks very promising. It's said to contain plenty of classic RPG elements, including a classless progression system, allowing players to develop their characters' abilities through multiple skill trees and weapon upgrades.Like Obsidian's other games from the genre, there's a big emphasis on story, choices, consequences, and interacting with characters. You also have companions with different personalities and skills, but unlike most RPGs, you won't have the option to pursue romantic relationships with them. Instead, you get to "build thoughtful relationships," which doesn't sound quite as sexy, admittedly.Avowed arrives on February 13, two days after Civilization VII. Next month is going to be a busy one.Borderlands 4Click on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: H2 2025Genre: Looter ShooterBuy if you like: Other Borderlands games, Risk of Rain 2, OutridersTiny Tina's Wonderlands didn't really capture the imagination in the way that Gearbox hoped, and the less said about the painfully bad movie adaptation of Borderlands the better. Thankfully, Borderlands 4 should remind us what we love about the looter-shooter series.The next Borderlands takes place on Kairos, described as a vast, war-torn planet ruled by an oppressive dictator called the Timekeeper. Players get to choose from four new vault hunters, each with their own unique abilities and skill trees.So far, so Borderlands but if it ain't broke... There are some new features, of course: Gearbox says the game will have a "seamless" world with no loading screens between areas, as well as new traversal tools, including a grappling hook. There'll also be the usual billions of procedurally generated weapons, co-op fun, and the series' trademark humor.Borderlands 4 releases sometime in 2025, likely between July and December.Doom: The Dark AgesClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: May 15, 2025Genre: FPSBuy if you like: Doom (2016), Doom Eternal, Wolfenstein: The New Order, Titanfall 2Many wondered what id Software would do with the Doom franchise after the brilliant Doom Eternal games, but few, if any, would have imagined a techno-medieval prequel that examines the origins of the Doom Slayer himself, back when he was the "super weapon of gods and kings."We've already seen some of the awesome-looking new weapons that we'll be using to eviscerate demons in the next Doom, including the chainsaw-on-a-shield Saw Shield, the Warhammer 40K-inspired (maybe) Skull Crusher, and the enemy-impaling Quake-like Rail Spike. There's also a more gothic Super Shotgun and a flail, naturally.Doom: The Dark Ages looks like the familiar fast-paced FPS with a pounding industrial-metal soundtrack that we all adore, but there are plenty of unexpected elements. Never before have Doom players been able to fly around on a cyborg dragon to engage in some aerial combat, or climb into a skyscraper-sized mech suit.The next Doom installment looks visually stunning. Nvidia has also confirmed it will be DLSS 4 enhanced, including immersive path tracing, meaning we can expect even higher fidelity along with faster framerates.The ripping and the tearing restarts sometime on May 15.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Click on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: February 4Genre: Action, Role-playingBuy if you like: Kingdom Come: Deliverance, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Gothic seriesOne of the first titles to launch on this list, action role-playing game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 concludes Henry of Skalitz's story. It takes place directly after the excellent first game as Henry looks to avenge the death of his parents in 15th-century medieval Europe.Deliverance 2's world map is twice the size of the original's and split into two distinct regions. The sequel also introduces crossbows and even early firearms, which can be used while mounted.RPG fans should be happy to know that they will be able to play Henry however they want, but the choices they make will matter, will have consequences, and will influence the people and the world around them.As before, the almost sim-like realism is a big focus here, especially the sword combat, which appears to once again take time to master. Players need to eat, sleep, and train, and the advanced reputation and law system is still in place.We return to Bohemia on February 4.Fable Click on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: Sometime in 2025Genre: Action, RPGBuy if you like: Fable, Fable 2, The Witcher 3, GreedFallI fondly remember playing the original Fable on my Xbox around twenty years ago. It's been fifteen years since the launch of Fable III, which wasn't particularly well received, and series developer Lionhead Studios sadly closed in 2016. Can the reboot capture the old magic?The next Fable game is developed by UK-based Playground Games, which since being founded in 2010, has made only the Forza Horizon series, but at least it should capture the dry British humor that made the early games so loved.There still aren't too many details about the next Fable, though we know it remains set in the fantasy world of Albion. The trailer suggests that, like the other entries, the choices you make will play a major part in what happens to your character. There are some almost Witcher-like combat scenes in the clip, it's likely open-world, and it all looks very pretty the game is being built using the ForzaTech engine.Fable is set to launch in 2025. Being from Xbox Game Studios means it'll be available on PC Game Pass from day one.Elden Ring NightreignClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: Sometime in 2025Genre: SoulslikeBuy if you like: Elden Ring, Dark Souls series, Sekiro: Shadows Die TwiceElden Ring, a game so good that its expansion was nominated for a Game of the Year award, is getting a standalone spin-off this year.The next FromSoftware game is still a Soulslike, but this time it's also a co-op roguelike. Players form teams of three, called Nightfarers, and must survive three nights in a procedurally generated version of Limgrave.The game features a battle royale-style shrinking map that resets after players defeat a boss at the end of each game day, survival elements, eight distinct heroes, and more.While a lot of it sounds quite different from Elden Ring, many of the most distinctive characteristics remain, including it being incredibly hard, no doubt.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Click on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: Sometime in 2025Genre: Turn-based RPGBuy if you like: Metaphor Refantazio, Persona seriesFor those who lament the move from traditional turn-based gameplay to real-time action in certain famous RPGs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could be a welcome arrival.The game's plot sounds interesting. It sees the titular Expedition 33 looking to put an end to the Paintress, a creature with godlike powers who annually kills individuals of a certain age by simply painting said age on a monolith.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 looks gorgeous, but what really stands out is the combat. It uses a hybrid system that mixes turn-based and some real-time mechanics. It's described as using quick-time-event-augmented turns that place an emphasis on both tactics and reactions. Every attack, which costs action points, requires a timed input. The more complex the move, the more complicated the QTE. You can also target enemy weak points using a free-aim system. Defense-wise, there are real-time dodges, jumps, and parries, with perfect deflects leading to massive counter-attacks.The usual RPG staples are also here, from skill trees and passive abilities to weapons with unique properties. There's also a stellar cast, including Daredevil's Charlie Cox and Gollum himself (and many other characters), Andy Serkis.Monster Hunter Wilds Click on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: February 28Genre: Action Role-PlayingBuy if you like: Monster Hunter: World, Monster Hunter RiseThe full release of Capcom's next monster hunting shenanigans is almost upon us. Being a new entry in the successful Monster Hunter series means there's a lot of pressure to get things right, but what we've seen and heard so far looks good.As always, players can expect a slew of creatures to hunt and fight. The latest entry also introduces Seikrets, new dinosaur-like mountable companions that enhance exploration and combat. These offer auto-navigation to guide players to their targets and can store backup weapons, too.Wilds also features a wounds system that creates weak spots on monsters that cause them to take more damage when attacked, as well as dynamic weather systems. The game looks very beautiful, which could be why Capcom is pushing the use of frame generation.There are two more open beta tests for Monster Hunter Wilds next month ahead of its full launch on February 28.South of MidnightClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: April 8Genre: Action-AdventureBuy if you like: Star Wars Jedi series, Black Myth: WukongSouth of Midnight is one of those games that we still don't know a huge amount about, but what little we know and have seen shows a lot of promise.Developed by Compulsion Games, maker of We Happy Few, South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure game set in a gothic fantasy American Deep South. Players control Hazel, a young woman with ancient "weaving" powers who confronts mythical creatures, known as Haints, as she tries to untangle her family's past.The stunning creature design, magic-filled combat, stop-motion animation style of the cutscenes, great music, and lush environments have put South of Midnight on many gamers' radar. The combat looks very good, too, bearing a resemblance to the Star Wars Jedi series and Black Myth: Wukong.It's just been announced that South of Midnight will arrive on April 8Little Nightmares 3Click on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: Sometime in 2025Genre: Platformer, PuzzlerBuy if you like: Little Nightmares 1 & 2, Limbo, Inside, It Takes Two2017's Little Nightmares remains one of this writer's favorite games, as does the excellent sequel, which has an ending you won't quickly forget. It's been almost four years since we last visited the surreal horror of this platform-puzzler world, with its hideous giant creatures. A return is well overdue.The next game in the series introduces two tiny and slightly terrifying masked children, Low and Alone, who are trying to escape The Nowhere without meeting a grisly demise.The third installment of Little Nightmares will be the first to feature optional online co-op alongside playing solo with an AI. With Low using a bow and arrow and Alone utilizing a wrench, it sounds like there will be plenty of It Takes Two-style co-op puzzle-solving, just a lot darker.Assassin's Creed ShadowsClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: March 20, 2025Genre: Open-world action-adventureBuy if you like: Assassin's Creed Valhalla/Mirage/Origins, Ghost of Tsushima, Like a Dragon: Ishin!The failure of Star Wars Outlaws worried Ubisoft so much that it decided to postpone the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows from its original launch date last year to February 14, then again to March 20. If ever a company needed a game to succeed, it was this one.While Mirage never really captured gamers' imagination, Assassin's Creed Valhalla was a brilliant if bloated addition to the AC franchise, one that spawned many, many DLCs, expansions, and more. Ubisoft will certainly hope Shadows turns into an equally lucrative money-maker, but whether it does remains to be seen.The next AC's enormous open world is set in 16th-century Japan near the end of the Sengoku Period, a time of intense civil war. Players will be able to freely switch between an African samurai called Yasuke, inspired by the historical figure of the same name, and Naoe, a female shinobi assassin.Each character has their own gameplay mechanics, offering both stealth and combat-first options. We're promised dynamic lighting and environmental interactions, including a grappling hook for parkour, seasonal changes such as frozen water in winter, and non-linear missions.Crimson DesertClick on image to play gameplay videoRelease Date: Late 2025Genre: Open-world action-adventureBuy if you like: Dragon's Dogma 2,Despite CD Projekt Red getting us excited over the Witcher 4 recently, Ciri's adventures won't be arriving for a very long time. Until then, Crimson Desert could be one of those high fantasy games that bridge the gap.Crimson Desert's spectacular trailers look so incredible that some thought they were too good to be true. It appears to meld games like The Witcher with some Dark Souls-like elements and a splash of Ghost of Tsushima you even get to fly around on a dragon, roasting people below Game of Thrones-style.Published by Pearl Abyss, the creators of Black Desert Online, this open-world action-adventure promises a dynamic combat system with a variety of styles, large-scale conflicts, and some huge bosses to fight as protagonist Kliff, the leader of the mercenary group known as the Greymanes.Crimson Desert isn't on a lot of people's radar, but it could be the surprise hit of the year.Honorable mentionsGTA VIThe most anticipated game of 2025, the next Grand Theft Auto, would be the first name on this list if Take-Two had confirmed its release on PC this fall. But we still don't know when the game will hit our favorite platform, and based on Rockstar's previous titles, it's unlikely to be this year. GTA VI launches on console this fall. It's anyone's guess when a PC version will get here. Still, here's hoping.AtomfallAtomfall appears to answer the question: what if Fallout: New Vegas was set in England's Lake District? The first-person open-world adventure might be analogous to Obsidian's classic, but it also features detective and survival elements. It arrives on March 27.InZOIThe Sims has long held the undisputed crown within the life simulation genre, so InZOI will have a battle on its hands trying to get fans to take notice. However, the game promises unique features such as the karma system, incredibly life-like graphics, and the ability to control not only individual characters' interactions but also broader city dynamics. There's also a focus on AI-driven behaviors. The game launches on March 28Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake EaterKonami knows people love updates of classic games, hence the success of Silent Hill 2 last year. The studio's next title to get the remake treatment is 2004's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Expect overhauled graphics, revamped controls, and more elements that make this a modern game. Hopefully, it will arrive in 2025.Dying Light: The BeastOne of those games that was originally conceived as a DLC before its size demanded it become a game of its own, The Beast marks the return of Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the original Dying Light who now has zombie-human hybrid powers. Expect more excellent parkour, brutal melee combat, and beating the crap out of the infected. Coming summer 2025.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsFirst generation: 1972 1983Second generation: 1976 1985Third generation: 1983 1990Fourth generation: 1987 1996Fifth generation: 1993 2002Sixth generation: 1998 2005Seventh generation: 2005 2013Eighth generation: 2012 2020Ninth generation: 2020 presentVideo games are still a young medium in the grand scheme of things, but have been around for well over 50 years now. After the arcade boom in the 70s, home consoles slowly took over the gaming landscape with Nintendos NES leading the charge. The NES is one of the best video game consoles of all time, but it was far from the first console and certainly not the last with the likes of the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2 currently fighting for market dominance. Currently, were in the ninth generation of consoles but how exactly did we get here, and what consoles were in the eight prior generations? Lets rewind time and look at what defined every console generation from the first up to today.If you want to look even further ahead, we can also tell you about every upcoming video game console and upcoming video game.Recommended VideosNote that generations werent as clearly defined for the first several decades so the specific years some generations start or end is up for debate and many generations will overlap. We will also only list well-documented consoles released in each generation to avoid bloating the list with one-off systems no one purchased.RelatedMagnavoxGoing all the way back to the origins of home consoles, we are at a point where most games dont even resemble the experiences we have today. The most recognizable game in this era was one of the best games of all-time, Pong. In this generation, consoles were essentially smaller arcade machines in the sense that most could only play one or two games. The main exception, and most famous console from this generation, was the Magnavox Odyssey. This console included various plastic overlays you could put on your screen to play different games with as you moved blocks of light around the screen.Notable consoles in the first generation:Magnavox OdysseyPing-O-TronicHome Pong seriesTV Tennis ElectrotennisColeco TelstarColor TV-GameGiovanni Colantonio / Digital TrendsThe second console generation is where we start to see some names that still exist today. The Atari 2600 and 5200 both arrived this generation in the late 70s and early 80s, setting the standard for cartridge-based consoles. However, it wasnt the first to pioneer this technology. The Fairchild Channel F is widely accepted as the first widely available home console to fully allow for consoles to read ROM cartridges and process new code. This, along with a more user-friendly joystick controller, paved the way for the likes of Atari to dominate the generation and become the leader in home consoles over Magnavox, Coleco, and Intellivision. This era was also when Activision first entered the game space and became the first-ever third-party developer of games. This is the generation we got some of the first truly great home console games like Space Invaders, Combat, Super Breakout, Missile Command, and Pitfall!Notable consoles in the second generation:Fairchild Channel FAtari 2600Magnavox Odyssey 2IntellivisionColecoVisionAtari 5200NintendoFor most people, home consoles really started with the third generation when Nintendo entered the American market with the Nintendo Entertainment System and pulled the entire gaming industry back from collapse. Games evolved into the 8-bit era, which is a style many creators still emulate today, especially with some of the best indie games. Atari was still in the game with the 7800, but was a distant third behind the power of Nintendo and newcomer Sega with its Master System. While rudimentary by todays standards, game production in this generation was unlike anything before it. There were more colors, sounds, and even basic storytelling.It wasnt just the home console market Nintendo upended, but handhelds as well. The Game Boy was the most sophisticated handheld ever released. It was the first to not only take advantage of cartridges but also offer console-like quality experiences on the go. This is the era where major gaming icons first appeared on consoles, like Kirby.Notable consoles in the third generation:NESMaster SystemAtari 7800Atari XEGSGame BoyDigital TrendsThe fourth generation is where the console wars officially began. Sega was out for blood with the 16-bit Genesis, which easily outclassed the NES for a few years before the SNES arrived. Sega also tried to push more hardware out faster than the competition with add-ons to the Genesis, such as the Sega CD, to take advantage of the new CD technology that allowed for more storage space and use of full-motion video. Neo Geo, an arcade powerhouse, also dipped its toes into the home console space but failed to find much footing due to charing far more than the competition.The 16-bit era is one of the most fondly remembered thanks to some amazing games that are still played today. Games like Super Mario World, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Super Metroid are considered all-time classics.Notable consoles in the fourth generation:Sega GenesisNeo GeoSNESSega CDCD-iSonyThe jump from 16-bit graphics to fully 3D games is arguably the largest generational leap ever seen in console gaming. After being burned as a partner with Nintendo, Sony entered the console business as a new player with its PlayStation. It was far from the first CD-based console, but it managed to completely dominate the generation with a combination of fantastic PS1 games like Metal Gear Solid, Twisted Metal, and Crash Bandicoot, plus the brilliant marketing move of allowing the console to also play CDs. This is a tactic PlayStation would soon use to even greater effect. While it lagged behind in terms of sales, the N64 proved that Nintendo understood 3D game design far better than the competition. Sega especially struggled to translate its franchises into this new dimension, plus was also losing its customers faith with how quickly it was releasing new hardware. This would also mark the last major console from Atari.On the handheld side, Nintendo was still essentially unchallenged. It released the upgraded Game Boy Color to enhance its games with more than two-tone screen, but even more powerful competition like the Nomad or Neo Geo Pocket couldnt overtake Nintendos stranglehold on the space.Notable consoles in the fifth generation:Atari Jaguar3DOSega SaturnSega 32XPlayStationNintendo 64Game Boy ColorNeo Geo PocketGenesis NomadSegaAt this point in the timeline, the number of players in the home console space was shrinking to a few powerhouses. This was Segas last gasp with the Dreamcast before it would throw in the towel on hardware and focus on publishing, but not for a lack of great Dreamcast games. Nintendo was still feeling the pressure from both Sony and Microsoft with its first console, the Xbox. Despite great games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Pikmin, and Animal Crossing, it couldnt match the success of either rival. Xbox had a very strong start not only because of a strong lineup of games, most notably Halo: Combat Evolved, but technical innovations like a streamlined online console multiplayer experience through Xbox Live. Despite that, it was now the only real competition in town for handheld games and finally released a true Game Boy successor with the Game Boy Advance.It goes without saying that the PS2 crushed this generation to the point where it remains the best-selling console ever made. Games played a big part in that, but what made it such a phenomenon and reach the widest possible audience was the fact that it was the only console that doubled as a DVD player.Notable consoles in the sixth generation:DreamcastPlayStation 2GameCubeXboxGame Boy AdvanceMicrosoftAlso known as the HD-era, the seventh generation firmly established the three-way console war between Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox. Home consoles were now completely mainstream and games were breaking media records left and right. Xbox and PlayStations latest systems were attempting to transition into more than just video game machines, but complete entertainment boxes with more app integration and online services. Xbox Live really came into its own for online multiplayer, which PlayStation also adapted to with a competing online and PlayStation Plus service. Console exclusives were the main differences between systems now, with Xbox building a reputation on games like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza whilePlayStation established franchises like Uncharted, Infamous, and The Last of Us. Nintendo made its first major gamble with a console and decided against competing directly with Xbox and PlayStation and instead stuck to SD graphics but instead focused on a system fully built on motion controls. The Wii, despite its lack of power, was such a cultural moment that it finally brought Nintendo back to the top of the sales charts on the back of games like Wii Sports, Mario Galaxy, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.PlayStation also made its first attempt to get a cut of the handheld market with the PSP competing against Nintendos new DS line.Notable consoles in the seventh generation:Xbox 360PlayStation 3WiiNintendo DSPSPPlayStationEven when the PS2 was the clear dominant force of its generation, Xbox and Nintendo were still both healthy competitors. The eighth generation was one of massive missteps for everyone except PlayStation, letting its PS4 run away with the lead right up until the very end. The Xbox One got off to a terrible start with poor messaging that focused on media over games, DRM restrictions, and requiring the motion sensor Kinect that increased the price by $100 over the PS4. On the other hand, Nintendo tried to recreate the same success with the Wii U, and even launched it two years before the PS4 and Xbox One, but also failed in its communication leading to the worst-performing system in the companys history. Thankfully the new 3DS handheld was doing well, but Nintendo made the call to cut its generation short and launched the Switch in 2017. Merging its home console and hybrid systems together ended up being a brilliant move that completely turned the companys outlook.PlayStation took one last shot at the handheld market with the Vita, but it ended up falling short of what the PSP managed to do by a large margin.Notable consoles in the eighth generation:Wii UNintendo SwitchPlayStation 4Xbox OneNintendo 3DSPlayStation VitaFuture Publishing/Getty ImagesThat brings us to the ninth and current console generation. Despite its best efforts Xbox continues to struggle with its Xbox Series X and S systems compared the the PS5, although both systems had a rocky start due to supply constraints. Xbox made some of the biggest acquisitions in industry history this generation with the likes of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard but is also moving away from console-exclusive games. It remains to be seen if it will continue to invest in hardware or pivot to a third-party publisher like Sega before it.Nintendo continued to enjoy the popularity of the Switch even after Xbox and PlayStation released hardware that dwarfed its technical power. At long last, it is releasing the Switch 2 to lessen the gap, though likely not completely erase it.This generation also saw the rise of handheld PCs that blur the line between PC gaming and consoles. The Steam Deck was the first to break into this space in a big way with a system that made it easy to play the best Steam games on a handheld, with many others following suit.There are still a few years left to go in this generation but we do have an idea of what upcoming consoles might look like that will define the tenth generation.Notable consoles in the ninth generation:PlayStation 5Xbox Series X/SSteam DeckSwitch 2Editors Recommendations

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I saved a college fund for my daughter but decided not to give it to her.Instead, I'm having her apply for student loans so that she can learn financial independence.I hope this financial responsibility will help her become a better adult.College was one of the biggest challenges when parenting my daughter.High school was easy because we were a small, tight-knit family that followed a schedule.My wife and I would do school drop-off every morning and then go to work. In the evenings, we would all meet back at home and talk about the highs and lows of our days. Weekends were rather adventurous. We would go out to explore new places, or our daughter would spend time with her friends. Everything was rather predictable.Unpredictability set in just when my daughter was about to go to college. There were so many decisions to be made, and we were not all in agreement with them. My daughter wanted one thing; my wife and I wanted another, and it was a constant cycle of trying to figure things out.Paying for college was our biggest hurdle to face as a family.We saved for my daughter's college but then had second thoughtsOne thing we were prepared for was the financial aspect of higher education. We knew the transition would be expensive, so we had set aside a college fund years ago to ensure we would all be comfortable.However, I started reflecting on my life and the hardships that I had to go through as I grew up. For me, going to school was a privilege because I came from a middle-class family where my parents tried their best to give us everything we needed.As one of six siblings, things were never easy. My parents provided my education by constantly applying for loans. This gave me a burning desire to work harder and reach my goals because there was no fallback plan.Along the way, I learned significant money lessons that I've carried into adulthood lessons I wish my children would equally learn.Of course, the goal is always to provide a better life for your children so they don't have to know the difficult life experiences you went through but sometimes we have to make decisions they will be grateful for later.Therefore, despite having a college fund, I encouraged my daughter to apply for student loans.I hope she can learn financial responsibilityApart from emphasizing savings and keeping piggy banks when she was younger, I never had real-life opportunities to teach my daughter about money management. Her journey to college was the best place to start. After all, she would be independent in a couple of years.By encouraging her to apply for student loans, I was hoping to teach her to make important financial decisions in the long run and understand debt management.As education is important, paying back the student loans will be equally important to her because the loans provide long-term educational value. Learning how to budget and manage debt repayments is a critical life skill for anyone.To ensure our daughter was on board with the idea, my wife and I had an open discussion with her regarding this huge financial step. We also set realistic expectations on the loan repayment terms and exchanged ideas on how to manage finances post-graduation.We agreed that she will look for jobs during semester breaks and will be able to save a little of what she will earn in a "loan payment" account that she will eventually have.She was surprised and had to process it for a couple of days. But after many discussions, she understood and now does the loan applications herself now that she's in her second year of college. Owning a personal bank account and a loan repayment account will help her split the money she gets into two and make do with what she can.Now, she'll be better prepared for adulthoodConsidering that we can afford to pay for college, this may seem like an extreme measure, but it's one that we feel is needed. My biggest fear is raising kids who will not be financially independent when the time comes.By taking these little steps, we hope our daughter will understand the importance of managing her finances properly, even if we won't be there to guide her. Life is unpredictable, and you don't want your kids to feel incapable of handling the challenges that may come their way.What she doesn't know is that her college fund will remain untouched for her to receive in the future and that we will be a safety net if things get tough. But we didn't offer that upfront because we wanted to help her find her way and give her a start in this cold world.