Wireless tech has come a long way over the years and headsets have improved drastically in that time not just in sound quality and latency, but also in robust feature sets and battery life. While there are still a few unique advantages to going with wired audio gear (especially when you approach audiophile range), it's almost a given that my recommendations for the best gaming headsets will be wireless as well, since theyre so much more common now. So, here we are!TL;DR These are the Best Wireless Gaming HeadsetsOur Top PickSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro WirelessAudeze MaxwellHyperX Cloud IIISee it at AmazonTurtle Beach Stealth 500See it at AmazonAlienware Pro HeadsetSee it at AmazonPlayStation Pulse EliteSee it at AmazonXbox Wireless HeadsetSee it at AmazonSteelSeries Arctis GameBudsSee it at AmazonAll the listed headsets were chosen based on several factors sound quality and comfort being the most important. But other things like positional audio, microphone clarity, user experience, and battery life were accounted for as well as overall value. So, no matter which one fits your needs and/or budget, youre getting a great overall headset.1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Best Overall Wireless Gaming HeadsetOur Top PickSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro WirelessMultiple connectivity options, including simultaneous listening on different devices, a hot-swappable battery, excellent sound, and hybrid active noise canceling make this a hard-to-top headset.Product SpecificationsConnectivity2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wiredDrivers40mm NeodymiumBattery life18-22 hours (per battery)Weight338gPROSFully featured with ANC, base station, etcSwappable battery system is innovativeFantastic sound qualityCONSANC could be betterIf youve checked out our other best gaming headset roundups, then it should be no surprise that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is one of our top picks here. It earned a coveted 10/10 in our Arctis Nova Pro headset review for several reasons, namely its top-notch sound quality and long-term comfort. But its the smaller things that make it stand above the rest.It comes with a convenient base station to control various features on the headset including profiles you can program in the SteelSeries software, EQ presets, and active noise cancelling. Other headsets may do ANC a bit better than the Arctis Nova Pro, but its sufficient in helping isolate the audio experience if you need it. For built-in microphones, it has one of the best in terms of clarity, but its also great about blocking out ambient noises. Its unique battery system is a major perk as well; you get an extra battery unit and can swap out the battery pack easily, allowing you to let one charge as you continue to use the headset wirelessly.Its bold and balanced audio out of the box is one of the big reasons to look into the Arctis Nova Pro, but its also built for competitive play with great spatial and positional audio. Its cool to get an immersive sound experience, but its even cooler when you can anticipate enemy movement because you can pick up on their footsteps or gunfire and make smarter judgments in critical situations. Its the finer details like these that push this headset above most. It may be pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for.SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Photos2. Audeze MaxwellBest High-End Wireless Gaming HeadsetAudeze Maxwell90mm planar magnetic drivers deliver crisp, clear sound on a comfortable headset with an 80-hour battery life.Product SpecificationsConnectivityUSB-A / USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wiredDrivers90mm planar magneticBattery life80+ hoursWeight490PROSTop-notch audio experienceSleek, low-key designCONSLeans on the heavier sideWhere something like the Arctis Nova Pro stands out as an all-around fully featured product, the Audeze Maxwell has a particular focus on sound quality. Its a chunky headset, and it is a beast when it comes to the audio experience, rivaling some of the studio-grade headphones Ive used. It rocks a sleek, nondescript design so it certainly looks the part and it definitely delivers as if youre attaching a home theater setup to your head.The Maxwell sports 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which are the biggest of any headset Im recommending. Now, bigger drivers doesnt always mean better sound quality, but in the case of the Maxwell, its drivers are tuned nicely to create a rich natural audio profile out of the box with strong and balanced frequencies that remain clear at high volumes. This aspect alone would shoot it to the top of any list of high-end headset recommendations, but it has the important features that justify such a price tag.For a headset as robust as this one, you should expect comfort for long sessions. Even though the Maxwell lands on the heavier side of headsets, it doesnt necessarily feel that way because of its comfortable earpads and headband. You also get toggleable ANC to block outside noise, great microphone clarity for in-game communication, and one of the longest lasting batteries, which can go for about 80 hours under ideal conditions.3. HyperX Cloud IIIBest Mid-Range Wireless Gaming HeadsetHyperX Cloud IIIWith great comfort, sound quality, microphone clarity, and durability, the Cloud III is one of HyperX's best headsets.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityWired (3.5mm), USB-A / USB-CDrivers53mm Angles DriversBattery lifeN/AWeight318gPROSExtremely durable and flexibleDense earpads for premium-grade comfortGreat sound and mic quality, especially in its price rangeCONSMay clamp a little too tightOne of the most impressive aspects of the HyperX Cloud headsets is its build quality it uses a sturdy aluminum frame that can twist and contort any which way without ever feeling like its breaking. That flexibility and durability speaks to the quality of the latest iteration in the Cloud III. Because of the way its built, it doesnt clamp too tightly, letting its dense and plushy earbuds rest easy over your ears. This makes it super comfortable.This also creates a natural noise isolation that lets its big 53mm audio drivers deliver great sound quality that punches above its weight. You get strong audio across the frequency spectrum and minimal distortion even at louder volumes, while positional audio will take care of you in competitive shooters. In my Cloud III headset review, I felt comfortable tracking enemy footsteps while playing a ton of Valorant and enjoyed the balanced audio in Final Fantasy XIV both of which this more affordable headset handled gracefully.And if that wasnt enough to impress at the mid-range, the Cloud IIIs microphone is among the best regardless of price range. No built-in mic is going to match that of a standalone mic, but the Cloud III approaches a level I would be comfortable streaming with. So, if you just need to communicate clearly in-game, youll probably sound much better than most people youre playing with. Im always recommending the Cloud III for those who still want a high-end experience, but dont want to ball out for the top-tier options.4. Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Best Budget Wireless Gaming HeadsetTurtle Beach Stealth 500Affordable, balanced wireless audio with up to 40 hours battery lifeSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivity2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2Drivers40mm driversBattery life40 hoursWeight335gPROSDurable and flexible buildGreat sound quality for its priceCONSBulky design with messy button layoutTurtle Beach has a long history of making gaming headsets, and its latest lineup proves that it knows what its doing. Perhaps surprisingly, the one that stands out the most is its entry-level option in the new Stealth 500. Dont get me wrong, the likes of the Stealth 600 and Stealth 700 are fantastic in their own right, but when I reviewed the Stealth 500, I loved that it doesnt necessarily feel like youre downgrading by going with the more affordable model.Its a hefty headset with chunky earcups that make you look like youre doing air traffic control, but the super-flexible synthetic frame strikes a good balance of durability and weight. It may feel a bit cheap but that also makes it easy to handle and without worry of it breaking. That flexibility does keep the clamp force down so its comfortable to wear for long sessions, especially with the dense earpads and cloth upholstery that makes it nice to wear.For a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset, it still brings booming sound quality that doesnt sacrifice much. It has impressive bass and clarity across other frequencies and can still bring out the finer audio details in terms of positional audio for competitive gaming. Its rounded out with Bluetooth thats easy to swap between devices and easy customization through the Turtle Beach Swarm II software. Overall, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a fantastic value and delivers the kind of experience you rarely get in its price range.Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Headset - Photos5. Alienware Pro HeadsetBest Multi-Purpose Wireless HeadsetAlienware Pro HeadsetDefying its own brand tradition, Alienware went with a super-sleek design for the Pro headset and brings great sound quality as well as great ANC and comfort.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C dongle, USB wiredDrivers50mm Graphene-CoatedMax battery life70 hours (35 hours with ANC)Weight315gPROSStrong bass responseSleek, non-descript designANC and mic ANC both work excellentlyCONSSoftware support isn't greatThe latest Alienware Pro headset goes against typical design conventions of an Alienware product you would think this was a pair of Bose or Apple headphones at first glance. Its a slim and sleek headset with a no-nonsense aesthetic yet still performs fantastically as a proper gaming headset, which also makes it easily double-up as a casual everyday pair of headphones, and that really makes its active noise-canceling features sing. As a gaming headset, it brings strong bass to support all the other frequencies so games are going to have a powerful low-end to give a proper cinematic experience, but it's also tuned to be fit for competitive games as well.If you're looking for good ANC above all else, I can easily recommend the Alienware Pro headset since it's very good at drowning out ambient noise and retains solid battery life even though ANC tends to drain battery rapidly. That good ANC extends to the microphone as well, so while the overall microphone quality isn't that impressive, it's fantastic at isolating your voice.When it comes to comfort, its memory foam earbuds get the job done even though they don't look impressive at first glance. The flexible headband lets the Alienware Pro headset clamp easily on my head to help it stay comfortable for several hours of play. Ive gone entire days with this headset on, conveniently swapping between 2.4GHz for gaming and Bluetooth for music on my phone and with great battery life, I could do this often without charging. If youre looking for something versatile as an everyday headset that can do it all, Alienware delivers.Alienware Pro Headset - Photos6. PlayStation Pulse EliteBest Wireless PS5 HeadsetPlayStation Pulse EliteGreat sound, a unique look, and multipoint connectivity all come with this headset made with the PS5 in mind.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityWired, Bluetooth, PlayStation LinkDriversPlanar magneticMax battery life30 hours Weight347gPROSClear, detailed audioWireless multipoint connectivityGreat implementation of 3D audioCONSUnique design feels a bit flimsyWhen we reviewed the PlayStation Pulse Elite headset, it turned out to be an absolute beast. It didnt come as much of a surprise considering its more affordable counterpart, the Pulse 3D, was already a fantastic headset. It has some versatility with Bluetooth connectivity, but when connected to the PS5 with the USB dongle, you can access EQ settings and 3D audio natively. Additionally, youre able to get audio feeds from both the PS5 and a Bluetooth device simultaneously. With a sleek unibody design, its on-device controls are easy to use since its easy to distinguish each button.But at the end of the day, its all about audio quality, and the Pulse Elite delivers on that front. The planar magnetic audio drivers help minimize distortion and provide tremendous sound quality thatll get the most out of your games. Theres strong bass that doesnt overpower other frequencies, and playing games at loud volumes doesnt sound harsh when it comes to the mids and highs. Especially when you use the right EQ settings, the Pulse Elite sounds tuned just right for each game. Sony's own Tempest 3D audio is the cherry on top, and a single-player game that takes advantage of this feature gives the experience of an immersive soundstage few headsets can pull off right.For $150, youre getting a lot for your money. Its priced well below other high-end headsets, yet performs on par with many of them. Its also packed with several extra features that make the most of the PS5 as a platform. For all that and more, the Pulse Elite is one of the best PS5 headsets you can get today.PlayStation Pulse Elite Photos7. Xbox Wireless HeadsetBest Wireless Xbox HeadsetXbox Wireless HeadsetThe new official Xbox wireless headset makes some notable improvements while still delivering great comfort and sound quality from its predecessor.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityXbox wireless, 2.4GHz dongle (sold separately), BluetoothDrivers40mm neodymiumMax battery life20 hours Weight320gPROSPlatform-specific features and easy connectivity with XboxSuper-fast chargingRobust sound qualityCONSTakes some EQ tuning to sound its bestLike the Pulse Elite for PS5, the official Xbox wireless headset is finely tuned for its specific platform. In the case of Xbox, this headset connects wirelessly without a dongle via Microsofts proprietary wireless tech and pairs just like a controller to make things easy. Its convenient, but doesnt come at the expense of all the important features that make it the best option for dedicated Xbox players.It brings a theater-like sound experience to a headset so single-player games like STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl or Elden Ring have the details of their respective eerie atmospheres shine through. I also played a ton of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to give this headset a whirl in competitive games, and whether I was caught in the chaos of lightning-fast rounds in the Moshpit playlist or carefully working with teammates in Search and Destroy matches, I had both a great audio experience and a tactical advantage with sound quality and positional audio. The main thing I should note is that it takes some tweaking in the EQ settings to find the right balance since this headset can be a bit bass-heavy out of the box.It may clamp a bit tight (although it will loosen over time), but the dense earpads alleviate that pressure. Its a lightweight headset thats well-built and rocks a sleek look just like its predecessor. The right earcup acting as an entire volume dial is still one of my favorite touches on the Xbox wireless headset, too. The microphone is nicely designed on a retractable snake-like arm, but clarity was one of the originals shortcomings the new model sounds much better this time around. The thing I find most attractive about this headset is its price tag. Its an incredible value for whats one of the best designed gaming headsets available for Xbox.8. SteelSeries Arctis GameBudsBest Wireless Gaming EarbudsSteelSeries Arctis GameBudsSteelSeries built the Arctis GameBuds for gaming and deliver booming audio with solid battery life low-latency thanks to its 2.4GHz dongle.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectivityBluetooth, 2.4GHz USB-C dongleDrivers10mm Neodymium MagneticMax battery life10 hoursWeight5g per earbudPROSImpressive sound qualityBetter battery life than most earbudsControls, software, and ANC add valueCONSA few features are hard to get workingGaming earbuds are a fairly recent trend with the notable peripheral companies like Razer, Asus, and PlayStation making their own that are suited for games. It's tough because of the limited driver size and battery life, earbuds tend to make sacrifices in one way or another. But the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are so impressive because of how uncompromising these little rounded buds are.On top of having solid foundations of sound quality, battery life, and long-term comfort, SteelSeries has one of the most robust software suites, which is easily controllable through a mobile app. This takes out the inconvenience of having to flip through PS5 menus to customize the earbuds, while also letting you access its 100+ custom-tuned EQ profiles easily. Although there are a few minor inconveniences with how some of its quality-of-life features work (autoplay when taking it on and off, connecting through Bluetooth reliably), the GameBuds do all the important things extremely well. While you should definitely use these as your primary earbuds to listen to music on your phone, they really shine in games with the kind of bold audio experience you expect from a headset. For all that and more, I gave a 9 to the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds in my review, and they'll pair nicely with your PS5.At $160, these have cheaper base price than the Razer Hammerheads I previously recommended. While I still think the Hammerheads have a very slight edge in sound quality, it's the battery life, software support, and overall comfort that make the GameBuds the best all around.SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds - PhotosWireless Gaming Headset FAQHow do you determine sound quality on a gaming headset?There are ways to extract audio data from a headset to get a look at how they handle various frequencies, like artificial ear and audio analyzing software, but that alone wont be able to tell you what the actual audio experience is like. Admittedly, it can be quite abstract to have someone describe what games, music, or movies sound like. Paying attention to descriptors like distortion, drowning, cleanliness, or balance when talking about frequencies are common ways to explain the sound quality of a device, and at some point you need to trust the reviewers trained ear.Theres also the factor of driver size, the actual hardware that delivers the audio. Generally, bigger drivers means better potential for cleaner and bolder sound, but again, that alone isnt going to determine whether or not a headset sounds good. Quality can also come down to spatial or positional audio which gives the impression of sound effects having distance and direction. This is especially important for competitive settings but can make for more immersive experiences outside of trying to get an advantage over your opponents.What makes gaming headsets different from headphones?Gaming headsets tend to pack additional features that support the actual gaming experience, some of which may be gimmicky, but many that I would call essential. The key feature that separates a headset from headphones is a built-in microphone. While most headset mics are passable in terms of clarity that can suffice for in-game communication, some go the extra mile to provide better clarity or mitigate ambient noise spilling through.Good gaming headsets are generally tuned to pick up on certain sound effects and have a more intimate sound profile since youre an active participant in the experience rather than a passive observer (especially in competitive games). When it comes to wireless capabilities, most gaming headsets come with 2.4GHz USB dongles for the lowest latency possible something that wireless headphones rarely include. As youll see in the next section, software suites for USB-based headsets (wireless or otherwise) have gotten sophisticated as well, and sometimes offer a level of customization for specific gaming scenarios.Are there any disadvantages to going with wireless instead of wired?Of course, it depends on your needs. I still gravitate towards wired headsets and headphones since I tend to prefer the sound profiles of a properly-tuned analog audio device (I also tend to forget about charging devices until its too late, but thats a me-problem). However, battery life and latency of modern gaming headsets have come so far that you rarely, if ever, see them being issues on the latest releases. Good software suites and apps can also help you get more out of your headset by letting you customize EQ settings or swap sound profiles for certain games.Wireless headsets are also sometimes capable of multi-device connectivity and simultaneous Bluetooth, which makes them versatile and opens them up to more use-cases (especially swapping to a mobile connection within seconds). Even though they tend to be more expensive, theres a lot of upside to going with a wireless gaming headset, just be sure you know what youll be getting out of it.Michael Higham is the tech reviews editor at IGN and has reviewed enough headsets to fill up all of his desk space.

Welcome back, dear friend and fellow discount fiend, to my regularly scheduled programming. I've helped a bunch of you navigate the bargains of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now it's all about picking through the wreckage and finding the gold that everybody else somehow missed (and you'd be surprised). Or, alternatively, let's all just score a bunch of free games*.In retro news, I'm hosting a 21st...er, party for Mario Party 5. This GameCube entry tried to bring change to the static formula of the series, most notably with its new capsule system. Mixed results there, because while there was a decent amount of creative minigames, the aging board gameplay remained creaky. Regardlessand this is true of most Mario PartiesI had the right crew whose competitive antics elevated this immeasurably. Possibly due to a drinking game we added. Not sure; scenes missing. This Day in Gaming Aussie birthdays for notable games.- Mario Party 5 (GC) 2003. Sequels- Beyond Good & Evil (PC) 2003. Redux- Counter-Strike (XB) 2003. GetTable of ContentsNice Savings for Nintendo SwitchSwitch Pro Cont.Even if, like me, the Pro Controllers price gives you pause, I cant deny that you absolutely get a high-quality gamepad that rivals the default input devices on the other two consoles.Nintendo World Champs NES (-32%) - A$34Oddworld Strangers Wrath HD (-16%) - A$37.65Prince Of Persia: TLC (-53%) - A$28Hogwarts Legacy (-46%) - A$49Metal Gear Col. (-28%) - A$64.95Expiring Recent DealsLEGO Skywalker Saga (-54%) - A$41.48 Crash Bandicoot N'Sane Trilogy (-35%) - A$45.18Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (-38%) - A$62.28Crisis Core: FF7 Reunion (-40%) - A$50.76Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.Switch Console PricesHow much to Switch it up?Switch Zelda: $629 $539 | Switch Original: $499 $449 | Switch OLED Black: $539 $479 | Switch OLED White: $539 $479 | Switch Lite: $329 $299 | Switch Lite Hyrule: $339 $309See itBack to topPurchase Cheap for PCW40K: DarktideDarktide is, without question, the most entertaining co-op FPS I've played since Left 4 Dead 2. That careful balancing act between multiple methods of murder is ceaselessly entertaining.Dredge (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeStar Wars: Bounty Hunter (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeOvercooked! 2 (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeTomb Raider: Underworld (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeCall of Juarez: Gunslinger (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeExpiring Recent DealsOr just get a Steam Wallet CardPC Hardware PricesSlay your pile of shame.Official launch in NovSteam Deck 256GB LCD: $649 | Steam Deck 512GB OLED: $899 | Steam Deck 1TB OLED: $1,049See it at SteamBack to topExciting Bargains for XboxSega Mega Drive ClassicsWarning: this delists in 2 days! Youd be kinda nuts not to pay under ten bucks for 50 (mostly) all-time Mega Drive classics that have modern creature comforts like rewinding, online play, and cheevos.Metaphor: ReFantazio (-39%) - A$69.95FC 25 (-55%) - A$49GTA Trilogy (-81%) - A$19Star Wars Outlaws (-36%) - A$69.95Wild Hearts (-83%) - A$19Controller Deep Pink (-19%) - A$77Expiring Recent DealsTop Spin (-43%) - A$34Starfield (-70%) - A$35.73Persona 3 Reload (-42%) - A$64Jedi: Survivor (-65%) - A$36GTA Trilogy (-75%) - A$24.95 Or just invest in an Xbox Card.Xbox Console PricesHow many bucks for a 'Box? Series X: $799 $671 | Series S Black: $549 $545 | Series S White:$499 $471 | Series S Starter: N/ASee itBack to topPure Scores for PlayStationFC 25The leading football simulator, EA Sports FC 25 introduces some interesting new features, particularly the fast-paced and compelling Rush mode, but much of the package beyond that feels overly familiar.Gran Turismo 7 [PS4](-64%) - A$39DualSense Cosmic Red (-30%) - A$84CoD: BLOPS 6 (-20%) - A$88Star Wars Outlaws (-46%) - A$59Balatro: Special Ed. (-28%) - A$36NBA 2K25 (-60%) - A$44Expiring Recent DealsFC 25 (-55%) - A$49The Quarry (-74%) - A$28.24Sand Land (-61%) - A$39Jedi Survivor (-63%) - A$40.95Space Marine 2 (-42%) - A$64Persona 3 Reload (-42%) - A$64LEGO Horizon Adventures (-19%) - A$89Or purchase a PS Store Card.What you'll pay to 'Station.PS5 Slim Disc:$799 $798 | PS5 Slim Digital:679 $529 | PS VR2: $899 | PS VR2 + Horizon: $899 | PS5 Pro $1,199 | PS Portal: $329See itBack to topLegit LEGO DealsMinecraft: Cherry Blossom GardenGreat bargain price. Mind the bees, though.Dune: Ornithopter (-40%) - A$149.95City: Transporter Truck (-37%) - A$95.20Star Wars: Mos Espa Podrace (-34%) - A$79MIghty Bowser (-31%) - A$276Expiring Recent DealsSonic: Shadow The Hedgehog (-30%) - A$20Mario: Peachs Castle (-21%) - A$79Mario: Bowser (-28%) - A$289LEGO Advent Calendar Face Off 2024This holiday season, I'm doing something different with the LEGO section. In Mathew Manor, my sons and I are racing LEGO Advent Calendarswe open our respective ones daily and compare the mini-prizes for "Coolness" and "Actual Xmas-ness". Winner gets extra eggnog.If you're also feeling festive, here are the cheapest prices for the three calendars we're using. Or just live vicariously through us.LEGO Star Wars Advent 2024 - A$59.95 $45LEGO Spider-Man Advent 2024 - A$59.95 $45LEGO CIty Advent 2024 - A$59.95 $45Back to top Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

As youll know if youve ever pushed a beaming toddler on a swing, its lovely to watch other people have fun. InBlack Doves, a new spy action thriller from the creator ofGiri/HajiandThe Lazarus Project, Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw look like theyre having the time of their lives.Granted, thats a better time than the audience will have with this workaday and ultimately shrug off-able story, but the joy of those two running around a very Christmassy London shooting guns and having fist fights instead of delivering awards-worthy soliloquies and sighing in corsets is probably worth the six-episode time investment by itself.Knightley plays Helen (not her real name), a government minsters posh wife whos really an undercover kickass spy with gadgets, guns, and the physics-defying power to neutralise assassins with moves they dont teach at finishing school. Whishaw plays trigger man Sam, a handsome, gay, wryly funny killer-for-hire who drinks exclusively champagne, louchely calls everybody love, and sexual identity aside is a throwback to the spy-charmer likes of Harry Palmer and John Steed. Theres a bit of Emma Peel and Steed about this double-act, in fact, which is based on blood-splattered affection.Helen and Sam are colleagues in the employ of Sarah Lancashires M-like spy boss Mrs Reed. She runs the Black Doves, a mercenary agency that infiltrates the corridors of power and sells their secrets to the highest bidder. Its clearly a good earner, to judge by Mrs Reeds chauffeured cars and panoramic views of the London skyline, but doesnt pair well with a home life.Thats Sams issue more than Helens. Until her lover drags her into some shady underworld business with extraordinarily high global stakes, Helens making a good go of it as the beautiful wife of Tory defence minister Wallace Webb (Andrew Buchan) and the mother of two cherubic kids. When Helens not eavesdropping on state secrets, its all drinks receptions and school nativities and wearing Whistles dresses to fundraisers think Emma Thompsons character inLove Actuallybut with a secret gun compartment under her knicker drawer.Read more Sams life is outwardly messier. For the last few years hes been on the run from a mob boss (a ludicrously entertaining turn from gravelly voiced Kathryn Hunter) and now hes in the sights of Irish assassin Williams (Ella Lily Hyland, just as much a standout here as she was in Prime VideosFifteen Love. By rights, Hyland will one day be a bigger name than any in this cast). Theres unfinished business with an ex, Michael (Omari Douglas) and an origin story to do with his dad so patchily drawn that it could well have been introduced in the edit instead of the script.The same goes for Helens rather disinterested backstory, and for much of this plot, which revolves around the death of the Chinese ambassador and Guy Ritchie-like codes of honour among killers.If youve seen a spy thriller before, you know what youre facing: rival parties with various levels of firepower ranging from guns to nukes are all looking for the same missing thingummy. Our girl needs to get to it first to solve the mystery and take her revenge. All of that though, is just generic potato and parsnip trimmings aroundBlack Doves main roast of Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley leaping into the Thames to avoid explosions and raiding gangster strongholds with machine guns. Along the way are rocket launchers, knife fights and enough dead bodies to fill Wembley Stadium.There are sparks of potential greatness here. Its glamorous in a London-drizzle way. The action scenes are solid and frequent. Mob boss Lenny and her pair of sardonic Irish-Welsh assassins intermittently cheer things up, while the odd witticism from the always-charming Whishaw raises a smile. Admirably, the two leads commit totally to their characters, despite them being so thinly sketched that they feel as if they didnt get beyond being brainstormed in the lift up to the pitch meeting. The bloodstained Shane Black Christmasness of it all is pretty cool too, and the soundtrack has all the festive hits.The story though, with its craftless plotting, meaningless big bad reveal, and interminable-feeling finale that spends half the runtime setting up a second season commission from a streamer increasingly unwilling to commit beyond a first, is all much more tedious. Watch it for Knightley and Whishaws star power on which basis it was almost certainly ordered by Netflix and bask in all the fun they look like theyre having. After all, its Christmas!All episodes of Black Doves are streaming now on Netflix.

Warning: contains spoilers for Shetland series nine episode five.Heres a question: If you wanted to watch a London-set spy thriller, would you tune in toShetland? Unlikely. Youd watchSlow Horsesand congratulate yourself on a choice well made.Shetlandisnt for grimy city shootings, washed-up MI5 agents, and bungled field ops; its for felted moors, dramatic clifftops, rolled Rs, and rolling waves the dark matt hue of blueberry skin. Its for knitwear, and cagoules, and for shortbread at the station where Sandys just made a breakthrough on the CCTV.None of that though, stopped episode five from devoting lengthy scenes to flashbacks set in the unpicturesque English capital.Series nine swerved out of its lane and its postcode to tell the sad story of Euan Rossi, former spy and addict. We were shown Annie Bett being recruited to the service, then plotting and attending an op at a coked-up Rossis insistence, getting shot when Rossi screwed up the plan, and finally, calmly taking her leave after Rossi framed her for the cock-up. Annie needed to get out of London because she missed the Shetland sky, she said. Im right there with her.Ian Harts Rossi cut a sorry figure both in the flashbacks and now, needled by his guilt at putting Annie in danger and having unfairly put the blame on her. Now we know whats behind his unusual interest in little Noah Bett. Hes so ashamed of how he treated Annie that he sees solving her murder as a kind of reparation. Noahs still the only witness to the shootings, and is the key to unlocking what happened that night.Hes an unreliable witness, that poor wee bed-wetting mite. First, Noah says he slept through the whole thing, and now hes plagued by nightmares about being eaten by a lizard up at the scene of the murder. And what should we make of his explosive outburst at Ian? The out-of-control emotions of a grieving child, or a more sinister indication that all is not well in the mind of Noah Bett?Read more If Noah did pull the trigger, then were a little closer to seeing where may have got his little hands on the gun. Lisa Friel and Kyle Frost arrived on Shetland nine months ago, on the run after committing a (thankfully victimless) drive-by shooting in Manchester. They brought the weapon with them, and perhaps that was what Annie and Lisa argued about at the homeless shelter on the afternoon of the murders. If Annie took the gun from Lisa and was planning to hand it in to Tosh the next day, it would have been in her car when she and Noah drove away from that ceilidh on Friday night.Just three days have passed since then in the world of the investigation, but doesnt it feel like three months? So much has happened: Ians arrest and attack. The lab. Angus. The whole sad business with the Harris family. Astrid running away. Toshs estrangement from and reunion with Donnie, finding out that Rossi is a wrongun (Speaking of that, do you think Thames Houses Rob Harding got his flights from London to Shetland on expenses? Because they may need to restate their That could definitely have been a Zoom call policy.)And now, the latest twist involving Karin Jakobson, another spy, it turns out. Annie and Rossis flashbacks were key to grasping the enormous coincidence on which this episode pivoted: the rogue Swedish intelligence agent whod shot Annie in London years before was now living in Annies remote Shetland home town. What are the chances? Because Karin had an IP address-based alibi for the night of the murders though, unmasking Karin Jakobson as Brutus didnt lead to finding Annie and Antons killer.Realising that all this action has been squeezed into such a short space of time makes it easier to forgive Ruth her bad cop attitude in the interrogation room. I get punchy after having a dentist and a hair appointment in the same week, so she and Tosh must be running on fumes by now. Still, itll soon be wrapped up and then with any luck, the show will leave the genre-hopping behind and get back to normal for the already-commissioned series 10.Shetland series nine concludes next Wednesday December 11 on BBC One and iPlayer.

Four weeks of winter to celebrate the season with your favorite holiday features. Then, four weeks of stunts follow with Horizon Extreme.Greet the season with a double whammy! Thats right, we have two content updates coming up: one before and one after the holiday season. Starting December 5 and sledding until January 2, your favorite Horizon Festival holiday specials return, but this time dj scratch its remix of two in Horizon Holiday Mix-up. Gear up and start earning points to unlock four new cars available as your Festival Playlist rewards including the luxury cars, wagons, and more! Two different winter-themed Stadiums will take over during every other week of the Holiday Mix-up. Tis the season of racing! From January 2 until January 30, flips, turns, and twists take over the Horizon Festival in Extreme Horizon, with the return of a special Stadium from Horizon PR Stunt Party and a new reward car to unlock. For our communitys creators, Extreme Horizon will also bring 4 new EventLab Stubs to build on! Get cozy (and greasy) with the new content updates coming to Forza Horizon 5 for this holiday season! Release Notes & Game FixesThe following list details some of the fixes and changes we are implementing with this new update: Fixed the issue causing backfire to appear on the side of the 1970 GMC Jimmy instead of its back Fixed the 2022 Cadillac CT5V Blackwings roll cage obstructing driver and rear window view The logo on the 2021 Lamborghini Sian Roadsters rear wing will no longer appear to be floating The 2022 Gordon Murray T.50 will now appear under the European Hypercar category Fixed an issue with the Unbeatable Street Racing Accolade which didnt match its menu description Fixed an issue with the On The Naughty List Accolade which sometimes wasnt unlocking after photographing the 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS now shows the accurate badge on the wheels, and the silhouette displayed on the infotainment screen has been fixedYou can find a list of issues we are currently investigating here. The Troubleshooting Hub is always open for you to leave any reports you have. Horizon Holidays Mix-up (December 5 January 2)Festival PlaylistA nice quilt and hot cocoa inside a new reward car... is there any better plan for the holidays? A nice quilt and hot cocoa inside a new reward car...is there any better plan for the holidays? To get you started on your winter adventures, we present four reward cars (three new to Horizon) during the four entirely wintry weeks of Horizon Holidays Mix-up, all with four doors and room for a ton of presents. 2024 Nissan Z NISMOComplete the Nissan Eazy Seasonal Championship during Week 1 Winter of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up Festival Playlist. Available from December 5 until December 12.For this season of giving, Nissan gave the Z a racing makeover and a nice little badge that reads NISMO. This not only means the car looks slicker, but it also performs better on the track. To start, the Z NISMO found a new twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 420 reindeerpower, wrapped under the tree with its name on it. Next to it was a handling package that includes Akebono performance brakes and a track-focused suspension. Instead of an itchy festive sweater, Nissans racing division gave the car a new aerodynamic look that evokes the brands past and improves downforce with side spoilers, air splitters, and a rear wing. Unlock and customize this car with the included Liberty Walk Rear Wing and Widebody Kit! 2021 Bentley Flying SpurEarn 20 PTS during Week 1 Winter of the Horizon Holiday Mix-up Festival Playlist. Available from December 5 until December 12.Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, and leather is covering your new favorite four-door AWD supercar, the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur. This distinguished gentleman comes with a mighty W-12, twin-turbocharged engine that provides it with 616 reindeerpower. That alone allows the car to reach 100 kph in just over 4.5 seconds. As luxurious as it is powerful, the Flying Spurs interior is covered in high-quality leather and natural wood and metal finishes. If this cars raw power isnt amusing enough, you can also get it with a wi-fi package and, if the track did a number on your back, massaging seats are also available. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG WagonEarn 20 PTS during Week 2 Winter of the Horizon Holiday Mix-up Festival Playlist. Available from December 12 until December 19. With room in the back for an entire team of toy-building elves and an engine you wouldnt expect in a family wagon, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Wagon might be the car that can do almost anything. Thinking of taking it to the track? Not a problem, the E 55 is equipped with a 5.4-liter, supercharged V8 engine built by hand that produces an astonishing 469 reindeerpower. That translates into a 0-100 kph time of just above 4 seconds and a quarter mile in just 12 seconds. Not only is this certified mom vehicle fast, but its weight distribution and rear-wheel drive allow it to handle amazingly around corners. The holiday season is better enjoyed with family and friends, so give them a surprisingly thrilling ride with the E 55 AMG Wagon. 2022 BMW M5 CSEarn 20 PTS during Week 3 Winter of the Horizon Holiday Mix-up Festival Playlist. Available from December 19 until December 26.BMWs M division does it again, this time upgrading the M5 and creating the thrilling 2022 BMW M5 CS, the most powerful M production model ever created. For those wondering, CS stands for Competition Sport. This means the lightweight construction with carbon panels, strong V8 engine, and new sports suspension arent just a coincidence. In fact, the car was built with performance in mind, so much so that it can reach 100 kph in just 3 seconds. An all-wheel drive system completes the performance package, putting all the 627 reindeerpower to good use, and the gold accents and wheels make the outside of this car an unmissable sight. Customize even further with AC Schnitzer body parts (a rear bumper, a side skirt, and one of two rear wings!). Drive the fastest and latest in BMWs luxury-performance division with the M5 CS. 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sport WagonEarn 20 PTS during Week 4 Winter of the Horizon Holiday Mix-up Festival Playlist. Available from December 26 until January 2.Superpowered, super luxurious, and super spacious. The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is everything you want in a luxury muscle car with enough room in the back for decorations and presents. The Horizon Festival cant have enough built-for-the-city cars to turn into track or off-road monsters, especially when they are packed with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The biggest highlights of this car are found inside, with bucket seats covered in leather and a huge trunk to pack everything you might need for the holiday season. Transform this family vehicle into a track shredder unlocking it on the Festival Playlist! Lights, Cameras, Outfit!The best films of history come together to celebrate one of the most wonderful times of the year. Usher in the holidays by wearing the Classic Cinema Outfit, which you can earn by completing the Snow Business Seasonal Championship during Week 4 of the Festival Playlist. The 911 Rallye Takes Over a Showcase RemixThe holiday season wouldnt be complete without a ghost or two: the Horizon Holiday Mix-up welcomes a remixed version of the On a Wing and a Prayer Showcase event: The Flying Deutsch-man. Your goal is to drive a Porsche 911 Rallye across multiple environments during different times of day. Revisit one of your first adventures at the Horizon Festival on the third week of the Festival Playlist. The Stadium Gets Festive in Two Different StylesThe Stadium wraps itself in holiday cheer with two different winter-themed transformations taking place during the four winter weeks of the Holiday Remix. On the first and third weeks of Horizon Holiday Remix, enjoy the snow and decorations of the Winter Wonderland Stadium. Enjoy the view and coziness of candy canes, Christmas trees, and snowmen in this returning Evolving World feature. You better have your ice skates ready as the Stadium freezes over to welcome the return of the Ice Rink, complete with hockey pucks, lines, and goals during the second and fourth weeks of the update. Horizon Extreme (January 2 30)After the Horizon Holiday Mix-up ends, the Stadium cleans out the ice and snow and replaces them with the returning Stunt Park. Visit Stunt Park to find ramps, half-pipes, smashable items, and more extreme additions to perform jumps and flips in the air. During the first week of the Horizon Extreme Festival Playlist, explore the Stunt Park to find and smash the returning Dinosaur Pinata Collectible! A Belated Gift for EventLab CreatorsThe new year brings new ways to create events for the community to share and enjoy. Take your creativity to the limit with four new EventLab Build Stubs scattered throughout the Mexico map, available permanently starting January 2: Volcan Build Stub Montaa Build Stub Dunas Blancas Build Stub Sierra Verde Build StubGet a breath of inspiration from these new Stubs and start creating new events! Festival PlaylistFour weeks of extreme flips and stunts deserve a daredevil that can match their freak, and the Horizon Extreme Festival Playlist has exactly that coming up. 1965 DeBerti Chevrolet C10 SlayerEarn 20 PTS during Week 1 Summer Season on the Horizon Extreme Festival Playlist. Available from January 2 until January 9. This DeBerti build is all about extreme numbers: 900 horsepower, 6 wheels, 3 axles, 5 inches of adjustable height, and so much more packed in a car thats as badass as they come. In an effort to get as close as possible to 1,000 bhp while running on regular 93-octane gasoline, a 2020 GM LSX-B15 V8 engine provided by Chevrolet Performance was added as this monsters beating heart. A hydraulic suspension from Mittler Bros allows the driver to lift the car an additional 5 inches, or keep it as close to the ground as possible. Like a warning sign, this car sports red details all over the place to let you know the Slayer name is not a game; it is what this car came to do. Whats Next?Time to flex under the moonlight with Midnight Muscle. This new update brings new events and reward cars, along with the return of the extended night cycle. A new highly requested feature will also let you set your favorite start screen!

SummaryThe Xbox Year in Review is back!Unlock your personalized Xbox stats from 2024.Discover your most-played game, celebrate your greatest achievements, and more.The Xbox Year in Review is back, and its packed with your most memorable moments of the year. Your personal look back at gaming has returned with brand new features embark on a journey to relive your victories and unforgettable gaming feats.Get a deep dive into your gaming style with personalized data. Access stats like your total time played, total achievements, top genres played, top gameplay month, and more! You can even see what your top 3 most-played games were, and your stats within those games.New for 2024This year, weve added some exciting new features to make your Year in Review even more personal to you:A customized look based on your most-played game.A personalized gamer profile just for you, based on the games you love to play! If youre into epic quests with a sprinkle of magic, youre a Knight Owl. More of a sports champ? Youre a Real MVP, always leading the pack.Multiplayer fans can see the friends they played with most.Dedicated recap sections for Game Pass and Rewards.Brag a LittleOnce youve explored your Year in Review, we bet youll want to show it off. Share your results with a single click (on mobile) and give your followers a glimpse into your gaming prowess.How to Access Your Xbox Year in ReviewHead over to www.Xbox.com/YearinReviewLog in to your Xbox account to access your personalized 2024 gaming journey.Dive into the trends that shaped your gaming experience.Bask in the glory.Share it with friends and celebrate your year!Dont miss out! Your 2024 Year in Review is not just a recap, its a celebration of your gaming journey and were so happy youre here.Visit www.Xbox.com/YearinReview to log in and let the adventure begin. Want to see some of our favorite memories from 2024? Check out our recap here: www.Xbox.com/2024recapThe Xbox Year in Review is available in select markets and will be available until January 31, 2025.

Jump to:Whether youre listing your home for sale and relocating to another state or packing up because you found a cute new rental in a nearby city, youre probably curious: How much does it cost to move? Many factors can determine the final moving cost billeverything from the distance of the move and how much stuff you have to whether youll need to get a storage unit for a period in between your move. Once youve determined what types of services youll want to be included in your movewill you be packing up boxes yourself or would you rather hire someone?then you can start calling around for quotes. Using a moving calculator can also help you tally up some of the expenses of moving and give you a ballpark figure of costs. But to get some solid estimates plus budget-saving moving tips, we reached out to Matt Graber, who has 15 years of experience in the industry and is the co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, a top-rated moving company in New York City. Ahead, Graber shares estimates for how much it costs to move between regions, states, and across the country as well as the add-on services that can make your move much easier (but may also tack on some additional costs). Here's what to know.Related StoriesHow Much Does It Cost to Move? svetikd//Getty ImagesThe distance of your move is one of the biggest factors that determines the cost of your move. Moving prices also vary based on the region (New York City moving rates, for instance, are generally higher than in upstate New York), the size of the move, and whether or not packing materials and services are included. Moving specialty items like a piano or a vehicle will also increase the cost. (Grand pianos can cost up to $500 to move even locally, which may explain why you see so many of them for free on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace!) A local move could cost between $500 to $3,000.Interstate moving prices vary by the total distance between locationsits a much longer stretch between say, Oregon and Southern California than it is between some Northeastern states. For interstate moves between 500 and 1,000 miles, expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 to $8,000 depending on the size of your move and the region you live in. For moves across regions, such as New York City to Chicago, prices will range from $5,000 to $10,000 in most cases. If youre embarking on a cross-country move, expect to pay roughly $10,000 to $15,000.The cost to move internationally depends on where youre moving and how much youll be taking with you. A relocation specialist familiar with your move can help you budget more precisely, but these moves can cost anywhere from $5,000 if youre planning a light move and starting over in a new country to $20,000 and up if youre moving a bunch of your household items and furniture. International moving costs vary widely depending on how your items are shipped and whether you work with local teams at either end of the move.No matter the distance of your move, some costs that might push your move to the higher end of these estimates include additional services like box-packing, crating, disassembling and reassembling furniture, unpacking services, and disposing of items you dont plan to keep.When you call to get a quote, be sure to ask for it to include all the services you want and none that you plan to handle on your own so that you can more accurately compare the quotes.Related StoryWhat Costs Should You Budget for When You Move?When hiring professional movers, expect hourly rates beginning at $65 per mover per hour. Most hourly rates come with a two-hour minimum and a travel fee. Flat rates for moving services can go from $400 to about $10,000, depending on the size of the move and the locations involved.For a self-move, you should budget $500 to $800 for truck rental, packing supplies, and gas, but this, of course, can depend on the distance and size of the move. Rates can increase significantly if you require a larger truck and you're moving to a destination in another state.You may also need to factor in time off of work and renting equipment like a dolly. (You can also purchase a dolly; a two-pack costs about $35 while hand trucks range from about $45 to $200).If you're planning to move in 2025, know that impending tariffs may also affect the costs of moving equipment, vehicles, and vehicle parts required for maintenance. Moving companies will need to raise costs to cover these fees.Related StoryWhat Types of Services Can You Add to Make a Move Easier?Whether youre buying a new home (and selling an existing one) or signing a new lease, moving can be stressful. Here are some services that you can add on to help a move go smoother and save yourself some time. Packing services: $10 to $20 per boxDisassembly and reassembly: The costs will depend on the furniture; a bed and frame could cost between $75 to $300 depending on the type of frame and how many pieces it has.Unpacking services: $5-10 per box that the movers unpack.Junk removal: $50 to $150 per furniture item.Floor protection: $10 per square footStorage unit: starting at $100 a monthRelated StoryShould You Get Moving Insurance?Oscar Wong//Getty ImagesMoving insurance can help you recoup some of your costs should your items become damaged in a move. But is splurging on a more comprehensive plan worth it? First things first, the Department of Transportation requires all movers to provide something called released value coverage. This standard moving insurance, also called basic carrier liability, is a mere 30 to 60 cents per pound per article based on federal and state laws. That means if an expensive item like a Frame TV is broken while in transit, a moving company is only responsible for covering 30 to 60 cents per pound the TV weighs. Or, to put it another way, the most youd compensated on a damaged 100-pound piece of furniture is $60.Moving some expensive items and not comfortable with the standard coverage? You can purchase additional insurance. Full Value Protection: This type of insurance puts the moving company on the hook for items lost or damaged during a move. Your mover will offer to repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or make a cash settlement to cover the repair or the current market value of the item. Movers can limit what items fall under this policy, limiting it to applying only to extraordinary value items that cost at least $100 per poundso this type of insurance wouldnt fully cover replacing something like bar stools, but could apply to fine art. Expect to pay between 1 to 2 percent of the propertys value for this category of insurance.Third-Party Insurance: Opting for a third-party insurance plan for your move will likely provide the most comprehensive coverage, and it may be a good option for those who are moving some expensive items or valuable antiques. These plans vary and have different levels of coverage limits. Expect to pay about 2 to 5 percent of the value of the items youre covering. Tip: Always read the fine print when reviewing moving insurance policies.Related StoryHow to Save on Your Next MoveThe best tip to save on your move? Take less stuff with you! Purging unnecessary, underutilized items ahead of the move can help you scale down on moving costs.If you have some flexibility in your move date, services are usually cheaper in the winter and toward the middle of every month. There is higher demand and, thus, higher rates at the very end and very beginning of the month (when leases start and end) as well as in the spring and summer, which is a busy homebuying season.If youre moving for a job, your employer may provide a relocation package or even fully cover your moving expenses. If your company is reimbursing you for your move costs, ask for the tip to be included on the bill versus handled in cash. You can also request an itemized receipt if your employer requires one.Related StoryHow Can You Get the Most Accurate Quote?If you're considering hiring a moving company, you should get a comprehensive quote in writing; dont just provide an inventory and book a move over the phone. Take the time to read the moving companys terms and conditions. Find out what the potential additional fees are.Ask how the price will change if the move is larger than anticipated. When a company provides a flat rate with very little detail about the move, that rate is likely to change.Also, dont try to save by going with the lowest quote. Companies may cut corners with their equipment, labor, or insurance to offer impossibly low pricing. Any of those can come back to haunt a client.Related StoryWhat Moving Scams Should You Look Out For?To avoid scams and identify red flags, always read reviews and sort by most recent. Most companies that don't take care of clients are repeat offenders, and themes will pop up in reviews. Increasing the job price before unloading the truck, making clients pay for parking tickets, or ghosting when a client reports damages are huge red flags.If you're working with a van line, ask which specific company will be handling your move and check their reviews, not just the reviews of the parent van line. Typically, companies with fewer than four stars on major review sites are likely not delivering consistent quality to their customers, and they probably dont provide adequate resolutions when things go wrong. Finally, having very few reviews despite being in business for a long time may indicate that the company has created new pages to shed a bad reputation.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.Expert consulted:Matt GraberMoving Industry ExpertMatt Graber owns and manages Cool Hand Movers with his wife, Ashley, in New York City. Over the last 15 years, Graber has grown Cool Hand Movers from a man-with-a-van operation to an industry leader in one of the country's most competitive moving markets. Graber believes that the best moves happen when there is transparency between clients, movers, and move managers.

UK startup PhysicsX, founded by former Formula 1 engineering whizz Robin Dr. Rob Tuluie, has unveiled an AI tool that could fast-track the time it takes to design a new aircraft from months to just a few days.Dubbed LGM-Aero, the software creates new designs for aeroplanes. Using advanced algorithms trained on more than 25 million geometries, the model predicts lift, drag, stability, structural stress and other attributes for each shape. It then tailors the design according to what you want your plane to do.PhysicsX said the AI is the first-ever Large Geometry Model (LGM) for aerospace engineering. A barebones version of the model, Ai.rplane, is also accessible free of charge.This is a first step in transforming the way engineering is practised in advanced industries [like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing], said Tuluie, founder and chairman of PhysicsX.I WANT THE BEST DEALOver time, we will bring new capabilities to LGM-Aero and Ai.rplane, allowing users to select powertrains, add controls and further content to reach mature designs in days rather than months or years, he said. Tuluie wasnt always an entrepreneur. For the first half of his life, he worked alongside Nobel Prize winners as an astrophysicist. Then, at 41, he entered the F1 scene where he devised designs that helped Renault, and later Mercedes, win four Formula One world championships between them.In 2019, Tuluie founded PhysicsX alongside Jacomo Corbo, a Harvard-educated engineer who ran McKinseys AI lab. Together, the duo have assembled a 50-strong team of some of the worlds top minds in data science, AI, and machine learning.PhysicsX, based in London, emerged from stealth in November 2023 with 30mn in funding. The company is on a mission to reimagine simulation for science and engineering using AI in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.PhysicsX says it is looking to help engineers better anticipate design bottlenecks, such as the drag of a new aeroplane or car design before they set out on building a physical prototype saving them time and money. Its software acts like a supercharged wind tunnel for ideas.In the same way that large language models understand text, Ai.rplane has a vast knowledge of the shapes and structures that are important to aerospace engineering, explained Corbo.The technology can optimise across multiple types of physics in seconds, many orders of magnitude faster than numerical simulation, and at the same level of accuracy.Corbo called LGM-Aero an important stepping stone towards developing physics foundation models. These are AI systems designed to simulate and solve complex physical problems by learning patterns from data and physical laws.Applying AI to complex scientific problems is gaining traction. In 2020, Google Deepminds Alphafold model famously cracked a puzzle in protein biology that had confounded scientists for centuries. The discovery has accelerated research in drug discovery, molecular biology, and bioengineering.Other companies, like Dutch scaleup VSParticle, are using algorithms to fastrack the discovery and synthesis of potentially game-changing materials.While the applications of AI in science may differ from discipline to discipline, the benefits are shared: artificial intelligence can supercharge scientific discovery by analysing data, simulating complex systems, and uncovering insights faster than humans ever could.So AI isnt all about asking ChatGPT what to eat for dinner? No, dear reader, its a actually pretty big deal. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Microsofts cloud ambitions just hit a major snag in the UK. The tech giant is facing a 1bn ($1.27 billion) lawsuit over how it licenses software to customers using rival cloud platforms.Filed in the UKs Competition Appeal Tribunal by Scott+Scott, the lawsuit accuses Microsoft of punishing businesses for choosing competitors like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Alibaba over its Azure platform.Heres the gist: if youre using Microsofts Windows Server but prefer another cloud provider, youre allegedly stuck with higher costs. Maria Luisa Stasi, the lead claimant, argues this forces UK businesses into Azures arms and stifles competition. Backed by litigation funder LCM Funding, the case claims Microsofts pricing practices exploit its dominance in operating systems.Put simply, Microsoft is punishing UK businesses and organisations for using Google, Amazon and Alibaba for cloud computing by forcing them to pay more money for Windows Server, Stasi, who is head of law and policy for digital rights advocacy group Article19, told CNBC.I WANT THE BEST DEALBy doing so, Microsoft is trying to force customers into using its cloud computing service Azure and restricting competition in the sector.AWS and Google have already flagged Microsofts licensing policies to UK regulators, spurring an ongoing investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the public cloud sector.Microsoft, for its part, insists the industry is fiercely competitive and points to Googles growing cloud muscle as proof.Microsoft has not yet responded to our request for comment.Big tech under the microscopeMicrosofts legal headaches arent just about the cloud. In June, the EU accused the tech giant of illegally linking its chat and video app Teams with its Office product, giving it an unfair advantage over rivals such as Slack. Microsoft could face a fine equal to 10% of its annual revenue for the alleged breach of the blocs Digital Markets Act (DMA). Regulators in the UK and the EU are tightening the noose on other big tech companies too.For instance, in September the EUs Court of Justice, in two separate cases, ruled in favour of back taxes and fines against Apple and Google totalling a whopping 15.4bn.The court found that Apple had benefitted from substantially and artificially lowered tax in Ireland since 1991. Google, on the other hand, was found guilty of favouring its shopping service in internet searches and thereby abusing its market dominance in Europe.With this latest lawsuit, Microsofts cloud dominance may face a reckoning. Whether the case delivers real change or just more legal bills remains to be seen. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Apple and Goldman Sachs have announced another rate cut for Apple Card Savings Account. Starting today, Apple Card Savings Account offers a 3.90% annual percentage yield, down from 4.10%.Apple Card Savings Account started with a 4.15% interest rate for the first eight months of availability. The rateincreasedto 4.25% in December of last year, then again to4.35% in early Januaryand to4.5% in late January. The rate was then cutback to 4.4% in Apriland thenreduced to 4.25% in late September.In October, Apple adjusted the Apple Card Savings Account rate once again, lowering it to 4.10%. Now, as of December 4, 2024, the Apple Card Savings Account offers a 3.90% APY. This matches the rate that Goldman Sachs offers through its own Marcus savings account, though you can earn a bonus rate with this link for a limited time. Apple and Goldman Sachs, like all financial institutions, adjust the interest rate based on overall economic conditions. The Apple Card Savings Account is an exclusive feature for Apple Card holders. As you earn Daily Cash rewards with your Apple Card, you can easily transfer them into the high-yield savings account within the Wallet app.In addition to transferring Daily Cash directly, Apple Card users can also add funds from a linked bank account or their Apple Cash balance. The interest is compounded daily, meaning you earn interest on both your initial deposit and the accumulated interest over time. At the end of each month, the interest is paid out into your savings account.For more detailed information about the Apple Card Savings Account, visit our comprehensive guide right here.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