Want to have your say in what Like a Dragon/ Yakuza merch will be made to celebrate the series' 20th anniversary? Well, you can do exactly that! Read more

Storytelling with Materials and Lighting Simon walked us through his lighting choices, emphasizing the power of a well-placed light and the impact of silhouette. He discussed his preference for minimal lighting setups, allowing the story to dictate the illumination. He also showcased his use of Greyscalegorilla materials, like hammered metal and performance fabrics, adapted and blended to create unique textures and effects, even incorporating live data feeds into his materials. The Houdini Revelation Simons journey from Cinema 4D to Houdini wasnt just about switching toolsit was about breaking past creative limitations. While he was always at the forefront of C4Ds capabilities, pushing Xpresso and dynamics to their limits, he found himself constantly running into walls with complex procedural setups. The turning point came when he worked on a project involving dynamic subdivisions. After painstakingly building it in Cinema 4D with Xpresso, he saw how effortlessly the same system was replicated in Houdinionly faster, more flexible, and instantly reusable. That was the moment Simon realized the power of Houdinis procedural workflow. It wasnt just about speed; it was about future-proofing his work, creating tools that could be reused effortlessly. While Cinema 4D has evolved significantly, incorporating more procedural elements, Simons shift to Houdini allowed him to build the kinds of modular, scalable systems that define his signature work today. The Power of Curiosity Simon Holmedals journey is an inspiration to aspiring 3D artists everywhere. His willingness to experiment, embrace new technologies, and share his knowledge makes him a true innovator in the field. Manifold is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative potential of Houdini. Inspired? Check out the full version of Manifold and discover more of their captivating work.

Image: CapcomIt's been an exciting few months for Okami fans, huh?Nearly 19 years after the release of the PS2 original, Capcom finally confirmed that a sequel is now officially in development at The Game Awards 2024. Plus, it's being developed at new studio Clovers under the direction of creator Hideki Kamiya.Speaking of which, the outspoken auteur recently found himself in the news again after he expressed his desire that fans not play the 2008 Wii port of the game, explaining that it isn't the true original and therefore didn't benefit from his direct involvement. Instead, he pointed toward Okami HD as a good starting point.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kWatch on YouTube Now, we're not going to completely align with Kamiya and say that you should avoid the Wii version of the game after all, it more than holds its own with the added motion controls but we do agree that Okami HD is probably the best version of the Zelda-inspired adventure.In fact, we'd actually go a step further and say that the Switch release specifically is the best representation of Kamiya's classic, and the reason behind this is why we're also hoping and praying that the eventual sequel will make its way to the Nintendo Switch 2.Image: CapcomSo what is it that has us revering the Switch version above all others? It's pretty simple: touchscreen controls, no doubt inspired by the original's spiritual successor on DS, Okamiden. When played in handheld mode, Okami HD on Switch utilises a combination of traditional button controls alongside touchscreen controls, and it's an absolute game-changer in our eyes. It completely revamps combat encounters.You see, bringing up the Celestial Brush, a unique mechanic in which you can conjure up items or attack enemies, essentially pauses the action when holding down 'B' on the Wii or 'R' on the Switch, allowing you ample time to wiggle the analogue stick around to draw your desired object. Even if it was just a straight slash across the screen, dragging the brush along with the stick felt like it took just a fraction too long in many cases.With the touch screen, it feels almost instantaneous, even though it still pauses the game. You can tap 'Y' a few times to unleash a basic combo and then boom, quickly swipe across the screen with your finger (without the need to also hold down 'R', we might add) to deal additional damage or wipe out a stunned enemy. It adds a satisfying rhythm to combat that simply wasn't present before.And yes, we know what you're thinking: don't the Wii motion controls effectively simulate the same thing? In a way, sure, but you have to consider where your cursor is when activating the Celestial Brush and the added sensitivity that naturally comes with motion controls. Those milliseconds all add up, y'know.Can you do this with an analogue stick? Well, yeah, but probably not as fast. Image: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeIt doesn't just benefit combat, either. Celestial Brush mechanics are frequently required during exploration, whether you simply need to add a sun in the sky to bring about the daytime or draw a bomb against a wall to unveil a secret passage. And all of this is made infinitely more intuitive with the addition of touchscreen controls. We know it's not hard to draw a circle with the analogue stick, but it's also not a particularly natural thing to do, either. Using your finger though? Yeah, it just feels right.It's way too early to say whether or not we can expect Okami 2 (or whatever it's likely to be called) on the Switch 2. Chances are we're at least two or three years away from its release, but even if that's the case, it will likely still arrive right when the Switch 2 is finding its groove, and we think it would be a perfect fit for Nintendo's upcoming console.Prettier visuals, a more expansive world, touchscreen controls... Oof, yeah we can't wait.What do you think, folks? Do you think Kamiya's Okami sequel would be a good fit for the Nintendo Switch 2? Leave a comment down below and let us know.Would you like to see the Okami sequel on Switch 2? (32 votes)OBVIOUSLY81%Sure, sounds good16%I still haven't played the original3%Meh, I wouldn't miss it 0%We definitely don't need a sequel 0% Hideki Kamiya chimes in with a New Year messageThe Switch version is fine, thoughRelated GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Reconfirms Release Windows For Major Upcoming Switch Games... and the Switch 2!Nintendo Talks About Future Switch Support Ahead Of Switch 2 Launch"We would like to continue releasing new titles""Nintendo Is Probably The Easiest To Scam" - Devs Discuss The Current State Of The eShopThe rise of "eSlop"PlatinumGames Wipes Several Games From Its Website's PortfolioIncluding Star Fox Zero and 'Project G.G.'

All eyes were on French President Emmanuel Macron at the end of the first day of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris after he annouunced a 109 billion investment package (around $112 billion at current exchange rates) in the French AI ecosystem on Sunday evening.He reiterated this financial commitment from private partners willing to build data centers in France (mostly) and invest in AI startups (sometimes). According to him, the main reason why international investors are choosing France for their next massive data center project comes down to the countrys oversupply of nuclear energy.I have a good friend on the other side of the ocean saying drill, baby, drill. Here, there is no need to drill, its just plug, baby, plug, President Macron said.But he doesnt want to make the AI Action Summit all about France. For me, this summit is not just the announcement of a lot of investment in France. Its a wake-up call for a European strategy, he said.Tomorrow, President Van der Leyen will announce the European AI strategy and it will be a very important occasion. But this strategy will be a unique opportunity for Europe to accelerate, to simplify our regulations, to deepen the single market and to invest as well in computing capacities, he added.As the European Union wants to streamline regulation, Macron also seems to back this line of thinking. Its very clear that we have to synchronize with the rest of the world in terms of transmission, in terms of permitting, in terms of authorization, clinical trials I mean, in all the different sectors.Macron also urged European companies to buy from European startups. According to him, most companies in the U.S. and China favor homegrown solutions. But thats rarely the case in Europe, especially when it comes to technology.On Tuesday, global leaders and tech CEOs will unveil a new statement. Many will scrutinize both the content and the list of countries signing the pledge at the end of the summit to see if its still possible to agree on a list of priorities when it comes to AI regulation.Read our full coverage of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris.

Rivian will sell its commercial electric vans to any U.S. business that wants one more than a year since ending an exclusivity deal with backer Amazon.The company will sell two vans the smaller 500 and the larger 700 but buyers will have to be registered businesses, according to the company. That means any hopeful van-lifers will have to wait and see if Rivian ever sells them direct.The launch of its commercial van fleet business opens up a potential revenue stream that has sat dormant since Rivian and Amazon ended their exclusive deal in November 2023. The new potential line of business comes at a crucial time for the company, which is doing all that it can to pare losses ahead of the launch of a more-affordable SUV next year. Rivian has been spotted performing a number of trials with potential fleet customers. And the EV maker has spent the past year preparing a commercial fleet line for a broader swath of businesses, which included building out service infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and collecting feedback via pilots from fleet customers, according to spokesperson Tanya Miller.Over the last year we have been focusing our efforts on testing with some larger fleets, and were really pleased with how those trials have gone, Tom Solomon, Rivians senior director of business development, said in a statement.Rivian first started producing the commercial vans in 2021, two years after Amazon announced it had order 100,000 of the vehicles as part of an effort to reduce its climate impact. Amazon was already deeply invested in Rivian when it struck the exclusivity agreement for the commercial vans. Just seven months before, the e-commerce giant led a $700 million investment round in Rivian. Amazon now has 20,000 commercial vans produced by Rivian in its fleet, according to Solomon.

The 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey polled leaders at almost one hundred leading companies to provide a snapshot of economic conditions in the additive manufacturing sector.This actionable data suggests the 3D printing sector is growing, but the rate of improvement varies, meaning companies should stay agile in their strategies and adapt to market fluctuations, technology trends, and economic conditions.We asked respondents to consider business and operating conditions in the 3D printing industry. Business conditions are those influences outside the enterprise, including macroeconomic trends, market conditions, regulatory, political, legal, and social factors. Operating conditions relate to internal factors and influences within an enterprise.Leaders across the 3D printing industry are asked to provide their sentiments regarding the previous year and expectations for the coming year. Prior year sentiment is compared to previous year forecasts to understand 3D printing industry market sentiment trends, assess forecasting accuracy and provide benchmarks.Key Observations on the 3D Printing Industry Economic Landscape2024 Forecasts Were Optimistic, but Actual Results Fell Slightly ShortBusiness conditions improved but not as much as expected.Operating conditions saw a significant shift towards Favorable responses, but some operational concerns persisted.2025 Forecast Suggests Continued Positive GrowthMore confidence in business and operational conditions.A decline in Unfavorable sentiment is expected, though there is a small risk that operational difficulties might persist.Variances Indicate a More Cautious OutlookWhile confidence is improving, the 2024 data suggests that expectations should be moderated for 2025.The market or industry conditions may have introduced uncertainties affecting both business and operational environments.2025 3D Printing Industry Business ConditionsLooking at data collected in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey compared to results from our 2025 survey provides several insights.2024 actual data shows Very Favorable sentiment at 11.6%, lower than the 2024 forecast (16.7%) but expected to rise to 18.4% in 2025.Favorable sentiment at 38% (2024 actual) was lower than the 2024 forecast (45.2%), but is predicted to rise to 43.7% in 2025.Neutral responses in 2024 (30.2%) exceeded expectations but are forecasted to decrease slightly to 28.7% in 2025.Unfavorable and Very Unfavorable remain low in 2025 but are marginally higher than expected.Takeaway: While confidence in business conditions was predicted to rise significantly in 2024, the actual results were less optimistic than forecasted. However, the 2025 outlook remains positive, with a continued improvement in sentiment.In total, 62.10% of 3D printing industry business leaders surveyed expect positive business conditions for 2025 (2024: 62%), taking a very favorable or favorable perspective.2025 3D Printing Industry Business Conditions. 3D Printing Industry 2024 Business Conditions. 2025 3D Printing Industry Operating ConditionsSurvey data on internal conditions reveals 67.8% of respondents take a positive view of operating conditions in 2025 (2024: 68.0%).2024 actual data for Very Favorable was slightly lower than forecasted (10.5% vs. 12%) but is expected to rise to 13.8% in 2025.Favorable sentiment was 55.8% (actual) vs. 56% (forecast), showing a small variance. However, its expected to decline slightly to 54% in 2025.Neutral sentiment was 24.4% (actual), lower than the 29% forecast, and is expected to rise slightly to 27.6% in 2025.Unfavorable sentiment rose unexpectedly from 2% (forecast) to 8% (actual), but is forecasted to drop to 4.6% in 2025.Very Unfavorable remains low and is expected to be negligible in 2025.Takeaway: The 2024 actual data showed a stronger-than-expected performance, but the unexpected rise in Unfavorable sentiment could indicate some operational challenges. The 2025 forecast still predicts improvement, but at a more tempered rate.2025 3D Printing Industry Operating Conditions. 3D Printing Industry 2024 Operating Conditions. Market Dynamics and Challenges in the 3D Printing IndustryAs earnings season gets underway, investor calls are anticipated to make frequent reference to economic factors as a key driver behind performance. Specifically, high interest rates and restrained capital expenditures have tempered demand for large-scale 3D printers in key sectors. However, as global inflation cools and interest rates decline, other segments are poised for growth in 2025.Recent analyses indicate a cautiously optimistic outlook for the 3D printing industry in 2025. For example, should interest rates fall CONTEXT anticipates 14% full year growth in industrial 3D printer shipments.As the 3D Printing Industry data shows, forecasts for 2025 still show an upward trend, but some sentiment categories are tempering expectations.Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights from the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey. You can also stay connected by following us on LinkedIn.3D Printing Industry is hosting a live webinar to preview the 2025 AMUG Conference. Join us and our guests on Wednesday, 12th February.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.

ZDNETThough we're well past the holiday deals season, don't worry. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are still dishing out some serious savings on top tech, even a week before Presidents' Day 2024.Also:The best early Amazon Presidents' Day tech deals live nowFrom AirPods to the Oura Ring to Samsung's popular The Terrace TV, now's your chance to snag savings that are near or equal to those we saw during Cyber Week 2024 on flagship Amazon devices, Apple products and more. I scoured the sales to bring you the best early Presidents' Day deals live now, so you can shop savings starting right now.Shop more deals at AmazonThe best Presidents' Day dealsOura Ring Gen3: Starting at $299 (save up to $100 at Oura): The Oura Ring Gen4 is here, but the Gen3 model is still a great pick if you're looking for insightful sleep and fitness tracking that's still stylish. Oura is offering several finishes of the Horizon Gen3 model for up to $100 off.Buy the OnePlus Open smartphone and get the Nord N30 phone and Buds Pro 3 earbuds for free: Starting at $1,700 (Get $480 worth of tech for free): One Plus is offering a sweet freebie offer if you purchase their OnePlus Open through Feb. 17. You'll get a Nord N30 phone ($300 value) and a pair of the Buds Pro 3 ($180 value) for free with the purchase of a OnePlus, which expert Kerry Wan says is one of the sleekest foldable phones on the market in his review.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra + Free $200 Amazon Gift Card: $1,420 (save $200 at Amazon): You can still snag this free $200Amazon gift card offerwhen you purchase the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which expert Kerry Wan says is Samsung'sbest phone yet.Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler: $500 (save $100 at Amazon): Dyson's popularAirwrap stylerbundle is available for $100 off for the first time since Black Friday. Plus, this deal is on the limited edition strawberry pink model, and expert Sabrina Ortiz says it's well worth the investment.Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum: $1,400 (save $200 at Amazon): The Roborock Saros 10 and Roborock Saros 10R vacuums, which launched today after being unveiled at CES 2025, are on sale for the first time at Amazon and Roborock. These machines feature 22,000Pa of suction power (the most on the market) and are packed with AI features.Sony Bravia X90L TV: Save up to $2,000 at Best Buy: Sony's Bravia X90L TV is editor-in-chief Jason Hiner'spick for the best TV for the money, and right now every display size is on sale at Best Buy, starting with the 65-inch model for $1,000.Shark FlexStyle Hair Styler: $250 (save $50 at Best Buy): If you're not convinced of the Dyson Airwrap's price even with a discount, Shark's flagship competitor is on sale for under $300.Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 (save $80 at Best Buy): Apple's Watch SE (2nd Gen) is finallyseeing a decent discountfor 2025, and is back down to $169. Right now, it's still the most affordableApple Watchout of the whole lineup, and is a great options for kids, elderly users, or first-time watch owners.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $169 (save $80 at Walmart): TheAirPods Pro 2are our pick for the best AirPods you can buy, and can turn into a hearing aid -- and they'reon saleahead right now at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. Plus, the newest AirPods 4 are down to $100 (save $30) for the first time ever.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29 at Amazon): Perhaps one of ZDNET's favorite recurring deals of all-time, right now you cansave 29% on a four pack of Apple's handy AirTag trackers, which make finding your keys, wallet, purse, and more easier. Plus, this offer matches the lowest price this bundle typically sells for throughout the year, so you can't go wrong.Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum + Mop: $1,100 (save $800 at Dreame): ZDNET's pick for the best robot vacuum is on sale for nearly half off right now, andexpert Maria Diaz loves itfor its great mapping capabilities and 12,000Pa suction.Apple Watch Series 10 GPS, 46mm: $359 (save $70 at Best Buy): The newestbase model Apple Watch is discounted by almost 20%, matching the offers available during Black Friday. This model is equipped with GPS and an always-on retina display, and is available in three colors. Shop the42mm model for $70 off, too.The best Presidents' Day tech deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024): $135 (save $25 at Amazon): The newestKindle Paperwhitemodel is on sale for 16% off, snagging you a few dollars off, 25% faster page turns than the previous iteration, and a higher contrast ratio.Amazon Kindle Colorsoft: $230 (save $50 at Amazon): If you're not eyeing the Paperwhite, the newKindle Colorsoftis also on sale for 18% off. The Colorsoft features a bright display (even in direct sunlight), customizable color settings, and a "zippy performance" while browsing titles and turning pages, per ZDNET expert Allison Murray.Apple AirPods Max (Lightning): $500 (save $50 at Best Buy): The lightning iteration of Apple's popular AirPods Max headphones are on sale at Best Buy for $50 off. Plus, swipe up theUSB-C model for $480 (save $70).Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 (save $80 at Best Buy): The SE (2nd Gen) did not get an upgrade this year as rumored, but it's still the most affordable Apple Watch on the market, and it's finally back down to its lowest price ever at Best Buy.Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet: $140 (save $40 at Amazon): Expert Maria Diaz loves Amazon's kids tablets for their affordability and great features, and the HD 10 Pro is no difference. In fact, shesays its a better buy than an iPadfor her kids, and it's 26% off now.Apple MacBook Air 15-inch, M3: $`1,099 (save $200 at Amazon): Apple's MacBook series are pretty pricey, but right now you can grab the 15-inch M3 Air model for $200 off.Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4: $1,099 (save $200 at Amazon): The most powerful iPad on the market is on sale for 15% off right now, and expert Kerry Wan was pleasantlysurprised with its performancecompared to his MacBook.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20 at Best Buy):Blink's Mini 2cams feature two-way audio, motion detection, HD night view in color and more, and they're great for watching your home, kids, pets and more.Renpho Eye Massager: $52 (save $48 at Amazon): ZDNET's expert Allison Murrayloves this Renpho eye massagerto help her migraines, and right now it's on sale for 48% off.Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (save $20 at Best Buy): The newest ApplePencil Prois on sale for $30 off, but Apple products don't see discounts often, and this is the best price you can nab right now for this model, especially if you're looking to pair it with a 2024 iPad Pro.iPad 10th Gen: $279 (save $70 at Best Buy): This $279 iPad deal is the model editor-in-chief Jason Hinerrecommends to most people, and it's 20% off.The best Presidents' Day headphones deals Jada Jones/ZDNETSony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $250 (save $100 at Best Buy): TheSony XM4headphones are not the newest model to hit the market, but they're still a great purchase if you're looking for premium sound. Right now you can save 29%.Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro Headphones: $370 (save $60 at Amazon): ZDNET expert Jack Wallen reviewed this pair of headphones in 2024, and he says "you'd be hard-pressed to find a smoother, more agile-sounding pair of headphones at this price." Plus, right now they're $60 off.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: $200 (save $50 at Best Buy): If you prefer Android gear, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also on sale. Swipe up this pair for 20% off and grab top features like noise cancellation, real time interpretation, sound optimization and more.Beats Solo Buds: $50 (save $40 at Amazon): Save 38% on this already great budget pair of Beats earbuds. These feature a built-in mic and are Apple or Android compatible, so you'll be able to use them with any of your favorite devices.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $349 (save $80 at Bose): Expert reviewer Prakhar Khannaprefers the QuietComfort Ultraheadphones over the popular Sony XM5's for traveling, and right now they're $100 off, selling for the same price we saw during Black Friday.Beats Solo4 Headphones: $100 (save $100 at Best Buy): The upgraded model of Beats' classic Solo headphone are 50% off now, andexpert Jada Jones saysthe pair got some nice upgrades while still retaining all the nostalgia.Sony Ult Headphones: $148 (save $52 at Amazon): Headphone expert JadaJones saysthese eased her Sony XM5 envy with all-day comfort and plenty of bass. Right now, they're on sale for 26% off.Sony WH-CH720N: $88 (save $62 at Amazon): Expert JadaJones saysthese Sony headphones are almost as good as the XM5 model, but will cost you under $100 right now.Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen): $55 (save $85 at Amazon): These budget buds are worth a mention thanks to their handy Alexa compatibility and their 71% off price.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $249 (save $50 at Amazon): ZDNET readers snag these Bose earbuds quick when they go on sale, and for good reason. Expert Nina Raemont calls these "the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market," and right now they're $70 off.Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $180 (save $170 at Best Buy): Audio expert Jada Jones says the Beats Studio Pro headphones are the perfect middle-ground pair for most listeners, and right now, they're nearly half off.The best Presidents' Day TV deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $30 (save $20 at Amazon): Amazon's newest flagship Fire TV Stick 4K model is 40% off now. Streamline your viewing experience and maximize your favorite shows and movies at home. TheMax modelof the Fire Stick is also on sale.Sony 85-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV: $1,098 (save $300 at Amazon): This Sony smart Google TV is packed with features like Google Assistant, Apple Airplay, Motionflow XR technology, 4K picture quality and more.Amazon Fire TV 50-inch Omni Series 4K Smart TV: $310 (save $170 at Amazon): There's plenty of budget TV picks on sale, too, like this 50-inch hands-free smart TV that's Alexa compatible and 35% off.Roku Smart TV 32-inch TV: $128 (save $42 at Amazon): This Roku TV is equipped with Roku Voice and a customizable home screen. Right now it's 25% off, making it a great budget buy for a dorm room, kids' room and more.Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun 75-inch Class QLED 4K TV: $5,000 (save $1,000 at Best Buy): Samsung's popular The Terrace TV is $1,500 off right now, and is the perfect pick for an outdoor setting thanks to its weatherproof design.Insignia 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV: $80 (save $70 at Amazon): This frugal Insignia 32-inch TV deal is back again. Grab a smart Fire TV for under $100 that's perfect for a dorm and more.Samsung 65-inch The Frame 4K Smart TV: $1,285 (save $713 at Walmart): Samsung's popular The Frame TV is on sale, too. Grab the 65-inch model for under $1,300, and enjoy crisp viewing with beautiful aesthetics.Amazon Fire TV 50-inch: $300 (save $150 at Amazon): This TV has just about 40,000 reviews and a 4.5/5 star rating on Amazon, and it's 33% off now. You can't go wrong with a classic Fire TV packed with features like Alexa, 4K viewing, and live TV without cable.The best Presidents' Day robot vacuum deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETiRobot Roomba j7: $300 (save $300 at Amazon): If you're like expert Maria Diaz and love the idea of your floors being cleaned by someone, orsomethingelse, you can't go wrong with this deal. The Roomba j7 is a robot vacuum that intelligently maps and navigates your home, avoiding obstacles like cords and pet waste. This 50% discount is available for a limited time, resulting in a $300 discount.Dreame X30 Ultra Robot Vacuum + Mop: $750 (save $950 at Dreame): The Dreame X30 Ultra was ZDNET's top pick for the best 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, dethroned only by its successor,the X40 Ultra. The Dreame X30 Ultra features 8,300Pa of suction power, dual oscillating mop pads with an extendable function, and a hands-free charging station with self-emptying and self-washing capabilities.Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop: $360 (save $510 at Roborock): For a limited time, you can snag the Roborock Q7 Max+ for $360. As a vacuum mop combo, this machine features 4,200Pa suction power and 300g mopping pressures, promising a smooth and efficient clean. With its self-empty dock, you can have hands-free vacuuming for up to seven weeks. Thanks to Roborock's PreciSense LiDAR Navigation, you can rest assured that this robot vacuum will clean where it's supposed to and when it's supposed to.Roborock S8 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum + Mop: $1,000 (save $600 at Roborock): One of the best two-in-one machines on the market, the Roborock S8 Max Ultra is now $1,000. It's a pretty penny, but expert Maria Diaz says the simplicity and efficiency make this robot worth the money. You could fill the clean water tank, empty the dirty water tank, and set a schedule to tackle your home without having to do anything for a couple of days.Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop: $441 (save $649 at Best Buy): This Ecovas robot vacuum and mop combo is on clearance, available for nearly $700 off as Best Buy clears shelves for newer models. And this model isn't lacking features either -- it features its own self-washing auto emptying capabilities.Roborock S8 Pro Vacuum and Mop: $900 (save $700 at Roborock): Another great offer at Roborock, this S8 Pro combo model comes with its RockDock and offers 6,000Pa of suction to clean up messy floors with ease.The best Presidents' Day home deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETRing Battery Doorbell: $60 (save $40 at Best Buy): The newest 2024 Ring battery doorbell is 40% off now, and features head-to-toe video, two-way talk, and full motion detection.Anker Solix C1000 Power Station: $479 (save $320 at Amazon with coupon): This Anker power station can fully charge in 48 minutes and is perfect for power outages, home backups, and camping.Anker Solix C200 Power Station: $100 (save $70 at Amazon with coupon): Need a smaller power option? The Anker Solix C200 is 41% off and is perfect for emergencies, camping, car travel, and more.Blink Video Doorbell: $33 (save $27 at Amazon): Blink's video doorbell features two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime alerts, and more, and right now it's 45% off.Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus: $150 (save $50 at Amazon): This outdoor cam from Ring offers 1080p HD video and is great for equipping your home with added security. Right now, it's 25% off. TheRing Spotlight CamandSpotlight Cam Pro, which expert Maria Diaz loves forher home, is also on sale for 24% off.Ring Wired Doorbell Pro: $180 (save $50 at Best Buy): This Ring wired doorbell option is 22% off right now, and it's ZDNET's top pick for the best wired Ring doorbell. When is Presidents' Day? Presidents' Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year, it falls on Feb. 17, just a few days after Valentine's Day. Show more How did we choose these deals? ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. Show more When will these deals expire? Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on a deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com. Show more Does Amazon have a Presidents' Day sale? Yes, Amazon does offer significantsales and discountsahead of Presidents' Day 2024. In fact, many of the retail giant's Presidents' Day deals are already live with sales underway, overlapping with the Amazon Valentine's Day discounts. With less than a week between the two holidays, there's lots of savings to be had for consumers. Show more ZDNET Recommends

Amazon is planning a Devices and Services event at the end of the month, where it's expected to make some major announcements. Here's what we know so far.

Bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow have three eggs in a nest in California.Friends of Big Bear ValleyYou dont have to be human to have an epic love story. A pair of bald eagles in Big Bear Valley in California has captured the hearts of thousands of humans around the world. Raptor fans are rooting for Jackie and Shadow and the three eggs theyre caring for in a nest high up in a pine tree. Will the eggs hatch this year?The eagles and their nest cam have a huge internet fan base with over 770,000 followers on Facebook and 390,000 subscribers on YouTube. There are two live cams, including one set at a distance. The close-up cam is the more popular of the two. It gives an intimate look at the nest and the eagles activities. Thousands of people are watching at any given time.Youtube- YouTubeHumans Love Watching EaglesJackie the bald eagle arranges her three eggs before sitting on them to keep them warm.Friends of Big Bear ValleyThe bald eagles are just doing what wild birds dotrying to hatch and raise a family. The birds human fans, however, are emotionally connected to Jackie and Shadow and are very aware of the challenges the raptor couple has faced over the years. The pair got together in 2018 and successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022, but their eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024.MORE FOR YOUFriends of Big Bear Valley runs the livecams and delivers frequent updates on the eagles activities. The nonprofit group is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Big Bear Valley wilderness area inside the San Bernardino National Forest.FOBBV has March 1 penciled in for the start of pip watch, the time when the eggs might be expected to start hatching. Pipping happens when a chick begins to break through the shell. Hatching is a tough process that can take several days. Getting to that point requires a joint effort from the parents.Jackie and Shadow take turns keeping the eggs warm and protected. If youre watching the livestream and trying to tell them apart, keep in mind that Jackie is the bigger of the two birds. Female eagles are typically larger than the males. Jackie also had a dark spot above her eye.Eagles Share Nesting DutiesThe interaction between the two eagles is a big reason why they have such a dedicated following. Fans have watched Jackie and Shadows relationship evolve over the years. I would say that both Jackie and Shadow are calmer and even more dedicated to each other, says FOBBV executive director Sandy Steers over email.While Jackie and Shadow share incubation time, Jackie rules the roost. The birds often have to encourage one another to get up off the eggs to give the other a turn. A FOBBV video highlight from Feb. 9 showed Jackie returning to the nest and chattering in Shadows face to get him to move. After a conversation, he relinquishes. Love their antics when it comes to shift change, one eagle enthusiast wrote on Facebook in response to the video. Such characters and both so fixed on incubating their precious eggs.A favorite shift-change tactic involves one bird placing a stick on the back of the bird that doesnt want to move. The complex dance of chatter and negotiations seems to mirror human relationships at times. It feels to me like their bond with each other is closer than ever because the bond itself seems to be maturing, says Steers. Even in the midst of their usual shenanigans to get each other off the eggs to have their turn, they are being kinder to each other.Waiting For Eagle Pip WatchBald eagles Jackie and Shadow had three eggs in 2024, but they failed to hatch.Friends of Big Bear ValleyThe social media comments are full of teachers sharing how they play the livestream for their classes and long-time watchers reminiscing about previous years of the nest cam. One theme throughout is endless good wishes for eaglets this year. I followed them last year and was heartbroken when the babies didnt make it, another Facebook fan wrote. I love watching them and sending them prayers that they get little babies.The Big Bear eagles arent aware of the hundreds of thousands of people rooting for them. A lot of humans will feel either elation or heartbreak depending on what happens with the three eggs. In the meantime, theres plenty of joy to go around as Jackie and Shadow display their devotion to each other and their eggs live on camera for the world to see.

Something to look forward to: Scientists have created a laboratory prototype of a plasma electric rocket engine that could revolutionize space travel. Based on a magnetic plasma accelerator, this propulsion system promises to significantly reduce interplanetary travel time, potentially enabling trips to Mars in just one to two months. Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, recently developed a new spacecraft engine with impressive specifications. It far surpasses the capabilities of traditional chemical rocket engines, capable of generating at least 6 N of thrust and a specific impulse of at least 100 km/s."Currently, a flight to Mars using conventional engines can take almost a year one way, which is dangerous for astronauts due to cosmic radiation and exposure to radiation," Alexey Voronov, First Deputy Director General for Science at the Rosatom Research Institute, explained. "Using plasma engines can shorten the mission to 30-60 days, meaning it will be possible to send an astronaut to Mars and back."The engine operates on a fundamentally different principle than traditional rockets. Junior researcher Egor Biriulin explained that a plasma rocket engine is an electric propulsion system with two electrodes. When charged particles move between them and a high voltage is applied, an electric current generates a magnetic field. This field propels the particles out of the engine, giving the plasma a directed motion that produces thrust.This approach has a power output of about 300 kW, allowing for unprecedented speeds. While traditional power units have a maximum matter flow velocity of about 4.5 km/s due to fuel combustion conditions, the new plasma engine accelerates charged particles electrons and protons to a speed of 100 km/s (62 miles/s).Engineers will test the technology using a large-scale experimental stand assembled in Troitsk. The stand's key equipment is a vacuum chamber measuring four meters in diameter and 14 meters in length. Rosatom will equip the test unit with systems for high-performance vacuum pumping and heat removal, allowing scientists to simulate the conditions of deep space.One notable advantage of this new engine design is its efficiency. Biriulin noted that the plasma does not need to be intensely heated, which means that the parts and components of the engine do not experience temperature overloads. Additionally, the engine converts nearly all the generated electrical energy into motion.The spacecraft's initial launch into orbit will still rely on traditional chemical rockets. However, the plasma engine takes over once it reaches its designated orbit. Future spacefaring could incorporate the technology into space tugs to transport cargo between planets. // Related StoriesBefore getting too excited, it's important to note that the research comes with several caveats come with the research. For one, the engine is still in the prototype stage, and significant development work remains before Rosatom can use it in crewed space missions. Also, while the group claims that its estimates of the engine's capabilities are "justified" through more than 2400 hours of testing, this may be optimistic since Rosatom has not tested the engine in space-like conditions for long durations.Additionally, the potential use of space tugs for cargo transport between planets is speculative at this stage. It's important to remember that this is an early-stage technology, and the dramatic reduction in travel time to Mars should be viewed as a potential long-term goal rather than an imminent reality.The development of this plasma engine is part of a broader initiative by Rosatom to advance space exploration technologies. The company is also involved in developing new nuclear power plants for various space applications, onboard systems, and automatic control and navigation systems for spacecraft.