Google just wrapped up its big keynote at I/O 2025. As expected, it was full of AI-related announcements, ranging from updates across Google’s image and video generation models to new features in Search and Gmail.But there were some surprises, too, like a new AI filmmaking app and an update to Project Starline. If you didn’t catch the event live, you can check out everything you missed in the roundup below.Google’s AI Mode for Search is coming to everyoneGoogle has announced that it’s rolling out AI Mode, a new tab that lets you search the web using the company’s Gemini AI chatbot, to all users in the US starting this week.Google will test new features in AI Mode this summer, such as deep search and a way to generate charts for finance and sports queries. It’s also rolling out the ability to shop in AI Mode in the “coming months.”Project Starline is now Google BeamImage: GoogleProject Starline, which began as a 3D video chat booth, is taking a big step forward. It’s becoming Google Beam and will soon launch inside an HP-branded device with a light field display and six cameras to create a 3D image of the person you’re chatting with on a video call.Companies like Deloitte, Duolingo, and Salesforce have already said that they will add HP’s Google Beam devices to their offices.Imagen and Veo are getting some big upgradesGoogle has announced Imagen 4, the latest version of its AI text-to-image generator, which the company says is better at generating text and offers the ability to export images in more formats, like square and landscape. Its next-gen AI video generator, Veo 3, will let you generate video and sound together, while Veo 2 now comes with tools like camera controls and object removal.Google launches an AI filmmaking appGIF: GoogleIn addition to updating its AI models, Google is launching a new AI filmmaking app called Flow. The tool uses Veo, Imagen, and Gemini to create eight-second AI-generated video clips based on text prompts and / or images. It also comes with scene-builder tools to stitch clips together and create longer AI videos.Gemini 2.5 Pro adds an “enhanced” reasoning modeThe experimental Deep Think mode is meant for complex queries related to math and coding. It’s capable of considering “multiple hypotheses before responding” and will only be available to trusted testers first.Google has also made its Gemini 2.5 Flash model available to everyone on its Gemini app and is bringing improvements to the cost-efficient model in Google AI Studio ahead of a wider rollout.Xreal shows off its Project Aura prototypeXreal and Google are teaming up on Project Aura, a new pair of smart glasses that use the Android XR platform for mixed-reality devices. We don’t know much about the glasses just yet, but they’ll come with Gemini integration and a large field-of-view, along with what appears to be built-in cameras and microphones.Google is also partnering with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to create other Android XR smart glasses, as well.Google’s experimental AI assistant is getting more proactive Project Astra could already use your phone’s camera to “see” the objects around you, but the latest prototype will let it complete tasks on your behalf, even if you don’t explicitly ask it to. The model can choose to speak based on what it’s seeing, such as pointing out a mistake on your homework.Gemini is coming to ChromeGoogle is building its AI assistant into Chrome. Starting on May 21st, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers will be able to select the Gemini button in Chrome to clarify or summarize information across webpages and navigate sites on their behalf. The feature can work with up to two tabs for now, but Google plans on adding support for more later this year.Google’s new AI Ultra plan costs $250 per monthGoogle is rolling out a new “AI Ultra” subscription that offers access to the company’s most advanced AI models and higher usage limits across apps like Gemini, NotebookLM, Flow, and more. The subscription also includes early access to Gemini in Chrome and Project Mariner, which can now complete up to 10 tasks at once.Search Live will let you discuss what’s on your camera in real-timeSpeaking of Project Astra, Google is launching Search Live, a feature that incorporates capabilities from the AI assistant. By selecting the new “Live” icon in AI Mode or Lens, you can talk back and forth with Search while showing what’s on your camera.After making Gemini Live’s screensharing feature free for all Android users last month, Google has announced that iOS users will be able to access it for free, as well.Image: GoogleGoogle has revealed Stitch, a new AI-powered tool that can generate interfaces using selected themes and a description. You can also incorporate wireframes, rough sketches, and screenshots of other UI designs to guide Stitch’s output. The experiment is currently available on Google Labs.Google Meet adds AI speech translationImage: GoogleGoogle Meet is launching a new feature that translates your speech into your conversation partner’s preferred language in near real-time. The feature only supports English and Spanish for now. It’s rolling out in beta to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.Gmail’s smart replies will soon pull info from your inboxImage: GoogleGmail’s smart reply feature, which uses AI to suggest replies to your emails, will now use information from your inbox and Google Drive to prewrite responses that sound more like you. The feature will also take your recipient’s tone into account, allowing it to suggest more formal responses in a conversation with your boss, for example.Gmail’s upgraded smart replies will be available in English on the web, iOS, and Android when it launches through Google Labs in July.Image: GoogleGoogle is testing a new feature that lets you upload a full-length photo of yourself to see how shirts, pants, dresses, or skirts might look on you. It uses an AI model that “understands the human body and nuances of clothing.”Google will also soon let you shop in AI Mode, as well as use an “agentic checkout” feature that can purchase products on your behalf.Google Chrome will soon help you update compromised passwordsIf Chrome detects that your password’s been compromised, Google says the browser will soon be able to “generate a strong replacement” and automatically update it on supported websites. The feature launches later this year, and Google says that it will always ask for consent before changing your passwords.See More:

Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is set to take place in June, Apple announced on Tuesday. In line with the previous years, the annual developer conference is set to take place at Apple Park in California, while those around the world can watch all the developments unfolding via an online telecast of the event. WWDC 2025 promises to offer a deep dive into the tools, technologies, and software features that the company is working on for the coming year.WWDC 2025 Date, Time and Expected AnnouncementsApple announced that WWDC 2025 will take place between June 9 and June 13 and will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. It will kick off with an in-person keynote session hosted by Apple CEO Tim Cook at 9 am PT (10 pm IST) on June 9. The keynote will preview all the groundbreaking updates and changes coming to various Apple platforms such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, watchOS, and tvOS over the course of the year.The company says enthusiasts and developers can apply to attend the keynote session via the Apple Developer app and the company's website, although seats are limited. Winners of Apple's Swift Student challenge are also eligible to apply for the in-person experience, as per the company.After the keynote, Apple will host a Platforms State of the Union for a deeper dive into the advances made in software and platforms. In total, WWDC 2025 is confirmed to bring over 100 technical sessions with Apple experts, enabling developers to gain information about the latest technologies and frameworks. They will also be able to access guides and documentation which detail the conference's biggest announcements and highlights.The Cupertino-based tech giant says Apple Developer Program members and Apple Developer Enterprise Program members can connect directly with Apple experts through online group labs and also take advantage of one-on-one appointments for guidance on Apple Intelligence, design, developer tools, Swift, and more. Although the company has remained tight-lipped about the announcements, previous editions have given us an idea of what to expect from WWDC 2025. Apple is expected to announce details of its next major operating system updates — iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, and tvOS 19. iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 are speculated to receive major design upgrades with a redesigned interface which could bring the experience at par with Apple Vision Pro. This includes a floating tab view, updates to iconography, glass effects in the UI, and new visual system elements for a more cohesive experience across the devices in the company's hardware portfolio. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Further reading: WWDC 2025, WWDC 2025 date, WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple, Apple WWDC 2025, iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, visionOS 3, tvOS 19, IPhone Shaurya Tomer Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More Related Stories

Limited access Under anti-vaccine advocate RFK Jr, FDA to limit access to COVID-19 shots FDA will require big, pricy trials for approvals for healthy kids and adults >65. Beth Mole – May 20, 2025 3:18 pm | 16 U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Capitol Hill on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty | Tasos Katopodis U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Capitol Hill on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty | Tasos Katopodis Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Under the control of anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Food and Drug Administration is unilaterally terminating universal access to seasonal COVID-19 vaccines; Instead, only people who are age 65 years and older and people with underlying conditions that put them at risk of severe COVID-19 will have access to seasonal boosters moving forward. The move was laid out in a commentary article published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, written by Trump administration FDA Commissioner Martin Makary and the agency's new top vaccine regulator, Vinay Prasad. The article lays out a new framework for approving seasonal COVID-19 vaccines, as well as a rationale for the change—which was made without input from independent advisory committees for the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Normally, the FDA's VRBPAC (Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee) and the CDC's ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) would publicly review, evaluate, and discuss vaccine approvals and recommendations. Typically, the FDA's scope focuses on licensure decisions, made with strong influence from VRBPAC, while the CDC's ACIP is principally responsible for influencing the CDC's more nuanced recommendations on usage, such as for specific age or risk groups. These recommendations shape clinical practice and, importantly, health insurance coverage. Makary and Prasad appear to have foregone those norms, even though VRBPAC is set to meet this Thursday to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming season. Restrictions In the commentary, Markary and Prasad puzzlingly argue that the previous universal access to COVID-19 vaccines was patronizing to Americans. They describe the country's approach to COVID boosters as a "one-size-fits-all" and write that "the US policy has sometimes been justified by arguing that the American people are not sophisticated enough to understand age- and risk-based recommendations. We reject this view." Previously, the seasonally updated vaccines were available to anyone age 6-months and up. Further, people age 65 and older and those at high risk were able to get two or more shots, based on their risk. So, while Makary and Prasad ostensibly reject the view of Americans as being too unsophisticated to understand risk-based usage, the pair are installing restrictions to force their own idea of risk-based usage. Even more puzzlingly, in an April meeting of ACIP, the expert advisors expressed clear support for shifting from universal recommendations for COVID-19 boosters to recommendations based on risk. Specifically, advisors were supportive of urging boosters for people age 65 and older and people who are at risk of severe COVID-19—the same restrictions that Makary and Prasad are forcing. The two regulators do not mention this in their NEJM commentary. ACIP would also likely recommend a primary series of seasonally matched COVID-19 vaccines for very young children who have not been previously exposed to the virus or vaccinated. ACIP will meet again in June, but without a permissive license from the FDA, ACIP's recommendations for risk-based usage of this season's COVID-19 shots are virtually irrelevant. And they cannot recommend usage in groups the FDA licensure does not cover. It's unclear if a primary series for young children will be available and, if so, how that will be handled moving forward. New vaccine framework Under Makary and Prasad's new framework, seasonally updated COVID-19 vaccines can continue to be approved annually using only immunology studies—but the approvals will only be for people age 65 and over and people who are at high risk. These immunology studies look at antibody responses to boosters, which offer a shorthand for efficacy in updated vaccines that have already been through rigorous safety and efficacy trials. This is how seasonal flu shots are approved each year and how COVID boosters have been approved for all people age 6 months and up—until now. Moving forward, if a vaccine maker wants to have their COVID-19 vaccine also approved for use in healthy children and healthy adults under age 65, they will have to conduct large, randomized placebo-controlled studies. These may need to include tens of thousands of participants, especially with high levels of immunity in the population now. These trials can easily cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and they can take many months to complete. The requirement for such trials will make it difficult if not impossible for drug makers to conduct them each year and within a timeframe that will allow for seasonal shots to complete the trial, get regulatory approval, and be produced at scale in time for the start of respiratory virus season. Makary and Prasad did not provide any data analysis or evidence-based reasoning for why additional trials would be needed to continue seasonal approvals. In fact, the commentary had a total of only eight references, including an opinion piece Makary published in Newsweek and a New York Times article. "We simply don’t know whether a healthy 52-year-old woman with a normal BMI who has had COVID-19 three times and has received six previous doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will benefit from the seventh dose," they argue in their commentary. Their new framework does not make any mention of what will happen if a more dangerous SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges. It also made no mention of vaccine usage in people who are in close contact with high-risk groups, such as ICU nurses or family members of immunocompromised people. Context Another lingering question from the framework is how easy it will be for people dubbed at high risk to get access to seasonal shots. Makary and Prasad lay out a long list of conditions that would put people at risk of severe COVID-19 and therefore make them eligible for a seasonal booster. The list includes: obesity; asthma, lung diseases; HIV; diabetes; pregnancy; gestational diabetes; heart conditions; use of corticosteroids; dementia; physical inactivity; mental health conditions, including depression; and smoking, current or former. The FDA leaders estimate that between 100 million and 200 million Americans will fit into the category of being at high risk. It's unclear what such a large group of Americans will need to do to establish eligibility every year. In all, the FDA's move to restrict and hinder access to seasonal COVID-19 vaccines is in line with Kennedy's influential anti-vaccine advocacy work. In 2021, prior to taking the role of the country's top health official, Kennedy and the anti-vaccine organization he founded, Children's Health Defense, petitioned the FDA to revoke authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines and refrain from issuing any approvals. Ironically, Makary and Prasad blame the country's COVID-19 policies for helping to erode Americans' trust in vaccines broadly. "There may even be a ripple effect: public trust in vaccination in general has declined, resulting in a reluctance to vaccinate that is affecting even vital immunization programs such as that for measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccination, which has been clearly established as safe and highly effective," the two write, including the most full-throated endorsement of the MMR vaccine the Trump administration has issued yet. Kennedy continues to spread misinformation about the vaccine, including the false and debunked idea that it causes autism. "Against this context, the Food and Drug Administration seeks to provide guidance and foster evidence generation," Makary and Prasad write. Beth Mole Senior Health Reporter Beth Mole Senior Health Reporter Beth is Ars Technica’s Senior Health Reporter. Beth has a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended the Science Communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She specializes in covering infectious diseases, public health, and microbes. 16 Comments

All images courtesy of Blurring Boundaries, shared with permission Blurring Boundaries’ ‘Maativan’ Farmhouse Embraces Biophilic Design in an Indian Forest May 20, 2025 DesignNature Kate Mothes In Blurring Boundaries’ newest project, a woodland area in Wada, Maharashtra, India, and a serene architectural oasis converge in a remarkable farmhouse. The Mumbai-based firm (previously) conceived of a sanctuary called “Maativan,” cradled by trees in a feat of biophilic design, which is constructed from natural materials to create a synergy between interior and exterior experiences. Undulating beamed ceilings, open-air spaces, an organic layout, and plenty of ventilation allow for ample natural light, airflow, and heat control. With sustainability at the forefront of its mission, Blurring Boundaries incorporated mud, lime, bamboo, stone, wood, recycled bottles, wheels, glass, and other repurposed substances into the home’s framework. “Maativan’s commitment to sustainability, cultural authenticity, and ecological responsibility is evident in every aspect of its construction and operation, making it a true sanctuary for those seeking a deeper connection with the natural world,” the studio says. Find more on its website. Next article

Google just wrapped up its big keynote at I/O 2025. As expected, it was full of AI-related announcements, ranging from updates across Google’s image and video generation models to new features in Search and Gmail.But there were some surprises, too, like a new AI filmmaking app and an update to Project Starline. If you didn’t catch the event live, you can check out everything you missed in the roundup below.Google’s AI Mode for Search is coming to everyoneGoogle has announced that it’s rolling out AI Mode, a new tab that lets you search the web using the company’s Gemini AI chatbot, to all users in the US starting this week.Google will test new features in AI Mode this summer, such as deep search and a way to generate charts for finance and sports queries. It’s also rolling out the ability to shop in AI Mode in the “coming months.”Project Starline is now Google BeamImage: GoogleProject Starline, which began as a 3D video chat booth, is taking a big step forward. It’s becoming Google Beam and will soon launch inside an HP-branded device with a light field display and six cameras to create a 3D image of the person you’re chatting with on a video call.Companies like Deloitte, Duolingo, and Salesforce have already said that they will add HP’s Google Beam devices to their offices.Imagen and Veo are getting some big upgradesGoogle has announced Imagen 4, the latest version of its AI text-to-image generator, which the company says is better at generating text and offers the ability to export images in more formats, like square and landscape. Its next-gen AI video generator, Veo 3, will let you generate video and sound together, while Veo 2 now comes with tools like camera controls and object removal.Google launches an AI filmmaking appGIF: GoogleIn addition to updating its AI models, Google is launching a new AI filmmaking app called Flow. The tool uses Veo, Imagen, and Gemini to create eight-second AI-generated video clips based on text prompts and / or images. It also comes with scene-builder tools to stitch clips together and create longer AI videos.Gemini 2.5 Pro adds an “enhanced” reasoning modeThe experimental Deep Think mode is meant for complex queries related to math and coding. It’s capable of considering “multiple hypotheses before responding” and will only be available to trusted testers first.Google has also made its Gemini 2.5 Flash model available to everyone on its Gemini app and is bringing improvements to the cost-efficient model in Google AI Studio ahead of a wider rollout.Xreal shows off its Project Aura prototypeXreal and Google are teaming up on Project Aura, a new pair of smart glasses that use the Android XR platform for mixed-reality devices. We don’t know much about the glasses just yet, but they’ll come with Gemini integration and a large field-of-view, along with what appears to be built-in cameras and microphones.Google is also partnering with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to create other Android XR smart glasses, as well.Google’s experimental AI assistant is getting more proactive Project Astra could already use your phone’s camera to “see” the objects around you, but the latest prototype will let it complete tasks on your behalf, even if you don’t explicitly ask it to. The model can choose to speak based on what it’s seeing, such as pointing out a mistake on your homework.Gemini is coming to ChromeGoogle is building its AI assistant into Chrome. Starting Wednesday, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers will be able to select the Gemini button in Chrome to clarify or summarize information across webpages and navigate sites on your behalf. The feature can work with up to two tabs for now, but Google plans on adding support for more later this year.Google’s new AI Ultra plan costs $250/monthGoogle is rolling out a new “AI Ultra” subscription that offers access to the company’s most advanced AI models and higher usage limits across apps like Gemini, NotebookLM, Flow, and more. The subscription also includes early access to Gemini in Chrome and Project Mariner, which can now complete up to 10 tasks at once.Search Live will let you discuss what’s on your camera in real-timeSpeaking of Project Astra, Google is launching Search Live, a feature that incorporates capabilities from the AI assistant. By selecting the new “Live” icon in AI Mode or Lens, you can talk back and forth with Search while showing what’s on your camera.After making Gemini Live’s screensharing feature free for all Android users last month, Google has announced that users on iOS will be able to access it for free as well.Image: GoogleGoogle has revealed Stitch, a new AI-powered tool that can generate user interfaces using selected themes and a description. You can also incorporate wireframes, rough sketches, and screenshots of other UI designs to guide Stitch’s output. The experiment is currently available on Google Labs.Google Meet adds AI speech translationImage: GoogleGoogle Meet is launching a new feature that translates your speech into your conversation partner’s preferred language in near real-time. The feature only supports English and Spanish for now. It’s rolling out in beta to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.Gmail’s smart replies will soon pull info from your inboxImage: GoogleGmail’s smart reply feature, which uses AI to suggest replies to your emails, will now use information from your inbox and Google Drive to pre-write responses that sound more like you. The feature will also take your recipient’s tone into account, allowing it to suggest more formal responses in a conversation with your boss, for example.Gmail’s upgraded smart replies will be available in English on the web, iOS, and Android when it launches through Google Labs in July.Image: GoogleGoogle is testing a new “try-it-on” feature that lets you upload a full-length photo of yourself to see how shirts, pants, dresses, or skirts might look on you. The feature uses an AI model that “understands the human body and nuances of clothing.”Google will also soon let you shop in AI Mode, as well as use an “agentic checkout” feature that can purchase products on your behalf.Google Chrome will soon help you update compromised passwordsIf Chrome detects that your password’s been compromised, Google says the browser will soon be able to “generate a strong replacement” and automatically update it on supported websites. The feature launches later this year, and Google says that it will always ask for consent before changing your passwords.See More:

Tucked behind an old tree in the heart of Gurugram, India, the Maurpankhi residence is a seamless interplay of architecture and nature. Designed by House & Beyond, led by architect Pushpender Arora, the 3230-square-foot bungalow is a place for the family to unwind, reflect, and reconnect. Conceived as a sanctuary for a family immersed in the intensity of corporate life, Maurpankhi was envisioned from the beginning as an emotional refuge. Rather than relying on ornate details or ostentatious luxury, the home finds its essence in openness, warmth, and a quiet dialogue with the outdoors. From the moment one steps inside, it’s evident that natural elements are the guiding force. An age-old tree marks the entrance – not simply preserved but celebrated, embraced by a curved zinc wall that both protects and frames it. This weathering metal facade will mature over time, developing a patina that reflects the ever-evolving story of the home and the family there. ”We chose zinc for its robust nature, timeless aesthetic, and unique weathering process – it galvanizes beautifully, much like the memories this home will hold,” Arora shares. The design weaves courtyards into the overall layout, allowing daylight and breezes to fill the interiors. These open-air pockets bring greenery indoors and become an active part of the family’s life, ushering in calm and offering views that change with the seasons. The home’s ground level offers an organic flow between social and private spaces. The absence of rigid walls between living, dining, and kitchen areas fosters connectivity without sacrificing function. Strategically placed furniture shapes the spatial experience, allowing sightlines to remain unbroken and the energy of the space to feel cohesive yet distinct. A sunken seating area with a U-shaped sofa offers a prime location in the main living space to connect with family and visitors while enjoying the views ahead. Descending into the basement reveals one of the home’s most surprising elements – a column-free space filled with natural light from a sunken courtyard. This level houses a vibrant lounge, a bar, and a play zone, shifting the conventional notion of what a basement can be. The upper level rooms were designed for each inhabitant. The primary suite is a tranquil hideaway; the daughter’s room expresses soft curves and pastel hues; while the son’s space merges function and solitude with a study nook that opens to the terrace. “This is where the family finds their quietest, most personal moments,” says Arora. “Each space is a true reflection of who they are.” A meditation room offers a quiet escape, while the terrace becomes a gathering point under the open sky – a platform for reflection and shared moments. What distinguishes Maurpankhi further is its curated material palette. Walls finished with limewash exude a soft, tactile beauty, while the overall color scheme leans into neutral, earthy tones that soothe the senses. The use of natural and time-responsive materials is deliberate, reinforcing the idea that the house isn’t static – it transforms with the people inside. For more information on House & Beyond, visit houseandbeyond.co.in or on Instagram. Photography by TakeIn Studios.

Cross-Section Member Oct 27, 2017 7,018 aka Steam Deck "easier to sneak into work" edition lol I do love my OLED Steam Deck, I use it for some of the less demanding games in my library, but sometimes I really do wish it was something I could just whip out of my pocket like one of the many retro handhelds in the marketplace currently. Obviously, the chief sticking point is the hardware. Would it be possible for Valve to fit the current Zen 2 APU inside a smaller form factor without compromising on performance or usability? Which feature would you be fine dropping in exchange for the ability to truly play your games on the go?  808s & Villainy Member Oct 27, 2017 46,640 Seems like a waste. Steam Deck has only sold a few million total. For Valve it's just an avenue to allow people to play some of their games on a handheld. I don't think having multiple SKUs is worth the effort for them   TimPV3 Member Oct 30, 2017 702 Does anyone else remember in 2004 when people thought the PSP was going to be too big? 😂   Squirrel09 Member Nov 4, 2017 1,911 I don't think valve will make a mini-steam deck. But I do think that we'll get some 3rd party Retroid pocket 5 sized machines that either run windows or steam OS here in the next couple years. Won't be super powerful, but would be good for smaller indies/emulation  PlanetSmasher The Abominable Showman Member Oct 25, 2017 132,801 I don't see how you reduce the form factor without cutting into performance. I don't think there's any real benefit there.   steviestar3 One Winged Slayer Member Jul 3, 2018 5,450 It'd be cool but it wouldn't make financial sense at the moment, no.   Imran Member Oct 24, 2017 8,838 I think if it were a significantly more mainstream machine with an appeal to kids, maybe. But it's a niche machine for adults, most of whom would not rush out to justify the extra production line and R&D on such a thing.   Vanguard Member Jan 15, 2025 592 Yes, it would be easier for kids to hold.   Bardeh Member Jun 15, 2018 3,833 No. Would likely take a decent amount of R+D that I'd prefer they put into other things.   Jamesac68 Member Oct 27, 2017 3,195 If people want it, sure. I don't, but somebody might. I ended up no longer using my Switch once the Steam Deck showed up because the bigger screen is just so much easier on my eyes. I'm actually looking forward to doing some catch-up once the Switch 2 hits, roughly the same size as the Steam Deck.   Roubjon Member Oct 25, 2017 3,083 Yes. I got carpal tunnel from the current model due to its size.   Dota322 Member Aug 13, 2024 86 They will once Arm Translation mature enough   PlanetSmasher The Abominable Showman Member Oct 25, 2017 132,801 Vanguard said: Yes, it would be easier for kids to hold. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Kids want a Nintendo, not a Steam Deck. What is the demographic for kids who want a portable console but don't want access to Mario and Fortnite?  LuciaDMC Member Oct 27, 2017 9,232 Bengali Yes that is my biggest request. Make the touchpads smaller, and make it lighter somehow. Also don't need 4 buttons at back, 2 is enough.  Sabin Member Oct 25, 2017 6,096 No. The deck already has too many SKUs imo and more SKUs.  cw_sasuke Member Oct 27, 2017 29,972 I dont think they can justify a niche revision of a somewhat niche device at that price point. It would be cool but i think they would put these resources behind other products.  Tobor Died as he lived: wrong about Doritos Member Oct 25, 2017 34,023 If they are going to make another model, it should be a box. As a handheld they have the right size.   Fallout-NL Member Oct 30, 2017 8,360 Nope.   Vanguard Member Jan 15, 2025 592 PlanetSmasher said: Kids want a Nintendo, not a Steam Deck. What is the demographic for kids who want a portable console but don't want access to Mario and Fortnite? Click to expand... Click to shrink... Kids like to play different games. There are lots of games that kids see streamers playing like Zort that aren't available on Switch, and they want to play what they see. Teardown and People Playground are other examples and the Steam Deck has easy mod support for both of these with Steam Workshop.  Lumination Member Oct 26, 2017 16,013 I don't think there's a market for two distinct sizes, but the next one should be smaller IMO. This thing is freaking unwieldy, and I have big hands. Reminds me vaguely of holding the Duke in the 2000s. And it's heavy as shit for long sessions.   thewienke Member Oct 25, 2017 19,288 I'm more interested in a faster pro version with a bigger and better screen with less backlight bleed and larger hand grips. Something like the Portal. I've never played the Steamdeck away from a wall outlet personally  StrangerDanger Member Jul 18, 2018 6,696 Lumination said: I don't think there's a market for two distinct sizes, but the next one should be smaller IMO. This thing is freaking unwieldy, and I have big hands. Reminds me vaguely of holding the Duke in the 2000s. And it's heavy as shit for long sessions. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If they went the Nintendo route and had detachable sticks, then it would be fine.   ramenline Member Jan 9, 2019 1,670 It would be cool, but I think you'll have to rely on things like the Ayaneo Air to fill that niche for small PC handhelds for now.   Mocha Joe Member Jun 2, 2021 13,413 I would love Steam Deck 2 to be even smaller and lighter. LCD was really uncomfortable due to the weight but the OLED made it tolerable. I still love using it though. Greatest handheld ever   Cipher Peon One Winged Slayer Member Oct 25, 2017 9,649 Yeah I think the Steam Deck is way too big. I'd like it to fit in my pocket, please.  BeansBeansBeans Member Jan 14, 2025 986 I'd love to buy a smaller deck for my son. He is 7 and loves games, but the deck is simply too big.   GravaGravity Member Oct 27, 2017 4,704 One way or another society will always return to the PS Vita   JetstreamRorschach One Winged Slayer Member Dec 30, 2017 2,153 Zaragoza, Spain. Not feasible. Steam Deck is very performant due to it being an absolutely inefficient laptop class x86 SoC on a big handheld casing. They are very energy consuming and need a whole lot of active cooling (the LCD Deck's back usually burns to the touch and the fan makes a lot of noise). Not all GPU and CPU architectures are compatible with all foundries. You'd either sacrifice performance to the point it isn't a Steam Deck anymore or get a smaller handheld with lower battery and hotter thermals than the original.   DieH@rd Member Oct 26, 2017 12,017 I would be fine with same case as DS1 [and same 7.4" OLED, only 120hz and with VRR].   CesareNorrez Member Oct 25, 2017 6,054 My wife didn't like playing on the Deck handheld at all until I got her one of those gaming pillows (the arm mount one from Mechanism). It is simply too large and heavy for extended use. So, in that regard, a smaller lighter version would be great. But I'm not sure if Valve sees any financial sense in it. Maybe when they do a Deck 2 they introduce a Deck Lite that matches the power specs of the original.   mattycubed Member Dec 12, 2021 289 My crushed hands say yes, my heart says no   Dekuman Member Oct 27, 2017 21,021 Steam Deck is tied to whatever APU AMD produces. Unlike a console, it's very unlikey they will take that old chip and shrink it down. That's a huge expense for a niche product. Die shrink is where you get your thermal headroom to go smaller. Granted, Valve can probably get deck-like performance from a more modern chip by downclocking it, and shipping it in a smaller form factor. But if they are designing with a new chip in mind, that would be a deck 2.  Apollo Corrupted by Vengeance Avenger Oct 25, 2017 10,053 I mean if they could, and it had a OLED model, I would absolutely get it Day 1. I use my Steam Deck a whole lot. But it is too big for me. If it was even slightly smaller it would be a huge improvement for me.   Sai Prophet of Truth The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 6,987 Chicago No, it's tiny enough.   iswasdoes Member Nov 13, 2017 3,330 Londinium Cant wait to see what Valve have in store hardware wise. I do see a deck 2 in the near future. Deck mini, less likely I think but I would like one   Bran Member Oct 25, 2017 540 For what it's trying to do, I can't see anything smaller working quite as well. The ergonomics, input options (trackpads), and screen are a core part of its appeal. Reduce or remove any of that, and you risk compromising functionality. It's already difficult enough to read text in some games. Making a flatter, tinier, more transportable machine that plays fewer games seems like a hard sell—you'd be better off with a different device.   J_ToSaveTheDay "This guy are sick" and Corrupted by Vengeance Avenger Oct 25, 2017 22,527 USA Nah, I don't personally think it stands to make much sense business wise for them. I say that as someone who would very likely be interested… but as someone who is generally interested in smaller form factor electronics—it hasn't seemed like audiences are there for them anymore.   Sabin Member Oct 25, 2017 6,096 Bran said: For what it's trying to do, I can't see anything smaller working quite as well. The ergonomics, input options (trackpads), and screen are a core part of its appeal. Reduce or remove any of that, and you risk compromising functionality. It's already difficult enough to read text in some games. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Exactly. There are also already enough smaller pc handhelds available that already cater that niche while steam deck is the device to offer great ergonomics.  Kaworu Member Oct 28, 2017 433 I don't care much about power. Give me a Steam Deck Lite to play indie titles with a decent battery life.   Ouroboros Member Oct 27, 2017 16,111 But the ergonomics are so good!! I'd hate to use a smaller version.   Adam_Roman Member Oct 25, 2017 3,399 I think this is something they're at least thinking about. Last year there was a lot of work happening on an ARM translation layer for Steam. While it's probably immediately for something like their Deckard VR headset, it would also be very lucrative for ARM-based handhelds to run SteamOS, like an Odin 2 or a Retroid.   BeansBeansBeans Member Jan 14, 2025 986 Bran said: For what it's trying to do, I can't see anything smaller working quite as well. The ergonomics, input options (trackpads), and screen are a core part of its appeal. Reduce or remove any of that, and you risk compromising functionality. It's already difficult enough to read text in some games. Making a flatter, tinier, more transportable machine that plays fewer games seems like a hard sell—you'd be better off with a different device. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I think that we will see some good options once Steam OS gets licensed more and more. I feel like the ergonomics could still work. Also I don't think i've ever once used the touch pads.  horkrux Member Oct 27, 2017 6,467 TimPV3 said: Does anyone else remember in 2004 when people thought the PSP was going to be too big? 😂 Click to expand... Click to shrink... That's crazy  closer Member Oct 25, 2017 5,580 gamers and their concern with their deck size smh   Regular Sega Fan Member Jul 22, 2022 1,825 Ally X + Steam OS could work I guess   BeI Member Dec 9, 2017 6,804 Probably not. Leave that up to third party SteamOS devices to handle. If first party Steam hardware covers everything too well, there wouldn't be much reason for third party SteamOS devices to exist.   FakePlasticTree Member Jul 24, 2018 13,995 The next Steam Deck should be a new hardware leap anything else seems like a waste.   thecaseace Member May 1, 2018 3,743 Yes they should. I get it, most Steam Deck users love everything about Valves machine, but the numbers show that even amongst the 'core' audience there's people like myself that think it's too large. The Steam Deck and Switch are both handhelds but only the Switch is truly portable. They could make a sound mainstream play if they found a way to drop the touch pads and make the device smaller. It would make a great additional SKU.  KalBalboa Member Oct 30, 2017 9,717 Massachusetts TimPV3 said: Does anyone else remember in 2004 when people thought the PSP was going to be too big? 😂 Click to expand... Click to shrink... Oh yeah, I remember friends in high school giving the 16x9 screen some side-eye, haha.  Siri Member Nov 7, 2017 1,367 I think we're more likely going to get x86 to ARM translation to a decent state than Valve releasing a smaller Steam Deck. In fact, it's one of the reasons I've just got a Retroid Pocket Mini V2 in the post. Even in their infancy, I think Winlator and/or MiceWine should handle some lighter stuff. Of course, the floodgates will open as and when Steam really does set up a flavour of Proton for ARM and you can just have Steam on your phone, but for now trying to get the likes of Project Diablo 2 and Outrun 2006 C2C running should be a fun thing. 

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorMay 20, 20255 Min ReadTecha Tungateja via Alamy Stock PhotoAI-generated code may sound like a career-killer, yet a growing number of IT leaders are now turning to AI to generate various types of routine code, freeing human coders to focus on more complex and rewarding tasks. AI can significantly accelerate software development, says Prasad Sankaran, president, software and platform engineering, at IT consulting firm Cognizant. "Based on natural-language prompts, AI can write code and test scripts across a range of programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and more," he states in an online interview. Sankaran notes that AI can also generate synthetic test data, limiting the need to use sensitive live data sets. "At Cognizant, 20% to 30% of our code is now written by machines -- that's productivity we can pass along to our clients." Multiple Benefits AI-generated code's benefits are clear: more output, better quality in shorter timeframes, and an improved ability to navigate talent constraints, Sankaran says. "All of that translates into business productivity, agility, and effectiveness." He believes that AI-enabled coding allows team members to work faster and with greater focus on higher value, creative activities such as feature relevance, user experience, security, resilience, and performance. Related:Enterprises with large development organizations should expect substantial gains in productivity, says David Menninger, executive director at ISG Software Research. "Organizations that rely on service providers to create applications for them should expect to see rate reductions as a result of the increased efficiencies associated with AI-generated code," he states in an online discussion. Getting Started As is the case with many new technologies, it's best to start simple, Menninger recommends. He suggests beginning with a prototyping exercise. "In this scenario, the quality of the code is less critical, and it will afford an opportunity to learn about AI's capabilities." Another good starting point is code conversion, since the final result can be compared against existing working software. Devansh Agarwal, a machine learning engineer at Amazon Web Services, says AI is particularly adept at writing standard boilerplate code. "For example, if I want to create an API client for calling a particular API, AI can generate the boilerplate code for it," he explains in an email interview. "If a developer writes this same code, it will take a few hours." AI can generate the identical code almost instantly. "Since this is a very standard piece of code, which is already present on the Internet, it will most likely be correct." Related:Getting started can be surprisingly easy, Agarwal says. "My mom, who has never written a line of code, managed to do it," he states. "The process is simple: Decide what you want to build, prompt the LLM to generate the code, and keep asking it to fix errors until it finally works." Despite its relative simplicity, Sankaran stresses the need to train team members on the most effective use of AI coding assistants while dealing with its inherent risks and limitations. Menninger recommends that AI-generated code should always be reviewed and tested -- just like any other code. View AI in the same light as a junior developer. "You can give it an assignment, but you certainly want to check the results and probably add some refinements or ask it to make some revisions." Potential Roadblocks Sankaran says enterprises need to recognize AI technology's inherent limitations, including the risk of team members relying too heavily on AI-produced code. Meanwhile, generated outputs can be inconsistent and error prone, so there's still a need for human oversight. A combination of predefined plans and templates, as well as automated enforcement of quality gates, baking in organization policies and guardrails, can help tackle this challenge by ensuring predictable, consistent, and compliant results within preset boundaries. Related:The biggest potential drawback is fostering a growing overreliance on AI-generated code, Menninger says. "There can be a tendency to trust the code simply because it has been generated by a machine," he explains. "The good news is that you can also use AI to test code both for quality and security purposes so, hopefully, you can end up with even higher quality code than manually-generated and manually-tested code." Parting Thoughts AI code assistants have come a long way and are continuously improving and delivering a superior developer experience, with more purpose-built and holistically-integrated solutions, driving automation and lead productivity across the software development lifecycle, Sankaran says. Looking ahead, agentic AI has the potential to make software development easier, more autonomous, and orchestrated, Sankaran states. "For example, specialized agents for understanding requirements, writing code, reviewing code, testing, deployment and more, all working together in an autonomous manner under human oversight," he says. "We're moving closer to the day when we can simply describe the functionality we want ... and have the system do the rest." About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

A research team at the University of Arkansas has demonstrated that molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can reveal key mechanisms behind silicon nanoparticle crystallization during laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) printing. The findings are detailed in a non-peer-reviewed preprint available on arXiv, where the authors show how nanoparticle size and cooling rate affect the ability of silicon to solidify into single-crystalline structures during flight, a development with potential implications for additive manufacturing of optoelectronic materials. Molecular-level insight into LIFT printing Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a promising technique for direct-write micro- and nanoscale printing of functional materials. Unlike conventional additive manufacturing processes that build parts layer by layer, LIFT uses a pulsed laser to eject material droplets from a donor film, enabling high-resolution patterning of metals, polymers, and semiconductors. While LIFT has been applied to amorphous silicon printing, the atomic-level dynamics of silicon crystallization during droplet flight remain poorly understood. To address this, researchers Youwen Liang and Wan Shou used MD simulations to analyze how size and thermal conditions influence silicon nanoparticle behavior during solidification. Simulated crystallization of silicon nanoparticles during LIFT printing. Image via Liang & Shou. Size and cooling rate determine crystal structure The simulations revealed a strong correlation between nanoparticle diameter and crystallization potential. Particles smaller than 4 nm failed to crystallize, even under slow cooling conditions, while larger particles (8–12 nm) exhibited latent heat release and structural ordering, key signatures of crystallization. The study also found that slow cooling rates are essential to promote crystallization. At higher cooling rates, supercooling effects dominated, resulting in amorphous structures. Under controlled thermal conditions, the researchers observed the formation of single-crystal-like silicon nanoparticles, with nucleation beginning just beneath the particle’s surface. The authors suggest that single-crystal formation in-flight is achievable, provided that droplet size and cooling rate are carefully controlled, a finding that may inform future single-crystal silicon additive manufacturing.Crystallization begins beneath the surface A key finding is that crystallization rarely initiates at the particle surface. Instead, nucleation typically begins ~5 Å beneath the outer layer, within what the researchers describe as a structurally distinct sub-surface region. These early nuclei then migrate toward the particle center, where crystal growth accelerates. Simulations also showed that surface atoms remain more mobile and disordered, even at low temperatures. Using bond order parameters (BOP), radial distribution functions (RDF), coordination numbers, and mean square displacement (MSD), the researchers tracked the atomic structure evolution throughout solidification. Comparison of atomic structures from MD simulations. Image via Liang & Shou. Towards single-crystal 3D printing The ability to predict and control crystallization at the nanoscale opens new possibilities for high-performance printed electronics, where grain boundaries can reduce efficiency and durability. By adjusting droplet size and cooling profiles, LIFT could eventually enable on-demand printing of single-crystal semiconductors, bypassing traditional lithography or epitaxy methods. While the current results are based on simulations, they provide a foundational framework for experimental validation and future process optimization in nanoscale additive manufacturing.Crystallization Control in Additive Manufacturing Achieving precise control over crystallization during additive manufacturing is pivotal for enhancing material properties and performance. In polymer-based 3D printing, researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Cornell University, and Boeing have successfully mapped the crystallization process of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) during fused filament fabrication. Utilizing synchrotron-based microbeam wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), they provided a detailed 2D map of PEEK crystallization process in the initial seconds post-extrusion. This study revealed that higher print bed temperatures delay the onset of crystallization but result in a higher final degree of crystallinity, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the printed parts. In metal additive manufacturing, researchers in Japan demonstrated the fabrication of single-crystal nickel using selective laser melting (SLM). By optimizing laser parameters and using a flat-top beam profile, they achieved homogenous, single-crystal structures without a pre-existing seed, a breakthrough with potential for high-temperature aerospace components such as turbine blades.These studies highlight the central role of thermal management and process design in crystallization control. The current MD simulation of silicon nanoparticle solidification during LIFT builds upon this foundation, offering atomic-level insights into nucleation and growth. Such fundamental understanding is essential to push the boundaries of precision-engineered, crystallinity-controlled 3D printed materials. Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news. You can also follow us onLinkedIn and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel to access more exclusive content. At 3DPI, our mission is to deliver high-quality journalism, technical insight, and industry intelligence to professionals across the AM ecosystem. Help us shape the future of 3D printing industry news with our2025 reader survey. Feature Image shows comparison of atomic structures from MD simulations. Image via Liang & Shou.