Xbox Design Lab is a one-stop shop that allows you to create your very own controller. From the controller itself to every external component, Xbox Design Lab is a hugely customizable platform that lets you create controllers for yourself, or as a truly personal gift for the Xbox player in your life.But before you get started, There are a lot of options to choose from let us break down every single one, to help you create the perfect Xbox controller:Choose Your ControllerThe key question before you begin using Xbox Design Lab is: which Xbox controller do you want to design?Xbox Wireless Controller Starting at $69.99 USD, the Xbox Wireless Controller is our standard model, bringing you high performance at an affordable price. With textured triggers and grips, a hybrid D-Pad, and Bluetooth technology that allows you to connect it to multiple devices. Click here to start creating an Xbox Wireless Controller.Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Starting at $149.99 USD, the Elite Series 2 makes our premium controller better than ever. With refined components, paddle slots offering extra options, adaptable elements like adjustable thumbsticks and hair trigger locks, and rubberized grips as standard, this controller delivers pro-level performance. Click here to start creating an Xbox Eliter Wireless Controller Series 2.Customize ComponentsOnce youve chosen your controller, Xbox Design Lab gives you 10 different customization options, allowing you to make a controller thats uniquely yours. And if you cant quite decide as you go, Xbox Design Lab allows you to preview your controller at any time, as well as save designs to your own personal gallery, allowing you to create multiple options to compare before you pick the final one.BodyApplied to the entire front case, your choice of Body makes a statement. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from a variety of matte finishes, or from a selection of gorgeous patterns, including the swirling Vapor designs, the multi-toned Shift patterns, bold Camo looks, our vibrant Pride design, or special, game-inspired designs like the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 top case and the Fallout top case. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from matte finishes, our new Cipher series which adds a transparent case that allows you to see through the case to the components inside, or game-inspired designs.BackYour choice of Back encompasses everything behind the grips on your controller. With all the standard colors available in the Body category, you can choose to match the front of the controller, or create a two-tone pop of color.GripsFor a small extra cost, you can add rubberized back and side grips to your Xbox Wireless Controller, offering an extra level of control in the hand. Rubberized grips come as standard on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.BumpersYour choice of Bumper color encompasses the two buttons on the top of the controller, and the case in between them. On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available for the Body and Back. For the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from an array of metallic finishes.TriggersThe Triggers are key to controlling many games, and come with multiple options. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, all the standard colors are available, but Xbox Design Lab also offers a variety of metallic options, allowing you to add a stately point of difference from the rest of the design. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from a series of metallic designs that can blend in with your bumpers, or choose a different tone to create a standout design.D-PadOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available in other categories, or pick a metallic hue. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from the classic four-direction D-Pad, or our unique Faceted design for extra control. Both D-Pad choices offer a variety of single-tone metallic finishes, or pick our new multi-toned Chroma designs for a truly standout look.ThumbsticksOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, thumbsticks can take on any of the standard colors available on the rest of the controller. Take more control with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 pick the color of the metal base, as well as separate colors for both the thumbstick ring and topper.ABXY ButtonsOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, pick from seven different designs for the iconic Xbox buttons, from classic colored looks to different two-tone treatments. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, get even more choice with 20 different treatments, including colored variants that allow you to create even more specific looks.View, Menu, Share ButtonsOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from 5 different designs for the central buttons on your controller. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from 24 color options to help bring your design to life.EngravingFor that final touch, both controller types allow you to add a 16-character engraving. Add a name, a Gamertag, or a personal message to make the controller truly theirs.Pick a Pre-Made DesignIf youre looking to create a controller to celebrate a particular game, we may already have what you need. Xbox Design Lab is always adding new Inspired By designs that celebrate games on Xbox pick a pre-configured design, make any changes you see fit, and show your fandom. Theres also the Xbox Design Lab Game Collection, which offers extra-special designs for the likes of Fallout and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 all of which can be customized further.Choose Some Elite ExtrasIf youre opting for an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Design Lab offers a number of extra adjustable elements for the premium controller, all of which can be customized to fit your design. The Carrying Case and Charging Pack helps you take your controller anywhere in safety. The Paddle Pack adds a number of easily added extra paddles for the back of your controller, which can be used by adjusting options on your console. The Thumbsticks and D-pad Pack offers both D-Pad options and multiple interchangeable thumbsticks to let you swap how you want to play, game-by-game. And the Everything Pack includes all of the above in a single package. If you already own an Elite Series 2 controller, you can also opt to purchase the additional accessories packs by themselves.Adaptive Thumbstick ToppersWe collaborated with community members, charity organizations, and a hospital involved in adaptive gaming and 3D printing to design complimentary 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers with Xbox Design Lab. Available to download, these designs can be 3D printed to create thumbsticks that meet multiple accessibility needs and are available for both the Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Xbox Design Lab also offers thumbstick topper designs for the upcoming Xbox Adaptive Joystick, coming in early 2025 for select Xbox markets.You now have everything you need to start creating a unique Xbox controller head over to Xbox Design Lab to start experimenting!

Apple fired on all cylinders throughout 2024 with big revamps to the iPad and Mac lineups, the iPhone 16, and the Apple Watch Series 10. None of those products, however, have had and will continue to have the impact of Apple Vision Pro. For that reason, we are crowning the Apple Vision Pro as the 9to5Mac Product of the Year for 2024.Chance Miller, 9to5Mac Editor-in-chiefEven though picking Apple Vision Pro as our Apple product of the year will be controversial, Im certain weve made the right choice. Ive had very few if any, technological experiences as magical as interacting with Apple Vision Pro. Watching my first spatial video is a moment Ill never forget. Watching my favorite movie (Back to the Future) immersed in the Cinema Environment was stunning. In factor, Ive watched more movies this year than ever before, thanks to Apple Vision Pro.Apples human interface design choices with Apple Vision Pro have already influenced its biggest competitor. Meta fired up its photocopiers right as Vision Pro launched to mimic Apples innovative spatial computing design paradigms. The company has also rolled out upgraded hand tracking and gestures, spatial video support, and more. The Apple Vision Pros influence is clear. Then, of course, theres Mac Virtual Display. This turns Apple Vision Pro into a truly versatile powerhouse computer. The initial version of Mac Virtual was impressive, but visionOS 2.2 took the experience to the next level with new wide and ultrawide options, improved visual fidelity, and proper audio routing. Apple has work to do if it wants Apple Vision Pro (or whatever Vision product comes next) to truly become the future of computing. The good news is that I think Apple is taking the feedback in stride and will continue to perfect the spatial computing experience in years to come. Weve also seen a notable uptick in the amount of Immersive Video and an increasingly impressive collection of third-party apps. The clear honorable mentions for me are the M4 Mac mini and M4 iPad Pro. As impressive as those upgrades are, however, I dont think they rival Apple Vision Pro. Nonetheless, I look forward to all the feedback from people telling me Im wrong. Zac Hall, Senior Summer Intern Apple Vision Pro is undeniably the Apple product of the year. It didnt exist as a product you could buy last year, and it wont be novel next year. Every other Apple product is iterative this year. Apple Vision Pro is both technologically impressive and entirely new for Apple.Sure, its astronomically priced, but its astronomically more impressive than all the affordable headsets out there. In short, AVP is a Mac and everything other headset is a Nintendo Wii. Yeah, affordable game consoles are better for entertaining games, but the Mac is a workhorse.Apple Vision Pro is also a much better 1.0 product than the original iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Each aforementioned product was replaced within a few years with a version that made the original hardware look long in the tooth. Maybe that will happen with Apple Vision Pro, but my expectation is that the gen-one AVP will be seen as futuristic and ahead of its time by the end of 2025 and mid-2026.This is not to say that Apple Vision Pro is the technology of the year. The combination of ChatGPT and Claude share that honor. But with the narrow focus of Apples contributions to technology, Im certain 2024 will be marked as the year Apple Vision Pro became reality. What about Apple Intelligence? Apples suite of generative AI features needs a dedicated chatbot before it should be considered comparable to ChatGPT and Claude.Honorable mentions: Project Titan getting canceled (RIP Apple Car), 16 GM RAM upgrade for M2 and M3 MacBook Air, and the demise of FineWoven iPhone cases.Ryan Christoffel, News WriterTheres no doubt Apples other 2024 products have been more successful by typical benchmarks. But the Vision Pro is anything but typical.Vision Pro launched a new product that put a classic Apple twist on an existing category. Its technically a VR headset, but functionally an AR and VR device. Apple calls it a spatial computer.While it may take years to see if spatial computing takes off, Vision Pro is undeniably a bold, innovative take on the future of computing.Vision Pro deserves Product of the Year because it offers something radically unique among Apples 2024 lineup.My most-used device of the year, the M4 iPad Pro, packs some impressive upgradesbut its still basically an iPad. The iPhone 16 Pro and M4 Mac mini are similarly strong products, but nothing altogether new.These days, every new Apple product is expected to be a hit. Vision Pro certainly isnt that yet. But Tim Cooks grown accustomed to calling it an early adopter product, and I think that rings true.I cant wait to see where Apple takes the Vision Pro next.Jeff Benjamin, Head of Video Content ProductionThere are a few unforgettable first tech experiences in my life: the first time I jumped over a Goomba while holding an NES controller, the first time I clicked the mouse on an original Macintosh, the first time I swiped on an iPhones 3.5-inch display, and yes, the first time I mashed the accelerator in a Tesla. These moments are rare, but when youre in the midst of one, you just know.The Apple Vision Pro gave me that feeling againa feeling Ive only experienced a handful of times in my lifetime.To be honest, I was all set on crowning the M4 Mac mini because it offers unparalleled value and arguably the best bang for your buck in Apples history. However, the Apple Vision Pro deserves recognition because it genuinely feels like someone from the future dropped this headset in my lap. Its not just a new product with a fancy exterior; its an entirely new device with groundbreaking UX and UI paradigms that still leave me in awe, almost a year after its release.The Apple Vision Pro is hands down the best TV and movie-watching experience Ive ever had. It surpasses any movie theater on the planet. Its an isolating, single-user device, but Id argue that smartphones themselves can be equally isolating, perhaps not physically, but mentallyperhaps even more so because they create a false sense of presence when your mind may be a thousand miles away.With the Apple Vision Pro, theres no pretending. Youre transported to a completely different realm, sometimes even a completely different world hey, I like to use visionOS 2s Mac Virtual Display Ultrawide screen to edit videos in Final Cut Pro from the surface of the moon dont judge me.Its not perfect, but few first-generation devices are. Apple has laid an incredible foundation with Vision Pro and visionOS, and Im incredibly excited to see where this journey takes us.Filipe Esposito, EditorThe Vision Pro hasnt quite lived up to Apples expectations of success. Yet, even if you dont own one or plan to buy one, youve likely heard a lot about it. While the first iteration of the Apple Vision Pro may one day fade from our memories, Im sure the Vision platform will eventually evolve into more compact headsets and perhaps even sleek glasses.Although only a few hundred thousand people worldwide currently have access to the headset, the Apple Vision Pro has already made waves in the AR/VR industry. And I cant wait to see what comes next.Fernando Silva, Video ProducerThe Apple Vision Pro has earned its place as Apples Product of the Year for one simple reason: its the first product since the original iPhone that has left me completely in awe. From the moment I experienced it, the entire device felt like pure magic. The way you can seamlessly manipulate UI elements with nothing but your eyes is nothing short of revolutionary, and the precision with which it detects finger taps, no matter where your hands are, feels like it should not be possible. Its like stepping into the Iron Man helmet, where technology feels both futuristic and intuitively human at the same time.The Mac Mini and the M4 iPad Pro were also strong contenders for this title. Both devices are incredibly impressive, showcasing Apples continued commitment to innovation and performance. However, even though I was thoroughly impressed by these products, the Vision Pro was the device that truly made my jaw drop.What really makes the Vision Pro deserving of this title is its versatility. Whether youre diving into productivity tasks, perfectly synced with your Apple ecosystem, or immersing yourself in content while traveling, it excels at both with effortless grace. As a content consumption machine, its unparalleled, bringing cinema-like experiences directly to your face wherever you are. Its not just a gadget; its a glimpse into the future of computing and entertainment, redefining whats possible. Thats why, for me, its not just the best Apple product this year, it symbolizes a future that I want to be a part of. Ben Lovejoy, European Editor Vision Pro is of course a very controversial pick, withthe redesigned M4 Mac minia more obvious choice. Apples spatial computer is an expensive niche product with relatively few native apps, and Im one of many Apple fanswho enjoyed trying itbut wasnt remotely tempted to buy one.Even those who did lay out the cash mostly ended upusing it for immersive movie viewing, which could be far more comfortably and affordably achievedwith a $440 face monitor.But whats important about Vision Pro is not what it is today, but the direction it sets for Apple. This is the iPhone maker taking its first small step toward an eventualApple Glassesproduct. That, when it finally arrives, will be not Apple product of the year, but probably of the decade. The iPhone maker reportedly even believes thatit could eventuallyreplacethe iPhone.Im not so sure about that, but I do believe that the advent of Apple Intelligence makes it at least a significantly more plausible prospect. Maybe Ill pick up my Apple Glasses when I want to quickly use an app in much the same way I pick up my Viture glasses when I want to watch YouTube.Either way, Im really excited about the future of this form factor, and fully expect Apple to do it better than anyone else. We cant get there without Apple beginning that journey now, so for that reason Vision Pro earns its title despite its undeniable niche status today.Michael Bower, Graphics EditorSome people have claimed that Apple Vision Pro is the future of computing. I dont know about that. But what I do know is that Id love to see it become available in the Apple Store for Veterans and Military in the foreseeable future, ideally within my lifetime. Benjamin Mayo, European ContributorWhile some have deemed it as a dead-end, I think the Vision Pro is setting a course for Apples future. People expecting Vision Pro to make an impact on culture in its first year had misguided expectations. At an eye-watering $3,500 price point and riddled with various compromises like weight and battery life, the ideal hardware is still being crafted but this first-generation device sets the vision for a new product line that will become successful sooner rather than later. It only needs a couple of hardware iterations to come into its own, and you have the long-term goal for augmented reality glasses simmering beyond that as well. With the Vision Pro, Apple set out to build a tool, not a toy (to quote Apple VP Mike Rockwell), and it got surprisingly far along to that goal in its first outing. Weve already seen competitors change their software significantly to ape what Apple nailed out the gate in terms of productivity and window management in augmented reality.Michael Burkhardt, Weekend EditorApple Vision Pro is a clear choice for product of the year. The hardware itself may not be the ultimate expression of what spatial computing can be but the software certainly is. visionOS has had a profound impact on the rest of the mixed reality industry, and almost certainly caused Meta to rethink things. Apples software design was incredibly thoughtful and features like Mac Virtual Display (which got even better this year thanks to Wide and Ultra Wide support!) are just the cherry on top.Im excited for the future of this product category. It needs to get smaller, lighter, and certainly cheaper before any sort of mass adoption, but Apple laid an extremely solid foundation with visionOS. In the meantime, you can start taking spatial photos and videos with your iPhone 15 Pro (or later) to enjoy in future Vision headsets.Theres simply nothing else like Vision Pro on the market, and thats why it takes the crown for product of the year. Many would suggest Mac mini instead, but its more of a great value than an ultimate product. If the redesign happened separately from the upgrade to 16GB of RAM, there wouldnt be as much hype here. Vision Pro was the first truly new Apple product since the HomePod in 2018 and Apple did a remarkable job here.See also: Electreks EV of 2024: The Volvo EX30Add 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

Apple recently updated its trio of Mac accessoriesMagic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouseto USB-C versions. Now, a new rumor points to the planned timing for Apples big Magic Mouse 3 redesign.Magic Mouse 3 expected to coincide with big MacBook Pro launch in late 2026Korean leaker yeux1122 has posted about a forthcoming big Magic Mouse redesign.Mark Gurman previously broke the news that Apple was working on a major rethinking of the Magic Mouse. Details were scarce, but Gurman said Apples designers were looking to create something thats more relevant, while also fixing longstanding complaints.yeux1122 doesnt have much new to say about the expected Magic Mouse 3, other than sharing release timing. The leaker expects the new accessory to arrive in 2026 around the same time as the OLED MacBook Pro.Based on current expectations for future MacBook Pro models, that means a late 2026 releaseabout two years after the just-debuted USB-C Magic Mouse 2.Voice controls for the Magic Mouse? NopeSome news outlets have reported that yeux1122 mentions voice controls for the Magic Mouse.That would be a big departure for the Magic Mouse, and it is also undoubtedly a misunderstanding of the leaker.Heres an English excerpt from yeux1122s post, per Google Translate:Apples design team has been prototyping the accessory for the past few months, adapting the design to better fit the modern era (*ergonomic design for modern computing that mixes touchscreens, voice commands, and hand gestures)The post isnt actually making claims about the Magic Mouse 3s features. Rather, its simply quoting Mark Gurmans initial report. Heres Gurman:Apples design team has been prototyping versions of the accessory in recent months, aiming to devise something that better fits the modern era. In a computing world now infused with touch screens, voice commands and hand gesturesSo no, Apple isnt building voice controls into the Magic Mouse 3. What Gurman was saying, which yeux1122 reiterates with their quote, is that Apples new Magic Mouse needs to be relevant in a modern computing era that involves a variety of input methodsincluding voice, touchscreens, and more.What do you hope to see added to the Magic Mouse 3? Let us know in the comments.Best Mac accessoriesAdd 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

Amazon has brought back some of its most notable Black Friday deals on Apple gear for one last run in 2024. This includes the $70 price drops across the Apple Watch Series 10 lineup, including both 42mm and 46mm models in various colorways, as well as the straight up $200 price drops on Apples most affordable 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models although we do have deals on the 11-inchers as well. Those join up to 29% off the next-gen 25W Apple MagSafe Charger, loads of accessories, MagSafe chargers, and much more to ready you for the new year. more

Tim Allen has praised Toy Story 5s brilliant script and insisted it is not about the money.The 71-year-old actor has been back in the studio recording his voice work as he reprises his role of Buzz Lightyear in the fifth movie in the franchise and he insisted the quality remains as high as ever.He told Collider: I just did the first five-hour session for Buzz, probably a week ago. Its really, really weird to get back in it.Its a very, very clever story. Do you wanna do five of these [movies]? I dont really believe its about the money. Im sure they want it to be a success, but thats not why they did it. Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldnt have done it and they wouldnt have called me and Tom [Hanks]. Its really clever.PixarPixarloading...READ MORE: Every Pixar Movie, Ranked From Worst to BestAnd, although it will be his fifth Toy Story movie, Tim admitted it is not always easy to get back into character.He said: It was really a struggle to get, and then maybe two hours in, I was doing Buzz. Im so blessed to be Buzz Lightyear, to be honest. Its gonna be fun. I think were a year out. Ive gotten up to the third act. Well do the third act. And then, well go back and clean it. And then, Ill do it about five more times. Its a really good story, guys. Its really good.Allenalso revealed the line that made him emotional during the recording of Toy Story 4.He said: "With Toy Story 4, when I said, To infinity, and Tom said, And beyond, was so emotional for the two of us. Were real close friends, and I loved that.Toy Story 5 is scheduled to open in theaters on June 19, 2026.Get our free mobile appThe Weirdest Character Posters of 2024Hollywood studios inundate us with posters for every character in their big movies. Let us take a minute to honor the strangest ones we got in 2024.Filed Under: Lightyear, Pixar, Tim Allen, Toy Story 5Categories: Movie News

PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle: $349 Save $251 $349 at Amazon Madison VR: $36 Save $4 $36 at Amazon If you've got a PlayStation 5 and want to take it to the next level, then grabbing Sony's PlayStation VR 2 is a surefire way to give your console a new lease of life. Not only is it one of our favorite VR headsets, it's also one of the VR headsets with the best bundles available. If you want to grab one while saving some serious money, then we've got you covered. See at Best BuyThe PSVR 2 takes your PlayStation 5 gaming experience to a whole new level and offers some funVR gamesto choose from. Deals are usually difficult to come by unless you choose a bundle that comes with one of the best PSVR 2 games included. For example, Horizon Call of the Mountain is an excellent game and if you buy it bundled with your new headset you can definitely save some cash.We've rounded up all the best PSVR 2 prices and game discounts on the web today, and we'll keep this page updated as deals come and go.Best PlayStation VR 2 dealsAs we mentioned above, you'll find that the best deal for a PSVR 2 is a bundle deal. You can currently get the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain bundle for $349 on Amazon -- a whopping 42% off its usual price. You can get the same deal over at Best Buy as well. Sony/CNET Deals on this Sony console can be pretty hard to come by, but right now there's a big deal on the PSVR2 to be had. There's no telling how long these savings will last, so you may want to act fast if you don't want to miss out. $349 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy Best PlayStation VR 2 game deals Maximum Games This unusual horror game has you using an instant camera to try to uncover the truth. There are horrors aplenty, all sorts of puzzles to mess around with and a general feeling of fear that'll stay with you even after you take the headset off. $36 at Amazon More PSVR 2 game dealsHow much does a PlayStation VR 2 cost?A PSVR 2 device from Sony has a retail price of $550. The set includes the headset and two PSVR 2 Sense controllers. The bundle that includes Horizon Call of the Mountain usually costs $600. There are discounts from time to time (particularly during big annual sales like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day). However, Sony does tend to keep these prices close to their usual listings.Does the PlayStation VR 2 require a PS5?Yes, you must own aPS5to set up and use the PlayStation VR 2 headset. The PSVR 2 isn't a stand-alone, self-contained headset like Meta's Quest 3S; it has to be tethered to Sony's latest-gen console. Thankfully, it's much easier than it used to be to get your hands on a PS5, which is currently available atSony,AmazonandBest Buy.If you're looking for even more savings on Sony gaming hardware and accessories or want to pick up a PS5, you can check out our full roundup of all the best PlayStation deals available now.

The cliff-hanger finale of Squid Game's second seasonended with a bang. The episode Friend or Foe laid the groundwork for the final conflict, which will play out in the show's third and final season. Staying true to its reputation, the Korean thriller steadily raised the stakes throughout season 2's seven episodes, until a surprising power shift unfolded before our eyes.Netflix's South Korean thriller knows how to keep the audience on its toes, and it did just that until the credits rolled in season 2's cliff-hanger ending. The last time the program came to a close, audiences had to wait over three years to head back into these bloody childhood games. It sounds like the wait won't be as long for the third season to arrive.See at NetflixUntil then, let's dig into the ending of Squid Game season 2. Where will things go for Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and the rest? And what's the deal with that post-credits scene?Before I continue, you should know there are spoilers ahead. If you haven't finished Squid Game season 2 or don't want to remind yourself about what just happened, tread lightly. Getty Image/Zooey Liao Lee Jung-jae is back as Player 456 in Squid Game season 2 on Netflix. NetflixThe battle of the Xs and OsAs soon as they added that election component into the mix, it felt like the writing was on the wall for a civil war to break out amongst the competitors. And that's exactly what happened. Thanks to the hilarious hyping of hip hop musician/villain of the group Thanos, a brawl between Xs and Os unfolded in the bathroom.Squid Game has made a reputation for being a brutal series, but this scene really dialed home the visceral nature of the competition. This was some up-close-and-personal fighting, which hit new heights when the rap star himself received a fork to the throat.If you think this fight was unplanned, you've got another thing coming. Since when did they supply the competitors with eating utensils that can be used as a weapon? This was a part of the Front Man's plan. Several players were eliminated after the brawl (meaning they died), leading to uneven numbers between the two factions -- meaning the next vote could potentially end with the majority voting to go home. Wi Ha-jun returns as Hwang Jun-ho in season 2 of Squid Game on Netflix. No Ju-han/NetflixThe hunt for the mysterious island hits a snagSince episode 1, Detective Hwang Jun-ho has been on a continued mission to find the island where the games take place. As you'll remember, he got there in the first season to rescue his brother. Getting back to the island has proven to be a bigger problem than he initially expected.That's not to say he hasn't succeeded in attracting a skilled group to join him on the hunt. He has. The vessel's captain, who had joined Jun-ho on his search for the island, was impressed with their new drone equipment. Still, the setbacks continued.In the finale, a key detail was revealed that may point to why Jun-ho has continually come up empty-handed. After the captain was discovered tinkering with the drone in question, he murdered one of Jun-ho's crew and dumped him overboard. It looks like he's been in cahoots all this time, in some way, with the Front Man's bloody operation.Gi-hun's plan for vengeance takes shapeGi-hun could've taken the money he won from the competition and traveled to a far-off tropical locale to live the good life. He didn't. Instead, each episode of season 2 has found Player 456 on a disciplined path to save as many lives as possible and dismantle the games for good. So, instead of hopping on a plane and disappearing forever, he decided to squeeze his way back into these violent childhood games.It was all for revenge. After the restroom battle, Gi-hun told his crew that the other side would come for their heads once the lights went out. They did exactly that. Instead of fighting back, though, he guided them all to wait under their beds until the guards came in. Even if his teammate Oh Young-il voiced some disapproval of the idea.The attack happened in the dark, and several players were eliminated. Still, Player 456's side waited silently. Once the doors opened and the Front Man's henchmen came in to end the violence, they rose up, fought back and acquired enough guns to take down the whole operation. Lee Byung-hun is the Front Man in season 2 of Squid Game on Netflix. No Ju-han/NetflixClose, but no cigarIt was evident that Gi-hun wouldn't completely succeed in this coup. But it was cool to watch the inmates realign themselves with the shared mission of regaining their power and escaping this hellhole once and for all. There were even a few moments when I thought they'd succeed.The Front Man is a crafty sort of sociopath, though. Or should I say Oh Young-il?This entire time, Young-il had been cosplaying as one of the competitors in these games when, in fact, he was the evil one in charge. When he first entered the games and spoke with Gi-hun, Young-il emotionally revealed the reasons he's playing the games: his sick wife was pregnant and desperately needed medical care they couldn't afford.Was this a lie? Or could there have been some truth to this story, potentially revealing Young-il's origin story before he took on the role of Front Man? Whatever the case, it was a delicious narrative tool that has certainly added further fuel to Gi-hun's fire. Lee Jung-jay is Seong Gi-hun and Lee Seo-hwan is Park Jung-bae in season 2 of Squid Game on Netflix. No Ju-han/NetflixGi-hun didn't learn the Front Man's identity. Not yet. After getting close to taking out the control room, Young-il revealed over the walkie-talkie that he and his men were taken out. Soon after, Gi-Hun and his old friend Park Jung-bae were cornered by the sinister man in the black mask and his hooded henchmen. To pay for his insolence, Gi-hun watched as Jung-bae was murdered.That's it. That's the ending. There was no closure and barely a hint at what comes next. But there was definitely a hint. The post-credits scene from the Squid Game season 2 finale teased a mysterious new game. NetflixThis brings me to the post-credits scene I mentioned earlier. After a few seconds, the audience saw a giant boy statue facing opposite the iconic Red Light, Green Light girl. This was a peek at a new game for the competitors to play. But what was it? I first thought that Red Light, Green Light might be getting a gender-bending makeover, with the males and females battling for supremacy.But perhaps this will be a twist on the classic childhood game Red Rover, in which two opposing teams attempt to break through each other's linked arms by taking turns sending over one of their own. It's all speculation, but it's cool to glimpse a new game on the horizon.As we wait for the final round of episodes, some big questions remain: Will Detective Hwang Jun-ho find the island? How will Gi-hun's time in the gauntlet change moving forward? Actually, how will everyone involved be punished? That remains to be seen, but something tells me these games are about to get much more sinister.

Biuone 1080p dash cam with microSD card: $40 Save $30 with Prime $40 at Amazon Redtiger 4K dash cam: $130 Save $100 $130 at Amazon Rexing R316 4K dash cam: $140 Save $60 $140 at Best Buy Vantrue N4 dash cam: $210 Save $50 $210 at Amazon Nextbase 622GW 4K dash cam: $300 Save $100 $300 at Best Buy Upgrading your security is never to be underestimated. Installing some sort of security system to your home is common these days, but many people overlook the value of doing the same when it comes to a car. The best way to do this is a dash cam. Naturally, the biggest hurdle is the cost. To help offset this, we've searched high and low to bring you all the discounts you need to know about.Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.Think of a dash cam as a security monitor for your vehicle, so that if an emergency arises or an unfortunate accident takes place, the dash cam will have the whole situation recorded. Having the evidence in video form can be extremely beneficial for insurers as well as the police or the courts. It's always best to be well prepared in case the worst happens. Thebest dash camerasoffer tons of advanced features, but like most tech, those upgrades are going to cost you. That's why seeking out deals is important, and we've gathered plenty of decent options so you can score one under full price but still have plenty of bells and whistles. We've highlighted the best dash cam offers currently available below and will continue to update this list as discounts come and go, so check back often. Biuone/CNET This cam offers a 3-inch IPS display and even comes with a 64GB microSD card to allow you to store even more video in the camera. It comes with a reverse camera in addition to the forward-facing one, and it has modes for loop recording, motion detection and more. This deal is exclusive to Prime Members. Be sure to select the option with the microSD card to score the full discount. Non-members can still score the cam at a $10 discount, bringing it down to $60. $40 at Amazon Redtiger/CNET This Redtiger 4K dash cam kit is probably one of the cheapest front and back combos you're going to find, especially at that resolution. Besides the 4K day camera, it has 2K night vision, is GPS-enabled and has Wi-Fi so you can connect through your phone. The bundle even comes with a free 64GB microSD card. There's also a parking monitor, so it can capture any accidents while the car is parked. Just be sure to clip the coupon to get the full discount. $130 at Amazon A limited-time discount shaves $60 off this Rexing model with 4K capabilities. It's due to end within the next 24 hours, so act fast if interested. It sports a 170 degrees field of view, a g-sensor for impact detection as well as wide-angle lenses and infrared night vision. $140 at Best Buy Vantrue/CNET The Vantrue N4 is one of our favorite dash cams, and right now you can snag it for a great price. This three-channel device is able to record the road ahead as well as inside and behind the car all at once in HD or greater. It also has motion and impact detection, infrared night vision and much more. You don't have to pair it with your phone to manage any settings -- there are plenty of on-device buttons for getting it set up. $210 at Amazon If you are comfortable spending a little more, this Nextbase 622GW is $100 off and claims to be "the most accurate, powerful and highest image quality Dash Cam in the market today." It has ultra-clear 4K recording at 30fps with recording at 1440p HD at 60fps or 1080p HD at 120fps for super slow motion available. An improved sensor ensures enhanced night vision with image stabilization reducing vibrations as well an Extreme Weather Mode to handle the toughest conditions. $300 at Best Buy Dash cam FAQs How much should I spend on a dash cam? Dash cams are most commonly priced from between $150 to $400, depending on the number of cameras and special features that are packed with the model. There are cheaper models under the $100 price point but you will be getting the bare minimum. The camera quality may not be HD either, so that's a factor to consider. With deals and sales, we'd like to think you'd be able to get a quality camera from between $100 to $200. Do you get cheaper car insurance if you have a dash cam? A number of insurance companies offer reduced prices for cars that include a dash cam. This doesn't go for all insurance providers though, so it's best to do your research or speak to your insurance provider before going ahead. For example, Nextbase offers a discount of up to 30% for dash cam drivers. These Impulse Buys Under $25 Actually Make Great Gifts See all photos

December 30, 20245 min readWhy Countries Are Color-Coding Healthy Foods at Grocery StoresEuropean Union countries and Australia have rolled out front-of-package nutrient profiling. Color-coding or star rankings let shoppers make quick choices about healthy foodsBy Christopher Damman & The Conversation US Nutri-Score rates the nutritional value of foods from A to E. The system was first voluntarily implemented in France and has since been adopted by additional European Union countries. DPA Picture Alliance/Alamy Stock PhotoThe following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research.Imagine a world where food on grocery store shelves is ranked by its healthiness, with simple, research-backed scores. In some countries, that world already exists.Nutrient profiling systems, or NPSs, support clear front-of-package labels that assess food quality based on nutrient content. Nutri-Score in France is a rainbow-colored system grading foods from A to E. Health Star Rating in Australia is a five-star system rating foods in half-star increments. And the Traffic Light System in the U.K. labels nutrient levels as green, yellow or red.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.In contrast, the U.S. lacks a front-of-package ranking system for food. Food Compass was recently developed out of Tufts University to help address this gap and shortcomings in other systems. But it uses nutritional information not currently available for most foods and consumers.As a gastroenterologist and physician-scientist, I focus on making the latest microbiome and nutrition data more accessible to the public. Drawing on this research, I developed Nutrient Consume Score, or NCS, which rates foods from 1 to 100 using nutritional information available for all foods and incorporates factors important for a healthy microbiome.But how do nutrient profiling systems work? And how do they compare to other nutrition guides for consumers?Nutrient cyphersEach nutrient profiling system uses different scoring algorithms, but most assign positive points to nutrients and foods that are typically underconsumed, such as fiber, fruits and vegetables. Conversely, negative points are given to overconsumed nutrients like sugar, saturated fat and sodium, which are often added to processed foods. These points are combined into a single score: higher scores indicate healthier foods, while lower scores indicate less healthy options.For example, kale rich in fiber, potassium and unsaturated fats, while low in sugar, sodium and saturated fats would earn a high score. In contrast, Twinkies, which are high in sugar, sodium and saturated fats, but low in fiber, potassium and unsaturated fats, would receive a low score. A food like black olives, high in fiber but also high in sodium, would fall somewhere in between.Nutrient profiling systems work similarly to the Nutrition Facts labels on the back or sides of food packages in helping consumers make informed choices. These labels provide information about a foods nutrient content, including calories, macronutrients, and key vitamins and minerals. The values are determined through laboratory analysis and nutrient databases based on standardized serving sizes regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.But NPSs differ in that they combine nutrition information into a single actionable score. This means you dont have to spend time deciphering Nutrition Facts labels, which are often in small print and can be confusing to interpret.Ultraprocessed profilingNutrient profiling system algorithms are all quite similar in their high ranking of unprocessed foods beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low ranking of processed foods like hot dogs, soft drinks, cakes and cookies. They help people rebalance their diets that have been skewed by food processing, or the degree to which the ingredients have been altered.They complement the NOVA classification system developed by researchers at the University of So Paulo, which categorizes foods based on their level of processing. This system introduced the term ultra-processed foods, which are foods that have undergone significant industrial processing and contain ingredients not typically found in home cooking.While NOVA has linked ultra-processed foods to poor health outcomes like obesity, worse mental health, cancer and early death, it treats all such foods equally, overlooking differences like amount of sugar, sodium and other additives.Nutrient profile systems help provide nuance by identifying healthier options within the ultra-processed category. For example, plant-based milks, such as almond or soy milk, may be classified as ultra-processed under the NOVA system, but they can have relatively higher NPS scores if they contain minimal added sugars and salt.Ratios and bioactives in balanceWhile nutrient profiling systems can be useful for choosing healthier options, current systems have limitations. They dont always align perfectly with other research, often overlook the bioactive chemicals that regulate microbiome and body processes, and may rely on incomplete data. Current systems also dont account for the caloric and health effects of alcohol.The Nutrient Consume ScoreI designed aims to address these gaps by incorporating these neglected components of food. For example, it uses food categories as proxies for areas with limited data, including bioactive compounds like polyphenols, omega-3 fats and fermentable fibers. Proxies for bioactive compounds found in unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds are integrated into the scores core algorithm, which uses nutrient ratios to measure the degree of food processing.Nutrient ratios including carbohydrate-to-fiber, saturated fat-to-unsaturated fat and sodium-to-potassium reflect the natural balance of nutritional content of the cells in unprocessed foods, which research has shown correlate with cardiometabolic health.For example, the cell walls of plants provide structural strength and are rich in fiber, while their energy vesicles store carbohydrates. Fiber reduces sugar absorption and is fermented into the compound butyrate, which maintains blood sugar and regulates appetite.The fat profiles of unprocessed foods are similar to the fat composition in cell membranes. Saturated fat-to-unsaturated fat ratios capture how different types of fat, affect inflammation and weight.Finally, the potassium-to-sodium ratio reflects the natural function of cell membrane pumps, which concentrate potassium inside cells while transporting sodium out. This affects blood pressure as well as microbiome and metabolic health.Research currently under peer review shows that the Nutrient Consume Score compares favorably with other systems. Derived from nutrition data from nearly 5,000 Americans, NCS sores are linked to blood pressure, waist circumference and weight. NCS has also been incorporated into a smartphone app intended for public use, currently in beta testing.Empowering smart choicesWhile nutrient profiling systems are a promising tool for healthier food choices, they come with important caveats. Most studies testing how well they work focus on how two factors relate to each other rather than whether one directly causes the other. Correlation doesnt prove causation.Further studies are needed to assess whether these systems influence buying habits, consumption trends, and health outcomes like weight and blood pressure. Additionally, individual dietary needs can vary, and personalized algorithms could help refine these scores for tailored recommendations.Despite these considerations, nutrient profiling systems are promising tools to combat rising rates of metabolic disease. Their use in Europe demonstrates their potential to shift consumer purchasing habits and inspire food companies to create healthier products.Americans may one day see similar front-of-package labels in the U.S. Until then, smartphone technologies can offer a practical way to help consumers make smarter choices today.This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereFortnites numerous game modes have been a key driver of its success, providing players with an ever-changing range of ways to interact with the game. These modes cater to a variety of playstyles, keeping the community interested and the experience fresh. Over time, Fortnite has added limited-time modes and permanent additions that appeal to both casual and competitive players, demonstrating the games ability to innovate. Among the recent additions, Fortnite Reload has quickly become a fan favorite. This mode adds a thrilling, fast-paced twist to traditional Fortnite gameplay, stressing speed, strategy, and adaptation. Reload currently offers two separate Fortnite maps, which may be accessed via the map rotation feature. These maps keep the action moving and present a variety of difficulties, making each match feel unique and entertaining. New rumors have suggested Epics plans to extend Reload even further, with a major update set to include numerous new maps.Fortnite will soon add more popular season maps to Reload modeFortnites Reload mode hasnt gone through an update ever since its addition of the Oasis map, alongside its classic Venture map which are both separate biomes and versions of the OG Chapter 1 island. According to leaks by data miners like Loolo, Epic is planning to add more maps from different chapters and seasons to the next Reload update, changing the map rotation feature forever.Fortnite is soon adding a Mega City-themed island in Reload mode. Image by Epic Games.The maps mentioned in the leak include Chapter 6 themed island, Urban Locations, Chapter 1 map, Chapter 2 map, Jungle themed island, Chapter 3 map, Chapter 2 Season 2 map with Mega City, Chapter 5 map, and the Chapter 4 map.Upon seeing the leak players turned in to offer their thoughts on the same where one wrote, No snow/winter theme being listed is kinda crazy to me. Another chimed in, If there are all these maps, the content can last several years.While Reload modes popularity has significantly gone lower ever since the launch of Fortnite OG and Ballistic, players are still hoping for an update with the game, whether they are new weapons or even new maps as planned by Epic. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share