• Daily Deals: Cowboy Bebop, Roblox Gift Cards, Final Fantasy XVI, and More
    www.ign.com
    The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Saturday, December 14, below:Cowboy Bebop - The Complete Series for $17.99Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]Cowboy Bebop is one of the best anime series ever. Following the adventures of Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein, this series is one any anime fan needs to see at least once. We have the series ranked as the #2 best anime of all time, writing "Cowboy Bebop has had an indelible impact that reaches far beyond anime; everyone from Orson Scott Card to Rian Johnson to Robin Williams have praised the series and cited its influence on their work."Save on Roblox Gift CardsRoblox Physical Gift CardRoblox is one of the most popular games in the world right now, and you can never have enough Robux. Right now, Amazon has a Lightning Deal on a $50 physical Roblox Gift Card for just $40. That's 20% in savings! If you're still searching for a gift this holiday season for the gamer in your life, this Roblox deal is one you shouldn't pass up.Final Fantasy XVI for $24.99PS5Final Fantasy XVIIf you're excited for Clive to join Tekken 8, now is the time to pick up his game! Final Fantasy XVI follows Clive Rosfield on his journey to avenge his brother. For the first time in the Final Fantasy series, you can become a summon, known as Eikons in this world. With spectacular boss battles and an engaging story, Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent time, especially for $24.99.Astro Bot for $49.97Astro Bot PS5Selected as Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, Astro Bot is on sale this weekend, and there has never been a better time to pick up one of the PlayStation 5's best games. Building off Astro's Playroom, Astro Bot features many new abilities and bosses to fight, with over 300 bots to rescue across the galaxy. You'll find planets modeled after beloved PlayStation games like Ape Escape and Uncharted, and even surprise third-party bots like Leon S. Kennedy from Resident Evil 2. Super Mario RPG for $29.99Super Mario RPG - Nintendo SwitchThis weekend, you can save $30 off Super Mario RPG, the Nintendo Switch remake of the SNES title. The beloved game returns with a fresh coat of paint and the combat we all love, with even Yoko Shimomura returning to compose a remade soundtrack! Super Mario RPG is incredibly beginner-friendly, so you don't need to have any RPG experience to dive right in and enjoy this classic.Save on ROG Ally at Best Buy$449.99 for My Best Buy Plus MembersAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldThis weekend at Best Buy, you can save on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme model, where it's priced at $499.99. This handheld device is perfect for exploring your Steam library on the go, with PC Game Pass support also easily accessible. If you're planning to travel anytime soon, the ROG Ally will be your best friend.Stellar Blade for $49.99PS5Stellar BladeYou can grab Stellar Blade for just $50 this weekend. This action game from Shift Up has been one of the most popular games of the year. Just a few weeks ago, new Nier: Automata DLC was released, which included new outfits inspired by A2, 2B, and Emil. In our 7/10 review, we stated "Stellar Blade stands out as a gorgeous and well-crafted action game with very impressive strengths and very clear weaknesses."
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  • The Game Awards 2024: Celebrating a Year of Gaming Excellence and its Exciting Future
    news.xbox.com
    Age of Mythology: Retold Standard EditionXbox Game Studios239$29.99$23.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Sim/StrategyANIMAL WELLBigmode40$24.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Independent GameBest Debut Indie GameBalatroPlaystack Ltd238Get it nowNominated for:Game of the YearBest Game DirectionBest Independent GameBest Debut Indie Game WINNER!Baldur's Gate 3Larian Studios903$69.99$55.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Community Support WINNER!Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Cross-Gen BundleActivision Publishing Inc.538$69.99$52.49Get it nowXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Audio DesignInnovation in AccessibilityBest Action GameBest MultiplayerCloser the DistanceSkybound Games4$19.99Get it nowNominated for:Games for ImpactDestiny 2Bungie2013Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedNominated for:Best OngoingDiablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard EditionBlizzard Entertainment76$39.99$29.99Get it nowNominated for:Innovation in AccessibilityBest OngoingDragon Age: The VeilguardElectronic Arts577$69.99$41.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Innovation in AccessibilityDRAGON BALL Sparking! ZEROBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.502$69.99Get it nowNominated for:Best FightingDragon's Dogma 2CAPCOM CO., LTD.504$69.99$41.99Get it nowNominated for:Best RPGEA SPORTS FC 25 Standard Edition Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SElectronic Arts895$69.99$27.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/Racing WINNER!ELDEN RING Shadow of the ErdtreeBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.451$39.99Get it nowNominated for:Game of the YearBest Game DirectionBest Art DirectionBest RPGF1 24Electronic Arts204$69.99$20.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Best Sports/RacingFINAL FANTASY XIV Online Complete EditionSQUARE ENIX142$59.99$41.99Get it nowNominated for:Best OngoingBest Community SupportFrostpunk 211 bit studios1Get it nowPC Game PassNominated for:Best Sim/Strategy WINNER!FortniteEpic Games Inc.2143Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedNominated for:Best OngoingBest Community SupportINDIKA11 bit studios74$24.99Get it nowNominated for:Games for ImpactKunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessCAPCOM CO., LTD.255$49.99$39.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Sim/StrategyLeague of LegendsRiot GamesGet it nowPC Game PassNominated for:Best Esports GameLife is Strange: Double ExposureSquare Enix215$49.99$34.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Best Performance (Hannah Telle)Games for ImpactLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthSEGA227$69.99Get it nowNominated for:Best NarrativeBest RPGManor Lords (Game Preview)Hooded Horse10Get it nowPC Game PassNominated for:Best Debut Indie GameBest Sim/StrategyMetaphor: ReFantazioSEGA236$69.99Get it nowNominated for:Game of the YearBest Game DirectionBest Narrative WINNER!Best Art Direction WINNER!Best Score and MusicBest RPG WINNER!MultiVersusWarner Bros. Games1382Get it nowNominated for:Best FightingNBA 2K25 Standard Edition2K774$69.99$27.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/RacingNevaDevolver Digital31$19.99$15.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Art DirectionGames for Impact WINNER!Best Independent GameNo Man's SkyHello Games1008$59.99$23.99Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Community SupportThe Plucky SquireDevolver Digital54$29.99$22.49Get it nowNominated for:Best Debut Indie GameBest Family GamePrince of Persia The Lost CrownUbisoft220$39.99$31.99Get it nowNominated for:Innovation in Accessibility WINNER!Best Action-AdventureSenuas Saga: Hellblade IIXbox Games Studios658$49.99$32.49Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best NarrativeBest Audio Design WINNER!Best Performance (Melina Juergens) WINNER!Games for ImpactStar Wars OutlawsUBISOFT1293$69.99$45.49Get it nowNominated for:Best Performance (Humberly Gonzlez)Innovation in AccessibilityBest Action-AdventureTales of Kenzera: ZAUElectronic Arts110$19.99$9.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Games for ImpactTEKKEN 8Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.265$69.99$34.99Get it nowNominated for:Best MultiplayerBest Fighting WINNER!TopSpin 2K25 Cross-Gen Digital Edition2K140$69.99$23.09Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/RacingUnicorn OverlordSEGA216$59.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Sim/StrategyVALORANTRiot Games787Get it nowXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Esports GameWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Focus Entertainment670$69.99$52.49Get it nowNominated for:Best Action GameBest MultiplayerWWE 2K24 Cross-Gen Digital Edition2K975$69.99$23.09Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/Racing
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  • 30 Outdoor Christmas Decor Ideas for the Most Festive Curb Appeal
    www.countryliving.com
    The Christmas season really is the best time of the year. Theres nothing better than spending time in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies, gathering with friends and family around the twinkly Christmas tree, or just curling up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate watching Christmas movie after Christmas movie. But first comes the most fun of all...decorating! Just like flowers in the spring and pumpkins in the fall, your outdoor holiday decor is a fun way to celebrate the season. A front door all decked out with lush evergreen garlands and cheery red bows warmly welcomes your guests and says a festive hello to all who drive by. If youre looking for outdoor decorating ideas beyond the standard evergreen wreath, below youll find inspiration for easy ways to beautifully adorn your homes exterior with creative garlands, wreaths, planters, and more. Get even more ideas for outdoor holiday decorating:1Dress Your WindowsBecky Luigart-StaynerHomeowner Landon McAfee drapes his cottages front door (painted a holiday-ready green!) with garland of a mix of Leyland Cypress and white pine. As a finishing touch, all of the window ledges get a holiday spruce-up with a layer of greenery clippings.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 45+ Gorgeous Christmas Garland Decorating Ideas for Dressing Your Home Up2Adorn Your StatuesBecky Luigart-StaynerAs an alternative to a traditional planter, consider placing wreaths around statues that flank the front door. Here, dog statues look extra festive at a Mississippi hunting lodge designed by Richard Keith Langham.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Set up a Seating NookAdam Albright for Country LivingAt Alyson Morgans Wisconsin farmhouse a wreath made with foraged branches and tendrils of dried vines and botanicals takes center stage above a wooden bench loaded up with pillows. An unadorned pine tree in a crock ups the seasonal charm.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 20+ Easy Ideas for Beautiful Outdoor Christmas Planters4Add Color With a Charlie Brown TreeNat Rea for Country LivingWhile your garlands and wreaths may be perfect and lush, theres nothing more charming than a less-than-perfect fir tree weighted down with ornaments. A galvanized bucket provides a humble, no-fuss container.TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Wrap Porch Columns With GarlandsRikki Snyder for Country LivingOn this upstate New York farmhouse, all the porch columns are wrapped with Fraser fir garlandsa perfect pairing with evergreen wreaths and festive red bows.TOUR THIS HOUSE6Hang an ArrangementBERNADETTE HOLSTEINTheres no rule that your front door wreath has to be round. Choose your favorite outdoor-friendly vessel, like this wicker cone, and fill with an arrangement of evergreen and berry-filled branches. Finish with a festive bow. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Put a Tree on Your PorchDavid TsayI love the idea of having an outdoor tree, and this is a perfect way to do it, says textile designer Heather Taylor of the 10-footer on the screened-in porch of her familys California cabin, whereyes, even during the winterthey bundle up and gather to enjoy time together. TOUR THIS HOUSE8DIY a Tobacco Basket WreathBRIAN WOODCOCKA rustic tobacco basket makes for the easiest DIY wreath! Just add floral wire to fasten greenery, plus a few pine cone accents, some bright berries, and maybe a gingham ribbon to finish it all off.RELATED: 50+ DIY Christmas Wreaths to Give Your Guests the Prettiest WelcomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Hang Wreaths With RibbonDylan Chandler for Country LivingKaley Cuttings Connecticut farmhouse makes a merry first impression thanks to wreaths hung at each window with layered ticking-stripe ribbons.10Mix Your GreensDavid Meredith, styling by Meta ColemanFor a garland with lots of interesting texture, choose one made with a mix of types of greens, such as pine, cedar, boxwood, or even, like here, olive leaves. Complement the simple, natural look with wood and terra-cotta planters holding a variety of evergreen shrubs. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Decorate for the Entire Winter SeasonBrian Woodcock for Country LivingAs if fur-embellished ice skates werent wintery or glamorous enough! In this innovative DIY, theyre filled with sprigs of evergreens and finished off with a fluffy pom-pom for a unique wreath that will have all your holiday guests buzzing. A few silver jingle bells or miniature ornaments make things even more festive.12Go All OutCHARLIE COLMERIf you fall in the more is more holiday decorating philosophy, then go for it! This Christmas-loving homeowner went wild with a small tree, wreath, evergreen arrangements in planters, colorful packages, a vintage ski poster, and whimsical flag bunting up above. RELATED: The Best Small Christmas Tree Ideas With Big Holiday SpiritAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Stagger Red & Green LanternsBrian Woodcock for Country LivingNow, heres a home that incorporates the colors of Christmas in a seamless, beautiful way that doesnt interrupt their existing decor scheme. These Tennessee homeowners incorporated the merry hues using a swath of cedar branches tied together with red ribbon, a small tree, and other color-coordinated decorations.TOUR THIS HOUSE14Lean a Vintage Sled Dylan Chandler for Country LivingA vintage wooden sled or two propped by the door brings a seasonal spirit that can stay all winter long. For extra embellishment add a large bow. RELATED: 25+ Vintage Christmas Decorations That Will Never Go Out of StyleAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Swoop Your GarlandKim Cornelison for Country LivingRather than wrapping your porch posts, let the garlands hang down for a more casual farmhouse-style look. It also lets a lot more of that pretty green to showand pop against a wintery white setting.TOUR THIS HOUSE16Stack up Some Hay BalesBuff Strickland for Country LivingThis country Christmas display outside the Junk Gypsies Wander Inn, comes together with just a few items, namely hay bales. They used brightly colored lights and galvanized stars as decorations, but you can adorn yours however you like. RELATED: See more of how the Junk Gypsies Decorate Their Inn for ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Create a Fragrant Door SwagBrian Woodcock for Country LivingIs there a more beautifulor more fragrant!arrangement than a grouping of dried oranges, pine cones, and fresh greenery? We dont think so! Add a burlap ribbon, and you have yourself an eye-catching front door decoration.RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday Decorations18Bring Out Vintage FavoritesDavid Tsay for Country LivingAt her Michigan farmhouse, Abby Hoppen brings out her vintage thermoses and coolers to add crusty nostaligia to the front porch. A red metal lawn chair and galvanized feeders add more pops of vintage patina. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Hang Garland Around the HouseBurcu AvsarNo porch? No problem! Just drape garland around the exterior of your house or barn for a unique holiday look. Cover the garland with outdoor-friendly ball ornaments of various colors and sizes for extra festive flair20Embellish With BerriesMichael PartenioThis is no ordinary wreathbut it doesnt take a ton of elbow grease to create it either. A simple spray of wheat stalks, a pretty ribbon bow, and a few artificial berries make for a gorgeous final look...and dont forget the tiny silver bells.
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  • Elevate your holiday entertainment with XGIMIs projectors
    9to5mac.com
    This holiday season, XGIMI is offering an array of cutting-edge projectors that promise to transform your festive gatherings into unforgettable experiences. With limited-time discounts and special bundle deals, theres never been a better time to upgrade your home entertainment system or find the perfect gift for the tech enthusiast in your life.XGIMIs projectors are designed to bring families and friends together, creating a cinematic atmosphere for holiday movie marathons, sports events, and celebrations. The high-quality visuals and immersive sound will make every viewing experience magical, whether youre watching classic Christmas films or streaming the latest blockbusters.XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collectionThe MoGo 3 Pro is XGIMIs newest portable projector. With the size of a large cup, its ideal for taking with you wherever you go, whether indoors or outdoors. The 1080p resolution with 450 lumens of brightness is enough to provide a fun movie night with your family at Christmas. Even if you dont have a dedicated space for a large projector.MoGo 3 Pro has two 5W speakers from Harman/Kardon, and the best part is that the projector also works as a Bluetooth speaker. This means you can play songs with it from your phone without having to turn on the projector lens.The MoGo 3 Pros design features a built-in stand with 130 adjustment, and just like other XGIMI projectors, it also has easy setup with autofocus and auto keystone to intelligently adjust the image.For this holiday season, XGIMI has created something special: the MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection. You can buy a kit with a MoGo 3 Pro projector combined with a Creative Optical Filter, the PowerBase Stand to use the projector unplugged, and an exclusive Christmas case. Its the perfect gift for tech enthusiasts or someone who loves home entertainment.You can buy the XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection for just $549.More XGIMI deals for this holiday seasonXGIMI has also prepared many other special offers for this holiday season.The new Elfin Flipis a beautiful 1080p projector with a built-in 150 angle stand, perfect for smaller rooms. It also supports image auto-adjustment and has two built-in 3W speakers. From $399, you can buy it for just $299 during the Christmas sale.For the ultimate home cinema experience,XGIMI AURA 2is the one to go for. Not only does it support Dolby Vision, it is also IMAX Enhanced certified. With 2300 ISO lumens of brightness and Ultra Short Throw technology for projecting large 4K images at a short distance, AURA 2 has state-of-the-art specifications. It costs $2,699 and comes with a gift dongle.Another excellent option for this holiday season is the XGIMI Horizon Ultra. It can project 4K images with a very high level of brightness, making it ideal for setting up your own home cinema. The images are sharp, bright and have vivid colors. Perfect for watching Christmas movies and shows in high resolution with your family.XGIMI Horizon Ultra review: 4K projector for those serious about image qualityWith theXGIMI Horizon Ultra, you dont have to worry about connecting external speakers to it, because the projector has two 12W speakers from Harman Kardon with DTS Sound technology for a surround experience. While this experience usually costs $1,799, XGIMI is selling Horizon Ultra for $1,444 during the holiday season.You can check out some other Christmas deals from XGIMI below:Horizon S Max ($1,899): An improved version of the XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K with higher brightness and a built-in flexible stand, now with a gift dongle included.Horizon S Pro ($1,299): A more affordable version of XGIMIs premium 4K projector with 1800 ISO lumens of brightness. Also comes with a stand and a gift dongle.XGIMI Halo+ ($749): A compact 1080p projector with 700 lumens of brightness and a built-in battery that lasts more than 2.5 hours.Dont miss out on these limited-time offers. Visit XGIMIs official website or check out their Amazon store to explore the full range of holiday deals and bring home the gift of cinematic magic this Christmas.Follow @xgimitech on social media for the latest updates and exclusive offers throughout the holiday season.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
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  • Indie App Spotlight: TechniCalc is a comprehensive calculator with a clean interface
    9to5mac.com
    Welcome toIndie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If youre a developer and would like your app featured, getin contact.TechniCalc is a fully featured calculator app, with all of the advanced features youd need but without a clunky or outdated UI. It focuses on being clean, easy to use, while being good for mathematicians. Its available for iPhone, iPad, Mac.Interface highlightsMany advanced calculator apps feel like theyre out of the 90s still, but not TechniCalc. Its beautiful interface scales nicely across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It also has both light and dark mode. The developer focused on making two key interactions better than the competition, making it nice to use.When youre typing an equation, TechniCalc keeps everything visible, whereas some apps like to hide the previous number you typed after pressing plus or whatever else. This allows you to easily read your equation.On top of that, the keyboard is fully featured in both portrait and landscape, reducing the need to rotate your device. It does this by grouping things in submenus behind buttons, allowing the interface to look clean while still retaining over 100 calculator buttons. For example, if you press and hold on degrees, you have a submenu that shows you arcminutes and arcseconds. You can also press and hold on sin for arcsin, and so on.Math capabilitiesOn top of being able to do basic calculations, TechniCalc has mostly everything youd want out of a fully featured calculator, including the following:BracketsSquare and cubic rootsExponents and logarithms TrigonometryTrigonometry (sin, cos, tan)Degrees, radians, and gradiansConstants (pi, e, and over 100 other physical constants)It also has a formula book, calculation history, a built in unit and currency convertor, and a statistics mode.For advanced math, it also supports the following:Almost unlimited number sizes over 1,000,000 factorialSquare roots and logarithms with any baseFactorial, nPr, nCr, and gammaHyperbolic trigonometry (sinh, cosh, tanh)Vectors and matricesImaginary and complex numbersSeries sums and productsNumerical integration and differentiationBinary, octal, and hexadecimalProgrammer modeWhatever you need from your calculator, TechniCalc likely has you covered.TechniCalc is available as a one time purchase on the App Store, with no ads or subscriptions for just $7.99. Once purchased, thats it theres no additional upsells or anything else to worry about.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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  • Saatva HD Mattress Review 2024: A Heavy-Duty Luxurious Bed
    www.cnet.com
    8.75 /10 SCORE Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Back sleeper Combo sleeper Side sleeper Stomach sleeper Score Breakdown Performance 9 /10 Policies 8.5 /10 Durability 9.5 /10 Features 9 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Durable and supportive Responsive, accommodating feel Zoned support design Organic materials Cons Expensive Only one firmness option Not compatible with adjustable bases Table of Contents A mattress seems like a simple purchase at first, but it's a lot more complicated if you want to get the right mattress for your body type. Whether you like your mattress as soft as feathers or on the harder side, you need one that provides comfort and support.If you're a heavier person, you'll be pleased to know the market is loaded with mattresses that offer extra support and robust features (supporting up to 500 pounds per person). Some examples include the Titan Plus and Titan Plus Luxe, the WinkBed Plus and the Big Fig mattress. The Saatva HD is another example, and it might be the nicest one in terms of quality and comfort.First impressions of the Saatva HD mattressI was expecting to be impressed by the Saatva HD mattress prior to its arrival at our office and testing facility because of the pedigree of the Saatva brand. The Saatva Classic is one of CNET's favorite mattresses, the Loom & Leaf mattress and the Saatva Solaire mattress are also great for different reasons and the Saatva HD did not disappoint.All of Saatva's beds have a premium look, but in my opinion the HD mattress looks the best thanks to its organic cotton cover, golden embroidery and tall height profile. When we first started testing the mattress I found it similar to the Saatva Classic in terms of feel with subtle differences, which makes sense considering the HD is essentially designed to be a thicker, more supportive and durable version of the Classic.It also wasn't quite as firm as I expected -- often, beds that are designed for heavier people tend to skew firm, and while I would describe the HD as firmer than the average mattress, I was expecting something like the Titan Plus mattress which is among the firmest beds we've tested.Video: Saatva HD mattress ReviewWatch me review the Saatva HD mattress in this video. Saatva HD construction and feelThe Saatva HD mattress is very thick at 15.5 inches tall, which is among the thickest mattresses we've tested. Consequently, you might want to get deep pocket sheets to accommodate the mattress, and because of how thick the bed is and the materials it uses the Saatva HD is not compatible with adjustable bases which is something to keep in mind.The bottommost layer is a 2-inch layer of dense, responsive support foam. You won't really be feeling this layer at all, its job is to provide the coil layer above a stable foundation. The coil layer is about 6 inches thick and is the primary support layer of the Saatva HD. It's constructed with extra thick gauge coils to improve the durability of the mattress.Above the coil layer is a 2-inch layer of high-density responsive foam, which functions as a transition layer to help make sure you only feel the bounce and support from the coil layer, not the coils themselves. Above this layer is a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam for comfort and pressure relief, and above the memory foam is a 1.5-inch layer of zoned latex foam, and then the mattress is finished off with a 3-inch quilted European pillow top.This bed has a lot going on under the cover and has a pretty strong resemblance to the Saatva Classic, with the key difference being the latex foam layer. On the Classic instead of a layer of latex foam it has another layer of coils.The construction gives the Saatva HD an accommodating, responsive pillow-top feel that I think pretty much everyone will find comfortable. Despite its layer of memory foam, it doesn't have the sink-in, body-conforming quality that memory foam is known for. If you're a memory foam lover, this feel might not appeal to you, but I have a hard time thinking people will find the Saatva HD uncomfortable. Jon Gomez/CNETSaatva HD firmness and sleeper typesUnlike the Saatva Classic which comes in three different firmness options, the Saatva HD is only available in one and in our testing we found it to be roughly a medium-firm on our scale, which makes it most ideal for back, stomach, and combination sleepers. People who spend a significant portion of the night on their side will likely want a mattress with a softer profile to provide more pressure relief. The brand agrees with our medium-firm assessment and lists it at the same level on its website.This firmness profile comes with a caveat though. Firmness is subjective and depends on a person's body weight, with heavier people generally finding beds softer than lighter people. If you're a heavier person, you may feel it to be closer to a medium than a medium-firm. This could make it more appropriate for side sleepers.I think it would be a nice addition to Saatva HD for there to be a firmer option for heavier sleepers who want very little give in their mattress. For now, though, there's only one firmness profile for this mattress. Jon Gomez/CNETSaatva HD mattress performanceEdge supportThe edge support of a mattress refers to how well the perimeter of the bed holds up under pressure. If the edge compresses too much, you can feel like you are going to roll off the mattress, which usually leads to poor sleep.I thought the edge support on the Saatva HD was great. I didn't observe any roll-off sensation, and looking back at the construction of this mattress, there is dense foam reinforcement of the outer perimeter specifically to improve the edge support.Motion isolationIf you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because your partner tosses and turns a lot, having a mattress that does a good job of isolating cross-mattress motion is important.The Saatva HD is about average in this category. The support layer has some design elements to improve the motion isolation; however it can't really compete with a foam mattress in this category.However, if you are a really light sleeper who wakes up easily if your partner tosses and turns, it could happen more on this bed than others, but I don't see it being a dealbreaker for most.Temperature regulationThe Saatva HD mattress should sleep temperature neutral thanks to its breathable layers like the coils, latex foam and organic cotton used in the pillow-top. It doesn't have any active cooling features like on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora or Tempur-Pedic Pro Breeze that are cool to the touch.There are no red flags for sleeping hot on the Saatva HD, although in a recent 30-night home test of the Saatva Classic a member of our team did warm up a bit.Saatva HD pricing undefined SizeMeasurements (inches)Price Twin 38x74 inches$1,995Twin XL 38x80 inches$2,195Full 54x75 inches$2,995Queen 60x80 inches$3,295King 76x80 inches$3,945Cal king 72x84 inches$3,945 There is no getting around the fact that the Saatva HD is an expensive mattress. It is significantly more expensive than the base model Saatva Classic, which is $2,095 for a queen size before discounts. The Saatva HD is also regularly discounted, which will lower the price a bit, but it is still a bed you need a sizable budget to consider.Make sure to check out our mattress deals page for the latest pricing and discounts on the Saatva HD or any other bed you might be interested in.Saatva HD mattress policiesFree shipping (white glove delivery)Unlike most online mattresses, which are rolled up and packaged tightly in plastic and then shipped to you in a large box, Saatva ships all of its beds fully expanded. You also get in-home setup and removal of your old mattress (if you choose). This is often called "white glove delivery."This can be especially nice if you don't want to unpack your own mattress -- that isn't too difficult, but if you struggle to lift things, it can be a hassle. The bigger hassle is getting rid of your old bed, as it can cost a bit of money to dispose of a mattress. With any mattress from Saatva, you won't have to deal with it.365-night trialAll Saatva mattresses come with an extra-long trial period of 365 nights in comparison to the usual standard of 100 nights. So you have quite a while to really test it out and see if you like it.Keep in mind that it can take a month or longer for your body to adjust to a new mattress, no matter how well-suited it is to your sleeping preferences. The trial period begins the day the mattress is delivered, not when you actually start sleeping on it.Return policyAt any point after the first 30 nights post-delivery you decide the Saatva HD mattress isn't for you for any reason, you can return it and get a refund. You just contact the company, and it will coordinate with a third party to pick up the mattress for you and then the bed is usually donated.There is a $99 fee to return any mattress from Saatva. It used to be one of the only brands that has a return fee but more and more online brands now have a similar fee.WarrantyAll Saatva mattresses are backed by a Lifetime warranty, which is above and beyond the usual online mattress standard of 10 years.Like pretty much any warranty that lasts longer than 10 years, this warranty is tiered and offers more protection in the first 10 years in comparison to the years after but the Saatva HD mattress will likely remain durable over the long haul. Jon Gomez/CNETFinal verdictThe Saatva HD is a high-quality mattress with premium materials and a design that will ensure long-term durability for heavier bodies. You don't necessarily need to be a heavier person to be interested in the Saatva HD, though, but if you are not the type of person this bed is designed for, I don't see why you'd buy this instead of the Saatva Classic. The Classic is more affordable, has more firmness options and is also durable and supportive. The HD does have a latex foam layer, which I could see some people gravitating towards, but with the extra cost and inability to work with an adjustable base, the Saatva HD is more of a niche choice.For heavier people looking for a luxurious mattress that's specifically designed to be super supportive and durable, the Saatva HD is one of the best beds on the market. The only potential downsides is firmness and price but it should work for the majority of people and it's also very comfortable.You might like the Saatva HD mattress ifYou're a heavier person looking for a durable and supportive bedYou want a neutral, accommodating mattress feelYou're sharing this mattress and need excellent supportYou're seeking a firmer mattressYou might not like the Saatva HD mattress ifYou're shopping on a tight budgetYou use or want to use an adjustable baseYou want something plushOther mattresses from SaatvaSaatva Classic: This is one of our all-time favorite mattresses, and we put it on many of our best lists for its comfort, versatility and price. It comes in three different firmness levels that work for most sleepers. It uses two layers of coils, it's plenty supportive and it has an accommodating and traditional pillow-top feel. There are just a lot of things to like about the Saatva Classic, and it is more affordable than the Saatva HD.Loom & Leaf: This is the premium memory foam mattress option from Saatva. It doesn't feature any coils and instead uses dense foam for support and two different layers of memory as the primary comfort layers. The luxurious quilted cover is filled with a more responsive type of foam, so it has more of a responsive memory foam feel overall. It also comes in two different firmness levels that lean toward the firm end of the spectrum.Saatva Rx:The Saatva Rx is a relatively new bed from Saatva, which is designed to provide targeted support for sleepers with chronic pain. It has two layers of coils, foam-tipped pocketed coils and micro coils to achieve that level of support. It also has a nice, comfy pillow-top feel. It only comes in one firmness level and it's a bit softer than a medium to make it a nice option for side sleepers looking for joint pressure relief.How does the Saatva Soliare mattress compare to similar mattresses?Saatva HD vs. WinkBed Plus The WinkBed Plus is essentially WinkBed's answer to the Saatva HD, meaning it's a variant of its flagship mattress designed for heavier people. The WinkBed Plus is technically a different firmness option from the regular WinkBed mattress, but we consider it a different bed altogether because it's more expensive and has a different construction. Like the Saatva HD, the WinkBed Plus has a layer of latex foam for added bounce and durability and has the same type of responsive pillow-top feel and a similar medium-firm profile -- all while also being more affordable.Saatva HD vs. Titan Plus The Titan Plus mattress is another popular bed that's designed for heavier individuals. Like the Saatva HD, it uses extra-thick gauge coils for additional support and durability. It has fewer comfort layers than the Saatva HD, and instead of having a pillow-top feel, it has more of a responsive, firm foam feel that I don't think is universally comfortable. There's also a Titan Plus Luxe model that adds some memory foam, which changes up the feel.The biggest point in favor of the Titan Plus in comparison to the Saatva HD is that it's much more affordable. It's $1,249 for a queen size and has an optional cooling cover.Saatva HD vs. Big Fig Big Fig is another mattress specifically designed for heavier people -- "Big Fig" is short for "Bigger Figure." It also has extra-thick gauge coils and has a feel more similar to the Titan Plus I just covered than the pillow-top feel of the Saatva HD. It has a cover that is somewhat cool to the touch, and Big Fig says it can support up to 1,100 pounds throughout the lifespan of the mattress. Big Fig is also more affordable than the Saatva HD, $1,899 for a queen and it has a firmer profile.Saatva HD mattress FAQs Does this mattress ship in a box? No, the Saatva HD and all other beds from Saatva ship full-size via white glove delivery. Show more Is the Saatva HD mattress safe? Yes, this mattress has certifications to show it's non-toxic and it uses recycled materials and natural latex. Show more Will this work with an adjustable base? No, the Saatva HD's design doesn't allow it to work with an adjustable base. Show more
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  • Bear Natural Mattress Review 2024: The Latest Newcomer to the Bear Lineup
    www.cnet.com
    8 /10 SCORE Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Back sleeper Combo sleeper Side sleeper Stomach sleeper Score Breakdown Performance 7 /10 Policies 8.5 /10 Durability 8.5 /10 Features 9 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Responsive coils and latex foam provide plenty of bounce The latex-hybrid feel is accommodating to most Reinforced coils on perimeter and lumbar feature give great support Firmness is ideal for all sleeper types Cons Not the best option for side sleepers seeking tons of pressure relief People under 150 pounds might not need the added support Not ideal for fans of memory foam Table of Contents Bear is a popular mattress brand with a wide portfolio of foam and hybrid mattresses. You'll find a mattress from Bear that fits your needs, whether you want to lower motion transfer or increase pressure relief. With its latest natural latex model, the brand has taken a new direction, so we decided to put the Bear Natural Mattress to the test.Bear offers an affordable flagship bed for those who love their memory foam, all the way to a range-topping premium hybrid mattress for the more "health-conscious" sleeper. As such, making a latex hybrid mattress seems like a major deviation from Bear's usual offerings -- at least, to me, that is. That's why we were surprised to discover that Bear recently launched a natural hybrid.After testing it for several weeks, I can confidently say it's a quality bed with some accommodating features, but in this review, we'll go over everything you need to know before buying one online.First impressions Jonathan Gomez/CNETThis mattress showed up at our door like most others, inside a four-foot-tall box wrapped up in plastic. If you've never unboxed an online bed, take it from me; it's quite fun. It's a great activity for you and your partner to tackle on a lazy afternoon, and it shouldn't take you more than 15 minutes to complete altogether.Usually, when you rip off all the plastic, there's a bit of a factory smell. In the case of the Bear Natural, there's none of that. Instead you're greeted with more of an earthy scent, which can be a bit more pleasant than your average bed-in-a-box experience. Right out of the box, though, it felt quite soft and was slightly misshapen. This is a completely normal thing to experience with online beds that ship in a box. We just gave it some time to fully expand -- like us, they can get jet-lagged after a long journey and need a night to recover.The next morning, the bed was finally ready to be tested. Like other latex hybrids, the Bear Natural felt super springy and responsive. Since it has more responsive materials in its construction rather than memory foam, it's easy to see why it feels so bouncy and spongy.Unlike other latex hybrids, though, it's a little more pressure-relieving. These types of beds are usually on the firmer side for back and stomach sleepers, but right when I hopped on the bed, I immediately felt like the Bear Natural could work for all sleep styles.Video: Bear Natural mattress reviewWatch me review the Bear Natural mattress in this video review.Bear Natural mattress firmness and feel Jonathan Gomez/CNETWhat does Bear Natural feel like?Most beds in the "natural hybrid" category exhibit more of a latex foam feel, and I'd say that this mattress is pretty much in line with that. Its main comfort layer is a Talalay latex foam, which, compared to Dunlop, is the softer style of latex foam. This element gives the Bear Natural a latex foam feel that's plush and generally comfortable.Latex foam is essentially the opposite of memory foam. Instead of sinking in, you'll be laying more on top of the mattress, and when you switch between positions, the bed will adapt to your body's shape immediately. Memory foam beds can take a second to catch up to your body's new shape -- but not the Bear Natural, what a champ. How firm is the Bear Natural mattress?As I mentioned, this bed is a bit softer than your average latex hybrid bed online. Most range around a medium-firm, but we'd say the Bear is slightly softer between a medium and a medium-firm. This makes it a fine option for all sleeper types, with a slight support edge for back and stomach sleepers.If you're looking for a firmer mattress from Bear, you might like the Original or Pro Hybrid beds. Side sleepers searching for the most pressure-relieving option from the brand should consider the Elite Hybrid in the "soft" version. Considering its neutral firmness level, we think the Bear Natural should accommodate most preferences.Bear Natural mattress construction Jonathan Gomez/CNETBear Natural is a hybrid bed that has a combination of coils for support and various foams for comfort. It's comprised of the following layers:1. On the bottom, there's a layer of base foam. This is a thin, dense foam that acts as a foundation for everything else to rest on.2. Then you have the bed's main support system of pocketed coils, which feature reinforced edges and a lumbar support feature.3. Next is responsive comfort foam, this helps transition you up from the coils to the main comfort layers in the bed.4. Then you have the bed's main comfort layer of Talalay latex foam; this gives the bed its immediate response time with some cushion.5. Above that, you've got a layer of organic cotton that's quilted into the cover to provide some additional comfort to the mattress.6. And on top, you've got an organic cotton cover that gives the bed its natural aesthetic.Bear Natural mattress performance Jonathan Gomez/CNETMotion isolationIf your partner is an especially light sleeper, you'll want a bed that isolates cross-mattress movement well. We'd say the Bear Natural performs decently in this regard. It's not going to isolate motion as well as a dense memory foam mattress, but it's not going to reverberate enough motion to wake you or your partner up at night. Out of the entire Bear mattress lineup, we'd say the Bear Original has the best motion isolation.Edge-to-edge supportConsidering that the Bear Natural has reinforced coils that run along its edges, we'd say it has a pretty sturdy perimeter. If you or your partner happen to sleep close to the edges of the mattress, you shouldn't experience any roll-off sensation.If your partner tends to hog the entire sleeping surface of your current bed, this is an important factor to consider when searching for your next mattress. No one wants to tip over the edge of a bed while they sleep -- dreams of falling never felt so real. TemperatureWhen it comes to sleeping temperature, the Bear Natural should sleep around the temperature-neutral range. Most beds are pretty much neutral when it comes to how hot or cold they sleep unless, of course, you're looking into an active cooling option.The latex foam in the mattress is naturally moisture-wicking, which could benefit most hot sleepers who tend to sweat at night. There aren't really any active cooling advantages in this mattress, but that doesn't mean it will sleep hot by any means.DurabilityThis is a supportive hybrid mattress that's durable enough to last for several years. The average lifespan of a mattress usually ranges around 7-10 years, and since hybrid beds have steel coils for support, they can often last even longer. The long-term durability of a mattress can sometimes depend on your body type, but if you're of an average build, the Bear Natural should last you a pretty long time.Off-gassingSometimes, there's a bit of a smell when you unbox a new mattress, but in the case of more eco-friendly beds like this one, you get more of an earthy scent post-unboxing. There may be a factory scent to some other online options, but it's a completely normal part of the process. The smell should dissipate after a couple of days.Who is the Bear Natural mattress best for?The bed's medium firmness profile makes it a great option for just about any sleeper type. Its hybrid construction should be able to handle all body types as well, but it still might not be the most suitable option for certain sleep styles. Here's who I think will benefit the most from it. Jonathan Gomez/CNETSleeping positionCombination sleepers will probably be getting the most out of this mattress. Given that it sits right at a medium on our scale, the Bear Natural should be accommodating for those who like to rotate between different sleeping positions throughout the night. Being a combination sleeper myself, I find this mattress super comfortable.If you're a strict side sleeper, this mattress could work, but it wouldn't be at the top of my list of recommendations for you. Though it's soft enough for most side sleepers, strict side sleepers might crave having a bed with more pressure relief for their shoulders and hips.The Bear Elite in the "soft" versions should supply this level of cushion for side sleeping, while the "firm version" is best for strict back and stomach sleeping.Body typeAs I mentioned, the Bear Natural is supportive enough to handle all body types. We think you'll be plenty supported by the bed whether you're average-sized, petite, or even much heavier. This is mainly due to the bed's support system of pocketed coils, which are generally more supportive than all-foam constructions. In addition to being a great option for all sleeper types, it bodes well for all body types.Bear Natural mattress pricing Size Measurements (inches)PriceTwin 38x75 inches$1,893Twin XL 38x80 inches$1,960Full 54x75 inches$2,108Queen 60x80 inches$2,305King 76x80 inches$2,762Cal King 72x84 inches$2,762Split King 72x84 inches$3,920 Beds composed of natural and organic materials are usually on the more expensive side. Though the Bear Natural is up there in terms of price, we still think it's a reasonable value for a bed of its quality. After a discount is applied, you can usually pick up a queen size for right around $1,500.As a brand, Bear usually has great gift bundles with every mattress purchase. Right now, you get two pillows, a sheet set and a mattress protector thrown in for free. So, if you're looking for more of a sleep setup, this brand has you covered.Trial, shipping and warrantyAs a brand, Bear backs its beds with above-average policies. Its beds ship to you in a box for free, and once it's in your possession, you get a 120-night trial period to try it at home risk-free. If you happen not to like it within that time frame, you have a return option, but if you decide to keep it, you're backed by a lifetime warranty. Just be sure to use the right foundation for the bed. Otherwise, you could void your bed's warranty.The final verdict Jonathan Gomez/CNETI'd check out the Bear Natural if you're looking for a quality latex hybrid bed that's between a medium and a medium-firm. If you want a hybrid mattress that's made of more sustainable materials, I'd say it's worth checking out as well.Considering the bed is backed by pretty generous policies, you can rest assured knowing that there's plenty of time to try it out at home for yourself risk-free.You might like the Bear Natural mattress if:You want a more naturally sourced hybrid mattressYou prefer sleeping on something that's slightly firmerYou like the feel of beds with latex foam for comfortYou're an average to heavier-sized personYou might not like the Bear Natural bed if:You're looking for an all-foam mattressYou're a smaller-sized person who doesn't need extra supportYou want a soft or firm mattress for a particular preferenceYou're on a super strict budgetOther mattresses from BearThere are lots of other beds within the Bear mattress lineup to consider. If you're in the market for an affordable all-foam option with a dense memory foam feel, you can always check out the Bear Original. The Bear Pro Hybrid is essentially this mattress with a hybrid design. Both of these beds are on the firm side, around a medium-firm, so they'll probably work best for primary back and stomach sleepers.If you've got a bit more money to spend, you can consider getting a more premium Bear mattress. The Star Hybrid is one of my personal favorite pillow top beds that's around a true medium. It's a super cozy option with a neutral feel that's also around a medium. The top-tier offering is the Bear Elite, which I actually just did a full review on -- check that out to learn more.Bear also has a kids' bed called the Bear Cub and even a trundle mattress that's a bit thinner to outfit something like a camper. The more premium beds are even available with optional celliant covers, which could move the needle for most athletes out there. How does the Bear Natural compare to other mattresses?Bear Natural vs. Natural Escape by MyGreen MattressThese are two hybrid mattresses with more of a natural and organic aesthetic. The main differences between the two have to do with firmness and policies. The Natural Escape is on the firm side, sitting at a proper medium-firm on our scale, while the Bear Natural is at a flat medium. This makes it more appropriate for supporting back and stomach sleepers.MyGreen Mattress as a brand also backs the Natural Escape with a 365-night trial period, so you get eight more months than the Bear Natural to test it out at home before you're stuck with it. The Natural Escape mattress contains more organically certified materials as well. Bear Natural vs. Leesa Natural HybridThis comparison is much more difficult to do since these beds are so similar. They're both naturally sourced latex hybrid beds that are around a medium firmness. The Leesa Natural Hybrid is actually a collaboration with the brand West Elm, whereas the Bear Natural is a stand-alone Bear bed.The feel of the Leesa Natural Hybrid is also a bit more dense and pressure-relieving since it has memory foam near the top. Compared to the Leesa Natural Hybrid, I'd say Bear Natural is slightly more responsive, but that's honestly splitting hairs.One noticeable difference between the two has to do with pricing. The Leesa Natural Hybrid is slightly more expensive than the Bear Natural after a discount. In addition to being more affordable, you also get more free sleep accessories lumped into your purchase with Bear Natural. Bear Natural mattress FAQs What certifications does Bear Natural come with? As the name implies, this is a natural mattress that is backed by some quality eco-certifications. The mattress itself is Greenguard Gold certified, which basically means the bed was made in a completely non-toxic fashion, and the mattress is also fiberglass-free.The bed also has certified organic cotton that's found within the mattress cover and quilting on top. By going the route of the Bear Natural, you're getting a more sustainably sourced product with the papers to prove it. Show more What is Zoned Support? Zoned support is basically a support system within a mattress to help keep your back in a neutral alignment while you sleep. In this case, Zoned support is found within the coils on the Bear Natural. They're divided into three sections, where the middle is firmer than the outer two. This gives you support under your lower back where you need it and pressure relief to the other areas of your body. If you have chronic back pain, this isn't a bad feature to have in your next bed. Show more
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  • Greedfall 2's improvements will come "gradually" with Update 0.2 "only the first step"
    www.eurogamer.net
    Greedfall 2's improvements will come "gradually" with Update 0.2 "only the first step""We wish we could provide a release date, but we would rather wait until we're certain." News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Dec. 14, 2024 Greedfall 2 developer Spiders is taking the end of the year as an opportunity to "reflect on our journey so far" and said it is "committed to building a great game alongside [the community] and listening to your invaluable feedback".In an update posted to Steam, Spiders said "a lot has happened since the start of Early Access", but the team is "thrilled" about progress to date, despite it being a challenging experience that has seen Update 0.2 delayed with still no firm release date.An overview of the early access release of GreedFall 2.Watch on YouTube"[The decision to delay Update 0.2] allows us to focus on implementing significant improvements and fixes based on your feedback," the team said. "These include the combat system - which is as important to you as it is to us - the UI, character customisation, optimisation, and many other aspects."This means Update 0.2 will not introduce a slew of changes, but instead the improvements will be "implemented gradually" over time."We wish we could provide a release date, but we would rather wait until we're certain," the team added. "What we can promise is that our priority remains delivering a game that meets your expectations and takes your feedback into account."The update also explained that Spiders was working behind the scenes to address issues with Alivda's voice lines, and whilst the original voice actor was unable to reprise the role, it was working with a new artist to get the lines re-recorded and switched in "the next update"."Ensuring your voices shape this journey has always been the goal of Early Access," the update concluded.Shortly after Greedfall 2 released in early access on Steam, the Greedfall team said the early access launch had been "exciting", but acknowledged improvements were needed, including improving the drop rate, adjusting AI behaviours, and making dialogue scenes "less blurry".
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  • Elder Scrolls Online developer votes to unionise
    www.eurogamer.net
    Elder Scrolls Online developer votes to unionise"Unions work to benefit us all."Image credit: Zenimax Online Studios News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Dec. 13, 2024 Workers at ZeniMax Online Studios have voted to unionise.The ZOS United-CWA union, as part of the Communications Workers of America, has been recognised by parent company, Microsoft, "signalling a significant victory for workers' rights in the industry".To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Is Sony buying FromSoftware's parent company the next big games industry acquisition?Watch on YouTubeThe union said that together, workers will be able to collectively push for "real improvements to the workplace", including "job security amid record layoffs, protections against AI, better pay, and benefits".461 members have joined, including web developers, designers, engineers, and graphic artists.The decision to unionise comes after hundreds of staff at ZeniMax went on strike last month in protest at parent company Microsoft outsourcing work without bargaining with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union.Today we, a majority of video game workers at ZeniMax Online Studios and the workers behind ESO, are proud to announce the launch of our union with@cwaunion.bsky.social! [image or embed] ZOS United-CWA (@zosunited.bsky.social) December 13, 2024 at 12:24 AMTo see this content please enable targeting cookies."I'm excited to finally see workers have a say in the workplace. Other employers have made a choice to undermine and attack workers who want to collectively improve their working conditions," said ZOS United-CWA member Billy Eichner."However, with a union at ZeniMax, we can build a community where we have each other's backs. We already work together to make great games. Why not work together to make a great workplace?""Today, I'm intensely proud of my coworkers at ZeniMax Online Studios who are joining thousands of video game workers exercising their power to bring more stability to the industry," added member John Hartzell. "Regardless of your studio, your title, or where you're from, unions work to benefit us all."After months of industrial action, SAG-AFTRA - the US actors' union - recently signed an agreement with AI service Ethovox in a continued bid to safeguard performers.
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  • OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balajis Death Ruled a Suicide
    www.thewrap.com
    Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher who backed claims of copyright infringement by the technology, was found dead on Nov. 26 in his San Francisco apartment by police making a wellness check. The news of his demise was not known until now, the Mercury News of San Jose, California, and other outlets reported. The San Francisco medical examiner has ruled that Balajis death was self-inflicted and there was no evidence of foul play, the Mercury News reported. Balaji publicly accused OpenAI of violating U.S. copyright law with its ChatGPT app. Balaji was the subject of an OctoberNew York Times profilethat unveiled his claims of fair use violations regularly committed by ChatGPT. The Times filed a letter on Nov. 18 in federal court that named Balaji as a person with unique and relevant documents that would be used in litigation against OpenAI. The lawsuit claims OpenAI and its partner, Microsoft, are using the work of reporters and editors without authorization.Balaji was a researcher for OpenAI for four years after joining in 2020.We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news today and our hearts go out to Suchirs loved ones during this difficult time, OpenAI said in astatement to CNBC.Balaji made a lengthy post to X in October detailing his concerns.
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