SpaceX is making final preparations for the sixth test flight of its mighty Starship rocket featuring the most Super Heavy, the most powerful booster ever to fly.The Elon Musk-led spaceflight company is targeting Tuesday, November 19, for the sixth test of the 120-meter-tall rocket.Recommended VideosThe Starship, comprising the main Super Heavy rocket and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft, will eventually be used to transport crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and possibly beyond.RelatedIt took its first test flight in April 2023, though the vehicle exploded just minutes after liftoff. Subsequent flights have seen the Starship fly higher and for longer, and the most recent test, which took place last month, saw the first-ever catch of the returning Super Heavy booster by giant mechanical arms attached to the launch tower.The megarocket will launch from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, creating a colossal 17 million pounds of thrust as it roars skyward. Within minutes, the upper-stage Starship spacecraft will separate from the Super Heavy booster, and continue on to orbit. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy will return to Boca Chica, whereupon SpaceX will attempt the second catch of the booster back at the launch site. Bringing the Super Heavy home in this way will help SpaceX increase the frequency of flights using multiple Super Heavy boosters, and also reduce the cost of space missions.SpaceXs live stream will also track the progress of the Starship, which will perform landing burns before coming down in the Indian Ocean about an hour after launch.SpaceX is targeting the sixth flight test of the Starship for 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 19.A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, and you can watch it on SpaceXs account on X.Theres a chance the schedule could change, so be sure to check back here, or SpaceXs X account, for any updates.Editors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcross___ Martin, frequent collaborator with 1-Down STEVEParts of irrigation systems HOSESBeginning ONSETBackup cameras place on a car REARMake an attempt TRYDownMartin ___, frequent collaborator with 1-Across SHORTStuff in printer cartridge TONERCommon kind of test for a literature class ESSAYMake a sudden t urn VEERJokey suffix with best ESTEditors Recommendations

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end income tax on tips.The proposal is part of Trump's broader tax cut plan, including for overtime and Social Security.House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress would need to figure out the math to make the plan work.US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end income tax on tips. Now, his administration will have to figure out how to make the numbers work."We're going to try to make that happen in the Congress," said House Speaker Mike Johnson on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday."You have got to do the math. You have got to make sure that these new savings from American people can be paid for and make sure the economy is a pro-growth economy," Johnson said.During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged a range of tax cuts. They include an extension of tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 also known as the "Trump tax cut" as well as eliminating taxes on overtime pay, Social Security checks, and tips. During remarks in Arizona in September, Trump said that ditching taxes on overtime would give "people more of an incentive to work."The tax cuts are just some of Trump's economic policies that economists say could significantly ramp up the federal debt balance and widen the deficit, which stood at nearly $36 trillion on Thursday. Other than tax cuts, Trump has pledged to implement across-the-board 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods and other tariffs on overseas goods.If Trump makes good on all his economic policy pledges, they could add as much as $10 trillion to the US debt over the next decade, according to an estimate from top economist Nouriel Roubini.In Trump's 2016 campaign, he said he would eliminate the national debt. It rose about $7.8 trillion during his first term.

Pruna AI has secured $6.5 million from EQT Ventures to compress AI models.The startup's optimization tool aims to make AI models smaller, cheaper, and greener.BI got an exclusive look at the 12-slide pitch deck it used to secure the new funding.Paris and Munich-based software startup Pruna AI has secured $6.5 million from EQT Ventures.The startup has developed an optimization tool for compressing AI models so that they require less compute and energy."It's similar to a zip that compresses files, so they are cheaper, faster, and greener, and everyone can access and use those AI models," Bertrand Charpentier, president and chief scientist officer at Pruna AI, told Business Insider.Users can run their model through Pruna's optimization engine, which the startup says renders the AI model smaller, cheaper, and greener on any hardware platform. It spans everything from natural language processing to images and audio systems.The startup's customers are midsize to large companies with their own AI models that can rake in huge compute bills. Charpentier said that using Pruna's platform has been a win-win for both parties, as companies can significantly reduce the costs of running these AI models. Pruna charges its customers based on the usage of the compressed model, which is typically much cheaper to run than the non-compressed version.Being based in both Paris and Munich is also a boon for the startup, said Carl Svantesson, partner at Swedish investment firm EQT Ventures, which led Pruna's funding round. "The combination of the two ecosystems, with Paris and Munich, enables the possibility of hiring the best talent and software," he said.Access to compute and specialized chips, called GPUs, has been a long-standing issue in the AI ecosystem. As a result, Charpentier found that there was appetite from investors looking to make AI cheaper and more sustainable.Additional funding came from Daphni, Motier, and Kima, as well as high-profile angel investors, including Roxanne Varza, Herv Nivon, and Olivier Pomel.With the fresh funding, Pruna plans to double down on growing its team.Check out the 12-slide pitch deck used to secure the capital.

Ever since Game of Thrones ended in 2019 and what a horrible little ending it was theres been a seemingly never-ending quest to find the next Game of Thrones. What that means is two-fold: a series that captures Game of Throness extensive, fantasy world-building and the drama of political succession and a show dropping on HBOs premier Sunday night spot that everyone wants to talk about the morning after. Dune: Prophecy feels more like that than any other show right now. Loosely based on the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, Prophecy has GoT trappings: political maneuvering among the universes rich families, backstabbing and surprise deaths, conniving villains, and sweaty sex scenes. The struggle to hold power in the Duniverse is just as difficult and deadly as it is in Westeros. And conveniently, it is airing Sunday nights on HBO. But whats won me over in Prophecy is that while its officially all those aforementioned things, its mainly gossipy, ambitious space divas diva-ing ambitiously in space. Granted, Prophecy is yet another chapter of Hollywoods infatuation with IP, but its also yielded a lavish little soap opera where Emily Watson is a super-powered leader of an all-female finishing school for young intergalactic mages. Prophecy is about just how dangerous women in STEM that is, sorcery, transmutation, eugenics, and mothering can be. Prophecy takes place at the very beginning 10,148 years before Paul Atreides is born. Played by Timothe Chalamet in Denis Villeneuves two Dune movies, Paul Atreides is the anchor for all casual fans. Both Dune films chronicle his journey fleeing home after an assault wipes out almost all of his family and those loyal to the Atreides clan, and then becoming a refugee on Arrakis (a.k.a. the desert planet known as Dune), where he assimilates into the Fremen, an indigenous people oppressed by the same Imperium that slaughtered his loved ones. Paul is, according to premonition by a sisterhood of precognitive, super-powered women known as the Bene Gesserit, a messiah who will rule the universe. Zooming into 10,000 years B.P. (before Paul), Prophecy takes aim, as the title suggests, at the formation of that very important Bene Gesserit revelation and the Bene Gesserit themselves. How did these space divas become so powerful? Who are they? What do they believe in? Whats their purpose? Are they always kinda mean? Their reason for existing, like so many other suspicious organizations, is slightly based in eugenics. Oh no. Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson), their founder, has been keeping a vast archive of DNA of the most powerful families in the universe. Her belief is that humans are fallible, feeble creatures that will always careen toward their own destruction. By matching up families based on this archive, Raquella believes she and her sisters can breed leaders they can control and influence the endpoint being Paul Atreides. To ensure even more influence over people and their futures, Raquella has created a school for future space witches on the desolate planet called Wallach IX, where sorceresses-in-training learn powers like being able to clock when someone is lying or blood magic soothsaying. Raquella calls proteges Truthsayers, and these skills make them very valuable. Soon every ruling family in the universe wants a Truthsayer by their side. Look me in the eye and tell me you dont want to gossip with this diva! HBOWhat those aristocrats dont know is that though their Truthsayer seems to integrate into their houses and customs, their actual loyalty is to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.Theres a certain political commentary here, too, about whos allowed to rule the great houses of Dune, what roles women are confined to, and how the Bene Gesserit turn womens social limitations and underestimations to their advantage. Prophecy begins with Raquellas death, finding a faction of her acolytes who think the eugenics stuff is kinda icky, while her most devout follower, the ruthless Valya Harkonnen (played by Jessica Barden in youth, but mainly by Emily), thinks it actually rules. But even though we know Valya and her sisters succeeded in bending the future to bring us Paul, a lot can happen in 10,000 years. Prophecys biggest achievement is how it manages to cut through the density of the Dune universe. Its not an easy task to take all the complexities of Frank Herberts extensive world and make it accessible. But Prophecy does so, primarily, by framing this immense society and all the relationships within, as gossip. That makes Valya and her sisters the universes gossip girls. If you wanted to draw a comparison between this HBO fantasy show about politics, power, and a throne and HBOs previously, hugely popular fantasy show about politics, power, and a throne, Prophecy is like if Game of Thrones was told through the eyes of Varys, Littlefinger, or Olenna Tyrell players with no explicit power but who know how the game is played. Prophecy is about how the whispers can influence the world, and about who powerful people listen to. And that the politics of Dune and politics in general can be much more riveting when you realize so much of it is about whos trash-talking who. Heavy spoilers for the first episode of Dune: Prophecy follow.Whether its half princes who have no right to the throne or the messiness of House Corrino the rulers of the Imperium with their shaky grasp on the production of spice (the most valuable resource in the Duniverse), each episode boils down to Valya and her girlies talking about everyone else, and how they intend to manipulate them. At one point in the premiere, Valya and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) have a private bitch session. Like evil sorority sisters, they coldly go up and down their list of acolytes, pointing out their strengths and faults, usefulness and uselessness. Brows furrow, lips purse, and side-eyes are flicked deliciously. Valya and Tula need to figure out which sister to match with Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), the princess they want to sway to the Bene Gesserit. In the process, theyre more than happy to list off all the hopefuls who wont make the cut. Watson imbues Valya with the warmth of gazpacho and the charm of a cursed porcelain doll. Unwavering from Raquellas mission, Valya has the pieces in play to keep the entire system running. Thanks to her loyal truthsayer Kasha (Jihae), she has a hold on House Corrino, and has just signed a deal to bring Ynez to her school. Shes also used her connections to broker a marriage between Ynez and a boy a literal 9-year-old from House Richese, a powerful family that promises Corrino the artillery they need to keep spice production intact. The Bene Gesserit are no doubt banking on that future heir to be favorably malleable. But Valyas plan seems to be going up in smoke with the arrival of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), a Corrino loyalist and survivor of whats supposedly a Fremen attack on Arrakis. As Hart tells Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong), the reports coming from the region arent the entire truth. Since there arent many survivors like Hart, Corrino has to rely on secondhand stories that pin the casualties on Fremen. Hart tells the Emperor that no one including Corrinos loyal Truthsayer Kasha, Valya, and their sisters can be trusted. As Corrino decides whether to weigh Harts word versus the loyalty Kasha and the Bene Gesserit have pledged to him, someone the episode doesnt show us who gives Corrino surveillance footage of Hart on Arrakis that shows him surviving the attack but also, and more intriguingly, being swallowed by a sand worm. The episode ends with Hart assassinating 9-year-old Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior) by roasting him with mind powers. He seemingly burns Kasha to death as well. In Dune: Prophecy, theres a finishing school for gifted and talented future space witches! HBOHarts arrival and pyrokineses seems to be what Raquella refers to (earlier in the episode) as the Tiran-Arafel, a holy judgment that will demolish the sisterhood. But at this point its unclear whether Hart represents the big bad Bene Gesserit destroyer that Raquella had visions about, or may be connected to Bene Gesserits other enemies. As my colleague Patrick Reis explained when Dune: Part Two was released, the Bene Gesserit have counterparts known as Bene Tleilax, a patriarchal set of genetic splicers and cloners who are also itching to control the universe. Its not that far-fetched to believe that they might exist in this universe too. No doubt, for Valya and her sisterhood to thrive, Hart needs to be squashed. Hes clearly a threat. The closer he gets to Javicco, the worse it looks for our space witches. We just need a bit more time, some gossip, and maybe a few more episodes to figure out if hes the big bad Raquella dreamed about, or just another piece of the puzzle that leads us to it.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: Culture

The current gen is only four years old but its replacements are well underway (Microsoft/Nintendo/Sony/Metro)A new generation of video games consoles is already on the horizon but what form will they take and why are they arriving so early?Video game consoles have been a mass market commodity for over 50 years. Once imagined to be a passing fad, of interest only to children, video games are now the most lucrative form of mainstream entertainment in the world. And in that 50 years they have established a pattern of release that has proven remarkably consistent and predictable until recently.The general rule of thumb is that, barring complete failure, a video game console lasts for around six to seven years before being superseded by a new format by the same manufacturer. There is nothing to say companies like Sony and Microsoft have to release their new consoles at the same time but neither wants to give the other a head start, when a new generation of hardware is about to begin, and so invariably they launch at almost exactly the same time.Even the normally unpredictable Nintendo usually releases consoles in the same generational pattern, the Switch only getting out of synch because of the failure of the Wii U at the beginning of the previous generation. Thats relatively unusual but the changes that the new generation of consoles will bring, over the next several years, will be an upheaval the likes of which gaming has never seen.By the common reckoning we are currently in the ninth generation of video game consoles. Theres disagreement over whether the Switch belongs to the eighth or ninth generation but the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are definitely Generation IX. What happens afterwards though is very unlikely to be a smooth transition of power.In terms of current console sales, Xbox has been badly beaten by PlayStation for the last two generations, with demand for Xbox Series X/S collapsing so much last Christmas that it led to Microsofts current (but still confused) focus on also releasing games on PlayStation 5 and Switch. This means Xbox has been the only one talking about a next gen so far, with Sony remaining stoically silent on the issue.Xboxs next gen plans The Xbox Series X and S have not been very successful (Microsoft)To many peoples surprise Microsoft has already announced its intention to make a next gen console, even if theyve not shown it in public or explained anything about it. Theyve also repeatedly hinted at releasing a handheld console, but theyve never been clear on whether thats a next gen device or based on the Xbox Series X/S.The only thing Microsoft has said about the next gen console is that it will deliver the biggest technological leap ever in a generation, which seems a dubious claim given the ever-decreasing scope of graphical improvements between each generation. So either Microsoft is setting themselves up for ridicule or they know something that we, and more importantly Sony, dont know.Perhaps it could be something to do with AI, which they have a natural advantage with, but its hard to guess what they could be alluding to and what level of success they expect from a new generation of consoles, given the Xbox Series X/S has done even worse than the Xbox One.Xbox hardware sales have got so bad that many suspected Microsoft would soon give up making consoles altogether. Thats not as disastrous as it might sound as, thanks to buying Activision Blizzard, they are now the biggest games publisher in the West and, once game streaming becomes more practical, they have a very clear advantage in the technology that will inevitably make consoles obsolete.But streaming is not practical at the moment, not when it depends so much on the quality and reliability of your Wi-Fi connection. This has led to Microsofts current marketing campaign seeming very confused as, on the one hand, they encourage people to play Xbox on other devices, with the This is an Xbox tagline, and on the other Xbox boss Phil Spencer has insisted theyre not going to give up making consoles.What is the Xbox handheld console?The only thing we know for certain is that the long-rumoured handheld Xbox is a few years out, which implies its a next gen device and that rumours of a launch in 2026 are incorrect. Microsoft can be economic with the truth sometimes though and may just be trying to put Sony off the scent.Although what theyre going to do in the meantime is a mystery, as without anything else to boost it, Xbox Series X/S hardware sales are going to slow so much that a next gen device would be starting practically from scratch, which does not seem a very attractive option for Xbox.Nintendos next gen console plans The Switch is getting ready for retirement (Nintendo)Unusually, the most reliable predictions for the next gen are those related to Nintendos new console, nicknamed until anyone knows better the Switch 2. Nintendo is the most inscrutable of all game companies but because the Switch is almost eight years old, and theyve said its successor will be unveiled before April next year, it stands to reason it will be released relatively soon, most likely late spring or early autumn 2025.At the moment there is no official information about the Switch 2 at all, other than it will be backwards compatible with the existing Switch. Leaks suggest that it will look and operate much like the original Switch but theres a good chance that information may be wrong and until Nintendo announce it officially we wont know for sure.When will the next generation of consoles start?Despite all the rumours and official hints we really have no firm idea whats going on with any of the three companies. But its not just Xbox hardware sales that are in trouble, as PlayStation 5 sales have fallen off faster than expected as well.With each new generation, as the increase in power becomes smaller and the spectre of streaming grows closer, the question is asked as to whether consoles actually have a future. Will there even be a next generation of consoles?For Nintendo the answer to that question is clearly yes, but whether they follow the generational pattern or not their goals and methods are very different than Sony and Microsoft (and generally more successful but, as usual, nobody ever thinks to copy their low-tech, games-focused approached).Microsoft has said there will be a next gen console, but will it be any more than a novelty for hardcore fans, a way to prove theyre still in the hardware business while focusing instead on third party publishing, Game Pass, and streaming? At the moment, its certainly hard to imagine their next gen console as anything more than a sideshow.Then theres Sony, whose recent plans seem to have flipped-flopped from a focus on live service games to an imagined return to traditional single-player titles. And it is only imagined, at the moment, as theyve never discussed their intentions in public and have not announced enough new games to draw any firm conclusions.PlayStations next gen plans The PlayStation 6 is inevitable and inscrutable (Sony)Sonys position is the most difficult to understand because theyve said nothing about the PlayStation 6 at all, beyond a few vague references. Although this did include an assurance that consoles remain the core of our business. Interestingly, Sony also insisted that there are other elements beyond graphics which can be improved, in order to make a next generation console seem desirable.This can be interpreted multiple ways, from a Nintendo style shift away from a focus on graphical power to a hint that they are investing in the same mysterious technological leap as Xbox. Although the context of the quote merely talked about the PlayStation 5s faster loading times and 3D audio, so it may not be anything exciting at all.Its certainly hard to imagine that the company that just released the 700 PS5 Pro console, whose improvements in graphics can only be demonstrated under laboratory conditions, would suddenly ditch the high-tech approach but at the moment everything to do with PlayStation 6 is pure speculation.When will the PlayStation 6 be released?Obviously, there will be a PlayStation 6 in the future, Sony has acknowledged that much already, but theyve never said when. If the next gen Xbox does come out in 2026, or thereabouts, then Sony will no doubt try to match its release date but if Microsoft makes its move later then all bets are off.Except the trigger for a company starting its next gen plans in earnest is when console sales peak and that has already happened for both Xbox and PlayStation. So that would traditionally mean that a new console is no more than three years away.It is, as you can see, all a confusing mess. And its worse because the companies themselves dont seem to know what theyre doing either, with reports of in-fighting at both Microsoft and Sony, over their future direction and what to do about the rising cost of making games.While the Switch 2 may end up being a relatively normal product launch its unlikely youll be able to say the same about the next gen Xbox and PlayStation. As the PS5 Pro has shown, everything to do with console gaming is getting more expensive, with increasingly less obvious improvements.Will this be the last generation of video games consoles?If Microsoft and Sony cant clearly justify the price and existence of a next gen console to their audience, then the entire concept of generational consoles may disappear and well never get as far as a PlayStation 7.More TrendingAs long as the games keep coming in some way, whether thats via streaming or some other means, it ultimately doesnt matter how theyre delivered. But the video games industry is changing and its becoming increasingly difficult to have confidence in the companies that are supposed to be leading it.Sony and Microsoft have spent most of the last two years either making abrupt, poorly explained changes of direction with live service games and multiformat releases or seemingly being paralysed into inaction, unsure what to do after the video games boom during lockdown proved to be far more short-lived than they hoped.Perhaps they both have cunning masterplans just waiting to be unveiled but the big takeaway from the post-pandemic games industry is that publishers are far less sensible and forward-thinking than you might hope for. What will happen in the next generations of console is currently a mystery, but perhaps one that even PlayStation and Xbox dont know the answer to. PlayStation won this console war but will there even be another one? (Sony/Microsoft/Metro)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Leon Kennedy is rumoured to star in Resident Evil 9 (Capcom)The Monday letters page doesnt think therell ever be a good video game movie, as one reader accuses Black Ops 6 of being play to win.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe last hopThe Readers Feature at the weekend was right about the strange lack of new releases this month but that just seems to par for the course this year, with all the strange goings on. The only thing to really look forward to for the rest of the year seems to be The Games Awards in December.But I cant figure whether itll be another disappointment or something that might really have a lot of announcements. Ive heard people talk about Resident Evil 9 and the new Tomb Raider but as far as I know this has never been confirmed, so it just sounds like wishful thinking to me.Some people even talk about the Nintendo Switch 2, but I cant see that happening. And yet there must be some kind of big reveal at the end, as there always is. Im going to guess Resident Evil 9, just because Capcom did use it to unveil Monster Hunter Wilds. But that almost seems too obvious now.Whatever happens I hope the final mic drop reveal is something genuinely interesting and not just whatever company paid the most for advertising space.GannetGC: So far theres been no official clues as to what any of the reveals will be.Straight to streamingI do find it kind of funny that the biggest cinematic success for video games is still Sonic The Hedgehog. People talk about the quality increasing but it seems like people are really thinking of The Last Of Us and Fallout, which are not movies. Borderlands is a movie, and that was terrible.I have never seen a Sonic film, so Im not going to comment on its quality. But Im going to guess it hasnt exactly been up for any Oscars.Im not sure a good quality video game movie is ever going to happen now. Because any good idea that does come up, and seems a perfect fit for live action, is going to be turned into a TV show because of both Fallout and The Last Of Us and the fact that games are really long in terms of story and dont easily fit into two hours.Already Tomb Raider looks like its going to be turned into a show, not a new film, and I imagine everything else will be the same. So only things with no story in the first place, like Sonic, end up as movies.ConstanceEvergreen salesWhen it came out I dont think anyone would have predicted that the Switch would still be selling as well as it currently is, even with the large boost the OLED Model must have given it.However, the bigger achievement must be Mario Kart 8. Nintendos started doing TV ads for the Switch again (unlike Microsoft and Sony who havent figured out adverts help sell stuff) and what games do they pick to sell the console? Mario Kart and Animal Crossing.The game is now 10 years old, but its still the reason someone is going to buy a Switch!It also makes predictions about Switch 2 launch games interesting. Lots of people have been saying Mario Kart 9, but how often do you get the next game in a series when months before its predecessor is still getting TV ads?TimGC: Funnily enough, we have a feature about this coming up very soon.Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukCall to actionCant help but agree with the Readers Feature about Microsofts latest marketing campaign. Its just embarrassing. I dont think any normal person is going to understand what it means and even if they do, what are they supposed to do about it? Suddenly sign up to Game Pass and start playing on their smart TV? Like the feature says, the ads dont even seem to mention Game Pass and youd need a controller anyway.To be honest I find it hard to care about Xbox anymore. They basically dont exist to me, as a PlayStation 5 owner. If they have a decent game, itll come to my console anyway and beyond that what have they got to offer? Nothing.I really dont think Microsoft has anything to counter this point. All theyre interested in is new customers and growing the market, but I think youve got to accept that if you were interested in playing video games, beyond just FIFA and Call Of Duty, you wouldve done it already. Nothing Xbox is attempting to do at the moment is going to make any difference.ColineMissing the boatI think the failure to do any kind of story game or mode with Overwatch will always be its biggest failing. I dont think theres any reversing its declining popularity now, its just too late, but I dont get is why it never happened earlier. Its not a technical problem, theyve already got the gameplay, they just needed to sort out a story and some scenarios.If the main team didnt have time to do it, then thats the sort of thing that could easily be farmed out to another developer. In fact, that sort of thing happens all the time with shooters, so I dont understand why Blizzard didnt do it. Maybe it could happen now, with all their Microsoft money, but somehow I still dont get the impression theyre going to bother.IshiComplex strategyI see people are putting two and two together about news that Blizzard is making an open world shooter and assuming its Starcraft. I hope its something like what I thought Command & Conquer: Renegade was going to be, where youd be playing it as a shooter but also able to build structures and vehicles like a regular real-time strategy game.It seemed to me this was a common idea round about the time real-time strategies were beginning to fade out and people were looking for something new. Only game I know that did something similar was Battle Zone though, which was great but that is very old now.I guess companies thought people would find it too complicated and the game itself would probably be too expensive to make. Shame, as I always thought itd be cool and the obvious way to try and bring back Command & Conquer, if EA ever felt the urge.GrackleThe buck stops hereI agree that the quality of the GTA Trilogy remasters is ultimately Rockstars fault. If this developer theyve scrubbed from the intro wasnt up to the job then Rockstar shouldve realised it and replaced them, not just released the game as it was anyway, since they knew it would sell anyway.I found the remasters to overall be very disappointing. I wouldve much rather they do them one at a time and put in a lot more effort, maybe even make them full remakes, but they just seemed like a random, quickly botched together cash grab. The games are decades old, what was the sudden rush for?MikeyGC: It was GTA 3s 20th anniversary the year they were released, but we know what you mean.Spend to winNice review on Black Ops 6, and I agree its the best call of Duty campaign weve had since Infinite Warfare. Im glad you said that, as I adore the Infinite Warfare campaign.However, I have to say I feel very uneasy about this years Call Of Duty.I have heard reports of them selling an audio enhancer which works very well with Warzone.To me thats flat out play to win. And on top of this they have brought back the (for me) dreaded gobblegums from Black Ops 3. I absolutely detested gobblegums as they destroyed public lobbies. I would try to play a game of Zombies only to find somebody popping a perkoholic and shopping free, thus opening the entire map on round 1. It killed the balance. I stayed away from public lobbies the whole year because of it.Now they return with a vengeance. From season one you can directly buy gobblegums. And not just any. You can buy every single ultra gobbleum in the game, as well as legendary gums for 1,100 COD Points. Now I looked through the rewards that you get from prestiging. You get a gobblegum pack at some point every prestige. But only once do you get a single ultra gobblegum. Just once. But you can buy them all with cash. This is play to win. It matters not that Zombies is PvE as it would directly affect me when I play with others.I was hoping Activision and gaming had gone past this, but apparently not.Also, they have reduced how many COD Points you earn from the battle pass. It used to be 1,300, now its just 1,100. Just enough to buy the next. 200 may not seem like a lot, but over a games life cycle thats about 1,000-1,200 COD Points. Yet they never stated they would change this.These changes feel very nefarious in nature, and Im just wondering if Microsoft has been encouraging this?Either way. Its not good for gamers.MattGC: The audio stuff isnt great but its not much difference from high-end gaming headphones that promise similar advantages. Weve said for years that Zombies needs a complete rethink.Inbox also-ransI have codes for following games on PC that you can give to the readers. The codes can be redeemed on GOG: Dishonered Definitive Edition, Scorn, Coromon, and Duck Paradox.Big Angry Dad82GC: Thats very good of you. Well pass them on to whoever wants them, in exchange for a useable Inbox letter.Just FYI but Lego are releasing a new Horizon set. Its a relatively small one with a Shell-Walker, Sawtooth, Aloy, and Varl. It doesnt seem to be on Legos website but I saw what look like official images online.DolandMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. 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Tech enthusiasts and bargain are in for a treat with an incredible deal on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: StackSocial is a Microsoft-Verified Partner and its offering this premium operating system for a (record) low price of just $17.97. This flash sale is ending in just 4 days and represents a huge 90% discount off the regular price of $199.00. This is officially the best deal ever seen for Windows 11 Pro.See at StackSocialWindows 11 Pro is Microsofts latest and most advanced operating system and its designed to enhance productivity, creativity and overall user experience. One of its main features is the integration of Copilot, Microsofts AI-powered assistant that can help with a wide range of tasks. Copilot can answer questions, provide suggestions and even help manage system settings all through natural language interactions. This AI companion is accessible via a dedicated key on new Windows 11 PC keyboards.Copilot Is HereThe Pro version of Windows 11 comes packed with additional features tailored for professionals and power users: It includes advanced security measures such as BitLocker device encryption and Windows Information Protection so that your data remains safe and secure. The operating system also supports Remote Desktop which allows users to access their PC from anywhere.Windows 11 Pro boasts a sleek and modern interface with a centered Start menu and taskbar for improved usability. The new Snap Layouts and Snap Groups features enhance multitasking capabilities and will allow you to organize and manage multiple windows with ease. The OS also includes Windows Hello for biometric authentication and offers a more secure and convenient way to log in to your device. For creative professionals, Windows 11 Pro integrates seamlessly with various creative tools. The Photos app now includes AI-powered editing capabilities while the Paint app has been updated with features like background removal and AI image generation.This lifetime license from StackSocial allows users to activate Windows 11 Pro on up to two devices. The deal includes all future updates so that your operating system stays current with the latest features and security patches. Given the unprecedented low price and the limited-time nature of this offer (4 days left), its an opportunity that you shouldnt miss.See at StackSocial

As the holiday season is getting closer, StackSocial has rolled out a fantastic opportunity for savvy shoppers: a one-year Costco Gold Star membership for just $65 which comes with a $45 digital gift card. This means youre effectively paying only $20 ($65 $45 = $20) for the yearly membershipwhich makes it an offer thats hard to pass up.See at StackSocialGet Yourself Ready For Black FridayWith this membership, you gain access to Costcos vast selection of products which ranges from bulk groceries to high-end electronics. With over 600 locations in the United States and more than 900 in the world, your Costco Gold Star membership opens the door to significant savings.This exclusive StackSocial deal is especially timely as it coincides with the upcoming Black Friday sales: By securing your membership now, youll be well-prepared to take advantage of Costcos incredible discounts during one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Costco is known for its unbeatable prices on popular items like TVs and home appliances and often outshines competitors such as Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.The added $45 digital gift card enhances the value of this offer and allows you to explore Costcos extensive inventory without overspending. You can use it for anything in the store whether its stocking up on essentials or treating yourself to something special. The gift card will be emailed to you within two weeks of signing up and is not limited to one-time use, giving you flexibility in your holiday shopping. If you want to use it for Black Friday, youll have to move forward asap.This offer is available exclusively for new members or those whose memberships have lapsed for over 18 months. Its a great chance for newcomers to experience all that Costco has to offer while also welcoming back previous members. Even without upgrading to an Executive membershipwhich costs $130 (theres a $45 gift card as well) and provides additional perksthe Gold Star membership offers huge savings opportunities throughout the year.See at StackSocial

Proudly presenting: ArchDaily Plus!For a while now, ArchDaily has been striving to enhance your experience exploring how to dive deeper into its content and reshape the ways in which it is delivered. What additional value can be brought to both new and established members of the community that enhances what ArchDaily represents?The result: ArchDaily Plus a membership plan offering a completely fresh user interface and exclusive new features while simultaneously supporting the continued delivery of tools and knowledge essential for everyone involved in creating a better-built environment. It provides even more daily inspiration while keeping critical information freely accessible (projects, news, in-house articles not older than six months).As a member, you will be able to enjoy new features like ArchDaily Audio, ArchDaily Maps, ArchDaily Benefits, or the ArchDaily Archive and can help us achieve our mission of democratizing architecture while getting closer to our community at the same time. In addition, you will receive a monthly newsletter with tailor-made content and exclusive interviews, videos, and articles. And you will be able to browse all our content without the interruption of ads or an article limit.Fresh User InterfaceMy ArchDaily has always been a tool for personal curation, creativity, and research. With ArchDaily Plus, the individual user experience now features a fresh design alongside new tools aimed at improving platform usability and effectiveness for daily applications.This update includes a new visual language that draws on the history of the ArchDaily logo while introducing streamlined shapes for easier navigation and added value. Look out for the new icons upon logging into My ArchDaily they enable more effective searches for inspiration and personalize the reading experience.Exclusive Membership FeaturesBut that's not all. To better package its content and improve access to a world of architectural insights, ArchDaily has designed new features within ArchDaily Plus that make navigating the platform (and the real world) more intuitive and rewarding. Here is an overview of what members can expect: ArchDaily Archive: A centralized library of architectural information and insights spanning decades, now equipped with a brand-new search function. ArchDaily Audio: For those without time to read, this curated selection of articles, project stories, and design trends offers an easy listening option to stay inspired anytime, anywhere. ArchDaily Maps: An interactive tool akin to a Global Architecture Atlas, offering guides to the world's metropolises and their built environment highlights. ArchDaily Benefits: Exclusive discounts and perks from industry partners, including software tools, event tickets, and learning opportunities offered by top architecture and design brands and institutions. How to JoinCurious? Learn more about signing up here. While there is no free trial period, a reduced price is available for those who choose annual payments or join the program before the end of 2024. For anyone uncertain, month-to-month payments are also an option before committing to a full year.We can't wait to share this new dimension with you and want to thank you for your continued support!About this authorArchDaily TeamAuthorCite: ArchDaily Team. "Proudly presenting: ArchDaily Plus!" 18 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023606/proudly-presenting-archdaily-plus&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream