When it comes to gaming, laptops have come a long way. Once seen as the lesser cousin to gaming PCs, todays gaming laptops pack a serious punch, offering remarkable power and portability in sleek packages. Whether youre exploring open-world RPGs, dominating multiplayer arenas or creating content on the side, modern gaming laptops deliver performance that can rival many desktop rigs, with the added bonus of being able to game wherever you want.One of the biggest advantages of a laptop is its flexibility. You dont need to worry about bulky setups or being tethered to one spot. Plus, with features like displays with high refresh rates, powerful GPUs and cutting-edge processors, these machines are more than capable of handling AAA titles, eSports and even VR gaming. Many laptops now come equipped with RGB-lit keyboards, advanced cooling systems and next-gen SSD storage to keep up with your gaming needs, too. Weve tested a number of the latest gaming laptops to see which are worth your money. What to look for in a gaming laptop Price Your laptop buying journey starts and ends with the amount of money you're willing to spend. No surprise there. The good news: There are plenty of options for gamers of every budget. In particular, we're seeing some great entry-level PC gaming choices under $1,000, like Dell's G15 lineup. A cheap gaming laptop in this price range will definitely feel a bit flimsier than pricier models, and they'll likely skimp on RAM, storage and overall power. But most cheaper laptops should be able to handle the majority of video games running at 1080p at 60 frames per second, which is the bare minimum you'd want from any system. Things get interesting when you start looking at the best gaming laptops in the mid-range space, with prices at $1,000 and higher. At that point, you'll start finding PCs like the ASUS Zephyrus ROG G14, one of our favorite gaming notebooks. In general, you can look forward to far better build quality than budget gaming laptops (metal cases!), improved graphics power and enough RAM and storage space to handle the most demanding games. These are the gaming machines we'd recommend for most people, as they'll keep you gaming and working for years before you need to worry about an upgrade. If you're willing to spend around $1,800 or more, you can start considering more premium options like Razer's Blade, which is on-par with some of the best gaming PCs. Expect impeccably polished cases, the fastest hardware on the market, and ridiculously thin designs. The sky's the limit here: Alienware's uber customizable Area 51m is an enormous beast that can cost up to $4,700. Few people need a machine that high-end, but if you're a gamer with extra cash to burn, it may be worth taking a close look at some of these pricier systems. CPU and GPU The answer to this question used to be relatively simple: Just get an Intel chip with an NVIDIA GPU. But over the last few years AMD has stepped up its game with its Ryzen notebook processors, which are better suited for juggling multiple tasks at once (like streaming to Twitch while blasting fools in Fortnite). Intel responded with its impressive 12th and 13th-gen chips, but its nice to have decent Ryzen AMD alternatives available, especially since theyre often cheaper than comparable Intel models. When it comes to video cards, though, AMD is still catching up. Its Radeon RX 6000M GPU has been a fantastic performer in notebooks like ASUSs ROG Strix G15, but it lags behind NVIDIA when it comes to newer features like ray tracing. (Were still waiting to test AMDs new Radeon 7000 series mobile graphics.) At the very least, a Radeon-powered notebook can approach the general gaming performance of the NVIDIA RTX 3070 and 3080 GPUs. If you want to future-proof your purchase, or youre just eager to see how much better ray tracing can make your games look, youre probably better off with an NVIDIA video card. Theyre in far more systems, and its clear that they have better optimized ray tracing technology. NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs also feature the companys DLSS technology, which uses AI to upscale games to higher resolutions. Thatll let you play a game like Destiny 2 in 4K with faster frame rates. Thats useful if youre trying to take advantage of a high refresh rate monitor. Youll still find plenty of laptops with NVIDIAs older RTX 30-series GPUs these days, and theyll still give you tremendous performance. But to be safe, its probably worth opting for the newer RTX 40-series systems, since they support the newer DLSS 3 technology and offer a wealth of performance upgrades. (If youre looking out for the best deals, you can probably find some killer RTX 3070 laptops out there.) The entry-level RTX 4050 is a solid start, but wed suggest going for a 4060 or 4070 if youre aiming to maximize your framerates on faster screens. The RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 are both incredibly powerful, but they typically make systems far too expensive for most users. Its worth noting that NVIDIAs mobile graphics cards arent directly comparable to its more powerful desktop hardware. PC makers can also tweak voltages to make gaming performance better in a thinner case. Basically, these laptops may not be desktop replacements dont be surprised if you see notebooks that perform very differently, even if theyre all equipped with the same GPU. Screen and refresh rate Screen size is a good place to start when judging gaming notebooks. In general, 15-inch laptops will be the best balance of immersion and portability, while larger 17-inch models are heftier, but naturally give you more screen real estate. There are some 13-inch gaming notebooks, like the Razer Blade Stealth, but paradoxically you'll often end up paying more for those than slightly larger 15-inch options. Were also seeing plenty of 14-inch options, like the Zephyrus G14 and Blade 14, which are generally beefier than 13-inch laptops while still being relatively portable. But these days, there is plenty to consider beyond screen size. For one: refresh rates. Most monitors refresh their screens vertically 60 times per second, or at 60Hz. That's a standard in use since black and white NTSC TVs. But over the past few years, displays have evolved considerably. Now, 120Hz 1080p screens are the bare minimum you'd want in any gaming notebook and there are faster 144Hz, 240Hz and even 360Hz panels. All of this is in the service of one thing: making everything on your display look as smooth as possible. For games, higher refresh rates also help eliminate screen tearing and other artifacts that could get in the way of your frag fest. And for everything else, it just leads to a better viewing experience. Even scrolling a web page on a 120Hz or faster monitor is starkly different from a 60Hz screen. Instead of seeing a jittery wall of text and pictures, everything moves seamlessly, as if you're unwinding a glossy paper magazine. Going beyond 120Hz makes gameplay look even more responsive, which to some players gives them a slight advantage. Steve Dent/Engadget Not to make things more complicated, but you should also keep an eye out for NVIDIA's G-SYNC and AMD's FreeSync. They're both adaptive sync technologies that can match your screen's refresh rate with the framerate of your game. That also helps to reduce screen tearing and make gameplay smoother. Consider them nice bonuses on top of one of the best gaming monitors with a high refresh rate; they're not necessary, but they can still offer a slight visual improvement. See Also: Best Laptops for 2023 Best Cheap Windows Laptops Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2023 Best Chromebooks Best Laptops for College Students One more thing: Most of these suggestions are related to LCD screens, not OLEDs. While OLED makes a phenomenal choice for TVs, it's a bit more complicated when it comes to gaming laptops. They're mostly limited to 60Hz, though some models offer 90Hz. Still, you wont see the smoothness of a 120Hz or 144Hz screen. OLEDs also typically come as 4K or 3.5K panels you'll need a ton of GPU power to run games natively at that resolution. They look incredible, with the best black levels and contrast on the market, but we think most gamers would be better off with an LCD. Devindra Hardawar/Engadget Other things to remember when buying a gaming laptop: Get at least 16GB of RAM. And if you're planning to do a ton of multitasking while streaming, 32GB is worth considering. Storage is still a huge concern. These days, I'd recommend aiming for a 1TB M.2 SSD, which should be enough space to juggle a few large titles like Destiny 2. (If you can afford the jump to a 2TB SSD though, just do it.) Some laptops also have room for standard SATA hard drives, which are far cheaper than M.2's and can hold more data. Get your hands on a system before you buy it. I'd recommend snagging the best gaming laptop for you from a retailer with a simple return policy, like Amazon or Best Buy. If you don't like it, you can always ship it back easily. Don't forget about accessories! For the best performance, you'll need a good mouse, keyboard and a headset these are some of the best gaming accessories for gaming PCs and laptops. How we test gaming laptops We review gaming laptops with the same amount of rigor as we approach traditional notebooks. We test build quality by checking cases for any undesirable flexible spots, as well as the strength of screen hinges during furious typing and Halo Infinite sessions. We benchmark every gaming notebook with PCMark 10, a variety of 3DMark tests, Cinebench and Geekbench. We also use NVIDIAs Frameview app to measure the average framerates in Cyberpunk 2077, Halo Infinite and other titles. For media creation, we transcode a 4K movie clip into 1080p using Handbrakes CPU and GPU encoding options. Displays are tested under indoor and outdoor lighting with productivity apps, video playback and gameplay. We also try to stress the full refresh rate of every gaming notebooks screen by benchmarking Halo Infinite, Overwatch 2 and other titles. Laptop speakers are judged by how well they can play back music, movies and the occasional game session with detail and clarity, and without any obvious distortion. When it comes to battery life, we see how long gaming systems last with a mixture of real-world productivity apps and gameplay, and we also test with PCMark 10s Modern office battery test. In addition, were judging the quality of a machines keyboard with typing tests as well as relative accuracy and comfort during extended gaming sessions. Best gaming laptops for 2025 Other gaming laptops weve tested Framework Laptop 16 We were eager to test the Framework Laptop 16 since it promised both modular customizability and a decent amount of gaming power. But while we appreciated just how repairable and upgradeable it is, its actual gaming performance was middling for its high price. You could always buy it without the additional GPU, but that makes it more of a daily workhorse than a gaming system. MSI Stealth Studio 14 On a brighter note, we were pleased to see MSI return to form with the Stealth Studio 14, which is far faster and more attractive than the previous model. Razer Blade 16 and 18 We were amazed to see a genuine 4K/1080p native screen in the Razer Blade 16, but its far too expensive and impractical, even for such a pricey brand. Similarly, we found the Razer Blade 18 to be both oversized and overpriced.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-gaming-laptops-172033838.html?src=rss

The CES keynote will never be the same.This is my 12th CES, so there aren't many things that surprise me at this point, at least in terms of press conferences. All of the big companies used to try to one-up each other (celebrity appearances were the main method, although it's not as common now). However, the venue itself has now become the battleground for CES addresses.This week, Delta was the first company to host a CES press conference, or as the emcee called it, "a show," at the Sphere in Las Vegas. You've likely heard about the high-tech venue at this point, which usually hosts immersive concerts rather than trade show events. Debuting in 2023, the "multi-sensory experience" is known for having both the interior and exterior draped in LED displays and offering 4D effects like wind and smells.Three different credentials were required to attend the event in the venue which holds 18,600 people, one of which required a special trip to obtain. Once inside, Delta had various installations to celebrate its 100th anniversary and lines for the company's merchandise were absurdly long. People even skipped the Lenny Kravitz performance at the end to queue up for those goods.You could hear every realistic boom and pop.Billy Steele for EngadgetThere was also food that may have been similar to what the airline serves in-flight, and snacks that you'd expect on a Delta trip, like Biscoff cookies. Of course, the company stacked the audience with employees and guests, plus it trotted out a couple of celebrities Viola Davis and Tom Brady which I saw as a throwback to the CES keynote days of old. Then there was the full-blown concert at the end: Lenny Kravitz with a full band. This gave the attendees the experience of coming to a concert at Sphere, where U2, Dead & Company, Phish and more have performed in the past.But, as you might expect, the most interesting aspect of the whole thing is how Delta took advantage of the Sphere's 4D capabilities. Video of each speaker was projected on the interior of the venue set on various backdrops that transformed the hall into spaces ranging from a dome to an observation deck and an airplane cabin. Several times during CEO Ed Bastian's address there were interactions with planes where the seats rumbled and blown air provided a sense of flying, complete with directional, immersive audio. There was also a cameo by Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi where an Uber Eats delivery arrived at the stage with a hazelnut-flavored coffee for Bastian and those aromas were wafted into the audience.Perhaps the most dazzling aspect of the whole "show" was the end, where cockpit video of a plane landing was projected on the interior of the Sphere. And when the plane landed, everyone's seats rumbled just liked they do when you hit the tarmac in real life. This was quickly followed by my first indoor fireworks show, designed to cap off Delta's 100th anniversary. I will say the immersive audio of the Sphere really enhanced this, and I doubt I'll experience anything like it again. I feel confident I'll never see indoor fireworks unless I return to this very venue.Seats rumbled just like they would in real life.Billy Steele for EngadgetOf course, there was news. It wouldn't be a CES press event without some. Delta announced its AI Concierge, an assistant inside the Fly Delta app that the company built to relieve travel stress. The airline first announced the concierge concept at CES 2020, but now it's working to make it a real thing that anticipates travel needs. Beginning this year, customers will be able to interact with Delta Concierge via text or voice. Eventually, the platform will be able to do things like hail a Joby VTOL aircraft to drop you off at the airport to avoid traffic.The AI tech can recognize both departure and arrival needs, including arranging a rideshare pickup for transport to a hotel. At the airport, you won't have to go through a TSA checkpoint, you just keep walking to your gate thanks to PreCheck Touchless ID. If you're wearing AR glasses during your trip, wayfinding then becomes a breeze with the travel assistant lighting your path. And once you're on the plane, the Delta Concierge will eventually automatically connect you to Delta Sync Wi-Fi and the seatback entertainment system to display customized info and content recs just for you.Delta's event was easily the most impressive CES presentation I've attended. And I've been to press events where each person had a PC and a VR headset at their seat. I don't know that any other company will invest what the airline did in the hosting and production this week, but it was immediately apparent that the bar had been raised, and that a ballroom at Mandalay Bay or The Venetian will no longer suffice if you're looking to make a lasting impression.Lenny Kravitz closed the show, and he'll close this post. Billy Steele for EngadgetThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/delta-changed-the-game-for-ces-press-conferences-162401293.html?src=rss

I don't want or need 99 percent of the stuff on display at CES don't get me wrong, most of what we're seeing this week is impressive in one way or another, but nothing had seemed like a necessary addition to my life until I happened upon the Copper Charlie, a battery-equipped induction range that plugs directly into a standard 120V outlet. Yes, among the robots, future cars, bionic exoskeletons and AI everything, the thing that's exited me most is a stove (OK, the fluffball robot is pretty great). Up until a few years ago, I had no idea natural gas cooktops were bad for your health, not to mention the environment. Unfortunately, if your home is set up on gas, it's not easy or cheap to switch up to electric. Nearly all full-sized induction stoves require a dedicated 240V outlet and if you don't have one where the stove goes, a call to a electrician is likely in your future. Charlie is a full-sized oven and range that packs a ceramic glass cooktop, a 4.5 cubic-foot oven and an integrated 5 kWh battery. That battery allows the stove to run off a standard plug by storing up a charge that can bump up the power output when it's time to cook (it can also cook three to five meals during a power outage). Amy Skorheim / Engadget In person, the range looks properly high-end with a large LCD display, wooden dials and handle, stainless steel finish and clean lines. It also has a high-end price tag at $6,000. It should qualify for a 30-percent tax credit as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, so it could end up costing around $4,200 instead. A rewiring job for a 240V outlet shouldn't run you more than $500 for the average house, though if you're dealing with an older home with tricky wiring, that price could go up. And if you're in an apartment, that may not be an option at all. Still, after rebates and deducting the cost of an outlet conversion, you're still paying around $3,500 for Charlie. That's cheaper than some induction ranges, more expensive than others but none of those models have a back-up battery that'll let you make mac and cheese when the power goes out. The Charlie from Copper is expected to ship in April of this year and is open for pre-orders. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/someone-please-buy-me-this-battery-powered-plug-in-induction-range-from-ces-160250464.html?src=rss

MSPs can provide valuable benefits that in-house IT teams may be hard-pressed to deliver.

Google Gemini is coming Android Auto.

Samsung announces AI subscription service for tech.

If youre feeling stressed or exhausted, youre not alone. But chances are, you still have to show upwith strength, enthusiasm, and solid performance. How can you accomplish what feels like a Herculean feat? There are strategies that workboth in terms of your mindset and your physical endurance.Your ability to cope is especially important today, with record-high levels of burnout and even fear getting in the way of you being your best. Demands are also highand youre undoubtedly working to meet both personal and professional expectations for your success, your relationships, and your mental health.EXHAUSTION IS REALPeople report that they are exhausted and struggling. In fact, 88% of people said they were burned out, according to a survey by MyPerfectResume. In addition, 32% of respondents reported feeling burnout-related anxiety, as well as headaches (30%) and even muscle pain (25%).Especially concerning is that 20% of people consider quitting every day, 25% experience depression about their work, and 77% say their negative experience spills over to their personal life, based on the MyPerfectResume data.So, how do you maintain motivation (and even happiness), even if youre just not feeling it at work?SHOW UP STRONG WITH YOUR MINDSETOne of the ways to show up strong is to manage your thoughts. The saying is true, Change your thinking, change your life. The way you think about things has a powerful effect on how youre able to cope and thrive.Accept stress. One of the first strategies is to understand that life will have ups and downs. Youll rarely go through a period that doesnt include some challenges. But if youre facing difficulty, it doesnt mean youre doing anything wrong. In fact, many of the hardest things in life are the most rewardingyour career, your marriage or partnership, and even parenting. Big things can be stressful, but they also have great meaning.Lean in. Another important way to use your thinking is to remind yourself that when you perform well, youll tend to feel bettermore so than when you disengage or give up. Research calls this the IKEA effect, based on the effort it takes to build a piece of furniture you purchase at an IKEA store. In short, its the idea that the harder you work for something, the better youll feel when you accomplish it. Consider the project you worked so hard onand received wonderful recognition at its conclusion. Or the huge problem you solved which resulted in brilliant new innovation for the company. You can manage your motivation by reassuring yourself that your efforts will be worth it.Link your efforts with your identity. Another surefire way to maintain motivation is to link your work with your values and who you want to be. Youre not just showing up on time because its important to the company, its because youre a responsible person. Youre not just following through on your deliverables because theyre required, but because youre a team player. Manage your motivation by reminding yourself how your actions are a reflection of your identity.Set small goals. I can be tough to show up strong if youre overwhelmed, so it can also be a great strategy to keep your expectations reasonable and your steps incremental. For example, you dont have to finish the whole initiative today, you just need to do the three key tasks that get you closer to your goal.Commit to short bursts. In a related way, you can also commit to short bursts of work. If writing the whole report seems onerous, commit to finishing one section, or working on it for at least 30 minutes. This approach will help you manage your expectations and keep the task manageable so you can stay motivated.Embrace obligation. Another effective way to stay motivated is to remind yourself how others are counting on you. We all have an instinct to matter, so it can be useful to imagine your impact on your coworker. When you get your task done or follow through on your commitment, your colleague can get on with their step in the process, as well. Stay motivated by reminding yourself about your healthy obligations to others and how you matter to teammates.Establish a countdown. Perhaps when you were young, your family made paper chains to count down to big events. Made with links of paper, you would tear off a link of the chain each day as you neared summer vacation or your birthday. You can do this as a grown up as wellcrossing off days on your calendar or using a countdown app. No matter what your age, it can be terrifically encouraging to feel like youre making progress on a goal over time.SHOW UP STRONG WITH MECHANICSIn addition to the cognitive approaches you can take to sustain your motivation, you can also gain effectiveness by taking actions that support your physical health and vitality.Take breaks. As youre leaning in and working hard, also be sure to take breaks. Rather than working through lunch or keeping on no matter what, get away. Breaks are important to help the brain recharge, according to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology.Keep moving. We are each wired to stay active, so this can also be important to your energy and motivation. In fact, with quick bursts of exercise, you can boost your learning and your memory, according to research by Oregon Health and Science University. Take a walk, stretch, or get away from your desk briefly.Socialize. Another way to rejuvenate and motivate is to stay connected with others. In particular, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information found when people took breaks with others, they had reduced stress. And another study in the Journal of Organizational Behavior found that social time with colleagues reduced negative emotions.Get outside. Youre also wise to spend time in nature. From getting fresh air and natural light to accessing green spaces or even growing indoor plants, nature will make a positive difference in your mood and thinking, based on research in Science Advances.Stay hydrated and rested. By staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, you can be at your best.YOU CAN DO ITIts reasonable that youre exhausted, overwhelmed or burned out, and this can make it tough to show up and be your best.But you can take pragmatic action and find ways to show up strongand stay motivated and engaged. When you do, its good for you. And your attitude and approach will have a positive effect on others, as well.

The Biden administrations spending on stimulus to keep the economy going during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed a little bit to inflation, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in an interview on CNBC on Wednesday.Yellen said supply chain issues and shortages were the main factor driving up prices during the pandemic, but conceded that stimulus spending could have played a role as well.It may have contributed a little bit to the inflation, but by and large, inflation was a supply side phenomenon, Yellen said, in a rare concession by Biden administration officials about the role their policies played in driving up prices.The Treasury secretary, who leaves office later this month, said she remained convinced that the spending had been needed to prevent scarring seen after previous downturns when business closures and layoffs result in people being unemployed for long periods and wind up becoming alienated from the workforce.Price increases were largely due to shortages of goods coming from China and other countries that had also shut down, which left automakers and others with insufficient semiconductors and other components to produce goods.Yellen said there had not been much progress in lowering prices in recent months, but she remained convinced that the U.S. was on a downward path.She said the labor market had cooled but was in a good state, and recent U.S. economic data suggested that interest rates could remain higher than people had expected.But she said there was also increased uncertainty about the future of economic policies as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20.Overall, she said, the U.S. economy was doing very well, with solid consumer spending and investment despite higher interest rates.But she said it was imperative to put fiscal policy on a sustainable course, and added that moves to derail the modernization of the Internal Revenue Service could result in an $800 billion hit to the deficit.By Andrea Shalal and David Lawder, Reuters

Goan furniture brand Josmo has opened a flagship store in Mumbai, designed by founder Anjali Mody to reflect a contemporary approach to Indian design craft.With India's interior design market growing fast, Josmo is one of several homegrown brands on the rise.The Mumbai store is the company's first outside Goa, where it was founded by Mody in 2010.Josmo's Mumbai store is divided into different zonesAs creative director, Mody designed the retail space in line with a brand style she describes as "witty, elegant and unapologetically unique"."We wanted it to feel like stepping into a world where every detail whispers Josmo," she told Dezeen."Think sculptural forms, earthy textures and just the right amount of drama. It's warm, immersive and bold a space where every piece tells its own story but still feels part of a bigger narrative."A curving tassel installation hangs from the ceilingThe store is located on Annie Besant Road, a major street running through Mumbai's Worli neighbourhood.Mody has divided the interior into a series of zones, highlighted by curvy details that include bespoke shelving systems, raised platforms and a tassel installation suspended from the ceiling."This fringe moves ever so slightly with a gust of wind from outside, creating the most beautiful romance between movement and stillness," said Mody.Textured surfaces were created using waste sawdustMany of the surfaces feature a rough texture, created with a coating of waste sawdust sourced from the brand's factory. These include a sculptural bookcase that frames the entrance space.The showroom launched in November, coinciding with the opening of the inaugural Design Mumbai fair.It showcases Josmo's latest collection, which debuted at Design Mumbai, along with bestselling pieces from previous furniture and homeware lines.Read: Fifteen Indian design brands worth knowingThe 2024 collection highlights Josmo's ambition tocombine digital fabrication technologies with India's handmade traditions, resulting in a contemporary interpretation of design craft.This often creates surprising juxtapositions of form and texture, as seen in products such as the Nanyuki dining table and the Marrakesh console.Josmo's new collection includes the biscuit-inspired Biscoff side table"We're rooted in India's rich craft traditions but unapologetically modern in how we think, blend textures and play with forms," said Mody."It's about creating pieces that feel like they've always belonged, yet still make you pause and say wow."The showroom includes a space where Josmo can create an entire room interiorMany of the pieces also incorporate playful references, which are reflected in their names. The Biscoff side table, Cadbury box and Chip coffee table all takes cues from sweet treats.The showroom also incorporates a space where Josmo can present an entire room interior, as well as a material library where customers can browse different fabric and finish options.A material library allows customers to browse different fabric and finish optionsThe store is part of a long-term growth strategy for Josmo, which is also set to open two factories and expand into accessories, with the sub-brand Josmo Minis."The Mumbai showroom is just the beginning of an exciting chapter for Josmo," said Mody.The company plans to launch an accessories sub-brand, Josmo Minis"We're looking to expand our reach both in India and internationally, focusing on creating partnerships, enhancing our bespoke offerings, and participating in global design forums," she added."Innovation and sustainability will remain at our core as we continue crafting timeless designs and nurturing the incredible team and community that make Josmo thrive."The photography is courtesy of Josmo.The post Josmo opens Mumbai store with "just the right amount of drama" appeared first on Dezeen.

Make it big, make it brilliant is Anycubic's new slogan, and I'm very intrigued.