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Comparing 12 VDC Air Fryers With Regular 240 VAC Ones

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That boiling water is a contentious topic of discussion is clear, but what about hot air? When you take a 12 VDC, 280 Watt-rated air fryer and pit it against a bog-standard 240 VAC, 1400 Watt unit, which one would you want to use when you’re doing some camping or other exciting off-the-grid opportunities? Unlike with boiling water the physics aren’t as clear-cut here, so [Cahn] did some testing to figure out exactly what the efficiency numbers look like

Since air fryers rely on the transfer of thermal energy from the resistive heating element into the food, any thermal energy that’s not immediately transferred is effectively wasted. This, combined with the relatively low power rating and thus much higher time demand of the low-voltage air fryer is enough to set one’s expectations pretty low.

As scientific test samples chicken nuggets were used with the test, following a preheating period for the 12 VDC unit. Both units managed to hit a safe temperature inside the nuggets after 20 minutes, thus successfully staving off food poisoning, but the browning with the 240 VAC air fryer was much better.

As for the efficiency, the 12 VDC unit required 150 Wh for 20 minutes plus the 10 minutes of preheating, with 45 minutes total at 225 Watt to get proper browning. Meanwhile the 240 VAC unit burned through 250 Wh in 20 minutes, with no pre-heating, though only 230 Wh with no inverter losses included. As a final test, the 12 VDC unit was run at 400 Watt using 14.6 VDC input, which did indeed get it up to temperature much faster.

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Thus both are equivalent, just with the caveat that the low-voltage unit will take considerably more time to get the same result. This mirrors the results with boiling water, where most options mostly vary in how much time they require to get water up to a boiling temperature.

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This LEGO Coffee Factory Responds to Smartphone Orders with Perfect Timing

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LEGO Coffee Factory Machine Build Keurig
Brick Machines has built a really cool LEGO Coffee Factory that does all of the hard work for you when it comes to brewing your morning coffee. Simply open the app on your phone, choose a drink, and press the button; the machine will handle the rest.



You can manage the entire process with a simple app on your smartphone. Simply select your drink, which starts the entire process from the machine, and then sit back and wait for your coffee to arrive. There is no fumbling around and no laborious processes to worry about. The goal is to transform what would otherwise be a hassle into a relatively painless transaction between you and the gadget.

LEGO Coffee Factory Machine Build Keurig
A normal Keurig unit serves as the main brains of the operation within the LEGO chassis. The rest of the design is based on it, with LEGO components added to enhance the movement and control options. The LEGO Technic beams and Mindstorms parts provide the necessary power and intelligence to the entire system. The motors turn the gears, which turn the arms and platforms smoothly at the appropriate time. The sensors constantly monitor everything to ensure that nothing is out of order. The end result looks and feels like a little factory line producing a single cup of coffee.

LEGO Coffee Factory Machine Build Keurig
Custom Pybricks code is used to communicate between the app and the machine. It establishes a direct link between your phone and the machine, which then executes the necessary commands. As you’d anticipate, some more electronics have been included to ensure that the timing and communication are perfect, and that each stage operates well. A few 3D printed parts were also used to fill in gaps when ordinary LEGO parts were insufficient.

LEGO Coffee Factory Machine Build Keurig
Mechanisms first place an empty cup beneath the spout. The rails then move the cup into position so that it precisely aligns with the flow of liquid, all in a flash and without spilling a drop before the brewing process begins. Next, a pod is removed from storage and inserted into the Keurig. The arms open the lid, guide the pod inside, and then securely close it. The motion is really smooth and coordinated, so the pod is ready quickly.

LEGO Coffee Factory Machine Build Keurig
Once the arms are built, the brewing procedure begins. Water begins to heat and flow through the pod, filling the waiting cup. The machine monitors the progress until the cup is filled to the brim with the ideal serving. Steam begins to rise as the liquid settles and the aroma spreads. Following that, the used pod must be disposed of, and the machine handles this effortlessly as well, with another set of arms opening the lid, lifting the old pod, and whisking it away to a collection receptacle on the side.
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Recently leaked Windows zero-days now exploited in attacks

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Windows

Threat actors are exploiting three recently disclosed Windows security vulnerabilities in attacks aimed at gaining SYSTEM or elevated administrator permissions.

Since the start of the month, a security researcher known as “Chaotic Eclipse” or “Nightmare-Eclipse” has published proof-of-concept exploit code for all three security issues in protest to how Microsoft’s Security Response Center (MSRC) handled the disclosure process.

Two of the vulnerabilities (dubbed BlueHammer and RedSun) are Microsoft Defender local privilege escalation (LPE) flaws, while the third (known as UnDefend) can be exploited as a standard user to block Microsoft Defender definition updates.

Wiz

At the time of the leak, the security flaws these exploits targeted were considered zero-days by Microsoft’s definition, since they had no official patches or updates to address them.

On Thursday, Huntress Labs security researchers reported seeing all three zero-day exploits deployed in the wild, with the BlueHammer vulnerability being exploited since April 10.

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They also spotted UnDefend and RedSun exploits on a Windows device that was breached using a compromised SSLVPN user, in attacks showing evidence of “hands-on-keyboard threat actor activity.”

“The Huntress SOC is observing the use of Nightmare-Eclipse’s BlueHammer, RedSun, and UnDefend exploitation techniques,” the researchers said.

Huntress Labs tweet

​Two zero-days still waiting for a patch

While Microsoft is now tracking the BlueHammer vulnerability as CVE-2026-33825 and has patched it in the April 2026 security updates, the other two flaws remain unaddressed.

As BleepingComputer previously reported, attackers can use the RedSun exploit to gain SYSTEM privileges on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 and later systems when Windows Defender is enabled, even after applying the April Patch Tuesday patches.

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“When Windows Defender realizes that a malicious file has a cloud tag, for whatever stupid and hilarious reason, the antivirus that’s supposed to protect decides that it is a good idea to just rewrite the file it found again to it’s original location,” the researcher explained. “The PoC abuses this behaviour to overwrite system files and gain administrative privileges.”

“Microsoft has a customer commitment to investigate reported security issues and update impacted devices to protect customers as soon as possible,” a Microsoft spokesperson told BleepingComputer earlier this week when contacted for more information on the disclosure issues reported by the anonymous researcher.

“We also support coordinated vulnerability disclosure, a widely adopted industry practice that helps ensure issues are carefully investigated and addressed before public disclosure, supporting both customer protection and the security research community.”

AI chained four zero-days into one exploit that bypassed both renderer and OS sandboxes. A wave of new exploits is coming.

At the Autonomous Validation Summit (May 12 & 14), see how autonomous, context-rich validation finds what’s exploitable, proves controls hold, and closes the remediation loop.

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I test coffee machines for a living and I can’t recommend this De’Longhi model at half price highly enough

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If you’ve been considering adding a coffee machine to your kitchen, or upgrading an old one, you’re not exactly short of options. Yet, if all you want is an easy route to a cafe-quality caffeine hit, then only a fully-automatic coffee machine will do — and you can now save a huge 50% on a De’Longhi model that is among the best coffee machines we’ve ever tested.

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore really is a do-it-all machine, capable of making both hot and cold coffee-based drinks, including those with milk, at the touch of a few buttons — and it’s now available for AU$999 (down from AU$1,999) at Amazon for a limited time.

best coffee machines in Australia. It is simply brimming with features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the machine from your phone — this includes brewing drinks, but you’ll need to make sure there’s a cup underneath the spout before you do!

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As we said in our De’Longhi Eletta Explore review, “The Eletta Explore made delicious, well-balanced espresso with a well-formed crema and plenty of body.” We were also impressed with the foam created using the LatteCrema system, whether making hot or cold drinks. One thing to note, however, is that separate milk carafes are required for hot and cold drinks, so you’ll need to manually swap them if you’re making a variety of drinks.

Ultimately, no matter your coffee order, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore will be able to make it. And now it’s half price, it will recoup its money back and more in no time.

Amazon has also discounted the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo by 40%, now AU$599. This is an older machine, and is quite large, but is still highly capable and can brew a wonderful espresso. There’s no touchscreen display, and it isn’t able to make as many coffee-based drinks as the Eletta Explore, but if your preference is for a simple cappuccino, flat white or long black, it’s ideal. You can read our full De’Longhi Magnifica Evo review for more information.

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Finally, for a more simple espresso machine, there’s the Stilosa. Now just AU$116 (down from AU$149), this simple manual espresso machine with a steam wand is a fine option if you’re not interested in features like cold brewing and automatic milk frothing.

Not too keen on my picks? View a wider selection of manual, semi-automatic and fully-automatic espresso machines at Amazon.

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Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for April 17 #571

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Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.


Today’s Connections: Sports Edition is a tricky one, especially the purple category. If you’re struggling with today’s puzzle but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by The Times. It doesn’t appear in the NYT Games app, but it does in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

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Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: “Yer out!”

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Green group hint: They score goals.

Blue group hint: Daddy dearest.

Purple group hint: Home, home on the…

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: Things an umpire calls.

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Green group: An attacking player in soccer.

Blue group: MLB father-son duos.

Purple group: ____ range.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

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What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for April 17, 2026

The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for April 17, 2026.

NYT/Screenshot by CNET

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is things an umpire calls. The four answers are ball, out, safe and strike.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is an attacking player in soccer. The four answers are forward, No. 9, striker and target man.

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The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is MLB father-son duos. The four answers are Alou, Bonds, Fielder and Griffey.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ____ range. The four answers are 3-point, driving, long and mid.

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Blackmagic Camera for iOS now has a companion Watch app

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Blackmagic Camera is one of the more powerful third-party smartphone camera apps available and it’s now even more useful for solo creators. Blackmagic Design just announced that the latest iOS version 3.3 now supports Apple Watch, letting you control the app and monitor video remotely from your wrist. It also includes ATEM camera control so you can use your iPhone as a live studio camera.

With the new Camera Apple Watch companion app, you can remotely control and monitor your iPhone from anywhere within Wi-Fi range. It lets you start and stop recording, control zoom and adjust settings like frame rate, shutter speed (angle), white balance and ISO with a tap. You can also see a view of your video for framing control, though a Watch screen is probably a bit too small to accurately check focus.

The Watch app will benefit solo creators who want to mount their iPhone on a tripod to record standup or vlogging activities. To set it up, you install the Watch app through your iPhone and it will automatically connect and sync to your device.

Blackmagic Camera 3.3 iOS app

Use your iPhone as a broadcast camera? Sure, why not (Blackmagic Design)

The other key feature is iPhone control from Blackmagic’s ATEM Mini switcher used by streamers and broadcasters. To use it, you need the $420 Blackmagic Camera ProDock that gives your iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max an HDMI output, timecode, USB-C and other ports. Blackmagic Camera now lets you connect a single HDMI cable from the ProDock to an ATEM Mini switcher, then adjust settings, trigger recording, focus and zoom. It also offers a DaVinci primary color corrector so you can match and create digital film looks during live production.

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Finally, Camera now supports Blackmagic’s “Focus and Zoom Demand” controls (a knob and handle) designed for broadcast cameras. When those controls and an iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max are connected via USB-C to a ProDock as shown above, you can zoom and focus Camera app video without taking your hands off the tripod handles. Together with the ATEM feature, it lets you use an iPhone as a full broadcast camera, which looks slightly weird but is pretty cool.

On top of those features, Blackmagic Design also added ProRes RAW stabilization and general bug fixes and improvements. Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 is available now as a free download from the Apple App Store.

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Trusti explores human-centered recommendations in digital platforms

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When a need arises, many people instinctively turn to someone they know. A quick message to a friend or a brief conversation often brings clarity, shaped by shared experiences and personal understanding. According to Stanley Fulton, founder of Trusti, this pattern has long guided everyday decisions, offering a sense of familiarity that extends beyond simple information. He notes that over time, digital platforms introduced new ways to explore options, creating access to vast amounts of feedback within seconds. 

The scale of online reviews reflects their growing role in decision-making. Data shows that the majority of consumers read reviews before making a purchase, and 93% say those reviews influence their decisions. “Even with how widely reviews are used today, the experience can still feel a bit scattered. People often find themselves checking multiple platforms just to feel confident, paying close attention to how recent, genuine, and thoughtfully written those reviews seem,” Fulton says. A survey highlights that consumers increasingly expect recent, high-quality reviews and timely responses from businesses, signaling a desire for engagement that feels active and personal.

Trusti was developed with this insight in mind, offering a platform where recommendations flow through micro-communities built on common experiences. These communities may include coworkers, parents, educators, or local groups, each contributing perspectives that feel relevant to their members. Fulton emphasizes that within this environment, reviews may take on a more conversational quality, echoing the way people exchange advice in daily life. The platform’s new four-click review process further supports this dynamic, allowing users to share their experiences with ease while maintaining clarity and simplicity.

To encourage engagement, Trusti incorporates a coin-based system that rewards participation across the platform. Users earn coins by sharing recommendations, contributing reviews, and engaging with their communities. These coins can be used within the Surf Shop, a marketplace where businesses introduce offerings and connect with interested audiences. This system creates a cycle of contribution and discovery, where participation supports visibility and interaction fosters connection.

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The Surf Shop itself reflects an effort to make exploration feel dynamic and community-oriented. Members can browse recommendations, follow discussions, and encounter businesses highlighted by their networks. This environment encourages ongoing interaction, allowing users to remain connected to evolving conversations while discovering new opportunities within familiar circles. 

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Another layer of insight emerges through the “Where the Pros Go” feature, which draws on professional networks to highlight trusted expertise. “Recommendations from experienced professionals tend to carry a certain level of credibility, since they come from real, hands-on knowledge. Bringing that perspective into the experience gives people a broader way to explore their options, with input from both personal connections and professional insight,” Fulton explains.

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For businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, Trusti’s model may offer meaningful visibility. “Bigger organizations tend to gather a lot of reviews across different platforms, which makes them easier to find when people search. For smaller businesses, so much of their reputation lives in personal referrals and community connections, and that doesn’t always show up the same way online,” Fulton explains. Trusti provides a bridge by helping amplify those existing relationships in an online setting.

Fulton regards this aspect with a sense of purpose shaped by experience. “Small businesses represent effort you can feel and stories you can follow,” he remarks. “Helping them connect with people who appreciate that journey adds a different kind of value.” His view highlights the importance of creating pathways where local enterprises can be discovered through meaningful interactions, aligning digital presence with the trust they cultivate offline.

Trusti’s broader vision also connects to a nonprofit Fulton founded, The Each Child Foundation (ECF), which reflects his longstanding interest in supporting communities beyond commerce. The foundation focuses on early childhood development and family well-being, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where individuals can thrive. This connection adds another dimension to the platform’s purpose, linking everyday interactions with a wider commitment to social impact.

Overall, Trusti builds systems that align with how people naturally seek guidance, allowing digital tools to extend the reach of trusted relationships. “I like to call it HI or human intelligence, using human ingenuity to solve human pain points,” Fulton shares. This approach values both innovation and familiarity, bringing them together intuitively. 

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As digital environments continue to evolve, approaches that listen closely to human behavior offer meaningful direction. Trusti illustrates how platforms can reflect everyday patterns of trust, creating connected experiences. In doing so, it contributes to a broader conversation about how technology can support relationships, helping individuals and businesses engage with one another naturally. 

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Lexus’ Latest Fuel Pump Recall Could Leave Drivers Stranded

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A recall notice is one of those things that no vehicle owner wants to read about in the news. Alas, in the age of mass-produced cars, trucks, and SUVs, they are often unavoidable, and can sometimes even affect the overall safety of your vehicle. That may well be the case for a mass automotive recall recently initiated by Japanese automaker Toyota.

For the record, that recall does not include any Toyota-branded vehicles. Instead, it is focused on various models from Toyota’s luxury shingle, Lexus, and includes vehicles that were manufactured between the 2015 and 2022 model years. That time span reportedly covers more than 9,100 vehicles, including Lexus RCs made between 2015 and 2022, Lexus GSs manufactured between 2016 and 2020 and IS models from the 2022 class. 

According to statements from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue with the recalled vehicles is a faulty fuel pump impeller. The NHTSA statement confirms the problematic pumps — which are located in the fuel tank and are designed to pump fuel into the vehicle’s fuel injection system — contain an impeller manufactured from “a certain material” that may be prone to swelling. It may even swell to the point that it interferes with surrounding components, which could eventually cause the fuel pump to fail. Such a failure would likely cause the vehicle to stall, and as that could happen while the car is in motion, the risk for drivers being involved in a dangerous on-road crash is significantly elevated.

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What to do if your Lexus is included in the recall

Just to re-iterate, there are no Toyota models included in the recall, so that brand’s reputation for reliability should not be affected. Likewise, for the time being, no other Lexus models are included either, with reports showing that the fuel pump issue originated from a single supplier and production facility. Per Lexus, engine failure may not be the ultimate result of the fuel pump issue, which could only produce an illuminated Check Engine light or an engine that won’t start, so you’ll want to pay attention to such issues.

Per reports, Lexus will be sending an official recall notice to the owners of any vehicles affected by the fuel pump recall. It would seem, however, that those notices are not slated to be mailed out to owners until June 8 of 2026. The question then becomes what owners of affected Lexus vehicles who don’t want to wait until June can do about the recall?

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If your vehicle is included in the Lexus recall, your first point of order should be to reach out to Toyota’s customer service division at 1-800-331-4331 for guidance. You will likely need the recall numbers when you make that call, by the way, which are 26LB05 and 26LA05. You can, reportedly, also skip that step entirely, with outlets noting drivers can simply take their recalled Lexus directly to a local dealer. Said dealer should replace the faulty fuel pump assembly free of charge. You will, however, be without your vehicle while that repair is being made. So, be sure to plan accordingly.



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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for April 17

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Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.


Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It’s kind of a fun one, and the clue for 2-Down is simply a familiar shape. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

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Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

completed-nyt-mini-crossword-puzzle-for-april-17-2026.png

The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for April 17, 2026.

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NYT/Screenshot by CNET

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Sound made while sinking into a hot tub
Answer: AHH

4A clue: March Madness pick
Answer: TEAM

6A clue: Like “status quo” and “mea culpa”
Answer: LATIN

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8A clue: Large venue for a comedian
Answer: ARENA

9A clue: Piece of bacon
Answer: STRIP

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Book of maps
Answer: ATLAS

2D clue: ❤️
Answer: HEART

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3D clue: Constant critic
Answer: HATER

5D clue: Car that’s easy to park
Answer: MINI

7D clue: Much of the afternoon, for a toddler
Answer: NAP

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NEOGEO AES+ Console Marks Return of the King, Set for Release in November

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NEOGEO AES+ Console 2026
SNK and Plaion introduced an all-new NEOGEO AES+ console, allowing aficionados of the original hardware to play their old favorites in spectacular high definition on current screens. This console hits stores on November 12 and is available for preorder right now through the official website.



The console is based around re-engineered chips that copy that exact behavior of the original 1990 model rather than faking it with software, so every game operates exactly as it did in the arcades. You get access to every original NEOGEO AES cartridge ever manufactured, which is a terrific place to start; however, there are several brand-new titles designed particularly for your system. The console supports enormous games that even earlier systems can’t handle, like hundreds of megabytes, and then sends a crisp clear 1080p HDMI output to your television almost instantaneously. If you still want to use a CRT, there is an AV connector that you can plug into.


HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket NEOGEO Edition
  • 14 pre-loaded NEOGEO games including: Metal Slug X, Fatal Fury Special, Samurai Shodown II, Alpha Mission II, Blazing Star, King of the Monsters…
  • Works with all Evercade cartridges – this includes over 60 cartridges and 500+ games.
  • USB-C charging for fast charging.

NEOGEO AES+ Console 2026
At the bottom of the console, there are small dip switches that let you to change the language settings or mess around with the display modes if that’s your thing. If you have a memory card accessible, your high scores will be preserved for good. Furthermore, the power consumption is low, allowing the console to remain cool even after extended gaming sessions. There are two versions launching at the same time: the standard black one costs $250 / £180 / €200, and the 35th Anniversary Edition, which comes in a rather fetching white finish, costs $270 / £270 / €300, and includes a very nice looking white Metal Slug cartridge that cannot be purchased separately.

NEOGEO AES+ Console 2026
Each shipment will include the console, a power supply, an HDMI cable, and one of the old wired arcade sticks, constructed to match the originals, to get you started. At launch, you can also add other peripherals, such as a wireless version of the stick, a gamepad with the conventional layout, and a memory card that does not require a battery. To give you a head start, ten games will be released alongside the hardware, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2002, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Big Tournament Golf, Shock Troopers, Samurai Shodown V Special, Pulstar, Twinkle Star Sprites, Magician Lord, and Over Top. Each one will cost roughly £70 / €80, by the way.

NEOGEO AES+ Console 2026
If you’re a collector looking for the full package, you should be able to get the Ultimate bundle, which includes the console, every single accessory in both wired and wireless form, all ten launch games, a rather nice-looking game rack, and a slew of extra cables, all wrapped up in some limited-edition packaging.

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Microsoft’s NFL tech goes beyond the tablet: What AI is doing for coaches, players, and scouts

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A Microsoft Surface tablet at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday running Copilot as it’s seen by Seahawks and other NFL personnel who use the devices and technology during games. (GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser)

When Bill Belichick famously spiked a Microsoft Surface tablet as the New England Patriots head coach in 2016, the moment was a symbol of frustration with technology on the sidelines.

But inside the company, it actually became a point of pride. Thomas Labuzienski, a senior partnerships manager at Microsoft, shared the rest of the story with us this week: the Belichick device made it back to the company — where testing showed, amazingly, that it still worked.

That rugged (and apparently indestructible) hardware remains the tech giant’s most visible presence on NFL game days. But these days, the action is inside: Copilot, AI agents, and live data tools that are changing how coaches, players, and scouts prepare and compete.

That was one of the takeaways from an event Wednesday at Seattle’s Lumen Field, where Microsoft walked content creators and this reporter through some of its latest NFL technology. High above the field, social media and YouTube influencers posed for photos and selfies with a Microsoft Surface Copilot+ PC much like NFL fans would with their favorite players.

It was an off-season glimpse into the evolution of Microsoft’s partnership with the league, which started in 2013 and was extended last summer to go deeper on AI and cloud tools.

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Just as with business workflows, these tools are changing how teams operate on and off the field. One big benefit of AI, Microsoft says, is speed: getting the right information to the right person fast enough to shape the next play call or adjustment. But the coaches, players, and staff are ultimately still calling the plays, both literally and figuratively.

“We’re not using AI and technology to make decisions for them,” Labuzienski said. “They’re the experts. They know what they’re trying to do.”

Even with baseball and soccer well under way, Microsoft seems as excited as ever about football, especially with its hometown Seahawks coming off a Super Bowl championship.

Here’s what we saw and learned during the event:

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In a suite at Lumen Field, Thomas Labuzienski, a senior partnerships manager at Microsoft, shows off Copilot functionality on a Surface tablet like those used by NFL players and coaches. (GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser)

Copilot filtering: The NFL’s Sideline Viewing System now features Copilot-powered filters that let coaches and players instantly sort plays by down, distance, quarter, and gain type. 

Labuzienski demonstrated how a play that took a minute to find manually could be located in seconds using the filters. “That five seconds can mean giving my coach the right information so they can make the right adjustment or the right play call,” he said.

Excel on the sidelines: One analyst per team has access to a real-time Excel dashboard in the coaches booth that pulls live play-by-play and player usage data from the NFL. 

Coaches can load custom templates before the game and use Copilot to run analyses on the fly — tracking formation tendencies, snap counts, and player load without having to manually write formulas mid-game.

NFL Combine: Microsoft built a custom AI agent trained on 10 years of NFL Combine data, allowing scouts to query prospects using natural language. This helps teams assess players faster than ever during one of the most time-sensitive periods of the NFL calendar.

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For example, Labuzienski said, “If I really love this defensive lineman, I can pull his data compared to other prospects over the last 10 years.”

Tablets on game days: Hardware is still a key part of the equation, of course. Labuzienski said there are 2,500 Copilot Plus PCs throughout the league on game day, with 20 on each sideline, and 10 in each coach’s booth.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. (GeekWire File Photo)

Tech as a coaching advantage: Back when Belichick got his start, NFL sidelines relied on thermal printers hardwired to stadium cameras. It was a process that took minutes, with runners ferrying photos into binders for coaches and players on the sidelines. 

Technology has transformed all of that, and a new generation of coaches has grown up never knowing anything different.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who has openly embraced his reputation as a “football nerd,” is a prime example. Labuzienski said he represents exactly the kind of coach Microsoft has built its NFL partnership around. Macdonald views technology as a differentiator across the league and has said it’s an advantage for the Seahawks to embrace it.

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Even coaches less enthusiastic about AI are coming around, Labuzienski said, if only to avoid falling behind. “They do, sometimes begrudgingly, study up and make sure they get the most out of the technology,” he said.

A view of the new Hawks Nest seating area at the north end of Lumen Field, with a real grass playjng surface installed for the FIFA World Cup this summer. (GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser)

Digital-first players: Labuzienski said he’s seen players become some of the most engaged users of sideline technology — sometimes more so than the staff around them.

“I was at the preseason game with the Bills against the Bears, and after every single drive, Josh Allen picked up this device,” Labuzienski said of the Bills QB. “He was talking with the other quarterbacks, and they were using it to go through the plays from that previous series.”

The system is designed to make that kind of real-time collaboration easy. The 20 devices on each sideline are all connected, with coaches in the booth able to write notes directly to individual player profiles — so a quarterback picking up a tablet can instantly see what his position coach upstairs is flagging, without having to radio up or wait for a break in the action.

That dynamic is likely to only deepen as younger players enter the league. 

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Microsoft was at last year’s Rookie Premier — an event where roughly 40 top draft picks gather for brand activations ahead of their first NFL season — and showed the incoming class the Sideline Viewing System for the first time. The reaction was telling.

“A lot of them really quickly picked it up and were able to click around,” Labuzienski said. “They’re very digital-first — very savvy.”

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