Algonquin Park, a 3,000-square-mile expanse of forests and lakes, is one of Canadas most famous stretches of wilderness. Or, to be more exact, semiwilderness: After being logged in the 19th century, the place has become a preserve for a thousand species of plants, old-growth forests, and people from the Toronto region looking to spend some time in the woods. A lucky few stay there in private cabins on leased land. For one such resident, a landscape architect with an existing cottage, Torontos Anya Moryoussef Architect designed a 600-square-foot cabin whose ingredientstimber, light, and shadowseem drawn from the site itself.The cabin is clad in cedar shingles and Douglas fir plywood. ( Felix Michaud)The sleeping cabin, known colloquially as a bunkie, rests in a stand of conifers on a steep hillside overlooking the parks Smoke Lake. Its clad in cedar shingles and Douglas fir plywood, which are mostly concealed by a coat of black stainexcept on an open-air corner porch, where the fir reveals its color and is washed by sunlight from above.The form of the house was driven by the parks tight restrictions on any new architecture. ( Felix Michaud)Architect Moryoussef, who led the design with project architect James Swain, said that the form was driven by the parks tight restrictions on any new architecture. We decided not to fight the constraints, which were giving us a basic box with a symmetrical gabled roof, Moryoussef said. Instead, we decided to do what we can to subvert that. The entire building is made of prefabricated sections from local contractor. ( Felix Michaud)The result is a Monopoly-house form with an uncommonly rigorous interior. Moryoussefs design splits the plan into four quarters: the porch, then a living room, then through a door to another bedroom, and a sitting area. While the porch opens to the west, where its clear-coated walls catch the light of dusk, the sleeping area occupies the east side, where dawn light just sneaks in through the trees, Moryoussef explained. The prospects from the house are divided by the columns. I can look from the porch into one of the interior spaces and then again out into the landscape, she added. You get layers of frames that reflect the verticality of the forest.Wood dominates the interiors, the material is even used to form a sink vanity. ( Felix Michaud)The light interior textures contrast from the dark exterior. ( Felix Michaud)The three rooms and the porch are of equal size, and the elevations and plan all hew to an insistent 1-meter module. On the outer walls, windows and fir panels evoke Miesian curtain-wall construction, expressed in the honey-hued language of softwood. The black shade on the exterior likewise seems a modernist trope, but in fact its the local vernacular. Black and near-black hues have been the standard choice for cottage exteriors here since the 1950s.The porch opens to the west. ( FelixMichaud)The cabins geometric precision is not just rhetorical: The entire building is made of prefabricated sections, which a local contractor made in his shop, brought across the lake on a small barge, and then winched up the hill. That process can be reversed in 20 years, when the land lease is set to expire. Every piece of the building has to be removable, Moryoussef said, so that theres no trace that it was ever there.Alex Bozikovic is the architecture critic of The Globe and Mail and the author of books including 305 Lost Buildings of Canada.Project SpecificationsArchitect: Anya Moryoussef ArchitectInterior design: AMA/Anya Moryoussef ArchitectStructural engineer: Kieffer EngineeringGeneral contractor: Smoke Creek ConstructionFacade system: Douglas Fir ACX PlywoodRichmond Plywood CorporationDecking: Thermory USAWindows and doors: MarvinWaterproofing: Henrys BlueskinFixtures:Sink: Balux CanadaFaucet: DeltaDoor Hardware: EmtekSkylights: VeluxMillwork: Bowmantree Woodworking & Construction

A new study shows that changing one tech habit has some surprising benefits - and it doesn't involve throwing out your smartphone.

Satellite phones are a true game-changer for anyone venturing into remote areas beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks or duringemergencies or natural disasters. Unlikestandard smartphoneswhich rely on cellular networks made up of physical towers, satellite phones communicate directly with satellites orbiting approximately 500 miles above the Earth. This ensures reliable connectivity even in the most isolated and challenging locations.Staying connected in areas with poor or non-existent cellular coverage can be incredibly difficult, making a satellite phone an invaluable tool. Over the years, I've used a variety of satellite phones and communicators during off-grid adventures. Sometimes, I rely on them to stay in touch with others, while at other times, they serve as a safety precaution in case of emergencies. The ability to hit an SOS button and summon help, even in the most remote environments, provides unparalleled peace of minda feature I'm grateful to have but have yet to use (and hope I never will).Satellite connectivity is an essential communication lifeline for many people, including emergency responders, military personnel, remote field researchers, and avid adventurers. However, accessing these networks often comes with a steep price, requiring expensive subscriptions that may not be accessible to everyone.What is the best satellite phone right now?If you're keen on staying connected no matter where you roam, ZDNET has done extensive research and hands-on testing with some of the best satellite phones and gadgets on the market. Our top pick right now is the Starlink Mini, simply because it's one of the cheapest ways to access the full internet, and everything that offers, when on the go.Check out our complete list to see how other favorite models from Spot, Garmin, and more compare in terms of features. You'll find the perfect satellite phone or communicator to suit your habits and budget. Sort by All The best satellite phones and communicators of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon There is no end of satellite phones and communicators out there, but when it comes to looking at what they offer, their features are incredibly limited, while the price of monthly contracts is sky-high.Enter the Starlink Mini. While the dish will set you back a fair chunk of change, you then get access to high-speed internet across huge swathes of the globe.Read the review: How I turned the Starlink Mini into an almost perfect off-grid internet solutionThere's a lot to like about the Starlink Mini package, from the fact that you get true internet access, high-speed data transfer, the ability to use it on the move in a vehicle, and a dish that's small, lightweight, and can even be run from a power bank.Starlink Mini tech specs: Dimensions: 430 x 334 x 79 mm |Weight: 1.53 kg with kickstand & 15 m cable |Services: Satellite internet |Battery life:N/A|Operating temperatures: -22F to 122F|IP Rating: IP66 Pros Best system for off-grid internet High-speed data transfer Lightweight Cons Problems with cable There is no end of satellite phones and communicators out there, but when it comes to looking at what they offer, their features are incredibly limited, while the price of monthly contracts is sky-high.Enter the Starlink Mini. While the dish will set you back a fair chunk of change, you then get access to high-speed internet across huge swathes of the globe.Read the review: How I turned the Starlink Mini into an almost perfect off-grid internet solutionThere's a lot to like about the Starlink Mini package, from the fact that you get true internet access, high-speed data transfer, the ability to use it on the move in a vehicle, and a dish that's small, lightweight, and can even be run from a power bank.Starlink Mini tech specs: Dimensions: 430 x 334 x 79 mm |Weight: 1.53 kg with kickstand & 15 m cable |Services: Satellite internet |Battery life:N/A|Operating temperatures: -22F to 122F|IP Rating: IP66 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This mobile satellite router connects to the Iridium satellite constellation, and you get enough data bandwidth to check emails, use Twitter, pull up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. You can connect up to five devices to the Iridium Go! hotspot. What I like about this setup: You unbox it, power it up, let it see the sky, and then it acts much like a Wi-Fi router that you might have at home.This is not a cheap kit, and it's designed for those who truly want to go off-grid. It includes not only the Iridium Go! base station and AC travel charger with an international adapter, but it also comes with a solar charger and a desktop charger. Additionally, the unit offers up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life and up to 5.5 hours of talk time. Its various features make it ideal if you're looking to stay connected while exploring remote areas. Its compact design measures 114 by 82 by 32 mm and weighs only 305g, making it easy to carry around.The router offers both satellite calls and satellite SMS, allowing you to communicate with others even in areas without cellular coverage.The Iridium Go! operates within a temperature range of 10 to 50 and meets MIL-STD 810F standards, meaning it can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions. With an IP65 rating, it's also dust-tight and can withstand water jets from any direction.Reviews and comments are divided -- those who have bought one are over the moon with its capabilities, ease of use, and the power it offers. Other reviewers have lamented the price ($855), but that's not more than a premium smartphone.Iridium GO! tech specs: Dimensions: 114 x 82 x 32 mm |Weight: 305g |Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS |Battery life:Talk time: 5.5 hours, standby time: 15.5 hours|Operating temperatures: 50F to 122F|Durability: MIL-STD 810F |IP Rating: IP65 Pros Acts as a satellite hotspot so that multiple devices can connect to it Good battery life Good selection of accessories Cons Expensive This mobile satellite router connects to the Iridium satellite constellation, and you get enough data bandwidth to check emails, use Twitter, pull up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. You can connect up to five devices to the Iridium Go! hotspot. What I like about this setup: You unbox it, power it up, let it see the sky, and then it acts much like a Wi-Fi router that you might have at home.This is not a cheap kit, and it's designed for those who truly want to go off-grid. It includes not only the Iridium Go! base station and AC travel charger with an international adapter, but it also comes with a solar charger and a desktop charger. Additionally, the unit offers up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life and up to 5.5 hours of talk time. Its various features make it ideal if you're looking to stay connected while exploring remote areas. Its compact design measures 114 by 82 by 32 mm and weighs only 305g, making it easy to carry around.The router offers both satellite calls and satellite SMS, allowing you to communicate with others even in areas without cellular coverage.The Iridium Go! operates within a temperature range of 10 to 50 and meets MIL-STD 810F standards, meaning it can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions. With an IP65 rating, it's also dust-tight and can withstand water jets from any direction.Reviews and comments are divided -- those who have bought one are over the moon with its capabilities, ease of use, and the power it offers. Other reviewers have lamented the price ($855), but that's not more than a premium smartphone.Iridium GO! tech specs: Dimensions: 114 x 82 x 32 mm |Weight: 305g |Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS |Battery life:Talk time: 5.5 hours, standby time: 15.5 hours|Operating temperatures: 50F to 122F|Durability: MIL-STD 810F |IP Rating: IP65 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon While satellite communication is now built into the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel, the companies that make messengers need to up their game. Garmin has now unveiled its new inReach Messenger Plus, one of the first satellite communicators to provide photo and voice messaging capabilities in addition to text messaging, location sharing, and SOS communications.With the inReach Messenger Plus, you can enhance your outdoor adventures by sending 30-second voice messages, text messages up to 1,600 characters (including emojis), and sharing your route and GPS location, allowing family and friends to track your journey. Additionally, it accesses weather forecasts to stay informed while exploring the great outdoors, making this device an essential companion for adventurers.As a standalone satellite communicator, the inReach Messenger Plus ensures you're never out of touch, and even if your smartphone battery dies or gets damaged you can still notify contacts of your status, share your location, and send SOS messages.The inReach Messenger Plus is rugged and has an IPX7 water-resistant rating, which means it's built to withstand the elements and survive accidents better than most devices.Garmin inReach Messenger Plus tech specs: Dimensions: 78 x 64 x 23 mm |Weight: 117.2 g |Services: Satellite messaging, location tracking, SOS, and photo/voice message service |Battery life: Up to 25 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode|IP Rating: IP7X Pros Compact messenger device Handles SOS, text, photos, and voice notes Great battery life Cons No physical keyboard Many features rely on smartphone Subscription plans are pricey and somewhat confusing While satellite communication is now built into the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel, the companies that make messengers need to up their game. Garmin has now unveiled its new inReach Messenger Plus, one of the first satellite communicators to provide photo and voice messaging capabilities in addition to text messaging, location sharing, and SOS communications.With the inReach Messenger Plus, you can enhance your outdoor adventures by sending 30-second voice messages, text messages up to 1,600 characters (including emojis), and sharing your route and GPS location, allowing family and friends to track your journey. Additionally, it accesses weather forecasts to stay informed while exploring the great outdoors, making this device an essential companion for adventurers.As a standalone satellite communicator, the inReach Messenger Plus ensures you're never out of touch, and even if your smartphone battery dies or gets damaged you can still notify contacts of your status, share your location, and send SOS messages.The inReach Messenger Plus is rugged and has an IPX7 water-resistant rating, which means it's built to withstand the elements and survive accidents better than most devices.Garmin inReach Messenger Plus tech specs: Dimensions: 78 x 64 x 23 mm |Weight: 117.2 g |Services: Satellite messaging, location tracking, SOS, and photo/voice message service |Battery life: Up to 25 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode|IP Rating: IP7X Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Spot is another company that offers satellite trackers and messengers. There's the, a two-way device that looks a lot like an old Blackberry, the, which lets you send check-in and SOS messages, and the , which allows tracking things like cars and suitcases.Spot X features a physical keyboard that is easy to use, especially if you prefer tactile buttons to touchscreens. The device is durable, too, meeting MIL-STD-810G standards for shock resistance and boasting an ingress protection rating of IP67. At 166 by 38 by 24 mm and weighing 198g, the device is fairly portable and can last up to 240 hours.Also: I held the world's thinnest foldable phone, and it made my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 look outdatedOne of the Spot X's most impressive features is its SOS button, which you can use in an emergency situation. This is a particularly useful feature if you engage in outdoor activities and can find yourself without cellular coverage.Reviewers on Amazon and Reddit all say that while the device's interface can be a bit slow -- think cellphone-from-a-decade-ago slow -- the backlit Blackberry-style keyboard and screen are game-changers because they mean you don't need to rely on a separate smartphone to text rapidly. Yes, it's bigger than communicators that rely on an on-screen keyboard or your smartphone to act as a keyboard, but it's a self-contained bit of kit.Spot X tech specs:Dimensions: 166 38 24 mm |Weight:198g |Services: Satellite SMS, automatic positioning, and SOS |Battery life:240 hours |Operating temperatures: -4F to 140F |Durability: MIL-STD-810G for shock |IP Rating: IP67 Pros SOS feature Low-cost solution Physical keyboard Cons Limited features Physical keyboard is a bit small Spot is another company that offers satellite trackers and messengers. There's the, a two-way device that looks a lot like an old Blackberry, the, which lets you send check-in and SOS messages, and the , which allows tracking things like cars and suitcases.Spot X features a physical keyboard that is easy to use, especially if you prefer tactile buttons to touchscreens. The device is durable, too, meeting MIL-STD-810G standards for shock resistance and boasting an ingress protection rating of IP67. At 166 by 38 by 24 mm and weighing 198g, the device is fairly portable and can last up to 240 hours.Also: I held the world's thinnest foldable phone, and it made my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 look outdatedOne of the Spot X's most impressive features is its SOS button, which you can use in an emergency situation. This is a particularly useful feature if you engage in outdoor activities and can find yourself without cellular coverage.Reviewers on Amazon and Reddit all say that while the device's interface can be a bit slow -- think cellphone-from-a-decade-ago slow -- the backlit Blackberry-style keyboard and screen are game-changers because they mean you don't need to rely on a separate smartphone to text rapidly. Yes, it's bigger than communicators that rely on an on-screen keyboard or your smartphone to act as a keyboard, but it's a self-contained bit of kit.Spot X tech specs:Dimensions: 166 38 24 mm |Weight:198g |Services: Satellite SMS, automatic positioning, and SOS |Battery life:240 hours |Operating temperatures: -4F to 140F |Durability: MIL-STD-810G for shock |IP Rating: IP67 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight handheld GPS receiver with a built-in satellite communicator that enables two-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routing globally (active satellite subscription required). It has Bluetooth connectivity and is water-resistant.Users can share their location with loved ones back home and get accurate heading information using the digital compass. The device can sync with the Garmin Explore app and website for trip planning and topographical mapping. It can also pair with Garmin devices to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS. Garmin actually makes many satellite-enabled devices, from the simpleto the.The Mini 2 has a battery life of up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode, features a monochrome display that's easy to read in all lighting conditions, and is waterproof with an IPX7 rating. It has USB-C for easy charging and connectivity with other devices.While the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a versatile and feature-packed device, it does have a couple of potential downsides to consider: it requires an active satellite subscription, which can add to the overall cost of the device, and its messaging capabilities are limited to text-based communication.User reviews show a high level of satisfaction for this satellite communicator, and having used one, I understand. It's a fantastic bit of kit that offers peace of mind.Garmin inReach Mini 2 tech specs:Dimensions: 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inches |Weight: 3.50 oz | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS |Operating temperatures: -4F to 140F|Battery life: Up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode |Durability:N/A |IP Rating:IPX7 Pros Cheaper than a dedicated sat phone Packed with features Cons Not a true satellite phone The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight handheld GPS receiver with a built-in satellite communicator that enables two-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routing globally (active satellite subscription required). It has Bluetooth connectivity and is water-resistant.Users can share their location with loved ones back home and get accurate heading information using the digital compass. The device can sync with the Garmin Explore app and website for trip planning and topographical mapping. It can also pair with Garmin devices to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS. Garmin actually makes many satellite-enabled devices, from the simpleto the.The Mini 2 has a battery life of up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode, features a monochrome display that's easy to read in all lighting conditions, and is waterproof with an IPX7 rating. It has USB-C for easy charging and connectivity with other devices.While the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a versatile and feature-packed device, it does have a couple of potential downsides to consider: it requires an active satellite subscription, which can add to the overall cost of the device, and its messaging capabilities are limited to text-based communication.User reviews show a high level of satisfaction for this satellite communicator, and having used one, I understand. It's a fantastic bit of kit that offers peace of mind.Garmin inReach Mini 2 tech specs:Dimensions: 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inches |Weight: 3.50 oz | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS |Operating temperatures: -4F to 140F|Battery life: Up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode |Durability:N/A |IP Rating:IPX7 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Now, we move on to something that looks and acts like a phone. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 is a fully-featured satellite phone with near-global coverage and good battery life.The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 offers the ability to make and receive voice calls, send and get SMS, and track your position with GPS from anywhere on the globe. (Well, mostly -- satellite coverage at the north and south poles is poor. Outside of those areas, people will get excellent coverage.)It has an IK04 shock resistance rating, and the entire package is IP65 rated for dust- and water-proofing. The built-in lithium-ion battery offers eight hours of talk time and 160 hours on standby.Online reviews echo that it's big and bulky, but it's a reliable satellite handset if you're looking for voice, SMS, and tracking. It's tough and built for the outdoors, and despite dropping one on the ground several times and following that up by dropping it into a lake, I couldn't break the one I tested.Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 tech specs: Dimensions: 16.9 x 7.65 x 2.9 cm |Weight: 318 g |Services:calling and text-to-text and text-to-email |Battery life:8 hours talk time and 160 hours on standby |Operating temperatures:-4F to 131F |Durability:| IK04 |IP Rating:IP65 Pros Fully-featured satellite phone Robust Near global coverage Good battery life Cons Big and bulky Expensive Now, we move on to something that looks and acts like a phone. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 is a fully-featured satellite phone with near-global coverage and good battery life.The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 offers the ability to make and receive voice calls, send and get SMS, and track your position with GPS from anywhere on the globe. (Well, mostly -- satellite coverage at the north and south poles is poor. Outside of those areas, people will get excellent coverage.)It has an IK04 shock resistance rating, and the entire package is IP65 rated for dust- and water-proofing. The built-in lithium-ion battery offers eight hours of talk time and 160 hours on standby.Online reviews echo that it's big and bulky, but it's a reliable satellite handset if you're looking for voice, SMS, and tracking. It's tough and built for the outdoors, and despite dropping one on the ground several times and following that up by dropping it into a lake, I couldn't break the one I tested.Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 tech specs: Dimensions: 16.9 x 7.65 x 2.9 cm |Weight: 318 g |Services:calling and text-to-text and text-to-email |Battery life:8 hours talk time and 160 hours on standby |Operating temperatures:-4F to 131F |Durability:| IK04 |IP Rating:IP65 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Is it a satellite phone? Is it a regular GSM phone? The Thuraya XT-LITE is both, all using a single SIM card. Better still, it automatically switches from satellite to GSM without any hassle... so no forgotten calls because you're out of coverage.The Thuraya XT-LITE has a battery life of up to six hours of talk time and 80 hours of standby time. The phone comes with a travel charger and USB cable. It is easy to use and can be programmed in various languages. Overall, it is a decent, rugged, no-frills satellite phone.The Thuraya satellite network does not offer coverage in the US, so this is a satellite phone for when you're in other territories.Thuraya XT-LITE tech specs:Dimensions: 128 53 27 mm |Weight: 186 grams |Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS|Battery life:Talk time: Up to six hours, Standby time: Up to 80 hours |Operating temperatures:14F to 131F|Durability:N/A |IP Rating:N/A Pros Satellite and GSM Rugged Cons Doesn't offer global coverage (doesn't cover north or south America) Battery life could be better No coverage in the US Is it a satellite phone? Is it a regular GSM phone? The Thuraya XT-LITE is both, all using a single SIM card. Better still, it automatically switches from satellite to GSM without any hassle... so no forgotten calls because you're out of coverage.The Thuraya XT-LITE has a battery life of up to six hours of talk time and 80 hours of standby time. The phone comes with a travel charger and USB cable. It is easy to use and can be programmed in various languages. Overall, it is a decent, rugged, no-frills satellite phone.The Thuraya satellite network does not offer coverage in the US, so this is a satellite phone for when you're in other territories.Thuraya XT-LITE tech specs:Dimensions: 128 53 27 mm |Weight: 186 grams |Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS|Battery life:Talk time: Up to six hours, Standby time: Up to 80 hours |Operating temperatures:14F to 131F|Durability:N/A |IP Rating:N/A Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best satellite phone? So, which satellite phone is best for you? Three factors in particular come into play: What do you need the satellite phone for? Expeditions? Hiking? Emergency use?How much are you willing to spend? Prices start at just over $100 and quickly jump into the thousand-dollar range.The network. Not all satellite networks have global coverage.For example, if you want an affordable communicator that has global coverage capabilities, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 fits the bill. Want a budget communicator option? The Motorola Defy fits the bill. Meanwhile, if you want a satellite phone that can switch from GSM to satellite easily, the Thuraya XT-LTE is a wise choice. Best satellite phonePriceWhere to BuyServices OfferedSatellite NetworkGlobal CoverageDimensionsBattery LifeOperating TemperaturesDurabilityIngress ProtectionStarlink Mini$599AmazonFull internet accessStarlinkStarlink is available in over 100 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe and South America.300 x 250 x 40 mmNo built in battery-22F to 122FN/AIP67Garmin inReach Messenger Plus$499AmazonText messages, photos, and voice notesIridiumGlobal78 x 64 x 23 mmUp to 25 days50F to 122FMIL-STD 810FIP65Iridium GO!$855Walmart, AmazonSatellite calls and SMSIridiumGlobal114 x 82 x 32 mm5.5 hr talk time, 15.5 hr standby time50F to 122FMIL-STD 810FIP65Garmin inReach Messenger Plus$499AmazonText messages, photos, and voice notesIridiumGlobal78 x 64 x 23 mmUp to 25 days50F to 122FMIL-STD 810FIP65SPOT X$250Amazon, REISatellite SMS, automatic positioning, and SOSGlobalStarGlobal166 38 24 mm240 hours-4F to 140 FMIL-STD-810GIP67Garmin inReach Mini 2$299Amazon, Walmart, Best BuyTwo-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routingIridiumGlobal2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inchesUp to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode-4F to 140FMIL-STD-810IPX7Thuraya XT-LITE$599Amazon, WalmartSatellite calls and SMS, GSMThurayaNot in North/South America128 53 27 mm6 hr talk time, 80 hr standby time14F to 131FN/AN/AInmarsat IsatPhone 2.1$790AmazonVoice calls, SMS, GPS trackingInmarsatNearly Global16.9 x 7.65 x 2.9 cm8 hr talk time, 160 hr standby time-4F to to 131FIK04 shock resistance ratingIP65Note: Prices and availability may vary. Show more Which is the right satellite phone for you? Selecting the right satellite phone depends on your requirements and priorities. It's essential to prioritize why you need the phone and your own budget. This will help you to select the best phone at the best price, and more importantly, you'll have a communication tool that works where you are when you need it the most. Below are the key considerations and how each phone aligns with specific purposes: Choose this best satellite phone... If you want... Starlink Mini Access to the internet as a whole. Forget about just being able to send messages or access the weather, with a Starlink Mini and a view of the sky, you can get high-speed internet from over 100 countries. Iridium Go! Global coverage and the ability to create a hotspot for multiple devices. The Iridium Go! is the best choice because it offers satellite calls and SMS, has good battery life, and is MIL-STD 810F certified for durability. Garmin inReach Messenger Plus A small, tough messenger that can handle text, voice notes, and photos, and also be an emergency SOS device. this can be used with your smartphone or standalone in an emergency. Spot X Something for occasional use or emergency situations. The Spot X is a good choice because it has an SOS feature and is low-cost, but it has limited features and a small physical keyboard. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Occasional satellite communication and SOS support. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is ideal because it is affordable, lightweight, and offers a range of features such as two-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routing. Thuraya XT-LTE A satellite phone that also acts as a smartphone. The Thuraya XT-LTE is the best option if you want both satellite and GSM capabilities in a rugged device ideal for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer global coverage and has a limited battery life. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 A classic satellite phone with global coverage. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 offers voice calls, SMS, GPS tracking, and a programmable emergency assistance button. It is, however, big, bulky, and expensive. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a satellite phone/communicator. Cost: Satellite communication tends to be more expensive than cellular services. The cost of the phone itself, along with the service plans and price per minute for calls, can be significantly higher.Size and Weight: Satellite phones are generally bulkier and heavier than modern smartphones, which might be a concern if you need to minimize their load.Data Speeds: While some satellite phones offer data services, the speeds are usually much slower than what you're accustomed to with 4G or 5G cellular networks. This may affect the usability of internet-dependent applications.Satellite Visibility: Different satellite systems, such as Iridium, Globalstar, and Inmarsat, offer different types of coverage of the globe, so bear this in mind when you're choosing a system for your adventures. Show more How did I choose these satellite phones? When selecting the best satellite phone, I tested some of the devices and took into consideration other devices and various factors, such as price, availability, coverage, and use case. I carefully analyzed each device and weighed the pros and cons before arriving at my conclusions.Price: The price tag is always a factor, especially for those who are going to use their satellite phone only occasionally.Coverage: Not all satellite networks offer global coverage, so knowing this in advance is important.Use case: Are you looking for a traditional satellite phone, or do you want something more specialized, like a satellite hotspot or emergency beacon?Reviews: What are others saying about these devices? I looked at reviews on Amazon, Reddit, and a bunch of other outlets to get a consensus of the hardware and the satellite service.Hands-on experience: Over the years, I've used a number of these devices, sometimes briefly, sometimes for several weeks or months. This allows me to get a better understanding of the device. Show more FAQs on satellite phones What is a satellite phone? A satellite phone is a mobile device that uses satellites to communicate instead of cell towers. The primary function of a satellite phone is to make and receive calls and SMS messages from virtually anywhere in the world, including remote areas without cell coverage. Show more What is a satellite communicator? These are devices that, like satellite phones, connect to an orbiting constellation of satellites orbiting thousands of miles above the Earth, typically in low Earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO). These satellites relay signals between the phone and ground-based stations, which then connect the call to the regular phone or data network.Some are standalone devices that have built-in keyboards, while others rely on a connection to a smartphone for the keyboard and display. Show more How much do satellite phones/communicators cost? Satellite phones and satellite communicators can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and capabilities of the device. Service plans also vary in cost depending on the provider and coverage area. Show more Can I use a satellite phone indoors? No. Satellite communication units require a clear view of as much of the sky as possible, as they communicate directly with satellites orbiting the Earth.You can use external antennas and repeaters if you require a more permanent solution for indoor use. Show more Aren't the latest iPhones also satellite phones? Well, sort of.Apple has added a feature called "Emergency SOS via satellite," which allows you to contact emergency services when you're in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.Apple said that "Emergency SOS via satellite" would be free until about November 2024. After that, Apple plans to start charging for the service, although right now we don't know the price.This service is currently available in the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe.Also: iPhone 15 Plus review Show more Can a satellite phone replace a smartphone? Not really. They're big, bulky, expensive, and the data rates are awful compared to even 3G. Instead, they offer services that regular smartphones cannot match.If you're an avid hiker or camper, you know that remote areas don't have the best cellular service. This is where satellite phones come in handy: they give you access to communication in areas where cellular companies don't. Show more Which satellite network is the best? It's less about which is the best and more about what bits of the planet you want coverage on. Every network offers maps and details of coverage. Keep in mind that not all networks offer global coverage.Check coverage at the time of purchase because it can (and does) change regularly. Doing so ensures you have the right phone and network for where you need it.Depending on the satellite network, sat phones can provide near-global coverage, even in the most isolated locations. Popular satellite networks include:Iridium(provides global coverage using a constellation of LEO satellites).Starlink (provides global coverage using a constellation of LEO satellites).Inmarsat(uses GEO satellites for wide coverage, excluding polar regions).GlobalstarandThuraya(regional coverage with partial global access). Show more Do satellite networks offer global coverage? Not all do. In fact, coverage varies considerably between the networks.StarlinkStarlink coverage is available in over 100 countries. Coverage map can be found on the company's website.IridiumIridium offers global coverage. Live map of satellite locations are available fromIridiumwhere.com.GlobalstarGlobalstar coverage maps can be found on the company's website.InmarsatInmarsat has nearly global coverage. Maps can be found on the company's website. Show more Can you get a satellite phone that doubles as a regular phone? Satellite phones, like the Thuraya XT-LITE, offer features that you typically find on cellular phones, such as calling and messaging. While the Thuraya XT-LITE does not offer global coverage and both North and South America are not covered, it has a unique ability to toggle between a GSM network and satellite communications. This means that you don't have to worry about dropped calls in remote locations.Plus, the phone only requires one SIM card. Additionally, it has a rugged body, making it a durable option for outdoor adventures. Keep in mind that satellite phones still have drawbacks compared to smartphones, such as bulkiness and limited data rates. Show more How reliable are SOS devices, such as the SPOT X or Garmin inReach? Based on my personal experience, satellite phones are highly reliable and serve as a great insurance policy if you're heading out into remote and uncharted territories. Since they operate on satellite communication, they offer a wide range of coverage that is not available with cellular service, especially in mountainous regions or areas with limited network coverage.Satellite devices do have some limitations, such as slower communication speeds than smartphones. It's important to keep this in mind when planning for emergency situations or other time-sensitive communication needs. Show more Other satellite phones worth considering ZDNETs Smartphone Guide Smartphone Roundups Smartphones Reviewed & Compared Smartphones Explained ZDNET Recommends

A 2,600-year-old ankle ring containing meteoritic iron.Czstochowa Museum/Archeologia ywa/FacebookThe burial sites of Czstochowa-Rakw and Czstochowa-Mirw in southern Poland are at least 2,600 years old, coinciding with Europes late Bronze Age. Yet they yielded several dozen iron objects, at the time more valuable than gold.Using X-rays and electron microscopy, a new study revealed that three artifacts a bracelet, an ankle ring, and a pin contain an even rarer kind of iron obtained from a meteorite.The chemical composition of the artifacts is quite variable and doesnt fit any specific meteorite. The researchers assume that the meteoritic iron came from a local meteorite fall, and the recovered material was mixed with terrestrial ore.Long before humans were able to smelt iron from natural ores, meteoric iron was used by people as a welcome alternative. Artifacts like ceremonial daggers, figurines or jewelry made of meteoric iron were found in Turkey, Greece, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Indonesia, Iran, Canada, Greenland, Russia, China and North Africa. A collection of iron beads found in a 6,000-year-old tomb predates Egypts Iron Age by 2,000 years.In central and western Europe, artifacts made from meteoric iron are very rare. So far only a bracelet and an ax head from Poland were known, and in 2023, a study showed that an arrowhead found over 100 years ago during an archeological dig in Switzerland was made using iron obtained from a prehistoric meteorite fall.The discovery of three artifacts containing meteoric iron in southern Poland is not only the largest stash found in Europe, but the use of two sorts of iron is quite unique. The authors propose two possible explanations. The meteoric iron had a religious value to the people of Czstochowa-Rakw and Czstochowa-Mirw. Maybe somebody observed the meteorite fall and the iron was seen as a gift from the gods. The second explanation involves aesthetic considerations. The nickel-rich meteoric iron has a distinct bright-silvery color not seen in the darker iron obtained from terrestrial rocks. Using two types of iron, the Bronze Age blacksmith created the oldest known example of patterned iron, predating the famous Damascus steel by almost 1,000 years.The study, "Heavenly metal for the commoners: Meteoritic irons from the Early Iron Age cemeteries in Czstochowa (Poland)," was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

A digital ZIP code placard rolled out in one of the slums where naPorta operatesNaPortaWith millions of Brazilians living in hard-to-reach areas, consumers in these vibrant communities are often locked out of the digital world, particularly in areas such as e-commerce.Some 17 million people in Brazil live in favelasinformal settlements in peripheral areas around large citiesaccording to the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Of these, over 36 million struggle with delivery issues, according to data from the Data Favela Institute. This is due to factors ranging from complex geography to crime in harder-to-reach territories.To tackle the issue, Katrine Scomparin founded naPortawhich in Portuguese means "at the doorstep"alongside Sanderson Paje, Leonardo Medeiros, and Rodrigo Yanez. Set up during the COVID-19 pandemic, the startup has transformed from a local initiative in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus slum into a rapidly expanding operation that introduced a novel approach to logistics in Brazil's most complex territories.With a combination of local couriers who know the ins and outs of the regions they operate in and technology, naPorta has helped shift a common reality for favela dwellers. Thats because people living in these territories frequently rely on friends and family with formal addresses to buy online."[This disconnect between online companies and people living in complex areas means that] companies are losing market opportunities, and millions of people are left without access to essential goods," said Scomparin in an interview with Forbes."The lack of adequate infrastructure and efficient logistics solutions creates an economic and social gap that needs to be addressed," she added. Since its inception, with investors such as WOW, LGA, Funses, Gvea Angels, and GV Angels on board, naPorta saw a 429% increase in revenue in 2024 compared to the prior year. The expectation is for a revenue boost of over 100% in 2025.The Role of Technology in Logistics for Hard-to-Access LocationsThe timing of naPorta's launch during the pandemic proved advantageous, as it forced the company to adapt to a challenging and rapidly evolving digital market from day one. At the same time, the company noticed that the growth curve in e-commerce showed no signs of slowingespecially in largely untapped markets such as favelas, which generate over 119 billion reais ($20 billion) in economic activity every year, according to data from Instituto Locomotiva.As e-commerce continues to evolve, along with consumer expectations for delivery, naPorta's approach to solving last-mile delivery challenges in Brazil's most complex territories positions it well for continued growth, said Scomparin, who leads the firm's marketing efforts.naPorta's co-founders: Leonardo Medeiros, Rodrigo Yanez, Katrine Scomparin and Sanderson PajeNaPorta"We are seeing how local marketplaces are being forced to reinvent themselves in response to the growing influence of Chinese players like Shopee, Shein, and Temu, while ultra-fast, rapid, and next-day deliveries have become standard expectations," she pointed out.naPorta is currently present in over a thousand locations in the peripheries of Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo. Technology, Scomparin said, has been key to the startup's expansion. In addition to its proprietary systems for handling logistics, the firm uses Digital ZIP Codes, underpinned by Google's Plus Codes technology. The open-source system provides street addresses for people or places that dont have one. Rather than addresses with street names and numbers, a Plus Code is based on latitude and longitude and is displayed as a combination of numbers and letters.Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in naPortas strategy. "We recognize AIs potential to optimize various aspects of logistics operations, from route efficiency to customer data accuracy, route failure reduction, and overall process improvement," Scomparin said, adding that the company is making inroads in that space and that AI will be an integral part of the startup's technological evolution.Recently shortlisted for the final of the World Summit Awards (WSA), which recognizes digital innovation with social impact, naPorta's founders believe this recognition not only validates the startup's mission but also opens doors for potential partnerships and exchanges of best practices with logistics and technology providers globallyparticularly in markets like India, where similar challenges exist."We plan to leverage the international visibility we are getting to highlight the importance of Digital ZIP Code solutions and their integration with efficient logistics operations," Scomparin noted, adding that the firm wants to expand its operations to other complex markets around the world."But first, we need to deliver our solution exceptionally well in our own country," she concluded.

Key TakeawaysOn Monday, Anthropic released the latest Claude 3.7 Sonnet that can think for as long as you want.Users will be able to choose between instant responses or a step-by-step thinking process.The new AI is available to all users, both free and paid. However, the extended thinking feature is only for paid users.OpenAIs biggest rival Anthropic has launched its smartest model so far Claude 3.7 Sonnet. Its a hybrid model that can respond to your queries instantly or go through a detailed step-by-step thinking process, depending on what the user wants.In a blog post, the company announced the launch of Claude 3.7 Sonnet and added that it will be available to all users, both free and paid. However, the extended thinking feature is only limited to paid users for now.What Makes Anthropics Reasoning Model So Special?Anthropic isnt the first AI company to create a model that can think. OpenAI, DeepSeek, and xAI have done it before. But the difference is other companies position reasoning models as the future of AI whereas Anthropic views it as an addition alongside the existing model.This way, if you have a simple question like Who was the first female president?, youll get a quick and direct answer whereas if you have a complicated math problem, youll get a detailed answer with all the steps to help you understand the process better.What were really trying to do is make it really seamless to adopt this capability where it makes sense, but not have it brought to bear where it doesnt make sense Mike Krieger, Anthropics chief product officerThe second benefit is if you are using Claude 3.7 through API, you can customize the number of tokens it uses for each thinking process. For example, you can instruct the tool to think in no more than 100 tokens. The fewer tokens it uses, the faster the response will be.Note: Using fewer tokens is more cost-effective because paid plans for such AI tools are often priced per number of tokens.Speaking of the pricing, Anthropic has announced that the cost will remain the same for both standard thinking and extended thinking i.e. $3 per million input tokens and $15 per million output tokens which includes the thinking tokens.Who Is Claude 3.7 Sonnet Best For?Anyone can use this tool but we feel that its best for organizations that require extensive coding on a day-to-day basis. Early testing has shown that Claude is one of the best tools in the market to handle complex coding tasks, especially in planning code changes and dealing with full-stack updates.Its also one of the few tools to create production-ready codes with impeccable design taste and negligible errors. The best part is that the testing has been done by third parties like Cursor, Cognition, and Canva. So you can be sure that the results are completely unbiased.Read More: Anthropic CEO says human-level AI models might arrive by 2026Claude CodeIn addition to Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Anthropic has also announced the launch of Claude Code the first Anthropic agentic tool, in a limited research preview. This tool can search and read codes, edit files, write and run tests, and push codes to GitHub and the user will be kept in the loop for all of these stages.In early testing, it was found that tasks that manually take 45+ minutes to be done can be completed within minutes with the help of Claude Code.The tool is in the early stages hence developers are encouraged to join the preview and share their feedback to help create the ultimate AI coding tool for the future.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Vlad is Techreport's in-house Executive Editor. With over a decade of experience in tech content, he's passionate about computer hardware, an advocate of online privacy, and strongly believes in the open-source, scarce-money nature of cryptocurrency. When hes not working, hes traveling with his partner and their cat, learning Python, or reading good books. He never owned a PC he did not build. View all articles by Vlad Melnic Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Something to look forward to: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, an honorable mention for the Most Anticipated PC Games of 2025, launches on August 28. Konami quietly published the basic PC system requirements on its Steam page, sparking speculation about how much the upcoming Unreal Engine 5 title relies on hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater requires at least an Nvidia RTX 2060 Super with 8GB of VRAM, 16 GB of system memory, and 100GB of storage space. The game also recommends a 3080, but Konami doesn't specify target resolutions or frame rates. While a 2060 Super isn't demanding by most standards, the omission of high-end GTX 10 series GPUs and all AMD cards raises questions about why the RTX 20 series is the minimum specification.Recent and upcoming titles like Star Wars Outlaws, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Doom: The Dark Ages require some amount of ray tracing at all graphics presets, severely impacting performance on GTX 10 series graphics cards and all AMD GPUs. The trend could draw suspicion toward every new game that lists the RTX 20 series under its minimum system requirements.Click to enlargeMetal Gear Solid Delta, a remake of 2004's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, runs on Unreal Engine 5, which likely means it uses Epic's ray tracing tech, Lumen. However, it's unclear whether the game relies solely on the software version, which runs entirely on the CPU or takes advantage of the GPU-accelerated hardware version. The latter delivers better visuals but comes with the same performance costs as other forms of ray tracing.Silent Hill 2, another Unreal Engine 5-based remake from Konami, supports both options. Furthermore, it lists GTX 10 series, AMD, and Intel GPUs under its minimum requirements, suggesting that Metal Gear Solid Delta could be more demanding. // Related StoriesHowever, it's difficult to determine whether Bloober Team's work on Silent Hill 2 impacted Metal Gear Solid Delta's development. Bloober Team is an external studio that has shipped multiple Unreal Engine 5 titles and recently announced another collaboration with Konami. Virtuous is developing Metal Gear Solid Delta, its first project on the engine, so it's unclear if the two teams have communicated.The age of the GTX 10 series is an equally important factor, considering it debuted almost nine years ago. Although upgrading to a new GPU has recently become prohibitively expensive, the industry is quickly reaching a point where all active models support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, encouraging some developers to leave purely rasterized graphics behind.

In a nutshell: Senator Ron Wyden is calling on the Federal Trade Commission to ensure consumers understand what they're actually buying when they purchase digital goods. In a letter to newly appointed FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, Wyden urged the agency to issue guidance requiring online storefronts to clarify to customers whether a digital product is a permanent purchase or merely a temporary license. In a letter obtained by The Verge, Wyden pointed out that many consumers don't realize digital purchases don't come with the same rights as physical ones. If you buy a book, it's yours you can lend it, resell it, or keep it forever. However, digital versions often come with restrictions that aren't immediately clear. Furthermore, many platforms reserve the right to remove access, alter content, or revoke purchases entirely sometimes without warning.The senator pointed to several recent examples of consumers losing access to content they thought they owned.In late 2023, Sony informed customers they would no longer be able to watch Discovery Channel content they had previously purchased. A last-minute deal prevented users from losing access, but the situation highlighted how unstable digital ownership can be. Something similar happened when Sony merged Funimation and Crunchyroll. Many users found that anime titles they had paid for were no longer available in their libraries. Meanwhile, companies like Amazon have retroactively edited e-books after purchase and will soon prevent users from downloading Kindle books to their computers for offline storage.Wyden's letter comes as lawsuits against Apple and Amazon challenge how they market digital goods. The plaintiffs argue they were misled by "buy" buttons that implied full ownership, only to discover later they had purchased revocable licenses. California recently addressed this issue with a new law requiring online stores to clearly state when digital products are licensed rather than owned outright. // Related StoriesWyden called on the FTC to step in at the federal level, arguing that companies must inform consumers precisely what they're paying for before completing a purchase rather than burying the terms in a lengthy EULA. He suggested that online retailers clearly state key details, like how long access is guaranteed and whether a purchase can be transferred or resold. Many consumers may not realize that digital purchases often have many strings attached. Without clear disclosure, they could believe they have permanent access, only to discover later that a company can revoke it.With more people purchasing digital content instead of physical copies, Wyden wants more transparent rules to ensure buyers make informed decisions when purchasing digital goods. He requests that the FTC implement and enforce new guidance for the digital age. Steam began using more transparent language last October without the FTC ordering it. Whether the Commission will take action remains uncertain.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhat is this thing?What is it good for?Help me, dear Lord!Microsoft is testing a new version of its Office app bundle that is free to use, but youll have to watch ads. Usability is rather subjective here, because even the most basic features are locked and greyed out.These free office apps, of which there are only three, will be available only for a limited span. And that too, in a select few markets. Moreover, Microsoft warns that it can discontinue these free Word, Excel, and PowerPoint desktops at nay day of its choosing.Recommended VideosThe test pool is also fairly limited, as only accounts that are NOT tied to a recurring Microsoft 365 subscription, or paid tiers such as Home and Student packages, are eligible for testing the ad-supported version.The side panel ad is persistent, though easy to ignore. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsThis wont be the first time Microsoft is hawking ads in its product. The company wont even be the only big name to do so, either. Samsung is still notorious for this, and its partnership with Microsoft is deep enough that a $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a bundle of Microsoft apps pre-installed. Ill spare it the hurt of being labeled as bloatware, but thats essentially what it is.With the free desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Microsoft is doing the reverse. Youre not being stuffed with ads, but the sheer lack of features will make you wish you never installed these apps in the first place.Microsoft really wants to send home the message that you are using a software that should ideally be paid for, and to that end, you will see a persistent ad in a side panel on the right edge of the screen. Moreover, your progress will come to a halt intermittently for ads that are roughly 15-seconds in duration.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsDetails of this new version of Office apps was first reported by Beebom. Digital Trends was able to test this version, and also spotted a previously unreported Microsoft support document that reveals some crucial details about this new ad-free version.The free desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are available in a select number of countries and limited to a small audience that is randomly selected at Microsofts discretion, says the company.Since we are talking about ads, there is always some privacy concern. Microsoft says it doesnt share or use for targeted advertising details such as user information, contents of their documents, or file metadata. Based on the language preference, ads are pulled from a localized pool.The free desktop clients of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are tied to the OneDrive cloud system. So deep is the cloud dependence that there is no offline save functionality. All your documents are saved to a OneDrive container, instead of local storage on your computer.You will run into this wall. A lot. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsYou can work offline in these apps, but the changes are only saved to the cloud. The progress you make while disconnected from the internet is only saved when you return online and OneDrive sync kicks into action.Notably, you will see ads whether you are connected to the internet, or not.Now, Microsofts approach to delivering a watered-down experience with an ad-supported product is rather aggressive. In my experience, its the most wolfish execution that Ive seen in a long time.It feels more like an interactive adNot that the expectations were too high from the get-go, but the cuts run too deep. Microsoft says the free versions are only good enough for basic features that enable light editing and access to existing documents. And while were at it, any of the accessible features can be nixed without any prior notice, warns the company.A closer look at some glorious side panel ad. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsOf course, a Microsoft account sign-in is compulsory to access these free desktop apps, since it is all tied to OneDrive cloud storage. Also, these desktop apps are not ideal for serious productivity work, since you only get 5GB of free cloud storage with each Microsoft account, so its going to fill up fast.This ad-propped package of free Office apps is a test of patience, in quite the literal sense. An achingly drab product tease, if you will. Lets start at the very basics of text editing and formatting in Word. Line and paragraph spacing, shading, translation, and border controls are not available. Voice dictation and add-ins for enabling custom commands and new features are also disabled.If its gray, you dont play. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsThe most baffling of them all? Even the screenshot tool is inactive. Microsoft has disabled the in-built thesaurus feature across all three products, so there goes the appeal for logophiles. If you are working with different documents across multiple windows, an ad break in one of them will also bring others to a halt.As you engage in deep work, or whatever little you are able to accomplish with barely a few core tools available, you need to keep a vigilant eye right above the page. Specifically, look for the message that says, In the next minute, a video message will play, or you might run into an unexpected and unskippable ad surprise.The situation in Excel is not too different. Data analysis, pivot tables, icons, smart art, sparklines, filters, object embedding, signature, mathematical equations, and symbols are all disabled. Even tools that are as basic as Header & Footer are off the table.Similar is the fate of tools such as page breaks, background, duplicate removal, and data transformation tricks. Even page zoom controls are missing. One can excuse the absentees in Word, but the omissions in Excel are truly astonishing, and not in a good way.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsIn PowerPoint, fundamental options such as photo album, illustration tools (icon, chart, etc.), slide numbers, background formatting, animations, custom slide shows, reading view, and macros are absent.An ad-supported demo of absent toolsThe only consolation here is that Microsoft has not launched this ad-supported, free bundle of Office apps widely. I hope it never does. For enterprises, it makes sense to side with the security of Microsofts products, and in those scenarios, paying a fat premium is justified.But for regular users of such productivity apps, yanking off basics such as column controls, line spacing, and thesaurus is a poor spectacle. Googles alternatives such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides are great options, but open-source alternatives such as the Libre Office suite are still fairly popular with loads of functional controls to get work done.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsDemon TidesDespeloteFellowshipGothic 1 RemakeIs This Seat Taken?Moves of the Diamond HandSkulkerStatic Dread: 15 Nights at the Old LighthouseTo a TWheel WorldThe first of many Steam Next Fests to be held in 2025 is here, which means there are more game demos to try out than anybody has time for. The latest iteration of the PC storefronts event spotlighting upcoming titles with playable demos runs from February 24 through March 3, but where to start? Early standouts include the absurd Skin Deep and turn-based strategy game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown. These barely scrape the surface of what Next Fest offers. To make things a little easier, here are ten incredible demos to start with if you are feeling lost.If you are itching for more 3D platforming goodness after last years Astro Bot, try out Demon Tides. The cartoonish adventure set in a world of islands and open oceans is a responsive and frenetic platformer with a lot of promise. While the demo doesnt give us the deepest look into how Demon Tides will expand its story and players only get a taste of the platforming, what is there is solid enough to put this game immediately on my wishlist after playing.Recommended VideosI first played Despeloteat the 2023 Tribeca Festival and was immediately taken with the semi-autobiographical slice-of-life game. Set during Ecuadors first qualifying run for the World Cup in 2001, Despelote is an exciting piece of video game documentary that puts players in the midst of a community going through a culture shift. Roaming around the small town in Despelote and uncovering the small tasks you can get up to as an 8-year old is a mundane but deeply experience.RelatedAs much as I love MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft for their high end raids, I understand that not everyone can spend hundreds of hours in hopes of unlocking and playing these thrilling encounters. That is where Fellowshipcomes in. The co-op game lets players choose between the traditional roles of healer, tank, and damage dealer to form teams and enter MMO inspired dungeon encounters. Once completed, groups can try out new dungeons or repeat old encounters with new modifiers that slightly tweak the difficulty and formula. This creates an endlessly replayable game that makes one of the best parts of MMOs more accessible than ever.Gothic 1 RemakeIll confess that I hadnt heard of 2001s Gothic 1 when I downloaded the demo for its in-development remake. That didnt stop me from getting lost in the fascinating world of Myrtana during the short taste Gothic 1 Remake gives players during Steam Next Fest. While the visuals are given a modern shine, the old-school 2001 RPG is still clearly here. Gothic 1 Remake takes a more hands off approach with the player, meaning players will have more opportunities to influence the world through mechanical and narrative choices, but its also more dangerous. Thats perfect for anybody who enjoyed recent titles like Dragons Dogma 2or Avowed.Everything has its place. That is the idea between logical puzzle game Is This Seat Taken? Each bite-sized level players can experience in the demo gives them a scene filled with people wanting to find their place. This might be a restaurant, a movie theater, or a bus. To place everyone in the right spot and complete a level, players need to pay attention to each characters pet peeves. For example, some people will only sit in a window seat of a bus. Thats a simple example of the type of restrictions players need to use as guidance. This results in adorable, quirky, and delightfully challenging puzzles to solve. And if you want to play a full game like it after playing, try While Waiting.Cosmo D, the developer behind 2022s Betrayal At Club Low, is back with another dice-based RPG and its shaping up to be just as good. Move of the Diamond Handis all about trying to join a circus that has come to town. To do this players will need to explore the low-poly setting of Off-Peak City and find a way into the circus ranks. This is all done through dice checks whenever attempting anything. Talking to people? Roll a dice. Making a sandwich? Roll a dice! Disguising yourself? You get the point. While just a demo, Moves of the Diamond Hand already shows an incredible level of depth in its world and the impact players have on it thanks to the dice-based gameplay.SkulkerKrow GameI love fishing in video games, so Skulker has been one of my favorite finds during this Next Fest. Its a relatively mellow game that focuses on nothing but the joy of casting a line and reeling in some fish. While the entire game can be played basically with one hand, that doesnt mean the actual mechanics of catching fish are simple. To keep things fresh, Skulker actually has multiple types of fishing minigames that are randomized, meaning every time the player throws a line they do not know what is in store. There is a Stardew Valley style follow the target minigame, a word search, and more unexpected twists on fishing that make Skulker a thrill for any fishing aficionado.Billed as Lovecraft meets Papers, Please, Static Dreadis really one for the people who love Robert Eggers The Lighthouse. Players take on the role of a lighthouse keeper with the important job of helping ships navigate on the dangerous seas, the only issue is that things dont seem quite right. Through radio class with crews on a passing ship you realize that monsters roam the waters, and even worse, they might be inside the lighthouse as well. The question is whether these monsters are real or not, or if the keeper is just going insane from the isolation. Through little choices on how to respond and take action when talking to passing ships, its up to the player to decide what the reality is.Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashis new game To a T is exactly the brand of charming weirdness that makes his games so easy to love. Players take on the role of a teen stuck in the T-pose position as he attempts to go about his normal life. While the absurdity of trying to accomplish little tasks is done through fun minigames, To a T is really about exploring the picturesque town the game is set in and getting to know the quirky and loveable people who call it home. You can read our hands-on impressions of it from December if you want to learn more about how this is Takahashis idea of a normal game.A cycling simulator is the exact type of vibe out game that I enjoy, and Wheel Worlddoes it with style. Set in a gorgeous cel-shaded open-world, players pedal around various landscapes to take part in progressively difficult races. While roaming around players can also collect parts to upgrade their ride with. Wheel Worlds simple racing mechanics make it easy to pick up but difficult to master, meaning it always feels like an accomplishment when players pull off a hard earned win.Editors Recommendations