Speaking of which, lets not forget that DOGE has fired people working to prevent bird flu and to safeguard the US nuclear arsenal. (The problem with throwing a chainsaw around is that you dont make clean cuts.) The agencies in question have reportedly tried to hire those workers back. Fine. But even if theyre able to, the long-term question that hasnt been answered yet is, Who would stay? Who would work under a regime so cocksure and incompetent that it would mistakenly fire the only handful of people who actually know how to take care of the nukes? According to a recent report from The Bulwark, that brain drain is already underway.And this is all before the real reductions in force begin, mass purges of civil servants that will soon be conducted, it seems, with an assist from DOGE-modified, automated software. The US government is about to lose decades of institutional knowledge across who knows how many agencies, including specialists that arent readily replaced by loyalists.Elon Musk has, at least, acknowledged that DOGE will make mistakes, and promised fast fixes. He even called one out specifically Wednesday, the cancelation of a USAID program designed to prevent the spread of Ebola. We restored the Ebola prevention immediately, he said during an appearance at Trumps first cabinet meeting. And there was no interruption.This is not the case, as The Washington Post first reported. Not only has Ebola prevention not been restoredit was and remains severely diminishedbut the Trump administration also said Wednesday it would terminate nearly 10,000 contracts and grants from USAID and the State Department. Many of those contracts represent an attempt to lessen some form of suffering in some part of the world. Its too many individual stories to tell, too many tragedies unfolding too far away.Its worse than you think in the same way that your brain breaks a little when you try to picture how deep the ocean is. Its worse than you think because by the time the courts catch up the damage will already have been done. Its worse than you think because the people running the government seem to have no higher mission than to watch it burn.Federal agencies could absolutely be more efficient, but were long past the point where efficiency is a plausible goal. DOGEs cuts have no apparent regard for civil society or opportunity costs or long-term strategic thinking. Their targets are Elon Musks and Project 2025s targets. They have found no fraud, just democracy at work. Theyre apparently eager to see what happens when it no longer does.Its worse than you think because so far all DOGE has done is drop a boulder into the middle of a pond. If you think this is bad, wait for the ripples.The ChatroomWhat will be the most lasting impact of the DOGE cuts?Leave a comment on the site or send your thoughts to mail@wired.com.WIRED ReadsDOGE Is Working on Software That Automates the Firing of Federal Workers: Operatives working for Elon Musks DOGE appear to be editing the code of AutoRIFsoftware designed by the Defense Department that could assist in mass firings of federal workers, sources tell WIRED.DOGE Staffers at HUD Are From an AI Real Estate Firm and a Mobile Home Operator: Elon Musks men at HUD come from the real estate sector. They have access to vast stores of personal and financial dataand control over who can access which HUD systems.DOGEs Chaos Reaches Antarctica: Daily life at US-run Antarctic stations has already been disrupted. Scientists worry that the long-term impacts could upend not only important research but the continents delicate geopolitics.Want more? Subscribe now for unlimited access to WIRED.What Else Were Reading DOGE Quietly Deletes the 5 Biggest Spending Cuts It Celebrated Last Week: The parade of casual incompetence continues. (The New York Times) Trump Administration to Cut 92% of USAID Foreign Aid Contracts: This is reportedly going to save $60 billion. The federal budget is $6.8 trillion. As discussed above, the true cost will be incalculable. (Axios) Is What DOGE Is Doing Legal?: Great question! Wish the courts would get around to answering it! (The Washington Post)The DownloadCheck out this weeks special-edition podcast episode, WIRED News Update: DOGEs Many Conflicts of Interest & Elons Weekend Email Chaos. I joined global editorial director Katie Drummond to dig into all things DOGE. Listen now.Thanks again for subscribing. You can get in touch with Makena via email, Instagram, X, Bluesky, and Signal at makenakelly.32.This is an edition of the WIRED Politics Lab newsletter. Read previous newsletters here.

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Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube797kFollowing the release of WARRIORS: Abyss in February, Koei Tecmo has announced a "March update" adding another character to the game and much more.One other highlight is "performance improvements" for the Nintendo Switch version of the game and apart from this are bug fixes and various other adjustments. Here's the full rundown via the Koei Tecmo social media account:"We have plans for #WARRIORSAbyss coming next month, which will bring many fixes and changes to the game! Get ready to descend into the Inferno once again!"Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube797kWatch on YouTube It's also mentioned how "other" bug fixes and balance adjustments are planned.Warriors: Abyss - March UpdateAdditional characterGauge reaction for barriers of the Level Boss OnigashiraIncrease in the rate of unique weapons appearing in treasure chests as mission rewardsUpward adjustments to the effects of some TreasuresChanges to make Formations that are still locked in the Hall of Bonded Souls appear at King's Cauldrons as non-exchangeable items. Additional changes to make Formations that have been unlocked in the Hall of Bonded Souls appear in treasure chests as mission rewards.Fixes for bug impacting the effects of Player Hero Traits for Sima Yis Unique WeaponPerformance improvements for the Nintendo Switch versionOther bug fixes and balance adjustments are also plannedAlongside this was the following teaser:We have upcoming plans for #WARRIORSAbyss - it sounds like Emna does too."To quell Gouma and his rebellion, I'll need the help of more than just the heroes of Jin... Hm? Who could that be?"Image: Koei TecmoIn our review of Warriors: Abyss we called this game a "decent low-budget spinoff in the long-running hack 'n' slash" series:"Wed give this one a modest recommendation to fans of either roguelites, Musou games, or both, but with the caveat that you may want to wait to pick this one up on a deep sale sometime later on." Not Abyssmal"1 vs. 1,000 action with roguelite elements"Have you tried out this game on the Switch yet? Let us know in the comments.Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Confirms Removal Of Switch Online SNES GameSuper Soccer will "no longer be available"Nintendo Highlights Four Brand New Games "Coming Soon" To SwitchMarch is going to be an exciting monthStunning New Physical Edition Of Stardew Valley Is Now Available At FangamerIncludes comic, poster, art cards, and more

Artificial intelligence is a deep and convoluted world. The scientists who work in this field often rely on jargon and lingo to explain what theyre working on. As a result, we frequently have to use those technical terms in our coverage of the artificial intelligence industry. Thats why we thought it would be helpful to put together a glossary with definitions of some of the most important words and phrases that we use in our articles.We will regularly update this glossary to add new entries as researchers continually uncover novel methods to push the frontier of artificial intelligence while identifying emerging safety risks.AI agentAn AI agent refers to a tool that makes use of AI technologies to perform a series of tasks on your behalf beyond what a more basic AI chatbot could do such as filing expenses, booking tickets or a table at a restaurant, or even writing and maintaining code. However, as weve explained before, there are lots of moving pieces in this emergent space, so different people can mean different things when they refer to an AI agent. Infrastructure is also still being built out to deliver on envisaged capabilities. But the basic concept implies an autonomous system that may draw on multiple AI systems to carry out multi-step tasks.Chain of thoughtGiven a simple question, a human brain can answer without even thinking too much about it things like which animal is taller between a giraffe and a cat? But in many cases, you often need a pen and paper to come up with the right answer because there are intermediary steps. For instance, if a farmer has chickens and cows, and together they have 40 heads and 120 legs, you might need to write down a simple equation to come up with the answer (20 chickens and 20 cows).In an AI context, chain-of-thought reasoning for large language models means breaking down a problem into smaller, intermediate steps to improve the quality of the end result. It usually takes longer to get an answer, but the answer is more likely to be right, especially in a logic or coding context. So-called reasoning models are developed from traditional large language models and optimized for chain-of-thought thinking thanks to reinforcement learning.(See: Large language model)Deep learningA subset of self-improving machine learning in which AI algorithms are designed with a multi-layered, artificial neural network (ANN) structure. This allows them to make more complex correlations compared to simpler machine learning-based systems, such as linear models or decision trees. The structure of deep learning algorithms draws inspiration from the interconnected pathways of neurons in the human brain.Deep learning AIs are able to identify important characteristics in data themselves, rather than requiring human engineers to define these features. The structure also supports algorithms that can learn from errors and, through a process of repetition and adjustment, improve their own outputs. However, deep learning systems require a lot of data points to yield good results (millions or more). It also typically takes longer to train deep learning vs. simpler machine learning algorithms so development costs tend to be higher.(See: Neural network)Fine tuningThis means further training of an AI model thats intended to optimize performance for a more specific task or area than was previously a focal point of its training typically by feeding in new, specialized (i.e. task-oriented) data.Many AI startups are taking large language models as a starting point to build a commercial product but vying to amp up utility for a target sector or task by supplementing earlier training cycles with fine-tuning based on their own domain-specific knowledge and expertise.(See: Large language model (LLM))Large language model (LLM)Large language models, or LLMs, are the AI models used by popular AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Googles Gemini, Metas AI Llama, Microsoft Copilot, or Mistrals Le Chat. When you chat with an AI assistant, you interact with a large language model that processes your request directly or with the help of different available tools, such as web browsing or code interpreters.AI assistants and LLMs can have different names. For instance, GPT is OpenAIs large language model and ChatGPT is the AI assistant product.LLMs are deep neural networks made of billions of numerical parameters (or weights, see below) that learn the relationships between words and phrases and create a representation of language, a sort of multidimensional map of words.Those are created from encoding the patterns they find in billions of books, articles, and transcripts. When you prompt an LLM, the model generates the most likely pattern that fits the prompt. It then evaluates the most probable next word after the last one based on what was said before. Repeat, repeat, and repeat.(See: Neural network)Neural networkNeural network refers to the multi-layered algorithmic structure that underpins deep learning and, more broadly, the whole boom in generative AI tools following the emergence of large language models.Although the idea to take inspiration from the densely interconnected pathways of the human brain as a design structure for data processing algorithms dates all the way back to the 1940s, it was the much more recent rise of graphical processing hardware (GPUs) via the video game industry that really unlocked the power of theory. These chips proved well suited to training algorithms with many more layers than was possible in earlier epochs enabling neural network-based AI systems to achieve far better performance across many domains, whether for voice recognition, autonomous navigation, or drug discovery.(See: Large language model (LLM))WeightsWeights are core to AI training as they determine how much importance (or weight) is given to different features (or input variables) in the data used for training the system thereby shaping the AI models output.Put another way, weights are numerical parameters that define whats most salient in a data set for the given training task. They achieve their function by applying multiplication to inputs. Model training typically begins with weights that are randomly assigned, but as the process unfolds, the weights adjust as the model seeks to arrive at an output that more closely matches the target.For example, an AI model for predicting house prices thats trained on historical real estate data for a target location could include weights for features such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether a property is detached, semi-detached, if it has or doesnt have parking, a garage, and so on.Ultimately, the weights the model attaches to each of these inputs is a reflection of how much they influence the value of a property, based on the given data set.

Tonight is the night and the clock is winding down to register for TechCrunch Sessions: AI at our Super Early Bird pricing. Register before 11:59 p.m. PT so you can save up to $325 on passes!TC Sessions: AI will bring you invaluable insights into the cutting-edge and ever-evolving world of AI through expert-led main stage sessions with AI pioneers, hands-on demos in the Expo Hall, interactive breakouts, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether youre an experienced AI whiz or you just want to know about the world of AI, join us for a jam-packed day to remember on June 5 in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Register by tonight before 11:59 p.m. PT to save up to $325!A wealth of AI insightLeaders and shakers in the AI industry will join TC Sessions: AI to share their invaluable insights on the main stage. Heres a small preview of who youll be able to learn from at the event.Jae Lee, CEO, Twelve LabsJae Lee, CEO at Twelve Labs, will speak on the main stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5, 2025, in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Image Credits:Twelve LabsAs the co-founder and CEO of Twelve Labs, Jae Lee is on a mission to transform how developers and enterprises analyze and understand massive video corpora. Lee leads the development of advanced multimodal foundation models, with aims of pushing the boundaries of AI-powered video intelligence.Jae will take the main stage alongside Sara Hooker, VP of Research at Cohere, to discuss How Founders Can Build on Existing Foundational Models.Oliver Cameron, co-founder and CEO, OdysseyOliver Cameron, co-founder and CEO, Odyssey will speak on the main stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5, 2025, in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Image Credits:OdysseyOliver Cameron is looking at the next frontier of artificial intelligence at his AI startup Odyssey. Odyssey is pioneering world models able to generate cinematic, interactive worlds in real time. Before Odyssey, Cameron was co-founder and CEO of the autonomous vehicle startup Voyage.Cameron joins TC Sessions: AI for a main stage talk about how small companies can compete against established ones in the fast-paced and rapidly changing AI market.Kanu Gulati, partner, Khosla VenturesKanu Gulati, partner, Khosla Ventures will speak on the main stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5, 2025, in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Image Credits:Khosla VenturesKanu Gulati has spent her career pushing the boundaries of AI and innovation, whether it be in a research lab or as a VC. As a partner at Khosla Ventures, Gulati invests in transformative AI, robotics, and autonomous systems and has backed companies like PolyAI, Regie, and Waabi. Gulati previously spent more than a decade as a scientist at Intel and Cadence and was the co-founder of multiple startups, two of which were acquired.Kanu will join Jill Chase, a partner at CapitalG, for an in-depth discussion on From Seed to Series C: What VCs Expect from Founders.Artemis Seaford, Head of AI Safety at ElevenLabs, will speak on the main stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5, 2025, in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Image Credits:ElevenLabsAs the leader of AI safety at ElevenLabs, Artemis is dedicated to building responsible AI systems. Prior to this, she guided OpenAIs efforts to ensure the safe deployment of its models and spearheaded Metas global response to geopolitical and adversarial threats. With a PhD in political science and a JD from Stanford, her career spans management consulting, international policy, legal frameworks, and civil society.Jill Chase, partner, CapitalGJill Chase, partner at CapitalG, will speak on the main stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5, 2025, in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Image Credits:CapitalGAs investment partner at CapitalG, Jill Chase leads the AI investing practice for Alphabets independent growth fund. With a background working alongside senior Googlers and AI experts, she has refined her AI/ML investment thesis and worked with leading founders and technologists in the space.Jill has spearheaded investments in Magic, /dev/agents, and Motif at CapitalG. She also lectures at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, has served as CEO of a private equity-backed company, and founded a Y Combinator-backed startup.Jill and Kanu will take the stage together for a deep dive into From Seed to Series C: What VCs Expect from Founders.Sara Hooker, VP of research, CohereSara Hooker, VP of Research at Cohere, will speak on the main stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5, 2025, in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley.Image Credits:Chris BehroozianAs the leader of Cohere for AI, Sara Hooker drives cutting-edge research in machine learning, tackling complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of AI. Before joining Cohere, she made significant contributions at Google Brain, focusing on efficient model training and multi-criteria optimization. Her work ensures that AI models are not only powerful but also interpretable, efficient, fair, and robust. At Cohere, she leads a team dedicated to making large language models more efficient, safe, and well-grounded. A PhD graduate from Mila AI Institute, she co-founded the Trustworthy ML Initiative and advises organizations like Kaggle and the World Economic Forum. In 2024, TIME recognized her among the 100 Most Influential People in AI.Want to join in on the action? If youre an AI expert who can have insightful discussions with innovators and entrepreneurs, we want to see you at TechCrunch Sessions: AI! Apply here by March 7 for a chance to help develop the minds of future AI leaders with your expertise.Last call for these unbeatable pricesIf youre ready to take the plunge to learn from and network with AI experts, register for TechCrunch Sessions: AI now to secure your spot, and save at least $300. Be warned, prices will be raised after 11:59 p.m. PT tonight.Want more deals and promotions to TechCrunch events like this? Subscribe to our TechCrunch Events newsletter and youll be the first to know when they happen.Make your voice heard at TechCrunch Sessions: AIAre you an AI expert who can drive powerful discussions with tech innovators and entrepreneurs? We want to hear from you!Apply by March 7for a chance to share your expertise and shape the future of the AI community.Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Sessions: AI? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Hey guys so I am currently working on a shield effect for my portfolio and wanted to try out some functionality early but I am running into some issues that I am confused on.Firstly, I created a simple Niagara system with the shield mesh inside and then linked it to a simple BP that allowed activate and deactivate the shield based on my mouse button press and release but, my initial issue was that the system had a super long lifetime so everytime it was activated and deactivated it was essentially doubling up on itself.To fix this, I set the system to kill particles immediately so that when it deactivates it is no longer playing in the background:The problem with this now is that it does not scale down based on the timeline I have set up and instead just disappears instantly:https://youtu.be/6m7-pJYcX0MHeres the Blueprint:Im not entirely sure what to do differently here so I am reaching out for anyone who can share their expertise.Thanks guys!

St. Peters Square | Letian ZhangOne of Gian Lorenzo Berninis most ambitious architectural achievements was transforming St. Peters Square into a grand urban space epitomizing Baroque ideals. Commissioned by Pope Alexander VII in 1656, the project sought to unify the fragmented surroundings of St. Peters Basilica, creating a ceremonial forecourt that would enhance the basilicas prominence. The square was not merely a response to the demands of urban planning but a symbolic and theological statement, reinforcing the Churchs authority in the era of the Counter-Reformation.St. Peters Square Technical InformationArchitects1-5: Gian Lorenzo BerniniLocation: Vatican CityCommissioned by: Pope Alexander VIITotal Area: Approx. 240 meters wide and 340 meters longProject Year: 1656 1667Photographs: Unsplash Users, See Caption DetailsThe colonnades of St. Peters Square represent the embracing arms of the Church. Gian Lorenzo Bernini 6St. Peters Square PhotographsAerial View | Yoav AzizAerial View | Melissa CroninStreet View | Michele BitettoDetails | Simone SavoldiPlaza | Francesco del SetteColonnades | Felipe Perez LamanaColonnades | Alessandro SimonettaColonnades | Alex PresaColonnades | Alex PresaDetails | Alex PresaDetails | Alex PresaSt. Peters Square Spatial CompositionAt its conception, Rome was undergoing a significant transformation under papal patronage. The Counter-Reformation emphasized spectacle, processional movement, and dramatic spatial effects in religious architecture. St. Peters Square embodies these principles through its grandeur, symmetry, and dynamic visitor engagement. It was designed to frame St. Peters Basilica, completed earlier by Bernini, as the preeminent architect-sculptor of the time, was tasked with resolving spatial discontinuities and enhancing the sense of procession and awe as visitors approached the basilica. The result is an urban space that simultaneously functions as a pilgrimage destination, a civic gathering space, and a spatial narrative leading to the heart of Christendom.Berninis St. Peters Square design studies the controlled orchestration of movement and perception. The square consists of two primary geometric components:The elliptical piazza, enclosed by massive colonnades, is designed to embrace visitors in a theatrical gesture.The trapezoidal forecourt, which narrows towards the basilica, enhances the perception of its monumental facade.This dual configuration guides the movement toward St. Peters Basilica, emphasizing its sacred and hierarchical importance. The elliptical shape allows for a sense of enclosure while accommodating large crowds, creating a space that is both intimate and expansive.The Colonnades: Architectural and Symbolic RoleThe defining element of St. Peters Square is its massive colonnadesfour rows of Tuscan order columns arranged in a sweeping curve. These colonnades serve multiple architectural and symbolic purposes:They create a processional route, guiding pilgrims and visitors towards the basilica.Their vast scale amplifies the sense of grandeur and spatial unity, counterbalancing the horizontal expanse of the square.Symbolically, the colonnades represent the welcoming arms of the Church, embracing the faithful and extending the Churchs reach into the secular world.140 statues of saints stand atop the colonnades, further reinforcing the spaces hierarchical and celestial dimensions. This integration of sculpture and architecture is a hallmark of Berninis work, blurring the boundaries between built form and spiritual narrative.The Central Obelisk and Radial OrganizationA crucial focal point of Berninis composition is the Egyptian obelisk, initially transported to Rome by Emperor Caligula. Positioned at the center of the square, the obelisk serves as a static counterpoint to the dynamic movement created by the colonnades.From this central point, radial lines embedded in the paving organize the space, directing attention outward while also reinforcing the designs symmetry and order. These radial elements create a subtle yet profound visual and spatial hierarchy, making the entire square an optical instrument of movement and convergence.Materiality, Construction, and Structural InnovationBerninis choice of materials reflects both pragmatic and aesthetic considerations. The colonnades are built of travertine, a locally available limestone known for its durability and warm tonality, which harmonizes with the facade of St. Peters Basilica. The scale and uniformity of the columns required precise quarrying and construction techniques, showcasing Berninis engineering acumen.Beyond materiality, Bernini employed structural innovations to achieve the colonnades sweeping form. The subtle angling of the columns and entablatures creates an illusion of movement, reinforcing the Baroque preoccupation with spatial fluidity. Moreover, the design carefully considers the play of light and shadow, with the massive colonnades casting dramatic patterns throughout the day, enhancing the squares dynamic character.Legacy and Contemporary RelevanceSt. Peters Square remains one of the most influential public spaces in Western architecture. It serves as both a place of worship and a civic arena. Its influence can be seen in numerous urban designs that seek to integrate monumentality with a human-scaled experience.Berninis handling of processional movement, framed vistas, and the integration of architecture with public space has had a lasting impact on the design of plazas and urban spaces. Modern architects and urban planners continue to draw lessons from its ability to balance monumentality with accessibility, creating hierarchical and inviting spaces.St. Peters Square PlansSite Plan | Gian Lorenzo BerniniAxonometric | Gian Lorenzo BerniniFloor Plan | Gian Lorenzo BerniniSt. Peters Square Image GalleryAbout Gian Lorenzo BerniniGian Lorenzo Bernini (15981680) was an Italian architect, sculptor, and painter who defined the Baroque era with his dynamic, theatrical designs. Renowned for blending architecture and sculpture, he transformed St. Peters Square, designed the Baldachin of St. Peters Basilica, and crafted masterpieces like SantAndrea al Quirinale. His innovative use of light, space, and movement set a new standard for architectural expression, influencing generations of designers.Credits and Additional NotesMaterials Used: Travertine limestone, granite (for the central obelisk)Colonnades: Four rows of Tuscan order columns, totaling 284 columns and 88 pilastersNumber of Statues: 140 statues of saints atop the colonnadesCentral Obelisk: Ancient Egyptian obelisk, originally erected in Heliopolis, EgyptEngineers & Builders: Various papal engineers and craftsmen under Berninis directionBernini and the Art of Architecture byTod A. Marder,Gian Lorenzo Bernini,Joseph Martin

ZDNET's key takeaways The new Xiaomi 15 Ultra sees improvements in almost all the right places, with a 200MP periscope lens and a more durable design. The camera configuration is still one of the most competitive ones on the market. If you're in the US, you'll have to pay to play, with conversions nearing $1,555. View now at Mi The moment I unboxed the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I knew I was in trouble. While the flagship had launched in China just days ago, its global debut today at Mobile World Congress (MWC) should raise some flags among its Android competitors -- and perhaps Apple, too.Also: What to expect at MWC 2025: Best phones I'm anticipating from Xiaomi, Honor, Samsung, moreI've been testing the phone for a little less than a month now, having swapped my SIM over from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and as each day goes by, it's gotten tougher for me to switch back. I partly have T-Mobile to thank for that, as most international phones like the Xiaomi support just enough GSM-based cellular bands to make calling, messaging, and browsing on LTE work here in the US.Other reasons range from the new 200MP periscope camera (that's more than just a marketing gimmick) to the industrial design and surprisingly smooth software experience. In other words, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may be the best all-rounder phone I've tested so far. But even then, the reasons to upgrade to it are just as clear as those to look elsewhere. Here's the breakdown. details View at Xiaomi With the 15 Ultra, you don't have to look far to understand how Xiaomi wants to sell you on it. The absolute island of a camera bump demands attention, whether you're staring directly at it or feeling the weight of it when holding the phone.Also: This 5-year tech industry forecast predicts some surprising winners - and losersBut don't let that distract you from the rest of the hardware, which Xiaomi says has become much more durable than last year's model, from the Shield Glass 2.0 for better drop protection to the high-strength Gorilla Glass 7i layering that protects the rear cameras. The subtle grooves on the power button are a nice touch.The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is also heavier than its predecessor -- a rather surprising twist considering recent trends to slim-down devices -- likely due to the updated camera stack and larger battery capacity. At 226 grams, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is still lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max but noticeably heavier than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (218g). Even then, the curved dimensions make the phone much more manageable than Samsung's boxier aesthetic. Kerry Wan/ZDNETPowering this year's model is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which, when paired with 16GB of RAM and a rather well-optimized HyperOS skin over Android, delivers a snappy, near-burdenless software experience. I'll still knock on Xiaomi for the excessive bloatware, including pre-loaded apps like WPS Office and AliExpress. But beyond that, the device almost never stutters or drops frames, even when I use it after running benchmarks. It's that optimized.Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025For charging, you're looking at 90W wired and 80W wireless ratings, which aren't record-breaking at a global scale but essentially twice as fast as the best phones in the US (sansOnePlus.) You'll need the proper charging brick to achieve faster charging speeds, but the efficiency is well worth it. It's just unfortunate that Xiaomi downsized its battery to a 5,400mAh capacity when the China version of the 15 Ultra has a 6,000mAh size. Xiaomi 15 Ultra (left) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (right) Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETNow, for the elephant in the room: Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. I'm kidding. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's quad-camera setup is one of the most competent that I've tested, and I say "one of" because its domestic rivals, like the Vivo X200 Pro, are just as good.While Xiaomi has kept most of the camera hardware the same this year, including the Leica-partnered and branded optics, it's made subtle but meaningful upgrades across the board. The main 50MP lens still captures subjects with a level of dynamic range and depth that only a one-inch sensor can achieve, and I'm a big fan of the Ultra RAW image capturing, which preserves details for when I'm editing in Lightroom, but the new 200MP periscope lens has become my default shooting tool. A range of shots captured with the 200MP sensor, with no adjustments or edits. Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt's a big spec bump from last year's 50MP sensor, and the added pixels help when you capture photos in low-light environments or want to crop in after the fact. Just know that the optical zoom has been shortened to 4.4x from 5x, which may take some getting used to if you're coming from an iPhone or Samsung with 5x.Also: Oppo's new foldable phone is one of the thinnest I've seen - and I hope OnePlus and Samsung follow suitI've been testing the 200MP camera for portraits, landscape shots, and recording cinematic video in Pro mode, and the results made me consider retiring my $3,500 Sony A7S III. While the phone can take a few extra seconds to fully render and process images, meaning you won't see the final shot right after you capture it, the results have just the right amount of natural color, sharpness, and contrast to my liking. The streets of Barcelona, captured with the 50MP ultra-wide camera. Kerry Wan/ZDNETThat's to say, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a phone that would make sense to have a dedicated camera/shutter button. Putting one beneath the power button would also encourage users to stabilize the phone (and top-heavy camera bump) with their index finger, possibly resulting in a more comfortable and reliable capturing experience.ZDNET's buying adviceAs is the case with all global variants of phones (read: ones that aren't officially sold in the US), you'll have to export the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to use one. It currently retails for 1499 EUR, which roughly converts to $1,555 USD. That's not counting the impending upcharges due to recent US tariffs. So if you want one of the best phones on the market, you'll have to pay to play.Fortunately, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of the easier phones for me to recommend to power users and tech enthusiasts, thanks to its capable camera system and onslaught of specs. At this point, I might even go about the rest of my MWC week using just the phone to capture product shots and videos instead of my bulkier Sony camera.Featured reviews

Sandwiched between the freezing cold of Earths coldest continent and the warmth of its southernmost ... [+] active volcano, the caves beneath Antarcticas Mount Erebus are an anomaly in more ways than one.gettyAntarctica is a land of extremes. A continent where temperatures can plummet below -80F (-62C), where relentless winds sculpt ice into towering formations and where the only signs of life seem to be the hardiest of penguins and seals clinging to the coasts.For most of its barren interior, life is an afterthoughtnatures great white void, frozen in time. But beneath this frozen desolation, something astonishing brews.Deep within Mount Erebus, the worlds southernmost active volcano, a network of volcanic ice caves hides one of the most unexpected ecosystems on Earth. Here, where geothermal heat carves out warm refuges beneath the ice, life thrives against all odds.The Caves Under Mount Erebus Are A World Of Their OwnMount Erebus, rising 12,448 feet (3,794 meters) above Ross Island, is an anomaly in Antarcticas frozen expanse.As the worlds southernmost active volcano, it defies expectations by hosting both a permanent lava lake and a network of subterranean ice cavesa paradox where fire and ice coexist.Lava lakes are rare, but Mt. Erebus in Antarctica hosts one of the worlds few persistent ... [+] onesbubbling molten rock surrounded by ice, defying the extremes of fire and frost.gettyThese caves are sculpted by geothermal heat, which melts tunnels beneath the ice before freezing again, forming a surreal, ever-changing labyrinth of hollow chambers. Within these insulated caverns, temperatures can soar to 77F (25C)a staggering contrast to the brutal cold above, where winter temperatures can drop below -100F (-73C).The landscape inside these caves is nothing short of otherworldly.Towering fumarolic ice chimneys, some reaching over 30 feet (9 meters), vent superheated volcanic gases that crystallize into bizarre formations upon contact with the frigid Antarctic air. The cave walls shimmer with hoarfrost, delicate ice filaments that resemble an intricate frozen lacework.Ice stalactites, sculpted from repeated cycles of melting and refreezing, dangle like frozen daggers from the ceiling, some stretching several feet in length. Meanwhile, sunlight filtering through the thin ice above bathes the caves in an ethereal, ghostly glow, turning the subterranean world into a shimmering ice cathedral.Yet, the most astonishing aspect of these caves is not their beautyits the enigmatic life thriving within them, hinting at ecosystems unlike anything found elsewhere on Earth.These Caves Are A Subterranean Hotbed For Microbial LifeWhile the world outside these caves is frozen solid, the volcanic warmth within has nurtured a thriving microbial ecosystem unlike anything else on the continent.Researchers have uncovered an astonishing variety of bacteria and fungi, many of which seem to have no close relatives elsewhere on Earth. Some DNA sequences remain entirely unidentifiedhinting at the presence of potentially new species, uniquely adapted to this bizarre subterranean world.What makes these microbial communities even more remarkable is how they survive. Unlike plants or algae that rely on sunlight for energy, the organisms in these caves appear to sustain themselves through chemosynthesisderiving energy from chemical reactions, much like life forms found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.These microbes fix carbon from volcanic gases using a process known as the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle, a biochemical pathway typically associated with photosynthesis, according to a March 2015 study published in Frontiers in Microbiology. But instead of sunlight, these cave dwellers rely on carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H) emitted from Erebuss volcanic vents.In Warren Cave, one of the darkest and most isolated of the caves, researchers found an ecosystem dominated by Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria, bacteria that appear to be using volcanic emissions as their primary energy source.Even more curiously, scientists found no trace of Archaea, a microbial domain commonly found in extreme environments like deep-sea vents and Antarctic permafrost. This suggests that the organisms in Erebuss caves have evolved under entirely unique conditions, separate from other extreme microbial habitats.The Ecosystem Is So Alien, NASA Is Using It As A Test EnvironmentA place where life thrives in the dark, feeding off volcanic gases, might sound like pure science fiction. But for NASA, Mount Erebuss ice caves are the closest thing we have to an alien world right here on Earth.Scientists believe that if life exists beyond our planet, it may be hiding in environments just like thisdeep beneath the icy crusts of Jupiters moon Europa or Saturns moon Enceladus, where geothermal heat could create similar pockets of liquid water and microbial refuges.NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been using Erebuss caves as a test bed for robotic exploration technologies. Researchers have deployed specialized mapping instruments, drills and autonomous robots to study the caves, preparing for future missions that could explore similar environments on distant moons.One such test involved PUFFER, a foldable, origami-inspired robot designed to explore tight, icy crevices. Scientists also tested an ice-drilling rover equipped with chemical sensors, capable of detecting organic moleculestechnology that could one day search for signs of life beyond Earth.The parallels are undeniable. If microbes can survive in the volcanic caves of Erebus, thriving in a sunless, chemically-driven ecosystem, it strengthens the case that similar life forms might be lurking beneath the ice of Europa or Enceladuswaiting for us to find them.A Hidden World That Challenges Our Understanding of LifeMount Erebuss ice caves are more than just an Antarctic anomaly. They represent a microbial frontier, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible for life on Earthand beyond.The discovery of chemolithoautotrophic (rock-eating) microbes, surviving in an ecosystem sustained entirely by volcanic gases, has forced scientists to rethink where and how life can exist.But perhaps most exciting is the possibility that Erebuss caves arent just an exceptiontheyre an example of something far bigger. If Earth can sustain life in such an extreme environment, why not elsewhere in the universe?Places like the caves beneath Mount Erebus show us how there is more to life than we often perceive and survival is possible in any environment. How do you feel about the boundless possibilities offered to us by the natural world? Take this science-backed quiz to see where you stand on the Connectedness to Nature Scale.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra with case onPrakhar KhannaThe Xiaomi 15 Ultra costs the same as last years 14 Ultra but features a new design, a larger periscope camera, and an optional case that Id actually useits stylish and functional. Like other Ultra phones on the market, this is a camera-focused smartphoneone that offers plenty of lenses to explore different perspectives.Xiaomis new flagship is feature-packed in every aspect. I used it for a few hours at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona and took it for a photowalk around the city. Here are my takeaways.Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera samplePrakhar KhannaThe Xiaomi 15 Ultras biggest upgrade lies under its huge camera module. It replaces the 50MP periscope camera (5x optical zoom) in favor of a 200MP periscope sensor (4.3x optical zoom), similar to the Vivo X200 Pro and the Honor Magic 7 Pro. The higher resolution also comes with a larger sensor and a faster aperture, which should result in better low-light photography.I captured a few indoor photos in red and black lighting, and it performed really well. The above image captured details on the Flamenco dancers face and gave the picture a nice, vivid look. The color accuracy is great, too, but the processing can be inconsistent at times.Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera samples (2x portrait, 3x shot, 4.3x portrait)Prakhar KhannaThe other three cameras are all 50MP but with a few differences from last years setup. For example, the 50MP main camera is still a 1-inch-type sensor but opts for a fixed f/1.6 aperture instead of variable aperture tech.It is accompanied by a 50MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and a smaller 50MP ultrawide camera with a 115-degree field of view (versus 122 degrees on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra).Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera samplesPrakhar KhannaThe Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the potential to capture some excellent portraits, but two photos clicked within a second can be processed differently. For example, the above two shots were captured within a second with point and shoot (no touch and shoot), and the the two photos were processed very differently.Xiaomi 15 Ultra in BlackPrakhar KhannaThe ultrawide is still good enough to come in handy when needed.In terms of video capabilities, you can now capture LOG videos on all lenses. I shot the Flamenco performance for a few minutes, and while the phone got slightly warm to the touch, it wasnt worrisome heating. The thermals seem to be better than last year.Xiaomi 15 Ultra: What Else Should You Know?Xiaomi 15 UltraPrakhar KhannaThe Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a dual-tone finish on the back, reminiscent of Leica cameras. If you dont prefer that, you can opt for a classic black color option or a white variant that comes with an embedded pattern. I like the in-hand feel of the phone.Its comfortable to hold, but I found myself fumbling with it when capturing photos. Its IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and sports stronger glass protection on top of the display.Xiaomi 15 Ultra displayPrakhar KhannaOn the front, you get a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support. It was easily legible outdoors.The peak brightness can now go up to 3,200 nits for supported content (vs. 3,000 nits previously). It runs HyperOS 2, based on Android 15, which, in my limited time, seemed smoother and more fluid than before.Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera viewfinderPrakhar KhannaThe Xiaomi 15 Ultra flagship is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. I havent been able to run any benchmarks yet, and will be writing about it later, after Ive used it for at least two weeks.The new Xiaomi flagship packs a 5,410mAh battery, which is smaller than the 6,000mAh cell found on the Chinese variant. It supports wireless charging. Im skeptical about the battery life but its claimed to last all day.The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is priced at 1,499 euros and should launch in more markets soon.