A week where Ask a Wrench is open to all. Plus, chatting kids’ stuff at Eurobike, Enve’s unexpected development, and problematic advice from brands on social media.
The drowsiness of Eurobike has barely faded just as the Tour is about to kick off. This week, Escape’s tech team members Suvi Loponen, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Dave Rome are on Geek Warning to discuss the biggest tech of the week and some things on their minds.
A recap of Eurobike is provided by Suvi, along with pondering what the future holds for this event that seems to be in decline.
Ronan and Dave go deep on Enve’s new road wheels, which quite surprisingly, have a hooked rim. That’s big news from a company that pioneered the hookless road space.
Dave poses the impossible question of what coloured spokes he should choose. And there’s a fun PSA related to the countless problematic adverts seen from brands that create maintenance products.
The end of the episode wraps with our usual Ask a Wrench segment. This is typically exclusive to members of Escape Collective, but not this week! This week is a free week and so everyone will hear the full member-only version that includes pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answering a few member-submitted technical questions.
Time stamps:
1:00 – Eurobike recap and whether such trade shows are still relevant 18:20 – A deep chat on Enve’s new SES 4.5 Pro going hooked 33:00 – Canyon’s new Grizl and a new weird handlebar 38:30 – On Dave’s mind: Silver hubs, but what coloured spokes? 44:00 – PSA: Be cautious of maintenance product brands giving you maintenance advice on socials. 48:00 – Apidura’s Aero System 53:00 – Ask a Wrench (open to all for this week!) 54:30 – Footwear for mechanics 1:03:00 – How to find a mystery clicking noise 1:14:00 – General thoughts on hitch racks
Keeping all your gear charged can be a job unto itself, and it gets more complicated when you have visitors. Whether you’re having guests this Fourth of July weekend or you just need a better charging solution for your family, a charging station could be the answer. But even the best charging stations can only share so many watts between devices, which is why the best charging stations from brands like Anker and Baseus not only feature multiple USB ports but also multiple AC outlets. AC outlets accommodate those few devices that still use proprietary chargers, and it lets you expand beyond the included 2-4 USB ports without sacrificing wattage when you need to top off everyone quickly before heading out.
The Fourth of July deals are bouncing into next week’s Amazon Prime Day to give us some of the best savings of the year a week early. Among the dozens of mobile accessories Baseus has on sale this holiday weekend is a trio of towers that can declutter your desk and keep everything you need ready and recharged. Available in 6-in-1, 7-in-1 for $65, and 10-in-1 varieties, these charging stations all offer two USB-C ports, at least one USB-A port and multiple AC outlets. Just note: You’ll need to clip the on-page coupon to get the lowest possible price.
For the best blend of power and ports, Baseus’ 100W 7-in-1 USB-C charging station can fast charge a laptop at 65W — full speed for all Chromebooks and many Windows laptops — while a phone and tablet each standard charge at 15W and still leave 5W for your smartwatch while your non-USB tech or your desk’s smart speaker can use the AC ports on both sides and the back of the tower. These towers are part power delivery chargers and part surge protectors with surge and lightning protection to keep your digital lifelines from frying should calamity strike.
The Baseus $35 10-in-1 desktop charging station model may sound like it’s the most powerful, but it only offers 35 watts to share between the two USB-C and USB-A ports, leaving the lion’s share of the station’s potential power to the six AC ports. This isn’t to say 35W between four ports is useless, but you’ll want to use those ports for lower-powered devices like recharging your smartwatch or wireless earbuds.
If you’re looking to charge multiple phones and tablets with those ports, you’re probably better off going with the 6-in-1 USB-C Charging Station at $50, which may only have three AC ports but features a retractable USB-C cable in addition to one standard USB-A and one USB-C port. Those three ports share 65W, meaning that you can charge both a phone and tablet at full speed rather than both getting middling speeds.
Why this deal matters
I use a 100W charging station like this at my desk and have another next to my couch for both me and my guests to keep our phones powered and ready. Being able to stick my 65W travel charger into one of the AC ports and fast charge four phones instead of two — well, one phone and my Chromebook — when I have people over and then swap it back to powering my oil diffuser or smart speaker once they’re gone is a godsend, and since the wall outlets are spread out across multiple sides of the tower instead of sandwiched next to each other in a line, I never have to worry about bulky plugs blocking out half my ports.
Because these charging stations double as surge protectors, you can also click their switch to power off and disconnect everything when severe weather comes, unlike standard charging stations you would have to unplug. Living in lightning capital of the U.S. makes this feature more important to me than most, but it can also be handy for parents wanting a one-click shut-off for all the kids’ consoles and computers.
We’re still days away from Prime Day, and deals like these will continue to drop through the next week, but these chargers are all within a few dollars of their lowest prices ever. We’ll watch for further price drops and competing deals throughout the holiday week, including Anker’s plethora of deals on chargers, speakers and smart home appliances.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with a larger battery than its predecessor’s 4,685 mAh cell. According to a new rumor out of China today, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will finally be the first iPhone to reach 5,000 mAh.
As you may know, that’s pretty much been the default capacity for flagship Android devices up until recently, when Chinese brands started using Si/C batteries thus taking them past that limit, while Samsung and Google have been content to stay around the 5,000 mAh mark, for now at least.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Throughout Apple’s iPhone Pro Max line, every new generation brought with it a slight increase in battery size, aside from the iPhone 14 Pro Max which actually had an ever so slightly smaller cell than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Cloud storage is only as good as its security, and this service gets it right. With its eye-catching bundle of lifetime storage plus encryption, you only pay once instead of facing monthly fees like with most providers.
Right now, you can save up to $1,320 and enjoy up to 10 TB of secure, client-side encrypted storage for life. And that’s just the beginning. This platform is also packed with powerful features designed to protect and simplify your digital life.
Claim pCloud Discount Today
Save Over $1,300 on a Top Cloud Storage (Now with Full Encryption)
pCloud’s price was never its strong suit compared to some of its competitors. Luckily, its mood improved, as we witnessed some of the cheapest online storage deals. So, what’s in it for you? Here are the discounts:
1 TB encrypted cloud storage is $199; it was $664 before.
2 TB encrypted cloud storage is $270; it was $828 before.
10 TB encrypted cloud storage is $799; it was $2,119 before.
The discounts go up to 70% and allow you to save over $1,300.
The best budget-friendly plan is the 1 TB one. It includes pCloud Encryption, which is normally a paid add-on. As part of the promotion, pCloud includes it natively, without added cost. Heck, you even get a discount!
The promotion applies to new users only; recurring users are ineligible.
It’s worth noting that all three deals come with a 14-day money-back guarantee. This is ample time to test pCloud and gauge its quality. According to our review, it’s excellent, but you’re ultimately the judge.
pCloud Features Rundown
Online storage has many purposes, but the main one is keeping your files safe and sound. pCloud ticks all the boxes, especially with its Encryption. Is this end-to-end encryption? No. It’s client-side encryption.
It still ensures you’re the only person who can access and view your files. Moreover, pCloud hands you the encryption keys, so you know everything is transparent. This encryption endorses zero-knowledge privacy.
As a result, it provides exceptional file security that its rivals rarely replicate. It’s worth mentioning other pCloud features, such as:
Apps for all devices (macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux);
pCloud remains extremely popular as a Swiss-based online storage company. With over 20 million satisfied users (and growing!), it cemented its name as one of the most beloved cloud storage solutions.
This is a unique opportunity to save a ton of cash and reap all the benefits of encrypted cloud storage for life. Remember—there are no recurring payments and hidden fees!
Pay the price you see today and store your files securely.
You want your games to play the smoothest they possibly can — but sometimes, screen technology gets in the way. That’s why some of the latest TVs and handhelds feature variable refresh rate (VRR) screens that can compensate when your graphics can’t deliver a consistent 60 or 120 frames per second.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a VRR screen — and originally, Nintendo advertised that the Switch 2 would also work with your VRR-capable TV. But Nintendo soon scrubbed mentions of docked VRR from its website, and on May 16th, it apologized. “Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only,” the company told Nintendo Life, apologizing for “the incorrect information.”
But I’ve just confirmed that the official Nintendo Switch 2 dock does support VRR — by plugging the Steam Deck into it.
VRR works.Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge
In fact, we found multiple rival handhelds can output 4K at 120Hz with both HDR and VRR if you plug them into the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. I saw the same with the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS, and an Asus ROG Ally X with Bazzite. We got the idea from Reddit, where u/DynaMach and others have reported VRR working this way.
It’s not particularly practical to play a PC handheld via Nintendo’s dock, because you’ll need a female-to-male USB-C extension cable and you’ll need to continually hold it against Nintendo’s spring-loaded platform to keep it from getting ejected — but I just so happened to have one of those cables lying around.
A Legion Go S with SteamOS plugged into the Switch 2 dock with a USB-C extension.Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge
And before you ask, yes, I did actually test that 4K VRR actually works at up to 120 frames per second — I didn’t just trust SteamOS’s flag that it was supported. I downloaded the open-source VRRTest tool and messed with various settings, just to check that intermediate framerates between 48fps and 60fps and 90fps all stayed smooth on my TV.
So if the Switch 2 supports VRR, and the dock supports VRR, why does Nintendo not offer VRR display output from the Nintendo Switch 2?
It would be a boon in many games, whether we’re talking about games like Cyberpunk 2077 that don’t run at 60fps on Switch to begin with, or even games that only occasionally dip below that threshold (say, 55fps) where that dip currently manifests as a big stutter in your gameplay.
Personally, I think it’s possible Nintendo just doesn’t think the Switch 2 is ready to put it on the big screen.
Last month, Digital Foundry found “clear problems” even in the Switch 2’s handheld VRR mode, including judder in Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky’s 40fps “performance” modes, and even in Hitman: World of Assassination’s unlocked-but-capped 60fps mode — even though Nintendo’s own Welcome Tour showed proper VRR support.
“Clearly the feature is in there and working, because the Welcome Tour proves it, but the actual implementation in other games so far is disappointing,” Digital Foundry’s Rich Leadbetter explained on a podcast.
But if you’re looking for technical reasons why Nintendo might not pass along VRR to the official dock, Leadbetter tells me he hasn’t yet heard a good theory. He does believe, however, that Nintendo probably made an honest mistake when it wrote, then apologized for writing, that the Switch 2 would support VRR in TV mode. He doubts that Nintendo axed the feature at the last minute.
This is just the latest technological weirdness around the Switch 2’s launch, like we saw when testing the Switch 2’s semi-locked-down USB-C video output and why the best webcams didn’t work.
But as before, Nintendo is staying silent: it didn’t have a comment for our story.
Binaural beat-based audio suite supports focus, rest, and digital clarity with a non-invasive, non-clinical format—now updated for 2025.
Austin, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
NeuroEnergizer 2025 Launches Strongest-Ever Sound-Based Focus Tool for OTC Digital Wellness Market
Neuro Energizer has officially released its 2025 update to NeuroEnergizer™, the company’s flagship binaural beat audio suite designed for non-clinical cognitive support. Positioned at the forefront of the over-the-counter digital wellness category, NeuroEnergizer™ continues to gain traction among consumers seeking passive, sound-based formats for enhancing focus and promoting calm. As public interest grows in non-ingestive mental clarity tools, the program has emerged as one of the most frequently discussed offerings in online wellness forums, thanks to its minimalist design and fully downloadable format.
Section 1 – Introduction: Understanding the Rise of Audio-Based Cognitive Tools
As search patterns surrounding non-clinical cognitive support tools continue to evolve, audio-based formats are becoming an area of growing consumer interest. With increasing public awareness around overstimulation and digital burnout, many individuals are exploring alternative wellness formats that emphasize minimalism and non-ingestive approaches.
Online platforms have seen a noticeable uptick in discussions about binaural beats, a form of auditory stimulation where slightly varied frequencies in each ear create the perception of a new tone in the brain. While not presented as a treatment or guaranteed result-based system, the interest in these programs often stems from a broader curiosity in neuroscience-adjacent self-help strategies.
The growing preference for digital delivery—especially formats that can be used passively while studying, resting, or meditating—continues to shape this segment of the wellness market. As a response, new brands and legacy wellness providers alike are investigating how sound-based tools may offer non-disruptive, low-risk avenues for individuals seeking gentle support for mental clarity.
To access the full program and accompanying materials, visit the official digital platform.
Section 2 – NeuroEnergizer™ 2025 Program Overview and Platform Accessibility Update
Neuro Energizer has released a detailed update on its flagship audio-based program, NeuroEnergizer™, reaffirming its positioning within the growing category of digital cognitive support tools. The product is structured around the use of binaural beats, an auditory method that produces frequency illusions in the brain when two slightly different tones are played in each ear. This approach remains aligned with rising interest in sound-based wellness models that require no supplements or wearable devices.
The NeuroEnergizer™ program is delivered entirely in digital format and consists of a core collection of downloadable audio tracks, a brief quick-start guide, and complementary tracks designed to support rest and decompression. Its compatibility with standard stereo headphones ensures accessibility without the need for proprietary hardware. These materials are structured for ease of use, allowing listeners to engage with the content during study sessions, rest periods, or focused work environments.
As part of its transparency update, Neuro Energizer emphasizes that the product is designed for non-clinical use only. It is not promoted as a treatment tool, and no claims are made regarding specific cognitive outcomes. The company has also clarified that individual experiences with binaural audio may vary, and the product should be used only in appropriate, comfortable environments where safe listening practices can be followed.
The update further confirms that NeuroEnergizer™ is available via secure digital download and does not require a recurring subscription or hardware purchase. As a passive-use product rooted in established acoustic techniques, the program fits within a broader consumer movement favoring minimal-intervention wellness strategies, particularly those that blend ambient soundscapes with frequency-based methods.
Section 4 – Technology Spotlight: Binaural Beats and Audio Structure in NeuroEnergizer™
At the core of the NeuroEnergizer™ program is a series of audio tracks designed using binaural beats technology, a form of auditory stimulation that relies on the brain’s natural interpretation of sound frequency differentials. This approach utilizes stereo audio playback where two slightly different frequencies are presented in each ear, leading the brain to perceive a third “phantom” tone that does not actually exist in the external sound field.
This phenomenon, often referred to as brainwave entrainment, has become a widely discussed area of interest in digital wellness communities. While not classified as a therapeutic or diagnostic modality, it is frequently incorporated into non-clinical environments for its ability to generate immersive, rhythmic soundscapes that support calming or focus-friendly atmospheres.
The NeuroEnergizer™ audio program includes multiple categories of tracks. Some are geared toward maintaining a relaxed yet alert state during focused work, while others are curated with restfulness in mind, such as the included sleep-focused audio collection. These are delivered in standard digital format and can be played using any device that supports stereo headphones.
Additionally, the product includes a Quick Start PDF Guide, which outlines usage considerations without prescribing any regimen or step-by-step sequence. This inclusion supports the program’s positioning as a passive-use audio wellness tool, compatible with individual experimentation and personal routine development.
Though binaural beats are not new, their application in structured programs like NeuroEnergizer™ represents an evolving trend where consumers explore sound as an ambient environmental element—rather than a clinical or performance tool. The technology stands apart for its non-chemical, non-invasive nature, and its emphasis on user-led engagement, free from prescriptive outcomes or quantified expectations.
Further details about the audio collection and user guide are available through the provider’s main channel.
Section 5 – Market Reception and the Role of User-Led Exploration
The launch and ongoing availability of NeuroEnergizer™ intersect with a broader movement in digital wellness where consumers are increasingly steering their own exploratory journeys. Rather than relying on fixed protocols or expert recommendations, many users are engaging with non-directive formats—such as binaural beats audio—to support self-defined mental and emotional states.
Within online discussions and user communities, interest in products like NeuroEnergizer™ often centers around the appeal of autonomy. These programs are not positioned as clinical interventions, nor do they prescribe any particular schedule or outcome. Instead, they are framed as resources—tools that users can adopt, adapt, or abandon based on how they feel in the moment. This flexible framework has resonated with individuals seeking low-pressure ways to create moments of mental clarity or relaxation without obligation or risk.
The decision by Neuro Energizer to emphasize minimalism—providing a curated audio set, a straightforward guide, and optional rest-oriented tracks—has aligned with feedback trends indicating a preference for streamlined content over feature-heavy platforms. The absence of gamified dashboards, in-app tracking, or usage mandates reflects an understanding of the market’s current desire for ambient tools rather than quantified performance solutions.
While individual outcomes with sound-based programs remain highly variable, the public tone surrounding this category tends to favor experiential neutrality. Rather than focusing on results, many consumers describe their interest in such programs as part of a broader digital hygiene practice—aimed at rebalancing overstimulated environments rather than solving specific conditions.
In this context, NeuroEnergizer™ continues to maintain a position not of authority or outcome delivery, but of optionality—placing the power of usage, frequency, and intention entirely in the hands of the listener.
Section 6 – Availability and Transparency Statement
The NeuroEnergizer™ program is currently available as a digital audio collection delivered electronically via secure download. It includes the full suite of sound-based tracks, a quick-start PDF listening guide, and bonus relaxation-oriented audio files. No physical components are included, and there are no hardware requirements beyond standard stereo headphones for optimal listening.
In line with current transparency standards across the digital wellness space, Neuro Energizer clearly states that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and that outcomes may vary based on individual use and listening environments. The program is framed as an informational and experiential tool, appropriate for those exploring non-clinical auditory methods of self-regulated focus, calm, or rest.
The company also advises all users to listen in safe, seated or reclining positions—particularly during rest-oriented sessions—and to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any new auditory protocol, especially for individuals with sensitivity to sound stimulation.
This offering aligns with the continued growth of wellness technologies that emphasize user discretion, minimalism, and non-invasive design, with all materials presented for informational purposes only. Further details can be accessed directly through the official Neuro Energizer digital platform.
Information regarding audio components, compatibility, and user guidance is available through the primary access portal.
Section 7 – Final Observations & Industry Context
The 2025 update from Neuro Energizer reflects the evolving standards of the digital wellness sector, where audio-based programs are increasingly seen as legitimate tools for lifestyle support—provided they maintain clarity, neutrality, and user-centered transparency. As the wellness industry continues to diversify beyond supplements and wearables, passive-use formats such as binaural beat audio collections are gaining traction for their low-friction integration into daily life.
From an industry perspective, the emphasis on non-therapeutic positioning is a response to both regulatory expectations and consumer demand for authenticity. Rather than making bold claims or promising transformation, brands like Neuro Energizer are adopting a more measured tone—acknowledging public interest in the science of sound while staying grounded in realistic use cases.
This shift mirrors a larger trend in wellness communication where clarity outweighs persuasion. In product design, this translates to lightweight frameworks, optional components, and the absence of prescriptive routines. In messaging, it means releasing updates that prioritize informed access over motivational calls to action.
Within this framework, NeuroEnergizer™ positions itself not as a solution but as a sound-based resource for those exploring mental clarity and focus in a non-clinical context. As binaural beats and sound entrainment remain ongoing areas of interest, the program’s 2025 availability update reinforces its commitment to transparency, ease of use, and alignment with consumer-driven standards in the wellness audio space.
Section 8 – Public Commentary Theme Summary: “Pros & Cons” in Consumer Discussion
In open online discussion spaces, commentary on programs like NeuroEnergizer™ often reflects a broad spectrum of experiential themes. While individual results are not typically reported in measurable terms, recurring sentiments point to several consistent observations—both curious and cautious in tone.
Among positive themes, some users have noted appreciation for the ease of access, with particular attention given to the digital format and its compatibility with existing devices. The absence of subscription requirements and the self-paced structure have also been mentioned as favorable, especially by those seeking low-commitment tools that integrate seamlessly into daily routines. A recurring discussion point centers on the program’s minimalist design, which many interpret as intentionally respectful of user autonomy.
On the other hand, some public posts have expressed skepticism regarding expectations, especially from those who were new to binaural beat technology and uncertain about what effects—if any—to anticipate. A few have indicated interest in more structured usage guidance, while others have questioned how to assess subjective responses to auditory stimuli. These conversations reflect a wider industry challenge around setting realistic frameworks for digital wellness tools that do not promise specific outcomes.
Neutral commentary often highlights that user experience depends heavily on setting, mindset, and prior familiarity with sound-based resources. Listeners who engage with the program in quiet, distraction-free environments tend to describe more immersive sessions, while those multitasking or experimenting during high-stimulation activities report more variable impressions.
Taken together, the public tone surrounding NeuroEnergizer™ mirrors a common dynamic in the wellness technology space: a mix of interest, exploration, and expectation calibration. The product’s ability to remain transparent about its purpose, without implying guarantees, continues to support its fit within the self-guided wellness category.
As sound-based wellness tools continue to gain visibility in the digital health landscape, NeuroEnergizer™ remains committed to providing accessible, non-clinical resources that align with modern consumer preferences for passive, non-invasive cognitive support. The 2025 program update reflects the brand’s ongoing focus on transparency, ease of use, and experiential wellness—without relying on supplements, wearables, or prescriptive routines. Users are encouraged to explore the platform in comfortable, distraction-free environments to discover how sound may enhance their mental clarity or rest experience.
About Neuro Energizer
Neuro Energizer is a digital wellness brand specializing in audio-based tools designed for non-clinical lifestyle support. Founded with a mission to provide streamlined, self-guided resources rooted in established auditory techniques, the company emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and user autonomy. Its flagship product, NeuroEnergizer™, incorporates binaural beat technology to offer immersive soundscapes suitable for rest, focus, or general relaxation.
All offerings are developed for informational and experiential use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Neuro Energizer continues to contribute to the evolving landscape of passive wellness tools by delivering digital resources that reflect consumer demand for minimalist, low-barrier formats.
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Japanese AI lab Sakana AI has introduced a new technique that allows multiple large language models (LLMs) to cooperate on a single task, effectively creating a “dream team” of AI agents. The method, called Multi-LLM AB-MCTS, enables models to perform trial-and-error and combine their unique strengths to solve problems that are too complex for any individual model.
For enterprises, this approach provides a means to develop more robust and capable AI systems. Instead of being locked into a single provider or model, businesses could dynamically leverage the best aspects of different frontier models, assigning the right AI for the right part of a task to achieve superior results.
The power of collective intelligence
Frontier AI models are evolving rapidly. However, each model has its own distinct strengths and weaknesses derived from its unique training data and architecture. One might excel at coding, while another excels at creative writing. Sakana AI’s researchers argue that these differences are not a bug, but a feature.
“We see these biases and varied aptitudes not as limitations, but as precious resources for creating collective intelligence,” the researchers state in their blog post. They believe that just as humanity’s greatest achievements come from diverse teams, AI systems can also achieve more by working together. “By pooling their intelligence, AI systems can solve problems that are insurmountable for any single model.”
Thinking longer at inference time
Sakana AI’s new algorithm is an “inference-time scaling” technique (also referred to as “test-time scaling”), an area of research that has become very popular in the past year. While most of the focus in AI has been on “training-time scaling” (making models bigger and training them on larger datasets), inference-time scaling improves performance by allocating more computational resources after a model is already trained.
One common approach involves using reinforcement learning to prompt models to generate longer, more detailed chain-of-thought (CoT) sequences, as seen in popular models such as OpenAI o3 and DeepSeek-R1. Another, simpler method is repeated sampling, where the model is given the same prompt multiple times to generate a variety of potential solutions, similar to a brainstorming session. Sakana AI’s work combines and advances these ideas.
“Our framework offers a smarter, more strategic version of Best-of-N (aka repeated sampling),” Takuya Akiba, research scientist at Sakana AI and co-author of the paper, told VentureBeat. “It complements reasoning techniques like long CoT through RL. By dynamically selecting the search strategy and the appropriate LLM, this approach maximizes performance within a limited number of LLM calls, delivering better results on complex tasks.”
How adaptive branching search works
The core of the new method is an algorithm called Adaptive Branching Monte Carlo Tree Search (AB-MCTS). It enables an LLM to effectively perform trial-and-error by intelligently balancing two different search strategies: “searching deeper” and “searching wider.” Searching deeper involves taking a promising answer and repeatedly refining it, while searching wider means generating completely new solutions from scratch. AB-MCTS combines these approaches, allowing the system to improve a good idea but also to pivot and try something new if it hits a dead end or discovers another promising direction.
To accomplish this, the system uses Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS), a decision-making algorithm famously used by DeepMind’s AlphaGo. At each step, AB-MCTS uses probability models to decide whether it’s more strategic to refine an existing solution or generate a new one.
Different test-time scaling strategies Source: Sakana AI
The researchers took this a step further with Multi-LLM AB-MCTS, which not only decides “what” to do (refine vs. generate) but also “which” LLM should do it. At the start of a task, the system doesn’t know which model is best suited for the problem. It begins by trying a balanced mix of available LLMs and, as it progresses, learns which models are more effective, allocating more of the workload to them over time.
Putting the AI ‘dream team’ to the test
The researchers tested their Multi-LLM AB-MCTS system on the ARC-AGI-2 benchmark. ARC (Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus) is designed to test a human-like ability to solve novel visual reasoning problems, making it notoriously difficult for AI.
The team used a combination of frontier models, including o4-mini, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and DeepSeek-R1.
The collective of models was able to find correct solutions for over 30% of the 120 test problems, a score that significantly outperformed any of the models working alone. The system demonstrated the ability to dynamically assign the best model for a given problem. On tasks where a clear path to a solution existed, the algorithm quickly identified the most effective LLM and used it more frequently.
AB-MCTS vs individual models Source: Sakana AI
More impressively, the team observed instances where the models solved problems that were previously impossible for any single one of them. In one case, a solution generated by the o4-mini model was incorrect. However, the system passed this flawed attempt to DeepSeek-R1 and Gemini-2.5 Pro, which were able to analyze the error, correct it, and ultimately produce the right answer.
“This demonstrates that Multi-LLM AB-MCTS can flexibly combine frontier models to solve previously unsolvable problems, pushing the limits of what is achievable by using LLMs as a collective intelligence,” the researchers write.
AB-MTCS can select different models at different stages of solving a problem Source: Sakana AI
“In addition to the individual pros and cons of each model, the tendency to hallucinate can vary significantly among them,” Akiba said. “By creating an ensemble with a model that is less likely to hallucinate, it could be possible to achieve the best of both worlds: powerful logical capabilities and strong groundedness. Since hallucination is a major issue in a business context, this approach could be valuable for its mitigation.”
From research to real-world applications
To help developers and businesses apply this technique, Sakana AI has released the underlying algorithm as an open-source framework called TreeQuest, available under an Apache 2.0 license (usable for commercial purposes). TreeQuest provides a flexible API, allowing users to implement Multi-LLM AB-MCTS for their own tasks with custom scoring and logic.
“While we are in the early stages of applying AB-MCTS to specific business-oriented problems, our research reveals significant potential in several areas,” Akiba said.
Beyond the ARC-AGI-2 benchmark, the team was able to successfully apply AB-MCTS to tasks like complex algorithmic coding and improving the accuracy of machine learning models.
“AB-MCTS could also be highly effective for problems that require iterative trial-and-error, such as optimizing performance metrics of existing software,” Akiba said. “For example, it could be used to automatically find ways to improve the response latency of a web service.”
The release of a practical, open-source tool could pave the way for a new class of more powerful and reliable enterprise AI applications.
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The Stop Killing Games campaign has officially reached its goal of one million signatures, thanks in part to high-profile support from PewDiePie, Asmongold, Jacksepticeye, and even Elon Musk.
The movement, launched by YouTuber Accursed Farms in April 2024, advocates for the preservation of online games after official support ends.
The site says we have cleared 1 million signatures! I hate being like this, but there’s a chance a significant number of them aren’t real. That means we have to keep signing in overdrive mode to make up for them! I’ll have a video on this later today.https://t.co/EpnNTDR85U
The campaign is part of a European Citizens’ Initiative pushing for legislation that would require developers to keep online games accessible even after sunset. The one million signature milestone, confirmed on July 3, 2025, brings the initiative closer to potentially influencing EU law.
Accursed Farms celebrated the achievement in a tweet but warned that not all signatures may be valid, stating, “There’s a chance a significant number of them aren’t real,” urging continued participation to meet the verified threshold.
Massive traffic following endorsements briefly took down the campaign’s website. PewDiePie, in a YouTube post, expressed “100% support” for the cause. Jacksepticeye called it “an absolute win” in a video on his secondary channel, and Asmongold encouraged EU-based gamers to sign via Twitter. Elon Musk amplified the movement further by retweeting Asmongold’s message to over 220 million followers.
10 months and over 800k signatures later, the Stop Killing Games initiative is almost across the finish line of 1 million.
If you’re from the EU and care about game preservation and consumer rights, consider signing this petitionhttps://t.co/cAyvKnSoPU
The campaign’s success comes after criticism from Pirate Software, who argued the initiative was vague and impractical. Following backlash and review bombing of his games, he stepped down from his position at Offbrand Games.
The milestone marks a major victory for online game preservation advocates and signals growing momentum in the fight for digital gaming rights.
