Last Epoch's endgame offers plenty of ways for players to get loot and become more powerful. Much of the grind takes place in the Echoes within the Monoliths of Fates, and while these maps are already fairly rewarding by default, players can kick things up a notch by using the Corruption mechanic.

This week, the highly anticipated second season of Andor premiered on Disney Plus with its first three episode arc. Naturally, most of the attention among Star Wars fans has been concentrated around Tony Gilroy’s live action drama series, but that’s not the only major Star War-related release to come out this past week. Last Friday, the second season of Light & Magic, the documentary series on the history of the visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic, also came out, along with an episode dedicated in part to Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best. The second episode, “There Must Be A Way,” covers a lot of ground, including the scaling up of Industrial Light & Magic in the aftermath of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the emotional toll the critical backlash to Jar Jar Binks took on Best as a young actor, and the production of the 2002 sequel, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. One of the biggest challenges the production faced was not only creating a convincing computer animated rendition of Yoda, who before had been portrayed by puppeteer Frank Oz, but to bring to life Lucas’ dream of a climactic battle between the Jedi Master and his former apprentice Count Dooku. YesThis is legit, from Lights & Magic season 2You truly are the best, Ahmed Best https://t.co/7NSd9cX0e9 pic.twitter.com/3GRTvHMhK1— 🦋Rai Harn | ライ・ハーン🇮🇩 (@RaihanH98) April 23, 2025 “The sentence that stopped most of our hearts at ILM in the script was, ‘In a fight that defies description, Yoda and Count Dooku battle, period,’” animation supervisor Rob Coleman wryly recounts during the episode. Naturally, that didn’t give Coleman and the team at ILM much to go off of. Luckily Best, who was trained in martial arts and a huge anime fan, stepped in to help.  Best introduced Coleman to several anime, including 1988’s Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, as well as classic martial arts films like Fist of Fury and Swordsman 2. “I saw Swordsman 2, the Jet Li film, and these ninjas; they start flying,” Coleman recounts. “The panic just went… boop. Now I could see Yoda.” The entire episode is worth watching, to say nothing of both seasons of Light & Magic in their entirety. It’s incredible to learn about all the work and creativity that went into producing the Star Wars prequel trilogy, sobering to witness Best recount his struggles with depression, and revelatory to see the connective tissue between Yoshiyuki Tomino’s masterpiece and Attack of the Clones’ most spectacular moment laid bare and transparent. And we owe all to Rob Coleman and Ahmed Best. The Force is strong with these two. Light & Magic is streaming on Disney Plus.

When you're selling your home, many factors can influence whether it sits on the market for weeks or gets multiple offers right away. Everything from its location to its condition can affect the speed of the sale and the final price, and you don’t always have control over all of them.One thing you can control—at least to a degree—is the your home's lighting. “In my experience, buyers aren't just buying square footage; they're buying a feeling,” says Jonathan Ayala, a real estate agent at Hudson Condos in New Jersey. “And lighting is a subtle but powerful way to exert that influence. It's the difference between a buyer perceiving ‘this space needs work’ and ‘I can see myself living here.’How your house is lit can have a big impact on how fast your house sells—and the price you get for it. Here’s are five factors to think about to improve your home's lighting.Choose the right bulbsEvery lightbulb in your home is defined by three measurements: Watts (the amount of energy it uses), lumens (its brightness), and kelvin (its color temperature). When it comes to making an impression on home buyers, you should concentrate mainly on lumens and kelvin. Bulbs with a lumens rating of at least 800 are best to give the house a bright, open feeling—and you can go as high as 2,000 lumens if your home lacks natural light or simply feels dark.Color temperature is just as important. For reference, the sun at noon on a clear day has a color temperature of about 5,000-6,000k. “Lighting affects both how large and how welcoming a home feels,” notes Ayala. “I put up a three-bedroom ranch about two or three years ago where the insides looked thick and dated. The original owner had [installed] heavy drapes and low-wattage bulbs. Even before putting up a sign in the front yard for sale, I had the seller replace all the bulbs with daylight LEDs, (about 5000k). The change was dramatic: From a dark living room that felt cave-like, the home [became] bright, clean, and modern." The home wound up receiving multiple offers in a week and sold for more than $25,000 above asking. "I do not think that it would have happened without those simple lighting upgrades,” Alaya said.In general, it’s best to choose bulbs that offer higher color temperatures in the “public” areas of the house, like the kitchen or living room, and warmer, lower temperatures in bedrooms, to give them a cozier feel. Temperatures in the 2400-2700k range can have a yellowing effect on white kitchens or furniture that can make a space feel old and worn, so choose carefully.You should also consider lighting direction, Ayala notes. “Uplighting can highlight architectural features, accent lights would draw attention to art, and ambient lighting would warm up a room—every small thing matters when preparing a home for market.”“Great lighting makes a space more functional,” adds Bo Belmont, a real estate investor and founder and CEO of Belwood Investments. “For example, lighting over the sink or kitchen counter can make these areas easier to work in. A well-lit entryway can also make buyers feel safer and more secure.”Keep the style consistent Lighting isn’t just about light—it’s also about the fixtures. Old fixtures that are showing their age will make a space look dated, even if the light itself is on point. Simply upgrading the fixtures without considering the overall style of the house won’t be effective: If your house has a modern, minimalist vibe and you install ornate brass fixtures, they might appear old to buyers due to the contrast, while slapping modern fixtures in a house with a country chic vibe might look cheap.First impressions matterOmer Reiner, a Realtor at FL Cash Buyer’s in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, cautions that you can't forget the exterior lighting. “If a potential buyer pulls up and can’t make out the house number because lights are dim, they are immediately on alert before they even step inside.” Make sure exterior lights are installed, in working condition, and are bright enough and aimed properly.This extends to the foyer or entryway. Having a bright exterior feels welcoming—unless the front door opens to a dark, shadowy space. Lighting can elevate buyers’ moods as they enter the house or give them a sense of foreboding, so make sure they make it inside without having to use their phone as a flashlight.Emphasize natural lightWhen thinking about your home’s lighting, don’t forget about the most obvious aspect: Natural light. “Natural light is the most appreciated,” says Alexei Morgado, a Florida Realtor and CEO and Founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation. “It helps make spaces feel larger and more inviting. Maximizing natural lighting in a home can require expensive renovations, but there are some simple tricks: Opening curtains and blinds before and during showings, making sure windows are clean to allow light to penetrate, and trimming any exterior foliage that may block sunlight.”You should also consider your window treatments: While opening up the curtains or blinds can let light in, heavy, light-blocking treatments will always darken a room a little. Lighter materials will let more light in and will contribute to a sense of lightness in terms of weight and style as well.Keep them maintainedFinally, all the right decisions will be for naught if you don’t conduct proper maintenance and upkeep on your lighting. If you’re planning to show your home to prospective buyers, inspect the house and:Look for burnt-out bulbs. Dead bulbs aren’t always obvious when you’re living in the home (especially when they’re part of track lighting or back-lit decorations). Dead bulbs convey a sense of disrepair while also subtly darkening the space, directly contradicting your efforts.Check for broken fixtures. Cracked, stained, or crooked fixtures will draw the eye and will make buyers think there are other, less obvious problems with the house. Flickering lights or fixtures that spark will need to be repaired immediately, for obvious reasons).Make sure everything is aligned. If you have aimed your lighting to accentuate certain features, make sure they haven’t “drifted.”

Back when Meta first introduced its Twitter competitor Threads, many noted that the company had failed to secure the threads.com domain and instead launched the website at threads.net. At the time, the Threads dot com domain belonged to a messaging app startup that said it was reluctant to rebrand its business. But that startup was later acquired by Shopify and Meta did eventually acquire the coveted threads.com domain for an undisclosed amount. Now, Meta is finally moving Threads’ website to threads.com, and adding some much needed functionality to the web version of Threads. The update adds a new composer that pops up in its own window so you can continue to browse your feeds as you type out a new post. It also allows you to scroll your various custom feeds in a single-column view (much like Threads’ mobile app), and finally adds a menu shortcut for saved posts. (Previously, the only way to view saved posts on web was to add it as a pinned column.) Screenshot via Threads Meta is also stepping up its efforts to lure users directly from X. The company says it’s testing a new feature that allows users to upload a list of people they follow on X and find the corresponding accounts on Threads. The feature, currently labeled as being in “beta,” sounds a bit clunky according to Meta’s in-app description. It notes that downloading data from X can take as long as three days, so it’s not exactly a simple process. But in addition to giving users a way to find familiar accounts on Threads, it could also give Meta some valuable insight into users’ habits on other platforms.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/threads-is-moving-to-threadscom-and-adding-a-bunch-of-new-web-features-190006238.html?src=rss

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In Captain America: Brave New World, Digital Domain brings explosive energy to the screen with a thrilling 8.5-minute CG aerial dogfight over the Indian Ocean. Tasked with crafting this high-speed sequence, the VFX team—led by supervisor Hanzhi Tang—overcame major challenges in scale and motion, using a blend of photorealistic environments, dynamic cloudscapes, and a custom cloud shader.The scene features Captain America and Falcon in a tense battle to prevent war, filled with stunning visuals like missile interceptions and shield-surfing action. With detailed previs and close collaboration with Marvel Studios, Digital Domain delivered seamless character animation, realistic aircraft, and vast ocean shots.The result is a high-stakes, visually gripping set piece that stands out as a technical and creative achievement, capturing the intensity and spectacle that defines the MCU. The post Captain America: Brave New World – VFX Breakdown by Digital Domain appeared first on Vfxexpress.

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. I’m not one to jump on every shiny new tool just because it’s trending. Some tech tools, gadgets, and software have transformed my life for the better (like the Meta Quest), and some ventures did not fare so well (I will ignore Apple Watch’s reminders to stand until the end of time).   But AI? It’s different. AI isn’t in the same league as the other tech you know and love. This is not just another tool, it’s a shift in how we think, create, and operate. At Quantious, we’ve dedicated the past few years to learning everything there is to know about AI, and we’ve embraced it not as a crutch, but as a catalyst.   As a longtime agency owner, I know the importance of finding ways for my team to work smarter, faster, and more creatively. So, here’s why I encourage my employees to use AI every day.  1. AI allows us to be better creatives  We keep up with the news—we know some are saying that AI will kill creativity and make us dumber. At Quantious, we prefer to give our employees ownership to explore firsthand how AI tools can fuel fresh ways of thinking and offer new angles. Our designers leverage AI while prototyping, our copywriters lean on it to work through creative blocks, and our strategists use it to analyze massive amounts of data effortlessly.   Through experimentation and education on responsible AI practices, we’re seeing that AI isn’t replacing our creative instincts, it’s sharpening them. We’re breaking through limits, unlocking ideas we never considered, and pushing creative boundaries in our work like never before.   2. AI keeps us at the top of our game  AI is only going to get more advanced, more complex, and more intelligent. By weaving AI into our daily processes now in ethical and responsible ways, we’re future-proofing our team and staying ahead of the curve.   AI literacy will soon be table stakes for business leaders and employees looking to stay at the top of their game. We’re already “bridging the gap between awareness and applied proficiency,” a goal organizations must embrace to remain competitive.  Most importantly, we’re cultivating a workplace culture that thrives on change instead of fearing change. We prioritize ongoing training, fostering a culture where our teams feel empowered to experiment with AI, and excited to discuss tips, tricks, and findings. This isn’t just a valuable mindset to have—it’s our edge.   That said, our team knows better than to fully rely on AI tools. We’ve asked ChatGPT to pull trending news articles, to which it created fake URLs to nonexistent stories. We’re not just using AI, we’re understanding its quirks, its limitations, and how it’s evolved over time.   3. AI supports remote (and hybrid) work  Quantious is fully remote, with employees worldwide, so staying aligned and organized is crucial to our success. We now generate advanced spreadsheet formulas in minutes to streamline our workflows, saving our teams countless hours. We get AI-generated meeting note summaries after internal meetings, a simple yet effective way to document our company procedures and keep everyone in the loop.   AI has made our remote work more productive, seamless, well-documented, and so much more. We’ve crossed a threshold—AI has redefined teamwork, and there’s no going back  There are endless AI tools that can help you do everything from managing tasks to improving your public speaking skills. Without taking the time to learn about these tools, you’ll never know what you’re missing out on.  At the end of the day, AI is just another tool. How we use it is what counts most. Encouraging my team to explore AI is not about replacing talent or even “working smarter, not harder” (though I’m not against the latter). It’s about cultivating a positive workplace culture alongside a team full of curious, adaptable, and continuous learners. My team and I refuse to sit on the sidelines while the industry evolves. Instead, we’re here to shape how it grows.   Lisa Larson-Kelley is founder and CEO of Quantious. 

The past two months have been an amazing month for furniture design, showcasing creativity, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability and adaptability. The ever-evolving needs of modern living have inspired designers worldwide to produce pieces that are aesthetically appealing and also functional, modular, and environmentally responsible. Whether you’re looking for a transformative piece for your compact apartment, a sustainable solution for your furry companion, or an artistic conversation starter, this month’s standout designs offer something for every taste and need. Each design here reflects the unique vision of its creators, blending functionality with artistry and responding to the demands of contemporary life. 1. Carpentopod The Carpentopod is a groundbreaking fusion of classic woodworking and advanced robotics. This impressive table features 12 articulated legs that allow it to traverse a room semi-autonomously, delivering snacks and beverages at your request. By integrating robotics into a functional table, the Carpentopod redefines what furniture can do and pushes the boundaries of home innovation. Central to its design is an intricate leg mechanism, crafted through the use of sophisticated computer simulations. Thousands of potential designs were tested using machine learning, with only the most effective achieving the smooth, stable horizontal motion needed to keep the tabletop level while in motion. This meticulous process ensures that the Carpentopod can travel without causing spills, representing a significant leap forward in mobile furniture engineering. What we like Seamlessly blends artisanal craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology. Delivers enhanced convenience by transporting refreshments directly to users. What we dislike The mechanical complexity may lead to increased maintenance needs. 2. Chameleon Furniture The Chameleon Furniture concept takes inspiration directly from nature’s most versatile creature, the chameleon, known for its remarkable ability to adapt to different environments. This innovative piece, brought to life with robust iron construction, embodies the spirit of transformation and adaptability. The Chameleon is more than just a clever name—it’s a solution for those who crave both versatility and strength in their living spaces. One of the most appealing aspects of the Chameleon is its user-friendly assembly process. It relies on just four screws and a set of iron plates, making it a breeze to set up and dismantle as needed. The straightforward mechanism means you don’t have to be a DIY expert to alter your space or move the piece from one room to another. What we like The furniture can easily switch between functions, making it ideal for spaces that require regular reconfiguration. Crafted from sturdy iron, the Chameleon offers both durability and longevity. What we dislike While its industrial look suits many modern interiors, it may not blend seamlessly with more traditional or cozy decor styles, limiting its appeal to certain households. Users looking for a wider range of functional or visual options may find its adaptability somewhat limited compared to more modular systems. 3. Sisto Sisto, designed by Italian designer Edoardo Lietti, demonstrates that genius often lies in simplicity. Born out of a desire to combine classic Italian craftsmanship with contemporary minimalism, Sisto is a multi-functional furniture piece made from just six panels of plywood. At first glance, it may appear to be a simple chair, but its true magic lies in its ability to transform effortlessly into a variety of household essentials. Flip, turn, or stack, and Sisto becomes a low stool, side table, bookshelf, or work desk. Its geometric design and exposed fasteners highlight the honest beauty of the materials while offering surprising flexibility. This piece draws inspiration from the regal throne, yet its understated elegance and practicality make it suitable for any space, from compact apartments to modern offices. What we like Sisto’s ability to morph into multiple furniture types makes it exceptionally practical for small spaces or anyone who values adaptability. The clean lines, exposed joints, and natural wood finish give Sisto a timeless charm that seamlessly fits modern and rustic interiors, making it a design-forward choice. What we dislike Due to its lightweight construction and the use of only six panels, some configurations may feel less stable, especially when used as a taller shelf or table. While the exposed fasteners and plywood are part of the design’s charm, they may not appeal to those who prefer upholstered or more refined furniture finishes. 4. Lotte Chair The Lotte Chair by Sarah Hossli exemplifies a human-centered approach, seamlessly blending form and function to address a real need with refined elegance. Developed in partnership with the Neubad multigenerational house in Basel and furniture manufacturer Girsberger, this chair demonstrates how thoughtful innovation can enhance everyday life. The standout feature of the Lotte Chair is its extended armrests, which wrap fully around the seat to form an intuitive handrail system. This allows elderly users to rise from the chair with minimal effort and greater independence. The design is the result of thorough research, including prototype testing with residents in care homes and consultations with medical professionals, ensuring that it meets practical and ergonomic needs. What we like Effectively addresses mobility challenges for elderly users while maintaining a dignified appearance. Incorporates circular economy principles, making it easy to maintain and environmentally responsible. What we dislike The specialized nature of the design may limit its appeal for general use. The complexity of production could contribute to higher manufacturing costs. 5. Biting Edge As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the demand for furniture that caters not only to humans but also to their four-legged friends. Biting Edge, founded by sisters Ivana and Tamara Petruša, has made a name for itself by merging minimalist design with sustainability and pet-friendly functionality. Recognizing that pets are central members of many households, the brand’s pieces are thoughtfully designed to serve both owners and animals. Among Biting Edge’s impressive offerings is “Eat Prey Love,” a dog feeder that incorporates airtight storage for kibble, treats, and accessories, and features adjustable bowls to accommodate pets of various sizes. The “By The Way” modular wall shelf, “Bowls and Flowers” wall-mounted feeder and planter, “Beauty for the Beast” mini house, and “One Bite Stand” solid wood feeder are all crafted from high-quality, non-toxic materials, ensuring safety for pets and peace of mind for owners. What we like The thoughtful ergonomics and adjustable features ensure that pets of different sizes and needs are accommodated, making daily routines more convenient for both pets and owners. The use of non-toxic, high-quality materials underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility and the health of household members. What we dislike While perfect for pet owners, those without animals may find the furniture’s features unnecessary, limiting its versatility for broader audiences. The focus on sustainability and quality materials can lead to higher costs compared to mass-market pet furniture. 6. Loopo System The Loopo Modular Furniture System is a game-changer for anyone who values flexibility and creativity in their living space. Inspired by the mathematical concept of loops—patterns that repeat endlessly with infinite variations—Loopo reimagines furniture as a continuously adaptable system rather than a static object. Each component serves as a building block, allowing users to experiment with arrangements and create custom solutions for their unique needs. From shelving units and storage to seating and display surfaces, Loopo can be reconfigured countless times, offering both function and fun. The system stands out for its adaptability but also for its user-friendly design. Unlike traditional modular furniture that can require specialized tools and technical know-how, Loopo pieces connect intuitively, making assembly and rearrangement accessible to everyone. What we like The modular components can be arranged and rearranged to fit changing needs, making the system ideal for dynamic households, offices, or display spaces. By reducing the need for new materials and allowing for repeated use and reconfiguration, Loopo supports eco-friendly living and responsible consumption. What we dislike The sheer number of possibilities can be overwhelming for some, requiring time and experimentation to find the best configuration for a given space. While highly functional, the system’s focus on modularity means some elements may be less comfortable than traditional, purpose-built furniture, particularly for seating. 7. duk Furniture Furniture design often walks the line between form and function, but the Duk series by Studio TOOJ blurs that boundary with a touch of magic. This collection, developed in partnership with biotech innovator MycoWorks, is named after the Swedish word for “tablecloth” and is visually inspired by the draped softness of fabric, despite being crafted from rigid materials. The secret lies in the use of Reishi—a groundbreaking, leather-like material derived from the root structure of mushrooms—paired with meticulously sculpted wood. The result is furniture that appears to float, with surfaces that ripple and fold like cloth, creating an illusion that captivates and delights. Each piece is finished with the innovative Reishi material, giving it a unique texture and organic feel that sets it apart from conventional furniture. What we like The illusion of flowing fabric combined with the tactile beauty of organic materials makes each piece a conversation starter and a functional piece of art. The use of mushroom-derived Reishi material demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and the exploration of new, eco-friendly resources in furniture making. What we dislike While visually stunning, the unique materials used in the Duk series may be more susceptible to wear or damage compared to traditional finishes, requiring careful handling.  The innovative construction and materials might necessitate special care routines, which could be less convenient for users seeking low-maintenance furniture options. 8. Flat Stool The Flat Stool highlights how simplicity and ingenuity can come together in modern furniture design. Instead of relying on screws, hinges, or adhesives, it uses gravity and precise dovetail joints to stay securely assembled. This avoids the use of potentially harmful glues and also makes the assembly process intuitive and environmentally friendly. A key aspect of this stool is its ability to transform from a flat-packed shape into a functional seat without any extra hardware. This is possible thanks to kerf bending, which enables the sides to curve gracefully, resulting in a smooth, cohesive silhouette. The Flat Stool is both easy to transport and aligns with sustainable design principles, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious consumers. What we like Uses sustainable construction techniques, avoiding screws and adhesives. Simple flat-pack format makes it easy to assemble and move. What we dislike May lack the stability found in stools with traditional metal fittings. Minimalist build may restrict it to lighter or occasional use. 9. Walle The Walle Stool masterfully blends minimalism with practical function, offering a thoughtful solution for those brief pauses throughout the day. Designed for transitional spaces where a quick rest is needed, this metal stool cleverly incorporates storage for two to three books, keeping a short literary escape always within reach. It’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, or recharge—even if just for a few minutes. The stool consists of only four main parts and can be assembled with just four screws. The bottom shelf locks into place using notches in the legs, eliminating the need for extra hardware. This straightforward construction makes assembly quick and easy and also ensures the stool can be packed flat, making it convenient for shipping and storage, perfect for compact living environments. What we like Built-in book storage makes it ideal for spontaneous reading breaks. Straightforward assembly and compact packaging suit small spaces and frequent movers. What we dislike Limited storage may not satisfy those with larger book collections. Minimalist design might not appeal to fans of more decorative furniture. 10. Tila Chair The Tila Chair from Shepherd Studio is an interesting exploration of density and materiality in modern furniture design. With its seat and backrest composed of hundreds of polished spheres, this chair functions not only as seating but also as an eye-catching sculptural centerpiece. Its unconventional form breaks away from traditional seating expectations, making it a great conversation starter and a dramatic addition to any space. Inspired by the classic marble game, Tila, the chair is constructed using 210 stainless steel spheres, all supported by a sleek tubular frame. This playful yet sophisticated approach highlights both the tactile and visual qualities of the materials, creating a dynamic interplay between structure and surface. The Tila Chair blurs the line between functional furniture and contemporary art, elevating the ambiance of modern interiors. What we like The lustrous chrome finish reflects its environment, amplifying the chair’s visual impact. The array of spheres creates captivating patterns of light and shadow, adding depth and intrigue. What we dislike The design’s intricate surface may be difficult to clean, as dust and fingerprints can accumulate between the spheres. The post 10 Best Furniture Designs Of March-April 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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