The first time you make anything, it probably wont come out perfect, so it wasnt a huge surprise when MSIs debut gaming handheld struggled out of the gate. And thats before you consider the unorthodox choice to go with an Intel chip instead of one from AMD like practically all of its rivals. However, MSI didnt give up, and now its back with not one but two versions of its second-gen handheld, headlined by the Claw 8 AI+. Not only is it bigger than before, it has twice as many Thunderbolt 4 ports, a way bigger battery and some of the best performance weve seen from any device in this category. But more importantly, as the follow-up to a device plagued by lackluster software and unfinished drivers, it feels like the Claw got its bite back.Design and display: The desert catWith its 8-inch screen, the Claw 8 AI+ is bigger than its predecessor and a number of its rivals like the ROG Ally X, though it's still smaller than Lenovos chunky 8.8-inch Legion Go. MSI also zagged by giving it a two-toned black and sandstone chassis. Ergonomics are generally fine, but if Im nitpicking, I would prefer slightly larger grips for increased comfort. But aside from that, the handheld features a relatively straightforward mix of premium components strewn across a familiar blueprint.It has Hall Effect sensors for its joysticks and triggers along with some embedded RGB lighting, the latter of which has become sort of an unspoken requirement among portable gaming PCs these days. You also get two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support both data and charging which are especially handy if you ever plan on using this thing for productivity and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. I appreciate that unlike Lenovos handhelds, MSI included a built-in fingerprint reader that makes unlocking Windows-based devices like the Claw a lot more convenient. That said, you dont get a touchpad, though MSIs software does let you control your cursor with the joysticks, so its not a complete pain in the butt anytime you have to switch between games and apps. And finally, around back, theres a single pair of paddles.As for the display, while it's an IPS panel instead of the super-rich OLEDs on some handhelds, the Claws screen offers above-average brightness (up to 500 nits), a solid 120Hz refresh rate (with VRR) and the perfect resolution for a system this size (1,920 x 1,200). So all told, theres very little to gripe about when it comes to its visuals. Plus, thanks to some surprisingly punchy front-facing speakers, it has solid audio too.Performance and software: A low-key beastSam Rutherford for EngadgetPerhaps the biggest surprise is that after lackluster results from MSIs first attempt, the Claw 8 AI+ pumped out strong performance that was easily able to keep up with and sometimes surpass what Ive seen from its competitors. Some of that is assuredly due to more polished software and recent driver updates from Intel, but still, between its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, the Claw produced framerates that were often 10 to 15 percent higher than what we got from the Ally X.For example, when set to its 30-watt preset, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on medium settings the Claw hit 75 fps versus 65 fps for the ROG Ally X at the same TDP (thermal design power). Meanwhile, in Returnal at 800p on medium, the Claw also bested the Legion Go by reaching 56 fps compared to just 46 fps for the Lenovo. Now its important to note that MSIs midrange power for the preset on the Claw (which is what I used to get those figures in Returnal) is 17 watts instead of 15 watts like on most of its rivals, which may be MSIs attempt to skew benchmarks in its favor. But even after you account for that, the Claw still comes out ahead.Another nice thing about the Claw is that if you dont want to fiddle around with settings all the time, theres what MSI is calling its AI Engine mode, which will automatically adjust things to optimize performance or battery life depending on what you want. Its a nice option for quickly changing how much horsepower you need, though as always, youre going to need to tweak things manually for the best results.The rest of the MSI Center app feels somewhat spartan. There are sections for launching games, performing software updates, changing the RGB lighting and more. You can even install game stores like Steam directly inside the program. But aside from that, the app isnt very fancy or all that pretty to look at. All the important stuff is there though, which is what really counts since Windows 11 as a whole still feels way clunkier to use than more bespoke platforms like Valves SteamOS.Battery life: Surprisingly goodSam Rutherford for EngadgetThe Claw 8 AI+ features an 80Whr cell, which is one of the largest battery packs in this category and allows for prodigious longevity. In Elden Ring on medium settings, the handheld lasted just over three hours on a single charge. That aint too shabby, especially after my recent testing with the Lenovo Legion Go, which only lasted for two and a half hours at best, and that was when playing a much less demanding game in Metal Slug Tactics.Wrap-upAfter the original bombed, a lot of companies would have simply called it quits. Sure, a lot of the first systems issues may have been caused by Intels chip and unpolished drivers more than anything MSI did (or didnt do). But with the Claw 8 AI+, MSI came back and totally redeemed itself. Not only is it a very competent gaming handheld, this cat offers a solid design, great performance and above-average battery life.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetHowever, even though it pushes out slightly fewer frames, the $800 ROG Ally X remains a better value (especially if you can find it on sale) and its smaller screen makes it a more portable pick for people planning to game on the go. When it comes to larger competitors, Lenovos Legion Go offers similar horsepower for even less money with starting prices of $700 (or less, now that it regularly receives discounts). But if youre looking for top-notch performance from a portable PC with an assortment of premium components, the Claw 8 AI+ makes an interesting case as an upgrade pick among gaming handhelds.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/msi-claw-8-ai-review-this-cat-got-its-bite-back-184526430.html?src=rss

Thanko dual-screen monitor is a productivity powerhouse - if you can get your hands on one.

Scientists develop new AI model designed to aid scientific discovery.

MongoDB's earnings forecast for the 2026 fiscal year came in well below Wall Street expectations.

On Wednesday, Utah became the first state in the country to pass legislation mandating that app stores verify users ages and get parental consent for certain activity on minors accounts.The controversial App Store Accountability Act, which will now head to the desk of Utah Governor Spencer Cox, has pitted app store giants Google and Apple against social media companies like Meta and is part of a wave of similar proposals that have been introduced in a number of states, including Texas and Alabama.The bill received broad support from the social media platforms that have borne the brunt of criticism for failing to protect children online. Those platforms have long argued that app stores themselves ought to take on more responsibility to shield kids from harmful apps. In a statement provided on behalf of Meta, Snap, and X, a Meta spokesperson applauded Utah for putting parents in charge with the passage of the law. Parents want a one-stop shop to verify their childs age and grant permission for them to download apps in a privacy-preserving way, the statement reads. The app store is the best place for it.App stores, of course, see things differently. Google declined Fast Companys request for comment, and Apple didnt respond. But Chamber of Progress, a tech advocacy group that represents both companies, has come out forcefully in opposition of the legislation. In public testimony and writing platforms, the group has accused the bill of infringing on the First Amendment rights of Utahs citizens and violating their privacy by forcing app stores to collect sensitive data in order to verify ages. Chamber of Progress has argued the law would require companies to collect even more data than they already do.In a statement to Fast Company, Chamber of Progresss government relations senior director Robert Singleton suggested a legal battle would inevitably follow if the bill is signed into law. Indeed, another law in Utah that attempted to require social media platforms to verify users ages was blocked in court last year on First Amendment grounds. Similar social media age-verification laws in other states have also been blocked, but that has not deterred states, including Utah, from approaching the issue from a new angle. And yet, Singleton predicted, The same thing is likely to happen here. This bill invades everyones privacy and forces even adults to share sensitive data just to use their own devices.Utah state representative Jim Dunnigan, who sponsored the bill in the State House, says parent groups were a significant force in getting the legislation over the finish line. This is at least partly driven by parents who are concerned about the adult contacts that their children have available to them, he says. Parents arent always there, and their kids are curious. Were trying to protect them until they get older.One leading child advocacy group that has been circulating the bill across the country as model legislation is the Digital Childhood Alliance. In a statement, the alliances founding chair Melissa McKay said, The momentum behind this issue is growing, and todays victory is a testament to the urgent need for accountability from the platforms that shape the digital lives of children.In addition to requiring app stores to verify ages and get parental consent every time a child wants to download or purchase something on an app, the bill would require app stores to share age categories and consent data with developers. It would also enable minors or their parents who have been harmed to file a civil suit against app stores. Utahs governor was supportive of the social media age-verification law that was blocked, and according to Rep. Dunnigan, Governor Cox is expected to support this new bill as well.If that happens, it seems unlikely the app store giants will go down without a fight. A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal revealed how Apples lobbying blitz in Louisiana helped kill a similar attempt to regulate the App Store.In the meantime, the company appears eager to send a message that its prepared to implement changes without regulation. Last week, in apparent anticipation of the laws passage, Apple announced a slew of new child-safety offerings, including giving parents the ability to share their childrens ages in the App Storeinformation that is then passed on to app developers.Thats a welcome step, says Rep. Dunnigan, but we need consistency across all platforms, and thats what this bill tries to accomplish.

In recent weeks, as President Trump has made huge cuts to federal programs, let go of thousands of federal workers under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and given U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) more authority, weve seen tons of criticism of the presidents executive orders. Even some who voted for Trump, but have lost their jobs as a result of Trumps firings, have admitted they now regret their decision and have turned on the president.Despite all that, the presidents approval rating is going up among Gen Z, according to a new poll from AtlasIntel conducted between February 24 and February 27.Overall, the presidents rating remains largely unchanged. In the survey of 2,849 U.S. adults, Trumps overall approval rating was 50.3%a slight gain from a poll taken days after he took office for the second time, when it was 50.1%.However, the evaluations varied greatly by age group. The survey showed Trump gaining points among the Gen Z group of people ages 18 to 29: 41.3% approved of him in the previous poll taken days after the inauguration. In the new poll, the number is 52.7%.Men felt more favorably than women, according to the poll, with 53.8% of men approving of the president, as opposed to 46.9% of women. Millennials felt differently, with 77.2% saying they disapprove of the president.The survey didnt offer a clear explanation for why Trump is gaining popularity among Gen Z. However, when asked about the presidents policy proposals, more respondents overall approved of plans like mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and starting negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. He gained 8 points on the first proposal, and 9 on the latter.Trump hasnt actually deported more illegal immigrants than President Biden. But he has ramped up ICEs authority. And despite pitching himself as the honest broker of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its worth noting that in February, just one day after AtlasIntels poll closed, Trump held a contentious meeting in the Oval Office with Ukraines President Zelensky in which the two sparred over negotiations.In the recent survey, Trump also gained 4 points in his proposals to roll back federal protections for gender identity procedures. Trump has given executive orders that would make it harder, if not impossible for transgender youth to receive gender reassignment surgery or medications that support their true gender identity. The plans are terrifying for many in the transgender community, including those who have already been living as a certain gender who depend on certain medications, as well as parents of transgender kids.While Gen Zs reasoning may not be entirely clear, one thing we do know is that young Gen Z white men voted overwhelmingly for Trump (67%). At the same time, many young men have felt threatened by shifting gender roles, including rights for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, which far-right influencers have framed as a turn away from traditional masculinity. In a 2023 survey, young men said they increasingly felt they experienced gender discrimination. Nearly half of all men ages 18 to 29 identified with feeling discriminated against, more than any other age group.

Drones have always followed a predictable blueprintfour rotors, a boxy frame, and a design philosophy that values function over form. But every so often, something comes along that disrupts the status quo. Enter the V-Copter Falcon Mini, a drone that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than a crowded electronics store. With its sleek, V-shaped frame and a bicopter propulsion system that defies conventional drone design, this lightweight machine is carving out a space of its own. Zero Zero Robotics, the company behind it, isnt just experimenting for the sake of novelty. The Falcon Minis design unlocks efficiency gains that traditional quadcopters struggle to match, and in a market dominated by DJI, thats enough to turn heads.What makes this drone different isnt just the way it looksits how it moves. Instead of four fixed rotors working in tandem to keep the drone aloft, the Falcon Mini relies on two large, independently tilting propellers. The result? A flight system thats both power-efficient and incredibly agile. Fewer motors mean less energy wasted on just staying in the air, allowing this compact drone to boast a flight time of up to 34 minutes. Thats a serious leap for something that weighs under 250 grams, a category that typically comes with battery trade-offs. And that weight classification isnt just a bonusits a game-changer. Many drone regulations are tied to the 250g mark, meaning the Falcon Mini sidesteps a lot of red tape, making it easier for enthusiasts to take to the skies without licensing headaches.Designer: Zero Zero RoboticsZero Zero Robotics has been playing with bicopter designs for years, but this is the first time the technology feels polished enough to shake up the market. Their original V-Copter Falcon, released in 2020, introduced the concept but was held back by its bulkier frame. The Falcon Mini refines that idea into something more practical, proving that fewer rotors dont mean sacrificing stability. To showcase just how steady it is, the company balanced a coin on its fuselage during flightan absurd yet effective demonstration of the drones precision. That stability is critical for aerial photography, and the Falcon Mini delivers with a three-axis stabilized 4K camera capable of real-time rotor adjustments down to 0.01 degrees.The Falcon Minis servomotors, built from high-strength alloy steel, are rated for up to one million engagements, ensuring they wont wear out anytime soon. That kind of longevity is rare in lightweight drones, which often sacrifice durability for portability. And then theres the fun factor. Zero Zero Robotics is introducing a Reverse Flight Kit, which lets the Falcon Mini perform inverted flight maneuvers and wild spins. These might not be practical for capturing cinematic shots, but they do give experienced pilots a new level of creative control.DJIs grip on the consumer drone market has been ironclad for years, but the Falcon Mini signals that innovation is still alive and well outside the industry giants ecosystem. Bicopters have long been considered a niche concept, but the Falcon Mini makes a strong case for why they might just be the future. A drone that flies longer, avoids regulatory headaches, and delivers buttery-smooth footage? Thats something worth paying attention to. Pricing details are still under wraps, but if Zero Zero Robotics positions this right, the Falcon Mini wont just be another drone on the marketitll be the one that changes how we think about them.The post DJI Has CompetitionThis Bicopter Drones V-Shaped Wings Give It More Power + Longer Flights first appeared on Yanko Design.

The General Services Administration plans to sell hundreds of government buildings, including FBI headquarters. Use our interactive tools to see where they areand the congressional districts they're in.

A study reveals that large language models recognize when they are being studied and change their behavior to seem more likable.

Microsoft is planning a string of new AI agents to automate mundane tasks and improve worker productivity.The company on Wednesdayannounced two AI-based sales agentsthat can autonomously follow up on sales leads. The company is also focusing on using agents to automate workflows across other sectors.The sales agents, which are available in Microsoft 365 Copilot, connect to data in Microsoft 365 and Salesforce and Dynamics CRM systems to automatically generate and communicate with sales leads.Salespeople spend hours verifying leads, writing to customers and then waiting for responses, said Bryan Goode, corporate vice president for business applications and platforms at Microsoft. If you can take something that used to take hours and do it in minutes, you can spend more time selling, he said.One agent, called sales chat, can automatically create documents by drawing data from CRM systems, pitch decks, meetings or emails. The second agent, called sales agent, is an autonomous agent that works continuously converting contacts a company might have into leads and opportunities.The sales agents are finished agents built on Microsoft capabilities and a variety of large language models (LLMs) that customers can start using right away. The LLMs used depend on customer needs, Goode said.There is a provision for humans to review emails and documents going out, Goode said.Microsofts Copilot Studio also allows customers to build, customize, and manage the fleet of agents.The company sees opportunities for agentic AI in the finance, supply chain and other customer service areas, Goode said. Those are the three functional areas in particular where were pretty, pretty heavily focused, he said.He cited, as an example, customers trying to navigate through complicated supply chains to reduce inventory and lower costs.Microsoft also announced anAI Accelerator for Sales program, in which it will help customers migrate from old CRM systems to AI oriented selling, Goode said.AI agents are creating an inflection point for traditional CRM systems, which could go the way of a mainframe, Goode said. Its going to be something that might be around, but probably has some dust on it, he said.The Microsoft announcement comes amid a flurry of agentic AI announcements this week. Amazon formed an agentic AI business group,according to Reuters.And Salesforce at its TDX tradeshow announced AgentForce 2dx, which has new tools to allow AI agents to do better reasoning.AI agents can help worker productivity, but customers should approach them with caution, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. As with early days of LLMs, AI agents are still in their infancy and face many challenges, he said.If the data collection is done legitimately and done with the idea of delivering truly valuable results, its great. But there are many examples of AI tools that are not reliable, King said.King pointed to OpenAIs ChatGPT, which in its early days hallucinated and generated inconsistent results. Agents are expected to mature and generate more reliable results, but human intervention and guardrails against hallucination will be needed, King said.Companies today use large LLMs for general-purpose querying, but personalized agents tailored for business processes are the future, King said.