We map the surface of Pluto using an unsupervised machine learning technique using the near-infrared observations of the LEISA/Ralph instrument onboard NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. The principal component reduced Gaussian mixture model was implemented to investigate the geographic distribution of the surface units across the dwarf planet. We also present the likelihood of each surface unit at the image pixel level. Average I/F spectra of each unit were analyzed -- in terms of the position and strengths of absorption bands of abundant volatiles such as N${}_{2}$, CH${}_{4}$, and CO and nonvolatile H${}_{2}$O -- to connect the unit to surface composition, geology, and geographic location. The distribution of surface units shows a latitudinal pattern with distinct surface compositions of volatiles -- consistent with the existing literature. However, previous mapping efforts were based primarily on compositional analysis using spectral indices (indicators) or implementation of complex radiative transfer models, which need (prior) expert knowledge, label data, or optical constants of representative endmembers. We prove that an application of unsupervised learning in this instance renders a satisfactory result in mapping the spatial distribution of ice compositions without any prior information or label data. Thus, such an application is specifically advantageous for a planetary surface mapping when label data are poorly constrained or completely unknown, because an understanding of surface material distribution is vital for volatile transport modeling at the planetary scale. We emphasize that the unsupervised learning used in this study has wide applicability and can be expanded to other planetary bodies of the Solar System for mapping surface material distribution.

Robotic sensorimotor extensions (supernumerary limbs, prosthesis, handheld tools) are worn devices used to interact with the nearby environment, whether to assist the capabilities of impaired users or to enhance the dexterity of industrial operators. Despite numerous mechanical achievements, embedding these robotics devices remains critical due to their weight and discomfort. To emancipate from these mechanical constraints, we propose a new hybrid system using a virtually worn robotic arm in augmented-reality, and a real robotic manipulator servoed on such virtual representation. We aim at bringing an illusion of wearing a robotic system while its weight is fully deported, thinking that this approach could open new horizons for the study of wearable robotics without any intrinsic impairment of the human movement abilities.

Console generations are generally thought to last about half a decade, which is what makes today's Switch anniversary so momentous. Nintendo's hybrid home-handheld console turns five today, and it shows no signs of slowing down: Though rumors persist, there's no announced plans for a new console on the horizon. The most we've gotten are two redesigns -- the Switch Lite and the OLED Switch -- and the expansion of Nintendo Switch Online to include more classic console games. But while it's certainly fun to revisit old favorites like Super Mario Bros., Kirby's Adventure and Earthbound, it's the games made for the Switch that have captured the hearts of the Engadget crew, along with a few other titles that made their debuts elsewhere but really shined on Nintendo's portable system. Regular Engadget readers know there's no way I would let a "favorite Switch games" post pass without even one Animal Crossing: New Horizons mention.

After consulting with clients to nail down what they want in their dream vacation home, you design both the interior and exterior just as you can with your home on the mainland. The surrounding landscape -- foliage, pathways, even the weather -- can also be modified to your liking. You can invite specific clients using amiibo cards. Players will help design vacant buildings on the archipelago as well, including a school, hospital and restaurant. Using the Switch's online features, you can show off your designs, check out those of other players and follow your favorite vacation home designers.

While "New Horizons" added a slew of new features to the franchise like terraforming, crafting and the ability to place furniture items outside, for many Animal Crossing fans, it still felt unfinished to a degree. Where were fan-favorite characters of the franchise like Brewster, a cafe-owning pigeon, or the fashionista giraffe, Gracie? Gyroids, furniture items based on Japanese haniwa figurines that have been in every previous Animal Crossing game, are inexplicably absent from "New Horizons" (with the exception of the only NPC gyroid, Lloid), as are several other furniture series. Villagers seem to have fewer dialogue options than in previous games, and what they do say is bland enough to bore you to tears. Widely requested quality-of-life updates spanning back to the game's early days, such as the ability to craft items in bulk or access your home's storage remotely, have also failed to materialize.

Just five years ago, Nintendo was at a crossroads. The Wii U was languishing well in third place in the console wars and, after considerable pressure, the company was making its first tentative steps into mobile gaming with Miitomo and Super Mario Run. Fast-forward to today: The Switch is likely on the way to becoming the company's best-selling "home console" ever, and seven Switch games have outsold the Wii U console. However, the Switch's online store isn't the easiest to navigate, so this guide aims to help the uninitiated start their journey on the right foot. These are the games you should own -- for now.

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" (Nintendo, 2020) was released for Nintendo Switch a year ago at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. As cities locked down across the US, thousands of players found comfort and community in the cheerful game, developing their island, crafting supplies, catching critters, planting flowers and getting to know their villagers. Cozying up with this latest entry in the popular simulation series allowed players to travel to a virtual paradise island and pretend they weren't stuck indoors. The game is detailed and customizable, the stakes low and the characters adorable. Nintendo's seasonal updates to the game have brought new interactions and timely tasks to enhance gameplay.

More than half of Americans faced coronavirus-fueled cabin fever last year by playing video games. SuperData, a Nielsen company, reports 55 percent of people turned to console, PC and mobile games during the first phase of COVID-19 lockdowns. Video games and interactive media generated $139 billion in 2020, a 12 percent spike, with digital games alone raking in $126 billion. 'Consumers had to turn to games as other forms of entertainment such as professional sports and movie theaters were on pause,' the report indicates. Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone generated 78 percent of the total games revenue.

Unlike most other forms of entertainment, video games weren't hit as hard this year. Sure, the big live events like E3 and EVO were cancelled, but gaming is an activity enjoyed by most at home. That means the majority of big releases -- like Doom Eternal, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla and Final Fantasy VII Remake -- were able to go on as scheduled. With live sports and movie theaters shut down, lots of people who normally wouldn't consider themselves "gamers" turned to the medium for entertainment and solace. And the games they played weren't always the big action-packed AAA titles.

This story will continue to be updated. It's a big night for video games, where the top achievements will be honored at The Game Awards, which will be broadcast live online from Los Angeles, London and Tokyo. Nominated for the top award, Game of the Year, is "The Last Of Us Part II," "Hades," "The Ghost of Tsushima," "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," "Doom Eternal," and "Final Fantasy VII Remake." Among other games that raked in multiple nominations: the Sony PlayStation 4 exclusive "The Last Of Us Part II," released in June, earned the most (10). "Hades," a PC game also released for the Nintendo Switch in September, earned eight, while "The Ghost of Tsushima," released in July, got seven.