June, 2025 - Faz Business | فاز الأعمال

Apps aren’t loaded yet [closed]

Posted on June 30, 2025 by faz_business

I’m using Visual Studio 2022 as the IDE. It has 2 projects:

CLI – A Python Application
Common – A Blank Django Project

The classes are created in Common > app > models.py.
app is a Django app

CLI is the startup project, and cli.py is its startup file.
Common project is referenced in CLI.

When I Start the CLI app in debug mode, there is an error for the Question class.

Call Stack:

 Message=Apps aren't loaded yet.  
 Source=D:\Projects\Internal\LLRT\src\Common\app\models.py  
 StackTrace:   File
 "D:\Projects\Internal\LLRT\src\Common\app\models.py", line 4, in
 <module> (Current frame)
     q_id = models.IntegerField()
     ...<7 lines>...
     correct_option_num = models.IntegerField()   File "D:\Projects\Internal\LLRT\src\CLI\cli.py", line 4, in <module>
>     from app.models import Option, Question, Answered_Question django.core.exceptions.AppRegistryNotReady: Apps aren't loaded yet.

SpaceX Starship Explosions Are Harming Mexico’s Wildlife: Environmentalists

Posted on June 30, 2025 by faz_business

Despite its potential to transform spaceflight, SpaceX’s Starship has so far been a disaster. Not only did several of its prototypes explode during testing, but a majority of its official launches have ended with catastrophe—and unfortunately, SpaceX’s reputation isn’t the only thing to take the hit. Environmental activists in Mexico are accusing SpaceX’s Starbase (where Starship is launched) of harming marine ecosystems whenever one of its rockets blows up.

In the aftermath of Starship’s most recent failure on June 18, detritus rained onto the beaches of Tamaulipas, the Mexican state that borders Starship’s home city of Brownsville, Texas. Though it’s hardly been a week since the explosion, scientists and government officials have already identified nearly two tons of metal, rubber, and plastic pieces littering the shore. Two dolphins, a sea turtle, and nearly a thousand fish are believed to have died following the incident, in part because they’ve ingested small pieces of debris. Environmentalists have also found debris thought to be associated with Starship 36 in the Rio Grande and on farmlands across the Mexican city of Matamoros.

Meanwhile, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk described Starship 36’s explosion as “just a scratch.”

The fallout has triggered an investigation involving Mexico’s Navy, Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, and a handful of state and municipal entities. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum is keeping a close eye on the process, with plans to sue SpaceX should investigators find the aerospace company in violation of international law.

Mexico’s mounting battle with SpaceX highlights the fact that even “isolated” aerospace activity, like rocket tests on US soil, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. In early May, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave SpaceX permission to bump its annual Starship launches from five per year to 25, ignoring objections from environmentalists who flagged the rocket’s impact on marine life, birds, and mammals. Now Mexico’s wildlife—and that which relies on the gulf—has to pay the price.

Dave the Diver’s In the Jungle DLC may not arrive until 2026, but Godzilla is back

Posted on June 30, 2025 by faz_business

Dave the Diver just marked its two-year anniversary, and the team behind it has a bunch of updates to share about its future. While it’s mostly good news, there is one little hiccup: the upcoming , which was announced a few months ago and was expected to arrive later this year, now isn’t likely to launch until 2026. But everything else announced in the 11-minute anniversary video should make up for it. That includes the return of the time-limited , which is now back on all platforms until at least the end of 2026. If you missed out on it the first time, here’s your chance.

To view this content, you’ll need to update your privacy settings. and view the “Content and social-media partners” setting to do so.

Mintrocket Studio Head Jaeho Hwang also said the team is extending the availability of the recent DLC, Ichiban’s Holiday, which will remain available through next year as well. After hearing feedback from fans about the pricing, that pack will get “regular discounts” to make it cheaper.

The game just landed on the Epic Games Store and according Hwang, a free upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 is coming “in a few months” and will bring a higher frame rate. More info on that is coming soon, Hwang said. In the meantime, you can catch a sneak peek of In the Jungle about four minutes into the anniversary video.

Top 50 SolidWorks Design Companies for 3D Modeling, CAD Services & Engineering in the US

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

3D modeling design services and CAD engineering have their giants, and when you’re talking about achieving mastery in SolidWorks design, the United States has no shortage of extraordinary companies delivering exquisite digital designs, precision-forged components, and revolutionary product solutions. But when there are hundreds of companies out there saying they’re specialists in SolidWorks, how do you distinguish the experts from the pretenders?

Well, you’re in the right place. We’ve set out on a cross-country search for the crème de la crème of the CAD world. Whether you’re a startup founder with a prototype to build yesterday or a Fortune 500 corporation shopping around for a reliable design partner, this list is your definitive guide to 3D modeling excellence. So strap in and don your digital calipers, let’s take a tour of the top 50 SolidWorks design firms in America!

🚀 Table of contents

Cad Crowd (Nationwide)

The undisputed community hub for freelance design wizards? That would be Cad Crowd. This is where companies, from nimble startups to global giants, team up with vetted SolidWorks designers and engineers. Need rapid prototyping design services? No problem. Tackling a complex industrial system? Covered.

Whether you’re designing a game-changer product or perfecting the ergonomics of your next wearable, Cad Crowd matches you with the expertise needed to turn your idea into reality. Their designers don’t simply model in 3D; they turn ideas into reality with precision and panache. If innovation is your forte, Cad Crowd is where the magic takes place, one great design at a time.

https://www.cadcrowd.com

TriMech (Nationwide)

TriMech is the one teaching everyone else how to become a master. With a reputation that goes back decades, this CAD force to be reckoned with provides a whole lot more than software instruction. They provide top-level engineering, automation, and design solutions customized for a variety of industries.

From aerospace breakthroughs to common consumer items, TriMech’s staff has collaborated with clients from all sectors. Their capabilities span the country, supported by a deep bench of professionals who understand what it takes to make complex projects a reality. No surprise they are a go-to resource for business leaders driving the edges of design.

https://trimech.com

Fikst (Massachusetts)

Boston’s innovation ecosystem would not be as robust as it is without top-shelf engineering companies like Fikst. Reputed for having a keen eye towards product development, they specialize in producing high-precision medical equipment and advanced lab automation systems. With SolidWorks as their mainstay tool, Fikst converts intricate concepts into working, testable prototypes meeting the highest standards.

For businesses battling FDA approval, their technical rigor and design skills are precious. Fikst produces solutions that meet strict regulatory requirements for compliance. If your next innovation must pass the toughest critics, Fikst has the expertise and ability to help you achieve your goals

https://fikst.com

StudioRed (California)

Out here in sunny Silicon Valley, StudioRed is creating waves by combining industrial design sophistication with hardcore mechanical engineering expertise. This isn’t your typical design company; these are the visionary creatives behind award-winning enclosures and streamlined, user-focused products that achieve a perfect harmony between function and form.

Their designs not only look great, but they feel right and function seamlessly. Marketing groups adore them because their modeling makes products come alive in a manner that sells the concept right away. Behind the scenes, SolidWorks is their top tool, driving concept to creation. With StudioRed, innovation is foundational.

https://www.studiored.com/

M3 Design (Texas)

Located in the eclectic city of Austin, M3 Design combines sophisticated engineering with purpose-designed products to design products that capture attention. Their skilled designers excel at taking early-stage, rough ideas and refining them into high-performance, sleek solutions. They don’t simply make products, they design experiences.

Armed with SolidWorks design services as their go-to solution, they combine precision and creativity with each design. This commitment to both function and form has led to Red Dot Awards and put their designs at the forefront in competitive markets. For customers wanting innovative results that are as great to look at as they are to perform, M3 Design delivers consistently in style, substance, and engineering mastery.

https://www.m3design.com/

Pivot International (Kansas)

Global expertise blends with Midwestern hospitality at Pivot International, where innovation is complemented by ease of use. This one-stop powerhouse does it all, from product design and prototyping to large-scale manufacturing, simplifying the entire development process under one roof.

What makes them special? Their smooth marriage of SolidWorks modeling with real-world supply chain knowledge. That translates to your ideas not languishing on the drawing board, but advancing productively and cost-effectively. Whether it’s releasing a new consumer device or ramping up production on a medical device, Pivot’s seasoned team applies high-tech accuracy along with a human touch. It’s intelligent design, clever execution, and service you can actually speak with.

https://www.pivotint.com/

IPS (Integrated Product Solutions) (Illinois)

From CAD modeling to large-scale manufacturing design services, IPS is a trusted partner for businesses in need of reliable engineering solutions. Their staff provides accuracy and innovation at each stage, moving ideas smoothly from design through production. SolidWorks is a central part of their process, particularly in the industrial and automation markets where functionality and accuracy are crucial.

With the powerful tool, IPS develops intelligent, efficient designs that fulfill the special requirements of today’s engineering. Whether it’s enhancing a prototype or informing long-term manufacturing, IPS applies technical knowledge and pragmatism to enable companies to achieve exceptional outcomes.

https://ips.live

Intelligent Product Solutions (New York)

At IPS, the coming together of mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and software coders produces product innovation that’s as sophisticated as a Michelin-starred meal. This group doesn’t merely design, they build, intertwining technology and product engineering into smooth solutions that transform mundane experiences.

From cutting-edge medical equipment to intelligent consumer and IoT devices, IPS breaks limits with precision and imagination. Their go-to software? SolidWorks. It’s the virtual canvas where imaginations are born, evolve, and become tangible. Whether it’s enhancing lives with healthcare technology or injecting intelligence into home appliances, IPS provides engineering excellence with flair that’s almost gastronomic in its attention to detail and delicacy.

https://www.intelligentproduct.solutions/

Mindtribe (California)

Based in San Francisco and now part of Accenture, this innovative firm has become a driving force behind many of today’s most exciting hardware startups. Their team brings bold ideas to life, working on everything from smart connected devices to complex electromechanical systems.

With a deep understanding of the product design and development services, they rely heavily on SolidWorks, one of the industry’s most trusted tools for 3D design and engineering. It’s this blend of technical acumen and innovative energy that makes them stay ahead of the times. Their work continues to build the future of hardware in both intelligent and practical ways.

Engenious Design (Kansas)

Engenious Design is a medtech innovation specialist, but their process extends well beyond mere product development. They design solutions with a purpose: to enhance and secure human life. Each detail counts, and that’s why SolidWorks lies at the heart of their design.

From complex mechanical assemblies to tough, user-friendly enclosures, everything they do is based on precision. They even make verification-grade prototypes that are up to the strict standards of medical regulations, maintaining safety and performance from day one. Engenious Design isn’t only constructing devices, they’re defining the healthcare future with each design, prototype, and build they craft.

https://www.engeniousdesigns.com/

Hatch Duo (California)

Hatch Duo is a Bay Area design and engineering boutique with a reputation for fusing sleek industrial looks with genuine mechanical function in the real world. Their designs always turn heads at product launches, owing in great part to the firm’s expertise in SolidWorks modeling.

The software is more than just a utility to them; it’s their creative vocabulary. Though they work across a broad spectrum of industries, Hatch Duo is particularly excited about robotics and consumer electronics design services. Their creative, attention-grabbing designs show that good design is not only about aesthetics, it’s about innovation for the long haul.

https://www.hatchduo.com

Synectic Product Development (Connecticut)

Synectic is unique in the field of product design by focusing on one essential area: medical product development. With decades of practical experience, their staff has learned the accuracy and dependability the healthcare sector requires. What really distinguishes them is their flawless application of SolidWorks.

From initial concept drawings to finished injection-molded components, each aspect is meticulously crafted with this formidable CAD software. Their approach isn’t merely about design; it’s about providing life-saving functionality with assurance. For businesses in search of reliable partners in medical innovation, Synectic delivers both know-how and keen execution.

https://synectic.net/

Goddard Inc. (Massachusetts)

At Goddard, engineering doesn’t merely mean precision; it means designing products that actually function in the real world. From surgical robots to wearable health monitors, the engineers marry extensive technical knowledge with an emphasis on usability and human-factors design. Armed with powerful software such as SolidWorks, they attack challenging mechanical problems without compromising elegance or efficiency.

Each product is engineered with a purpose, so it will work perfectly in all-day conditions while also being sleek and stylish. The outcome? Products that not only pass rigorous engineering requirements but also make a difference in people’s lives. That’s the sweet spot where innovation, functionality, and design meet in perfect harmony.

https://www.goddardtech.com

Blue Dolphin Engineering (California)

Blue Dolphin is a trusted design for manufacturability services for mid-sized businesses and fast-moving startups who want to get their product concepts off the ground. This company specializes in designing functional, manufacturable designs that function in the real world, not only on paper. Their strengths in mechanical design, stress analysis, and simulation enable customers to transition from concept to production with confidence.

Each detail is meticulously engineered with SolidWorks at the core of the process. Whether you’re perfecting a mature prototype or creating something from the ground up, Blue Dolphin brings the type of intelligent, solid engineering that keeps the momentum going. No surprise they’ve established such a solid reputation.

https://bluedolphinengineering.com/

Simplexity Product Development (Washington & California)

Simplexity has earned a loyal following among those who value electromechanical genius. Whether it’s crafting sophisticated automation systems, life-saving medical equipment, or stylish consumer electronics, this team lives for unscrambling tough engineering brain teasers. Their specialty? Anything that moves, blinks, or whirs. From concept to manufacturing, they infuse motion and intelligence into products that people touch every day.

What holds it all together is their go-to design software: SolidWorks. Similar to a Swiss Army knife in the hands of masters, SolidWorks allows its engineers to conceive, hone, and fine-tune each mechanism with accuracy. At Simplexity, innovation and motion come together, and the outcome is far from the norm.

https://www.simplexitypd.com/

Zewski Corporation (Michigan)

Zewski Corp has been a well-respected name in the automotive and mobility markets for many years, with a reputation for designing high-performance components and sophisticated mechanical assemblies. Their effort is more than mere fabrication; it includes precision, durability, and defying limits on what cars can do.

From SolidWorks’ early days, Zewski Corp saw its potential and integrated it into the very fabric of their design process. They’ve utilized the software over the years to turn innovative concepts into reality, maximize performance, and maximize production. That commitment to quality and consistency, supported by the strength of SolidWorks, is what keeps their reputation as a design engineering firm strong.

https://www.zewskicorp.com/

SGW Designworks (Idaho)

SGW Designworks is the type of flexible team that feeds off a challenge, particularly when it is designing rugged, outdoors-ready products. For the military or the industrial world, they’ve proven themselves capable of offering rugged solutions, garnering them serious credibility in both arenas. Their secret sauce? SolidWorks.

This high-powered program is the key to how they rapidly prototype and iterate through designs, ensuring all is constructed to survive the real world. From conception to field testing, their system is streamlined, accurate, and reliable. When durability and speed are most critical, SGW Designworks knows how to make it happen—and make it happen right.

https://www.sgwdesignworks.com

Bresslergroup (Pennsylvania)

An East Coast design institution, Bresslergroup, where bold innovation and serious engineering come together. Their product design experts aren’t just doodling concepts; they’re developing product breakthroughs and then getting down to business to build them. From stylish smart home gadgets to cutting-edge biometric scanners, Bresslergroup’s portfolio is filled with contemporary solutions that feel ahead of the game by one step.

It begins with SolidWorks, the CAD software that gives their ideas life with accuracy. The team’s capacity to transition effortlessly from concept to prototype has established them as a go-to name for the industrial design community. Where design must do more, Bresslergroup is already doing it.

https://www.delve.com

D&K Engineering (California)

This San Diego giant excels in the business of full-stack product development, turning groundbreaking ideas into reality in the areas of healthcare, printing, and consumer markets. With dozens of successful high-tech product launches to their credit, the team has established a reputation for resolving complicated issues with precision and creativity.

The firm’s mechanical engineering experts rely predominantly on SolidWorks, employing it for everything from initial feasibility studies to comprehensive DFM (design for manufacturing) processes. Clients engage their hands-on expertise and technical know-how to convert concepts into production-ready designs. Whether it’s developing prototypes or perfecting designs for high-volume manufacturing, this team delivers at each step.

https://www.dkengineering.com

Product Creation Studio (Washington)

Product Creation Studio is a Seattle-based design company renowned for turning creative ideas into concrete, high-performance products. Focused on medtech and wellness devices, this team doesn’t merely draw ideas out; they produce reality. With razor-sharp attention to functionality and user interface, they design every product to feel intuitive and work faultlessly.

Their go-to software? SolidWorks. It’s the virtual backbone supporting their precision-based process, allowing them to craft complex mechanisms and intuitive user interfaces. From rough sketches to fully formed manufacturing-ready models, Product Creation Studio takes the leap between creative vision and mechanical realization, setting the bar high for innovation in healthcare and wellness product design.

https://www.productcreationstudio.com

BlackHägen Design (Florida)

BlackHägen Design is unique within the medtech and medical device services due to its intense emphasis on human factors and usability engineering. Each product they develop is not only functional but also designed specifically for actual humans with actual needs. Their staff is expert at creating devices that are intuitive, comfortable, and safe to operate.

Behind the scenes, they depend on accurate SolidWorks workflows that couple technical performance with ergonomic design. Whether it’s ensuring a device fits naturally in the human hand or meeting rigorous FDA requirements, BlackHägen’s approach is as practical as it is innovative. It’s thoughtful engineering with the end-user always in mind.

https://www.blackhagendesign.com

Nectar Product Development (California)

Nectar is where engineering precision meets that laid-back Southern California vibe, and the result is nothing short of exceptional. This high-energy design house has built a portfolio reputation for designing award-winning products that balance innovation and practicality flawlessly.

Whether collaborating with nimble startups or iconic global brands, Nectar produces solutions based on serious SolidWorks know-how. From complex surfacing to solid mechanical engineering and manufacturability-driven design (DFM), the staff knows how to make ideas a reality. It’s not only about making things look great, it’s about making them function gorgeously too, with that unmistakable SoCal creativity zing.

https://nectarpd.com/

Mako Design + Invent (Texas)

Ideal for small businesses and inventors, Mako is your one-stop destination for bringing big ideas into tangible, shelf-life products. Napkin sketch of an idea? Don’t worry. Mako’s skilled CAD design team understands just how to bring raw ideas into polished, production-ready models. They use expert software such as SolidWorks to bring your ideas to reality, with all the details ready to go into production.

From your initial brainstorming through final prototype design engineering services, Mako takes you through every step of product development. It’s an effortless process designed for innovators who wish to watch their ideas go from spark to store without the customary stress or confusion.

https://www.makodesign.com/

Concept Design Group (Colorado)

For ruggedized industrial equipment and streamlined, heavy-duty mechanical enclosures, Concept Design Group is a premier designer in the Rockies. This group understands how to design an idea and move it all the way through to production so that it is effortless for their customers. With the use of SolidWorks, they create both aesthetic and functional accuracy.

If it’s a rugged tool designed for durability in harsh conditions or a crisp enclosure crafted for technical functionality, their products deliver. Concept Design Group combines technical expertise with a practical approach, ensuring that all designs meet the practical needs of today’s industries.

https://cdgrco.com

Evolve Design Solutions (Ohio)

Hidden away but talent-packed, this compact design house packs more than a punch in consumer and industrial product design. Its strength is in marrying creative thinking with technical expertise, particularly in plastics and ergonomic casing. Whatever it is, be it a compact handheld gadget or a sophisticated mechanical device, every aspect is carefully designed.

They live by ingenious mechanical solutions that not only are aesthetically pleasing but also work perfectly. They use the whole process on SolidWorks, enabling them to make accurate 3D designs and quick iterations. With years of industry experience, they provide intelligent, manufacturable designs that meet and then surpass expectations without the expense of a big company.

https://www.evolve-designsolutions.com/

Flomio Inc. (Florida)

Flomio exists to make technology smarter and more seamless. As IoT and RFID-based product experts, they provide end-to-end solutions that bridge the physical and digital worlds. From simplifying access control to asset tracking, their innovations make interactions more efficient every day. One important aspect of their workflow? SolidWorks.

This mighty design software enables Flomio to transform complex tech into slim, portable devices that can fit comfortably in your pocket. It’s not just one service—it’s style, functionality, and user experience. Fusing sophisticated design tools with intelligent technology, Flomio develops products that are as easy to use as they are stunning.

https://flomio.com

Realize Design (Utah)

This agile team specializes in creating sharp, cutting-edge products, particularly for wearables and electronics. Their product is a mesh of creativity and technicality, and it is evident in each detail they deliver. With the renewed enthusiasm of a startup, they approach every project with passion and flexibility, and this makes them popular among businesses that want innovative solutions.

SolidWorks is their trusty tool for taking ideas and making them workable designs, allowing them to glide smoothly from concept to confirmation. Their method is quick, focused, and driven by a passion for bleeding-edge technology. It is this combination of innovation and enthusiasm that differentiates them in the product development space.

https://www.realize.design

Arcus Technology (California)

Arcus Technology excels in the realm of motion control systems and automation due to its masterful application of SolidWorks to model precision linear actuators and robotic parts. Their engineers don’t merely design, they hand-craft every component with painstaking attention to detail. This level of attention to detail guarantees every system operates dependably even under the most challenging conditions.

Known for their reliable solutions, Arcus’ SolidWorks engineers always provide high-performance motion control components. Through concept to completion, their utilization of advanced CAD software such as SolidWorks ensures consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. It’s this commitment that makes Arcus a name of confidence in automation.

https://arcus-technology.com/

Boyce Design & Contracting (Georgia)

Even the most opulent environments need precision, and that’s where SolidWorks is needed. Boyce is not a design company; they marry architecture with product design to create bespoke installations that stretch the limits of creativity and practicality. From complex lighting systems to bespoke moving walls or concealed mechanisms, their installations require the level of detail only high-level modeling can provide.

With ultra-high-end residences, each piece has to fit perfectly both visually and mechanically. SolidWorks allows Boyce to visualize and simulate complex systems long before construction begins, ensuring nothing is left to chance. Because in luxury design, perfection isn’t optional, it’s expected.

https://www.boycedesign.com/

Crossfire Group Design Engineering (Michigan)

Crossfire is a trusted design engineering team rooted in the heart of the Midwest, where automotive and manufacturing innovation thrive. With an emphasis on mechanical assemblies, tooling, and part development, they bring serious expertise to each project. Their engineers work exclusively in SolidWorks, providing precision and quick turnaround that perfectly match the fast-paced needs of today’s industry.

From creating intricate mechanical systems to tweaking a single component, Crossfire provides practical, effective solutions supported by extensive experience. SolidWorks engineering firms throughout the region rely on them due to their dependability, technical knowledge, and capability to translate ideas into high-performance mechanical realities.

https://www.xfiregroup.com/

Sprout Studios (Massachusetts)

Sprout is a branding and product design company that’s famous for its clean style and commitment to user experience. Their team has the ability to make drastic industrial ideas turn into real-world products, combining creativity with accuracy. A central component of that process is SolidWorks, the robust CAD software they trust to turn ideas into production-ready focus.

With SolidWorks, they refine each curve and angle, ensuring the end product isn’t only stunning but also functional and production-ready. Sprout’s methodology combines innovation with engineering, delivering a client product that’s sleek-looking, flows smoothly, and bests the competition in the marketplace both for form and function.

https://sprout.cc/

Forma Medical Device Design (California)

Forma is a surgical instrument and medical device specialist, and they don’t merely design equipment; each product is beautifully, simply designed to perform perfectly for both patients and clinicians. From the ergonomic handle on an instrument to the satisfying snap of a well-designed latch, every detail counts.

Behind the scenes, they model every curve using SolidWorks with great precision to ensure that the final product does exactly what it is supposed to do in actual medical use. Forma’s strategy combines extensive industry expertise with intelligent design and technical expertise to deliver instruments that not only work perfectly but feel good in the hands of those who depend on them.

https://www.formamedical.com/

Left Field Labs (California)

Left Field Labs is where wild ideas meet real-world engineering. They blur the lines between design, interaction, and hardware to create experiences that feel like they’re from the future. Working with some of the biggest names in tech, this inventive team doesn’t shy away from pushing limits for open innovation services. Their projects often look experimental, but they’re grounded in solid feasibility.

That’s where SolidWorks comes in. The company employs it to test drive intelligent mechanisms and make sure designs are sound before they reach the physical realm. Whether it’s an ambitious new interface or an interactive exhibit, Left Field Labs brings imagination into reality with accuracy and panache.

https://www.leftfieldlabs.com

Kickr Design (Georgia)

This Atlanta-based company is all about transforming audacious ideas into products that exist in the physical world. Whether consumer electronics, stylish car accessories, or the newest wearables, they’re heavily invested right from the beginning. With their strong proficiency in SolidWorks, they translate early-stage ideas into reality with precision and ingenuity.

They love brainstorming time—when ideas are unpolished and options are limitless. Working with them means receiving a collaborator who’s got innovation ingrained in them and isn’t hesitant to venture into the unknown. For whoever wants to build the next big thing, this team combines vision and technical muscle.

https://www.kickrdesign.com/

Speck Design (California)

Where design and technology meet, Speck is reimagining innovation into shape. This innovative company easily converges product development, brand narrative, and digital experience into memorable, user-driven solutions. From stylish AR glasses to advanced IoT hubs, their portfolio is a testament—every product meticulously designed with intent and exactness. Speck’s go-to? SolidWorks design engineers.

The robust CAD program is the spark for their imagination and the key that makes intricate concepts come together with breathtaking precision. It’s this command over form and function that enables them to release award-winning products that not only work perfectly but make a lasting impact in the rapidly moving tech world today.

https://www.speckdesign.com

Motivo Engineering (California)

Motivo Engineering is not just any design firm; it’s where performance and raw engineering artistry collide. For motorsports, aerospace, and other high-performance markets, Motivo takes innovative ideas and converts them into functional reality. With SolidWorks, they turn radical mechanical concepts into precision-crafted machines.

Their designs aren’t merely quick, they’re intelligent, efficient, and fanatically engineered right down to the last detail. From sketchy ideas on paper to real-world prototypes, Motivo’s team takes the limits of what’s possible and shatters them. It’s innovation at full speed, fueled by a love of speed, technology, and translating the most outrageous ideas into high-performance reality. Buckle up, business is afoot.

https://www.motivo.com/

Priority Designs (Ohio)

This best-in-class product development company has a stellar resume, having developed everything from revolutionary Nike equipment to precision surgical tools. Their experience cuts across industries, and it reflects in the richness of their capabilities. What truly differentiates them is their vast library of SolidWorks—a repository based on decades of design victories and engineering triumphs.

It’s not a set of files; it’s a honed toolkit forged over years of cracking tough design problems. Whether it’s innovation in sportswear or life-critical medical solutions, this group approaches each project with both imagination and technical expertise. That’s the magic of genuine, tried experience.

https://www.prioritydesigns.com/

Design Central (Ohio)

Design Central offers a welcome combination of creative flair and precision. Their cross-disciplinary team effortlessly fuses industrial design services with high-quality engineering to create outcomes that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally oriented. From stylish water filtration systems to top-notch bicycles and intricate industrial systems, they’ve done it all with panache and precision.

What truly distinguishes them, however, is their steady adherence to using SolidWorks, their favorite platform for modeling, prototyping, and perfecting every aspect. It’s not simply about sketching out nice drawings; it’s about bringing tangible solutions to life that function flawlessly. At Design Central, form and function are synonymous every time.

https://designcentral.com

LUNAR (California)

As part of the McKinsey Design family, LUNAR has established itself as an industrial design heavyweight with a solid reputation. The team is renowned for combining creativity and precision to address everything from cutting-edge tech wearables to stylish electric scooters. Their approach is fueled by continuous prototyping and iteration, utilizing SolidWorks to create each idea with precise attention to detail.

LUNAR’s dedication to innovation and user experience has established the firm as a go-to collaborator for organizations seeking to extend the limits of product design. From a high-tech gadget to an innovative mobility solution, LUNAR’s work continues to break new ground in product development.

Catalyst Product Development Group (Indiana)

Seeking a team that will bring your concept from sketch to shelf? This full-service company is a leader in engineering, prototyping engineering services, and testing, all of which are conducted in-house. They have expertise in a broad scope of industries, including consumer electronics, healthcare devices, and industrial rugged solutions. From sharpening a concept to mass production, they have the equipment and know-how to get the job done.

At the center of their workflow is SolidWorks, a reliable platform that delivers precision and efficiency in each step of development. It’s not designing awesome products, it’s delivering practical results clients can depend on. At the center of their workflow is SolidWorks, a reliable platform that delivers precision and efficiency in each step of development. It’s not designing awesome products, it’s delivering practical results clients can depend on.

https://catalystpdg.com/

Helix Design (New Hampshire)

An excellent option for inventors and startups, Helix Design offers agility and creativity. This team is known for being nimble and highly responsive, making them ideal partners for early-stage product development. Their expertise with SolidWorks allows for rapid iterations, helping ideas evolve from rough concepts into refined, manufacturable products in record time.

Whether you’re prototyping a new device or refining a whether you’re prototyping a new device or refining a breakthrough innovation, Helix Design keeps the process moving smoothly. Their teamwork approach and technical accuracy make an actual impact when every little thing matters. For startups willing to go at high speed, Helix Design provides the thrust to keep up innovation, Helix Design keeps the process moving smoothly. Their teamwork approach and technical accuracy make an actual impact when every little thing matters. For startups willing to go at high speed, Helix Design provides the thrust to keep up.

https://helixdesign.com/

Gossamer Design (California)

This small design house has perfected the art of balancing sustainability with sophistication. Each product they produce is not just aesthetically pleasing but also carefully designed to reduce the environment’s footprint. Beneath the smooth lines and elegant curves is a universe of shining technical precision.

With SolidWorks, their engineering design experts create the underlying complexity that gives birth to every idea. From the inside out, they are clever and chic, evidence that eco-friendly solutions can be extravagant as well. It’s not merely a matter of appearance; it’s a matter of doing good, while still upholding a level of craftsmanship that’s simply a rarity in contemporary design.

https://gossameradmindesign.com/

Datum3D (Minnesota)

When design teams are confronted with sophisticated mechanical challenges, Datum3D intervenes with heavy-duty engineering clout. Their capabilities don’t merely enhance value; they revolutionize the entire development process. They’re particularly proficient in SolidWorks simulation, predicting how designs will behave under actual conditions before anything is even made.

That kind of understanding saves time, money, and a great deal of frustration. Datum3D is also manufacturability-minded. They don’t simply design models that look great; rather, they make sure the designs can be built effectively. With Datum3D, it’s not about ideas; it’s about transforming innovative ideas into productive, production-qualified solutions that perform from the very first day.

https://www.datum3d.com/

PDG (Product Development Group) (Pennsylvania)

PDG has established itself as a go-to partner for reliable engineering support in the medical, electronics, and consumer product markets. Businesses come to them when they require trustworthy, effective solutions that marry creativity with technical skill. One of the highlights of PDG’s strengths is its SolidWorks group, particularly plastics and mechanism design.

Whether they are creating detailed assemblies or optimizing fine components, their engineers have a knack for delivering precision and performance. Customers enjoy how smoothly PDG works with internal teams, speeding up development cycles without sacrificing quality. Their consistent record has won them long-term trust in several industries.

https://www.performdev.com/

SKG Engineering (Texas)

SKG provides you with the freedom to select just what you want, whether that’s complete turnkey product development or à la carte engineering services customized to your project. Not only is their team skilled, but they’re SolidWorks-certified engineers who breathe and live complex assemblies. From initial concept design services through ultimate production files, they’re dedicated to ensuring your designs aren’t only great-looking but also completely manufacturable.

Whether you’re beginning with a blank slate or simply require assistance with one piece of the puzzle, SKG’s engineers come to the rescue with the proper know-how. Their attention to detail and precision result in fewer rounds of revision, more streamlined processes, and a product that’s ready to launch.

Alchemy Product Development (Colorado)

Located in the lively town of Boulder, Alchemy is a design company that excels at taking intricate product concepts and turning them into concise, functional realities. They’ve developed an impressive reputation as SolidWorks professionals, leveraging the tool to infuse every project with accuracy and ingenuity.

But what makes them truly unique is their passion for sustainability and long-term value. Every product they create is designed with the future in mind, reducing waste and increasing durability. This considerate process doesn’t just help the environment; it also creates products that are timeless. For businesses looking for clarity, expertise, and sustainable design, Alchemy is an intelligent partner.

https://www.alchemy.cloud

Evolve Collaborative (Oregon)

They’re not only designers or storytellers, they’re also experience engineers. At Evolve Collaborative, creativity and precision meet in a manner that few design studios are capable of. Their experts create with SolidWorks, a robust 3D CAD design solution that enables them to craft engaging, haptic product experiences.

It’s not simply about how something appears; it’s about how it feels, works, and engages people. Whether designing the next consumer technology to drive market dominance or a streamlined medical device, Evolve Collaborative marries form and function with deep thoughtfulness. Each project is a process from idea to existence, and they design that process with intention.

https://www.evolve.agency/

Synapse Product Development (Washington)

Synapse, a cutting-edge company owned by Capgemini, is deeply immersed in the world of connected hardware innovation. Their work revolves around pushing technology to new frontiers, blending creativity with advanced engineering. SolidWorks plays a crucial role in this journey, serving as a powerful design tool that allows Synapse to explore bold ideas in both form and function.

Through its use of SolidWorks, the team is able to prototype, iterate, and optimize their hardware designs so that they’re not just good-looking but extremely functional. This partnership of innovative ideation and powerful software enables Synapse to produce products that really push the boundaries of what’s possible in the connected hardware world.

https://www.synapse.com/

Breadboard Product Development (California)

Breadboard’s engineers and designers are experts at electronics-intensive products with limited space and where precision is paramount. With SolidWorks, they confront the most challenging tasks, such as combining many small parts to form tiny assemblies through SolidWorks assembly design services. The software allows them to visualize and perfect all the details, making mechanical tolerances precise and fitting just right.

Such delicate designs are handled not only by technical skills but also by creative problem-solving capabilities. By utilizing SolidWorks, Breadboard’s team effectively works within these limitations, delivering trustworthy and high-quality products that meet stringent requirements. Their methodology guarantees smooth integration of electronic and mechanical elements, finally providing creative solutions in small form factors.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/breadboard-software

Zulu Product Design (California)

Zulu is a strategic design powerhouse with a keen eye for strategy, famous for creating elegant and ingenious design solutions. Their designs transcend common engineering as they turn SolidWorks modeling into a work of art. This philosophy beams brightly in wearable technology, lifestyle products, and consumer electronics, where style blends with function.

Zulu’s creations are not merely a pretty face; they are also innovative and functional, expanding the limits of what can be done. By bringing technical expertise and an artist’s eye together, Zulu continues to create products that leap out of a very competitive marketplace, demonstrating that intelligent design can be as lovely as it is useful.

https://www.zulustack.co

In summary

And there you have it, the best 50 SolidWorks design firms in the US. Whether you require genius prototyping, genial mechanical engineering, or a suite-of-all-trades product launch partner, one of these design teams is probably your ideal fit.

If you’re really serious about design, it’s time to go pro with SolidWorks and a team that understands how to make it sing. Cad Crowd has worked with hundreds of certified SolidWorks professionals, companies, and clients across a multitude of products, serving as the leading platform to find exceptional engineers. Request a free quote today.

MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.

Connect with me: LinkedIn ✦ X ✦ Cad Crowd

What’s on your bookshelf: The Quiet Year and Monsterhearts designer Avery Alder

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

Hello reader who is also a reader, and welcome back to Booked For The Week – our regular Sunday chat with a selection of cool industry folks about books! We’re doing tabletop designers now, firstly because I think tabletop is cool and secondly…nope, that’s it. Every week we stray further from videogames, and every week we regain feeling in body parts we’d forgotten we had. Ten toes, you say? Marvellous.

This week, it’s The Quiet Year, Monsterhearts, Dream Askew, Dream Apart and many more‘s Avery Alder! Cheers Avery! Mind if we have a nose at your bookshelf?

What are you currently reading?

The big one right now is Engines Of Desire, a heavy tome of Nordic LARP theory by Juhana Pettersson. It’s really strange and exciting to dive into the theory and insider baseball of a game design discipline that feels familiar but occasionally operates on logic that is totally alien to me. A lot of Juhana’s writing is dramatic, iconoclastic, and emotionally layered. There are some ideas that make me scrunch up my nose in disagreement, but a lot more than make me nod along excitedly.

What did you last read?

I start a lot of books, and then usually abandon them when I get distracted by something shiny. It’s actually pretty rare for me to finish a book. The most recent one was Psalm For The Wild-Built, by Becky Chambers. I love cozy stories about life after industrial collapse—anything that takes some of the conceits of the post-apocalyptic genre but runs in a utopian direction with them—and this unlikely odd couple story of a travelling tea monk and a feral robot was incredibly endearing. It’s also novella-length, which was probably a contributing factor to me finishing it! I haven’t yet picked up the sequel, A Prayer For The Crown-Shy, but I plan to at some point soon.

What are you eyeing up next?

I mostly want to finish the books that are already sitting on my nightstand, with a bookmark sticking out about a third of the way down. That includes The City In The Middle Of The Night by Charlie Jane Anders, A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, and Bad Cree by Jessica Johns.

What quote or scene from a book sticks with you the most?

Lately, it’s been a scene from Michelle Tea’s Black Wave, which is sort of a queer dirtbag memoir that devolves into an apocalyptic story of humanity’s last gasp. It’s the scene where Michelle is standing in the DMV, learning that they don’t give out new drivers licenses any longer. It’s this very mundane and tedious moment that leads her to realize that the world is ending, and has been ending for a long time, but she’s been too preoccupied by messy breakups, roommate drama, parties, and drug addiction to realize it. It’s the moment when the memoir conceit starts to unravel.

What book do you find yourself bothering friends to read?

I have two answers to this one. The first is Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel. I first read Station Eleven about a decade ago, and I feel like it transformed me. It’s a post-apocalyptic story, but one about hope, community, and renewal. Emily St. John Mandel’s writing feels really precise and lyrical, and she’s a master at telling stories that feel innocuous and separate at first, but then coalesce into something interwoven and grand and profound. She does this in her other books too—The Glass Hotel is another example—but it’s just beautiful how Station Eleven tells a story about the world ending, and a story about the world beginning again, only for it to slowly become clear that they’re both part of the same bigger picture.

The other is This is How You Lose The Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. It’s an epistolary story about the reality-sculpting tug-of-war between two enemy agents of the time war, but more importantly, it’s about the feeling of finding someone who brings meaning back to your life and who pushes you to new heights. It’s short, poetically dense, queer, thirsty, and beautiful.

What book would you like to see someone adapt to a game?

This is a hard one! I feel like most of the books that I love already have been adapted into roleplaying games, or have roleplaying games that would easily map to their worldbuilding touchstones and narrative beats. I started to type out an answer about No Bad Parts, an introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy by Richard C. Schwartz. IFS introduces the idea that our mind is home to a whole family of different identities (or parts), and that when we feel ashamed or frustrated by those parts, we often close the door to empathy and healing. But then I remembered that Bluebeard’s Bride already exists, and it already explores everything I would want out of a game that was built upon the premises of IFS, and it does so while being a gorgeous, haunting game of gothic feminine horror. Which meant that I had to go back to my bookshelf to figure out a different answer.

So, uh… Wild Fermentation, by Sandor Katz.

Avery has naturally failed this column’s very secret goal of naming every book ever written, but succeeded in getting me to buy This is How You Lose The Time War. I’ll get to it after Invisible Cities. Then She’s Always Hungry. Then the Shadowdark core book. Then this bestiary I found with a giant six-headed goose that gives you ability to shoot flame “from an orifice of your choosing” after defeating and consuming it. Do you see what videogames have done to me? Book for now!

Building AI-ready applications with Distributed SQL

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

July 17, 2025 at 10:00am PDT

45 minutes

Your AI initiative is only as powerful as the architecture it’s built on. Legacy databases weren’t designed for elastic scale, always-on availability, or globally distributed data. And while many vector databases promise AI-friendly retrieval, they often introduce tradeoffs in performance, consistency, and operational complexity. Distributed SQL is changing that.

By combining the transactional integrity of relational systems with the scale and resilience of modern cloud infrastructure, distributed SQL provides a unified foundation for AI and operational workloads alike.

In this session, you’ll learn:

What makes distributed SQL different, and why it’s uniquely equipped to support both transactional and AI workloads
How combining vector and structured data in a single distributed system reduces architectural complexity and boosts performance
Why pgvector support in CockroachDB enables fast, flexible AI retrieval in a Postgres-compatible interface
How CockroachDB solves distributed vector indexing while preserving scale, latency, and resilience

Whether you’re modernizing legacy systems or building cloud-native applications, this exclusive dinner will provide actionable insights to future-proof your database strategy

IVO Applications Australia: Evidence That Matters Most

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

IVO Application in Australia — Photo by Sora Shimazaki

“Your Honour, I have screenshots … somewhere.”

If that sentence sends a chill down your spine, you’re in the right place. When an Intervention Order (IVO) is on the line, what you put before the Magistrate can be the difference between iron-clad protection and an awkward shuffle out of court. Drawing on candid chats with survivors and the war stories of family violence lawyers, this guide demystifies the paperwork, the photos, and the not-so-obvious foot-bullets that can derail a case.

Key Takeaways

Courts decide IVOs on the balance of probabilities, meaning clear, consistent evidence usually wins.
Section 65 of Victoria’s Family Violence Protection Act lets Magistrates admit almost anything relevant, from medical reports to frantic WhatsApp voice notes.
Sloppy or contradictory material (hello, holiday selfies with the respondent) can torpedo an otherwise strong application.
Start gathering proof before you lodge—timelines and tidy bundles impress the bench.
Safety first: collect evidence without tipping off the other party, especially when tech abuse is in play.

The “Balance of Probabilities” Bar Is Lower Than You Think

Criminal trials demand proof beyond reasonable doubt. IVO hearings? Not so much. The Magistrate only needs to believe it’s more likely than not that violence occurred and may recur. That relaxed standard sounds helpful—until you realise the respondent gets the same wiggle room. Translation: flimsy evidence is still risky business. Treat the process as if you’re building a mini-trial brief; future-you will thank current-you.

“I’ve never seen a case lost because the applicant had too many well-labelled exhibits.” — Regional Magistrate, 2025

Five Evidence Types That Impress the Magistrate

Photographs & Medical Records – Dated images of injuries or smashed property, plus hospital or GP notes tying those injuries to the incident.
Digital Trails – Unedited screenshots of abusive texts, social media messages, and call logs. Turn on the timestamp overlay; judges love timestamps the way kids love fairy bread.
Police Material – L17 risk assessment forms, incident numbers, and any prior breach reports. A badge carries weight.
Professional & Expert Letters – Psychologist reports detailing trauma, school counsellor notes on children’s distress, or a social worker’s safety plan.
Witness Statements – Neighbours who heard late-night shouting or friends who saw threats unfold IRL. Handwritten is fine, but typed and signed is chef’s kiss.

(That’s the only listicle—promise!)

Common Evidence Blunders (and the Facepalms They Cause)

Selective Screenshot Syndrome

Cherry-picking only the nastiest message can backfire if the respondent produces the full thread showing mutual name-calling—or worse, your own threats. Screenshot top-to-tail, then let counsel decide what to redact.

Post-Break-Up Holiday Pics

Nothing undermines “I was terrified” like Instagram snaps of you and the ex sipping cocktails in Bali a fortnight after the alleged assault. Archive questionable posts—don’t delete (that looks suspicious), just hide.

The “Forwarded by Mum” Fiasco

A lovingly forwarded email loses its metadata. Forward the original message as a .eml attachment or export it as a PDF so the time-stamp and sender path remain intact.

Survivor-Tested Tactics for Safer Evidence Gathering

Use Cloud Back-Ups Wisely

Photos auto-sync to the cloud? Excellent—unless the respondent knows your Apple ID password. Create a fresh, secret account or use an encrypted storage app.

Keep a Contemporaneous Diary

A short, daily entry—date, what happened, any witnesses—works wonders. Bonus: jot court-friendly language (“threatened to harm me”), not creative prose (“he’s a walking red flag”). Humour is for you; the Magistrate prefers facts.

Recruit a “Tech Buddy”

If your ex is the resident IT wizard, rope in a trusted friend to change passwords, enable 2FA, and scan devices for stalkerware. The friend gets brownie points and plausible bragging rights.

How the Court Really Tests Your Evidence

Informality Meets Scrutiny

Yes, Section 65 lets Magistrates “inform themselves as they see fit”, but don’t confuse informality with leniency. Expect probing questions like, “Who took this photo, and when?” Prepare short, truthful answers—rambling looks evasive.

Live Cross-Examination

Even if you’re self-represented, the respondent’s solicitor can test your memory. Bring printed bundles with tabs (Judges love tabs almost as much as timestamps). Flip to exhibits quickly; flustered page-flipping erodes credibility faster than a barista runs out of oat milk on Monday morning.

Interim Orders Aren’t the Finish Line

An interim IVO can feel like victory, but the final hearing still looms. Keep collecting evidence—breaches, fresh threats, or supportive medical notes—so your final order isn’t built on stale bread.

Conclusion

Your IVO application is essentially a storytelling exercise where evidence is the plot device. The narrative must be coherent, chronological, and—above all—credible. Stack the deck with solid documentation, dodge the classic pitfalls, and you dramatically improve your odds of walking out of court with the protection you deserve.

Need expert backup? The team at Testart Family Lawyers has turned messy shoeboxes of “proof” into courtroom-ready bundles more times than they can count (they’ve tried; the calculator broke). If you’re ready for professional eyes on your evidence—or just want someone else to label your tabs—reach out today and turn nervous hope into strategic certainty.

Find a Home-Based Business to Start-Up >>> Hundreds of Business Listings.

The best Google phones to buy in 2025 ahead of the Pixel 10 launch

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

Google nailed it with the Pixel 9 lineup, thanks to its clean software, some genuinely useful artificial intelligence features, and availability in every price segment. The flagship lineup includes four Pixel phones — the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while the Pixel 9a debuted recently. This makes a Pixel smartphone available in every price segment.

The latest devices also include new AI features and camera smarts with the help of Google Gemini. It can be confusing to choose which Google phone is best for you, given the vast lineup and the Pixel 10 series launching in August. We have tested all the Google Pixel phones to help you decide which is the perfect choice for you currently.

What is the best Google Pixel phone right now?

At ZDNET, we’ve reviewed all of the Google Pixel phones available to help you find the best Pixel phone for you. Our current pick for the best Google Pixel phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It faces tough competition from the new Galaxy S25 Ultra, but you get excellent cameras, a bunch of new AI features, an updated design, and support for up to seven years of software, security, and Pixel Drop updates. However, it’s not the only good Pixel phone that you can buy right now.

The best Google Pixel phones of 2025

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Why we like it: Google has three phones named Pixel 9 Pro this year, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the true successor to the Pixel 8 Pro. It features an upgraded display, which is sharper and brighter, a new chipset, and a lot more.

The design is now iPhone-like with flat sides. These make it feel more premium to hold without being uncomfortable, thanks to the curved edges. You get an all-new camera module, too. Overall, I love how it looks.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It’s responsible for my favorite AI features like Pixel Studio, better camera processing, and more. It still gets warm during demanding tasks, but I haven’t faced stutters or lag on the Google flagship. It is paired with 16GB of RAM — the most on a Pixel phone to date with up to 1TB or storage.

I also like Video Boost — which helps better record videos in low light, and Add Me, which lets you add yourself in group photos. The front camera is better than ever as well. The phone’s triple camera array, paired with the company’s computational prowess, makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL the best device overall from Google. The company also says it’s twice as durable than the Pixel 8 Pro.

Who it’s for: If you want the biggest Google phone but don’t want to spend on a foldable and need flagship cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is for you. It won’t disappoint you.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want the best of Google cmaeras but have sall hands, the Pixel 9 Pro XL could be a challenge to use. In that case, you should opt for the Pixel 9 Pro.

Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP front | Battery capacity: 5,060 mAh | Price: Starts $1,099

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Why we like it: The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a one-of-a-kind phone for those who want the best optics but in a smaller size. While the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have camera differences in terms of telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Pro’s cameras are the same as the $100 more expensive Pixel 9 Pro.

Compared to the regular Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro features a sharper and brighter display, a telephoto sensor, a better and improved 42MP selfie shooter, 16GB of RAM, and more camera features like 8K video recording, Zoom Enhance, and more. There are plenty of reasons to warrant the extra $200 price tag over the Pixel 9.

Who it’s for: You should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro if you want all the best Google features and performance but in a 6.3-inch screen size and form factor. It will receive the same seven years worth of software, security and Pixel Drop upgrades.

Who should look elsewhere: If you prioritize battery life, the Pixel 9 Pro might not be for you. It’ll last you a day but if you’re a power user, the Pixel 9 Pro XL would serve you better, or if you’re fine with a small screen but need a reliable battery life, the $500 Pixel 9a is a good choice.

Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google Pixel 9 Pro specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP front | Battery capacity: 4,700 mAh | Price: Starting at $999

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Why we like it: I love the Pixel 9 because it is more similar to the Pro series than ever. It is the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro and is powered by the same processor, packs the same battery capacity, a similar screen and more. So, you get a similar experience on a more affordable phone.

Several new AI features like Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, and Add Me are part of the Pixel 9 as well. In some ways, the smaller Pixel is an even better phone than the larger Pro XL, such as in ergonomics and the in-hand feel. The ability to reach from one corner of the screen to the other without having to fidget around creates a better in-hand user experience.

Despite the $100 price hike, the Pixel 9 costs $200 less than the Pixel 9 Pro and $300 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This makes it one of the best phones in its price category.

Who it’s for: The Pixel 9 is the best Google phone for most people because you get to experience most of the upgrades for less than $1,000. The optics are as reliable as before, and you get even better camera tuning. The Pixel 9 also packs 12GB of RAM, which is the most for any base variant of a Google phone to date.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want a bigger screen and battery, the Pixel 9 Pro XL would suit you better. And if you are a power user, the Apple iPhone 16 might be worth considering.

Review: Google Pixel 9

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Why we like it: The Google Pixel 9a is the latest affordable Google phone and unlike Apple’s iPhone 16e, the it still starts at the same $499, despite the upgrades on the processor, display, and battery.

The new Google budget phone features an updated design and borrows the Tensor G4 chipset from the Pixel 9 Pro. While it scores lower numbers in benchmark tests than the flagship phone, it remains an extremely capable device.

I like the bigger 6.3-inch OLED screen — versus the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch screen. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate display and brings improved brightness. This makes the screen look more legible than before, especially outdoors. The new Google phone also has the biggest battery for an A-series Pixel phone — 5,100mAh, which will likely last you an entire day.

It also offers a smooth and responsive day-to-day experience. It carries over the Titan M2 chip as well as a built-in VPN for added security. Google upgraded the optics, too. You get an improved 48MP main sensor and the same 12MP ultrawide angle camera. The 13MP selfie shooter remains unchanged as well. These offer great camera processing, skin tones, and lovely lowlight results. It’s great for hobbyist shutterbugs and professional photographers alike.

Who it’s for: If you are strictly on a budget but don’t want to compromise on the flagship Google experience, the Pixel 9a is for you.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want the best display, battery life and performance under $500, the OnePlus 13r is a better choice, especially if you’re ok with no wireless charging support.

Review: Google Pixel 9A

Google Pixel 9a specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 | Display: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 64MP Quad PD Bayer, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP front | Battery capacity: Typical 4492mAh | Price: Starting at $499

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Why we like it: The most important design change for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is that it was similar to the OnePlus Open and not the former Pixel Fold. I loved the new 20:9 aspect ratio cover screen, which is the same as the Pixel 9 Pro, so you can run apps without facing any scaling issues — unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a design overall on the inside too. You get better cameras but a smaller battery than before. However, it is now powered by a more efficient Tensor G4 processor, which should keep the battery life in check. It carries the same new AI features as the Pixel 9 series, including Add Me, Pixel Studio, and more.

There is a new feature called Made You Look that displays graphics on the cover screen where shooting with the phone unfolded. This is to make toddlers look towards the cameras. Like the other new Pixel phones, it’ll get seven years of software, security, and Pixel Drop updates.

Who it’s for: If you want a folding phone with the signture Google experience, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is for you.

Who should look elsewhere: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t the best foldable smartphone. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 just around the corner, it makes sense to wait a few weeks if you’re shopping for a book-style folding phone.

Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google Pixel Fold specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.3 inches (outer) and 8.0 inches (inner) | Storage: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP selfie shooter on both cover screen and inner display | Battery capacity: 4,650mAh | Price: $1,799

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What are the tariffs in the U.S.?

The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know

Smartphones are among the most affected by the new U.S. tariffs, with devices imported from China and Vietnam facing steep duties that could raise retail prices by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, which rely heavily on Asian manufacturing, may either pass these costs on to consumers or absorb them at the expense of profit margins.

The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is our pick for best Google phone overall. Along with the ample photo and video editing features the phone contains, it’s also sleek, premium-feeling, and has enough battery life for a long day of use. All told, it’s one of the most dynamic phones on the market, with several AI features to back it up. See how the best Google Pixel phones compare based on price, processing speed, and display size below.

Google Pixel phone	Price	Processor	Display size
Pixel 9 Pro XL	$1,099	Google Tensor G4	6.8-inch
Pixel 9 Pro	$999	Google Tensor G4	6.3-inch
Pixel 9	$799	Google Tensor G4	6.3-inch
Pixel 9a	$499	Google Tensor G4	6.3-inch
Pixel 9 Pro Fold	$1,799	Google Tensor G4	6.3-inch and 8.0-inch

If you’re interested in a Google Pixel phone, it’s nice that there aren’t too many options available to confuse you or overwhelm your decision-making process. The first consideration is price. If you have a maximum amount you are willing to spend on a phone, then the price can dictate which is right for you.

Thankfully, when it comes to the software experience, Google provides about the same experience across all of the actively supported Pixel phones. You’ll see some exclusive AI and camera features here and there, but the general experience is roughly the same.

Choose this Google Pixel phone	If you want…
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL	The best of Google in the biggest size possible for good battery life and large screen with tons of AI features, and a temperature sensor.
Google Pixel 9 Pro	Google’s best camera system in a small size, 1TB storage and no compromises. A Pro phone in a compact form factor.
Google Pixel 9	A more affordable Pixel phone with a similarly outstanding camera, colorful body choices, and a handy form factor. It also features some of the AI features found on the Pro.
Google Pixel 9a	The best budget pick of the Google phones, with a starting price of $499, a 120Hz display, and wireless charging support.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold	Google’s foldable overhaul that lets you switch between a compact 6.3-inch display and a productivity-enhancing 8.0-inch display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains pricey, but it undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by $100.

With several new Google Pixel phones being released each year, ZDNET spends at least two weeks with each model before deciding whether or not — and where — it ranks within this buying guide. The qualifications I look for when curating the picks include the following:

Availability: The biggest factor is availability; is what’s being selected available to purchase directly from Google, a local carrier, or an online retailer? Is it in stock? Or can it only be purchased in used or renewed condition? With the picks on this list, each one can be bought new and sealed, guaranteeing that you’ll receive the most reliable experience from the start.
Value: Just as important is the value that each Pixel phone brings. While all options on this list differ in price tiers, they each offer enough unique features, camera capabilities, and designs that make them worth paying for. If they’re not worth it, they won’t be on the list.
Performance: Naturally, I only pick models that yield good to excellent performance, from the way they handle day-to-day tasks to more intensive use cases like gaming and video editing.

Here’s a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:

Design and ergonomics: How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users’ buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.
Performance: Several factors affect a phone’s performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.
Camera quality: ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.
Battery life and charging: It’s also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it — wired, wireless, or both.
Special features: These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.
Pricing and availability: Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the U.S. or only internationally.

For an extensive rundown of our testing methodology, be sure to check out our how we test phones article.

People use their smartphones everywhere today and having some level of dust and water resistance is important. You should not swim or intentionally submerge your phone for extended periods in water without a waterproof case. Warranties generally do not cover water damage. However, if you are outside in the rain, accidentally drop your phone in a puddle, or spill something on your phone, it should be able to survive such an incident.

On this list, the Pixel 9a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are the most water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating. The Pixel Fold has an IPX8 rating, which only offers water resistance and no dust resistance due to its foldable form factor.

Every Pixel model on this list supports wireless charging.

Wireless charging is a convenient way to charge your phone without having to plug in a USB-C cord directly into the phone. Wireless charging is also now rated as fast wireless charging in many cases, but even with this “fast” rating, it is still faster to charge up your phone with a direct USB-C cable.

Also: Is your Pixel battery draining faster than it should? This feature can help

Other phones worth considering

Smartphones Reviewed & Compared

Amazon CEO’s New Memo Signals a Brutal Truth: More AI, Fewer Humans

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

In a candid memo to Amazon staff, CEO Andy Jassy wrote that Amazon expects its corporate headcount to shrink in the coming years as it leans deeper into generative AI and intelligent agents. Continue reading “Amazon CEO’s New Memo Signals a Brutal Truth: More AI, Fewer Humans”

How KreatureKind Uses Deckbuilding to Talk About Sustainability

Posted on June 29, 2025 by faz_business

Summary

KreatureKind is out now on Xbox Series X|S.
Find out how to master the game through arguments.
Seven playable characters with unique ability cards and combinations.

Be Kind. Be Clever. Be Radical.

I started making KreatureKind because I wanted to tell a different kind of story – one where kindness prevails, and where changing the world means not only rolling up your sleeves but also opening your heart.

In a world that sometimes feels too loud and too cynical, I hope KreatureKind offers a space to slow down and play with purpose. The game offers an optimistic outlook on activism, sustainability and building a better future together, as well as provides you with a toolbox for how to approach people with which you disagree.

There’s definitely a challenge to be found in the game – plenty of tough choices, synergies to discover, and high-stakes showdowns. But underneath it all is a message I believe in: Kindness is powerful. And sometimes, it’s radical.

Emotional, Rational, or Factual

To maximize your success in KreatureKind, you first need to understand how the HP bars differ slightly from those in other games you may have played.

Since KreatureKind is about debates rather than physical fighting, HP stands for Hypothesis Points. The bars are divided into segments, individually called Hypotheses, which come in three colors – pink for emotional, green for rational, and blue for factual. They represent what is stopping the character from agreeing with and joining your cause. Pink means that they are currently vulnerable to emotional arguments. They are also resistant to factual arguments for the time being, and rational arguments made by the characters have increased effectiveness (it’s their current Focus). Think of it as a rock-paper-scissors situation.

Keep an eye on your own current Focus, and which type of argument your opponents are Vulnerable and Resistant to. It’s important to plan the order of the cards you play, because their effect normally doesn’t pass over between hypotheses. In the example below, Riley is trying to convince her brother Ricky that she has to leave their home town in an effort to save magic. You can finish the encounter in two rounds, but you have to play your cards in a specific order. (Please note that this is early in the game, before Resistance and Focus have been introduced. The card order is scripted in this encounter, to introduce the mechanics in a controlled way.)

On your first round, you are given the choice between a defensive healing card and three offensive ones – one green and two blue. Since Ricky’s current hypothesis is blue, the two blue cards are most effective against him. Saving the green card for last will take 3 HP off the next hypothesis rather than two.

Next, while still in a green hypothesis, starting with the green card and using the pink and blue ones after that will bring down the rest of Ricky’s HP to 0. Starting with a blue or pink card, on the other hand, will leave one HP in the segment and forgo part of the following card’s effect.

The goal is to always give you interesting choices – even with simple cards. Should you receive a hand that isn’t particularly useful in the current situation, you still need to consider if you want to play them anyway. Discarding playable cards decreases that character’s Attention, meaning opponents are less likely to target them. Great in some situations, less desirable in others.

Ability Cards – the Core of Each Activist

Each of the seven playable characters in KreatureKind has a unique balance of offensive and defensive argument cards. Offensive ones affect opponents’ HP, and defensive ones may return HP to your own characters, or add Block or Prep. Block shields incoming effects, and Prep deals removed HP right back to the casting opponent.

Argument cards are not the only types of cards in KreatureKind, however. What truly makes each playable character unique is their set of yellow Ability cards.

In the screenshot above, Luca’s two Ability cards use “Curse” cards (in keeping with his love of pranks). If you go all-in on this tactic, you can all but make the opponents work for you. The other characters take on roles akin to a tank, healer, a DPS character, etc. Most of their Ability cards are cast just like any other, and their unique effect is clear on the card.

Other Ability cards have 1-3 Slots on them, which can be filled by other cards. Typically, the card’s effect will be boosted based on how many slots you fill. In the example above, the selected card goes from a single-target to effectively becoming an AOE, depending on how many other cards you use. In some cases, the sacrifice may seem far too great, as the effect may not be enough to justify. However, the same card can be invaluable during another turn. Choose wisely!

A World Worth Saving (and Hanging Out In)

Beyond the cards and the tactics, KreatureKind is an optimistic game about activism and good vibes.

Along with an amazing cast of freelancers, I have filled the game with vibrant, hand-drawn art, a flow-inducing lofi soundtrack, and a cast of lovable weirdos who bring the world to life. You’ll meet cryptids, mythological creatures and barely copyright-dodging fantasy monsters, as well as a few good old dorky humans. They all belong to one of the seven magical factions (who cast spells through the means of for example cooking, programming and dancing), and each gives you a unique dialogue before and after the encounter.

Oh, and some drink Human energy drinks. Because they are monsters.

Play KreatureKind on Xbox

Whether you’re a card game veteran or just here for the vibes, we hope you find a faction you love, a monster you want to hug, and maybe even a cause worth fighting for – with words.

KreatureKind

Valiant Game Studio, Aurora Punks

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$16.49

Magic is disappearing forever, unless your brave group of activists can save it!

After centuries of increasing magic use, the world’s mana well is running dry. If entirely depleted, magic will be gone forever.

This does not go unnoticed by Riley and her friends Mitra and Yui. They set out from their hometown, trying to convince people and monsters to use mana more consciously. Along the way, they meet and team up with other like-minded people. Who could resist Tau the cook’s warm hugs, Quinn’s epic role-playing sessions, or Finley’s thought-provoking games? Perhaps they will even befriend the world famous rockstar Luca! Each of the activists contribute to the cause with their unique sets of debate skills, which they hone along the way.

Easy to learn, hard to master
KreatureKind offers unique gameplay, which is approachable to beginners while still giving seasoned players a proper challenge. If you’re new to this kind of game, you’ll figure it out. Played every card battler on the market? These monsters will still give you a run for your money!

Discover, unlock, upgrade
Supercharge the seven playable characters by unlocking and upgrading cards! The mysterious former activist’s shop may just have the card you need to succeed. For a permanent boost to your team member’s debate skills, plushies give you the edge that will tip the scales in your favour.

Go on campaign
Win the game by convincing KreatureKind’s seven magical factions to join your cause! Enjoy exploring vibrant villages, forests, and cities filled with troubled creatures and charming NPCs. Debate your way through the randomly generated maps and persuade each of the faction leaders to support you.