Hello GameDev.net community,Im thrilled to share with you my latest musical creation, Dark Pulse. This piece is a journey into the heart of a cyberpunk world, blending intense electronic beats with atmospheric synth textures. Inspired by the duality of darkness and light, Dark Pulse aims to immerse listeners in a high-tech, dystopian universe. Listen to Dark Pulse:

Hello everyone! 2024 was another incredible year for indie games, and today, Im very excited to share 11 of my favorite titles that were released on PlayStation this year.Pacific DrivePacific Drive is a road-lite survival game, where you navigate a stormy, mysterious forest with your car as your only companion. Each time you set off on an excursion, your car will slowly breakdown due to strange anomalies, and you must return safely back to your garage. Otherwise, youre required to start over. You can restore and upgrade your car with resources gathered during your runs. Each trip into the wilderness is unique and randomized, which makes the gameplay all the more engrossing and addicting.Animal WellThe pixel-art world of this beautiful game feels nostalgic yet somehow completely novel, with its surreal lighting that illuminates the map. Animal Well is a Metroidvania with a world filled with endless surprises. The sense of accomplishment youll feel after conquering its challenging platform sections and cryptic puzzles is truly unique and exhilarating.V RisingThe massively popular vampire survival PC game is now available on PlayStation. Players awaken as weakened vampires and hunt for the blood of enemies and animals to regain strength and acquire their powers to conquer the map. As vampires, players are vulnerable to sunlight. You must hide in the shadows and avoid sun exposure in order to survive during the daytime.SCHiMWhen you were a child, did you ever pretend that you could only move around by jumping from shadow to shadow? SCHiM allows you to relive those nostalgic moments by playing as a frog-like creature who can only navigate the map by hopping between shadows. Its also a visually stunning game with its unique color pallet and art style.The Plucky SquirePlucky Squire is a charming action adventure where you jump between 2D and 3D worlds.One moment, youre enjoying a 2D action game inside the pages of a storybook, but the next second, youre embarking on an adventure in the outside 3D realm, and before you know it, youre back inside the book, solving puzzles. Full of delightful gimmicks, the game delivers an experience that players of all ages can enjoy.PalworldAn indie game coming from Japan, Palworld is an open world, crafting and survival game full of adorable creatures (Pals), that took the gaming world by storm. The gameplay loop of collecting Pals, expanding your base, and venturing out further out into the world is very addicting and hard to put down.NevaThe latest title from the visionary team behind GRIS, a beautiful yet heartbreaking adventure game released back in 2018. Neva chronicles the story of the player and a wolf cub, Neva, who together embark on a journey through a vibrant world that progresses from season to season. The story is told without dialogue, and the ending will move you to tears.Fear the SpotlightFear the Spotlight is an atmospheric horror adventure featuring a retro low-polygon art style reminiscent of the original PlayStation era. Two teenage girls sneak into school after hours, only to be separated by disturbing paranormal activities. They must solve puzzles and stay out of sight of the monster who wanders the hall to be safely reunited.SlitterheadFrom the mind of Keiichiro Toyama, the legendary creator behind Siren and Gravity Rush. During the 90s, Kowlong, Hong Kong, is faced with a series of gruesome murders. The player is a body-less entity that possess NPCs roaming the streets in order to battle Slitterheads, a monster that feasts on human brains. Finishing off the monsters as ordinary middle-aged men and women is an absolute blast.Nine SolsA new game brought to life by Red Candle Games, the studio behind Detention and Devotion. Taking inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols is a hardcore action game centered on deflection-based combat. Pulling off a perfect parry and counterattack is tremendously rewarding and invigorating. The atmosphere blends cyberpunk with ancient Chinese mythology and Taoism, is also unique and fascinating.BalatroA fusion of poker and roguelike? You might think, Whats that? But once you start, you wont be able to stop. This worldwide hit game is the creation of a single developer. Incredible!

Every day, Disney strays further from the wishing stars light. And theres one big reason for that: a staggering lack of animated villains. The studio has only produced a handful of movies with actual villains over the last 15 years, and as Disney fans frequently note, that means weve lost a glorious entertainment staple in the Disney villain song. The big musical number is a vital part of most great villains identities it often lets the audience see all their glorious viciousness in action. Between 2000 and 2023, Disney only gave us five villain songs, and just three of them since 2010 Mother Knows Best in Tangled, The Backson Song in Winnie the Pooh, and Shiny in Moana. (Love Is an Open Door in Frozen is technically a duet with a villain, but it isnt a villain song by any definition.)But hope is not lost: The villain song is on the rise again. Disneys Wish gave us our first true villain song in 13 years with This Is the Thanks I Get?! Moana 2s fiery Get Lost doesnt quite count, since Matangi reveals herself as Moanas ally, but its styled and presented as a villain song. Mufasa: The Lion King also features a full villain song: Bye Bye, sung by Mads Mikkelsen as white lion antagonist Kiros.Unfortunately, though, Bye Bye (much like This Is the Thanks I Get?!) is a pitiful machination of a villain number that manages to make the villain less threatening. Bye Bye is a solid candidate for the worst-ever villain song a remarkable feat when the yodeling song from Home on the Range exists. Its also a valuable reminder of how great Disney villain songs used to be.Since the companys first feature-film villain song, Pinocchios Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee, providing a musical showcase for a films big bad has been one of the best expressions of Disneys musical heritage. Before the Disney Renaissance (1989-1999), they were typically shorter and smaller-scale. The villains themselves didnt even have to sing them see the jazzy classic Cruella De Vil, The Phony King of England in Robin Hood, or The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toads The Headless Horseman. They often felt like more of an afterthought than a centerpiece, though they still established all sorts of delicious villainy, like Captain Hooks penchant for killing in Peter Pans The Elegant Captain Hook or the Queen of Hearts unlimited fury in Whos Been Painting My Roses Red?During the Renaissance, though, they became big, dynamically choreographed Broadway-style numbers, and a vital aspect of Disneys animated features: Memorable examples crop up in The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin (as a reprise), The Lion King, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.Theres no one way to have a successful villain song, but all the great ones firmly establish antagonists characters and display what makes them truly diabolical. Poor Unfortunate Souls and Friends on the Other Side show how masterful Ursula and Dr. Facilier are at manipulating their prey. Cruella De Vil establishes how detestable Cruella is before we have the pleasure of even seeing her. Hellfire, perhaps the single greatest Disney villain song, is the darkest of them all, as Judge Frollo reveals the unquenchable lust for Esmeralda thats driven him to unimaginable evil, and contrasts it with his strict, austere religious beliefs.These songs dont need to be dark or downtempo: Upbeat numbers like The Headless Horseman, Beauty and the Beasts Gaston, The Sword in the Stones Mad Madam Mim, and The Great Mouse Detectives The Worlds Greatest Criminal Mind (which features a chorus of flunkies joyfully celebrating the idea of Ratigan drowning widows and orphans) all deliver smug portraits of cruelty.While great villain songs help us understand what makes a villain tick, we learn virtually nothing about Kiros through Bye Bye. We get only the vaguest sense of his personality in the lyrics about how the moon doesnt obey / and neither do I. Kiros wants vengeance against Mufasa, who killed his son. But the most menacing thing he can offer is a childish taunt: Im gonna be the last thing you see / before I make you go bye-bye.The Lion King is famously anchored by Mufasas tragic death, so its not like the audience needs to be treated with such a gentle touch. The delivery of bye-bye is painfully indifferent, as if even Kiros doesnt believe in what hes saying. And if Kiros cant offer up his half-baked threats with any conviction, why should we believe he has any chance of killing Mufasa?Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda makes the mistake of centering Bye Bye not on the villain, but instead on Mufasa. Nothing in the song suggests what makes Kiros himself villainous, dangerous, or unique and compelling as a character. In Bye Bye, it feels more like Kiros is wrapped up in an emotional moment that pushes him toward murder, rather than a character whos proud of his schemes or his villainous roots.The lyrics make no mention of any of Kiros talents: Theres no mention of his ferocious claws, musculature, or sharp, piercing teeth. The obnoxious, childish threat of making Mufasa go bye-bye feels more like a petulant aside than a genuine intention. Since Bye Bye tells us nothing about Kiros or what hes capable of, theres no reason to root against him, or even care about him.Villain songs have been a vital opportunity for Disney storytellers to push the limits and breach taboo subjects: Where else could a Disney character bemoan the fact that his own sexual desires repulse him? Theyve helped Disney grow creatively, while letting audiences revel in some of the darker emotions that Disney movies usually avoid. Bye Bye feels especially disappointing when compared to the classic Lion King song Be Prepared, in which Scar reveals his plans to take down Mufasa and Simba (explicitly saying hell kill them) and how hell take control of Pride Rock, bringing his rapacious hyena followers to the promised land.Mirandas song feels like a spiritual successor to Be Prepared, yet its woefully lacking in spirit. The snarly bye-byes seem as if theyre meant to echo Scars snark, but his 1994 number is full of genuine malice, as well as haunting imagery deliberately recalling Germanys Third Reich. Theres no matching visual creativity or daring in the screen staging of Bye Bye, which reduces the number to a group of lions circling and jumping around.In Be Prepared, we come to understand Scars cunning, seething hatred and manipulative charisma in equal measure. In Bye Bye, we get a lion shouting bye-bye a bunch of times. Thats all the more surprising considering that Miranda wrote a solid villain song in Shiny, which successfully establishes the giant crab Tamatoas obsessions and his menacing qualities. Communicating all that through song is particularly important, given that the number is this minor villains only opportunity to er, shine. But Bye Bye is a pale imitation of what came before it.It feels like Disney villain songs have become a box-ticking exercise, added more out of a sense of obligation than out of inspiration. But these numbers deserve more. Theyre a huge reason why classic Disney villains are so popular and memorable. They break up the parade of protagonist I-want songs and comic relief songs, and serve as playful excursions into kid-safe nastiness in creative ways. If Disneys songwriters arent interested in what makes villain songs such a wonderful part of the studios canon, perhaps were better off without them after all.

While Dune: Prophecy is a (very loose) literary adaptation, the HBO series ultimately defines itself by its ties to Denis Villeneuves Dune movies. In and of itself, thats no big deal. 2024 has seen a now-standard flurry of shows released under the Star Wars, DC, and Marvel labels (to name just a few) all of them spinoffs, prequels, sequels, or reboots of franchises that originated on film. Hell, DC Studios relaunched its cinematic universe with a streaming joint!Yet Dune: Prophecy is innately different to these other small-screen offshoots of big-screen blockbusters, because, unlike them, its cinema roots are baked into its very DNA. And now that the dust (or should that be spice?) has settled on Dune: Prophecy season 1, its painfully clear that trying to shrink Dunes inherently filmic nature its sheer bigness is a task not even the Lisan al Gaib himself could accomplish.[Ed. note: This post contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy season 1.]At this point, longtime Dune devotees are probably crying foul. What about the two miniseries, Frank Herberts Dune and Frank Herberts Children of Dune, that aired on Syfy in the 2000s? these fans ask. Werent those successful? And indeed they were, both critically and commercially; these Dune adaptations rank among Syfys most-watched original productions to this day. But heres the thing: Those productions were built from the ground up for the small screen. Sure, they aspired to cinematic sensibilities, but theres no mistaking their made-for-TV origins. The acting is uneven, the scripts are deliberately paced and exposition-heavy, and most of all, the spectacle is hemmed in by a basic cable budget.In that sense, Dune: Prophecy is arguably much closer to cinema than these earlier efforts. Certainly, the HBO series visual effects, costumes, and sets are light-years ahead of anything Syfy mustered. The performances are more consistent, too; the divide between Hollywood veterans and TV regulars is less pronounced. And showrunner Alison Schapker and her team follow the Great Schools of Dune trilogys storyline far less slavishly than the Syfy adaptations blow-by-blow approach to their source text, Frank Herberts first three novels. Even so, Dune: Prophecy season 1 is a claustrophobic, small-scale affair. Valya Harkonnen and her allies and enemies wheel and deal primarily in the backrooms and corridors of the universe. The only major action set-piece we get, a flashback to the Butlerian Jihad, is a handful of shots during the prologue. Even the thematic meat of the piece supposedly a deep dive into power, truth, and systems of control is handled perfunctorily, as if only there to jazz up a relatively inconsequential narrative. It all feels so contained; it feels like TV.Contrast this with Villeneuves Dune: Part One and Part Two. Here we have two of the biggest movies to ever movie. The cast is uniformly excellent. The storytelling (particularly in Part Two) moves at a brisk clip and keeps the expository dialogue to a minimum. The production values are exactly what youd expect from a combined price tag north of $350 million. The scope is mythic. The themes, covering everything from the perils of superhero-type leaders to free will versus determinism, are painted in vivid, operatic strokes. Watching these films especially in oversized IMAX format goes beyond mere immersion and verges on a religious experience. Its a vision of Frank Herberts sci-fi universe thats defiantly geared toward the theatrical experience in an age of smartphones and streaming platforms. Frankly, to watch Dune on a television, the best way I can compare it is to drive a speedboat in your bathtub, Villeneuve told Total Film in 2021. For me, its ridiculous. Its a movie thats made as a tribute for the big screen experience.In short? The Dune franchise under Villeneuve is incompatible with TV which might explain why the Canadian filmmaker bailed on Dune: Prophecy before cameras rolled. (For what its worth, the official reason is that Villeneuve bowed out to focus on Dune: Part Twos sequel, Dune Messiah). The gulf between film and television even prestige television is simply too great. Not that Dune: Prophecy season 1 does itself many favors. To Schapkers credit, Prophecy leans into the strengths of TV as a medium, rightly recognizing that directly mapping a cinematic blueprint onto six hour-long installments is impossible. But the way this is rolled out is so low-stakes (and at times, cheap-feeling) that it diminishes Dunes world, rather than expanding it.Take the Desmond Hart plot thread. This mystery box finally gets (partly) opened in episode 6, but whats inside ocular nerve implants and shadowy Bene Gesserit haters is oddly pedestrian. Theres none of the intellectual and emotional oomph of Dune: Part One and Part Two protagonist Paul Atreides giving the green light to galactic genocide for the greater good. Its more akin to a plot-centric season finale reveal youd expect from, say, Agents of SHIELD or Fringe. No shade on either show; its just that no one would mistake either for a cinema-grade epic. Similarly, episode 5s procedural elements involving Tula Harkonnen, Raquella/Lila, and a generic science lab set are the kinds of scenes that would happen off screen in Villeneuves films, and with good reason; CSI: Wallach IX is decidedly less compelling than the soaring grandeur of Pauls subversive heros journey. And lets not forget season 1s wider, dual-timeline narrative, which makes an already busy story even busier (and slower) all while filling in gaps in the Dune mythos that arguably functioned better left unexplained.These shortcomings would be enough to curdle most shows. But foist them onto the Dune universe and they become twice as glaring. Because they dont merely tarnish the franchises brand they reduce its outsized ambitions. Where Dune: Part One and Part Two paid off a cosmos-wide, multi-millennia master plan, Prophecys first season gave us sub-Game of Thrones intrigue and a vaguely defined threat to the Sisterhoods future (effectively a moot point, thanks to the movies), most of it playing out in the same confined locales. Schapker and co. fuss over the how and the why of it all, failing to grasp that the more granular Dune: Prophecy becomes, the further away from Villeneuves (and Herberts) big ideas so fundamental to this brainy sci-fi saga it gets. For all its spaceships, Shai-Hulud cameos, and funky footwear, Dune: Prophecy just doesnt feel like Dune.Again, the odds of that happening of any TV show sitting comfortably alongside Dune: Part One and Part Two were always stacked against HBO. Even if Dune: Prophecy season 1 had nailed every aspect of its execution, even if it had been one of the best shows of the year, it still wouldnt have been a movie. As a result, the folks behind Prophecy were always going to have to scale back its big-screen counterparts cinematic essence to produce something more TV-friendly. But thats the problem: Shrinking Denis Villeneuves Dune is like trying to preserve a snowflake on the desert world that lends the franchise its name doomed from the start.

Jaguar is undergoing a major transformation. Alongside unveiling its new logo which has faced its share of criticism the iconic brand has introduced a concept car that marks the beginning of a new era. Named the Type 00, this design is a radical departure from anything weve seen from Jaguar before for better or worse.Accompanying the new logo is Jaguars fresh motto: Copy Nothing. True to this ethos, the Type 00 is a unique creation. The vehicle boasts a long, low stance with a distinct brutalist aesthetic. Its proportions are particularly noteworthy, featuring massive 23-inch wheels, a two-tier build, and sleek, narrow windows. The concept has been shown in two bold colors: a dark rose hue named Miami Pink and a metallic shade called London Blue.The rear of the Type 00 is defined by two parallel light bars that frame the back, giving it a modern and futuristic touch. At the front, slim headlights wrap elegantly around the curved corners of the car, adding to its distinctive look.The interior of the Type 00 is just as interesting as its exterior. The design incorporates multiple screens, including a slim display that spans the base of the windshield reminiscent of the Lincoln Nautilus and two primary screens for the driver and passenger. A long brass rail runs through the center of the cabin, creating a visual and functional separation between the driver and passenger. The interiors tan-and-brass color palette is complemented by materials like Brass, Travertine, and Alabaster, which Jaguar has identified as the cabins core elements.Jaguar has infused the Type 00 name with thoughtful symbolism. The Type prefix pays homage to classics like the Jaguar E-type, while the first zero represents zero emissions, and the second zero signifies that this is car zero in Jaguars new lineage.The Type 00 serves as a design preview for Jaguars upcoming electric vehicle (EV), a four-door model set to debut in late 2025. This EV promises a range of up to 430 miles, aligning with Jaguars commitment to an electric future. While the Type 00 itself is not intended for production, it will be fascinating to see which design elements transition to the final product. Likely, certain exterior features will make the cut, but the interiors more experimental elements may be toned down due to practicality and regulatory requirements. Expect side mirrors to return on the production model.For more information on the Jaguar Type 00, visit jaguar.com.

Picture your favorite mug, the one you reach for first thing in the morning. Is it handmade? Is it heavy? Is it, despite its flaws or possible chips, beautiful just as is? Pottery is as ancient as we are, the true mark of civilization. The first synthetic material ever made, pottery is inextricable from the human experience, guiding the ways we eat and socialize for millennia. Following these ancestral lines, the No. 16 Collection by Norm Architects with Ancher Studio fuses antiquity with modernity.The No. 16 Collection elegantly encapsulates forms we know and love, yet brings an understated modernism that is at once familiar and elevated. With strong, sturdy shapes, and a beautiful glaze, a light taupe with charcoal speckles, this collection, inspired by Japanese design, makes ordinary food service extraordinary. The time and attention that is taken with the production of these vessels lets us know how carefully each one is crafted. These pieces are tried and true, ergonomically considered for the hand, mouth, and eye. This is a testament to the knowledge that the touch of the human hand elevates a design to an actual relationship between maker and user.The collection is designed as part of a larger restoration and interior design project, reviving an old neoclassical guesthouse on the north coast of Denmark. The ceramic collection plays a part in a holistic design process, where everything from architecture to interior, furniture, dinnerware and even scent was designed bespoke for the project, says Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, architect and partner at Norm Architects.These wheel-thrown vessels offer an escape into nature that one can display inside. The speckled clay celebrates the natural variances of stone, in a light glaze with a warm depth of color. The uses for the No.16 Collection are endless. As tea culture is revered in many parts of the world, this set enchants and enhances every part of a tea ceremony or drinking ritual. Present fruit, flowers, or minerals in these vessels, adding a lovely neutral tone to an otherwise modern palette. The speckled depth of the glaze almost reminds one of an egg, no two exactly similar, speaking to the handmade nature of the collection.Ancher Design was established in 2023, a collaboration between Elisabeth Snejbjerg of Copenhagen-based Studio Grey, Rainmaking Innovation, and the owner of their ceramic workshop in Poland. Snejberg has been designing products for over 20 years, particularly ceramics. Her pieces are highly sought after by designers and professionals, because of their functionality, timeless design, and exquisite quality. This means, even in a high pressure environment such as a restaurant, these pieces will last for years.Norm Architects is a multidisciplinary studio based in Copenhagen, working with skilled designers to create lasting, modern designs. All their work is infused with a sense of quiet minimalism, creating a new way to engage with our senses. Distilling the design down to its essence, the consideration of mind, body, and nature is clear. The collection was originally designed specifically for a guesthouse in Denmark to work with a carefree summer style, close to great forests and bodies of water. These sturdy, rustic shapes of the No. 16 Collection extend into the ethos of Norm Architects, engaging all five of the senses to ground and center us.For more on the No. 16 Collection, visit normcph.com.Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen & Sandie Lykke Nolse.

We're getting close to a year since the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which means it's almost time for the Galaxy S25 series to break coverand there have been plenty of leaks and rumors about what to expect. Nothing is confirmed yet, but here you'll find all of that speculation collected and cross-referenced.It looks as though we're going to get four models next year: The usual trio of the standard Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25 Plus, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and then the added bonus of a new Galaxy S25 'Slim' model that goes for a thinner form factor (and may or may not end up replacing the Galaxy S24 FE).Samsung Galaxy S25: launch date and pricingConsidering the Galaxy S24 phones were launched on January 17, 2024, it's a safe bet that we'll see the Galaxy S25 replacements around a year later. Most well-placed sources, including South Korean outlet Financial News, are predicting an Unpacked event on Wednesday, January 22, 2025with a possible on-sale date of February 7.There's some debate about whether or not the Galaxy S25 Slim will appear at the same time as the other three models, or come out later in the year: It's possible we might get a January tease before a full launch several months down the line. Some tipsters have specified Q2 2025 for this handset (April, May, or June). This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. A promotional poster for Galaxy Unpacked January 2025 has leaked online, which makes reference to the January 22 date. It also looks like we can see the corners of four different phones there, backing up the idea that the Slim model is going to be showcased at this event even if it doesn't go on sale immediately.As for pricing, most of the leaks so far are predicting some kind of bump over the launch prices attached to the Galaxy S24 models (which started at $799 for the base model). This has been attributed to the cost of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but there may be variations between countries.Samsung Galaxy S25: four different modelsThe Galaxy S25 series will start with the standard S25 model: While it will have that faster Snapdragon chip on the inside, on the outside, it doesn't look like much will change. The same 6.2-inch screen is expected, and there might be some tweaks to the camera lens design. Speaking of cameras, several sources say the Galaxy S25 will match the Galaxy S24 with a triple-lens 50MP+10MP+12MP rear camera setup with 3x optical zoom.It's much the same story with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plusthere won't be much in the way of upgrades over the Galaxy S24 Plus, apart from the faster silicon inside and a potential bump to 12GB of RAM. The general consensus is that the screen size will stay the same at 6.7 inches, while the rear camera will match the standard S25. We have seen some hands-on images for this handset leaked too. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. There's a bit more changing with the Galaxy 25 Ultra, apparently. It's rumored to have more rounded corners, tiny bezels, and an upgrade to the ultrawide camera that's part of the triple-lens setup on the back (from 12MP to 50MP). The screen size will remain the same at 6.8 inches, but we might see a 16GB option for the RAM, alongside the upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.As for the new Galaxy S25 Slim model, based on the leaks that have emerged to date, we're looking at a phone that could be thinner than the rest with a high-end camera setup on the back that beats the standard Galaxy S25. It's not clear what else this handset is going to bring with it, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite should be the processor inside it.Samsung Galaxy S25: other specs and featuresIt doesn't look like the Galaxy S25 phones are going to be drastically different from the Galaxy S24 equivalents in a lot of areas: The rather slow charging speeds are apparently going to be the same again, while battery capacities might not be upgraded either (though internal optimizations may lead to better battery life).There have been some rumors spreading about the colors that are coming with the new phonesand it's mostly what we've seen before, plus some potential new additions. Blues, whites, and grays dominate, though it's not clear exactly what the differences will be from the Galaxy S24 series until we actually see them (the same color could be used but with a new name, for example). This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. It looks very probable that the final version of One UI 7.0 (Samsung's take on Android 15) will be pushed out alongside the Galaxy 25 phones. The software is currently in beta testing, andunsurprisinglycomes with a bunch of new AI features (including call transcriptions) as well as some tweaks to the interface design.All told, we already have a good idea of what's coming from Samsung with the Galaxy S25 series, although of course, nothing is confirmed until it actually is. While there aren't any dramatic upgrades in the pipeline, it would seem there are a few well-chosen tweaks on the wayas well as, perhaps, a fourth model.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If youve been eyeing a smart speaker with spatial audio capabilities, the Sonos Era 300 is currently down to $359 (from $449), its lowest price ever according to price-trackers. Available in black or white, it features a unique design (shaped almost like an hourglass) that optimizes its multi-driver, multichannel audio setup. Inside, youll find six class-D amplifiers powering four tweeters and two woofers that fire in multiple directions (including upward for Dolby Atmos height audio) to deliver the advertised stereo sound. That said, placement is keyyoull need at least two feet of clearance from walls or ceilings to let the sound fully shine. Sonos Era 300 Wireless Speaker - White $359.00 at Amazon $449.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $359.00 at Amazon $449.00 Save $90.00 The physical controls for volume, playback, and track navigation are on top of the speaker for easy access. And if you're concerned about privacy, you'll also find a mute button to disable voice assistants (that is, Alexa or Sonos Voice; Google Assistant is not supported) and a switch on the back that completely cuts power to the mics. The Sonos app, known for its intuitive interface, gives you additional control over EQ settings like bass and treble, a loudness feature for better low-volume performance, and the ability to adjust Atmos height levels. Additionally, the apps Trueplay calibration adapts playback to your space, with different versions based on your device.The Era 300 is compatible with most major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, and delivers room-filling sound with Dolby Atmos playback, adding a layer of spatial audio. However, as noted in this PCMag review, the directional effects are most noticeable when youre seated close to the speaker. From a more typical listening distance, the spatial impact is subtler, providing more of an enhancement over regular stereo sound than a fully immersive experience. For connectivity, the Era 300 supports both wifi and Bluetooth, along with Apple AirPlay 2, though Google Cast is noticeably missing.

You can now use "natural language" to search in both Apple Music and Apple TV. The subtle change is part of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, tvOS 18.12, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, all of which came out this week. The feature "lets you describe what youre looking for using any combination of categories like genres, moods, actors, decades, and more," according to Apple.This sounds great in theory, but how does it work in real life? I'd say it's probably not going to change your life but is fine overall. One tip before I jump in: the auto-populated results that show up as you type don't use this feature, meaning you need to actually hit the Search button on your deviceFor example: I asked for an "unsettling office drama," basically setting Apple up to recommend its show Severance(which is amazing). And it kind of worked: there was a British drama that's not set in an office followed by Severance. The results also included The Morning Show, which... I guess kind of fits. Credit: Justin Pot Maybe more hilariously: I typed "sitcoms like The Office" and was recommended the (original) British version of the show, which makes sense. That's followed by Friends, which is pretty different, if similarly bingeable, and Parks and Recreation, which is different in tone but has some writers and the mockumentary format in common. Results also included The Big Bang Theory, which is inexcusable, and Mythic Quest, which honestly should be higher.So, yeah, a mixed bag for abstract questionsit kind of works but has questionable taste. It works a lot more accurately if you search for movies by a specific director or shows featuring a certain actor.The feature also works in Apple Music. I searched for artists "similar to Billie Eilish" and the top recommendation was Olivia Rodrigo, which I'd question a little bit, but Eilish's brother and collaborator FINEAS also showed up which is fair enough. Credit: Justin Pot I also searched for "Indie Christmas Albums" and got Sufjan Steven's classic Songs For Christmas, which make sense, and Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas, which does not. So, as with TV, the results are mixed. It's nothing if not interesting, though. Give it a shot if you have a TV or Music subscription.

There are way too many online services and subscriptions to keep track of these days, but the flip side is theres a tool for just about everything. Time is just about up to get a physical gift shipped in time for the holidays, so below weve pulled together some of our favorite digital gifts and subscriptions, including time-tested video, music and gaming services as well as tools to clear your mental space and learn new skills. There are also a few subscriptions that provide ongoing, IRL deliveries, if you think your giftee will appreciate the nostalgic charm of a physical object. Gaming subscriptions Game consoles are certainly among the most popular gift ideas this time of year. If you know someone whos been so good that theyre getting a new Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, one of these subscriptions will make their shiny toy immediately playable out of the box. A $20/month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription offers hundreds of games from all periods of Xbox history that can be played on the Xbox or PC; many of them can be streamed to phones and tablets as well. It also includes EA Play, which opens up access to even more games. Perhaps the best part of Xbox Game Pass, though, is that it offers access to first-party Xbox Game Studios titles the day they become available, like Starfield, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the just-released Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Nintendo has two tiers of its Switch Online plan. The basic $20 / year plan unlocks online play, more than 100 Game Boy, NES and Super NES games, cloud backups of your saved games as well as the occasional special offers. The $50 expansion pack adds a collection of N64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis games as well as some DLC for games like Mario Kart 8, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 2. Finally, Sonys PlayStation Plus plan comes in three tiers, but the middle Extra plan ($15/month or $135/year) is probably best for most gamers. In addition to cloud storage for saves, online multiplayer support and a couple of free games for your library every month, you get access to the PlayStation Plus catalog, which includes more than 400 PS4 and PS5 games. There are a number of heavy hitters here, including The Last of Us Part I, Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding, Resident Evil 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Returnal alongside lower-profile hits and indie games such as Dave the Diver, Animal Well, Return to Monkey Island and Humanity. If you know someone who loves older games though, the Premium tier ($18/month or $160/year) adds a bunch of titles from the PS1, PS2 and PS3 catalogs as well as perks like game trials and PS5 game streaming from the cloud. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-subscription-gifts-to-send-to-your-loved-ones-this-christmas-including-the-disney-bundle-masterclass-and-more-141830362.html?src=rss