Designing and Developing Unity's Mixed Reality Template ft. Unity's XR Team

Lego Animal Crossing: K.K.'s Concert at the Plaza (550 Pieces) $44 (was $80) See at Amazon See at Target Animal Crossing fans can save on just about every Lego playset featuring characters from Nintendo's popular town simulation franchise. Most notably, Amazon and Target have a terrific deal on the largest--and normally most expensive--Lego Animal Crossing set. K.K.'s Concert at the Plaza is on sale for only $44, down from $80. The nearly 50% discount is by far the best yet for this adorable playset featuring the talented canine musician. The K.K. Slider set released last August, but you can also get deals on a couple products that launched earlier this year, including Leif's Caravan & Garden Shop. See all Animal Crossing Lego Sets Continue Reading at GameSpot

God of War composer Bear McCreary recently reflected on his past work on the series. McCreary is a reasonably prolific composer in movies and television, having worked on Battlestar Galactica, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Gaming-wise, he lent his talents to both 2018’s God of Warand its 2022 follow-up God of War Ragnarok, as well as 2021’s Call of Duty: Vanguard.

It seems like every year I’m back here, trying to find a new way to comment on how the board game release schedule is off to a slow start. That’s because, historically speaking, the tabletop industry doesn’t really heat up until convention season begins in the fall. 2025, however, is already bucking that trend with seven notable titles that have already been released. We’re barely four and a half months into the year, and our list of the best board games of the year is already shaping up nicely.  Now, not all seven of these titles will likely remain on the list when we return to update it later in the year. I’m confident when I say that more and better games are on the way, but I fully expect several of the titles mentioned below to stick it out until the end. The year’s surprisingly fast start is littered with quality releases.  As usual, our list is not ranked. Instead, titles are offered in alphabetical order. Bebop Designer Robert Hovakimyan’s Bebop dazzles with a fevered jazz motif that is absolutely striking. Players perform the position of booking agent, placing concertgoers into choice seats surrounding the many stages scattered across the festival grounds. This musical setting serves mainly as dress, with gameplay hinging on strategic placing of dice into chains of like colors.  The facade of theme is perfectly fine, as the thoughtful mechanisms blend a straightforward simplicity with deep tactical considerations. This is a relatively rules-light experience, as players perform one of two actions each turn. They either place a cardboard token on the board to reserve a space, or a die upon one of their previously claimed spaces. There’s a cadence to the activity that resembles the improvisational structure of the jazz setting, as there’s a rush to surround stages and fill up seats in order to score points from the performance. This is a remarkable game that plays well across all player counts, never extending beyond 60 minutes or so while offering a compelling system to tinker with. Finspan Bird-watching board game Wingspan is the most prolific release of the past decade. Last year it received a mythical dragon-based sequel, and now it’s gotten an aquatic spinoff in the form of Finspan. Instead of collecting birds in their natural habitats, you’re eyeing fish of all sorts inhabiting unique ecosystems at various depths. Much like Wyrmspan, this is a faithful adaptation of the original Wingspan system, reworked with a few twists to present something fresh. The primary distinguishing factor between this game and its predecessors is that Finspan is more direct and streamlined. Several systems have been trimmed or cleaned up — such as the removal of food and a card market — and it’s both more approachable and quicker to understand. You’re still drawing cards to your hand and then playing them on a personal board, but new concepts such as schools of fish and a vertical board offer neat flourishes to establish identity. Without a single repeat card in the deck, the large assortment of both strange and beautiful fish retains an educational element while creating a vibrant estuary teeming with modern game design elements.  Galactic Cruise The idea of building a ship replete with onboard cruise activities, advertising for customers, and then transporting your patrons through the vastness of space is a heck of a pitch. As full as that concept is, Galactic Cruise is likewise stuffed with mechanisms to fiddle with. This is a hefty game, clocking in at roughly three hours with a full complement of four players. If you’re up for such a complex experience, this certainly delivers a compelling puzzle. Each turn workers are placed on various spaces of the board to construct ships and move up tracks. Efficiency and strategic planning are paramount, as you must utilize tools such as multi-use cards and area development to widen your capabilities and potential. This cerebral design is uplifted by the gorgeous Ian O’Toole artwork and wonderful components. ito The sole party game on this list, ito is a compact product that flexes clever cooperation. One of the strengths of this design is that it’s incredibly easy for newcomers and can be taught with no front-loading of rules.  In ito, each player is dealt a random secret card numbered 1 to 100. A topic is then revealed, which prompts the group. These are themes such as “your favorite food” or “the best city in the world” with a scale given clarifying that typically one is the worst while 100 is the best. Players then place their number card face down and offer a clue to where their number falls on the spectrum. For example, if you were fortunate enough to draw the 95 card, you — an avid meat eater — may offer “prime rib” as a favorite food. Another player who drew the 12 card could say “spinach” and place their card lower in the pecking order than “prime rib.” Together, everyone must respond to the same prompt and place their cards in the correct order from least to most favorite food, by sorting through their clues and coming to agreement. This is a splendid party game that can be played in a couple of minutes. While it’s often a breezy experience, occasionally the group breaks out into nuanced discussion over serious topics such as whether a lightsaber is more deadly than a machine gun. Since the middle range of numbers requires far more consideration and thought, this often gives way to these entertaining arguments. This is a game about perspective, interpretation, and our shared human experience, and it nails each of these topics with virtually no barriers. Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game Emerson Matsuuchi designed one of the best stealth board games of all time in 2015’s Specter Ops. He’s built upon that foundational knowledge to tackle Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game, an adaptation of one of the most beloved video games of all time. This cooperative tabletop experience covers the Shadow Moses storyline from the first Metal Gear Solid video game, with a series of 14 scenarios that work players through the video game’s plot, replete with more grounded stealth-based missions as well as dramatic boss battles.  The basic format is what fans of the series would expect: You’re attempting to sneak past patrolling guards and avoid being spotted. Like most stealth board games, once you’ve been outed, all hell breaks loose and the previously sneaky approach gives way to outright violence. Boss battles, including a bombastic finale against the Metal Gear mech, have their own tempo and rules governing conflict. This is a wonderful interpretation of the source material, only stumbling a bit through the tension between faithfulness to storyline and multiplayer facilitation. Deference was given to the plot, in that the early scenarios do not allow a full complement of four players. This is partially alleviated with bonus one-off missions divorced from the greater plot — just like in Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions — in addition to the campaign itself, which expands to support full multiplayer in the final third.  Molly House Molly House by Jo Kelly and Cole Wehrle is the most intriguing and unique game on this list. Players take on the roles of queer mollies in 18th-century England searching for joy and community. It’s a striking game with a unified visual presence that elevates the demeanor and tone of the experience. It can also be an emotional game that explores themes of companionship, identity, betrayal, and persecution. This is a competitive game with beautiful moments of cooperation. Players move across a square Monopoly-like board filled with locations, working to build their hand of cards in order to support festivities. Festivities are meetings of revelry where dance and romance break out. Mechanically, players take turns playing cards to the table, and then build the best hand of those offered. As the game progresses, evidence may mount against the various houses where the meetings take place, and the Society for the Reformation of Manners may apply pressure, perhaps even closing one or more houses. Opportunity then arises for a player to turn traitor, betraying the molly community and their way of life. This is a deep and moving game that rises above its peers. Purple Haze Some of the most interesting developments in narrative board gaming are currently occurring in the wargame genre. Purple Haze is evidence of this, resurrecting the paragraph-style story game seen in the classic Avalon Hill title Ambush! In this new game from Bernard Grzybowski, players take on the role of a squad of American Marines performing reconnaissance and patrol missions, similar to the duties shown in films like Platoon and Forrest Gump, during the Vietnam War. You will outfit team members with gear, march across the hellish jungle, and attempt to complete your various mission goals over nine linked scenarios.  This is a gripping game that does a fantastic job in conveying the difficulties and chaos of man-to-man combat in such an environment. The bulk of the game is traversing across the macro view of a large-scale hex map, possibly triggering narrative passages and events. These story passages are interrupted by occasional bouts of deadly combat. When this occurs, the game transitions to a minimap and zooms in on the battle, adapting a whole new system of rules. This contrast adds weight to both sides of the experience, reinforcing how brittle your squad is and how everything can turn upside down in a hurry. 

In the bustling core of Gurugram, India, a tranquil escape comes to life – Aanandam, a 4,800-square-foot penthouse reimagined by Logic Design + Build, transcends the conventions of metropolitan living. Conceived as a sanctuary for holistic wellness, this space reflects a thoughtful evolution into a modern villa-like haven, rooted in mindfulness, individual identity, and understated grandeur. At the intersection of architectural rigor and sensory refinement, Aanandam navigates the fine line between the raw and the refined. Here, elements of urban boldness – exposed concrete, linear forms, and open structural expanses – are carefully softened with tactile natural finishes and curated warmth. Every room has been developed with the resident’s lifestyle in mind, turning everyday routines into intimate experiences through a deeply customized approach. Central to the project’s brutalist design language is the celebration of light as more than mere illumination. It shapes moods, sculpts materials, and sets the tone for each zone within the home. Broad apertures, thoughtful spatial orientation, and strategic reflections allow sunlight to become an active participant in the design, revealing textures, enhancing volumes, and offering moments of pause throughout the day. Beyond aesthetics, Aanandam presents a fresh narrative in wellness-centric urban design. By reinterpreting spatial planning, the designers have fostered an atmosphere of openness, fluidity, and stillness. Nature subtly weaves through the apartment – be it through organic textures, curated greenery, or the earthy hues that ground the interiors. A biophilic focal point boldly climbs up the double-height living room in the form of a living wall housing a variety of green plants. Adding to the grandeur of the wall is an arched accent of three-dimensional wood panels displaying the familiar arch shape oriented in different directions. The result is a living environment that encourages emotional equilibrium, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Craftsmanship plays a pivotal role in establishing the project’s bespoke character. Every element, from hand-selected stone surfaces to tailor-made furnishings, embodies a commitment to authenticity and quality. The contrast between raw materials like lime plaster and exposed brick, and the sophistication of marble, brass, and glass, adds visual depth while preserving a cohesive tone of relaxed luxury. Opposite the garden wall is another visually compelling element that connects the two floors of the penthouse. The stunning staircase comprises floating brass treads, uniquely shaped as parallelograms, flanked on one side with black and white marble and panels of glass on the front side as not to block the beauty of the stairs behind it. A tube of brass cascades from the ceiling to form a minimalist handrail to complete the look. Aanandam also takes a progressive step in sustainability, integrating eco-conscious materials and smart systems that support energy efficiency without compromising on elegance. Its minimal ecological footprint complements its forward-thinking design ethos – fusing environmental responsibility with aesthetic intention. For more information on Logic Design + Build, visit logic.co.in. Photography by Ashish Sahi.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Sony WF-1000XM line has been an innovative and solid series of headphones and earbuds for many years. Right now, the latest version of the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are $179.99 (originally $299.99), a new record-low price, according to price-tracking tools. They are also the best earbuds for audio quality that you can get in 2025, especially if you want to use active noise canceling (ANC). Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds $179.99 at Amazon $299.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $179.99 at Amazon $299.99 Save $120.00 You can fully customize the sound of these earbuds with various EQ and personalization options in the accompanying app, but they sound balanced and full out of the box. You also get support for the high-end LC3 and LDAC Bluetooth codecs. Their ANC is great, but what makes them special is that, unlike many other ANC earbuds, their audio quality isn't hindered by using ANC, as noted in PCMag's "outstanding" review.You'll get an IPX4 rating, meaning you can use them during workouts—just don't wear them in the shower. The microphones are quite clear, making them suitable for Zoom or work calls. The battery life lasts eight hours with ANC and 16 hours without it. The carrying case gives you up to 24 hours with a full charge. The app comes with many high-end features that earbuds at this price point offer, like Ambient Sound (hear your surroundings), Adaptive Sound Control (switch between ANC and Ambient Sound), Speak-to-Chat (your media stops when you speak), voice assistance from Alexa or Google Assistant, and other features that you can read more about in CNET's review.

There are some great keyboard attachments for Apple's iPad but, sometimes, you just want to physically write things down with a "pencil." While the Apple Pencil lineup can be confusing (see our helpful guide here), there are two great options currently on sale.  Take the 23 percent discount on the Apple Pencil Pro, for instance. The markdown drops its cost to $99 from $129, only $10 more than its all-time low price. Apple released this top-end model last year and it's certainly the best of the bunch. It offers features such as squeeze gesture to see menu options and a built-in gyroscope that improves the process of changing your pen's orientation and brush tools. Plus, it works with Apple's Find My network, so you can easily locate the tool at any time. However, it's only compatible with select iPads, including the iPad Pro with an M4 chip, iPad Air with M2 or M3 chips and the iPad mini with A17 Pro. If you don't want to spend close to $100, the Apple Pencil with a USB-C port is also on sale. The 2023 model is available for $66, down from $79 — a 16 percent sale. The big benefit (other than the reduced price) is that it works with a lot more iPads than the Pencil Pro. The Apple Pencil with a USB-C port also has all the basics, like tilt sensitivity, magnetic attachment and supporting Apple Pencil hover when using an iPad Pro. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-pencil-pro-drops-back-down-to-99-134027919.html?src=rss

Find out when you can watch Daredevil: Born Again episode 9 on Disney+ with our help.

It’s fair to assume that most of us can relate to the famous saying, “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” This is just the second half of one of Benjamin Franklin’s last great nuggets of wisdom, but more on that to come. As Franklin would likely have reminded you, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, is the last day to file your federal income taxes for 2024.  With everything going on at Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including reported layoffs at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it might be tempting to try and fly under the radar this year and not file your taxes, hoping to dodge an audit. However, even with all the cuts in government jobs, this life decision will have consequences.  Here’s a deeper look at Franklin’s words, an overview on potential IRS job cuts, and what could happen if you don’t file by the April 15 deadline. Some of Benjamin Franklin’s last words What the average Joe might not know is that Franklin’s proverb was first penned in November 1789 in a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, according to the National Constitution Center. It became public knowledge in 1817 when it was translated from French and printed as part of a larger collection of Franklin’s private correspondence. The reason for the letter was twofold. Franklin wanted to check up on his old friend because he hadn’t heard from him since the start of the French Revolution. He also updated Le Roy on America’s beginnings. The full quote reveals Franklin’s cautious optimism for the new country he helped create. “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes,” he wrote. He went on to discuss his own well-being. “My health continues much as it has been for some time, except that I grow thinner and weaker so that I cannot expect to hold out much longer.” Franklin’s words turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts as he died just five months later on April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia. How DOGE cuts will affect the IRS Since Franklin valued the checks and balances found in the constitution and spoke out against authoritarianism, it is fair to say that he might have concerns about some of the Trump administration’s actions.  It’s likely he would have agreed with Theodore Chuang, a U.S. District Court judge for the District of Maryland, who claims that Musk’s leadership position is unconstitutional, as Inc. reported. According to Chuang, Musk’s position violates Article II, Section 2 of the constitution, otherwise known as the “appointments clause,” because he has not been properly appointed by the president and approved by the Senate. For now, Trump and Musk plan to continue their cuts.  In March, CNN reported on a leaked email from DOGE that called for a 20% reduction of the IRS, which would put 18,200 individuals out of a job. According to the nonpartisan Budget Lab at Yale University, although this would save $1.4 billion in 2026, it would ultimately cost the federal government $6.8 billion in lost tax revenue. If there are fewer people to collect taxes, fewer people pay. So what if I don’t file my 2024 taxes? Just because the IRS is laying off workers, that doesn’t mean you should blow off your taxes. They help fund everything from roads to education to defense of our country. If you miss the April 15 deadline and you owe, you could be slapped with interest and fees. The amount would depend on just how late you are and how much you owe. The IRS has a breakdown of failure-to-pay penalties on its website. If you owe the federal government money, the failure-to-file penalty is around 5% of the unpaid taxes due each month until you hit the 25% maximum. After 60 days, you will be charged $485, or 100% of the tax due, whichever figure is less. If you don’t pay on time, there is an additional penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month. You are able to appeal penalties if you can prove that you missed the deadline due to a “reasonable cause.” These include serious illness, natural disasters, death in the family, and more. Typically, the IRS does not accept an incompetent tax professional or absence of funds excuses. I don’t owe any taxes. Do I still have to file? If you are due a refund but have not filed your taxes, you won’t face penalty fees. However, you also won’t receive your refund if you don’t file within three years. For context, the ultimate deadline to file for 2024 tax refunds is April 15, 2028. If you don’t file by then, Uncle Sam will keep your money. How do I avoid fees and interest? If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you have until April 15 to file an extension. Use Form 4868 to give yourself the gift of more time. It’s important to note, though, that even with this extension, you still need to pay your estimated taxes to prevent pesky penalties and inconvenient interest charges.

At first glance, this appears to be some sort of vintage display case. In fact, it's a window-mounted birdhouse. You install it like a window A/C and load it with feed, and then you've got something like an aquarium for birds.I like the end result that they're selling—you get to check out birds up close, binoculars-free—but am puzzled that the unit doesn't seal from the outside. That access hole is permanently open. It does open wider so you can more easily clean the thing out (from the outside of your house). The only interface on the interior is the lid up top, which covers the refill hole. With no way to keep rain out of this thing, I can't imagine it would last long. Nevertheless, manufacturer Coveside Conservation Products, which makes wildlife feeders and habitats, has mass distribution; this item is sold at Lowe's, for $165.