NINTENDO

A behind-the-scenes look at Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo's Switch 2 is bigger and better than its predecessor of eight years past as the video game developer pushes to bring its brand into "a new era" where social experiences are at the forefront.

The Associated Press and other members of the media got an exclusive look this week at Nintendo's latest handheld, TV-console hybrid, which dives head-first into the social world of online gaming.

The Switch 2 will hit the market June 5 at a price of $449.99.

"You'll be joining us as we step into a new era of Nintendo," Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America's president, told those in attendance before they scattered to test out the new Switch.

What are some of the Switch 2's new features?...Video and audio chats and game-sharing functions are huge parts of the new console. One of the Switch 2's Joy-Cons—it's controllers—even has a "C" button to quickly access "GameChat." Click the button and up pops window views to others players' gameplay, lined up at the bottom of the user's screen in squares like a video conference call.

A camera attachment—sold separately—allows gamers to project themselves into those windows instead of sharing their own screen, while some games let the camera-user appear in the game itself. A microphone is now built into the console for audio.

Another feature, "GameShare," allows users to share the game they are playing temporarily with other consoles that don't have it.

And then there's a function to control the console's Joy-Cons like a computer mouse—an appeal toward the growing PC-based gaming audience—something developers are excited for people to try.

"Because of the environment were in, it's a hands-on experience," Takuhiro Dohta, the console's director, said through a translator at the media event.

Kouichi Kawamoto, the Switch 2's producer, called the mouse feature a "fun," "engaging" way to experience gaming.

It can be used on multiple surfaces, not just a mouse pad, he said.

"We have made adjustments so that you can control the mouse on your pants," Kawamoto said through a translator about sitting down and using your own leg as a mouse surface. "There were some people in development where that was their preferred way of playing."

Testing out the Switch 2...The media demo area had a station to test out the mouse function on a wheelchair basketball game. Players used both Joy-Con "mice" for that one. Using both at the same time was a gaming experience unlike many, or any. This particular station had a smooth pad that the Joy-Cons slid around on seamlessly. Another station without the pad worked just fine on a hard desk surface—that one was a world-building game with less precision required.

The first game played was Mario Kart World—included in the console's bundle package. That was in handheld mode. The 7.9 inch LCD screen is bigger and it feels it. Next to a last generation Switch OLED Model, there's a stark difference.

People play Mario Kart World on the new Nintendo Switch 2 video gaming console at a media preview event in New York on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey

The handheld graphics were obviously better in 1080p. In the docked mode, Nintendo says the system is able to support 4K resolution for compatible games. It wasn't immediately clear if the docked games that were demoed were compatible, but the graphics looked better than the first-generation Switch. Especially in Hogwarts Legacy. Wow.

The Joy-Con controllers, which are now magnets that click into place, are upgrades from the slide-into-place mechanism in first-gen. The AP didn't spend enough time with the demo unit to get a great read on how sturdy they are, but developers were asked about what one reporter thought was a "flimsy" connection and had this to say.

"It may at first glance look flimsy, but if you've actually touched it, I think you'll see that it's not as flimsy as it looks," Kawamoto said through a translator. "We did our best to make sure it's strong."

The new Mario Kart World featured a thrilling Knockout Tour mode that pits 24 players against each other in a race where the field is culled at five checkpoints until one racer remains.

Switch 2's battery life and price analysis...Among the wishes from Switch fans was an increased battery life. Developers weren't able to promise that, mainly because they said battery life depends on the environment and conditions the console is operating in. The Switch 2 does uses more energy. But they did say it has a larger battery to compensate for that.

A game controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 is demonstrated during a media event, in New York, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew

"With Switch 2, because of things like 'GameChat' ... There's variability of battery life even wider than the Nintendo Switch," Dohta said.

The Switch 2 will cost $150 more than its predecessor at launch. Joost van Dreunen, author of "One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games," said the Trump administration's tariffs have hit the video game console industry at a fragile moment. He believes the console costs about $50 more than it would have without the tariffs, which he says impact video game hardware because console devices are manufactured and shipped from China and the surrounding region.

One of the Switch 2s that media members demoed said "Made in China" in the small font on the back of the console.

Nintendo didn't address pricing, with a company moderator declining to answer a reporter's question on the cost during the media event.

The Joy-Con controllers of the Nintendo Switch 2 are demonstrated during a media event, in New York, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew

When asked about chip shortages, hardware costs and the pandemic, however, developers did say those factors impacted development in terms of the number of consoles they could produce.

"Yes, for example COVID certainly had a large impact in the development," Tetsuya Sasaki, the console's technical director, said through a translator. "Even with the chip shortage we were working with our partners and had to be creative in working our way through that. ... And yeah even the Nintendo Switch was hard to get at one point."

A few other games that Nintendo announced...In addition to Mario Kart World, two more Switch 2 exclusives feature its marquee characters: Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D adventure with the big ape punching his way through a huge underground world, arriving July 17, and Kirby Air Riders, a racing game from the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, due later in the year.

The new console will be backwards compatible—able to play physical and digital Switch games—but not every game from the predecessor console will have that capability. Also, users will need to purchase a microSD express memory card for the Switch 2. The Nintendo Direct on Wednesday revealed that normal microSD cards will not be compatible with the system.

© 2025 The Associated Press.

 

DIGITAL LIFE

Fashion and tech now intertwined, researcher argues

Fashion is found on runways, shop windows and the accounts of social media influencers. Until recently, Varun Grover, Distinguished Professor at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and other information systems researchers had considered fashion and technology uncomfortable bedfellows.

"Most of the time when we talk about technology, we're talking about utility," said Grover, who also holds the George M. and Boyce W. Billingsley Endowed Chair in Information Systems.

Today, when TikTok, Apple Watches and VR headsets shape culture, however, fashion and consumer technology are intertwined.

In a paper published in Information Systems Research, Grover breaks down how IT becomes fashionable, what makes IT fashion different and how fashion influences a consumer's decision to buy a new device.

The ever-shrinking size of electronics has made fashion a more important factor in IT. Today we can hold a powerful computer in our hand or wear one on our wrist. The IT we carry around can signal that we consider ourselves a member of an in-group. The tech we buy can also be a form of self-expression.

"This marriage of utility and aesthetics is unique today," Grover said.

Demand for novelty..."You cannot have a technology that's fashionable unless it has something novel in it," Grover said.

Novelty has always been part of fashion. But with technology, the novelty could come from both the design and the utility. A device could become fashionable because it does something better or different than what came before.

Unlike the life cycle of a normal product, in fashion the initial growth is explosive, attracting attention and becoming a social phenomenon. When the growth ends, the item is "out of fashion."

The key finding is that consumers see fashion at the societal level when it is widely adopted and embraced by people with prestige and influence, like actors, online influencers or other elites. They also see it at the individual level when it fits their self-image.

The winds of fashions...Grover and his co-authors confirmed that fashion influences attitudes toward consumer IT through a survey with more than 200 participants. They even found that when people decide to adopt a new technology, if it is fashionable, then the device's utility matters less.

"There is a segment of society that is very sensitive to fashion. So optimizing on utility and sub-optimizing on aesthetics will probably not maximize your market penetration," Grover said.

Not all consumer technologies can be fashionable. Companies might decide that focusing on utility, even if it leads to a bulkier or less elegant device, is the right approach.

A company can use social media, influencer campaigns and other promotions to sway consumers. But fashion is fickle. No business can guarantee an IT product will catch fire with customers.

"Things can go viral or not go viral, and the company doesn't have direct control over that," Grover said. "And companies like to be in control of their products and how they're going to be received in the market."

Provided by University of Arkansas

 

TECH

iPhone 17 Pro: New 48MP portrait telephoto camera with major upgrades rumored

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to offer three 48-megapixel cameras for the very first time. The telephoto camera will supposedly receive a new sensor and a portrait lens, which could result in three major advantages over the telephoto camera found inside the current iPhone 16 Pro.

Recent rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with three 48-megapixel cameras, instead of combining a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 12MP telephoto camera, which is the setup found on the iPhone 16 Pro.  However, according to latest information from leaker Majin Bu Official, the iPhone 17 Pro's telephoto camera is receiving far more upgrades than just a higher resolution.

Apple could opt for a new lens with a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 85mm, instead of the 120mm of the iPhone 16 Pro, meaning the lens will only offer 3.5x instead of 5x optical zoom. This focal length is said to be perfect for portraits. In fact, 85mm lenses are among the most popular portrait lenses in small-format cameras. This new telephoto camera could offer three major advantages compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. First of all, the camera is said to be significantly brighter, which should result in less noisy low-light photos. In practice, this should also mean that the lens' aperture will be wider than f/2.8.

Second, the new iPhone camera could be more flexible, as Apple is expected to enable "lossless" digital zoom up to a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 160mm, which is similar to how the iPhone 16 Pro main camera takes photos with 2x zoom. Last but not least, the higher resolution 48MP photos are said to give photographers more freedom when cropping images afterwards. Whether or not these leaked details are accurate will be revealed with the iPhone 17 launch, which is expected to be scheduled for September 2025.

mundophone

 

TECH

Zuckerberg repeats Trump visits in bid to settle antitrust case

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has made repeated visits to the White House as he tries to persuade US President Donald Trump to settle a major antitrust case before it goes to trial on April 14, US media reported.

The case against Meta was filed in 2020 by the Federal Trade Commission and seeks to prove that the company formerly known as Facebook illegally acquired potential competitors, particularly Instagram and WhatsApp, to eliminate competitive threats.

The New York Times reported that Zuckerberg has visited Trump at both the White House and his Mar-a-Lago resort several times in recent weeks as he makes a last-ditch attempt to spare his company the seven- to eight-week trial.

The trial is to take place in a Washington federal court, with Zuckerberg and former executive Sheryl Sandberg among those to take the stand.

Contacted by AFP, a Meta spokesman said, "Mark's continuing the meetings he's been holding with the administration on American technology leadership."

Since Trump took back the White House, Zuckerberg has courted the president with frequent visits and notable changes to corporate policies on matters like content moderation, aligning himself politically with the Republican administration.

Zuckerberg has also bought a $23 million residence in the US capital in recent weeks as he steps up his lobbying of Trump.

The case from the FTC focuses on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, with the US government alleging Meta made the purchases while operating an illegal monopoly in the US social networking market.

It is seeking to force the company to divest from these platforms, but the final outcome could take years after appeals.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has yet to decide whether the administration will settle with the company, which would be a highly unusual decision at this stage of the proceedings.

Asked recently about his agency's commitment to the case, Trump-appointed FTC chair Andrew Ferguson said his teams were "gearing up" for the trial.

"This trial has been five years in the making, was started by President Trump in 2020 and we have the resources ready to go," he added in comments to Bloomberg TV last month.

© 2025 AFP

 

SONY

New BRAVIA TV line-up 2025: unparalleled cinematic experience 

Sony has just revealed its new BRAVIA TV line-up for 2025, designed to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience in the comfort of your home.

With models ranging from the imposing 98-inch to more compact 43-inch screens, the brand focuses on cutting-edge technology, elegant design and perfect integration with audio systems. If you are a movie lover or looking to improve the quality of your TV series nights, these new releases promise not to leave you indifferent.

One of the highlights of the new BRAVIA line is the XR Processor, which uses artificial intelligence to analyze and optimize each scene with detail and realism. Models such as BRAVIA 8 II and BRAVIA 5 benefit from XR Triluminos technology, which reproduces vibrant and natural colors, providing a palette of billions of shades with brightness and accuracy.

On the BRAVIA 8 II, equipped with a QD-OLED panel, XR Contrast Booster technology helps create deep blacks and superior contrast, while the Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound system transforms the screen into a soundstage, delivering audio directly from where the action is happening. The BRAVIA 5, with Mini LED and the XR Backlight Master Drive system, offers precision in the management of light and shadows, bringing each frame closer to the director's vision.

More than just a TV: the BRAVIA Theatre experience...Sony hasn't just improved TVs; extended the experience to audio with the new BRAVIA Theatre line. The combination of BRAVIA TVs and Theatre Line sound systems ensures total immersion: from easy control via your mobile phone with the BRAVIA Connect app, to the integration of calibrated modes for streaming — such as Netflix Adaptive Calibrated and SONY PICTURES CORE Calibrated. These modes automatically adjust the image to reflect the filmmakers’ intent, bringing more authenticity to your favorite series.

The BRAVIA 3, in turn, is designed for those looking for an affordable entry into the world of premium TVs. Although simpler, it includes features such as the X1 4K Processor to enhance HD content and Triluminos Pro, ensuring stunning colors, even on old materials.

The BRAVIA 3, in turn, is designed for those looking for an affordable entry into the world of premium TVs. Although simpler, it includes features such as the X1 4K Processor to enhance HD content and Triluminos Pro, ensuring stunning colors, even on old materials.

In addition to investing in image and sound technology, Sony maintains its focus on sustainability. The new models include the Eco Dashboard 2, which allows you to monitor and adjust energy consumption, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality. Furthermore, they are manufactured with recycled materials such as SORPLAS™, an ecological plastic exclusive to the brand.

Another highlight is accessibility. The Talkback feature, together with voice commands and shortcuts, makes it easier for people with special needs to use TVs.

With designs such as Slim One Slate on the BRAVIA 8 II and Flush Surface on the BRAVIA 3, Sony offers models that integrate easily into any environment. Ultra-thin screens, low-profile bezels and high-quality materials ensure the televisions are as aesthetically appealing as they are functionally advanced.

Whichever model you choose, Sony promises a unique combination of picture, sound and connectivity to transform home entertainment. The BRAVIA 2021 line is an ode to the cinematic experience, made for you who value quality and innovation in your daily life.

mundophone

 

TECH

Are lifetimes of big appliances really shrinking?

Big appliances, like washing machines, ovens and refrigerators, are a major investment for many households. Consumers hope that these appliances will last for decades. More and more, however, people have the perception that these big-ticket items might not be lasting as long as they once did.

But when Kamila Krych looked at actual trends in product lifetimes as a part of her Ph.D. research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Industrial Ecology Program, she found that wasn't quite true. The study is published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology.

"Despite what people think, there is no evidence that product lifetimes are decreasing," she said. "Many people think that products have become less durable. But this work suggests that no, that's not entirely true."

Well, aside from two big-ticket items: washing machines and ovens.

The big exceptions...Krych looked at a range of data on large appliances in Norwegian households, starting from the time they were first adopted in the country. For refrigerators, washing machines and ovens, this was starting in 1950.

Other appliances didn't find their way into Norwegian households until several decades later. That was true for dishwashers, freezers and tumble dryers.

For almost all of these appliances, their lifetimes stayed roughly the same across the decades. That was not the case for washing machines or ovens, however.

Washing machine lifetimes decreased by 45%, meaning that their lifetime decreased from 19.2 to 10.6 years, while ovens decreased from 23.6 years to 14.3 years (39%).

"If planned obsolescence or another single factor was to blame, we would expect the same decreasing trend across all appliances. Instead, we only found it for washing machines and ovens," she said.

Why was this true just for these two appliances?...To find the answer, Krych dug deeper into published information on consumer preferences and details about the appliances themselves.

With washing machines, "it's pretty simple," she said. The lifetime of an appliance isn't necessarily how many years the product lasts, but may be more closely related to how many cycles it runs.

"For washing machines, what matters is how often you run it. And there has been a documented large change in laundry habits," she said. "People do the laundry much more often now than in the past."

Krych found a 2003 study that showed that in 1960, an average Norwegian family of four did laundry twice a week. By 2000, this number had quadrupled to eight washing cycles a week for that family of four. "This obviously can have an influence on the lifetimes of washing machines," she said.

For ovens, however, the story is a little more complicated.

Changes in electronics and kitchen trends...Krych's research didn't directly address how people used their kitchens, but she was able to look at published research on societal trends in Norway over the decades.

"Ovens used to be very durable, and historically lifetimes were high, because oven design is very simple," she said.

But Krych found other research that showed roughly 40% of all ovens in Norway are discarded when they are still functioning. That's a rate that is higher than other household appliances.

Another trend she saw in her own research was that the lifetimes of other appliances in Norwegian kitchens, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, were also converging—meaning that all of these appliances had about the same lifetimes.

"This is circumstantial evidence, but this points to the importance of kitchen renovation," she said.

"And right now, we often have all of these appliances integrated in kitchen cupboards. And because of how expensive things are in Norway, it's often much easier to discard everything at once when you renovate your kitchen than to keep your oven for longer, even though it still works."

Another change that social scientists have identified, Krych said, is the change in the way the kitchen is used in Norwegian households.

"There is lots of social science research that says we use kitchens differently now than we used to in the past," she said. "People often have kitchens integrated with their living rooms. And this means that the look of the kitchen matters much more."

Current policies in the EU designed to help cut the overall environmental impact of consumer consumption have focused on product durability and incentives for repairing products.

Krych says that's a good goal, but thinks that policymakers could benefit from including social factors, such as changes in lifestyles, into their planning. "Product lifetimes are not only about how long the product can last, but also what people do with them," she said.

Provided by Norwegian University of Science and Technology

 

TECH

Apple Rolls Out iOS 18.4 With A Critical Security Warning To Millions Of iPhone Users

Following the rollout of iOS 18.3 in January, Apple released iOS and iPadOS 18.4 updates, which contain 62 security fixes, including a fix for a critical flaw in iPhones, iPods, and iPads. Apple highly recommends users update their devices ASAP to be protected against these vulnerabilities.

Among the updates, Apple fixed critical security vulnerability CVE-2025-30432. This flaw makes it possible for threat actors to unlock an iPhone using malicious apps. The issue primarily exposes the most important part of iOS, the kernal, which is the link between the software and the hardware. Cyber risk investigator Michael (Biscuit) Thomas was credited for discovering and reporting this vulnerability.

Another notable vulnerability fixed with the v18.4 updates is an accessibility flaw that allows malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to steal sensitive information from users. The flaw is registered as CVE-2025-24202. ByteDance's Zhongcheng Li was credited for reporting this flaw.

Also fixed is CVE-2025-2422, which allows malicious actors to take advantage of iPhone backups. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to steal sensitive keychain data from a copy of an iPhone backup. Apple explained that it did not simply fix this flaw, it also added an extra layer of security to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Hossein Lotfi and other anonymous researchers of the software vulnerability initiative, Trend Micro Zero Day, were credited for a notable number of discoveries(https://support.apple.com/en-gb/122371). These include two audio flaws - CVE-2025-24243 and CVE-2025-24244, and other vulnerabilities impacting the ImageIO, CoreText, CoreAudio, and CoreMedia.

Considering the risk associated with these flaws, all iPhone, iPad, and iPod users are encouraged to update to iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 to be patched against the aforementioned vulnerabilities and many others. If you don't know how to update your device, you may check our guide here.

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