Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 developer outlines new tools to fight online cheatsTweaks to anti-cheat systems see another 136,000 players bannedImage credit: Treyarch / Activision News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 20, 2025 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 developer Treyarch has tweaked its anti-cheat systems and banned another 136,000 players across Black Ops 6 and battle-royale spin-off, Warzone.In a detailed update to players on X, Treyarch and partner studios Raven Software, Beenox, and Demonware acknowledged that "instances of cheating in Call of Duty [...] are frustrating and severely impact the experience for our community" and outlined new layers of security and protections to combat cheaters.This includes updated detection models - such as to catch aim botting - and better account trust and hardware identifiers to target serial cheaters, helping the game identify and then ban 136,000 ranked play cheats.Addressing IP-based banning, the update said Call of Duty's Ricochet system does not utilise IP-based bans so as not to "take action against" entire groups that may not have been engaging in cheating behaviours.Looking ahead to 2025, there will be major kernel-level driver updates, a reinforced encryption process, and an all-new tampering detection system."Were not slowing down in our mission to shut down cheaters whose only mission is to ruin the fun for everyone else, and were confident that the combination of the updates above, as well as ongoing improvements to our detection systems and Activisions continued legal actions against illegal cheat sellers, will provide a demonstrably healthier gameplay experience going forward," the statement concluded.We recently learned that developing three Call of Duty titles between 2015 and 2020 cost Activision between $450m and $700m per game.

Fujifilm has announced two new additions to its flagship Techno-Stabi line of binoculars featuring electronic stabilization, as spotted by PetaPixel. The new TS-L2040 and TS-L1640 deliver even more magnification than Fujfilms previous top-of-the-line offering 20x and 16x, instead of just 14x while also being smaller and lighter without sacrificing features like waterproofing. Both new models can survive a complete dunking to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes.The Fujifilm TS-L2040, with 20x magnification, will be $1,299.95 when available for purchase starting on January 31st, 2025. The slightly cheaper TS-L1640, which offer 16x magnification, will be $1,199.95.Using binoculars with more than 10x magnification without a tripod or stable support can result in blurred images because humans are simply incapable of holding them steady enough by hand. Even imperceptible hand movements are exaggerated through a pair of binoculars, making it hard to focus on a distant magnified subject.Fujifilms new TS-L2040 Techno-Stabi binoculars (right) are smaller and lighter than the companys previous flagship model (left) which weigh about a pound heavier. Image: FujifilmFujifilms new models rely on a gimbal-mounted prism with plus and minus three degrees of electronic stabilization. Theyre also noticeably smaller and lighter than the companys existing Techno-Stabi TS-X14x40 binoculars weighing 1.88 pounds instead of 2.9 pounds making them easier for birdwatchers to carry on a hike.The two new models arent entirely replacing Fujifilms heavier and bulkier TS-X14x40 binoculars. Although the older model only offers 14x magnification for the same price as the companys new 20x offering, they feature a more rugged design with plus and minus six degrees of electronic stabilization.In a video comparing the old and new models, Fujifilmtechnical expert, Michael Bulbenko, says the older model is still a better choice for boaters given the extra movements while out on the water.Fujifilm says both new models run on a pair of AAA batteries that offer up to 30 hours of stabilization. Image: FujifilmOther features of the new TS-L2040 and TS-L1640 include 40mm objective lenses on the front that allow more light in to boost brightness. Fujifilms cheapest stabilized binoculars, the $749.95 TS12x28WP, feature much smaller front lenses that are just 28mm in size.Both new binocular models are powered by a pair of AAA batteries that Fujifilm says will keep the image stabilization continuously powered for up to 30 hours. The binoculars will also automatically power themselves off after 60 minutes if you forget to, so if youre headed out on a weekend birdwatching trip, you probably wont need to pack an extra set of AAAs.

Traditional psychological counseling, often conducted in person, remains limited to individuals actively seeking help for psychological concerns. In contrast, online automated counseling presents a viable option for those hesitant to pursue therapy due to stigma or shame. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a widely practiced approach in psychological counseling, aims to help individuals identify and correct cognitive distortions contributing to negative emotions and behaviors. The emergence of LLMs has opened new possibilities for automating CBT diagnosis and treatment. However, current LLM-based CBT systems face challenges such as fixed structural frameworks, which limit adaptability and self-optimization, and repetitive response patterns that provide generic, unhelpful suggestions.Recent advancements in AI have introduced frameworks like CBT-LLM, which employs prompt-based learning, and CoCoA, which integrates memory mechanisms for retrieval-augmented generation. These systems aim to identify and address cognitive distortions in user statements while enhancing the depth and relevance of therapeutic interactions. Despite their potential, existing methods often lack personalization, adaptability to changing user needs, and a nuanced understanding of dynamic therapeutic processes. To bridge these gaps, ongoing research uses annotated datasets, ontologies, and advanced LLMs to develop context-aware CBT systems that mimic human cognitive processes.Researchers from the Shenzhen Key Laboratory for High-Performance Data Mining, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and several other institutions developed AutoCBT, an autonomous multi-agent framework designed for CBT in single-turn psychological consultations. Utilizing Quora-like and YiXinLi models, AutoCBT integrates dynamic routing and memory mechanisms to improve response quality and adaptability. The framework undergoes structured reasoning and editing to generate high-quality, context-aware outputs. Evaluated on a bilingual dataset, it outperforms traditional LLM-based systems, addressing challenges like dynamic routing, supervisory mechanisms, and Llamas over-protection issue.AutoCBT is a versatile framework designed for multi-agent systems in CBT, comprising a Counsellor Agent (interface), Supervisor Agents, communication topology, and routing strategies. The Counsellor Agent, powered by LLMs, interacts with users and seeks input from Supervisor Agents to generate confident, high-quality responses. Agents feature memory mechanisms for short-term and long-term storage, and routing strategies like unicast and broadcast enable dynamic communication. AutoCBT incorporates CBT principlesempathy, belief identification, reflection, strategy, and encouragementmapped to specific Supervisor Agents. Its effectiveness was validated using a bilingual dataset combining PsyQA and TherapistQA, categorized and augmented with cognitive distortion examples.In online psychological counseling, LLMs like Qwen-2.5-72B and Llama-3.1-70B were evaluated for handling emotional nuances and instruction adherence. AutoCBT, a two-stage framework, outperformed Generation and PromptCBT by incorporating dynamic routing and supervisory mechanisms, achieving higher scores across empathy, cognitive distortion handling, and response relevance. AutoCBTs iterative approach enhanced its draft responses, which were validated by automatic and human evaluations. Challenges included routing conflicts, role confusion, and redundant feedback loops, mitigated through design adjustments. Llamas over-caution led to frequent refusals on sensitive topics, unlike Qwen, which responded comprehensively, highlighting the importance of balance in model sensitivity.In conclusion, AutoCBT is an innovative multi-agent framework designed for CBT-based psychological counseling. By integrating dynamic routing and supervisory mechanisms, AutoCBT addresses limitations in traditional LLM-based counseling, significantly enhancing response quality and effectiveness in identifying and addressing cognitive distortions. AutoCBT achieves superior dialogue quality through its adaptive and autonomous design compared to static, prompt-based systems. Challenges in LLMs semantic understanding and instruction adherence were identified and mitigated through targeted solutions. Leveraging bilingual datasets and models, the framework demonstrates its potential to deliver high-quality, automated counseling services. It offers a scalable alternative for individuals hesitant to pursue traditional therapy due to stigma.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our65k+ ML SubReddit. Sana Hassan+ postsSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions. Meet 'Height':The only autonomous project management tool (Sponsored)

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) vs. Cache-Augmented Generation (CAG): A Deep Dive into Faster, Smarter Knowledge Integration 0 like January 20, 2025Share this postAuthor(s): Isuru Lakshan Ekanayaka Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.image sourceAs Large Language Models (LLMs) continue to grow in capability, integrating external knowledge into their responses becomes increasingly important for building intelligent, context-aware applications. Two leading paradigms for such integration are Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Cache-Augmented Generation (CAG). This article provides an extensive, step-by-step guide on both approaches, dives deep into their workflows, compares their advantages and drawbacks, and offers a comprehensive implementation guide for CAG with detailed explanations of every component.IntroductionRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)Cache-Augmented Generation (CAG)Detailed Comparison of RAG and CAGImplementing Cache-Augmented Generation (CAG)Deep Dive: Code ExplanationCase Studies and Real-World ApplicationsConclusionFurther ReadingIn natural language processing, enhancing the responses of language models with external knowledge is critical for tasks like question answering, summarization, and intelligent dialogue. Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Cache-Augmented Generation (CAG) represent two methodologies to achieve this by augmenting the models capabilities with external data. While RAG integrates knowledge dynamically at inference time, CAG preloads relevant data into the models context, aiming for speed and simplicity. This article breaks down each concept, highlights their strengths and weaknesses, and provides a highly detailed guide on implementing CAG.Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) enhances a language models output by dynamically fetching relevant Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

Mondo has spent the past several years creating new 1:6 scale figures of the iconic heroes and villains of Batman: The Animated Series, and they're about to add another big gun to the lineup. Mondo's new Clayface figure is easily one of their most impressive releases to date.IGN can exclusively reveal the first images and details for Mondo's Clayface 1:6 scale figure. Get a closer look in the slideshow gallery below:Mondo Batman: The Animated Series Clayface Figure - Image GalleryThe Clayface 1:6 scale figure features a concept design by Alex Brewer, sculpting by Alex Brewer and Tommy Hodges, painting by Hector Arce and Mark Bristow, packaging art by Danny Haas, packaging design by Jordan Christianson, and photography by Ral Barrero.The Clayface figure includes a wide array of accessories and interchangeable pieces, including several alternate heads and various hands. One of the biggest selling points with this figure, however, is that is features a semi-seamless joint design, with the body covering up an internal, ratcheting skeleton. As is usually the case with Mondo's Batman figures, Clayface will be sold as both a regular version (priced at $260) and an exclusive edition figure (priced at $280) limited to 1500 units. The exclusive edition includes several additional interchangeable parts, including a stabbed portrait, an imitation Batman portrait, and a trapped Batman chest accessory. PlayYou can preorder the regular edition here and preorder the exclusive edition here. Both versions are expected to ship in July 2025.For more on Mondo's Batman: The Animated Series line, see the recent Poison Ivy 1:6 scale figure. And why not check out the Batman collectibles available on the IGN Store?Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket byfollowing @jschedeen on BlueSky.

2025 has barely begun but it already feels like a lot. Climate change-fueled wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles and parts of Southern California while unease grips the news. A moment of transition on at least one side of the pond for our U.S. readers breeds apprehension, and the rest of the year can look foreboding if you pay attention to the headlines.Its times like these where its nice to have a comforting movie, a piece of escapism, that can lift a mood and maybe rally your outlook for the days and months ahead. Here are some suggestions we think might appeal to anyone feeling glum right nowRaiders of the Lost Ark (1981)The 1930s were definitely not simpler times. The Great Depression reached it deepest crater in the U.S. and fascism was on the march in Europe, culminating in the start of the Second World War. But the entertainments, from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals to old Saturday morning serials, could be thrillingly simplistic and reassuring. George Lucas resurrected that certainty with gusto by way of the Indiana Jones character, and Steven Spielberg made it timeless when he directed Indys first and best three movies in the 1980s, beginning with Raiders of the Lost Ark.A deliberate throwback to 30s serials and the boys adventure literature that inspired them, Raiders is the action masterpiece that set the standard for the modern blockbusters pacing as Harrison Fords archaeologist circumnavigates the world in search of the Ark of the Covenant. Oh, and along the way he punches, shoots, and otherwise brutalizes a bunch of book-burning, cult-worshipping Nazis while doing so. Which is nice.The Sound of Music (1965)For the magic of pure escapism, there is no genre more transportive or joyful than a musical done right. The soaring crescendo of a beautiful song, performed exquisitely by gorgeous talent, is the stuff of Broadway and Hollywood dreams. And you get all three inside of the first few minutes of Robert Wises The Sound of Music, the rare adaptation of a Broadway show that improves on the stage version. All of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs are here, but in the movie Julie Andrews is belting the hills are alive right there atop the Austrian Alps!The unforgettable moment sets the stage for an epic 70mm spectacle that soars as Andrews wayward nun, Sister Maria, takes on the task of tutoring, caring for, and ultimately becoming a mother to seven precocious von Trapp children. The romance between her and the stern Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) is simultaneously schmaltzy and swoon-worthy, and her aural lessons sweeping. Oh, and this loose adaptation of the real-life von Trapp familys flight from the Nazis after the goose-steppers took over Austria includes a third act where the von Trapps outwit a bunch of fascists and leave one overeager young brownshirt humiliated. These are a few of my favorite things.The Blues Brothers (1980)On days like this, its nice to know folks like Jake and Elwood Blues are out there. Brothers who on the right occasion can be tapped to go on a mission from God. It is their destiny to spread the gospel of good music, better vibes, and feel-good cinema around the globe. Ray Charles, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and a showstopping Aretha Franklin (to name but a few) are likewise on hand to drop some jazz and R&B standards in between comedy hijinks undertaken by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd at the height of their cool.John Landis helms the first (and still best) film adaptation of an SNL sketch, which expands the concept of former castmates geeking out in sunglasses into an easygoing hangout movie where Aykroyd and Belushi slouch through the greater Chicago area. Along the way, they get a band together, piss off rednecks, and merrily lead local law enforcement through one of the greatest car chase sequences of all time. Wacker Drive might as well be renamed after them. Also, lest we forget, they happen to destroy a Neo-Nazi demonstration with the Bluesmobile, leading a couple of American fascists to chase them for the rest of the picture until the Blues boys trick the brownshirts into plummeting to their deaths. Good times all around.Read more Casablanca (1942)Pound for pound still the greatest movie made in Hollywoods Golden Age, Michael Curtizs Casablanca is a dizzying collection of all-time movie quotes courtesy of a screenplay by Julius and Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch. Heres looking at you, kid; everybody comes to Ricks; well always have Paris; of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine; round up the usual suspects; Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship; play it [again], Sam. And more!But beyond a witty and wistfully romantic screenplay, Casablanca is still a sweeping WWII melodrama about the problems of three little people, one of whom (Ingrid Bergman) thought her husband was dead in a concentration camp when she met Rick (Humphrey Bogart), only to find the hubby (Paul Henreid) returned to her when theyre all trying to escape the jackboots in Vichy-controlled Morocco. Also released during the war, and at a time when the Nazis still occupied Paris and North Africa, there is a pang of raw, tangible emotion as the cast of largely expat Europeans, including French actress Madeleine Lebeau, sing the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, while drowning out the fascists at a nightclub. It will still put a lump in your throat to hear Lebeau shout, Vive la France! Vive la libert!The Producers (1967)Mel Brooks iconic movie musical about what might happen if you tried to make more money with a flop than you would with a hitand what could in turn happen if that flop became a smashThe Producers has faded into legend. Its a movie about every two-bit hustler and conmans worst fear: what if the bill came due? Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder make an iconic duo as the unscrupulous Broadway producers who try to schmooze, cast, and cajole their way into financial failure and instead end up in Sing Sing for their misdeeds. (Those were the days.)Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!The movie is best remembered though for making good on Mel Brooks lifelong pledge to make the world laugh at Adolf Hitler. The giggles we still get from Springtime for Hitler are proof he succeeded then and reassuringly now. Still, today you might get as much enjoyment out of Kenneth Mars aged Nazi raging at everyone laughing at his strongman idol.The Rocketeer (1991)Not a financial hit when it came out, Joe Johnstons The Rocketeer has stood the test of time as a bonafide cult classic due to its sincere optimism and sweet affability. We imagine one of James Horners most sentimental and Americana of scoresand this is the guy who won his Oscar for tearjerker compositions in Titanic!went a long to way cultivate that feeling. But the whole movie taps into earnest wholesomeness, perhaps even more so than its obvious Indiana Jones influences.This one adapts Dave Stevens 1980s comic book series of the same and conjures also the appeal of 1930s and 40s era comics and radio shows with its deliberately retro pulp hero in the art deco helmet and Golden Age Hollywood backdrop. There he battles Timothy Daltons pitch perfect Errol Flynn stand-in, who (surprise!) is actually a secret Nazi saboteur determined to steal Howard Hughes rocket. Luckily, all-American pilot Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) and his best girl, movie starlet Jenny Blake (a va-va-voom Jennifer Connelly), stand in his way. They even get local wiseguy mobster Eddie Valentine (Paul Sorvino) in on the act. I may not make an honest buck, Sorvino seethes, but Im a hundred percent American. I dont work for no two-bit Nazi. Its a good sentiment.X-Men: First Class (2011)Another superhero movie thats a little more modern in setting and making, Matthew Vaughns X-Men: First Class feels strangely underrated these days. This might be because even in 2011, the superhero genre was pivoting to more outlandish interconnected fantasies. Yet one of the best things about First Class is that for all of its frothiness, it keeps one foot in something approximating the real-world, at least by way of 1960s Sean Connery James Bond movies.Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, First Class did the throwback to Marvel Comics glory days thing about 14 years before the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, and it did so with a real eye for detail when it came to imitating the pop culture of the era, if not the reality. It also is the best exploration of Charles Xavier and Magnetos frenemy-ship in any medium (here played young and maybe flirtatiously by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender).It also features an absolutely badass moment where Fassbender turns Magneto into a full-fledged antihero. Doing his best Connery impression, the Holocaust survivor walks into an Argentine bar and happily speaks German with some of the locals before being asked what his parents names were by some older clientele. They didnt have a name, Fassender smiles. It was taken from them by pig farmers and tailors. He then shows the serial numbers tattooed onto his arm to men who claim to be hiding out in South America simply for farming and making clothes. What happens next is immensely satisfyingInglourious Basterds (2008)You probably heard we aint in the prisoner-takin business; were in the killin Nazis business, Brad Pitt purrs with a dubious yet wonderful Appalachian accent. And cousin, business is a-boomin! Such is the pure dopamine-thrill of the so-called Basterds, the titular men on a mission in Quentin Tarantinos sixth motion picture. But despite that pride of title placement, you shouldnt be deceived. Theyre merely an ornate decoration on top; frosting on the cake.Inglourious Basterds is really a wide ensemble of lives and stories intersecting in Nazi-Occupied France circa 1944. The film follows soldiers, undercover film critics, an ingeniously played S.S. officer from hell (Cristoph Waltz), and finally a Jewish woman (Mlanie Laurent) who escaped the murder of her family and now lives in plain sight as a gentile movie theater owner in Paris. It is a fantasy about the restorative power of cinema and the fleeting beauty of escapism. Still, its also about killin Nazis. Lots of em. And sometimes with a baseball bat.

Apple is launching a brand new Home product soon. Ive been calling it HomePad, and these are five of the core features it will bring with it.7-inch square displayOriginally, Mark Gurman reported that the HomePad would have a roughly 6-inch screen. More recently though, in his big overview of 2025 products, Gurman bumped the expected size to 7 inches.The device reportedly looks a lot like a square iPad, and is somewhat equivalent to two iPhone 16 Pro Max models placed side by side. Smaller than some might want, but that should help keep the cost lower.Brand new OSApples HomePad will come with a brand new operating system, likely dubbed homeOS.Gurman says the interface looks like a blend of the Apple Watch operating system and the iPhones recently launched StandBy mode.It will also dynamically adjust based on how close or far away you are. For example, from far away it might display status update-type info, but if you get close it would change to offer controls.Unsurprisingly, based on Gurmans StandBy reference, the HomePad is expected to support widgets. Youll reportedly be able to add these to the Home Screen, just like you can on iPhone and iPad.Its unclear yet if third-party widgets will be supported, but theres a good chance they will be. Apple has already built tech into macOS that lets you run iPhone widgets there, so extending that feature to the HomePad seems like a no-brainer.Accessories for fitting in anywhereOn its own, the HomePad will look like a simple smart display. But Apple is building various bases and attachments that will make it fit into the different spaces of your home.Gurman writes:Apple has designed different attachments for the device, including ones that affix the screens onto walls like a classic home-security panel. There will be bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk.These additional accessories seem like another attempt at keeping the HomePads cost from ballooning (assuming theyre separate purchases). Importantly though, they also acknowledge the reality that different home spaces will require different HomePad setups.AI-infused SiriApples current Home products, the HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K, dont support any Apple Intelligence features. This means theyre all stuck with the old Siri.But HomePad will offer the new, AI-infused Siri thats more powerful already (mainly thanks to ChatGPT) but will get substantially more so with iOS 18.4.Siri will be able to perform hundreds of new in-app and cross-app actions, understand your personal context, and more. If it works as expected, there should be far fewer times Siri has to say, Im sorry on the HomePada too-frequent occurrence on HomePod.Apples HomePad is expected to offer a lot more functionality than whats outlined above, including serving as a smart home controller, FaceTime device, and more. But the five features Ive mentioned provide a solid overview of what to expect from HomePads core functionality.Are you interested in buying the HomePad? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.Best HomeKit smart home 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

About the roleWe are seeking 7 months maternity cover, (March 17th 2025 - October 16th, 2025) for a proactive and detail-oriented Operations Lead to oversee the smooth functioning of our company operations. This remote position is integral to ensuring our team remains aligned and efficient across the various projects and time zones we work across.The period of employmentWorking hours:Key ResponsibilitiesProject Scheduling and PlanningManage project schedules, ensuring alignment with agreed timelines and deliverables.Track and organize incoming project requests from prospective clients.Draft, review, and finalize client contracts and agreements.Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and expectations, where required.Executive Assistant (EA) roleOversight of the calendar and scheduling for the company founders, including meetings, events, and deadlines.Organize and prioritize email correspondence, ensuring timely responses and follow-ups.Schedule, organize, and take minutes for weekly company planning meeting, ensuring actionable follow-ups are tracked and communicated.Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking flights and accommodations, as required.Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.Payroll AdministrationOversee US payroll processes and compliance.Manage Employer of Record (EOR) relationships and direct invoicing for individual contractors.Ensure timely and accurate payments to team members and contractors.Finance ManagementHandle all outgoing client invoicing, and ensure timely payments.Track and manage company-wide finances, including budgets, expenses, and invoicing.Co-ordinate regularly with the company accountant to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.Monitor and forecast financial performance to support decision-making and price planning.Manage compliance-related paperwork and ad-hoc financial requests from the team.Recruitment and OnboardingSupport recruitment efforts for new hires and contractors, ensuring alignment with company needs and culture.Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions for staff and contractors.Maintain up-to-date employee and contractor records.Human Resources (HR)Develop and maintain HR policies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and best practices.Track and manage all team leave, including vacation, sick days, and other time-off requests.Provide HR support and act as as the first point of call/resource for all team members.Team Culture and EngagementOrganize team-building activities, including virtual Happy Hours, guest speakers and other events, as required.Responsible for organizing the annual team trip (takes place across Thanksgiving in November), including: researching and budgeting locations, flights and hotels for the team, finding and booking restaurants and orgainzing the schedule/booking activities.Coordinate thoughtful gestures such as birthday gifts or acknowledgments for special occasions.Foster a positive and inclusive company culture, supporting team morale and collaboration.Social Media and CommunicationsPlan and oversee the creation of quarterly newsletters to share company updates and highlights.Develop and maintain an ad-hoc social media schedule across Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter).Special ProjectsYou'll take on a mix of one-off projects and ongoing improvements, spotting ways to make our business work better.These tasks might touch on project management, extensive researching, writing/editing, triaging information, and ensuring action is taken.Qualifications and SkillsProven experience in operations, project management, or a related field.Strong organizational and multitasking skills with exceptional attention to detail.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.Proficiency in financial management, payroll systems, and HR tools.Familiarity with social media platforms and content planning.Ability to foster positive team dynamics and maintain a collaborative remote work culture.Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment.The remit of this role is not guided by clearly deinfed processes, proactivity is key. What We OfferWe are offering $40 per hour.Flexible working hours and fully remote work environment (to note, this is a contractor role).We are open to reducing the responsiblities to fit the role into a shorter work week (20-40 hours), dependent on applicants experience.A supportive, inclusive team culture that values creativity and innovation.Paid time off and holiday benefits, pro-rated to the length of term of the Maternity contract offered.How to ApplyPlease submit your resume and a brief introduction explaining your interest in the maternity cover contract to: [emailprotected].

New year, new phones. Samsung is ready to unveil its newest lineup of smartphones during its winter Unpacked event. It's just two days away, and there's a slew of announcements to look forward to. In particular, we're looking to see the debut of theGalaxy S25, as well as additional expansions and updates forGalaxy AI.Samsung sent out invites for the event in early January, teasing what's to come. Here's everything to know about the upcoming keynote presentation, including how to tune in and how tosave on your S25 preorder. This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung's most popular products. How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2025Samsung Unpacked takes place this week on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). It'll be held in San Jose, but you can also catch a livestream on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom and Samsung's YouTube channel. CNET will also be hosting a live show, during which you can follow along with our experts.Samsung typically hosts Unpacked twice a year: once in January or February, during which it unveils the latestGalaxy Slineup, and again in the summer, when it debuts the next version of itsfoldables. Last year, it hosted itsJuly Unpacked event in Paris, just ahead of the Summer Olympics, and unveiled theGalaxy Z Fold 6andZ Flip 6. There was also, not surprisingly, abig focus on Galaxy AI.What can we expect with the Galaxy S25?We're expecting three devices: the baselineGalaxy S25, the S25 Plus and the S25 Ultra. All three devices could have a more rounded design, similar to Google's Pixel phones, according to leaker Ice Universe.Korean site Hankyung has also reported that all three Galaxy S25 devices will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. There's also hope that all phones will support Qi2 wireless charging. Additionally, analyst Ross Young has shared a list ofrumored colors for the latest Galaxy S lineup, which includes silver, blue, and mint.The S25 Ultra is rumored to have a 6.9-inch display and a new 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, according to several leaks.There have been rumors floating around about a slimmer version of the S25, with a tipster flagging an entry for the Galaxy S25 Slim on Geekbench. This coincides with rumors about a thinner version of the iPhone that could drop later this year, but it's not clear if or when either of these devices could actually become available. If the Galaxy S25 Slim is real, it may be a while before we see it out in the real world.And finally, there have been conflicting rumors over whether the S25 series will cost the same as last year's lineup or get a price hike, so we'll just have to see what's in store. Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Everything to Expect 04:10 What's next for Galaxy AI?One of the key focuses of Samsung's January Unpacked invite is, not surprisingly, AI.The company notes, "The next evolution of Galaxy AI is coming and it's going to change the way you interact with the world every day. The new Galaxy S series is about to set the bar once again for mobile AI experiences now and into the future."Samsung says the next iteration of Galaxy AI will be more natural and intuitive, and that the latest Galaxy S series will again lean into mobile AI advancements. This could include an update to the Bixby virtual assistant, especially in light of Apple supercharging Siri to be more conversational and helpful to users.AI has been a key focus for every big phone-maker, from Samsung to Apple to Google, over the last few years. From helping users draft text messages to summarizing emails to simplifying photo editing, these companies have championed mobile AI as a way to make your life easier. So far, the advancements have arrived to lukewarm reception, as a CNET survey in August last year found that a quarter of smartphone ownersdon't find AI features helpful. That could change as phone-makers continue to tweak their offerings to better suit what people want, and as consumers become accustomed to the proliferation of AI-backed features across their devices.Will there be any other hardware -- or surprises?If there's one thing about a tech event, it's that there's usually some sort of surprise or tease to an upcoming launch. After all, last year's January Unpacked event is where we got a first look at the Galaxy Ring, which eventually came out in July. It's possible we could get a peek at the next generation of the device, which could feature upgrades like more accurate sensors and longer battery life. But given how relatively new the ring is, we'd likely have to wait a while before that next version becomes available.Mixed reality could also make an appearance. Samsung unveiled its Project Moohan headset in December, which the company plans to launch later this year. So it's possible we could get an update on where things stand there.How to save on the Galaxy S25Ahead of this year's January Unpacked event, Samsung is offering customers a $50 credit toward the latest Galaxy device during preorders. You can also get up to $900 in additional credit for trading in an eligible device, the company says, as well as another $300 instant credit by reserving and preordering. The offer lasts through Jan. 22 and can be found here.See at SamsungCNET, as always, will be on the ground covering Unpacked on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Photos From the Galaxy Z Flip 6's Cameras See all photos

Days Gone studio says it 'still plans on creating cool sh*t' after Sony pulls plug on latest gameAmid claims teams learned projects were canned "at the same time as everyone else".Image credit: Bend Studio/Sony News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 20, 2025 Days Gone developer Bend Studio says it "still plans on creating cool shit", following Sony's decision to cancel its unannounced live-service game - amid claims Bend and the similarly affected Bluepoint only found out about the cancellations "at the same time as everyone else".Word that Sony had cancelled two more first-party live service games - this time in development at its Bend and Bluepoint studios - emerged via by Bloomberg last week. Sony, of course, announced plans to invest heavily in live service titles back in 2022, under the watch of then-PlayStation boss Jim Ryan, but the company has cancelled numerous live service games - including a co-op Spider-man from developer Insomniac, Naughty Dog's The Last of Us multiplayer game, and a Twisted Metal project at Firesprite - since Ryan's departure last year.As for the latest casualties of Sony's apparent strategic rethink, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier claimed Bluepoint had been developing an unannounced live service God of War game. And while no details of Bend's canned project were shared, the studio previously said it was working on a new IP which would include multiplayer and "[build] upon the open-world systems of Days Gone". It's unclear, however, if this is the same game that's now been axed.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 have been revealed - but questions remain.Watch on YouTubeRegardless, Bend has now broken its silence following the news, thanking fans for their support and offering assurances it's not done yet. "I'll keep this short," Bend community manager Kevin McAllister wrote in a message shared on social media. "Thanks for the love and support everyone, especially to those that have reached out. P.S. We still plan on creating cool shit."As to what's next for Bluepoint and Bend, that remains uncertain. According to journalist Jeff Grubb in his latest Game Mess Mornings video show (thanks VGC), both teams have had little time to process the news. "The two studios found out at the same time as everyone else," Grubb told listeners, "so people will be going into work today wondering, 'Hey, okay, what are we doing next?'. And what they're going to have to do next, very likely, is pitch something to Sony, and the landscape of that has changed pretty drastically."A couple of years ago," he continued, "you'd bring to PlayStation your pitch, that is: 'It's a live service game, we know you want to hear that'... And now they have to go back to the drawing board, and come up with a pitch that PlayStation wants to hear, when no one really knows what they want to hear, and so it's a rough situation."Following last week's cancellations, Sony told Bloomberg "neither of the two affected PlayStation studios will be shut down", adding that the "highly accomplished teams" would be "working closely with each studio to determine what are the next projects".Sony's continuing shift away from live service titles follows the high-profile failure of last year's Concord, which was pulled from sale just two weeks after its launch amid low player numbers. Back in 2023 it was reported the company was "uncomfortable" about former PlayStation boss Jim Ryan's decision to focus heavily on live service games.