Since the 1980s, Black Friday has signified the kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Stores offered almost-impossible doorbuster deals on TVs and hand blenders, shoppers rose before dawn to wait in line to get them, violence ensued, and the tinsel-covered period when retailers finally operated in the black began in earnest. Its probably for the best, then, that Black Friday is not what it was even 20 years ago. A movement to recognize its toll on retail workers eventually convinced several stores to close on Thanksgiving so workers could be with their families, instead of stocking for the busy day ahead. Holiday shopping has continued to move online. And the thrill of a deep, one-day discount has morphed into a numbing, month-long thrum of flash sales, Cyber Monday specials, and member appreciation events. Future Perfect deputy editor Izzie Ramirez has reported extensively on the state of American consumerism, from our habit of buying, using, and throwing away literal tons of stuff each year, to how the quality of the things were purchasing from appliances to undergarments is progressively getting worse. I caught up with her to talk about why Americans shopping habits have transformed, what the threat of high tariffs might mean for big-ticket goods, and how sales bonanzas like Black Friday are part of a larger effort by retailers to keep us shopping, to our own detriment, and the planets. This conversation has been edited for clarity and length.Lavanya Ramanathan: So, the quality of our stuff is worse now. Tell me a bit about that, as we stare down a period when Americans will be buying a ton. Izzie Ramirez: I would like to preface this by saying everyone thinks that Im anti-shopping, and its not that Im anti-shopping; I actually love shopping. Materials are fun, materialism is fun, except for when its not. I started writing about it because I came across a problem, and the problem was that my brand-new bra absolutely sucked. Shouldnt new things be better? Isnt this, like, the whole promise of capitalism, in a way? I really wanted to get a mass-production understanding of whats going on, and talk a little bit about the decline of repairability, and what we can do about it. Because I do think that people want to buy things that make them happy, that last and fit into their lives. And it sucks when you invest your money and you dont get your moneys investment.Its less that companies want to be making worse-quality goods. In the case of my bra, its more that for the cost of producing something like my bra, you cant do the same thing for the same amount of money. Something has to give, and its going to either be labor or the quality of the material, and its usually a little bit of both. Knowing all of that, what is a good way to approach something like Black Friday? There are all sorts of deals, like TVs for $50. With some of these, is it just throwing good money after bad? Is there actually a way for the consumer to be a winner?Im going to be a hypocrite with this. I usually think Black Friday is bad, but if Trump does enact tariffs, then maybe Black Friday might be good for larger purchases, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and other major appliances, because tariffs would create conditions for those globalized objects, where you need parts from a billion different places, to become way, way, way more expensive. And if they dont become more expensive, those are going to be the very objects that become way worse, very, very rapidly. Thats bad advice for most circumstances. There is a lot of science and psychology behind buying things. On Black Friday, you feel like you dont have time. It is entirely a lie, because they run the same sales regularly. If you know anything about Black Friday, they do the same sales every year. Its not like that sale is never going to happen again. Or the Sephora sale. It really grinds my gears when I see people posting Sephora hauls, like theyre never gonna do the members sale again. They do, two or three times a year. Its the scarcity mindset. Shoppers flooded the Polaris Fashion Place mall in Columbus, Ohio, on Black Friday in 2023. Bloomberg via Getty ImagesYou have also written about hauls. We are shopping differently now. We shop online. Its become that much easier to get things from all over the world. If I had to guess, Id say there are a lot more brands, too direct-to-consumer sellers of things like jewelry. What is happening to shopping itself?Hauls are when people buy 10 or 15 or 20 different items in one go, and usually parade them around on social media. Theyre buying things from places like Amazon, Temu, Shein, Abercrombie & Fitch. The thing about haul culture is that it also creates that mindset around scarcity, like, Oh, you need this. It normalizes mass consumption, and buying a lot all at once and regularly, and that it is a regular practice to spend that much money. And if youre not spending that much money, then youre going to be spending at places like Shein that have $1 T-shirts, and that normalizes a dangerously low price for workers and the planet.A lot of the things that youre describing feel like new behaviors. Theres also a thing happening in our shopping ecosystem, and in our consumer culture, around demand for the new for newness at all times.Yeah, and I think so much of that is driven by that normalization of excitement around buying dopamine shopping, wanting to feel something. So much of it is social media, and so much of it is the scale of globalization and all of these new players that are in the market. Its just a whole other level of consumer deception, too this false sense of urgency from companies.Yes, there is the demand, but it is also companies knowing that they could take advantage of us like this. Its like ouroboros, the snake thats eating itself. Its never going to end if we dont make a conscious choice of saying no. Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

TechBest Christmas gifts 2024 for PC gamers from Steam Deck and keyboards to headsets and moreAs we get closer to Christmas, people are getting prepared early with all their presents ready under the tree (or with Santa of course), but do you really know what to get the PC game in your life?dailystarBookmarkShareTechByLloyd CoombesGames Writer17:10, 29 NOV 2024BookmarkThe Steam Deck console is at the forefront of a wave of portable PCs (Image: Future Publishing via Getty Images)PC gaming is a fantastic experience, but with so much choice it can be hard to work out where to start when buying a gift for a gamer. Whether your loved one is clicking heads in VALORANT or managing their Sims' daily lives, there are a whole host of options to improve their PC experience. From keyboards to headsets and hard drives, and much more, we've rounded up some of the best gift ideas for the PC gamer in your life to help make their Christmas extra special. READ MORE: Lib Dem leader challenges Keir Starmer to EA FC and will dance on TikTok until he accepts READ MORE: Live-action Cyberpunk 2077s project isnt happening soon but theres good news The Daily Star joins Bluesky as we Make Social Media Fun Again Come and join The Daily Star on Bluesky, the social media site set up by ex-Twitter boss Jack Dorsey. It's now the new go-to place for content after a mass exodus of the Elon Musk-owned Twitter/X. Fear not, we're not leaving Twitter/X, but we are jumping on the bandwagon. So come find our new account on https://bsky.app/profile/dailystar.co.uk, and see us social better than the rest. You can also learn more about The Daily Star team in what Bluesky calls a Starter Pack. So what are you waiting for?! Let's M.S.M.F.A (Make Social Media Fun Again) Keyboards There are a lot of keyboards out there, but not all are created equal. We've rounded up some of our absolute favourites below so you have a wealth of choice: Logitech G915 X TKL The Logitech G915 X TKL is one of our favourite keyboard options (Image: Amazon) This compact, TKL (Tenkeyless) board is the latest version of Logitech's fantastic G915. Its keys are more durable, it charges via USB-C, but it maintains the same footprint while remaining light enough to travel with. Buy it now for 179.99 SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL The Apex Pro is available in wired and wireless options (Image: Amazon) Available in wired and wireless versions, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL has rapid actuation which makes it the world's fastest keyboard - ideal for budding esports players, or anyone that wants a very comfortable board for marathon gaming sessions. Buy it now for 163.99 Keychron Q1 HE Keychron keyboards are endlessly customisable (Image: Amazon) A keyboard ideal for work and play, the Q1 HE is heavy but feels so nice to type on that you'll find it hard to go to anything else. It's got a dongle and Bluetooth connectivity options, too. Buy it now for 173.79 Headset The Logitech Astro A50 X is pricey, but we'd still say it's worth it. It can be used across all platforms thanks to its smart base station, and it has fantastic audio quality with a lightweight design thanks to graphene drivers. The Logitech Astro A50X is an expensive headset, but it's packed with features (Image: Amazon) Buy it now for 319.99 Storage It's not the most exciting pickup, but what good is a PC without room for extra games? While there are plenty of internal options, our pick is the WD_Black Game Drive. Available in a variety of sizes and with "plug and play" functionality across PC and consoles, it's an easy recommendation. The WD_Black Game Drive is ideal for consoles or PC (Image: Amazon) Buy it now for 85.99 Portable PCs/Consoles This is a relatively new category, but one that's only grown in popularity with the likes of the Steam Deck. Steam Deck OLED The Steam Deck console is at the forefront of a wave of portable PCs (Image: Future Publishing via Getty Images) Valve's Steam Deck is a fantastic portable console that uses SteamOS to offer native access to the company's huge storefront. It lacks the power of some rivals but is arguably more convenient than any of them. Buy it now for 469.99 ASUS ROG Ally X The ASUS ROG Ally X is a portable powerhouse (Image: Amazon) ASUS' second stab at a portable PC/console changes up the design and adds a much larger battery. It runs Windows 11, too, and has a higher resolution than the Steam Deck. Buy it now for 978.99 Miscellaneous Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you games on PC and console (Image: Amazon) An easy recommendation for PC gamers, but a must-buy if you have an Xbox, too, Game Pass packs a whole host of games for both platforms including huge 2024 releases like Indiana Jones and the Golden Circle and Stalker 2. Buy it now for 32.99 Hyte Y70 Touch The Hyte Y70 Touch adds an entire new interface to your PC (Image: Amazon) PC cases are a nice way of expressing yourself through hardware, but this Hyte Y70 Touch case adds an entire touchscreen to one panel, offering easy-to-read system information through nifty widgets. Buy it now for 379.99 Elgato Stream Deck The Stream Deck comes in a variety of sizes (Image: Amazon) Not just for streamers, a Stream Deck can offer you a variety of buttons you didn't know you needed. Need to open an application, run a macro with a single button press, or want a widget you can glance at? The Stream Deck has you covered. Buy it now for 149.99 Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Take to the skies from the comfort of your couch or desk (Image: Amazon) Ideal for Microsoft Flight Simulator and just about any other game that supports a stick, this Thrustmaster stick includes a throttle that can be detached. A great way to get into building a flight simulator setup, it won't break the bank but adds a whole new layer of immersion. Buy it now for 79.99 ManbaOne Interactive Screen Gaming Controller This nifty controller comes with a charging dock (Image: Amazon) In a world of gaming controllers of which there are way too many it's hard for new products to stand out, but the Manba One manages to do just that. Compatible with PC, Switch, iOS and Android, this sleek-looking piece of kit comes with an interactive screen that allows you complete autonomy over button mapping, backlights, vibrations and buttons, something not many competitors allow for. Buy it now for 60.79 For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.More On

The Finals just got a new PS5 Pro patch, and while fans were excited to test it we're still not entirely sure what it adds to Embark Studios' team-based shooter

A PS5 portable is a great idea but I dont trust Sony to do it well Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished November 30, 2024 1:00am PS Vita Sony is an old hand when it comes to portables (Sony)A reader is dubious about the concept of Sony making a new portable and points to the failures of the PS Vita and PSVR2 as reasons why.For a company that makes as many missteps as Nintendo, its a sign of the high regard that theyre held in by their competitors that they will always take the chance of copying them, even before they know something has been a hit or not. Im thinking not so much of Kinect and PlayStation Move copying the Wii but the sudden flurry of games using tablets for asymmetric multiplayer and other features, just as the Wii U was about to come out.Microsoft and Ubisoft went particularly hard on the idea but the moment it became clear the Wii U had been a flop they gave up. That, understandably, made Microsoft and Sony more reticent to immediately copy the Switch and so weve gone this whole generation without either of them having an equivalent.That seems set to change very soon though, with Microsoft constantly hinting about making a portable console and rumours that Sony is planning one as well. There is a good chance the Switch 2 will be something completely different, although the sensible bet at the moment is that it will be a relatively sober upgrade that works in the same general way.I think its interesting though that, going by the rumours and hints, Microsoft and Sony already have two very different approaches to making a handheld. Microsoft, who have never made a portable Xbox, are constantly hinting about making one, to the point where its now just accepted as fact, but the comparisons given are always the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, never the Switch.For me, this doesnt read as Microsoft not wanting to give credit to Nintendo theyve been trying to get in bed with them for years now but simply that they want to make a straight portable Xbox, with none of the invention or customisability of the Switch. Everything that Phil Spencer and co. have said so far suggests theyre making an Xbox version of the Steam Deck, not of the Switch.Sonys a little harder to gauge, because they havent made any public comments, but all the rumours reference the Switch as the point of comparison, not PC devices. Of course, the difference here is that Sony has made a handheld before, two in fact and the PSP was extremely successful more so than any Xbox console bar the Xbox 360.To Sony, the idea of making a handheld is relatively natural and, just as they did with the Game Boy all those years ago (theyre reported as saying it shouldve been a Sony product) theyre likely to have looked at the Switch and thought they could do the same thing but better.Except, how are you going to make something as powerful as the PlayStation 5 in portable form? The PlayStation 5 is the size of a house, with fans bigger than the Switch itself. I do not see, even with five or so years of technological improvement, how theyre going to make that work in a handheld.Microsoft are okay because they can just stream games to their device or use the PC versions, but I dont think Sony is set up for that. Sony are going to end up making native games, that run on the system itself, which in theory is better.But that means making abridged or downgraded versions of existing games and I dont think publishers are going to want to go to that effort unless the new console is a massive success. More importantly, I dont trust Sony to do it either.Their last console, the PS Vita, failed because Sony didnt support it enough, in a situation very reminiscent of the PlayStation VR2. They just let it wither on the vine, refusing to make games for it and seemingly not caring that nobody else did either.More TrendingMy concern with any new PlayStation portable is that wed see the same thing again. After all, the best indication of future behaviour is past behaviour. I wouldnt buy any new PlayStation hardware now, except the main console itself, without considerable evidence that Sony is going to support it for a long time into the future. That goes double for a new portable, considering the last one is one of their worst examples of not supporting their own products.By reader Ashton Marley The PSP is the 10th most successful console ever (Sony)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.ArrowMORE: Why I blame Xbox for Sony buying FromSoftwareGameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

What Zelda on Switch 2 must do to repeat Breath Of The Wilds successMichael BeckwithPublished November 29, 2024 6:00pm Zelda: A Link to the Future (Nintendo/Metro)Zelda: Breath Of The Wild was the perfect launch title but how do Nintendo follow up on it and Tears Of The Kingdom for the Switch 2?The release of The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild in 2017 changed the Zelda series forever. While some purists werent fond of its radical open world overhaul, Nintendo was more than justified in its decision thanks to the games widespread critical success and massively increased sales.The unparalleled sense of freedom Breath Of The Wild offered in how players could explore the world, progress its story, and solve puzzles led to it being widely acclaimed as the best video game ever made, although admittedly thats not the first time anyone has said that about a Zelda title.Nintendo even managed to capture lightning in a bottle twice, with the 2023 sequel Tears Of The Kingdom expanding the map further and adding impressively realistic physics-based gameplay, turning Hyrule into the ultimate sandbox playground.Much like with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the problem with the last two Zelda games is that Nintendo has done too good of a job, setting an impossibly high bar for the eventual next game on Nintendo Switch 2.With Nintendos plans for its next console, and the Zelda series as a whole, still nebulous, we need to discuss where Nintendo can go next and what we do know so far of Zeldas future.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextWhat has Nintendo said about the next Legend Of Zelda game?In a 2023 interview, series producer Eiji Aonuma and Tears Of The Kingdom director Hidemaro Fujibayashi confirmed that the inevitable follow-up would still feature an open world setting.This doesnt rule out more 2D games, as demonstrated by this years Echoes Of Wisdom, but its safe to say any new 3D game would continue the formula established by Breath Of The Wild and not the older one pioneered by Ocarina Of Time.Aonuma has expressed confusion over why fans would want to go back to the old 3D formula but hes also made it clear that therell be no more sequels to Breath Of The Wild. So while future games will be open world they wont necessarily resemble the Switchs games in any other way.Even without official statements from staff, its obvious Nintendo will stick with the current formula, or something close to it, just by looking at the sales figures. For as prestigious as the Zelda series is, the games never used to reach anywhere near the same level of financial success as the Super Mario and Pokmon games.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextWhat is the best-selling Zelda game?For the longest time, the best-selling Zelda game was 2006s Twilight Princess (ironically, one of the least regarded entries by most fans) which had sold 8.85 million copies by 2015. While still a success, compare that to New Super Mario Bros. and Pokmon Diamond/Pearl, that came out the same year, which sold 30.8 million and 17.67 million, respectively.Breath Of The Wild came along and utterly destroyed Twilight Princess record, with a current total of 32.29 million. This not only makes it one of the best-selling Switch games but, in a stunning role reversal, its done better than the Switch entries for Mario and Pokmon (not including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe).Nintendo might seem to make illogical decisions at times but they know when theyve hit pay dirt and, as Aonuma has clearly stated, theres now no going back to the old ways, except via spin-offs and remasters.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextWill there be a sequel to Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom?Aonuma seems adamant about moving onto a new Hyrule, and it would make sense when you remember why he ruled out any DLC for Tears Of The Kingdom, when he said: I feel like Ive done everything I can to create games in that world.Although the games themselves never draw attention to the fact, the various Zelda game are set in a complex series of separate timelines and you only rarely play as the same Link in any of them its often a different character and often one from a separate, parallel universe.Aonuma has said his team could return to the Breath Of The Wild version of Hyrule if they came up with new ideas for it, but it sounds like hes eager to make something else entirely. Whether its a sequel or a new work, I think it will be a completely new way to play, he said.Surprisingly, when asked if Tears Of The Kingdoms success was a hurdle for planning the next game, Aonuma sounded unconcerned and even encouraged fans to keep [their] expectations high.That suggests he already has something clear in mind for a Tears Of The Kingdom successor, but what that might be is very hard to guess.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextWhen will the next Legend Of Zelda be out?One thing Nintendo cant change is how long it takes to make a modern triple-A game and even though Tears Of The Kingdom used Breath Of The Wild as a foundation it still took six years to develop. That should be taken as an absolute minimum for the next game, which would make it no earlier than 2029 and quite possibly several years more than that.Some may assume Nintendo will simply offer broadly the same game, with the same mechanics, but with better graphics and a bigger map. Thats not usually how they do things though and certainly doesnt seem to be what Aonuma is hinting at.If there is a clue as to what they could be doing next, perhaps it can be gleaned by looking at those weaker aspects of Breath Of The Wild, which Nintendo might feel are worth extra attention in a new game.Zeldas combat changed little between Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom and was beginning to seem a little simplistic by the end, so one obvious idea might be to focus more on action with a more robust and complex combat system, perhaps one that adds magic as well as just weapons.Or maybe it could flesh out Links inventory and give him permanent items and tools, such as old favourites like the hookshot. There may be no going back to Ocarina Of Time but Nintendo is not beyond throwing fans a bone and its easy to imagine the next game might see more traditional use of items and more integral dungeons given the ones in Tears Of The Kingdom still werent quite up to par.Nintendo clearly heard fan demand for a playable Zelda, so theyll also know that many were originally speculating she might be playable in Tears Of The Kingdom, perhaps even via a co-op mode. That never happened but it wouldnt have been the first, or even the second, time Zelda featured co-op multiplayer. Imagine multiple Links running around Hyrule banding together to beat tough enemies (Bandai Namco)We know Nintendos been experimenting with online multiplayer lately, running a private test for something involving a shared world. What if it did something similar for Zelda, creating a version of Hyrule populated by players who could help one another la Elden Ring?We could speculate till the cuccos come home, but perhaps the reason why Aonuma seems unintimidated by the future is because he, and by extension Nintendo, arent necessarily interested in surpassing Tears Of The Kingdom.Nintendos priority has always been gameplay over anything else; its why it took so long for Zelda to be playable. So, while the next 3D Zelda probably wont be as much of a dramatic gameplay reset as Breath Of The Wild was, we also shouldnt expect it to hit the exact same beats.But with such a project many years away from coming out, and with the Switch 2 expected to launch in 2025, Nintendos going to want something Zelda related for at least the consoles first year on the market, if not its launch period.So, what can the company do in the meantime? The answer to that question is thankfully far easier to guess: more remakes and/or remasters.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextWhat is the next Zelda remaster going to be?Considering Nintendo typically tries to have a new Zelda game out every year or two, and 2025 is far too soon for the new mainline entry, its not unreasonable to assume itll have a remaster or remake ready for the Switch 2.After all, its plugged its release schedule before with Wii U remasters of Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker, plus Skyward Sword for Switch, as fans waited for brand new entries.While no such projects have been so far annouced, rumours of Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker coming to Switch have persisted since at least 2021.The Switchs 2025 line-up is nothing but remasters at the moment, so we could easily see those two games being added to the schedule. Either to pad things out till the Switch 2s release or to promote its backwards compatibility feature. Especially since Nintendo is known for sitting on completed games until it has an opening for them.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextRemasters, though, wouldnt be quite as exciting as a full-fledged remake. One dream project for fans is a full remake of Ocarina Of Time, which many still consider the best entry in the series.If Nintendo handed something like that off to Grezzo (its go-to developer for Zelda remakes) or another external studio (Capcoms remake team, anyone?) to get it ready for Switch 2, that would certainly help push the new hardware and they couldve already been working on that for years in secret.If not that, theres been plenty of rumours of a Breath Of The Wild remaster for the Switch 2 launch, to show off its new technical abilities. But that may have resulted from confusion over a supposed technical demo that Nintendo has been showing developers and not something they actually intend to release to the public.More TrendingTheres also the possibility of Nintendo offering a non-traditional spin-off. Another Hyrule Warriors? A sequel to Links Crossbow Training? A management sim where you play as Beedle and sell bugs to customers?Whatever the case, Nintendo has several avenues to pursue for the future of the Zelda series. The fruits of Aonuma and his teams labour wont be seen for some time, but theres plenty Nintendo can do to keep interest in Zelda high until then.Not to mention theres a live action movie on the way. Admittedly, theres no hint at when thatll release either but if its anywhere near as successful as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo can safely rely on that to prop up sales of currently available Zelda titles.For now, it seems we shouldnt be pondering whether Nintendo can surpass Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom, but rather what the next Zelda can do differently while adhering to the formula that made millions of people fall in love with the series in the first place. The answer isnt necessarily to go even bigger (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Weve finally cross the threshold into Black Friday weekend. Major manufacturers and retailers have published some giant deals so we can save some money on ourselves or on gifts for our friends, family, and loved ones this holiday season. If you still havent picked out your gifts this year yet, now is the weekend to do it. Amazon has a ton of great stuff on sale just about anyone can appreciate. Amazon has its Fire Max 11 tablet with 128 GB of storage on sale for 43% off. This Black Friday deal brings the price down from $280 to the new low price of just $160. Thats a savings of $120.See at AmazonThe Amazon Fire Max 11 is available in either 64 GB or 128 GB, but this deal is specifically for the 128 GB model. The 43% discount actually brings the tablet down close to the price of the 64 GB model. The 64GB does have a sale going on but it is not a Black Friday deal, pricing it at $155. The 128 GB model is down to $160, making it only $5 more to double your storage capacity.Additionally, this is for the model without lockscreen ads. Normally the one we see getting heavy discounts forces you to view ads every time you boot it up, but not this time Own your free time without being bombarded by advertising.Best Fire Tablet YetThe Fire Max 11 is the newest model in the Fire tablet family of products. It has a large and vivid 11-inch screen with 2.4 million pixels for your video watching and book reading pleasure. This is the biggest screen in the lineups history. It has the fastest processors and Wi-Fi the series has yet to see with its powerful octa-core processor and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility for streaming, gaming, and multitasking. The tablet itself is made with a sleek aluminum design that keeps it thin and light without giving up any of its durability.The battery life is exceptional, allowing for 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. Youll not have to worry about the Amazon Fire Max 11 dying on your basically your whole day out of the house. Binge and entire season of The Boys in one go without needing to plug in your tablet.The Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet is versatile in how you can use it. Optional accessories including the stylus pen and the keyboard case make taking notes, writing emails, and getting all sorts of work done even easier than it already is.Right now, you can get the 128 GB Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $160, a 43% discount and a savings of $120.See at Amazon

Finding a budget-friendly laptop that doesnt compromise on quality can be a challenge. Among the few good Chromebooks available on the market, the Asus CX1 is a rather stylish and affordable option that is perfect for everyday tasks. While it may look like an older generation MacBook, it is actually not. And it offers some good features at an astonishingly low price of $109 during this Black Friday sale, down from its original price of $209.See at AmazonChrome OSThe Asus Chromebook CX1 is powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor which provides good performance for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, document editing and streaming videos. With its dual-core architecture and a base clock speed of 1.1 GHz that can boost up to 2.8 GHz, this processor is designed to handle everyday applications efficiently.Coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, the CX1 ensures quick load times and smooth multitasking capabilities. While the storage capacity may seem limited compared to traditional laptops, Chromebooks are optimized for cloud storage and web-based applications, which is great for users who primarily work online.This CX1 model has a 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and this screen delivers sharp images and bright colors. The laptop also boasts a lightweight design at just 3.24 pounds, making it portable and easy to carry around. Additionally, the Chromebook features a 180-degree lay-flat hinge that allows for flexible viewing angles for easier collaboration during group projects or presentations.The connectivity options are also promising: the CX1 comes equipped with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Battery life is crucial for any laptop user, and the ASUS Chromebook CX1 delivers with up to 12 hours of usage on a single charge which is cool. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.See at Amazon

T+L Residence / DESK architectesSave this picture! Maxime BrouilletResidential Architecture, HousesBromont, CanadaArchitects: DESK architectesAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:400 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Maxime BrouilletManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Isothermic, JTUL, Luminaire Authentik, Mac, MaibecMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. In Context - Located on Bromont's ski slopes in the Eastern Townships, this residence replaces an aging chalet. The design aims to accommodate a large multi-generational family, offering them space where everyone can gather.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The Project - The challenge was to create a modern structure that embraces the constraints of the site: an uneven gradient, vehicular access close to a street corner, the presence of a non-conforming existing building, and restrictive building setback requirements. The final design consists of two T-shaped volumes. Positioned at the widest part of the narrow and elongated plot, the building maximizes its footprint with a tiered floor plan that seamlessly follows the site's natural slope. The main volume is oriented perpendicular to the street and faces the ski slopes at the rear. This three-story section houses the key functions: the basement dormitories and family room, the first-floor living areas, and the upstairs master suite. The secondary volume runs parallel to the street, facing the vehicular entrance. It contains the garage, a spacious mudroom, and a large through-way entrance hall, which serves as the connecting bridge between the two volumes and leads directly to the ski slopes.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Inside, the design prioritizes flexibility for family gatherings while maintaining privacy in the bedrooms. A closed central staircase connects the floors, acoustically isolating each level to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. On the first floor, the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together in a bright, open-plan layout with large windows framing views of the backyard. A fireplace rises through a double-height space, adding warmth to the central living area. The staircase, flanked by two low walls, provides a dynamic visual backdrop to the dining area. The walkway balustrade upstairs is designed as a light and airy structure, providing privacy without sacrificing openness.Save this picture!Save this picture!The kitchen features a large island and an extended countertop. Two windows frame the backsplash and offer picturesque views of the surrounding trees. Adjacent is a hidden prep area, keeping the main kitchen free from clutter during larger meals. The project's material palette highlights striking contrasts between light and dark tones. With its raw textured finishes, the built-in furniture captures the essence of a weekend retreat in the mountains. The geometry of the T+L Residence, with its two white volumes and unique rooflines, evokes the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains. Inside, the atmosphere reflects the cozy, inviting spirit of an aprs-ski chaletperfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeDESK architectesOfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on November 29, 2024Cite: "T+L Residence / DESK architectes" 29 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023937/t-plus-l-residence-desk-architectes&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Alpendre Installation / CESUGA School of Architecture + Erazo PuglieseSave this picture! Bruno GilibertoArchitects: CESUGA School of Architecture, Erazo PuglieseAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:15 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Bruno GilibertoManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Maderas Besteiro, Spax Lead Architects: Sebastian Erazo, Stefano Pugliese More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!"Alpendre" originates from Galician/Portuguese, derived from the Latin "appendix" (added or accessory). The Faculty of Architecture of CESUGA conducted a wood design and build workshop during the IV Xornadas Internacionais da Madeira 2024. The main goal was to promote wood as a building material in the forestry region of Galicia, Spain. The workshop focused on intervening in the environment near the University Campus: Fens, A Corua. This area, while transforming, maintains a strong identity, vibrant social interaction, and significant environmental and ethnographic value.Save this picture!Save this picture!The project sitea public park and civic center in the valleyis an open space connected to the main road network and a rural path called Camino de Campos, which runs parallel to the river. This biodiversity-rich axis links the institution with Castro de Elvia, a protohistoric settlement from the 3rd century BC, located northeast. Along this axis lies a sequence of agricultural plots. Neighbors' suggestions were initially collected and incorporated into the analysis and discussion. Various locations and uses within the plot were evaluated using drawings, models, and on-site textile spatial exploration.Save this picture!Save this picture!The existing buildinga single-story pragmatic structure housing small multipurpose roomsis set back from the road. This layout creates a paved parking space in front and a park to the south. The team decided to address the site's most challenging aspect: the front access sequence, including the parking area. The final installation combined various proposals into a modular structure. Six repeated frames rise to the building's faade height, covered with translucent fabricspredominantly on the north faade and roof, and partially on the south.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The design emphasizes fabric presence on the north side, highlighting the institution from afar while showcasing the wooden structure facing the building's faade. This creates a shared interior space complementing the civic center's access area. Platform platforms at different levels between these frames provide seating, shade, and a slightly elevated viewpoint overlooking the surrounding fields.Save this picture!Save this picture!Drawing from previous experiences and minimal planning, the fabrication process incorporated manual work values with a degree of improvisation. The workshop introduced the material, exploring its dimensioning possibilities and assembly details. The material's inherent logic, rationality, and versatility of the tectonic, modular system contributed significantly to the learning process. The workshop's tight schedule also served as a crucial constraint in decision-making.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!By the workshop's end, we had created a temporary installationan experimental prototype standing directly on the ground without foundations. This project explored a dialogue between A Corua's urban, industrial, and rural landscapes. It sought to mediate between the neighbors and their civic center and between an architecture disconnected from its geography and a new artifact aiming to establish functional or metaphorical relationships with the region's architectural identity.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:, SpainLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeErazo PuglieseOfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on November 29, 2024Cite: "Alpendre Installation / CESUGA School of Architecture + Erazo Pugliese" 29 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023698/alpendre-installation-cesuga-school-of-architecture-plus-erazo-pugliese&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

In three days you will get all my filesOn the 30th this item will be closed and deleted. Use these 3 days. https://aftelinagraphic.gumroad.com/l/BlackFriday2024 https://www.patreon.com/c/aftelinagraphic