Media company Gamurs Group reportedly lays off more staff The publisher behind Destructoid, Twinfinite and more appears to have made more layoffs News by Samuel Roberts Editorial Director Published on April 15, 2025 Gamurs Group, the media company behind websites like Dot Esports, Twinfinite, Prima Games, Siliconera and The Escapist, reportedly made more layoffs at the end of last week. As shared on LinkedIn, staff affected by job cuts over the past few days include Evergreen Updates Editor Chris Jecks, SEO Manager Jonna Turner, Lead Data Analyst Thomas Tallentire, Content Strategist Anne Banks and Assigning Editor Christian Smith. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Gamurs Group for comment on the number of staff affected in this latest round. We'll update this article if we get a response. A number of staff at Gamurs-owned outlets have shared layoff news since 2025 started. Back in March, editors at Gamurs-owned The Mary Sue and The Escapist reported being let go. In February, editors at Destructoid shared they'd been laid off on social media. In addition, as shared on BlueSky, the long-running PC enthusiast website PC Invasion is no longer accessible, and now redirects into the Prima Games website. Content from PC Invasion has been ported to Prima Games, according to writers on social media. PC Invasion is still listed as one of Gamurs' brands on its corporate website. Two previous rounds of layoffs at the company made headlines in July and September of 2024.

Most people know that buying a refurbished tech product will save you money compared to buying it new. It also gives a device a second life instead of sending it off to be recycled. Not only that, buying refurbished is sometimes a clever workaround for finding new or tough-to-find products at a lower price. If you’re gifting tech for the holidays, a birthday, or buying for yourself, it’s not a bad idea to see what kinds of stuff you can find refurbished across the web.Those are all good things — yet “refurbished” is still a loaded word for a lot of people. New means new, a product that nobody else has used. On the other hand, buying something refurbished can be a gamble, despite the fact that the product is probably significantly more affordable.If something has been refurbished, that could mean the product was either broken or roughed up enough to warrant a repair. It could also mean that whoever bought it simply decided they didn’t want it and returned it to the store. The definition of what makes for a refurbished product varies depending on the seller, though something that may ease some worry is that there are US laws that prevent once-used tech from being sold as new. We’ve seen it in action, too. In 2019, New York City filed a lawsuit against T-Mobile alleging that it had deceived buyers by selling used phones to customers who had paid for new ones.Still, buying refurbished brings up a lot of questions. Did the original manufacturer refurbish the product, or was it done by a third-party company? Was the product restored to a like-new state, or will it look visibly used when you receive it? Was it professionally cleaned and sanitized, and does it come with new accessories? Does it have a warranty, and who will be accountable if it breaks?It’s easy to see why a lot of people might prefer to just pay more for something new. However, it’s possible to both save money and not get swindled when buying refurbished products. Below, we’ve laid out some tips that you can follow when buying refurbished tech. None of this is fail-proof, but it will make the process a lot safer — and you can end up with some great devices at lower prices.Are you the type of person who’d consider buying refurbished earbuds? Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The VergeWhat to look for when you want to buy refurbishedIn general, if you purchase a refurbished product from its original manufacturer, it’s far less of a gamble than buying from a third-party retailer. The manufacturer is likely to have higher standards for refreshing and repackaging the product, and — crucially — should have access to authentic materials and components. In our experience, these first-party refurbished sales are rare to find, and they usually move stock quickly.But there are also many companies that exist solely to refurbish products, and they can do a good job, too. You’ll just need to be extra vigilant, ask the right questions, and make sure all of your questions get answered. In other words, if you’re buying a refurbished product, it helps to have criteria. This will quickly become second nature once you start making a habit of looking at refurbished tech. Here are some questions to start with:What condition is it in? Is it in like-new condition or somewhat used?Does it come with all original accessories and documentation?What kind of warranty does it have, and who is providing it?The answers to those questions aren’t necessarily obvious. Sometimes, the product might be visibly damaged, come in a different box, or only have a six-month (or less) warranty. That’s alright, so long as you know in advance of buying it. In fact, you can often use this info to your advantage to save some money, as resellers may sometimes lower the cost if the product isn’t in perfect condition. You’ll just have to decide what you’re willing to settle for.What is an open-box product?Sometimes products will be listed as “open-box.” This term can mean something different depending on the retailer, but most use it to mean that the product was opened by a customer who bought it, then it was returned to the store in its original box with all of its accessories. In other words, it didn’t need to be refurbished because the assumption is that it either wasn’t used at all or was only used once and then repackaged. Generally, it’s safe to assume that an open-box product will be in good condition, though it never hurts to ask for clarification or seek the info somewhere on the webpage.Buying an open-box product is a great way to get a bargain, but be on the lookout for flaws before the return policy expires. Photo by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The VergeIs there anything that I shouldn’t buy refurbished?Ultimately, that’s your call to make. Some staffers at The Verge make a sour face at the idea of using refurbished headphones, especially earbuds or computer mice. I think it’s natural to have that reaction, considering how intimately you might use products like that. Many, but not all, companies claim to thoroughly clean refurbished products before reselling them; however, for some people, something that has been used that way is forever unclean.In my opinion, the most important thing to make sure of when buying a refurbished product is that the warranty is good enough to support you if the device fails. And if the retailer says that your product will arrive in a clean, well-packaged state, make sure that what you receive is representative of their claims.Update April 15th, 2025: This article was originally published on May 15th, 2020. It was updated slightly to ensure the content’s accuracy.See More:

It’s not often that I get to write about Pokémon TCG deals and smart light bulbs in the same guide, but here we are. Amazon’s finally offering decent prices on Journey Together sealed product, which is the closest thing we’ve had to a “normal” launch since Stellar Crown. Meanwhile, the IGN Store just opened preorders on a legitimately good-looking Kazuma Kiryu statue, Humble dropped a train simulator bundle for $15 that somehow has $283 worth of content, and Lepro’s doing their AI lighting thing again, except now it’s even cheaper. I didn’t expect to be tempted by half this stuff. Yet here I am.Today’s Best Deals: Pokémon TCG, Like a Dragon Kiryu Statue, Lepro Smart Lights, and MorePokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundleLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu - Statue$219.99 at IGN StorePokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleLepro O1 AI Floor Lamp$86.39 at AmazonLepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection$56.18 at AmazonMass Effect Merchandise$59.99 at IGN Store Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster BundleSee it at AmazonFellow Traveller Publisher Bundle Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box$54.96 at Amazon Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection$135.00 at AmazonPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box$53.46 at AmazonThe best part? Most of this is first-party stock. These aren’t third-party resellers or warehouse dumps. The Pokémon deals come straight from Amazon, the statue is from the IGN Store, and Lepro’s discounts are backed by coupons and Prime shipping. Even the Humble bundle supports CALM, so you can simulate locomotives and feel slightly better about your backlog at the same time.Add MLB.TV and Get $30 Off Your First Month of SlingNow through May 31, you can tack on MLB.TV and stream every single out-of-market game and get $30 off your first month of Sling TV. Get access to ESPN, TBS, FS1, and more, plus a free month of unlimited DVR.See it at Sling TVPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxThis is the first time I’ve seen the ETB for a reasonable price without having to buy it from someone’s backseat eBay hustle. Nine booster packs, full-art N’s Zorua promo, card sleeves, energy, dice, the works. I’ve seen this box selling for $90+ since launch, so $70.31 from Amazon is genuinely solid. Lillie’s Clefairy ex is still floating around $180 and N’s Zoroark ex has dropped to $13, which tells me the hype has deflated and we’re in “buy because it’s fun” territory again. I like it here.Maractus - 160/159$2.25 at TCG PlayerArticuno - 161/159$18.69 at TCG PlayerWailord 162/159$14.55 at TCG PlayerIono's Kilowattrel 163/159$12.49 at TCG PlayerLillie's Ribombee 164/159$8.00 at TCG PlayerSwinub 165/159$4.18 at TCG PlayerLycanroc 166/159$4.55 at TCG PlayerN's Reshiram 167/159$16.00 at TCG PlayerN's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)$14.12 at TCG PlayerFurret 168/159$8.92 at TCG PlayerNoibat 169/159$6.85 at TCG PlayerHop's Wooloo 170/159$6.10 at TCG PlayerPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundlePokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundleThis is the low-frills version for people who just want to open packs without pretending they’re going to organize their collection. Six Journey Together boosters and none of the ETB fluff. Honestly, this is how I like to test a set when prices cool off. You still have a shot at cards like Salamence ex SIR, which tanked from $250 to around $106, or a sub-$20 N’s Reshiram. Even if you pull nothing, at least you didn’t overpay trying to win the cardboard lottery.Volcanion ex 171/159$2.35 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 172/159See it at TCG PlayerLillie's Clefairy ex 173/159$17.01 at TCG PlayerMamoswine ex 174/159$2.20 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 175/159$13.25 at TCG PlayerHop's Zacian ex 176/159$7.45 at TCG PlayerSalamence ex 177/159$3.00 at TCG PlayerDudunsparce ex 178/159$2.65 at TCG PlayerBrock's Scouting 179/159$4.99 at TCG PlayerIris's Fighting Spirit 180/159$4.99 at TCG PlayerLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu StatueLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu - StatuePre-order now$219.99 at IGN StoreI’m not usually a statue guy, but this one’s sharp. Kiryu looks like he walked straight out of Yakuza 0 mid-heat-action combo, and the 11.4-inch sculpt from Kotobukiya actually does him justice. It ships in October, which gives me time to clear desk space and justify the price. It’s not cheap, but I’ve seen statues this size with way less detail go for more. I think if you’re a Like a Dragon fan, this is an easy preorder.Pokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterPokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterI threw one of these in my cart last week just to hit the free shipping minimum. One pack, random art, decent discount. There’s no reason to expect anything big, but the price is finally low enough that I don’t feel bad if I just pull a Furret. And if you happen to land something like Articuno’s Illustration Rare (now $18.69) or Wailord (around $14.55), it’s a nice win from a $10 impulse buy.Volcanion ex 182/159$23.95 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 183/159$80.00 at TCG PlayerLillie's Clefairy ex 184/159$180.00 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 185/159$90.00 at TCG PlayerHop's Zacian ex 186/159$49.95 at TCG PlayerSalamence ex 187/159$104.77 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 188/159$16.99 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 189/159$35.00 at TCG PlayerSpiky Energy 190/159$8.50 at TCG PlayerTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleI don’t know how many people wake up wanting ten train simulator add-ons, but if you’re one of them, today is your day. For $15, you get Train Sim World 5’s Starter Pack plus nine routes and loco add-ons. Antelope Valley, Cajon Pass, Thameslink, Santa Fe F7—the whole diesel buffet. It’s Steam keys, it supports CALM, and the value is so off the rails (pun fully intended) that I bought it just to mess around with the Railpool BR193 Vectron. Don’t judge me.Lepro O1 AI Floor LampLepro O1 AI Floor Lamp$86.39 at AmazonThis is one of those “tech that doesn’t make sense until you try it” products. It’s a smart LED floor lamp with AI-generated lighting modes, music sync, voice control, app scheduling, and a vibe for every mood. It’s absurdly bright at 2300 lumens, and it looks clean in any corner setup. The AI stuff isn’t just fluff either. Say “I want relaxing light” and it’ll give you ten preset scenes. I think it’s great if you want one light to do everything without fiddling with settings for half an hour.Lepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsLepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsThese are the same AI bulbs as the ones in the floor lamp, but in classic 75W-equivalent LED form. They’re bright, colorful, and weirdly helpful if you’re too tired to fine-tune your lighting manually. The music sync is fun, the AI scenes work well, and the voice commands actually feel smart instead of gimmicky. I bought a set of these last month and haven’t touched the wall switch since. At $8 per bulb, it’s kind of a no-brainer.Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksI picked up Surging Sparks because six booster packs under $50 is lower than what Amazon has been charging recently (It's still above MSRP though) Honestly, I wanted something new to crack open. It’s part of the latest Scarlet & Violet expansion, so if you’re trying to keep up with current sets or just enjoy the chaos of pulling a good card, this one’s a smart grab.Pikachu ex - 238/191$399.99 at TCG PlayerMilotic ex - 237/191$140.00 at TCG PlayerPikachu ex - 247/191$95.97 at TCG PlayerHydreigon ex - 240/191$79.99 at TCG PlayerAlolan Exeggutor ex - 242/191$55.99 at TCG PlayerPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium CollectionPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection$56.18 at AmazonThis one’s for the collectors who care as much about presentation as they do the pulls. Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection comes with six packs, a full-art promo, and a display sheet that’s more elaborate than it needs to be — in a good way. It's also a cool way to snag Journey Together packs with a fantastic promo card.Lillie's Clefairy ex - 184/159$224.74 at TCGPlayerN's Zoroark ex - 185/159$249.97 at TCGPlayerIono's Bellibolt ex - 183/159$149.99 at TCGPlayerHop's Zacian ex - 186/159$100.39 at TCGPlayerN's Zoroark ex - 189/159$62.95 at TCGPlayerFree to Play VR Sandbox Game: DigiGods on Meta QuestDigiGods is a free-to-play, physics-based, VR game that allows players to create, play, and share in a sandbox environment. Safety is a top priority with the use of AI content filtering and human moderators to ensure a safe and positive environment.See it at MetaMass Effect MerchandiseMass Effect Merchandise$59.99 at IGN StoreI think anyone who's replayed Mass Effect more than once knows exactly why these statues are tempting. I pre-ordered Jack immediately because, well, it felt necessary. The line includes Shepard, Tali, Legion, and others, and they look good enough that I’ve already made space for them on the shelf. If you're still quoting Garrus unironically, these are for you. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster Bundle Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster BundleSee it at AmazonPaldean Fates is priced a double MSRP, but it's also very hard to come by in 2025. I grabbed it because the baby shiny sub-set is awesome, but if you just want to grab the single cards from this set, it might actually save you money.Charizard VMAX 107/122$65.00 at TCG PlayerSkyla 072/072$13.76 at TCG PlayerDitto VMAX 119/122See itSuicune 022/122$2.50 at TCG PlayerGalarian Ponyta 047/122$5.20 at TCG PlayerFellow Traveller Publisher BundleFellow Traveller Publisher BundlePay less to get fewer items, or pay extra to give more to publishers, Humble, and charity One Tree PlantedThis bundle has some of the better narrative indies from the last few years. I paid the $12, added the games to my backlog like I always do, and immediately booted up The Pale Beyond. It’s a strong lineup if you like character-driven games and don’t mind occasionally being emotionally wrecked by minimalist storytelling. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box$54.96 at AmazonI think of this one as the all-in-one box for when you want cards and a bunch of gear you probably won’t use but still want around. Nine booster packs, a promo, sleeves, dice, and enough extras to make you feel like you’re doing more than just opening packs. It’s a solid option if you like having a little structure with your chaos.Persian - 078/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$67.61 at TCGPlayerCassiopeia - 094/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$59.98 at TCGPlayerFezandipiti ex - 092/064 - SV: Shrouded FableSee it at TCGPlayerHoundoom - 066/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$49.99 at TCGPlayerDuskull - 068/064 - SV: Shrouded Fable$49.88 at TCGPlayer Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection$135.00 at AmazonI hesitated on this one, then immediately remembered it includes 18 booster packs and a playmat. It’s definitely a big spend, but if you’ve been waiting for a premium bundle that actually justifies the price, this checks out. I picked it up more for the experience than the individual cards, and that’s the right way to approach it.Squirtle - 148/142$75.31 at TCG PlayerBulbasaur - 143/142$74.88 at TCG PlayerTerapagos ex - 170/142$57.98 at TCG PlayerDachsbun ex - 169/142$38.00 at TCG PlayerHydrapple ex - 167/142$41.99 at TCG PlayerPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V BoxPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box$53.46 at AmazonI grabbed Shining Fates Pikachu V mostly because I never actually opened it when it first dropped, and now seemed like a good excuse. Four booster packs, a Pikachu promo, and the oversized card that ends up somewhere near your desk — standard stuff, but still a nice throwback if you missed it the first time around.Yamper 039/122$3.00 at TCG PlayerLapras VMAX 111/122$4.50 at TCG PlayerGalarian Rapidash 048/122$4.75 at TCG PlayerAlcremie VMAX 073/072$4.40 at TCG PlayerPoke Kid 070/072$1.63 at TCG PlayerWhy Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

SummaryLushfoil Photography Sim is available today on Xbox Series X|S.Explore tranquil locations around the world, from saltwater beaches to mountainous countryside.Hone your photography skills and capture the perfect shot with faithfully recreated in-game cameras. I’m thrilled to introduce Lushfoil Photography Sim, a tranquil, open-ended photography exploration experience available today on Xbox Series X|S. While real-life photography can be accessible, it can be harder to commit the time and money to travel. Inspired by some real-world locations that had a huge impact on me, I wanted to virtually recreate some of the highlights of my travels so others can experience them too. I committed to learning Unreal Engine over the last few years in order to do each location justice, and make the game I’ve always wanted to make.Having grown up with photography, I believe it’s an important medium not only for self-expression, but as a way to remember our lives and all the details we would otherwise forget. With Lushfoil, photo taking isn’t a side objective or optional feature, but it’s at the core of the experience, allowing you to fully absorb the game’s atmosphere and appreciate details in your surroundings. Fully Simulated Camera Settings I spent a lot of time traveling with my Canon 1100, which inspired the main DSLR camera you find in Lushfoil. I’ve incorporated a full set of controls and settings that will be familiar to photographers, while also making these settings unobtrusive for beginners who just want to shoot. Lushfoil includes some cutting-edge capture techniques, such as properly simulated shutter speedandlong exposure. Immersive Real-World Locations There are 10 unlockable locations in the game, chosen to create as much variety as possible between maps, set in France, Italy, Japan, China, Australia, Nepal and Iceland. Each environment is filled to the brim with details, photo objectives that require you to traverse all corners of the map and has plenty of secrets and unlockable surprises. The main appeal of recreating these locations digitally is that you no longer have to wait for the perfect morning light or for the fog to settle, all of that is just already there.Unlockable weather presets, as well as the ability to fine tune all aspects of the scene – including sun angle, wind, rain, snow and more – gives you an even greater sense of immersion. Exploration and Gameplay While the core of Lushfoil is all about photography, I’ve also woven in objectives and exploration incentives that give the game a progressive structure. You can still play at your own pace, but progression is dependent on how much you’re able to notice and how willing you are to explore. I hope everyone finds something that satisfies them specifically, whether that’s playing like a completionist or taking it slow, working on your technique, and absorbing the atmosphere. For those of you who are looking to learn a bit more about camera settings and how to make the most of your real-world camera, there’s a bunch of educational material in the game too. Xbox Optimization I’ve worked hard to ensure the game runs smoothly and looks great on both Xbox Series X and S with minimal loading times and smooth framerates. The high-end hardware and graphics on Xbox Series X|S really allows me to push the quality of models, shadows and post processing, so the environments feel extra rich and detailed. Hopefully this will elevate the shots you take. Available Today I’m excited for everyone to experience Lushfoil Photography Sim today on Xbox Series X|S. Even after long years in development, it’s possible to show perspectives of the game that I’ve never seen before, which I can’t wait to see. Good luck shooting! Lushfoil Photography Sim Annapurna Interactive ☆☆☆☆☆ ★★★★★ $14.99 $11.99 Get it now Experience detailed, true-to-life recreations of beautiful and diverse locations around the world. Trek through and explore environments to capture stunning vistas and landscapes with your fully-featured in-game camera. Each environment is filled with objectives to reward players that have a good eye for angles and perspectives, and hidden secrets for those who are patient and observant. The rich atmosphere of Lushfoil Photography Sim is enhanced by an ambient, ethereal soundtrack featuring licensed music from artists around the world. Capture the Perfect Shot The in-game camera includes an abundance of settings that you'd expect from a real-world professional DSLR camera. The camera simulates settings such as Auto/Manual Focus, Flash, Exposure, Contrast, White Balance, Aperture, Burst Shot and other effects for full creative control over your photography. The game further provides tools that allow for manipulation of the environmental conditions for your photos, such as manual adjustment of light angles, fog, snow, wind, and rain. Off the Beaten Path Dive deeper into the game’s many locations to find unlockable cameras and experience the world from unique perspectives. Find a first-person drone that allows you to soar above the landscape and capture the world from above, or find a hidden rowboat that allows you to traverse still waters in pursuit of the perfect shot. Very Efficiently Optimised Each environment has been created in Unreal Engine 5 and is built from the ground up to be both efficiently optimized and showcase the game’s locations in stunning visual fidelity. There are extensive custom settings that will help the game run on a wide range of PCs, while taking full advantage of high-end graphics cards. About Me My name is Matt, I'm from Perth in West Australia and I've been working on this project solo for about 4 years (as of April 2023). As an avid hiker and photographer I hope you're able to appreciate the atmosphere and details I have tried to encapsulate in these environments. I sincerely hope you have a great experience :')

Above: A serene blue bedroom by designer Breegan Jane.There’s an ongoing conversation in the health and wellness space surrounding sleep hygiene, or the practices and rituals that promote quality sleep. While sleep hygiene can include behavioral practices such as taking a warm shower before getting into bed, or meditating to clear the mind, the interior design of a person’s bedroom also plays a role. For example, according to research, the paint color or wallpaper of your bedroom can affect sleep by eliciting different emotional responses. Think about it: The last thing you see before you fall asleep is the atmosphere surrounding you. Even if you aren’t focused on the walls, they’re in your line of vision, and research suggests that, because colors have a neurological effect on humans, certain hues in the bedroom can have a poor effect on a person’s sleep quality. We reached out to a psychologist and interior designers, to find out more about the correlation between colors and mood. Below, we dive into how the paint and wallpaper colors in a person’s bedroom can positively and negatively affect their shut-eye, which colors to avoid, and which to consider for your next bedroom redesign.More Stories You Shouldn't Sleep OnHow Paint and Wallpaper Colors Affect SleepAccording to Leah Kaylor, CEO, psychologist, and prescribing psychologist at Leah Kaylor, Ph.D. PLLC, choosing the color of your bedroom doesn’t just influence the room’s aesthetic; because the human brain reacts to color on both a biological and emotional level, it also elicits a mind and body response every time you’re in the room.“Color affects how we feel, think, and respond. Some colors can calm us down, others can boost our energy, and some might even raise our heart rate,” Kaylor tells House Beautiful. “These reactions aren’t random, they are shaped by how our brains process visual input, along with personal and cultural associations.” If making adjustments to other parts of your nighttime routine isn’t improving your sleep, your bedroom wallpaper or paint color could be the culprit. Kaylor says high-contrast or bright hues, like red, neon yellow, and stark black-and-white patterns can cause a sensory overload. “They signal the brain to stay alert rather than unwind,” Kaylor explains, adding that highly patterned or chaotic wallpapers can have a similar effect, creating low-level sensory disruption that the brain continues to process even during sleep. “This can cause lighter sleep or increased wake after sleep onset (WASO), especially in individuals with anxiety or PTSD.”The Worst Paint and Wallpaper Colors for SleepRedLike black and white checkered print, red is considered a high contrast color. Though red is strongly associated with energy and passion, which, in theory, could be a benefit in the bedroom, Kaylor warns against red wallpaper and paint colors for your sleep space. “Red can be overstimulating and not ideal for sleep-focused environments,” Kaylor says. “Use it cautiously, perhaps only as an accent wall or in moderation.”Orange While Dashevsky is all for incorporating orange in your home gym designs, he recommends keeping it out of the bedroom. “Orange is an energizing color that can stimulate both the body and mind,” Dashevsky says. “It’s known to increase enthusiasm and excitement, and stimulates creativity and mental activity, making it suitable for spaces where brainstorming occurs.”Any Busy or Bold PatternJensen’s number one rule for interior design in the bedroom: Keep things calm. Busy geometric prints and bold stripes are a no for the designer, as they can feel loud and overwhelming. “They keep the eye darting around and brain alert,” Jensen warns, “which is not the intention in a bedroom setting.”The Best Paint and Wallpaper Choices to Promote Sleep Serena & LilyA soothing floral bedroom by Serena & Lily.By the same token, certain colors and patterns can help you sleep, as well. Here's what the pros recommend. Soft floralsFlorals for spring? Not so groundbreaking. Florals for your bedroom wall? Sleep promoting! Kathy Kuo Home founder and CEO noted interior designer, Kathy Kuo tells House Beautiful that soft floral and nature patterns are “lovely” choices for bedroom wallpaper because they’re rooted in the outdoors, lending themselves “organically to more muted color palettes that won’t be overly distracting.”Shades of Blue Blue is a serene color, encouraging calm, which is why Paul Dashevsky, co-CEO of the home renovation resource sites GreatBuildz.com and MaxableSpace.com, recommends that clients opt for bold shades of blue in the bedroom. “You might pick a dark navy or a bright teal,” Dashevsky says. “Either way, these bold blues will bring peace to your safe space.”Earthy Greens In addition to shades of blue, which are reminiscent of bodies of water, Dashevsky says other earthy hues, such as green, can also inspire feelings of relaxation and calm. As far as specific shades, the designer suggests opting for lighter greens, like mint or sage, to give your bedroom a breezy vibe that’s refreshing. Naturescapes and soft textures Isfira Jensen, the CEO and principal interior designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, recommends those in favor of wallpaper reach for calming imagery or soft, subtle textures and patterns. “Think flowing lines, gentle curves, or natural-inspired motifs like clouds or leaves,” Jensen instructs. “They create a soothing rhythm for the eye, helping the mind settle.” Tonal Hues Rather than pops of color, principal designer and founder at Gala Magriñá Design, Gala Magriñá advises clients to choose tonal shades—namely soft beiges and muted pinks, deep greens, and browns.“When it comes to how color affects our mood and energy, the hue makes all the difference,” Magriñá explains. “A gentle blush pink is great for a restful bedroom environment, for instance, while a brighter, vibrant pink brings a boost of energy that’s better suited to a workspace.” What If You Can’t Redo Your Room?If you determine the reason you’re getting poor quality sleep is likely your bedroom paint color or wallpaper, but a re-design isn’t in the cards, no worries. “Wallpapers [and paint] are a huge part of a room, but they are not the only part,” says Colin Pearson, an interiors expert at Stanton House Inn hotel in Connecticut. “Use soft lighting, introduce some softer visual breaks on the wall to take away from the strong wallpaper, or even change the room layout. Your room is yours and whatever makes you feel at peace will always be best.”Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

The AirTag lost baggage feature that lets you share the location of your bags with your airline has come to China for the first time. China Airlines has announced support, following adoption by both Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines earlier this year … AirTag lost baggage feature You’ve long been able to share the location of one of your AirTags with family and friends, but an update in November of last year let you create a link to share with anyone you like. The most obvious application is to share the link with an airline when your baggage has gone astray. Prior to that travelers often suffered the experience of their airline telling them their misplaced bag was in one place while they could clearly see it was somewhere else. Apple initially named 17 airlines which had agreed to support the feature, integrating the links with their baggage-tracing systems. In the coming months, more than 15 airlines serving millions of people globally — including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling — will begin accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service process for locating mishandled or delayed bags. The rollout has been unfolding since then, with both Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines launching their support back in February. China Airlines launch Apple said that the rollout would extend to airlines beyond those listed in the initial press release, and Liberty Times reports that China Airlines is the latest to support the handy feature. China Airlines cooperated with Apple to integrate the airline’s baggage system and the item tracker AirTag functionality, and launched the […] Apple AirTag Luggage Tracking Application to more rapidly find lost luggage. The company says that this is one of a number of digital initiatives recently launched by the airline. Highlighted accessories Photo by China Airlines 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

America's first nuclear power plant to use artificial intelligence is, ironically, the last operational one in California.As CalMatters reports, the Diablo Canyon power plant is slated to be decommissioned by the end of this decade. In the interim, the plant's owner, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), claims that it's deploying its "Neutron Enterprise" tool — which will be the first nuclear plant in the nation to use AI — in a series of escalating stages.Less than 18 months ago, Diablo Canyon was hurtling headlong toward a decommissioning that would have begun in 2024 and ended this year. In late 2023, however, the California Public Utility Commission voted to stay its execution for five years, kicking the can on the inevitable to 2029 and 2030, respectively.Just under a year after that vote, PG&E announced that it was teaming up with a startup called Atomic Canyon, which was founded with the plant in mind and is also based in the coastal Central California town of San Luis Obispo. That partnership, and the first "stage" of the tool's deployment, brought some of Nvidia's high-powered H100 AI chips to the dying nuclear plant, and with them the compute power needed for generative artificial intelligence.Running on an internal server without cloud access, Neutron Enterprise's biggest use case, much like so-called AI "search engines," is summarizing a massive trove of millions of regulatory documents that have been fed into it. According to Atomic Canyon CEO and cofounder Trey Lauderdale, this isn't risky — though anyone who has used AI to summarize information knows better, because the tech still often makes factual mistakes.Speaking to CalMatters, PG&E executive Maureen Zalawick insisted that the AI program will be more of a "copilot" than a "decision-maker," meant to assist flesh-and-blood employees rather than replace them."We probably spend about 15,000 hours a year searching through our multiple databases and records and procedures," Zalawick explained. "And that’s going to shrink that time way down."Lauderdale put it in even simpler terms."You can put this on the record," he told CalMatters. "The AI guy in nuclear says there is no way in hell I want AI running my nuclear power plant right now."If that "right now" caveat gives you pause, you're not alone. Given the shifting timelines for the closure of Diablo Canyon in a state that has been painstakingly phasing out its nuclear facilities since the 1970s over concerns about toxic waste — and the fact that Lauderdale claims to be talking to other plants in other states — there's ample cause for concern."The idea that you could just use generative AI for one specific kind of task at the nuclear power plant and then call it a day," cautioned Tamara Kneese of the tech watchdog Data & Society, "I don’t really trust that it would stop there."As head of Data & Society's Climate, Technology, and Justice program, Kneese said that while using AI to help sift through tomes of documents is worthwhile, "trusting PG&E to safely use generative AI in a nuclear setting is something that is deserving of more scrutiny." This is the same company whose polluting propensities were exposed by the real-life Erin Brokovich in the 1990s, after all.California lawmakers, meanwhile, were impressed by the tailored usage Atomic Canyon and PG&E propose for the program — but it remains to be seen whether or not that narrow functionality will remain that way.Share This Article

Apr 15, 2025Ravie LakshmananLinux / Malware The China-linked threat actor known as UNC5174 has been attributed to a new campaign that leverages a variant of a known malware dubbed SNOWLIGHT and a new open-source tool called VShell to infect Linux systems. "Threat actors are increasingly using open source tools in their arsenals for cost-effectiveness and obfuscation to save money and, in this case, plausibly blend in with the pool of non-state-sponsored and often less technical adversaries (e.g., script kiddies), thereby making attribution even more difficult," Sysdig researcher Alessandra Rizzo said in a report shared with The Hacker News. "This seems to hold especially true for this particular threat actor, who has been under the radar for the last year since being affiliated with the Chinese government." UNC5174, also referred to as Uteus (or Uetus), was previously documented by Google-owned Mandiant as exploiting security flaws in Connectwise ScreenConnect and F5 BIG-IP software to deliver a C-based ELF downloader named SNOWLIGHT, which is designed to fetch a Golang tunneler dubbed GOHEAVY from infrastructure tied to a publicly available command-and-control (C2) framework known as SUPERSHELL. Also deployed in the attacks was GOREVERSE, a publicly available reverse shell backdoor written in Golang that operates over Secure Shell (SSH). The French National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI), in its Cyber Threat Overview report for 2024 published last month, said it observed an attacker employing similar tradecraft as that of UNC5174 to weaponize security flaws in Ivanti Cloud Service Appliance (CSA) such as CVE-2024-8963, CVE-2024-9380, and CVE-2024-8190 to gain control and execute arbitrary code. "Moderately sophisticated and discreet, this intrusion set is characterized by the use of intrusion tools largely available as open source and by the – already publicly reported – use of a rootkit code," the ANSSI said. It's worth noting that both SNOWLIGHT and VShell are capable of targeting Apple macOS systems, with the latter distributed as a fake Cloudflare authenticator application as part of an as-yet-undetermined attack chain, according to an analysis of artifacts uploaded to VirusTotal from China in October 2024. In the attack chain observed by Sysdig in late January 2025, the SNOWLIGHT malware acts as a dropper for a fileless, in-memory payload called VShell, a remote access trojan (RAT) widely used by Chinese-speaking cybercriminals. The initial access vector used for the attack is presently unknown. Specifically, the initial access is used to execute a malicious bash script ("download_backd.sh") that deploys two binaries associated with SNOWLIGHT (dnsloger) and Sliver (system_worker), both of which are used to set up persistence and establish communications with a C2 server. The final stage of the attack delivers VShell via SNOWLIGHT by means of a specially crafted request to the C2 server, thereby enabling remote control and further post-compromise exploitation. "[VShell] acts as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan), allowing its abusers to execute arbitrary commands and download or upload files," Rizzo said. "SNOWLIGHT and VShell pose a significant risk to organizations due to their stealthy and sophisticated techniques," Sysdig said. "This is evidenced by the employment of WebSockets for command-and-control, as well as the fileless VShell payload." The disclosure comes as TeamT5 revealed that a China-nexus hacking group likely exploited security flaws in Ivanti appliances (CVE-2025-0282 and CVE-2025-22457) to gain initial access and deploy the SPAWNCHIMERA malware. The attacks, the Taiwanese cybersecurity company said, targeted a multitude of sectors spanning nearly 20 different countries such as Austria, Australia, France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The findings also dovetail with accusations from China that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) launched "advanced" cyber attacks during the Asian Winter Games in February, pointing fingers at three NSA agents for repeated attacks on China's critical information infrastructure as well as against Huawei. "At the ninth Asian Winter Games, the U.S. government conducted cyberattacks on the information systems of the Games and the critical information infrastructure in Heilongjiang," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said. "This move is egregious for it severely endangers the security of China's critical information infrastructure, national defense, finance, society, and production as well as its citizens' personal information." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE    

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorApril 15, 20255 Min Readeverything possible via Alamy Stock PhotoFew IT leaders dispute the fact that AI is this decade's breakthrough technology. Yet this wasn't always the case. In fact, until relatively recently, many AI cynics failed to recognize the technology's potential and, therefore, fell behind more astute competitors. As they begin to make up for lost time, business and technology leaders should focus on key readiness areas: data infrastructure, governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and workforce training, says Jim Rowan, head of AI at Deloitte Consulting. "These foundational steps are essential for success in an AI-driven future," he notes in an email interview. Rowan cites Deloitte's most recent State of Generative AI in the Enterprise report, in which 78% of respondents stated they expect to increase their overall AI spending in the next fiscal year. However, the majority of organizations anticipate it will take at least a year to overcome adoption challenges. "These findings underscore the importance of a deliberate yet agile approach to AI readiness that addresses both regulation and talent challenges to AI adoption." Getting Ready The key to getting up to speed in AI lies in hiring the best advisor you can find, someone who has expertise in your company's area, advises Melissa Ruzzi, AI director at SaaS security firm AppOmni. "Some companies think the best way is to hire grad students fresh out of college," she notes via email. Yet nothing beats domain expertise and implementation experience. "This is the fastest way to catch up." Related:Many organizations underestimate the amount of cultural change needed to help team members adopt and effectively use AI technologies, Rowan says. Workforce training and education early in the AI journey is essential. To foster familiarity and innovation, team members need access to AI tools as well as hands-on experience. "Talent and training gaps can't be overlooked if organizations aim to achieve sustained growth and maximize ROI," he says. Every company has multiple projects that can benefit from AI, Ruzzi says. "It's best to have an in-house AI expert who understands the technology and its applications," she advises. "If not, hire consultants and contractors with domain experience to help decide where to get started." Many new AI adopters begin by focusing on internal projects tied to customer delivery timelines, Ruzzi says. Others decide to start with a small customer-facing project so they can prove AI's added value. The decision depends very much on the ROI goal, she notes. "Small projects of short duration can be a good starting point, so the success can be more quickly measured." Related:Security Matters AI security must always be addressed and ensured, regardless of the project's size or scope, Ruzzi advises. View developing an initial AI project as being similar to installing a new SaaS application, she suggests. "It's crucial to make sure that configurations, such as accessibility and access to data aren't posing a risk of public data exposure or, worse yet, are vulnerable to data injection that could poison your models." To minimize the security risk created by novice AI teams, start with simple implementations and proofs of concepts, such as internal chatbots, recommends David Brauchler, technical director and head of AI and ML security at cybersecurity consulting firm NCC Group. "Starting slow enables application architects and developers to consider the intricacies AI introduces to application threat models," he explains in an email interview. AI also creates new data risk concerns, including the technology's inability to reliably distinguish between trusted and untrusted content. "Application designers need to consider risks that they might not be used to addressing in traditional software stacks," Brauchler says. Related:Organizations should already be training their employees on the risks associated with AI as part of their standard security training, Brauchler advises. "Training programs help address common pitfalls organizations encounter that lead to shadow AI and data leakage," he says. Organizations that aren't already providing guidance on security issues should incorporate these risks into their training programs as quickly as they can. "For employees who contribute to the software development lifecycle, technical training should begin before developing AI applications." Final Thoughts As organizations gain experience with GenAI, they will begin to understand both the rewards and challenges of deploying the technology at scale, Rowan says. "The need for disciplined action has grown," he observes. As technical preparedness has improved, regulatory uncertainty and risk management have emerged as significant barriers to AI progress, particularly for newcomers, Rowan says. "Talent and workforce issues remain important, yet access to specialized technical talent no longer seems to be a dire emergency." Although tempting, Brauchler warns against rushing into AI. "AI will still be here in a few years [and] taking a thoughtful, measured approach to AI business strategy and security is the best way to avoid unnecessary risks," he concludes.About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

Aladdin is getting the horror treatment with a “dark, supernatural reimagining.”The classic story, which was famously made into an animated musical by Disney in 1992, which in turn got a live action adaptation in 2019, is the latest family film to be given a terrifying twist.As reported by Deadline, the synopsis for Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw reads: “A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price.”“As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made.”The movie, which comes from Empire Studios, Every Entertainment and 8th Law Pictures, is set to start filming next month in the U.K.DisneyDisneyloading...READ MORE: Disney Live-Action Remakes Ranked From Worst to BestThe cast will include Queen of the South star Nick Sagar, former EastEnders actor Ricky Norwood, and Tell Me Everything’s Montana Manning.Terrifier 3 star Bradley Stryker is also part of the cast, and will direct the film from a screenplay by Charley McDougall.McDougall said in a statement: “We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes. “This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does.”“It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there.”Meanwhile, Stryker insisted the film will carry “diabolical and entertaining” stakes as film fans are taken on a journey.It's not the first time a character associated with Disney has been given the horror treatment, after the likes of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and Mickey's Mouse Trap.The latter was announced at the beginning of 2024 after “Steamboat Willie,” the earliest iteration of Disney's iconic mouse mascot, entered public domain.The slasher, which was released on demand in the U.S., focused on a killer wearing a mouse mask targeting college kids at a local arcade.Get our free mobile app25 Actors Who Turned Down Huge Movie RolesSome of the most famous actors in history turned down the chance to play cinema’s most iconic roles.Filed Under: Aladdin, DisneyCategories: Movie News