Amazon announced that it has created its own quantum computing chip, joining Microsoft and Google in a push to take this potentially transformative technology from the theoretical to the practical. Ocelot is a prototype that's intended to test the effectiveness of Amazon Web Services' quantum error correction architecture. Compared with other chip methods, the company claims Ocelot can reduce the cost of implementing quantum error correction by up to 90 percent.Quantum computing could solve complicated problems exponentially faster than standard computers by using quantum bits, or qubits, rather than traditional bits that store a computer's information as 1s and 0s. Rather than representing only a 1 or a 0, qubits can represent a proportion of both 1 and 0 at the same time. Ocelot takes this a step farther with its use of "cat qubits," named for the famous Schrdinger's cat thought experiment, which can "intrinsically suppress certain forms of errors," according to Amazon.Error rate is one of the key limitations of current quantum computing, because the qubits are so sensitive to minute changes in their environments. Electromagnetic interference from a WiFi network can be enough to disturb a qubit and cause it to make mistakes. Adding more qubits to a chip means faster calculations, but also more mistakes.Ocelot consists of five data qubits (the cat qubits), five "buffer circuits" to stabilize them and four qubits for detecting errors on the cat qubits. "We selected our qubit and architecture with quantum error correction as the top requirement," said Oskar Painter, director of quantum hardware at AWS. "We believe that if we're going to make practical quantum computers, quantum error correction needs to come first."Google claimed that its Willow chip, announced in December, was able to reduce errors as more qubits were added. Ocelot is another step toward reducing errors and making useful quantum computers a reality.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/amazon-joins-the-quantum-computing-race-with-a-chip-designed-for-error-correction-201501075.html?src=rss

Game Freak dropped a surprise trailer at todays Pokmon Presents livestream for something called Pokmon Champions. Its a dedicated battle sim, recalling the glory days of Pokmon Stadium for the N64. This means that Champions distills the franchise's formula down to just battling, with a heavy emphasis on multiplayer.To that end, the game is cross-platform, with the developer saying that players on Nintendo Switch and mobile will be able to duke it out. We dont know what kind of roster the game itself will provide, but it integrates with the cloud-storage service Pokmon Home. People should be able to pull most of their favorite Pokmon from titles like Pokmon Go and recent mainline entries like Pokmon Sword and Shield. It also works with the spin-off Pokmon Legends: Arceus. The official press release, however, does note that there will be some restrictions when it comes to availability.The gameplay should feel instantly familiar to anyone who has ever dabbled in the franchise, as the trailer description touts tried-and-true mechanics such as Pokmon types, abilities and moves. The footage even shows more niche mechanics like Mega Evolution and Terastallization, indicating that players may not be tied to the base-level Pokmon rule set.Theres no release window yet. All we know is that its currently in development. Speaking of release dates, todays livestream did reveal that Pokmon Legends: Z-A will be coming out by the end of the year for the Switch.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pokemon-champions-is-all-about-the-battles-194527252.html?src=rss

A new look at Nintendo Switch 2 has seemingly leaked, giving us what appears to be the final design for the dock.

Oura has upgraded its Readiness Score to account for the menstrual cycle.

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A grassroots organization is encouraging U.S. residents not to spend any money Friday as an act of economic resistance to protest what the groups founder sees as the maligninfluence of billionaires, big corporations, and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans.The Peoples Union USA calls the 24 hours of spending abstinence set to start at midnight an economic blackout, a term that has since been shared and debated on social media. The activist movement said it also plans to promote weeklong consumer boycotts of particular companies, includingWalmartand Amazon.Other activists, faith-based leaders, and consumers already are organizing boycottsto protest companiesthat have scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and to oppose President Donald Trumps moves toabolish all federal DEI programs and policies. Some faith leaders are encouraging their congregations to refrain fromshopping at Target, one of the companies backing off DEI efforts, during the 40 days of Lent that begin Wednesday.Here are some details about the various events and experts thoughts on whether having consumers keep their wallets closed is an effective tool for influencing the positions corporations take.Whos behind the 24-hour economic blackout?The Peoples Union USA, which takes credit for initiating the no-spend day, was founded by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher who lives near the Chicago area, according to his social media accounts.The organizations website said its not tied to a political party but stands for all people. Requests for comment sent to the groups email address this week did not receive a reply.The planned blackout is scheduled to run from 12 a.m. EST through 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday. The activist group advised customers to abstain from making any purchases, whether in store or online, but particularly not from big retailers or chains. It wants participants to avoid fast food and filling their car gas tanks, and says shoppers with emergencies or in need of essentials should support a local small business and try not to use a credit or debit card.Peoples Union plans another broad-based economic blackout on March 28, but its also organizing boycotts targeting specific retailersWalmart and Amazonas well as global food giants Nestle and General Mills. For the boycott against Amazon, the organization is encouraging people to refrain from buying anything from Whole Foods, which the e-commerce company owns.What other boycotts are being planned?There are a number of boycotts being planned, particularly aimed at Target. The discounter, which has backed diversity and inclusion efforts aimed at uplifting Black and LGBTQ+ people in the past, announced in Januaryit was rolling back its DEI initiatives.A labor advocacy group called We Are Somebody, led by Nina Turner, launched a boycott of Target on February 1 to coincide with Black History Month.Meanwhile, an Atlanta-area pastor, the Rev. Jamal Bryant, organized a website called targetfast.org to recruit Christians for a a 40-day Target boycott starting March 5, which marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Other faith leaders have endorsed the protest.The Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, a civil rights organization, announced in late January it would identify two companies in the next 90 days that will be boycotted for abandoning their diversity, equity and inclusion pledges. The organization formed a commission to identify potential candidates.Donald Trump can cut federal DEI programs to the bone, he can claw back federal money to expand diversity, but he cannot tell us what grocery store we shop at, Sharpton said in a statement posted on the National Action Networks website.Will the events have any impact?Some retailers may feel a slight pinch from Fridays broad blackout, which is taking place in a tough economic environment, experts said. Renewed inflation worries and Trumps threat of tariffs on imported goods already have had an effect onconsumer sentiment.The (market share) pie is just so big, Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor at market research firm Circana, said. You cant afford to have your slices get smaller. Consumers are spending more money on food. And that means theres more pressure on general merchandise or discretionary products.Still, Cohen thinks the overall impact may be limited, with any meaningful sales declines more likely to surface in liberal-leaning coastal regions and big cities.Anna Tuchman, a marketing professor at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management, said she thinks the economic blackout will likely make a dent in daily retail sales but wont be sustainable.I think this is an opportunity for consumers to show that they have a voice on a single day, she said. I think its unlikely that we would see long-run sustained decreases in economic activity supported by this boycott.Other boycotts have produced different results.Target saw a drop in sales in the spring and summer quarter of 2023 that the discounter attributed in part to customerbacklash over a collectionhonoring LGBTQ+ communities for Pride Month. As a result, Targetdidnt carry Pridemerchandise in all of its stores the following year.Tuchman studied the impact of aboycott against Goya Foodsduring the summer of 2020 after the companys CEO praised Trump. But her study, based on sales from research firm Numerator, found the brandsaw a sales increasedriven by first-time Goya buyers who were disproportionately from heavily Republican areas.However, the revenue bump proved temporary; Goya had no detectable sales increase after three weeks, Tuchman said.It was a different story forBud Light, which spent decades as Americas bestselling beer. Sales plummeted in 2023 after the brand sent a commemorative can to a transgender influencer. Bud Lights sales still havent fully recovered, according to alcohol consulting company Bump Williams.Tuchman thinks a reason is because there were plenty of other beers that the brands mostly conservative customer base could buy to replace Bud Light.Afya Evans, a political and image consultant in Atlanta, said she would make a point of shopping on Friday but will focus on small businesses and Black-owned brands.Evans is aware of other boycotts but she said she liked this one because she believes it could have some effect on sales.Its a broader thing, she said. We want to see what the impact is. Let everybody participate. And plan from there.By Anne DInnocenzio and Haleluya Hadero, AP business writersAP business writer Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit contributed to this report.

Love Warby Parker glasses but wish they were available in more locations? Youll be happy to know that Target is partnering with the optical brand tobring designer-quality eyewear at affordable prices via five shop-in-shops in 2025, the retail giant announced on Thursday.Warby Parker staff will run the shops within Target locations, which will offer glasses, sunglasses, contacts, eye exams, and vision screenings, consistent with the eyewear brands own stores. Prices will start at$95, including prescription lenses.The first five locations will open in the second half of 2025 at the following Target stores:Willowbrook, IllinoisBloomington, MinnesotaBrick, New JerseyColumbus, Ohio (Polaris)Exton, PennsylvaniaWarby Parker at Target will also debut online at Target.com concurrent with the opening of the first physical location. More Warby Parker at Target shops are slated to open in 2026.Warby Parkerat Target reflects both brands commitment to style, affordability, quality and convenience, Christina Hennington,EVP of Target, said in a statement. As we test and learn with this new partnershipbringingWarby Parkersexpertise into select storeswere enticing new consumers to discover more of Target.The partnership will complement, not replace, the Minneapolis-based retailers growingTarget Opticalbusiness, which offers a range of products and services at more than 500 of Targets 2,000 stores nationwide.The Warby Parker at Target shops are the latest addition to Targets growing number of in-store partnerships, which already include Starbucks, Apple, and Ulta.The news comes after Target announced it is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and investments. The move has angered activists, who are calling for customers to boycott the brand as part of both theTarget Fast and February 28 Economic Blackout movements.

PROS: Impressive performance and output quality Unbeatable price and value Quick to set up and easy to use Sleek, minimalist, and compact designCONS: Chamber light is too dim Interior temperatures might not get hot enough for some materialsRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Elegoo Centauri Carbon delivers a potent combo of excellent performance and great value, giving creatives from all walks of life a tool to turn their ideas into reality.There is no doubt that 3D printing smashed open the floodgates of creativity, allowing almost anyone with a dream and a vision to turn their ideas into reality. In a sense, it democratized the creative process by giving individuals and small groups of people a power that was previously reserved for big companies with deep pockets and access to production pipelines. Just seeing the number of designs and DIY projects that came flooding in during the past few years is enough of a testament to how 3D printers are empowering not just professionals but hobbyists as well.That said, 3D printers are definitely not toys. The vast majority of them are expensive, bulky, and complicated, creating a different kind of barrier to entry. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is trying to challenge the status quo with what could very well be the most affordable enclosed 3D printer in the market. But did it cut corners to reach that price point or is the Centauri Carbon truly capable of making creative dreams come true? Thats the quest we embarked on with this review of a tool that promises a whole new world of fun and creativity to designers.Designer: ElegooClick Here to Buy Now: $299.99.Aesthetics3D printers are quite large machines, even those that you could theoretically put on your desk. Some printers have even reduced their design to something like a metal skeleton to further reduce their footprint, but that doesnt come without a cost in performance. For some materials that need a more regulated temperature, you need to have not just a frame but also panels to keep the heat in.Fully enclosed printers, however, are often more expensive, which is why the Elegoo Centauri Carbons price tag comes as a bit of a shock. In a nutshell, it promises nearly all the features youve come to expect from more expensive 3D printers but in a compact and affordable package. But despite that low price, its clear that Elegoo didnt cut corners on the printers design. You get a sleek and modern-looking 3D printer sitting on your table, with tinted glass panels on the front and on one side. It didnt skimp on materials either, using die-cast aluminum for the chassis.In other words, you get a machine that not only looks premium but also feels premium. The Centauri Carbon cuts a very sharp and handsome silhouette, especially with its black frame and tinted glass panels. It has very minimal decorations as well, with only the control display in front and the filament spool holder and loader on the right (facing the printer) side. With a size of 398 404 490 mm and a build volume of 256 256 256 mm, it doesnt take up too much table space and looks quite good standing there even when its not printing anything.ErgonomicsThe Elegoo Centauri Carbon has a very minimalist design that belies its true power yet also makes it easy to use. In fact, setting up the printer is quick and effortless, with very few parts to assemble or remove once youve pulled the printer out of the box. The one very important detail you have to remember at this point is to remove three screws that hold down the printing bed. Removing the packaging and performing self-checks would probably take you only half an hour on average, and you can be up and running as quickly as possible.With almost everything pre-installed, all you really need to do is to put in the build plate, which conveniently uses magnets to quickly snap into the correct position, place the filament spool on the holder, and thread the material into the small run-out detector box. The placement of these last two is actually quite a smart choice. Other 3D printers put them on the back to achieve a cleaner appearance when looking at the printer itself, but that makes it harder to change materials without having to either reach for the back of the box or turn it around. Having it on the side sends a message that the Centauri Carbon is designed for agile workflows.Despite its compact form, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is certainly not lightweight, weighing around 21kg. You definitely wouldnt want to move it around a lot, and not just because of its heft. While its easy to set up the first time, every time you move the 3D printer, you will have to do the leveling calibration again. The auto-leveling feature really only applies between different prints.PerformanceGiven its mind-blowing price tag, it comes as a pleasant surprise just how well the Elegoo Centauri Carbon performs, but were getting ahead of ourselves. On paper, it has quite a formidable list of features youd come to expect from more expensive professional FDM 3D printers, including a max printing speed of 500 mm/s, a hardened steel dual-gear extruder, a brass-hardened steel nozzle, three fans, an activated carbon air filter, and, of course, a 4.3-inch touch screen.During CalibrationAfter CalibrationThe output of the Centauri Carbon is simply amazing, both in terms of speed and quality. In some cases, you wouldnt even think that the objects it produces were 3D printed at all, especially with the lack of telltale signs like lines and seams. The large capacity of the build chamber means you can print some large objects in one go, such as a helmet prop for some costumes. Smaller prints are also not a problem, even those with rather complicated surfaces and markings.Ikasumi senbei/Rice cracker (3D printed)The 3D printer can handle quite a variety of filament materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, and even Carbon Fiber, just to name a few. It has a rather ingenious dual-sided build plate that has a rough surface on one side for most materials and a smooth surface on the opposite side just for PLA. The enclosed design of the printer allows heat to be trapped inside for materials that require higher temperatures, though the cooling system seems to work a little too well and keeps the chamber pretty cool.Despite all its powerful capabilities, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is surprisingly easy to use and most of the default settings are enough to handle almost any task. Youll probably end up changing only temperatures and other minor settings depending on the material or printing task, and most of those can be done on the touchscreen controller. For everything else, using the accompanying software and slicer is also familiar to users of other 3D printers. The Centauri Carbon is really designed for ease of use so you spend less time tweaking settings and more time working on perfecting your models to be printed.If theres one wart on the Elegoo Centauri Carbons almost perfect face, it would be the visibility of what goes on inside. Yes, it has a camera and internal lighting, but the latter is just too dim to make anything identifiable, especially if youre working with dark filaments. The fact that the glass panels are tinted makes it even worse, as you cant quickly take a peek inside to check the printing status. You can always open the front door or remove the top panel, but that wont be advisable for some materials.The 3D printers helpful Filament Run-Out Sensor might also be a liability down the line. All filaments have to pass through here, of course, which makes the process of manually loading each and every filament a little tiring. For single-color or single-material prints, thats not much of a problem, but anything more complicated will get cumbersome really fast. It might also potentially limit the possibility of using a multi-filament feeder in the future, though Elegoo hopefully has a solution for that when the time comes.Sustainability3D printers are in a sort of no mans land right now when it comes to environmental impact. While they do enable more rapid testing and production, they also create a bit more waste from those steps. Common filaments are also made of plastic or have chemicals in them, further increasing the worlds total plastic output in the long run. At the same time, however, there is also a huge potential in using more sustainable materials for filaments, a risk that bigger companies might not be willing to take yet.If theres one thing that Elegoo does quite well in this department its that it already has replacement parts available this early. Its not for everything yet, but being able to buy spare hotends and build plates right off the bat goes a long way in improving the longevity of the product. Hopefully, it will have other parts available for purchase soon as well. The printer can also receive software updates to improve features and remove bugs, yet another way to preserve the products use for years to come.ValueThe Elegoo Centauri Carbon enclosed FDM 3D printer has a price tag of $299.99. Let that sink in for a while. But in case you dont have any reference, other printers of this design easily cost twice as much. Even more unbelievable is the fact that it is able to pull off complicated prints with speed and aplomb. Aside from the dim lighting, theres almost very little to criticize about this 3D printer.Sure, the more expensive enclosed printers might have more features or larger build volumes, but those features might actually make more sense for more seasoned veterans who have the budget to invest in more complex machines. Some creative professionals and hobbyists will probably be content with standard functionality as long as the prints come out well, and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon doesnt disappoint in any significant way.VerdictFor 3D printing to really empower more people, it needs to actually be accessible. Like with any other product, sometimes youre forced to compromise between price and power as if those are always mutually exclusive. Once in a while, however, a seemingly miraculous design pops up that proves that shouldnt be the case. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is one such design.Flaunting a $299.99 price tag that doesnt skimp on the essentials and performs with both power and finesse, the Centauri Carbon definitely has the potential to shake up the 3D printing market. It dares to challenge the status quo with an enclosed 3D printer that is not only affordable but also reliable. With such a powerful tool, Elegoo is inviting more people to start on their own adventures in bringing their ideas to life, taking flat, 2D digital designs and turning them into true three-dimensional objects you can hold and love.Click Here to Buy Now: $299.99.The post Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D Printer Review: Empowering Creatives to Bring Their Ideas to Life first appeared on Yanko Design.

With egg prices soaring, the US is considering vaccinating laying chickens, which have been hit particularly hard by the avian influenza outbreak.