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The imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada represents a violation of the USMCA and could trigger a tariff war, experts say.

• Apple and Dassault Systèmes team up to launch Vision Pro app
• Enterprise manufacturers and home designers are both catered for
• “Two big brains” launched two big apps that require “no special skills”

Dassault Systèmes has partnered with Apple to try and bring its 3D product design, simulation and manufacturing software into a totally new era.

At the core of the announcement is the Dassault platform’s support for the Apple Vision Pro wearable device, allowing designers, engineers and businesses to interact with virtual twins in a more immersive and intuitive way.

Spatial computing powered by the Apple Vision Pro allows users to see and modify their models as if they were physically present in their surroundings.

Dassault Systèmes wants to put the ‘3D’ in 3D designing

At the company’s recent 3DEXPERIENCE WORLD event, Dassault’s Gian Paolo (GP) Bassi admitted existing CAD software, including its own, can be extremely limiting, forcing users to interact with a 3D model on a 2D screen.

GP explained the goal of the partnership was to give designers access to more of their senses when interacting with virtual twins - for example, by tapping into the headset’s cameras, sensors and tracking technology, engineers can walk around their virtual models, inspect them at a bigger scale and even simulate real-world interactions – ironing out one less physical step in the name of both efficiency and sustainability.

Despite piquing consumer interest, the Vision Pro’s high $3,500 price tag has landed it in the enterprise market. Using it in conjunction with CAD software highlights how augmented and mixed reality can be integrated into enterprise workflows. Armed with genuine use cases, that enthusiasm will continue and will hopefully pave the way for cheaper, consumer-destined headsets – something that Dassault Systèmes is also preparing for.

Bassi described the partnership as the “combination of two big brains,” adding: “Any product built with SOLIDWORKS can be experienced in a spatially enabled environment, with no special skills required.”

Some use cases already being explored include automotive designers being able to assess a full-scale digital prototype of a vehicle before manufacturing, helping them to improve aerodynamics and ergonomics, and medical professionals exploring anatomical models for educational purposes and pre-surgical planning.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Dassault Systèmes to supercharge the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with spatial computing capabilities that will enable engineers and designers to effortlessly bring 3D designs to life in ways not previously possible,” added Mike Rockwell, VP for Vision Products Group at Apple.

The Vision Pro app is already being trialled by Porsche, indicating a potentially broader deployment across other Volkswagen Group brands including VW, Audi and Bentley. Dassault Systèmes is preparing to launch its 3DLive Vision Pro app to all platform users in the summer of 2025.

Coinciding with the enterprise-destined application, Dassault Systèmes has also launched HomeByMe Reality – a separate Vision Pro app tailored for interior design and real estate, allowing homeowners, designers and estate agents to virtually apply furniture and preview renovations. It’s available to try now and builds on the company’s existing HomeByMe app, available for iOS and iPadOS.

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The president's address to a joint session of Congress is expected to touch on everything from DOGE and immigration to tariffs and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.

(Image credit: J. Scott Applewhite)

Activision is caught up in another instance of AI usage, this time related to game-concept surveys.

The Justice Department said it would move to dismiss a lawsuit originally filed against Idaho by the Biden administration, according to court papers filed by the state's largest hospital network.

(Image credit: Sarah A. Miller)

The Trump administration has made good on it's threat to apply 25% tariffs to the two biggest U.S. trading partners, Mexico and Canada. China also had its tariff increased from 10 to 20 percent. Canada and China are hitting back with retaliatory tariffs and Mexico has promised to follow suit. We hear about the reaction and impact.

And the Trump administration has announce it is suspending military aid to Ukraine. Our correspondent in Kyiv says Ukraine is figuring out how it can continue despite losing support from the country's single most important ally.

• Samsung's latest OLED screen ecosystem concept wants to foster a seamless 'multiple screen experience'
• Power-efficient On-Cell Film (OCF) technology boosts brightness
• Integrated grip handle enhances portability

Samsung has introduced a concept that blends rugged portability with futuristic design - an 18.1-inch OLED portable monitor with a 4.5R folding radius, that transforms into a briefcase-like form with an integrated grip handle.

Showcased at MWC 2025, this foldable OLED panel features a QHD+ resolution of 2000 × 3664 pixels, offering a high pixel density of 184 PPI, though Samsung hasn't yet confirmed commercial availability.

Additionally, Samsung has focused on power efficiency by incorporating On-Cell Film (OCF) technology, which improves brightness while maintaining lower power consumption. This ensures that the display remains visible without significantly draining battery life, even in bright conditions.

Optimized for efficiency and durability

At the event, Samsung Display also introduced its “OLED Magic” theme, unveiling ultra-thin bezel OLED panels, high-performance QD-OLED monitors with refresh rates up to 500 Hz, and 240 Hz OLED panels for laptops.

Samsung suggests that its 'Seamless Color Studio' booth at MWC will showcase 'color consistency' across various-sized OLED screens.

Its latest display ecosystem hinges on facilitating a 'multiple screen experience', allowing for users to seamlessly switch from viewing content such as video, or a web browser. on one screen to another.

"Users can start watching a show on their smartphone and seamlessly transition to their TV or browse products on a laptop and complete the purchase on their smartphone," Samsung declared.

"This interconnected experience allows for a fluid, uninterrupted online journey across various devices, regardless of place."

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• Lenovo demos AI Stick prototype that promises to give the power of AI to any PC thanks to a 32-TOPS NPU

Mexico is accusing the gunmakers of aiding and abetting the gushing pipeline of military-style weapons from the U.S. to Mexican cartels.

(Image credit: Drew Angerer)

• I've never seen a mini PC this tiny - the GenMachine Zhi could moonlight as a mini NAS
• Its low price could be a game changer for many
• And it comes equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen APU

Opting for an obscure hardware manufacturer can pay dividends if you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck - and then GenMachine Zhi certainly falls into that category.

To describe this mini PC as compact would be a gross understatement - it’s tiny, and capable of fitting into the palm of your hand. Better still, it comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 5425U APU, meaning that it packs a mighty punch, as although this is a relatively obscure CPU, what it lacks in popular appeal it more than makes up for in performance, with the quad core, eight-threat chip able to reach speeds of up to 4.1Ghz.

Complemented by an AMD Vega 5 GPU - capable of speeds up to 1.5 MHz -and you have a device that will take up minimal space on a home office desk, and one that runs faster than an Intel 11th gen Core i7 - here’s everything you need to know about the GenMachine Zhi.

Under the hood the GenMachine Zhi

In terms of an operating system, the GenMachine Zhi runs on Windows 11, making it a great choice for Microsoft shop households. The device is compatible with Linux, however.

But the performance capabilities aren’t the only big appeal here, the port options make it a potential game-changer.

The GenMachine Zhi also includes four 2.5G Ethernet ports, making it a versatile bit of hardware that can moonlight as a NAS.

The mini PC can also be purchased in a range of versions. This includes three distinct options offering users 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB RAM. Similarly, storage capacity is fantastic and can be loaded with up to 2TB.

As mentioned, the port options are excellent, providing users with two USB-A 3.2 ports, two USB-C 3.2 ports, and a USB-C port for charging.

An HDMI 2.0 output port also adds to the appeal here, allowing users to connect a 4K monitor.

Other key features and accessories include:

• Wi-Fi 6 capabilities
• Bluetooth 5.2
• A 12V external power supply

All told, the GenMachine Zhi is a powerful bit of kit for professional and casual users - and the price is a huge talking point. You can find the mini PC on AliExpress for as little as $225 (£179).

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Trump's first round of staff cuts to federal agencies eliminated dozens of positions at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, in charge of implementing the No Surprises Act.

(Image credit: Evan Vucci)

To Kill A Mockingbird author Harper Lee smiles before receiving the 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on Nov. 5, 2007.'/>

The beloved author of To Kill a Mockingbird famously only released two novels in her lifetime. Now, the world will get to read more of Lee's work with an upcoming release of short stories and essays.

(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla)

South Carolina plans to execute its first prisoner by firing squad on March 7 inside the same death chamber it's used for dozens of other executions. Firearms experts say that could be risky.

(Image credit: South Carolina Department of Corrections)

Historical data shows that auroras occur more often during the spring and autumn equinox.

Splish, splash, all change!

• Beelink ME mini features six M.2 slots, dual 2.5Gbps ports, and NAS support
• Offers 24TB storage, X86 processing, and private cloud functionality
• Supports virtual machines, cloud backups, and home theater applications

Beelink has introduced the ME series, a new range of private cloud storage-enabled network-attached storage (NAS) devices aimed at designed to help users manage their data efficiently while maintaining privacy.

Beelink says the first product in the series to be released will be the ME mini, a compact system running Windows.

The ME mini measures just 99 × 99.2 × 98.3 mm and weighs 730 grams, yet fits six M.2 SSD slots, each supporting up to 4TB for a total of 24TB, making it suitable for storing backups of sensitive data.

A tiny NAS with large storage capabilities

The ME mini features an all-solid-state storage system, eliminating mechanical noise even under full load. It also has a built-in power supply, removing the need for an external adapter.

Powered by an X86 processor and dual 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, the ME mini could be ideal for setting up virtual machines and cloud backups.

It includes a built-in NAS storage service, enabling seamless data exchange between mobile phones and computers over a local network.

The ME mini is expected to launch in late March, though pricing has yet to be announced. as have details surrounding the ME Pro and ME MAX.

Via TechPowerUp

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A State Department program meant to convince international students to pursue higher education in the United States can't seem to get answers on whether they're allowed to talk about increasing diversity in U.S. classrooms.

(Image credit: U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe)

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