Join our charity auction here!Den of Geek invites you to an unforgettable evening of comics, community, and charity as it hosts another live auction this Saturday, Nov. 23 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. Streaming on eBay Live, this exciting event will be broadcast straight from the convention floor at Big Apple Con in New York City, a fitting location for this milestone celebration of comic book culture.Supporting our friends at the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC) and the First Responders Childrens Foundation, the auction will feature a stunning array of rare and collectible comic books spanning the golden and silver ages of comics from the 1960s through the 1980s. Among the items up for bid are sought-after titles like Toxic Avenger #10 (CGC Grade 9.6), Moon Knight #1 (CGC Grade 9.4), Star Wars #6 (CGC Grade 9.6), Iron Fist #1 (CGC Grade 9.2), Sub-Mariner #6 (CGC Grade 9.4), and Uncanny X-Men #266 (CGC Grade 9.2). Some of the items up for grabs are even signed!The comics in this weekends auction were donated by some of the biggest characters at the conventionlong-time collectors and experts from New Yorks vibrant comics community, ensuring each piece carries a legacy as rich as its history. Other items will be on the auction block as well, including a pair of remastered, X-Men-branded Gel-Lyte III shoes from Kith & ASICS, which will go to one lucky bidder, complete with a set of Kith for Upper Deck trading cards of random rarity.The event will also feature an impressive lineup of special guests, including comics writers, illustrators, convention organizers, and a comics historian who will provide fascinating commentary and context about the treasures being auctioned. These guest appearances promise to enrich the experience with stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the comic book world, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and collectors alike.Proceeds from this extraordinary auction will benefit two incredible causes. The Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting booksellers and comic shop employees during challenging times. By participating in the auction, you will not only have the chance to own a piece of comic book history but also contribute to a cause that helps keep the industry thriving. First Responders Childrens Foundation provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Childrens Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large. You can learn more about their mission here.This is a unique opportunity to celebrate the art and culture of comics while making a meaningful impact. Be sure to join Den of Geek on Nov. 23 on eBay Live at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT for a night of fun, bidding, and giving back to the community.

SummaryBlindfires Race to Kill update launches November 21 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows.This action-packed update introduces the Kill Race game mode, two expansive maps, new weapons, and competitive leaderboards.Gear up for nonstop thrills and jump into the neon-lit battlegrounds of Blindfire!The wait is over Race to Kill, the first major content update coming to Blindfire, is set to launch November 21 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows. Packed with exciting new features, modes, and weapons; this update is the first exciting step towards the full Blindfire experience. Whether youre a seasoned pro or new to the battlefield, Race to Kill offers something for you.From a bloodthirsty new game mode to unique weapons and competitive leaderboards, heres everything you need to know about whats coming in Blindfires Race to Kill update.Leap into Action in Kill RaceThe centerpiece of the Race to Kill update is our new game mode Kill Race, and its team-based variant, Team Kill Race. A fast-paced, deathmatch-style mode with one goal: reach the kill limit before your opponents do. Featuring dynamic respawns, players can choose their spawn point after surveying the arena carefully and then literally leap back into the action via our retro-futuristic respawn pods.Team Kill Race adds a collaborative element, allowing players to form squads of four and face off against another team in a race to rack up the required kills. These modes are perfect for players looking for nonstop thrills with minimal downtime. Even better, theyre perfect for players new to the pitchblack battlegrounds of Blindfire, so anyone can jump right in and enjoy the action without feeling overwhelmed.Reach New Heights: Two Expansive Maps IncomingKill Race takes place in two brand-new maps, designed to take Blindfires gameplay to new heights. These maps are double the size of the existing Bodycount maps you are used to, and introduce verticality into the mix for the first time.Climb up into the gantries to gain a tactical vantage point high above the battlefield, but beware: even in the dark, youll be completely exposed up there. With more space to explore and creative strategies to employ, these maps open up a world of possibilities for outmaneuvering and outthinking your opponents.Arm Yourself with the Scarab and ImpunityNo content update would be complete without new ways to take the fight to your opponents and light them up! This update introduces two new weapons that bring a fresh dynamic to the battlefield:The Scarab: An automatic pistol with an incredibly rapid fire rate. Unleash a full magazine in the blink of an eye, but understand that youll definitely give away your position while youre at it.The Impunity: A burst-fire shotgun with a unique twist. Each trigger pull fires two consecutive shots. Mastering its recoil is key to maximizing its devastating potential.These weapons cater to different playstyles, whether you prefer precision, bold aggression, or a mix of both. Experiment and find your own edge during the chaos of Kill Race.Chase Glory on the Elite 10 LeaderboardsFor the competitive players out there, Race to Kill introduces The Elite 10s leaderboards, where only the best of the best will be featured. There are three categories to compete for:Total Kills: Prove youre the deadliest player in the arena.Points Scored: Dominate through smart and strategic play.Matches Won: Show your skills by claiming victory time and time again.Climbing these leaderboards wont be easy, but the bragging rights will be worth it. Do you have what it takes to earn a place among the Elite 10?The Future of Blindfire Starts NowThe Race to Kill update isnt just a content drop; its a glimpse into the future of Blindfire. With new modes, maps, weapons, and features, this update reflects our commitment to delivering an exciting and evolving experience for our community during the Game Preview period.As we continue to listen to player feedback and fine-tune the game, were excited to see how youll push the limits of whats possible in the dark, neon-kissed world of Blindfire. Whether youre climbing the leaderboards or diving into Kill Race for the first time, we cant wait to share this next chapter with you.So, mark your calendars for November 21, and gear up for Race to Kill. Well see you in the arena Light them up!Blindfire (Game Preview)Double Eleven Ltd.115$8.99Get it nowFree TrialThis game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game.WEAPONS LIVE, LIGHTS OUTBlindfire is an online multiplayer first-person shooter that takes place in the dark. Set in a shadowy underworld, the ultra-wealthy bet on illicit bloodsports beneath a neon skyline. For contestants lured by the promise of untold riches and unimaginable glory, its kill or be killed.EVERY KILL COUNTSBrave the arena alone or team up in matches of up to 8 players. In Bodycount mode, score the most points over five rapid-fire rounds. Be the last person standing when the lights come on and earn your place in the winners showcase.DANGER LURKS IN THE DARKLight is a rarity in close-quarter arenas riddled with traps for intense firefights. Players must decide where and when to fire at the risk of exposing their position. Hone your senses with the room-scanning Echo mechanic to help you navigate the arena and locate your opponents. REVENGE UNDER THE BLACKLIGHTSWhen defeated, spectators gain access to the arena's cutting-edge night vision cameras. Blacklight reveals the vibrant hues of hidden street art and transforms the slick designs of contestants outfits. The eliminated spectators can assume control of traps in the arena to influence the outcome of the match and exact revenge.LIGHT THEM UPThe pitch-black battlefields of Blindfire turn the first-person shooter genre on its head. Stalk the shadows as the tension builds, then run for cover as the shots start flying in a volley of muzzle flashes. Think youve got what it takes to eliminate the competition in Blindfire? Then grab your weapon and LIGHT THEM UP.Full details on the latest status of the game, how you can give feedback and report issues can be found at https://www.blindfiregame.com/.*PEGI RATING IS PROVISIONAL

Jump to:Youre ready to haul out the vintage star topper, the handmade ornaments, and the twinkle lights. But, wait! Before you bring your live Christmas tree indoors, should you wash it? A viral trend says you absolutely need to wash your tree so that you dont bring any bugs indoors. But does washing your Christmas tree really accomplish anything? Its true that you may have some hitchhikers on your live tree. After all, its a living plant that was growing in the forest or on the Christmas tree farm until recently. But chances are, whatever is hiding in the branches isnt a big deal. The insects that live on Christmas trees are not serious pests that are dangerous to your home or people and pets, says Eric Benson, PhD, professor emeritus and extension entomologist at Clemson University. Its not like youre bringing in bed bugs or pests that cause structural damage to your home on a Christmas tree.Plus, while you may not love the idea of anything riding indoors, these pests are not going to start reproducing indoorsand theyre not going to last long because its too hot and theres no food! The sorts of things that might be on your tree tend to be soft and squishy, like aphids, so they desiccate quickly, says Faith Oi, PhD, entomologist and extension professor at the University of Florida. Anecdotally, theyll probably just dry up within a day or two and die.Related StoriesIf youre still freaked out, read on to learn if you should wash your tree before you bring it indoors:Tetra Images//Getty ImagesWhat Kinds of Bugs Are On Christmas Trees?Depending on where you live, several different types of pests may be found on Christmas trees, according to Benson and Oi: Aphids- Cinara aphids are large, reaching up to -inch. Theyre black or brownish and pear-shaped with long legs, so they get mistaken for ticks. Praying mantis- You may see root beer-like foam on branches, which is an egg case. Stinkbugs- Theyre flat and prehistoric-looking and accidentally hitchhike indoors. Adelgids- These tiny insects feed on tree parts and secrete a white, wooly substance that looks like tree flocking. Spiders- You may see a tiny ball about 3/8 to -inch in diameter, which is an egg case that may hatch baby spiders Spotted lanternfly- You may find this invasive pest's brown egg masses, which resemble mud smears, on the trunk or branches. These may hatch in a few weeks (Read more about spotted lanternflies here)Blake Kent / Design Pics//Getty Images Should You Wash Your Christmas Tree?Despite the fact that some (or none!) of these bugs might be on your tree, washing your tree is probably, well, overkill. Both of our experts say while its probably not harmful if you want to spray it off, its also probably not necessary. In our heated homes and without food, many of these insects are going to die quickly, and you can simply vacuum them up, says Oi. Plus, egg cases of insects, such as spotted lanternfly, are sticky and wont come off without some manual scraping. Finally, for those of us who live in cold climates, the idea of hosing off a Christmas tree isnt practical. Related StoriesWhat to Do Instead of Washing Your TreeIf youre determined not to bring in any bugs (and good luck with that, since its a natural product!), there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of uninvited guests, say Benson and Oi: Have the tree shaken at the tree farm or lot. This will dislodge most of these bugs. Use a leaf blower. This also helps remove some hitchhikers. Inspect your tree, including the trunk, branches and needles. If you see anything that resembles a frothy substance (praying mantis eggs), cut the twig and place it outdoors in a sheltered area so that these beneficials may hatch outdoors in the spring. Look for spotted lanternfly egg cases. If you see brown smears that resemble mud, scrape them off and discard them in a plastic bag because this destructive and invasive species is spreading rapidly. Vacuum up any critters you see. Use a shop vacuum to suck up spiders and aphids (dont squish them; they can stain fabrics). Never use pesticides. These bugs are going to die soon, so its not worth exposing your family and pets to these chemicals.Morgan Campbell//Getty ImagesArricca Elin SanSoneContributing WriterArricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelors degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. Shes passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

Glow Images//Getty ImagesEvery item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Completing home repairs, giving your walls a fresh coat of paint, and deep-cleaning every single room in your house may seem counterintuitive if youre getting ready to move out and dont truly get to enjoy all the fruits of your labor. But the real reward comes when you start receiving full-price offers on your for-sale homeor, better yet, your listing sets off a bidding war between interested buyers and sells over the asking price.Right now, housing experts say that low levels of housing inventory are helping sellers keep an upper hand in the real estate market. But markets vary by city, and even if youre looking to list a home in an area thats considered a sellers market, getting your home in tip-top shape before the For Sale sign is planted in your front yard can help you sell your home quicker and for a higher dollar amount. Here's our checklist of 16 things to do before you list your home for sale, according to real estate experts.Related Stories1. Take a Temperature Check of Your Local Market Check the market to see if there are a lot of active home listings or if homes are getting snapped up soon after they list, says real estate broker Bret Weinstein, CEO and founder of Guide Real Estate in Denver.If homes are moving quickly, it may signal a strong market where you can be more aggressive with pricing, Weinstein says. If not, a competitive price might be necessary to attract offers.Youll work with your agent to conduct a comparative market analysis and watch for changes in nearby listings to stay ahead of trends, he says. It may take you a couple of months to completely prep your home for sale, and the market can experience shifts even during that short period of time. For instance, if interest rates drop, more buyers may jump off the sidelines, bumping up demand and potentially your list price.Related Story2. Hire a Listing AgentA knowledgeable, experienced agent can help handle every aspect of your sale, says Cindy Raney, Global Luxury Property Specialist and founder of Cindy Raney & Team in Fairfield County, Connecticut.Choose an agent who has a strong reputation and local market expertise, she says. Look for one who can provide a comprehensive marketing strategy and has a network to attract serious buyers. Ahead of listing, interview a few agents to find one thats the best fit for your home sale. How much do you think I should list my home for? is the question thats front of mind for most buyers. But its also smart to ask agents about how theyll market your property, ask about commissions, and inquire about what costs theyll pick upsome may be willing to pay for staging or work with photographers that also get video or drone footage for your listing.3. Get a Pre-Inspection of Your HomeSasinT Gallery//Getty ImagesTypically, when you go under contract, the buyers will have a home inspection completed and they may ask you to make repairs that are needed or extend a credit so they can have the fixes completed. If an inspection reveals any big-time repairs, buyers could walk away from the deal and be able to keep their earnest money. This spells trouble for sellers: If your home falls out of contract and hits the market again, it could be a deterrent for future buyers who wonder what kind of problems are lurking. Enter the pre-inspection.Many home sellers don't think about taking this extra step, and some are afraid it may bring up unknowns that they will have to disclose on the sellers disclosure, says Rebecca Donatelli, a Cleveland, Ohiobased Realtor at Sothebys International Realty. For instance, a pre-inspection could reveal that you have a water heater leak and you complete mold remediationyoull need to reveal that on a sellers disclosure. Still, pre-inspections are a good thing, Donatelli says, because they eliminate lots of time and contingencies moving forward. If the inspection report provided is detailed enough, many home buyers may waive their inspection because they already have one, she says.4. Order a Preliminary Title Report When your home goes under contract, youll want smooth sailing to the closing table. Akin to getting a pre-inspection, you can also spend about $200 for a preliminary title report, says Nick Wemyss, a Los Altos, Californiabased real estate specialist at Intero Real Estate Services. This is an optional step for sellers, but reports can uncover any potential title issues that could slow or derail a salethings like liens or easements. If something comes up, youll have time to resolve problems before you list.Related Story5. Improve Curb AppealEnhancing curb appeal can make the home feel more inviting and increase its attractiveness as soon as potential buyers arrive, setting a positive tone before they step inside, Raney says. In fact, curb appeal can help your home sell for 7 percent more, according to a real estate study from the University of Texas at Arlington. Updating your landscaping, adding outdoor lighting, doing paint touchups on the exterior of your home, and power-washing walkways are all ways to up your curb appeal, Raney says. 6. Depersonalize Your SpaceAsiaVision//Getty ImagesThings like personal photos and your favorite sports teams memorabilia can be distracting and make it harder for buyers to imagine the home as their own. A neutral space encourages a sense of belonging for any potential buyers, says Weinstein. His tip: Replace personal photos with simple artwork or mirrors that reflect light, helping to create a more spacious feel.7. Declutter Your Home Not only does decluttering your space cut down on the amount of stuff you have to haul with you when you move out, but it also can help your home look larger and more inviting to potential buyers. After youve depersonalized, you can then start removing excess furniture, furnishings, and knickknacks, says Alexandra Gupta, associate broker at The Corcoran Group in Brooklyn, New York. If you dont have the budget for a stager, she recommends investing in a few key pieces like neutral-colored throw pillows or a clean, modern rug to help set your listing apart.Related Story8. Strategize With Your Listing Agent on Updates Ask your real estate agent for recommendations on updates and upgrades that could boost your homes market appeal and increase the sale price, says Laura Heigl, an Indiana-based real estate broker with Century 21 Scheetz and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.Its important to detach emotionally from the process and allow professionals to work their magic, Heigl says. The goal is to appeal to the largest number of buyers possible. As a general rule, avoid dollar-for-dollar spending on improvements, she says. For example, $5,000 spent on painting should yield more than $5,000 in sale value.Starting several months before listing will give you time to collect bids and hire contractors, Heigl says. (Bonus: Your real estate agent likely has strong referrals). Some upgrades might include repainting cabinets instead of replacing them or updating the cabinet pulls, recaulking grout in tiled areas, and having carpets professionally cleaned.If youre working with a stager (more on that below) make sure they have experience in your market and prioritize cost-effective, value-boosting updates, Heigl says.Generally speaking, though, cosmetic improvements that maximize value often include replacing, updating, or refinishing kitchen and bathroom finishes and flooring, says Broker Tate Kelly of Coldwell Banker Warburg. New, neutral, and relatively high-quality finishes, even if they are minor changes, can make a huge difference when appealing to a prospective buyer, he says. These small improvements make the home look newer than it might actually be, and buyers notice these sorts of details, which leads them to think the home is in mint condition and well-maintained. Related Story9. Do a 'Smell Test' When you live in a home day after day for many years, certain smells don't stand out as much to you, Donatelli says. But to a potential home buyer, if the smell is off-putting, that could be enough for them to walk away, she says. Have a third-party, unbiased person like your real estate agent come in and give their opinion. Fresh paint, removing old carpets, airing out the property, and setting up an air purifier can all help neutralize odors, she says. But avoid lighting candles during the showings because it's a fire hazard, Donatelli says. 10. Fix Scuff MarksTake a Magic Eraser throughout the entire house to get rid of scuff marks, Donatelli recommends.While repainting is a great idea for a refresh or to neutralize a home, it's not always necessary, she says. A melamine foam sponge like a Magic Eraser will do wonders for scratch marks and scuffs, and you can buy a pack for under $10.11. Give Your Home a Fresh Paint Job Fancy/Veer/Corbis//Getty ImagesIf you do decide to paint, the general rule is to opt for neutral wall colors that will help buyers envision making the house their own, says Michele Molitor, managing broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43 North. You may want to go this route if you have any of these paint colors that experts say devalue your home.Touring model homes can provide inspiration for current trends and color schemes, she says.Related Story12. Stage Your HomeStaging your home creates an inviting, aspirational look, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves in the space rather than being distracted by personal belongings or clutter, Weinstein says. A professional stager knows how to highlight a homes best features and create a layout that makes rooms look bigger and more functional, he says. The staged spaces that have the highest influence on homebuyers include the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen, according to research from the National Association of Realtors. Work with a stager to decide what items to keep, remove, or rearrange. Aim for a balance between lived-in and showroom, Weinstein says. 13. Get Your Home Ready for Photos Deep-clean right before photos, including your windows, Weinstein says. Replace all lighting with higher-watt bulbs with a consistent hue, and schedule interior photos either mid-morning or early afternoon to take advantage of the best light.Cleanliness in photos reflects the care and upkeep of the home, while bright, well-lit spaces look more inviting and spacious, he says. Consistent lighting also helps create a cohesive look in every room. Related Story14. Create a Home Maintenance BookA well-documented history of home maintenance and upgrades gives potential buyers some extra confidence in the care and condition of your home, says Ashley DeHart, a realtor in Clovis, California. It can also streamline the buying process by answering questions buyers might have about the home's past.Gather all receipts, warranties, and manuals for appliances and systems. Include a timeline of significant renovations or repairs, she recommends. This book can be presented during showings.15. Gather Your HOA DocumentsIf you live in a neighborhood that's governed by a homeowners association, start gathering the documents as you'll likely need to provide the buyers with copies of covenants and a recent financial statement. While you don't need to have all of these in hand by the time you list your house, it's a good idea to get the ball rolling in case you need to request them from a management company. Related Story16. Determine the Appropriate List PricePricing the home correctly is key to attracting serious buyers and avoiding prolonged time on the market, Weinstein says. A competitive price generates immediate interest and ultimately maximizes the sellers return. If you price your home too high, you may have to do price cuts and savvy buyers will look at the number of days your home has been on the market to negotiate lower offers.Rely on a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and your agents local knowledge to determine a strategic price, Weinstein says. Homes priced correctly from the start often see the highest buyer engagement and avoid the pitfalls of multiple price reductions, he says.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Whether youre on the hunt for new artwork for your bedroom or eager to find the most unique piece to gift your art enthusiast friendyou can never go wrong with shopping on Etsy. While the online marketplace has a wealth of handmade, customizable items to shop from, their art selection cant be beaten.Etsy can be extremely affordable. Whether you are an emerging collector, an art enthusiast, or someone looking to invest in artwork to enhance the personality and character of your space, Etsy is a great choice, says Terri Henderson, Baltimore Beat Arts and Culture editor and independent art curator. The vast array of choices fits nearly any design dilemma you could haveand it's unlikely you'll encounter the same piece in someone else's home. They offer a diverse range of original works and prints that would make valuable additions to any collection at various price points. We asked serious art collectors and interior designers where they score hidden gems on Etsy, and their responses have us immediately wanting to fill our carts and plan our next living room redo. Featuring everything from abstract and botanical paintings to portraits and handmade prints, here are some of the best places to buy art on Etsy.More home essentials to shop:

Amsterdam-based startup Skytree is set to deploy its carbon-sucking machines on a newly announced carbon capture and storage project in Texas, US.Dubbed Project Concho, the $100mn Direct Air Capture (DAC) plant aims to initially vacuum up 30,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually, eventually scaling to 500,000 tonnes. This carbon will be permanently stored underground, on site.The facility is set to enter operation in 2028, a Skytree representative told TNW via email.Project Concho is masterminded by carbon capture developers Return Carbon, from the Netherlands, and Verified Carbon, from Texas. They will generate revenue from the plant by selling carbon credits to companies looking to offset their emissions. The partners have chosen Skytree to do the carbon vacuum cleaning. Founded in 2014, Skytrees technology is based on the carbon scrubbers used aboard the International Space Station, which remove the excess CO2 produced from the breath of astronauts.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Skytree makes two machines: Cumulus, for small-scale applications and an industrial-scale machine called Stratus. Project Concho will deploy dozens of these units in unison, to make one single hub.Project Concho is a first-of-its-kind collaboration that opens the door to even more ambitious and transformative carbon removal projects, said Elena Nikonova, VP of Skytrees recently opened offices in the US and Canada.The developers plan to power the hub using an onsite wind farm, built by Spanish energy firm Greenalia. This would make it the worlds first DAC project fully powered by wind energy, they said.A symbiotic relationship?Project Concho marks a rare collaboration between a DAC facility and a wind energy provider, but one that could become a blueprint for future facilities.The carbon capture plant guarantees it will consistently buy wind energy, giving the wind farm a stable customer and predictable revenue. In return, the DAC plant gets low-cost, renewable energy, which is crucial for reducing the high operational costs of large-scale carbon capture. This agreement also ensures energy price stability and flexibility, making it easier for both partners to plan and grow efficiently.Alexandre Alonso, SVP of Business Development at Greenalia, called this a game-changer for renewable energy projects.Projecto Concho comes amid a boom in carbon capture projects in the US, partly driven by generous government subsidies. Last month, the Biden-Harris Administration, announced plans to provide up to $1.8bn in funding to support DAC technologies. This builds on the 45Q tax credit laid out in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The incentive provides up to $180 per metric ton of CO2 captured and stored.The US continues to demonstrate growing demand for proven, cost-effective, scalable DAC technology driven by the needs of industry and with the backing by government, said Skytrees CEO Rob van Straten. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

AirPods 4 are here, and they are awesome. As a pair of on-ear wireless earbuds, they are really hard to fault. I have used AirPods 2 for the past five years skipping the third-generation model due to fit concerns and AirPods 4 are what I have been waiting for. The new AirPods are available in two models: $129, or $179 with Active Noise Cancellation. I have the ANC buds and Im thrilled with them, but I predict even the base model is going to drive a lot of sales this holiday season. Considering the entire AirPods line, the AirPods Pro are obviously still king. The silicone tips form a perfect seal with your ear, which yields the best conditions for sound quality and noise cancellation. However, I have never felt comfortable wearing AirPods Pro, or most in-ear headphones for that matter. The pressure of the silicone tips inside my ear has never felt comfortable.Although the Pros will always win on sound quality and feature set, the style of the tips will mean they are always off-limits to me. I had accepted that tradeoff of ergonomics, and figured Id always be on the lesser track in terms of raw functionality. Noise cancellationWhile that remains true, AirPods 4 get closer to the Pros than ever before. Rewind a year and if someone told me that Apples standard earbuds would support active noise cancellation, I would have said you were crazy. And yet AirPods with ANC are here, and it is surprisingly good.Ive been using AirPods 4 for the last three days, and I am amazed by how much sound these buds can isolate and cancel out. In most cases, a particular sound is still audible while in the Noise Cancellation mode, but the sound is dramatically reduced. My gaming PC beneath my desk has three large fans that run to cool the GPU. In an otherwise silent room, you can hear them run constantly. With AirPods in my ears and ANC active, I couldnt confidently say if the PC was turned on, without looking for the status LED on the case. They are similarly effective at cancelling the low hums and whirrs of my office desk fan.I had similar success when testing ANC outside. Walking down the street, my footsteps are quietened, the chatter of other people is made barely audible, and the noise of a plane flying overhead was almost silenced entirely. Even the roar of a passing cars engine is reduced remarkably well. I couldnt quite believe it. I would toggle ANC off to confirm that, yes, the engine noise is normally overwhelmingly loud as they rush by. With ANC on, the noise is dampened so much, almost like the sound of grains of rice being poured into a bowl. With music playing at a regular, comfortable volume, all but the loudest environment noise becomes nigh-inaudible with ANC active.Some sounds, especially if sharp or higher pitch, will break through the AirPods 4 ANC system. Heavy rain was made quieter, but only a bit. The drone of a passing helicopter was pretty loud, too. Its these kind of situations where the Pros can perform better, taking advantage of the passive cancellation and isolation properties provided by their physical seals. When ANC is active, I can perceive a feeling of pressure in my inner ear. You can also catch occasional noise cancellation artefacts in the AirPods 4 rendering, akin to a continuous light breeze or whooshing sensation. This is probably because Apple needs to drive the algorithms very hard to compensate for their open-to-the-world buds design. I dont think I will keep ANC (or the Adaptive mode) enabled on my AirPods full-time, as I like being able to hear the world around me. But, situationally, its a great feature to have. One of the motivating reasons for me upgrading was to use ANC when I mow my garden lawn. With older AirPods, I would have to turn up my music or podcast to 100% volume to just about be able to hear it over the sound of the mower. With AirPods 4, I can long-press on the stem to turn ANC on in a pinch, and cut the grass and comfortably enjoy what I am listening to at the same time. The noise cancellation does not remove the sound of the mower entirely, but it dampens it enough so that I could listen to my podcast, without going above 30% volume.For what its worth, I find Transparency mode to be redundant on AirPods 4. I can hear just fine with all noise control modes disabled. Out of the box, pressing the force sensor on the stem toggles between the Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. I changed it in the settings to switch between Noise Cancellation and Off. I dont get value out of the Transparency mode, and I assume having no noise control running saves some battery. Sound quality and fitLeft: AirPods 2. Right: AirPods 4.Regarding sound quality, I think AirPods 4 are noticeably better than AirPods 2, and slightly best AirPods 3. Everything sounds balanced and clear, with a twinge more bass than you might expect given the tiny size of the speaker drivers. (The encapsulating Pros will still have the best sound, of course, as no frequencies can escape your ear canal with those.)I know some people detest it, but I love listening to spatial songs from Apple Music through the AirPods 4. You get a really convincing sensation of being engulfed in the music. If you only tried Spatial Audio when it first launched, I would give it another shot. Artists are getting better at mastering Dolby Atmos versions, and Apple firmware improvements have helped enhance the quality of the effect. For listening to music, use the Fixed spatial mode, not Head Tracked.Apple says that the AirPods 4 have an entirely new acoustic architecture to enable better sound reproduction. This may be true, but I think users coming from AirPods 3 may find the biggest leap in sound quality arise from the better fit brought about by the 4s redesigned shape, preventing sound leakage.AirPods 1 and the (same design) AirPods 2 sit great on my ears. They feel light, they dont press against the side of my ear canal, and they dont fall out. Much of the weight of the original design was in the long stems, which protrude outside of the ear. The popularity of AirPods out of the gate speaks to how universally compatible the design was.The design of AirPods 3 has been more divisive as far as fit goes. I know a lot of people who skipped 3s entirely because they found they simply wouldnt stay in their ears, despite having no issues with the prior generations. The AirPods 3 design is much more aggressively bulbous, and felt big inside the ear. For me, AirPods 3 would stay in, but they felt far less secure. They could become unseated when talking animately, or yawning. I didnt have confidence in them, so I stuck it out with AirPods 2. The AirPods 4 design strikes a middle ground between the AirPods 2 and the AirPods 3. They have the same short stems of AirPods 3, but have significantly shaved down the bud part, so it feels less round and bloated, and (for lack of a better description) a bit more sculpted to the shape of ear holes.Fit is always individual to each person, but I would say AirPods 4 are close to as comfortable to wear as the original AirPods. I would encourage prospective AirPods buyers that were alienated by the 3s shape to try again with this new generation. Speaking for myself, now, I have confidence that AirPods 4 will not fall out of my ears, during normal use. I tested them this weekend walking around, on a 15-minute run, and doing my best in situ head-banging simulations. Not only will they not fall out, they reassuringly feel like they wont fall out. Value for money With all these improvements, I think Apple could have gotten away with raising the price on AirPods 4, especially on the ANC version. But they didnt. In fact, prices have remained the same or decreased, like-for-like. This means the new AirPods 4 lineup is better value for money than ever.Just last month, Apple would sell you AirPods 2 for $129. For that, you got the buds themselves and a wired-only Lightning charging case. Now, $129 gets you the base model AirPods 4, with a USB-C charging case. Thats a leap forward of two generations worth of additional features: you are getting a smaller, modern, charging case that holds more juice; the latest Spatial Audio features and force sensor controls; computational audio features like Voice Isolation for better microphone recording quality and Adaptive EQ for better sound quality; the latest H2 chip with support for the new Head Gestures, and more. And for $179, you now get AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, when previously that same money got you AirPods 3 with no noise cancellation at all, and a Lightning port / wireless charging case in tow. As well as everything else that is new, I appreciate the smaller, more compact, charging case you get with AirPods 4. It even has an integrated speaker to help you find it when it inevitably gets lost. But be aware that the case is now so small that it cannot contain the necessary ring of magnets to attach to MagSafe chargers. It will still charge if it can stay in place, but it will slide straight off a vertical charging stand, for instance. This is the best AirPods lineup ever (lets pretend the AirPods Max dont exist, please). If you can stand the feel of in-ear tips, AirPods Pro 2 are still the go-to recommendation, especially as they are so heavily discounted online these days.But if like me, you are never going to get along with silicone tips, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation tick all the boxes. If you are price sensitive, or dont care about ANC, base AirPods 4 are a great buy too.Previously, you could argue the case for choosing truly wireless earbuds from other brands, on sale for a bit lessmoney than what Apple charges for AirPods. But AirPods are great, and going elsewhere meant losing out on all the exclusive ecosystem integration features. Thats still true, but now you have another reason to justify the expense. The active noise cancellation on AirPods 4 really works, and is not just marketing hype. Im simply not aware of any other earbuds that come close to offering the same degree of noise cancellation in an on-ear form factor. It truly makes AirPods 4 stand apart.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Welcome toIndie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If youre a developer and would like your app featured, getin contact.Pestle is a recipe manager for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. It offers a number of unique features, including the ability to easily import recipes from anywhere, meal planning features, and more. It makes every recipe easily achievable.Pestle highlightsOne of Pestles best features is the ability to easily import recipes from any website. This is noteworthy, because many recipe websites will feel cluttered and not necessarily get to the point. With Pestles import feature you can get straight to the point. You can also import recipes by using the share sheet on iOS, making it super convenient to use.Another cool feature is its discover system. The app learns where you save recipes from, and suggests future ones from the same sources, keeping you in the loop with the latest ideas.Last but not least, it also has meal planning features, easily allowing you to save up to 14 days of recipes ahead of time helping you keep your life organized.Pestle also supports iCloud Sync, keeping everything consistent across your varying Apple devices.New 2.0 updatePestle 2.0 adds two big features TikTok support, and support for recipe notes.Using an on device AI model, Pestle is now able to save recipes from TikTok by transcribing the captions and processing it on device, and its able to do all of that in under a second. If you happen to see a cool recipe on TikTok, Pestle will now be able to save it fast and privately.It also now supports importing recipe notes from websites. Many popular recipe websites will include useful notes from the author, and now with 2.0, Pestle will capture those as well providing even more context for what youre cooking.And as always, it includes a number of useful bug fixes and improvements, if you happen to be an existing user.Pestle is available for free on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Youll need to be running iOS 16.2, watchOS 10.5, visionOS 1, or macOS 13.3 and later. You can also unlock the full feature set with Pestle Pro, which is available for $2.99/month, $24.99/year, or $39.99 lifetime.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

"I joined an internship, and an hour later, the entire team got fired."Firing SquadThe CEO of The Musician's Club, an online instrument storefront, reportedly fired 99 out of 110 employees and contracted freelancers for missing a single morning meeting.A Musician's Club intern described the surreal event in a viral and since-deleted post on the subreddit mildlyinfuriating, writing that "I joined an internship, and an hour later, the entire team got fired."Music production magazine MusicTech has since obtained internal messages the CEO sent on Slack, confirming the crazy story."I was a part of the [group of] 99" who didn't attend the meeting, the intern said in another Reddit thread, because they'd learned from other employees that Musician's Club CEO Baldvin Oddsson was untrustworthy."After hearing about the work conditions, I deactivated my Slack account and just left," the user wrote.This sudden departure isn't as unwarranted as it sounds. The self-described intern explained that every fired Musician's Club employee is an unpaid, remote worker so this isn't a story of lost income as much as it is a moral tale about a CEO-sized ego.Power TripOn LinkedIn, Oddsson recently bragged about all the negative attention the intern's Reddit post and its subsequent news coverage has been bringing him."While some attempted to 'cancel' me, it has completely backfired," he said. "Our traffic has surged to over 20,000 views, sales are at an all-time high, and we're receiving hundreds of applications daily.""Firing those individuals was the right move for our organization," he continued, unrepentant, "and we are stronger than ever."Though The Musician's Club is a small fry in the wasteland of exploitative companies out there, Oddsson's hubris is representative of many CEOs. Just looking at Washington, DC this month proves it.First, Washington Post CEO Will Lewis intimated to employees that if they did not comply with his abrupt decision to end the paper's remote work policy, they'd be fired. Then, there was multi-billionaire Elon Musk, notorious for his nonexistent professionalism. In a post on X-formerly-Twitter, Musk's possibly made-up Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) let the public know he was looking to hire "super high-IQ" unpaid interns, AKA "revolutionaries willing to work 80+ hours per week."The Musician's Club Slack messages from Oddsson obtained by Music Tech summarize this dismissive attitude these CEOs have toward their workers well.I gave you an opportunity to make your life better," Oddson wrote, without a hint of self-awareness, after being stood up at his morning meeting. "Get the fuck out of my business right now.More on business: Internal OpenAI Emails Show Employees Feared Elon Musk Would Control AGIShare This Article

Image by NASA / FuturismStudiesScientists studied the cognitive behavior of astronauts who have spent six months on board the International Space Station and made some fascinating yet ominous discoveries.As outlined in a paperpublished in the journal Frontiers, the team led by NASA's Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory researcher Sheena Dev found that the astronauts' cognitive performance wasn't noticeably impaired after they returned to Earth.However, a series of tests revealed that their cognitive abilities slowed down while in space, "suggesting that processing speed, visual working memory, sustained attention, and risk-taking propensity may be the cognitive domains most susceptible to change in Low Earth Orbit for high-performing, professional astronauts," the researchers wrote.Nonetheless, the results are at least somewhat reassuring: whatever punishment the human braintakes in space, it doesn't appear to be permanent."We show that there is no evidence of any significant cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative decline in astronauts spending six months on the ISS," said Dev in a statement. "Living and working in space was not associated with widespread cognitive impairment that would be suggestive of significant brain damage."A total of 25 professional astronauts underwent a series of tests designed to study cognitive speed and accuracy before, during, and after their six-month stays on board the space station.The researchers found that their speed, working memory, and attention were slower than on Earth albeit ultimately just as accurate."Slowed performance on attention, for example, was only observed early during the mission while slowed performance on processing speed did not return to baseline levels until after the mission ended and crew were back on Earth," Dev noted in her statement.The team also didn't rule out the effects of stress, which can lead to a similar temporary slowing in cognitive abilities back on Earth."Other domains, such as memory, are less vulnerable to stressors," Dev noted. "For example, if you happen to have a really busy day but couldnt get much sleep the night before, you might feel like its hard to pay attention or that you need more time to complete tasks."In short, "the most vulnerable domains while astronauts are aboard the ISS are the same as those that are more susceptible to stressors on Earth," the scientist added.More research still needs to be done to figure out why exactly these changes take place,which add to other health concerns for astronauts ranging from loss of bone density tomuscle atrophyto deteriorating vision.While Dev's team found no evidence of lasting cognitive impairment after six months in space, future missions into deep space that could take far longer may change that situation particularly considering other spaceflight hazards such as much greater exposure to space radiation, or prolonged isolation and confinement.More on astronauts' health: Elon Musk Makes Embarrassingly Stupid Claim: If Trump Loses, Humanity Will Never Make It to MarsShare This Article