PlayStation co-CEO Hermen Hulst has said artificial intelligence will never replace the "human touch" of video game development but still expects AI to feature prominently in the industry.Hulst told the BBC he believes AI has the potential to "revolutionize" video game development but studios will have to strike the right balance between using it and creating games through the traditional route."I suspect there will be a dual demand in gaming: one for AI-driven innovative experiences and another for handcrafted, thoughtful content," Hulst said. "Striking the right balance between leveraging AI and preserving the human touch will be crucial."Striking the right balance between leveraging AI and preserving the human touch will be crucial.This comes as many fans and creators of video games are growing increasingly concerned with the use of AI-generated content, though executives at various publishers have shared different perspectives on it so far.EA CEO Andrew Wilson has said AI is at "the very core" of its business, for example, while others, such as Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, have expressed more caution. AI can be used "in creative ways," he said in July, but its use "also raises issues with intellectual property rights."AI isn't quite ready to replace human developers, however, as support studio Keywords Studios tried creating a video game solely using AI only to deem the technology was "unable to replace talent." But one area it is impacting already is voice over, with a video game voice actor strike currently ongoing under The Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).Video Game Voice Actors' Thoughts on AIIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Myriad voice actors have commented on the threat of AI already, including Metal Gear Solid and Mass Effect actress Jennifer Hale. "The truth is, AI is just a tool like a hammer," she said. "If I take my hammer, I could build you a house. I can also take that same hammer and I can smash your skin and destroy who you are.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt lead Doug Cockle similarly expressed caution and frustration at the growing presence of AI within the video game industry, calling it "inevitable" but "dangerous."Cissy Jones, a voice actor known for her roles in Disney's Owl House, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Shin Megami Tensei 5, and more, has started a company called Morpheme.ai to let voice actors embrace AI and gain control of their own voices going forward.Image Credit: EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty ImagesRyan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Margot Robbie is still befuddled about why Babylon flopped two Christmases ago. For some it might be a strange thing to linger on. The Oscar-nominated actress and producer found immediate mega-success afterward courtesy of the cultural juggernaut that was Barbie (as well as her work as producer on smaller streaming hits like Saltburn and My Old Ass). Yet for Robbie, who recently sat down with Ben Mankiewicz for the Talking Pictures podcast, Damien Chazelles epic about the bygone era of Golden Age Hollywood during the height and demise of the silent movie feels like unfinished business.I love it, I dont get it either, Robbie told Mankiewicz after the host expressed confusion over Babylons rejection by mainstream audiences and even a large number of critics (it currently sits with 57 percent on aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes). I know I am biased because I am very close to the project and I obviously believe in it, but I still cant figure out why people hated it. I wonder if in 20 years people are going to be like, Wait, Babylon didnt do well at the time? Like when you hear that Shawshank Redemption was a failure at the time and youre like, How is that possible?For a certain breed of movie buff and cinephile, Babylon would seem to check every box. As a big lavish throwback to the movie industrys literal Wild West early days, it basks in a golden age that is as revered for its glamour and mystique as it is reviled for its depravities and excess. Yet the films own intentional indulgencebeginning with the movie clocking in at a staggering 188 minutesproved to be a turnoff to audiences who may not necessarily care about the silent era, even when its personified by modern idols like Robbie and Brad Pitt. And plenty of critics likewise turned up their nose at the filmmaker behind awards darlings Whiplash and La La Land after he revealed a cynical mean streak via Babylons debauchery. (Though we might suggest such preciousness from admirers hints at a lack of appreciating the true nihilism in Whiplash)Whatever the reason, the elements that might make Babylon flawed and commercially precarious are also what suggests Robbie is right. While we think Shawshank Redemption, with its easygoing sentimentality and ultimately crowdpleasing structure, is an awkward comparison, Chazelle, Robbie, Pitt, and a legion of other artists work could very well live on for decades in the hearts of those willing to partake in a cinematic bacchanal from hell.The Timeless Appeal of a Lost EmpireWhen we sat down with Chazelle two years ago to discuss in depth the historical inspirations and influences on Babylon, the filmmaker noted the obvious parallels between his movie and the iconic musical Singin in the Rain (1952). Babylon even ends with its central and least awful hero, Manny Torres (Diego Calva), entering a movie house where the Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds classic is playing. And yet, anyone who witnessed the last three hours of decadence in Chazelles movie knows too well that his vision of Hollywood in transition between silence and the talkies was something much more epic. And bleak.It was actors, directors, people both in front of the camera and behind the camera, right around the time that sound was coming in, including some very famous people, Chazelle said about the statistics of deaths and suicides in 1920s Hollywood after The Jazz Singers 1927 success. Drug overdoses, [alcohol], and its unclear whether it was suicide or accidental The idea that a technological transition like thatwhich on the one hand might seem sort of trivial, youre just adding one more color to the palette of cinemasomething as simple as that could be that traumatic, that cataclysmic, and could really drive that many people to literal death, it sort of just grabbed my mind as the window into the rest of the movie.The power of Babylon is that it likewise grabs the mind of anyone with even a cursory interest in Hollywood lore by recontextualizing this famous history into something that feels just as cataclysmic as an iceberg being spotted off of a starboard bow.As we unpacked with the writer-director, the allusions in Babylon are clear for anyone with a passing knowledge of 1920s Hollywoodor who would like to learn afterward about this lost, squalid empire. Pitts aging silver screen lothario who couldnt make the transition to sound because audiences laughed at his voice mimics the fate of poor, doomed John Gilbert; Robbies Roaring 20s It Girl whose flagrant sexuality could not make the leap to the more conservative 1930s after the Depression is Clara Bow by a different name; and Li Jun Lis Lady Fay Zhu reflects the unfair practices used against Hollywoods first star of East Asian descent, Anna May Wong, right down to a same-sex relationship with one of Hollywoods biggest names.All of these elements and many more are rolled into Chazelles movie, although with just enough anachronism and devil-may-care concern with authenticity to allow it to feel fresh and startling to the modern eye. Robbies Nellie LaRoy dances a lot more suggestively than a flapper doing the Charleston, and Pitts Jack Conrad is knocking on the futures door when he inadvertently predicts iconic movie quotes in everything from Gone with the Wind (1939) to Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). It is part and parcel to a feverish vision of Hollywood brilliance and blight living together in sin.It also taps into the mythological by revitalizing a world that no longer exists. In the current multiplex landscape where audiences tend to stay away from original films, that might not be the recipe for success, but in the long run it will always attract the type of mind that obsesses over bygone eras they cannot visit in-person, whether it be when dinosaurs roamed the earth, when Ancient Rome was more than just a meme, or that of a Tinseltown that partied like the immortals of Mount Olympus in Jazz Age America. The appeal might be niche but it remans everlasting.And it is explored with magnificent artistry and vitality in Babylon, from Justin Hurwitzs criminally overlooked musical score that combines modern jazz with a wistful, early 20th century melancholia, to gorgeous cinematography by Linus Sandgren. The film even creates what is surely going to go down as a textbook clip for film schools everywhere when Chazelle interprets the real Clara Bows infamous first day of shooting a talking picture into a case study in how deadly the tension and chaos on a film set can quickly become. The same scenario was played for laughs in Singin in the Rain, but in Babylon this handheld agony becomes more suspenseful than any thriller in the last few years.Mess That Is BlessedNone of which is to say Babylon is a perfect movie or some overlooked masterpiece. While I have plenty more I could praise in the film, most of it occurs within the first two hours. This is perhaps not an accident, with the pictures final descent into LA Hell being segregated by a final 1920s sequence recreating MGMs famed Singin in the Rain movie star roll call in The Hollywood Revue of 1929.After that point, Chazelle intentionally aims to overstay the films welcome by lingering on the putrid and vile things that good tasteand likely awards-pleasing publicistswould advise staying away from. This includes sequences of Robbie vomiting violently, and repeatedly, on the snobbish guests of a moneyed New York City party as if she were in a frat boy comedy of the 1980s; a grotesque scene of a man eating rats; and an attempt to recreate the Sisyphean nightmare of the Hollywood underworld gleaned in Paul Thomas Andersons Boogie Nights by way of a long-winded and pace-killing detour into pre-Mickey Cohen gangland. (Although even then Tobey Maguire gives a delightfully batshit performance as the gangster.)These flourishes and others like them, including an elephant defecating on a camera lens, undoubtedly invited a negative reception on Film Twitter and among many online critics. However, the thing about social media subcultures, and even much of modern film criticism, is that folks often seem eager to establish consensus. Bandwagon thinking and engagement-generating hyperbole is rewarded. But the true cult classics are not about what a group or online community thinks today. What matters to the individual discovering the proverbial buried treasure is how they personally respond to it years, or even decades, after the fact. And an individual can be much more forgiving of strikes if they are satisfied when the crack of the wood finally smashes against a balls leather.Robbies comparison to Shawshank Redemption feels, again, inaccurate. That is a movie which has a very crowd-friendly and kind-hearted disposition. Some might even say saccharine. While it didnt find its audience in theaters, it is the type of feel-good cinema that was in retrospect tailor-made for heavy rotation on 1990s cable television. But there are many other cult classics a lot more perverse or challenging than Frank Darabont and Stephen King at their sweetest.Take, for example, Ridley Scotts aloof and slippery Blade Runner. The film is a genuine masterpiece of craft and vision, a cinematic rendering of the future that still haunts even as it becomes antiquated. It is a testament to Scotts genius, even if its blemishes are demonstrable by virtue of the fact that there are four or five cuts floating out there. The theatrical cut is indeed the worst version with its studio-mandated happy ending and dreary voiceover delivered by a Harrison Ford performance that verged on insubordination. Still, even the far more effective directors and final cuts Scott later oversaw retain some of the same narrative issues that persist in all edits of the film.For audiences who came to it after its initial box office failure, however, that didnt matter. They discovered the film throughout the 1980s and 90s, often at home or a half-empty repertory theater, and tapped into what Scott was dreaming. The oddness of the films sharp, awkward corners mattered little when basking in the movies overwhelming set design and Vangelis haunting score. For an audience attuned to a visionary works wavelength, flaws become qualities, and the things a critic might scorn turn into mere footnotes in the works larger appeal.Read more A Turning Point FilmFinally, at the end of the day, Babylon was never intended to only be a movie about its setting. Chazelle and his editor Tom Cross made that explicit when late in post-production they included a galaxy-brained vision of the future. When Diego Calvas Manny sits down in the cinema to watch Singin in the Rain in 1952, he is glimpsing not only how posterity will remember his heyday; he is seeing the entire future of cinema writ large. This includes clips from films as disparate and incongruous as Jurassic Park (1993) and Sunstone (1979).Babylon is ultimately a movie about an entire century of cinema, right down to imagining itself (like its narratives central characters) as existing in the last embers of a dying epoch, one which it traces from the beginning of sound all the way to the CG revolution of Spielbergs dinosaurs and Avatar (2009).What comes next is not exactly certain, but it does feel like a moment of upheaval as tense in the industry today as it was a hundred years ago when technology changed how audiences came to movies, and what got them in the movie houseif they could be gotten there at all.Some likely view that ambition by Chazelle as audacious. Or precocious. It pivots on the idea of recognizing we live in the end times for an art form as weve known it for more than a century. But if he is right, Babylons prescience and self-awareness will become yet another virtue admired by future generations, as opposed to a pretension dismissed in December 2022.Either way, the film was built to last and could very likely find an audience that, like Chazelle and his films current defenders, are only too happy to dine with ghosts.

This article appears in the new issue ofhere.Following the success of the acclaimed Netflix anthology series Love, Death & Robots, Tim Miller and Blur Studio, the animation company that he co-founded, are next tackling a very different kind of animated anthology series on Prime Video: the video game show Secret Level. Each episode of the show, which Miller created and produced with longtime collaborator Dave Wilson, adapts a different video game property, from recent hits such as The Outer Worlds and Sifu to established classics like Mega Man and Dungeons & Dragons. Given Blurs extensive history creating trailers and cutscenes for some of the biggest video games ever, opening the door for the studio to work on more video game worlds than ever before was a no-brainer for all involved.Our bread and butter has always been these three-to-five minute trailers. The anthology format really started there, Wilson tells Den of Geek magazine. Its very much a part of Blurs DNA, the short-form storytelling of it. Its a little trickier on Secret Level. There is so much lore to pull from, whether its D&D or Warhammer; there are 40 or 50 years of that. The trick is figuring out whats important, what fans want to see, and we try to fit that into what we have to work with.https://vid.connatix.com/49aecf72-6a67-41c1-8a7a-b37bbeab241e/mmid-99f45e78-9b60-50dc-7f47-934d74588e94/1080_h264.mp4But if you know anything about how territorial the games industry can be, you might be wondering how the heck Amazon got publishers as big as Capcom, PlayStation, Epic Games, and Bandai Namco to all lend properties to the same show. Working with all the different studios was no easy task, but Wilson credits the reputation that he, Miller, and Blur Studio have earned over the years in helping them win the trust of the publishers to license their properties for Secret Level. Miller notes it also helped that Amazon was not only very open to collaborating with the publishers on the project, but also didnt seek to acquire any of the franchises it adapted for the series. This turned what couldve been an absolute licensing nightmare into something much more manageable.It took Amazon having the vision to say, We dont need to do a land grab to make a show like this, Miller says. Everybody knows Hollywood is a very acquisitive place; they want to own and control everything if theyre going to invest money in it. Amazon said, We understand these are huge games that exist in their own right. Were just borrowing them for a while. They made the deal-making easy.The first season of Secret Level is slated to run for 15 episodes, which will be released two per week, with stories ranging from five to 10 minutes each. Secret Level also boasts an all-star cast, including Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Claudia Doumit, Kevin Hart, and many more. Tonally, the episodes run the gamut of styles and genres, ranging from an epic sci-fi saga based on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 to a screwball action adventure based on Sonys short-lived online game Concord. The episode based on the former actually serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed game, and this isnt the only game story getting an expansion from Secret Level. For the episode based on Unreal Tournament, Blur worked closely with Epic Games to bring the expansive sci-fi world to life and weave a previously untold story into the franchises lore.We got into a room with Epic to figure it out, Wilson recalls, with the Unreal Tournament episode telling the rise of its gladiatorial antagonist, Xan. One of the things we wanted to do in Secret Level is to tell the story that youre not familiar with in the game. We dont want to just retread the same ground.These close collaborations make each and every episode of Secret Level not only rewarding for longtime fans of a given video game property but also welcoming and accessible to newcomers. Each story is meant to be representative of the larger property but not necessarily beholden to it.For the uninitiated, they can sit back and let it wash over them, Miller says. Its not exposition-heavy, but you dont feel lost if you havent invested years of your life in the franchise.And while there are plenty of video games that potential future seasons of Secret Level could adapt, Miller hopes to expand the scope of the show to cover other forms of gaming.If I had my way, wed do board games in the show, Miller says. Its really about what the community enjoys. Video games are great, but all of gaming is valuable. The community that plays video games also does all these other things.Secret Level premieres Dec. 10 on Prime Video.

News of an eerie new biome has been spreading across Minecraft.net for weeks, and now were getting reports that this biome and its mysteries are playable Minecraft Bedrock and Java Edition today! The Garden Awakens drop has landed meaning players the world over will be able to explore this eerie new biome, meet the creaking, uncover the secrets of the creaking heart, build with new blocks, row away in pale oak boats, trim armor with resin, decorate their base with hanging moss, and more.But first, this special broadcast direct from the pale garden:Oh dear. That was a bit ominous, wasnt it? Now, luckily, I am a professional investigative Minecrafter, and I take my investigations very seriously. So Im not going to let something like a thrilling trailer stop me from stepping into the pale garden myself, and putting an end to all this speculation about creakings in the nightDiscover the pale gardenThe first thing I can confirm, dear reader, is that the pale garden is definitely pale. Filled with pale oak trees and veiled in pale hanging moss this entire biome looks like someone turned the saturation on my screen down to single digits. But unlike the reports coming in that something troublesome lurks in the pale garden, Ive found no mobs at all! Ive been collecting pale oak logs since the sun came up and I havent stumbled across a single pig, chicken, or cow. So clearly, reports of a hostile inhabitant in this new biome were all villager gossip! Build with new blocksEquipped with bundles of pale oak, I think the next step of my in-depth investigation is going back to my base to add a brand-new pale oak wing. With all the new blocks in this drop you can build with pale oak bricks, remaster your roof with pale oak stairs, float across the ocean in a pale oak boat you get the picture. Theres an entire pale oak wood set!Now all I have to do is find my way out of this biomeFollow the eyeblossomsI might have lost track of time but the good news is I still have six bundles filled with pale moss carpet and pale oak logs! The bad news is that Im definitely lost in the pale garden, and theres an odd sound coming from somewhere. Luckily, its not completely dark in here Ive discovered something called eyeblossoms, a rare flower that only spawns in the pale garden and blooms at night in a puff of orange particles. On closer inspection, Ive discovered that this flower can be used for dye, too! Gosh, I am nailing this investigation.Armed with my bundles, my plan is to follow this trail of eyeblossoms so I can exit the pale garden as quickly as possible. Whats odd is that sometimes, from a distance, these blooming flowers almost look like eyes?UPDATE DEAR READER: THOSE WERE EYES. I SEEM TO HAVE COME FACE TO FACE WITH A CREAKING.Meet the creakingCreakings are hostile mobs that call the pale garden home, and if youre unlucky enough to stumble upon one, then make sure you keep your eyes on them! The creaking wont move while youre staring at it, but look away and its sure to follow. But have no fear, reader! I have my trusty axe with me, and Ill defeat this hostile mob in one, fell, swoop!This is why being an investigative Minecrafter is both good and bad. My desperate investigations have quickly shown that hitting the creaking with an axe does very little although it does send a smattering of particles shooting out in odd directions. I promise Ill investigate those particles more thoroughly as soon as Ive won this staring contest with the creaking. Dont blink, Sophie. DontUncover its secretsSome careful manoeuvring and some even more careful staring has revealed a new, living block the creaking heart! Im sure this block is linked to the creaking in some way, but unfortunately this is where my courage has run out, dear reader. Its getting darker and darker, and now I can hear other hostile mobs spawning around me. I wont end this report on a respawn screen! I refuse!Play the drop today and maybe you can find me! I just needEditors note: Sophie never came back to work to finish this article. I hope she knows she has to submit holiday requests in advance? Looks like Ill have to hand over this adventure to another writer.Get ready to expect the unexpected the story continues tomorrow

The holiday season is upon us once more. Its a time for giving, merriment, joy, and maybe a little gaming! Whether youre shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, our Designed for Xbox partners products are the perfect choice. Need a new controller like the latest Razer Wolverine V3 Pro to enhance your gameplay over the winter break? Maybe an audio upgrade with the Arctic Gamebuds or the Corsair Virtuoso Max? Perhaps its the right moment to set up that simulation rig youve been dreaming of! Whatever your gaming needs, our Designed for Xbox Holiday Gift Guide has got you covered. Youll find a variety of options in form factor, price range, and categories to take your gaming to the next level.As always, the Designed for Xbox team wishes you good health and a fantastic holiday season.Ultimate ControlPowerA FUSION Pro Wireless ControllerThe PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra is a game-changer you need to see to believe! With Lumectra Ghost RGB LED lighting, Quick-Twist Thumbsticks (patent pending) adjustable to three heights, and Hall Effect Modules for precision and reliability, this controller is packed with features. Enjoy low latency wireless, four mappable buttons, and up to 30 hours of battery life. Plus, it includes a magnetic charger, 10-foot USB-C cable, display stand, and protective case.The PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller is available for purchase for $149.99 USD ERP. Visit PowerA for more information.PDP REALMz Minecraft Diamond Print Wireless ControllerExperience gaming like never before with the Minecraft Diamond Print REALMz Wireless Controller! Perfect for Minecraft fans, this one-of-a-kind controller features a collectible Steve figurine inside the grip and a cool diamond design. With a 30-foot wireless range, and up to 40 hours of play time, its built for marathon mining sessions. Take your gameplay to the next level with dual rumble motors, programmable buttons, customizable LED lighting and built-in volume controls. Plus, it includes an exclusive in-game digital code for the Minecraft Time Flies tee!The PDP REALMz Minecraft Wireless Controller is available today for $79.99 USD ERP. Visit PDP for more information.Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Esports Controller for Xbox & PCElevate your gaming experience this holiday season with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Controller. Featuring Razer Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons and D-Pad for responsive, accurate control, this controller ensures you stay ahead of the competition. Customize your gameplay with six remappable multi-function buttons and trigger stops for rapid-fire accuracy. Enjoy seamless connectivity with both wired and wireless modes, and up to 30 hours of battery life. Complete with Chroma RGB lighting for a personalized touch.The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Esports Controller is available for $199.99 USD ERP. Visit Razer for more information.MSI Force Pro Wireless S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 EditionMSI and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl have joined forces to release the exclusive Force Pro Wireless S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Edition, a co-branded gaming controller that embodies the unique color scheme of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 universe. This controller, Designed for Xbox, supports Tri-mode connection, enabling 2.4GHz wireless connectivity to PC, 5.2 Bluetooth connection to Android devices, and a wired connection to Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. It features 3-level precise Hall effect triggers, 4 remappable rear buttons, and 4 vibration motors for immersive haptic feedback. Players can personalize their experience using the included accessories and MSI Center software, allowing for easy customization of the controllers appearance and performance. Elevate your gaming setup and dive deeper into the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 with this exceptional collaboration!The MSI Force Pro Wireless Controller S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Edition is available for $139.99 USD ERP. Visit MSI for more information.GameSir T7 Wired Controller for XboxThe GameSir T7 stands out with its blend of affordability, durability, functionality, and striking design. It features anti-drift Hall Effect sticks and precision-tuned Hall Effect triggers, ensuring smooth and reliable gameplay for up to 5 million cycles. With four rumble motors, the T7 delivers immersive, lifelike feedback that brings every game to life. Its ergonomic design, matte-textured surface, and laser-textured grips guarantee comfort and control during extended sessions. With a unique color palette and subtle translucency, it offers a high-tech, premium look crafted for modern players. Quickly switch profiles on the fly to seamlessly transition between different games and gaming styles, making it the ideal companion for any player.The GameSir T7 Wired Controller for Xbox is available in three eye-catching colors Creamsicle White, Ruby Red, and Sapphire Blue for $34.99 USD ERP. Visit GameSir for more information.Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Smart Controller for PC & XboxThe Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot controller introduces unique rotating button/stick modules so players can easily switch from a traditional FPS layout to other configurations suited to fighting, racing, and other game types. It connects to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as an advanced wired controller, and also works with PCs in wireless or wired mode, and with compatible Android 8.0+ smart TVs via Bluetooth. The Connected Command Display lets players easily check social notifications and customize the controllers settings. With AntiDrift thumbsticks, adjustable triggers, four mappable buttons, and Pro-Aim Focus Mode, the Stealth Pivots got it all. Plus, the Turtle Beach Control Center 2 app lets players fine-tune everything from EQ presets to vibration feedback. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot is available for $129.99 USD ERP. Visit Turtle Beach for more information.Hyperkin DuchesSThe Hyperkin DuchesS wired controller is a nostalgic replica of the original Xbox Controller S. It features hall effect sticks for high precision controls, impulse triggers for immersive feedback, a share button to showcase your epic moments, immersive vibration, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 10 ft. detachable USB-C cable for low latency and fast responsive gaming. Its compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10|11. The DuchesS offers a classic design, for modern gaming!The Hyperkin DuchesS controller is available in both Black and White for $49.99 USD ERP. Visit Hyperkin for more information.Audio UpgradesSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for XboxThe SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are designed to give you an amazing gaming experience across multiple devices with crystal-clear sound and ultra-low latency 2.4GHz wireless, plus Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile. They feature Active Noise Cancellation to block out background noise, letting you focus entirely on your game. With over 100 audio presets, you can customize your sound to fit any game or mood. Stay gaming for up to 10 hours per use, with 3 full extra charges in the case. You can even charge them wirelessly for added convenience. With different sized ear tips to ensure the perfect fit for everyone, theyre super comfy for long gaming sessions and come with a built-in microphone for chatting with your squad. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox are available for $159.99 USD ERP. Visit SteelSeries for more information.Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Multiplatform Gaming HeadsetThe Designed for Xbox Turtle Beach Stealth 500 redefines what an entry-level wireless headset is capable of. With the Stealth 500, players can connect to Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One over a lossless 2.4GHz wireless connection, then simply hit the QuickSwitch button to toggle and connect to Windows PCs, other consoles, and mobile gaming devices via Bluetooth 5.2. Precision-tuned, amplified 40mm drivers and extensive audio tuning via Turtle Beachs Swarm II app deliver ultra-clear, customizable audio optimized for spatial sound, while a floating headband and memory foam cushions provide ultra-lightweight comfort. The Stealth 500 also lets players chat with ultra-clear voice accuracy through its omni-directional flip-to-mute microphone and has a whopping 40-hour battery life.Grab the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Multiplatform Gaming Headset for $79.99 USD ERP. Visit Turtle Beach for more information.Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX for XboxThe VIRTUOSO MAX Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox is designed to provide an exceptional audio experience. Equipped with 50mm Graphene drivers that deliver super clear and precise sound, this headset ensures you hear every detail in your games. Additionally, it includes a Dolby Atmos for headphones license, which creates an immersive audio environment, making the game audio feel as if the action is happening all around you. The headset also features active noise cancellation, eliminating distractions and allowing for uninterrupted gameplay. With support for dual-wireless connectivity with your smartphone and up to 60 hours of battery life (with RGB off), the VIRTUOSO MAX ensures extended gaming sessions while maintaining connectivity to the outside world. The Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox is available for $329.99 USD ERP. Visit Corsair for more information.Logitech G ASTRO A50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base StationA50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless + Base Station is made to play. With PLAYSYNC AUDIO, you can connect and quickly switch between multiple gaming systems including Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC and more, all from a single button on the headset. PRO-G GRAPHENE audio drivers achieve unprecedented clarity and precision, critical for full immersion and in-game decision making. 24-bit LIGHTSPEED delivers the highest levels of wireless performance, and the 48 kHz high-res microphone provides broadcast quality sound for your voice. A50 LIGHTSPEED Wireless + Base Station is a breakthrough in design and engineering for the ultimate multi-platform console gaming experience.The Logitech G ASTRO A50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station is available for $299.99 USD ERP. Visit Logitech G for more information. Adaptive SetupsByoWave Proteus ControllerThe ByoWave Proteus Controller officially launched this year at gamescom 2024, and it is an absolute game changer. This modular controller lets you customize your gaming experience like never before. With a jaw-dropping 100 million different combinations, you can adjust the controller to fit your play style perfectly. Whether you like playing with one hand or two, prefer a vertical or horizontal layout, or want a wide or compact design, the Proteus Controller has got you covered. Plus, its super easy to snap together the pieces and save your favorite setups for different games. Compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows 10|11, its a perfect gift for players who want flexibility and fun.The ByoWave Proteus Controller is available for $299 USD ERP. Visit ByoWave for more information.8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for XboxThe 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox is specifically designed for gamers with limited mobility playing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows platforms. It features highly sensitive buttons and joysticks, ensuring ease of use and an enjoyable gaming experience. Additionally, it includes large, programmable Super Buttons that can be customized on-the-fly without any additional software. It also incorporates a 3.5mm audio jack and a non-slip mat to ensure stability during gameplay. With its lightweight design, compact form factor, and impressive battery life, this controller is ideal for gaming in various settings.The 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox is available for $59.99 USD ERP. Visit 8BitDo for more information.Specialized ControlsVictrix Pro KO Leverless Fight StickKnock out the competition with the fully customizable Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Ensure precise hits with reliable and hot-swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches, ideal for clutch moments. Designed to fit your play style, the Victrix Pro KO includes customizable lighting, 16 moveable and mappable buttons, button organizers for easy transportation, plus a control bar for swift adjustments. For those who love to mod, youll appreciate the removable aluminum top plate allowing you to adjust button positions or change to your preferred switches. Elevate your gaming and compete at a professional level today.Pre-order the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick now for $249.99 USD ERP and receive it in time for the holidays. Visit Turtle Beach for more information.Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator EditionIf youre ready to awaken your inner pilot, the T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is your ticket to the skies! Perfect for both Xbox Series X|S and PC, this joystick makes flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and other flight simulation games super easy. With its official Microsoft Flight Simulator license, it brings realistic flying sensations right into your living room. Adjust the resistance of your joystick and enjoy the detachable throttle just how you like for extra comfort. Plus, its plug-and-play, so you can start your flight adventure fun without any setup hassle.The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is available for $99.99 USD ERP. Visit Thrustmaster for more information.MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals for XboxThe MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedal Bundle for Xbox includes everything you need for an amazing racing experiencethe R3 base with powerful 3.9 Nm direct drive power, ES steering wheel made for Xbox, and SR-P Lite pedals. Its super easy to set up with plug-and-play functionality, so you can start racing right away on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC. The R3 base is sturdy, made from aluminum alloy, and has a smart cooling system to keep things running smoothly. The ES wheel is built to last with its sturdy grips and metal frame, and you can quickly swap wheels thanks to its clever design. The SR-P Lite pedals are super responsive, giving you precise control over your driving. Plus, with colorful lights and 22 programmable buttons, customizing your race has never been this fun.The MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Xbox are available for $399.99 USD ERP. Visit MOZA for more information.Level Up Your SetupThe 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse Xbox Edition are officially licensed Xbox peripherals that bring the nostalgia of the original Xbox console to modern PC setups. Inspired by the iconic Transparent Green Edition of the OG Xbox, these devices blend retro aesthetics with advanced functionality. The keyboard features an independent control panel, finely tuned crystal-green keycaps, programmable Super Buttons, and customizable RGB lighting. The mouse boasts a seamlessly integrated charging dock, programmable buttons, and ambidextrous support for left- and right-handed use. Together, they deliver a cohesive and stylish experience for PC gaming and productivity.Pre-order the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard for $119.99 USD ERP and the Retro R8 Mouse Xbox Edition for $59.99 USD ERP. Visit 8BitDo for more information.WD_BLACK C50 2TB Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|SWith all the incredible game launches this year, your Xbox Series X|S game library is expanding rapidly! The WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox now offers up to 2TB* of additional space! Designed specifically for Xbox, this card has a superspeed NVMe SSD core, making your gaming experience smoother and faster. Thanks to the Xbox Velocity Architecture, the WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox delivers blazing-fast performance similar to your consoles internal SSD. Plus, with Quick Resume support, you can jump between multiple games in no time.The WD_BLACK C50 2TB* Expansion Card for Xbox is available for $249.99 USD ERP. Visit Western Digital for more information.* 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.The Hisense C2 Ultra projector is packed with premium gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode and MEMC technology to give you super smooth gameplay. Play your favorite games with crystal-clear 4K UHD resolution and a 240-frame refresh rate on basically any flat surface around your house. It has a huge projection size range from 65 to 300 inches and can adjust to fit perfectly in any space. The integrated JBL speakers deliver booming audio that makes you feel like youre gaming in a movie theater. Whether youre a player or just love watching movies, the C2 Ultra is the ultimate gift for top-notch picture and sound quality.The Hisense C2 Ultra TriChroma Mini Projector for Xbox is now available for $2,499.99 USD ERP. Visit Hisense for more information.Just like this year, 2025 is shaping up to be another incredible for hardware with new and exciting products to help taking your gaming to the next level, stay tuned! From all of us at Designed for Xbox, have a great holiday and a happy New Year!

PLD Space has secured an 11mn loan to help fund the development of a liftoff site for its partially reusable Miura 5 rocket, which is set to become Europes first privately developed satellite launcher unless one of its competitors gets there first.The loan will help the Spanish startup construct the launch facility, located at Europes primary spaceport in French Guiana and estimated to cost around 16mn overall. PLD Space launched its first, smaller rocket, Miura 1, from Spain last year. However, for a bigger orbital launcher like Miura 5, the company needs a facility with specific capabilities. These include a large launch pad, a comprehensive mission control centre, and access to a geographically optimal location for orbital trajectories.PLD Space plans to conduct test and flight campaigns for MIURA 5 from the site. The rockets maiden flight is scheduled for late 2025.Ral Torres and Ral Verd, university classmates, founded PLD Space in 2011 with a vision to create something akin to a European version of Elon Musks SpaceX. The company now employs over 250 people. It has raised 170mn in funding to date.I WANT THE BEST DEALThe companys ambitions extend beyond MIURA 5. It plans to develop Miura Next, a family of heavy-lift reusable rockets by the 2030s and the Lince capsule, Europes first private manned spacecraft.Europes space race is firing upMorgan Stanley predicts the space economy will grow from 355 billion in 2020 to over 1 trillion by 2030 and competition for the rewards is fierce.The USA remains a global leader, while China is emerging as a powerful challenger. Then theres Europe, which has historically lagged behind in the space race.Against this backdrop, companies like PLD Space are seen as crucial for ensuring Europe doesnt become too dependent on foreign powers and companies like SpaceX for access to space.PLD Space hopes to be the flagbearer for a new era of private European spaceflight. But its not alone. The company faces stiff competition from other startups with similar ambitions and similar timelines.Two of the most promising are Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Isar Aerospace, both from Germany. These startups are developing partially reuseable, orbital launchers with a similar carrying capacity to Miura 5 1000-1500kg.All three contenders are rushing to become the first private company to launch a European-built satellite launcher into orbit.RFA faced a setback in August when its rocket blew up during testing, pushing back its projected launch date to 2025 at the earliest. Meanwhile, Isar Aerospace commenced hot-fire tests of its Spectrum rocket in September, but with the year almost over it looks like the companys original 2024 launch date projection will slip away.Whoever gets there first, one things for sure: Europes private space race is heating up. And thats good for the continents celestial ambitions whichever way you slice it. 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.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says a HomePod with display now wont launch until the third quarter of next year. Hed initially expected it to be launched in the first half of 2024, then said it had been pushed back to the first half of 2025.The reason for the latest delay, he says, is that software development for the new device is taking longer than expected HomePod with displayRumors about Apple working on a HomePod with some kind of display date back to 2022. At that time, it was believed that the device would be a speaker with a magnetic docking plate for an iPad.Just over a year ago, we got sight of a prototype HomePod with an LCD screen, and our own sources confirmed that it was real.Photos of one of these prototypes have now surfaced on the web, and we can confirm that these photos are from a real prototype. The Apple prototype collector known asKosutami shared imagesof components from an unreleased HomePod this morning, and interestingly, theres a large touchscreen sensor at the top, with a much larger area than the current HomePod panel. Then Kosutami shared a photo of a prototype HomePod that has a fully functional LCD on top.Parker Ortolani created concept images consistent with this (left in the above photo). However, multiple reports have pointed to an all-in-one unit with its own 7-inch display, similar to the Amazon Echo Show seen top-right. Other reports have suggested something looking like an iMac G4, though Bloomberg has said that device may or may not include a speaker, suggesting it may be a distinct product. There has also been talk of a wall-mounted display.At this point, its unclear whether Apple is experimenting with different form factors for a single product, or is planning a range of smart home hardware.Delayed until late 2025Kuo now says that the launch of a HomePod with display has been delayed until Q3 2025, due to problems with software development.The mass production schedule for the display-equipped HomePod has been delayed multiple times. Initially forecasted for 2024 (as I predicted in 2023), it was postponed to 1Q25, and more recently, further delayed to after WWDC 2025/3Q25.The delay in production is mainly due to software development. The display-equipped HomePod is expected to feature an A18 processor, a 67 inch display, and support for the Apple Intelligence.Kuo suggests that the upcoming product is part of Apple repositioning the HomePod as less of a speaker and more as a smart home control center.9to5Macs TakeAt this point, its hard to be certain what Apple intends to launch, much less when the company will do so. Given this is the third date Kuo has suggested, its best to view this report simply as continued evidence that smart home hardware is a key focus for Apple.Concept image: Parker OrtolaniAdd 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

ChatGPT, OpenAIs popular chatbot, is free to use despite having a paid version with more features. Currently, even the free version is ad-free, but this may change in the future as the company behind the platform aims to increase its profits.OpenAI considers putting ads on ChatGPTIn an interview with the Financial Times, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar didnt rule out the possibility of showing ads to non-paying ChatGPT users in the future, although the company has many concerns about doing so. The executive sees ads as a way to increase profits, as the cost of keeping AI servers running is high.Although OpenAI is currently valued at more than $150 billion, the company is said to have burned $5 billion this year on AI training.Selling ad slots on ChatGPT would be a way to monetize the platform and keep it available to free users. Earlier this year, OpenAI hired multiple advertising talents from Meta and Google, corroborating the companys plans. However, Friar says that OpenAI needs to be thoughtful about when and where ads will be implemented. She also suggested that this wont happen in the near future.While the report says that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is warming up to the idea, Altman has said in the past that he doesnt like them [ads] in general and that he sees ads as a last resort.OpenAI currently charges $20 per month for ChatGPT Plus, a more advanced version of the chatbot that provides access to the latest language models, a higher message limit, and image generation. The company also has special subscription plans for teams and businesses.Earlier this year, Apple partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri (a feature coming soon with iOS 18.2). Although sources say Apple didnt pay for the deal, the company will promote the ChatGPT Plus subscription right from the iOS Settings app, which should boost subscriptions once the update is available to iPhone and iPad users.The iOS 18.2 update with ChatGPT integration will be released to the public later this month.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

They're being paid not to come to work.Paid LeaveDemand for Tesla's highly controversial Cybertruck appears to be waning.According to an internal memo obtained by Business Insider, workers at the company's Austin factory were told to take the next three days off, while still receiving eight hours of pay.It's a mysterious development, and it's still unclear why the workers were told to stay home.But the news hints at the possibility that as Tesla ramps up production of the vehicle, overall demand is starting to seriously slow down despite healthy sales numbers through the third quarter of this year, to be fair as the brutalist pickup's reputation as a lemon grows and the market runs out of true believers.Terrible InvestmentAccording to BI, some Cybertruck line workers had already been battling an erratic work schedule since late October. Some of them reported being sent home or told to clean up."When I started at Tesla you could expect to get overtime pay, now I feel lucky to get 40 hours," one worker told BI.While EV sales have soared overall, Tesla has sold fewer cars so far this year than last year, Electrek reports,in a notable decline.The Cybertruck in particular has proven divisive, having been recalled a total of six times so far this year due to a number of glaring technical problems and baffling design decisions.The vehicle has also become a lightning rod on the street in large part due to its close association with the carmaker's far-right CEO.The value of used Cybertrucks is also dropping quickly, indicating the sheen is really starting to wear off.In short, it's still unclear why Cybertruck line workers were sent home. But the timing is certainly suspect as the company's fourth quarter closes out.More on the Cybertruck: Cybertrucks Appear to Have a Bafflingly Stupid Problem When It SnowsShare This Article

"I have realized that I waste too much time on Character.AI."Generational GapThe youth are addicted to generative AI models but their parents have no idea what their kids actually use them for.As part of a new study set to be presented at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, a team of researchers interviewed seven teenagers and thirteen parents about their AI usage and perceptions of the tech, and also analyzed thousands of Reddit posts and comments from other teens.Their findings illustrate a stark disconnect between the two demographics. Overall, the parents seemed to be under the impression that their kids used AI chatbots mainly as a search engine or as a homework tool.In reality, the teenagers primarily said they used chatbots for therapeutic purposes or for emotional support. When having a virtual friend wasn't enough, some even turned to the technology to fulfill romantic and even sexual desires."It's a very heated topic, with a lot of teenagers talking about Character.AI and how they are using it," study lead author Yaman Yu at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign said in a statement.Bad InfluenceThe epicenter of youth-oriented AI is Character.AI, an online service that hosts custom-made chatbots. Many of them imitate popular fandom characters from video games and anime, while others are explicitly geared towards romance.The service has been criticized for the poor moderation of its often racy chatbots that are popularly used by minors. In more serious cases, some of that chatbots promoted pro-anorexia eating behaviors, attempted to groom underaged users, and even encouraged suicide.Three of the interviewed teens said they used Character.AI only ChatGPT was cited more often and the service was frequently brought up in Reddit discussions. Their prevailing concern about AI was addiction to these character-based chatbots. One teen worried that they wouldn't be able to cope with their suicidal thoughts without the help of Character.AI, while another sounded quite self-aware of their unhealthy dependency."I have realized that I waste too much time on Character.AI," the teenager expressed. "I would like to be able to converse with my peers at school."Out of the LoopYet the researchers found that parents didn't realize the extent of the personal and often intimate information that their kids share with AI chatbots.In fact, eight of the thirteen adults said that their only exposure to AI was through using ChatGPT, while none of them had used CharacterAI."AI technologies are evolving so quickly, and so are the ways people use them," said study coauthor Yang Wang at UIUC said in the statement. "There are some things we can learn from past domains, such as addiction and inappropriate behavior on social media and online gaming."And Wang's right: the emergence of AI among youths mirrors many of the concerns that reared their head with the dawn of the internet. To mitigate the risks that AI poses to minors, the researchers argue that the solutions shouldn't only be technical, like implementing stronger guard rails or parent controls. The onus also falls on the adults to proactively grasp what draws their kids to these chatbots and that's an understanding that will take time to build.Share This Article