Author: faz_business

I use these two Android features to trick my international friends into thinking I’m fluent in their languages

Posted on by faz_business


Google Translate has been a staple in my life for many years, as I’m quite close with people from all over the world. And while they all speak English to varying degrees, I often try to help by speaking to them in a language they’re more familiar with. Google Translate helps to some degree, but having to open the app, copy the text, and paste it into a separate app is a clunky way to go about it.

Fortunately, Google has integrated its Translate capabilities across other apps and features in Android, making it easier to access these features where they’re most needed. Gboard and Circle to Search are two such apps, and they’ve helped me make sense of what my international friends are saying when speaking to me in their native languages, while allowing me to respond in a way they can easily understand.

Google added a Translate button to Circle to Search to easily translate whatever’s on your screen, and it’s been one of my favorite (and probably most-used) features.

Article continues below

I stopped guessing which AA batteries are dead – this charging station keeps them in check for me

Posted on by faz_business


img-3529.jpg

pros and cons

Pros

  • Simple to use.
  • It has plenty of techy features to please the geeks.
  • It does a very good job of sorting out batteries that can’t or shouldn’t be charged.
Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • It takes up a fair bit of desk space.
  • It can be a little noisy in use.

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Olight is a name that’s been synonymous with quality flashlights for a number of years. I’ve owned more than a few Olights in my time, and they have been high performers that have far surpassed my already high expectations.

Also: I tried a unviersal battery tester from Amazon, and it’s already saving me money

So, when I got the chance to get my hands on Olight’s new AA/AAA battery charger — the Olight Ostation 2 Pro — I jumped at it. After all, if it was anywhere near as good as its flashlights, it was going to be excellent.

And it was.

Best generators deals of the week

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

The Ostation 2 Pro is a beast

The Ostation 2 Pro (there’s also a standard version that omits some of the features) is quite hefty as chargers go, and it has quite a desk presence. It features a modern, all-plastic construction that’s both tough and stylish.

Also: The best rechargeable batteries of 2026

On the front is a 2.8-inch touchscreen for real-time monitoring of battery cycles, health, and status, which really adds to the high-tech, geeky feel of the unit.

I like the touchscreen on the Ostation 2 Pro.

I like the touchscreen on the Ostation 2 Pro.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The charger is powered by a 12V/1.5A PD 3.0 USB-C input for faster charging under full load (a small wall charger is included), and there’s an app available (iOS and Android) for those who want to dive deeper into the details than the display offers.

The app offers a deeper dive into charging.

The app offers a deeper dive into charging.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

What can you charge?

The Ostation 2 Pro can handle any brand of AA and AAA Ni-MH batteries, as well as Olight’s own Ostation 1.5V AA rechargeable Li-ion batteries (Olight doesn’t yet have any Li-ion batteries in AAA size).

I quite like Olight's own AA Ni-MH batteries.

I quite like Olight’s own AA Ni-MH batteries.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

However, be aware that it won’t charge random Li-ion batteries because the charger uses a secure handshake protocol to communicate with Ostation batteries for maximum Li-ion charging safety.

It’s just so easy to use!

Once it’s plugged in and switched on (and I recommend downloading the app to check for any firmware updates), it’s easy to use.

Also: This charger made alkaline batteries completely unnecessary for me in 2026

Yup, assume everything needs a software update nowadays.

Yup, assume everything needs a software update nowadays.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

You load batteries into the top (it can take a dozen AAs and another dozen AAAs), and then the Ostation 2 Pro checks, tests, and charges them. Freshly charged batteries appear in the appropriate drawer at the bottom of the unit over the course of the day (an AA battery takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge).

My batteries making their way through the Ostation 2 Pro.

My batteries making their way through the Ostation 2 Pro.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The unit can charge four batteries at a time (two AAs and two AAAs).

Also: I bought a thermal camera for my Android and it spotted a hidden hazard right away

Any batteries that fail to charge, are defective, or are alkaline batteries that shouldn’t be recharged end up in a separate drawer.

And it all just works. I’ve loaded it with all sorts of AA and AAA batteries — Olight Li-ion batteries, random Ni-MH batteries, defective rechargeable batteries, and even a sprinkling of unrechargeable alkaline batteries — and the unit performed perfectly, charging all the rechargeable batteries and rejecting all the ones that couldn’t or shouldn’t be charged.

The Ostation 2 Pro forces me to be tidy!

The Ostation 2 Pro forces me to be tidy!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

No fuss whatsoever!

There’s a hidden secret for Olight fans

On the side of the unit is a flap that hides two magnetic charging (MCC) ports that can be used to charge compatible Olight flashlights (the Baton, Warrior, Seeker, Marauder Mini, Arkfeld/ArkPro, and Perun 2 series of flashlights).

Since I have a few Olight flashlights, the MCC ports are a nice touch!

Since I have a few Olight flashlights, the MCC ports are a nice touch!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

ZDNET’s buying advice

What I really like about the Ostation 2 Pro is just how easy it is to use. Yes, I love the touchscreen and the deeper dive that the app offers, but it’s the simplicity that is the real winning bit for me. There’s no need to load batteries into some spring-loaded contraption, no need to remember to check on them every few hours, and no need to worry that someone might load the wrong batteries into the charger. I love the simplicity of just piling discharged batteries into the top and pulling charged ones out of the drawer at the bottom.

Also: Should you still buy rechargeable batteries in 2026? These USB-C ones say yes

It’s super easy and super convenient, and it makes it super hard for the user to mess something up.

Last mention of the productThe Olight Ostation 2 Pro retails for $140 for the charging unit alone, or $200 for the charger and 24 Olight Ni-MH batteries (which is a good deal). It’s a superb charger, but if you want a cheaper option, the Ostation 2 (which replaces the touchscreen with an LED display, uses a slower 5.0V/2.0A USB-C charger, and doesn’t include the magnetic charging ports for Olight flashlights) is priced at $100 for the charger alone and $160 if you want the 24 batteries.



The Friday Roundup – Zoom Lens or Prime Plus Microphones

Posted on by faz_business


Pop art style cartoon image of a man making a bad choice of lens for a kids party.

Zooms or Prime Lenses?

One of the questions that may come up for you when you move up to a dedicated video shooting camera like a DSLR or an MILC is that of lenses.

There used to be an assumption not too long ago that a Prime Lens (fixed focal length) was always going to be better than a Zoom Lens (variable focal length).

At that time it was true because making zoom lenses that were technically accurate was incredibly difficult both in design and manufacturing.

These days with modern technology it is a different story but like most things, it’s not all black and white!

For example I have a Sony ZV-E10 which came with a kit lens that ranges from 16mm to 50mm focal lengths and across that range it can produce very good results… BUT!

Because it is a kit lens and has to be produced cheaper, the maximum aperture (f3.5) can only be achieved at the 16mm focal length setting.

As soon as I zoom into say 23mm the aperture automatically adjusts to f4.5 or f5.0 and I cannot increase it meaning I have to add more light or increase the ISO.

Additionally if I shoot at certain focal lengths I get very slight aberration which is noticeable if floor and wall joins are visible at the edge of the frame.

As I say, it is not a bad lens but it is not a great one either!

So long story short, that pretty much sums up the whole zoom lens/fixed lens debate… it still comes down to what you are will to pay for!

Here’s a more considered take on the whole thing.

How Lens Focal Length Affects Your Storytelling

One of the first “tears before bedtime” moments I ran into once I armed myself with a fancy schmancy MILC camera for shooting was the subject of lenses.

When you are shooting with a smartphone that’s a subject never comes up!

Suddenly I had to wade my way through focal lengths, fields of view, crop factors, sensor sizes and all manner of technical wizzbangery!

It took a while but at least now I think I have at least some level of knowledge on the whole thing but would dare trying to explain it to another human!

So for the safety of everyone else, here’s a reasonably straightforward explanation of the whole lens shebang.

What’s New in Filmora 15.3.10 – Hue vs Saturation, AI Templates & More

So of course there is a recent update to Filmora because there is always a new update to Filmora!

Two things really stand out in this one which is covered in detail in the video below.

Those two things are the new color controls and the improved Portrait Cutout tool.

The color tools they have added are another step towards Filmora moving closer and closer towards giving fully pro color tools a run for their money.

Adding Hue vs. Saturation curves is a real game changer but the icing on the cake is the inclusion of a selection tool in the package.

That means you can select an exact color or color range and adjust only that in the tool, very cool!

The other one is the refinement of the Portrait Cutout tool which in itself is all well and good but!

It also shows that Filmora are still developing and working on their existing A.I toolset rather then just throwing them out their for marketing purposes then moving on to the next.

PowerDirector Single & Multi Trim Tutorial – Video Editing Basics

This is the latest in a series of revamped into tutorials CyberLink have been creating for PowerDirector over the past year.

Whilst these are all excellent videos the one hurdle you may (or may not) have to get over is the A.I. generated narration!

To me it’s kind cheesy but despite that the tutorials are solid!

This one covers the single and multi trim modules for cutting clips to your requirements.

I personally use these tools for rough cuts before I add clips to the timeline then use the regular methods for making final fine adjustments.

How to Copy and Paste Keyframe Attributes in PowerDirector

PowerDirector like most advanced video editing software, allows for you to copy and paste certain attributes from one clip or asset to another on the timeline.

This can be a great time saver under most circumstances but you really need to have a decent understanding of how it works and what some of the pitfalls may be.

As I said, it can be a great time saver but it is not strictly speaking a one size fits all action.

Here’s a look at it is action.

Your Video Files Are a Mess — Here’s the Fix

One of the key lessons I learned very early in my video editing journey was from a good friend of mine who was a pro video editor.

That lesson was that before you touched anything with your editing or added anything to the timeline you must always get your assets organized.

In fact at a pro Hollywood level the organization of assets including footage, audio, images and everything else being added is an exercise taking weeks not hours!

So even if your projects are quite simple, getting organized is a great investment in your own sanity!

The problem is no-one really tells you HOW to get organized, just that you “should” get organized.

So here’s a video from the guys at Movavi giving some pretty solid suggestions as to how you can do that.

Buying a Microphone for Filmmaking in 2026 – Buyers Guide

When I first started out shooting videos back in the day when dinosaurs roamed the earth, things in the audio department were pretty dire!

None of the known video editing software had any real ability to deal with audio in any meaningful way other than to increase or decrease the volume and even then there was no keyframing.

On top of that the selection of microphones ranged from affordable garbage to incredibly expensive pro level stuff.

There were absolutely no in between or mid range selections to be made!

These days it is a different story especially when it comes to microphones where you can choose from a vast range of capabilities and applications.

In fact right now the only real problem is working out which one is right for you.

I wrote a full article on the subject that you can read right HERE but in the meantime the video below covers the current state of things pretty well.

And just in case you were wondering, the microphone I am mainly using and have been for over a year now is the Hollyland Lark M2.

Film Lighting for Beginners

This is a continuation of the series from Bluelight Media that I have been posting in the Friday Roundup for the past few weeks.

The video this week covers lighting for beginners and this one more than the others tends to focus a little further towards the fully pro end of the spectrum.

In that sense a lot of the information is not necessarily directly applicable to our end of the market but the basics of lighting remain constant nonetheless.

My take on tutorials like this is that I may not necessarily use the techniques in my videos but I will certainly use the information to improve my own understanding and results.

A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Keyframing in DaVinci Resolve – YouTube

When it comes to modern video editing software probably one of the most useful and powerful features that was introduced was that of keyframing.

This feature alone not only added a whole range of post production capabilities to any editors bag of tricks but also reduced the workload in doing so immeasurably.

Of course when it comes to keyframing and DaVinci Resolve, keyframing takes on a whole new level!

I use keyframing often in Resolve and I know I haven’t even scratched the surface in what I actually could do so here’s a video from Daniel Batal on the subject.

This is a deep, deep dive into keyframing and in particular how it now operates given recent updates to the user interface.

Key Takeaways

  • The article explores the pros and cons of Zoom vs. Prime lenses for video shooting, noting modern technology has changed previous assumptions.
  • It discusses the impact of lens focal length on storytelling and technical knowledge needed for video production.
  • Filmora 15.3.10 introduces new color controls and an improved Portrait Cutout tool, enhancing its AI capabilities.
  • PowerDirector offers tutorials on keyframe attributes and trimming clips, emphasizing their practical applications in editing.
  • The article covers tips for organizing video files, selecting microphones, and basic lighting techniques for beginners.

Discover more from The DIY Video Editor

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AI Governance For Dummies – Tech Research Online

Posted on by faz_business


Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving quickly into core business processes, often faster than the controls around it. Data sources are multiplying, models change rapidly and decisions are made at scale. Without a clear approach to governance, confidence in AI outcomes becomes harder to maintain.

Modern AI governance is about visibility and accountability across the entire lifecycle. It connects data, access, oversight, and monitoring so systems remain reliable as they evolve. Governance can then shift from reactive reviews to a built-in discipline.

Learn how to put structure behind your AI initiatives with AI Governance For Dummies. In the guide, you’ll explore:

  • What effective AI governance looks like in practice
  • How to manage data and models from design through operation
  • The capabilities that help maintain trust as systems scale

3 underrated Amazon Prime Video movies you should watch this weekend (April 10-12)

Posted on by faz_business



This weekend’s watchlist covers three different genres of movies, so you can pick whatever you are in the mood for. We have a trio of hidden gems on Amazon Prime Video that deserve way more attention.

There is a gritty Michael Caine revenge thriller you should not miss, a micro-budget 1950s sci-fi mystery that thrives on atmosphere and dialogue. For horror fans, we have a psychological horror bout a hospice nurse whose faith tips into something far more dangerous that gets inside your skin.

We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best free movies, and the best movies on Amazon Prime Video.

Saint Maud (2019)

Saint Maud is not a horror film in the traditional sense, and going in expecting one will work against you. What it actually is is a deeply unsettling psychological portrait of a young hospice nurse named Maud, a recent Catholic convert who becomes dangerously fixated on saving her terminally ill patient’s soul in ways that grow increasingly disturbing.

Morfydd Clark’s performance is the engine of the whole thing, holding a fragile, frightening line between piety and paranoia throughout. I really like how the film gets under your skin without ever fully explaining itself. You finish it feeling like you witnessed something you were not supposed to see, and that feeling does not leave quickly.

You can watch Saint Maud on Amazon Prime Video

Harry Brown (2009)

If you have a soft spot for slow-burn British crime dramas, Harry Brown is the movie you need to watch this weekend. Michael Caine plays the title character, a widowed, retired Royal Marines veteran living on a decaying South London housing estate overrun by gang violence. When his only friend is murdered, Harry stops looking the other way.

What makes this film work so well is how it refuses to glamorize what follows. Harry is not an action hero. He is an old man with emphysema who stumbles during a chase and collapses on a canal path.

I really like how the film earns every moment of tension because it keeps Harry vulnerable and the world around him genuinely threatening. Caine is absolutely extraordinary here, and there are sequences in this film that will make you forget you are watching a 77-year-old man.

You can watch Harry Brown on Amazon Prime Video

The Vast of Night (2019)

Have you accidentally tuned into a late-night radio broadcast and could not bring yourself to switch off. Well, The Vast of Night is exactly that kind of sci-fi movie.

Set over a single night in 1950s small-town New Mexico, the film follows Fay, a teenage switchboard operator, and Everett, a fast-talking local radio DJ, as they stumble onto a mysterious audio frequency that sends them down a strange and increasingly eerie rabbit hole.

There are no big set pieces or alien invasions. The tension is built almost entirely through dialogue, long unbroken camera takes, and an incredibly precise sound design that makes the night feel alive and watchable.

What I really love about this movie is how it makes stillness feel tense. A long phone call, a quiet street, a voice crackling through static, and somehow all of it keeps you completely locked in. For a movie made on a low budget, The Vast of Night makes an entertaining watch.

You can watch The Vast of Night on Amazon Prime Video

Top 19 Platforms to Find Freelance Assembly Modeling Services for CAD Design and Engineering Firms

Posted on by faz_business


Assembly modeling services involve a process or a method of graphical visualization where multiple individual components are put together to build a product. Each component occupies a unique position in the assembly, with its own specific tolerances and restraints, to form a functional system. The final assembly is then represented as either a surface or a solid model. It’s a crucial process in product visualization, allowing the product designers and engineers to analyze how all the components within the assembly interact with each other and identify interferences. There are three major approaches to assembly modeling:

  • Top-down design: the process starts with a complete product model. Based on the product file, you create all the necessary components one by one. Although the components are created within the master file, they should be saved as individual files so you can open and edit them separately.
  • Bottom-up assembly: Instead of starting with the finished product model, you begin the assembly by creating the individual components first. The approach is preferable when working with large assemblies, especially if they contain intricate components, as it enables the designer to focus on each component’s details one at a time. Bottom-up assembly is best when the product uses only standardized, off-the-shelf components.
  • Concurrent engineering: possibly the least popular approach, it involves multiple designers (or teams) working on separate components of the assembly using the same product file. This typically increases collaboration and reduces product development timeline, but it leaves very little room for error. As the product develops further, the window of opportunity to identify and fix mistakes also gets smaller.

RELATED: How Companies Use Design for Assembly Services for Product Manufacturing

Nearly the entire assembly modeling process relies on CAD software to perform automatic geometry calculations and identify errors. Whether using a bottom-up, top-down, or concurrent engineering approach, assembly modeling services is a challenging task best left to experienced professionals. Given the complexity of the job, it may be advisable to hire freelancers through a platform that specializes in design and engineering services, such as Cad Crowd. For more than 15 years, Cad Crowd has been the go-to freelance marketplace for connecting with assembly modeling professionals for physical product development of all kinds. 

Top platforms of choice

Much of the assembly modeling process requires the skills of professional 3D modelers. By that logic, any freelancing platform that has a “3D design” category should do, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Not every platform is created equal; some specialize in design and engineering, while others are more general-purpose. The following list covers both categories to help you make a better, educated, informed decision when the time finally comes to hire an assembly modeling freelancer for your project. 

Cadcrowd

1. Cad Crowd

Specialized freelancing platforms are usually the first to consider. And as far as specialized platforms go, Cad Crowd sits at the top of the list for the sheer number of, well, “specializations” it has to offer. Cad Crowd delves deeply into the product development landscape, offering hundreds of services across the sector, including design, engineering, and 3D visualization services. The platform also implements industry-specific vetting processes; it evaluates all the freelancers based on their actual design and engineering expertise rather than generic capabilities. Combine those with the “accuracy guarantee” feature and NDA protection, and you get a dependable freelancing platform to hire the most qualified assembly modeling professionals. 

Website: Cadcrowd.com

Xometry

2. Xometry

You’ve probably known Xometry as an on-demand additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping platform. Apart from that, Xometry also offers “Design and Engineering Services,” with which you can discover and hire 3D designers or engineers from firms registered with the platform. It allows you to send project briefs directly to the professionals of your choice, too. One of the biggest advantages of hiring from Xometry is its heavy emphasis on the DFM (Design for Manufacturability) approach. All the freelancers in the network are accustomed to creating product models that will actually get manufactured, not just 3D models that only look good on the screen. 

Website: Xometry.com

RELATED:  How to design effective assembly drawings for consumer products and manufacturing companies

CADhero

3. CADHERO

A niche platform designed to serve as a marketplace for professional design and drafting freelancers, CADHERO positions itself as a “curated” alternative to more general freelancing sites. CADHERO claims to have pre-vetted all talents in its database, ensuring they have the necessary skills in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Revit before they can take on any project. The platform is so confident in what it does that it offers a risk-free trial to every new client. If you’ve never used the platform before, the first time is always free. 

Website: Cadhero.co

Blender Artist

4. Blender Artist Community

Assuming you’ve been dealing in the product design and development sector for quite a while, chances are you know that Blender might not be the ideal tool for precise assembly modeling. If you want a rendered visualization of an assembly that focuses more on aesthetics than accuracy, Blender can work wonders. Finding proficient Blender users doesn’t have to be difficult either. Just head over to Blender Artist Community and go to the “Jobs” section of the forum to post your project. Keep in mind that the forum does not provide a pre-vetting process, so pay close attention to candidates’ portfolios before hiring.

Website: Blenderartists.org

Ennomotive

5. Ennomotive

To say that Ennomotive is a freelancer marketplace doesn’t sound quite right, although it does share some similar characteristics with other specialized platforms. Ennomotive describes itself as an open innovation hub that helps engineering companies and individuals solve engineering problems through crowdsourcing. Your project will be posted as a “challenge” and published to all the creative designers and engineers registered with the platform. Ennomotive can help you formulate the project, determine the reward (usually prize money), and evaluate the submissions. Ultimately, you retain the right to determine which solution is the winner. A challenge can be anything from product assembly modeling to manufacturing cost optimization and everything else in between.

Website: Ennomotive.com

Engineeringcom

6. Engineering.com Jobs

The main site of Engineering.com is a publication hub for industry-related news, reports, and papers. The “Jobs” section only makes a small contribution to the whole platform, but it doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of it as a hunting ground for freelance engineers. It’s more like a traditional job board (as opposed to a full-blown freelance marketplace), where you can post projects to a community of professionals. Keep in mind that most members are career designers and engineers, allowing you to cut the noise of hobbyist or amateur CAD enthusiasts right away.

Website: Jobs.engineering.com

RELATED: Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Tips (DFMA) — Cut Your Product Design Company’s Production Costs

Grabcad-1

7. GrabCAD Community Challenges

Many things about GrabCAD challenges are similar to those of Ennomotive mentioned earlier. Its main business model is selling software solutions for 3D printing applications, but the “Challenges” section offers a way to leverage crowdsourcing for any engineering project, including assembly modeling. The platform welcomes you to post a project and challenge the community to compete for a monetary reward. It also allows you to browse a directory of engineers to view portfolios (which often include models and assemblies) uploaded to the site. In case you haven’t noticed, the latest challenge on the site was sponsored by NASA.

Website: Grabcad.com

kolabtree logo

8. Kolabtree

Like the vast majority of freelancing sites all across the web, Kolabtree gives you the platform to post projects and request quotes from any professional registered with the site. What separates it from the rest of the alternatives is the barrier to entry; Kolabtree positions itself on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to qualifications. Most 3D design freelancers on the site are real experts, with credentials from reputable educational institutions in the United States and abroad. It’s a freelancer marketplace designed for academics and scientists of various specializations, including product design and mechanical engineering. If your assembly modeling project requires complex physics or Ph.D.-level analysis and expertise, Kolabtree makes it easier to find the right person to get things done.

Website: Kolabtree.com

freelancercom

9. Freelancer

From this point forward, all the platforms in the list are generalized freelancing sites, starting with the aptly named Freelancer. If you’ve used any freelancing platform before, you might be familiar with the way it works already. It’s actually pretty simple, really; you post a project, expect to receive bids from interested freelancers, and choose the best offer to kick off the project. Payment is done in advance, but the fund is only released if you’re satisfied with the deliverables.

Website: Freelancer.com

Guru logo

10. Guru

One of the platform’s best features is the “WorkRoom” dashboard, where you have a complete set of management functions even when you’re hiring multiple CAD design freelancers for one or more projects. The dashboard also works as a hub for file sharing, which can be useful if the project requires some reasonably large CAD files. Guru facilitates various payment terms, including task-based, recurring, and hourly.

Website: Guru.com

RELATED: How Assembly Drawing Services Can Help Your Company or Firm Thrive

toptal

11. Toptal

The biggest selling point of Toptal is its promise that it has access to the world’s top 3% of freelancers. It’s almost similar to Kolabtree in some respects, although Toptal doesn’t actually boast about having freelancers with master’s or doctoral degrees in the network. Some of them have impressive credentials, but the platform seems to downplay them. That said, Toptal is a premium option for assembly modeling projects that require both precision and a sense of urgency.

Website: Toptal.com

Truelancer logo

12. Truelancer

A large number of CAD modeling freelancers on the platforms are based in Asian countries like India and the Philippines. As you’ve probably guessed, Truelancer is primarily geared toward those looking for cost-efficient CAD services. This is not to say the services are cheap or unreliable; it’s simply that cost arbitrage may enable significant savings while maintaining a reasonable level of accuracy and quality.

Website: Truelancer.com

peopleperhour logo

13. PeoplePerHour

A UK-based platform, PeoplePerHour, allows freelancers to create a specific set of services based on their specializations and sell them for a fixed price. For example, you might see offers like “I will build a complex assembly modeling for an electronic product” or “I will create an animated exploded view of a mechanical system” for a certain fee. You can hire an assembly design freelancer directly or post a project and let the platform find the right match. 

Website: Peopleperhour.com

Workana logo

14. Workana

Every single freelancer registered with Workana is based in a Latin American country such as Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico, among others. As far as qualifications and quality are concerned, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between Workana and other generalized platforms like Guru or Truelancer. That said, being a “nearshore” platform offers the advantage of a more manageable collaboration (thanks to the 3D modeling freelancers being fluent in English and living in the same timezone), especially if you’re working on a complex assembly.

Website: Workana.com

RELATED: 5 Reasons to Hire a CAD Design Specialist to Bring Your Company’s Concept to Market

hubstaff talent logo

15. Hubstaff Talent

Here’s what makes Hubstaff Talent a unique proposition in the freelancing market: the platform is 100% free to use, in the sense that it takes zero fee and commission on any completed project and payment received. It implements zero markup because it doesn’t function as a middleman. You get to post projects for free or browse hundreds of agencies and freelancers who offer the services you need. 

Website: Hubstafftalent.net

Malt logo

16. Malt

A reputable freelancing platform in European countries, Malt has established a name for itself in Germany, France, and Spain. The platform is known for its stellar administrative support and compliance, making it an excellent option for corporate clients concerned with tax and billing regulations. Many of the assembly modeling professionals on the platform have strong backgrounds in the aerospace and automotive industries, making them well-suited for high-end assembly modeling of complex products.

Website: Malt.com

yunojuno logo

17. YunoJuno

Mostly populated by creatives and tech professionals, YunoJuno offers an all-in-one platform for direct sourcing of freelancers, onboarding, project tracking, and SOW management tools. You can almost say it is a workforce agency with a sophisticated interface to handle all your needs for outsourced tasks. The freelancers here tend to command relatively higher rates, but only because they’re indeed senior-level CAD professionals. 

Website: Yunojuno.com

fiverr logo

18. Fiverr

Famous for being the practical implementation of the gig economy, Fiverr is the typical freelancing platform for smaller tasks, such as simple assembly modeling or basic visualization. The 3D modeling freelancers here create offers or “gigs” with a fixed rate, and then you purchase the services most relevant to your project. Still, it is easy to contact the freelancers directly and place a custom order. There’s actually no limit to how the freelancers package their services, so it’s likely that you’ll find services for high-end assembly modeling, too.

Website: Fiverr.com

RELATED: The evolution of 3D CAD design and drafting

Upwork

19. Upwork

Possibly the most popular general freelancing platform, Upwork has been around for more than two decades, connecting clients of all sizes with professionals across various specializations. Millions of freelancers use the platform, competing to outbid one another through a competitive project-bidding process. You can also use the “Project Catalog” feature to browse pre-packaged services.

Website: Upwork.com

Takeaway

Assembly modeling is one of the most important phases in product development management. Not only does it create a visualization of the finished product, but it also clearly shows how all the components that form it come together. Within the context of CAD, an “assembly” refers to a 3D model of a product that consists of dozens or hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of individual parts and components. The product designer utilizes 3D visualization to design complex systems, such as load-bearing elements of a structure, vehicles, machinery, or intricate mechanical devices. The more complex the assembly gets, the more important it is for the design and engineering team to have clear visibility of the intended product.

How Cad Crowd can help

Some people assume that assembly modeling is pretty much the same as typical 3D modeling, but it isn’t entirely correct. What makes assembly modeling much more complex is “clash detection,” meaning the modeler must identify and resolve potential interference among components; this alone can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Processing power can also be an issue because complex models require greater hardware resources to ensure speedy performance.

And this is where Cad Crowd comes in. Backed by thousands of CAD experts with proven experience in 3D and assembly modeling, the platform takes you directly into the center of the specialized freelance marketplace, where you can discover, communicate, and collaborate only with the most qualified professionals from all around the world. When spearheaded by the right professionals, assembly modeling can be a straightforward path to quick time-to-market, lower development costs, error-free design, and streamlined collaboration. Cad Crowd helps you accelerate innovation, affording you the chance to build a better product in less time at affordable rates. Contact us for a quote.

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

GFN Thursday: ‘Samson: A Tyndalston Story’

Posted on by faz_business


A timeless story of grit, faith and rebellion takes center stage as Samson: A Tyndalston Story joins the GeForce NOW library today. 

The highly anticipated release from Liquid Swords can now be streamed on nearly any device with GeForce NOW bringing cinematic intensity and mythic storytelling to the cloud.

Catch it as part of four new games in the cloud this week.

Stream the Power

Samson on GeForce NOW
A new legend rises.

Tyndalston is a city built on debt, muscle and memory. Samson: A Tyndalston Story from Liquid Swords follows Samson, a former enforcer pulled back to the streets that made him. Violence is currency as every fight is personal, every hit carries history and every escape feels earned in a city that never forgives.

Gameplay blends cinematic melee action with choice-driven narrative progression. Every confrontation — from shadowed alley brawls to large-scale set pieces — feels purposeful, reflecting Samson’s internal struggle between vengeance and redemption. Brawls hit fast and close. Cars aren’t set pieces — they’re weapons. Momentum and terrain decide if the player walks away or falls harder. Every job, debt and decision cuts toward freedom or collapse.

The game takes full advantage of ray-traced global illumination, reflections and shadows, creating a city that feels cinematic and alive. NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 boosts performance, while NVIDIA Reflex technology cuts down latency to keep controls razor-sharp during split-second fights. With GeForce NOW, the experience streams instantly at maximum fidelity, even without the latest hardware. No waiting around for downloads or worrying about system specs, just dive straight into the grit and glow of Tyndalston.

Celebrate New Games

No arms, no problem.
No arms, no problem.

Celebrate three decades of Rayman with the definitive edition of the platforming classic in Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition, featuring five versions from iconic consoles, over 120 additional levels and an exclusive documentary that explores the creation of the limbless hero. Stream it on GeForce NOW without having to wait around for downloads or updates. 

In addition, members can look for the following:

  • Samson (New release on Steam, April 8, GeForce RTX 5080-ready)
  • Morbid Metal (New release on Steam, April 8, GeForce RTX 5080-ready)
  • DayZ (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 9) 
  • Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition (Steam and Ubisoft)

GeForce RTX 5080-ready game this week, in addition to Samson and Morbid Metal:

  • Starfield (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass)

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.



Halfbrick Launches Free ‘Jetpack Joyride Racing’ Game With Multiplayer Support For Up to Six Players

Posted on by faz_business


Mobile game developer Halfbrick today launched a new iOS game in its popular Jetpack Joyride series. Jetpack Joyride Racing is a multiplayer racing game that supports up to six players for real-time racing competitions.

Players can take on the role of Barry Steakfries, Dan, Josie, Professor Brains, Robo Barry, and more, with four circuits and a zone system that changes gameplay on the fly. Purple zones slow you down, red zones cut your engine, and green zones speed you up.

Races feature items to collect for boosts, drift mechanics, and different tactical designs to master in each level. In addition to the competitive racing mode with support for Discord voice chat, players can also team up with friends for collaborative gameplay in Party Mode. The game has easy-to-learn controls, but it will take some time to master drifting and boosting to win.

Players can collect in-game cards for rewards, and the cards are part of the Halfbrick+ collectible card system. Cards unlock ships, characters, and cosmetic items, and will eventually integrate with other Halfbrick+ games similar to Nintendo’s Amiibo. With Season Pass rewards, players can make their way through a progression system laden with prizes.

Jetpack Joyride Racing is free to download and play, with no ads included. The optional Halfbrick+ subscription provides access to other Halfbrick games like Fruit Ninja, plus it includes exclusive rewards, premium cosmetics, faster progression, and subscriber-only content. Halfbrick+ starts at $2.99 per month, but there is no need to subscribe to play Jetpack Joyride Racing.

Jetpack Joyride Racing can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Signal Zone Free Download (Build 22638196)

Posted on by faz_business


Signal Zone Preinstalled Worldofpcgames

Signal Zone Direct Download

Defend your base against increasingly dangerous enemy waves each night in this minimalist survival strategy. Mine resources, build and repair defenses, and upgrade your structures, tools, and abilities to survive in this harsh world.

Build, mine, and defend your base to survive the nights
Balance your time between exploration, construction, and defense as you manage scarce resources and adapt your strategy to unpredictable enemy waves.

Day: Gather and prepare
Each day is a short window to explore the map, mine valuable resources, and expand your defenses.

Collect what you can before the sun sets, every resource matters when the night comes.The Occultist

Night: Defend and repair
When darkness falls, waves of hostile creatures strike from all sides.

Your turrets hold the line as your walls take damage, repair and reinforce before the next wave arrives.

To the Last Night
Each run is a test of endurance and resource management.

Upgrade your defenses, experiment with new layouts, and discover different strategies to last a little longer until you finally conquer the last night.

Features and System Requirements:

‘It stayed exactly the same’: Jeff Kaplan takes us back to 2016 by confirming that Blizzard did not change the size of Tracer’s butt

Posted on by faz_business



Jeff Kaplan is tackling the real, gritty questions while showing off his new multiplayer action-survival FPS game The Legend of California. And what is the realest, grittest question an ex-Blizzard dev could answer? No, not that one. It’s actually about Tracer’s butt.

To the few of you who are fortunate enough to not have a clue what I’m talking about right now, look away now and spare what remaining braincells you have left. The size of Tracer’s butt was actually a huge deal 10 years ago, around the release of OG Overwatch.