Exactly one month ago to this day Epic Games official launched Fab its new universal game asset marketplace merging the Unreal Engine marketplace, Sketchfab Store and Quixel Megascans. At the same time, they turned off the Quixel website and Quixel Bridge applications. The big problem here is, a number of the features that Quixel and Quixel Bridge provided were not and are not available on Fab.Thankfully today Epic Games and the Quixel team admitted the error of their ways and sent out the following email:Hi,Many of our community members were justifiably frustrated that Bridge was replaced by an alternative that did not meet their needs. We heard your feedback and decided to bring back the option to get Megascans content via Bridge and Quixel.com. This should allow you to build up your own library of Megascans in Bridge and on Quixel.com, so you can later on enjoy it via the Bridge workflows you know and love.Starting today, legacy Megascans library acquisitions are again available through Bridge and Quixel.com until December 31, 2024. Anything that you claim until the end of the year you can use immediately and continue to use after January 1, 2025. You can now claim the legacy Megascans library for free under the Epic Content License and we will offer a one-click solution to claim all the assets at once next week.Check out this forum post to get all the details. All the best,The Quixel TeamThis means that Quixel website and the Quixel Bridge application are now working again and will act as an archive of sorts for existing Quixel content. They will be releasing an updated way to acquire all legacy Quixel assets in a one click process next week. You can learn more about the details of Quixel Megascans and Quixel Bridge returning in the video below.

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, with competition among large language models (LLMs) remaining intense. Despite recent advances pushing the boundaries of what these models can achieve, challenges persist. One of the main difficulties for existing LLMs, such as GPT-4, is finding the right balance between general-purpose reasoning, coding abilities, and visual understanding. Many models excel in one domain while underperforming in others, making it challenging for developers and researchers to find a single model that can effectively address diverse needs. This creates inefficiencies and highlights the need for more versatile solutions.Gemini-exp-1121: A Notable UpgradeGoogle has upgraded Gemini-exp-1121, which outperforms GPT-4o in coding, math, and vision by 20%. Gemini-exp-1121 is the latest experimental addition to Googles Gemini series of AI models, designed to meet the growing demand for a comprehensive AI system. Compared to OpenAIs GPT-4o, Gemini-exp-1121 has shown notable improvements, particularly in coding, mathematical reasoning, and visual understanding. This upgrade represents a substantial advancement, enhancing Googles standing in the AI ecosystem alongside OpenAI. Gemini-exp-1121 aims to address gaps in previous LLM capabilities by improving coding fluency, enhancing complex problem-solving abilities, and refining perceptual skills.Image taken on Nov 22 2024: Source https://lmarena.ai/Technical Improvements and BenefitsTechnically, Gemini-exp-1121 includes several significant improvements. These enhancements involve optimized transformer architecture and advanced retrieval mechanisms to augment its learning with real-time data, helping the model remain current and accurate. The improvement in coding performance is attributed to extensive fine-tuning using real-world programming data from various languages and frameworks. Additionally, the model benefits from enhanced algorithms for reasoning capabilities, using deeper context analysis to solve complex math problems more effectively. Its improved visual understanding is facilitated by a multimodal architecture capable of processing both text and image inputs seamlessly, making it suitable for tasks like visual storytelling and generating code based on design sketches.The impact of Gemini-exp-1121 goes beyond technical improvements; it influences how developers and data scientists approach problem-solving. Googles experiments indicate that Gemini-exp-1121 performs coding tasks with a higher success rate compared to GPT-4o, achieving around a 20% increase in correct outputs on benchmark problems. Its visual understanding capabilities also enable it to generate descriptions and contextual inferences with greater precision than its predecessors. These advances make it a useful tool for enterprises looking to automate workflows involving both code and visual components, such as app development and product design. The focus on enhanced reasoning capabilities also makes Gemini-exp-1121 promising for educational and research settings where sophisticated problem-solving skills are essential.ConclusionGoogles Gemini-exp-1121 represents an important step forward in the LLM space by addressing performance gaps in multiple domains that have traditionally been challenging for AI models. Its 20% improvement in key areas such as coding, math, and vision offers practical benefits in various applications, making it a strong competitor to GPT-4o. By integrating enhanced reasoning, improved coding performance, and advanced visual processing, Google has positioned Gemini-exp-1121 as a versatile solution for many of the challenges faced by AI practitioners today. This progress highlights the ongoing development in AI capabilities, promising more efficient and versatile tools for professionals across industries.Check out the Details here. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. If you like our work, you will love ournewsletter.. Dont Forget to join our55k+ ML SubReddit. Aswin Ak+ postsAswin AK is a consulting intern at MarkTechPost. He is pursuing his Dual Degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is passionate about data science and machine learning, bringing a strong academic background and hands-on experience in solving real-life cross-domain challenges. Read this AI Research Report from Kili Technology on 'Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities: A Comparative Analysis of Red Teaming Techniques'

Giving gifts to tech enthusiasts can be a real pain. How can you make sure you're giving someone who enthusiastically buys all the gadgets they can afford something they don't already have, or that would make their life just a little easier? To help out, the IGN staff is pitching in: We asked everyone for some of their favorite techy items that would make great gifts this holiday season and firmly stand behind these picks, from more high-end pieces of gear down to super-practical everyday things.Backbone One Controller for iPhoneBackbone One Controller for iPhoneSee it at AmazonPerfect for someone who recently got addicted to Balatro on their phone, or otherwise plays tons of games on their mobile device instead of a console or another handheld, the Backbone One is one of our favorite phone controllers. It was one of the first expandable controllers for phones and remains one of the best to ever do it. It's compatible with iOS and Android devices.Apple Gift CardGive the gift of a digital or physical gift card to shop the Apple Store, apple.com, the Apple Store app, Apple TV+, App Store, Apple Music, iTunes, and Apple Arcade.See it at AppleFujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer Pikachu BundlePikachu Instax Printer Bundle. (Image: amazon.com via Fujifilm)Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer Pikachu BundleSee it at AmazonThis Fujifilm printer spits out Instax photos straight from your phone's camera roll via Bluetooth, which is ideal if someone is into the vibe of instant cameras but isn't great about remembering to bring theirs when they go out. This Pikachu bundle that prints mini film is very cute, but if that sells out, there are plenty of other sizes (I'm especially partial to the wide film).Hori Nintendo Switch Split PadHori Nintendo Switch Split PadSee it at AmazonGive the gift of ending the Switch scourge that is stick drift by investing in a Hori Split Pad. It's great for those with bigger hands or simply want something with more real estate to grab onto when playing Switch as a handheld. (You can also find the Hori Split Pad Pro on our list of the best gifts under $50).RayCue 128K SE Docking StationRayCue 128K SE Docking StationSee it at AmazonThis RayCue docking station is both extremely practical with 13 different ports and far nicer to look at than your typical USB/HDMI/etc. hub. The screen is actually functional and can display preset visualizations, the time, or a slideshow of photos that you've uploaded.Shokz OpenRun ProShokz OpenRun ProSee it at AmazonFor the runners and cyclists in your life who are constantly on the hunt for the best workout headphones, the Shokz OpenRun Pro are the ones that will put their search to an end. They might look goofy but their functionality is legit: Even though these are open-ear headphones, Shokz' bone-conduction technology means that it still delivers clear audio while letting you stay aware of your surroundings.Analogue Pocket Console Analogue Pocket Console See it at AmazonIf someone on your list is adamant that handhelds peaked with the Game Boy Color and who can blame them? then the Analogue Pocket Console is a no-brainer. It's compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges (though it can handle more niche handhelds of the era with an adapter), and as a fun little bonus, it's also a tiny synthesizer to make chiptune dreams come true.Twelve South HoverBar Duo for iPadTwelve South HoverBar Duo for iPadSee it at AmazonTrifold iPad cases don't hold a candle to this stand. This Twelve South stand might seem like overkill at first brush, but IGN staff swears this is game-changing for iPad havers.Kobo Libra Color eReader Kobo Libra Color eReader See it at AmazonThe Kobo Libra is as close as you can get to the experience of marking up an actual book outside of the Kindle Scribe (which is double the price). Philips Hue String LightsPhilips Hue String LightsSee it at PhilipsDon't let anyone tell you otherwise: String lights are great any time of the year, not just the holidays, and if someone on your list is already a Philips Hue user, these are a great fun addition to that suite.Asus ROG Ally XAsus ROG Ally XSee it at Best BuyFor those who have been on the hunt for a new handheld, the ROG Ally X is your best bet. It's our top pick for portable gaming PC, and for good reason. In IGN's 9/10 review, Jacqueline Thomas said that "compared to other handheld gaming PCs out there, the Asus ROG Ally is the best positioned to play the latest AAA games at high settings," and praised the longevity of its battery life.JBL Go 4 Portable SpeakerJBL Go 4 Portable SpeakerSee it at AmazonPortable speakers are a great little investment, and JBL's Go 4 is extra-portable (and comes in fun colorways) while still maintaining robust sound quality. Meta Quest 3SMeta Quest 3SSee it at AmazonThere's never been a better time to give the gift of mixed reality now that the Meta Quest 3S has released a cost-effective headset. In our 9/10 review, Gabriel Moss wrote "the Meta Quest 3S is the perfect entry-level VR headset, finally bridging the price gap between the relatively shiny new Meta Quest 3 and the now four-year-old Meta Quest 2."iFixIt Essential Electronics ToolkitiFixIt Essential Electronics ToolkitSee it at Best BuyA truly essential gift for any tech tinkerer that includes 16 4mm screwdriver bits, angled tweezers, and other specialized tools. As an upgrade, throw in an electric screwdriver, especially if they're obsessed with keyboard modding.Apple Airpods ProApple Airpods ProSee it at AmazonAirpods are insanely popular for good reasons, including active noise cancellation plus other adaptive audio hearthrough modes. Convert a holdout today by gifting them a pair of the Pros, which we still think still stand as the best model of Airpods to-date (and will definitely go on sale for Black Friday).Apple MagSafe ChargerApple MagSafe ChargerSee it at AmazonWireless charging is a beautiful convenience to add to a friend or family member's life. Just be sure they have an iPhone 12 or newer for this MagSafe charger to work.Genki Global Dock & ChargerGenki Global Dock & ChargerSee it at AmazonThis Genki dock doesn't seem like much, but that would be like judging an incredible book by its lackluster cover. It's super useful for owners of gaming handhelds like the Switch Lite, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck who would like it very much if they could play those games on a TV or monitor.Anker Prime Power Bank (9,600mAh Battery)Anker Prime Power Bank (9,600mAh Battery)See it at Amazon"Thanks for the power bank........." is how an uninitated giftee might react. Everyone else in the know about how reliable and good these Anker plug-in/portable chargers are for pretty much any device that needs power will be delighted.USB Type-C Flash Drive 512GBUSB Type-C Flash Drive 512GBSee it at AmazonUSB drives are certainly not glamorous gifts, but man, if they aren't extremely handy to have around when you desperately need one. This Samsung 512GB one is especially great and compatible with loads of devices since it's USB-C. It's time to upgrade from the old 8GB USB thumb drive you got as a random freebie 10 years ago.Insta360 X4 CameraInsta360 X4 CameraSee it at AmazonOne of the best consumer portable cameras on the market right now. The Insta360 X4 can take 8K video in 360 and has helpful settings to stabilize movement and reframe shots that came out a little off-kilter.Clicks Keyboard for Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxClicks - Keyboard for Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxSee it at Best BuyFor the nostalgia hounds in your life who wish that the tactile clickity-clack of Blackberry keyboards never gave way to touch screens. The Clicks case adds a bit more length to iPhones, but that also saves a good amount of precious screen real estate from the Apple keyboard.Hottest Tech Deals Right NowIf you are seeking even more inspiration and want to find a good deal on gift ideas, be sure to check out the Black Friday deals we have spotted so far. It's only going to continue ramping up as we approach Nov 29th. Here are some highights so far to narrow down your search:Slim ModelPlayStation PS5 Digital Edition NBA 2K25 BundlePS5, XboxElden RingPS5PlayStation VR 2 - Horizon: Call of the Mountain BundlePS5DualSense Controller (Standard Color Variants)PS5DualSense Controller (Special Color Variants)PS5/XboxMetaphor: ReFantazioSlim ModelPlayStation PS5 Disc Edition Fortnite Cobalt Star BundleFor more shopping tips, see our holiday gift guides for the gamers and geeks in your life:Leanne Butkovic (she/they) is an Editorial Project Manager at IGN, where they've also written about movies, TV, and games. They have nearly a decade of experience in digital media.

In a year already chock-full of excellent remakes like Persona 3 Reload and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, its impressive that I can still call Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake one of the best Ive ever played. Thats not because it sets out to redefine the 1988 NES original like Square Enix did with Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, but because of how it strikes a nearly perfect balance between faithfully sticking to the bones of Dragon Quest III while adding modern quality-of-life improvements and a beautiful new coat of paint that make it more fun than ever to explore and battle across its surprisingly dense overworld. Dragon Quest III is a true godfather of the RPG genre, and this immensely satisfying retelling so clearly spells out why its one of gamings essential works. HD-2D Remake is fundamentally the same adventure Dragon Quest III has always been, and its hard not to marvel at how well its original blueprint still holds up in 2024. This is as classic as JRPGs get the genre boiled down to its absolute essentials of rock-solid turn-based combat, atmospheric caves and dungeons filled with monsters and treasure, and a straightforward story about good versus evil that asks you to fill in a lot of the gaps with your imagination. It evokes nostalgia for a bygone era of video games in the best ways while proving it still has the stuff to hang with the fancy, modern RPGs.PlayDespite the unabashedly old-school design, it does manage to feel new thanks to its overhauled graphics, and Dragon Quest and the HD-2D style pioneered by Octopath Traveler are an absolute perfect combination. The enemy design is amazing, with highly-detailed sprites and animations that are a joy to look at. The late Akira Toriyamas signature style is wonderfully realized here, and battles feel more dynamic with each enemys lively animations for attacking and defending. Towns are delightful to explore, with stunning castles, houses, and shops that are breathtaking to look at from the outside and adorable to poke around on the inside thanks to sharp attention to detail. The dungeons all look great, too, especially with the moody lighting emitting from your heros lantern. Finally, the overworld feels grand to march across, and its all backed up with an orchestral soundtrack that fits Dragon Quests lighthearted, adventurous mood to a tee.HD-2D Remake doesnt just look gorgeous, as it has great battle and class systems to match. Apart from the Hero, whose class and spot in your party is locked in from the start, the composition of the other three spots is completely up to you, including their classes, names, and appearances. I outfitted my party with a Thief, a Priest, and my personal favorite: the all-new Monster Wrangler, who became stronger as I found and recruited friendly monsters across the world, which further incentivized exploration. Its a ton of fun constructing your band of heroes, and Im honestly considering a full replay where I try something entirely different given how many classes I didnt take advantage of. There are also opportunities to reclass later in the story while retaining all the abilities your characters have learned thus far, adding even more important decisions to consider.HD-2D Remake doesnt just look good, it has great battles to match.Its just a shame that the personalities of your party members are all silent, blank slates as a result of that mechanical flexibility. Thats the same as it was in the original, but it makes for an RPG journey thats much more about character builds, combat, and exploration rather than relationships, camaraderie, and story. Its completely understandable that Square Enix would stick with the old style in this instance, as it did with almost everything else, but its hard not to miss the wonderful personalities of my party in Dragon Quest XI or the Party Chat feature seen in most modern entries of the series by comparison. But as someone who vastly prefers a barebones story compared to an overbearing one, I still thoroughly enjoyed Dragon Quest IIIs focus on engaging directly with its RPG systems.To that end, the battles themselves are fast-paced, fun, and occasionally quite difficult. Make no mistake this is still very much a hardcore NES-era RPG, and you need to use a balanced mix of strong attacks, healing spells, and buffing/debuffing abilities to beat some of Dragon Quest IIIs toughest bosses. There are some real nail-biting moments, especially later on in the campaign, and I loved using unorthodox strategies to barely squeak by fights I probably wasnt ready for yet. Random encounters in both the overworld and dungeons are a constant factor, but theyre always enjoyable and drop essential experience points and gold, which youll need as much of as you can get to reach the end credits. But if nervewracking turn-based battles arent your thing, theres no need to worry. Im incredibly impressed by how flexible HD-2D Remake is as a whole. Apart from three difficulty options you can switch between at any time (Including the Dracky Quest option, where your characters essentially cant die), there are a ton of ways to tailor the adventure to your specific playstyle. In combat, you can speed up battle animations to get through encounters faster or watch them at normal speed to really enjoy the detailed enemy animations. Youre also given complete control over how your party behaves: In classic Dragon Quest fashion, you can give individual orders to all four party members, or choose strategies for them to execute on their own, like focusing on healing, conserving magic, or going all-out against a tough foe. Its honestly relaxing to set the whole party to autobattle when grinding for experience points before taking control back for yourself ahead of an important boss fight. Options like these ensure the great combat remains fresh across the roughly 30-hour adventure, even with multiple sessions of grinding. Thats partially because the Dragon Quest series is pretty good at making grinding for experience points entertaining, and this remake is no exception. If youre a fan of the series, you know that Metal Slimes are the key to leveling up fast: Enemies with low spawn rates that drop way more experience points than the average bad guy. Discovering areas of the map where Metal Slimes are more likely to appear is exciting, and the rush of adrenaline that kicks in when you see one show up in a random encounter never gets old like pulling a rare card from a Pokmon booster pack.Logan's Favorite RemakesI just reviewed Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and it's one of the best remakes I've ever played. Here are some of my favorites, unranked.See AllPlus, apart from the occasional level grind session, Dragon Quest IIIs pacing is impeccable. Youre always being ushered from one new location to the next, constantly exploring new towns and dungeons while encountering fresh foes from the huge set of over 150 enemy types. It rarely retraces any of its steps except for one specific recurring boss I wont spoil that admittedly rears its ugly head a few too many times.This remake also goes to great lengths to ensure youll never get lost or stuck. The Zoom spell lets you escape a tough situation to rest at an inn pretty much whenever you want, while objective markers clearly label what you need to do next to progress through the occasionally unclear and outdated main quests. However, if you want the classic Dragon Quest III experience, you can turn these quest markers off and discover everything for yourself by exploring and talking to townsfolk. Its a great system that makes this aged RPG more approachable and playable than ever, while also preserving that original style for those who want it. Its an ideal way to revisit a beloved adventure, and I love the pace at which this vast world slowly reveals its secrets to you piece by piece.I love the pace this vast world slowly reveals its secrets to you.While I was generally a big fan of Dragon Quest IIIs old-school nature mixed with the HD-2D Remakes modern improvements, there are a couple of places it could have gone a few extra steps. Inventory management is clunky, as each of your four party members only has access to their individual item bags in combat, meaning I spent a ton of time in menus transferring items from the partys overall inventory to their individual pockets. Managing equipment comes with similar annoyances, where its just a bit harder than it should be to see how equipping something will impact each characters stats. I eventually got into a rhythm of how to fiddle with these outdated menus, but its one place I wish had gotten more updating. (There are also just a few enemy designs that havent aged especially well, and probably would have been better left in the past.)

This article contains Silo season 2 spoilers through episode 2.Adapting a story from one medium to another is never an easy task. There are usually some things glossed over, some things changed, and some things left out entirely. But as long as the heart of the narrative is still there, theres a lot that an audience is willing to forgive in most cases. Based on the Silo book series beginning with Wool by Hugh Howey, season 2 of Silo is not a perfect adaptation by any means. It differs from the books more than the previous season did, though not in a bad way at all. However, even though this season may not be an exact replica of the story told in the novels, it still manages to give an unexpected nod to the book series that inspired it.Season 2 continues where season 1 left off and adapts the latter half of the book Wool. This section of the book differs from the others in that once Juliette leaves the silo, the chapters go back and forth between her silo (Silo 18) and the nearly-abandoned one she discovers (Silo 17). Each chapter focuses on a silo at a time, often forcing the reader to wait a couple of chapters to find out what happens next to Juliette in Silo 17 or to the growing rebellion in Silo 18.Similarly, season 2 of Silo begins the same way. Episode 1 focuses solely on Juliette fighting for her survival as she finds her way into Silo 17. The second episode then takes us back to Silo 18 for the entirety of the episode.During a press day for season 2, Den of Geek asked Silo showrunner Graham Yost whether or not this was an intentional homage to the books, or just a happy accident that came along as they were developing the story this season. It was a happy accident in that we decided to start the season that way, Yost says. We do get into things toward the end and youll eventually see the final episode where we are going, bang, bang, bang. But the big thing was, we quickly decided in the writers room that we wanted to start with Juliette.Read more According to Yost, the writers had a crazy idea about following the structure of the book and alternating episodes for four or five episodes, but ultimately realized that it could become annoying to have a television show formatted that way. But even if they couldnt do it for all of the episodes, they could do it for the first two, and then settle into just a regular story where were going back and forth between these two [silos].Its often challenging to adapt formatting elements across mediums, like gameplay from video games, or in this case the chapter structure from a book, without it feeling odd or out of place in the new medium. By using the first two episodes as chapters, however, Yost and the season 2 writers came up with a fun and unexpected way to pay homage to the books without making it feel forced or unnatural to watch as a TV show.Yost says that author Hugh Howey and his wife Shea love the season, and thats the best review we can get. Just because a story might change slightly as its adapted, doesnt mean that the heart of the original isnt still there, and this nod to Wool in Silo is further proof of that.New episodes of Silo season 2 premiere Fridays on Apple TV+, culminating with the final on January 17, 2025.

Banijay is partnering with Twisted Comics to create a series of comic books inspired by hit dystopian anthology series Black Mirror.David Christopher, Director of Licensing & Merchandising for Banijay Rights, whose team brokered the deal, said: Black Mirror needs no introduction as one of televisions uniquely engrossing brands. The shows unpredictable and unexpected episodes will be a perfect fit for this visionary comic book series, which were in no doubt will appeal to a whole new dimension of fans. Id encourage fans to get registering now to keep updated on the comics developments and release.Read more at Banijay.comRene Zellweger is excited to be doing another Bridget Jones movie, but shes sad her character is moving beyond a key relationship.The fourth Bridget Jones film will be the first without a significant role for [Colin] Firth though, as the trailer indicates, his spirit may pop up on occasion. It was a big change for the series leading star. Its so peculiar because of the connection to this character Ive come to love, Zellweger tells Empire in the 2025 Preview issue. I love him. I love this person that Colin plays when we get together again. And I was heartbroken.Read more at EmpireStar Trek captains get plenty of attention and a fair amount of scrutiny from fans, but one unsung hero in the lineup is Captain Freeman of Lower Decks.Since the debut of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lewis has played Captain Carol Freeman with a mixture of heroism and exasperation in equal measure. In other words, Freeman might be the most realistic of the canonical Trek captains to date. But shes also quietly the most historic.Wicked gives us the secret origin of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Our friends at the Does it Fly? podcast from Roddenberry Entertainment dive a little deeper into what makes her so unique.Read more at InverseAlien: Romulus director Fede Alvarez is eyeing a sequel, and is ready to helm for the franchise again once the right story comes along.[Says Alvarez:] We definitely want to do it. The studio wants to do it. I want to do it. I think with sequels, its always about finding the right story. Me and Rodo [Sayagues], my co-writer, we have some ideas, but its not until we find something that we go Ok, that is a movie worth making that we really embark on it. So thats the process we are in right now, trying to find a story that is worthy of everyones time and is worthy of the title.Read more at GizmodoWicked isnt the only musical coming out this weekend, but Netflixs Spellbound doesnt quite have the same magic.It is without any wonder or whimsy, the animation all looking rather flat to the eye rather than bursting with depth that takes the breath away. Instead, it is capped off by a derivative dad joke only one of the many ways Spellbound is unable to emerge free from the shadow cast by several other superior works, though it best betrays the films ultimate lack of imagination it never overcomes.Read more at The Wrap

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Lets jump in!Neon BloodMeridiem Games S.L.Get it nowNeon Blood November 26Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryThe year is 2053. The world as we know it came to an end in a war lost to time. Now, only inequality remains, in the form of Viridis, the great city that encompasses the dangerous Blind City and the luxurious Bright City. As former police detective Axel McCoin, you will become the key piece to unmask a plot of corruption and power that plagues the unstable peace of Viridis.Nine SolsRed Candle GamesGet it nowNine Sols November 26Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer with Sekiro-inspired, deflection-based combat. Embark on a journey through an Asia-inspired fantasy world, explore a land once ruled by an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero on a quest to slay the 9 Solsthe powerful rulers of this forsaken realm.Tribe: Primitive BuilderPlayWay S.A.Get it nowTribe: Primitive Builder November 27Optimized for Xbox Series X|SYou are pulled out of the water by a masked native. With his help, you begin a journey into the depths of a mysterious island. Face the challenges that await you and uncover yet undiscovered places like a dangerous volcano, mysterious figures, and mystical tribes. What will you do to survive?SokoNatureOld School VibesGet it nowSokoNature November 27The game has 50 levels, with increasing difficulty and the introduction of new mechanics as the player progresses. Players can have three distinct sizes: small, medium, and large, growing whenever they collect a seed and shrink one size when they take damage (see board tiles/enemies). If the character takes damage when small, the game ends.Beyond HanwellSteel Arts Software Ltd$29.99Pre-orderBeyond Hanwell November 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|SStep back into Hanwell and discover the world beyond it, set in the deeper parts of London. Explore a rich, atmospheric take on Westminster and its various Locations, filled with lore and secrets to discover as you scavenge scarce supplies like weapons and ammo as you utilize the environment in creative ways to take out the Anomolies in a frantic effort to simply survive.Death ElevatorQUByte InteractiveGet it nowDeath Elevator November 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryEnter the relentless world of Death Elevator, a sleek, low-poly FPS where every decision matters and every encounter could be your last. With a one-hit death mechanic and dynamic slow-motion, each battle demands precision and quick reflexes. Ascend through randomized floors, battling waves of enemies with ever-changing weapons, as you unravel the mystery behind the elevator.Glitch HeroArtax GamesGet it nowGlitch Hero November 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play AnywhereShow your logical skills and quick mind to help Ada save Codeland by defeating enemies and clear dungeons in this fun and thrilling action adventure full of logical puzzles, loops, and fun visual algorithms suited for players of all ages.MXGP 24: The Official GameNacon$59.99Pre-orderMXGP 24: The Official Game November 28After a 3-year break, the official game of the MXGP is back. All the official bikes and 20 tracks of the 2024 calendar await to give you the full championship experience. Over 50 riders are available, including those from official teams like Red Bull KTM, Red Bull GasGas, Monster Energy Yamaha, Honda HRC, Kawasaki, Nestaan Husqvarna, Monster Energy Triumph, Fantic and Beta MRT.Penguin's RoadPenguin Bros. Inc.$7.99Pre-orderPenguins Road November 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryThe Battle of Penguins Road is a fast and fun 3rd-person action shooter. The player is given an arsenal of weapons and tools to defeat enemies that attack from the land, sea and air. Master run-and-gun, cover-shooting, long aims, close blasts, melee and commanding tanks for victory!RavenswatchNacon$29.99Pre-orderRavenswatch November 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA top-down rogue-like action game in which you play as heroes of tales and legends that must slay hordes of nightmarish creatures in nerve-racking fights. After the success of Curse of the Dead Gods, Passtech Games returns with an improved formula and a compelling game experience with endless replay value. It can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op.ReactorX 3Ternox$4.99Pre-orderReactorX3 November 28A relaxing puzzle game where players work to restore the energy systems of a damaged spaceship. The main objective is to move reactors and activate the power grid, solving directional and color-based challenges. The game introduces new levels and obstacles that add depth while keeping the series accessible and easy-to-pick-up gameplay.Cursed FeedPlaystige InteractiveGet it nowCursed Feed November 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryEmbark on a chilling journey with the Thornvale family as they confront a malevolent force unleashed by their own patriarchs archaeological discoveries. With each passing night, the family is tormented by terrifying apparitions and escalating paranormal activity, leading them to unravel dark secrets buried within the walls of their own home.Find Love Or Die TryingRatalaika Games S.L.$12.99Get it nowFind Love or Die Trying November 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryWelcome to Find Love or Die Trying, a dating show where ending up single means ending up dead! Will you find love, or only score a date with death?Fly CorpKlabaterGet it nowFly Corp November 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryExplore nearly 180 territories and tens of thousands of cities. Build airports anywhere and start transporting passengers globally. Adapt your strategy to different regions: shorter routes are easier to manage in places like Europe, while long-distance connections in vast areas will require careful planning due to higher costs.Furious BikersRatalaika Games S.L.Get it nowFurious Bikers November 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryBlast through 30 high-intensity action-packed racetracks as you compete to be the fastest in every contest. Catch bursts of speed while avoiding slippery banana peels. Grab bottles of nitro to build up your vehicle speed. Collect coins to trade in for stylish new custom skins from the in-game store. Dodge punches and kicks and outrun opponents on different tracks around the world. The big Furious Biker trophy awaits you.Pure Mini GolfGametry LLCGet it nowPure Mini Golf November 29Enjoy over 50 unique levels, each with its own set of obstacles, twists, and turns. Its simple controls make it a snap to learn from the outset and through its three modes, youll soon go from fledgling to master putter.Shines Over: The DamnedFirenut Games$14.99Pre-orderShines Over: The Damned November 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryShines Over: The Damned will take you into a unique experimental horror experience in first person, where your senses will be tested and your reality questioned. You have no name, no memory, no weapons. There are no friends to protect you. You are alone except for your faithful German Shepherd dog, who will guide you through this dark world and stay by your side.

SummaryStar Wars Outlaws first story pack, Wild Card, is available today on Xbox Series X|S, featuring a high-stakes game of Kessel Sabacc.The Kessel Sabacc table aboard the casino cruiser Morenia is slightly larger with a slightly different set of rules compared to other tables across the galaxy. Learn those differences now and start preparing your strategy.Developer Thibaut Machin gives insider tips on the best cheats to use and intel to gather to knock out your opponents and win the grand prize.Star Wars Outlaws first story pack, Wild Card, is out now for Xbox Series X|S. To access the story pack, players need to complete the Gunsmith quest as well as The High Roller quest for Lando Calrissian.In Wild Card, Kay Vess is tasked by Tosharas own Governor Thorden with infiltrating a high-stakes Kessel Sabacc game and winning a coveted prize only to find out another, secret game is being played in the underworld. This game of Kessel Sabacc is only part of the adventures that await in Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card. However, the game is invite-only, so Kay will have to use her scoundrel charm and wit to locate and find a way into the game.The basics of Kessel Sabacc remain the same in Wild Card: youll face off against opponents and draw blood and sand cards to see who can piece together the winning hand. Each round consists of three turns, and once youre out of chips to draw new cards, youre out.However, this high-stakes iteration of Kessel Sabacc will look a little different from the Sabacc tables players are used to. Protocol Droid EY-E9 is the host of the event and the owner of the casino cruiser Morenia, where the game takes place. She sets the house rules, one of which is that shift tokens are banned. Shift tokens are typically a tool for Kessel Sabacc players to give themselves the upper hand at the table, or devastate an opponents strategy. However, EY-E9 wants to ensure every player has a fair shot to win, so no shift tokens are allowed at her table.Cheating, on the other hand, is still possible (provided you can get away with it). The three primary cheats in Star Wars Outlaws are using magnetic dice, Lando Calrissians double draw trick (which allows you to draw two cards instead of one), and spying on opponents hands with Nix. However, in Wild Card, Nix wont be able to be the usual extra set of eyes for Kay. The game takes place in an open, lively environment with a crowd watching, making it difficult for Nix to sneak behind players unnoticed. However, that doesnt mean the beloved merqaal cant help Kay out. In Wild Card, Nix has a new cheat up his furry sleeve: the ability to plant cards on other players in the hopes that EY-E9 catches them cheating and ejects them from the game.Another new Kessel Sabacc element in Wild Card is that the other players will also be able to use cheats of their own to gain an advantage at the table. Its up to Kay to pay attention to their actions, and their dialogue with one another, to catch them in the act and surreptitiously alert EY-E9 to their antics. This will make the droid more suspicious of those players, and will often lead to their ejection from the game.Speaking of other players, Kay will have to outwit more of them in Wild Card. Across the galaxy, Kay typically encounters four-person tables, with herself and three opponents playing at one table. On the casino cruiser Morenia, there are six total players at the table. EY-E9 will also oversee the table, to announce whats happening to the audience, interact with the players, and keep an eye out for cheating.To help players craft their best strategy for victory in Wild Cards twist on Kessel Sabacc, we spoke to Thibaut Machin, game director at Ubisoft Paris, about how to handle these new rules and win big.Double DrawThe double draw technique, the expert skill players learn from Lando, is crucial in this game, says Machin. Typically, in a game, players would use double draw for a better chance at pulling a favorable card, then use double discard to discreetly return the extra card to the deck before getting found out. Machin advises players to use the double draw cheat, then pair it with Nixs new card-planting ability instead of discarding the bonus card. Not only will you get to keep the better card for your hand, but youll get a chance to have one of the other players kicked out.Gather IntelAccording to Machin, players will need to explore the Morenia to find a way into the game, and players should keep their eyes peeled for useful pieces of information about the others at the Sabacc table.During that investigation, there are many clues to find about the other players, which will help you know how they cheat during the game, says Machin. If you collect those clues, youll be able to act during the game to expose them.Have a Good ReputationMany of the syndicates will be onboard the Morenia, having received an invitation to the Kessel Sabacc game from EY-E9. In addition to adding flavor to the casino cruiser, these syndicate representatives will be key for Kay to find her seat at the table. According to Machin, Kay will either ally with or betray them, but having a good reputation with the syndicates will help Kay navigate the cruiser, and will make things easier in the story pack.Take Your TimeThe best tip I can give is not to rush, says Machin. With so much happening at the table, its safer to play carefully and avoid acting too quickly. Also, paying close attention to the table dynamics is crucial to stay ahead.He goes on to describe that a common strategy for players is to immediately spend chips to draw a better hand, but in Wild Card, the game will last for more rounds, and players will only have eight chips. Its better to use discretion when spending chips to draw cards, as well as paying close attention to your opponents banter and interactions.Lando has a few funny lines that I really like, as do the others, says Machin. The mood is pretty intense for the player, so theyre meant to make it more lively.Play Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card today on Xbox Series X|S! Theres more content coming to the game, so stay tuned to Star Wars Outlaws official channels on Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter), and here on Xbox Wire.

The job of stringing lights on your tree is no joke, and unless you have a team of elves to help you out, youre likely all on your own to figure out an easy way to put lights on a Christmas tree. But even though this tedious task can be a headache, oh, the rewards! That glow of a real Christmas tree (or an artificial Christmas tree!) can downright take your breath away!Chances are youve been hanging lights on your tree the way your parents did. But, believe it or not, there are a few different ways to light a Christmas tree. Online and off, questions abound: Do you hang Christmas tree lights horizontally or vertically? Do you go top-to-bottom, or bottom-to-top? Do you put lights on a Christmas tree before anything else? (For the record, we say definitely yes to this!)Before you start doubting (or changing) your stringing technique, we have some good news: There really is no right or wrong way to light your tree. If your method of outfitting your tree suits you, stick with ityou have no reason to change! But if youre new to decorating or dreading the seems-so-hard task, and wonder, What is the easiest way to put lights on a Christmas tree? we have the answers for you. Below, our tips on several great ways to hang Christmas lights on your tree. Jump to:Becky Luigart-StaynerTip: In general, plan for about 100 Christmas lights per foot; a 6-foot tree would get 600 lights.Start With the Perfect Tree:How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights Horizontally Nico De Pasquale Photography//Getty ImagesHanging Christmas lights horizontally is the most widely used technique when it comes to decorating the tree. Its pretty self-explanatory, but if this is your first time hanging lights, youll want to follow these directions:First, plug in each set of lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. (This will save you a lot of stress later.)Starting at the top or bottom of your tree (depending solely on preferencesee below), wrap the lights over and under the branches of the tree, moving around the tree and slowly either up or down.Mix things up by placing some lights deeper into the tree than others, and by alternating the patterns so that it looks more organic. Get creative with it, and have fun!Tip: When you have to connect plugs, hide the eyesore by fastening the area to a branch with floral wire.How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights VerticallyThe vertical approach to hanging Christmas tree lights is a trend that started circulating a few years ago and Country Livings Managing Editor Amy Mitchell says switching to this technique has been life-changing! It is so much easier and more manageable, says Amy. No more carrying that bundle of lights while moving the ladder around and around the tree. Bonus: It's a whole lot easier to take them down once the holiday's over! Try this for outdoor Christmas light displays too. Heres how to hang: Plug in each strand of lights to make sure all the bulbs are in working order.Start with the plugless end of your lights at the top or bottom of the tree and let the lights lay vertically like a seam.Each time you reach the top or bottom, turn the lights back the other way until you have a sideways S pattern around the whole tree. For best results, Amy recommends hanging the lights in a back and forth S-like pattern, rather than a straight U, to prevent stripes.Tip: Try to avoid any obvious pattern or spiral; you want the lights to look natural. RELATED: The Enduring Love Story Behind the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree How to Hang Christmas Lights Top to Bottom Catherine McQueen//Getty Images I string my lights from top to bottom because your plug is at the end of the strand and closer to the bottom of the tree and outlet, says The Home Depots Director of Trend and Design Sarah Fishburne, making a solid case for this method. Plus, she says, if you run out of lights, its easier to spread them out this wayand its easier to add more lights to the bottom versus the top of the tree. Heres how to do: Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches.Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well.When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tree.If you want to add more lights, simply do another pass, starting again at the top and working your way down.Tip: Make sure you wrap the lights loosely on each branch for the best overall affect.How to Hang Christmas Lights Bottom to Topmartinedoucet//Getty ImagesThe Home DepotChristmas lights bottom to top because she can plug the lights in first. It makes it easier to see what the lit tree will look like as Im stringing the lights, she says. End up with extra lights at the top? Just wind them back down the tree for extra glow. And if you run out of light, simply start a new string and run an extension cord down the back of the tree. Heres how to do it: Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the bottom, zig zag Christmas tree lights through the tree in quadrants, section by section, versus around the tree.Place some lights deeper into the branches and place some closer to the front to create depth.Hide the lights connectors by pushing them deep into the tree branches near the trunk.Once you reach the top, you can either tuck the extra lights into the back of the tree or wind the extras back down the tree.Tip: Hang shiny ornaments towards the middle of your tree to reflect the light for more depth.Our Favorite Christmas LightsHoliday String Lights, 25 CountNow 20% Off$69 $55 at schoolhouse.comTwinkly Strings App-Controlled LED String LightsNow 41% Off$200 $117 at AmazonSYLVANIA Mini Christmas Lights, ClearNow 11% Off$18 $16 at AmazonColorful Christmas LightsNow 20% Off$18 $14 at AmazonJoiedomi 7-Strand Old-Fashioned Bubble String LightsNow 46% Off$28 $15 at Amazon24 Reviews Cherry Light Strings$69 at Balsam HillNow for the Decorating! Here Are Our Favorite Ideas to Get You Started:Alison AllsoppAlison Allsopp is the Style and Market Editor at Country Living.

Perched on a hilltop in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, the 2024 Whole Home isn't just a pretty faceit's an eco-savvy sanctuary with leafy nature-preserve views. The 4,000-square-foot contemporary mountain retreat is nestled within a conservation-focused community called Sprout on a private preserve in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Inside, environmentally friendly systems and design elements work to conserve energy throughout. And when you look beyond the house's energy-efficient status and bucolic locale, you also find thoughtful decor and final flourishes that make the interiors feel alive. While many magazine-worthy rooms are more inspiring than attainable, our House Beautiful team took a different approach to developing this home's look and feel. By partnering with 11 talented design teams from across the country, we've made every space shoppable, so you can get the building blocks of the overall sense of laid-back luxury delivered right to your doorstep. Much of the room's decorative accents (from plant stands to mirrors) and furniture (including accent chairs and dining tables) was sourced from Wayfair Professional, which provides design professionals access to an unrivaled selection of items. With exclusive Pro Pricing - offering up to 15% off plus an additional 10% off across the Wayfair network of specialty brands AllModern, Joss & Main, and Birch Lane - as well as 360-degree support from a dedicated team and access to luxury brand Perigold. Read on to see what the designers handpicked for their respective rooms. Lower PatioCofounders of the Curated Nest Erin Coren and Lina Galvo sought inspiration from some far-flung destinations for the home's three separate patios. For the lower one, the team channeled the old-world aesthetic of Italy's Lake Como, combining raffia-wrapped chairs, striped chaise longues, and a row of stone pedestals crafted from natural travertine as plant stands to create the overall effect. 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Charlton Home Rodman Mortar and Pestle SetSHOP AT WAYFAIR PROFESSIONALPlayroomIn the playroom, Byron Risdon experimented with color and pattern, incorporating a palette of rich blues and yellows. Accessories like puzzle-piece bookends and a balloon-animal sculpture up the ante on the fun. Ivy Bronx Jakila Balloon Animal Dog Sculpture DecorSHOP AT WAYFAIR PROFESSIONALGarageThe Iron House Design team of Jim and Tanya Ryno transformed the garage into a multi-use space that includes a home gym. Decorative accessories that nod to the outdoorsy locationlike a pair of novelty canoe-oar paddleskeep the space feeling more like a considered room than a mere utilitarian annex. Dovecove Wood Novelty Canoe Oar Paddle Home Wall Decor SHOP AT WAYFAIR PROFESSIONALNot a Wayfair Professional member? Join for free and discover even more member benefits.