July 22, 2025 • By Anmol Dubey

The OneXSugar Sugar 1 was tested and scored 5,124 in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test. In comparison, the Ayaneo Pocket S2 scored 4,882. The Sugar 1 is priced at $599 and is available on ONEXPLAYER's website. It's suited for early adopters but not ready to replace a dedicated DS or Switch Lite.

July 22, 2025 • By Guest Author

Vladimir Paklin, marketing creatives producer at AppQuantum, discusses the differences in marketing approaches between hypercasual and midcore games. Hypercasual games focus on unique mechanics, while midcore games emphasize storytelling and cinematic flair. Paklin notes that casual games, particularly idle ones, have evolved to incorporate more layered and hybrid approaches, requiring creative strategies that spark emotional responses without resorting to misleading ads. Paklin shares AppQuantum's experience with experimenting with different ideas, including inspiration from hypercasual games, PC games, and even an augmented reality YouTube channel. He highlights the importance of capturing the "game feel" in creatives, rather than just showcasing core gameplay. For example, in their game Gold & Goblins, they focused on a mini-game featuring a car, which grabs attention and captures the overall vibe of the game. Paklin also emphasizes the need to adapt trends to fit your game and audience, rather than blindly copying them. He notes that the best-performing creatives usually tie into larger trends, and that spotting and adapting these trends allows for scaling and sustaining growth. He shares an example of how they adapted the multiplier mechanic from hypercasual games to fit their deep idle game, Gold & Goblins, by incorporating physical interactions with resources and gates that multiply resources. For small studios, Paklin recommends identifying competitors, studying their creatives, and using analytical tools to monitor successes and failures. He also advises paying close attention to sudden changes in the top charts and keeping an eye on direct competitors to catch trends early. However, he notes that there is no foolproof method for catching trends early, and that adaptation and innovation are key to success. Finally, Paklin shares practical takeaways from AppQuantum's experience, including the importance of continuous testing, refining, and experimenting with creatives. He emphasizes that creating and refining creatives is a never-ending process, but with each success, you build a stronger foundation to tackle whatever comes next.

July 22, 2025 • By Global Desk

The article discusses Wordle, a daily digital word puzzle where players guess a 5-letter word in 6 tries. Correct letters turn green, incorrect positions turn yellow, and absent letters turn grey. The rest of the article appears to be a collection of unrelated news headlines from various categories, including US, UK, Canada, and international news, with no direct connection to Wordle.

July 22, 2025 • By paul@boagworld.com (Paul Boag), Paul Boag

A small team at Oxford University, led by Sarah Zama, is transforming UX culture through training, advocacy, and strategy. They've built a UX center of excellence, focusing on enabling others to do UX better, rather than doing it for them. The team uses a consultative model, providing coaching, training, and reusable assets, and has leveraged accessibility requirements to introduce better UX thinking. They've also built a UX Champions network with over 150 people, sharing knowledge and resources to improve user experience. The team's progress is credited to strong collaboration, openness to learning, and persistence.

July 22, 2025 • By Ricky O'Donnell

The article discusses breakout player picks for the NFC North division. The division is expected to be competitive, with each team having a chance to be great. The breakout players mentioned are: * Rome Odunze (WR, Chicago Bears): Expected to be a focal point in the new offense, with a potential increase in production. * Christian Mahogany (OL, Detroit Lions): A new full-time starter who could breakout with the help of offensive line coach Hank Fraley. * Rasheed Walker (OT, Green Bay Packers): Entering a contract year, Walker has shown growth and could be in line for a big extension if he improves in the run game. * JJ McCarthy (QB, Minnesota Vikings): Expected to breakout with the Vikings' strong offensive infrastructure and talented receivers, including Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. These players are predicted to have a significant impact on their respective teams' performances in the upcoming season.

July 22, 2025 • By Lauren Wadowsky

A tech editor and mom researched laptops for kids, seeking devices suitable for elementary school homework. She created a wish list of features, including a lightweight design, long battery life, and a large display. The top picks include: 1. Acer Aspire 3 (AS15-24P): A basic, lightweight laptop with an 11-hour battery life and a 15.6" display ($340.33). 2. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: A balanced laptop with a 15.6" FHD anti-glare touchscreen, Wi-Fi 6, and a military-grade build ($303). 3. HP 15.6" Laptop i3-1215U: A reliable, budget-friendly option with an FHD anti-glare display, touchscreen, and 8GB RAM ($294). 4. Framework Laptop 12": A fully repairable and upgradeable laptop with a modular design, ideal for kids and parents who like to tinker ($549). 5. HP Chrombook 14: A Chromebook with a 14" anti-glare display, dual-speaker setup, and fan-less design, suitable for streaming and school apps ($174.98). 6. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook 15.6": A Chromebook with a large FHD display, quiet build, and dependable battery life ($219.99). 7. Acer Nitro V: A gaming laptop with a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 chip and NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, suitable for tweens and teens ($744). 8. MacBook Air M1 (2020 Amazon Renewed): A refurbished MacBook Air with a long battery life, great performance, and Apple's signature display and design ($438). These laptops cater to different needs and budgets, ensuring that kids can complete their homework efficiently while allowing parents to reclaim their own computers.

July 22, 2025 • By Rupert Goodwins

The article discusses the concept of "speedruns" in the context of cybersecurity, where experts quickly analyze and dissect malware or software to understand its inner workings. It highlights the work of John Hammond, a cybersecurity educator and ethical hacker, who created a 39-minute video analyzing Talon, a Windows de-bloater tool that was suspected of being malware. Hammond's analysis shows that Talon is not malicious, but rather a legitimate tool that uses techniques that trigger malware scanners. The article concludes that open-source software can be more secure due to the transparency and scrutiny it receives, and that developers can avoid suspicion by using defensive coding practices, such as clear documentation and comments in the code.

July 22, 2025 • By Justin Kahn

The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe, a 3-in-1 MagSafe charging stand, is available at a discounted price of $74.99, which is a new all-time low. This deal offers 50% off the original price of $150 and is $5 under the previous best price. The stand features a weighted base, Qi pad, pop-out Apple Watch charger, and an adjustable MagSafe pad for iPhone. It's a highly recommended product, and this deal is a great opportunity to purchase it at a competitive price.

July 22, 2025

Here is a concise summary of the news article in 8173 tokens or less: The article appears to be a collection of descriptions and updates for various Unity assets, including: 1. **GSpawn - Level Designer**: A powerful level design plugin for Unity, featuring smart modular tools, intuitive placement and editing, physics and interaction tools, and more. 2. **CCG Kit**: A comprehensive collectible card game solution for Unity, including server-authoritative multiplayer functionality, single-player mode, and a complete demo game. 3. **Match 3 Kit: Sweet Sugar Candy**: A match-3 game template for Unity, featuring trending gameplay, Facebook integration, lives system, IAP store, and more. 4. **Planet Forge**: A high-performance planet generation tool for Unity, featuring a dynamic LOD system, modular terrain and textures, and a volumetric atmosphere and ocean system. Each asset has its own set of features, updates, and fixes, which are listed in detail in the article. The assets are designed to help developers create high-quality games and experiences in Unity.

July 22, 2025 • By Global Desk

The New York Times has introduced a daily word association puzzle called Connections, which challenges players to find hidden themes linking 16 unrelated words. This puzzle has become a staple for language enthusiasts, offering a unique twist on traditional crosswords.

July 22, 2025 • By Holly Alice

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and other affiliate schemes. Learn more. Nearly six years after the game's debut, Genshin Impact confirms that some key characters are actua…

July 22, 2025 • By Rajeshwari Ganesan and Shreshta Shyamsundar

The article discusses the concept of "AI-native architecture," which involves designing systems from the ground up to work with artificial intelligence (AI) rather than adding AI as an afterthought. The authors share their experiences and lessons learned from experimenting with AI-native architecture, including the use of Model Context Protocol (MCP) for APIs, agentic workflows, generative user interfaces, and AI-native infrastructure. They highlight the benefits and challenges of these approaches, such as dynamic discovery, adaptive workflows, and anticipatory intelligence. The article also emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional software development principles and embracing a new paradigm that prioritizes adaptability, learning, and continuous improvement. Key takeaways include: * AI-native architecture requires a fundamental shift in how systems are designed and built * MCP and agentic workflows can enable more flexible and adaptive systems * Generative UIs and AI-native infrastructure can provide more intuitive and anticipatory user experiences * Data quality and workforce skills are critical for successful AI-native architecture adoption * The move to AI-native presents significant challenges, including integration, security, and ethics * AI-assisted architecture is the future, but learning how to architect systems is still important Overall, the article encourages readers to rethink their approach to software development and embrace the opportunities and challenges of AI-native architecture.

July 22, 2025 • By Vwei

A games artist, Vwei, shares their four-step workflow for creating fantasy art. The steps include: 1. Finding references and sketching to establish the overall direction of the painting. 2. Sketching out the initial line drawing to see the structural relationship between characters and the scene. 3. Shaping the light and shadow within the scene to achieve an accurate relationship between elements. 4. Making final adjustments and adding details to improve believability. Vwei emphasizes the importance of having realistic references to create a believable world. They also provide tips on adding color, adjusting contrast, and guiding the audience's attention within the composition. The artist's goal is to create a visually interesting scene that tells a story, and they achieve this by strengthening the contrast of light and shadow, adding details, and adjusting the composition.

July 22, 2025 • By Jonathan Bell

The Hyundai Ioniq 5N is a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) that offers a unique driving experience. It features a range of technologies, including a simulated manual transmission and a sound system that mimics the noise of a roaring engine. The car has a sporty design, with racing seats, a body kit, and a rear spoiler. It also has a number of software tweaks that improve driver engagement, including a feature that allows the driver to "shift gears" using steering wheel-mounted paddles. The Ioniq 5N has a range of 278 miles and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. It also features ultra-fast charging, which can recharge the battery to 80% in just 18 minutes. The car is priced from £65,010 and is available on the Hyundai website. The Ioniq 5N is part of Hyundai's "N" series, which is a range of high-performance vehicles that are designed to offer a more engaging and exciting driving experience. The series includes a number of other models, including the i30N, Veloster N, and Kona N. Overall, the Hyundai Ioniq 5N is a unique and exciting vehicle that offers a range of innovative technologies and a sporty design. It is a great option for drivers who are looking for a high-performance EV that is fun to drive and offers a range of advanced features.

July 22, 2025 • By Alana Hagues

Nintendo of Europe has launched its Summer Sale, offering discounts on hundreds of games for the Switch and Switch 2 consoles. The sale runs until August 3, 2025. Some notable games on sale include: * 1000xResist (£12.56, -25%) * 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (£12.49, -75%) * A Short Hike (£3.45, -45%) * Abzû (£3.74, -75%) * Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (£24.99, -50%) * AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative (£8.74, -75%) * Alien: Isolation (£9.99, -23%) * Alisa Developer's Cut (£11.32, -30%) * Ape Out (£1.88, -86%) * Astral Ascent (£10.49, -50%) * Axiom Verge 2 (£8.09, -50%) * Bad North (£2.69, -80%) * Balatro (£11.51, -10%) * BioShock: The Collection (£7.99, -80%) * Blasphemous (£4.99, -75%) * Blazing Chrome (£3.82, -75%) * Botany Manor (£16.86, -25%) * Catherine: Full Body (£8.99, -80%) * Chicory: A Colorful Tale (£8.54, -50%) * Citizen Sleeper 2 (£15.74, -25%) These games have all received high scores from Nintendo Life, with many being considered some of the best in their respective genres. The sale offers a great opportunity for gamers to pick up some excellent titles at discounted prices.

July 22, 2025 • By People's Review

China has commenced construction on a massive hydropower project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. The project, expected to be the world's largest single hydropower station, will have an installed capacity of 40-60 million kilowatts, surpassing the current largest, the Three Gorges Hydropower Station. The project poses unprecedented challenges due to its complex geological structure, high altitude, and extreme seismic activity. It will require innovative solutions, including ultra-long deep-buried water diversion tunnels, ultra-high dams, and giant underground cavern groups. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate twice the amount of power as the Three Gorges Hydropower Station, providing a significant amount of clean energy and supporting China's "dual carbon" goals. The project's success will depend on balancing development and environmental protection, as well as international coordination with downstream countries.

July 22, 2025 • By Adam Mathew

Sitting is the great leveller. From the mightiest speedrunning streamer to the quick sesh casual, who doesn't enjoy a good sit? More to the point, who doesn't prefer parking their rear on a purpose-b…

July 22, 2025 • By joe.foley@futurenet.com (Joe Foley) , Joe Foley

The Nintendo Switch 2 game Donkey Kong Bananza has a surprising feature called DK Artist mode, which allows players to create 3D models using Donkey Kong's rock-breaking powers. This mode has become a hit among fans, who are sharing their creations online, including models of Nintendo characters, characters from other IPs, and random objects. The feature is not as powerful as professional 3D modeling software like Blender or ZBrush, but it's a fun and creative bonus that showcases Nintendo's tendency to include unnecessary yet entertaining features in their games. Players can access DK Artist mode from the title screen and use any controller, with the Joy-Cons providing more precision in mouse mode. The mode allows for painting, lighting, and sharing creations online, making it a great introduction to 3D sculpting for those who might not have tried it before.

July 22, 2025 • By InterDigital, Inc.

A new report by InterDigital and Parks Associates reveals that 57% of sports viewers face challenges when streaming sports, including latency, buffering, and poor video quality. The report, "Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity," explores the evolving sports media landscape and the need for streaming infrastructure to improve. It suggests that advanced video codecs, such as HEVC and H.266, can help reduce buffering and latency, improving the user experience. As sports programming shifts from traditional broadcast and cable to streaming, providers must address these technical issues to meet growing demand and prevent damaging their reputation. The full report is available for download.