Author(s): Jiazhen Zhu Originally published on Towards AI. written by Jiazhen Zhu, Michael Pfaffenberger, Wallace Dalmet, Sriram Ranganathan, Ahmed Noufel, and Anveshrithaa SundareswaranPhoto credit: PixabayWe conducted a brown bag session at the Walmart Global Tech Reston site to discuss this topic. We were thrilled to see nearly 100 active participants, both in-person and online. Our aim is that the insights shared today will prove beneficial in your business operations. This blog post is an extension of our session, intended to reach a larger audience. The objective is to guide the reader through the journey from conceptualization to development and, finally deployment, enabling you to build your own GenAI Apps.AgendaGenerative AI2 WHY? & 1 HOW?How to find an IDEA?Data ScientistData AnalystSoftware EngineerSummaryGenerative AISource: MicrosoftGenerative AI is currently a trending and highly-discussed topic. Its on everyones lips, indicating its growing importance in the tech industry. Of course, not everyone may agree with the presented diagram above, but it provides a broad perspective, offering a birds eye view at a height of 10,000 feet. It delineates the differences, making it an important tool for understanding this complex topic.2 WHY? & 1 HOW?Anyone can build GenAI apps!Today, we are focusing our discussion on the idea, Anyone can build GenAI apps. We chose this topic not only for its potential to engage people but also because we believe it to be true. Almost everyone on our team has developed a GenAI app, contributing significantly to our organizations success.This may provoke questions such as, Why anyone? or Why specifically GenAI apps? and most importantly, How can we make this possible? These are valid inquiries that deserve comprehensive exploration. In our discussion, we will delve into each of these questions, providing thorough explanations backed by our insights. We aim not just to answer these questions, but also to empower each participant with the knowledge and understanding of GenAI app development.1. WHY Anyone?Since we all share a common language, which for most of us is English, it plays a significant role. The Language Learning Model (LLM) model accepts inputs in natural language, and English is one of them. When these elements are brought together, English essentially transforms into a programming language.Imagine being a data scientist with a deep understanding of Machine Learning models, but needing assistance with User Interface (UI) development. In such cases, the LLM could prove to be an asset, aiding in the creation of a functional UI.Similarly, if youre a software engineer with a vast array of functions in your code repository, LLM can assist in the development process. It can help identify the appropriate function, extract the necessary parameters, and trigger the function, thereby streamlining operations.Moreover, for data analysts, LLM can offer a wide spectrum of data insights. It acts as a versatile tool that helps in interpreting, analyzing, and deriving significant patterns from intricate data sets. Therefore, LLM can essentially function as a valuable companion in your professional journey, irrespective of your role in the data science field.2. WHY GenAI and App?GenAI holds significant potential, similar to the surge of mobile apps we saw 1015 years ago, as illustrated in the chart below. In the mobile realm, the chipset was fundamental to smartphone development. From this base, we built an operating system, that allows numerous developers to quickly and efficiently create mobile apps.The same principles apply to GenAI. The LLM is crucial to GenAI. With the LLM, we can establish the GenAI infrastructure as our foundation, facilitating the creation of various GenAI apps.Photo credit: Jiazhen ZhuYou might wonder why we focus on GenAI apps instead of LLM if the latter is so essential. The reason is that the entry bar for LLM is high. Currently, there might be roughly 100 researchers capable of creating an LLM from scratch, including pre-processing, model training, and post-processing. In contrast, GenAI apps are much more accessible, making them an easier entry point for most people.3. HOW can we achieve the GOAL?Based on the information provided, its clear that most components fall under either an LLM or are foundational elements that are already established. For instance, the component RAG refers to Retrieval-Augmented Generation, a framework that we already have implemented.Similarly, Function Pools pertains to the collection of functions or SQL templates that are pre-existing within our code base.Additionally, whenever a requirement for a new LLM or Pre-Trained Model arises, Hugging Face is a valuable resource. Hugging Face is essentially a repository for model searching, making it a convenient platform for finding the needed LLM/Pre-Trained Model.Photo credit: Jiazhen ZhuThe three key elements we need to focus on are:Prompt: The users guideline will be fed into the model as input.Basic Logic: This involves a few lines of code that bridge the gap between the Prompt and the LLM. An example of this is the process of calling the RAG.Web App/Platform: few lines of code for UIHow to find an IDEA?Typically, GenAI utilizes LLM to extract or generate structured information from unstructured data. By employing RAG, we can acquire the appropriate information that aids decision-making.Photo credit: Jiazhen ZhuIf youre dealing with unstructured data and looking to convert it into structured insights for more informed decision-making, its an ideal opportunity to harness Generative AI for automation and optimization.Unstructured dataSource DataHuman CommandStructureRaw Code/SQLFunction with ParametersSQL Template with ParametersTablesDecision MakingDashboardDirect ResponseFunction TriggerThe Open Source AI StackPhoto credit: Byte Byte GoData ScientistAs a data scientist, your primary focus is often on developing LLM or ML models. However, deploying these models into real-world applications is usually not part of your core responsibilities. Fortunately, the industry now offers easier ways to build UI applications with ML or LLM backends, using tools like Streamlit.For instance, if youre working on a Named Entity Recognition (NER) app, Streamlit allows you to create a functional interface with just a few lines of Python code making development simpler and more accessible than ever.# this the function for sentimentdef sentiment_analysis(input): tokenizer = AutoTokenizer.from_pretrained("your_model") model = AutoModelForTokenClassification.from_pretrained("your_model") nlp = pipline("ner", model = model, tokenizer = tokenizer) ner_results = nlp(input) return ner_results# Streamlit UI functiondemo = gr.Interface( fn = sentiment_analysis, input = gr.Textbox(placeholder = "Write your text here...") outputs = "text", examples = [["Please check here"]])demo.launch(server_name = "your_ip", share = True, server_port = 8502)Data AnalystAs a data analyst, your primary goal is to uncover insights from the data you have. The key to success lies in how effectively you analyze it. But what if you could leverage an LLM-powered application to dive deeper into small datasets? The good news is yes, its possible! Building such an application is not only feasible but also straightforward with minimal coding effort.# if we have one function (get_response_from_llm) which can get the response from LLM# create one function feed the promptdef query(data, query): prompt = f""" You are an expert Data Analyst, given the following data, answer the corresponding questions: Data: {data} Question: {query} """ output = get_response_from_llm(prompt) return output# Streamlit UI functiondemo = gr.Interface( fn = query, inputs = inputs, outputs = outputs )demo.launch(server_name = "your_ip", share = True, server_port = 8502)Additionally, we can develop a Text-to-SQL application that allows analysts to fetch data easily by simply inputting natural language queries. This eliminates the need for complex SQL knowledge and accelerates data exploration, enabling faster decision-making.Software EngineerFor software engineers, writing code is their core responsibility, and its something they excel at. However, Gen AI applications can significantly enhance their productivity by helping them efficiently reuse previously written code and functions.For instance, engineers can store all their function code in a vector database, accompanied by well-defined comments and documentation. With the power of semantic search and function calling, a GenAI-powered app can intelligently identify the most relevant functions and automatically trigger the appropriate components within the development pipeline.This approach not only streamlines development workflows but also reduces redundant coding efforts, accelerates project timelines, and ensures consistency across projects by leveraging existing solutions effectively.SummaryThe insights shared during our session and in this blog post are designed to help you understand and leverage the potential of GenAI. By following the outlined steps and utilizing available resources, you can embark on your journey to develop GenAI applications that enhance your business operations.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AI

As a PC gamer, sometimes you just want to crank up the graphics settings. But certain compromises need to be made with handheld gaming PCs and modest laptops. Filling that void in power is the goal behind the Ayaneo AG-01, a starship-inspired graphics dock that combines a docking station with a dedicated AMD Radeon 7600M XT graphics card to instantly boost the performance and expand connectivity on your Windows gaming handheld or notebook. Its not the only dock to offer such features but its easily the most interesting and while its still expensive at $600, its reasonably priced compared to the competition with similar feature sets.Ayaneo AG-01 Design and FeaturesThe Ayaneo AG-01 is probably the most unique external GPU available today. While it covers the basic features you would expect from a product like this, namely that it includes a dedicated graphics card with easy connectability to your handheld or underpowered notebook, Ayaneo has invested considerable effort in its aesthetic making it look like a spaceship. Or, as Ayaneo puts it, a graphics starship.Strange? Maybe a bit. But if there's one thing you can give to the company, its that its products always stand out. A clear line can be drawn from the retro theme of Ayaneos handhelds to much of its catalogue over the last year and this is certainly in a similar vein. The chassis of the dock is a mix of red and black (and is also available in gray). There's a knob on the left side that acts as a power button and performance selector between 100W and 120W, indicated by an RGB ring encircling the knob. The right side has the company name, product name, and GPU branding embossed in silver. There's also a small Remake badge that is reminiscent of the VHS era and a magnetic nameplate carrying the name of Ayaneo's founder, Arthur Zhang. Maybe I spend too much time considering PC components, but I also think it looks an awful lot like a desktop graphics card without the fans. Theres more than pretty looks at play here. The chassis is made of metal to better help dissipate heat generated by the GPU. There are also prominent vents traced across its top and sides and active cooling to blow that heat out and keep performance high. Thats especially important here because, like all eGPUs, youll also be facing bandwidth limitations compared to if that card were natively installed in your system via PCI-E. Around the back, you'll find its connectivity options. This is also where it becomes apparent that while it is a docking station in the traditional sense, it is much more targeted toward graphics in particular. For example, it includes both a USB4 Type-C port as well as an AccuLink port to connect to your device. You can also connect external monitors using either of its two HDMI 2.1 ports or its DisplayPort 2.0 outputs. In addition, it features a single USB Type-A port, a gigabit ethernet connection, and a single pole jack for its power adapter. Around the left side, beneath the thruster vents, there is a removable panel that reveals an SD card slot for quick expandable memory for your device. Additionally, if you flip the unit over to the bottom, you'll find a quick-release plate opened with a locking knob that reveals an M.2 2280 SSD port to easily add larger, faster storage. This is perfect if your device has limited capacity and you want to maximize your transfer speeds and minimize loading times, though it runs at PCIe 3.0 USB speeds. In my testing, this was typically around 800 MB/s for both read and write.The GPU driving the experience is the AMD Radeon 7600M XT. The "M" in its name indicates that this is actually a laptop chip that has been repurposed as a small-footprint eGPU (the entire unit measures 9.45 x 4.65 x 2.01 inches and weighs just over two pounds). The chip uses the RDNA 3 architecture and includes 32 compute units and 2,048 stream processors on a 128-bit memory interface. It also includes 8 GB of GDDR6 video memory, running at 18 Gbps, leading to a total memory bandwidth of 288 Gbps.Looking for a new gaming system to take on the go?Our Top PickAsus ROG Ally XWith double the battery and much faster memory, the Asus ROG Ally X has catapulted itself to be the best handheld gaming PC on the market.Be sure to check out our guide on the best handheld gaming PCs!If you are new to the world of eGPUs, it's important to note that you shouldn't expect the same level of performance from this chip as you would if this card were plugged or integrated directly into the motherboard. How a GPU connects to a system will have a direct impact on the performance and frame rate you can expect. When connected over USB4, you have a maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps. However, the real world performance of USB4 is typically less. Connected over OCuLink, the maximum bandwidth is 64 GBps and does translate to higher FPS pretty much across the board.USB4 offers some great features, however, like reverse 100W charging. If you connect using both OCuLink and USB, you can charge your device while playing. Ayaneo notes that the ethernet, USB, and SSD ports all share the same 10 Gbps of bandwidth, however.Depending on your gaming needs, the knob on the top can swap between 100W and 120W power modes, feeding the GPU more juice to maximize frame rates. The fans can become quite audible but no more than a normal gaming laptop, and it wasnt distracting when wearing a pair of headphones and to me, the trade-off to get better frame rates was worthwhile. Another thing that I like about the AG-01 is that it's self-enclosed. You really don't need to worry about software and instead can just plug it in and go. When so many devices rely heavily on software customization, including most Ayaneo products, its refreshing to have a device thats ready to go out of the box.It makes more sense to think of the AG-01 as an upgrade kit.The final point worth remarking on is its cost. Initially, I was a bit taken aback by its $600 asking price. However, this is largely in line with competing devices and is in fact a bit cheaper than a number of others. A near-identical dock from BOSGAME is nearly $100 more, even with its $100 coupon, as is the ONEXGPU from ONEXPLAYER and the GPD G1. The only 7600M XT graphics dock I could find that costs less was the Minisforum MGA1 which lacks ethernet, a second HDMI 2.1 port, and any kind of expandable storage. If you dont need those things, however, its specs make it a competitive value at less than $500 as of this writing. With this feature set, however, the Ayaneo AG-01 is competitively priced. Ayaneo AG-01 PerformanceThe AG-01 delivers on its promise: It instantly enhances the performance of compatible gaming handhelds and notebooks. It's simple and intuitive to use and just works. Well, with a couple of small caveats. First, while you can hotswap with the USB4 connection seamlessly like a Switch dock, OCuLink requires a full shutdown and restart to function. Second, you need to connect through OCuLink in order for the docks expandable storage to be recognized.I was able to test the dock with both my Ayaneo Kun handheld which runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and Radeon 780M integrated graphics. For some quick OCuLink comparisons, I used the GPD Duo laptop, which features an AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 processor with Radeon 880M graphics and a newer RDNA 3.5 architecture. Whats impressive is that the AG-01 via OCuLink is better every time, and would continue to be so even on two identically specced systems. But no matter which connection method you choose, you can count on a big increase in gaming performance compared to integrated GPUs currently on the market.Note that I conducted my tests using the 120W power mode and the benchmarks below reflect that. Given that the dock will be plugged into a wall outlet when in use, it doesn't make much sense to limit graphics power to only 100W unless volume levels are a primary concern. I also used a locked 1080p resolution to keep comparisons consistent.Ayaneo AG-01 Benchmark ResultsPerformance at 1080pForza Horizon 5 (Extreme)47 fpsHelldivers 2 (Max)58 fpsControl (Max)79 fpsDoom Eternal (Ultra Nightmare)129 fpsCyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, FSR Balanced)56 fpsStarfield (High, FSR Balanced)42 fpsAlan Wake 2 (Custom Medium)36 fps3DMark Time Spy9458 (score)3DMark Fire Strike19279 (score)3DMark Port Royal9042 (score)These are very good results in most cases, turning on the external GPU versus just using a systems built-in processor bumps performance anywhere from 50% to almost double what the integrated GPU is able to provide. Of course, the amount of uplift will depend on which APU your system is currently running, however, it's unlikely that you'll experience anything other than a significant performance uplift when paired with whats available now.Throughout my tests, I generally tried to dial up the settings to something that would look great on an external monitor. To my surprise, this also improved performance compared to using the built-in display on the Ayaneo Kun. It was usually around five to ten fps, but its nice to know that you can have an even better experience when moving to a larger display.If you happen to be in the market for a multi-purpose external GPU, its worth considering.If your device supports it, OCuLink should be your connection method of choice. In my testing, it typically offered anywhere from 30% to 50% increases in average frame rate at the same settings. Some of this is due to the newer processor in my test system but it certainly doesnt take all the credit. The higher bandwidth makes a meaningful difference and lets the AG-01 shine. I also outfitted the dock with a Team Group M.2 SSD. Due to the USB connection, it didnt offer the same kind of speeds you would expect if it were installed directly into a motherboard. The SSD itself is rated for 1,800 MB/s read speeds and 1,500 MB/s for writing data, and as I mentioned above, both typically hovered around 800 MB/s due to bandwidth limitations. If the goal is to use an SSD to minimize loading times, however, its perfectly fine and is an exceptionally easy way to increase the storage of your device.Purchasing GuideThe Ayaneo AG-01 is currently available for purchase directly from Ayaneo for $599.99.

These days, pretty much any thin, light, and reasonably powerful laptop is considered an ultrabook (apart from gaming laptops). The term "ultrabook" may have been born out of Intel's marketing team to describe high-end, premium laptops, but it is not limited to just Intel-powered ultrabooks anymore. At its core, an ultrabook should deliver outstanding productivity performance while also being slim, lightweight, and highly portable. It's a reliable laptop that won't weigh you down or force you to carry a charger everywhere you go. TL;DR These Are the Best Ultrabooks:Our Top PickAsus Zenbook S 16Razer Blade 14See it at RazerMicrosoft Surface Laptop 11See it at AmazonApple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)See it at AmazonThe best ultrabooks available today can be downright suprising with just how capable they are given their size and weight. Our overall best pick right now, the Asus Zenbook S 16, competes with high-end desktops all while sipping the smallest amount of power and running exceptionally quietly. From budget-friendly offerings to powerful workhorses capable of editing 4K video and beyond, these are the best ultrabooks you can buy right now.Asus Zenbook S 16 Photos1. Asus Zenbook S 16Best Ultrabook in 2025Our Top PickAsus Zenbook S 16The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a great Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Its effortless to carry and a joy to use.Product SpecificationsDisplay16" (2880 x 1800)CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUAMD Radeon 890MRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight3.31 poundsSize13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"Battery lifeAround 15 hoursPROSDual OLED screensExceptionally thin and lightOutstanding performance with an all-day batteryBeautiful 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming performanceCONSSome keyboard flex I tested and reviewed the Asus Zenbook S 16, and it's the best overall ultrabook today. Its ridiculously thin at only 13mm at its thickest part and is nearly as impressively lightweight at only 3.31lbs. It has fantastic battery life, a gorgeous OLED display, and the best gaming performance of any integrated GPU yet, topping portable gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo Kun. Its the full package and then some.The Zenbook S 16 nails what it means to be an ultrabook. Its light enough that you can almost forget youre carrying it and thin enough that it easily slides into a crowded backpack or briefcase. When its time to get to work, it performs among the top ultrabooks available today, all while using less power and generating less noise thanks to its cutting edge AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU. It even offers better connectivity than most ultrabooks with two USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out port to use with a great portable monitor. The display is excellent, featuring a crisp 2880x1880 resolution (halfway between 1440p and 4K) and stunning colors. Since its an OLED, you can count on rich, deep blacks, and its 500-nit screen is bright enough to use, and look good, in any environment. Topping this all out is 15 hours of battery life. The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the cutting-edge definition of what an ultrabook is meant to be and more.2. HP Pavilion Aero 13Best Budget UltrabookHP Pavilion Aero 13At less than $800, this laptop is a killer value. See it at HPProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.3 2K (1,920 x 1,200) IPS CPUAMD Ryzen 5 8840URAM16GB DDR5 6,400MHzStorage512MB NVMe SSDWeight2.2 poundsSize 11.7" x 8.31" x 0.69"Battery lifeAround 12 hoursPROSGreat balance of price to performanceFast processor and ample memoryUltraportable designAll-day battery lifeCONSLimited storageIf you're looking for a more affordable ultrabook, look no further than the HP Pavilion Aero 13. Coming in at less than $800, this notebook offers a fast Ryzen 7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory to make sure that all of your productivity applications run smoothly, even when you need to multitask. It's incredibly thin and light so you can carry it throughout the day without feeling encumbered.When you look at all that it has to offer, the price is incredibly reasonable surprising, even. Between its processor and memory, it can be a reliable companion for almost anything but gaming (and even then, its integrated graphics are no slouch if you're content to turn down some settings). Its biggest drawback is that it only has 512GB of storage and less that's free to save files on (Windows takes up a portion of that storage before you add anything of your own). You'll want to invest in a good external hard drive if you want to save work locally. But given that this laptop is only about 13 inches and is exceptionally thin and light, that shouldn't be the deciding factor. Razer Blade 14 (2024) Photos3. Razer Blade 14Best Ultrabook for GamingRazer Blade 14With a stunning and fast QHD+ display and powerful internals housed in a sleek chassis, this 14-inch luxury laptop is ready for any game.See it at RazerProduct SpecificationsDisplay14 QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS 240HzCPUAMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPUNvidia RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,700MHzStorage1TB NVMe SSDWeight4.05 poundsSize 12.73" x 8.97" x 0.70"Battery lifeAround 9-10 hoursPROSExcellent gaming performance240Hz displayCONSShallow keyboardPC gaming and portability dont usually go hand-in-hand. Oftentimes compromises need to be made, but with the Razer Blade 14, those are few and far between. It has managed to squeeze some insane hardware into a laptop just over 4lbs and well under 1-inch thick. The 14-inch 240 Hz QHD+ display is slightly taller than your typical screen, with a 16:10 aspect ratio that could take some getting used to. But its whats on the inside that really blows me away. That solid display is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with an equally impressive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. This machine is ready for whatever game you throw at it, and itll also handle video editing like a champ. Heck, you can even do some overclocking. Its 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB of SSD storage ensures itll speedily chug along, and Wi-Fi 7 support lets you enjoy fast connectivity for your on-the-go battle station. (Alternatively, you can park this at your desk and connect it directly to a gaming monitor with the laptop's full-size HDMI port.)In our 2024 review of the Razer Blade 14, we remarked that it was a genuinely excellent laptop with an extremely fast GPU. It's expensive, there's no way around that, but excels with its luxurious build quality and performance. See more of the best gaming laptops to buy right now.4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 11Best for StudentsMicrosoft Surface Laptop 11Colorful laptop offering a Snapdragon processor, plenty of memory and storage, and a solid battery lifeSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.8" (2304 x 1536)CPUSnapdragon X Plus to Snapdragon X EliteGPUQualcomm AdrenoRAM16GB - 32GB LPDDR5XStorage256GB - 1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.96 poundsSize11.85" x 8.67" x 0.69"Battery lifeUp to 20 hoursPROSGreat performanceLots of fun color optionsLong battery life CONSSome apps aren't compatibleLooking for a reliable laptop to take to and from classes without destroying your back? The latest generation Surface Laptop and Surface Pro 2-in-1 is it, coming fully equipped with powerful Snapdragon Plus and Snapdragon Elite processors, plenty of memory and storage, and battery life that can last multiple work days depending on how theyre used. For the purposes of this list, our technical recommendation is the Surface Laptop, but just know that we give a big thumbs up to the Surface Pro for those of you who prefer their ultrabooks to be a little more convertible (and dont mind buying a keyboard case, too).Compared to the last generation, Microsoft has made some major upgrades. These new Surfaces have more memory and storage options, but even the base model, which has 16GB or RAM and 256GB of storage, is enough for solid system performance. The Snapdragon Plus and Elite, which adds two more cores, are incredibly power efficient. Microsoft rates this laptop as offering up to 20 hours of battery life when watching video and up to 13 hours of web browsing and productivity, and it supports fast charging and can power up from zero to 80% in one hour. The downside is that not all apps work with the Snapdragon processors. There is built-in emulation to help compensate for this and it works for many apps, but not all. Now that Qualcomm is in the processor business in earnest, we expect the list of compatible apps to continue growing over time. Until then, here's an ever-expanding list of compatible apps. Chances are, the apps you need for school are already on there. 5. Asus Zenbook S 14Best for BusinessAsus Zenbook S 14This ultra portable laptop packs incredible battery life, snappy performance, and a beautiful OLED touchscreen display.Product SpecificationsDisplay14" (2880 x 1800)CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258VGPUIntel ArcRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.65 poundsSize12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51"Battery life15+ hoursPROSThinner, lighter, and more powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is the smaller sibling to the No. 1 pick on this list, but it earns a place here due to its excellent balance of processing power and battery life. In my testing using Procyon's battery test (which simulates mixed productivity use), this laptop ran for over 16 hours, so you can count on two or more work days between recharges. Throughout all of this time, I found that it ran very smooth, even when working in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop. In the Microsoft Office suite or any of the Google Drive applications, you could easily be fooled into thinking that you are using a laptop that costs twice as much.Since its release, even though the larger screen of the Zenbook S 16 has its own appeal, the ultra-portability of the S 14 makes it a more compelling choice for carrying through the day. It's incredibly thin, at less than a half inch at its thickest point, and weighs just over 2.5lbs. Carrying it through the day was almost effortless, and I never had any trouble sliding it into a packed bag.It's even a compelling choice for light gaming between meetings. It uses the latest generation Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and utilizes Intel Arc graphics the company's best integrated graphics yet. While it won't compete with a gaming laptop using a dedicated graphics card, you might be surprised at just how capable it is. If you're willing to dial back the resolution to 1200p, you can easily get games like Cyberpunk 2077 running between 30 and 60fps. And on its OLED screen, you can count on a real visual treat.6. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)Best Ultrabook for CreativesApple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip is the most powerful Mac ever.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay16.2" (3456 x 2234)CPUM3 MaxGPUIntegrated (40-core)RAM48GB - 128GBStorage1TB - 8TB SSDWeight4.8 poundsSize14.01" x 9.77" x 0.66"Battery lifeUp to 22 hoursPROSIncredibly powerful for a laptopHighly configurableVery good battery life Thin and comparatively lightCONSCan easily get very expensiveFor creative professionals, the best choice is still the Apple MacBook Pro based on the testing in our review of the M2 Pro. Apple offers a number of different configurations but for the best performance when editing videos, rendering art assets, and other heavy duty tasks, it doesnt get better than the top of the line M3 Max version. Its more powerful than a laptop has any right to be, which is exactly why so many professional creators use it.The MacBook Pro 16 is a great pick no matter which version you choose, but one of its assets is how configurable it is. Its available with two different tiers of the M3 Max processor (16-core or 18-core), up to 128GB of memory, and a whopping 8TB of storage. If you want a MacBook Pro 16 but arent interested in putting the pedal all the way to the floor, the standard M3 Pro version starts a whopping $1,500 cheaper and is more than enough for most creators. The biggest drawback is the default SSD, which is only 512GB instead of a full terabyte like the M3 Max versions, so you may need to look into external storage. Every version comes with the same beautiful liquid retina screen, which is widely regarded as one of the best displays on any laptop available today. Its not all about power: The available software and creative tools are the other half of what makes this such a good choice. Apple has been a go-to choice for creative applications for many years, so theres a deep ecosystem of apps no matter what your creative bent is. You can even add licenses for Logic and Final Cut Pro when you checkout through Apple. Just saying: Windows machines can still be great for creative work, and choosing a Windows machine also circumvents the MacBook Pros walled garden approach to software and hardware. Its the MacBooks biggest hurdle youre buying into the Apple ecosystem, which means often having limited choices for supporting peripherals. Still, its a sacrifice many creative professionals find worthwhile for its powerful tools. How We Chose the Best UltrabooksTo find the best ultrabooks, we first define what qualities an ultrabook needs to have to, a) be an ultrabook instead of a normal, if lightweight, laptop; and, b) be one of the best choices you can buy today. Any ultrabook needs to be thin, light, and have extended battery life. It needs to be dedicated to high-performance productivity, and if it can play games, thats icing on the cake. To form our list, we first evalutate the ultrabooks that weve reviewed and spent time with. With those early contenders written down, we consult other expert sources from across the web and look into major offerings from noteworthy brands (an ever-growing list). Critical impressions from industry experts are important, especially as they relate to our first criteria, and benchmark scores and real world impressions are all considered. We then turn to the community, poring over user reviews, Reddit recommendations, and cautionary tales to find the ultrabooks that are enhancing the lives of real users on a daily basis.After compiling a list of the best choices, we break that down into key categories to help recommend the best ultrabook to you, no matter what kind of user you are. Whether youre a work by day, game by night kind of user, a student, or a business professional that needs a dependable notebook to carry them through the day without weighing them down, we have the best picks, right here on this list. Things to Consider When Shopping for an UltrabookBuying an ultrabook is not a minor investment, so you shouldnt rush when making your decision. Before looking at ultrabooks, youll want to set your maximum budget this means you wont exceed what you can afford, allowing you to configure the right ultrabook to suit your needs. If youre on a lower budget, you may need to sacrifice more powerful specs. Rather than looking at ultrabooks with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, for example, you could drop down to 8GB of DDR5 or even DDR4 RAM to save a bit of money.Similarly, if youre not fussed about using your ultrabook to play AAA games, integrated graphics like Intel Iris XE Graphics or Intel Arc Graphics will be plenty suitable. Rather than splashing out on an Nvidia RTX GPU, you can spend your money elsewhere on other components and features.However, if you do have the budget to go big, then youll want to choose an ultrabook thats more futureproof. With the latest generation of hardware, your ultrabook will last longer and wont have to be upgraded as often. A 14th Gen i5 or i7 CPU or an AMD Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series processor with RTX 4000-series or AMD Radeon 7000-series GPU is a great place to start.FAQsWhat is an ultrabook laptop?Intel coined the term ultrabook back in 2011 to describe laptops that are exceptionally thin, light, and use powerful hardware. These days, the term gets thrown around a bit more broadly to encompass laptops that arent necessarily the most powerful, but are exceptionally portable and are powerful enough to easily accomplish day-to-day productivity tasks with ease. Most ultrabooks also offer extended battery life so they can reliably get through a full eight-hour work day without dying on you.Is a MacBook considered an ultrabook?While a MacBook isnt technically an ultrabook because its made by Apple, it could be considered a type of ultrabook. MacBooks are powerful yet lightweight laptops running on Apples macOS. Are ultrabooks good for gaming?Ultrabooks are not gaming laptops, so if fragging enemies or gaining levels is your bread and butter, you would be better suited with one of the best gaming laptops. With that in mind, if youre willing to play at lower graphics settings or resolutions, its certainly possible to play games on many newer ultrabooks. Intel and AMD have made strides with the built-in gaming capabilities of its processors. Cloud gaming is another viable option that tends to work very well on ultrabooks, but requires a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, or other related game-hosting services. Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs and gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Toms Hardware, Popular Science, USA Todays Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. He is the current subject matter expert on laptops for IGN, personally covering most laptop reviews. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.

CardioBot is a health companion app for iPhone and Apple Watch that shows users how they can live a healthier life. The app has now been updated with new features, including Activity Coaching and fully interactive graphics. Read on as we detail everything thats new with the update.Whats new with CardioBot 7.2The most notable new feature in version 7.2 of CardioBot is certainly Activity Coaching. Essentially, the feature can provide smarter insights based on intensity data and heart rate recovery after workouts. With these insights, users can better understand when to push harder or ease up for the best results. According to the developer, the advice is based on American Heart Association research.In addition, CardioBot can now analyze your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to monitor your bodys stress levels and how your lifestyle influences your well-being. For instance, the app can suggest adjustments to your routine that will benefit your health in the long term.Other new features include fully interactive charts that show more in-depth details and extra insights into sleep and recovery. In addition to the main health features, the app also comes with Home and Lock Screen widgets.Heres how the app is described:With CardioBot, you can easily understand the data captured by the Apple Watch to improve your lifestyle and discover notable patterns.CardioBot is your all-in-one solution for monitoring your heart rate and daily activities. It serves as both a heart rate monitor and an activity tracker, offering a convenient way to monitor your cardiovascular health and fitness in one place.CardioBot uses the studies provided by the American Heart Association to build smart recommendations that help you to improve your cardiovascular system and maintain good health. App reads heart rate data measured by the Apple Watch and separates readings in low, normal, elevated, and high heart rate through different colors and charts, allowing you to see averages at a glance.You candownload CardioBot on the App Store now. The app is free to download with a monthly in-app subscription of $9.99 or $29.99 per year. Its worth noting that it requires an iPhone running iOS 17 or later and an Apple Watch running watchOS 10 or later.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Amid the Pentagon's years-long probes into the unexplained and unidentified, the FBI has been quietly running its own secret office investigating so-called "unidentified anomalous phenomena."Yes, let's get this out of the way: that's basically the plot of the 90s television show "The X-Files." But buried in a new Politico storyabout concerns that UFO-hunting agents may soon be caught up in a purge is a jarring revelation: that such an office exists within the bureau the "existence" of which had "not been disclosed publicly before," per the outlet's reporting.It was previously known that the Pentagon had a similar group. Known as the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), that office deals with UAP sightings from military officials. There doesn't appear to be anyother known counterpart in civilian branches of government.In a statement to Politico, the FBI confirmed the existence of the office but refused to comment further, including to say how many members it has or how long it has been investigating UAPs in an organized manner."The FBI investigates Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena when there is potential for a violation of federal law particularly unlawful acts that could adversely affect our national interests and to gather, share, and analyze intelligence to combat security threats facing the US," the bureau toldPolitico.Former Naval pilot and Congressional UFO whistleblower Ryan Graves spoke at length to the magazine about the importance of the group's work and how deleterious it would be for the office to be gutted due to partisanship."I am concerned that the FBIs UAP Working Group could be affected by transition changes," Graves said, "and these leaders might not be aware of the incredible work these agents are doing and how their investigation could be empowered as part of a formalized intergovernmental effort."Caison Best, a former Army special forces intelligence officer, toldPolitico that he'd spoken to members of the FBI's UAP office after witnessing an alleged UFO in Colorado. Though it's unclear exactly how many of those agents could be implicated in the alleged purge, Best said it would be "obviously detrimental" if that happened."The FBI is one component of the government that is starting to realize what other functions in the government have already known for a long time and have been participating in," the ex-Army intelligence officer said.In English, he seems to be suggesting that the FBI's previously undisclosed UAP office has been working with the Pentagon's AARO and, perhaps, with other agencies as well.With Trump's swiftly-unfolding plans to purge the government of anyone who doesn't fall in line, it's impossible to say whether the FBI's "X-Files" office will continue to exist.Though given the president's promise to reveal the truth about unidentified objects in the skies, killing the group completely would seemingly go against his "commitment to take the U out of UAP," as Graves put it to Politico.More on Trump and the truth: UFO Whistleblower Claims Trump Is Being Lied To About Those Drones in New JerseyShare This Article

While SpaceX CEO and White House advisor Elon Musk and the Trump administration allow NASA's operations to languish, the specter of embattled aerospace giant Boeing's disastrous Starliner project still looms large.In an official filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Boeing revealed that it took a staggering $523 million in charges on its ill-fated spacecraft last year.As SpaceNews points out, that means Boeing has lost just over $2 billion on the project since it began.The spacecraft struggled to deliver Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station during its first Crew Flight Test mission in June, showing persistent technical issues involving leaks and malfunctioning thrusters.NASA deemed the problems serious enough to return the pair on board a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft sometime next month instead, while Starliner made the reentry uncrewed (to its credit, it survived.)NASA has since been briefed about the subsequent investigation into the mission. As SpaceNews reports, NASA found "significant progress" on some issues, while the pesky thruster problems have yet to be resolved."The details shared by NASA gave us confidence that they are focusing on the right core issues and the related path to safely flying Starliner," NASAs Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel member Paul Hill said at a briefing last week.But whether the struggling spacecraft, which was developed under the agency's same Commercial Crew program as SpaceX's Crew Dragon, will fly again remains unknown.Following the disastrous mission in August, Boeing officials refused to make any promises about a follow-up mission, instead hinting at the possibility that the project could be canceled altogether."Do they ultimately exit the program because its too complicated and because the other guy can do it better?" Melius Research analyst Robert SpingarntoldBloomberg at the time. "It can happen."In October, rumors swirled that Boeing was looking to sell its entire space business, which would include Starliner. But whether those "early talks" ever culminated in a decision remains to be seen.The aerospace giant has already been struggling with a chaotic commercial jet business and a massive strike that ground airplane production to a standstill last year.In the meantime, Wilmore and Williams are still stuck on board the ISS, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk renewing calls to "rescue" them, despite an existing plan for their return.And time is quickly running out in a bigger sense, with NASA planning to retire the aging orbital outpost within the next five years, giving Boeing very little flexibility to get Starliner in working order."There is no logical purpose to Starliner, given that NASA plans to deorbit Space Station in ~5 years," Musk tweeted in November.More on Starliner: Stranded Astronauts' Trip Back to Earth Has Been Postponed Yet AgainShare This Article

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, oversaw major architectural and conservation initiatives, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. His work supported the preservation of historic sites, the promotion of traditional craftsmanship, and the recognition of contemporary projects that address social and environmental challengesSource: Presidents Secretariat (GODL-India)The Aga Khan (left) receiving an award from the Indian president, Pranab Mukherjee, in New Delhi in April 2015The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community and a prominent figure in architecture and cultural preservation, has died at the age of 88.Prince Karim al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957, leading a global community of Shia Muslims known for their emphasis on education, philanthropy, and development. The Ismaili community, which has roots in South Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East, is a branch of Shia Islam with a distinct theological and cultural tradition. Through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), he oversaw numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, and urban development, many of which included a strong focus on architecture and conservation.One of his most enduring contributions to the built environment is the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), which was established in 1977. The award, which runs in three-year cycles, seeks to recognise projects that address the needs of societies in which Muslims have a significant presence, with an emphasis on cultural continuity, environmental sustainability, and social impact.In a speech at the 2013 award ceremony in Lisbon, the Aga Khan explained its purpose:The Award was designed, from the start, not only to honour exceptional achievement, but also to pose fundamental questions. How, for example, could Islamic architecture embrace more fully the values of cultural continuity, while also addressing the needs and aspirations of rapidly changing societies?How could we mirror more responsively the diversity of human experience and the differences in local environments? How could we honour inherited traditions while also engaging with new social perplexities and new technological possibilities?The award, one of the largest in architecture with a prize fund of $1 million, has recognised over 100 projects since its inception. Winners have ranged from large-scale public projects to modest community-driven initiatives, often incorporating traditional craftsmanship and local materials. Past winners include the Tabiat Pedestrian Bridge in Tehran by Diba Tensile Architecture (2016), the Wadi Hanifa Wetlands Project in Riyadh (2010), and the Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah by Fazlur Khan (1983).Source: ShutterstockThe Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut by Zaha Hadid ArchitectsZaha Hadids Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut was among the six winners of the 2016 awards. The building, designed to house academic and research spaces, was recognised for its approach to site constraints, with key research areas floating above the entrance courtyard to reduce its footprint and preserve the surrounding landscape. The AKDNdescribed the project as solving a dense programme within a surprisingly small footprint in a manner that is sensitive to its context.Another recipient of the award, Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, was recognised in 2016 for her Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, which incorporates traditional brick construction and natural ventilation. She is currently designing the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion.Source: Marina Tabassum ArchitectsBait Ur Rouf MosqueThe Aga Khan Trust for Culture, a branch of the AKDN, has been involved in restoration and conservation efforts, particularly in Islamic heritage sites. Projects have included the restoration of historic city centres in Cairo, Aleppo, and Mostar, as well as the rehabilitation of the Niemeyer Guest House in Tripoli, Lebanon, which was recognised in the 2022 cycle of the award. The Trust has also promoted the use of traditional craftsmanship, supporting artisans and builders in reviving skills that have shaped Islamic architectural heritage.The Aga Khans influence extended into architecturaleducation, with institutions such as the Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and MIT, which focuses on the study of Islamic design, urbanism, and conservation.The succession of the Aga Khan is determined through a process known as nass, in which the current Imam designates his successor. Following the death of Aga Khan IV, the official Ismaili community website stated that his successor has been designated in conformity with the historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition and practice of nass, with the designation recorded in his will and to be announced to the community after being read to senior leaders.While the official successor has yet to be confirmed, it is widely anticipated that his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, will assume the role of the 50th Imam. Born in 1971, Prince Rahim has played an active role in the Aga Khan Development Network, particularly in economic development and environmental initiatives.With the Aga Khans passing, questions may arise about the future direction of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the wider cultural efforts of the AKDN, but both are expected to continue their work in supporting architectural excellence, heritage conservation, and community development.

The cost of your next smartphone or laptop could be higher than you planned.President Donald Trump ordered a 10% tariff on imports from China, which went into effect Tuesday morning. China retaliated immediately by placing tariffs on some US products.The tariffs could mean you'll soon have to pay more for products imported from China, including electronics. Apple, for example, manufactures a lot of its iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and AirPods in China.Some products imported from China are already subject to tariffs that Trump ordered during his first term in office. This weekend's additional tariffs announcement could drive up prices even more. Trump also announced tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico over the weekend but paused those tariffs for at least a month amid negotiations with both countries.Tariffs, in theory, are designed to financially impact other countries since their goods are being taxed. Tariffs are paid by the US company importing the product, and this upcharge is usually -- but not always -- passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices."I expect many items that come from China or have parts made in China to increase in price," said Doug Carey, a chartered financial analyst and president of WealthTrace, a financial planning software company.So should you buy electronics and other imported goods now to avoid tariff costs? We asked the experts.Prices for tech like iPhones and MacBooks could spikeExperts expect the tariffs levied on products from China -- and potentially Canada and Mexico -- will translate into higher prices. That means the tech you use every day, like imported smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs and even kitchen appliances, could get even more expensive this year.What could that look like? If the full cost is passed on to shoppers, we could see a 10% increase. For example, a 13-inch MacBook Air currently starts at $849 on Amazon; a 10% hike would raise the base price to $934. The iPhone 16 Pro, which starts at $1,000 at T-Mobile, could jump up to $1,100.A 10% tariff on goods made in China doesn't necessarily mean prices will rise by the same amount. In some cases, they may not increase much, if at all.If companies want to stay competitive, they may absorb some of the costs to keep their prices lower, said Steven C. Conners, a certified estate planner and president of Conners Wealth Management. Should you buy tech now to avoid tariffs later?If you were planning on buying a new iPhone, gaming console, MacBook or other tech, buying it now could save you money."Because of this, items that people should think about buying now rather than later are smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, furniture, kitchen appliances, clothing and footwear," Carey said.But if you don't have the cash on hand and plan to use a credit card or buy now, pay later plan just to avoid tariffs, experts say wait. With credit cards' average interest rates currently over 20%, the cost of financing a big purchase could wipe out any savings you'd get by buying before prices go up due to tariffs."I would not recommend any panic purchases, especially if these items are not necessities," Conners said. One way to save, even if prices go up, is to buy last year's model instead of the newest release."If you aren't planning to upgrade your smartphone in the next year, for example, there is no need to rush out to buy a new smartphone," said Shawn DuBravac, chief economist at IPC, a manufacturing trade association. "Technology is naturally deflationary, meaning that over time performance goes up and prices generally go down for products of similar quality." More personal finance news

If you're enrolled in thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness programand were due to receive debt relief last year or expected to hit the 120-payment mark this year, a new program can help you apply for debt relief during theSAVE payment pause.PSLF offers student loan forgiveness to teachers, nurses and other public service workers who have made 120 qualifying payments -- the equivalent of 10 years -- while working at a qualifying job. ThePSLF Buyback programoffers the opportunity for eligible borrowers to "buy back" no-payment months that didn't count toward forgiveness while their loans were in forbearance or deferment.The buyback option could help some borrowers in the PSLF program get debt relief sooner, but it's not a shortcut to accelerate your progress toward PSLF, said Elaine Rubin, director of corporate communications at Edvisors.com. You'll need to have hit the 10 years of service and meet other conditions to qualify. If you're only five years into your teaching position, for example, you can't use this program to pay off your remaining five years of payments to get debt relief now.Here's how to find out if you're eligible for the buyback program and how to apply.What is the PSLF buyback program?The PSLF Buyback Program allows you to buy back certain skipped-payment months to count as qualifying payments under PSLF, which would speed up debt cancellation for a small number of eligible borrowers.For example, if you're a teacher who has worked 130 months in the role, you've already surpassed the required 10 years to be eligible for public loan forgiveness. But if your student loan was in deferment or forbearance for 15 months, you may have only made 115 months of payments. Normally, this would mean that you're not yet eligible for forgiveness under the PSLF program.Under the government's PSLF Buyback program, you can now make a payment (either in one lump sum or through multiple payments) within 90 days to cover the five months needed to fulfill your obligation and receive debt relief.What amount will you need to buy back? That depends on how many months short of the 120 goal you are and how much your monthly payment is. If you were on an income-driven repayment plan, your monthly payment could be as low as $0, Rubin said. But if your monthly payment is $200 and you've only made 117 payments, you'll need to pay $600 to complete the buyback process.After you submit an application requesting a buyback, the government will detail the total amount you must pay to your servicer within 90 days in order to have your remaining balance forgiven.Who's eligible for PSLF buyback?There are several requirements to be eligible for the PSLF buyback:You have worked at least 120 months in a qualifying public service role, including during the months when your student loan payments were in forbearance or deferredBuying back certain months of deferment or forbearance will get you over the threshold of 120 payments, allowing you to qualify for forgiveness under PSLFYour loan has a remaining balance greater than zeroIn other words, you cannot request a buyback if you have less than 10 years of service, and a buyback does not apply to defaulted loans or discharged loans.You can check on your qualifying payments for PSLF at StudentAid.gov, the central dashboard for this program. You can view more detailed information about the eligibility requirements here.How do I apply for the PSLF buyback program?Here are the steps for applying for the PSLF buyback program:If you have unreported periods of qualifying employment, submit them by using thePSLF Help Tool.Wait to review how yourpayment count adjustmentapplies to PSLF credit.Confirm the missing payment months you want to buy back and make sure you have approved qualifying employment for the same months (see how toverify these months).Submit a buyback request throughPSLF Reconsideration.Wait to hear back from StudentAid.gov about your final payoff amount.Rubin warns that the application is a bit confusing. "Be patient, but make sure that your information has been filed," Rubin said.You can check the status of your application through StudentAid.gov.Can I apply for PSLF buyback if I'm enrolled in SAVE?Yes, you can apply for the PSLF buyback if you're enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education plan. The SAVE program, an income-driven repayment plan, is considered an eligible forbearance type under the PSLF buyback.Payments have been on hold for SAVE borrowers since the summer, so if you're a PSLF borrower who would have received debt relief in the fall or winter, you're a prime candidate for the buyback program.How long will the PSLF buyback program be open?Rubin said the PSLF buyback program is currently open, and there is no hard deadline for applications.That being said, once you submit your application and learn your buyback amount, you have 90 days to make the buyback payment to your loan servicer. If you fail to pay the total amount within that time frame, you need to start over with a new application.With a new administration in the White House, the long-term fate of the PSLF buyback program is unclear. Rubin recommends taking the time now, while PSLF buyback is still available, to determine whether you're eligible and submit your application. More student loan advice

Capcom Spotlight - everything announced in February's showcaseOnimusha 2 remaster! Marvel on Xbox! More!Image credit: Eurogamer/Capcom News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Feb. 5, 2025 It's been a bit of a busy one for Capcom, what with the publisher airing not one but two showcases to demo its latest wares. One half of that dealt with Monster Hunter Wilds ahead of its release this month, but Capcom also had a few things to share about its other titles. So if you missed its latest Spotlight, you'll find everything announced and featured below.Mai Shiranui's fighting pass for Street Fighter 6Watch on YouTubeWe already knew Fatal Fury's Mai Shiranui was making the jump to Street Fighter 6 this week, and we got a further look at her "agile movements, tricky projectiles, and quick attacks" in Capcom's latest showcase. Mai comes to Street Fighter 6 on 5th February PST, arriving alongside the Say Hello to Mai fighting pass - which includes customisation items relating to Mai and Fatal Fury. And as for what's next, Elena is set to complete the character roster for Year 2.Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics finally arrives on XboxMarvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection on Xbox.Watch on YouTubeAfter pausing to highlight this year's Capcom Cup 11 - which will be determining the Street Fighter 6 world champion between 5-9 March - it was time to move onto Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. This seven game compilation has been out on PlayStation, Switch, and PC since last year, but technical issues held back its Xbox release.Those have now been resolved, however, and it's finally available digitally on Microsoft's console - gathering together X-Men Children of the Atom. Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 New Age of Heroes, and The Punisher.Capcom Fighting Collection 2 gets May release dateCapcom Fighting Collection 2 pre-order trailer.Watch on YouTubeCapcom's other fighting collection, the economically titled Capcom Fighting Collection 2, also has a release date. As well as a whole bunch of artwork and previously unseen development documents, this compilation features eight titles: Capcom vs SNK, Capcom vs SNK 2, Project Justice, Capcom Fighting Evolution, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper, Plasma Sword, Power Stone, and Power Stone 2. It comes to PlayStation, Switch, PC, and, yes, Xbox on 16th May - and pre-orders unlock two additional songs for gallery mode.Okami bits and a Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess demoOkami sequel teaser trailer.Watch on YouTubeIt doesn't have a name, and it's still probably years off, but that didn't stop Capcom from re-airing the same announcement Okami sequel trailer it aired during December's The Game Awards. The publisher paired this segment with a spotlight on its demo for the excellent Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, plus the news that Path of the Goddess and the original Okami are both now available in a two-game bundle.More details of Onimusha: Way of the Sword emergeOnimusha: Way of the Sword announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeThis all-new entry in Capcom's fondly remembered Onimusha series was another Game Awards debutante. For its latest airing, though, Capcom highlighted some of the key areas it's focusing on to make Way of the Sword "as captivating as possible". These include its new protagonist (plus enemies that are interesting "more than just visually"), its setting, and its combat.Set in a "beautifully eerie depiction" of Edo-period Kyoto, Onimusha: Way of the Sword tells the heroic tale of a samurai who wields an Oni gauntlet, feeding it the souls of monsters roaming the land of the living. Doing so involves swordplay with a particular emphasis on the satisfaction of slicing through enemies, and players can use the souls they collect to restore health and trigger special moves. Capcom says combat will be intense when Way of the Sword arrives in 2026, but stresses it's not trying to make an "impossibly difficult" game.Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is being remasteredOnimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeIf 2026 is just too long to wait for your Onimusha fix, Capcom has you covered. The publisher also used its latest Spotlight to announce a remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, which originally launched back in 2002. There's not a whole lot to report on this just yet, but it's coming to Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC sometime this year.And with that, we're pretty much done with the first part of Capcom's showcase. The publisher's having a digital sale across various platforms right now if you're in the mood to sample its wares at a discount, and if you missed it, there's a round-up of Capcom's latest Monster Hunter Wilds' showcase elsewhere on Eurogamer.