Large language models (LLMs) are limited by complex reasoning tasks that require multiple steps, domain-specific knowledge, or external tool integration. To address these challenges, researchers have explored ways to enhance LLM capabilities through external tool usage. By leveraging pre-built tools, AI systems can handle more intricate problem-solving scenarios, including real-world decision-making, multi-step reasoning, and specialized domain applications.Many approaches require fine-tuning or additional training to integrate tool use, making them rigid and difficult to adapt across various tasks. Existing methods either rely on static, predefined toolsets or lack an efficient tool selection and planning mechanism. This inefficiency leads to errors in task execution, increased computational costs, and limited adaptability when applied to new domains.Traditional approaches to enhancing LLMs include few-shot prompting, chain-of-thought reasoning, and function-calling APIs that allow AI to interface with external tools. Some frameworks, such as LangChain and AutoGen, enable LLMs to use external resources, but they often focus on specific applications or require extensive pre-configuration. These frameworks do not provide a unified method for multi-step planning and execution, making them less effective in handling complex reasoning problems. Also, most existing methods lack a structured approach to tool selection, leading to inefficiencies in execution.Researchers from Stanford University introduced OctoTools to overcome the above limitations, a novel framework that enhances AI reasoning capabilities by enabling dynamic and structured external tool usage. OctoTools is a modular, training-free, and extensible framework that standardizes how AI models interact with external tools. Unlike previous frameworks that require predefined tool configurations, OctoTools introduces tool cards, which encapsulate tool functionalities and metadata. These tool cards define input-output formats, constraints, and best practices, making it easier for AI models to integrate and use tools efficiently. The framework is structured around a planner-executor system that determines which tools are required for a given task, executes commands, and verifies the accuracy of results.The framework has three key phases: planning, execution, and verification. The planner first analyzes the user query and determines the appropriate tools based on metadata associated with each tool card. This metadata includes input requirements, output expectations, and constraints. Once the planner identifies the tools needed for a specific task, the executor translates high-level decisions into executable commands. The executor runs these commands sequentially, ensuring that intermediate results are processed correctly before moving to the next step. After execution, a context verifier assesses the consistency of outputs to ensure they align with the original query. This verification process helps reduce errors by confirming whether all necessary sub-goals have been met. Also, OctoTools employs a task-specific toolset optimization algorithm that selects the most relevant tools for each task, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy.The research team extensively evaluated 16 benchmarks covering vision, mathematical reasoning, scientific analysis, and medical applications. These benchmarks included datasets such as AlgoPuzzleVQA, MathVista, GPQA, SciFIBench, MedQA, and GAIA-Text. The results demonstrated that OctoTools significantly outperformed existing AI frameworks. Specifically, OctoTools achieved an average accuracy improvement of 9.3% over GPT-4o and up to 10.6% over competing agentic frameworks such as LangChain and AutoGen. In vision-based reasoning tasks, OctoTools improved accuracy by 7.4% over GPT-4o and 11.3% over zero-shot prompting methods. Mathematical reasoning tasks achieved a 22.5% improvement over the baseline. The framework also demonstrated substantial gains in medical and scientific domains, with a 20.7% accuracy boost in pathology image classification and 17.2% in medical question answering. The task-specific toolset optimization algorithm enhanced efficiency, reducing unnecessary computations and improving overall performance.Main Highlights from the Research include the following:OctoTools significantly improves AI reasoning accuracy, achieving an average 9.3% improvement over GPT-4o and 10.6% over other agentic frameworks.The framework supports 16 diverse reasoning tasks, including vision-based analysis, mathematical computations, medical reasoning, and scientific data interpretation.OctoTools modular tool card system enables seamless tool integration, reducing the need for predefined tool configurations and making the framework adaptable to new domains.The planner-executor system optimizes decision-making, dynamically selecting the most relevant tools for each task while ensuring accurate execution.The toolset optimization algorithm improves efficiency, reduces computational overhead, and ensures that only the most beneficial tools are used for a given problem.OctoTools achieved a 20.7% accuracy improvement in medical applications, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world AI-assisted diagnostics.OctoTools outperformed traditional prompting methods in multi-step reasoning tasks by 22.5%, highlighting its superior performance in structured problem-solving.Unlike other frameworks, OctoTools does not require additional model retraining, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for AI-driven decision-making.Check outthePaper and GitHub Page.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,feel free to follow us onTwitterand dont forget to join our75k+ ML SubReddit. Asif RazzaqWebsite| + postsBioAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences.Asif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/SGLang: An Open-Source Inference Engine Transforming LLM Deployment through CPU Scheduling, Cache-Aware Load Balancing, and Rapid Structured Output GenerationAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Stanford Researchers Developed POPPER: An Agentic AI Framework that Automates Hypothesis Validation with Rigorous Statistical Control, Reducing Errors and Accelerating Scientific Discovery by 10xAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Steps to Build an Interactive Text-to-Image Generation Application using Gradio and Hugging Faces DiffusersAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Microsoft Researchers Present Magma: A Multimodal AI Model Integrating Vision, Language, and Action for Advanced Robotics, UI Navigation, and Intelligent Decision-Making

Dope Girls is not your grandmas historical drama (unless of course, your grandma has lived a life, has good taste in TV, and frankly, could do with a bit more respect and a bit less condescension from people assuming that she wont be able to watch anything that isnt presented by Alan Titchmarsh). To try again then, Dope Girls is no Downton Abbey. It might be set in the same time period, but this tale of Soho women dancing with danger, death and well, other dancers in the nightclubs where they work is a world away from the genteel intrigues of the Earl of Grantham.With a cast including actors from the US, Australia and the UK, heres whos playing who in BBC Ones new Saturday night series.Eliza Scanlen as Violet DaviesViolet is a new recruit to the Metropolitan police service hoping to be chosen for The Female Experiment in which women were first made officers in the UK. Shes tough, alone and has nothing to lose, which makes her a dangerous prospect.Shes played by Australian actor Eliza Scanlen, whose breakout roles came in HBOs 2018 adaptation of Gillian Flynns Sharp Objects, and in Greta Gerwigs 2019 feature film Little Women, in which Scanlen played second-to-youngest March sister Beth. Shes recently appeared opposite Doctor Whos Ncuti Gatwa in this years National Theatre production of The Importance of Being Earnest.Julianne Nicholson as Kate GallowayKate is cruelly forced to find her own way after she loses her job, and has to go to extreme lengths to provide a living for her and her teenage daughter Evie, a clever girl with the potential to be among the first women in the UK to go to university.Shes played by US actor Julianne Nicholson, whos currently appearing as the wealthy Sinatra in Disney/Hulu political thriller Paradise (which has just been renewed for a second season). Shes known for Law & Order, The Outsider, having played Esther in Boardwalk Empire, Lillian in Masters of Sex and Lorri in the first season of Kate Winslet-starring crime drama Mare of Easttown.Umi Myers as Billie CassidyBillie is a Soho nightclub dancer who lives a bohemian, drink and drug-fuelled lifestyle with her singer friend Eddie Cobb. Shes played by Umi Myers, a recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with previous stage parts and an appearance in Bob Marley: One Love. Dope Girls is Myers first television lead role.Geraldine James as Isabella SalucciThe matriarch of the fearsome Salucci crime family, Isabella is a ruthless survivor whos held her clan together through the War and much more. Shes played by Geraldine James, a familiar face on screen and stage whos had a long and healthy career going back to the late 1970s. To some TV viewers, shell always be indivisible from the part of Sarah in The Jewel in the Crown, to others, shell be best recognised as Rose from Band of Gold, Milner in Channel 4s Utopia, Mrs Hudson in the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes films, and Marissa in Anne With an E, to name just a few.Dustin Demri-Burns as Damaso SalucciA Salucci son, Damaso is a member of a powerful Soho crime family, and has a terrifying brutal side. Hes played by Dustin Demri-Burns, whos well known for comedy roles in Cardinal Burns, Stath Lets Flats, GameFace and Am I Being Unreasonable?, but has an equally healthy career in dramas with a comedic edge from The Great to Slow Horses, Britannia, Sweetpea and The Decameron.Ian Bonar as Sgt Frank TurnerSgt Turner is helping to run The Female Experiment, which saw the UKs first female police officers. Hes a complicated man who doesnt wield his power well, and makes an early enemy of Violet. Hes played by Ian Bonar, who recently appeared opposite Peter Capaldi in Apple TV+s Criminal Record, as well as roles across various TV genres, from I May Destroy You to New Blood, Vera and many more.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Fiona Button as Sophie Asquith-GoreThe wife of a wealthy and important government minister, and the mother to Evies friend Alice, Sophie is grieving the brother she lost in the war, and thinks that she can still speak to him via a medium. Shes played by actor-director Fiona Button, whos known for the role of Rose Defoe in Abi Morgans legal drama The Split, and was recently seen as Denise in series three of Industry, as well as in Grantchester, Out of Her Mind, and plenty of theatre productions.Nabhaan Rizwan as Silas HuxleyMedium and occultist Silus Huxley takes money from the wealthy to help them contact their dead. Hes played by Nabhaan Rizwan, who recently played Dionysus in Netflixs KAOS, as well as appearing opposite his brother Mawaan Rizwan in his sitcom Juice, and in the US playing Frank in Station Eleven, after his breakout role in 2018s BBC crime drama Informer. Will Keen as Frederick Asquith-GoreA powerful government minister whos set on rooting out the rot in Londons seedy nightclubs, Frederick Asquith-Gore is played by screen and stage actor Will Keen (incidentally, the father of Logan and His Dark Materials Dafne Keen), who recently appeared in BBC drama Wolf Hall as Thomas Cranmer, as well as playing Lord Belzagar in the second season of Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Norfolk in My Lady Jane, the Queens private secretary in The Crown, and David in Ridley Road, as well as appearing in feature film Operation Mincemeat and more.ALSO APPEARING Musical stage and screen actor Michael Duke as nightclub singer Eddie Cobb. The Outrun and The Powers Eilidh Fisher as Kates daughter Evie Galloway. The Bay, The Reckoning, True Detective and Strikes Eloise Thomas as Evies schoolfriend Alice Asquith-Gore. The Sixth Commandments, Ghosts and Lead Balloons Anna Crilly as butcher Anne Sanders. Bridgerton and The Bastard Son and the Devil Himselfs Priya Kansara as nightclub dancer Lily Lee. Heartstoppers Ben Hope, aka Sebastian Croft as nightclub owner Silvio Salucci. The Newsreader and The Inheritances Rory Fleck Byrne as returned soldier Luca Salucci.Dope Girls airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

When 5G debuted with the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple introduced a sneaky new pricing tactic. Apple would list iPhones as starting at $799, but that price would require you to activate with one of the major US carriers at the point of purchase. If you wanted an unlocked iPhone, the actual starting price point was $829.iPhone 16e gets rid of this annoying upcharge.iPhone activation discountEvery entry-level iPhone since iPhone 12 has carried this pricing strategy. Even the latest iPhone 16. It never applied to the higher priced Pro models, luckily.This pricing strategy always annoyed me, since people often refer to the iPhone 16 as a $799 phone, despite the fact that a lot of people arent actually paying that price. If youre on one of the major carriers and activate your iPhone through Apple, youll pay that price. Otherwise, you arent.Many people buy their iPhones from their carrier directly, and even if youre buying from a big four carrier the pricing is based on the full $829 price tag.Some may argue that $30 isnt a big deal, but its still worth pointing out.Apple C1 modemWhen Apple introduced the iPhone 12, they included 5G mmWave technology on the entire lineup. This was likely because carrier partners, like Verizon, pushed hard for its inclusion. 5G mmWave is a pricier technology, one that tends to be excluded from lower-end phones. It has fairly limited benefit, given that it can only be advantageous in super dense environments, like stadiums. Even in dense cities like New York, you can easily lose connection to a mmWave tower by turning a corner.Luckily, Apples C1 modem doesnt support mmWave 5G, for one reason or another. And thus, there isnt a need for a carrier subsidy to help offset the cost.No matter which carrier you have, you can purchase an iPhone 16e for the $599 price tag that its listed at. That hasnt been true for any other mainstream non-pro iPhone since 2020.That said, Apples C2 modem will likely support mmWave technology. However, given the fact that Apple has withheld from including mmWave on iPhones outside of the US, therell likely be a variant without it.My favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 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

The first iOS 18.4 beta dropped yesterday, and includes an exciting smart home addition that previously went under the radar. As tested by Jonathan at Smart Home Centre, the Home app now supports robot vacuums and maps that integrate with the Matter protocol. Right now, the only compatible model on the market is the Switchbot S10 Robot Vacuum and Mop, but many other manufacturers have pledged support for Matter with forthcoming software updates.While almost all of these vacuums have iPhone apps you can control them with, the native support through the Home app enables Siri voice commands and integration in the unified dashboard alongside all your other smart home accessories. You can also then include the vacuum and mop actions in your normal HomeKit automations and scenes.Once configured, youll be able to control your vacuum with voice commands on your iPhone, HomePods, Apple TV and any other iOS device. The Apple Home app includes a simple-but-capable set of controls for the S10 robot vacuums. You can tell the vacuum to start cleaning, or tell it to stop a session in progress, enable or disable the mop and set a preset vacuum cleaning mode (like Quick or Deep Clean options). Theres also a Send to Dock button which should tell the vacuum to return home to its charging station. For more advanced robot vacuum and mop features, like room mapping or setting custom routes, you will still need to open the companion app from the manufacturer. But for the fundamentals, youll be able to do it just through the Apple Home app. iOS 18.4 is currently in developer and is expected to be released publicly as a free iPhone software update sometime in April. Matter robot vacuum support is also available in the next version of other Apple operating systems, like iPadOS 18.4, tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and macOS 15.4.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

Apple's iPhone 16E is now available to preorder, starting at $599. The new phone comes out Friday, Feb. 28, and perhaps its biggest selling point is the sub-$600 starting price, which makes it $200 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16E has many of the more expensive device's best features, like an A18 chip, a 48-megapixel main camera, iOS 18, Apple Intelligence and access to Apple services like Facetime, iMessage and Emergency SOS via Satellite.What more could you want, right?Well, as with other affordable phones, compromises were made to get to that lower price. These omissions tell you a lot about what Apple values -- like Apple Intelligence, for example. I've reviewed more budget phones than I can count, and the best ones always offer far more than just their low sticker price. It's a pleasant surprise when a company like Motorola, OnePlus or Google nails the balance of what to keep and what to omit. So how did Apple do?I'll save my thoughts until I can test and review the iPhone 16E. For now, though, let's take a look at the features you don't get on the iPhone 16E.Preorder the iPhone 16E Watch this: The iPhone 16E Has Arrived 05:08 MagSafe and Qi2MagSafe has become a popular aspect of being an iPhone owner, and it's wild that the iPhone 16E doesn't have it. MagSafe debuted in 2020 on the iPhone 12 and uses magnets inside the phone to help it wirelessly charge by ensuring it's in the optimum position. The magnets have an added benefit because they let you attach magnetic accessories to your iPhone, like a wallet or battery pack, as well as secure your phone to mounts, like one in a car.The iPhone 16's MagSafe supports 25-watt wireless charging speeds. But the iPhone 16E only supports 7.5W wireless charging, the original Qi standard -- not even Qi2 speeds of 15W.Ultrawide, macro camera Apple/Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNETThe iPhone 16E has something of a rarity in 2025: a single rear camera. But as I've said before, in other stories and reviews, I'd rather have one really good camera than the two or three mediocre ones that can often be found on sub-$300 phones. The 16E's main camera has a 48-megapixel sensor, which has enough resolution for sensor cropping to offer a 2x magnification -- not quite the same as having a second camera, but close.Sensor cropping can't replace having a dedicated ultrawide camera, which on the iPhone 16 doubles as a macro camera, letting you focus on close-up subjects, like for food photos.3 gramsThe iPhone 16E weighs 167 grams, making it 3 grams lighter than the 170-gram iPhone 16. Hey, not all omissions are bad.Dynamic Island The iPhone 16E has a screen notch. Apple/CNETThe iPhone 16E brings back the screen notch, a cutout at the top of the screen that houses the phone's selfie camera and FaceID technology. But it lacks the Dynamic Island cutout, which is a smaller, oval-shaped hole at the top of the display on the iPhone 16. Apple uses the screen space around the Dynamic Island cutout to show system alerts as well as background tasks, like when music is playing. Obviously the 16E's lack of a Dynamic Island won't prevent it from showing alerts, but it's still missing out on a clever software interface.Qualcomm 5G modem and mmWave The C1 modem is Apple's first in-house 5G modem. Apple/Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNETIn its launch video, Apple proudly pointed out that the iPhone 16E has an in-house designed 5G modem called C1. The new Apple modem forgoes the Qualcomm 5G modems used in other iPhone models. Designing its own modem allows Apple to tailor the device for its phones. The new modem helps extend the iPhone 16E's battery life, which Apple says is longer than it is with other iPhone 16 models.But the C1 modem has one wrinkle: It doesn't support 5G mmWave (or ultra-wideband), which is the very fast flavor of 5G that you might experience in parts of some cities or at a stadium for an event.Color options The iPhone 16E comes in black or white. Apple/CNETWhen the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus launched, one of the best aspects was that they came in colors like ultramarine, teal and pink. The iPhone 16E comes in only black or white.Five GPU coresOne of the iPhone 16E's biggest features is that, like the iPhone 16, it has the A18 chip and can run Apple Intelligence. But the chip isn't exactly the same. The iPhone 16's A18 chip has five GPU cores, while the 16E's has only four. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, the good news is that the difference likely won't have a noticeable effect on daily use with the iPhone 16E. But if you're someone who plays graphics-intensive games for hours on end, the iPhone 16 could have a slight edge.Camera Control button Here's the pop-up menu (top right) that appears as you're using the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16. Marc Ganley/CNETApple's omission of the Camera Control button, which also triggers Visual Intelligence searches, makes sense, since the 16E has only a single camera. Those people who are likely to use a Camera Control button are probably going to get an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, because those models have more cameras. Apple also smartly enabled the 16E's Action button to start a Visual Intelligence search.Ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi 7 and ThreadThe iPhone 16E lacks Apple's ultra-wideband chip, meaning you won't be able to use the Precision Tracking feature in Find My for AirTags. The phone supports Wi-Fi 6 but not the newer 6E or 7 standards. Wi-Fi 6 speeds are good, but as more Wi-Fi 7 routers come out, the 16E won't be able to take advantage of faster peak speeds. The 16E also lacks support for Thread radio and won't be able to directly connect to some smart home devices with a built-in Thread border router. Apple's New iPhone 16E in 8 Photos See all photos Action, Cinematic and Spatial video modesThe iPhone 16E's Camera app doesn't have:Action mode for stabilizing video recordings with lots of camera shakeCinematic mode for recording videos with a faux shallow depth of fieldSpatial mode for recording "3D" videos for the Vision Pro, which needs two camerasOther odds and endsThe iPhone 16E has Photographic Styles, but not the newer ones that debuted on the iPhone 16 series. The 16E can take Portrait mode photos, but it lacks the ability to change focus after the fact like on the iPhone 16. The 16E's display is covered with Ceramic Shield, but not the newer, more durable version that's on the iPhone 16.Though this list of omissions is long, that doesn't mean the iPhone 16E is a bad phone. I look forward to getting my hands on one and testing it soon.Apple iPhone 16E Specs vs. iPhone 16, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 16EiPhone 16iPhone SE (2022)iPhone 15Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.1-inch OLED display; 2,532x1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate6.1-inch OLED display; 2,556x1,179 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate4.7-inch LCD; 1,334x750 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,556x1,179 pixels; 60hz refresh ratePixel density 460ppi460ppi326ppi460ppiDimensions (inches) 5.78x2.82x0.315.81x2.82x0.315.45x2.65x0.292.82x5.81x0.31Dimensions (millimeters) 146.7x71.5x7.8147.6x71.6x7.8138.4x67.3x7.371.6x147.6x7.8Weight 167 grams (5.88 ounces)170g (6oz)144g (5.09oz)171g (6.02oz)Mobile software iOS 18iOS 18iOS 15iOS 17Camera 48 megapixel (wide)48 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide)12 megapixel (wide)48 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide)Front-facing camera 12 megapixel12 megapixel7 megapixel12 megapixelVideo capture 4K4K4K4KProcessor Apple A18Apple A18Apple A15 BionicApple A16 BionicRAM/storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneBattery Up to 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wireless chargingUp to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15WBattery size not disclosed (charger not included; supports wireless charging)Undisclosed; Apple says up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed)Fingerprint sensor None (Face ID)None (Face ID)Home buttonNone (Face ID)Connector USB-CUSB-CLightningUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial features Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, satellite connectivity, IP68 resistanceApple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine.5G-enabled; supports 25W wired fast charging; Water resistant (IP67); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless chargingDynamic Island; 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivityUS price starts at $599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), $899 (512GB)$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)$399 (64GB), $449 (128GB), $549 (256GB)$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)UK price starts at 599 (128GB), 699 (256GB), 899 (512GB)799 (128GB), 899 (256GB), 1,099 (512GB)419 (64GB), 469 (128GB), 569 (256GB)799 (128GB), 899 (256GB), 1,099 (512GB)Australia price starts at AU$999 (128GB), AU$1,199 (256GB), AU$1,549 (512GB)AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB)AU$749 (64GB), AU$829 (128GB), AU$999 (256GB)AU$1,499 (128GB), AU$1,699 (256GB), AU$2,049 (512GB)

Looking for the most recent Strands answer?Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.Today's NYTStrandspuzzle is a fun one. Are fewer people participating in this certain hobby these days, I wonder? Maybe it depends on the item in question. If you need more hints and answers, read on.I go indepth about therules for Strands in this story.If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more:NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So FarHint for today's Strands puzzle Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Today's Strands theme is:Oh, this old thing?If that doesn't help you, here's a clue: Some choose baseball cards for this hobby.Clue words to unlock in-game hintsYour goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:PUSH, LUSH, SHIN, SHINE, COLA, HOTS, HOST, HEEL, DALE, BONY, HOLT, HEAL, CLOT, CLOTS, PLIE, BITE, COTS, PLUSH, PLUS, LOBE.Answers for today's Strands puzzleThese are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you've got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:COIN, COMIC, STAMP, VINYL, PLUSHIE, BOBBLEHEAD.Today's Strands spangramToday's Strands spangram isCOLLECTIBLES.To find it, start with the C that's three letters to the right on the bottom row, and wind up. The completed NYT Strands puzzle for Feb. 23, 2025, #357. NYT/Screenshot by CNET

Coinbase on Friday said the SEC has agreed to drop the lawsuit against the company with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again.The move, which is still subject to the approval of the SECs Commissioners, is yet another signal that the Trump administration plans to be more friendly to crypto than the SEC was under former leader Gary Gensler.The SECs lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleged that crypto assets were securities and that Coinbase was operating as an unregistered national securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency.Coinbase fought back, arguing, in part, that the SEC hadnt established clear enough rules concerning crypto in order to sue over breaking them.I remember in 2023, a lot of people were advising on this and they were saying, Do not engage in litigation with the SEC; its going to cost you tens of millions of dollars, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said in a video he posted on X on Friday announcing that the suit was being dropped. In the video, Armstrong also made allegations about the SECs motivations and tactics.Armstrong said he fought because he believed that he was saving the crypto industry in America. Not as many other companies had deep pockets like we did, he said. And ultimately we had to spend $50 million defending this case proving the naysayers right on how expensive the fight would be.A Coinbase spokesperson clarified that this amount included strictly external legal fees, not employee time.Coinbases apparent legal victory aside, Armstrong said that he still believes that the U.S. needs to get legislation for crypto passed to codify favorable regulations, or risk falling behind other nations.

Niben-hey, new stuffMassive Oblivion remake mod Skyblivion shows off the final region its devs have just finished laying the foundations of in new gameplay at C3The Skyrim modding project's level of growing polish as it marches forward towards release later this year really stuck out here.Image credit: Bethesda/the Skyblivion team/VG247 News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Feb. 22, 2025 Skyblivion, the massive modding project thats remaking The Elder Scrolls IV in Skyrims engine, has just shown off some fresh quest gameplay at C3 (Community Creations Con) ahead of its 2025 release.What was intended to be about half an hour of quest gameplay turned into about 40 minutes, but hey, sometimes you just walk into a building and an NPC you're used to being in one place has decided to cheekily sit out of the way.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. As you'd expect given the Skyblivion team hit the major milestone of finishing up landscaping work on the final region of Cyrodiil they had to finish that key stage for - the Niben Basin and Valley - earlier this week, the gameplay shown off this time mainly focused on the area in and around the city of Cheydinhal.We got quick runthroughs of two quests - the Fighters Guild one that tasks you with resolving Biene Amelion's debt and a true classic in the form of 'A Brush with Death'. If the latter's name doesn't ring a bell, it's the one that sees you walk into dark elf Rythe Lythandas' painted world in order to free the poor artist with the magic brush.Watch on YouTubeIn both cases, the thing that really stuck out was just how detailed and polished Skyblivion's worldspaces and the stuff contained within them looks at this point in development. At one point, project lead Kyle 'Rebelzize' Rebel just did the walk into Cheydinhal I've done a million times in both vanilla and modded Oblivion, and it brought a smile to my face to see how well it seems the team has maintained the nostalgic soul of the thing, while filing away some of its rougher, more 2006 edges.The painted world itself was a great example of this - playing vanilla Oblivion in 2025, it feels like a little room that might not be too special if it wasn't able to lean into the game's already very oil paintingy aesthetic to form something visually special. In Skyblivion, it's a longer, more fully fleshed-out dungeon that packs a similar visual punch despite Skyrim's more realistic art style, and ends in an environment deliberately textured to look just like unpainted canvas.Another detail worth picking out here was the mod's new interaction menu UI, which has been overhauled into something unique that brings a lot more Oblivion vibes to help offset the more Skyrim-style inventory, compass, and map the mod has - as you'd expect, given it's running in TES V. Also, while battling skeleton enemies, you may suddenly realise you've just killed one with a tail. Why? Well, because the modders have put together unique skeletons for elves and best races, which is a step beyond even Skyrim.There's still no concrete release date for the mod to narrow down the general 2025 window it's had for a little while, but the modders did reiterate in this showcase: "We are confident we can get it out this year". What did you think of this latest look at Skyblivion? Let us know below and make sure to check out the interview we've literally just done with Skyblivion project lead Rebel, especially if you want to know how the modders feel about those official Oblivion remake rumours.

In BriefPosted:1:22 PM PST February 22, 2025Image Credits:Bryce Durbin / TechCrunchUS AI Safety Institute could face big cutsThe National Institute of Standards and Technology could fire as many as 500 staffers, according to multiple reports cuts that further threaten a fledgling AI safety organization.Axios reported this week that the US AI Safety Institute (AISI) and Chips for America, both part of NIST, would be gutted by layoffs targeting probationary employees (who are typically in their first year or two on the job). And Bloomberg said some of those employees had already been given verbal notice of upcoming terminations. Even before the latest layoff reports, AISIs future was looking uncertain. The institute, which is supposed to study risks and develop standards around AI development, was created last year as part of then-President Joe Bidens executive order on AI safety. President Donald Trump repealed that order on his first day back in office, and AISIs director departed earlier in February.Fortune spoke to a number of AI safety and policy organizations who all criticized the reported layoffs.These cuts, if confirmed, would severely impact the governments capacity to research and address critical AI safety concerns at a time when such expertise is more vital than ever, said Jason Green-Lowe, executive director of the Center for AI Policy.Topics

Landscape Design by Roberto Burle Max | Fpcamp via UnsplashModern technology plays a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing the charm of historic landscapes. Integrating advanced design software into landscape architecture offers innovative solutions that respect the historical essence of these sites. By leveraging tools like advanced modeling and simulation software, designers can create aesthetic landscapes that complement historical architecture while introducing contemporary elements that breathe new life into these spaces.Innovative Software SolutionsAdvancements in design technology have transformed the way landscape architects work. Software programs allow professionals to visualize designs with unmatched accuracy, enabling them to explore various design options before implementation. Landscape architects canuseDynaScape and other landscape design tools to simulate landscapes with vibrant details, ensuring that new elements harmonize with existing historic features. The functionality of such software empowers designers to make informed decisions while maximizing the potential of historic sites. One of the key benefits of leveraging innovative software is the ability to integrate feedback into the design process. This real-time adaptability allows teams to adjust their work based on client preferences or site-specific characteristics, ensuring that the outcome aligns with historical significance and modern requirements. By preserving the historical narrative within the design framework, modern technology can create landscapes that are functional and narratively rich.Case Studies in RevitalizationChicago | Aveedibya via UnsplashResidential | Sanju Pandita via UnsplashExamining successful projects gives insight into the potential of technology in landscape restoration. A notable example is the revitalization of a historic park in Chicago. With the aid of sophisticated design tools, landscape architects enhanced the parks natural beauty while restoring pathways and historical features. This included meticulous planning to reintroduce native plant species that complement the existing flora and provide ecological value. Similarly, the recent urban development around the historic district of Charleston has showcased how technology can respect the past while looking toward the future. Here, digital design tools facilitated extensive community engagement, allowing residents to visualize proposed changes. Such interactive approaches ensured that modifications were aesthetic and culturally sensitive, maintaining the character of Charlestons rich history. Hence, history and modernism synergize beautifully with the right technological tools.Preserving Historical IntegrityAn essential aspect of enhancing historic landscapes lies in honoring their original integrity. Every historic site carries a story within its architecture, and modern interventions must enhance rather than overshadow these narratives. Landscape architects using landscape software and other tools must be acutely aware of their designs historical context. Utilizing tailored design solutions, they can implement modern amenities without compromising the sites essence. For instance, using advanced irrigation systems can significantly improve the sustainability of historic gardens while keeping their historical aesthetics intact. Lighting designs can also be modernized to enhance visibility and security without detracting from the charm of historical features. The careful selection of materials and plants should align with the historical narrative, ensuring that the landscape evolves in a manner that respects its past.Future Trends in Landscape Architecture Pascal Debrunner via UnsplashAs technology continues to advance, the future of landscape architecture will likely see even more sophisticated applications. Integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into landscape design can revolutionize client presentations. AR can provide immersive experiences, allowing stakeholders to walk through proposed designs before any physical changes are made. Such interactions foster a deeper understanding of how modern enhancements can coexist with historical elements. Moreover, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus within landscape architecture. Implementing smart technology to manage resource usage aligns perfectly with the preservation objectives vital to historic landscapes. By reducing water and energy consumption through intelligent design choices, landscape architects can contribute to a more sustainable future while enhancing the charm and vitality of historic sites. Over the next decade, we can expect these trends to shape how we approach and treat historic landscapes, blending advanced technology with deep respect for history.The harmonious integration of modern tools will enable landscape architects to create spaces that serve contemporary needs while keeping the legacies of the past alive. Using technology, its possible to enhance the landscapes surrounding historic buildings creatively and thoughtfully. By exploring all available tools and embracing new trends, architects and designers can ensure that.Leave a comment