Special Agent Jason Hudson has evidence pointing to the identities of the Pantheon moles who have been working in the shadows. It’s time to finish the job he started and track down the traitors with some help from the BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Store content arriving in Season 03 of Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone™, launching April 2 and April 3 respectively. The Season 03 Battle Pass introduces 100+ rewards including new free base weapons plus new Operators and Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, Calling Cards, Finishing Moves, and more.  Access free rewards including new cosmetic content and base weapons or purchase the premium Battle Pass and earn up to 1,100 COD Points as you progress through the Battle Pass Pages. For the optimal seasonal experience, purchase BlackCell, including exclusive animated Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and other rewards. BlackCell Instant Rewards Page, HVT The return of Verdansk marks the comeback of several Operators with extensive experience in the locale. R0-Z3 leads the Season 03 BlackCell content in her “R0-Z3” Operator Skin alongside a host of other unlockable BlackCell content including additional Operator Skins and Weapon Blueprints sporting animated fragmentation. Get the ultimate Battle Pass experience by purchasing BlackCell, offering complete access to all the rewards available in the Season 03 Battle Pass. A purchase grants immediate access to the BlackCell Instant Rewards page, giving the following items: 20 Battle Pass Tier Skips 1,100 COD Points The “R0-Z3” BlackCell Operator The “Energy Siphon” Mastercraft Blueprint for the XM4 Assault Rifle The “Goodest Boy” Companion Finishing Move The “Martial Arts” Emote The “BlackCell” Clan Tag (showcased in Lobbies and Winner’s Circles) BlackCell Daily Challenge (see below) BlackCell owners can additionally unlock page after page of additional rewards throughout the Season 03 Battle Pass, including: Up to 10 BlackCell-exclusive skins for Mace (two skins), Hudson (two skins), Woods, Marshall, Maya, Park, Stone, and Toro. Up to seven BlackCell-exclusive Weapon Blueprints for the XM4 (Assault Rifle), Feng 82 (LMG), GPMG-7 (LMG), Tanto .22 (SMG), ASG-89 (Shotgun), HDR (Sniper Rifle), and the CR-56 AMAX (Assault Rifle). Over 130 item rewards (Battle Pass and BlackCell related) for those who fully complete the Season 03 BlackCell Battle Pass. Players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back. BlackCell Loyalty Bonus — Black Ops 6 Seasons Example Purchases : XP : WXP : S01 : S02 : S03 : S04 : S05 : S06 1: Purchase BlackCell Once in S01 : : : 0% Boost : 0% Boost : 0% Boost : 0% Boost : 0% Boost : 0% Boost 2: Only Purchase BlackCell in S01, S02, and S05 : : : 0% Boost : +10% Boost : +10% Boost : +10% Boost : +20% Boost : +20% Boost 3: Purchase BlackCell Every Season : : : 0% Boost : +10% Boost : +20% Boost : +30% Boost : +40% Boost : +50% Boost BlackCell Loyalty Bonus: Players who purchased BlackCell in a previous Black Ops 6 season and go on to purchase Season 03 BlackCell will earn a permanent 10% Player and Weapon XP Loyalty Bonus, up to 20% for players who purchased Season 01 and Season 02 BlackCell (up to a 50% bonus for purchasing BlackCell in every Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 season!) NEW! Extra Daily Challenges: Players with BlackCell will also receive an additional Daily Challenge throughout Season 03 for Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Rake in that XP! Purchase the Battle Pass: Instantly Unlock Mace Operator Players who purchase the premium Season 03 Battle Pass or BlackCell will immediately unlock the Battle Pass Instant Rewards Page with the following items: The new "Mace" Operator and “Mace BlackCell” Mace Skin for BlackCell owners. 10% Battle Pass XP Boost. The “Day Ones” Legendary Weapon Sticker. The “Package Received” Finishing Move. The “Marbled” Legendary Weapon Blueprint for the Saug SMG. New Operator: Mace (Crimson One) Battle Pass Instant Reward Page, HVT The Special Forces Army Ranger turned PMC returns for a new foray into Verdansk, utilizing his brutal and brash tactics to overcome foes who dare challenge him in the field. New Operator: “Hudson” (Rogue Black Ops) Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, HVT, Page 2 Follow your instincts and complete the mission as Hudson deploys in aviator glasses, mud smeared over his face and arms with a tactical vest and camo. In the BlackCell variant, Hudson wears a VR interface over a scorched face, debris rising from his left arm. Progress through the Battle Pass to unlock additional content including a variety of Operator Skins, many paired with BlackCell variants with animated fragments floating from their bodies, like Verdansk rubble held in suspension. Woods: “Winter Guise” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, HVT, Page 4 Woods deploys in winter gear, ready to engage in Arklov Peak and other mountainous regions of Verdansk. With climbing rope and gloves, he’ll traverse any snow drift to sneak behind the enemy lines. Swap to a black and gold full body tactr0ical suit in the BlackCell variant, goggles pulled down over a breathing mask. Marshall: “Hazard Prep” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, Page 6 Marshall isn’t taking any chances as he dons an over-the-head breathing mask and protective clothing to help mitigate the effects of an unpleasant atmosphere. The BlackCell variant offers similar protection in black and gold, fragments floating from his left arm and mask. Maya: “Rogue Archer” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, HVT, Page 7 Strike enemy squads as a tactical gunslinger, hood up with durable lightweight armor and a gun belt hanging at her hip. The BlackCell variant features animated fragments over both arms, sunglasses and a balaclava concealing her identity. Park: “Survivor’s Guile” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, HVT, Page 10 Park deploys in style, wearing a vintage trapper hat and aviator shades with a leather jacket. Swap the hat for a beret in the BlackCell variant paired with a black jacket and mask. Mace: “Apocalypse King” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, HVT, Page 12 Rule over Verdansk and instill fear in your foes as Mace wears a skull mask with rising bones like a crown. Spiked forearm guards accent the skeletal look. Flames burn under the mask in the BlackCell variant, fragments rising from his armor and crown. Stone: “All Terrain” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, Page 13 Adapt to any environment as Stone deploys in fatigues and full-face coverage for concealment when striking deep in enemy territory. The fragments rising off his right side in the BlackCell variant lend Stone a more sinister twist.   Caine: “Future Combatant” Skin Operator Skin, Battle Pass, Page 14 Show the present what it means to be a cut above the rest as Caine gets teched up with a precision optical instrument and full tactical gear.  Hudson: “Icebreaker” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, HVT, Page 14 Hudson sports shades and a beanie over animated blue sleeves like water pulsing through his arms. In the BlackCell variant, change out the shades for goggles and full animated fragmentation down both arms. Toro: “Jug-o-Not” Skins Operator Skins, Battle Pass and BlackCell, Page Completion Toro deploys in heavy armor, a bandolier draped over his shoulder. Don a slightly sleeker look in the BlackCell variant, black with gold accents, fragments burned across the faceplate and left arm. Unlock two new Base Weapons in the Season 03 Battle Pass, each one a Verdansk-era favorite returning for the fight. All players can unlock these weapons for free by progressing through their listed Battle Pass Pages.  HDR Sniper Rifle Battle Pass, HVT, Page 3 Levels: 38 MAGS: 3 MAG SIZE: 5 Mastery Badges: Yes Attachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire Mods Customize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3). Military Camos: 27 (MP, ZM, WZ) Special Camos: 6 (MP, ZM, WZ) Mastery Camos: 12 (MP, ZM, WZ) Anti-material bolt action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. Bullets have a lower muzzle velocity but remain devastating even at very long ranges. An Operator’s best friend when up in the Control Tower and other vantage points around Verdansk, the HDR inflicts heavy damage from a long distance, perfect for downing squads before they can even pinpoint your position. Hold your breath while aiming to help zero in on targets before taking the shot. CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle Battle Pass, HVT, Page 6 Levels: 42 MAGS: 3 MAG SIZE: 30 Mastery Badges: Yes Attachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire Mods Customize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3). Military Camos: 27 (MP, ZM, WZ) Special Camos: 6 (MP, ZM, WZ) Mastery Camos: 12 (MP, ZM, WZ) This lightweight 7.62 x 39mm full-auto assault rifle is compact and powerful. Built exclusively for military use, the standard issue rifle is deadly at mid-range combat and easily configured for a variety of assault tactics. A fast fire rate and solid handling give the CR-56 AMAX just what it needs to excel in mid-range fights. Its fast reloads help to minimize downtime so you can keep up the pressure, eliminating unarmored enemies in three to four shots up to 25 meters out. The Monolithic Suppressor returns for all your big map stealth needs, joined by a full-auto conversion kit for the SWAT 5.56 Grau. SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion (Launch) Premium Battle Pass, Page 5 Convert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with lower damage and range but improved accuracy, mobility, and handling. Equips a new default Barrel and Magazine and unlocks an exclusive 50-round extended Magazine. Blocks Barrel attachments. Monolithic Suppressor (Launch) Premium Battle Pass, Page 7 The Monolithic Supressor provides superior sound suppression and increased range. Moderate weight increase affects agility. The ideal attachment for extending your damage range on big maps like Verdansk while retaining the concealment provided by a suppressor. The Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell feature over 20 earnable Weapon Blueprints, including the following themed armaments: (Above Image) “Marbled” Saug SMG, Instant Reward “Most Wanted MVP” AMES 85 Assault Rifle, Page 3 “Contra-Banned” Stryder .22 Pistol, Page 6 “Glint” HDR Sniper Rifle (White Tracers), Page 11 (Above Image) “Trench Wrecker” Marine SP Shotgun, Page 1 (not shown) “Conflict Victor” Feng 82 LMG, Page 1 “Old Timer” TR2 Marksman Rifle, Page 2 “Industrial” AS VAL Assault Rifle, Page 9 “Shatter” ASG-89 Shotgun, Page 9 (Above Image) “Rebarchuck” Nunchaku Melee, Page 2 “Bandaged” Cypher 091 Assault Rifle, Page 4 “Stained Steel” Cleaver Melee, Page 12 “Caution Handler” PPSh-41 SMG, Page 14 (Above Image) “Sweet Treat” C9 SMG, Page 5 “Damascus Reloaded” GPMG-7 LMG, Page 5 “Novaburst” Tanto .22 SMG, Page 8 “Cracked” 9MM PM Pistol, Page 11 (Above Image) “Wildlife” Kompakt 92 SMG, Page 10 “Edward Returns” Model L Assault Rifle, Page 12 “Brush Drum” Maelstrom Shotgun, Page 13 “Verderous Menace” CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle (Reactive, Toxic Green Tracers), Completion Page (Above Image) “Built Tough” Tsarkov 7.62 Marksman Rifle, Page 7 “Segment” LR 7.62 Sniper Rifle, Page 8 Next, let’s look at the Weapon Blueprints paired with animated BlackCell variants, some featuring Fractal Gold Tracers and Fractal Gold Death FX. (Above) “Energy Siphon” (Mastercraft, Fractal Gold Tracers, Fractal Gold Death FX) XM4 Assault Rifle, BlackCell Instant Reward. (Above) “Conflict Victor” and “Conflict Victor BlackCell” Feng 82 LMG, HVT, Page 1. (Above) “Damascaus Reloaded” and “Damascaus Reloaded BlackCell” GPMG-7 LMG, HVT, Page 5. (Above) “Novaburst” and “Novaburst BlackCell” Tanto .22 SMG, HVT, Page 8. (Above) “Shatter” and “Shatter BlackCell” ASG-89 Shotgun, HVT, Page 9.  (Above) “Glint” (White Tracers) and “Glint BlackCell” (Fractal Gold Tracers, Fractal Gold Death FX) HDR Sniper Rifle, HVT, Page 11. (Above) “Verderous Menace” (Reactive with Toxic Green Tracers) and “Verderous Menace BlackCell” (Reactive with Fractal Gold Tracers and Fractal Gold Death FX) CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle, HVT, Completion Page. Get new Equipment Skins for the Combat Axe and Frag Grenade plus four unique Optic Reticles: “Oval Cap” Reticle (Optic Attachment), Page 2 “Severed Steel” Combat Axe Skin (Lethal), Page 4 “Get Cupcaked” Frag Skin (Lethal), Page 5 “Valiant Wings” Reticle (Optic Attachment), Page 8 “Square Off” Reticle (Optic Attachment), Page 9 “Go Splat” Reticle (Optic Attachment), Page 13 Earn a new selection of Emotes, Finishing Moves, and Sprays, equippable in the “Customize” Menu of the Barracks. Showcase these rewards during matches or (with Emotes) during the Winners’ Circle. A selection of Emotes and Sprays available across the Battle Pass. “Full Body Swing” Finishing Move, Page 5 “Coin Toss” Finishing Move, Page 7 “Planted” Finishing Move, Page 11 “Slide N’ Toss” Finishing Move, Page 13 “Juggler” Emote, Page 1 (shown above) “Crank Job 3D” Emote, Page 6 “Nevermore” Emote, Page 8 (shown above) “Roger That” Emote, Page 10 “Tank Fire” Spray, Page 1 “Woods Stance” Spray, Page 3 (shown above) “Sent to Gulag” Spray, Page 6 (shown above) “Loot Drop” Spray, Page 12 (shown above) “The Chair” Spray, Page 14 (shown above) The Season 03 Battle Pass offers a wide variety of content, including items from the following categories: COD Points Weapon Charms Weapon Large Decals Weapon Stickers GobbleGums Finishing Moves Scorestreak Skins Emblems (some animated) Calling Cards (some animated) Loading Screens Clan Tag (BlackCell only) Consumable 2XP & 2WXP Tokens Complete every Battle Pass Page to access the final Completion Page stacked with awesome content including the following: 200 COD Points “Jug-o-Not” Operator Skin with “Jug-o-Not BlackCell” variant awarded to BlackCell Owners “Verderous Menace” Reactive Weapon Blueprint with “Verderous Menace BlackCell” variant awarded to BlackCell owners “Agent Ready” Animated Emblem “Poison Tilt” Animated Calling Card “Smoked Noggin” Weapon Sticker “Bear-y Sly” Weapon Charm Tracer Pack: Jay and Silent Bob   Bring some mischief to your matches with the “Jay” and “Silent Bob” Operator Skins, deploying with the “Doobie Wreck” LW3A1 Frostline Sniper Rifle and the “Golden Calf” Kompakt 92 SMG, both featuring Blue and Yellow Tracers and Smoke Death FX.  For closer encounters, show them who owns the block with the “Gimme a Light” Finishing Move. Celebrate the high life and take back what’s yours with the “Poppin’ Off” Emote, “Mooby’s” Weapon Charm, animated “In Sync” Calling Card, “Mooby Joint” Large Decal, and the animated “Snoochie Boochie” Emblem. There’s a new duo in town; they’ve been to Hollywood and now these two guys from Jersey are ready for the limelight of Call of Duty. Tracer Pack: Bluntman and Chronic  The blunt-tastic heroes unite as their comic book alter egos. Deploy as “Bluntman” or “Chronic” with the choice of three doobie-themed Weapon Blueprints for their enjoyment: the “Bluntman Stuntman” Krig C Assault Rifle and “Chronic Unapologetic” Jackal PDW SMG with Pink and Purple Tracers and Joint Leaf Death FX, and the “Bong Staff” Bo Staff with Joint Leaf Death FX. Straight from the Bluntcave’s arsenal, beat competition with the “Smoke You Out” Finishing Move and show your love for the chronic with the “Did that Happen?” Emote, animated “Joint Power” Calling Card, animated “Blunts Out, Suit Up” Emblem, and the “Doobage Duo” Spray. Tracer Pack: Digital Dreamin’ Reactive Mastercraft Ultra Skin  Hone your gaming skills with top-of-the-line equipment headlined by the Reactive Mastercraft “Game Over” Assault Rifle for the new CR-56 AMAX, featuring Starstruck Tracers and VR Knockout Death FX along with the Monolithic Suppressor and a new inspect animation that morphs the weapon into a game console. Wield it as the “Pixel” Operator Skin equipped with a Reactive headset and augmented reality tattoos and the gamified “K.O.” Finishing Move. Engage distant targets with the “Pixel Precise!” SVD Sniper Rifle, also featuring Starstruck Tracers and VR Knockout Death FX. Show them they’re not on your level with the “Eezee” Weapon Charm, animated “Monkey Business” Emblem, animated “It’s Over” Calling Card, “Not on My Level” Spray, “XD” Emote, and “Logging In” Loading Screen. Tracer Pack: Spectral Wolf Mastercraft Declare your dominance over the spirits with the “Phantom Fenrir” Mastercraft Kilo 141 Weapon Blueprint, the ghostly wolf’s head open wide at the barrel. Get two more Weapon Blueprints to lead the pack, the “Threatening Howl” DM-10 and the “Pack Leader” AS VAL. All three Blueprints feature Teal and Black Tracers and Claw Mark Death FX. Wield the essence of the beast with the “Moonlit Awakening” Weapon Charm, “Bear Paw” Reticle, “Gathering” Gun Screen, “Untamed Spirit” Loading Screen, and the “Ethereal Claw” Emblem. Tracer Pack: Comic Bonanza Nail down the plot holes and create your own heroic story with this comic book inspired Bundle featuring three paneled Weapon Blueprints: the “Retcon” Blueprint for the new Nail Gun Special Weapon, the “Single Issue” AK-74 Assault Rifle, and the “Comic Cutout” Cleaver Melee Weapon. All three feature Comic Bubbles Death FX, plus Red and Yellow Tracers for the Nail Gun and AK-74. Say goodbye to your foes with the “One. Two.” Finishing Move and be the comic book hero by displaying the “Big Boom!” Weapon Charm, “Panel Pop” Spray, and “Stand Heroically” Emblem. Tracer Pack: Shattered Veil Reactive  Inspired by the Black Ops 4 Zombies map “Dead of the Night,” direct the fury of the dead with the intricate “Corrupted Séance” Model L Assault Rifle and “Haunted Portrait” XMG LMG, both with Ice Tracers and Ghost Death FX. For undead prey, unleash the “Ectoplasmic Construct” DRI-11 Wonder Weapon Skin. Plus, built for longevity, deploy as the “Steel Butler” Operator Skin for Klaus. Mercilessly taunt your enemies with the “Peek-a-Boo” Emote, “Candelabra” Weapon Charm, “Evil Mirror” Weapon Sticker, “Local Haunt” Loading Screen, and “Join Me” Spray. To assist in your next Zombies match, get one Perk-a-holic GobbleGum and a one-hour Double XP Token. Tracer Pack: Radwaste Reactive Maintain the delicate balance between immense power and melting down with two rad Weapon Blueprints built to thrive in the wastelands: the “Reactive Overload” LR 7.62 Sniper Rifle with ethereal smoke rising from its body and the “Becquerel Monitor” PP-919 SMG, both featuring Teal and Black Tracers and X-Ray Death FX. Deploy in a black hazmat suit and gas mask with the “Undying Radiation” Operator Skin for Toro, and dominate the competition with the "Detonate” Emote. The Bundle also comes with a Reticle, Weapon Charm, animated Loading Screen, Emblem, and Calling Card. Tracer Pack: Cardboard Commando Ultra Skin Deploy as Bayan’s DIY straight-off-the-craft-table “Carton Robo” Ultra Skin, proving that even cardboard can hurt by wielding the “Cut Out” TR2 Marksman Rifle and the “Crafted” PU-21 LMG, both featuring Pink and White Tracers and Box ‘Em Up Death FX. Astonish your enemies with the “Surprise Gift” Emote and stay crafty by displaying the “Aircraft” Weapon Charm, “Carboard Cannon” Hand Cannon Blueprint, “Makeshift” Loading Screen, and “Fully Stocked” Spray. Tracer Pack: Deep Water Ultra Skin Whether on land or sea, the “Big T” Ultra Skin is ready to seek its prey, a hammerhead shark with blood-drenched jaws paired with three ocean-themed Weapon Blueprints: the “Gilled” Jackal PDW SMG, “Serrated Denticle” Krig C Assault Rifle, and the “Prey Stalker” Stryder .22 Pistol, all three featuring Red Tracers and Fish Bones Death FX. Hammer your way to the top of the food chain with the “Half Off” Emote, animated “360 Wielder” Calling Card, “Sea Hammer” Weapon Sticker, and “Hammer Hunter” Loading Screen. Additional Bundle: Plus, coming this Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Military Appreciation Month presented by USAA, be on the lookout for the C.O.D.E. United Force: Tracer Pack and the C.O.D.E. Got Your Six Event. Upgrade to Black Ops 6 Today!  Black Ops 6 is available now, and there’s never been a better time to experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of best-in-class Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of an incredible round-based Zombies experience! Click here to Purchase Black Ops 6. The Truth Lies. © 2025 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X.

WWE 2K25 still has several surprises in store, with special moves unique to certain wrestlers. Rob Van Dam is one of the most distinctive wrestlers, whose wrestling style is inspired by martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme.

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I am developing a lightweight game server from scratch. This game server is designed for casual games, although the specific game type hasn’t been decide. I will add the essential features which most casual games require so that everyone has an easy starting point for developing their own game server based on this project. This project will be especially helpful for indie game developers.The development is planned in two phases:First Phase:

Jump to:Purchasing a home through a foreclosure auction presents a unique opportunity to secure property ownership quickly and often at a significant discount. However, stepping into the world of foreclosure auctions requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the process to avoid costly mistakes. Before you raise your bidder paddle, it’s essential to understand how they work. Unlike a traditional home sale, foreclosure auctions come with risks, including limited property access, no guarantees, and potential financial obligations beyond the bid price. Nonetheless, equipped with the right knowledge and due diligence, you can navigate these challenges and make confident bidding decisions. Attending a foreclosure auction is an exciting yet complex process that demands preparation and a strategic approach. We asked an expert for everything you need to know to understand the risks, prepare effectively, and make the most out of this unique home-buying opportunity. Related StoriesWhat Is a Foreclosure Auction?"A foreclosure auction happens when a homeowner is in default on the terms of their mortgage or deed of trust, typically because they haven't made the required payments," says Sebastian Frey, a broker associate at Compass. It doesn't happen right after one missed payment—there's a long process before a home reaches a foreclosure auction, with each state mandating the specific notice periods.After a home is foreclosed, the mortgage lender might put it up for auction to attempt to recoup as much of its losses as possible. These auctions are held both in-person, often at courthouses, and online.Related StoryCan Anyone Go to a Foreclosure Auction?Yes, both in-person and online foreclosure auctions are open to the public, but you may need to register in advance to attend. Plus, individual foreclosure auctions may have their own requirements for attendance and bidding, so be sure to check with the organizer before showing up.What Is the Best Site for Foreclosure Listings?"Foreclosure auction notices are posted in the 'public notice' section of the newspaper of record in whatever county or town the property is located in," says Frey. "They are sometimes posted online, for example, at Auction.com or Zillow, but there is no requirement that they be posted there." You might want to reach out to a real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures, as they may have the most up-to-date information about upcoming auctions.Related StoryHow Does a Foreclosure Auction Work?Foreclosure auctions work just like a typical auction, where there's an opening bid, and interested parties can place higher bids. "At the auction, there will always be at least one bidder and the bank or mortgage servicing company who sets the opening bid at auction and can increase their bid if there are other potential buyers at the auction," says Frey.The winner is the highest bidder. "If the bank or servicing company is the highest bidder, they 'take back' the title to the property, and it becomes a real estate–owned [REO] asset for them," Frey adds. He also notes that "foreclosure auctions are often postponed at the last minute—perhaps 90 percent of the time." So, you might have to be very patient and flexible if you plan on attending.Related StoryAre There Any Risks in Buying a Home From a Foreclosure Auction?As with all investments, there is risk involved with bidding at a foreclosure auction—and there is substantially higher risk here than buying a home in a traditional manner. "There will be no inspection reports available, no title insurance," says Frey. "There may be liens on the property which survive the foreclosure. If there are tenants in the property, the winning bidder will have to evict them."Frey recommends you do your homework in advance of a foreclosure auction. "See if the property is occupied, and if so, who is living there, like the former owner or a tenant. Try to get inside the property, if possible, to assess the condition," Frey says. "Check public records to see if there are any red tags or building code violations. See if the property tax is current. And of course, have a realistic idea of as-is fair market value."If you're new to bidding on a home at a foreclosure auction, it's best to work with a real estate attorney and/or a real estate agent with foreclosure experience to help guide you along the way and mitigate some risk.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.Expert consulted:Sebastian FreyReal Estate BrokerSebastian Frey is a licensed real estate broker in the Silicon Valley area. He obtained his real estate broker’s license in 2005 and has since earned prestigious designations such as CIPS, GRI, and CRS. With over two decades of experience and 430 homes sold, Seb brings exceptional expertise and a client-centric focus to every transaction.

Consumer tech devices, including smartwatches, have deplorably short lives. Most are tossed aside when the screen cracks, the battery dies, or the software falls behind — adding to the world’s whopping great pile of e-waste.   Scottish startup Una aims to upend this take-make-waste cycle. The company’s sports smartwatch is built to be repaired. Users can easily swap, replace, and upgrade individual components like the screen, battery, and health sensors, extending the device’s lifespan. “Customers are tired of replacing expensive tech every few years,” said Lewis Allison, Una’s founder. “We’re showing the industry there’s a better way.” The Una Watch can be disassembled and reassembled like LEGO. Credit: UNA Una had a blockbuster launch on Kickstarter last week, signalling early demand for its repairable, upgradable smartwatch. The startup raised over £200,000 in just 48 hours after its launch on the crowdfunding platform. That’s more than 20 times its initial fundraising goal of £10,000. Check It Out Over 3,000 people have pre-ordered Una’s smartwatch. The first deliveries are due to begin in August 2025 to customers in the EU, UK, Canada, and the US. Early backers can secure one of the watches for £210 ($275) — £60 ($75) off the retail price of £270 ($350).  High-tech, open-source  While sustainability is at its core, Una’s watch doesn’t compromise on high-tech features. The smartwatch uses dual-frequency GPS, improving the accuracy, reliability, and robustness of location data. The device also packs a bunch of sensors. These include a barometric altimeter for elevation changes, an accelerometer to track movement, and a magnetometer for orientation. It also measures heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Powered by an ultra-efficient Cortex-M33 chip, the smartwatch offers up to 10 days of battery life. It charges via a regular USB-C cable. Una is targeting outdoor and sports users for activities like running, hiking, and cycling. Credit: UNA Una runs on FreeRTOS, an open-source operating system for microelectronics. The company also offers add-on hardware and software “kits” that allow users to build custom apps, create new hardware modules, and even write their own firmware. Una departs from proprietary, closed-source devices like the Apple Watch and Garmin, which dominate the global smartwatch market, worth $33bn last year. The Edinburgh-based startup is one of a growing number of tech companies developing products that customers can fix and upgrade themselves. Other examples include Fairphone, which makes smartphones that can be repaired at home using just a screwdriver and a video manual, and Framework, which builds modular laptops. Una’s Kickstarter success follows a £300,000 investment from SFC Capital in March. The company also won £100,000 in the Scottish EDGE startup competition last year. Story by Siôn Geschwindt Siôn is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Siôn is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Siôn has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletter Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Following the release of iOS 18.4 last week, Apple has now stopped signing the iOS 18.3.2 firmware. This means that iPhone and iPad users can no longer downgrade to this version of the operating system after updating their device to a newer version. Apple blocks downgrade from iOS 18.4 to iOS 18.3.2 iOS 18.4 was released on March 31 and it’s a major update, as it enables Apple Intelligence support in more languages. The update also comes with new emoji, Priority Notifications, and Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro models. What’s more, the iOS 18.4 update brings multiple security patches. For instance, iOS 18.4 fixes exploits that could let apps access sensitive user data. As for iOS 18.3.2, the update was released on March 11 with another important security patch. According to Apple, the iOS 18.3.2 update resolves an exploit in WebKit that allowed malicious web content to break the sandbox. It’s important to keep your device’s software up to date to protect yourself against hackers and other attacks. That’s why Apple stops signing old versions of iOS. Of course, this ends up affecting users experiencing bugs with the latest version of iOS, since they can’t go back to the previous version. Right now, the only possible downgrade is from iOS 18.5 beta to iOS 18.4. If you have a compatible iPhone or iPad, make sure you update iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Gadgets I recommend: Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Image by Paul Morigi/Getty ImagesDevelopmentsA second child has died as a result of a measles outbreak in West Texas, bringing the total number of people who have succumbed to the highly contagious disease to three.It's both a dire and preventable situation, given the existence of highly effective and widely available vaccines. And the tremendous wealth of scientific evidence supporting them appears to have finally dawned on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.In a Sunday tweet, Kennedy correctly noted that measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines are the "most effective way to prevent the spread of measles."As Stat points out, it's perhaps the most direct admission yet that Kennedy believes in the effectiveness of vaccines. The longtime figurehead of the anti-vaccine movement has previously downplayed them, even during the ongoing outbreak, instead recommending the use of Vitamin A — which has already led to parents accidentally sending their kids to the hospital.Kennedy also told Fox News last month that getting the infectious disease was "normal" when he was a kid, suggesting that everybody should just get it. In reality, of course, the disease can have serious and lasting effects even after you recover.As of Sunday, there are 642 confirmed cases of measles across 22 states, according to the HHS.Kennedy attempted to paint his moment of lucidity as part of a broader effort to mourn with a family who lost their eight-year-old daughter to the disease."My intention was to come down here quietly to console the families and to be with the community in their moment of grief," Kennedy wrote.Yet Kennedy quickly resumed his peddling of dodgy treatments for the hours later. In a late Sunday tweet, Kennedy called two doctors who had treated children with aerosolized budesonide and clarithromycin, a steroid and antibiotic respectively, "extraordinary healers." There's no scientific evidence suggesting either substance is an effective treatment for measles. The latter risks weakening the immune system further, as Stat reported.Apart from being a major figure in the anti-vaccine movement for decades, Kennedy recently announced sweeping layoffs as part of a major restructuring effort of the HHS. Even that didn't go well; afterward, he was forced to admit that roughly 20 percent of those who were affected by the layoffs would "have to be reinstated because we'll make mistakes."Public health officials are warning that if the virus continues to spread at its current pace, the US could soon lose its measles elimination status that it gained 25 years ago, the New York Times reports."To date, the federal response to the ongoing measles outbreak has been inappropriately focused on distracting and ineffective alternatives to the only truly effective prevention — measles vaccine," former top FDA vaccine regulator Peter Marks told the newspaper."This is a tragedy, an absolutely needless death," he added, referring to the second child to have succumbed to the disease.More on Kennedy: RFK Jr. Realizes He's Made a Huge MistakeShare This Article

Donkey Kong Bananza may have intriguing implications for the Donkey Kong timeline, based on a leak for the ape’s upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game. A piece of artwork apparently leaked by Nintendo of Korea, and then spotted by a poster on Resetera, indicates that another well-known Donkey Kong character heretofore unannounced for the game may appear in Bananza. And her appearance could imply that Donkey Kong Bananza is a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey and perhaps even the original Donkey Kong. Or maybe not! Because what even is the Donkey Kong timeline? But let’s dig in… and wade into potential spoiler territory. While official artwork and box art for Donkey Kong Bananza — seen above — shows DK being joined by a purple crystal blob known as “the Odd Rock,” nearly identical artwork for the game posted (and later pulled) by Nintendo of Korea shows what appears to be young Pauline adventuring with Donkey Kong. That version of Pauline wears a bracelet that matches the material and color of the Odd Rock. So, what’s up with that? Pauline is, of course, a character from the original Donkey Kong, and the woman that Mario is tasked with rescuing from DK’s clutches in the 1981 arcade original. Pauline later appeared in Nintendo’s Mario vs. Donkey Kong games and was prominently featured in 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City. Pauline has been represented as an adult human woman in all of her Nintendo game appearances. The Pauline seen in leaked artwork of Donkey Kong Bananza, however, has childlike proportions. If she’s a child in Bananza, that would mean the Switch 2 game is set before the events of the original Donkey Kong. That, however, makes no sense, given that Donkey Kong encounters Cranky Kong in Bananza in his aged, bearded form, and Cranky is — as established by Rare’s Donkey Kong Country — the original Kong that appeared in Donkey Kong. Cranky even references his early battles with Mario in dialogue from Bananza. However, Nintendo has contradicted itself many times over regarding the relationship between Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong, and which of the two characters was the Donkey Kong that appeared in original arcade game. Suffice it to say, Nintendo’s Donkey Kong lore is a mess. So there is a chance that Bananza is a Donkey Kong prequel, and that it establishes an early relationship between Pauline and her primate kidnapper. There’s also a strong chance that Pauline is also Odd Rock, made that way as part of a curse inflicted by Bananza antagonists VoidCo. Odd Rock is convinced to join Donkey Kong on his adventure in Bananza through the power of music, and Pauline is famously an accomplished musician. There’s also a chance that whatever magic VoidCo used to transform Pauline into a tiny purple rock also made her a child. That would still be weird. But the Donkey Kong timeline, and the general Super Mario timeline, is extremely weird. It was established in 2005’s Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time that Mario and Luigi have time traveled to the past and even interacted with infant versions of themselves. In the current Mario Kart canon, Mario and Luigi coexist with Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, indicating that the Mushroom Kingdom and adjacent kingdoms exist within some sort of time paradox. Baby versions of princesses Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina also exist alongside their adult counterparts, so maybe Baby Pauline does too…? Maybe that’s not Pauline at all in the Bananza artwork. Maybe it’s a young relative who has adopted adult Pauline’s style of dress and makeup. This possibility almost seems the most logical, if Nintendo’s goal is to further confuse the Donkey Kong timeline. The most important thing to take away from this thought exercise, however, is that the Donkey Kong timeline does not matter. Nintendo should not attempt to explain it, devote a website to it, nor try to fit future Donkey Kong games into some sort of logical sequence. Nintendo likely will explain Pauline’s role in Donkey Kong Bananza closer to the game’s launch in July. I think the best thing for the company to do at that stage is signal that Cranky Kong is actually Donkey Kong’s son, or that they’re baby and adult versions of the same ape, throwing the entire franchise into temporal chaos.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.Most of us aren’t great at hunting down cheap flights—we just hit refresh until the prices stop hurting our feelings. That’s where Matt's Flights Premium Plan comes in. It’s like outsourcing your flight anxiety to someone who actually enjoys digging for mistake fares and limited-time deals, and from now through April 27, StackSocial is offering a lifetime subscription to this deal-hunting service for $79.99 with the promo code SAVE10—but only for new users. And yes, it's truly lifetime: Pay once, and you get access to every jaw-dropping, typo-priced ticket Matt finds for the rest of your days. If you’re tired of checking Google Flights like it’s your part-time job, this could be a very low-lift upgrade.Here’s what that price gets you: three or more international and domestic flight deals per week, direct access to the Matt's Flights team for 1-on-1 travel planning via email, and unlimited custom search requests. So if you’re dead set on going from JFK to Lisbon next fall, you can just say so, and Matt will start digging. Premium members also get access to five times more deals than the free tier, which means more variety and a better shot at something that fits your dates and budget. The covered departure cities include most major airports in the U.S. and Canada, but even if your local airport isn't on the list, Matt's Flights will still search flights for you—just shoot them an email.There are some caveats: You need to redeem your code within 30 days, the plan only works on one device (though it’s accessible via desktop or mobile), and this is only for new users, so if you’ve used Matt’s Flights before, you’re out of luck. And while this plan works best if you have flexible travel dates, it still has value even if you’re a once-a-year kind of traveler—especially for international trips where one mistake fare could easily save you a few hundred bucks.