html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" The year 2025 has seen nearly every smartphone brand tout the virtues of artificial intelligence. But with the exception of Google and its Gemini assistant on Pixel phones, we havent seen AI companies making an aggressive hardware push in the segment. Thats about to change.T-Mobiles parent company has announced plans for an AI Phone that is being developed in partnership with Perplexity. The AI company, which counts Nvidia and Jeff Bezos among its investors, will offer its eponymous AI tool for the phone.Recommended VideosJust like the Gemini integration on Googles Pixel phones or Siri running the show on iPhones, the upcoming AI Phone will have Perplexity available at a system-wide level. Users will be able to interact with the AI assistant even on the Lock Screen.Please enable Javascript to view this contentWe are proud to partner with @deutschetelekom to make Perplexity Assistant the native feature on their new AI Phone. pic.twitter.com/rYwsuySLW4 Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) March 3, 2025In addition to Perplexity, the phone will also offer access to Google Cloud AI, Picsart, and ElevenLabs. The latter recently inked a deal with Spotify and also launched its own publishing platform that lets users generate audiobooks within a few minutes using AI tools for free.PicsArt, Google Cloud, and ElevenLabs will be accessible via a dedicated Magenta AI app. Google Cloud will bring vision-based AI analysis capabilities, ElevenLabs will turn user-uploaded content into podcasts, while Picsart will help with generating fun images.As far as Perplexitys role on the AI Phone goes, it will come with a familiar set of tricks such as voice interaction, translations, and answering queries based on information pulled from the internet.Deutsche TelekomNotably, the Perplexity integration might also offer some agentic capabilities, as well. The AI assistant can also do shopping and write emails conveniently and without having to switch between apps, says Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile.It is unclear how the AI agent will be able to execute tasks, but theres certainly some precedent out there. OpenAI recently introduced Operator, a tool that can accomplish tasks such as booking a ticket or ordering food on behalf of users. Googles Gemini relies on a system of extension to perform chores across other platforms.Deutsche Telekom says its Perplexity-powered AI phone will be officially launched in the second half of 2025. As per TechCrunch, the phone will be priced under a thousand dollars and will hit the shelves at some point in 2026.Editors Recommendations

Nvidias AI chips are crucial to technology from smartphones to chatbots. Their production is outsourced to just one company in Taiwan. With growing fears that China may stage an invasion of the island, the U.S. is racing to secure the supply chain. Illustration: Zak RossWASHINGTONThe investment would be used to build out cutting-edge chip-making facilities. Such an expansion would advance a long-pursued U.S. goal to regrow the domestic semiconductor industry after manufacturing fled largely to Asian countries in recent decades.

Clarity The modern era of low-flying satellites may begin this week Flying closer to Earth delivers higher-resolution imagery, but there's a catch. Eric Berger Mar 3, 2025 11:00 am | 10 A close-up view of the Clarity-1 satellite. Credit: Albedo Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreThe idea of flying satellites in "very" low-Earth orbit is not new. Dating back to the dawn of the space age in the late 1950s, the first US spy satellites, as part of the Corona program, orbited the planet as low as 120 to 160 km (75 to 100 miles) above the Earth.This low vantage point allowed the Kodak cameras on board the Corona satellites to capture the highest-resolution images of Earth during the height of the Cold War. However, flying so close to the planet brought a number of challenges, most notably that of atmospheric drag.For much of the space age, therefore, satellites have flown much higher orbits. Most satellites today fly at an altitude of between 400 and 800 km (250 and 500 miles), which is high enough to avoid the vast majority of atmospheric drag while still being close enough to offer good communications and a clear view of the planet.In recent years, a handful of new space companies have announced plans to develop small- and medium-size satellites designed to survive in very low-Earth orbit (VLEO) and capable of taking advantage of the closer-in vantage point. The first of these companies to actually reach the launch pad is a Denver-based startup named Albedo.Hello, startupAlbedo was founded about four years ago by two engineers from Lockheed Martin, Topher Haddad and Ayjay Lasater, and a software engineer from Facebook, Winston Tri. Since 2021, the trio has raised more than $100 million to develop satellites capable of delivering visual images with a resolution of 10 cm."The vision was to commercialize VLEO as a means to capture imagery at a resolution that today you can only get from planes or drones or commercially, or from billion dollar national systems on the national security side," Haddad said in an interview.This resolution is significantly higher than any currently available commercial satellite imagery and rivals the resolution of some of the best spy satellites currently operated by the US and other large space powers.For high-resolution imagery today, Haddad said, sometimes the only real solution is helicopters or drones. But there are many locations on the planet that restrict fly overs, and the cost for regular over-flights by aircraft adds up quickly.Clarity-1 at the padAlbedo's first big test may come within the next week and the launch of the "Transporter-13" mission on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The company's first satellite, Clarity-1, is 530 kg (1170 pounds) and riding atop the stack of ridesharing spacecraft. The mission could launch as soon as this coming weekendfrom Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.The Clarity-1 satellite will be dropped off between 500 and 600 km orbit and then attempt to lower itself to an operational orbit 274 km (170 miles) above the planet.This is a full-up version of Albedo's satellite design. The spacecraft is larger than a full-size refrigerator, similar to a phone booth, and is intended to operate for a lifetime of about five years, depending on the Solar cycle. Clarity-1 is launching near the peak of the 100-year cycle, so this could reduce its active lifetime.Albedo recently won a contract from the US Air Force Research Laboratory that is worth up to $12 million to share VLEO-specific, on-orbit data and provide analysis to support the development of new missions and payloads beyond its own optical sensors.Serving many different customersThe advantages of such a platform include superior image quality, less congested orbits, and natural debris removal as inoperable satellites are pulled down into Earth's atmosphere and burnt up.But what about the drawbacks? In orbits closer to Earth the primary issue is atomic oxygen, which is highly reactive and energetic. There are also plasma eddies and other phenomena that interfere with the operation of satellites and degrade their materials. This makes VLEO far more hazardous than higher altitudes. It's also more difficult to capture precise imagery."The hardest part is pointing and attitude control," Haddad said, "because that's already hard in LEO, when you have a big telescope and you're trying to get a high resolution. Then you put it in VLEO, where the Earth's rotation beneath is moving faster, and it just exacerbates the problem."In the next several years, Albedo is likely to reach a constellation sized at about 24 satellites, but that number will depend on customer demand, Haddad said. Albedo has previously announced about half a dozen of its commercial customers who will task Clarity-1 for various purposes, such as power and pipeline monitoring or solar farm maintenance.But first, it has to demonstrate its technology.Eric BergerSenior Space EditorEric BergerSenior Space Editor Eric Berger is the senior space editor at Ars Technica, covering everything from astronomy to private space to NASA policy, and author of two books: Liftoff, about the rise of SpaceX; and Reentry, on the development of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon. A certified meteorologist, Eric lives in Houston. 10 Comments

putting on airs Apples M4 MacBook Air refresh may be imminent, with iPads likely to follow Apple's lower-end products may be seeing a flurry of activity soon. Andrew Cunningham Mar 3, 2025 10:42 am | 5 The M3 MacBook Air. Credit: Andrew Cunningham The M3 MacBook Air. Credit: Andrew Cunningham Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreApple's slow trickle of early 2025 product announcements is apparently set to continue this week, following the introduction of the iPhone 16e a couple of weeks ago. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company plans to refresh its 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air laptops "as early as this coming week," adding the M4 processor that Apple put in the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro lineups last fall.An M4 refresh for the MacBook Air was always likely, but Apple has kept us guessing about the timing. Usually, the MacBook Airs are among the first devices to get new M-series processors from Apple, but Apple surprised us by bringing the M4 to the iPad Pro just a few months after introducing the M3. In mid-December, concrete references to the M4 MacBook Air appeared in the macOS 15.2 update, suggesting that the laptops were in testing, even if they weren't ready for a public launch yet.The laptops are unlikely to look too different from the current M2 or M3 MacBook Airs, which got an "update" of sorts last fall when Apple discontinued the versions with 8GB of RAM in favor of 16GB versions that kept the same prices.Aside from the M4's modest performance improvements over the M3, it seems likely that Apple will add a new webcam to match the ones added to the iMac and MacBook Pros. The M4 can also support up to three displays simultaneouslytwo external, plus a Mac's internal display. The M3 supported two external displays, but only if the Mac's built-in screen was turned off.Gurman also indicates that refreshes for the basic 10.9-inch iPad and the iPad Air are coming soon, though they're apparently not as imminent as the M4 MacBook Airs. The report doesn't indicate which processors either of those refreshes will include; the current iPad Air lineup uses the M2, so either the M3 or M4 would be an upgrade. If Apple wants to bring Apple Intelligence to the 10.9-inch iPad, that would limit it to either the A17 Pro (like the 7th-gen iPad mini) or a variant of the Apple A18 (like the iPhone 16e). Apple Intelligence requires a chip with at least 8GB of RAM.The iPad Air was refreshed a little less than a year ago, but the 10.9-inch iPad is due for an update. Apple gave it a price cut in 2024, but its hardware has been the same since October of 2022.Andrew CunninghamSenior Technology ReporterAndrew CunninghamSenior Technology Reporter Andrew is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica, with a focus on consumer tech including computer hardware and in-depth reviews of operating systems like Windows and macOS. Andrew lives in Philadelphia and co-hosts a weekly book podcast called Overdue. 5 Comments

Genetic evidence suggests milk may be particularly beneficialHafiez Razali/EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty ImagesNeed an excuse to tuck into a cheeseboard? A handful of studies have recently suggested that dairy reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.Also known as bowel cancer, this is the third most common type of the disease worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. If dairy can be protective, it might seem a no-brainer that we up our consumption, but is it so simple?What clouds the situation is how

Blue Ghost took a photo of its shadow on the lunar surface, with Earth in the sky aboveFirefly AerospaceA Texan company has achieved the second commercial landing on the moon and the first that didnt topple over on touchdown. The success comes amid a flurry of private and state lunar exploration.Firefly Aerospaces Blue Ghost lander launched on 15 January atop a SpaceX rocket and spent 45 days travelling to the moon. It landed on 2 March at 8.34am GMT, settling in a spot at Mare Crisium, a smooth basin formed by volcanic eruptions three billion years ago. AdvertisementBlue Ghost used thrusters to slow from an orbital velocity of 1.7 kilometres per second to just 1 metre per second, then landed on shock-absorbing legs within 100 metres of its target. Jason Kim, Fireflys CEO, told CNN that the crafts short stature was key to a safe landing: Its a successful design, and you look at past designs and past designs that were successful, [they] look very similar short and squatty.Blue Ghost is around 2 metres tall, 3.5 metres wide and carries 10 scientific instruments as part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services programme that uses the private sector to carry out a range of experiments ahead of planned crewed missions.Voyage across the galaxy and beyond with our space newsletter every month.Sign up to newsletterThese include the Lunar PlanetVac, which uses blasts of compressed gas to stir up and collect samples of moon dust, tests on radiation-hardened computer chips and the Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment, which picks up signals from the GPS and Galileo navigation satellite constellations orbiting Earth in order to provide location and timing data on the moon.The lander will operate for a lunar day about 14 Earth days before falling into darkness and shutting down around 16 March. The freezing lunar night will probably be the end for the mission, although other landers have unexpectedly survived the harsh conditions before.In February last year, Texas-based Intuitive Machines landed its Odysseus spacecraft on the moon, making it the first private company to achieve a feat previously only accomplished by national space agencies. Odysseus toppled onto its side during landing, but still managed to perform surprisingly well.A host of lunar missions are under way or in planning. Also on board Blue Ghosts launch rocket was another commercial moon mission, ispaces Resilience lander, which aims to touch down in April. Around a dozen landers are expected to reach the moon in 2025 alone.Topics:

Technological advances continue to move at breakneck speeds. While companies struggle through their digital transformation journeys, even more new technologies emerge, with promises of opportunity, cost savingsand added complexity. Many companies have yet to fully adopt AI and ML technologies, let alone figure out how newer technologies like generative AI might fit into their programs. A 2024 IDC survey revealed 22% of tech leaders said their organizations havent yet reached full digital maturity, and 41% of respondents said the complexity of integrating new technologies and approaches with existing tech stacks is the biggest challenge for tech adoption. To fuel successful technology adoption and maximize outcomes, companies need to focus on simplifying infrastructure architecture rather than how to make new technologies fit into existing stacks. When it comes to digital transformation, choosing an architectural approach over a purely technology-driven one is about seeing the bigger picture, says Rajarshi Purkayastha, the VP of solutions at Tata Communications. Instead of focusing on isolated tools or systems, an architectural approach connects the dotslinking silos rather than simply trying to eliminate them. Establishing the robust global network most companies need to connect these dots and link their silos requires more capability and bandwidth than traditional networks like multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) circuits can typically provide in a cost-effective way. To keep pace with innovation, consumer demands, and market competition, todays wide area networks (WANs) need to support flexible, anywhere connectivity for multi-cloud based services, remote locations and users, and edge data centers. Understanding hybrid WAN Traditional MPLS became the gold standard for most WAN architectures in the early 2000s to address the mounting challenges brought by the rapid growth of the internet and subsequent rapid expansions of enterprise networks. Today, as technological advances continue to accelerate, however, the limitations of MPLS are becoming apparent: MPLS networking is expensive; hard-wired connectivity is difficult to scale; and on its own, it doesnt fit well with cloud computing adoption strategies. In 2014, Gartner predicted hybrid WANs would be the future of networking. Hybrid WANs differ from traditional WANs in that the hybrid architecture facilitates multiple connection points: private network connections for mission-critical business, usually via the legacy MPLS circuits; and public network connections, typically utilizing internet connections such as 5G, LTE, or VPN, for less critical data traffic; and dedicated internet access (DIA) for somewhat critical traffic. In 2025, we are seeing signs Gartners hybrid WAN prediction might be coming to fruition. At Tata Communications, for example, hybrid WAN is a key component of its network fabricone facet of its digital fabric architecture, which weaves together networking, interaction, cloud, and IoT technologies. Our digital fabric simplifies the complexity of managing diverse technologies, breaks down silos, and provides a secure, unified platform for hyper-connected ecosystems, explains Purkayastha. By doing so, it ensures businesses have the agility, visibility, and scalability to succeed in their digital transformation journeyturning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. Hybrid WAN provides the flexible, real-time data traffic channeling an architectural approach requires to create a programmable, performant, and secure network that can reduce complexities and ease adoption of emerging technologies. Its not just about solving todays challengesit lays the groundwork for a resilient, scalable future, says Purkayastha. Benefits of hybrid WAN Hybrid networking architectures support digital transformation journeys and emerging tech adoption in several ways. More efficient, even intelligent, data trafficking. A hybrid architecture brings together multiple avenues of data flow from MPLS and internet connectivity, which provides highly flexible, resilient architecture along with increased bandwidth to decrease network congestion. It also allows companies to prioritize critical data traffic. Hybrid WANs can also combine the hyper-secure connectivity of MPLS with software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) technology, which allows for intelligent switching across a companys information highways. If, for instance, one route encounters latency or malfunctions, that traffic will be automatically re-routed, helping to maintain continuous connectivity and reduce downtime. Increased scalability. The agility and flexibility of a hybrid WAN allows companies to dynamically scale bandwidth up or down as application needs change. An agile WAN architecture also paves the way for scaling business operations. Less complex cloud migration and easier adoption of new technologies. Adding internet connectivity to MPLS circuits allows for seamless data trafficking to the cloud, providing a more direct way for companies to transition to cloud-first strategies. Easing cloud migration also opens doors for emerging technologies like AI, generative AI, and machine learning, enabling companies to innovate to remain relevant in their markets. Improved productivity. The internet speed and connectivity of a hybrid WAN keeps geographically separated company locations and remote workers connected, increasing efficiency and collaboration. Easier integration with legacy systems. A hybrid approach allows legacy MPLS connections to remain, while offloading less sensitive data traffic to the internet. The ability to incorporate legacy applications and processes into a hybrid architecture not only eases integration and adoption, but helps to maximize returns on network investments. Network cost savings. Many of the benefits on this list translate into cost savings, as internet bandwidth is considerably cheaper than MPLS networking. A reduction in downtime reduces expenses companywide, and the ability to customize bandwidth usage at scale gives companies more control over network expenses while maximizing connectivity. Deploying a hybrid WAN A recent collaboration between Air France-KLM Group and Tata Communications highlights the benefits a hybrid WAN can bring to a global enterprise. Air France looked to increase its network and application performance threefold without incurring additional costsand while ensuring the security and integrity of their network. A hybrid WAN solutionspecifically, using MPLS and internet services from Tata Communications and other third-party providersafforded the flexibility, resilience, and continuous connectivity they needed. According to Tata Communications, the hybrid architecture increased Air Frances network availability to more than 99.94%, supporting its global office locations as well as their customer-facing applications, including passenger and cargo bookings and operating service centers. However, which connectivity to choose based on location type and application is complex, given the fact that networks vary by region, and one has to also take into account regulations, for e.g., in China, says Purkayastha. This is what Tata Communications helps customers withchoosing the right type of network, resulting in both cost savings and a better user experience. Enabling business for success Innovating and expanding enterprise operations in todays era of increasingly complex technology evolutions requires businesses to find agile and cost-effective avenues to stay connected and competitive. As emerging machine learning and AI technologies arent likely to slow, hybrid network architectures likely are going to become necessary infrastructure components for companies of all sizes. The flexibility, resiliency, and configurability of a hybrid WAN provides a relatively straightforward, lightweight network upgrade to allow companies to focus on business objectives with less time and expense worrying about network reliability and reach. At the end of the day, it isnt just about technologyits about enabling your business to stay agile, competitive, and ready to innovate, no matter how the landscape shifts, says Purkayastha.

Bird flu outbreaks have caused egg prices to skyrocket in recent months.I recommend bananas, chickpea flour, commercial egg replacer, tofu, and ground flaxseed as egg substitutes.Bananas, egg replacer, and ground flaxseed are better for baking while tofu and chickpea flour work best in savory egg dishes.Recent bird flu outbreaks have made eggs difficult to find and expensive to buy, and it may be awhile before egg prices drop. To save money, some people are cutting back on buying eggs and turning to more budget-friendly substitutions.Since becoming vegan about 10 years ago, I've experimented with a variety of egg alternatives in cooking and baking.Here are my favorite egg substitutes and how best to use them.Bananas are great for pancakes and baked goods Bananas are great for making naturally sweetened pancakes packed with some extra vitamins. Juliana Guarracino I use bananas in place of eggs when I make pancakes or desserts, like cakes and muffins. I use half a banana or about one-quarter cup mashed to replace each egg.Bananas will sweeten any recipe and thicken the mixture, but chunks can also show up in the batter and make the final product taste like banana. I like this for a lot of recipes, but it is worth adjusting other ingredients to get the ideal consistency and flavor.While bananas will add sugar to any recipe, they also contain plenty of fiber and nutrients like potassium and vitamin B. If bananas are already on the grocery list, this substitute can be an easy and affordable swap.Chickpea flour works for omelettes and egg bites Chickpea flour mixed with water can make a batter perfect for an egg-free frittata. Juliana Guarracino Chickpea flour, a common ingredient in South Asian and Mediterranean cuisines and a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, can replace eggs in omelettes, frittatas, and egg bites. It's high in protein, with 20 grams per cup the equivalent of about three eggs.For an egg-free omelette, I mix the flour and water together in a one-to-one ratio, adding salt and spices to my liking. Then, I let the batter cook on a nonstick pan until it resembles a crepe. For egg bites or frittatas, I use the same batter as the omelette with extra water as needed and bake it in a tin.My 16 ounce bag of chickpea flour cost four dollars, which is cheaper than a carton of a dozen eggs in many grocery stores right now.Commercial egg replacer is the easiest substitute for baked goods Commercial egg replacer makes for soft and delicious cookies. Juliana Guarracino Commercial egg replacer is my preferred substitute when baking a new recipe and avoiding experimentation. The egg replacer does a great job of preserving the original taste and texture of recipes without needing to adjust other ingredients.I often use Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer, which can make 34 "eggs." One tablespoon of egg replacer mixed with two tablespoons of water equals one egg.The egg replacer has more sodium and carbohydrates than eggs and doesn't contain any protein, but my 16 ounce bag costs six dollars and it lasts me for months.Firm and silken tofu are high-protein egg alternatives Tofu scramble is a high protein breakfast similar to scrambled eggs. Juliana Guarracino Tofu, commonly used in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines, has been a staple for me since becoming a vegan, especially since it is high in protein.One of my favorite breakfast dishes is plant-based scrambled eggs with crumbled-up firm tofu. While the taste isn't exactly the same, the texture is close to that of scrambled eggs, and with spices like turmeric and garlic powder, it's a satisfying breakfast.Silken tofu, which is softer and creamier, can also replace eggs as an ingredient in decadent desserts like brownies, cakes, and pies. Its mild taste doesn't drastically change the flavor of the final product, and its smooth texture makes for a rich batter. To replace one egg, use one-quarter cup of silken tofu.A 16 ounce package of firm or silken tofu is often cheaper than a carton of eggs.Ground flaxseed is my go-to for baking A "flax egg" is great for quick breads where it is easily incorporated into the batter. Juliana Guarracino Ground flaxseed is my preferred egg substitute when baking since it's versatile and packed with fiber. To make a "flax egg," mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes to thicken before adding it to any batter.A flax egg can be used for nearly all baking recipes, though in lighter desserts, like cookies, the seeds may sometimes be visible in the batter. Otherwise, flax eggs often preserve the texture and taste of recipes and add a delicious nutty flavor.A 14-oz bag of ground flaxseed can easily produce over 40 "eggs."

Sean Baker became the first person since Walt Disney to win four Oscars in one night and the first to win them for the same movie.Sean Baker, winner of the best picture, best directing, best film editing, and best original screenplay for "Anora," in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars. Mike Coppola/Getty Images Baker won for writing, directing, editing, and producing "Anora," which took home another Oscar for its leading lady, Mikey Madison.In one night, in 1954, Disney took home the Oscars for best documentary feature for "The Living Desert," best documentary short subject for "The Alaskan Eskimo," best short subject (cartoon) for "Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom," and best short subject (two-reel) for "Bear Country."That means the two are tied, but Baker had a clean sweep of "Anora" wins. The only award it lost was for best supporting actor.Legendary composer John Williams has the most Oscar nominations of any living person, with 54 nods.John Wiliams turned 93 in February 2025. Reuters Williams has won five times, for his work on "Fiddler on the Roof," "Jaws," "Star Wars," "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial," and "Schindler's List."He was nominated for the 54th time in 2024 for "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny."He is also the only person to ever be nominated for an Oscar in seven different decades.John Williams, the winner of the 1982 Academy Award for best original score for "E.T.," stood backstage during the Academy Awards. Bettmann/Getty Images He's been nominated at least once a decade since his first nomination for 1968's "Valley of the Dolls."His 2023 nomination made the then-90-year-old the oldest nominee ever he broke his own record one year later.However, with 22 wins from 59 nominations, Walt Disney is the most decorated Oscar winner in history.Movie producer Walt Disney with the four Oscar awards he won in a single night. George Silk/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images He was nominated for 58 during his lifetime, from 1932 to 1964. He received a final posthumous nomination (and win) at the 1968 ceremony best short subject (cartoon) for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day."Karla Sofa Gascn made history in 2025 as the first transgender actor to be nominated in any category.Karla Sofa Gascn in 2025. Amy Sussman/Getty Images Gascn was nominated for best actress for her performance in "Emilia Prez," making her the first trans actor to be nominated for an acting Academy Award. She lost to Mikey Madison.Troy Kotsur's best supporting actor win for "CODA" in 2022 made him the first deaf man and the second deaf actor overall to win an Oscar.Troy Kotsur held his award for best actor in a supporting role for "CODA." PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images In 2022, Kotsur took home the best supporting actor award for his role in "CODA" as supportive, yet stubborn, father Frank Rossi.In "CODA," his wife was played by Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actor ever to win an Oscar. She won the best actress statue for "Children of a Lesser God."Marlee Matlin became both the first deaf person to win an Oscar and the youngest best actress winner when she won for 1986's "Children of a Lesser God."Marlee Matlin held her Oscar, which she received for best actress, as she signed "I love you" at the Academy Awards. Bettmann/Getty Images She was 21 at the time of her win.The youngest winner of best actor was 29-year-old Adrien Brody, who won for "The Pianist" in 2003.Adrien Brody posed with his Oscar at the 75th annual Academy Awards. Reed Saxon/AP Images Brody is perhaps one of the most famous victims of the "Oscars curse," though his career has been on an upswing lately he won his second Academy Award this year for his role in "The Brutalist."Ironically, with his win, he secured his record for at least another year. If fellow nominee Timothe Chalamet had won, the 29-year-old would've taken Brody's crown, as he just turned 29 in December, and Brody was close to 30 when he won in 2003.Brody has now also joined an elite club of 10 other actors who have won best actor more than once he's now peers with Spencer Tracy, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Cooper, Tom Hanks, Fredric March, Sean Penn, Anthony Hopkins, and three-time winner Daniel Day-Lewis.Speaking of Timothe Chalamet, he's the first actor to be nominated for best actor twice before the age of 30 since James Dean.Timothe Chalamet at the 2025 Oscars. Monica Schipper/Getty Images Chalamet received his first Oscar nomination in 2018 for his role in "Call Me By Your Name" when he was 23. Seven years later, he was nominated once again for playing Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown" at age 29.The last time an actor had two best actor nominations to his name before turning 30 was in 1957, when James Dean (posthumously) received two nominations in 1956 and 1957. He died in September 1955 at the age of 24.In 2022, Ariana DeBose became the first openly queer person of color to win an acting Oscar. She won for "West Side Story."Ariana DeBose posed with her Oscar for best supporting actress for "West Side Story." David Livingston/Getty Images DeBose also became the first Afro-Latina woman to win.In her acceptance speech, she called herself an "openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina who found her strength in life through art. And that's what I believe we're here to celebrate. Anybody who's ever questioned your identity ever or find yourself living in the gray spaces? I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us."Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro were the only men to win Oscars for playing the same role Vito Corleone, in "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II" until Joaquin Phoenix took home the Oscar for "Joker.""The Dark Knight" and "Joker." Warner Bros. Pictures. Brando portrayed Vito Corleone as an old man with adult children and grandkids, while De Niro played him as a young man who had just emigrated from Italy.When Joaquin Phoenix won for "Joker," it marked the second time this happened, as Heath Ledger posthumously won for hisperformance as the Joker in 2008's "The Dark Knight."Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno were the first women to win Oscars for playing the same role. They each won for playing Anita in "West Side Story."Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose attended the 94th Academy Awards. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Moreno won for playing Anita in the 1961 film "West Side Story" at the 1962 Oscars. Sixty years later, DeBose took home the Oscar for the same role in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake."Parasite" was the 12th film in history to win best picture without receiving a single acting nod.This was the first time a South Korean film had won any kind of Oscar at all. CJ Entertainment The last time this happened was in 2009, with "Slumdog Millionaire." Here are the other 10 movies this has happened to.There are two best picture nominees this year that would've joined this list if they had won: "Dune: Part Two" and "Nickel Boys.""Parasite" was also the first foreign-language film to win best picture. Two international films were also nominated this year ("Emilia Prez" and "I'm Still Here"), but they lost to "Anora."Meryl Streep is the most-nominated actress in Oscar history, with a staggering 21 nominations under her belt. She's won three times.Meryl Streep attended the 2012 Academy Awards. Michael Buckner/Getty Images Streep has won best actress twice, for "Sophie's Choice" and "The Iron Lady." She won best supporting actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer."The country that's taken home best international film the most is Italy, which has produced 14 winners from 33 nominations.Paolo Sorrentino posed in the press room at the 86th annual Academy Awards. Jason LaVeris/WireImage/Getty Images Most recently, Italy won for "The Great Beauty," or "La grande bellezza" in 2014, directed by Paolo Sorrentino. He was nominated again in 2022 for "The Hand of God," but lost to Japan's entry, "Drive My Car."This year, Brazil won its first Oscar with "I'm Still Here."Walter Salles, winner of the best international feature film for "I'm Still Here," posed in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images "I'm Still Here," based on the real story of Eunice and Rubens Paiva, was also nominated for best picture and best actress for its star, Fernanda Torres.Martin Scorsese is the most nominated living director, after receiving his 10th nomination for "Killers of the Flower Moon."Martin Scorsese. Gotham / Contributor / Getty Images Overall, he's been nominated 10 times for "Raging Bull," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Goodfellas," "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Hugo," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Irishman," and "Killers of the Flower Moon."He's only won once, for "The Departed."In 2022, Steven Spielberg became the first person nominated for the best director award in six different decades.Steven Spielberg with his Oscars for "Schindler's List." Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images Spielberg's "West Side Story" earned a best director nod. In total, the movie secured eight nominations, winning one. He was nominated again in 2023 for "The Fabelmans."His previous best director nominations were for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1978), "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982), "Schindler's List" (1993), "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "Munich" (2005), and "Lincoln" (2012). He won for "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan."Before "West Side Story," he and Scorsese shared the record for a director nominated in five decades. After "Killers of the Flower Moon," the two are tied once again.In 2021, Anthony Hopkins took the mantle of oldest winner in an acting category from Christopher Plummer the then-83-year-old won best actor for "The Father."Anthony Hopkins and his first Oscar in 1992. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Hopkins' win was one of the most shocking moments of the night almost everyone had considered Chadwick Boseman in his final performance a shoo-in.Hopkins took the record from Plummer, who was 82 when he won for "Beginners" in 2012.Plummer is still the oldest nominee in an acting category, though. He was 88 when he was nominated for best actor in "All the Money in the World" in 2018.Christopher Plummer with his award for best supporting actor at the 2012 Oscars. Rick Rowell/ABC via Getty images He was also nominated in 2010 for "The Last Station."Plummer died in February 2021 at the age of 91.But the oldest winner in any category is James Ivory, who was 89 when he took home the Oscar for best adapted screenplay in 2018.James Ivory, winner of the best adapted screenplay award for 'Call Me By Your Name," posed in the press room during the 90th Annual Academy Awards. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Ivory won for the "Call Me By Your Name" screenplay, based on the novel of the same name by Andr Aciman.The youngest person to ever be nominated for an Oscar was 8-year-old Justin Henry for "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979."Kramer vs. Kramer." Columbia Pictures Henry is now 53 and acts sporadically.The youngest winner was 10-year-old Tatum O'Neal, who won best supporting actress for "Paper Moon" in 1974.Tatum O'Neal held her Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in director Peter Bogdanovich's film, "Paper Moon," at the 46th Academy Awards. Hulton Archive/Getty Images O'Neal co-starred in "Paper Moon" with her father, Ryan O'Neal.She continues to act today.But the true youngest winner is Shirley Temple, who was 6 when she won the Academy Juvenile Award in 1935. This category no longer exists.Shirley Temple. Bettmann/Getty Images Other notable winners in this category included Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Bobby Driscoll, and Margaret O'Brien.2022 was the first time two couples had been nominated for awards in the same year their nominations covered the four acting categories.Cruz and Bardem, left, and Plemons and Dunst, right. P. Lehman/Future Publishing/Getty Images Penlope Cruz and Javier Bardem, who married in 2010, were both nominated: Cruz for best actress in "Parallel Mothers," and Bardem for best actor for "Being the Ricardos."A second couple, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons,both secured best supporting acting nominations for their roles in "The Power of the Dog."Cruz and Bardem lost to Jessica Chastain and Will Smith, while Dunst and Plemons lost to Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur.Three movies are tied for the most wins. "Ben-Hur" (1959), "Titanic" (1997), and "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" (2003) all won 11 awards."Titanic." Paramount Pictures "Oppenheimer" was nominated 13 times in 2024, but "only" won seven.Three movies are also tied for the most nominations with 14 Oscar nods: "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016)."La La Land." Lionsgate As previously stated, "Titanic" went on to win 11 awards. "All About Eve" and "La La Land" each took home six statues.The longest winner of best picture in Oscars history is 1939's "Gone With the Wind," which clocks in at 3 hours, 58 minutes."Gone with the Wind." Loews Cineplex Entertainment

Monster Hunter Wilds set a new franchise record on Friday (February 28), and helped Steam hit a huge new concurrent player count over the weekend, with more than 40 million players logged inTech15:05, 03 Mar 2025Despite PC issues, Monster Hunter Wilds is popular on Steam(Image: Capcom)Monster Hunter Wilds is here, and while we've already covered its huge player numbers on launch day (despite performance issues that may have been caused by a typo of all things), it's a small piece of a big shift.As spotted by VGC, Steam saw a new peak player count over the weekend, with more than 40 million players logged in and playing concurrently.That sets a new record, and the first time it's gone past 40 million, with 1.38 million attributed to Monster Hunter Wilds alone. Wondering what else is near the top? We've got a rundown below let us know if they tempt you into moving to PC.Wilds is now fifth in the all-time charts for highest player concurrents (as per Steamcharts), behind Counter-Strike 2 (1.6 million players), Palworld (2.1 million), Black Myth Wukong (2.4 million) and PUBG Battlegrounds (3.2 million).Capcom's latest action title has now gone past heavy-hitters like Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, Lost Ark, and Dota 2.Steam Deck (and its OLED version, pictured) is likely to be a big reason for PC gaming growing in popularity(Image: Lloyd Coombes/Daily Star )Wondering which games are top right now? At the time of writing, Counter-Strike 2 is way out in front, followed by PUBG Battlegrounds and Dota 2.The Steam Deck has also been a great way to get players integrated into the Steam platform, offering a handheld, console-like interface with access to cheaper software, while also offering the option to carry your purchases over if you move to a PC, or already have one.I moved to PC gaming in recent years(Image: Lloyd Coombes)I recently put together some thoughts on switching to play on a PC, and said "With console sales plateauing somewhat (at least until the Switch 2 arrives), you might want to consider picking up a PC instead.""With decades of games to play, regular deals, and the option to play at much higher resolutions and frame rates, there really is nothing like it."Article continues belowIt's only likely to get better, too. GTA 5 is getting a free upgrade for PC players, while former Rockstar developers are working on a chilling new horror title slated for PC first.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.