Tech Jeff Bezos backs radical $20,000 small electric pickup truck Newly announced Slate Truck could revolutionize the EV industry by making it more affordable Published May 15, 2025 6:00am EDT close Jeff Bezos backs radical $20,000 small electric pickup truck The Slate Truck is priced at $20,000 after federal EV incentives. Jeff Bezos is backing a bold new venture that's positioning itself to disrupt the electric vehicle space: Slate Auto. It's a startup that has unveiled a simple, modular electric pickup truck called the Slate Truck. It's priced at $20,000 after federal EV incentives, a concept some would consider radical and even inconceivable.The Slate Truck's base model defies industry norms by stripping down to essentials, with no power windows, no touchscreen and a minimalist dashboard. However, at the same time, it offers a range of customization options, allowing buyers to transform it into a five-seat SUV. Image of the exterior of the Slate Truck. (Slate Auto)Slate Truck by the numbersThe Slate Truck is a compact electric pickup, measuring 174.6 inches in length, 70.6 inches wide excluding mirrors and 69.3 inches tall, making it more than 20 inches shorter than a Ford Maverick and reminiscent of classic pickups like the 1985 Toyota truck. It rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and features a five-foot bed that is slightly longer and wider than the Maverick's, offering 37 cubic feet of cargo space. The truck is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, delivering rear-wheel drive only and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, with a top speed near 90 mph.AMERICA'S SMALLEST EV TRUCK PROTOTYPE HAS ARRIVEDBuyers can choose between a standard 52.7 kWh battery with an estimated 150-mile range or an optional 84.3 kWh pack for up to 240 miles of range. Charging is flexible, with an 11 kW onboard AC charger and DC fast charging up to 120 kW through a NACS connector, allowing a 20% to 80% charge in about half an hour. The Slate Truck has a maximum payload capacity of 1,433 pounds and can tow up to 1,000 pounds, making it practical for everyday hauling needs.Safety features include traction control, electronic stability control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and up to eight airbags, with the company targeting a five-star NCAP safety rating. The curb weight is about 3,600 pounds. Specific details of the Slate Truck. (Slate Auto)Funding and missionSlate Auto, founded in 2022, secured $111 million in funding from Bezos and other investors, including Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The company aims to disrupt the EV market by making electric trucks accessible to budget-conscious consumers. This is a stark contrast to an industry dominated by high-priced models. The exterior of the Slate Truck. (Slate Auto)Slate Truck manufacturing strategySlate Auto's production is set to begin in Warsaw, Indiana, at a repurposed paper facility, an unconventional approach to manufacturing. The company is betting on affordability and modularity to carve out a niche in the EV market and is looking to challenge industry giants like Tesla and Ford. Maybe with Bezos' backing, Slate Auto can redefine what an affordable EV looks like. An illustration of the Slate Truck’s customization options. (Slate Auto)Customization optionsOne of Slate’s standout features is its extensive customization. Starting as a minimalist two-seater, the Slate Truck can be transformed into a five-seat SUV with an add-on kit that includes rear seats, a roll cage and airbags. Buyers can choose from over 100 accessories, including roof racks, cargo storage, all-terrain tires and lift kits. The vehicle’s exterior can be wrapped in different colors and designs instead of painted, allowing owners to easily change its look or even do it themselves with a DIY kit. This modular, build-it-your-way philosophy makes the Slate Truck feel like a rolling Lego set, appealing to both everyday drivers and enthusiasts who want a personalized EV experience.TESLA LAUNCHES LOW-PRICED MODEL Y MUSK CALLED UNACCEPTABLE AS FORD, VW ENTER SEGMENT The Slate Truck. (Slate Auto)When will the Slate Truck be available?Reservations for the Slate Truck are open for a refundable $50 deposit. Customers should expect deliveries to start in late 2026. You can go to the Slate Auto website to reserve yours by clicking on this link. The exterior of the Slate Truck. (Slate Auto)Kurt's key takeawaysSlate Auto’s approach to building a simple, modular electric pickup truck at an affordable price could shake up the EV market. Its focus on practicality and customization, backed by Jeff Bezos, offers a fresh alternative to pricey, tech-heavy trucks. With production starting in Indiana and deliveries expected in late 2026, the Slate Truck may well redefine what an affordable EV looks like.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you consider buying a Slate Truck, with its minimalist design and customizable features? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.   Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube812k If you were a fan of Hello Kitty Island Adventure and all its New Horizons-inspired cosiness when it arrived on Switch earlier this year, then boy, do we have a surprise for you. The life-sim's first major content update has sidestepped its planned release date and landed on the Nintendo hybrid a week early — what a treat. The 'Friends, Furniture, and Frozen Peaks' update arrived on Steam last month, with dev Sunblink adding a 22nd May release date for the Switch version. It seemed to be full steam ahead on the later launch until yesterday evening, when the studio appeared on Twitter to make the surprise announcement that the update is, in fact, available right now. What's more, it's free!Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube812kWatch on YouTube The update crams in a lot of content, with a new area to explore, friend gifting, new quests and puzzles and (the biggest addition of them all) furniture stacking. The full list of everything included was shared on the Island Adventure Steam page, and we have gathered it all together for you to check out below. Hello Kitty Island Adventure - 'Friends, Furniture, and Frozen Peaks' Update (14th May 2025) More Fun with Friendship We improved gifting to make friendship even more fun! The more hearts a gift has, the more friendship you’ll get for gifting it! No more odd outlier gifts. Craft the best gifts to become friends faster!Furniture Stacking Next time you’re sprucing up a cabin, try placing an item on a table while in Edit Mode. No, seriously, this is our new favorite thing.Item Overflow Didn't make it to Friendship Island today? No worries! Items and pick-ups now accumulate over three days to better fit whatever playstyle you choose.New Area - Blizzard Peak & Snow Village A new story takes you and your friends back to Icy Peak, discovering a whole new side of the mountain along with a temperamental weather contraption.Chilly Chambers Slide your way to success in new, frosty puzzles around Icy Peak. You might have to get a bit pushy to claim the rewards inside.Sparkles Introducing Sparkles! These special Sparkles appear all around the Island at their own pace — collect and exchange them for game tickets, so you can play mini-games without waiting for reset.Flower Power Garden in the clouds with Roseanne for the fluffiest, puffiest flower yet. Explore extreme environments with Nina to grow flowers in the most challenging places on Friendship Island. These special flowers unlock unique effects to make your garden even more beautiful.Flowery Furnishings Play the Crane Game to collect the fabulous floral Merry Meadows furniture set–and bring the Merry Meadows to all of your cabins!Call Friend Phone a friend (to join you!) – your tablet now has a ‘Call Friend’ function that lets you connect and companion together with Hello Kitty and Friends from anywhere on the Island.New Visitors Retsuko's friends and co-workers are ready to visit Friendship Island for a well-deserved getaway! Pekkle and Keroppi have buddies and pals who will need cabins, too. And don't forget to set up cabins for Hello Kitty's Grandparents.New Quests Who will become the Island Champion? How will Retsuko balance work and her vacation? Can you soothe the storm on Icy Peak? Most important: is Pochacco's workout outfit cuter than Badtz-maru's superhero get-up? Find out the answer to these questions and more with dozens of new stories and quests! We had a great time with Hello Kitty Island Adventure when it arrived on Switch earlier this year, stating, "it brings a fresh experience that is likely to subvert the expectations of any Animal Crossing expats looking for their next cosy fix," in our review. We weren't alone in our admiration either. The game went on to shift an impressive half a million copies in its first 30 days. Never underestimate the power of Sanrio, eh? New Fur-izons The physical Switch version is out this month Will you be checking out this Hello Kitty Island Adventure update? Let us know in the comments. [source store.steampowered.com] Related Games See Also Share:0 1 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Nintendo Updates Its User Agreement To Crack Down On Emulation Offenders may find their Switch bricked Nintendo Reconfirms Release Windows For Major Switch 2 Games And original Switch, of course The First Review For Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Is In A fantasy score? SNK Announces ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 5 And Vol. 6 For Switch Update: Multi-language release confirmed

Warner Bros. Games has announced and released Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition, which it described as "the most extensive version" of the gory fighting game. But for fans, the release of the Definitive Edition has sparked significant concern that NetherRealm has now moved on from the game, and that it won’t see any new DLC characters or significant content updates. The Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition offers the main game packaged together with previously released downloadable content, including the Khaos Reigns story expansion, Kombat Pack 1, and Kombat Pack 2.The Definitive Edition also adds new character skins for Johnny Cage, Kitana, Scorpion, and Shao Khan “inspired” by the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 film, the Mortal Kombat (2021) movie character skin for Sub-Zero; and the tournament themed character skin (outfit) for Liu Kang.PlayFor fans, The Definitive Edition feels like a line has been drawn under Mortal Kombat 1. While Warner Bros. is known for its definitive and ultimate editions, and indeed NetherRealm games tend to get them, this time there is a sense of finality to the release. And with no announcements forthcoming about a Kombat Pack 3 or anything else meaningful for Mortal Kombat 1, fans believe that March 2025's release of the T-1000 guest character will go down as the game's final content drop.If true, it’s a big disappointment for hardcore Mortal Kombat 1 fans, who had hoped for significantly longer term support for the game. Indeed, many are now pointing to a September 2024 tweet from NetherRealm development chief Ed Boon, who at the time moved to reassure fans already concerned that the studio had moved onto its next game by saying: “NetherRealm is still fully committed to supporting Mortal Kombat 1 for a long time to come.”"The game is done, it’s their way of saying ‘Goodbye! Come back the next year or two for another overly priced game bloated with guest characters!’ " said a clearly disgruntled redditor.“MK1 officially has a shorter content lifespan than the f***ing Texas Chainsaw Massacre game lmao,” said another.For context, in July 2021, NetherRealm announced it had started work on its next project (Mortal Kombat 1) and, as a result, there would be no further DLC for Mortal Kombat 11. That announcement came two years and three months after the release of the game. NetherRealm is yet to make a similar announcement for Mortal Kombat 1.Mortal Kombat 1 enjoyed something of a resurgence in January with the secret fight with Floyd, the pink ninja developer Ed Boon had been teasing for years. That sparked a fun community-wide effort that breathed new life into the game. But that was a rare bright spot for what has, overall, been a disappointing release for many core Mortal Kombat fans.T-1000 Terminator was the final DLC character added to Mortal Kombat 1 as part of the Khaos Reigns expansion, and follows playable fighters Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. Fans have wondered for some time now whether developer NetherRealm plans a third set of DLC characters, or a Kombat Pack 3, amid questions about Mortal Kombat 1’s sales success.Parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has indicated, however, that it still believes in the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav said that on the games side of things, the company plans to double down on just four titles, one of which is Mortal Kombat.Most fans of the studio’s work expect it to release a third game in its DC fighting game franchise, Injustice, although neither NetherRealm nor Warner Bros. has yet to confirm that. The first game in the series, Injustice: Gods Among Us, launched in 2013, with its sequel, Injustice 2, coming out in 2017. NetherRealm released Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019 and for a time it seemed like the studio would alternate between Mortal Kombat and Injustice games, but it went on to release another Mortal Kombat, the soft reboot that is Mortal Kombat 1, in 2023 instead.In an interview with IGN in June 2023, Boon spoke in vague terms about this decision. "There were a number of factors, some of which I can talk about, some of which I probably shouldn't," Boon said.Two reasons Boon was willing to discuss were the unfortunate onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the team's choice to switch to a newer version of the Unreal game engine (Mortal Kombat 11 runs on Unreal Engine 3, whereas Mortal Kombat 1 runs on Unreal Engine 4)."But we did go to a new graphics engine, Unreal," Boon said. "We really wanted to be careful with COVID and all that stuff and everybody staying safe. So there were a bunch of variables involved that eventually we realized, 'Okay, let's do another Mortal Kombat game and hopefully we'll get back to the Injustice games.' "Just to be sure, we wanted to confirm with him directly that the door was not closed on the Injustice franchise."Not at all," Boon answered.Mortal Kombat 1 has sold 5 million copies, with the franchise now up to 100 million. Mortal Kombat 11 became the best-selling game in the franchise by passing Mortal Kombat X's nearly 11 million units sold worldwide. By 2022, Mortal Kombat 11 had sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. Clearly, Mortal Kombat 1 has underperformed compared to previous games in the series.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Macworld Apple automatically performs math and offers suggested results in Messages for iPhone and iPad when you type in patterns it recognizes, such as formulas and units, after you type = (equals sign). These suggestions are grayed out inline in the message field until you tap the suggestion in the field or in the QuickType bar. Get conversions inline with Math Results. What if you don’t like these solutions? It would seem that going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Show Math Results and turning it off would disable formula and conversion autosuggestions. In testing, I found that I had to force quit Messages and relaunch it to have the change apply. (Swipe up from the bottom of your screen, then swipe Messages up to quit it.) Re-enabling happened immediately. Math results appear elsewhere, too. If you don’t want them provided at all, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, enable Content & Privacy Restrictions, then tap Intelligence & Siri > Math Result, and set it to Disallow. This is a global switch. Turn off Math Results in all apps via Screen Time settings. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader James. Frequent Mac 911 questions We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered.

Are you building a cooperative multiplayer game with Unity? We’ve got the perfect on-demand resource for you: A four-part webinar series from the Multiplayer team – now available on YouTube. This series dives into the Boss Room sample game to explore how you can build a production-ready multiplayer game with Unity and Netcode for GameObjects.Creating multiplayer games isn’t just about using the right APIs. The first episode in the series covers best practices and provides advice when introducing a chaotic tech like the internet between your players when developing a multiplayer game.In the first episode, we cover:What is Netcode for GameObjects (NGO) and Unity Gaming Services (UGS)?NetworkVariables vs RPCs and reasons to choose which for each featureAuthority and why we chose server authority for most of our gameplayMovements and alternative models like Client Authority for dealing with lag, and optimization tricks for pathfinding-based movementsBasic game implementation and how we used State (netvar, network list) and RPCsEpisode two covers the implementation of character abilities in Boss Room and how to approach ability implementation in your game.We dive into:The general flow of implementing server-driven abilitiesReliability and what it means for RPCs to be unreliableMelee attacks and the anticipation of animation issuesTank shield functionality and interaction with the environmentArcher powershots and Area of Effect (AOE), which require tracking inputs over time on the client side onlyMage firebolt and bandwidth useThe general architecture of our ability systemWe also look at:Dynamically spawned objectsSpawning static in-scene placed objectsSpawning destroyable in-scene placed objectsLessons learned around zombie imps when late joiningCustom spawning logic like pools and how to integrate them with NGOIn the third session, we cover a few more game implementation details before diving into making your multiplayer game resilient to players.We explore:Physics interactions, objects and parenting, scenes and scene managementUsing Relay and Lobby to take your game online and why you can’t use NGO for joining playersCharacter selection screen syncing between players using NGO and custom serializationMaking your game resilient to players coming and going, and reconnection flows, late join support, disconnection, and timeoutsHandling race conditions and various tests to performIn the fourth and final session of the series, we explore game development best practices for multiplayer games.This episode covers:Bandwidth optimizations and tools to profile, optimizing NetworkTransforms, and other tipsDebugging tools like network condition simulators, stats monitoring, and custom debug flowsProject architecture (action system, player architecture, etc.)The future of Boss RoomWatch the series? Share your feedback so we can plan even better sessions in the future.If you’re ready to dive into your next multiplayer project with Unity and Netcode for GameObjects, here are some helpful resources to get you started:Learn more about Netcode for GameObjectsExplore our samples: 3D Boss Room, 2D Galactic Kittens, Bitesize SamplesRead the documentationGot questions or feedback about multiplayer game development in Unity? Feel free to join the discussion on Discord or in the forums.

If you’ve stayed in a bath or pool long enough, you’ve likely noticed your skin, especially your fingers, become wrinkly or pruny. This is caused by your blood vessels contracting. When blood vessels narrow, the skin’s area is reduced, and your skin forms wrinkles. While your pruny fingers may seem off-putting, this evolutionary advantage actually helps you grip things easier underwater, compared to non-pruny hands. However, as your fingers wrinkle underwater, do they always wrinkle in the same pattern? That was the question on one young student’s mind. And their question inspired a new study, published in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Why Our Skin Gets WrinklyImages of topographical skin wrinkles overlaid on each other from the two different time points, 24 h apart, with opacity levels of (A) 0%, (B) 50%, (C) 100%. (Image Credit: Guy German) Guy German, an associate professor at Binghamton University and a faculty member at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Department of Biomedical Engineering had published several studies on human skin, including a 2020 study that focuses on what happens to the skin when it’s exposed to water for long periods of time. In a 2023 article with The Conversation, German answered a young reader's question about why our skin gets wrinkly in water. The answer to that question, however, sparked another. “A student asked, ‘Yeah, but do the wrinkles always form in the same way?’ And I thought: I haven’t the foggiest clue!” said German in a press release. “So it led to this research to find out.”Read More: A Damaging Hand Disease Has Neanderthal RootsSame Wrinkles on Pruny Fingers  Representative wrinkle pairs established and numbered across (A) Day 0 and (B) 24+ hr later on a subject's ring finger. Black curves denote clearly paired wrinkle morphologies. Red curves denote inconsistent wrinkles between the two time points. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.) (Image Credit: Guy German)To answer the question, German and Rachel Laytin, a biomedical engineering graduate from Binghamton University, submerged research participants' fingers in water for 30 minutes and took photos of the pruny fingers. After 24 hours, they repeated the same process with the same participants. After analyzing the photos, the research team found that the participant has the same wrinkly pattern after each submersion. “Blood vessels don’t change their position much — they move around a bit, but in relation to other blood vessels, they’re pretty static,” German said in a press release. “That means the wrinkles should form in the same manner, and we proved that they do.”During this study, German and Laytin made an additional discovery. “We’ve heard that wrinkles don’t form in people who have median nerve damage in their fingers,” German said in a press release. “One of my students told us, ‘I’ve got median nerve damage in my fingers.’ So we tested him — no wrinkles!”Advancing Forensic ScienceWith this new research, not only does that student have an answer to their question, but there may be a way to use this data to help assist in forensic science. This new advancement could help forensic teams better identify crime scene fingerprints and bodies with prolonged water exposure. German can relate to the possibility of these new methods, as his father is a retired police officer in the U.K. who experienced some of these forensic setbacks. “Biometrics and fingerprints are built into my brain,” he said in a press release. “I always think about this sort of stuff, because it’s fascinating.”German is excited to continue his research and answer more of his students’ questions. “I feel like a kid in a candy store, because there’s so much science here that I don’t know. We thank the people at The Conversation and the wonderful question they asked us, because it does create cool new science,” German concluded in a press release. This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.Read More: Why Do We Have Fingerprints?Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. On the repeatability of wrinkling topography patterns in the fingers of water immersed human skinExtreme Mechanics Letters. Mechanical, compositional, and microstructural changes caused by human skin macerationAs the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover's social media channels and writes digital content. Offline, she is a contract lecturer in English & Cultural Studies at Lakehead University, teaching courses on everything from professional communication to Taylor Swift, and received her graduate degrees in the same department from McMaster University. You can find more of her science writing in Lab Manager and her short fiction in anthologies and literary magazine across the horror genre.

This is the eighth year of the annual prize, which is supported by AJ Small Projects-sponsor Marley. The annual prize is open to one final-year undergraduate and one postgraduate student from each ARB and RIBA-validated architecture course at a UK-based school. As always, the free-to-enter prize is a great platform to celebrate and support the work of both architecture students and universities across the UK, as the new generation of built-environment professionals emerges.Advertisement Last year, in line with the AJ’s advocacy for more sustainable architecture, the Sustainability Prize was incorporated into the main awards to encourage all entries to address issues of sustainability, be that environmental or social. Last year, for the first time in the award’s history, all the winners were from non-London schools, with students from Oxford Brookes and Strathclyde universities winning the undergraduate and postgraduate categories. All the winning projects emphasised play or current socio-environmental issues. Undergraduate winner: Above Beside Below: Fallen Tree Upcycling Centre by Hosea Cheung Hosea Cheung of Oxford Brookes University took the top prize in the undergraduate category for Above Beside Below: Fallen Tree Upcycling Centre. Centred around the topical environmental issue of climate resilience and tree loss, the project repurposed fallen trees into treasurable everyday consumables in an ambitious programme which included timber workshops, an auction house and an educational centre with tree nursery.Advertisement The judges deemed the thesis project a ‘compelling idea’ which addresses both economic and environmental issues successfully on a ‘scale that was technically ambitious’. They loved the idea of the brief and were very impressed by the presentation of ideas. ‘It felt very mature,’ they said. ‘It’s a really solid piece of work.’ Postgraduate winner: Beyond the School Gates: The High Street School by Jakob Young The postgraduate prize was awarded to an entirely hand-drawn project, Beyond the School Gates: The High Street School, by Jakob Young from the University of Strathclyde. Deemed ‘incredibly joyous’ by the jury, the project envisioned educational spaces as a communal asset through the concept of splitting a school along a high street. It took the form of a school bus, retrofitted former shop unit, modular pavilions and a ‘caretaker’s factory’. The judges thought the careful, colourful drawings were ‘totally brilliant’ and the socioeconomic programme ‘rigorous and fantastic’ – yet ‘all done with humour’. The 2024 prize was assessed by a jury consisting of returning judge Betty Owoo of the Greater London Authority, Sally Lewis of Stitch Architects, Craig Robertson of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and Derin Fadina of Barr Gazetas – co-editor on the Students issue of the AJ. The deadline for entries is Friday 6 June 2025. Entries received from each school will be published in the AJ’s annual Student issue in September with the winner announced at the start of October. You can view last year’s edition here. How can I enter? You can enter the prize hereWho can enter? The prize is open to all RIBA and ARB-validated architecture schools in the UK. Only tutors may enter on behalf of their students. What are the categories? We encourage a tutor from each school to submit a final year project from two students – one at undergraduate level and/or one at postgraduate level (dependant on your course offering). We expect and encourage all entries to the Student Prize to address issues of sustainability, be that environmental or social. To reflect this, the sustainability category has been incorporated into the main awards and there is no separate Sustainability Prize. Is there a fee to enter? It’s free! When is the deadline to enter? Friday 6th June 2025. We understand that different universities have different deadlines so if you require an extension, please email Fran Williams at ajstudentprize@emap.com You can also find answers to further frequently asked questions on the website. AJ Student Prize is sponsored by

When the lease on my car expired in 2017, I made the bold decision to turn it in without getting a new one. I was living in Seattle at the time, which has reliable bus routes and is small enough that nearly all my car rides were 20 minutes or less. It felt like the perfect setting to try relying on a combination of public transit, Uber, and my bike.The math was compelling. I would save a ton of money! There would be no upfront cost to buy the car, or ongoing expenses for gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance. For longer trips into the mountains for a hike, I could carpool with friends. Even if I had to rent a car occasionally, it would still be cheaper than owning one. I lasted less than six months, but eight years later, it might be more feasible given Uber's latest feature rollouts. The company has been working on reducing personal car ownership, Wendy Lee, Uber’s director of autonomous mobility and delivery products, told me at its 2025 global product event today. Uber announced a suite of pretty compelling products, including cheaper rides for common routes and the country’s first shared, autonomous ride service.Wendy Lee, Uber’s director of autonomous mobility and delivery products (Credit: Emily Forlini/PCMag)“We believe there’s a future where we can make the roads safer, we can reduce traffic, we can reduce emissions, [and] it’s better for the environment,” Lee says. “I don’t think personal car ownership needs to be the way it’s been the past few decades. It can look different.” In 2026, passengers in Los Angeles will be the first to see a new option in the Uber app: A self-driving, Woodstock-style electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz. It will transport groups of passengers, presumably at a lower price per person. If the rider’s requested route requires a road that is ineligible for the self-driving Volkswagen, it will not surface as an option in the app. This is how it works today when a rider calls a self-driving Waymo vehicle through the Uber app, Lee says.Volkswagen ID.Buzz(Credit: Emily Forlini/PCMag)The shared autonomous ride tech could complement other route-focused features Uber debuted at today's event for traditional rides, such as the option for the rider to walk a short distance to a shared pickup point in exchange for savings. It experimented with shared rides in 2018 via Uber Express Pool, but the pandemic killed that idea for a few years. The new Route Share option is aimed more at commuters, with rides available in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore to start, with more cities to come. Uber says rides will be up to 50% cheaper than UberX.Why My Experiment FailedThese features might have made my experiment even more cost-effective and solved the biggest issue that ultimately prompted me to pull the plug: The constant small talk.Recommended by Our EditorsI thought I had no problem talking to strangers, but taking daily Uber rides exposed me to the same repetitive questions over and over again. "How’s your day? How long have you been working for Uber?" Quiet mode didn’t exist yet, so there was no escape.I had to mentally prepare myself for the chit chat that would start as soon as my butt hit the seat. It became a burden and outweighed the occasional worthwhile exchange. I also grew tired of waiting for my rides, walking around to find them, and the inevitable cancellations.Autonomous vehicles solve this issue by removing the driver. It's an introvert's dream, though there are drawbacks. Self-driving cars have frozen in areas with network overload, and don't move if someone stands in their way, turning passengers into sitting ducks. There are also occasional accidents, and confusing new norms, like what to do if the car breaks a law. But in a perfect world, autonomous rides would've solved my biggest barrier to long-term, daily Uber use.Waymo’s nationwide rollout is waking people up to the joys of quiet, driverless rides. My friends in California take them regularly and love the peaceful rides. I’m starting to think quiet rides might be appreciated by introverts and extroverts alike, especially those who take them regularly.A Precarious Public ExperimentUber display at GO-GET 2025(Credit: Emily Forlini/PCMag)I do worry that society, and the tech industry, is in a honeymoon phase with self-driving cars, unable to see the full implications. From automating jobs and unclear federal safety standards to potentially billions of wasted investment dollars, it's a precarious public experiment. Uber sends mixed messages about whether it’s "getting rid" of drivers. At this week’s event, a movie theater-sized screen proclaimed, "The future is autonomous," yet two spokespeople insisted to me that the idea is to increase the number of rides overall, for robots and humans alike. That's probably equal parts media training and reality, at least in the short term.“There are definitely things autonomous vehicles can’t do, like picking up at a private event or going long distances,” Lee says. “We’ll see what that looks like over time and how it develops.” On a sentimental note, the relationship between Uber riders and drivers has become a cultural institution that can provide some much-needed social interaction. One driver even wrote a book about the interesting stories riders told him over his nine years on the job, Block Club Chicago reports. Ending that tradition gives even this Scrooge-like passenger a bit of a heart pang.

Senior Animator – Temp (SFD / Cinematics)Blizzard EntertainmentIrvine California 92618 United States of America1 hour agoApplyTeam Name:CinematicsJob Title:Senior Animator – Temp (SFD / Cinematics)Requisition ID:R025215Job Description:Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a dedicated 3D animator to assist our Cinematics team in crafting the next generation of Epic animated films.What You Bring to the TablePriorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:The cinematic animator will be skilled at animating characters at a level that lives up to the ever-increasing Blizzard Entertainment standard of quality. The ideal candidate has a passion for animation and film making, with experience animating a diverse array of characters and creatures in different styles, from cartoony to realistic and anywhere in-between. A solid grasp of body mechanics and character acting with a mastery of the 12 principles of animation are critical. You must enjoy working on a highly collaborative team of peers as passionate about making phenomenal movies and games as we are. Blizzard Entertainment offers a fun, creative, and technically challenging environment with excellent compensation.This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.We have multiple temporary roles open with 5-month and 6-month terms. Start dates will be the beginning of June 2025.Minimum RequirementsExperience6+ years' experience in game development, television, or film industry using Maya or equivalent 3D programExperience working with Directors, Animation Supervisors and Leads developing, defining, and maintaining high-end cinematic animationsKnowledge & SkillsA demo reel demonstrating high quality hand-keyed animations through solid body mechanics and engaging performancesA solid grasp of body mechanics and character acting with a mastery of the 12 principles of animation are essentialKey AttributesPassion for film, animation, and video gamesSelf-motivation, good communication skills, and a great team-player attitudeAssist in supporting and evolving the Cinematics team with constructive feedback both technically and artisticallyExtra PointsArtistic skills: storyboarding, gesture drawing, 2D animation, compositionTechnical skills: rigging, scripting, and understanding of pipelinePhysical skills: acting, martial arts, and choreographyFilm making skills: cinematography, pre-visualization, editing, and story writingUnderstanding of FX, particles, cloth, and hair as they contribute to a character’s performance and other facets of both 2D and 3D animation is essentialYour PlatformBest known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.Our WorldActivision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty ®, World of Warcraft® , Overwatch ®, Diablo ®, Candy Crush ™ and Bubble Witch ™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.RewardsWe provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/ .In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $38.85 - $71.83 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply

Heads-up: Father’s Day is June 15, meaning it’s time to show the paternal figures in your life some love. The best Father’s Day gifts should be thoughtful, and to alleviate your stress, we’ve got options, no matter what type of dad he is. From gadgets he’ll actually use to games you can enjoy together, we’ve curated a gift guide that covers just about every base, at every budget. So whether he’s into self-care essentials, is a world-class chef in the kitchen, or is planning a long-awaited getaway, we think there’s something in here that’ll show dad just how much you appreciate him.Our top picks for the best father’s day gifts:For the Style-Forward Dad: Comme des Garçons Embossed Wallet, $100For the Handy Dad: Toyo Y-280 Steel Angle Tool Box, $32For the Dad Who Loves Being Pampered: Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Care Duo, $116For the Dad Who Loves A Beer: Corkcicle Chillsner Portable Beer Chiller, $40For the Dad Who Always Wants A Slice : Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven, $399For the Anthology-Loving Dad: New York Times Custom Space History Book, $90Browse by CategoryClothing and accessoriesLululemon Steady State Pullover HoodieA classic black sweatshirt is another closet staple he can wear year-round. Luckily, this one from Lululemon won’t fade easily so dad can wear it 100 times over. Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama SetQuite possibly the nicest, softest pajama set he’ll ever own. Did we mention you can even monogram them? Oliver Peoples Errisson SunglassesThese sunglasses will keep him shaded on morning walks to the office and sunny days sprawled out on the beach. Oliver Peoples are designed to last for a lifetime, meaning these opticals are basically heirlooms in the making. Porter-Yoshida & Co. Noir Tote BagThe hallmark of a great gift is a slightly nicer version of something he already owns. Since he loves his trusty boat n’ tote, give him an upgrade with this Japanese version in a sleek blacked-out look. It’s got six interior pockets to hold everything from his phone to his protein bar and will pair well with any outfit he’s wearing. Comme des Garçons Embossed WalletDad deserves a wallet that will age just as well as he has. This year pick up a CDG card case that will lend him the savvy of the kind of menswear guy who shops at Dover Street Market. The slim design is made to last, will wear beautifully over time, and keep all of his most important cards and cash in one place without added bulk.Shinola Onyx Tag NeclaceThis pendant necklace is a subtle way to dress up dad’s jeans and T-shirt or add some cool factor to his more formal looks. He can layer it with another thin chain for a minimal stack or make a statement with something chunkier. Mejuri Square Signet RingFor extra brownie points this year, personalize this signet ring with his initials so he can relive his high school glory days. Grab it in his regular size or opt for an on-trend pinky ring moment. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck SweaterThis luxurious crewneck sweater from Quince Cashmere is the perfect gift for the dad who enjoys the finer things. Plus, it comes in a range of wearable shades, like this steel blue, and a universally flattering burgundy. Patagonia Men's Baggies ShortsHe’s not just a regular dad, he’s a cool dad—so dress him in some Patagonia baggies he’ll live in during the summer or whenever the temperatures call for a little leg. Mejuri Round Box Chain BraceletRound out his jewelry collection with this box chain bracelet that’s subtle enough for even the most normie Apple watch dads to pull off.Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Bracelet Watch, 40mmFor the kind of dad who appreciates a well-made timepiece, former Hodinkee deputy editor and AD contributor Nora Taylor says this Tissot is “what I recommend for people in my life.” L.L. Bean Men's Wicked Good SlippersSlippers are a quintessential part of any dad’s uniform—so we imagine he’ll love this pair from L.L.Bean that has over 1,700 five-star reviews. Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker HatA designated dad cap is a great Father’s Day gift for a new dad celebrating his first Father’s Day or a seasoned patriarch. Get him this reliable mesh-back number that’s perfect for long days spent fishing or at the beach. Ray-Ban Meta Headliner Smart GlassesIf he has to have the latest tech he'll appreciate these specs from Ray-Ban and Meta, which can capture pictures and video, play music, and uses AI technology to answer questions. Leather Eyeglass Case HolderThis custom-made leather sunglasses case is a nice way to store dad’s favorite specs. There's even an option to add a monogram so he'll always know it's his. The Ridge WalletAny dad who’s rough on his wallets and card cases will appreciate the durability of this metal one from The Ridge. It’s got RFID shielding to protect your personal information with room for up to 12 cards and a handy outer clip for cash. Food and kitchenLibbey Craft Brews Assorted Beer Glasses (Set of 6)The best Father’s Day gift ideas should complement his interests. If dad’s an IPA aficionado, we think he might enjoy his drinks a little more from this handsome set’s assorted pint glasses. Corkcicle Chillsner (Set of 2)For dads who like their beer ice-cold and straight from the bottle, these “Chillsners” will make sure every sip is equally cool and refreshing as the last. Just pop them in the freezer until frozen, put one in your favorite bottle of ale, and enjoy. Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza OvenIf you want go above and beyond a gift card to his favorite pizza parlor, aspiring pizzaiolo dads will appreciate this Ooni oven. (Especially since Zoë Sessums concluded that “the ease of use for the Ooni makes it worth it.”) Stanley Classic Easy-Pour GrowlerHead to virtual checkout with this growler from Stanley that can easily do double duty as a water bottle during the day or viking-level beer tumbler for more festive occasions. Crate & Barrel Wood-Handled 9-Piece Barbecue Tool SetAnd if the grill is his sanctuary, he’ll definitely get good use out of this nine-piece barbecue tool set that comes in a convenient carrying case. Maestro Dobel Atelier Animales Endémicos Tequila AñejoThis tequila pulls double duty as both a thoughtful gift for tequila-loving dads and a beautiful art piece he’ll want to make the centerpiece of his bar cart. TechAnker 622 Magnetic BatteryFor iPad dads, tech gifts are the way to go. We’d upgrade his current charger to this foldable wireless charging Anker—either in this misty shade of blue or classic black.