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Mario Kart World – everything we know so far

What we know about the new Mario Kart game

(Image credit: Nintendo)

MarioKart Worldhas now been revealed, having been showcased during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event. From what we’ve seen so far, the newMarioKart looks primed to push the franchise forward, with a new art style, and seamless racing between tracks across a large map.

Of course, we’ve known about a new Mario Kart game for a while, as it was teased during the initial Nintendo Switch 2 event back in January. This full reveal is no doubt music to your ears, given just how long it’s been since we got a brand new Mario Kart game on consoles. We’ve even played it, and you can read what we thought in ourMario Kart Worldpreview.

Now we know that it’s coming toNintendo Switch 2, as well as some new details on what to expect. The promise of a new Mario Kart has certainly convinced us here at Oriccabattery to stay up to date withNintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.

Following its reveal,Mario Kart Worldis easily one of the most highly anticipatedupcoming gamesfor 2025. Hopefully, it’ll end up on our list of thebest Nintendo Switch gamesby the end of the year. Who knows, maybe it’ll even dethrone its predecessor after many, many years at the top of sales charts? Rather big shoes to fill indeed.

Here’s everything we know so far aboutMario Kart Worldso far, including a look at gameplay, as well as all of the latest news and trailers. As new info drops this page will be updated.

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Mario Kart World: cut to the chase

What is it?The next entry in the legendary Mario Kart series
When does it come out?June 5, 2025
What can I play it on?Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusively)
Who’s making it?Nintendo

Mario Kart World release date and platforms

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Mario Kart Worldwill launch on June 5, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2, alongside the main console.

This newMario Kartis going to be an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.

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Mario Kart World trailer

So far, we’ve only received one trailer forMario Kart World. It was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025. This reveals the game’s name and gives us our first look at the new 24-player races.

Mario Kart World – Announcement Trailer (Nintendo Switch 2)

We’ll likely hear more aboutMario Kart Worldin the coming months. To keep up to date with every trailer release for the game, be sure to check out theofficial Nintendo YouTube channel.Alternatively, you can stay up to date with all things Nintendo using theNintendo Today app.

Mario Kart World gameplay

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Mario Kart Worldgameplay was shown off during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event that aired on April 2, 2025. In it, we see that all tracks in the game lead into one another, in a large interconnected world map. This allows players to drive between tracks during Grand Prix. In addition, you can drive anywhere on a track, even outside of the guidelines.

From what we’ve seen so far,Mario Kart Worldfeatures a bunch of new mechanics. The first is the ability to grind, which is shown in the reveal trailer. Players can seemingly drive into larger vehicles and take them over as well. There are new items to play with too, like a burger seen in the aforementioned trailer. There’s wall-riding, and an expanded flying mechanic as well.

Races can now contain 24 players, the largest in the series so far. We’ll have to see how this works in action, but given the larger scope of the game’s world, we think it’ll be just the right mix of chaos and fun.

Mario Kart World characters

(Image credit: Nintendo)

So far, the following characters have been confirmed forMario Kart X:

Baby Daisy
Baby Luigi
Baby Mario
Baby Peach
Baby Rosalina
Birdo
Bowser
Bowser Jr.
Cataquack (new)
Chargin’ Chuck
Cheep Cheep (new)
Coin Coffer (new)
Conkdor (new)
Cow (new)
Daisy
Dolphin (new)
Donkey Kong
Dry Bones
Fish Bone (new)
Goomba
Hammer Bro.
King Boo
Koopa
Lakitu
Luigi
Mario
Monty Mole (new)
Nabbit
Para-Biddybud
Pauline
Peach
Peepa (new)
Penguin (new)
Pianta (new)
Piranha Plant (new)
Pokey (new)
Rocky Wrench (new)
Rosalina
Shy Guy
Sidestepper (new)
Snowman (new)
Spike (new)
Stingby (new)
Swoop (new)
Toad
Toadette
Waluigi
Wario
Wiggler
Yoshi

Mario Kart World tracks

(Image credit: Nintendo)

We’ve only seen a fewMario Kart Worldtracks in action – also called courses – with some returning from previous titles, while others are brand new to the series. Here’s what’s been revealed so far:

Mario Bros. Circuit
Crown City
DK Spaceport
Whistlestop Summit
Desert Hills (DS)
Shy Guy Bazaar (DS)
Wario Stadium (N64)
Airship Fortress (DS)
DK Pass (DS)
Starview Peak
Sky-High Sundae (Tour)
Wario Shipyard (3DS)
Koopa Troopa Beach (SNES)
Faraway Oasis
Peach Stadium
Moo Moo Meadows (Wii)
Bowser’s Castle

Mario Kart World: FAQs

Is Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 only?

Yes,Mario Kart Worldis being developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. It will not be available on the previous console.

Can you pre-order Mario Kart World?

You can now pre-orderMario Kart Worldin select region. Currently, it’s the UK that’s seeing the most Mario kart pre-order pages going live. We’ll update once we see it come to the US and other regions. For now, check out ourhow to pre-order the Switch 2article for more details.

Does Mario Kart World have splitscreen?

Mario Kart Worlddoes indeed have splitscreen. You can also play online, though a Nintendo Online subscription will likely be required.

Mario Kart World news

Nintendo confirms the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers have been ‘designed from the ground up’ and I couldn’t be happier
Nintendo has confirmed thatthe Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers have been redesigned, hopefully, to avoid potential stick drift.

During anexclusive hands-on preview of the Nintendo Switch 2, TechRadar Gaming asked Technology Development Division general manager Tetsuya Sasaki if any improvements have been made to prevent Joy-Con stick drift.

Sasaki responded, confirming that the new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers have been completely redesigned for smoother gameplay.

Mario Kart World has been revealed
Mario Kart World has now been officially revealed, and it’s a launch title!

Mario Kart World teased
What we now know to beMario Kart Worldwasfirst teased during the first look at Nintendo Switch 2 event. We only saw a brief glimpse of gameplay, but it certainly got the internet talking.

Nintendo Switch 2 Doesn’t Have Hall Effect Sticks, But Nintendo Still Thinks Joy-Cons “Feel Really Good”

Connected Nintendo Switch 2 joy cons in front of Mario Kart 9 gameplay.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a significant jump over the original console in many respects, Nintendo has confirmed that the system’s controllers won’t be receiving a specific type of upgrade. A common pain point of the original Switch’s Joy-Cons and, to a lesser extent, even the Pro Controller, was that their control sticks were prone to drifting after prolonged use — and while the Switch 2’s controllers might prove to be better in that respect, they won’t be implementing a much-requested feature.

As confirmed in aNintendo Lifeinterview with Nintendo of America executive Nate Bihldorff,neither the Switch 2’s new Joy-Cons nor the Switch 2 Pro Controller will make use of Hall effect sticks— though Bihldorff stated that the Joy-Cons have been “designed from the ground up” and “feel really good.” While Bihldorff didn’t specifically address the issue of stick drift, he did make sure to stress that the Switch 2’s Pro Controller “is one of the quietest controllers[he’s]ever played.“

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Nintendo Promises Joy-Con 2 Is A Big Improvement

The Switch 2’s Controllers Come With Notable Upgrades, But Not Hall Effect Sticks

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller's Audio Jack.

For reference, Hall effect sticks are control sticks that make use of magnets and electric conductors, eliminating the usual kinds of wear-and-tear that cause stick drift to develop in standard analog sticks. Notably, however, Hall effect sticks can have other issues, usually requiring larger dead zones and being somewhat susceptible to interference from external magnetic fields — the latter of which could possibly have been a concern for the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons, which already use magnets to snap onto the console.

Additionally, though Nintendo has yet to state whether the Switch 2 will improve on the original’s stick drift issues,there are some tangible upgrades being made to the systems’ Joy-Cons and Pro Controller. Most notably, the new Joy-Cons coming with the Switch 2 can function as a mouse, and the magnetic attachments should be less prone to wear and tear than the original Switch’s rail attachments. The Switch 2’s Pro Controller also includes “GL” and “GR” back buttons, which can have inputs from other buttons assigned to them for easier access, and an audio jack.

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It’s Hard To Trust Nintendo On Analog Sticks After Drift Issues

The First Switch’s Stick Drift Issues Might Cause Buyers To Doubt The Switch 2

While Hall effect sticks may or may not have been the right solution to the Switch’s drift issues,it can be hard to trust that the Switch 2’s controllers aren’t just repeating the mistakes of the first console. Presumably, Nintendo would want to avoid a repeat of the original Joy-Cons drift issues, which at one point had users threatening a class-action lawsuit and caused Nintendo to have to set up a repair service. But before users can get their hands on the products for long-term use, it’s hard to say whether any tangible improvements have been made.

At the moment, the Switch 2 is facing larger issues, as the pricing of the console and its exclusive games are causing widespread backlash from potential buyers. With those prices unlikely to change, however, the next best step would be to make the console a quality, durable product worthy of its premium price point. For now, it’s uncertain whether the Nintendo Switch 2‘s controllers will suffer from stick drift as badly as the first console did, but the lack of Hall effect sticks might be a bad sign.

New features are making old Kindles better page turners — and I’m all for it

Double tap to turn a page or recap your previous read

Ever gotten so lost in a book series that you don’t remember a particular character’s arc or the ending of the last novel? Thanks to an AI-automated summary feature for Kindle devices, you’ll be back on track in no time.

Simply known as Recaps, the new feature acts like a “Previously on…” television segment, giving readers a quick refresher on storylines and characters before reading the next book in a series. This feature, however, is only available for books borrowed (aka via Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited) or purchased from the Kindle Store and, of course, across ebooks in a series.

Users can access the new feature by downloading the 5.18.1 update on a 10th-gen or newer Kindle device. Once updated, readers should look for the “View Recaps” button in the series page in the Kindle Library or the “View Recaps” item within the series grouping three-dot menu. If the “View Recaps” button isn’t available, the feature is inaccessible for that series.

Tap, tap the side to turn

Another great feature included in the latest software update is Double Tap to Page Turn. As the name suggests, the feature can be switched on in Kindle settings, and instead of pressing the screen, users can double-tap the Kindle’s frame to turn a page or scroll down (i.e. on the Home or Library screen).

This is a fantastic new addition that makes Kindles with no physical page-turn buttons easier to use in one hand. There’s one disadvantage though: you can only move forward with double taps when reading, and users will have to rely on the usual screen taps to go back.

Both of these features are a real page turner for Kindle users, as they allow forgetful readers (like me) to recap a previous book or flip through pages without smudging the device’s screen. So far, Double Tap is available globally, whereas Recaps has only rolled out on Kindle devices in the US and on the iOS app.Amazonhas not confirmed when it will be accessible for readers globally.

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How does Recaps work?

(Image credit: Amazon)

While the company’s press release doesn’t explicitly mention the use of AI in Kindle’s new feature, it has been confirmed in a statement toTechCrunch. As per an Amazon spokesperson, “we use technology, including GenAI and Amazon moderators, to create short recaps of books that accurately reflect book content”.

This isn’t Amazon’s only foray into using AI across its devices. TheKindle Scribes have AI summariesand handwriting recognition, while Ring cameras recently introduced aSmart Video Searchfor premium subscribers, using text-to-image prompts to scour saved footage.

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Readers have raised some red flags onRedditabout these AI-powered features, with concerns about recap accuracy and how Amazon plans to ensure that moderator checks are actually completed. The company claims recaps do accurately reflect content, but we have reached out for verification of these processes. We’ll keep you updated on how this narrative pans out.

President Trump’s 25% tariff on aluminum sparks concerns over rising PC enclosure and GPU costs

Get ready to pay more for PC cases and GPUs

President Donald Trump’s recent introduction of a 25% tariff on aluminum imports has raised concerns within the PC hardware industry, particularly regarding potential price increases for graphics cards and desktop cases. As perPCMag, industry insiders are alarmed by the possible ramifications of these tariffs on manufacturers and consumers.

Aluminum is a fundamental material in constructing PC cases and is also utilized in manufacturing various GPU components. The newly imposed tariffs are expected to increase production costs for these items, leading to higher retail prices. This development is particularly concerning for consumers seeking affordable options in an already inflation-sensitive market.

Reports of the aluminum tariff’s impact on PC hardware first surfaced on Reddit, where user “Neoescape” warned that the additional duties were affecting GPU imports. “We recently imported several data center GPUs and got blindsided by a huge bill due to this additional 25% aluminum-related tariff,” the user wrote. However, the moderators quickly deleted the post.

Kelt Reeves, CEO of custom PC maker Falcon Northwest, confirmed to PCMag that the company has already felt the impact of the new tariffs. “Yes, we’ve already been affected heavily. We thought that tariff was on raw aluminum and steel, not finished PC cases,” Reeves explained. However, the policy also extends to aluminum derivative products, including PC components, further increasing costs for manufacturers and consumers.

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Similarly, PC case manufacturer SilverStone Technology has been hit with the 25% aluminum tariff on top of the existing 20% tariff on Chinese imports. The company stated that since many of its cases are made primarily from steel and aluminum, these tariffs have significantly impacted costs. Likewise, InWin, another PC case vendor, reported that while it maintains prices using its existing stock, price adjustments may become necessary as inventory runs low.

A few days ago,Asus announced plansto shift production from China to other countries to avoid anticipated U.S. tariffs. This move may lead to increased product prices due to the costs associated with setting up new manufacturing facilities.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the aluminum tariff is determined by the value of the aluminum content in an import. However, unless suppliers specify the exact aluminum content in products like graphics cards—which is often difficult to obtain—customs brokerage services like UPS and FedEx default to applying the tariff to the entire shipment value, leading to potentially higher costs for buyers.

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The tariffs are expected to result in higher retail prices for GPUs and desktop cases, components that heavily rely on aluminum. This development is particularly concerning for consumers planning to build or upgrade their PCs, as it could increase overall costs. The situation also highlights the broader implications of trade policies on the technology sector and consumer expenses.

What is CAD? – Everything you need to know about computer-aided design

Learn what CAD is how it’s used in architecture, engineering and product design.

A designer learns what is CAD looking at a design on a monitor using CAD software

(Image credit: Laurence Dutton via Getty Images)

What is CAD? you might be wondering if you’re considering a career in architecture, engineering or product design. Jobs in these areas often require skills in computer-aided design as a requisite, but what is CAD exactly, how does it work, and how do you learn it?

Since we specialise in news and reviews on a wide range of creative sectors, we’ve reviewed a lot of CAD software over the years, and we’ve spoken to users who contribute features and tutorials to the site. In this guide, we’ll provide a basic overview of everything you need to know about CAD to get started. From here, you might want to check our guide to thebest laptops for CAD and AutoCAD.

What is CAD?

(Image credit: Laurence Dutton via Getty Images)

CAD stands for computer-aided design, although you may also hear the earlier term computer-aided drafting, or a combination: computer-aided design and drafting (CADD). These might sound like quite broad concepts, and they are. CAD can refer to any use of computers to help the design process, but there are two main types: 2D CAD and 3D CAD.

CAD is used to create, modify, test and analyse or optimise design in a wide range of areas, from designing skyscrapers to tiny machine parts.

In the past, designs were drafted by hand using pencil on paper. CAD emerged in the 1960s and have shaped how designers work by replacing drawing boards, protractors and T-squares with specialist computer programs.

These programs allow users to efficiently create virtual replicas of physical artifacts to test and iterate on them and then produce electronic files for print, machining or other forms of manufacturing. These can take the form of 2D blueprints or 3D models.

What is CAD used for?

(Image credit: Kumpan Electric via Unsplash)

CAD is used in a wide range of industries, from architecture and product design to aerospace, automobile design, electrical engineering and life sciences. As a result, people entering these areas will often be expected to have CAD skills.

Within these fields, CAD tools are used for everything from concept development and creating mockups and visual prototypes to the detailed design of components, analysis and optimisation, creating guidelines and instructions, rendering and animation.

How does CAD work?

CAD programs allow designers to visualise designs, simulate performance to test them for stress, material strength and then make adjustments and iterate.

The process and workflows used vary across different industries and depend on the type of CAD used. Architects use CAD to envision real-world buildings in a virtual environment, first through conceptual sketches to detailed blueprints.

By using CAD programs, architects can experiment with designs, layouts and materials and check that their choices meet the desired aesthetics as well as practical needs for a given site.

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What are the benefits of CAD?

(Image credit: Kumpan Electric via Unsplash)

CAD has a lot of benefits compared to hand-drawing. It allows virtual prototyping, the creation of complex geometry and assemblies and precise virtual analysis of properties, tolerance and kinematics. CAD programs can also be used to create photorealistic product renders.

Since they allow users to simulate performance, CAD programs make it easier to test things and ensure components fit a project before going to production, improving efficiency and accuracy. Designs made using CAD software can also help protect products concepts by providing documentation for patent applications, and they can speed up time to market.

Using CAD software increases productivity too since programs are optimised to speed up workflows and automate repetitive tasks. Settings can be adjusted to different industry standards, and parts of drawings can be reused in others. CAD can also improve communication among team members and partners by producing neat drawings and clear documentation and databases, and CAD data can be used to extract machine codes for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

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What are the different types of CAD?

We have a dedicated guide to the types of CAD, but basically there are two main types of CAD: 2D and 3D.

2D CAD models are flat technical drawings providing information such as structural details and dimensions. This can include floor plans for buildings and blueprints for the manufacture or reproduction of objects.

3D CAD models provide virtual models of objects in all dimensions and can also show how they operate and fit together with other objects. These are using in mechanics, manufacturing and car design and more.

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What is the best way to learn CAD?

If you’re considering a career in a field where CAD is used, you may be wondering how long it takes to learn CAD and whether you can learn CAD on your own.

Most people learn CAD through a combination of formal online or in-person courses, tutorials, and practical exercises. If you want to learn CAD on your own for free, there are lots of tutorials online. It will probably be best to start by choosing the software program that’s most used in your industry and following online tutorials and practice projects and joining online communities dedicated to that specific program.

Experts suggest that it’s possible to learn the basics of CAD with about 20 hours of tuition and up to around 100 hours of practicing. If you don’t already have drawing skills, you may want to start there an first master the basics of 2D drawing and then 3D. You’ll also need to be familiar with basic mathematical and geometrical concepts.

If you are looking for somewhere accessible to start, TinkerCADis free and relatively simple. It runs in your browser and has built-in tutorials.

Intel discontinues Unison app for connecting PCs and smartphones

Non-core asset set to be deprecated?

(Image credit: Intel)

Since Apple connected its PCs with smartphones and tablets using its MacOS and iOS operating systems to provide a seamless user experience some 10 to 15 years ago, multiple attempts have been made to replicate similar capabilities with Windows-based PCs. One such attempt is Intel’s Unison app, which was released in early 2022 and will be discontinued this June, reportsNeowin.

“Intel Unison will soon be discontinued,” reads a statement by Intel in Apple’s AppStore,Google’s PlayStore, andMicrosoft’s Store. “The first step in its wind-down process is ending service for most platforms at the end of June 2025. Lenovo Aura platforms will retain service through 2025.”

Intel’s Unison allows users to make phone calls, send text messages, get notifications, and transfer files and photos between Android and iOS handsets andWindows 11PCs. The app is a part of Intel’s Evo program to improve the user experience with premium Windows 11 PCs running its 12th-Gen Core processors or newer. However, the company no longer sees the app as one of its competitive advantages.

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Intel did not disclose why it decided to discontinue its Unison app. Perhaps this is a part of the company’s broader cost-cutting strategy, and if so, we could see Intel dropping support for other software efforts in the coming months. Recently, Lip-Bu Tan, Intel’s new chief executive, said that the company planned to can or spin off operations that no longer fit its core strategy, and apps like Unison barely do. While it certainly improves the user experience with Intel-based PCs, it is not an exclusive app, and maintaining a large fleet of software costs money that Intel wants to preserve for developing its core products.

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This is perhaps because Intel’s Unison is not a unique app, as multiple programs connect smartphones with Windows PCs. Microsoft offers Phone Link, and Samsung has its own version called Flow.Dellhas tried to offer its own Mobile Connect app, but it did not work flawlessly with iPhones, so it discontinued it somewhere along the line, clearing the road for Intel’s Unison and Microsoft’s Phone Link. Although Intel’s Unison could be a fine app, Microsoft’s Phone Link has better compatibility as it works with virtually all PCs running Windows 10.

Microsoft Copilot is getting a huge update that’ll make it more of a proactive AI companion

It’s ready to watch what you do and act on your behalf

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft has upgraded Copilot to make the AI assistant a proactive AI companion
Announced as part of Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary Copilot Event, these new features will start rolling out today
Features include chatbot memory, a research tool, and on-screen awareness to name just a few

MicrosoftCopilot is taking the leap, transforming from a mere generative AIchatbotto a full-blown AI companion. At least, that’s what Microsoft is promising in one of the most significant Copilot updates to date.

The changes, which add a wide array of new capabilities and enhance some existing ones, were announced on Friday, April 4, as part of Microsoft’sCopilot/50th Anniversary celebration.

Granted, many of these features will be familiar to those runningGoogle’sGeminiand OpenAI’sChatGPT.In fact, there’s a solid chance that some of these enhancements come directly from Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI, which gives it access to many of the AI company’s best generative models.

Copilot is, after all, built on the foundation of OpenAI’s GPT models.

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Among the changes Copilot fans will find on Windows (and the iOS and Android apps) is, finally, a memory. The current version of Copilot onWindows 11can hold onto previous conversations, but it has no recollection of what you discussed. A new prompt asking about a recipe or a trip you were planning with Copilot’s help days or weeks ago, would draw a digital blank stare from the generative AI.

That changes with this update. As you chat it up, Copilot will (with permission, of course) collect key bits of info about you that indicate not just facts but preferences. Microsoft claims the new Copilot will build “richer user profiles.” It now has the potential to “learn who you are deeply.” While that might sound invasive, Microsoft says you can control exactly what you want Copilot to learn and retain.

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Personalization and memory are significant benefits but they might be outstripped by Copilot’s new agentic capabilities that Microsoft calls “Actions.” Where the previous Copilot might help you grab concert tickets and get a ride to the big show, or find a new apartment and even movers to help you lug your stuff from one place to the next, Copilot Actions can take a prompt about renting an apartment or booking storage and do all the legwork to make it happen. You’re just entering a prompt.

Of course, it’s not that simple. Copilot’s Action capabilities are not ubiquitous. Microsoft has a small collection of launch partners that includes, OpenTable, Priceline, Vrbo, Viator, Kayak, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Skyscanner, Booking.com, and 1-800-Flowers. It seems that, for now, Actions will only work if you want it to take actions through those apps and services.

Now see this

The update is also making Copilot on Windows and mobile apps more aware. While the current version can look at photos and screenshots uploaded to the AI, the new version can use your mobile phone camera to see what you’re seeing (it’ll look at photos or live video).

Perhaps more interesting is that the Copilot’s Windows app will be able to see onscreen activity within apps. It’ll finally live up to its name, acting as a copilot on file management, Windows settings, and working on projects. It’s the kind of system awarenessApple’s been promising fromApple Intelligenceand Siri for almost a year but has yet to deliver. It’ll be interesting to see if what Microsoft delivers here with Copilot is as good as they’re advertising.

The new Pages capabilities can take disparate project files and organize them into a single Canvas. But Pages appears to be more than an organizer, it can help you brainstorm ideas and then alter and incorporate them into your own projects.

Go deep

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If Pages isn’t getting your project there, you might appreciate the new Deep Research. I know, everyone is calling the research portion of their generative AI platforms “Deep [something]”. This one appears to work similarly in that it can help you accomplish multi-step research, acting as a sort of very intelligent research assistant.

Copilot is even delving into podcasts. Similar to what we’ve seen withSpotify generative AI podcastsandGoogle NotebookLM, it can generate podcasts based on topics of interest or other discussions you’ve had with the AI. Microsoft claims the podcast can play even as you continue to feed Copilot new prompts. It sounds a bit confusing, but also powerful and intriguing.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

There’s also a shopping update, turning Copilot into a proactive personal shopper that can watch for deals, do product research, and even handle purchasing.

Finally, Copilot is takingBingSearch in what might best be described as aGoogle AI Overviewsdirection, but in a subtle and maybe more palatable way. From the looks of things, Bing search results will offer the option to take a generative deep dive inside traditional search results. It looks pretty good in the demo video, but we’re anxious to see how it works on live Bing search results.

Not all of these updates will show up at once across Windows, iOS, and Android, but many are starting to roll out today. If you already haveWindows 11running Copilot, you may want to download the latest update and give your Copilot a radical AI Companion upgrade.

Intel announces 18A process node has entered risk production — crucial milestone comes as company ramps to Panther Lake chips

Five nodes in four years is nearly accomplished.

Intel’s Kevin O’Buckley, Senior Vice President of Foundry Services, announces progress on the company’s 18A process node on stage at the Vision 2025 conference.

At its Vision 2025 conference, Intel announced today that it has entered risk production of its 18A process node, a crucial production milestone signifying that the node is now in the early stages of low-volume test manufacturing runs.

Intel’s Kevin O’Buckley, the Senior Vice President of Foundry Services, made the announcement as Intel nears the full completion of its “five nodes in four years” (5N4Y) plan, which was originally set in motion by ex-CEO Pat Gelsinger as part of the company’s quest to retake the semiconductor crown from rival TSMC. The conference also marks the first time thatnew CEO Lip-Bu Tanhas taken to the stage as the new leader of Intel.

Intel originally announced itsfour-year planin June 2021, and despitecanceling high volume manufacturing of the 20A nodeas a cost-cutting measure, Intel is on the cusp of reaching the finish line with its 18A node. Notably, Intel’s 5N4Y plan hinged on the process nodes beingavailablefor production rather than actively being in the final high volume manufacturing (HVM) stage.

“Risk production, while it sounds scary, is actually an industry standard terminology, and the importance of risk production is we’ve gotten the technology to a point where we’re freezing it,” O’Buckley explained. “Our customers have validated that, ‘Yep, 18 A is good enough for my product.’ And we have to now do the ‘risk’ part, which is to scale it from making hundreds of units per day to thousands, tens of thousands, and then hundreds of thousands. So risk production [..] is scaling our manufacturing up and ensuring that we can meet not just the capabilities of the technology, but the capabilities at scale.”

Risk production is one of many steps on the long road to fielding a new process node and indicates that the company believes the node is nearly ready for HVM. Intel has already produced plenty of 18A test chips/shuttles, typically wherein multiple different designs are prototyped on a single wafer.

In contrast, risk production consists of pressing wafers full of a single chip design into low-volume manufacturing as the company tweaks its manufacturing flow and qualifies the node and Process Design Kit (PDK) in real-world production runs. Intel will then scale production up to higher levels in the second half of the year. This step of bringing up a semiconductor process comes after the R&D, design, and prototyping stages of development.

There is some ‘risk’ to risk production, though, as yields and functionality (parametric yields, etc.) can be sub-par as the company refines its manufacturing techniques and optimizes its tooling as it works up the learning curve. As such, customers typically use risk production to manufacture qualification or engineering samples, and the customers aren’t given as stringent yield targets/guarantees as they are with nodes fully qualified for HVM.

However, some customers are willing to assume those risks to get the payoff of gaining significant time-to-market advantages through early access to the node, which then allows them to adjust and perfect their designs before competitors even begin production.

Intel hasn’t yet specified if the 18A risk production is for its own Panther Lake processors, which it says will arrive on schedule later this year, or if the production runs are for its external foundry customers. However, Panther Lake, Intel’s first 18A processors, will enter mass production later this year. As such, the Panther Lake chips are likely the risk production subject; this schedule generally aligns with our expectations for a typical risk production-to-HVM timeline for Intel.

Although Intel pioneered several new technologies on its cancelled 20A node, the 18A (1.8nm) chips will be the first productized chips with bothPowerVia backside power deliveryandRibbonFETgate-all-around (GAA) transistors. PowerVia provides optimized power routing to improve performance and transistor density, and RibbonFET also provides better transistor density along with faster transistor switching, but in a smaller area.

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Intel also continues to work on its broaderfoundry roadmap, which includes the follow-on 14A node, Intel’s first to utilize High-NA EUV lithography. Numerous node extensions to other nodes will further expand Intel Foundry Services’ portfolio to a broader range of applications.

These developments come during turbulence at Intel Foundry as the company adjusts to changing macroeconomic factors. Intel recentlydelayed the build-out of its Ohio operations until 2030, for example. However, the announcement of 18A risk production mirrors the positive reports that Intel is running itsfirst 18A wafers through its Arizona fabs.

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We expect to learn much more about Intel’s future plans at its Foundry Direct Connect event in late April.

Microsoft Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon just got a key upgrade as AMD and Intel models play catch-up

AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V PCs are getting Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsofthas announced that severalWindows 11Copilot+ AI features aregraduatingfrom Snapdragon X exclusivity toAMD Ryzen AI 300 seriesandIntel Core Ultra 200VPCs. On Monday it began its expanded roll-out of features like Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator – so they will be available on modern AMD and Intel systems, as well as PCs packingQualcomm Snapdragon X(SDX) series processors.

Live Captions will also translate from 27 languages into Simplified Chinese(Image credit: Microsoft)

One of the most welcome additions to Windows 11 for those embraced by the expanded Copilot+ feature compatibility is probably Live Captions. Microsoft says that this feature “offers real-time translations in English for audio and video content during virtual meetings, podcasts, or video playback.” This feature, which Microsoft claims can live translate from 40 languages to English, has been around a while for SDX PCs, and is “coming soon” for those with a Ryzen AI 300 or Ultra 200V PC.

Another new Copilot+ addition which Microsoft characterizes as an accessibility feature is rolling out to Qualcomm SDX machines soon. Voice Access delivers better descriptive and flexible language interaction with Windows. AMD and Intel system owners with NPUs will have to wait until “later this year” for this one, though.

Cocreator in Paint is now ready for modern AMD and Intel processor owners. Here, Microsoft’s AI can help you create imagery from prompts or analyzing and improving on your badly drawn scrawl.

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(Image credit: Microsoft)

With Copilot+ smarts introduced to Microsoft’s Photos app, Windows 11 users with the requisite AMD and Intel chips get two ‘AI’ features to play with. Restyle Image is an AI-driven photo-filter style feature which can make existing works look something like an oil painting, sketch, or so on. Image Creator does what it says from your simple, or complex, text prompts.

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Give your idle NPU something to do(Image credit: Future)

March non-security preview release update is required, for now

Microsoft says to make sure you switch on ‘Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available’ in your updates control panel. If you are eager to try some of the features outlined above, that unfortunately means opting to install the March non-securitypreview release. You must also ensure the host apps (Paint, Photos etc) are up-to-date via the Microsoft Store. Remember, the expanded feature rollout availability will also vary based on your location and language selection.

Considering x86 PCs withNPU-packing processors have been available for months, Microsoft has been rather tardy in breaking its most attractive Copilot+ features out from their Qualcomm-only rut. According to our editor-in-chief, you all haven’t been missing much, though. Not long after launch, the Copilot+ featureswere judgedto be “a bad joke.” Moreover, the much heralded Recall feature remainsin (re)developmentafter all the security and privacy concerns that were raised.

AirPods Max’s USB-C lossless update arrives today – here’s how to check you’ve got the update

Updated today, with iOS 18.4

AirPods Max in green on green background

(Image credit: Future)

AirPods Max USB-C’s lossless update is available now
You’ll need iOS 18.4 to get the update to your Max
Instructions for checking the update are below

Applehas announced that the lossless audio update to AirPods Max with USB-C launches today,alongside the release of iOS 18.4 for iPhone.

Apple revealed that the AirPods Max update with lossless and latency-free Personalized Spatial Audio was coming previously, but without an exact date – and here it is.

This is the first totally lossless audio support ever for a pair of AirPods, and it provides 24-bit 48 kHz lossless support over USB-C, with a promise that this also brings the latency down to effectively zero, making it great for audio production or gaming.

(The original AirPods Max were lossless-ish, with support for cabled connections, but via an active cable that took analog signal, converted it to digital, then converted it back to analog in the headphones, so too much conversion to betrulylossless.)

Apple says you can connect to a Mac, iPhone or iPad to get lossless audio, but we’ll check whether it works with all other USB-C sources too.

Apple has also finally launched its own 3.5mm to USB-C cable, too, to enable the AirPods Max with USB-C to work with analogue audio output (making them work with airplane entertainment systems at last).

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How to make sure you’ve got the update

AirPods updates should be automatic, thoughApple recently explained for the first time how to kick AirPods updates into gear if you need to.

You’ll need iOS 18.4 on your iPhone, and then follow these steps:

Put your AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad or Mac, which must be connected to Wi-Fi
Put your AirPods Max on to charge
Wait 30 minutes
Check if you have the new update

To check if you have the update, put your AirPods on, open the Settings app, tap on your AirPods Max, then scroll to the bottom and check to see if Version reads ‘7E99’.

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AirPods Max with USB-C still rank among thebest wireless headphonesdespite their age, thanks to strong sound quality (even at their high price) and tons of unique features for Apple users, including Personalized Spatial Audio, auto-switching between Apple devices, and Find My support.

We actually had to remove them from our list of thebest travel headphonessince the USB-C version arrived, though, due to their lack of wired input for airplane journeys. This update means we might finally add them back in.