A The game revolves around Donkey Kong Bananza. As Nintendo’s first significant single-player title for the Switch 2, it raises the standard for quality akin to what was achieved with Breath of the Wild during the original Switch’s debut. Yet, it has also emerged as a delightful diversion for Nintendo enthusiasts, especially considering it comes from the team behind the remarkable 3D Mario series. So, what makes a gorilla in a tie so thrilling, particularly with Bananza preceding another Super Mario Odyssey?
Donkey Kong obliterates those doubts. He takes down many obstacles in Bananza. While it may initially appear as a Mario 64-inspired 3D platformer—complete with thematic worlds where players hunt for giant bananas—DK’s powerful fists reveal that it completely disregards the ordinary terrain. Every landscape is destructible. Smash buttons, pummel his mighty arms through hills, turn pristine fields into muddy craters, and break down stone walls—all while using his strength as a tool for landscaping. He serves not just as a platform mascot but as a level designer fueled by potassium.
The thrill of repeating it… Donkey Kong Bananza. Photo: Nintendo
On a fundamental level, it’s nearly enough to grab your interest. The satisfaction of delivering a well-timed punch is both simple and gratifying. When DK’s fist collides with rock, the Joy-Con 2 Rumble enhances the impact, making every hit resonate as wall debris scatters. You can envision Bananza serving as a digital stress relief, allowing players to hurl rocks at cliffs until they disintegrate into pockmarked lunacy. You can also choose to unleash projectiles from DK’s back to ramp up the hysteria—or act as a mischievous tagger against players trying to escape the chaos.
Beneath the chaos lies a storyline. The existing Kong Clan (featuring cameos that harken back to the playful spirit of classic Donkey Kong Country games) faces off against the villain Mining Kong, who aims to seize the Earth’s nuclear treasure. Amid this, they invite Pauline, the young singer who was once abducted by Donkey Kong in his arcade debut. However, in this iteration, she and DK have developed a stronger connection. She inspires the animal’s extraordinary powers by implanting a catchy earworm in his mind. If the plot details appear hazy, it’s likely because my heart has been replaced by her Latin pop earworm celebrating the joy of being a zebra.
An unusual realm… Donkey Kong Bananza. Photo: Nintendo
This is indeed an unusual world, suggesting a unique approach to platform design. How does one create challenges for a hero who can burrow through laser fences and hammer down barriers that would stop Mario in his tracks? Honestly, it requires a touch of creativity to find the answer. There’s initial chaotic clutter in a setting that can be excavated from all angles. Sometimes, you mine blindly for rewards tied to undisclosed tasks. This serendipity echoes the game’s bold freedom, resonating in the cavernous space you navigate.
Yet, as you traverse from the rolling plains to the treacherous Jounty Lagoon, the stakes elevate. Solid ground serves as protection against toxic swamps, icy lakes, and bubbling lava. Here, as the environment dictates your actions, your approach becomes more deliberate and calculated. As metal caterpillars threaten to devour the potential dangers lurking behind wooden rafts, it becomes evident that Nintendo excels at crafting surprising gameplay dynamics. Boss fights challenge DK to navigate precarious terrains, transforming arenas as combat progresses.
The only shortcoming in these later stages is the sometimes overwhelming nature of Bananza itself. Transformations granting speed, flight, and strength, if integrated into the various challenges or levels designed around them, are a blast. They evoke the memorable elements of Mario’s Odyssey and how seamlessly they were executed. However, when these abilities are pulled from context—acting merely as instant win buttons—they dilute the platform’s ingenuity.
I’m uncertain if Bananza possesses the longevity of Mario Odyssey. While that game thrives with rich content and post-credits adventures, DK will experience more fleeting moments. Forge ahead, explore new ideas, and continue breaking boundaries. The game’s climactic finale features DK demolishing concrete, rubber, watermelon, ostrich eggs, and a treasure trove of Donkey Kong Country references, all while twinkling with glimmering balls. If the weight of Switch 2 lies heavy on its shoulders, it serves as yet another tool to carve out a mark in the gaming universe. His insatiable thirst for destruction is utterly contagious.
Phone 3 isn’t your typical London device; it’s unique and playful, encouraging users to rethink their allegiance to Samsung or Apple.
As the brand’s inaugural high-end Android in several years, it encompasses everything a flagship phone should offer. It particularly distinguishes itself with its back design, featuring a smooth, dot-matrix-inspired interface along with a distinctive LED screen.
Starting at £799 (799 Euros/$799/$1,509), it’s priced double that of Phone 3 and will directly compete with the Samsung Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9, and iPhone 16.
The back screen showcases notifications including icons, battery or volume indicators, and WhatsApp messages. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Previously, a semi-transparent design was introduced with Phone 1 in 2022. However, for Phone 3, these glyflights have evolved into a compact round matrix of LEDs in the top right corner of the back to exhibit icons, animations, and patterns.
This feature serves for basic notifications and can now showcase “toys” for unique experiences like the Magic Eight Ball, a stopwatch, or the Spin the Bottle game, activated with a touch-sensitive button on the back. More practically, it can show time, volume, charging status, or persistent icons for selected notifications or apps.
From the front, Phone 3 resembles an ordinary smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The rest of the rear design provokes mixed reactions with its unconventional arrangement of shapes and elements, likely displeasing symmetry enthusiasts.
The display, however, is a standard 6.7-inch OLED screen with a slim bezel and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Although it can be reflective on sunny days, it remains crisp, vibrant, and bright.
Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, GNSS
Water Resistance: IP68
Size: 160.6 x 75.6 x 9mm
Weight: 218g
Snappy but Warm
Using the Glyph Matrix screen as a viewfinder requires significant effort to align your shots accurately. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8S Gen 4 chip, this version is a notch below the latest Snapdragon 8 elite processors found in most top-tier Android phones. While daily use reveals no performance lags, it may heat uncomfortably during intensive graphic tasks.
The battery life isn’t class-leading, offering around 40 hours under heavy 5G use. Most users will find it necessary to charge every couple of days with moderate usage, a reflection of Phone 2’s capabilities from two years ago.
With a compatible USB-C power adapter of 65W or more (not included), it can reach full charge in approximately 55 minutes, hitting 50% in just 19 minutes. Additionally, 15W wireless charging is available.
Nothing OS3.5
The OS is characterized by a stylized appearance with dot-matrix elements and is quite customizable. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
There’s little information regarding last year’s Android 15, but this version features a distinctive dot-matrix style that is user-friendly. Users wanting traditional colors for app identification may find the default Android styles more appealing.
Overall, the software operates smoothly with standard Google services included, alongside apps like The Weather and Voice Recorder. The Essential Space app, which first debuted on Phone 3A Pro, now incorporates audio recordings with glyph screen animations and cloud-based transcription services. Essential Search offers an AI-enhanced search for content across the device, providing assistance with basic queries as well.
Essential Space compiles screens, notes, and recordings, leveraging AI for understanding and summarizing content with mixed success. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
It may not be the most exciting upgrade to Android 16 anticipated in late 2025, but it will provide five years of version updates and seven years of security updates, aligning with the top-tier offerings from Google and Samsung. Notably, applications like Netflix currently do not support HDR playback on Phone 3 due to certification constraints that limit them to SDR content.
Camera
The Nothing Camera app is relatively straightforward but includes most of the essential features for photography. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Nothing’s camera setup boasts three 50MP cameras on the back and a matching 50MP front-facing camera. The primary camera excels at producing detailed images, while the 3x optical zoom manages to preserve great detail and sharpness in well-lit scenes. It supports a zoom of up to 6x with the sensor and a digital zoom of 10x. The Ultra Wide Camera, however, is the weakest link – while it provides a great field of view, it lacks detail when zoomed in and distorts the edges of the frame.
It produces stunning photos in bright outdoor conditions, but transitioning between the three cameras can result in inconsistent color balance and tones, which is less than ideal. Indoor shooting can lead to odd gray tones under varying lighting.
The selfie camera offers commendable results, capturing details well, while the telephoto camera features a macro mode for close shots from around 10cm away, adding an element of fun.
While the Phone 3’s camera can produce good images, its inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the heights of its competitors in this price range.
Sustainability
The optical fingerprint scanner located at the bottom of the screen is quick and precise, though it sits low on the display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery retains at least 80% of its original capacity over the span of 1,400 full charge cycles. The devices are generally repairable throughout the UK.
Crafted from recycled materials including aluminum, copper, plastic, steel, and other elements, it comprises 17.6% recycled content by weight. The associated carbon footprint equates to 53.2kg of CO2. The company has released a sustainability report.
Price
The Nothing Phone 3 starts at £799 (799 Euros/$799/$1,509) with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
In comparison, the Phone 3A Pro is priced at £394, the Google Pixel 9 Pro at £999, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ at £999, the Samsung S25 Edge at £1,099, and the OnePlus 13 at £899.
Verdict
Phone 3 is a remarkable offering from Nothing, though it falls short of being an exceptional Android device. It’s undoubtedly more intriguing than its competitors, but one must genuinely desire something different to justify its appeal, considering there are better-performing options at this price point.
The software experience is strong, being fluid, customizable, and well-optimized. While it may not utilize the latest Android version, it offers 7 years of security updates and 5 years of version upgrades. The glyph screen is a fresh take, and the translucent back design is captivating, although it may divide opinions. The performance and battery life are solid, though perhaps not striking.
The camera’s inconsistencies signal that there’s room for improvement, but the potential of its AI tools offers some exciting prospects, despite still being rather basic.
For those who are looking for something a bit quirky, Phone 3 is an intriguing choice.
Cons: The camera exhibits inconsistency and lacks competitive edge, while battery life could be better. The AI features are not cutting-edge, and the asymmetrical design may not appeal to everyone.
The Glyph Matrix screen is a clever concept, packed with fun and customizable elements for various applications, contacts, and notifications. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner had a nightly movie ritual, often indulging in cheesy films where phrases like “ensure you have boundaries!” get thrown around. So, why bring this up in relation to Foundation? This adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s work started with provocative ideas but has since become a formulaic experience—something like a ticking clock.
It’s been two years since the last season of Foundation, so if you’re a bit hazy about the plot, here’s a quick recap: the empire has long been governed by genetic dynasties. Three clone emperors—representing dawn, day, and dusk—come to rule, under the watchful eye of Demerzel (Laura Birn), the last existing robot. Approximately 150 years after Season 2, the first Foundation, conceived to replace the empire, now governs the outer planets.
Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), with the ability to foresee the empire’s fall through the mathematical theory of psychohistory, has uploaded his consciousness to a secure location just before the impending “Seldon Crisis.” These crises signify pivotal moments that can plunge the galaxy into epochs of darkness. Meanwhile, the second Foundation—a secretive colony with telepathic prowess—operates covertly, aiming to prevent the third Seldon crisis, led by a version of Seldon and his protégé, Dornik (Rurbell).
Visually stunning—an array of exquisitely rendered planets render the cosmos seemingly infinite.
That’s the essential backdrop as we venture into Foundation‘s third season. There’s much to unpack, especially with new characters joining the narrative. There’s Quento (Cherry Jones), the inaugural ambassador of the Foundation, navigating a complicated rapport with the Empire; Han Pritcher (Brandon P. Bell), a spy operating between the two Foundations; and Toran Marrow (Cody Fern), a descendant of Wily Hober Marrow from Season 2.
This ensemble is designed to create a rich and intricate universe filled with well-crafted characters. The show skillfully merges drama with grand concepts, particularly involving DeMerselle, giving it a visually spectacular quality as numerous planets are rendered beautifully.
However, herein lies the paradox: while Foundation strives for intellectual stimulation through its lore and epic scope, many of its plotlines come off as ridiculous and superficial. The most captivating elements—the two Seldons, the potential alliance between the Foundation and the Empire, and the intrigues among the three emperors—remain largely unexplored. The narrative often feels intellectually shallow at times. And don’t get me started on the awkward dialogue; phrases like “we have a partnership” made me cringe, not to mention the repeated insistence to “ensure you have boundaries!”
It’s disheartening to watch a promising show decline while retaining traces of its former brilliance. After viewing nine episodes, I’m hopeful the tenth episode will tie everything together, much like Seldon’s Vault, with its buried secrets finally unearthed. Until then, whether you can overlook its shortcomings may determine your enjoyment of Foundation, which feels a step removed from the television gems it once resembled, at least offering some form of unsatisfactory entertainment.
Recommendations for Further Viewing…
Andor Disney+ Foundation caters to historical enthusiasts intrigued by civilization’s cycles. For a similar experience, check out this Star Wars series that chronicles key figures in a very different empire’s downfall—something quite rare.
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire Chris Kempshall While still rooted in Star Wars, this narrative of Emperor Palpatine’s 24-year reign, depicted from an in-universe historian’s viewpoint, makes for an engaging read.
The Art and Science of Writing Science Fiction
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As Texans look for solutions to flooding issues in the hill country, prominent meteorologists and policymakers are advocating for the creation of a disaster review board similar to the National Traffic Safety Commission, which investigates all civil aviation incidents and significant traffic occurrences.
The proposal for an independent committee to evaluate weather-related disasters is not a recent idea; however, it seems to have gained renewed momentum following floods in Texas that have claimed over 120 lives and left another 170 unaccounted for.
During a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday for the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Neil Jacobs expressed his support for the initiative when Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) inquired about how he would enhance public response to emergency weather notifications.
“We also need more data and need to conduct post-storm evaluations,” Jacobs stated. “I have been involved with some aviation incidents at the NTSB, and we’re looking at something similar here, requiring data to identify what went wrong, whether proper warnings were issued, and how to respond to weather-related disasters.”
Neil Jacobs in 2019. Get McNamee/Getty Images files
Lawmakers from both parties have taken the initiative.
In 2022, the House of Representatives passed legislation that included provisions for creating a Natural Disaster Safety Committee; however, it failed in the Senate.
Cassidy and Schatz did not respond immediately when asked whether they feel there is renewed momentum in Congress for establishing a disaster review panel. Notably, Porter is no longer serving in Congress.
In a communication to NBC News, the only meteorologist in Congress, Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), indicated he is collaborating with colleagues to initiate an NTSB-style program to investigate severe weather events.
A flooded home in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Michael Appleton / New York Daily News / Getty Image File
“It would be incredible if meteorologists had access to research reports that could inform their future actions, regardless of past mistakes,” Sorensen remarked.
Illinois also faced significant flooding this week, with around five inches of rain descending in just 90 minutes at Garfield Park on Chicago’s west side, leading to multiple rescue operations.
The floods in Chicago and Texas were among four extreme rainfall events occurring within a week, events researchers describe as once-in-a-thousand-years occurrences.
The notion of an independent disaster review board has circulated within meteorological and disaster management circles for years. Mike Smith, a meteorologist and former senior vice president at Accuweather, has championed this concept since the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Social Media and Short-Form Video Platforms Drive Language Innovation
lisa5201/getty images
Algospeak Adam Aleksic (Every (UK, July 17th) Knopf (USA, July 15th))
You won’t age, just as slang is wrapped in bamboo. In Adam Aleksic’s chapter Algospeak: How Social Media Will Change the Future of Language, this phenomenon is discussed. Phrases like “Pierce Your Gyat for Rizzler” and “WordPilled Slangmaxxing” remind me that as a millennial, I’m just as distant from boomers as today’s Alphas are.
Linguist and content creator (@etymologynerd), Aleksic has ignited a new wave of linguistic innovation fueled by social media, particularly short video platforms like TikTok. The term “Algospeak” has been traditionally linked to euphemisms used to avoid online censorship, with recent examples including “anxiety” (in reference to death) or “segg” (for sex).
However, the author insists on broadening the definition to encompass all language aspects affected by the “algorithm.” This term refers to the various, often opaque processes social media platforms use to curate content for users.
In his case, Aleksic draws on his experience of earning a living through educational videos about language. Like other creators, he is motivated to appeal to the algorithm, which requires careful word selection. A video he created dissecting the etymology of the word “pen” (tracing back to the Latin “penis”) breached sexual content rules, while a discussion on the phrase “from river to sea” remained within acceptable limits.
Meanwhile, videos that explore Gen Alpha terms like “Skibidi” (a largely nonsensical term rooted in scat singing) and “Gyat” (“Goddamn” or “Ass”) have performed particularly well. His findings illustrate how creators modify their language for algorithmic advantage, with some words transitioning online and offline to achieve notable success. When Aleksic examined educators, he found many of these terms had entered regular classroom slang, with some students learning the term “anxiety” before understanding “suicide.”
A standout aspect of his study lies in etymology, investigating how algorithms propel words from online subcultures into mainstream lexicon. He notes that the misogynistic incel community is a significant contributor to contemporary slang, evidenced by its radical nature that can outpace linguistic evolution within a group.
Aleksic approaches language trends with a non-judgmental perspective. He notes that the term “anxiety” parallels earlier euphemisms like “deceased,” while “Skibidi” is reminiscent of “Scooby-Doo.” He frequently mischaracterizes slang within arbitrarily defined generations, which claim to infuse toxic narratives into the evolution of normal languages.
The situation becomes more intricate when slang enters mainstream usage through cultural appropriation. Many contemporary slang terms, like “cool” before them, trace back to the Black community (“Thicc,” “bruh”) or originate from the LGBTQ ballroom scenes (“Slay,” “Yas,” “Queen”). Such wide-ranging adoptions can sever these terms from their historical contexts, often linked to social struggles and further entrenching negative stereotypes about the communities that birthed them.
Preventing this disruption of context is challenging. Successful slang’s fate is often to be stripped of its original nuances. Social media has drastically accelerated the timeline for language innovation. Algospeak is a necessary update, yet it can become quickly outdated. However, as long as algorithms exist, fundamental insights into how technology influences language will remain important.
Victoria Turk is a London-based author
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It’s almost amusing how effortlessly this remake of skateboarding games taps into my millennial nostalgia. The moment Ace shows up in the skater montage on the title screen, I’m transported back to the early 2000s, reliving memories of playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games in the messy bedrooms of teenage boys. Over two decades later, I can practically smell the lingering scent of Lynx Body Spray.
In 2020, the initial titles from Tony Hawk received a refined release driven by the resurgence of Y2K nostalgia. These games are combined into one package featuring refined controls and a refreshed aesthetic that preserves the original’s gritty vibe, a sentiment echoed in the releases of 3 and 4. Levels, skaters, and parks from the 2001 THPS3 and 2002 THPS4 are all included, alongside new faces from the sport, such as Riley Hawk.
“You can connect unconventional and dangerous combos.” Photo: Activision
I vividly recall these locations—factories, university campuses, snowy Canadian skate parks, and time capsules nestled in central London. Curiously, the zoo level features empty animal exhibits (why?), but otherwise, these tightly packed urban obstacle courses are quite familiar. (Sadly, the Skaterpunk soundtrack is not what it used to be—there are numerous omissions and disappointments, although some new tracks do help to soften the blow.) Between grabs, spins, flips, and manuals, you can string together wild and daring combos across the maps, discovering hidden semi-pipes amongst power lines and walls.
Check out the trailer for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
I have to admit, it’s not easy. My initial hours in these games were quite the experience. I struggled with the controller, falling over repeatedly as I tried to hit the minimum score during the two-minute runs. Have I always been this bad at these games? Regardless of my past muscle memory, I’m slowly piecing together my virtual skating abilities. There are now more complex movements and lateral tricks, making it feel like a more arcade-like experience compared to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, serving as a solid entry point for new players.
Like any real sport, it requires patience and practice: once the combos started flowing after several hours, it felt like a true release. I still don’t believe there’s a better skating game than the classic Tony Hawk.
Dean Spears and Michael Geruso (Bodley Head (UK); Simon & Schuster (US))
Current estimates suggest that four-fifths of all humans who will ever be born have already come into existence. The global number of births peaked at 146 million in 2012 and has been on a decline ever since, indicating that the world population is set to peak and decrease by the 2080s.
This decrease won’t be gradual. Fertility rates are already below replacement level in several nations, including China and India, leading to a rapid decline in population as quickly as it rose. This new controversial book argues that the planet could hold fewer than two billion people in the coming centuries.
“There’s no scenario where individuals worldwide are likely to opt for fewer children than required to replace themselves, leading to a drastic population reduction,” assert economists Dean Spears and Michael Geruso in After the Spike: Risks of Global Depopulation and Cases for People.
You might consider this a positive development. Could it help alleviate pressing environmental challenges? Not according to the authors. They assert that while population size does hold significance, adjusting other factors, such as the speed of global warming, is even more critical. The chance to lessen our carbon footprint through population reduction has mostly passed.
Spears and Geruso highlight numerous advantages of a large population. More individuals can lead to greater innovation and economies of scale, making technologies like smartphones feasible. “The abundance of neighbors enhances our potential,” they state.
Thus, their perspective is not about reducing the global population but rather stabilizing it. The challenge lies in the fact that even with the right political determination, the path to achieve this is unclear.
As we become more affluent, we are increasingly hesitant to give up career and leisure opportunities for parenthood.
The authors contend that while some government strategies may yield short-term results, no country has sustainably altered long-term demographic trends. Consider China’s one-child policy—it is often credited with curtailing population growth but did it genuinely do so? Spears and Geruso present ambiguous data on China’s population in relation to its neighbors before, during, and after these policies were enacted, raising the question of discernible differences based on their observations.
Efforts to reverse the declining fertility rates have also faced failure, they argue. In Romania, after the ban on abortion in 1966, birth rates surged but soon declined again. Sweden’s approach has been to incentivize through subsidies for childcare, yet its fertility rates remain below replacement level.
Attempts to boost fertility with financial incentives are likely doomed to fail, according to Spears and Geruso. While some claim that they would have more children if financial means allowed, the reality is that as people gain wealth, the tendency to have fewer children increases.
The focus should be on addressing what individuals need to balance rather than simply financial capability, according to the authors. As affluence grows, there is a reluctance to sacrifice careers and leisure for childbearing. Even technological advancements are not expected to change this trajectory, they conclude.
This book presents an unwaveringly optimistic viewpoint regarding many issues, but it acknowledges the complexity of stabilizing population levels. It effectively demonstrates that dire predictions of widespread famine with population growth have proven incorrect and suggests long-term trends toward healthier, longer lives remain possible. “Fears of a depleted, overpopulated future are outdated,” they argue.
But is that truly the case? Spears and Geruso also emphasize that food prices play a key role in determining hunger levels, yet it’s worth noting that food prices are presently rising as a consequence of escalating climate change. For a substantial portion of the population, uncertainty persists regarding whether conditions will continue to improve.
This book is undoubtedly provocative and may not provide an easy read, as Spears and Geruso delve into their primary assertions. However, if you believe that understanding the impact of a declining population is simple, and if you consider it a positive trend, this book is essential reading.
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Sony’s newest Bluetooth headphones aim to reclaim the title for the best noise cancellation available, featuring both internal and external enhancements.
The Sony 1000X series has consistently offered exceptional noise cancellation, competing closely with Bose for the top spot.
The WH-1000XM6 succeeds the outgoing XM5 model, priced at £399 (€449/$449/$699).
Its exterior design closely resembles its predecessor, featuring a smooth, soft-touch plastic body, luxurious ear pads and headband, along with a discreet Sony logo on the arms. The ear cups now have hard fabric cases redesigned with magnetic clasps for compactness.
The case is excellent, snapping closed efficiently and ready for travel. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
While the new headphones are lightweight, they feel robust and well-suited for the rigors of travel. Although the Bose QC Ultra offers more comfort, the XM6 delivers a secure fit without discomfort. The ear cups are slightly shallower than Bose’s, ensuring an appropriate fit.
The right ear cup features a responsive touch panel for controlling playback and volume through swipes and taps, which works well unless you wear gloves. The left ear cup includes a power button, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a button for toggling between noise cancellation modes.
The XM6 can connect to two devices at once via Bluetooth 5.3 and supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC audio formats. It also supports Bluetooth LE (LC3), a next-generation Bluetooth audio feature not yet widely adopted, but promising for the future. Call quality is excellent, featuring side tone options that sound natural in both quiet and noisy environments, allowing users to hear themselves through the headphones.
The power and noise cancelling mode buttons are conveniently located on the left earcup, while the right earcup allows for playback and volume control via the touch panel. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Specifications
Weight: 254g
Driver: 30mm
Connectivity: Multipoint, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3 with USB-C charging
Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
Rated Battery Life: 30 hours ANC
During testing, the headphones exceeded the rated 30 hours of battery life, managing over 32 hours with noise cancellation active. They charge via USB-C in approximately 3.5 hours and can be used while charging via Bluetooth or the headphone jack.
Impressive Noise Cancellation
For the first time in years, the XM6 features a chip upgrade with the new QN3 processor, which is seven times faster than previous versions and supports 12 microphones to detect unwanted noise, achieving remarkable noise cancellation.
Top noise canceling headphones effectively manage low engine noises and rumble, but also struggle against higher-pitched sounds like keyboard taps and background chatter. The XM6 significantly improves on this by neutralizing those distracting higher frequencies.
It also offers an excellent natural sounding ambient mode that allows users to clearly hear the outside world, with 20 different levels to choose from or automatic adjustments based on background noise. You can choose to suppress certain sounds while letting voices through.
Control modes through the Sony Sound Connect App, adjust settings, complete EQ, and perform updates. It also enables location and activity-based modes. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The headphones deliver a rich, well-balanced, and detailed sound quality expected from a market leader, maintaining clarity across the frequency spectrum with excellent tonal separation and robust bass when required. They may feel a bit clinical on specific tracks but offer a warm tone out of the box. A full equalizer setting allows for further customization.
The XM6 also supports various sound modes, including new background music features simulating acoustic environments like cafes or living rooms, as well as cinematic audio modes for movies. You can also utilize Sony’s 360 Reality Audio embedded spatial audio system for supported Android devices, including head tracking capabilities.
Sustainability
The black soft-touch plastic easily collects fingerprints but can be easily polished. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The headphones are designed to be more repairable, earning praise from repair experts for their improved design. Ear cups can be easily replaced. Additionally, they are constructed from recycled plastic.
Price
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is priced at £399 (€449/$449.99/$699.95). For comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is priced at £350, the Sonos Ace costs £449, and the Beats Studio Pro retails for £349.99. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is priced at £199, while Fairbuds XL are available for £219.
Verdict
Sony has set a new benchmark for noise cancellation with its 6th generation 1000X series headphones. The WH-1000XM6 effectively reduces challenging high-pitched sounds such as background chatter better than any competitors.
The improvements over the previous model are noteworthy. The high-quality sound ensures an enjoyable listening experience. They are lightweight, comfortable, and feature excellent controls. With a solid battery life exceeding 32 hours, a folding design, and a great carrying case, they are convenient to use.
While the Bose QC Ultra remains a comfortable competitor, Sony’s designs may seem somewhat dull and come at a steep price of £400, despite some rivals being more expensive. However, if top-tier noise cancellation is your goal, the WH-1000XM6 is highly recommended.
Pros: Best-in-class noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, spatial audio features, lightweight and comfortable, great case, Bluetooth Multipoint, support for Bluetooth LE/LC3, 32-hour battery life, effective controls, superior cross-platform control app, enhanced repairability.
Cons: Pricey, unexciting design, lacks water resistance, limited spatial audio support on iPhone.
The newest addition to the modular and repairable PC lineup from Framework ventures into the challenging realm of 2-in-1 devices with an engaging 12-inch laptop featuring a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge.
This latest model supports the company’s innovative expansion cards that allow for various port configurations on the sides, aligning with the Framework 13 and 16 offerings. Additionally, it can be easily opened to access and replace memory, storage, and internal components using just a few screws.
The Framework 12 is available in a DIY configuration starting at £499 (€569/$549/$909). It slots in below the £799-and-up laptop 13 and the £1,399 laptop 16, making it the most compact and affordable option from the company.
Compact notebooks come in a variety of two-tone color options, not limited to just grey and black. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
While the laptop 13 exudes a premium look, the laptop 12 stands out with its robust build, featuring extra plastic components for enhanced impact resistance. It is designed to comply with the MIL-STD-810 standard, typical for rugged electronics. Rather than appearing as a flimsy DIY assembly, it presents a sturdy impression.
The glossy 12.2-inch display is bright and relatively sharp, though it is quite reflective, framed by a sizable black bezel that limits color range compared to more vibrant displays. It’s adequate for productivity tasks, but not the best choice for photo editing. The touchscreen can pivot back, converting the laptop into a tablet, tent mode, or managed parallel to the keyboard. It supports a wide variety of first and third-party styluses for drawing and note-taking, which is a great asset in educational settings.
The DIY version offers a vibrant selection of colors, enhancing its appeal for students. The 1080p webcam positioned at the top is decent but doesn’t compare to higher-end models, alongside a physical privacy switch among the microphones. The stereo speakers deliver a loud and clear sound, although they lack deep bass.
The keyboard is well-spaced, relatively quiet, and quite comfortable for typing, though it lacks backlighting. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Weighing in at 1.3kg, the laptop 12 is not ultra-light, but its compact design allows it to fit easily into bags and snug spaces. The ample mechanical trackpad is responsive and functions well. However, the laptop lacks fingerprint or facial recognition, requiring a PIN or password entry each time it opens or when accessing secure applications like password managers.
Specifications
Screen: 12.2in LCD 1920×1200 (60Hz; 186ppi)
Processor: Intel Core i3 or i5 (U Series, 13th Gen)
RAM: 8 or 16GB (up to 48GB)
Storage: 512GB (up to 2TB)
Operating System: Windows 11 or Linux
Camera: 1080p front
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, Headphone jack + 4 port selection: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, MicroSD, SD
Size: 287 x 213.9 x 18.5mm
Weight: 1.3kg
Modular Ports and Performance
The expansion module can be swapped at any time by sliding it into the socket beneath the laptop. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Laptop 12 offers two options for Intel 13th Generation U-Series processors, featuring a power-efficient chip from previous years. In testing with the mid-range i5-1334U, it may not have set raw performance records, but it handled tasks beyond basic computing without issues. For everyday tasks, it feels responsive, but struggles with more demanding applications like video conversion.
Due to the older chip, battery life tends to be on the lower end of 2025 standards, lasting around 7-8 hours with light office applications such as browsers, word processors, note-taking apps, and emails. Using more intensive applications can reduce that time significantly. The battery can be fully charged in about 100 minutes using a USB-C power adapter rated at 60W or more.
You can install four expansion cards simultaneously, and swap them in and out without needing to power off the laptop. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Port selection is highly customizable, featuring a fixed headphone jack and four expansion card slots. Available options include USB-A and USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, as well as MicroSD and SD card readers. Other cards can add storage of up to 1TB, with USB-C cards available in various vibrant or semi-transparent colors to enhance the appearance. This is a fantastic system, but it’s important to note that the laptop 12 is limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2; the more advanced USB4/Thunderbolt connectivity found in newer devices is not present here.
Sustainability
The high-quality plastic body, designed with over-molded sides, is durable and well-constructed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The framework claims the battery will retain at least 80% of its original capacity for a minimum of 1,000 full charge cycles. It can be easily replaced, along with other components including RAM and SSD.
Framework sells replacement parts and upgrades through their marketplace, while also supporting third-party components. Many laptop components include recycled plastic materials.
Price
The DIY version of the Framework 12 starts at £499 (€569/$549/$909). A pre-built model begins at £749 (€849/$799/$1,369) running Windows 11.
For context, the DIY Framework 13 is priced at £799 while the DIY Framework 16 is £1,399. Similarly, comparable 2-in-1 Windows devices begin at around £500.
Verdict
Just like previous Framework devices, the laptop 12 illustrates the possibility of having a repairable, upgradeable, and adaptable computer that functions well, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and casual users. It brings fun to the process in ways that many mid-range PCs do not.
The keyboard is solid, the trackpad performs admirably, and the speakers deliver clear, crisp sound. Modular ports are a standout feature that every PC manufacturer should consider adopting, as the ability to easily repair or upgrade is still quite rare. The absence of biometric authentication is a drawback, while the touchscreen, though bright, lacks brilliance; fitting older processors may result in reduced performance for demanding tasks, and battery life could be better by modern standards.
The main disadvantage is its price, as it is approximately £150 to £200 higher than similar spec-based closed models. Unless you already have spare components like storage or RAM, the cost reflects the benefits of a modular and open system.
Pros: Swappable ports, repairable and upgradeable, engaging and durable design, compact size, a variety of color options, strong keyboard and trackpad, solid performance for daily tasks.
Cons: Below-average battery life, a bright but slightly dull screen, absence of biometric authentication. Pricier than competitors, utilizes older processors, waits for purchase fulfillment.
Ports can be mixed and matched for creative combinations. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
I’m manipulating your thoughts. Just by reading this, I have invaded your mind, as each word travels from my heart to yours. I can even conjure unexpected images in your mind—quickly, don’t think of a pink elephant! Whatever you do, don’t visualize it!
Fortunately, there are limits to the influence of mere words and ideas. But what if those limits could be transcended? Imagine a phrase so potent that it could guide your very thoughts toward your own demise. This is the premise explored in Basilisk, an experimental thriller by Matt Wixey, designed specifically for the minds of readers like those of New Scientist.
This novel features a complex narrative structure, reminiscent of House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. It follows ethical hacker Alex Webster, who works with a computer security firm, attempting to breach her client’s network while aiding in their defense, a professional endeavor shared by debut author Wixey.
However, it’s not merely straightforward. Webster narrates her experiences through two intertwined threads. First, we unravel how she and colleague Jay Morton stumbled into the puzzle leading to his death. Then, she reflects on that tragedy and processes its far-reaching consequences.
The narrative doesn’t end there. Webster’s accounts are supplemented with footnotes from both her and the detective investigating Morton’s death, interspersed with correspondence from a mysterious figure known as Helmsman, who sheds light on the puzzle they aim to solve.
This book feels tailor-made for my brain—that of a New Scientist reader.
If all this sounds overwhelming, Basilisk may not be for you. Personally, piecing together the multifaceted narratives exhilarated me, making my mind race with possibilities.
Helmsman’s correspondences themselves adopt various formats, from bureaucratic emails and scientific reports to conversational dialogues. They tackle numerous topics typically found in New Scientist, covering psychology to artificial intelligence, and I appreciated the precise references to scientific literature. Helmsman details attempts to cultivate a “basilisk,” a concept that can inflict harm merely through exposure, named after the mythical creature said to slay with a glance.
Matt Wixey’s Basilisk centers on “Ethical Hacker” Alex Webster
Basilisks are, as far as we know, fictional, yet the concepts they embody are increasingly compelling. Science fiction author David Langford has explored such ideas in his short stories. Basilisk presents the notion of images that may ‘crash’ the human mind akin to deceptive computer code.
A notable example is Roko’s basilisk—a baffling proposition suggesting that all-powerful future AI will punish those who fail to ensure its creation (a more thorough explanation isn’t wise). The latest series of the anthology Black Mirror also references this concept.
Basilisk represents a subset of broader cognitive hazards, which span topics from nuclear weapons to organized religions.
While reading Basilisk, sleepless nights drove me to read yet another chapter, prompting me to question if the book itself qualifies as a cognitive hazard. I found it difficult to stop thinking about even after finishing. Now that you’ve read this review, perhaps you’re at risk, too.
Please proceed. Dive into the book. Wouldn’t you want to discover what unfolds?
The Art and Science Behind Writing Science Fiction
Embark on a journey into the realm of science fiction writing this weekend, dedicated to creating new worlds and artistic marvels.
In his intriguing new book, Nature’s Memories: Behind the Scenes of the World’s Natural History Museum, Jack Ashby, assistant director of the University Zoology Museum in Cambridge, UK, describes the museum as a peculiar space. It represents societal meanings and the natural chronicles of our ecosystems and environments. However, these records are often fundamentally flawed and misleading.
Ashby emphasizes the museum’s role, particularly in natural history, as an extensive catalog of past life on our planet. Its original purpose was to document everything from flora to fauna and enhance our understanding of the natural world.
Times have changed. As Ashby reveals in this captivating work, he critiques the shortcomings of museums, challenging our preconceived notions. Notably, much of our natural history remains hidden in poorly lit storage rather than publicly displayed.
Readers will soon discover the significance of the areas typically off-limits to the public. Ashby notes that there are approximately 70,000 flowering plant species worldwide that scientists have yet to fully describe.
The book delves into the preservation processes for animal skeletons, highlighting how flesh is removed for conservation, how insects are prepared for display, and how taxidermy is conducted. These behind-the-scenes insights are among the book’s most intriguing aspects. Ashby also points out the unrealistic representation of frogs due to shrinkage and features a segment on a renowned glassmaker recognized for creating lifelike floral reproductions.
Yet, the lack of representation extends beyond plants. Ashby highlights the biases in what we learned during school trips to such institutions. He cites a 2008 study indicating that merely 29% of mammal displays and 34% of bird exhibits in natural history museums feature females, resulting in a limited understanding of habitat contributions. This imbalance can be attributed to the more visually appealing male specimens and the fact that those who collect and exhibit are predominantly male and often white Westerners.
Ashby advocates for addressing the misrepresentation issue within museums, asserting that our education about nature is severely lacking due to the biases of past generations. Many male mammalian skeletons are misrepresented in museum displays due to curatorial choices that remove pelvic bones.
Though the book was published prior to the intentional dismantling of American scientific institutions, it reflects the prevailing anti-expert sentiment. This makes it all the more vital to read. We must reflect on what is excluded from museum exhibits as seriously as we do what is included.
As Ashby asserts, “The work that is being done at the Natural History Museum is more crucial than ever, and the role that must be played in order to safeguard the future of humanity is just beginning to unfold.”
Chris Stokell Walker is a science writer based in Newcastle, UK.
New Scientist Book Club
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As articulated in Gray’s Anatomy, it’s no surprise that healthcare professionals have inspired numerous popular narratives. The journey of a patient through the healthcare system mirrors the structure of classic storytelling, featuring beginnings, conflicts, and resolutions, often accompanied by various tensions.
Although medicine is often perceived as grounded in hard science (blood tests, medical imaging, treatment protocols), it fundamentally involves storytelling, a theme that Pria Anand explores in her debut book, Electric of the Mind: A Tale of the Strangeness and Wonders of Our Brains.
During her time at medical school in California, Anand was concerned that her aversion to storytelling might hinder her. Yet, she found that how individuals narrate their experiences could convey as much insight as any clinical test.
Anand pays homage to her predecessor, neurologist Oliver Sacks, drawing from his personal anecdotes while diagnosing and empathizing with patients. In Electric of the Heart, she acknowledges the influence of Sacks’s iconic work, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.
While it’s unrealistic to expect anyone to reach Sacks’s level of ingenuity, Anand embodies his empathy, curiosity, and intellectual breadth. Her writing is both polished and insightful as she navigates complex neurological concepts, addressing the narratives of individual patients with similar finesse.
However, Electric of the Heart transcends mere “clinical anecdotes.” Anand’s core message emphasizes the vital role of storytelling in medical practice. The human craving for narratives is ancient, universal, and remarkably resilient, often thriving even in the aftermath of severe brain injuries, as she notes.
Regardless of health status, how individuals articulate their condition may diverge significantly from a physician’s evaluation or observable metrics. Anand recounts the story of a patient who entered a coma following a cerebral hemorrhage but appeared to recover fully, often mistaking Anand and her colleagues for her former medical team as she made her rounds among fellow patients.
No one can match the brilliance of Sacks, but Anand embodies the writer’s humanity and broad intellect.
Anand delves into the way our brains can mislead us, highlighting both the hurdles and the character of medical practice. However, it’s not just the patients’ misconceptions that warrant attention; doctors can exhibit similar biases and errors.
The evolution of her own health conditions has profoundly informed Anand’s work ethic—from sleep deprivation during her training to the “phantom noises” she began experiencing that prompted her concern. It was later discovered that these sounds stemmed from a vascular malformation connecting her brain to her heart.
The inherent “imbalance of power” in medicine signifies an ongoing struggle between empirical evidence and narrative, as well as between objective truths and subjective experiences—this dynamic exists not only in the realm of physicians but also among the false dichotomies pervasive in healthcare. Historically, many confidently given diagnoses have been based solely on “scientific” definitions. One can reflect on the notion of a “wandering uterus.”
Although comparisons between Anand and early reviewers might not be misleading, Electric of the Heart invites parallels with Glass Body, a personal narrative by Caroline Crampton that also explores hypochondria. Like Crampton’s insightful account, Anand elucidates “a vast liminal spread between health and illness” from her perspective as a physician.
Both works suggest a growing openness in mainstream media to not only drama but the complexities of medical intricacies, challenging the traditional notion that the divides between “healthy brains and failing brains” or illnesses and wellness are as clear-cut as they seem.
In Electric of the Heart, Anand exhibits empathy, humility, and a profound interest in humanity—qualities that define outstanding doctors and ideally should be prevalent throughout the medical profession.
Elle Hunt is an author based in Norwich, UK
New Scientist Book Club
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wIs the hat on a path to oblivion? This is a question that often crosses my mind while experiencing the second installment of Kojima Hideo’s hypnotic, enigmatic, and patiently paced cargo management simulator series. It’s due, in part, to the lengthy, tranquil treks that transcend the surreal landscape of Mexico and Australia, granting ample time for reflection on that small yet significant detail and to ponder the intricacies of what you just witnessed. Additionally, such questions often illuminate deeper truths.
The ability to engage in prolonged contemplation is a hallmark of the artistry embedded in this game. No one is scribbling notes to uncover Doom. The Middle Ages scrutinizes the cutscenes of Marvel’s counterparts for insights. It’s uncommon for any game to invite this level of examination. However, Death Stranding 2 diverges from convention, excelling in both atmosphere and narrative delivery, while maintaining a tactile storytelling quality that enriches its extensive gameplay system. The tension between these elements renders it compelling. Initially, each aspect demands courage, but over time, you’ll savor both experiences.
For those who missed the inaugural Stranding, yes, this is indeed the sequel in a series that revolves around transporting cargo between waypoints, whether on foot or via vehicles. Like a post-apocalyptic Amazon delivery driver, it provides essentials, technology, and luxurious packages. The first game introduced a mystical shift that allowed the deceased to return as spectral entities known as Beach Things (BTS). When a BT claims a human life, it results in a tragic event termed a “void-out.”
Screenshot from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
With humanity divided and isolated in subterranean bunkers, the protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus), is tasked with connecting the remaining enclaves of American civilization to a global technological network known as the “chiral network,” thereby restoring hope for a brighter future. He accomplishes this by traveling across the continent with Lou, a supernatural infant carried in an artificial womb. At the start of this sequel, he enjoys a secluded existence in Mexico with Lou, who has now grown into a toddler.
And believe me, these are significant cliff notes. Death Stranding 2 opens with an impressive six-minute cutscene aimed at immersing players in the peculiar sci-fi universe and poetic metaphors crafted by the Isle. Unraveling this mystery constitutes half the enjoyment (the other half is cargo shifting), but even if you’re not fully invested in the world, it operates on a dreamlike logic that feels intuitive. It’s uncertain whether this environment resembles something we recognize or if it has always been a blend of Icelandic tundra, snow-capped mountains, and colorful deserts, or perhaps it once resembled the Australian landscapes of Death Stranding 2. The crucial point is that it feels coherent throughout.
While it is contemplative, this is not a game about watching Sam retire for 50 hours and revel in fatherhood. He is inevitably drawn back into action, reconnecting Mexican and Australian populations to the Chiral Network for a venture named Ngubridge, a logistics company backed by an enigmatic benefactor and featuring returning character vulnerabilities (Rare Saidoo). If that sounds rather dull, consider it a quirky scenario with fragile Greta Garbo gloves around her neck!
Elle Fanning in Death Stranding 2. Photo: Sony Interactive Entertainment
A colorful cast surrounds DHV Magellan, a ship featuring more A-listers than the Cannes red carpet, aiding Sam in his missions. Seydoux, George Miller, Guillermo Del Toro, Nicolas Winding Refn, Elle Fanning, and Shioli Kutsuna deliver equally stellar performances alongside veteran voice actor Troy Baker as Chief Villain Higgs. The principal characters function mainly as poetic devices and unique metaphors. Rain (Kutsuna) is an optimistic outcast who summons rain each time he steps outdoors. Tarman (Miller) sacrificed his hand to supernatural tar and now guides the boat through its mysterious waters. Hartman (Darren Jacobs) faces death and rebirth every few minutes. Though they ought to be too peculiar to elicit sympathy, rare moments link their stories with human emotions in a poignant manner. If you don’t feel a lump in your throat watching Rain and Tomorrow (Fanning) sing together, then it’s not only Deadman who’s lost their humanity.
Interestingly, package delivery is showcased at the pinnacle of gameplay standards. It may sound mundane, but the intricate workings of these detailed systems easily draw you in. In the previous installment, combat felt secondary, but this time, missions clash not only with BTS but also other humans, benefitting from a fluid mechanic that fires hand-held bullets and executes neck snaps. You can craft ladders, climbing ropes, and other gear when the risk of attack is heightened. The joy resonates as much in preparation as in action. It feels rewarding to impose order on a chaotic world that might otherwise seem disordered. It’s likely why many of us baked countless loaves of banana bread during the lockdown.
The Isle originally drafted a story for Death Stranding 2 before the Covid-19 crisis but restructured it entirely after enduring lockdown alongside the rest of the world. The effects are evident. We promise to shield you from the profound loneliness embodied in Sam’s role as a porter who traverses desolate landscapes.
Effectively, you can interact with other players, albeit at a distance, sharing equipment, constructing structures, and leaving holographic signs and commendations for others in your game. This feature serves as a satirical commentary on entrapment. Over time, the world becomes cluttered with flickering icons and increasing structures, leading to a constant bombardment of “like” symbols. It feels akin to the attention spans dulled by social media, but it’s likely no coincidence.
The first game presented a surprising advantage. The two sequels do not. Many of the thrilling and tedious elements that defined the first are also present here, yet they have been refined, rendering the gameplay mechanically rich and meaningful. Combat feels more impactful, the world maps exhibit greater craftsmanship, and the missions offer enhanced variety. Tasking them with recreating the same gameplay in an entirely new narrative could feel like a jest, but it presents layers of mechanical depth that are anything but trivial.
Among the many themes Death Stranding 2 seeks to convey, the most prominent is that you are never truly alone. Global calamities, vast technologies, and even the specter of death may abstract the ways we connect, yet they can never fully sever our bonds. Not bad for a game centered on delivering packages.
gArmin’s latest flagship running watch, the Forerunner 970, aims to take the place of one of the top training and racing companions available. Will the integration of built-in torches, software enhancements, and voice control truly make an impact?
The latest version builds on the body of the previous Forerunner 965 while incorporating advanced tech from Garmin’s top-tier adventure watch, the Fenix 8, which includes a significantly brighter display and enhanced running analytics.
These enhancements come at a price of £630 (750 Euros/$750/$1,399) – £30 more than its predecessor, positioning it at the pinnacle of running and triathlon watches, yet still below the Fenix 8, priced at £780.
The Forerunner 970 is sizable but remains unobtrusive, fitting comfortably under your shirt cuffs while exercising. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 970 retains the same dimensions as the Forerunner 965, featuring a 47mm case and a stunning, bright 1.4-inch OLED display. The touchscreen is shielded by robust sapphire glass, akin to luxury timepieces, while the titanium bezel compliments the polycarbonate body in three color variants.
A notable enhancement is the transition of features from the Fenix 8, transforming the 970 into a more versatile everyday smartwatch. Garmin’s new offline voice control system allows you to quickly set timers, alarms, adjust settings, or initiate activities. The watch connects to your phone’s voice assistant via Bluetooth.
The upgraded interface provides faster access to notifications from your smartphone by swiping down from the top of the screen. With an iPhone, you can view and dismiss text-only notifications, while Android users can interact with images and reply directly from the watch. Although bank support is limited, you can control music on your mobile device and download streaming playlists from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music for hassle-free listening during workouts.
Having a built-in torch on the watch is something you won’t want to be without. I find myself using it at least five times a day. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The standout feature is the built-in LED torch on the top edge of the 970. It’s incredibly useful, recalling fond memories of the Fenix 8, and is my favorite addition to the Forerunner. The brightness is sufficient to illuminate dark streets at night or to search for items in dimly-lit cupboards, and it can be adjusted to a gentle red light to avoid disturbing anyone at home. It can also be utilized as a strobe light for visibility while running at night.
The battery life is approximately six days with typical smartwatch use including always-on display, health monitoring, night tracking, frequent notifications, and torch functionality. The screen features auto-brightness; however, I adjusted it one notch lower to ensure it’s visible outdoors, which slightly extends battery life. By adjusting always-on display settings, you can gain an additional 12-15 days.
This watch charges via a USB-C cable which connects next to the sensor cluster on the back, reaching 70% charge in about 40 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The predecessor was an excellent running watch, full of metrics, useful analytics, and features from which the 970 is built. The large screen allows for the clear display of up to eight data fields simultaneously. The maps are notably refined and user-friendly via touch.
Though it includes modern dual-band GPS, Garmin’s algorithm remains superior in tracking accuracy compared to its competitors, even those with similar technology. The upgraded Gen 5 enhances heart rate monitoring in challenging conditions with an improved sensor on the back, enabling ECG (arrhythmia) measurements.
The 970 boasts a top-tier collection of fitness, recovery, and training metrics, along with several new insights designed to help prevent injuries.
Impact load measures how demanding your run is on your body relative to its intensity compared to simple, flat running at slower paces. A 7km uphill run felt comparable to a gentle 12km run, highlighting how it affected my legs and the need for longer recovery before my next workout.
Impact load estimations assist in preventing overtraining by assessing the toll a run takes on your body. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Furthermore, the new running load feature monitors mileage over a week and advises if you’re fit to run without elevating the risk of injury. Many runners, including myself, have suffered injuries during race training when exceeding weekly mileage too soon.
The 970 also introduces a running economy feature tracking the efficiency of your form, including how much speed you lose upon foot strike. However, this requires Garmin’s latest heart rate monitor strap, an additional purchase of £150.
Battery life for performance mode averages over 11 hours while listening to offline music via Bluetooth headphones; without music, expect around 16 hours. Adjusting screen brightness can extend battery life by several hours, while reducing GPS accuracy mode can last up to 26 hours.
Robust General Health Monitoring
The Forerunner watches have vibrant colors on their bodies and straps, yet they remain distinctly sporty, making them less suitable for all occasions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Garmin provides extensive tracking for running, triathlon, and over 30 other sports. Additionally, it boasts a comprehensive suite of general health monitoring tools, including sleep tracking, activity monitoring, stress levels, women’s health, and heart health metrics, comparable to the Apple Watch.
Garmin’s advanced training tools evaluate your recovery both day and night, advising on your bodily condition. These features encompass built-in sleep coaches, running and triathlon coaches, and various activity suggestions to determine when to engage in hard workouts versus low-intensity sessions. The daily recommended workouts are adaptive, based on your sleep and recovery, preventing you from undertaking intense workouts following a poor night’s sleep. These automatic workouts can also be adjusted using Garmin’s robust tools or third-party resources to align with your race calendar.
Sustainability
These watches are generally repairable, with support options available here. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not include recycled materials. Garmin assures security updates until at least May 21, 2027, but typically offers support for much longer. They also provide recycling programs with new purchases.
Price
The Garmin Forerunner 970 retails for £629.99 (749.99 Euros/$749.99/$1,399).
For comparison, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at £780, the Forerunner 570 at £460, the Forerunner 965 at £499.99, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at £799, and the Coros Pace Pro is priced at £349. The Suunto Race is available for £299, and the Polar Vantage V3 costs £519.
Verdict
Garmin continues to elevate the standard with the Forerunner 970. While it may not be a groundbreaking leap from the Forerunner 965, it enriches an already stellar design.
The display is brilliant, protected by scratch-resistant sapphire, and accented with titanium bezels for a luxury feel; the interface has become more modern and responsive. The incorporation of voice control and faster access to notifications enhances its usability as a smartwatch alternative. It signifies a sporty lifestyle when worn, differentiating itself from Apple or Pixel watches.
The upgraded heart rate sensor helps you optimize during challenging workouts and includes ECG measurements for thorough heart health tracking. Yet, the integrated torch stands out as an ideal addition for everyday utility—every watch should have one.
Moreover, the new impact load and durability features are incredibly beneficial in preventing overexertion and injuries, enhancing the already outstanding training and recovery metrics. Additionally, it offers top-tier running accuracy and detailed off-board maps for navigation.
For those seeking a premium running and triathlon watch packed with features, the Forerunner 970 remains an excellent choice, albeit at a high price point.
Pros: Comprehensive tracking and recovery analysis, ultra-bright OLED display, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, Garmin Pay, and extensive support for running and various sports, complete offline mapping capabilities, responsive control through buttons and touch, and highly accurate GPS and ECG.
Cons: Despite its cost, Garmin Pay bank support is limited compared to Apple, Google, and Samsung watches, and it still lacks some smartwatch functions while having shorter battery life than some LCD competitors.
There is a wide range of customizable watch faces available from the Garmin IQ store to choose from. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Nature of science journals aims to highlight the complexities of academic publishing.
In an editorial released on Monday, the journal revealed it will include a peer review file with the papers it plans to publish. This will grant reviewers insight into the behind-the-scenes process where authors respond to revisions.
Publishing peer review files has been an option in Nature since 2020, but as of Monday, it has become a standard practice.
“Our goal is to demystify what many refer to as the ‘black box’ of science and clarify how research papers are developed. This aims to enhance transparency and foster trust in the scientific process. We believe that publishing peer reviewer reports enriches scientific communication and contextualizes how results and conclusions are reached.”
Opening the peer review process is becoming increasingly common among scientific journals, but Nature stands out as one of the largest and most influential in adopting this practice.
Peer review occurs once scientific research is submitted to a reputable journal, where field experts evaluate the work for issues such as flawed inferences, poor research practices, and data errors. These external experts provide feedback to journal editors and authors, known as the Judge Report.
“Peer review enhances the quality of the paper,” the editorial states. “The dialogue between authors and reviewers should be regarded as a significant component of the scientific record, crucial to research andits dissemination.”
Nature’s updated process automatically publishes judge reports and author responses. Journal practices evolve particularly when public trust in science wanes; a Pew Research Center poll indicates that trust in scientists fell approximately 10 percentage points from 2019 to 2024, with only 45% of Americans considering scientists to be effective communicators.
Michael Eisen, a former editor of the scientific journal Elife and a proponent of reforming the scientific publishing process, believes Nature’s decision marks a significant step towards greater transparency in the field.
“It’s valuable for the public to witness the process,” Eisen stated. “Much of the criticism stems from misunderstanding, which often arises from a lack of transparency surrounding scientific processes.”
Eisen suggests this move could help skeptics recognize the rigorous scrutiny applied to critical topics.
“For instance, if people observe the thorough examination vaccine-related studies undergo, it can help them better understand and assess the context of scientific findings,” Eisen noted.
At the same time, this transparency may help to mitigate the sensationalism often associated with striking findings.
“It may help dispel the notion that once a paper is published, it is infallible and that all questions have been resolved,” Eisen added.
He also mentioned that Nature could publish reviewer comments on manuscripts that were ultimately rejected.
“The truly transformative step would be to disclose reviews for all submitted papers,” Eisen remarked. “While it’s insightful to understand the questions raised in reviews of accepted papers, it is equally important to see why certain papers were rejected by the journal.”
Reading various novels for work can sometimes be challenging, especially when you want to find something captivating. However, Time Saving by Kaliane Bradley instantly drew me in with its engaging prologue. It was a brief glimpse into the life of a man sprinting through the snow, hearing his ship signal him. This offered plenty of intrigue for what was to come.
This month’s selection for the New Scientist Book Club has been a resounding success since its release last year. The narrative follows a young civil servant who unexpectedly applies for a mysterious position involving time travel, a concept kept under wraps, allowing individuals from the past to journey to the present.
These “visitors” require support, which is where our unnamed heroine comes in as a caretaker, dubbed a “bridge.” She is assigned to Commander Graham Gore, living with him and assisting him in adjusting to modern life.
New Scientist Book Club
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This is not solely a narrative about time travel; it meticulously explores whether the government would permit time travelers to integrate into society alongside civil servants. The novel confidently posits that, for this reader, it could have crafted Sally without delving into excessive particulars.
One of the intriguing aspects of the story is that Gore is rooted in reality, having been a genuine figure that many remain unaware of. He was the first officer of John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition to the Arctic and met his demise around 1847 or 1848. While the specifics of his final hours remain uncertain, the novel takes a creative approach by transporting him to contemporary London just before his death.
Modern London is full of men from the lost world. But Gore is a resilient and capable officer.
Bradley’s depiction of Gore exemplifies the art of storytelling. She brings him to life with such precision that he appears as a tangible, charismatic individual—rarely do we encounter characters so vividly portrayed in literature.
The vibrant interaction between our young bureaucrat and this spirited officer of the Colonial Royal Navy unfolds within the context of a future version of London, where many individuals from the past now inhabit. Once again, Gore’s resilience shines, highlighting that he is adaptable, making for the most enjoyable segments of the narrative where they learn from one another.
The plot transitions from romance to thriller, composing about 40% sci-fi, 40% romantic comedy, and 20% thriller. I found the initial segment significantly more engaging, though I questioned whether the thriller conclusion would hold up. However, this does not overshadow the fact that the book offers a delightful reading experience, perfect for those looking for fun.
At the conclusion of the novel, Bradley includes a photograph of Gore. Having grown fond of his fictional counterpart, it was a poignant moment to connect with the real historical figure. According to Bradley’s PostScript, he was regarded as “a remarkably fine officer with a kind temperament.”
This beloved, memorable officer represents a captivating twist in history that deserves a place in a bestselling novel nearly two centuries later. Bradley has undoubtedly fashioned a most endearing hero.
New Scientist Book Club Time Saving is our latest selection. Sign up here: NewsCientist.com/bookclub
While this is not science fiction, it resurrects another historical character—Alexander the Great—through the perspective of Bagoa, a young Persian boy in bondage. For me, this book, along with its precursor, provides all I need to know about Alexander.
Emily H. Wilson is the former editor of New Scientist and the author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The series’ final installment, Ninshuval, will be released in August. Connect with her at emilyhwilson.com or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1
The Arts and Science of Writing Science Fiction
Dive into the realm of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating stories in this immersive weekend getaway.
Upon receiving a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2023, particle physicist and Oxford University professor emeritus Frank Close underwent three weeks of radiation therapy, which provided him with a new understanding of radiation’s capabilities.
His 10-year-old grandson shared a detailed account of Emperor Bomba, a 50-megaton nuclear device tested by the Soviet Union in 1961, marking the most powerful human-made explosion. This prompted Close to elucidate the complexities of nuclear energy, highlighting its dual nature as both a power source and a peril.
A three-time winner of the British Science Writers Association Award, Close is well-versed in the intricacies of subatomic physics. His latest work, Destroyers of the World: Deep History of the Nuclear Age 1895-1965, starts with the Trinity Test Blast in July 1945, signifying the moment chemical explosions transitioned to nuclear ones. He takes readers on a historical journey beginning with 1896, when the first atomic traces sparked interest in the nuclear age.
The narrative features 19th-century scientist William Crookes, who delved into spiritualism after his brother’s death, observing “bright green clouds” in a gas-filled, charged vacuum tube. He believed he had synthesized external organisms and discovered phantoms. Theoretical physicist George Gamow is also mentioned, demonstrating that uranium can release charged alpha particles without contradicting energy conservation principles.
Close’s primary focus, however, revolves around the often-overlooked contributions of female physicists in the nuclear arena. He discusses Lise Meitner, who, despite holding a PhD, was banned from a male-only room at the University of Vienna. This didn’t thwart her efforts alongside Otto Hahn to provide X-rays for World War I injuries or her 1917 discovery of protactinium, element 91. In 1925, she was awarded the Lieven Prize, which marked a significant academic achievement.
He also highlights Elaine Joliot-Curie, the daughter of Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, who possessed her parents’ scientific prowess. In a notable scandal in 1910, Marie faced exclusion from the French Academy of Sciences due to her relationship with a married physicist. Elaine sought to defend her family’s legacy, underscoring work she conducted with her husband, Frédéric Joliot. The 1932 announcement of the neutron by James Chadwick shifted the course of nuclear physics.
Furthermore, Close examines the contributions of chemist Aida Noddack, who argued that uranium nuclei could be split into lighter isotopes but faced backlash from a male-dominated field. Noddack’s position as an industrial chemist challenged the established norms of elite nuclear physics.
In Destroyers of the World, Close also addresses the enigma surrounding Ettore Majorana, a theoretical physicist revered by Enrico Fermi, who mysteriously vanished in 1938. Speculation about Majorana’s fate has ranged from suicide to escaping fascism in Italy, but as with many similar cases, certainty eludes us.
As we navigate through the radioactive haze, one fact remains evident: many extraordinary individuals played pivotal roles in unleashing the Nuclear Demon from its confines.
George Bass is a writer based in Kent, UK.
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TThis resembles a sphere like Redrock, an open-world variant of Las Vegas Mind-Yay. It’s nearly directly the original concept: a massive bubble of bubbles partly embedded in the desert ground, with its exterior acting as a gigantic screen. Occasionally, cars halt beside this sphere while traveling in an electric vehicle designed by Silva, the global megascope controlling entity. They pause just as advertisements on the Silva EV unfold dramatically overhead, resulting in a slight disorienting effect.
In these instances, I truly grasp what Mind-eye aims to convey. You find yourself ensnared in the ultimate company town ruled by oligarchs and con artists who have no desire to escape the ecosystem they’ve constructed. Mindseye infiltrates this reality through serendipitous interactions with a blend of wit and lightness. While much of the game skews towards heavy-handedness and dullness, it’s refreshing to experience moments of clarity where everything falls into place.
With its sphere and ever-present EV, Mindseye embodies a futuristic vibe. It connects with themes surrounding AI, the Tech elite, and the creeping menace of corporate dystopia. You take on the role of a former priest grappling with amnesia who must confront the precise harm that technology has inflicted on his humanity, engaging in combat against people, robots, and drones. Beyond the main story, Mindseye also offers a toolkit for creating your own games and levels to share with fellow players. This all comes from a studio co-founded by Leslie Benzies, known for his work on GTA 5 and more.
AI overlords…Mindseye. Photo: IO Interactive
Strangely, the gameplay often feels reminiscent of the past. When I move my finger through the air, I sense a breeze from around 2012. Heartfelt, it’s a somewhat clunky cover shooter set in an open world experienced primarily during travel between missions. The narrative exists mainly to justify betrayals, car chases, and shootouts, while explaining why you enter battles accompanied by personal drones that can open doors and stun nearby foes.
It can be a peculiar affair, evoking memories of a time when many third-person games included cutscenes and cover mechanics that hadn’t yet reached necessity. It’s worth noting that there are frequent reports of crashes, technical glitches, and NPCs appearing without faces. My playthrough on a relatively older PC encountered just one crash and a handful of amusing bugs, but overall, I faced minimal issues. I engage with games that feel similarly dated.
This might attract less criticism than anticipated. A straightforward run-and-gun mission lets you repeatedly photograph individuals who share a striking resemblance while choosing routes between waypoints. Shooting mechanics often provide enjoyment, so it feels somewhat disappointing to drive for each mission, though the vehicle conveys a satisfying sense of freedom, reminiscent of classic driving games. (Air travel lacks excitement due to its lack of character.)
Drive between missions…mindeye. Photo: Build Robot Boy/IO Interactive
In a world where many games contemplate AI dominance, the in-game AI around me seemed far from a takeover. When I relinquished control of the vehicle to the game while tailing an enemy, I was advised to avoid detection, leading to our bumpers colliding at each intersection. This particular open-world town is inhabited by amusingly unskilled AI drivers. I’ve frequently arrived at traffic lights only to be greeted by their reckless antics. Consequently, I often appreciated the off-screen collisions involving road cones and dumpsters that I consistently found amusing.
I even enjoyed the plot’s quirks, featuring lines like “My DNA has changed since we last met!” But do you feel it? Nevertheless, I’ve become increasingly aware that intelligent individuals devoted a considerable amount of effort to creating this game. I don’t think they aimed to disappoint. Or to place me in an open world that feels sparse, not due to a lack of mission icons or fishing mini-games, but because it lacks convincing human elements.
This issue appears to resonate thematically. It embodies a reckless ambition. When I explored the level editor, I discovered impressively rich and complex tools, but creating something truly exceptional on this platform demands significant time and dedication. This is undoubtedly aimed at mega fans with niche interests. Completing everything in the campaign (even those sections that attempt variation with stealth, tracking, and sniping segments) is an endeavor that requires a real mega-corporation’s backing.
Mindseye is peculiar. Despite its flaws, I seldom found it unenjoyable, but I still find it challenging to give an unreserved recommendation. The concepts, immediate actions, and narratives are so vaguely developed that they nearly vanish. Still, I’m somewhat glad it exists.
The designers behind Switch 2 contemplated naming the new console the Super Nintendo Switch. However, they decided against it, recalling that while one could play original Switch games, there was no backwards compatibility between the 1990s Super NES and the 1983 NES. After testing it over the weekend, the more fitting name seems to be Switch Pro, as it represents an evolution rather than a completely new generation—it’s a highly refined version of the original console.
The enhancements are most notable in the larger screen and more robust processor, but every component of the console boasts improved specifications. The larger Joy-Cons feel sturdier and more user-friendly, while the magnetic clip feature to attach them to the console adds a delightful touch. The user interface has also been upgraded, featuring subtle tactile feedback along with enjoyable sound effects.
The wait is over… Gamers are in line to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 console this Thursday in New York City. Photo: Shaun Chen/AP
Transitioning back from the stunning Switch OLED model to a standard LCD screen takes some adjustment, yet the quality remains decent, and the larger display area makes a significant impact. I tried it with cinematic titles such as IO Interactive’s engaging assassination game: Signature Edition and Director’s Cuts for Yakuza 0—both delivered an epic experience in handheld mode, enhanced by the console’s impressive virtual surround sound. Keep in mind, however, that 4K at 60fps is not the standard.
In handheld mode, games typically run at resolutions ranging from 720 to 1080p, with 4K reserved for docked play; currently, only a handful of titles support 4K. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077 caps at 1080p with a 30fps performance mode. In short, visuals won’t compete with top-tier PS5 Pro or PC graphics—it’s more comparable to a PS4 than a PS5.
The setup is straightforward: power on the console, connect to the internet (via WiFi or the ethernet port on the dock), and download the necessary updates. If you own a Switch, you’ll have the option to place it nearby to transfer your user data and games. The entire process was smooth and took about an hour, but be cautious; skipping the transfer will prevent you from transferring games later on. Game sharing is possible with compatible games between Switch and Switch 2 users, and it’s also user-friendly for two households without their own copies. I tested the local multiplayer feature with Sega’s delightful Puyo Puyo Tetris—just select the Gameshare option from the game menu, and your friend picks the same on their Switch to connect and start playing seamlessly.
I’m curious to see how this feature holds up with more complex games and additional players. For example, Survival Kids allows game sharing across up to two other consoles. This could increase processing demands on the Switch 2, potentially affecting performance. However, as of now, I was impressed with how well it handled the party game Super Mario Party Jamboree.
Get ready… Mario Kart World is set for the Nintendo Switch 2. Photo: Nintendo
On another note, GameChat is a somewhat outdated option for in-game video chat, requiring you to connect through your smartphone for identity verification. You can purchase a Switch 2 camera (£50) or use an existing USB webcam. This feature could be a fun addition for close friends and family passionate about gaming together, though it remains to be seen if any upcoming titles will utilize it in innovative ways.
Additional costs should also be considered—if you want to play with more than two players, you may need another set of Joy-Cons. Replacement Pro Controllers are priced at £75. (I tested the Powera Advantage Pad, an officially licensed product that lacks rumble and only functions in docked mode, but it’s a robust alternative for £30 during Mario Kart sessions.) A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is necessary for online play, currently £17.49, with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack costing £34.99/£59.99 annually. This provides access to both retro Nintendo titles and contemporary games, representing decent value compared to other gaming subscriptions, but it is another expense to factor in. Lastly, if you’re running low on space with the built-in 256GB, you might need a MicroSD Express card, which costs around £50, adding more to your total.
As for battery life, Nintendo promises between 2 to 6.5 hours. I played Mario Kart World and downloaded Hitman, testing features like GameShare and GameChat for approximately 3.5 hours, which felt satisfactory.
Should you consider purchasing? If you missed out on the original Switch, then the answer is a resounding yes—it’s the culmination of Nintendo’s efforts to create versatile hybrid handheld/home consoles with a diverse array of launch titles (currently, Mario Kart World stands as the lone must-have exclusive). For existing Switch owners, an upgrade is worthwhile, especially for the larger display, improved controller, and social features—if you have the available budget. Multiplayer gaming has been reinvigorated at home, with my sons enjoying Mario Kart sessions together in the living room.
One undeniable fact remains: you can’t play Nintendo titles anywhere else. No smartphones, PCs, Xbox, or PlayStation offer the experience of fully immersive games like Mario, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, and Zelda. It’s exciting to envision how these beloved experiences will evolve on a beautifully crafted machine equipped with innovative features. Perhaps the Nintendo design team was right to suggest it be called the Super Switch, but for the time being, the label Switch Pro seems fitting.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for £395.99 in the UK, $699.95 in Australia, and $449.95 in the US.
I When my sons rushed over to me a few hours after the game, I recognized that there might be challenges with the Mario Kart universe in our home. Slightly concerned, I examined my thumb and noticed it had indeed been battered by the chaotic fun of the tournament. Playing Mario Kart online is now an option—even during video chats—but it doesn’t replicate the experience of playing alongside friends on the couch. This game has the potential to revive living room multiplayer for countless families.
It’s been a long time since 1992 when Mario and his friends started racing around the whimsical Wonder Circuit. This series has been a consistent companion throughout my life, one that everyone enjoys playing with me. I found myself embroiled in a multi-month match battle with my brother and a gamer friend. I witnessed a stranger joyfully playing it endlessly during the gaming night at the pub I managed. I raced in and out of the game over the long evening with a large group of friends. I’ve played it with nearly every person I’ve dated. Mario Kart World accommodates all these play styles and more. Highly competitive.
The Mario Kart world is vibrant with split-screen multiplayer as per usual, and the online features are extensive. Photo: Nintendo
The course offerings resemble a true Disneyland, featuring ice palaces, jungle safaris, dinosaur parks, ski slopes, and a spaceport themed after the 1983 arcade version of Donkey Kong. Some courses feel like classic Mario Kart tracks with clever turns and shortcuts designed for power sliding and boosting in the traditional style. Others take you on broader, more scenic journeys. All tracks link to additional courses, allowing you to traverse hotspots on a vast, interconnected map—from the seaside to Bowser Castle and up volcanic mountains.
Outside of racing, you can freely roam off-road or along the water, searching for hidden coins and challenges. You’ll encounter tricky courses across lava fields, unconventional routes through the air with seaplane wings, and timed coin-collecting adventures. This world might not be as densely populated and visually stunning as Forza Horizon, but it’s a delightful space to explore with friends, discovering quaint, picturesque spots together. The visual elements evoke the essence of group excursions—think Polaroid snapshots, local shop stickers, and favorite foods. It’s unfortunate that Free-Roam is limited to online play; two or more players using the same console can race together but cannot explore as a group.
Speaking of exploration, you can make your Mario Kart session feel like a tournament. If desired, you can time your laps and compete to identify the optimal lines on specific courses. However, it seems developers aim for an exploratory experience instead. The Grand Prix Competition ties together courses, allowing you to create routes across this little continent and witness all its sights. Racing with 24 players along an expansive route feels less like a race and more like a chaotic road trip. This atmosphere is reminiscent of a knockout tournament—a Fortnite-style elimination race where you can go from 1st to 14th place in seconds, getting knocked out frequently.
Yet, the most significant shift isn’t the setting but the movement mechanics. You can charge boost jumps, grind along rails across more intricate courses, ride on walls, and discover chain shortcuts. This required me to rewire my muscle memory built over years of drifting and boosting. In my initial days with Mario Kart World, I faced the humbling reality that I might actually be bad after all these years. However, once you master it, the gameplay feels revitalized, adding a hint of Tony Hawk-level skill, even for those of us who have been karting for ages.
The new visuals of Mario Kart World revitalize Donkey Kong for a new generation. Photo: Nintendo
The character roster is extensive and whimsical. Cows, dolphins, and a freshly designed Donkey Kong can race on the Hilaring Wheel in the Hilaring Rally. (Nintendo’s iconic apes now look as though they’ve been inspired by a recent Mario movie.) Every time I perform my tricks, I lightly bounce in the air. Now I realize he’s not irritated; he’s just older. It’s hard not to chuckle at Bowser donning full biker leather, echoing his copycat Harley persona.
With a variety of motion-controlled steering and auto-acceleration options, the game offers multiple assist settings for newer players. My 8-year-old could play without assistance, while my 5-year-old managed with some help. It truly feels like an exemplary welcoming title, embodying a blend of diverse philosophies of fun that coexist harmoniously. The Switch 2 itself seems more like a suave upgrade than a completely new console, showcasing Nintendo’s talent for reinvention.
hSamsung aims for a sleeker, lighter design with the specialized edge version of the premium Galaxy S25 Android.
The S25 edge measures 5.8mm in thickness, making it remarkably thin—if you disregard the camera bump, it is a whole 1.5mm slimmer than its S25+ counterparts, equating to roughly the thickness of a stack of seven credit cards. Its weight of just 168g adds to the illusion of slimness, making it feel lighter than the specifications may imply.
The ultra-thin model sits between the £999 S25+ and the £1,249 S25 Ultra, being around £100 pricier compared to other 6.7-inch models from Samsung.
Despite its ultra-slim build, the S25 edge maintains a similar appearance to other prominent Samsung models on the screen side. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The expansive, high-quality 6.7-inch OLED display is vibrant, sharp, and fluid, featuring a quick fingerprint scanner integrated into the screen. The lightweight design allows for comfortable handling, though using it typically requires both hands. Adding a case can eliminate the slimness advantage, making it advisable to use it without one.
The device shares many traits with the other Samsung models, powered by Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, ample RAM, and a minimum of 256GB storage. It swiftly navigates through apps and games, thanks to Samsung’s Android 15 (One UI 7), which offers numerous customization options, though some default settings mirror Apple’s iOS more closely than one might expect.
Packed with advanced AI tools from Google and Samsung, some features, like image editing, shine, while others can be overlooked. The notification bar and live notifications displaying ongoing tasks, such as playing music via Spotify, prove to be extremely handy, appearing prominently on lock and home screens.
Samsung will extend software updates for the Edge until May 31, 2032, ranking it among the longest-supported mobile devices on the market.
The camera array protrudes from the back of the S25 edge, increasing the overall thickness of the device. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Specifications
Screen: 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Galaxy Elite
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256 or 512GB
Operating System: One UI 7 (Android 15)
Camera: 200MP + 12MP 0.6x; 12MP front
Connectivity: 5G, USB-C, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, GNSS
Water Resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)
Size: 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8mm
Weight: 163g
Charging the S25 Edge to full takes about 80 minutes, reaching 50% in just 26 minutes with a USB-C power adapter of 25W or more (not included). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Edge’s remarkably thin form comes with certain compromises, the most notable being its smaller battery, which has a capacity slightly less than that of the regular S25. Consequently, the Edge’s battery life is somewhat short for a large device. It can last about a day and a half with light usage, meaning daily monitoring is advisable, though it falls behind the S25 Ultra by approximately a day.
Additionally, it may run warmer than other Samsung devices during gaming sessions, potentially affecting battery performance when playing demanding titles like Fortnite.
Camera
The Samsung Camera App is user-friendly, and the lightweight S25 edge facilitates one-handed photography. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Another significant trade-off for the slim design is in the camera setup. The rear features only two cameras, lacking the telephoto sensor found in the other S25 series models.
The primary camera is a stellar 200 megapixel unit closely resembling the one on the S25 Ultra. It offers superior performance compared to the 50MP main sensors of the S25 and S25+, capturing excellent images across various conditions, and compensating for the absence of a dedicated telephoto sensor with its capable digital zoom. The 12MP Ultra Wide Camera is robust and suitable for close-up shots, complemented by a commendable selfie camera.
The camera app features the same extensive mode array as other S25 variants, delivering impressive video quality and ease of use. Overall, the main camera stands out excellently; if you don’t require true zoom capabilities, it may well suffice for your imaging needs.
Sustainability
The titanium chassis and hardened glass exude sturdiness despite the phone’s considerable dimensions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
While Samsung does not specify the battery’s expected lifespan, it is designed to endure more than 500 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity.
The device is generally repairable; screen replacement at an authorized service center costs £259 and includes battery replacement. Samsung also offers a self-healing program.
The phone integrates recycled materials, and Samsung runs a trade-in, recycling scheme for older devices. The company publishes annual sustainability reports and impact assessments for select products.
Price
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is priced from £1,099 (€1,259/$1,099/A$1,849).
In comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is £1,249, the S25+ is £999, and the S25 is £799. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is priced at £799, OnePlus 13 at £899, while Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus is also £899.
Despite its lightweight and design, the S25 Edge remains a large device, challenging to maneuver with one hand without grips or handles. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Verdict
The S25 Edge represents a fascinating direction for Samsung. Many users might wish for slimmer, longer-lasting devices with better cameras. Most tend to use cases, quickly negating slight differences in thickness that premium models boast.
However, using the Edge brought attention to just how bulky modern large phones can feel. It offers a remarkably light experience, whether cradled in hand or stashed in a pocket, all while featuring a substantial high-resolution display. The battery life isn’t stellar, but it isn’t a complete dealbreaker for extended days of typical use.
While the main camera performs admirably, the absence of a versatile telephoto lens may disappoint some users. I felt its lack. Additionally, while the titanium frame seems robust, subjecting it to stress tests is something I wouldn’t recommend if it’s placed in my back pocket.
The S25 Edge boasts high-quality hardware. If you’re seeking a lighter, thinner phone with a larger display, this could be your pick. However, for those who prioritize other features, better alternatives from Samsung and competitors abound at this price point.
Pros: Stunning large display, ultra-lightweight design, exceptionally thin, outstanding main camera, quick fingerprint reader, superb software with 7 years of support, high-end Android chipset, and advanced AI features.
Cons: Lacks telephoto lens, relatively short battery life, premium price, and its benefits diminish with a case.
Sally Ride during NASA’s seventh space shuttle mission, STS-7 in 1983
NASA
Sally Christina Costantini Disney+ (Available from June 17th)
In 1983, Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space, becoming the third woman overall to achieve this milestone, following Valentina Tereshkova and Svetlana Savitskaya. The new documentary, Sally, directed by Cristina Costantini, delves into her remarkable journey. It captures not just the media attention but also her personal complexities, including a 27-year partnership with science writer Tam O’Shaughnessy.
The film, debuting at the Sundance Film Festival in January, commences with an extensive montage of archival footage, featuring Ride’s television appearances, which serve as an introduction to her role as a beacon of empowerment.
You can sense the determination that fueled her journey. “It’s crucial to not do anything foolish,” she reflects during a segment, encapsulating her pursuit of excellence and the weight of expectations she faced in a male-dominated field.
Ride grew up in the thriving era of the US Space Program. NASA’s 1976 initiative to diversify its astronaut selection process paved the way for women and ethnic minorities. Out of 8,000 applicants for astronaut training, 1,500 were women, leading NASA to employ 40 aspiring astronauts.
The documentary employs a clever blend of interviews and meticulously crafted sequences that smoothly integrate with the archival material. Fellow astronauts like Kathy Sullivan, Judith Lesnick, and Anna Fisher, along with journalist Lynn Sherr and Ride’s ex-husband Steve Hawley, provide valuable insights into her character, enhanced by some archival bits.
For example, Fisher reflects on the pressures faced by female astronauts to downplay their femininity, particularly regarding attire and makeup. The film also portrays Mike Mullane, who initially appeared as a staunch sexist but later acknowledges his past mistakes in a heartfelt letter to Ride—highlighting the professional hurdles she navigated throughout her career.
In 1976, NASA’s decision to diversify its class opened the door for women and ethnic minority groups.
Costantini also tenderly explores Ride’s lifelong bond with O’Shaughnessy, who met Ride on a sunlit tennis court during their teenage years. Their private relationship, upheld for decades, reflects Ride’s reserved nature and the societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community at that time.
The soundtrack features notable tracks such as Lazy Calm by Cocteau Twins, Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra, and Neil Young’s Harvest Moon, adding emotional resonance to Ride and O’Shaughnessy’s narrative.
The narrative takes a poignant turn with Ride’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2011, recounting her personal battle. After giving a speech at a conference in California, she felt a sense of unease, prompting her to seek medical advice the following day. An ultrasound revealed a tumor of golf ball size in her abdomen.
O’Shaughnessy’s testimony vividly illustrates how quickly their lives transformed. Nonetheless, they cherished their time together until Ride’s last moments. Her legacy extends beyond scientific achievements, encompassing the impact of Sally Ride Science’s nonprofit organization.
In summary, Sally presents a heartwarming and insightful tribute to a woman who defied conventions in both her career and personal life. Costantini captures not just Ride’s triumphs but also the sacrifices intrinsic to her groundbreaking journey, ensuring her story resonates with future generations.
Microsoft’s newest Surface laptops are compact and affordable, allowing users to enjoy many of the great features of their larger counterparts in a more portable format, while still delivering impressive performance.
The Surface Laptop 13-inch model features the latest 7th generation laptops, available in 13.8″ and 15″ sizes released last summer. It sits at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at £899 (1,099 Euro/$900/$1,699), making it an attractive option.
The design of the new 13-inch model blends elements from both the Laptop Go and its larger siblings. It features a glossy LCD touchscreen that, while not the brightest or clearest, looks great for its size. The smooth aluminum surface includes a full-size keyboard that provides a premium typing experience, outclassing many competitors.
The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The generously-sized trackpad is smooth and precise, though it features an older hinge design that some might find less tactile compared to newer models from bigger competitors. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, although clicking can be a bit awkward.
The speakers are impressive for the device’s size, and the 1080p webcam performs well even if you don’t utilize Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.
Specifications
Screen: 13in LCD 1920 x 1280 (178 ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores)
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 256 or 512GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Camera: 1080p front
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-A, 2X USB-C (3.2), Headphones
Size: 285.7 x 214.1 x 15.6mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Snapdragon X Plus
The laptop takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge using a 60W or higher power adapter (not included), achieving 50% battery in just 36 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 13-inch model is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with 8 cores (compared to 10 in larger models). While it may not lead in raw performance, it holds up well against Intel’s offerings and is sufficiently fast for a laptop of this size. Under typical workloads, it remains quiet and efficient, delivering approximately 14 hours of usage with multiple browser tabs and apps open. This is nearly double the battery life of its Intel-based predecessor and rivals Apple’s MacBook Air.
For resource-intensive tasks like large photo editing or other creative software, expect battery life to decrease by nearly half.
The Surface Laptop includes two USB-C (3.2) ports and a USB-A port, suitable for devices of this size. Notably, it lacks USB4/Thunderbolt support and instead uses USB-C for charging.
Windows 11 on Arm
Recall lets you use your timeline or search to revisit what you were doing in various apps. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The Surface runs Windows 11 effectively, avoiding the clutter of unnecessary features and software that often plague competitors. However, there are some compatibility issues with apps designed for ARM processors, like the Snapdragon model, that don’t affect those running on Intel or AMD’s x86 architecture.
Applications that aren’t specifically designed for ARM must run in emulation mode, which can slow them down significantly. Lightweight x86 applications like Evernote perform adequately but lag behind their ARM-native counterparts.
Many popular applications have ARM versions that perform seamlessly, including Google Drive. Until recently, Google Drive was not compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s essential to check for app-specific issues, especially in the creative field, as many major games, including Fortnite, face incompatibility with ARM chips.
Using Copilot in the Edge browser, instead of performing a Google search, you can ask questions related to the site you are currently visiting. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The laptop boasts a Copilot+PC feature that includes an array of Microsoft AI tools. This encompasses a recall function that captures snapshots of your activities, allowing you to revisit what was displayed at specific moments. Users can search recalls using natural language and interact with text, images, or data—like reopening websites browsed in the past.
This feature is opt-in and safely stores screenshots locally on a device protected by fingerprint security, which helps prevent the capture of sensitive information. However, some individuals may view this as a privacy risk.
Other AI tools echo those available on previous Surface models, including a sketch recognition system that can transform hand-drawn sketches into refined artwork. The standout tool is Copilot, integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Word and others in the Office Suite, provided you have a subscription. It functions as a cross between a search tool and an AI assistant, capable of performing tasks like converting data into tables or enhancing written content while working exclusively within Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Clicking serves as a new and efficient way to interact with images, objects, and text on your screen. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
Microsoft’s new “Click to do it” feature allows users to press the Windows button and click on an item on the screen to initiate an action. For example, you can use Paint to remove the background from an image or rewrite text with AI. More features are expected to roll out later this year, providing a quicker and more intuitive way to perform AI tasks on your PC.
Sustainability
The sleek aluminum lid appears premium, especially in its purple variant. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 (€1,099/$899.99/$1,699). Orders will ship starting June 10th.
In comparison, the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch costs around £944, the Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at £799, and the Surface Pro 13-inch retails for £1,029. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is available for £999.
Verdict
The Surface Laptop 13-inch offers a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s impressive Windows 11 experience.
The overall feel of the device closely resembles its larger sibling, boasting premium materials, a high-quality keyboard, and a clean Windows 11 interface. The 13-inch touchscreen is good but not as exceptional as those on larger models, and the older design of the trackpads still proves functional. Microsoft’s AI tools are evolving, but may not be a decisive factor in purchasing this device.
While the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt and facial recognition might be seen as drawbacks, the relatively lower price compensates for this, just like the less powerful chip. It’s sufficient for everyday productivity tasks and offers impressive battery life, allowing for two full working days between charges. Arm chips come with potential app compatibility concerns that should be examined prior to purchase.
Overall, the Surface Laptop is a delightful device. However, at £900 or its equivalent, it isn’t the cheapest option, and it’s worth considering whether larger, more capable models can be had for a similar price.
Pros: Clean Windows 11 interface, exceptional keyboard, decent trackpad, impressive speakers, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, solid screen, fingerprint reader, long battery life, and good performance enhanced by AI features.
Cons: Compatibility issues with ARM-based apps and games, potential for higher performance from larger siblings, absence of facial recognition, lack of USB4 support, older trackpad design, and slightly expensive for what it offers.
The refined design and premium materials set the Surface Laptop apart from the competition. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A A standalone spinoff from FromSoftware’s immensely popular single-player dark-fantasy game Eldenling, the multiplayer-focused Eldenling Night League is an intriguing mix that often feels like a blend of various gaming experiences.
Each session, whether solo or in a team of three, begins as players enter a compact, dense world, striving to gain strength as the rapidly closing ring constricts around them. Instead of facing other players, you will combat various monsters and explore locations directly drawn from Eldenling’s universe. After every match, players obtain upgrade materials to enhance future runs and advance the game’s narrative alongside rogue elements. This complexity can be quite overwhelming.
Race against the clock… Eldenling Night League. Photo: Bandai Namco
Each session presents a frantic race against time to develop an in-flight strategy that takes you across the map. The match unfolds over three days. In the first two days, you can quickly become a local boss, acquire minor buffs with powerful passive abilities, gain weapons with impactful skills, or evade the encroaching rings to ensure successful runs. Each night culminates in a more formidable battle than ever faced, heightening the stakes.
It’s a thrilling yet intense experience as you gear up for the final day. As dawn breaks, you find yourself ready to enter the desolate arena and confront one of several challenging mega bosses designed for group play.
Nightreign is predominantly tailored for a trio of players. You can venture solo, but this poses a significant risk. If you inadvertently fall victim to a boss attack and perish, there’s no one to revive you. Furthermore, many enemies intended for teamwork can easily overwhelm an individual player.
Going solo is not advisable… Eldenling Night League. Photo: Bandai Namco
Ultimately, this game emphasizes momentum. The urgency you feel while navigating the world is palpable. Every moment prompts the question: Am I wasting time exploring this corner? Can I defeat this boss quickly enough to secure a reward? It’s an exhilarating experience as you rush to assess equipment and make build decisions on the fly, yet it strays from the traditional FromSoftware formula, as many elements have been adapted for speed.
For instance, there’s no stats option for leveling up. Leveling has been simplified to button mashing at rest areas. While the world is filled with numerous minor enemies, defeating a couple in quick succession will only help you reach level 2; engaging with them feels minimal since tackling bosses is the key to gaining strength.
This momentum gives Nightreign a “one more run” allure, but the fast pace diminishes much of the world to mere distractions that squander your time. The glitches we’ve encountered in the review versions contribute to this irritation. Spending five minutes on a dragon only to glitch through the wall feels particularly frustrating.
One of the most criticized mechanics in the Dark Souls series was the necessity to return to the boss arena upon death. Fans were relieved when Eldenling allowed respawning just outside the arena. However, Nightreign’s experience feels like a cumbersome regression, almost Sisyphean. Each run demands approximately 35 minutes to reach the final boss, yet these bosses often have unique mechanics capable of obliterating unsuspecting teams with just a few hits. You find yourself rolling that boulder up the hill repeatedly, which feels awfully punishing.
Given Elden Ring’s triumph in adapting FromSoftware’s intricate design philosophy into an open world, it’s disappointing that the developers seem to have missed the mark with Nightreign. The repetitive nature of the game and its reliance on content borrowed from Eldenling—often haphazardly arranged—leaves the world feeling more like a fan-made mod than a unique title.
The efforts to preserve established gameplay mechanics are commendable, and defeating massive enemies alongside friends adds to the gratification of overcoming what initially felt like an insurmountable challenge. Nonetheless, the game’s pacing issues and dependence on Eldenling’s assets detract from the overall experience.
F1 enthusiasts know the excitement surrounding the annual release of the officially licensed games. Luckily, F1 25, developed by Codemasters in Birmingham, continues this tradition. Players can look forward to the return of the story mode, Brake Points, enhancements in My Team, the ever-popular career mode, and an intriguing partnership with F1: Film. Perhaps the most exciting feature is the option to race three tracks in reverse direction alongside the standard layout.
F1 25 feels like a culmination of prior advancements. For instance, last year’s F1 24 introduced a new physics model that underwent refinement post-launch; it is now fully optimized for improved car handling and tire wear, complemented by stunning graphics, as Codemasters transitions to this year’s advanced console.
Stunning graphics… F1 25. Photo: Electronic Arts
This advancement allows the company to explore fantasy elements that diverge from reality. One notable feature is the narrative surrounding the fictional Conor sports team, which unfolds across 15 chapters filled with engaging soap opera-style storylines and varied racing actions.
At its core, the beloved career mode, My Team, has upped the management aspect by placing you in the role of a new team owner, which has garnered considerable focus from Codemasters. This installment requires you to select one of your two hired drivers to stay in the corporate lane, making strategic driving choices more impactful than ever. In a similar vein, new parts must be assigned to specific drivers, enhancing the authenticity and realism of the gameplay, as emphasized by Codemasters.
As always, you can take your skills online, challenge opponents under varied standards, and engage in split-screen play with friends. A new addition, the Challenge Career mode, allows for timed scenarios offline, enabling players to compete globally on leaderboards. While this feature aims at pushing you beyond your comfort zone, its benefits will only be fully realized post-launch. Notably, scenarios from F1: Film will be available as post-release episodes, giving players an opportunity to experience the thrill of driving a Formula One car, as portrayed by Brad Pitt in his role as a fictional racer.
For fans of Formula One, there’s an exciting opportunity to experience the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Austria in reverse, with modifications made to accommodate new pit lanes. This reversal adds a completely fresh and engaging twist to the racing experience.
With real-world regulations evolving and significantly impacting car performance, Formula One appears to be at the pinnacle of its era, and F1 25 beautifully exemplifies this, blending a captivating mix of nail-biting realism with fantastical elements. F1 25? The peak of F1.
Feedback is your go-to source for the latest news in science and technology from New Scientist. If you have intriguing items to share, please reach out to Feedback@newscientist.com.
Egg vs. Grind
Feedback takes us back to the early days of the 2020 lockdown, when we found ourselves learning alongside our children. This involved engaging in various science-related activities, including setting up experiments for “mini beasts,” which provided a diversion from the complexities of life. Thankfully, we avoided the mishaps of the egg drop experiment.
This hands-on activity challenges kids to create devices that protect eggs from breaking when dropped from a height onto a hard surface. Feedback humorously envisions using a cocktail umbrella as a makeshift parachute to soften the landing. However, there are more serious approaches to this experiment.
A study published in Communication Physics on May 8th highlights the peer-reviewed work of physicist Carmela Padavik Callaghan, who addresses the classic egg drop experiment.
The researchers challenge the common belief that eggs are strongest when dropped vertically from their edge. Traditional wisdom has suggested that the shell’s rigidity in this position reduces breakage. However, after conducting “hundreds of experiments” alongside “static and dynamic simulations,” they found that dropping eggs vertically increases the likelihood of breakage. Instead, they recommend dropping them horizontally for better results.
They note: “By orienting the eggs along the equator, there is a slight benefit, as they can survive a fall from about 0.3 mm above the vertical drop without cracking.”
For readers contemplating an egg toss at a celebrity, this research offers practical guidance for ensuring a successful impact!
Alien Mathematics
What exactly are Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), previously known as UFOs? According to research by Karim Daghbouche of the German nonprofit Gridsat Stiftung, reverse engineering these phenomena is incredibly complex.
If an unidentified flying object is under scrutiny, reverse engineering its operation could unveil its mechanics. However, Daghbouche highlights the significant challenges, as data collection difficulties and “unknown physics” complicate the process of understanding unconventional propulsion systems.
The mathematical hurdles are formidable, with “NP Complete” signifying a specific type of intricate problem. It may even escalate to Pspace-hard or an entscheidungsproblem, the latter being virtually unsolvable for those unfamiliar with advanced mathematics.
News editor Jacob Aron calls it “incredible,” and Feedback concurs. If potential explanations range from extraterrestrial technology to time travelers and dimensions, narrowing down a single answer becomes problematic.
This might illustrate the notion of “no kidding, Sherlock,” as scientific inquiries often culminate in seemingly obvious conclusions. Yet, if NP is complete, does that really signify a non-solution?
Alternatively, we could ponder a human-centric interpretation of UAPs, attributing them to “honest mistakes.” In that framework, NP would no longer be incomplete, and the situation could become far more manageable.
Feedback was surprised by the concluding remarks in the paper’s summary, which stated that “UAP is deemed UAP because it behaves like modern smartphones in the hands of Neanderthals.”
Feedback believes Neanderthals could likely figure out how to use an iPhone. Thus, more nuanced interpretations of UAPs could emerge.
I’ve Squared
In our mathematical mindset, Brendan Ash notes that we are in a “squared year”: 2025 is 45². The next one won’t come until 2116.
This got Brendan reminiscing about a curious incident from a few years ago during a lengthy road trip. He and his son had fun looking up famous individuals who were born one year and passed the next. Not many fit that description, but Russian neurologist Ivan Pavlov (famous for his dog and bell experiments) was “born in 43 squared” [1849] and died at 44 squared [1936].
A darker thought struck Brendan— “I was also intrigued that Pope Francis was born in 44 squared and quickly predicted his death in 2025.”
For those of us who make such throwaway jokes, there exists a peculiar psychological torment in having such ideas materialize. “My predictions are now fulfilled. I cannot fathom how sinful I should feel,” Brendan reflects.
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When I began my career in gaming journalism three decades ago, I missed the chance to review my favorite console, the Sega Mega Drive. While a few titles were still being launched in 1995, Games Magazine World dominated the headlines, and everyone was eager to hear about the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It felt like a painful setback.
Fast forward to 2025, where there’s a renewed enthusiasm for creating new games for classic home computers and consoles, highlighted by Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition, which is part of the Agricultural SIM series for Mega Drive. This passion project, developed by Renzo Thönen, the lead-level designer and co-owner of Agricultural Simulation Studio Giants Software, was made using the open-source Mega Drive Development Kit and produced in a limited run of authentic Mega Drive cartridges. When I inserted this new title into my father’s old Mega Drive II console, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Yet, I soon realized I had underestimated it.
Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition features a steady cycle of sowing, harvesting, and selling within an isometric environment, populated with essential buildings like fuel depots, seed stores, and garages. You start with a basic tractor and harvester, but by diligently farming the land, you can upgrade your equipment and acquire more powerful vehicles as you cultivate and market wheat. Eventually, you’ll generate enough revenue to unlock a new farming area, although the core gameplay remains unchanged. As the seasons progress, you slowly navigate the tractor over the fields, sowing and harvesting meticulously.
In this simplified format, the farming simulator’s tranquil pace may seem tedious and repetitive. All that’s required is to efficiently manage tasks, with complex, detailed 3D graphics, real-time weather systems, and extra activities stripped away. Again and again. Let’s be real: modern, intricate 3D simulations were being designed for consoles released concurrently with the advent of the World Wide Web, and the initial mass-produced Nokia phone still poses a technical challenge.
Nostalgic Journey…Sega Mega Drive running an Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit version. Photo: Keith Stuart/Guardian
Yet somehow, the system still resonates. Perhaps it’s the charming chug of the tractor’s sound effect, or the slightly erratic steering that frequently leads to crashes into trees. Or maybe it’s just the pure nostalgia evoked by rugged 2D graphics. I can’t quite place it. I found myself engrossed in play. Longtime Mega Drive users might reminisce about the thrill of games set in deserts, jungles, or city environments, or the chaotic isometric strategies that defined the era. But can you imagine experiencing today’s genres on this vintage hardware, and how might they score in contemporary gaming publications like Sega Power or Mega?
Perhaps there are other Mega Drive enthusiasts out there who share a thrill for reinventing something familiar, akin to watching 4K Blu-ray movies on a Toshiba VCR. With only 1,000 units produced, safeguarding this gem may prove challenging. However, Giants Software has previously launched a Commodore 64 version of the game, Farming Simulator C64, which is now accessible on PC. Maybe this emulated edition will find a way onto modern platforms.
Nevertheless, akin to a deluxe remaster of a cherished vinyl record, the format itself carries emotional significance. This is why Giants Software isn’t the only one reviving classic cartridges for retro consoles. The fantastic puzzle platformer Tanglewood made its debut on the Mega Drive a few years back, and Limited Run Games continues to produce an extensive array of new SNES cartridges for classic titles.
I often imagine my father reviewing this recent release of the last console we enjoyed together. Given his fond memories of summer farming, I’m certain he would have relished this game. For now, I’m content to cultivate these fields, sell a bounty of wheat, and appreciate the serene cycle of nature, depicted through this outdated yet endearingly charming medium.
vIDEO games have been portraying soccer since the 1970s, yet they seldom dive into the realm of fandom simulation. While players can engage in the whole international tournament through the FIFA series, the games rarely depict how competition seeps into the daily lives of supporters, how entire communities become engulfed in World Cup mania, and how it transforms into a national obsession. The quintessential experience of a major match for most is encapsulated in those glorious moments of shared excitement, along with the sounds and sights of real life, whether on television or massive pub screens in the company of friends and family.
This is where Despelote steps in, a beautifully crafted game that transports players back to childhood and memory, all set against the backdrop of Ecuador’s historic 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. Julian, an 8-year-old football enthusiast—essentially a semi-autobiographical character based on the game’s co-designer Julian Cordello—witnesses his team’s thrilling win over Peru. However, four more matches stand between Ecuador and the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea. The game unfolds as a series of intimate, immersive scenes, allowing Julian to navigate through life, balancing his responsibilities and daydreams during various life moments such as shopping trips, car rides, and school lessons.
What was it like to be a child… Despelote. Photo: Panic Game
A critical scene unfolds in a town square or during a family gathering, where Julian finds himself in a space of freedom and agency. He listens intently to adult conversations, observes an elderly man feeding pigeons, greets the shopkeeper, and enjoys moments of play with friends. The world is rendered in a single-color photograph that evokes nostalgia and simplicity.
As the gameplay evolves, Julian’s childhood experiences transition into reflections on teenage gatherings and newfound responsibilities. The socio-political context of the World Cup campaign is woven into the narrative; Ecuador was grappling with a financial crisis, causing rampant inflation and the collapse of businesses. Discussions about the tournament permeate everyday life, impacting everything from street conversations to weddings.
Additionally, other facets of Ecuadorian culture and life are beautifully integrated into the experience. Explore music, cuisine, and the resurgence of the local film industry through *Leyteros*, directed by Sebastián Cordero, creator of the 1999 crime films *Latus*, *Latones*, and *Julianne Cordero*. In this way, real life interweaves seamlessly with the gaming world, reminiscent of a poetic and self-referential Agnès Varda film. One endearing sequence even features Julian captivated by a hooky simulation on the family console.
Despelote evokes some of the remarkable works in independent narrative game design, such as *Unfinished Swan*, *Gravityborn*, and *Virginia*, yielding a thrilling experience. Though centered around one young boy in a uniquely crafted Ecuador, it captures the almost universal influence of football as a unifying social narrative. The Dutch 1974 team, Maradona’s genius in 1986, Gascoigne’s legendary goal against Scotland in Euro 96—all these moments contribute to a collective spirit. As the final qualifying match approaches, a palpable excitement and tension emerge, prompting reflections on the creative process itself, beyond the confines of traditional gameplay. This experience is both engaging and formally innovative, packing significant depth into two hours of gameplay, posing more profound questions about memory, simulation, and identity than many expansive 100-hour epics.
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Built as a reimagining of id Software’s 2016 “Doom Eternal,” “Dark Ages” diverges significantly while still echoing the essence of its lineage. Whereas the 2020 iteration focused on speed and evasion, “Dark Ages” emphasizes a staunch, grounded approach. If the previous game revolved around eliminating foes one at a time, this installment empowers players to obliterate hordes of demons simultaneously. The frantic, rapid-fire nature of “Eternal” gives way to a brute force mentality in “Dark Ages,” where smashing through enemies becomes the primary strategy. The essence of ripping and tearing is still prevalent, with an emphasis on raw power.
At the heart of “Dark Ages” lies a combat system reminiscent of the original 1993 game, drawing inspiration from slowly launched projectiles from iconic enemies like Imps, Kakodemons, and Hell Knights. This new chapter intensifies those encounters, featuring an array of foes that hurl fireballs, floating orbs, and energy barriers, all while straying from the traditional two-dimensional arena.
The interdimensional battlefield shimmers with energy.
Photo: ID Software
Players must navigate these new challenges as they control slower, heftier slayers of doom. Shields play a crucial defensive role against various projectiles, not only blocking attacks but also reflecting some back at their origin. Successfully countering projectile attacks catches opponents off guard and opens them up for “glorious kills.” Although brutal, these maneuvers are generally less intricate than in earlier games, often reduced to straightforward punches and kicks.
While many demons follow easily recognizable attack patterns, the most formidable adversaries engage in fierce close-range duels. These confrontations occur within expansive arenas, where smaller foes swarm around larger ones, often shielded by rows of undead minions. ID Software has introduced several innovative weapons to tackle these hellish legions, including railroad spike launchers that absorb demons and shotguns that deliver devastating close-quarter firepower.
The scale is remarkable.
Photo: ID Software
This captivating reformulation of core combat mechanics provides as much enjoyment in mastering its rhythm as it does in witnessing its destructive consequences. However, the slower pace and limited toolset may not evoke the same adrenaline rush at its peak as previous entries.
This slower pacing is amplified by the expansive design of “Dark Ages.” With 22 levels that are often open-ended, players can choose their battles and discover secrets in their preferred order. Yet, despite the impressive scale, the traversal can become monotonous, resulting in a feeling that the game may not fully capitalize on its combat potential.
ID Software tries to counteract the slow tempo by incorporating diverse gameplay mechanics. Certain maps allow players to pilot a massive mech named Atlan, delivering impactful punches to colossal demons, while others introduce aerial maneuvers atop dragons. While these elements bring novelty, they tend to lack significant depth, recalling the mandatory vehicle sections prevalent in early 2000s shooters.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the experimental nature of “Dark Ages.” The developers seem committed to exploring new directions, striving not to rely solely on past successes like some other franchises. Their goal appears to be redefining shooter mechanics with every new release. While “Dark Ages” may not reach the heights of previous ID Software titles, it remains a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed shooter that delivers heavy hitting moments.
the indie video game landscape is currently shaped by two standout genres: rogue-like games and deck builders. The former invites players into action-adventure gameplay, exploring procedurally generated terrains teeming with enemies, leveling up, and meeting their demise. The latter lets players construct decks of collectible cards (think Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering, but in digital form) and engage in battles. Titles that ingeniously merge these two elements, like Balatro or Slay the Spire, often achieve significant crossover success. In a saturated market, developers are now seeking fresh genres that blend into this dynamic gaming concoction.
Enter Drop Duchy—a game that daringly combines rogue deck builders with… Tetris. Yes, the action unfolds on a playfield where different-shaped objects descend from the top of the screen. Here, each falling piece represents a type of landscape or building, and players endeavor not only to complete unbroken lines but also to generate resources for these structures. For instance, placing a farm next to grassy plain blocks will yield wheat, while situating a wooden fortress near a forest will provide farmland and swordsmen. Upon completing a line, instead of disappearing, the resources you’re collecting multiply. Why accumulate soldiers, you ask? Alongside constructing your military base, you must also make room for randomly generated enemy bases. At the end of each round, when all blocks are positioned, a battle sequence commences where your troops engage the enemy.
Drop the Tetris… Duke in a whole new way. Photo: Arcade Crew
The deck-building aspect is perhaps the most innovative. Each random block that falls into the play area corresponds to the cards you have in your deck. As you advance, you can add new cards to enhance your tactical options. You might start with farms, lumber (transforming forests into farmland), and watchtowers (producing archers), but as you progress through the acts, you’ll unlock additional cards and enhancements through battles culminating in boss encounters. Each boss battle presents unique challenges and themes; for example, the boss in Act 1 is a wall that restricts the play area, constraining construction into a tight spot, while the final challenge of Act 2 involves a keep.
It may sound complex, and it is somewhat. However, credit where it’s due: developer Sleepy Mill Studio has designed the game with intuitive learning, enhanced by effective tutorial levels and numerous on-screen tips. Like many rogue-lite games, a progression tree exists, allowing you to unlock more powerful card types and mechanics that persist through future playthroughs. This way, you can steadily refine your strategy, learning from the inevitable mistakes along the way.
What’s particularly fascinating about this game is the way it forces you to think of Tetris in an entirely new light. You aren’t merely placing blocks to clear lines; you must also consider how each piece interacts with nearby units and devise strategies to hinder your opponents’ resource collection. It’s effectively a multidimensional challenge, cleverly disguised as a simple puzzle game.
Yet, this constant strain on your cognitive abilities can sometimes feel overwhelming. The initial hours can be seemingly pointless due to boss encounters, especially if you find yourself unlucky with the random card draws at the start of each battle.
Nevertheless, the charming pastel visuals, calming music, and ever-expanding resources keep players engaged. Much like Balatro, it often feels as if you understand only about 20% of the game at first, resulting in you throwing down pieces and hoping for a fortunate outcome. However, as you persist, a deeper strategy unfolds to bolster your army while limiting your opponents.
Drop Duchy is a fascinating experiment in game design, and with every new feature, I find myself curious about how the team manages all the moving parts. The appeal of the deck builder genre is evident; they’re addictive, challenging, and systematically engaging, each contributing their unique twist to the overarching dynamics of gameplay. For Drop Duchy, the quirks indeed justify the entry price.
The new Sky Glass Smart TV version brings all-in-one functionality, making Pay TV quicker, clearer, and free from satellite use, proving to be one of the top models available compared to its predecessors.
The Sky Glass Gen 2 serves as the direct successor to the initial 2021 model, which introduced Sky’s broadband-based TV service, eliminating the need for satellite dishes. Available in three sizes, the smallest being 43 inches, it can be purchased with a one-time payment over four years, after which you fully own it.
Starting at £15 per month for Sky Essential TV Packs, a Sky subscription is necessary for full access. While you can’t use the TV without a subscription, should you decide to cancel in the future, it functions as a basic smart TV with access to streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, equipped with a basic aerial and multiple HDMI inputs.
The Gen 2 is available in three colors, complete with a matching remote control. Photo: Sky UK
From the front, the Gen 2 closely resembles its predecessor, featuring a sleek, monolithic design with an aluminum body, a slim bezel, and a soundbar cleverly concealed behind a mesh that matches the bottom colors. The voice-activated microphone responds to “Hello Sky.” Although the Glass Gen 2 is thinner and lighter than the previous model, it remains on the heavier side compared to newer models. The 43-inch version weighs 14.7kg, while the larger 55-inch and 65-inch variants necessitate the assistance of two people for safe handling.
The newly designed stand simplifies setup, even for the tested 65-inch model, as the TV easily slots into two prongs and requires a stable mount secured with screws and tools. For internet connectivity, a power cable and WiFi or Ethernet connection are essential. Wall brackets are sold separately.
The TV detects movement and powers on/off as needed, displaying full-screen recommendations for the latest shows and movies. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The vibrant 4K LCD display is notably brighter than the previous version, with improved black depths and significantly reduced halo effects. The screen’s automatic brightness adjustments can make content look overly dark in rooms that aren’t brightly lit, but turning this feature off enhances viewing.
Sky has included an automatic image optimization mode that detects content types such as entertainment, sports, and movies. Additionally, modes like manual, vibrant, and film are available for those who prefer more intense colors. The entertainment mode can make skin tones appear overly warm, while I found the film mode to be more balanced, also offering a custom mode for personalized adjustments.
The screen’s capabilities shine when displaying HDR content, be it films, shows, or sports. The Premier League looks crisp and lively, while titles like Mad Max: Fury Road in Dolby Vision are particularly impressive. However, this TV isn’t the most suitable option for gaming on consoles like the Xbox or PS5, as it lacks variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, which are advantageous for console games.
Impressive Sound and Clarity
The speakers are positioned on the grill at the top and the fabric strip at the bottom of the screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A significant benefit of Sky Glass over conventional TVs is the built-in speaker soundbar. Vocals maintain clarity at nearly all volumes, sidestepping the common lip-sync issues found with external soundbars. Even without an additional subwoofer or rear speakers, it impressively delivers substantial sound.
However, it struggles to produce deep, rich bass, and while the sound has impressive width, virtual surround effects are limited, necessitating more complex systems with additional speakers to achieve this.
The TV also features night mode, audio enhancement, and bass boost settings. The night mode is especially handy for lowering loud sounds while ensuring dialogue remains comprehensible, making it ideal for late-night screenings without disturbing others.
Enhanced Sky Over Broadband
To stream HD, a minimum of 25Mbps is required; for UHD broadcasts, 30Mbps is necessary, but Sky’s broadband service does not need to operate at these levels. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Since the original Glass launched in 2021, the robustness of the Sky OS service has greatly improved. It still offers excellent search capabilities and advanced playlist features, alongside multiple user profiles that allow each family member to maintain their own lists and recommendations, including children’s profiles.
The playlist feature automatically tracks new episodes from shows or movies you are interested in, directing you to a “Continue Watching” section, making it easy to return to the content you’ve already begun.
Features like live TV, pause, and rewind function seamlessly. Recent reductions in broadcast delays greatly enhance the experience, ensuring thrilling moments aren’t missed for friends relying on satellite or aerial feeds.
On-demand content from the Sky Platform works effectively, and third-party services like BBC iPlayer, ITV X, and Channel 4 have seen significant enhancements compared to previous reliance on recordings. While not quite as seamless and speedy as local recordings on Sky Q and similar PVRs, most apps launch quickly, perform well, and lead directly to the desired episode from your playlist or search result.
It supports most leading on-demand services, including My5, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Discovery+, and others, allowing for all content to be easily accessed in one location.
Voice control is operational via remote buttons, though the TV’s voice activation is somewhat unpredictable, comprehending commands about 60% of the time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Sustainability
The TV is designed for repair, featuring 22% recycled materials, such as aluminum, fabric, tin, and plastic. The manufacturer also recycles old devices and packages the TV using plastic-free materials.
Pricing
The price for Sky Glass Gen 2 is £699 for the 43-inch model, £949 for the 55-inch model, and £1,199 for the 65-inch model, with no-interest payment plans available for either 24 or 48 months for all models.
The 24-month plans for Sky Essential TV start at £15 monthly; Sky Ultimate TV begins at £22 per month; UHD with Dolby Atmos costs an additional £6, along with options to skip ads. Other available add-ons include Sky Sports starting from £31 monthly, TNT Sports from £31, Sky Cinema from £13, and Sky Kids at £8. Discounts are possible with certain combinations, although pricing varies for different packages every 31 days.
Conclusion
While the first generation of Glass needed refinement, the Gen 2 addresses many of its shortcomings effectively.
It offers a brighter, faster display with higher contrast and impressive handling. Additionally, it boasts the best sound quality among available TVs. It remains competitive in the mid-range market, although aesthetically pleasing screens can be found at similar price points without a soundbar. For those in search of the absolute finest display, alternatives are available.
The Sky OS service has advanced significantly to reach performance levels comparable to the leading competitors in the sector. Live broadcasts work smoothly, whether from satellite or cable. Sky’s on-demand offerings are just as effective as local recordings, while third-party apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX have reached acceptable performances. Featuring robust search and playlist capabilities that support all major streaming services makes content discovery effortless.
Ultimately, the convenience of the Glass Gen 2, providing an all-in-one solution with solid sound and a unified remote for all TV functions, is a major draw.
Pros: All-in-one streaming and pay TV device, remarkable sound quality, no need for satellite or cable, excellent remote control functionality, robust search and playlist features, improved apps, enhanced display with excellent HDR, customizable image modes, and integrated voice control.
Cons: Image quality not as strong as some competitors, certain image modes need improvement, auto brightness settings can be bothersome, gaming consoles lack faster refresh rates, heavier and bulkier design, no Chromecast support, and some third-party on-demand services remain subpar.
The Power and Microphone Mute buttons are conveniently positioned on the right side of the TV. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
wImmersive Sims are a unique realm in gaming, often subjected to gamer gatekeeping. From the classic PC title System Shock to the Dickensian world of Dishonored 2, this genre is akin to avant-garde electronica or Darren Aronofsky films—beloved by critics and genre enthusiasts, yet somewhat alienating to the broader audience. Like similar fandoms, the most ardent fans of immersive sims often regard linear blockbusters with disdain. So, sorry Assassin’s Creed players, this is a club you can’t join.
While larger games like Tears of the Kingdom have recently experimented with genre elements, truly accessible, immersive sims are still scarce. Enter Deep Skin by Blendo Games—an attempt to cozy up the genre. With a premise lifted straight from a 2000s web comic, you take on the role of Nina Pasadena, an insurance commando determined to protect a kitty fleet from a pirate siege. Responding to the increasingly urgent distress signals from the anxious Tabby, Nina stealthily approaches the besieged vessel, strategizing to save the feline clientele.
Steal your prey with anything at hand: books and writers? …Deep Skin. Photo: Annapurna Interactive
The narrative is delightfully absurd, but the intriguing mechanics of the collision system deserve recognition. While pilfering supplies with unconventional items, I release a cloud of sanitizers, then knock out a pirate using a hefty novel. Before he can retaliate, I swiftly maneuver away, blending into a shimmering cloud to engulf adversaries in a spectacular explosion. This whimsical, slapstick style truly shines in Deep Skin, presenting a playground that revels in the absurdity of simulation.
However, not all aspects are flawless; Blendo Games introduces its own quirky gameplay twists. Pirates can respawn after being incapacitated, their “skull saber” desperately hovering back to their lifeless bodies. Nina must act quickly to dispose of the screaming heads before they seek revenge. One creative solution involves launching the skulls into space through shattered windows, while flushing the screams down a space toilet—an inventive way to bin each nuisance. The Duper Gun replicas allow players to sneak up on guards and instantly copy items in their possession, whether weapons or keys—vital for those kittens.
A manga-like playground… Deep Skin. Photo: Annapurna Interactive
With fully detailed ship environments, players can exit through airlocks and scale the exteriors, searching for sneaky entry points. In one mission, I crash through an exterior window, landing dramatically and removing a shard of bloody glass from my foot before tossing it into a pirate’s face, channeling my inner cat-loving John McClane.
Blendo Games recognizes that the finest immersive Sims often function as whimsical playgrounds. Every element feels like a sandbox, a tool for mischief. From tossing a pepper at a guard to watch him sneeze uncontrollably, to riding on a pirate’s back and charging into a wall, the delightful chaos of Deep Skin truly embraces its playful nature.
Unfortunately, I hoped for a more serious narrative tone. The liberated cube cat bursts from its cage with sparkling flair, prompting me to respond to Paw-Penned’s request for an elusive VHS tape. Although the humor of Skin Deep may appeal to some, the incessant cat puns and overly zany tone became exhausting, eliciting more grimaces than laughs.
If the cat-centric concept appeals, be mindful that Skin Deep utilizes Doom 3’s 2004 ID Tech Engine. Picture your nostalgic PC classic’s dimly lit corridors replaced with vibrant colors. Aimed deliberately at hardcore gamers, it sounds great on paper, but the outdated aesthetic doesn’t quite deliver the intended retro-chic vibe, often appearing quite primitive.
Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of quirky experiences, this colorful and refreshing entry into a notoriously challenging genre is worth your time. Ultimately, it offers a unique simulator filled with slapstick humor, although it may not cater to seasoned genre aficionados or entice complete newcomers. Perhaps not a breakthrough title, but if you can appreciate the whimsy of Deep Skin, you may find 10 hours of futuristic cat-themed fun ahead.
the Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that not only brews espresso but also automatically froths milk with the touch of a button. I won’t spoil the surprise, but this might just be the best espresso machine for beginners currently available. Even if you’re looking to upgrade from a simpler model, such as the fantastic De’Longhi Stilosa, this is an excellent option.
Its straightforward design and true ease of use are key to its appeal, and it’s one of the things I love about using it, despite having much pricier machines at home. However, this isn’t a fully automated machine that guides you through every step; you’ll need to get the hang of dialing in the right grind size and dosage for the perfect shot. Fortunately, the included tools and helpful manuals ensure that even novices can quickly find their footing.
Once you’ve brewed a few espressos and honed your skills, the Bambino Plus will gladly take over the steaming process. Just fill the included stainless steel jug with a bit of milk, place it in the drip tray, and immerse the steam wand. Press one of the small buttons on the machine and wait. The gentle rumble transforms into a steady rhythm, and in about a minute, you’ll have a jug of cold milk turned into hot, silky foam. Pour this into your espresso, and voilà—you’re a barista now. I’d like a cappuccino, please. Just don’t forget the sprinkle!
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What You Need to Know
“Almost everything you need comes in the box.” Photo: Sasha Muller
The sleek appearance of the Bambino Plus gives it the impression of a more luxurious machine, yet its compact size fits perfectly on your countertop, making it easy to slot between a microwave and a mixer. While its price may not be considered inexpensive, it remains relatively affordable compared to high-end machines with hefty price tags.
Almost everything you need is included. The package contains tools for a stainless steel milk jug, a lightweight tamper, and a bag of coffee grounds. It also features a small pin on the tamper to clear any blockage in the steam wand from dried milk residue. Light metal portafilters come with a selection of baskets for both single and double shots.
The reason I say mostly everything is essential is that you still need a coffee grinder. If you’re okay with a hand grinder or a Baratza Encore ESP (£159.94), I’d suggest something like the Kingrinder K6 (£99). A set of scales for measuring your coffee beans will also prove invaluable; I recommend getting one that measures to at least 0.1g.
Selecting a filter basket is especially helpful for beginners. Pressurized baskets for single and double shots are perfect if you’re making espresso with pre-ground coffee from the store. The dual-wall construction enhances brewing pressure for a rich crema. However, if you have access to fresh, high-quality coffee and grinders, consider using a non-pressurized basket. That’s what I’d recommend.
Specifications
Type: Manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothing Dimensions: 19 x 36 x 30 cm (WDH) Water Tank: Removable 1.9L Replaceable Water Filter: Yes Included Accessories: 54mm portafilter (3 ears), tamper, dosing razor, water filter, 480ml milk jug, pressurized baskets (single and double), non-pressurized baskets (single and double), cleaning tool, backflush disc Heating Time: 6 seconds Milk Steaming Time: 56 seconds Grinders Included: No Noise Level: 46db (brewing), 59db (steaming) Weight: 5.9kg Warranty: 2 years of repair, replacement, or refund at Sage’s discretion
What We Love
Simple buttons make the Sage Bambino Plus user-friendly. Photo: Sasha Muller
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The Bambino Plus is straightforward to operate. The front panel features an intuitive layout with large buttons for both single and double shots, plus a button for milk frothing and two small buttons to adjust the milk temperature and froth level. Each setting has three preset options. It doesn’t hurt that the user manual is informative and easy to reference.
At the back, the sturdy 1.9-liter removable water tank fits securely and has a satisfying click when in place. The package includes one Claroswiss water filter that fits at the bottom of the tank and lasts up to three months. Replacement filters are available for £14.95.
Contrary to traditional boilers, the water is heated using a thermoblock that takes just 3 seconds to reach temperature. When you power on the machine, the button will flash for a few seconds, then light up continuously once it’s ready to brew. Unlike most machines in the sub-£500 range, it is equipped with a PID temperature controller which ensures stable heat. There’s even low-pressure pre-infusion, a feature generally found only in more expensive machines that allows for even extraction.
Perfecting your espresso shot will still require some trial and error. While the Bambino Plus is a manual espresso machine, Sage’s user manual and YouTube video playlist can help newcomers avoid a frustrating experience. Even without precise scales, the Razor Tool helps prevent over-tamping in the portafilter, resulting in a smooth espresso texture—it might take a little patience, but the rewards are often worth it.
Those rewards are undeniably delightful. I have experimented with various medium-roasted beans from local roasters, Crafthouse Coffee, and the Bambino Plus handled them all well. The only drawback is that the preset brewing temperature may not be optimal for lighter roasts, making it challenging to get a balanced shot. If light roasts are your preference, consider investing in a more expensive model with adjustable brewing temperatures.
If you’re wondering if you should save some money and opt for the standard Sage Bambino, I would advise against it. The Bambino lacks automatic milk frothing and doesn’t feature a positive pressure relief valve. This is crucial; in instances where the machine clogs and the espresso grinds become overly fine, the Plus can release excess pressure into the drip tray. Doing the same on the standard Bambino would require removing the portafilter, causing a sudden burst of coffee grounds and water to eject messily.
Pricing could be more competitive. Photo: Sasha Muller
To truly optimize your experience with this machine, a bit of attention is required, although it’s not overly complicated. For instance, running hot water through an empty, pressurized portafilter warms everything up, making it easier to achieve a consistent tasting shot. This hot water can even be used to preheat your cups. There’s a raised area for cups on top of the Bambino Plus, but it doesn’t get hot enough during normal use.
If you find yourself missing a dedicated hot water button for Americanos and other drinks, you can activate it by pressing the single shot and milk froth buttons simultaneously. I honestly didn’t find the absence of a dedicated button too strange.
For those who prefer quick, hassle-free coffee, and who have ever considered this purchase, I suggest you think it through carefully. The processes of grinding, measuring, tamping, and brewing are part of the allure of manual espresso. However, while the Bambino Plus’s quick warm-up and automated milk frothing are great, they aren’t quite comparable to the ease of capsule machines.
Finally, I believe the pricing could be more competitive. Before the pandemic, the Bambino Plus sold for around £250. Prices rose during the pandemic and haven’t returned to those levels. If the current price of £349.95 feels excessive, patience may pay off; discounts do crop up during sales.
Warranty and Repairability
Repairing common issues can range between £80 and £120. Photo: Sasha Muller
Sage offers a two-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and material issues. However, it does not cover standard wear and tear. If a replacement occurs, it’s important to note that the original warranty period won’t be extended.
For problems that arise post-warranty, most of us would prefer to keep our coffee machines out of landfills. I spoke with Radu Bria, the owner of Espresso Repair Shop in Stockport, regarding the Bambino Plus’s repairability.
He noted that it’s relatively straightforward to disassemble the machine for internal access. However, with only one official supplier in the UK, sourcing replacement parts can take longer.
Common issues faced by Bambino and Bambino Plus models include faulty solenoid coils, temperature probes/sensors, and blocked thermojets due to hard water. If you wish to maintain your machine beyond its warranty, it should last for several years. Just keep in mind that the included filter, or even a basic filter jug, won’t prevent limescale buildup; a non-scaling water softener or a reverse osmosis filter is essential for that.
Sage Bambino Plus: Should I Buy It?
In short, the Bambino Plus stands out as perhaps the ideal beginner machine. Over the years I’ve owned it, it has become one of my favorites, thanks to its ease of use, compact size, and exceptional quality. The only lingering question is whether you really need that fourth cappuccino before lunch. Those coffee beans in the cupboard await your attention.
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Sasha Muller is a freelance technician and consumer journalist, an avid coffee enthusiast, and a craft beer aficionado, with over 20 years of experience testing products. When not exploring the local woods with his kids, he’s likely found in discussions about mountain bike tires or classic drum bath vinyl.
this haunted house has become a ripe place to set up a strange video game. The layers of Lorelei and The Laser Eyes, Blue Prince, Botany Manor, and Fear of Fear come to mind. A mansion as a place of danger, supernatural danger, unreliable architecture – certainly perfect for an unsettling experience. Or even a stupid experience in an uneasy environment.
Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 has a lot to offer with its title. The first presents it as a conceptual dinosaur hunting adventure in a creepy house run by an ominous old mogul, and quickly reveals to players that they know it’s a video game. So it’s up to us to patch it as we go, broken video games, and to do so.
Players will explore the mansion through text and puzzle vignettes, pushing the limits of all scenarios in the hopes of finding bugs and glitches. This is a big concept, but the game seems interested in conveying the idea rather than showing us what we see or show them in the play itself.
Run by a confused hero, our Butch combat system is a clever little match 3 game. Sometimes it’s a dinosaur with a gun. Sometimes it is a tripwire, sometimes it is a legion of clones – sometimes a clone of his own. Sometimes it talks about vegetables. Sometimes a wig dinosaur. Stupidity is one note, quickly flattened and stored only by the pleasant nature of the puzzle.
Still, to have an effective game of three matches, or frankly, to use Candy Crush, you need to use high-contrast colors to prioritize players. When I played it, it was really hard to distinguish between symbols and otherwise a pleasant flow was interrupted. This visual problem is not limited to puzzles. The entire color palette in this game is muddy. It doesn’t commit Gothicly or bring about total confusion.
The same problem applies to the text. The game is text-based, but the dialogue and descriptive text are just as muddy as the visuals. The jokes work, but they aim to be destructive and shocking (dinosaur romance is a repetitive gag). However, games are about gameplay and game development. This means that much of the explanation is expressed in technical terms. File and version history discussion goes beyond baseball’s internals. So, if you’re a gamer seasoned enough to speed up metalologic, certainly you don’t need to issue an affidavit. Certainly we were all laughing at the dinosaur romance five years ago. The writing is very close to great things. I had to be sharper.
Text-based gameplay 3 of a spooky country dinosaur mansion. Photo: Strange scaffolding
The art style is rough, but not in a way to evoke a deliberate aesthetic. Depending on the text, reality can be said when you complain in a bent way. There is a moment when we disappear into the void and leave the world. Once you get into the internet, you’ll even have some climactic moments. Still, the visuals are punchy. These strange appearances can be triggered by drawings and do not require flashy graphics. Although we recognize that the illustration style is intentional, the game would have been better served in art style, a little more playful or even intentional. Two moments made me laugh when the visual style actually moved into the meta and showed us some of what the game was saying to us.
I wanted to love this game. It’s ridiculous on paper. The odd scaffolding, the developer, is known for being odd – click-holding, in particular, is ominous and experimental, and truly asks what the game is in its execution (there are a lot of clicks and are being watched in the action of clicks). Spooky country dinosaur mansion 3 is certainly creepy and set in a mansion, with dinosaurs and truly satisfying puzzles. Also, there are some great ideas and not one that failed the experiment. It doesn’t bend reality as it hopes, but if it looks high and players can manage places where aesthetics are scarce, they’ll have a great time. They may meet a lovely blonde dinosaur that they can bring home with them.
wWe meet Gustave, the main character of Claire of Thru, who prepares to say goodbye to his ex-girlfriend, Sophie. Once a year, a giant godlike woman visible across the sea, the sedative is awakened, drawing numbers on a large monolith, and depicted in the peaceful town of Lumiere. This process, known as Gommage, has shortened lives for 67 years, and now it’s Sophie’s turn. Shortly after this heartbreaking goodbye, Gustave and his adopted sister Mael are ready to set sail as part of Expedition 33, defeating the pain and ending the terrifying cycle.
Although surprisingly beautiful, the continent you arrive at is not a friendly place. And the path to sedative is filled with surreal monsters called Nevrons. The characters have melee and long-range attacks, but most importantly, they have a wide variety of unique skills, including elemental magic attacks and powerful attacks with multiple hits that have the opportunity to faint. Each member of the team has a special way to deal more damage. Maelle, for example, uses a defensive, offensive, or offensive combat stance inspired by fencing, while Lune’s magic can be spent creating a so-called dirt and making other spells more powerful. Add to this long list of optional passive skills called Pictos and there are a wide range of ways to instantly enhance your character. The interaction with building action points, using skills, dealing damage and defending is truly interesting, and I’ve tried out a variety of tactics, even though it means a lot of time was spent on the menu.
A mystery shrouded in mystery…Clair’s unclear: Expedition 33. Photo: Sandfall Interactive
It may feel overwhelming, but each new skill is gradually introduced, with persistent tool tips in the Battle menu listing the effects and costs of each skill. However, since Battles uses the Parry and Dodge system, Clair Obscur’s fighting can be a very challenge. At least, the battle will soon end if it is inevitable. Successful Parry has a narrower response window than dodge, allowing the character to answer with a powerful counter. Even the normal enemies kept me on my toes with many attacks, but the power to shake the absolute screen of the successful counter felt deeply satisfied each time. I got acceptance continuously because it’s right – it can get boring if you don’t get a hit of dopamine from occasional success, or it’s frustrating if you’re constantly struggling. Also, enemies occur very often. This is intended to increase the difficulty of assumptions, but can also lengthen the attack.
Developer Sandfall Interactive is very open about taking inspiration from Japanese role-playing games. Combat is certainly a prominent example, but I have seen influence everywhere. The menu design is as persona-inspired as combat, but the enemies are as surreal as Bloodborne’s horrifying work. But when it comes to storytelling, Clair Obscur shares the tendency that many JRPGs can make things overly complicated.
But the dialogue is well written and acted. Your party goes through incredibly bad times, but they will be open about it and try to support each other as much as they can. Optional conversations help you get to know everyone better. Some of Claire Obsul’s best writings can be found here. It is the main plot that ultimately gets things tired. Most often, Claire’s obscurity is the adult fantasy that Final Fantasy XVI tried to do. But it’s also a mystery, adding new questions and characters, for hours and hours until it’s all revealed in an absolute dump of late game information. The conversation, location and gameplay are repeated in the final third, and things feel like they are artificially extended.
Towards the end, Claire of Surre is always finding a saddest way out of just a few minutes ago, and he doesn’t want to force you through a long boss fight with operatic metal throughout the soundtrack. It also peaked with a very frustrating ending, making me question everything I spent hours. From combat to enemy design to music, everywhere else, they appreciated the epic talent of Claire of Thru, but too many tears, too many fights were ultimately made for a serious, fumble ending.
Apple’s iPad Air remains a premium tablet with the latest version, featuring chip upgrades to stay ahead of the pack.
The new iPad Air M3 costs £599 (€699/$599/$999) – the same as its predecessor, it comes in two sizes with an 11-inch or 13-inch screen. It is between the base model £329 iPad A16 and the £999 iPad Pro M4, splitting the difference in price and functionality.
Nothing has changed outside the tablet. The M3 model is a straight replacement for the M2 model, featuring the same crisp screen, refined aluminum design, and touch ID fingerprint scanner on the power button.
The center stage webcam at the top of the screen makes video calls easier by automatically panning and scanning to keep you and your family in frame. Stereo speakers watch TV and movies, but the support for the £129 Apple Pencil Pro is lazy and note-taking.
The thin aluminum frame includes stereo speakers, touch ID sensors, and volume buttons. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
specification
screen: 11-inch or 13-inch liquid retinal display (264ppi)
Processor: Apple M3 (9-core GPU)
Ram: 8GB
Storage: 128, 256, 512GB or 1TB
operating system: iPados 18.4
camera: 12MP rear, 12MP center stage
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (5G option ESIM only), Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Touch ID, Smart Connecter
size: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm or 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mm
Weight: 460g or 616g
M3 upgrade and solid battery life
The iPad takes about 2 hours to charge using a power adapter of 30W or higher, but this is not included. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A major change in the new Air is an upgrade of the Apple M3 chip that was first seen on the MacBook Pro in late 2023 and successfully used on the MacBook Air until it was replaced with the M4 chip on the MacBook Air.
The M3 is not Apple’s latest chip, but on tablets, it’s much stronger than most people need, and much faster than the competition. It’s about 10-20% faster than the outgoing M2 model under test, and does short work on gaming and pro-level apps. Affinity Photos, Reproduction Or Adobe Lightroom.
Combined with a reliable battery life of 9-10 hours, it can be easily used as a laptop replacement when equipped with accessories such as a new version of Apple’s excellent magic keyboard case, but costs £269. However, inexpensive third-party options such as Logitech are available.
The iPad Air runs iPads 18.4, which includes a collection of multitasking tools, and can be plugged into an external monitor such as a laptop via a USB-C port. However, the M3 chip also enables a variety of Apple Intelligence features that cannot be used with the standard iPad A16. These include several AI image editing and generation tools, writing and proofing tools, ChatGPT integration into SIRI, and more.
Sustainability
The recycled aluminum body also looks great. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple says the battery should last more than 1,000 full charge cycles at least 80% of its original capacity and can be replaced from £115. Tablets are generally repairable Damaged Warrant Repair Costs Starting from £429.
The tablet contains at least 30% recycled content, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and more. Apple breaks down the environmental impact of tablets in reports and offers trade-in and free recycling schemes that include non-Apple products.
price
The 11-inch iPad Air M3 costs £599 (699 Euros/$599/$999) and the 13-inch iPad Air M3 costs £799 (949 Euros/$799/$1,349).
For comparison, the iPad A16 costs £329, the iPad Pro M4 costs £999, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE costs £499. The MacBook Air M4 starts at £999.
verdict
The iPad Air M3 is an excellent premium tablet that makes your base model Apple tablet a great upgrade.
This is a very capable machine with laptop-level power, long battery life, high-quality screens, enough accessories to turn it into a drawing tablet, computer replacement, or many other tools. Size choice balances well between portability at 11″ and the 13″ version of the large screen utility.
However, the M3 model is not a worthwhile upgrade to make with the latest iPad Air versions. Even just watching TV or movies, the standard iPad A16 does much less work. Meanwhile, the top-end iPad Pro M4 beats the air on every count, but costs a lot of money.
So, for those looking for a premium do-it tablet, beating the iPad Air M3 is difficult.
Strong Points: Select size, laptop-level M3 performance, solid battery life, high-quality screen, USB-C, long software support life, various apps and accessories, excellent speakers, landscape center stage camera, recycled aluminum.
Cons: Expensive, no multi-user support, iPados still need to act as a laptop replacement, no kickstand, face ID, 60Hz screen without a case.
Browsing the web and reading stories is the joy of an 11-inch iPad Air. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Google’s latest discounted Pixel offers the best value for Android phones and outperforms models twice its price in many regions.
The Pixel 9a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849), the same as last year’s model. It is about £300 less than Google’s regular Pixel 9 and competes with mid-range devices like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy A56.
Google has maintained its successful A-Series formula with the 9a, offering top-tier specs, chips, and cameras while cutting costs. The result is a compelling package for the price.
The 9a resembles a standard Pixel 9 from the front, featuring an optical fingerprint reader at the bottom of the screen and face recognition for unlocking phones and apps. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, smooth, and bright, surpassing many competitors. While slightly thicker bezels surround the screen compared to the Pixel 9, it retains the premium feel with an aluminum band. The back is crafted from high-quality plastic, maintaining durability. Additionally, the 9a is fully IP68 water-resistant, in line with the industry’s best.
One notable change is the absence of a prominent camera bar on the back. Instead, the dual camera sits within a discreet black oval, providing a sleeker appearance though potentially losing some distinctive charm found in Google’s other phone designs.
Specifications
Screen: 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)
Processor: Google Tensor G4
Ram: 8GB
Storage: 128 or 256GB
Operating system: Android 15
Camera: 48MP + 13MP Ultrawide, 13MP Selfie
Connectivity: 5G, SIM/ESIM, WIFI 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS
Water resistance: IP68 (1M for 30 minutes)
Size: 157.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm
Weight: 185.9g
Most of the Tensor G4 and Google’s AI
Charging takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the 9a using a USB-C charger of 23W or more (not included). The phone is also equipped with 7.5W wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Internally, the 9a boasts the top-tier Google Tensor G4 chip found in other Pixel 9 models, albeit with 8GB of RAM rather than 12GB on pricier variants. The chip delivers fast performance, outpacing most midrange chips albeit falling short in raw performance benchmarks.
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 57 hours with light use, 9 hours of active screen time, and 5 hours on 5G. This longevity rivals some of the longest-lasting phones on the market, offering a two-day usage window.
While the reduced RAM doesn’t significantly impact daily use, it does limit some local AI functionalities, such as Google’s Gemini AI Tools, which enable text processing but exclude some advanced audio or image-based features like Pixel Screenshots. Call Notes on the Pixel 9.
Gemini serves as the AI assistant for Pixel phones, working seamlessly with the 9a like other models. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
All Gemini features that leverage web capabilities, such as Gemini Live, perform well on the 9a. The phone can also generate summaries of audio recordings, albeit with limitations on word count per session.
The overall user experience on Android 15 matches other Pixel phones, with the added benefit of Google’s seven years of software support for Pixels. This longevity ensures the 9a remains relevant in the mid-range market for an extended period.
Camera
The Pixel Camera app simplifies the process of taking excellent photos with minimal effort. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Pixel 9a features exceptional cameras, including a new 48-megapixel main camera and a 13MP Ultra Wide lens alongside it.
The main camera captures high-quality images, rivaling flagship phones, especially in low-light conditions. Photos are detailed and balanced across various lighting scenarios, with the Ultra Wide lens standing out as a great feature. The main camera also offers a decent 2x zoom, extendable to 8x with some digital artifacts.
A new addition to the 9a is the Macro Photography mode, leveraging the main camera for impressive close-up shots. The selfie camera performs well, and video capture is equally strong.
The 9a inherits popular features like Best Takes and main Pixel 9 AI capabilities, incorporating various Google Photos AI editing tools such as Magic Editor, Unblur, and Audio Magic Eraser.
Sustainability
The phone’s back is crafted from recycled plastic with a smooth matte finish. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Google ensures the battery should retain at least 80% of its original capacity after about 1,000 full charge cycles. The phone is repairable by Google or third-party shops, with genuine replacement parts available directly from sources like iFixit.
The Pixel 9a is constructed from recycled materials, comprising at least 23% of the phone’s weight. Google’s public Environmental Impact Report outlines the phone’s sustainability efforts and offers free recycling for old devices.
Price
The Google Pixel 9a is priced at £499 (€549/$499/A$849).
For comparison, the Pixel 9 costs £799, the Samsung Galaxy A56 retails for £499, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is priced at £449, and the Apple iPhone 16e is priced at £599.
Verdict
The Pixel 9a demonstrates Google’s ability to deliver a flagship-level phone at a mid-range price point better than most competitors.
A combination of premium chips, long-lasting battery, top-tier screens, and exceptional cameras outshine more expensive options. Google’s robust software and extended seven-year support further enhance the overall value.
Some compromises have been made to lower costs, but they are hardly noticeable in day-to-day usage. Omissions like WiFi 7, lack of satellite messaging, spatial audio, plastic backs, etc., can be overlooked given the 9a’s price point.
While pricier Pixel phones offer additional features, the Pixel 9a is hard to ignore as the best mid-range phone by a significant margin, providing a quality experience at an accessible price point.
Strong Points: Undercuts high-end phones with 7 years of software updates, top-tier cameras, excellent screens, premium chips, ultra-long battery life, recycled materials, advanced AI features, competitive pricing.
Cons: Common design, lack of optical zoom for cameras, limited performance, plastic back, absence of spatial audio, no WiFi 7 or satellite messaging, older Gorilla Glass 3.
I’ve read all sorts of things from classic slices of Dystopian Fiction by Octavia E. Butler at the New Scientist Book Club. The Memories of SowingAdrian Tchaikovsky’s Space Exploration Alien clay. Michel Nieva Dengue fever boy (And if you haven’t read it yet, this is not an article for you: spoilers first!) was something completely different.
There was part of this novel I loved, especially the wild originality of Nieva, who dreams of his future world. This is where Antarctic ice thawed in 2197, and sea level rise means that Patagonia, once famous for its forests, lakes and glaciers, has transformed into a scattered path on a small, burnt hot island.
It is the place where “hundred thousands of unrecorded viruses emerge each year thanks to the complete deforestation of all forests in the Amazon and China and Africa.” And when the infinite and terrible ingenuity of humanity means that people are currently trading on the Financial Virus Index. Powered by quantum computers, this is “not only determined at 99.99% effectiveness, but it is likely that these new viruses will not only unleash a new pandemic, but will collect stocks from companies that are likely to benefit from its effectiveness and offer them to the market in packages sold like pancakes.” Great idea!
I also think Nieva’s writing (translated by Rahul Bery) will occasionally leap to elevated levels. At some point, our hero is early in school (because she can fly there, unlike she’s narrated in traffic). She needs to “wait completely still for a few minutes, minutes, minutes, minutes, minutes, no idea what her excessive cor should do.” Excessive corporateity! It would be a glorious and appropriate explanation of this miserable mosquito.
It has an unbearable emotional feeling. This was with me after finishing and stayed with the vision of Niwa’s great iceberg gallery. “I couldn’t walk through the Great Iceberg Gallery and in the early stages I couldn’t feel the sudden weight of the world. The relic box of true planetary gemstones, its total age was greater than that of all humankind.”
And I can only admire Neeva’s virtuosity in thinking of myself in the mind of a murderous mosquito. I think he can do this a lot. My sympathy enjoys what half of us wanted with our “stubbornly murderous” hero, half of which was violently postponed by her actions.
Some of you have seen a lot of positive things in the novel. “If I solved that this is not science fiction, but a realism of the magic of South Americans, I enjoy it (a huge fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Italo Calvino, and Umberto Eco. It’s a completely different genre.” Facebook Groupwhere do all these comments come from? “It’s weird, surreal and all-talented, and I think it works very well in these terms.”
For Terry James, the book began hard. We need to deal with “rough language” as we needed a lot of disbelief halts to embrace the protagonist of Nieva’s mosquito (and its incredible size). However, Terry was happy he kept going. “The more I read, the more I enjoyed it. I found literary techniques to reveal the inner struggle of the wealth, privilege and the gorgeousness of the poor, as very effective,” he wrote. “This book is creative.”
I think David Jones nailed it when he said “reading isn’t comfortable,” but he “actually enjoyed it a lot.” “It’s a very dystopian satirical, very bloody view of the future. It’s the day you read and digest how I felt about it,” he writes.
But perhaps this is because I am not a steampunk enthusiast, as the novel is mentioned on its cover. The “excessive corporation” I enjoyed with mosquitoes comes in a variety of scenes of violence and sexual depravity that I found difficult to read. I’m a Stephen King fan – I don’t mind a bit of fear and gore. But I really didn’t understand what brought richness to the story here other than making me totally terrible. I hated the sheep! I really hate it! (As some may say, that was the point, but for me it was a point that I wasn’t keen on being made.)
And when our mosquitoes were on a bloody adventure, I found it later on when we were on a bloody adventure that was far more convincing than the Borges-esque “Computer Games in Computer Games” section we had reached. It was on the wrong side of Surreal for me, or I wasn’t getting it. Terry James also had problems with the “Mighty Anarchy” component of the story and was unable to grasp its meaning. “I call this kind of ideology pseudointelligence, because it sounds very clever, but doesn’t make sense in a holistic, integrated system,” he wrote.
Overall, for me, this is not the book I’m coming back to, and I think the majority of our members were also more negative about this than positive. Judith Lazelle felt that was “unfortunate.” “Free sexual fantasy and undeveloped characters, violence is explicit and rebellious. Perhaps that was the point,” she wrote. [was] It’s effective in bringing back memories of terrible places to live.”
For Eliza Rose and Andy Feest, it was their least favorite book club ever read. Like me, Eliza wasn’t a fan of body horror, but she liked some of the corrupt companies in the storyline. “I think he’s finished it well enough because he feels like he told the story, but I didn’t need all the gore,” she wrote.
Andy described the story as “plain and weird,” and Nieva came up with an interesting concept, but he felt he could have used more backstory and details. “The end was a shame (I can’t say I’m confused),” Andy writes. “Overall, I was grateful that this was a short book because I wasn’t sure if it was a bigger novel (and I hate that I haven’t finished the book I started paying for).
Perhaps Andy doesn’t have to pay for the next book: We’re reading: Larry Nivens Ring WorldAn old classic that many of you may have on your shelf. Come and tell us what you think about us Book Club Member Facebook Pagetry this excerpt and get insight into how Larry came up with the work he wrote here to come up with the epic creation mechanisms.
Apple’s MacBook Air, a beloved consumer laptop, has received a significant power boost for 2025, along with a better webcam and unexpected price cuts, making it even more appealing.
The thinnest laptops from the company now start at £999 (€1,199/$999/$1,699), which is £100 less than last year’s model. With Apple’s top M4 chips and a minimum of 16GB of memory, even the cheapest model is significantly more powerful.
Externally, there haven’t been many changes apart from a new light blue color replacing the long-standing “space grey” since 2022. The aluminum body remains well-crafted, thin, and lightweight. The keyboard is excellent, the power button touch ID fingerprint reader is fast, and the trackpad is generous and perfect for everyday use.
The 13.6-inch LCD screen, while limited to 60Hz, is crisp and of good quality. This year’s new features include upgraded webcams supporting 12 megapixels and featuring Apple Center Stage Technology with automatic panning and scanning. Desk view M4 MacBook Pro, to display things remotely.
The center stage camera at the top of the screen is a major upgrade for those who spend time on video calls. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Two significant internal changes have been made. The new M4 chip essentially makes the MacBook Air as fast as the MacBook Pro. In tests, it performs slightly slower than the PRO and faster than the iPad Pro with an M4 chip, despite not having fans to keep it cool for extended periods. The air can handle external workstation-class workloads without any issues. Note: The cheapest models have two fewer graphics cores, making them slightly more powerful in certain apps and games.
All MacBook Air models now come with at least 16GB of memory, the minimum recommended amount for modern laptops. Previous models started with only 8GB of memory and cost significantly more starting from £200.
In addition to the powerful performance, the main selling point of the air – a long battery life – remains. For typical light workloads involving browsing, note-taking, word processing, image editing, chatting, and emailing, the air lasts over 16 hours between charges. Even with slightly more demanding tasks like development and photo editing, the air offers over 10 hours of battery life.
Full charge using a power adapter of 70W or more and the included Magsafe cable took about 105 minutes, reaching 50% in 28 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
specification
screen: 13.6in LCD (2560×1600; 224 PPI) True tone
Processor: Apple M4 with 8-core GPU or 10-core GPU
Ram: 16, 24, or 32GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD
operating system: MacOS 15 SECOIA
camera: 12MP Center Stage
Connectivity: Wifi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, Headphones
size: 215 x 304.1 x 11.3mm
Weight: 1.24kg
Sustainability
The recycled aluminum lid on the Sky Blue MacBook Air looks grey on some lights and blue on others. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The MacBook Air is made from 55% recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and more. Apple provides detailed reports on the environmental impact of the laptop.
The computer is Generally repairableand the battery can be replaced by Apple for £159. The machine received a repairability score of 5 out of 10 from the repair specialists at aquixit. Apple also offers trade-in and free recycling programs for non-Apple products.
MacOS Secoia 15.4
MacOS continues to be one of the best operating systems for laptops, with many customization options and a very useful new window tile tool. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The MacBook Air runs the same MacOS Sequoia software as the rest of the Mac lineup and has been recently updated to version 15.4.
The Mac Mail app now resembles an iPhone app with AI email classifications such as promotional emails, receipts, and more. The AI notification overview and iPhone mirroring features are useful for users with an Apple smartphone. The new snap and window tile tool is very convenient and allows for quick window placement using either the mouse or keyboard shortcuts, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
Price
The Apple 13-inch MacBook Air starts at £999 (€1,199/$999/$1,699) with an 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The 15-inch version starts at £1,199 (€1,499/$1,199/$2,099).
For comparison, the M4 MacBook Pro starts at £1,599, while the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is priced at £1,399, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 starts at. £1,049.
Verdict
The MacBook Air is a top-notch consumer laptop that stands out unless you specifically require Windows. It offers a superior combination of performance, battery life, speakers, keyboards, and trackpads compared to its competitors.
The M4 chip upgrade, with a fanless design, keeps it ahead of the competition, always running silently. The new centrestage webcam is also a major improvement for users who rely heavily on video calls for work. While the screen is still great, it may be an area where competitors offer better displays at a higher cost. The device has only two USB-C ports, but they can be utilised for connections via the Magsafe port.
With a minimum of 16GB of memory and price reductions of around £1,000 on the 13-inch model, the MacBook Air is highly appealing.
Strong Points: Ultra-fast M4 chip, silent and cool running, extremely long battery life, good 13.6 inch screen, great keyboard, best-in-class trackpad, magsafe, good speakers, center stage webcam, touch ID.
Cons: Two USB-C ports and no USB-A or SD card slots, Face ID, RAM and SSD upgrades are expensive and cannot be changed after purchase. There is no WiFi 7.
The Touch ID Power button is perfect for storing up to three fingerprints and logging in to your laptop. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
sDevelopment cost. A long-term production cycle. Careful C-sweets that are trying to provide shareholders with reliable returns: For many reasons, big-budget video games lack original programming. Already this year we have seen the arrival of the 7th Mainline Civilization Game, the 14th entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and the 27th Monster Hunter title of all the brain melting. But let’s take a look. This is a magical, authentic story with moody, hurricane-difficult imagination in America’s Deep South.
Midnight South gives a wonderfully atmospheric first impression. BL links with dim wind. It rains on the tin roof. The world is rendered in the creepy, bent details of Tim Burton’s films. Within minutes, the home of high school athlete Hazel and her mother, a social worker, are transported along the flooded river. Play as Hazel, you chase and run the boundaries with whimsical teenage wanderings across different platforms until the storms are harmonious. Then there are miles of stagnant, unfurried swamps. At one horrifying point, we explore a farm stacked with dead pigs that did not survive the typhoon.
As the main character, Hazel holds himself against this vivid and unusual world (at least for video games). With a mere flick of her wrist, a metaphysical sickle-like blade, Hazel tears through reality itself. This brave and determined young woman is a weaver, skilled at magically dispelling the unpleasant spirit that lurks in the shrilling glass bottles of her southern home. As a weaver, she can see a spectacular tapestry of a massive universe where myths, reality, time and space collide. Looking into the past, she learns the ancestors who helped her free slaves and tragic children die.
Vivid and unusual… Midnight South. Photo: Xbox Game Studio
Layout an energy-sprinting imaginative food stall in the south of midnight. The action-packed chapter whisks the action-packed chapter from Bios to chilly mountains, which feel like they’re bordering towards Appalachia. The atmosphere is thick – sometimes it becomes a little too thick. A friendly guide to this folktales is the giant catfish who speak in a clear Creole roll, especially about the classic Southern Dish Grits.
However, in actual performances, Midnight South is simply thin. With its almost linear mix of 3D platforms and close combat, the game evokes the PlayStation 2 era title. However, neither element has much personality. The brawl looks stylish and ends with a brutal finishing move where Hazel unleashes the very fabric of her wraith-like enemy presence. Truly, it lacks the depth and expressive possibilities of titles such as God’s War. The platform feels floating, from one prominently painted white shelf to another. And it just feels normative and clunky.
A team of visual artists, sound designers and screenwriters for the Microsoft-owned studio, Forced Games, created this sturdy, rustic place, but was able to be reverted with the gameplay of heartfelt smoothness. At various points, you have to escape from the vague, misty beings. However, these sequences are simple enough to lack dramatic tension. It is repeated many times throughout the approximately 12-hour period of the game, with the difficulty increasing slightly each time.
The other loops grate when time is stacked. Clear this area of decaying material (visual symptoms of land pain and trauma). Check out another lightly animated flashback. This lovingly described portrayal of Minami is rich and arrested, but the game is memorization.
All you’re left is a game where all the best ideas are optical. The Southern style of fairy tales unfolds like modern, summoning some of the whimsical and damaged beauty of 2012’s Beast of the Southern Wild, while taking on Toni Morrison’s fiction. The soundtrack is a rough collage of Howling Blues, awful folk and light-hearted jazz. Forced Game bottled a lot of Southern magic during the creation of this seemingly dangerous gambit for Microsoft, but it couldn’t take risks where it really matters.
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