Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download hereHey, everybody! Kristen, Tim, and I are back this week to discuss taking up the mantle of Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, soul surfing in Sword of the Sea, the biggest news stories of the week, and more.Stuff We Talked AboutNext weeks release highlights:Metal Eden | PS5Hirogami | PS5Hell Is Us | PS5Hollow Knight: Silksong | PS5, PS4Cronos: The New Dawn | PS5Everybodys Golf: Hot Shots | PS5NBA 2K26 | PS5, PS4Romeo is a Dead Man sneak peek New info on combat and puzzles, along with the major story beats of its ludicrous narrative.Helldivers 2 update Enter the Terminid Hive Worlds and battle underground monsters when the Dust Devils Premium Warbond lands September 4.Lumines Live release date Try out the limited-time demo for PS5 to experience the new multiplayer mode and more before the game launches on November 11.GT7 1.62 update Add the sleek Chevrolet Corvette CX to your collection and other eye candy with the latest batch of new vehicles.No Mans Sky Voyagers update Customizable multi-crew starships are now available. Cruise the galaxy as a unit and face new challenges..New Judas details See how your decisions impact gameplay and other insights from Creative Director Ken Levine.Skate hands-on Play Early Access starting September 16 for free and explore San Vansterdam and its many choice spots.Shinobi: Art of Vengeance dev interview Learn what steps were taken to create a modern take on the classic action platformerThe CastView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageKristen Zitani Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIEView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageTim Turi Content Communications Manager, SIEView and download imageDownload the imagecloseCloseDownload this imageODell Harmon Jr. Content Communications Specialist, SIEThanks to Dormiln for our rad theme song and show music.[Editors note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, a long weekend made for the last dips in the pool. But its also a holiday with labor right there in the name, which makes it the perfect excuse to do the opposite: kick back, forget about responsibilities, and lose yourself in a great binge. Those Pokmon Go challenges will be there later.

In A Week In The Life Of An AI-Augmented Designer, we followed Kates weeklong journey of her first AI-augmented design sprint. She had three realizations through the process:AI isnt a co-pilot (yet); its more like a smart, eager intern.One with access to a lot of information, good recall, fast execution, but no context. That mindset defined how she approached every interaction with AI: not as magic, but as management. Dont trust; guide, coach, and always verify.Like any intern, AI needs coaching and supervision, and thats where her designerly skills kicked in. Kate relied on curiosity to explore, observation to spot bias, empathy to humanize the output, and critical thinking to challenge what didnt feel right. Her learning mindset helped her keep up with advances, and experimentation helped her learn by doing.Prompting is part creative brief, and part conversation design, just with an AI instead of a person.When you prompt an AI, youre not just giving instructions, but designing how it responds, behaves, and outputs information. If AI is like an intern, then the prompt is your creative brief that frames the task, sets the tone, and clarifies what good looks like. Its also your conversation script that guides how it responds, how the interaction flows, and how ambiguity is handled.As designers, were used to designing interactions for people. Prompting is us designing our own interactions with machines it uses the same mindset with a new medium. It shapes an AIs behavior the same way youd guide a user with structure, clarity, and intent. If youve bookmarked, downloaded, or saved prompts from others, youre not alone. Weve all done that during our AI journeys. But while someone elses prompts are a good starting point, you will get better and more relevant results if you can write your own prompts tailored to your goals, context, and style. Using someone elses prompt is like using a Figma template. It gets the job done, but mastery comes from understanding and applying the fundamentals of design, including layout, flow, and reasoning. Prompts have a structure too. And when you learn it, you stop guessing and start designing.Note: All prompts in this article were tested using ChatGPT not because its the only game in town, but because its friendly, flexible, and lets you talk like a person, yes, even after the recent GPT-5 update. That said, any LLM with a decent attention span will work. Results for the same prompt may vary based on the AI model you use, the AIs training, mood, and how confidently it can hallucinate.Privacy PSA: As always, dont share anything you wouldnt want leaked, logged, or accidentally included in the next AI-generated meme. Keep it safe, legal, and user-respecting.With that out of the way, lets dive into the mindset, anatomy, and methods of effective prompting as another tool in your design toolkit.Mindset: Prompt Like A DesignerAs designers, we storyboard journeys, wireframe interfaces to guide users, and write UX copy with intention. However, when prompting AI, we treat it differently: Summarize these insights, Make this better, Write copy for this screen, and then wonder why the output feels generic, off-brand, or just meh. Its like expecting a creative team to deliver great work from a one-line Slack message. We wouldnt brief a freelancer, much less an intern, with Design a landing page, so why brief AI that way?Prompting Is A Creative Brief For A MachineThink of a good prompt as a creative brief, just for a non-human collaborator. It needs similar elements, including a clear role, defined goal, relevant context, tone guidance, and output expectations. Just as a well-written creative brief unlocks alignment and quality from your team, a well-structured prompt helps the AI meet your expectations, even though it doesnt have real instincts or opinions. Prompting Is Also Conversation DesignA good prompt goes beyond defining the task and sets the tone for the exchange by designing a conversation: guiding how the AI interprets, sequences, and responds. You shape the flow of tasks, how ambiguity is handled, and how refinement happens thats conversation design. Anatomy: Structure It Like A DesignerSo how do you write a designer-quality prompt? Thats where the W.I.R.E.+F.R.A.M.E. prompt design framework comes in a UX-inspired framework for writing intentional, structured, and reusable prompts. Each letter represents a key design direction, grounded in the way UX designers already think: Just as a wireframe doesnt dictate final visuals, this WIRE+FRAME framework doesnt constrain creativity, but guides the AI with structured information it needs. Why not just use a series of back-and-forth chats with AI?You can, and many people do. But without structure, AI fills in the gaps on its own, often with vague or generic results. A good prompt upfront saves time, reduces trial and error, and improves consistency. And whether youre working on your own or across a team, a framework means youre not reinventing a prompt every time but reusing what works to get better results faster.Just as we build wireframes before adding layers of fidelity, the WIRE+FRAME framework has two parts:WIRE is the must-have skeleton. It gives the prompt its shape.FRAME is the set of enhancements that bring polish, logic, tone, and reusability like building a high-fidelity interface from the wireframe.Lets improve Kates original research synthesis prompt (Read this customer feedback and tell me how we can improve financial literacy for Gen Z in our app). To better reflect how people actually prompt in practice, lets tweak it to a more broadly applicable version: Read this customer feedback and tell me how we can improve our app for Gen Z users. This one-liner mirrors the kinds of prompts we often throw at AI tools: short, simple, and often lacking structure. Now, well take that prompt and rebuild it using the first four elements of the W.I.R.E. framework the core building blocks that provide AI with the main information it needs to deliver useful results.W: Who & WhatDefine who the AI should be, and what its being asked to deliver.A creative brief starts with assigning the right hat. Are you briefing a copywriter? A strategist? A product designer? The same logic applies here. Give the AI a clear identity and task. Treat AI like a trusted freelancer or intern. Instead of saying help me, tell it who it should act as and whats expected.Example: You are a senior UX researcher and customer insights analyst. You specialize in synthesizing qualitative data from diverse sources to identify patterns, surface user pain points, and map them across customer journey stages. Your outputs directly inform product, UX, and service priorities.I: Input ContextProvide background that frames the task.Creative partners dont work in a vacuum. They need context: the audience, goals, product, competitive landscape, and whats been tried already. This is the What you need to know before you start section of the brief. Think: key insights, friction points, business objectives. The same goes for your prompt. Example: You are analyzing customer feedback for Fintech Brands app, targeting Gen Z users. Feedback will be uploaded from sources such as app store reviews, survey feedback, and usability test transcripts.R: Rules & ConstraintsClarify any limitations, boundaries, and exclusions.Good creative briefs always include boundaries what to avoid, whats off-brand, or whats non-negotiable. Things like brand voice guidelines, legal requirements, or time and word count limits. Constraints dont limit creativity they focus it. AI needs the same constraints to avoid going off the rails.Example: Only analyze the uploaded customer feedback data. Do not fabricate pain points, representative quotes, journey stages, or patterns. Do not supplement with prior knowledge or hypothetical examples. Use clear, neutral, stakeholder-facing language.E: Expected OutputSpell out what the deliverable should look like.This is the deliverable spec: What does the finished product look like? What tone, format, or channel is it for? Even if the task is clear, the format often isnt. Do you want bullet points or a story? A table or a headline? If you dont say, the AI will guess, and probably guess wrong. Even better, include an example of the output you want, an effective way to help AI know what youre expecting. If youre using GPT-5, you can also mix examples across formats (text, images, tables) together. Example: Return a structured list of themes. For each theme, include:Theme TitleSummary of the IssueProblem StatementOpportunityRepresentative Quotes (from data only)Journey Stage(s)Frequency (count from data)Severity Score (15) where 1 = Minor inconvenience or annoyance; 3 = Frustrating but workaround exists; 5 = Blocking issueEstimated Effort (Low / Medium / High), where Low = Copy or content tweak; Medium = Logic/UX/UI change; High = Significant changes.WIRE gives you everything you need to stop guessing and start designing your prompts with purpose. When you start with WIRE, your prompting is like a briefing, treating AI like a collaborator. Once youve mastered this core structure, you can layer in additional fidelity, like tone, step-by-step flow, or iterative feedback, using the FRAME elements. These five elements provide additional guidance and clarity to your prompt by layering clear deliverables, thoughtful tone, reusable structure, and space for creative iteration. F: Flow of TasksBreak complex prompts into clear, ordered steps.This is your project plan or creative workflow that lays out the stages, dependencies, or sequence of execution. When the task has multiple parts, dont just throw it all into one sentence. You are doing the thinking and guiding AI. Structure it like steps in a user journey or modules in a storyboard. In this example, it fits as the blueprint for the AI to use to generate the table described in E: Expected OutputExample: Recommended flow of tasks:Step 1: Parse the uploaded data and extract discrete pain points.Step 2: Group them into themes based on pattern similarity.Step 3: Score each theme by frequency (from data), severity (based on content), and estimated effort.Step 4: Map each theme to the appropriate customer journey stage(s).Step 5: For each theme, write a clear problem statement and opportunity based only on whats in the data.R: Reference Voice or StyleName the desired tone, mood, or reference brand.This is the brand voice section or style mood board reference points that shape the creative feel. Sometimes you want buttoned-up. Other times, you want conversational. Dont assume the AI knows your tone, so spell it out.Example: Use the tone of a UX insights deck or product research report. Be concise, pattern-driven, and objective. Make summaries easy to scan by product managers and design leads.A: Ask for ClarificationInvite the AI to ask questions before generating, if anything is unclear.This is your Any questions before we begin? moment a key step in collaborative creative work. You wouldnt want a freelancer to guess what you meant if the brief was fuzzy, so why expect AI to do better? Ask AI to reflect or clarify before jumping into output mode.Example: If the uploaded data is missing or unclear, ask for it before continuing. Also, ask for clarification if the feedback format is unstructured or inconsistent, or if the scoring criteria need refinement.M: Memory (Within The Conversation)Reference earlier parts of the conversation and reuse whats working.This is similar to keeping visual tone or campaign language consistent across deliverables in a creative brief. Prompts are rarely one-shot tasks, so this reminds AI of the tone, audience, or structure already in play. GPT-5 got better with memory, but this still remains a useful element, especially if you switch topics or jump around.Example: Unless I say otherwise, keep using this process: analyze the data, group into themes, rank by importance, then suggest an action for each.E: Evaluate & IterateInvite the AI to critique, improve, or generate variations.This is your revision loop your way of prompting for creative direction, exploration, and refinement. Just like creatives expect feedback, your AI partner can handle review cycles if you ask for them. Build iteration into the brief to get closer to what you actually need. Sometimes, you may see ChatGPT test two versions of a response on its own by asking for your preference. Example: After listing all themes, identify the one with the highest combined priority score (based on frequency, severity, and effort).For that top-priority theme:Critically evaluate its framing: Is the title clear? Are the quotes strong and representative? Is the journey mapping appropriate?Suggest one improvement (e.g., improved title, more actionable implication, clearer quote, tighter summary).Rewrite the theme entry with that improvement applied.Briefly explain why the revision is stronger and more useful for product or design teams.Heres a quick recap of the WIRE+FRAME framework: Framework Component Description W: Who & What Define the AI persona and the core deliverable. I: Input Context Provide background or data scope to frame the task. R: Rules & Constraints Set boundaries E: Expected Output Spell out the format and fields of the deliverable. F: Flow of Tasks Break the work into explicit, ordered sub-tasks. R: Reference Voice/Style Name the tone, mood, or reference brand to ensure consistency. A: Ask for Clarification Invite AI to pause and ask questions if any instructions or data are unclear before proceeding. M: Memory Leverage in-conversation memory to recall earlier definitions, examples, or phrasing without restating them. E: Evaluate & Iterate After generation, have the AI self-critique the top outputs and refine them. And heres the full WIRE+FRAME prompt: (W) You are a senior UX researcher and customer insights analyst. You specialize in synthesizing qualitative data from diverse sources to identify patterns, surface user pain points, and map them across customer journey stages. Your outputs directly inform product, UX, and service priorities.(I) You are analyzing customer feedback for Fintech Brands app, targeting Gen Z users. Feedback will be uploaded from sources such as app store reviews, survey feedback, and usability test transcripts.(R) Only analyze the uploaded customer feedback data. Do not fabricate pain points, representative quotes, journey stages, or patterns. Do not supplement with prior knowledge or hypothetical examples. Use clear, neutral, stakeholder-facing language.(E) Return a structured list of themes. For each theme, include:Theme TitleSummary of the IssueProblem StatementOpportunityRepresentative Quotes (from data only)Journey Stage(s)Frequency (count from data)Severity Score (15) where 1 = Minor inconvenience or annoyance; 3 = Frustrating but workaround exists; 5 = Blocking issueEstimated Effort (Low / Medium / High), where Low = Copy or content tweak; Medium = Logic/UX/UI change; High = Significant changes(F) Recommended flow of tasks:Step 1: Parse the uploaded data and extract discrete pain points.Step 2: Group them into themes based on pattern similarity.Step 3: Score each theme by frequency (from data), severity (based on content), and estimated effort.Step 4: Map each theme to the appropriate customer journey stage(s).Step 5: For each theme, write a clear problem statement and opportunity based only on whats in the data.(R) Use the tone of a UX insights deck or product research report. Be concise, pattern-driven, and objective. Make summaries easy to scan by product managers and design leads.(A) If the uploaded data is missing or unclear, ask for it before continuing. Also, ask for clarification if the feedback format is unstructured or inconsistent, or if the scoring criteria need refinement.(M) Unless I say otherwise, keep using this process: analyze the data, group into themes, rank by importance, then suggest an action for each.(E) After listing all themes, identify the one with the highest combined priority score (based on frequency, severity, and effort).For that top-priority theme:Critically evaluate its framing: Is the title clear? Are the quotes strong and representative? Is the journey mapping appropriate?Suggest one improvement (e.g., improved title, more actionable implication, clearer quote, tighter summary).Rewrite the theme entry with that improvement applied.Briefly explain why the revision is stronger and more useful for product or design teams.You could use ## to label the sections (e.g., ##FLOW) more for your readability than for AI. At over 400 words, this Insights Synthesis prompt example is a detailed, structured prompt, but it isnt customized for you and your work. The intent wasnt to give you a specific prompt (the proverbial fish), but to show how you can use a prompt framework like WIRE+FRAME to create a customized, relevant prompt that will help AI augment your work (teaching you to fish).Keep in mind that prompt length isnt a common concern, but rather a lack of quality and structure is. As of the time of writing, AI models can easily process prompts that are thousands of words long.Not every prompt needs all the FRAME components; WIRE is often enough to get the job done. But when the work is strategic or highly contextual, pick components from FRAME the extra details can make a difference. Together, WIRE+FRAME give you a detailed framework for creating a well-structured prompt, with the crucial components first, followed by optional components:WIRE builds a clear, focused prompt with role, input, rules, and expected output.FRAME adds refinement like tone, reusability, and iteration. Here are some scenarios and recommendations for using WIRE or WIRE+FRAME: Scenarios Description Recommended Simple, One-Off Analyses Quick prompting with minimal setup and no need for detailed process transparency. WIRE Tight Sprints or Hackathons Rapid turnarounds, and times you dont need embedded review and iteration loops. WIRE Highly Iterative Exploratory Work You expect to tweak results constantly and prefer manual control over each step. WIRE Complex Multi-Step Playbooks Detailed workflows that benefit from a standardized, repeatable, visible sequence. WIRE+FRAME Shared or Hand-Off Projects When different teams will rely on embedded clarification, memory, and consistent task flows for recurring analyses. WIRE+FRAME Built-In Quality Control You want the AI to flag top issues, self-critique, and refine, minimizing manual QC steps. WIRE+FRAME Prompting isnt about getting it right the first time. Its about designing the interaction and redesigning when needed. With WIRE+FRAME, youre going beyond basic prompting and designing the interaction between you and AI.From Gut Feel To Framework: A Prompt MakeoverLets compare the results of Kates first AI-augmented design sprint prompt (to synthesize customer feedback into design insights) with one based on the WIRE+FRAME prompt framework, with the same data and focusing on the top results:Original prompt: Read this customer feedback and tell me how we can improve our app for Gen Z users.Initial ChatGPT Results:Improve app reliability to reduce crashes and freezing.Provide better guidance or tutorials for financial tools like budgeting or goal setting.Enhance the transparency of Zelle transfers by showing confirmation messages.Speed up app loading and reduce lag on key actions.With this version, youd likely need to go back and forth with follow-up questions, rewrite the output for clarity, and add structure before sharing with your team.WIRE+FRAME prompt above (with defined role, scope, rules, expected format, tone, flow, and evaluation loop).Initial ChatGPT Results:You can clearly see the very different results from the two prompts, both using the exact same data. While the first prompt returns a quick list of ideas, the detailed WIRE+FRAME version doesnt just summarize feedback but structures it. Themes are clearly labeled, supported by user quotes, mapped to customer journey stages, and prioritized by frequency, severity, and effort. The structured prompt results can be used as-is or shared without needing to reformat, rewrite, or explain them (see disclaimer below). The first prompt output needs massaging: its not detailed, lacks evidence, and would require several rounds of clarification to be actionable. The first prompt may work when the stakes are low and you are exploring. But when your prompt is feeding design, product, or strategy, structure comes to the rescue.Disclaimer: Know Your DataA well-structured prompt can make AI output more useful, but it shouldnt be the final word, or your single source of truth. AI models are powerful pattern predictors, not fact-checkers. If your data is unclear or poorly referenced, even the best prompt may return confident nonsense. Dont blindly trust what you see. Treat AI like a bright intern: fast, eager, and occasionally delusional. You should always be familiar with your data and validate what AI spits out. For example, in the WIRE+FRAME results above, AI rated the effort as low for financial tool onboarding. That could easily be a medium or high. Good prompting should be backed by good judgment.Try This NowStart by using the WIRE+FRAME framework to create a prompt that will help AI augment your work. You could also rewrite the last prompt you were not satisfied with, using the WIRE+FRAME, and compare the output.Feel free to use this simple tool to guide you through the framework.Methods: From Lone Prompts to a Prompt SystemJust as design systems have reusable components, your prompts can too. You can use the WIRE+FRAME framework to write detailed prompts, but you can also use the structure to create reusable components that are pre-tested, plug-and-play pieces you can assemble to build high-quality prompts faster. Each part of WIRE+FRAME can be transformed into a prompt component: small, reusable modules that reflect your teams standards, voice, and strategy.For instance, if you find yourself repeatedly using the same content for different parts of the WIRE+FRAME framework, you could save them as reusable components for you and your team. In the example below, we have two different reusable components for W: Who & What an insights analyst and an information architect.W: Who & WhatYou are a senior UX researcher and customer insights analyst. You specialize in synthesizing qualitative data from diverse sources to identify patterns, surface user pain points, and map them across customer journey stages. Your outputs directly inform product, UX, and service priorities.You are an experienced information architect specializing in organizing enterprise content on intranets. Your task is to reorganize the content and features into categories that reflect user goals, reduce cognitive load, and increase findability.Create and save prompt components and variations for each part of the WIRE+FRAME framework, allowing your team to quickly assemble new prompts by combining components when available, rather than starting from scratch each time. Behind The Prompts: Questions About PromptingQ: If I use a prompt framework like WIRE+FRAME every time, will the results be predictable?A: Yes and no. Yes, your outputs will be guided by a consistent set of instructions (e.g., Rules, Examples, Reference Voice / Style) that will guide the AI to give you a predictable format and style of results. And no, while the framework provides structure, it doesnt flatten the generative nature of AI, but focuses it on whats important to you. In the next article, we will look at how you can use this to your advantage to quickly reuse your best repeatable prompts as we build your AI assistant.Q: Could changes to AI models break the WIRE+FRAME framework?A: AI models are evolving more rapidly than any other technology weve seen before in fact, ChatGPT was recently updated to GPT-5 to mixed reviews. The update didnt change the core principles of prompting or the WIRE+FRAME prompt framework. With future releases, some elements of how we write prompts today may change, but the need to communicate clearly with AI wont. Think of how you delegate work to an intern vs. someone with a few years experience: you still need detailed instructions the first time either is doing a task, but the level of detail may change. WIRE+FRAME isnt built only for todays models; the components help you clarify your intent, share relevant context, define constraints, and guide tone and format all timeless elements, no matter how smart the model becomes. The skill of shaping clear, structured interactions with non-human AI systems will remain valuable.Q: Can prompts be more than text? What about images or sketches?A: Absolutely. With tools like GPT-5 and other multimodal models, you can upload screenshots, pictures, whiteboard sketches, or wireframes. These visuals become part of your Input Context or help define the Expected Output. The same WIRE+FRAME principles still apply: youre setting context, tone, and format, just using images and text together. Whether your input is a paragraph or an image and text, youre still designing the interaction.Have a prompt-related question of your own? Share it in the comments, and Ill either respond there or explore it further in the next article in this series.From Designerly Prompting To Custom AssistantsGood prompts and results dont come from using others prompts, but from writing prompts that are customized for you and your context. The WIRE+FRAME framework helps with that and makes prompting a tool you can use to guide AI models like a creative partner instead of hoping for magic from a one-line request.Prompting uses the designerly skills you already use every day to collaborate with AI:Curiosity to explore what the AI can do and frame better prompts.Observation to detect bias or blind spots.Empathy to make machine outputs human.Critical thinking to verify and refine.Experiment & Iteration to learn by doing and improve the interaction over time.Growth Mindset to keep up with new technology like AI and prompting.Once you create and refine prompt components and prompts that work for you, make them reusable by documenting them. But wait, theres more what if your best prompts, or the elements of your prompts, could live inside your own AI assistant, available on demand, fluent in your voice, and trained on your context? Thats where were headed next.In the next article, Design Your Own Design Assistant, well take what youve learned so far and turn it into a Custom AI assistant (aka Custom GPT), a design-savvy, context-aware assistant that works like you do. Well walk through that exact build, from defining the assistants job description to uploading knowledge, testing, and sharing it with others. ResourcesGPT-5 Prompting GuideGPT-4.1 Prompting GuideAnthropic Prompt Engineering Prompt Engineering by GooglePerplexity Webapp to guide you through the WIRE+FRAME framework

For this years 3daysofdesign, Normann Copenhagen introduced Phantom lighting by Simon Legald, a collection that includes both a Floor Lamp and Table Lamp, defined by their sculptural form language. Drawing inspiration from the slow, delicate work of silkworms weaving their cocoons, Phantom is crafted from countless strands of semi-transparent resin stretched around a steel frame. The lamps body itself serves as a diffuser, minimizing components while allowing its full silhouette to radiate with a soft, ghostly glow. Far from haunting, the light is warmly tranquil, resin facets embracing the structure like a cocoon, holding it close and secure.A steel skeleton makes up the structure of the Phantom collection, ensuring the delicacy of the form is not compromising durability in any way. Faint echoes of grand chandeliers form in the mind, shapes from another era emblazoned in memory and manor only. Dimmable for completely adjustable lighting, this collection has the capability to create any mood, from bright and active to a hazy glow as the day winds down. Made from an environmentally friendly spray resin, much less waste material is produced than traditional methods of resin formation, streamlining the process and actually increasing the number of styles this technology could be used in. As all thats needed is a change of the interior structure, the sky is the limit for Phantom.Inside, an integrated LED pipe spans the base to the top, resulting in a uniform ambient output throughout. A convenient foot dimmer switch allows for easy adjustments one tap and the lamp turns on and off, while a long press dims until you reach the optimal glow.Simon Legald is a Danish designer, his products often fostering a dialogue between craftsmanship and industry. Highlighting the techniques necessary to create structures, he works within accepted standards of furniture to subvert expectation, focusing on the essence of the design. For me simplicity describes the true identity of objects and makes them trustworthy. In my design, I try not to add any unnecessary details. I work with simplicity by highlighting the necessities instead of hiding them. It gives the product a simple and honest expression, states the designer.Founded in Denmark in 1999 by Jan Andersen and Poul Madsen, Normann Copenhagen has made a name for themselves offering a solid and comprehensive selection of furniture and accessories rooted in Danish tradition. Defined by clean lines and a commitment to high quality, they keep things approachable with a twist of fun, highlighting unconventional aspects of products to keep things fresh. Guided by their core values of courage, quality, and responsibility, they take their sustainability policies seriously, understanding that our collective actions now will affect future generations.To learn more about Phantom Table Lamp and Phantom Floor Lamp by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen, please visit normann-copenhangen.com.Photography courtesy of Normann Copenhagen.

Are we justhungry?source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3473854/The-ULTIMATE-working-lunch-Inside-envy-inducing-canteens-companies-like-Dropbox-Google-Pixar-offer-free-food-extensive-menus-gourmet-desserts.htmlA friend of mine recently returned from a work trip to his companys head office, and his description of the experience made my jaw drop. Honestly, he said, it felt less like an office and more like a five star restaruant. He described a buffet style breakfast with daily specials, a free cafe, and a fully stocked fruit and salad bar. The picture he showed me from lunch was a plate loaded with roasted chicken, seafood, and linguine. All of it wasfree.I asked if the food was any good. He just laughed. Good? I would have paid forit.source: https://sivitsmovies.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/use-of-mise-en-scene-in-the-office-us/Meanwhile, many other companies with return to office mandates came with no frills. For them, the office kitchen has the same sputtering coffee machine and sad empty refrigerator it did in 2019. Memos announcing mandatory three-in-office days speak of synergy and in person collaboration, but the reality for many is a costly commute, working with co-workers that arent even part of your team. This is where you start to see the major corporate identity crisis among workplaces.According to a 2025 Galloppoll,The preference for flexibility is nearly universal: 93% of remote capable employees want either a hybrid (60%) or fully remote (30%) work arrangement.The same Gallup research revealed that 64% of exclusively remote employees would be extremely likely to search for a new job if that flexibility were taken away. Other studies, like one from SHRM, show a consistent majority of workers favoring a hybrid model over being fully inoffice.The office is no longer thedefault.If the work itself isnt enough of a draw, what does it say about a workplace culture that it needs to be supplemented with freefood?The homeofficeAfter the pandemic rapidly redefined our relationship with work, many employees became masters of their domain. Before the pandemic, only about 7% of workers with remote-capable jobs worked from home full time. By October 2020, that number had skyrocketed, with 71% of those workers doing their job from home all or most of thetime.source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKeZL1j47lUI personally started my UX career in the early days of the pandemic, so Ive never really worked in an office before. But what I can say is that Ive tailored my home office for efficiency and productivity.My home office is a space Ive designed with intention. I have a large custom wooden desk with an ergonomic setup, a dual monitor display running my preferred OS, and a mechanical keyboard that prevents my fingers from getting fatigued. I also have high ceilings that give me a sense of creative space, and I can listen to music on speakers instead of being tethered to headphones. I can work in my pajamas and have constant access to my kitchen, allowing me to stay on top of mydiet.To put it simply, Ive created an environment where I can do my bestwork.The way I see it is like this. When companies began calling for a full scale return, they werent just asking employees to change their location for synergy or in-person collaboration. They were asking them to abandon their user-centric environment they had built for themselves. As a 2023 Gallup report notes, a significant portion of the workforce actively resists returning, citing improved focus and well-being athome.The office must now compete with the comforts and efficiencies of a home office. Thats a highbar.Employers are being forced to rebrand the office experience itself. Food has become their most potent tool. Its visceral, emotional, and sends a powerful message of care and community.Values that were often neglected in pre-pandemic office culture. These culinary perks are the new UX layer of the physical workplace, an intuitive design choice intended to shape how we feel about being in anoffice.True cost of in personworkIn person work is often more than just a regular 85 or 95 where your salary is paid for the 8 hours that youre physically performing yourjob.Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/super-commuting-is-on-the-rise-heres-why-and-how-it-works/464632The average commuter in the United States spends 239 hours per year and $8,466 annually on commuting costsincluding fuel, car maintenance, and lost opportunity.The clock doesnt just start when you sit at your desk. Each day includes preparation time: picking out work-appropriate clothing, getting ready, making yourself presentable. And thats before you face the unpredictable gauntlet of traffic, packed public transit, or weather delays. For many, this means sacrificing sleep or personaltime,The true cost of going back to the office can mean losing up to two hours a day just getting ready and commuting."MoneysenseThe real cost of going back to the office - MoneySenseWhat about that breakfast you missed? Did you have time to pack your lunch? The sneaky day to day spending that comes with office life often tags on as part of your lifestyle inflation.Source: https://www.foodserviceandhospitality.com/mcdonalds-canada-introduces-breakfast-wraps/A redditor on r/personalfinancecanada commented:Once I was back in the office, my $3 morning coffee and $12 lunch started to feel normal. Thats $75 a week and $3,900 a yearnot including new work clothes or commuting.This is especially true because your work days are suddenly longer, leading to less time for yourself and creating an ideal scenario for you to choose convenience at every turn. All of a sudden, buying food becomes an easier choice because youre short on time. Sleeping later into the evening because you werent able to run errands ontime.The true cost of in-person work is measured in hours lost, dollars spent, and day-to-day stress. These hidden expenses often outpace the value of a free sandwich or coffee in theoffice.The psychology of the freelunchBehavioral economists often refer to free as the zero priceeffect.Zero Price Effect is a phenomenon where the demand for a good becomes significantly greater when its price is zero compared to when its even a nominalamount.source: https://www.buynomics.com/articles/the-psychology-behind-the-zero-price-effectThe absence of a cost triggers a strong, positive emotional response that can override rational thought. That mediocre pastry you would never buy suddenly becomes an irresistible treat simply because it costs younothing.Source: https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140805/soho/city-businesses-offer-free-lunch-at-work-keep-employees-happy/Offering food is a tangible signal that an organization values its people, tapping into our fundamental need for appreciation. This feeling of being cared for is a powerful catalyst for loyalty. A Forbes Article highlights that feeling appreciated is a key driver for engagement. This fosters a sense of reciprocity, that deep-seated social instinct to give something back when something is received. The gift of a meal creates a subtle, unspoken obligation to return the favor with loyalty, collaboration, and maybe just showing up moreoften.The Real Reason Google Serves All That Free FoodEating is an inherently communal activity. Sharing a meal breaks down formal hierarchies and creates a space for the kind of spontaneous, informal interactions that are nearly impossible to replicate on a scheduled Zoomcall.2022 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 75% of employees who eat lunch with their colleagues feel they have better personal relationships withthem.When a critical mass of people gathers for a free lunch, it makes the office feel more vibrant and less empty, encouraging even the most hesitant individuals to participate.Free food as retention, recruitment and productivity fuelThe impact of culinary perks in the office goes well beyond a pleasant lunch hour. With the pressure on companies to do more to retain and attract talent, free food has proven surprisingly effective.Source: https://stripe-partners.medium.com/putting-food-to-work-in-the-workplace-e607cc6bf988According to a 2024 ezCater study, 88% of business leaders say providing food encourages employees to work on-site, and 78% report it makes employees more likely to stay at theircompany.In the competition for applicants, companies now actively highlight free catered lunch or fully stocked pantry in job ads, acknowledging that food is amagnet.Source: https://pantree.ca/pages/office-pantry-serviceBut its also about keeping your best people productive. Employees who receive regular, healthy meals are less likely to skip meals, rely on vending-machine snacks, or spend time searching for lunchoptions.Over 65% of workers without employer-provided meals resort to snacks in place of lunch, and nearly half will simply skip a meal entirely.With food at hand, employees save upwards of $2,500 a year and reclaim 30 minutes per day previously spent hunting downlunch.In todays economic climate, the practical benefit of free food cant beignored.Two-thirds of employees say free food helps offset the cost of commuting, and 80% say it saves them money, making the in-person day feasible and appealing.Beyond dollar savings, access to nutritious options at work reinforces wellness: daily meals mean fewer skipped lunches and healthier choices, which in turn support energy, focus, and long-term well-being.As the era of sad desk salads fades, employers are reconsidering food as a strategic lever for culture, health, and satisfaction. The most forward-thinking companies partner with local restaurants, experiment with pop-up food stations, and create flexible plans that prioritize genuine nourishment.Final thoughtsWhen viewed through a UX lens, free food in the workplace is an exercise in designing holistic environments that genuinely support and delight people. The best office food programs dont just serve positive experiences by easing daily friction, welcoming diverse dietary needs, and fostering a sense of belonging around thetable.Designing food perks with users in mind means much more than providing variety. It calls for inclusive meal planning, clear and enticing presentation, as well as spaces that invite spontaneous interaction. When employees are empowered to choose meals that align with wellness or cultural values, or find inviting spaces for collaboration, the workplace becomes both a destination and a community.Ultimately, well-designed food experiences express a companys respect for time and well-being. They create daily moments of delight, boost engagement, and help people feel valued not just as workers, but as individuals.With inflation and everyday expenses on the rise, free meals provide tangible relief. For many employees, knowing that breakfast or lunch is on the house means one less line on their grocery bill and greater flexibility in their monthly budgets. In our affordability crisis, free food offers real, practical value that makes the return to office easier toswallow.How free food incentivises workers to return to the office was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.Labor Day sales are in full force, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before theyre over. You can also subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.Labor Day is a big holiday for tech sales, and even though it's not yet the weekend, the deals are already rolling in. Whether you're in the market for laptops, phones, tablets, or even a new TV, there's definitely a deal out there just waiting for you to snatch it up.The hard part is finding it, but lucky for you, Ive already taken care of all the hard work. For the rest of the week, I'll be updating this list with the best deals on laptops, tablets, TVs, and more that I can find, across sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.The best Labor Day laptop deals Apple M4 MacBook Air $799.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $200.00 Laptops are a Labor Day staple. Here are my picks, across both PC and Mac.Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 Chip: $799 at Amazon (was $999). Apples most recent MacBook Air, this comes with the new M4 chip and a base 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 Chip: $999 at Amazon (was $1,199). This MacBook Air model also has an M4 chip and starts with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but has a larger, 15-inch screen.Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max chip: $1,299 at Amazon (was $1,599). The smaller MacBook Pro starts with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, but can be configured with either an M4 Pro or M4 Max chip, as well as higher memory and storage capacities.Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro/M4 Max Chip: $2,229 at Amazon (was $2,499). The larger MacBook Pro has the biggest screen on an Apple laptop, and comes packed with either an M4 Pro or Max Max chip, with RAM and storage configurable depending on how much you're willing to spend.Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch, 512GB: $900 at Best Buy (was $1,000). Microsoft's own spin on a MacBook like form factor is on sale right now, offering a familiar layout to anyone hopping to Windows for the first time, and coming with a battery-friendly ARM chip. Be sure to pick the 512GB model at checkout to get the deal.Dell 16 Plus Laptop: $750 at Dell (was $1,150). Dell's 16 Plus laptop is another way to get an Apple-style form factor on Windows, and this particular model has a respectable Intel Core Ultra 7 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a generous 1TB of storage.Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: $999 at Amazon (was $1,350). This Samsung laptop is convertible, meaning it can flip around for a tablet like form factor. It has a mid-range Intel Core Ultra 7.Asus ROG Strix G16: $1,275 at Amazon (was $1,500). Asus' ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop comes in a few varieties, all on sale. The more expensive ones come with a 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz display, Intel Core i9 processor, and 1TB SSD. Or, you can get an entry level model with an FHD+ 165Hz display and an Intel Core i7 processor.Alienware Aurora 16X: $1,350 at Dell (was $1,550). This slightly more expensive gaming laptop represents a more approachable design for premium Dell sub brand Alienware, and starts with a 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz display, an Intel Core Ultra 7 GPU, 16GB of RAM, an RTX 5060 GPU, and a generous 1TB of storage. You can also spend more to get more powerful configurations.HP Victus 15.6": $761 at Best Buy (was $900). This cheaper gaming laptop costs a little more than a premium Chromebook, but has a proper Ryzen 7 CPU and RTX 4050 GPU, plus a 1080p screen that supports 144Hz gameplay. Some of the tech is a few generations old, but with prices like these, that's a compromise you might be willing to make.Acer Chromebook Plus 514: $329 at Amazon (was $400). This Chromebook has a generous 1080p IPS screen, and while it's not as powerful as more expensive laptops, it comes with a number of "Chromebook Plus" AI features that seek to even the odds.Acer Chromebook 315: $139 at Best Buy (was $299). This is one of the most affordable laptops you can get right now, and while it's a bit weaker and less feature-rich than a Chromebook Plus, it still has a generous 15.6-inch 1080p screen.The best Labor Day tablet deals Apple iPad 11-inch $299.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $50.00 Whether you prefer Apple or Android, there are some worthwhile tablet sales right now.Apple 11-Inch iPad: $299 at Amazon (was $349). Apple's basic iPad can be purchased at a slight discount right now, and comes with an A16 chip, which is the same processor in the iPhone 14 Pro.Apple iPad Mini: $400 at Amazon (was $500). If you're aching for a more portable iPad, this model comes with an 8.3-inch screen, which makes it ideal for tasks like reading. It also has an A17 Pro chip, which allows it access to Apple Intelligence.Apple 13-Inch iPad Air: $649 at Amazon (was $799). The iPad Air technically isn't Apple's thinnest iPad anymore, but it's a decent upgrade over the base model, with the much more powerful M3 chip and the option to buy in either 13 or 11 inches.Apple iPad Pro: $897 at Amazon (was $999). Apple's most premium (and actually thinnest) iPad, this model boasts the M4 chip, putting it roughly on par with a MacBook Air. A first for iPads, it also has an OLED screen.Microsoft Surface Pro: $1,000 at Best Buy (was $1,200). This pick is the only tablet on this list with a full-fledged desktop operating system, complete with the same Windows 11 experience you'll find on any other PC. That makes it great for people who want to be able to shift from tablet style convenience into a more traditional computing environment at the drop of a hat.Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: $146 at Amazon (was $220). Samsung's A9+ comes with a large 11-inch 1200p display with a refresh rate or 90Hz. You can save even more and opt for the 64GB model, but if you plan on keeping this tablet for a while, the 128GB model will offer you more flexibility with storage.The best Labor Day phone deals Samsung Galaxy S25 $780.00 at Amazon $860.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Get Deal $780.00 at Amazon $860.00 Save $80.00 iPhone deals are a little hard to find at the moment, as most retailers are waiting for Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 announcement to decide how they want to handle their current stock. Android, however, is another story.Samsung Galaxy S25 (Unlocked): $780 at Amazon (was $860). Samsung's Galaxy line is probably as close as you're going to get to the iPhone experience with Android, and it's a good fallback solution for folks who are unsure where to start. It's also known for its cameras, so it's good for shutterbugs, too.Samsung Galaxy S25+ (Unlocked): $850 at Amazon (was $1,000). If the standard S25 is a bit too small for you, the S25+ might be the move. It includes all the perks of the S25, but comes with a display that's half an inch larger.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Unlocked): $1,170 at Amazon (was $1,420). Samsung's Ultra phones have the highest megapixel counts on the market, and also come with styluses. This is maybe the most premium experience you'll get in mobile right now, Android or otherwise.Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (Unlocked): $970 at Amazon (was $1,220). This phone is a bit like a compromise between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25+, as it has the same screen as they S25+, but the same main camera lens from the S25 Ultra. It does lose a telephoto lens, but it's extra thin to make up for it.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE (Unlocked): $700 at Amazon (was $900). This affordable flip phone is for folks who miss the the '90s and '00s. A budget version of the new Flip 7, it comes complete with a 6.7-inch screen, but folding it up gives you a smaller 3.4-inch screen that keeps the phone compact but still lets you check texts or make basic calls. Both the 128GB and 256GB versions are on sale.Motorola Razr 2024 (Unlocked): $500 at Amazon (was $700). The Motorola Razr is an even more affordable alternative to the Galaxy Z Flip FE, and while I love the 2025 model, the base 2024 one on sale here is still worth your time at this price point. For far less than a Z Flip, you get a 3.6-inch external screen, a 6.9-inch internal display, and a respectable MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Unlocked): $1,700 at Amazon (was $2,000). For a limited time following the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung's selling it's latest folding phone for $300 off. This is currently the thinnest folding phone on the market, and comes with an 8-inch internal display and a 6.5-inch cover screen. All colors of the 256GB version are on sale for the same amount, although discounts vary across the 512GB colorways.Google Pixel 10 (Unlocked): Gift cards at Amazon and Best Buy. Google's Pixel 10 phones are technically still only available as pre-orders, but both Amazon and Best Buy are both offering them with bonus gift cards right now. You'll pay normal price for the phone itself, but get an additional gift card, ranging from $100 to $350 depending on which model of Pixel 10 you buy.The best Labor Day smartwatch deals Google Pixel Watch 3 $299.00 $400.00 Save $101.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 $400.00 Save $101.00 Like iPhones, Apple Watch sales are hard to come by at the moment. Android users have a bit more choice, however.Google Pixel Watch 3: $299 at Amazon (was $400). Google's Pixel Watch series is probably my favorite-looking smartwatch, with a smooth and minimal circular design. This iteration is a generation old, but has a thin bezel and comes with Fitbit smarts, including the ability to track details like vertical oscillation while running.Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: $200 at Amazon (was $300). The Galaxy Watch 7 is the cheapest smartwatch on this list, but actually looks pretty luxe thanks to a design that evokes classic mechanical watches. It doesn't have a digital crown, but it holds its own on tracking, especially when it comes to monitoring your sleep or heart rate.Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: $420 at Walmart (was $650). This Galaxy smartwatch does have a digital crown, plus improved battery life and a more rugged titanium body. There are also plenty of apps for outdoor activities like diving. The best Labor Day earbud and headphone deals Apple Airpods Pro 2nd Gen $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 Save $50.00 Earbuds and headphones are a must for actually using your phone out in public, and there are great Labor Day options for both Android and iPhone users.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $199 at Amazon (was $249). Apple's best earbuds are on sale right now, and are really worth the slight splurge. They come with noise cancellation, USB-C charging, conversation awareness, and a speaker in the case so you can find it more easily.Apple AirPods 4: $90 at Amazon (was $130). Apple's most recent non-pro AirPods are also on sale, giving you USB-C charging, spatial audio, a promised 30 hours of battery life (with the charging case), and voice isolation.Beats Studio Buds: $100 at Amazon (was $150). Technically an Apple brand, Beats offer cheaper noise cancellation than you get on AirPods Pro, plus a different shape some people may prefer. Apple AirPods Max: $480 at Amazon (was $549). Apple's full over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, are great for people who want AirPods-level noise cancellation and automatic source switching, but prefer a more traditional form factor.Sony WH-1000XM4: $198 at Amazon (was $348). These Sony headphones are two generations behind, but offer a compact form factor that's hard to find cheaper elsewhere. They offer conversation detection, a mic for onboard calls, Alexa control, and three color options.Sony WH-1000XM5: $298 at Amazon (was $400). Sony's last generation of noise-canceling headphones loses some portability, but upgrades to four beam-forming microphones for better calling, plus promise an up to 30 hours of battery life.The best Labor Day TV deals 85-inch TCL QM7 $1,398.00 at Amazon $1,999.99 Save $601.99 Get Deal Get Deal $1,398.00 at Amazon $1,999.99 Save $601.99 Sales events are pretty much the only time I buy TVs. I'm not in the market for an upgrade right now, but here's what I would get if I were.Roku 75-inch Plus Series QLED 4K Smart TV: $600 at Best Buy (was $900). Roku is maybe one of the best ways to get a TV for cheap right now. This TV is 4K, supports Dolby Vision, has a 60Hz refresh rate, and comes with Roku's snappy operating system built in. Insignia 50-Inch Class F50 Series 4K Fire TV: $175 at Amazon (was $300). If you want one of the cheapest 4K TVs available, look no further than this TV that is, oddly enough, made by Best Buy but runs an Amazon OS. Only a few sizes are on sale right now, with the 50-inch one being the cheapest. You're not going to get high refresh rates or any OLED or even QLED style goodness, but this will still blow up a high-res picture to a large size.TCL 65-Inch QM6K QD-Mini LED 4K Smart TV: $550 at Amazon (was $650). This TCL TV packs in a lot of bells and whistles, but is small enough to keep the price approachable. You'll get 4K resolution, be able to play games at 240Hz, and you'll have Dolby Atmos and Onkyo Audio. It's not quite OLED, but plentiful dimming zones means contrast will still be sharp.TCL 85-Inch QM7 QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,397 at Amazon (was $2,000). This upgrade from TCL is only getting deals on its higher sizes at the moment, but is still a relatively affordable way to get a big-screen experience at home. It has Google TV built-in, supports 4K, can play games at up to 240 fps, and while it's not OLED, its QD-Mini LED tech comes with plenty of dimming zones, for a similar experience.Samsung 43-Inch The Frame TV: $798 at Amazon (was $898). This Samsung TV is aimed at disguising your TV as a painting when you're not actively watching it. It's got a 4K QLED screen, a matte display that reduces glare, and a one-wire connector box. Plus, you can buy additional, picture frame-like bezels to complete the effect.Samsung 65-Inch The Frame Pro TV: $1,798 at Amazon (was $2,198). Samsung's upgrade for its The Frame TV moves to a 4K Mini LED screen for greater contrast and brightness. It also makes the connector box completely wireless, so the only TV cable you'll need to worry about is the power cord.The best Labor Day video game deals The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening $40.00 at Best Buy $60.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $40.00 at Best Buy $60.00 Save $20.00 A bunch of video games are on sale for Labor Day, including a surprising amount of first-party Nintendo titles. Here are some of my favorites.The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Switch/Switch 2: $40 at Best Buy (was $60). This remake of the Game Boy classic brings Link to life in a brand new and incredibly charming toy-like art style. It's a great mix with the game's offbeat humor, and was later used in the original title Echoes of Wisdom.The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for Switch/Switch 2: $50 at Amazon (was $60). Speaking of Echoes of Wisdom, this unusual entry in the Zelda series sees players taking on the role of the titular princess herself in a quest to save both Link and her kingdom.Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Switch/Switch 2: $40 at Best Buy (was $60). Another remake, this title revitalizes the Gamecube classic for the modern era, with a higher resolution, a new soundtrack, and some additional features.Mario & Luigi: Brothership for Switch/Switch 2: $40 at Best Buy (was $60). The first 3D-entry in the Mario & Luigi RPG series, this game sees the titular brothers flung to a far-away land based on electrical appliances.Battlefield 2042 for PC: $3 at Steam (was $60). This is the current entry in the long-running Battlefield series, though it's set to get superseded by Battlefield 6 in October. If you can't wait until then, $3 is a low asking price for a few months of fun before the community eventually migrates over to the new hotness.It Takes Two for PS4/PS5: $20 at Best Buy (was $40). This inventive co-op platformer sees two players get shrunken down into dolls, and tasks them with navigating both their now treacherous surroundings, as well as their characters' impending divorce.Split Fiction for PS5/Xbox: $40 at Amazon (was $50). From the makers of It Takes Two, this one has similar gameplay, but instead focuses on blending genres, starring a fantasy writer and a sci-fi writer who get sucked into their own stories. Deals are available for both PS5 and Xbox, although the Switch 2 version is still full price.Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PS5: $20 at Best Buy (was $50). This collection includes the two most recent Uncharted games, A Thief's End and Lost Legacy, remastered with higher resolution and framerate options for PS5.Sonic X Shadow Generations for all consoles: Starts at $29 at Amazon (was $50). This remake of the original Sonic Generations lovingly remasters the base game, while adding a whole new campaign starring everyone's favorite grumpy black hedgehog. Deals are available for Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, although PlayStation offers the biggest discount.Alan Wake Remastered for Xbox: $4.49 on Xbox Store. This horror cult classic comes from the same team behind the recent hit Control, and actually takes place in the same universe. It puts the player in the role of Alan Awake, a Stephen King-esque horror writer who finds that his stories are starting to come to life around him. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Google Pixel 10 128GB Unlocked Phone With $100 Amazon Gift Card (Obsidian) $799.00 (List Price $899.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) $849.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core $39.99 (List Price $69.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team

Overdrive's digital book lending app Libby is adding you guessed it! AI. The new Inspire Me feature is an AI-fueled discovery tool tuned to your local branch's collection. Following a soft launch this month, it will be officially available in September.To avoid the pitfalls of a full-on chatbot, Overdrive is limiting the discovery process of the feature. Instead of typing freely into a prompt box, you'll start by answering several canned preference questions. These include categories (such as fiction and biography), age groups (adult or child) and preset adjectives (like "clever" and "silly"). You can also let it make recommendations based on your previously saved titles.The AI will then spit out five suggestions from your local library. Overdrive says Inspire Me prioritizes ebooks and audiobooks that are immediately available. Each recommendation will include a brief explanation of how it aligns with your stated interests.Some in the library community reacted sharply to the feature. "Smoke is pouring out of my ears," librarian Rachel Storm posted on Bluesky (via TechCrunch). "I'm honestly surprised it took this long for them to enshittify Libby," Orion Kidder responded.Libby's AI privacy policy states that Inspire Me only sends tags connected to "a random selection of titles you have saved" to the model. The policy says it only sends the book titles, not any other details about you or your device. Overdrive says it designed the feature to minimize energy impact and will monitor its footprint over time.As long as there isn't anything sneaky tucked in beyond that, this sounds like a relatively tame (and potentially handy) use of AI. Then again, I sometimes spend my work hours writing about the truly disturbing shit, so take my perspective as you will.Regardless of your perspective, the feature will roll out broadly in September. Youll find it by tapping the Libby icon in the app menu.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/libby-is-adding-an-ai-book-recommendation-feature-190903260.html?src=rss

European banks froze PayPal transactions worth billions after fraud system failure.

Companies developing artificial intelligence systems to prevent kids from being exposed to inappropriate content are flourishing.

How models were used in Bullet Train Explosion, The Mandalorian, Megalopolis, Alien: Romulus, The Phoenician Scheme, and more.Issue #37 of befores & afters magazine is now out! Its a deep dive into the latest miniature effects work, plus some old-school model effects.It covers:The miniature cloudscapes of The Phoenician Scheme with FX WRXThe strange, surreal world of Megalopolis and its use of miniatures with Christopher WarrenOrchestrating Bullet Train Explosion with modelsMaking the Corbelan IV from Alien: Romuluswith Pro Machina and Ian HunterHow ILM brought back miniatures for several Star Wars seriesA look back at the models in Band of Brothers with Mattes and MiniaturesThe demolition robot from I, Robot with Dave AslingYou can grab the issue inPRINTfrom Amazon (thats the US store, make sure you try your local Amazon store, too), or as aDIGITAL EDITIONon Patreon.Remember, you can alsosubscribe to the DIGITAL MAGAZINE as a tier on the Patreon and get a new issue every time one is released.Hope you enjoy the latest issue!Heres the links to various Amazon stores:USA:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP2YVDKYUK:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FP2YVDKYCanada:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FP2YVDKYGermany:https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FP2YVDKYFrance:https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0FP2YVDKYSpain:https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FP2YVDKYItaly:https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0FP2YVDKYAustralia:https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FP2YVDKYJapan:https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0FP2YVDKYSweden:https://www.amazon.se/dp/B0FP2YVDKYPoland:https://www.amazon.pl/dp/B0FP2YVDKYNetherlands:https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0FP2YVDKYThe post The art of miniatures: new issue of befores & afters magazine now out! appeared first on befores & afters.