Nintendo's lawsuit against Palworld just hit a snag. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has ordered a reexamination of a key Nintendo patent expected to be wielded in the case. Games Frayreports that the office is reviewing the Switch maker's patent regarding "summon subcharacter and let it fight in 1 of 2 modes." If we view Nintendo's Palworld lawsuit as a test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, the development can only be seen as a good thing.
Several factors make the reexamination unusual. First, Nintendo's patent in question (No. 12,403,397) was just granted in September. The review was personally ordered by newly sworn-in USPTO Director John A. Squires. The Trump appointee has historically sided with patent holders, making it harder to contest them. Stranger still, Games Fray says this may be the USPTO's first patent reexamination in over a decade.
Palworld
Pocketpair
Those ingredients suggest widespread blowback may be the driving force. Although Palworld developer Pocketpair is Nintendo's immediate target, it's easy to see the case opening a Pandora's box where developers fear using well-established game mechanics. Indie developers would be particularly vulnerable. The "slippery slope" commentary practically writes itself.
If Nintendo's patent is ultimately invalidated, we may be able to thank Konami. A 2002 patent application from the maker of Metal Gear and Castlevania was cited as prior art, casting doubt on Nintendo's claim. A separate Nintendo patent, published in 2020, was also listed as possible prior art. Games Fray's report dives much deeper into the legal weeds.
Nintendo now has two months to respond. During that period, third parties can come forward with additional prior art references. As a nervous industry eyes Nintendo's case as a potential test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, don't be shocked if gaming lawyers search far and wide for more examples.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendos-patent-on-summoning-fighting-npcs-is-being-reexamined-180949135.html?src=rss
Stability AI has partially succeeded in defending itself against accusations of copyright infringement. As reported by The Guardian, Stability AI prevailed in a high-profile UK High Court case, following Getty first suing the company in 2023 for allegedly using its copyright images to train its Stable Diffusion AI art tool without permission.
Getty’s original claim was that Stability AI had unlawfully copied and processed millions of protected images for training purposes, therefore abusing the rights of the original creators. However, the Seattle-based company eventually withdrew its claims of primary copyright infringement as it reportedly could offer no evidence that unauthorized copying for the training of Stable Diffusion had taken place in the UK.
Today’s ruling concerns claims of secondary infringement, to which the High Court judge, Justice Joanna Smith, ruled that "an AI model such as Stable Diffusion which does not store or reproduce any copyright works (and has never done so) is not an 'infringing copy'" under UK law. This was despite the ruling finding some evidence of Getty’s images being used by Stability, as evidenced by the presence of the former’s watermark. While the judge sided with Getty on some of its claims, she said that the evidence was "both historic and extremely limited in scope."
The High Court ruling likely won’t fill companies and creators concerned about AI-related copyright infringement with a huge amount of optimism, but unsurprisingly, both Getty and Stability AI have been quick to celebrate their respective victories. Getty's statement reads, in part:
Today’s ruling confirms that Stable Diffusion’s inclusion of Getty Images’ trademarks in AI‑generated outputs infringed those trademarks. Crucially, the Court rejected Stability AI’s attempt to hold the user responsible for that infringement, confirming that responsibility for the presence of such trademarks lies with the model provider, who has control over the images used to train the model. This is a significant win for intellectual property owners. The ruling delivered another key finding; that, wherever the training and development did take place, Getty Images' copyright‑protected works were used to train Stable Diffusion. The ruling also established a powerful precedent that intangible articles, such as AI models, are subject to copyright infringement claims in the same way as tangible articles. We will be taking forward findings of fact from the UK ruling in our US case.
The company added that it was "deeply concerned" that even "well-resourced companies" remain at risk of infringement due to a "lack of transparent requirements." It also urged the UK government to build on the current laws around this issue. Christian Dowell, general counsel to Stability AI, said the final ruling from the court "ultimately resolves the copyright concerns that were the core issue."
The ruling comes just days after Getty announced a new agreement with Perplexity AI that permits the latter to access Getty’s huge media library as part of its search and discovery tools. In a press release, Getty said a condition of the licensing deal was Perplexity committing to "making improvements on how it displays imagery, including image credit with link to source, to better educate users on how to use licensed imagery legally."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/uk-high-court-sides-with-stability-ai-over-getty-in-copyright-case-180029461.html?src=rss
Imagine waking up in a home that changes shape with the sun, rotates to catch the breeze, and adjusts its silhouette at your whim throughout the day and night. The idea of a house that adapts to its environment and to you sounds like science fiction, but it’s at the heart of the Interactive Segmented House of the Future by Michael Jantzen, a concept that reimagines what home can be.
This visionary concept explores what happens when architecture becomes kinetic, modular, and deeply responsive to natural forces and human desires. The house offers a glimpse into a future where homes are as dynamic as the people who live in them, constantly adjusting to weather, light, and personal preference without requiring you to adapt to static architectural decisions. The design challenges every assumption about residential architecture.
The house is built around five identical, curved steel segments that rotate around a central glass-floored living space like petals around a flower’s center. Each segment can pivot independently or together in coordinated movements, allowing the home to catch sunlight for passive warming, funnel wind for natural cooling, collect rainwater for storage, or frame the best landscape views throughout changing seasons.
Photovoltaic panels on the exterior generate electricity for internal needs, while rain-catching forms and wind scoops make the house self-sustaining and potentially off-grid in remote locations. Each segment is carefully shaped with formations that serve as windows, ventilation scoops, or water collectors. The occupants can fine-tune the building’s environmental response by positioning segments to meet immediate needs or simply experimenting with different visual configurations.
Inside, the glass floor creates a sense of floating in open space, with air and light circulating freely through openings without visual obstruction from opaque surfaces. All essential furniture is hidden in semicircular cabinets beneath the glass floor, rising up and unfolding only when needed for sleeping, eating, or working throughout daily routines. The result is a space that can be left completely open or configured for specific activities.
The absence of fixed partitions and the ability to clear the floor completely make the interior endlessly adaptable, supporting everything from quiet solitude to lively gatherings with friends. The glass floor provides an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the space and the segments rotating around it, enhancing the sensation of living inside a responsive, almost organic structure that breathes with environmental conditions.
While the Interactive Segmented House of the Future is a stunning vision worth celebrating, it faces practical challenges worth acknowledging honestly and thoughtfully. The mechanical complexity of rotating large structural segments, potential maintenance needs for motors and bearings, and the demands of glass flooring and custom fabrication could make real-world construction costly and require ongoing professional care and specialized expertise that may not be readily available.
Living in a house like this would mean waking up to new views daily, adjusting your home to match the weather naturally, and enjoying a space that feels alive and ever-changing. For anyone dreaming of a home that’s as flexible and imaginative as their own life and aspirations, this concept offers a bold proposal that blurs boundaries between architecture and living machine.
It seems Apple is preparing to debut a low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026. According to Bloomberg, such a system is in early production at the company’s overseas suppliers and Apple is testing the devices internally.
Apple’s aim with this laptop, per the report, is to draw people away from the likes of Chromebooks and cheap Windows PCs and into its own ecosystem. The company is said to be making the system with casual users, students and businesses in mind — the kinds of folks who use laptops for tasks like web browsing, light media editing and working on documents. Apple is also reportedly planning to aim the system at potential iPad buyers who’d still rather have a traditional laptop.
The laptop is said to have a new design with a “lower-end LCD display” and it’s expected to run on an A-series iPhone processor that’s said to deliver better performance than the M1. It’s also likely to have a smaller display than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air.
Performance is important, but the price point will be crucial if Apple wants to really compete with the proliferation of Chromebooks and entry-level Windows devices. The company is said to be ready to sell this Mac for “well under $1,000.” Chromebooks and Windows laptops often sell for just a few hundred bucks. Higher-end Chromebooks cost around $600, so Apple would likely have to sell this laptop for $700 or less for it to make a real splash.
Apple has traditionally focused on making premium devices, but would be a smart time for the company to enter the lower end of the market. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, including on devices that don’t support Windows 11 and owners of such systems (including businesses) may need to buy new laptops in the near future to have the latest security updates.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apple-may-release-its-first-low-cost-mac-laptop-in-early-2026-174143869.html?src=rss
Most power banks are either too bulky for a pocket or too slow to keep up with today’s fast-charging phones that demand high wattage for quick top-ups. If you’re tired of carrying bricks that weigh down your bag or waiting ages for a recharge during short coffee breaks, finding a power bank that’s both genuinely slim and powerful enough for modern devices can feel impossible in the current market.
The Cuktech 10 Air offers a fresh take on portable charging for everyday carry without compromise. With a 10,000mAh capacity, 55W wired fast charging, 15W magnetic wireless charging, and a built-in display, it’s designed to slip into your pocket and keep your phone powered up quickly. At just 1.3 centimeters thick and CNY 199 (about $28), it packs premium features into an affordable package.
At just 1.3 centimeters thick, the 10 Air is as slim as many modern smartphones, making it easy to stack with your device magnetically or slide into a bag without creating annoying bulk or weight. The magnetic pad attaches securely to MagSafe-compatible phones for cable-free charging on the go, while the smooth, rounded shell comes in silver or gold for a modern, minimalist look that complements any device.
The built-in TFT display is a standout feature that sets the 10 Air apart from generic power banks cluttering the market. It shows real-time battery percentage, charging status, and power mode, so you’re never guessing about your next top-up or wondering if your device is actually charging properly. The transparency is refreshing compared to blind LED indicators that most competing power banks use without context.
Inside, the 10 Air uses two 5,000mAh cells for a total of 10,000mAh, rated at 5,800mAh and 38.5Wh due to voltage conversion losses. Wired charging delivers up to 55W through the USB-C port, enough to get a Xiaomi 17 Pro to 67 percent in just 30 minutes, or an iPhone 17 to nearly 70 percent in the same timeframe without overheating.
Wireless charging offers 15W for MagSafe devices, perfect for quick top-ups without fumbling for cables when your hands are full or you’re on the move. The self-storing USB-C cable measuring 13cm adds convenience by keeping everything together in one package, while support for PPS, PD, and other protocols ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices from different manufacturers worldwide.
Cuktech’s OPC 2.0 worry-free charging system manages temperature intelligently, automatically stops charging when full, and protects battery health over time through smart algorithms and hardware monitoring. Hardware-level safeguards prevent overcharging, overheating, and short circuits, so you can leave your phone charging overnight without worry or anxiety. The power bank is airline-compliant at 38.5Wh, making it ideal for frequent travelers who cross borders regularly.
Whether you’re commuting, traveling internationally, or just need a slim backup for your phone during long days away from outlets, the Cuktech 10 Air fits naturally into modern life. The combination of genuine slimness, fast dual charging modes, magnetic attachment, and real-time display transparency makes it a compelling choice for anyone tired of bulky, outdated chargers.
Choosing the best VR headset for you is the first step into some of the most immersive gaming, entertainment and virtual work experiences available today. Whether you’re exploring new worlds, working out in virtual gyms or collaborating in 3D environments, a great headset can make all the difference. The latest models offer high-resolution displays, improved FOV (field of view) and ergonomic head strap designs that keep things comfortable during extended sessions. Many also support Bluetooth for connecting external accessories like controllers or earbuds.
As the tech has matured, you’ll now find headsets that balance performance with portability, and some even offer a wider field of view to enhance your sense of presence in virtual spaces. From beginner-friendly options to high-end devices built for enthusiasts, there's a VR headset out there for every type of user — and this guide will help you find the one that fits your needs best.
I tend to judge candidates for the best VR headset on a few basic criteria: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It's not that hard to shove a mobile display into a plastic headset and strap some cheap elastic headbands onto it. But it takes real design skill to craft something that's well balanced, includes a supportive headstrap, and doesn't feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes.
My test for ergonomics is fairly simple: How long can I wear a headset until I start to feel discomfort? For the most ergonomic devices, like the Quest 3, that could easily be an hour or two. But heavier PC hardware often feels cumbersome after just 15 minutes — you won’t find those kinds of devices in our list of the best VR headsets.
Immersion, meanwhile, comes from having high resolution screens with fast refresh rates, like a 120Hz refresh rate, so everything looks sharp and smooth. Field of view is also a major element, as it describes how well VR screens can cover what you see. A narrow FOV makes it feel like you're peering through a pair of binoculars, which limits your sense of “presence.” The best VR headsets aim for a wider field of view, helping virtual environments feel more natural and fully surround you.
A wide field of view, on the other hand, can make it seem like you’re actually flying over the globe in Google Earth. We look at a few popular video games, like Superhot, Beat Saber and Pistol Whip, on every headset to judge how immersed we feel and how enjoyable the gaming experience is overall.
The best controllers fit naturally in your hands and offer accurate tracking. The industry has basically adopted the design of Meta’s excellent touch controllers, but we're also seeing intriguing leaps forward like Valve's finger tracking gamepads. We judge controllers based on how easy they are to hold, how they hold up to sweaty gameplay sessions and how easily headsets can track their position in space.
However, it’s important to look at a virtual reality headset’s specs as a whole. Depending on what you’re looking for in yourVR headset, you’ll want to consider factors like your PC’s CPU and graphics card if you plan to use the headset to play the best VR games. You might not need a super powerful PC, but you should check the minimum requirements for the headset you’re looking to purchase. If you’re not looking to invest in a VR headset solely for gaming, features like head tracking allow you to explore your environment just by simply moving your head in the simulator. This often results in a more immersive and realistic experience.
Other VR headsets we’ve tested
HTC Vive Focus Vision
The Vive Focus Vision is a sleek premium standalone VR headset that can also deliver solid PC VR. But it’s also running aging hardware, it’s riddled with software issues and it’s expensive compared to the Meta Quest 3.
Meta Quest Pro
As great as the Meta Quest 3 is, the Quest 2 is still a very good entry-level VR headset, and it’s worth considering if it’s on sale below its current $250 list price. The Meta Quest Pro, on the the hand, is an expensive boondoggle best ignored.
HTC Vive Pro 2
Outside of Meta’s hardware, the HTC Vive Pro 2 remains a fantastic PC headset, but it’s far more expensive than the Valve Index, which is more comfortable and offers better audio.
VR headset FAQs
How do VR headsets work?
At the most basic level, a VR headset is simply a high quality screen that you’re holding up to your face. For a wired headset, the actual work of rendering a game is done on either a PC or game console. For completely wireless devices, like the Meta Quest 3, that work is handled right on the headset. They rely on either external sensors, or sensors built into the headsets, to map your physical space. While you can use a traditional gamepad or keyboard and mouse in VR, they typically use motion tracking controllers to immerse you in their 3D environments.
What VR headset is best for full body tracking?
While we’re still waiting for a truly great haptic VR bodysuit to arrive, you can still achieve accurate body tracking with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 both rely on room-tracking sensors that can map your body more effectively than the built-in sensors on competitors. You can also add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps, as well as belts, for even better coverage. The Meta Quest 3 doesn’t have any easy body tracking solutions, but you can add Vive trackers when it’s plugged into your PC to mimic a Steam VR headset.
Only a few experiences, like VRChat, take advantage of full body tracking at the moment. Currently there aren’t any body tracking solutions for the PlayStation VR and VR2, but we’re intrigued by the company’s Mocopi body trackers, which were really announced in Japan.
What VR headsets are better than Oculus?
Oculus is the previous name for Meta’s VR hardware. Currently, Meta only supports the Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro, all of which are wireless headsets. As we explain above, PC VR headsets can generally achieve better quality virtual reality, since they rely on more powerful graphics hardware.
What VR headsets work with Xbox?
Currently, Microsoft’s Xbox consoles don’t support any VR headsets.
Recent updates
November 2025: Updated to include the Apple Vision Pro M5.
April 2025: Updated to include review scores for our top picks, where applicable.
November 2024: Added the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the "others we tested" section.
October 2024: Updated our "best cheap VR headset" top pick to be the Meta Quest 3S.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html?src=rss
Since being placed on a Department of Commerce entity list in 2020 over national security fears, China’s DJI has faced the threat of a US ban on its hyper-popular drones. After exhausting its appeals and losing a lawsuit last month, DJI products like the Mini 4 Pro, Avata 2 and Neo may disappear from US shelves starting December 23.
The situation could be even worse than initially expected. The FCC just gave itself the power to retroactively cut off products from companies on its “covered” list, including DJI. That gives the government the right to not just halt sales of future products, but enact rules preventing people from using drones they’ve already purchased.
DJI dominates the consumer US drone market, so a ban would be terrible news for hobbyists and creators, along with industrial and public safety operators. However, the government’s concerns about the company’s drones as potential spying tools are very real.
A brief history of DJI
DJI, or Da-Jiang Innovations, is based in Shenzhen, China and introduced its ready-to-fly, now-iconic Phantom drone in 2013. It was $629 and offered a more user-friendly experience than other drones at the time, opening up aerial photography to creators and cinematographers.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
Steve Dent for Engadget
The company followed with increasingly sophisticated products like the Mavic Pro, Mini 3 Pro and Avata, along with larger commercial drones. It continued to expand its range with the small but powerful Air 3, Neo and Flip. As of 2020, DJI had an estimated 77 percent of the US drone market (which accounts for 40 percent of its sales), leaving rivals to fight for scraps.
Most observers attribute DJI’s dominance to its engineering-first culture. To give an idea of its technical progress, the latest 2025 Mavic 4 Pro can be flown from 25 miles away, compared to just 0.62 miles for the 2015 Phantom 3. Nearly every DJI drone feature, including video quality, battery life, range, tracking and obstacle detection, is superior to rivals.
Catching the eye of the US government
By 2016, the company had caught the attention of US regulators concerned about Chinese camera-equipped drones flying over sensitive facilities. While no one has uncovered a smoking gun proving that DJI drones spy for China, they undoubtedly pose a potential national security risk. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) laid out the dangers last year in a guidance sheet:
DJI is subject to China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which compels companies to cooperate with state intelligence services.
The 2021 Cyber Vulnerability Reporting Law requires Chinese-based companies to disclose cyber vulnerabilities to PRC authorities prior to any public disclosure, which could allow them to exploit such flaws before they’re publicly known.
UAS (unmanned aircraft system) devices controlled by smartphones provide a path for UAS data egress and storage, which could enable intelligence gathering on US critical infrastructure.
Updates controlled by Chinese entities could introduce unknown data collection and transmission capabilities without the user’s awareness.
When a UAS is incorporated into a network, the potential for data collection and transmission of sensitive imagery, surveying data and facility layouts increases.
Photo taken by a $200 DJI Neo drone
Steve Dent for Engadget
In 2017, DJI’s drones were banned from use by the US Army. Later that year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo stating “with moderate confidence” that DJI’s drones were “providing US critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government.” The agency never provided any direct proof, however, and DJI denied it.
Then in 2020, DJI was added to the US Department of Commerce’s “entity list” over claims it “enabled wide-scale human rights abuses within China.” That meant the company could no longer buy parts or services from US manufacturers, like Amazon Web Services, Texas Instruments and Intel. In response, DJI said it was “disappointed” with the decision but customers could “continue to buy and use DJI products normally.”
A year later, however, it was placed on the Treasury department's "Chinese military-industrial complex companies" list for its alleged involvement in the surveillance of Uyghur Muslim people in China. That banned US citizens from investing in the company.
The US Department of Defense (DoD) piled on in October 2022, putting DJI on a list of “Chinese military companies” operating in the US. After the DoD refused DJI’s delisting petition in 2023, the company filed a lawsuit, arguing that it was “neither owned nor controlled by the Chinese military.” Nearly three years later, a court ruled against it, saying the DoD had substantial evidence that DJI contributed to the Chinese defense industry. DJI has since appealed that decision.
In September 2024, the US House of Representatives passed the Countering CCP Drones Act. Though still pending approval in the US Senate, the law would allow the FCC to block DJI’s drones from accessing US radio waves, effectively making them unusable here. DJI denounced the action as “inaccurate and unsubstantiated.” Later that month, US Customs and Border Protection was reportedly blocking some DJI drone imports under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
Moving closer to a ban
Operating DJI's Avata 2
Steve Dent for Engadget
Near the end of last year, the US military’s annual defense spending bill (called the National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA) further boosted the possibility of a DJI ban. It required an “appropriate national security agency” to rule that a company’s products didn’t pose an “unacceptable risk” to US national security, lest it be placed on a covered list. The DoD offered DJI and other companies a year to obtain such a ruling.
Because of the DoD’s requirements, DJI paused US sales and distribution in retail channels, citing regulatory uncertainty. However, some drones that originally couldn’t be purchased in the US, like the Mavic 4 Pro, can now be found on retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo Video — albeit at inflated prices compared to other regions.
In March, DJI sent a formal letter to five national security agencies (DHS, DoD, FBI, NSA, and ODNI) requesting that any or all of them begin evaluating its products. In a June blog post, however, DJI stated that none of them had offered to perform such checks.
“If no agency steps forward and completes the review by the December 2025 deadline, the NDAA provision could trigger an automatic ban on DJI… simply because no agency chose to take on the work of reviewing our products,” the company said. DJI further explained that it was “ready” for such an audit.
Last week, the situation became potentially more dire for DJI. The FCC voted 3-0 to give itself the authority to ban devices and radio components previously approved for operation in the US. On top of the NDAA ban, the FCC would theoretically have the right to prevent DJI’s drones and other products from using US radio frequencies, effectively making them inoperable. The new regulations would also empower the FCC to bar any clones of products like the Mavic Air 3 created by alleged DJI shell companies like Anzu and Skyhigh Tech, as The Verge reported.
The DJI Flip lightweight drone
Steve Dent for Engadget
The FCC did underline that it wasn’t planning to take away drones people have already purchased. “We emphasize that we are currently not requiring manufacturers to replace equipment in the hands of consumers,” it said in a fact sheet. “The continued use of such equipment… would remain authorized.”
The FCC would be required to undertake a “public interest analysis” for each product to be banned while giving “particular weight” to national security concerns. It would also be required to allow the public to comment during a minimum 30 day period, according to a fact sheet.
The possible outcomes
Here are scenarios that could arise before the December 23 deadline:
DJI passes its audit. In the best case scenario, which looks unlikely at this point, DJI would pass its audit and not be added to the FCC’s covered list. The company could fully resume sales of new products, rather than being stuck in limbo as it is now, and existing drones would remain legal with full support.
DJI receives another extension. If this happens, the status quo would remain. New drones like the Mavic 4 Pro may still be hard to purchase, but you would likely be able to buy previously approved products like the Mavic 3 Pro. Existing drones would remain legal with full support.
The FCC blocks new DJI certifications. New drone sales would not be approved in the US. Existing drones would remain legal but possibly lose long-term support.
DJI drones are placed on the covered list. All drone sales for both new and previous models would cease. Current drones would be allowed to operate but may lose updates and future support.
DJI drones are banned retroactively. All DJI drone sales are banned and existing drones grounded or severely restricted. The FCC has said this won’t happen.
DJI Agras 50 agricultural drone
picture alliance via Getty Images
DJI has reportedly spent over $17 million since 2016 on lobbying and launched the Drone Advocacy Alliance last year to enlist support from customers. It has some allies as well, like agricultural drone operators that formed a lobby last year. Law enforcement, search and rescue and other agencies have also expressed concerns about the higher costs, lower reliability and reduced performance of non-DJI drones.
However, US politicians are largely unsympathetic. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) refused to even take meetings with DJI’s lobbyists, calling the company part of a “despicable government” that wants to “spy on us.” The same sentiment appears on the other side of the aisle. “I simply won’t stand by and accept that risk, which is why I’ll continue to support DJI being added to the list of banned telecom technology,” said Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ).
So what’s liable to happen? Given the limited time left before the December 23 deadline, I believe the number three or four scenarios above are most likely: The FCC blocks new certifications and DJI drones are put on the covered list. DJI would then be forced to cease sales of new drones and possibly stop selling current models. Customers in the US would still be able to use their existing products, but may have trouble obtaining repairs and updates. If you’re a DJI drone owner in the states, you might want to formulate a contingency plan.
DJI may be resigned to that scenario as well, hoping that a ban will create enough customer outcry to stimulate political action in its favor. The company’s only other hope is that the US and China miraculously strike a trade deal that includes DJI. Given the anti-China sentiment in Washington, that looks unlikely — but then again, with Trump as president, anything is possible.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/why-dji-drones-might-be-banned-in-the-us-170030273.html?src=rss
An ultimate overlanding rig has its own perks: goes anywhere, even where roads disappear; lets you camp under the starriest skies; and provides the comfort of a home on wheels. However, when it comes to the environment, overlanding vehicles are major gas guzzlers, leaving behind emissions that pollute even the cleanest of places. To address this, Toyota has taken a step in the right direction: it has prepared the Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander concept, which is winning hearts not for its looks, but for its ability to breathe hydrogen and exhale water.
The concept vehicle is a badass overlanding rig with 547 horsepower that’s set to take you distances with its hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrain, which leaves only water as tailpipe emissions. It’s perhaps this hydrogen fuel-cell technology that earns the concept its H2 moniker, with which it is going to debut at the SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center between November 4 and 7.
Tacoma H2-Overlander is a result of the technical expertise of Toyota Motor North America R&D (TMNA R&D), and is built by the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) engineering teams in California and North Carolina. The concept, based on the mid-size Tacoma pickup platform, is engineered especially for the SEMA show to showcase the viable potential of hydrogen fuel cells and their possible use case in an extreme adventure vehicle.
Toyota’s latest hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system replaces the internal‐combustion engine or traditional battery-electric drivetrain in the Tacoma H2-Overlander that runs on compressed liquid hydrogen to power the 24.9 kWh lithium-ion battery and its 547-horsepower dual electric motor. The resultant output of the exhaust is pure water, and unlike the traditional battery, the liquid hydrogen tank takes far less time to refill. It can, Toyota affirms, be refilled in minutes like the conventional gas tanks.
Like you’d imagine, Toyota isn’t calling the Tacoma H2 an overlanding rig, just for the sake of it. It actually is designed with its own rooftop pop-up tent made from lightweight carbon fiber panels. The details about the configuration of the rooftop tent are scanty at the moment, but we learn that it has a bed, a mini fridge, and a gas grill, running on the same hydrogen powering the vehicle itself. The ride flaunts a splendid lightbar and a heavy-duty winch. But what’s really interesting about the concept Overlander is that it is an exhaust water recovery system. This essentially collects the water vapors released by the tailpipe (produced by hydrogen fuel cell combustion), and then fills it to be used by the occupants at camp.
The Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander is provided with custom 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires. The rig offers up to 300 miles of range on a full hydrogen tank, which can be refilled in under five minutes. According to the press information, the overlander comes with two NEMA 14-50 outlets on the bedside, which can be used to recharge up to two EVs simultaneously or even power a home with up to 15 kilowatts of output.
We've seen a whole bunch of Vampire Survivors clones arrive over the last few years in the wake of the roguelite's success. Poncle has released crossover DLC based on the likes of Castlevania and Balatro for its game as well. Now, the studio behind Vampire Survivors and Warhammer parent Games Workshop have given the green light for an officially licensed game that smushes the two together.
Warhammer Survivors has a formula that is very similar to Vampire Survivors. Developer Auroch Digital even used Poncle's engine to make it. Warhammer Survivors is a run-based game in which the aim is to take down hordes of enemies using an array of weapons and powerups that you can combine and evolve into more powerful tools. You'll unlock more characters and items as you play and there are lots of secrets to discover.
The characters, weapons, powerups, bad guys and level settings are all derived from Warhammer. You'll be able to play as characters from both the 40K and Age of Sigmar universes, such as Malum Caedo, who appeared in Auroch's first-person shooter Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Weapons and items such as the Boltgun, Astartes Chainsword, Whirlwind Axes and Citadel Nuln Oil paint will be at your disposal too.
There are some neat little touches in the trailer. The gems that you collect to gain experience and level up are pill-shaped in Vampire Survivors. But here, they’re shaped like skulls.
Auroch has worked on Warhammer projects (including typing game Boltgun — Words of Vengeance) for over a decade. It plans to reveal a whole lot more about its latest endeavor in the coming months. Warhammer Survivors is set to land on Steam sometime in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/vampire-survivors-and-warhammer-join-forces-in-a-new-roguelite-game-161352281.html?src=rss
Apple’s iOS 26.1 update has officially arrived, bringing a host of new features designed to enhance usability, customization, and accessibility. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this update introduces tools that make your device more intuitive and efficient. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 features you should explore to […]
