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Artificial intelligence is already playing a remarkable role in our response to the climate crisis. From predicting extreme weather events to optimizing renewable energy grids, AI is giving us tools we’ve never had before. It is helping us understand complex climate patterns, reduce waste, and rethink how industries operate at a fundamental level.But this is just the beginning. The true power of AI is not just in making systems more efficient, but in expanding how we think, plan, and strategize in the face of environmental challenges. AI doesn’t just give us better answers—it gives us the ability to ask better questions, explore new pathways, and simulate possibilities at a scale no human could achieve alone.So, how do we take AI’s incredible potential and push it even further? How do we ensure it is deployed in ways that maximize its impact, account for its challenges, and truly serve the climate cause?

AI’s Expanding Role in Climate Strategy

We are already seeing AI’s ability to enhance, accelerate, and scale climate solutions across industries:Optimizing Renewable Energy Grids – AI is balancing wind and solar power on national grids, ensuring that clean energy is distributed where it’s needed most. Google’s DeepMind, for example, is using AI to predict wind energy availability 36 hours in advance, making renewable energy more reliable.Precision Agriculture & Land Restoration – AI is helping farmers use less water, reduce pesticide waste, and improve soil health. It is also mapping deforestation at speeds 100 times faster than human analysis, helping conservationists protect ecosystems before damage becomes irreversible.Disaster Response & Climate Resilience – AI-powered models can now predict hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires with greater accuracy, giving governments and emergency responders more time to prepare and adapt.Decarbonization & Carbon Capture – AI-driven molecular simulations are unlocking breakthroughs in carbon sequestration, helping researchers design materials that could significantly reduce the energy cost of capturing CO₂ from the air.These are not hypothetical solutions. They are happening right now. But the next step—the place where AI’s role becomes truly transformative—is in its ability to reshape how we plan for the future.

From Efficiency to Intelligence: AI as a Climate Strategist

Right now, AI tools are primarily being used to optimize existing systems—making buildings more energy-efficient, helping companies track their emissions, and improving climate models. But its greatest potential lies in its ability to help us think further ahead, test solutions before they exist, and make better long-term decisions.Imagine if AI could:

Stress-test entire industries against different climate futures, allowing leaders to make informed choices about supply chains, infrastructure, and policy.Model global cooperation scenarios, helping nations coordinate climate action without compromising sensitive economic data.Redesign urban environments to maximize sustainability, using AI-generated simulations to predict how different city layouts could improve emissions, biodiversity, and resilience.

AI allows us to approach climate action in ways we’ve never been able to before—not just by predicting outcomes but by creating entirely new ways of thinking about the future.One of the biggest barriers to climate action today is the limits of human perception and risk modeling. When decision-makers think about climate policy, infrastructure investments, or industry shifts, they are constrained by what they know, what they can model, and what they assume is possible. AI, however, can break through these limitations.Instead of reacting to climate risks as they unfold, AI gives us the ability to map multiple futures, test different interventions, and choose paths that maximize long-term resilience. It allows us to model entire ecosystems of impact, showing how one change—such as shifting global shipping routes—could influence carbon emissions, ocean health, and economic stability all at once.We’ve already seen early glimpses of this in action. AI-powered climate simulations have helped policymakers in the Netherlands redesign flood defenses that account for centuries of rising sea levels, rather than just the next decade. In emerging economies, AI models are helping predict how water scarcity will shift population movements, informing infrastructure decisions that anticipate future realities, rather than responding too late.What if AI could help us fundamentally redesign industries before they become unsustainable? What if it could guide corporate and government decisions based on the best possible climate outcomes, rather than just incremental improvements?This is the next frontier—not just AI as an optimizer, but AI as a strategic architect for a more sustainable world.

Addressing the Challenges, Without Limiting the Potential

Of course, AI is not a silver bullet. It comes with its own challenges, including energy consumption, data bias, and accessibility. These are real concerns that must be addressed with intentionality and innovation, but they should not overshadow the immense value AI can bring.We need a dual approach—one that recognizes the need for sustainable AI infrastructure and governance, while also ensuring that we do not slow down the momentum of AI-driven climate action.This means:

Investing in energy-efficient AI models that reduce computational waste.Aligning AI development with climate-positive goals, ensuring that models are trained using renewable-powered data centers.Building inclusive AI solutions that are accessible and relevant to communities in both developed and emerging economies.

The key is not to view AI as a problem to solve, but as a powerful tool that must be wielded responsibly.

A Future Built on AI-Climate Collaboration

AI is not here to replace human decision-making—it is here to enhance it. The best climate solutions will not come from AI alone, but from the collaboration between technology, governance, and human ingenuity.We are at a moment where we can harness AI to not just react to climate change, but to fundamentally reshape how we address it. This requires leadership—from policymakers, businesses, researchers, and technology developers—to ensure that AI is deployed in ways that are scalable, ethical, and impactful.The possibilities ahead are extraordinary. The question is not whether AI can help fight the climate crisis—it already is. The question is: How far are we willing to push the boundaries of what’s possible?The future of climate action is being written right now—and AI is a crucial part of the story.

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A good mouse can make a bigger difference than you might think — especially if you spend hours each day clicking through spreadsheets, editing documents or working across multiple tabs. Whether you’re looking to declutter your desk, ditch a worn-out clicker or finally upgrade from those old wired mice, the best wireless mice offer more flexibility, comfort, and features than ever before.If you want to boost your workflow, finding the best productivity mouse is key. The right one can offer a smooth scroll wheel, customizable controls and an ergonomic design that won’t wreck your wrist during long sessions. Some models are made specifically with Mac users in mind, while others cater to different preferences like left-handed use, quiet clicks or a low-profile, sleek look that blends right into your setup. Whether you prefer a rechargeable model with USB-C or a more traditional one powered by an AA battery, the best productivity mouse for you can make your workflow even more convenient.

The obvious candidates

James Trew / Engadget

Google around for “the best PC mouse” or "the best productivity mouse" and you’ll find one answer: Logitech’s MX Master 3. You might see a few mentions of others — like the Razer Pro Click and Microsoft’s Surface Precision mouse — but the reviews are clear that this Logitech mouse is the one. Since we first published this guide, Logitech has released the MX Master 3S which improves on the already popular device with a sharper sensor and quiet clicks. We’ve updated this guide accordingly to consider this high-quality good mouse.

I looked at all three of these, and honestly, there’s not a lot in it. All of them cost $100 and all of them meet my basic requirements of decent ergonomics, configurable buttons and solid battery life. The latter is the hardest to quantify thanks to how each manufacturer likes to define “time.” For Logi’s MX Master 3S it’s “70 days.” Razer on the other hand touts the Pro Click as lasting between 200 and 400 hours depending on whether you use their USB receiver or Bluetooth respectively (that’s 8-16 “days” but it’s not clear if this is “in use”).

Microsoft’s Surface Precision is listed as “up to 3 months” which I somehow read with an implied shrug on their part. It’s hard to know whether those are active use or “the device is on and it’s on your mouse pad.” The better news is that all of them can be charged while you use them. In practice, I found the MX Master 3S to last the longest, but also needing a charge way sooner than its 70 days claim, in my experience it’s more like every 5-6 weeks.

Of this trio, the Pro Click offers the most configurable buttons (8). The MX Master 3S is a close second (7) but has the advantage of a second scroll wheel near the thumb. In reality, two of Razer’s “buttons” are side-clicks on the scroll wheel — typically these default to sideways scroll, the same as Logi’s thumb dial does. The net result is that I found the MX Master 3S slightly more configurable for my use cases. The thumbwheel is perfect for switching between desktops — something I do a lot, which would occupy two slots on the Razer meaning, effectively, the MX Master 3S has one more spare mouse button in this setup.

James Trew / Engadget

While we’re on the topic of buttons, the new MX Master 3S wireless mouse has almost no click sound at all. It makes almost every other mouse seem quite conspicuous by comparison. It also means the click motion feels a little smoother which all adds up to a much nicer experience — especially if you work in a shared space or just prefer quiet clicks.

Lastly, there’s a programmable button on the MX master 3S located just under where your thumb rests. This can be used for almost anything, but by default, it activates something called “gesture control,” which lets you assign certain tasks to, you guessed it, different gestures. I gave the gesture controls a spin and they seemed pretty helpful, but the usefulness soon dissolved when I found I wasn’t always able to ace the gesture on the first attempt.

For its part, Microsoft’s Surface Precision mouse offers six buttons and includes left/right clicks on the scroll wheel and three side buttons, putting it about on par with Razer and a shade under the MX Master 3S for configuration dorks like me. But it also makes for a good ergonomic mouse given the location of its controls and overall design.

All three companies offer companion software — Microsoft’s is built right-in to Windows. It’s worth noting that Logitech makes a distinction between its office mice and its gaming mice which I’ll get to later (basically, different software with different configuration options). The short version is each gets its own software and what you can do there differs which will be a key factor if considering a variety of their models..

I found Logitech’s Options software the most straightforward with a deep selection of Windows commands, media controls, shortcuts and navigation tools on offer. You can also assign keystroke combinations if something you need isn’t listed. On top of that there are options for app-specific buttons which means you can, for example, have right-click do one thing in Photoshop but something totally different in Chrome. Logitech doesn’t offer full macros in Options though, so more complex commands are off the table via the native software.

James Trew / Engadget

Razer’s Synapse also offers app-specific controls alongside a wealth of predefined media and OS shortcuts, but perhaps less comprehensive than those found in Options. That said, you do also have full macro support: Simply hit record and whatever you do next can be converted into a single click of the mouse. There’s even “HyperShift” which means you can add a second layer of commands while holding down an allocated button.

Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard Center is no slouch either with some decent shortcuts on offer and support for both macros and app-specific controls. Though, overall, it’s perhaps less in-depth than both Logitech and Razer’s companion apps.

On a more minor note. During my time with MacOS I joined the dark side of “natural scroll.” It’s not a deal-breaker for me, as I don’t mind regular scroll, but Logitech and Microsoft both offer reverse scrolling as a setting, Razer doesn’t appear to — though you can work around this in other ways of course.

All the above mice offer the flexibility of both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity, can be used while cabled and support multi-device (at the same time) modes, if that’s your thing.

Winner: MX Master 3S.

Gaming mice for everyday use

Just because a mouse has a gaming focus, it doesn’t mean it’s not the best mouse for productivity, too. That was my reasoning when I looked at things like the Logitech G502 Lightspeed and the G Pro X Superlight. From Razer, the Viper Ultimate looked like another strong option.

There are a few things that change once you go gamer it seems. First: Things get much much lighter. The heaviest I tried was the G502 which, at 114g is a hair heavier than the Razer Pro Click (106g). But 26g lighter than the MX Master 3S. The G Pro X Superlight and the Viper Ultra are much more svelte however, weighing in at 63g and 74g respectively. This puts the G Pro X at under half the weight of its Logitech productivity sibling.

James Trew / Engadget

The next thing to consider is the form factor. Gaming mice are much more likely to have either a neutral or ambidextrous design. This isn’t a no-no for my RSI concerns (especially when offset against the lighter weight) but it was something I was cautious about. Of the ones I am testing here, the G502 Lightspeed is the most “ergonomic.”

Lastly, gamers want speed and even 2.4GHz is a bit too laggy for some, so Bluetooth connectivity is rare to find in this category. Even the best wireless mice can struggle with latency issues. That’s not a deal-breaker for me, but worth knowing in case it is for you.

I actually had high hopes for the G502 Lightspeed. Not only is it lighter and a similar form factor to the MX Master 3S, it offers a whopping 11 configurable buttons. What’s more you’re able to assign full macros along with a slew of deep keyboard commands to those buttons. From a customization standpoint, it’s pretty comprehensive. The G502’s office-bound rival has most of what you need, but macros aren’t there and the keyboard commands on offer aren’t as extensive as in Logitech’s gamer-focused G Hub software.

I should mention the G Pro X Superlight here, too, given it uses the same software as the G502. The G Pro X is semi ambidextrous (you can palm it with either hand, but the extra buttons are only on one side). There are only five buttons total, too.

The issue for me was really all in the handling. I liked that both of these were lighter, that’s a solid plus. But the wealth of buttons on the G502 meant things were a little more cramped. For example, there are two right alongside the left-click button and then another two just above where your thumb rests. They aren’t hard to locate without looking, but overall not as naturally placed as those on the MX Master 3S, at least in my opinion. Also, the scroll wheel on both the G502 and the G Pro X protrudes more than any of the other mice on this list which, again, takes some getting used to. Neither was as fluid or comfortable to me as those in the MX Master 3S or Razer Pro click.

Moreover, the G502 has a button to switch between smooth and ratchet scroll (fast, free gliding versus clicky slow, basically). The MX Master 3S offers both types of scrolling but with a setting where ratchet mode will seamlessly become smooth mode which is much more apt for browsing and navigating lists. I found scrolling on the G502 a bit annoying. Much bigger “clicks” and finding the button to switch to smooth seemed to kill my flow. I am guessing it’s better for gamers though.

The G Pro X, for its part, is a really nice option if you want something light with a couple of extra buttons. But with just two additional ones over the standard two-plus-clickwheel it wasn’t quite up to my requirements.

James Trew / Engadget

Razer’s Viper Ultimate, literally on the other hand, is a surprisingly competent all-purpose mouse. For one, as alluded to, it’s truly ambidextrous. At 74g it glides across the desk making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. With a 70 hour battery life it was joint first with the G Pro X for longevity in this category (the G502 offers around 50 hours).

The main nitpick for me with the Viper is that the two buttons near your ring finger and pinkie take a little getting used to if you palm a mouse like I do. I had to train myself to click with the side of my finger rather than the tip. The net result is that I was surprised to find myself gravitating toward the Viper Ultimate most out of this category, despite the G502 being closer to what I had in mind when setting out on this test.

Thanks to gamery specs that I’m not going to make use of, such as 20,000+ DPI sensors and 1000Hz polling rates, all of the gaming mice do cost more than the “productivity” options. In fact all three cost the same: $150.

Winner: Razer Viper Ultimate

Mobile mice

Let’s be clear, there’s almost no chance any of the mobile mice on offer would make a great full-time desktop replacement. That said, it’s also one of the more interesting categories thanks to being free from the burden of having to do everything. A mobile mouse can get a little wackier and do one or two things really well.

There’s also the fact that many of us are working at home on the company laptop, so pairing that with a mouse can make the transition back to the office a little smoother (and not everyone is a fan of trackpads anyway). As such, a straight head-to-head feels less appropriate, but here’s a rundown of five contenders.

Logitech Pebble

Logitech’s Pebble is a mobile mouse in the purest form. At 100g it’s not the lightest on this list, but that does give it a reassuring feel in use. There are only three buttons: The standard left click, right click and click wheel. You also have the choice between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle connectivity. A nice touch is that you can stow the USB dongle under the top plate as that’s also where you’ll change the (AA) battery ( this model is, unfortunately, not rechargeable).

The Pebble has a slight angle to it which felt like my hand was arching forward when in use. The ambidextrous design is welcome but I do have my concerns about how comfortable it is for extended use. The two aces up the Pebble’s sleeve, however, are its epic battery life: A claimed 18 months (though this will obviously depend on what batteries you use) and the $25 price tag, making it one of the best budget mice on this list.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3

As the name suggests, the MX Anywhere 3 is the mobile version of the MX Master 3S Bluetooth mouse. Unlike its bigger brother, the Anywhere has a semi-ambidextrous design. It’s perhaps a shade too small to cut it as desktop replacement, but in the mobile realm it feels premium, complete with the auto-switching between ratchet and free-flowing scroll wheel — which at $80, it should.

With six buttons, it’s pretty configurable for something so small and at 99g it won’t overstay its welcome under your palm. Though for the life of me I cannot understand why there is no option to stow the USB dongle inside the mouse somewhere. Given its mobile nature this seems like a no-brainer. You can, of course, just use Bluetooth if, like me, USB dongles seem to vanish into thin air unless they have a home.

Razer Orochi V2

The winner of the most forgettable-looking option in this nest of mice goes to the Orochi V2. Or maybe it’s just understated? Especially for a Razer product. Looks aside, the Orochi V2 is a very capable mobile mouse with six buttons, Bluetooth or dongle connectivity and it works with Razer’s Synapse software, so any macros you might already have can be assigned here (or make your own!).

At 425 (2.4Ghz) or 950 hours (BLE) you get a decent amount of time out of each battery and you can use either a single AA or AAA. It weighs just 60g, so it’s also pretty nimble. At $70, it’s edging into full-desktop mouse territory, but given that it’s big enough to actually use this full time, that seems less surprising. Especially given that you can stow the dongle under the top cover, which is more than can be said for the MX Anywhere 3 (or even the MX Master 3S).

Microsoft Surface Arc

Who was betting on Microsoft having the most stylish mouse on this list? The Surface Arc is a delight with a “transforming” design that pops into shape (an “arc” no less). Once you’re done simply snap it flat again for easy storage in a pocket of your laptop bag. You don’t even need to turn it on as “snapping” it also acts as a power switch. Oh, and did I mention that the touchpad area does double duty as left/right click and vertical or sideways scroll (Magic Mouse style)? There’s even the option for a “triple” click to give the Surface Arc an extra, assignable button. All that, and it’s only around $55.

As satisfying as it is to click into shape, the hollow area under the arc does mean that your thumb and little finger don’t have anywhere to naturally rest. I also found the curve of the arc led me more into a claw position over my usual palm, which might be okay for you but gave me pause about using this for longer periods. As a purely mobile mouse, though, it’s one of the more pleasing, especially if you like its semi-trackpad nature.

Microsoft Modern Mobile mouse

The Modern Mobile mouse is Microsoft’s answer to the Pebble. Streamlined, lightweight and with a focus on the basics. There’s no 2.4GHz option here though; it’s Bluetooth only. At $35, compared to the Pebble’s $25 it might seem a foregone conclusion but there’s a lot to like about Microsoft’s take on a portable mouse.

For one, its build quality feels far superior. It also looks more stylish (if that matters). More importantly, it has a more neutral position that feels really comfortable for a smaller mouse and doesn’t feel like it’s craning my hand forward. Throw in the fact that you can still assign app-specific controls via Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard center and you end up with something that’s smarter than it first seems.

Conclusion

James Trew / Engadget

If nothing else, I was surprised by the diversity of options despite my initial concern to the contrary. Who knew that Microsoft had such style, at least in the mobile category? Likewise, Razer, it turns out, makes surprisingly adept productivity mice despite its true-green gamer aesthetic. Logitech, on the other hand, is a steady hand across all categories.

Predictably, the MX Master 3S does seem to do most of the things I want. BUT, only really thanks to that thumbwheel. It is particularly suited for what I need. That said, I find myself quite taken by the Pro Click, and despite lacking a second scroll wheel, it pretty much matches the MX Master 3S in every other manner. It’s also lighter which is a small positive in its favor.

For those that prefer lightweight options (something that became more appealing to me the more I tested), then the Viper Ultimate from Razer impressed me with its balance of function and form. If you don’t need as many buttons then Logitech’s Pro X Superlight lives up to its name. I could happily live with either of these mice full time.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-wireless-mice-pc-gaming-mobile-150027822.html?src=rss

Google has just released a software update for the Pixel Watch It fixes an issue with over-inflated step counts It's also an important upgrade for people on last year's releases

Google has just released a second April 2025 Google Pixel Watch software update, which includes a vital step count algorithm fix to correct previously over-inflated step counts.Google announced the update on its support site. It says it has started rolling out and will be pushed to devices in phases over the next few weeks. As always, when you get the update depends on your carrier and device, but you should get a notification to tell you when the download is ready.Since the March and first April software updates, Google says that some users have reported receiving step counts that were higher than expected. Google changed the step count algorithm in March, but has since reverted to the original algorithm for all users.

Pixel Watch's second April update

Google also confirms that the update is far more significant for anyone on last year's Pixel Watch software. Wear OS 5.1 brings users in the US the Loss of Pulse Detection feature, which can alert emergency services and bystanders if your heart stops beating. However, you'll need the best Android smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 3, to take advantage of this feature.If you're still on the November release, other upgrades include new Menstrual Health support, Media Controls upgrades, and an expansion of Auto Bed-Time Mode on the Pixel Watch 2. The step count upgrade is of course, absent.Sadly, this isn't the Pixel Watch Gemini upgrade we've been waiting for. While that did show up briefly on devices in recent weeks, Google may be reserving the AI rollout to its wearables line for the unveiling of the Pixel Watch 4, which we can probably expect later this year.Gemini will replace Google Assistant as an AI-powered on-wrist assistant. While that's good news for Pixel Watch fans, Fitbit owners will be left out in the cold, with Google confirming it will end Google Assistant support on Fitbit with no Gemini replacement in sight, a change that has already started to take effect.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom seemingly won't support cloud savesThe US and EU store pages for both games state that the software "does not support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership's Save Data Cloud backup feature"Players can still import their original Switch data, but the disclaimer for both Zelda games means players can't create a new cloud save file on the Switch 2

It seems that the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom won't support Switch Online's cloud save backup feature.As reported by Eurogamer, both the US and EU store pages for the Switch 2 games offer a disclaimer that reads, "Please note: this software does not support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership's Save Data Cloud backup feature."This is significant because, as one Resetera user pointed out, Nintendo has already said that players can import their original Switch save data to the Switch 2 Editions, but if these disclaimers are true, it could mean that players can't create a new cloud save file on the Switch 2 for these games.It also means if players start a new playthrough on the Switch 2, they can't create a file to backup their save.Although the US and EU store pages both feature this disclaimer, the Japanese website states otherwise."To use the save data storage service, you must subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online (paid membership)," the page reads (via Google Translate).Notably, games like Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Metroid Prime 4 don't offer the same disclaimer, which makes me wonder why both Zelda games do. Nintendo has yet to officially comment on the decision.This new development comes after Nintendo confirmed, after some confusion, that Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, will contain the full game and upgrades on the cartridge.However, there is still some uncertainty as to whether players will need to re-purchase Breath of the Wild's downloadable content (DLC)The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, for $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for a Mario Kart World bundle.Pre-orders are now live in the UK, but US pre-orders and Canadian pre-orders have been delayed as Nintendo assesses the potential impact of tariffs.

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One UI 7 is now appearing on phones from 2023The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 FE are includedSouth Korea is the first country to see the update

The rollout of One UI 7, which is Samsung's take on Android 15, has been a rather tortuous one so far – but it appears there is some light at the end of the software update tunnel, with both the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S24 FE now receiving their upgrades.News of the updates are popping up in various places, with SamMobile spotting that Galaxy S23 devices are now receiving the software, and well-known tipster @tarunvats33 reporting on the arrival of One UI 7 for the Galaxy S24 FE.There is a caveat here, which is that the rollout has only been seen in Samsung's home country of South Korea so far. However, it shouldn't be too long before these same devices get One UI 7 across the rest of the world.The Samsung Galaxy S23 launched in 2023, which suggests the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – the flagship foldables from that year – should also be getting One UI 7 in the near future.

The story so far

Breaking!!Galaxy S24 FE receives One UI 7 update in Korea.Build Version: S721NKSU2BYD9/S721NOKR2BYD9/S721NKSU2BYD9 pic.twitter.com/uTVOi0CSAAApril 22, 2025

We got our first proper look at One UI 7 when it appeared on the Samsung Galaxy S25 handsets that were launched in January. Though it was missing some small finishing touches, the software development was virtually completed in time for those devices.The One UI 7 upgrade has taken a while to reach older Samsung phones though. The release date for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 handsets was originally set for April 7, but even then it didn't all go smoothly.Within the first few days, there were reports of a bug that had halted the rollout of the software, though there wasn't much in the way of clarity around what had happened – or when One UI 7 might continue to be pushed out to devices.Since then, the 2024 Samsung handsets have apparently started getting the update again, and now the 2023 phones are following on. If you're just getting the software, you don't have long to explore its features, because One UI 8 is already on the way.

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The Joy-Con 2 could have shipped without release buttonsThis comes from an interview with Switch 2's hardware leadsThe original removal method could have been as primitive as simply pulling them away

The Nintendo Switch 2 hardware leads have confirmed that the console's magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers may have at one point have shipped without release buttons.In an interview with Mobile Syrup, Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto shared that the Joy-Con 2 - now connecting to the handheld display magnetically as in place of the original's rail system - suggested that the original release method was a little more primitive than what we have now."Originally, we didn’t have the button that would release the magnet. And so you had to pull," said Kawamoto. "And then we discussed, 'Well, wouldn’t the kids pull it apart?' So my first request was, 'Please use a strong magnet.' And the second was, 'Okay, if you want to be able to pull it, please make sure you can pull it.'Kawamoto also stated that the hardware team "had several ideas" for how the magnetic Joy-Con 2 could be disconnected, but that "the technology wasn’t quite available" for some of these ideas.In the end, the solution is a simple but effective one. Both left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers have a release button nestled next to the triggers. As I discovered during my Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on session, it's as simple as holding these buttons in to safely disconnect them from the handheld unit.In other news, Nintendo has finally confirmed pre-order dates for the Switch 2 in the US. Shoppers in the region will have a chance to put their console pre-orders down from April 24. The console and its games will have their prices remain the same, but you should expect accessories like the Joy-Con 2 and the Switch 2 camera to have some slight price increases.

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GameStop and Walmart have raised the prices of upcoming amiibo by $10They now cost up to almost $40 per figureIt follows an announcement from Nintendo that some Switch 2 accessory prices could change

In some bad news for all the lovers of Nintendo's line of collectible figures out there, it looks like upcoming amiibo will more expensive than first anticipated.Late last week the company announced that Nintendo Switch 2 accessories would "experience price adjustment", with retail prices increasing across the board in the US. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, for example, went up to $84.99 from $79.99, while a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers now costs an eye-watering $94.99 - up from $89.99.The Nintendo Switch 2 dock and camera were also hit, rising from $109.99 to $119.99 and from $49.99 to $54.99 respectively. Notably, the prices of upcoming amiibo figures were not mentioned in the announcement, though now it seems clear that they will also be affected.GameStop was the first retailer to increase amiibo prices, raising the cost of the upcoming The Legend of Zelda series from $19.99 to $29.99 each. The Street Fighter 6 series was also hit, going up from $29.99 to $39.99.This week, Walmart followed suit - increasing the asking price of both The Legend of Zelda and Street Fighter 6 series amiibo by $10. This would indicate that the amiibo price rises are not an isolated incident and that we might see $29.99 and $39.99 becoming the standard price point for future figures.I'm very much hoping that this isn't the case, as almost $40 for a single collectible is very steep. You can easily find many of the best Nintendo Switch games for that price and, as much as I like some Street Fighter characters, I definitely know what I would rather have.Just bear in mind that we don't know whether this is an official change in MSRP quite yet and Nintendo did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this matter.Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders were delayed indefinitely in the US on April 4, 2025. In a statement given to TechRadar Gaming, Nintendo cited "the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions".The console is is set to launch worldwide on June 5, 2025. It will cost $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for a bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World.

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The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remaster will be officially revealed later todayBethesda confirmed a broadcast that will announce the gameIt's suspected that Bethesda will also shadow drop the Oblivion remaster following the livestream

After a series of leaks and rumors, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remaster will be officially revealed later today.Bethesda shared a post on social media last night confirming that it will broadcast some sort of Oblivion announcement today, April 22, at 11AM ET / 8AM PT / 4PM BST on Twitch and YouTube.The remaster was leaked last week, so it's not difficult to predict what the announcement will be, however, it's possible that the livestream will also be followed up with a surprise shadow drop.New details later emerged that claimed that the game would launch on April 21, 2025, but considering the deluge of leaks, it's speculated that Bethesda pushed the announcement and shadow drop back by one day.

Tomorrow, 11:00 am EST. https://t.co/CKo7HKjs7j and https://t.co/dgz4EnloQ0 pic.twitter.com/K36jZmFUO9April 21, 2025

Alongside an official launch date, we'll also likely receive an official gameplay trailer showcasing the remastered graphics that were leaked through a selection of screenshots, as well as its updated game mechanics.It's also claimed that the game will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass. Although the Nintendo Switch 2 was just announced and confirmed to support third-party titles, it's unclear if we'll see the Oblivion remaster make its way to the handheld after it releases.

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A leaker claims the iPhone 17 Pro could be sold in a Sky Blue shadeHowever, alternative colors are also apparently being consideredThis source has put forward various possible iPhone 17 Pro colors over the last few months, but it sounds like we'll only see one of these, if any

While we have a good idea of many of the likely iPhone 17 Pro specs, we’re a lot less sure of what colors it and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be sold in. However, one new color candidate has now emerged, with Sky Blue apparently being considered by Apple.This is according to leaker Majin Bu (via Apple Insider), who claims that, according to “sources close to the supply chain,” various colors are under consideration, but Sky Blue is apparently the frontrunner.Of course, you’ll be able to buy these phones in more than one color, but Apple only switched out one shade when moving from the iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro, so it’s possible that the same will happen again for the iPhone 17 Pro.In which case, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max might be available in most of the following shades: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium, with one of them swapped out for a new color – which could perhaps be Sky Blue.

A MacBook Air M4 in Sky Blue (Image credit: Apple)

You can see how this Sky Blue shade might look already, as you can get the MacBook Air (2025) in the same color – it’s a pale, understated blue that looks smart enough to fit with Apple’s typical Pro color schemes.

Lots of color claims

All that said, we’d still take this latest claim with a pinch of salt, as while Bu has been right before, they have a mixed track record.This also isn’t the first time they’ve talked about possible iPhone 17 Pro colors. Back in September, they claimed we might see either a Titanium Blue, Titanium Purple, or Titanium Green shade. Then, in October, they said Apple was choosing between Teal Titanium, Green Titanium, and Dark Green Titanium. Now, it’s apparently Sky Blue that we’ll most likely see.There is some overlap in these leaks – after all, Titanium Blue and Sky Blue could be one and the same. But with all these possibilities put forward, it’s hard to take any of them too seriously – at least until another source corroborates one of these leaks.

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Bad equipment is more responsible than chaotic conversations for misunderstandingsOne in four say they spend extra time clarifying their points on video callsAI might have a role, but we need the foundation of clear video and audio

Danish video conferencing equipment company Jabra has blamed bad microphones and webcams on poor interactions, leading to reduced productivity, particularly among hybrid workers who rely on the tech.According to the company’s research, one in four workers regularly feel misunderstood due to insufficient communication tools, which is impacting productivity, wellbeing and career prospects.More than one-third (35%) of UK knowledge workers agree that poor audio or video quality is to blame when it comes to misunderstanding, ranking it even more highly than chaotic conversations with multiple people speaking over each other.

Poor video and audio quality is bad for productivity

Jabra EMEA North VP and MD Nigel Dunn explained why bad mics and webcams can be bad for productivity: “Too many UK workers are still being held back by poor-quality audio and video – spending valuable time clarifying conversations, second-guessing what was said, or worse, missing key details altogether.”Even though the speaker might not be battling with the result of poor audio or video themselves, 24% agree that they spend extra time clarifying their point, which takes additional time.More than one-fifth (22%) also feel embarrassed or lose confidence after being misunderstood, with 14% believing that being misunderstood could cause them to miss out on professional opportunities.Many workers agree that AI’s transcription abilities can be extremely beneficial post-meeting, but despite this recognition there remains some reluctance, with most British workers trusting humans over AI.“We need to start with the basics and enable employees to communicate clearly with total confidence that they can be heard accurately, whether speaking to a colleague, a virtual assistant or relying on transcription tools,” Dunn continued.Although many tech giants have implemented now-standard three-day working weeks from the office, and some are taking it even further by implementing full-time office working mandates, hybrid and remote work continues to be far more prevalent than it was prior to the pandemic. Having effective communication platforms and systems in place is now a must.

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Windows 11 has a new preview build in the Beta channelIt offers new Click to Do features for Copilot+ PCs, including Reading Coach integrationSearch has also been pepped up with AI, and Voice Access has got a handy new addition too

Windows 11’s latest preview version just arrived packing improved search functionality and some impressive new capabilities for accessibility, including the integration of Microsoft’s ‘Reading Coach’ app on certain PCs.This is preview build 26120.3872 in the Beta channel, and some of the fresh additions are just for Copilot+ PCs, and specifically only for devices with Snapdragon (Arm-based) chips.So, first up in this category is the integration of Reading Coach with Click to Do. To recap on those pieces of functionality, Click to Do provides context-sensitive actions which are AI-powered – this was brought in as the partner feature to Recall on Copilot+ PCs – and Reading Coach became available for free at the start of 2024.The latter is an app you can download from the Microsoft Store in order to practice your reading skills and pronunciation, and Reading Coach can now be chosen direct from the Click to Do context menu, so you can work on any selected piece of text. (You’ll need the coaching app installed to do this, of course).Also new for Click to Do (and Copilot+ PCs) is a ‘Read with Immersive Reader’ ability which is a focused reading mode designed for those with dyslexia and dysgraphia.This allows users to adjust the text size and spacing, font, and background theme to best suit their needs, as well as having a picture dictionary option that Microsoft notes “provides visual representations of unfamiliar words for instant understanding.” You can also elect to have text read aloud and split into syllables if required.Another neat feature for Copilot+ PCs – albeit only in the European Economic Area to begin with – is the ability to find photos saved in the cloud (OneDrive) via the search box in the Windows 11 taskbar. Again, this is AI-powered, so you can use natural language search to find images in OneDrive (such as photos of “Halloween costumes” for example). Both local (on the device) and cloud-based photos will be displayed in the taskbar search results.All of the above are now rolling out in testing to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, but devices with AMD and Intel CPUs will also be covered eventually.A further noteworthy introduction here – for all PCs this time – is that Voice Access now grants you the power to add your own words to its dictionary. So, if there’s a word that the system is having difficulty picking up when you say it, you can add a custom dictionary entry and hopefully the next time you use it during dictation, Voice Access will correctly recognize the word.There are a bunch of other tweaks and refinements in this new preview version, all of which are covered in Microsoft’s blog post on the new Beta build.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Analysis: Sterling progress

It’s good to see Microsoft’s continued efforts to improve Windows 11 in terms of accessibility and learning, even if some of the core introductions here won’t be piped through to most folks – as they won’t have a Copilot+ PC. What’s also clear is that Microsoft is clearly giving devices with Snapdragon processors priority on an ongoing basis, and that’s fine, as long as the same powers come to all Copilot+ PCs eventually (which they are doing thus far, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t).The Voice Access addition is a very handy one, although I’m surprised it took Microsoft this long to implement it. I was previously a heavy user of Nuance (Dragon) speech recognition tool (my RSI has long since been cured, thanks in part to taking a break from typing by using this software) and it offered this functionality. As Windows 11’s Voice Access is essentially built on the same tech – Microsoft bought Nuance back in 2021 – it’s taken a while to incorporate what I felt was an important feature.As ever, though, better late than never, and I certainly can’t complain about Voice Access being free, or at least free in terms of being bundled in with Windows 11.

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iOS 18.5 beta 3 has just been released to developersThe small update most likely focuses on bug fixesAll the big changes look to be coming in iOS 19 later in the summer

Apple has just released the third developer beta of iOS 18.5, and it comes with a few tweaks that could improve the Mail and Settings apps for you. But it’s a very lightweight update overall, and if you were expecting huge alterations, you might be left disappointed.The first change can be found in the Settings app. There, the iOS 18.5 beta has added a more prominent AppleCare+ banner to the top of the page devoted to Apple’s warranty service. You can also find more information on AppleCare+ for each product registered in the Apple Account section of the Settings app, making Apple’s service easier to find.The other new item to be found in the iOS 18.5 beta relates to the Mail app. In this instance, Apple has added a control to disable contact photos in your email inbox. This can be found by tapping the three-dot button in Mail’s top-right corner, then selecting the option to Show Contact Photos.Previously, you had to dig around in Mail’s settings to find this control.

A minor update

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

It’s worth noting that these changes have been present in earlier iOS 18.5 betas, as we described earlier in April. Without any other prominent features being added to the latest iOS 18.5 beta 3 release, this suggests that the latest update might instead focus on behind-the-scenes bug fixes and performance improvements.We don’t know when exactly iOS 18.5 will launch out of beta, but we do know that iOS 18.4.1 is available to the general public.This update focuses on bug fixes, with solutions for a range of problems coming as part of the release. That includes a fix for a CarPlay bug that rendered many people’s in-car entertainment inoperable or difficult to use.Looking further ahead, Apple is set to announce iOS 19 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9. That update is rumored to come with a wide-ranging design overhaul and a slate of interesting new features, which are likely taking up a lot of development time at Apple.If that’s the case, the lack of major updates in iOS 18.5 makes a lot more sense, and could be a sign that more substanbtial updates are on the way.

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AI is lowering the barrier for entry into cybercrimeDeepfakes and fake websites take minutes to prop upUsers need to be careful

Sophisticated scam campaigns that used to take cybercriminals weeks to set up can now pop up in minutes, Microsoft is warning. The difference? Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).The tools that emerged a few years ago, including ChatGPT, Copilot, Midjourney, and many others have not just cut down on time needed to prepare a sophisticated internet scam, they have also lowered the barrier for entry allowing even rookie fraudsters to prepare and run advanced campaigns.In the latest Cyber Signals report on AI assisted scams, Microsoft said that cybercriminals are using GenAI for more than “just” phishing email copy. They create deepfakes (usually fake videos of celebrities endorsing a project), and create AI-generated “sham websites” mimicking legitimate businesses.

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Phishing and fraud

“What used to take scammers days or weeks to create will now take minutes,” Microsoft warned.But at the end of the day, this is still “just” phishing and fraud - people can mitigate the risk by taking it slow on the internet. Microsoft says the best thing to do is not to be fooled with “limited-time” deals and countdown timers, to only click on verified ads (many scam sites spread through AI-optimized social media ads), and to be skeptical of social proof (scammers can use AI-generated reviews, influencer endorsements, and testimonials to exploit trust people have in social media).Finally, users should never provide personal or financial information to people reaching out via unsolicited SMS or email messages. “You should never provide a Social Security number, banking details, or passwords to an unverified employer,” it said.Paying for a job opportunity is almost always a red flag. The best advice is usually the simplest: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Artificial intelligence will make internet fraud even more dangerous, but with a little common sense and a little care - it doesn’t have to be successful.

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Uber Shuttle is expanding to Atlanta. This is the company’s bus service that takes people to airports. Shuttle operations will launch in the region next month, delivering folks to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

There will be numerous routes for residents to choose from. Uber says it’ll be picking people up from various locations throughout downtown and midtown, with service scheduled for every 30 minutes from 6AM to 10PM every day of the week. As previously mentioned, these shuttles will also take folks from the airport to the same locations.

We don’t know the exact location of the stops yet. Uber says it’ll share that information closer to launch in May. We do know that riders will be able to book up to five seats at a time from up to one week before the departure. As usual, customers will be able to track the real-time location of their Uber Shuttle via the app.

The fare will also be displayed on the app and the company promises it won’t use surge pricing. Early users will pay just ten bucks to use the service, but the cost will eventually go up. Uber says prices will, however, max out at $18.50 per ride. Uber Shuttle has been operating in NYC for a while now, with service to both LaGuardia and JFK.

Uber

Uber also released a bit of news regarding a partnership with Delta. This allows folks to rack up Delta SkyMiles by using Uber. The partnership even extends to Uber Eats.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/uber-shuttle-is-launching-at-the-atlanta-airport-110018400.html?src=rss

Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has teased the future of the Super Mario Bros. seriesWhen asked about the absence of a mainline Mario game for the Switch 2, Bowser said, "Stay tuned"He says Nintendo has a big catalog and that he's "sure will make its way to the platform"

Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser may have teased the next mainline Super Mario game for the Nintendo Switch 2.Speaking to CNN following the big Switch 2 Direct, Bowser was asked about the noticeable absence of a new mainline Mario game for the Switch 2, something that many were expecting to be revealed, considering the massive success of Super Mario Odyssey last generation.Bowser didn't confirm or deny that a new mainline Mario game is in development for the new handheld, but he did drop a hint that suggested Nintendo has plans for the series."Stay tuned," Bowser said. "You know, we have a long, long catalog, and a long list of (intellectual property) that I’m sure will make its way to the platform."Although there won't be a new Super Mario game to look forward to anytime soon, Mario Kart World has officially been announced and will be launching alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle which includes a digital copy of the upcoming game.Pre-orders are now live in the UK. US pre-orders are set to begin on April 24 after Nintendo delayed its initial April 9 date as it assessed the potential impact of tariffs.

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Everybody loves a good medical drama, as the success of The Pitt shows. That's why Grey's Anatomy continues to sit atop the streaming charts.It's currently the ninth most-watched show on Hulu this past week and has remained in the top 10 since becoming the second most-streamed show in 2024. With over 20 seasons to stream, that's a lot of red hot white coat action.If you've already binged one of the best Hulu shows, or if you're looking for something medical-themed but in a different way, there's no shortage of medical-set shows to stream online: TV networks know they're reliable ratings-grabbers, so they've been making them for decades.That makes Hulu particularly good for ER-based adventures: its catalog of network TV shows is more packed than the waiting area of your local ER. And among those shows are three that are particularly likely to get your heart monitor beeping.

ER

I need to warn you about this one: if like me you watched ER back in the day, the sight of Robbie from The Pitt (Noah Wyle) as fresh-faced junior Dr Carter will make you feel older than Methuselah. The mid-90s show is very similar to The Pitt in its fast-paced action and ensemble cast, and it made a star of a young actor called George Clooney.The show was highly rated by critics – season 2 got the full 100% rating – but it's worth noting that while ER was pretty good in its portrayal of gay and lesbian characters, like other shows of the 90s its portrayal of trans and intersex characters is appalling.

House

What if Sherlock Holmes, but in a hospital? That's the elevator pitch for House, in which cranky genius Dr Gregory House (Hugh Lawrie, an incredible bit of casting) solves medical mysteries.Like ER its second season has the full 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and while it's less impactful now its high production values and its use of a terribly flawed human – House is a misanthrope and a drug addict – as the hero made it stand out from the medical drama crowd.

9-1-1

With a 94% rating for its eighth season, 9-1-1 clearly doesn't lose any of its momentum: it gets better as it goes along. It's about first responders dealing with traumatic events, and watching Season 1 the Financial Times predicted that "it could yet turn out to be a classic of the lantern-jawed hero genre."Like many shows it can teeter on the edge of silliness and sometimes falls right into it, but that's part of the appeal: as Paste Magazine put it, "this trashy show is spectacular [and] you must immediately begin watching this nonsense."

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After that whole tariff tango, Nintendo is readying its North American pre-order system for the Switch 2. The original Switch 2 price will remain the same, $450, as will the original $500 for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle. However, some Switch 2 accessories will receive price adjustments due to “market conditions.”

(As a non-North American, I may have splurged on the Piranha Plant Switch 2 camera — I have no regrets.)

Take a picture. It'll last longer.Hori

There are some fine-print details attached to pre-ordering directly from Nintendo. You must be 18 years or older, sign in with your Nintendo account and register your interest in pre-ordering. Then, you’ll get an invitation email when it’s time to play your pre-order, and the invitation will be valid for 72 hours. And for extra jeopardy: “Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis for registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025.”

If you don’t meet those criteria of die-hard/flush with cash Nintendo fan, there are other options: Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and Target have confirmed they’ll open pre-orders on April 24.

— Mat Smith

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Bluesky is getting an official verification system

And blue checkmarks.

Bluesky is adopting an official verification system, after all. The company said it plans to grant blue checkmarks to “authentic and notable” accounts. It will also allow some trusted organizations to verify users.

The platform previously resisted centralized verification, relying instead on a domain-based verification system, which allows users to change their handles to match domains they’re associated with.

It’s a bit of a mess. For example, when Barack Obama joined Bluesky recently, his handle did not use a custom domain. Individual Bluesky employees ended up publicly vouching for the former president.

The company will now proactively verify certain accounts and add a prominent blue checkmark to their profile. It’s still not clear what criteria Bluesky will use to verify its users.

Continue reading.

Nintendo is going after the person behind last year’s massive Pokémon leak

It wants Discord to give up the user’s identity.

Nintendo

Nintendo is going after the leaker behind last year’s massive Pokémon data breach. It wants Discord to reveal the identity of the person behind the leak, who goes by the name GameFreakOUT on the platform. Nintendo said in a subpoena the person uploaded “confidential materials not released to the public” to a Discord server called FreakLeak. After that, the leaked materials spread to every corner of the internet.

It included early character designs, source codes and even an upcoming Pokémon MMO.

Continue reading.

Using generative AI will ‘neither help nor harm the chances’ of Oscar nominations

Both The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez came under fire for using AI.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided AI is fine. The issue of award-nominated films using AI was first raised in 2024 when the productions behind Best Picture nominees The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez both admitted to using the tech to alter performances. “With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination,” AMPAS writes.

Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-112038131.html?src=rss

As lawmakers, regulators call for social media companies to do more to protect the mental health of their youngest users, teens’ perception of social media also seems to be changing. A growing number of teens say that social media is harmful and takes up too much of their time, according to a new report from Pew Research.

The report, which was based on a survey of 1,391 teens and parents in the United States, sheds light on how teens’ perspective on social media has changed amid increasing calls to hold online platforms accountable for the alleged harms they’ve done to their youngest users.

According to the report, 48 percent of teens now view social media as a “mostly negative” influence on other people their age. That’s a significant jump from the last time Pew polled teens on the question in 2022, when just under a third of teens said the same. The number of teens who view social media as “mostly positive” also decreased, from 24 percent in 2022 to 11 percent in the latest poll. “Teens’ views of the impact of social media on their peers has grown increasingly negative,” Pew’s researchers note.

Interestingly, teens are significantly less likely to report that social media is harmful to themselves specifically. Only 14 percent of teens polled by Pew reported that social media “negatively affects them personally.” Pew’s researchers don’t speculate on the reason for that disparity, though the report notes that there have been growing conversations about the effect social media has on teen mental health, including a warning last year from the US Surgeon General.

Pew’s report also suggests that teens are becoming increasingly aware of how much time they spend on social media platforms. Forty-five percent of teens said they "spend too much time” on social media, up from 27 percent who said the same in 2023. A similar proportion of teens said that social media negatively affects their sleep (45 percent) and productivity (40 percent). And 44 percent of teens report that they’ve “cut back” their smartphone and social media use overall.

While this report is unlikely to settle the long-running debate about whether social media is more helpful or harmful to young people, the fact that teens’ views are shifting is telling. At a time when some lawmakers have proposed banning younger kids from social media altogether, Pew’s report suggests that adults aren’t the only ones worried about the issue.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/teens-are-becoming-more-worried-about-the-effects-of-social-media-113027657.html?src=rss

Fire TV Sticks may move to a new OS later this yearVega OS is already running on some Echo devicesThird-party Fire TVs may stick with Android for now

Amazon is making huge changes to its Fire TV platform this year in a move that's definitely coming to us from the "What could go wrong?" files.A new report says that the Fire TV Stick devices will be shipping with a completely new operating system later this year. The devices currently run a modified version of Android, but the move will be to Amazon's own Vega OS.As someone who dreads the inevitable issues that even a minor software or firmware change can cause, I'm not sure this is going to be a smooth transition with every bug and incompatibility stomped from day one. And it's also going to reduce the flexibility of future Fire TV devices.

The software change is expected to come to Fire TV Sticks long before it appears in Fire TVs. (Image credit: Amazon)

What is Amazon doing with its Fire TV software?

According to well-informed TV tech writer Janko Roettgers, Amazon is "courting major publishers" to bring their apps to the new operating system: unlike the current OS, Vega won't support Android apps, and they can't be ported over.While Vega OS hasn't been officially announced, it'll be arriving on a new, non-Android TV streaming device later this year according to Roettgers.Vega is based on the Linux operating system, and Roettgers discovered its existence in 2023. It already powers the Echo Show 5, the Echo Hub and the Echo Spot.Roettgers says that some big names are already on board. "I’ve been able to confirm that Paramount, Rakuten and the BBC’s UKTV subsidiary are among the publishers building TV apps using the Kepler SDK," says the report.It doesn't look like the move will apply to Fire TV televisions from Amazon's partners: they appear to be moving to Android 14, based on other documentation. Perhaps that update will come to existing Fire TV Sticks and Cubes too.However, speculation that this Android 14 move meant Vega was being ditched appears to be incorrect, at least according to Roettgers. The big danger here is that Amazon may end up releasing a new device that's inferior to the existing ones – with more limited app supported, less well-embedded features, and more chance of bugs and problems.The launched of Vega on Fire Sticks has reportedly already been delayed once, and there's not a lot of time to get all apps polished and ready for a 2025 launch, so perhaps it'll be pushed back again – watch this space.

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Duolingo will soon add chess to its list of non-language courses, alongside music and math. The company has revealed that it will add chess lessons to its app, which will initially be available in beta in its iOS app. Senior product manager Edwin Bodge told Cnet that Duolingo is catering to "more of a beginner, medium [player]" in an effort to make the game more accessible. The app will start by asking you how much you know about chess and then tailoring lessons based on your level — it will even teach you how each piece moves if you're a total newbie.

If you already know how each piece moves, then you'll play against Duolingo's character Oscar in mini-puzzles, wherein you'll have to capture certain pieces using a specified piece, like a rook. The puzzles are meant to get you used to how each piece moves, especially since you'll get hints for each lesson. If you move a piece where it can't go several times, Duolingo will put a big arrow on where a piece could go. But since there are many ways to move a piece around the chessboard, the app won't tell you if you made the wrong choice. It can only tell you in a banner how it wasn't the best move out of all the available options.

In addition to the mini-puzzles, you'll be able to play full games against Oscar that scale up in difficulty based on your level, but you can't play against other learners just yet. Cnet says Duolingo is still looking into adding that feature, though it won't be part of the beta version that will be available sometime in mid-May. The company also said that it's working to make chess lessons available on Android and in languages other than English in the coming months. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/duolingo-will-soon-start-offering-chess-lessons-121545964.html?src=rss

CEOs agree that cybersecurity is now critical for business growthThree in five are concerned about cybersecurity threatsSecurity leaders should demonstrate the value

More than four in five (85%) CEOs agree that a good cybersecurity strategy is now critical for business growth in an increasingly digital and connected world.The figures, from a Gartner study, reveal that three-fifths (61%) are concerned about cybersecurity threats, which the emergence of artificial intelligence has influenced.Gartner also noted that risk thresholds have shifted, with changes in commercial activity and political debates about AI, adding that cybersecurity has evolved to something far greater than just a protection system.

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Cybersecurity is now a core business consideration

“With 85% of CEOs recognising its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cybersecurity investments not only in safeguarding assets but also in enabling strategic business objectives,” explained Distinguished VP Analyst David Furlogner.The report also touches on regulatory changes when it comes to AI, with CEOs seeing a direct linkage between cybersecurity capabilities and enterprise growth. In order to inform their strategies, Gartner says security leaders should assess risks in foreign markets and intellectual property protection.“CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cybersecurity to drive growth,” Furlonger continued, suggesting that change must come from the fundamental C-suite level.However, while it’s on CEOs to demonstrate the role of security leaders, Furlonger says it’s on security leaders to demonstrate the value of their strategy: “Security leaders are positioned to significantly influence value generation, and they should communicate how cybersecurity aids enterprise growth.”

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