Image: Fellow TravellerCitizen Sleeper was, coincidentally, one of 2022's sleeper hits. With its combination of top-tier writing and decision-based gameplay, this table-top-inspired RPG and space adventure pulled us into its airlock and wouldn't let us out until we had played through the emotional damage of witnessing every possible outcome (and yes, that includes the three DLC packs).It will come as no surprise, then, that we were rather excited to see a sequel on the way. Announced in June 2023 and confirmed to be coming to Switch at the June 2024 PC Gaming Showcase, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector promises more of the same deep space dilemmas, but with an expanded dice system, clean-cut job roles and multiple environments to explore, we were keen to learn more about its new recruits before liftoff.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube793kWatch on YouTube Sitting for a chat with Gareth Damian Martin (of the game's one-person team, Jump Over The Age), we aimed to do just that. Our conversation covered an intergalactic range of topics, including the pressure of making a sequel, the game's TTRPG roots and their plans for the future.So, don your space suits and buckle up, Sleeper, it's time to talk spaaaaace... Update: Roll the dice in 2025Nintendo Life: Citizen Sleeper was a huge success back in 2022, but youve said in the past that a sequel wasnt the natural next project for you. What was it that made you want to come back to this universe for Citizen Sleeper 2?Gareth Damian Martin, Jump Over The Age: Im a big fan of making experimental projects, and inventing new designs within games, which means a sequel isnt always my first instinct. But with Citizen Sleeper, I felt there was still so much more of the experiment to do! The first game was fairly modest in terms of system and scale, so it left plenty of space for new systems and ideas. In particular, Im a big fan of ship and crew sci-fi series like Cowboy Bebop and Farscape, but I have always felt games never quite got the genre right. So it was exciting to try to make one of these stories within the Citizen Sleeper universe, which I felt was ideally suited to this kind of storytelling.In the end, I felt like there was an opportunity to build on the first game while also offering something equally fresh and different so that the two games could sit alongside each other as a pair.Image: Fellow TravellerCitizen Sleeper 2, like its predecessor, is about a lot of different things: capitalism, humanity, survival, loneliness etc. What are the biggest challenges of balancing so many themes when it comes to writing a story like this? I have to be honest, I dont really write thematically when Im telling a story. Im not really focused on making statements. Instead, I am very interested in my characters and the different paths they can take through the game.I really hope players enjoy connecting the dots between the two gamesWhen I start writing, I often have a lot of situations in my mind that feel interesting or exciting. I might have an idea for a contract where you instigate a mutiny on a ship in the middle of a general strike or an idea for a group of characters who are all pursuing the same long-lost interstellar drive. I select and invent these based on my own interests, so the reason Citizen Sleeper has these themes is because thats what interests me in the world! Thats when I really set up the subjects of the story, and from that point on, my mind is focused on who the characters are, how they speak, how the world works, and what might make for a compelling plot.Some stories are compelling because they are tense and pacy, others because they are introspective and heartfelt. For me, the beauty of Citizen Sleeper is that the game can contain all these atmospheres and stories at once, so I dont worry too much about balancing. If it interests me and seems like a strong story, I try to get it in!Despite sharing some narrative DNA, this sequel feels like it can be played by those unfamiliar with the first entry. How important was it for you to create something that continues the Citizen Sleeper universe, but also works as a standalone?I think this is always an important part of making a sequel, you have to assume that this is the first game for players. But rather than see this as a limit, I saw it as an opportunity. I have always been a big fan of time skips in stories. When done well, they mix all the existing ingredients of the story, and then the reader or player gets to feel smart and curious as they piece it all back together and tell their own story of what happened in the missing time between.What is especially fun with a time skip is they often allow for the prequel/sequel order to be read in either way, as discovering where a character came from is as compelling as discovering where they end up. So this was a big focus when making the game, and I really hope players enjoy connecting the dots between the two games and being surprised by the often unusual journeys characters may take.Image: Fellow TravellerThe sequel appears to be much more rooted in the RPG genre, with clearly defined class skills, missions and expanded dice mechanics as just a few additions. Were there any other games (video or tabletop) that inspired these mechanics during development?As with the first game, Citizen Sleeper 2 was massively inspired by designs and concepts from pen-and-paper TTRPGs. Blades in the Dark was the first tabletop game I ever ran, and it remains my favourite. It inspired the first game, and with the sequel, I saw the opportunity to adapt more of its systems into a video game. Citizen Sleeper 2s push mechanic, where you accrue stress to gain a bonus to or reroll your dice, is a direct inspiration from that game, and its systems are designed around asking the player to push their luck.stress quickly became a very useful tool to represent all kinds of systems in the gameIn the stress systems I added to Citizen Sleeper 2, I took inspiration from the myriad of stress systems appearing in tabletop games over the past five years, but especially Mothership and Heart: The City Beneath. Theres so much good and exciting game design happening in the tabletop scene, and I find it a constant inspiration for my own work.On the video game side, my main touchstone was Mass Effect 2. I wouldnt say I was attempting to replicate anything from Mass Effect 2, however, more that I wanted to make a game that approached similar ideas in a different way. I often find this is a way I like to work in games. In Other Waters was my own take on Metroid Prime, refocusing it on scanning and xenobiology. In the same way, Citizen Sleeper is my own take on the Mass Effect series, shifting the focus from saving the galaxy as a supercop to learning to live and survive in the margins of an interstellar society.Image: Fellow TravellerWith community and home being such an important part of the first game, how does this theme play into the larger setting of the Starward Belt in the sequel, and what challenges do the new hubs pose for the Sleeper?Ideas of home play out a little differently in Citizen Sleeper 2: rather than having a massive urban megastructure as the location, the game plays out over a series of scattered habitats of varying size and style. Because of this, your home really becomes the Rig, a ship you have stolen and that expands and changes over the course of the game. I really want to capture that slow and subtle process of transformation as the ship gains crew and becomes more familiar, and often in writing the game, I found that to be in contrast with the Hubs, which ultimately, you always have to leave.So I think at the heart of the game is a tension between moving on and settling down, which feels very important to the Citizen Sleeper series in general.There were many stressful moments in Citizen Sleeper, and now Stress is a mechanic in the sequel. Why did you decide to implement this, and what effect will it have on your relationships in-game?Citizen Sleeper 2 ties up some of the ideas nicely, while also opening up the possibility of more storiesStress systems are a fairly popular and well-battle-tested element in many contemporary TTRPGs, and I think thats because they offer an abstract form of harm vs Health Points. You might take stress from a heist, a difficult negotiation, or babysitting a child, but you hopefully wouldnt take HP damage! This allows for a broader range of challenges for players and also consequences. I was really aware of the possibilities this opened up for telling a broader range of stories from running TTRPGs, especially ones that arent focused on combat. So this was one of the first things I wanted to add to the sequel.As I developed these ideas in Citizen Sleeper 2, stress quickly became a very useful tool to represent all kinds of systems in the game. It represents the stress your body is under and the possibility that the pressure might turn into real and permanent harm. It represents your crews eagerness to continue working on a contract when things dont go well. It also represents more abstract ideas, like how quickly a derelict ship is falling apart, or the opinions of a disgruntled crew turning against their captain. So stress bars of various kinds will have a huge effect on your path through Citizen Sleeper 2, and I think managing them is one of the most compelling and tense parts of the game.This time around, I really wanted the game to be stressful, compelling and filled with emergent stories of success and failure. Stress is the tool that allows me to achieve that.Image: Fellow TravellerYou recently told Eurogamer that Citizen Sleeper 2 would be the last video game in the Citizen Sleeper universe, but a tabletop adaptation is still on the cards for the future. How does it feel to be thinking about returning the game to its tabletop roots and is there anything you feel will be lost/gained in the process?Im very early in the process of making a Citizen Sleeper TTRPG (as you might imagine, Ive been busy with the sequel!), but I have a very clear objective with it. Im really happy with the two games and the story they tell in this universe. I think Citizen Sleeper 2 ties up some of the ideas nicely while also opening up the possibility of more stories. My aim with the TTRPG is to hand the tools to tell those stories over to the player and to let them carry whichever threads catch their interest forward with their friends (or start totally new ones).What gets left behind by doing that is, of course, my own presence as the narrator of those stories, but I think after two games, there are a lot of references for people to go to if thats what they want. What is gained is the radical openness of a tabletop system, the chance for players to fill in the gaps in a meaningful way and really explore their connections to the universes characters and ideas. Which, in a way, is what these games have been about all along.This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.Thank you to Gareth for taking the time to answer our questions and to Jasmine at DoubleJump Communications for setting it up. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector launches on the Switch eShop on 31st January for 20.99 / $24.99. A sleeper hitRelated GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesThe Switch eShop Is A Nightmare, So We've Made Our Own "Better eShop"Fixing what Nintendon'tRound Up: The Reviews Are In For Donkey Kong Country Returns HDWorth going bananas over?Silksong Fans Think They've Narrowed Down The Big AnnouncementIs the cake a lie?Lunar Remastered Collection Brings Classic JRPG Series To Switch This AprilPhysical release also confirmed System:Switch eShopAlso Available For:PS5, Xbox Series X|SPublisher:Fellow TravellerDeveloper:Jump Over The AgeGenre:Adventure, RPGPlayers:1Release Date:Switch eShop 31st Jan 2025, $24.99 31st Jan 2025, 20.99Series:Citizen SleeperOfficial Site:nintendo.comWhere to buy:Buy on Nintendo eShop Buy eShop Credit:

Image: McDonald'sMcDonald's and The Pokmon Company have today announced another crossover event that sees a limited range of Trading Cards appearing in Happy Meals across the United States until late February.Starting today, fans in the US can pick up a four-card Pokmon TCG booster and sticker activity sheet with every Happy Meal, and if you order via the McDonald's app, you'll bag 24 pack hourglasses and 12 wonder hourglasses for Pokmon Trading Card Game Pocket too.Like previous events, the McDonald's booster packs have a limited range of cards available in them. The full collection is listed on the McDonald's website, but we'll be kind and share it with you below too:Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube793kWatch on YouTube CharizardPikachuMiraidonJigglypuffHatennaDragapultQuagsireKoraidonUmbreonHydreigonRoaring MoonDragoniteEeveeRayquazaDrampaThis Happy Meal event appears to be locked to the US for the time being, with UK customers still receiving the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 tie-in.Some previous McDonald's x Pokmon crossovers have been, uhh, less-than-pleasant experiences, with scalpers buying up all the toys and McDonald's UK even limiting Happy Meal toy purchases. What we're saying is, if you've got your heart set on nabbing one of these packs, please remember that other people might want one too. Fast foodLike stealing burgers from a babyWhen confronted by angered Pokmon Masters, call your managerWill you be picking up a Pokmon Happy Meal in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments.[source pokemon.com, via x.com]See AlsoShare:01 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesMy Nintendo Store Adds New Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Reward (US)Fancy some sticky notes?Pokmon Trading Card Game Pocket Details New Trade Feature, Arriving This MonthNew booster packs are also being addedOops! EVO 2025's Lineup Has Accidentally Been RevealedUpdate: Evo confirms lineup and extended rosterNintendo Download: 16th January (North America)Donkey Kong! Tales of Grace! Blade Chimera!

Welcome to TechCrunch Fintech!This week, were looking at just how much fintech startups raised in 2024, a slew of fundraising deals, Plaids reported revenue growth last year, and more!To get a roundup of TechCrunchs biggest and most important fintech stories delivered to your inbox every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. PT, subscribe here.The big storyGlobal funding to fintech startups continues to decline. According to CB Insights State of Fintech 2024 Report, fintech startups globally raised a combined $33.7 billion in funding last year down 20% from the year before. Deal volume also dropped by 17% to 3,580. But there are at least a couple of bright spots: The annual decline in funding was fintechs smallest in three years. Plus, funding rebounded to close the year strong, reaching $8.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 up 11% compared to the 2024 third quarter. CB Insights also reported a 33% annual increase in median fintech deal size to $4 million.Dollars and centsImage Credits:LemFiLemFi, a London-based financial services platform designed for immigrants, raised $53 million in new funding, which it will use to fuel efforts to acquire more customers and further expand into more countries.Recharge, a key European player in online prepaid payments, has secured a 45 million debt facility with ABN AMRO to look at rolling up the market with a round of M&A, as well as moving into fintech-style services.French startup Hyperline wants to build the next-generation Chargebee. It raised an initial 4 million funding round from Index Ventures back in 2023 ($4.1 million at todays exchange rate). And Index Ventures is doubling down on this investment as it is investing another $10 million in the startup.Bench, the accounting startup that imploded over the holidays, filed for bankruptcy in Canada on January 7 revealing massive debts, documents seen by TechCrunch show. The filings one for Bench and another for 10Sheet, Benchs original name show that Bench had $2.8 million in cash on hand by the end of its life but $65.4 million in liabilities. Charles Rollet does a deep dive here.More fintech IPOs?! Trading platform eToro has reportedly filed confidentially for a U.S. IPO that could value the company at over $5 billion. Israel-based eToro, which competes with the likes of Robinhood, told TechCrunch it is not commenting on IPO rumors.Amazon has agreed to acquire Indian buy now, pay later startup Axio, deepening its push into financial services in one of its fastest-growing markets.Ex-SoftBank veteran Akshay Nahetas Switzerland-based startup, Distributed Technologies Research (DTR), is attempting to bridge the gap between traditional banking and blockchain technology, joining an army of companies trying to modernize the global payments infrastructure.Barclays Rise is shutting down in 2025.People movesSynctera has hired its first CFO, Matias Pino.Mark Fiorentino announced hes left Index Ventures to join Bain Capital as the newest partner charged with helping to guide the next generation of growth-stage AI-native, vertical SaaS and fintech startups.Last year was a good year for Plaid. Bloomberg reports that revenue at Plaid Inc., which provides infrastructure to connect fintechs and banks, spiked by over 25% last year.Cryptocurrency-wallet provider Phantom Technologies raised $150 million in a funding round at a $3 billion valuation. Sequoia Capital and Paradigm co-led the round.Thanks for reading. Well see you again next week!

In BriefPosted:9:25 AM PST January 21, 2025Image Credits:David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty ImagesStripe is laying off 300 people, but says it still plans to hire in 2025Fintech giant Stripe is laying off 300 people, according to a leaked memo reported on Tuesday by Business Insider.The affected employees are largely in product, engineering, and operations roles, the memo said. Despite the layoffs, Chief People Officer Rob McIntosh said that Stripe intends to still grow its headcount by 17% to land at about 10,000 by the end of the year. Doing the math, that means Stripe has about 8,550 employees currently.McIntosh said the cuts are happening because it became clear there were several team-level changes needed to ensure Stripe had the right people in the right roles and locations to execute against its plans.In November 2022, Stripe announced that it was laying off 14% of its workers, impacting around 1,120 of its then 8,000-person workforce.The company has long been expected to go public but has instead continued to raise funds and conduct tender offers to provide liquidity to employees. It was valued at $70 billion as of last July.Want more fintech news in your inbox? Sign up for TechCrunch Fintechhere.Want to reach out with a tip? Email me atmaryann@techcrunch.comor send me a message on Signal at 408.204.3036. You can also send a note to the whole TechCrunch crew attips@techcrunch.com. For more secure communications,click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop and links to encrypted messaging apps.Topics

DC has announced Superman Unlimited, the new ongoing comic series by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque, will debut May 21. Slott previously wrote Amazing Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, She-Hulk, Mighty Avengers, and Superior Spider-Man for Marvel Comics. The series will serve as a key title in DCs upcoming All In Summer of Superman initiative.Hes the first and the greatest superhero of all-time, and Ive been waiting my whole life to tell stories about him, said Slott, Not just because of all the amazing powers he has, but because of who he is inside. Rafael Albuquerque and I are going to take himand youto places youll want to escape to every month. Millions of surprising ideas for Superman, Lois, the supporting cast, classic rogues, and all-new friends and foes too. If youve never read a Superman book, a DC book, or any comic book beforeor if youve been a Superman fan your entire lifeyou couldnt ask for a better place to take the leap and go all in than Superman Unlimited #1.The series kicks off with a massive extinction-level Kryptonite asteroid that showers Supermans greatest weakness down upon the earth, creating an arms race for the new most valuable resource on the planet: Green K. The availability of Kryptonite changes the balance of power in the criminal empires of Metropolis and across the globe. To survive, Superman will need to forge new alliances, new tech, and new tactics if he hopes to carry on his quest for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.A merger with a new incarnation of Morgan Edges Galaxy Communications expands the Daily Planet brand into a multimedia news platform with a cable news channel, website, strong social media presence, andyesLois Lane is still editor in chief. Daily Planet regulars Jimmy Olsen, Ron Troupe, Cat Grant and Steve Lombard will staff satellite branches across the DC universe, creating a global network. Behind it all is the tech savvy of a new IT specialist from Gorilla City, Tee-Nah.Superman Unlimited adds to the foundation of DCs Superman comics in the same way Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinnesss Superman/Batman did in the early 2000s, said DC group editor Paul Kaminski. Superman Unlimited will capture the big, fun, high-flying adventures that Superman is known for, while also providing big moments for DCs Superman-related comics with the introduction of a massive new Kryptonite deposit. Imagine a world where Superman is stopping a bank robbery, but every weapon is packed with Kryptonite ammunition and every petty criminal carries a Kryptonite shiv. This is a world of unlimited danger on a level that Superman, and DCs Superman family of characters, has never faced before.Slott penned the series, with art and cover by Albuquerque and Marcelo Maiolo. The main cover will retail at $4.99 while card stock variants will retail at $5.99. Ahead of the series launch, fans can read the Zero Issue prelude to Superman Unlimited for free on May 3 with DCs Free Comic Book Day offerings.DCs Summer of Superman comic books will feature limited and ongoing series starring Superboy, Supergirl, Krypto, and more, and the event will highlight DCs deep roster of Superman-related characters. Source: DC Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Breakdown & ShowreelsHouse of the Dragon Season 2: New making of by PixomondoBy Vincent Frei - 21/01/2025 Unleash the dragons! This new making-of takes you behind the curtain of House of the Dragon Season 2. Join Production VFX Supervisor Dadi Einarsson and the Pixomondo team as they reveal the artistry, technology, and passion behind the visual effects and majestic dragons! Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

All images courtesy of OK GoHit Play on OK Gos Mindbogglingly Choreographed Music Video Filmed with 64 PhonesJanuary 21, 2025FilmMusicKate MothesWere more selective these days about how we use the word meta, but when it comes to OK Gos latest release, the band has createdbear with us herea music video using phones about videos made with phones.Known for elaborately choreographed music videos that bring pop songs to life through playful, chromatic, even gravity-defying stunts, OK Go (previously) continues to push the boundaries of the genre. The groups tune A Stone Only Rolls Downhill, which premiered last Thursday, features a mindbogglingly complex composition using 64 smartphones to record and transmit a joyful performance. The band is currently composed of Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Dan Konopka, and Andy Ross, who relish the creative potential of the music video genre. Tapping into a unique style of filmic continuity using split screens and meticulously-planned set transitions, the band defies the notion that music videos are a thing of the past.For A Stone Only Rolls Downhill, each phone captured one unique take, which had to be carefully planned in advance. All 64 videos were filmed in slightly different sequences or at different angles, in some cases capturing additional phones in the bands hands that displayed color blocks or patterns. In a remarkable feat, the final video records the playback on the phones, arranged on a simple concrete surface, choreographed to reflect an increasingly elaborate performance. See the video on the bands YouTube channel, where you can dance along to dozens more.Next article

Management consultancy Kearney and analyst The Futurum Group have published research showing CEOs at high-revenue companies are putting artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of their business strategies, and that European and North American respondents claim to have decent building blocks for AI programmes.The reports authors, three from Futurum and seven from Kearney, assert a need to avoid inflated optimism, and to maintain a focus on return on investment (ROI) and building a robust data foundations for AI efforts. They caution to prioritise measured roll-outs over all-or-nothing leaps.They said their study, Are CEOs ready to seize AIs potential?, reveals a paradox that the most successful companies are those where top leadership deliberately steps back from hands-on AI strategy.Data shows that 92% of CEOs not seeing tangible AI results insist on leading AI strategy themselves, compared to only 59% in organisations achieving measurable success, they said. This gap suggests that centralised, top-down control can hamper domain-level expertise and hinder cross-functional collaborationInterviews further revealed that when the CEO remains a strategic guide rather than a hands-on manager, resource allocation and ROI measurement (49% vs 17% among unsuccessful peers) become more effectively embedded in everyday business practices.In 2024, the researchers surveyed 213 CEOs at companies exceeding $1bn in annual revenue. They interviewed 20 CEOs in November and December about AI governance, change management, integration and talent acquisition.Some 28% of the survey respondents were from Europe, 32% in North America, 16% in Asia Pacific, 12% in Latin America, 6% in the Middle East and 6% in Africa.CEOs emerge from the study as buying into a belief in the necessity of investing in AI, despite a lack of push from customers.Many CEOs report minimal direct pressure from customers to adopt AI only 24% cite explicit client requests for AI-based solutions yet over half acknowledge feeling a strong internal imperative to prepare for AI-driven disruption, the report notes. This paradox emerged in interviews, where leaders stressed that waiting for external demands could leave their organisations behind the curve once consumer expectations shift, which they broadly expected them to do soon.One CEO, the report cites, at a global staffing firm with a European HQ, said: In three years time, things will drastically change when it comes to the impact of AI. We know that in a few years, we wont need people to do the job. It will be AI-driven.Some 89% of the CEOs surveyed agreed on the strategic importance of using AI for business transformation, yet only one in four of them feel fully prepared to integrate AI across their organisations.Companies are taking small, incremental steps this year, as they experiment with the inclusion of AI in business processes, according to the report.It cites the CEO of a North American financial services company: We are starting with pedestrian applications like customer statement generation and regulatory processes.The reports authors say: The CEO of a global retail refrigeration solutions company emphasised the importance of test cases, stating, 2025 is our target year for significant AI investments, and were focusing on learning from small-scale experiences to inform broader applications.From Europe, a clothing manufacturing companys CEO indicated a long-term intention to use AI in its core activities. We are outlining a long-term plan for AI, including innovation in fabric and machine development, which is a five-year goal, they said.However, according to the reports authors, while most leaders see AI as a game-changer for operational efficiencies or cost reduction, few have fully mapped out how to leverage advanced capabilities for higher-impact use cases.In the foreword to the report, Bill McDermott, chairman and CEO of ServiceNow, says: In terms of human productivity, AI will unlock nearly one billion hours of productivity this year for ServiceNows customers alone.This is not a time for incrementalism, he says. Its a time for exponential thinking and the courage to lead.Read more about AI and business strategyPodcast with Mark Beccue, Principal Analyst, Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Strategy Group: Enterprise adoption of generative AI is accelerating.How to create a winning AI strategy for your business.Enterprises must stop GenAI experiments and start long-term strategies.And yet, the report seems to vindicate taking a circumspect and methodical approach to AI adoption.Data shows that organisations taking a measured, fast-follower approach 53% of the sample achieve more consistent AI outcomes than those attempting immediate, large-scale roll-outs, it says. The discrepancy is especially pronounced in firms that struggled to produce results, 58% of which pursued highly aggressive adoption.Interviews confirm that rapid expansion often exposes data and cultural resistance before robust pilots can validate ROI. By contrast, methodical followers who fine-tune smaller AI deployments first report smoother scaling and higher confidence among stakeholders.The report shows some differences between regions. European respondents show a keen interest in specialised AI hiring (63%), particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and financial services, where, according to the authors, legacy processes require domain-specific expertise.Some 77% of the European CEOs want advice on AI project management and implementation the highest among the regions suggesting, say the authors, a desire to better understand how best to structure successful AI efforts.North American organisations report making more sustained progress in AI investments than other regions, with 72% focusing on workforce upskilling, 75% grappling with the availability of specialised talent, and 39% engaged in formal pilot projects.Firms older than 10 years are focusing their AI efforts on established business goals such as customer satisfaction (76%) and supply chain resilience (42%). Younger outfits are training their AI projects more basically on revenue growth and cost reduction. Overall, 19% were focused on what the reports authors characterise as next-generation AI innovation.Some 80% of CEOs view ethical risks such as biased decision-making, privacy violations and accountability gaps as significant barriers to AI adoption. Despite this, fewer than half report having a formal AI governance framework.The CEO of a food, beverage and pharmaceutical equipment supplier based in Europe said: We are not well-prepared for handling AI failures and ethical issues. Regular crisis management procedures are probably not sufficient for AI-related incidents.And while financial institutions commonly embed security reviews into every phase of AI deployment, according to the repot, industries like consumer packaged goods and media appear more exposed. Interviews done for the report suggest that only half incorporate robust cyber security frameworks into AI roll-outs, leaving potential vulnerabilities unchecked. As AI permeates more functions, bridging that security-ethics gap may become a vital strategic step for boards and C-suite executives.The next frontier in enterprise automation is agentic AI AI systems that are capable of autonomous action and decision-making.The Kearney and Futurum report found that most of the CEOs surveyed foresee agentic AI reshaping how business decisions are made rather than just automating processes. Indeed, an audit firm CEO believes AI will replace their entire core business.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your home theater setup with a high-end OLED screen or pick up a budget-friendly TV for your bedroom, there are tons of high-quality options to choose from. The best TVs you can buy right now offer a great balance between features, screen size, connectivity, and, of course, price.Also: The best Samsung TVsBig brands like Samsung and Sony offer premium models with features like object-tracking sound, OLED panels, and cloud gaming support. And smaller brands like Hisense and TCL offer more mid-range and budget-friendly options that still provide core features like 4K resolution and HDR support to give them great value for the money.What is the best TV right now?At ZDNET, we've extensively tested TVs from Samsung, Sony, TCL, and more. Our choice for the best TV overall is the Samsung S95D for its object-tracking sound, excellent picture quality, and integrated security chip. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung S95D, as well as my other top picks for the best TVs you can buy.Also:The best sound systems you can buy Sort by All Picture quality Usability Design Value Brightness The best TVs of 2025 Show less The Samsung S95D is the brand's latest iteration of its OLED lineup, and it offers plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with signature OLED picture quality, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for gaming or smoother action during fast-paced movies, shows, or sports broadcasts. It works with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology to create 3D virtual surround sound without the need for extra speakers or sound bars.Read more: Samsung's S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and the best in the world right nowYou'll also get built-in voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, and Hey Google for hands-free use of your TV. ZDNET's editor-in-chief, Jason Hiner, got to check out the Samsung S95D for himself at CES 2024, and he not only named it the best TV of CES, but the "best in the world right now." He was very impressed by the anti-glare coating of the screen, which helps boost visibility in brighter rooms. He also praised the color accuracy and crisp text the QD-OLED panel can produce. Verified reviews from Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung's own site agree that the picture quality is some of the best on the market and highlight that the TV's quality is well worth the price.Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches |Panel type: OLED |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Resolution: 4K |HDR: OLED HDR Pro |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Picture quality 9 Usability 9 Design 7 Value 8 Brightness 9 Pros Up to 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ Anti-glare screen coating Cons Expensive at larger screen sizes No Dolby Vision support Samsung S95D Best TV overall 4.2 / 5 Score The Samsung S95D is the brand's latest iteration of its OLED lineup, and it offers plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with signature OLED picture quality, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for gaming or smoother action during fast-paced movies, shows, or sports broadcasts. It works with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology to create 3D virtual surround sound without the need for extra speakers or sound bars.Read more: Samsung's S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and the best in the world right nowYou'll also get built-in voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, and Hey Google for hands-free use of your TV. ZDNET's editor-in-chief, Jason Hiner, got to check out the Samsung S95D for himself at CES 2024, and he not only named it the best TV of CES, but the "best in the world right now." He was very impressed by the anti-glare coating of the screen, which helps boost visibility in brighter rooms. He also praised the color accuracy and crisp text the QD-OLED panel can produce. Verified reviews from Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung's own site agree that the picture quality is some of the best on the market and highlight that the TV's quality is well worth the price.Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches |Panel type: OLED |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Resolution: 4K |HDR: OLED HDR Pro |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The TCL Q65 continues the brand's tradition offering quality smart TVs at affordable prices. You can pay as little as $250 for the 43-inch version, and even the largest size at an impressive 98 inches retails for around $2,000 making it one of the most affordable big-screen TVs you can buy. At any size, the Q65 offers great 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support for smooth action and sharper contrast.It also supports Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience. You'll get built-in voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, and even Siri via Apple HomeKit for hands-free TV use. Console gamers will love the dedicated gaming mode with automatic low latency and VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. TCL U65 specs: Screen size: 43-98 inches |Panel type:LED |Refresh rate: 60Hz |Resolution: 4K |HDR: Dolby Vision IQ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X|Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit Picture quality 8 Usability 9 Design 7 Value 8 Brightness 7 Pros Affordable at any size Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support Built-in voice controls Cons Only 60Hz refresh rate No G-Sync or FreeSync VRR support TCL Q65 Best budget TV 3.9 / 5 Score The TCL Q65 continues the brand's tradition offering quality smart TVs at affordable prices. You can pay as little as $250 for the 43-inch version, and even the largest size at an impressive 98 inches retails for around $2,000 making it one of the most affordable big-screen TVs you can buy. At any size, the Q65 offers great 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support for smooth action and sharper contrast.It also supports Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience. You'll get built-in voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, and even Siri via Apple HomeKit for hands-free TV use. Console gamers will love the dedicated gaming mode with automatic low latency and VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. TCL U65 specs: Screen size: 43-98 inches |Panel type:LED |Refresh rate: 60Hz |Resolution: 4K |HDR: Dolby Vision IQ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X|Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Apple HomeKit Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less This premium flagship OLED from LG may seem pricey, but if you're looking for some of the most impressive picture and sound quality you can get in a TV, it's worth the extra money. The OLED panel has over 8 million self-lit pixels capable of producing deep, inky blacks and crisp, bright whites for enhanced contrast. Support for Dolby Vision HDR helps enhance detailing and color accuracy even more for truly lifelike images. And console gamers will love the dedicated gaming hub with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR for smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay.Read the review: The LG G4 was the best TV I saw this yearThe LG G4 has typical built-in audio with support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. But if you want to add a sound bar, ZDNET's Editor in Chief Jason Hiner recommends the system as a budget-friendly option as well as the for true cinephiles who want top-notch sound to match the equally impressive picture.LG G4 specs: Screen size:65-97 inches |Panel type:OLED |Refresh rate:120Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Pros G-Sync and FreeSync VRR support Signature OLED picture quality Dolby Vision HDR Cons Pricey, especially at larger screen sizes This premium flagship OLED from LG may seem pricey, but if you're looking for some of the most impressive picture and sound quality you can get in a TV, it's worth the extra money. The OLED panel has over 8 million self-lit pixels capable of producing deep, inky blacks and crisp, bright whites for enhanced contrast. Support for Dolby Vision HDR helps enhance detailing and color accuracy even more for truly lifelike images. And console gamers will love the dedicated gaming hub with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR for smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay.Read the review: The LG G4 was the best TV I saw this yearThe LG G4 has typical built-in audio with support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. But if you want to add a sound bar, ZDNET's Editor in Chief Jason Hiner recommends the system as a budget-friendly option as well as the for true cinephiles who want top-notch sound to match the equally impressive picture.LG G4 specs: Screen size:65-97 inches |Panel type:OLED |Refresh rate:120Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The QN90D is one of Samsung's latest additions to their Neo QLED TV lineup, and it's an excellent choice for both PC and console gamers. It is available in screen sizes from as small as 43 inches for use in shared spaces or as a monitor to as large as 98 inches for the ultimate gaming screen. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz, making it great for both console and PC gaming.The QN90D supports both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology for 3D virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. This aims to give you a more immersive experience without the need for a headset or expensive extra speakers. A dedicated gaming dashboard lets you have access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass while also monitoring picture and audio settings to catch issues in real time before they can ruin your game. With support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology, the TV will automatically adjust its refresh rate to match your PC or console, preventing annoying screen tearing and stuttering.ZDNET's Jason Hiner was able to get up close and personal with the QN90D at a Samsung event and was impressed with how bright the screen could get as well as the high-quality picture. He also praised the inclusion of Samsung's Knox security chip for better online privacy.Samsung QN90D specs: Screen size:43-98 inches |Panel type:Neo QLED |Refresh rate:Up to 144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Picture quality 8 Usability 9 Design 7 Value 7 Brightness 9 Pros Up to 144Hz refresh rate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ Up to 98-inch screen size Cons No Dolby Vision support Cloud gaming services require extra subscriptions Samsung QN90D Best TV for gaming 4 / 5 Score The QN90D is one of Samsung's latest additions to their Neo QLED TV lineup, and it's an excellent choice for both PC and console gamers. It is available in screen sizes from as small as 43 inches for use in shared spaces or as a monitor to as large as 98 inches for the ultimate gaming screen. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz, making it great for both console and PC gaming.The QN90D supports both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology for 3D virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. This aims to give you a more immersive experience without the need for a headset or expensive extra speakers. A dedicated gaming dashboard lets you have access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass while also monitoring picture and audio settings to catch issues in real time before they can ruin your game. With support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology, the TV will automatically adjust its refresh rate to match your PC or console, preventing annoying screen tearing and stuttering.ZDNET's Jason Hiner was able to get up close and personal with the QN90D at a Samsung event and was impressed with how bright the screen could get as well as the high-quality picture. He also praised the inclusion of Samsung's Knox security chip for better online privacy.Samsung QN90D specs: Screen size:43-98 inches |Panel type:Neo QLED |Refresh rate:Up to 144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at TCL The TCL QM6K was unveiled at CES 2025 with some pretty impressive improvements over the previous iteration of the brand's mid-range TV. They've replaced the QLED panel with a Mini LED capable of producing up to 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This means you'll get bolder, more vibrant colors and cleaner contrast. It supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, an IMAX Enhanced picture mode for movie buffs, and a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR support for console gaming.Read more: TCL stunned CES 2025 by launching a TV you can preorder immediatelyAnd in a rarity for CES, the QM6K is available for preorder right now, in sizes ranging from 65 to 85 inches with the 98-inch model set to release at a later time this year. If you decide to upgrade, TCL is offering a preorder bonus where you'll receive a Q75H soundbar and subwoofer for free so you can complete your home theater.TCL QM6K specs: Screen size:65-98 inches |Panel type:Mini LED |Refresh rate:144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision IQ |Audio:Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual: X |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Pros Great picture quality Up to 98-inch screen size 144Hz refresh rate Pre-order soundbar bundle Cons No Nvidia G-Sync support 98-inch model not available for pre-order yet The TCL QM6K was unveiled at CES 2025 with some pretty impressive improvements over the previous iteration of the brand's mid-range TV. They've replaced the QLED panel with a Mini LED capable of producing up to 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This means you'll get bolder, more vibrant colors and cleaner contrast. It supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, an IMAX Enhanced picture mode for movie buffs, and a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR support for console gaming.Read more: TCL stunned CES 2025 by launching a TV you can preorder immediatelyAnd in a rarity for CES, the QM6K is available for preorder right now, in sizes ranging from 65 to 85 inches with the 98-inch model set to release at a later time this year. If you decide to upgrade, TCL is offering a preorder bonus where you'll receive a Q75H soundbar and subwoofer for free so you can complete your home theater.TCL QM6K specs: Screen size:65-98 inches |Panel type:Mini LED |Refresh rate:144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision IQ |Audio:Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual: X |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best TV? My choice for the best TV is the Samsung S95D for it's exceptional picture quality thanks to the updated QD-OLED panel and anti-glare coating. It also features virtual surround sound via Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology to give you a more immersive experience without having to set up extra speakers. And the base refresh rate of 120Hz can be bumped up to 144Hz for console and PC gaming or smoother action during fast-paced movies, shows, and sports broadcasts.Best TVStarting PriceHDR/AudioScreen sizeSamsung S95D$2,600OLED HDR Pro/ Object Tracking Sound+, Dolby Atmos55-77 inchesTCL Q65$430Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos43-98 inchesLG G4$2,800Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos65-97 inchesSamsung QN90D$1,500Neo Quantum HDR+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound +43-98 inches TCL QM6K$1,000Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual: X 65-98 inches *MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary on retailer, screen size, and available promotions or discounts. Show more What is the right TV for you? After determining your budget, it's important to ensure that your new TV will fit comfortably in your space. Start by measuring the distance (in inches) between your couch and where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. Divide that number in half to find the ideal TV size for your room. For example, if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) away from your TV, the recommended TV size for your room would be about 60 inches. Additionally, it's a good idea to consider accessibility features such as voice controls, screen readers, and closed captioning to ensure that everyone can enjoy the entertainment. These features can provide an enhanced viewing experience for those who are hearing or visually impaired, and they can be especially helpful for households with young children or elderly family members. Buy this best TV...If you need...Samsung S95DA high-quality TV for all your entertainment. The Samsung S95D has one of the best OLED panels you can buy right now, and it's expert calibrated for color accuracy to give you more lifelike images.TCL Q65A budget-friendly TV. The TCL Q65 offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support along with built-in Alexa controls and and updated LED panel for a price that won't break the bank.LG G4An OLED TV. The LG G4 is the newest OLED flagship model from the brand, offering an updated OLED panel, Nvidia G-Sync VRR support, and a 120Hz refresh rate.Samsung QN90DA TV for gaming. The Samsung QN90D has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz for gaming. You can also get access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology.TCL QM6KA big screen TV. The TCL QM6K features a bright screen that is great in almost any lighting environment, and it produces bold, bright colors for great picture quality. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a TV While shopping for a new TV for your home theater or a second screen for your bedroom, there are a few factors to keep in mind:Brand integrity:While it's tempting to snap up that ultra-cheap TV from a smaller or unknown brand in order to save money, you may end up paying more in the long run. And you could run into customer service issues when trying to make a return or troubleshoot an issue. Each TV on this list was chosen from a trusted brand with verified customer service options.Smart features:Customers have come to expect smart features like streaming apps and virtual assistants as-standard in their TVs. Each model on this list was chosen because it offers a host of features like preinstalled streaming apps, virtual assistant support, and Wi-Fi connectivity.Reasons to upgrade:Brands may release model updates almost yearly, but they don't always give you a real reason to upgrade. Each TV we chose offers upgraded panels, brighter pictures, and in some cases better online security. Show more How we test TVs While testing and researching the TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:Price:Not all budgets are created equal. And if you're working with a limited budget, that shouldn't mean you have to settle for a sub-par TV. Each TV model on this list has been chosen across a variety of price points to help accommodate different needs.Screen size:The most important factor to consider, after price, when shopping for a new TV is whether or not it will fit into your space. Each best TV on this list was chosen because they are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit different rooms.Picture and audio quality:A new TV doesn't mean much, even if it costs an arm and a leg, if it doesn't provide a great picture and clear audio. Each TV on this list has been ensured to support various HDR codecs, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as enhanced audio software like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and object-tracking sound.For a more detailed look, check out our extensive TV testing methodology. Show more FAQs on TVs Which is better: Roku or Android TVs? IT depends on your personal preference. Both platforms have pros and cons. Roku TVs tend to be some of the most affordable on the market while still providing a great streaming experience via a suite of preloaded, popular apps. Roku TVs also have a simplified home menu with your most-used apps and HDMI-connected devices in one easy-to-navigate hub, so you never have to scroll through confusing menus or memorize input locations. The downside? They often don't have native voice control or support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.Android-based televisions are a bit more expensive, but you get more features, like built-in voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, support for variable refresh rate technology, as well as Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound processing.When comparing Roku and Android-based TVs, consider your must-have features so you can choose the model that best fits your needs and budget. Show more What size TV do I need? The best way to find your ideal TV screen size is to measure the distance (in inches) between your couch and where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a dedicated stand. Next, divide that distance by two. So if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) from where the TV will be, the ideal size would be 60 inches.You can always go a bit bigger or smaller depending on your budget and what's available, but you don't want to go wild and get a huge screen if you don't need to. Not only do you run the risk of having your new, expensive TV not fit your space, but a screen that's too big can overwhelm a room and even cause motion sickness. On the other end of the spectrum, while smaller screens tend to be more affordable, a TV that's too small for a room can make the space feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around in order to see. Show more Is it worth buying an 8K TV? As of right now, we're inclined to say no. Not only are 8K televisions very expensive, but there isn't any 8K content available over broadcast, streaming, or gaming outlets to justify buying one. A conservative estimate would say that 8K streaming and gaming will be available within the next five years or so, and it will require a very fast internet connection to handle the bandwidth needed to stream consistently in ultra-high definition.If you've always been an early adopter of tech, want to get a jump on future-proofing your home theater, and have extra cash to spend, you might get more value out of an 8K television than someone who just wants to watch Succession on HBO Max.If you're looking for an 8K panel, I personally recommend checking out the Samsung QN900C. I had a chance to check it out, and during my initial testing, I really, truly enjoyed the display. Show more What's the difference between OLED and QLED? OLED and QLED panel types use the same basic components to create images on screen: a power source, a light source, and a color source. The key differences are exactly how these panels get power, light, and color.A QLED screen, mostly seen in Samsung, TCL, and Hisense models, uses a modified LED panel and a "quantum dot" screen to create images. The "quantum" in QLED seems to be more of a catchy marketing term than an allusion to actual quantum tech, but it does give you enhanced color and detailing over a regular LED display.An OLED panel, found in LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs, uses an array of mini LED lamps that are individually lit along with organic substrates for color. The individual LEDs allow for true blacks to create stunning contrast and make colors pop. It's an expensive technology to produce, so OLED TVs are pretty pricey. But if picture quality is your top priority, it's a worthwhile investment. Show more What is the best TV for a living room? The best TV for a living room can vary depending on the size of the room and your budget. However, some of the best options available include the Samsung QN90B, the LG C2, and the Sony X80K. These TVs provide excellent picture and sound quality, a range of features, and a variety of screen sizes to suit different room types. Show more Do I need a soundbar or can I rely on the TV's built-in speakers? It really depends on your preferences and the TV model you choose. Some TVs have excellent built-in speakers that provide ample sound quality for most viewers, while others may benefit from a separate soundbar or audio system for a more immersive audio experience. If you're a movie or gaming enthusiast, you may want to consider investing in a soundbar or dedicated audio system to complement your TV.Also:The best soundbars Show more Other TVs we've tested ZDNETs TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends

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