Month: March 2026

Overwatch Season 1 is the “beginning of a comeback,” Blizzard says as the hero shooter claws back fans: “You dream of these type of things”

Posted on by faz_business


Resetting a huge live-service game like Overwatch 2 is a risky move, but one that’s paid off for Blizzard already. Retitling the FPS to Overwatch, adding several new heroes, and providing a narrative reset have reinvigorated the shooter’s community, providing the exact kind of second wind the devs were hoping for.

Alec Dawson, associate game director on Overwatch, tells PCGamesN about the team’s current blend of nervousness and excitement. “You dream of these types of things. It’s the beginning of a comeback,” he stated.

TikTok won’t add end-to-end encryption to direct messages, report says

Posted on by faz_business


TikTok will not introduce end-to-end encryption for direct messages (DMs) on its platform, according to a new report from the BBC. The social media giant says end-to-end encryption would make users less safe, as it believes the technology would prevent police and safety teams from accessing messages when necessary.

TikTok told the outlet that this is a deliberate decision to distinguish itself from rivals and protect users, particularly younger ones, from harm.

With end-to-end encryption, only the sender and recipient of a direct message can view its contents.

The company said direct messages are still protected with standard encryption, similar to services like Gmail. Only authorized employees can access direct messages, and only under specific circumstances, such as in response to a valid law enforcement request or a user report of harmful behavior.

End-to-end encryption is the default technology used in popular apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger (for 1:1 personal chats and calls), Apple’s Messages, and Google Messages.

I used Gemini Nano Banana 2 to create sketchnotes – here’s what it got right (and hilariously wrong)

Posted on by faz_business


sketch-6.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • AI sketchnotes look great until the text starts breaking.
  • Nano Banana 2 often mixes numbers, symbols, and nonsense words.
  • With patience, you can still generate useful visual summaries.

There is a small, slightly sad discussion on Reddit from four years ago about what to call someone who loves graphs and charts. Book lovers are called bibliophiles; they reason, shouldn’t charts and graphs fans have a name, too? Redditors proposed several neologisms (new, made-up words), including cartographile, diagraphophile, visophile, graphophile, and infographophile.

All these terms apply to me. On election nights, I constantly switch between all the major networks, not even to see the results, but to catch a glimpse of their new charting styles. I love me some charts.

Also: The best AI image generators of 2026: There’s only one clear winner now

One type of diagram I particularly love is called sketchnoting. A sketchnote is exactly what it sounds like: a mixture of sketches and notes to impart information. I love this style because it’s both informal (the sketching and hand-written notes) and very formal (it carefully represents data). I get excited just thinking about it.

I’ve tried to use AI to generate sketchnotes in the past, but since AI graphics tools have tended to fail at producing words properly, those past attempts ultimately proved futile. But with Nano Banana 2’s promise of better text, I decided to give it another try.

I started with a simple prompt in Gemini. I have a $20/mo Google AI Pro tier that used to default to Nano Banana Pro but now uses Nano Banana 2 (which is very similar). My prompt was, “Make me a sketchnote of the US Bill of Rights.”

I chose the Bill of Rights because it contains 10 rights, each of which lends itself to visualization. I also didn’t have to enter that information into Nano Banana 2 for my testing.

Here’s what the AI did right out of the gate. I have to say, it’s fantastic. Almost:

sketch-1.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

Note the use of pastels that look like they’re from highlighters. Also, the font choice is perfectly appropriate to this kind of diagram, as are the illustrations. But the summary duplicates the number five inside a circle in two locations. It repeats parts of the Fifth Amendment. After the Fifth Amendment, it switches from Arabic to Roman numerals.

I wanted to correct the errors. I also thought it might be nice to have the title in the middle, and the various rights shown around the outside.

Also: Ditching ChatGPT for Claude? How to easily transfer your memories and preferences

So, here’s my second prompt: “Make me a sketchnote of the US Bill of Rights. Center the title in the middle, in a hand-drawn shape or object. Present the various data elements around the outside.”

The results look good, but ouch. The rights are out of order. Also, for some reason, the AI switched randomly between Roman numerals and Arabic numerals, with Roman numerals next to them:

sketch-2.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET  

Interestingly, the actual Bill of Rights uses neither Roman nor Arabic numerals. It actually spells out each article, as in “Article the first,” “Article the second,” and so on. For graphical representation, numerals fit better, so I refined the prompt to:

Make me a sketchnote of the US Bill of Rights. Center the title in the middle, in a hand-drawn shape or object. Present the various data elements around the outside in order, using Arabic numerals to indicate each article.

The result was this:

sketch-3.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

That output didn’t work right either. First, the articles were not presented in numerical order, but I only specified “in order,” not “in numerical order”. Second, Article one had a 1 in a circle followed by a 1 outside it. Article eight was followed by a Roman VIII, and Article three was followed by a 7. The AI also didn’t highlight the titles as nicely.

I decided to try one more time. This time, instead of repeating the entire prompt, I corrected its previous results. 

Also: Why I stopped using ChatGPT for everything

I told Gemini, “That last graphic had some errors. Please present the articles in numerical order, starting with 1 and ending with 10. Do not repeat the article number outside the little colored circle. Highlight the titles using classic highlighter pen colors. Before presenting the image, double-check the order of the articles and avoid duplicating representations.” Here’s the result:

sketch-4.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

The AI got the title highlighting right, but still couldn’t handle the order. 

I gave it one more try saying, “You got the image mostly correct, but place articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 in that order along the top, then put article 5 on the left of the the centered title and article 6 on the right of the centered title, and then put articles 7, 8, 9, and 10 in that order on the bottom row. Do not use Roman numerals anywhere in the diagram. Do not use two of the same number anywhere in the diagram.”

It took six tries, but I eventually got a perfect sketchnote. Check it out:

sketch-6.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

Sketching my articles

Next up, I decided to try generating sketchnote summaries of some of my articles. I started with ‘7 AI coding techniques I use to ship real, reliable products – fast,’ because that sort of itemized article lends itself to the sketchnote style.

Also: I tried to save $1,200 by vibe coding for free – and quickly regretted it

I gave the AI this prompt: “Make a sketchnote of the article below. Highlight the sections using classic highlighter pen colors. Do not use Roman numerals anywhere in the diagram. Do not use two of the same number anywhere in the diagram.” After the prompt, I just pasted the full text of my article.

In response, I got this:

wtf-1

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

WTF? Clearly, I did something wrong, probably in how I pasted in my article. So I took my previous prompt and instead of saying “of the article below” I told it to read the URL. That worked. 

Notice how it’s centering the headline. This approach seems to be a holdover from my previous session prompts:

sketch-7.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

Nano Banana 2 again had a problem with ordering the data items. This time, I decided to correct the problem by telling it not to number the data elements. Here’s my new prompt:

Make a sketchnote of the article above. Highlight the sections using classic highlighter pen colors. Do not use Roman numerals anywhere in the diagram. Do not number the headlines.

And, here we go. The AI listened to my instructions, but only for the first two headlines:

sketch-8.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

This time, I decided to try to be more precise. Instead of “Do not number the headlines,” I said, “Do not use numbering for any of the headlines. Each headline should be text only.” Here’s the result:

sketch-9.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

This one is so close. You can see the AI really wanted to number the last four because it had some space to the left of the headlines for numbers. It also skipped the heading “Bonus” in the bonus section. When you count the techniques, you get eight sections.

So, one more try, this time with the added instruction, “Put the word Bonus: in front of the code review section heading.” In response, I got this:

wtf2

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

This output appears to be internal instructions to the graphics subsystem. I decided to reprompt the entire instruction (rather than mentioning “the article above.”). My final prompt was:

Make a sketchnote of the article at https://www.zdnet.com/article/ai-coding-techniques/. Highlight the sections using classic highlighter pen colors. Do not use Roman numerals anywhere in the diagram. Do not use numbering for any of the headlines. Each headline should be text only. Put the word Bonus in front of the code review section heading.

And… I broke Gemini:

wtf-3.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

Let’s itemize some of the text generated. These are the exact words Gemini used in this last sketchnote:

  • ADIUK SALIRE BAT DIANCIORE, TOUMSKISS IT MEAL KUAKE DIATIEN.
  • AUDE OF YOUR, AD БАВЕВК YOTKEE SHORT. RIUR TOUPURE.
  • SOGUAND PAGEIVE, WISH INSTRILOF GASSONG FARE SOUD MIAT.
  • RODN-INIGSWISING GOES TOY ALPCKTOBNF SCIDRO LESSONS MERE PRREAEMOIN DSONE DESTIEN.

And so on. It was clear that Gemini was hurting. But I wasn’t daunted. I gave it one last try, and this was worth it.

Also: You can turn off Gemini in Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more – here’s how 

First, I launched a new session. I reasoned that perhaps I had exceeded Gemini’s context. I pasted in the exact prompt above. This time, Gemini responded with a summary of the article in text form. I then told it to generate the graphic.

Here’s what came out. With one exception, it’s great:

sketch-10.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

I do take issue with how it represented user design. It showed “the maker” as male. Instead of the word “sewist,” which I use in the article, it used “the seamstress” and used an icon of a woman. I was very careful to avoid using gender for either of the project users I’m building for, but Gemini decided to stereotype my target users.

That output says a lot about the quality of AI training data, right there.

One more try

I decided to try making sketchnotes for one more article. I fed the AI the URL for the article, ‘Is an AI subscription worth it? How to choose your premium chatbot plan – and what not to do.’ I kept the limitations on not using numbers in the headings. Here’s what I got back:

sketch-11.png

David Gewirtz/Gemini Nano Banana 2/ZDNET

In some ways, it’s not too bad. I like that the AI went out and found the ChatGPT, X, and Google logos and used them in the graphic. Then again, we ran into inconsistent headline numbering (even when prompted not to number). And, of course, there’s this: “FIVF PROCES & LGIULE-TROCTERY USE A PILTCH THEYKIT FOR GOOGLE (MPROPS) USE ALA rOVAL & PORTFORT,” which Nano Banana 2 listed as the reasons to upgrade from the free tier.

Win some. Lose some.

What have we learned?

We have learned that it is possible to create pretty nice sketchnotes using Nano Banana 2, but you have to work at it. 

Also: Is ChatGPT Plus still worth your $20? How it compares to Free, Go, and Pro plans

As Heinlein put it, “TANSTAAFL.” There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. Even if you’re paying $20/mo for the Google AI Pro plan.

I’ll leave you with a set of five recommendations if you want to make sketchnotes:

  1. Give the AI the source material, and let it summarize it and process it before trying to create a sketchnote.
  2. Expect to revise the sketchnote repeatedly to get it right.
  3. Be very specific about the changes you want.
  4. If “do this” doesn’t work, also add “don’t do that” to your prompt.
  5. Start over in a new session as soon as it’s clear Gemini is losing its mind.

Still, this process was a lot of fun. I could probably spend a whole day making sketchnotes out of my articles. Welcome to the future.

You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter, and follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, on Bluesky at @DavidGewirtz.com, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.



How To Automate Operations For Maximum ROI

Posted on by faz_business


AI Mode is no longer just a futuristic concept reserved for tech giants. Today, tech-driven companies are beginning to run real parts of their operations using AI from automating workflows to deploying AI agents that handle repetitive tasks. The real opportunity is not simply using AI tools, but building systems where AI can analyze, decide, and execute work across your business.

The shift is palpable. Leaders are no longer asking ‘what can AI do?’ but rather ‘how much can I hand over to it?’ This specific operational state where systems analyze, decide, and execute without constant human oversight is rewriting the rules of productivity.

Here is how you can leverage this shift to stop managing tasks and start managing outcomes. Many companies we work with first implement AI Mode through workflow automation, internal AI bots, or small AI-powered micro-apps before expanding automation across departments.

Beyond the Buzzword: What Is AI Mode?

At its core, AI Mode refers to an automated operational state where advanced systems take the wheel. It is the transition from ‘human-in-the-loop’ to ‘human-on-the-loop.’

While traditional software requires you to input data and click ‘process,’ AI Mode utilizes neural networking and reinforcement learning to understand the context of a task. It doesn’t just wait for instructions; it anticipates needs. Whether it is a CRM updating itself based on email context or a supply chain system rerouting logistics due to weather data, the system operates autonomously.

This isn’t magic. It is a convergence of three distinct technologies:

  • Neural Networks: These mimic human cognitive pathways to recognize patterns (like seeing a dip in sales before a human analyst does).
  • Reinforcement Learning: The system learns by doing. If it makes a scheduling error and you correct it, it won’t make that mistake again.
  • Generative AI: Beyond analysis, it can now create solutions, draft responses, and simulate outcomes to solve problems in real-time.

Practical Applications of AI Mode in the Workforce

Theory is fine, but execution is what pays the bills. Businesses that successfully toggle on AI Mode are seeing metrics that were previously impossible.

1. The Productivity Explosion

We aren’t talking about a 10% incremental gain. Companies deploying AI agents and workflow automations are seeing significant productivity improvements, especially when repetitive tasks like reporting, lead qualification, or internal documentation are automated.

By switching to AI Mode for administrative heavylifting, your team stops drowning in calendar Tetris and inbox triage. The AI handles the logistics; your humans handle the strategy.

2. Predictive Intelligence Over Data Management

Old-school data management was about storage and retrieval. AI Mode is about prediction. It doesn’t just tell you what happened last quarter; it tells you what is likely to happen next week based on variables a human brain can’t compute simultaneously. This allows for proactive pivots rather than reactive damage control.

For example, an AI automation could automatically collect campaign data from ad platforms, CRM systems, and analytics tools, then generate a weekly performance report without any manual work. Instead of spending hours compiling spreadsheets, teams receive insights instantly.

3. Hyper-Personalized Customer Experiences

Standard chatbots are frustrating. An AI system operating in full autonomy, however, remembers a customer’s history, tone, and preferences. It doesn’t just answer questions; it solves problems and recommends products with a level of personalization that drives genuine revenue, not just support ticket closures.

Turning It On: A Strategic Roadmap

You cannot simply flip a switch and expect your business to run itself. Implementing AI Mode requires a calculated approach to integration.

Define the End Game

Don’t automate for the sake of automation. Are you trying to cut response times? Reduce overhead? Scale content production? If you don’t have a clear KPI, you will just have a faster way to make mistakes.

Integration is Everything

The most common point of failure is siloed tech. Your AI solution needs to talk to your CRM, your email client, and your project management tools. If the AI operates in a vacuum, it creates more work, not less. Look for scalability and seamless API integrations.

The Pilot Phase

Start small. Let the AI handle internal scheduling before you let it talk to your biggest clients. Treat this phase as an internship for the software. Monitor the outputs, correct the drift, and refine the parameters.

The Guardrails: Ethics and Security

When you enable AI Mode, you are handing over keys to the kingdom. This brings valid concerns that must be addressed upfront.

Data Sovereignty:Ensure your solution isn’t training its public models on your proprietary data. Security protocols must be enterprise-grade. If you can’t verify where the data goes, don’t use the tool.

The ‘Black Box’ Problem:You need to know why the AI made a decision. Ensure there is transparency in the algorithms you employ, especially in sensitive sectors like finance or healthcare.

Cultural Buy-In:Your team might fear they are being replaced. It is your job to frame this correctly: AI removes the robot work from the human, allowing them to do the creative, high-value work they were actually hired for.

The Verdict

The future isn’t coming; it’s already here, and it’s automated. AI Mode represents the difference between a business that scales linearly and one that scales exponentially.

The tools are ready. The safeguards are improving. The only variable left is your willingness to let go of the manual controls and trust the process. Are you ready to upgrade your operations?

All The Free Fortnite Cosmetics Available To Unlock Right Now

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Fortnite is known as much for its paid cosmetics as it is for having arguably the best Battle Royale modes around. But these days, Fortnite offers so many free cosmetics at any given time that it’s easier than ever to enjoy it without dropping a penny on skins, emotes, or other cosmetics.

With so much free stuff, it’s not always easy to tell what is available to unlock, since there’s no “here’s all the free stuff you can earn” page in Fortnite itself. Scroll on to find out what exactly you can get, and what modes you’ll need to play or, in some cases, what websites you’ll need to make accounts for.

Battle pass free items

The Chapter 7 Season 1 battle pass, which runs until March 17, includes 27 items that you can earn for free by leveling up without buying the pass, as well as 300 V-Bucks that can be used in the item shop or put toward buying the battle pass, Lego pass, OG pass, or music pass. Many of the items are minor cosmetics like sprays, emoticons, loading screens, and banner icons.

Highlights:

Music Pass

The Chappell Roan music pass includes nine free items that you can earn without buying the pass by leveling up in any Fortnite experience. Highlights include a guitar, a drum kit, an emote, a back bling, an aura, and four jam tracks that were licensed from a stock music library.

Items:

OG Pass

The Fortnite OG Season 7 OG pass includes 12 items you can unlock by leveling up without actually buying the pass, including two gliders, two pickaxes, two back blings, a weapon wrap, and an emote.

Items:

Rocket League

Every car and SUV in Fortnite is also in Rocket League, and that means the best way to earn car-related cosmetics is by playing Rocket League. For starters, you can unlock the Backfire car body (pictured) and seven decals in both games simply by completing the tutorial quests for new players. A number of other car bodies, wheels, and other accessories can be unlocked at random via loot crates that you can earn by completing weekly and seasonal challenges. Any car body or accessory can be pulled from those crates, in theory.

Rocket Pass

Like Fortnite’s passes, the Rocket Pass also includes a variety of free items. Many of these items aren’t the types of things that have an equivalent in Fortnite, like car toppers. But the Season 21 Rocket Pass, which runs until March 11, includes two sets of wheels and a decal for the Octane car. You must play Rocket League to make progress on the Rocket Pass.

Items:

Rocket League tournaments

Participating in Rocket League tournaments and getting wins earns points that can be used to open loot crates that contain random cosmetics. In Season 20, six of these items transfer to Fortnite.

Items:

The Ninjago Lego pass includes an emote, a loading screen, and 8 sets of Lego Fortnite decor items that can be unlocked for free by leveling up in any Fortnite experience. These items are for building in Lego Fortnite Odyssey, Lego Fortnite Brick Life, and other Lego-related Creative experiences.

Items:

Connect a Lego account with your Epic Games account

Connect a Lego account with your Epic Games account to instantly unlock both the Fortnite and Lego styles for the Explorer Emilie and Mr. Dappermint skins. No need to play Lego Fortnite to enjoy these two. You can link accounts here.

Lego True Explorers quests

Activate the completely free Lego True Explorers quest pack from the item shop, and then complete the quests in Lego Fortnite Odyssey to unlock the Trailblazer Tai skin and back bling. You can link accounts here.

Umbrellas

Fortnite awards umbrella gliders for your first win each season in Battle Royale, OG, Reload, and Blitz, as well as glowing variants for wins in ranked modes.

PostParty

Downloading Epic’s PostParty app and using it to share a clip of your gameplay will unlock the Post That! Weapon wrap.

Ranked quests

You can unlock a variety of free cosmetics by playing and ranking up in ranked modes, including a few smaller modes like Ballistic (Fortnite’s team-based first-person mode) and Rocket Racing.

Highlights:

Reload map mastery

Complete the Reload map mastery quests, which require placing highly, and eventually getting wins, on each of the Reload maps in rotation.

Highlights:

Survey emails

Sign up to receive Fortnite-related surveys in your email to unlock the Sir Beurre back bling.

Two-factor authentication

Activating two-factor authentication will unlock the Boogie Down emote

Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite is the fast help you need if you’re a dev with complex data

Posted on by faz_business


What you need to know

  • Google revealed Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, it’s newest model that’s capable of assisting developers with complex, “high” workloads.
  • Seeing as it aims to handle higher data workloads, Google touts this AI model as its cheapest and speediest AI yet, nestled in its Gemini 3 series.
  • Google is seemingly positioning 3.1 Flash-Lite as the next best thing, as the AI seeks to overtake what was started by 2.5 Flash last year.

Google’s not slowing down its development process for next-gen AI; however, what it’s rolling out this week is yet another lightweight, speedy model.

In a Keyword post, Google shared details about its newest lightweight model: Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite for developers. Out of the gate, the company touts 3.1 Flash-Lite as the premier AI model for developers with “high-volume workloads.” Similar to previous highly efficient, low-cost AI models from Google, Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite offers its services at $0.25/1M input tokens and $1.50/1M output tokens.

Why this month’s Starship flight is SpaceX’s most important yet

Posted on by faz_business



SpaceX is targeting this month for the 12th launch of its gargantuan Starship rocket, which comprises the first-stage Super Heavy booster and upper-stage Ship.

While much has rested on each and every one of its previous 11 test flights, the first of which took place in April 2023, the next launch is a big deal for the Elon Musk-led spaceflight company.

That’s because the mission involves a new version of the rocket, with its design based closely on the one that’s destined for future flights to the moon and possibly even Mars.

Version 3 of Starship incorporates structural refinements, more powerful engines, and a raft of lessons learned from earlier mishaps and failures. The entire vehicle is a little taller, too, at 124.4 meters compared to 123.3 meters, and features considerably larger grid fins for improved flight control.

The new design represents a shift from experimental prototype toward something closer to an operational system, with the redesigned rocket the first Starship capable of orbital flights.

The upcoming 12th flight will aim to demonstrate structural and systems upgrades across the vehicle, validate the performance of its latest Raptor engines, execute a clean stage separation and controlled ascent profile, and gather critical data on booster recovery systems that move the rocket closer to routine reuse, among other goals.

The Starship won’t need to perform a perfect flight, but it will need to convince NASA and its partners that progress is accelerating.

That’s because rival spaceflight company Blue Origin, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is knocking at the door.

Blue Origin is also competing for NASA contracts and could even provide the spaceflight hardware for the recently revamped Artemis III mission in low‑Earth orbit in 2027, putting extra pressure on SpaceX to demonstrate measurable progress with the Starship.

SpaceX currently has the contract for the Artemis III and Artemis IV missions (the latter of which will put astronauts back on the moon, possibly in 2028), but should Starship development falter, Blue Origin could step in.

Clearly there’s a lot to play for, though it’s worth noting that Blue Origin has far less flight experience with its New Glenn rocket and its untested Blue Moon lander, leaving SpaceX well-positioned to prove Starship’s reliability first.

SpaceX has yet to announce a specific target date for the Starship’s 12th flight. We’ll share news of it just as soon as we know.

Top 33 Electronic Device Design Services Companies for Engineering & Product Design Firms

Posted on by faz_business


It’s easier than ever to develop and introduce a new electronic device to the market. Don’t get this wrong, the work itself remains a complex undertaking that most likely involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers and designers, but of course, now you have easy access to those design engineering professionals, right from your laptops. You can find hundreds of product development companies and firms, offering their services to design and build new electronic devices at competitive rates with a promise of quality to boot. Design service firms are different from freelancing platforms or job boards.

However, there are a few exceptions where a freelancing platform also functions as an agency or project manager to bridge communication between the professionals and the clients. Take, for example, Cad Crowd; although the platform is primarily a freelance marketplace that specializes in the product design and engineering sector, you can post invitation-only contests and private projects, or use the platform to outsource engineering help on an ongoing basis.

Think of Cad Crowd as a one-stop shop for all your electronic device development service needs, where you’re spoiled with a selection of resources to improve your chances of developing a successful product. An electronic product needs at least two major assemblies: the PCB to manage power delivery as well as control or signal processing, and the hardware enclosure. Not everyone has the resources to bring a product idea to market, let alone handle the entire development process on their own. And that’s where design companies swoop in to offer assistance. Some of the finest of such companies are listed below.

cadcrowd-logo

1. Cad Crowd

Hailing from Canada and now with several offices in the United States, Cad Crowd is a leading freelance marketplace that sets itself apart from the competitors by focusing heavily on the design, engineering design services, and product development sectors. It’s a highly specialized platform that serves as a hub to connect clients with design and engineering professionals from all over the globe. Cad Crowd serves as both an agency and a project manager to ensure an ideal match between talent and roles and hassle-free collaboration throughout the project. Populated by hundreds of thousands of industrial design freelancers, Cad Crowd is among the most trusted platforms used by clients of all backgrounds, including everyday inventors and major corporations alike, to accelerate electronic device development.

Website: Cadcrowd.com

synapse logo

2. Synapse Product Development

A technology and engineering consulting firm offering robust product development services – takes pride in helping clients bring innovative consumer electronics, such as medical devices and IoT solutions, to market. Synapse is known for its unparalleled expertise in electrical/electronic engineering, embedded firmware, and hardware fabrication to transform abstract concepts into manufacturable products. A good number of electronic products in their portfolio implement advanced sensor integration, ultra-low power requirements, and high-frequency wireless connectivity. Clients range from tech startups to Fortune 500 giants. The company is part of Capgemini Invent, a design and innovation powerhouse that primarily focuses on developing intelligent hardware devices.

Website: Synapse.com

Softeq

3. Softeq

Assuming your project has anything to do with IoT design services, robotics, wearables, machine learning, or blockchain, Softeq has just the right services to cater to your needs. The firm provides end-to-end custom software development (front-end, back-end, DevOps), embedded systems, digital transformation, and electronics device design, covering both PCB engineering and enclosure fabrication.

Website: Softeq.com

Cardinal Peak

4. Cardinal Peak

A Colorado-based engineering firm- boasts a capable team with indisputable expertise in embedded software, cloud integration, and, of course, hardware engineering. Cardinal Peak specializes in developing IoT solutions (smart home products, connected devices, and other Internet-enabled products) and in designing audio hardware (as a member of the Qualcomm Advantage Network).

Its market scope encompasses such a broad range of industries as consumer electronics, robotics design, automotive, healthcare, security control, audio streaming, and even the aerospace industries. With a multidisciplinary team of experts behind every service, Cardinal Peak excels at end-to-end product development, from initial concept generation and feasibility studies to prototyping, certifications, and mass production.

Website: Cardinalpeak.com

Voler systems logo

5. Voler Systems

Located in Silicon Valley, alongside tens of thousands of other tech companies, has made a name for itself in the IoT, wearable product design, and medical device sectors, particularly in hardware and firmware engineering. Unlike the vast majority of tech startups in the area, however, Voler Systems has a long 40+ years of experience working on sophisticated projects involving crucial technologies such as wireless connectivity, advanced sensors, ultra-low-power management, and motion control. It offers a comprehensive range of services for electronic device projects, including FPGA, circuit design, prototype fabrication, and DFM. If your new electronic device is supposed to be battery-powered or equipped with gesture sensors and requires proper validation, Voler Systems is an easy recommendation.

Website: Volersystems.com

Arira Design

6. Arira Design

The primary fields of expertise of Arira Design are system-level design and PCB engineering services. The company employs a team of seasoned professionals with in-depth knowledge of high-speed circuitry, signal integrity, and complex power delivery. A collaboration with Arira reinforces your project with decades of combined firsthand experience in electronic hardware engineering, performance analysis, validation testing, and DFM practices. Their services cover such advanced industries as battery management systems, storage networks, IoT, telecommunication, and networking. Arira Design is a veteran in electronic device development, capable of handling complex requirements for successful commercial release. 

Website: Ariradesign.com

Simplexity Product Development logo

7. Simplexity Product Development

You can get a full spectrum of electronic device design services from Simplexity, whose expertise covers mechatronics, power management, IoT, fluidics and microfluidics, and embedded motion solutions. The engineering firm’s core capabilities include robotics, automation, biotech, wearables, commercial equipment, and consumer devices. Backed by 20 years of experience in the business, it offers a turnkey product development service that encompasses everything from hardware design and system engineering to prototyping and the entire project management. Simplexity is easily among the top choices if you want to develop a complex and complete product rather than a specific part or component alone. The company has three offices in San Diego (California), Portland (Chicago), and Seattle (Washington).

Website: Simplexitypd.com

Brash Inc

8. Brash

There isn’t much to say about Brash Product Development that hasn’t already been highlighted elsewhere. The firm offers four major services: Design, Engineering, Software, and Manufacturing. But most importantly, they can do it all exceptionally well. Brash was involved in the development of such sophisticated electronics as B-Temia biorobotic (which basically is a state-of-the-art exoskeleton), the BreathSuite inhaler add-on, the Intrex wearable, and the DOMONO smart camera, to name a few. 

Website: Brashinc.com

Design1st

9. Design 1st

One of Canada’s most recognizable hardware engineering firms, Design 1st has established a respectable place in the industry thanks to its comprehensive end-to-end product design service. A key to the firm’s long-standing reputation for quality is its ability to navigate the tricky balance between practical engineering (manufacturability, functionality, durability, etc.) and surface details like aesthetics and ergonomics. Design 1st places heavy emphasis not only on DFM services but also on DFA, with a holistic approach to concept development to improve cost efficiency. Powered by a cross-functional team of mechanical engineers, prototype fabricators, PCB designers, and firmware developers, Design 1st is among the true specialists in electronic product development all across North America.

Website: Design1st.com

Promwad

10. Promwad

Here’s just a few of the services Promwad offers: hardware design (such as PCB schematic/layout and mechanical engineering for electronic device enclosures), embedded software development, FPGA, SoC, and manufacturing support. In short, all that you need to build an entirely new modern electronic device from scratch. Promwad is headquartered in Essen, Germany. Over the past two decades, Promwad has built a capable team of more than 100 CAD engineers and managers, with combined expertise in FPGA design, industrial automation, adaptive computing, telecommunications, and audio/video streaming. As for manufacturing capabilities, you’ll be pleased to know the firm offers both small-batch and large-volume production, whether you need specific components, enclosures, or fully assembled devices.

Website: Promwad.com

NYL Technology

11. NYL Technology

Generative AI services make up a good chunk of what NYL Technology does, such as LLM and chatbots. Having said that, the firm doesn’t hold back when it comes to hardware engineering either. It provides a full-scale custom software development and is equipped with a cutting-edge rapid prototyping technology to turn your electronic device ideas into reality under one roof.

Website: Nyl.technology

Embevity

12. Embevity

Although primarily known as a specialist in embedded system development, Embevity has no lack of expertise in electronic hardware design either. Much of what they do centers on delivering a comprehensive service across the entire device design cycle, which typically encompasses complex tasks such as feasibility studies, multi-layer PCB schematics, advanced FPGA design, enclosure engineering, prototype design services, and validation. Based in Poland, they’re currently a Nordic Semiconductor Design Partner, an AMD Embedded Partner, a Zephyr Ecosystem Vendor, and a Microchip Authorized Design Partner. It’s a pretty impressive achievement considering how Embevity’s core team consists of just 25+ professionals.

Website: Embevity.com

Elsys

13. ELSYS Design

Headquartered in the heart of France and with branch offices all over the country, ELSYS is one of Europe’s major engineering firms specializing in electronic design services. The firm is currently an ARM Approved Design Partner and a member of the Intel Partner Alliance. Its range of expertise covers PCB design, FPGA, SoC, ASIC, embedded software development, mechanical engineering designers, IC layout, and analog mixed-signal verification. You can also tap into the firm’s “intervention” modes, which include consultancy as well as turnkey design service for small and mid-volume manufacturing. ELSYS even has a dedicated design center that basically allows you to hire the whole company to implement your own development methodology. 

Website: Elsys-design.com

Ex Dynamics

14. Ex Dynamics

Collaborating with an experienced firm affords you the much-needed peace of mind, which is often hard to find in a high-stakes project. It’s good to know that Ex Dynamics is willing to lend you the expertise of an interdisciplinary team with 60 years of combined experience in product development, manufacturing, and industrial design. The firm’s comprehensive electronic device development service covers the entire design process, from early conceptualization and feasibility analysis through physical prototyping, performance analysis, and compliance assurance. Furthermore, Ex Dynamics has in-house capabilities and the necessary facilities to implement an iterative approach to design verification.

Website: Ex-dynamics.com

Tessolve

15. Tessolve

Positioning itself as a semiconductor solutions provider, Tessolve’s work mainly revolves around chip design, analog & mixed signal engineering, and FPGA emulation. That being said, the firm also offers a respectable range of post-silicon services, including PCB design and manufacturing services, New Product Introduction (NPI), and volume production. It’s basically an in-house, end-to-end advanced electronic device development firm.

Website: Tessolve.com

ajprotech logo

16. AJProTech

It’s the company behind the design and development of the Nvidia Jetson Carrier Board, the Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Device, and the AcquaTap portable water generator, just to name a few. AJProTech takes pride in its straightforward way of product development that comprises in-depth feasibility research, rapid prototyping, enclosure engineering, embedded firmware and software, and PCB designers. It’s essentially a turnkey service, kicking off with problem identification and going all the way to mass production. The firm’s largest client base comprises startups and mid-sized companies seeking to accelerate time-to-market while keeping the design optimized for mass manufacturing.

Website: Ajprotech.com

Wizlogix

17. Wizlogix

Most electronic devices, whether consumer-grade or those intended for use in professional environments, consist of an internal PCB and hardware enclosure. Thanks to the proliferation of rapid prototyping, it’s now easy to fabricate your own enclosure using a commercially available 3D printer; sometimes, you only need the PCB made by experts. In such cases, the Singapore-based design engineering firm Wizlogix makes for an excellent partner. It offers a full turnkey PCB design, fabrication, and assembly for various applications, including consumer electronics, automotive components, military equipment, etc.

Website: Wizlogix.com

Speck Design logo

18. Speck Design

Based in Silicon Valley with a strong background in UX and industrial design, Speck is well-known for its ability to create a seamless blend between excellent hardware quality and an intuitive digital experience. Their portfolio is the ultimate testament to an unquestionable expertise in transforming creative ideas into innovative electronic devices. And it’s not just consumer electronics; Speck is well-versed in navigating the complex landscape of robotics and medical technologies as well. Another one of the firm’s points of highlight is how the team takes the client onboard throughout the product development process, from concept generation to the actual engineering phase to performance analysis. 

Website: Speckdesign.com

Smart Design

19. Smart Design

The guiding principle at Smart Design has always been to drive innovation by leveraging emerging technologies. The firm doesn’t clearly distinguish among its services, which primarily include mechanical engineers, product development, and industrial design. The idea behind the lack of compartmentalization is to ensure that every project receives equal attention across all fields of expertise, to build a product born of seamless integration across multiple branches of knowledge. Every electronic device design process is guided by DFM and DFA to reach the final prototype stage as soon as technical feasibility allows.

Website: Smartdesignworldwide.com

studiored logo

20. StudioRed

A clear-cut new product development firm- focuses on four major services to bring ideas into reality: industrial design, mechanical engineering, prototype fabrication, and UI/UX maturation. DFM starts early on in the design process, which means design efficacy (both for cost reduction and smooth transition into manufacturing) takes its place at the top of the priority list. Additionally, with in-house prototype fabrication capabilities, new concept design & product development services can proceed through rapid iteration regardless of complexity. StudioRed has been in operation since the early 1980s and now has extensive experience across consumer electronics, autonomous vehicles, medical devices, and robotics.

Website: Studiored.com

Very Technology

21. Very

While the core competency of Very lies in enterprise-level AI solutions, the firm is also capable of developing more conventional electronic devices, covering both hardware engineering and embedded software development. They have the expertise to build custom PCBs, develop firmware, design the enclosure, and provide manufacturing support, ensuring a seamless transition from the final prototype to a market-ready product.

Website: Verytechnology.com

Byte-Lab

22. Byte Lab

When looking for an electronic product development partner, chances are you focus the search mostly on firms based in North America and Western Europe in the hope of finding quality services. Byte Lab might just be the firm to change your mind. Based in Zagreb, Croatia, the firm played a significant role in the development of popular products such as Philips’ Connected Airfryer, sanSirro’s Qus-Smart Sportswear, Crossbox High Accuracy GPS Lap Timer, and Signify’s HVAC Control Module, among others. Byte Lab specializes in end-to-end electronic product development, including engineering designers and manufacturing services that transform ideas into reality and bring them to market.

Website: Byte-lab.com

Prevas

23. Prevas

Throughout Prevas’ long 40 years of history, it has participated in the developments and launches of more than 8,000 products, both electronics and mechanical, or a combination of both. Employing a multidisciplinary team of diverse skill sets and backgrounds, the firm takes pride in its ability to handle the full spectrum of product development, including post-launch support.

Website: Prevas.com

Nuvation-engineering

24. Nuvation Engineering

The way Nuvation Engineering describes what they do is just about as straightforward as you can expect. The firm primarily deals with the design and development of electronic devices, turnkey-style. Included within the services are hardware engineering, embedded software/firmware development services, FPGA design, system architecture, certifications, and pilot builds. In other words, they have what it takes to learn about your ideas and turn them into tangible electronics. Nuvation is backed by enough engineering power to serve such industries as industrial automation, AI, telecom, data management, medical devices, imaging systems, energy storage solutions, life sciences, and consumer electronics.

Website: Nuvation.com

Lemberg Solutions

25. Lemberg Solutions

Although the firm doesn’t explicitly mention electronic device designers, it does offer an “embedded engineering” package that covers firmware development, FPGA programming, hardware fabrication, and rapid prototyping. Lemberg employs a sizable team of more than 200 engineering experts, and the firm itself has 15 years of experience in the business with an impressive 94% customer satisfaction rate.

Website: Lembergsolutions.com

Goddard Technologies

26. Goddard Technologies

Assuming your idea of a new electronic product is a medical device, Goddard Technologies should be on the shortlist. The firm is well positioned to provide a full range of services, including electronic and mechanical engineering, industrial design services, prototyping, product validation, and eventual transfer to manufacturing. In fact, it also offers low-volume manufacturing, which often is the first right step to take immediately after the final production prototype is ready and approved, before moving to a bigger scale. In addition to specializing in medical device design, Goddard also develops life sciences products and industrial instruments.

Website: Goddardtech.com

Delve logo

27. Delve

A product development firm that does it all, Delve has just the right skills and facilities to be a reliable firm for clients looking to build medical devices, commercial or industrial equipment, and consumer electronics. As far as product development expertise is concerned, Delve hits the mark of a competent partner with skills in industrial design, embedded software, prototype fabrication, and electrical engineering firms. One thing that separates Delve from the competitors is the implementation of what’s known as “human factors engineering,” which basically puts into context the importance of safety (risk-mitigation) for products meant to be used not just by humans but also “on” humans. This is especially relevant when developing medical devices. 

Website: Delve.com

Battelle

28. Battelle

It might not be entirely accurate to define Battelle as an engineering firm. It’s more like a vast community of more than 1200 scientists and 3D engineers operating in eight state-of-the-art laboratories all across the United States. Battelle has a long history of working for the U.S. government on national security projects, medical technologies, and infrastructure. That said, the firm is no stranger to collaboration with private entities, including educational institutions, organizations, and industries. A partnership with Battelle can deliver nearly a century of engineering experience to your projects. Their capabilities span the full spectrum of product development, from in-depth technical research for feasibility to advanced electronic product certification.

Website: Battelle.org

Fidus

29. Fidus

Everything about Fidus screams advanced electronic device development. They offer an extensive assortment of services, covering FPGA, embedded software, ASIC, PCB layout designers, mechanical engineering, thermal design, and signal integrity. You don’t even have to choose which services you receive, as the firm can provide all of them to support a full product lifecycle. Fidus is among the top-tier partners of major tech vendors such as Intel and AMD, known for pushing the boundaries of what’s technically possible while maintaining compliance with current standards.

Website: Fidus.com

Integra Sources

30. Integra Sources

A turnkey electronic device design service- Integra Sources has both the engineering expertise and advanced equipment to handle even the most demanding product development projects. It doesn’t really matter whether the new product is a consumer electronics device, a medical instrument, or an industrial device; they can take you through the full development cycle, from research and development through prototyping to mass production.

Website: Integrasources.com

Tri-star-Design

31. Tri-Star Design

Based in Massachusetts and with more than 30 years of product development experience, has long been a prominent name in robotics technology, medical device design, biosensors, consumer electronics, military products, and warehouse automation. They’re a turnkey engineering firm, providing a full range of services from concept generation to a ready-to-launch, certified product. In the context of electronic device development, this means comprehensive expertise in PCB design and rapid prototyping services, embedded software, advanced FPGA design, DFM, compliance qualification, and project management.

Website: Tristardes.com

Hemargroup

32. Hemargroup

Say you’re running a startup or a small group of tech enthusiasts with a vague idea of an innovative electronic device, but still unsure about taking it to the next level. What you need is a reputable firm, but with startup-friendly processes where you can accelerate the research, design, and production timeline. Hemargroup, a Swiss-based engineering firm, might be the right partner in this situation. Keep in mind that most design firms in Europe do not provide full support to small businesses, startups, or individual clients for product developers. Hemargroup is one of the few willing to do so and even provides mass-production support, marketing, and logistics management.

Website: Hemargroup.ch

Intechhouse

33. InTechHouse

Of all the services provided by InTechHouse, you’ll be focusing mainly on three departments for electronic device design: hardware engineering design and prototyping, embedded software development, and low-volume production. The firm separates itself from competitors by offering several collaboration models. You can hire the firm in its entirety to handle a project at a fixed rate, hire specific professionals as extensions of your existing team, or use the usual and flexible hourly rate for when it’s difficult to specify project cost from the get-go.

Website: Intechhouse.com

Takeaway

The development of a new electronic device involves not only electrical know-how, but also industrial design, firmware development, and mechanical engineering as well. It is, and has always been, an interdisciplinary project in which team members combine the expertise of their respective fields to build a device that’s both technically feasible and financially viable.

Sometimes the difference between a failed and successful product lies in the 3D design firm you hire to take on the development project. A capable firm should find no problem in navigating the fragile balance between quality and production cost, which ultimately determines the sales figure and profit. A qualified team of professionals can provide strategic guidance through the likely complex part sourcing, DFM approach, and regulatory compliance requirements.

How Cad Crowd can help

Of all the companies listed above, Cad Crowd earns the distinction as the only non-traditional design firm, thanks to its versatile hiring method. It’s a freelancing platform, alright, but a highly specialized one, to the point where the quality of service is just about identical to (if not better than) that of a full-blown design firm. Furthermore, you’re also provided with IP protection through an NDA and everything else related to patent applications. Cad Crowd bridges the gap between hiring a full-service design firm and 3D design freelancers, and in the process, delivers the best of both worlds in one go. Contact us for a free quote today.

author avatar

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

Resident Evil Requiem interactive maps of Care Center, Raccoon City, and more

Posted on by faz_business



If you’ve ever played a Resident Evil game, you probably know what to expect when you’re not killing zombies. Exploration is essential, as creepy mansions become puzzle boxes full of hidden items. Resident Evil Requiem’s maps are no different. You’ll find plenty of precious ammo stashed away in the Care Center as Grace, and then discover a small open-ended version of Raccoon City with plenty of its own secrets.

You’ll want to scour each area as thoroughly as you can. Once the story moves on from a location, there’s no going back. That means you could miss out on backpack upgrades, weapons, safes, and even crafting recipes. You don’t need to gather everything, but your chances of survival will be much better if you do.

Here are our interactive maps for every major area in Resident Evil Requiem, including the Care Center and Raccoon City. We’ll continue to update these maps as we find more collectibles. May they safely guide you through a survival horror game that goes to some truly unnerving places.

[Ed. note: Spoilers follow for Resident Evil Requiem. If you’d like to discover the game at your own pace, bookmark this page and come back later.]

Wrenwood Hotel interactive map

Care Center interactive map

Care Center Courtyard interactive map

Water Treatment Plant interactive map

East Raccoon City interactive map

Raccoon City Center interactive map

Orphanage interactive map

Raccoon City Police Department interactive map

ARK interactive map

New Apple Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Don’t Work With Intel Macs

Posted on by faz_business


If you still have a Mac with an Intel chip inside, you’re not going to want to pick up one of the new Studio Display or Studio Display XDR models.

studio display and xdr
According to Apple’s list of compatible Macs, neither model will work with an Intel-based Mac. Apple says that the Studio Display is compatible with a long list of Macs dating back to 2020, but they all have M-series chips inside.

  • 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021 and later)
  • 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (2021 and later)
  • 13-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (M1, 2020 and later)
  • 15-inch MacBook Air (2023 and later)
  • 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ (‌M1‌, 2020 and later)
  • Mac Studio (2022 and later)
  • Mac mini (2020 and later)
  • Mac Pro (2023 and later)
  • 24-inch iMac (2021 and later)

Apple started phasing out Intel Macs in 2020 when it released the first devices with Apple silicon. Intel chips were phased out in the ‌MacBook Air‌ in 2020 and ‌MacBook Pro‌ line in 2021, and other Macs followed. The last Intel Mac was the ‌Mac Pro‌, and the Intel version was discontinued in 2023. Apple hasn’t sold an Intel Mac for close to three years.

With Intel Macs long discontinued, Apple is phasing out support as well. macOS Tahoe will be the final software update for Intel-based Macs, and Intel Macs will not get macOS 27. While Intel Macs will not be updated past ‌macOS Tahoe‌, Apple plans to provide security updates for three additional years.

The new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR will be available for pre-order on March 4 at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time.

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