SummaryAvowed offers players an incredible level of freedom in quests, character interactions, and combat for a deeply immersive fantasy role-playing experience.Choices in Avowed can affect character relationships, quest outcomes, and overall journey through the game.Avowed is launching February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, and cloud and will be available on day one with Game Pass.Your worlds, your way is not just a motto for Obsidian its truly how they think about their players. Freedom lives within everything they do, informing how they design quests, regions, combat, and more its these elements that help make an Obsidian RPG great (and why Obsidian RPG is a term you can immediately recognize in the first place).Ahead of the Avowed launch on February 18, 2025, I spoke with the team behind the upcoming fantasy role-playing game to learn more about the process that offers players such a huge level of agency and how this philosophy is being pushed in this game more than ever. There are choices you can make and consequences of actions you can take or not take, whether they are forecasted to you or not, that will impact the future of entire settlements, individual people, groups of people the whole spectrum basically, says Region Director Berto Ritger.This felt evident as soon as I got off the boat in the games first region, Dawnshore, as the entire zone is essentially laid out in front of you, waiting to be explored. Everywhere I looked was an opportunity to engage with this world, either through circumnavigating old houses to find loot, or talking to locals that would yield side quests and this was all before I even stepped foot outside of the port city of Paradis. My inclination is always to leave as much as possible for the player to discoverWhen a world is easily digested and handed to the player, it takes away a lot of mystery because theres less to find.Narrative Designer Kate DollarhydeOne of those quests involved a group of xaurips forcing a local settler out of her home. This quest alone has a variety of outcomes: you could go straightforward and fight the xaurips in her home or play it more stealthily and scout the location to report back on what you discover. But, as with many Obsidian-designed quests, theres a bit more hiding under the surface if you decide to pry more information out of her, and that was the case here I uncovered a more spiritual connection to the xaurips that I was not expecting. This, as much as anything, encompasses Obsidians philosophy: the more you engage, the more you should get in return.My inclination is always to leave as much as possible for the player to discover, says Narrative Designer Kate Dollarhyde. When a world is easily digested and handed to the player, it takes away a lot of mystery because theres less to find. We want the content to be legible, so players know whats going on and how to move through quests, but I dont want the correct answer to be obvious every time. Its like a conversation between us, the designers, and the player. We give you a platform to have a conversation with us. We want you to engage in the conversation as much as were engaging in it. We provide tools for that but leave room for you to play the way you want.When designing choices, the narrative team breaks these down as short-term, medium-term, and long-term factors. Short-term choices involve decisions made during conversations that may result in an NPC revealing new information, offering a new way to end a quest, or reacting negatively. Medium-term choices may affect the outcome within the full length of a quest. Long-term choices influence events over the course of multiple quests or the entire game. Whenever we sit down to design the critical path, the region stories, and the side quests, were always thinking in terms of short, medium, and long-term choices. It does get a little complicated trying to figure out how it all works together, but thankfully design is iterative, adds Dollarhyde. Obsidian has learned through iteration that sometimes these goals may be too hard to find for some players, so they would gradually layer in more hints, references, and suggestions. However, part of making choices feel personal for the player is feeling as though theyre opting into them Obsidian doesnt want players to feel like theyre being led around by the nose. Its a balancing act achieved through playtesting, iteration, and careful attention.When it comes to consequences, if every choice and outcome is entirely predictable, its not necessarily rewarding because you miss that novelty, says Game Director Carrie Patel. But if things feel like theyre coming completely out of left field, it can be jarring. As the player, you are the protagonist of a story, and we want outcomes and consequences to feel earned. We hone this through a lot of iteration and internal testing to ensure we foreshadow choices, especially the big ones, and their consequences.Then there are the personal choices you can make that will have deep consequences for individual characters, or small groups of characters. There are choices that will impact how your companions feel about you and whether they will stick around, explains Ritger. They will also react and respond to how you play side quests and main story quests some of their quests are intrinsically tied to where the main story goes. Theyll respond to how you decide certain things in quests and give you their thoughts. All four of the companions you encounter in Avowed are from the Living Lands, who you will encounter as the story progresses to build up your party. They have an interest in what happens and the choices you make, which is why theyre willing to tag along with you on your journey to make sure you dont make too much of a mess of things. So far, Ive only played with Kai as a companion, a blue-skinned Aumaua, who often provided needed context about the Living Lands, commenting on locations, characters, creatures, and historical events during our time together. As a former soldier, he excels as a tank, soaking up damage, drawing enemy fire, and utilizing incendiary ammo. Learning more about the other companions and how theyll interact with us is one of the things Im looking forward to discovering when the game comes out. The material reality of the people living in the setting informs the actual stories being told What does it look like when a colonial empire comes to your backwater island and says, Hi, were here and this is ours?Narrative Designer Kate DollarhydeAs you might expect, the characters in Avowed (companions or no) are not simply archetypal heroes or villains; they are complex individuals occupying morally gray areas. This complexity means that, when youre dealing with them, youre afforded a variety of choices, ensuring that decisions are rarely as clear-cut as purely good or evil.The material reality of the people living in the setting informs the actual stories being told, says Dollarhyde. What does it look like when a colonial empire comes to your backwater island and says, Hi, were here and this is ours? When were designing characters, quests, and content, were not looking at them and saying, What type of character is this? or Whats this persons trope? Its more about what they believe in. What they want, what influences what they want, and what they intend to do. Its much more about belief and necessity.For us, choice and consequence are not about every single thing you do affecting the heat death of the universe; its about everything being believably built to, Patel adds. Its that variety in terms of the magnitude of your consequences and the time horizon on which you see those consequences. Finding ways to fulfill those consequences in ways that are believable but also surprising sometimes makes the experience feel fresh and encourages players to keep digging and see what theyre going to find.Helping to give players this level of choice is the way the world of Eora is designed within Avowed. Your adventures will take place in these large defined zones not an open world which lets Obsidian cook up a higher level of choice and consequence knowing where you may be at any point in the adventure, and being able to provide you highly detailed options within this zone. I think its a good pacing mechanism (for those choices). We know roughly what youve done before youve gone to the next thing. Its still a very open structure within those zones, where you can do whatever you want for the most part, but its not one contiguous area where you could be anywhere at any moment. says Ritger.Obsidian can build on those experiences over time and manage the pacing accordingly. It also allows them to stay focused as designers to ensure theyre delivering a coherent, thematically consistent story in each region by understanding the essence of each area. What are the stakes? Who are the main figures? What are their goals? What kinds of choices will be presented to you? The zones, in particular, help maintain this focus. We know that no one player is going to have the exact same experience, and part of what makes it fun and rewarding is when you find something and think, I found this on my own, and I wonder how many other people did.Game Director Carrie PatelHow detailed these zones look also seems to benefit from this approach, as what you get to explore feels much denser and more lived-in. It feels like many of the characters placed in the world have a tangible reason to be there, meaning none of their dialogue felt like filler. Every shrub, NPC, or house felt like it had a reason to be there.Pacing is really tough in open-world games, adds Dollarhyde. You never know where the player is and what theyre doing at any given time. So having these zones that happen in sequence means we always know what content youve just come from on the critical path. Maybe not what side quests youve done, but we always know youve just had this [core] experience.Designing choice to house this variety of outcomes is what brings me to one of the most fascinating aspects of what makes an Obsidian RPG like Avowed great the sheer number of outcomes, choices, and consequences that you may never encounter. And the game design team is totally OK with that! Its something I encountered during a separate hands-on preview last year.In that instance, I was curious to see how far I could push a dialog interaction with the oracle, Sargamis. Without spoiling anything, the fact that it let me go as far down the rabbit hole as it did (effectively offering an opportunity to die in a very silly way)was both impressive and hilarious and crucially, it didnt need to be there. Obsidian rewarded me with more dialogue, more story, simply for being curious. I was eager to learn more about the logic behind this approach. We know that for the players who find those secrets and experiences, its going to give them that same sense of delight and surprise that it sounds like you experienced, Patel says. What makes RPGs special, and what makes our RPGs special, is the idea that were building a lot of content. We know that no one player is going to have the exact same experience, and part of what makes it fun and rewarding is when you find something and think, I found this on my own, and I wonder how many other people did.The team commits to these ideas as early as possible so that they have the time to really push those limits, and dont feel tacked on. Its an ingredient that they bake into how they build their games they want to ensure there are core, impactful choices that will fundamentally alter the way Avowed plays.As a designer, I love making stuff that I know people wont see, that a handful of players are going to encounter. I know that those handful of players, theres going to be one or two in there that really love it and are astonished, adds Dollarhyde. Then they want to go tell somebody else about it, and they get to have a cool moment with their friend who played the game and missed that stuff. I love popping onto Reddit or the forums or whatever and just seeing what people are excited about because thats the most fun part of making games. Obsidians objective is to explore a range of emotions, offering you the opportunity to engage deeply with different aspects of the game in whatever way you choose. Whether it involves extensive dialogue to learn more about the world, or participating in combat simply for the thrill, Avowed is structured so that you can always focus on your preferred activities, be it combat, exploration, or conversation in the Living Lands.It all means that Avowed is shaping up to deliver one of the most deeply engaging and personalized gaming experiences this year, where your decisions will matter and each playthrough has the chance to be a truly unique experience. Obsidians meticulous attention to detail and the thoughtful combination of choice and consequence that defines this remarkable game, ensures your journey to Eora and the Living Lands will be a memorable one. Avowed is launching February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and will be available on day one with Game Pass. Players who purchase the game for either Xbox or Battle.net or have a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass membership can play on both Xbox and Battle.net by linking their Xbox and Battle.net accounts.Avowed is currently available for pre-order on the Xbox Store, Battle.net, and Steam. The Premium Edition offers up to five days early access, two premium skin packs, and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook & Soundtrack.Avowed Premium EditionXbox Game Studios$89.99Pre-orderPremium Edition includes: Avowed base game Up to 5 days early access Two Premium Skin Packs Access to Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?The Weird and Wonderful Living LandsThe Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem. Visceral Combat to Play Your WayMix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance. Companions as part of your journeyCompanions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.Avowed Standard EditionXbox Game Studios$69.99Pre-orderWelcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?The Weird and Wonderful Living LandsThe Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem. Visceral Combat to Play Your WayMix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance. Companions as part of your journeyCompanions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Lets jump in!City Transport Simulator: TramDovetail Games Get it nowCity Transport Sim January 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBecome a tram driver, so hop into the cab for the ultimate tram driving experience! Take your pick from a selection of three real life trams, the ULF B1, R2.2b, or ULF A1, and hit the city streets of Tramau! Transport your passengers while sticking to a timetable and create your own tram routes to build up a fully functioning and effective tram network.CuisineerXSEED Games$29.99Pre-orderCuisineer January 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play AnywhereDive into dungeons and cook up a storm as Pom, an adventurer-turned-restaurateur! Cuisineers food-focused action challenges you to build your dinner the hard way: by dungeon-diving for materials and ingredients.Eternal StrandsYellow Brick GamesGet it nowEternal Strands January 28Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play AnywhereAvailable on day one with Game Pass Ultimate! Eternal Strands is the debut fantasy title from Yellow Brick Games, a new independent studio founded by industry veterans from franchises including Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Watch Dogs, and Assassins Creed. Fight epic, towering creatures while blending magical abilities with an arsenal of powerful weapons to keep the world from crumbling in this third-person, action-adventure game.Orcs Must Die! DeathtrapRobot Entertainment, Inc.Get it nowOrcs Must Die! Deathtrap January 28Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|SAvailable on day one with Game Pass Ultimate! Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an action-packed, third-person shooter and trap defense game. Evolve as an orc-slaying War Mage through rogue-lite choices and obliterate, eviscerate, and incinerate massive hordes with up to four players.Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of WinterUnited Label$24.99$19.99Pre-orderTails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter January 28Smart DeliveryAs Arlo, young heir to the Warden of the Wastes, journey through the vast, snow-ravaged lands of the North in an epic quest to overcome the Dark Wings once and for all. Hunt down giant beasts. Unite disparate clans. Upgrade your settlement. And discover a terrible secret of blood and crownThe Stone of MadnessTripwire Interactive LLC$29.99$26.99Pre-orderThe Stone of Madness January 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play AnywhereA real-time tactical stealth game set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery. Located in the Pyrenees, this time-worn Jesuit monastery is home to a madhouse and an inquisitorial prison. Five prisoners plagued by cruel punishment, madness, and despair pool their skills and resources to face their phobias, stave off insanity, uncover the mysteries of the Monastery, and find a way to escape.WayfinderAirship SyndicateGet it nowWayfinder January 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBecome a Wayfinder and unlock their powers as you choose your path and playstyle while pushing back a hostile force that has overtaken your world. A co-op ARPG where you directly shape and customize the endless adventures you go on with friends, because Wayfinders are stronger together.Agent FallEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowAgent Fall January 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA retro side-scrolling shooter across sprawling platformer stages, from the desert sands and jet hangars of the surface to mysterious underground labs and waterways. Choose from 4 agents and infiltrate the base in a search-and-destroy operation where youve got the ultimate license to kill.Stellar DocksAfil GamesGet it nowStellar Docks January 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryEmbark on an interstellar puzzle adventure in Stellar Docks, a Sokoban-inspired game with charming 2D pixel art. Guide an astronaut as they maneuver drones to their recharging docks across grid-based maps filled with logical challenges.Checkmate SurvivorsRainForest Game StudioGet it nowCheckmate Survivors January 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA top-down automatic shooter game where you control the King on a chessboard where all the other pieces rebel against the Kings tyranny. Your mission is to defeat enemy pieces, such as pawns, knights, rooks, and queens, using weapon upgrades, movement, build management, and positioning to face the enemies. Each enemy piece has distinct movement and attack patterns, challenging you to use tactics and speed to survive and advance.Slasher: OriginsWales InteractiveGet it nowSlasher: Origins January 29Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA chaotic, 2.5D, auto-attack survival game with rogue-lite elements and noir-anime storytelling. Unlock powerful heroes, create builds of unique abilities, and survive the escalating inferno of Mephistopheles underworld.Accolade Sports Collection (QUByte Classics)QUByte Interactive & AtariGet it nowAccolade Sports Collection January 30Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / smart DeliveryStep back into the golden age of sports gaming with the Accolade Sports Collection! Featuring five legendary titles: Hardball!, Hardball II, Hoops Shut Up and Jam!, Winter Challenge, and Summer Challenge. This collection delivers nostalgic thrills with modern enhancements.BasureroesJanduSoft$12.49$9.99Pre-orderBasureroes January 30Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryDr. Diogenes is back, but this time the real threat comes from beyond the stars: an alien invasion seeking to conquer the Earth. The Basureroes must prepare to spring into action and save the world. Once again, its time to take out the trash!Gimmick! 2Clear River GamesGet it nowGimmick! 2 January 30Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA classic challenge modernized. In Gimmick! 2, you once again meet the green little yokai Yumetaro. Decades after his first adventure he now sets out on a new quest in a world packed with interesting challenges, dangerous enemies, and hidden treasures.A Rite from the Stars: Remaster EditionArtax GamesGet it nowA Rite from the Stars: Remaster Edition January 30Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryJoin Kirm and his guiding star Hoku on this adventure full of puzzles, exploration and growth to unveil a beautiful coming of age story with multiple endings. Meet unique supernatural creatures and new companions along the way, cooperate with them and conquer the wisdom, courage and spirit paths!ROBOBEATKwaleeGet it nowRobobeat January 30Optimized for Xbox Series X|SYoure Ace a famous bounty hunter after your latest target, the eccentric robot-showman Frazzer. To find your way through his twisted techno-playground, youll have to master the art of shooting, wall-running, sliding, and bunny hopping, all in sync with the beat! Get ready to dance till youre dead and then suit up for the remix in this rogue-like rhythm shooter.Sniper Elite: ResistanceRebellion$59.99Pre-orderSniper Elite: Resistance January 30Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryAvailable on day one with Game Pass Ultimate! Offering unparalleled sniping mechanics, stealth and tactical third-person combat, Sniper Elite: Resistance turns the attention of the award-winning series towards a hidden war, far from the front lines, deep within the heart of occupied France. Bring a friend the full campaign can be experienced in co-op. Sniper Elite: Resistance Deluxe Edition launches January 28.Techno BanterCrunching KoalasGet it nowTechno Banter January 30Optimized for Xbox Series X|SYoure the bouncer of the Green Door club, where every decision matters. Reject the unworthy of partying with clever retorts, explore a neon-lit city, and immerse yourself in the Berlin-like citys underground techno scene. The beat is pumpingare you in?Casual Sport Series: TennisRevulo Games LLCGet it nowCasual Sport Series: Tennis January 31Casual Sport Series: Tennis brings the excitement of the game to life with its accessible and action-packed gameplay. The game features realistic court surfaces just like in real tennis play on grass, clay, or hard courts, each offering a unique feel and gameplay experience. Plus, every shot and serve is at your disposal, from topspin and slices to powerful smashes and precision drop shots, giving you the freedom to play like a pro.Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorFellow TravellerGet it nowCitizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector January 31Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play AnywhereThe highly anticipated sequel to one of 2022s most acclaimed RPGs! You are a sleeper, an emulation of a human mind housed in an artificial body. You are on the run from the corporation that made you and the gang that seeks to control you. Commandeer a ship, build a network of crew and allies, and take on challenging contracts as you seek to build a future for yourself.Dreamless17Studio LLC$14.99Pre-orderDreamless January 31Every 25 years, horrifying events occur in a lost town in the south. Is a serial killer, who has passed his craft from generation to generation, to blame for these terrible disappearances, or is it a curse? As the protagonist John, you receive a tempting offer from a friend: To explore the long-abandoned house of a deceased old lady who once instilled terror in all the residents.Hero of FateHappy PlayerGet it nowHero of Fate January 31Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryUnstoppable Rogue-like excitement! Unlock new classes, gather allies, and dive into unique adventures. Survive the swarms of monsters, navigate the paths of fate, conquer formidable bosses, and fight alongside a variety of randomly acquired Guardian Spirits to ultimately defeat the supreme demon lord!Marine Survivors (Xbox Series)Phoenix Reborn GamesGet it nowMarine Survivors January 31Optimized for Xbox Series X|SDive into the depths as a mystical whale in this spellbinding twist on the survivors genre! Enter an underwater arena where ancient magic meets endless action. Cast powerful spells against waves of deep-sea foes as you grow stronger with each run. Choose your path wisely each level-up presents new magical abilities that can make or break your survival strategy.MostroscopySeashell StudioGet it nowMostroscopy January 31A fighting game that takes up the aesthetics of the horror and Luchador films of Mexican cinema from the 1950s, with an eclectic roster of monsters and masked Luchadores and a simple gameplay style with a retro presentation.SquabRatalaika Games S.L.Get it nowSquab January 31Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryAn exciting precision platform adventure that puts players in control of a young pigeon full of energy but unable to fly. Using the dash as his main means of locomotion, players embark on a challenging journey to rescue his missing father, Maximus.Stones KeeperValkyrie Initiative LLPGet it nowStones Keeper January 31Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play AnywhereThe Order of the Griffin has at its disposal a floating island-fortress on which its castle sits. As you develop your castle, you will have the opportunity to hire new warriors, equip them with weapons, armor, and elixirs. You can upgrade the castles core systems to fight off pirate ships, artillery, and other flying islands. While moving your castle around the map, you explore and participate in story quests, discover ancient ruins, secrets, rewards, and artifacts.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is availableon iTunes and Apples Podcasts app,Stitcher,TuneIn,Google Play, or through ourdedicated RSS feedfor Overcast and other podcast players.Sponsored by Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Learn more and get started today for free.New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as theyre available.Stories discussed in this episode:Listen & Subscribe:Subscribe to support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock:Ad-free versions of every episodeBonus contentCatch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes!Dont miss out on our other daily podcasts:Share your thoughts!Drop us a line at happyhour@9to5mac.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

On this day 41 years ago, Apples first Macintosh went on sale, just two days after being introduced to the world during a commercial break in the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII. Although 1984 became a cultural phenomenon and a watershed moment for product launches, Apples Board of Directors was against it from the start. Heres how the legendary ad almost didnt airOn January 22, 1984, Apple instantly became a household name when it aired the enormously popular 1984 ad during Super Bowl XVIII. Directed by Sir Ridley Scott (the same guy behind Alien and Blade Runner) and created by Apples former advertising agency (Chiat/Day), the 60-second advert was inspired by George Orwells novel 1984, which foreseen a dystopian future, controlled by a televised Big Brother-like figure (a veiled jab at IBM).The ad begins with the echoing tones of an alarm and the marching of dozens of bald men dressed in gray clothing walking toward a big screen in an industrial hall. An ominous voice of a man speaking on a large screen is revealed as the marching men sit down in front of it.Meanwhile, a woman wearing athletic clothing and a white tank top with a drawing of a Macintosh is being chased by four police officers in black riot gear, presumably Thought Police from Orwells 1984 novel. Wielding a giant sledgehammer, she races toward the men fixated on a speech by Big Brother.Today, we celebrate the first glorious anniversary of the Information Purification Directives. We have created, for the first time in all history, a garden of pure ideologywhere each worker may bloom, secure from the pests purveying contradictory thoughts. Our Unification of Thoughts is more powerful a weapon than any fleet or army on earth. We are one people, with one will, one resolve, one cause. Our enemies shall talk themselves to death, and we will bury them with their own confusion. We shall prevail!Just before being caught by police, she slings the sledgehammer at Big Brothers screen after he declares, We shall prevail! Then boomed! The destruction of Big Brother frees the minds of the men watching as light returns to their faces.With 8 seconds left in the 60-minute ad, a narrator concludes by mentioning Macintosh accompanied by scrolling black text that reads:On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And youll see why 1984 wont be like 1984.The screen then fades to black, and a rainbow Apple logo appears.How 1984 almost didnt happenWhen Steve Jobs first saw the ad in an internal meeting with Chiat/Day, his first reaction was, Oh st. This is amazing, then-Apple CEO John Sculley told Business Insider. Steve Wozniak shared the same opinion, calling it better than any science fiction trailer. Apples Board of Directors, however, had very different thoughts.After seeing it for the first time, board member Mike Markkula suggested finding a new marketing agency and firing Chiat/Day. According to Sculley, other members of the board had similar opinions. The others just looked at each other, dazed expressions on their faces Most of them felt it was the worst commercial they had ever seen. Not a single outside board member liked it.John Sculley and Steve Jobs. Photo: APAfter getting cold feet, Sculley instructed Chiat\Day principal Jay Chiat to sell off the Super Bowl airtime they had purchased, but Chiat quietly disobeyed. At the time, they had two slots a 60-second ad to play during the third quarter and a 30-second shorter version for later during the game. Chiat sold only the 30-second and told Sculley it was too late to sell the more extended 60-second spot when they did not even try.When Jobs told Woz the ad was in trouble, he immediately offered to pay $400,000 out of pocket half of what the airtime cost for the ad would have been. Saying, Well, Ill pay half if you will.This turned out to be unnecessary. The executive team finally decided to run a 100-day Macintosh advertising blitz. Since they had already paid to produce 1984 and were stuck with the airtime, the Super Bowl ad went ahead to kick off the campaign.By doing the opposite of Sculleys instructions, Chiat helped play a significant role in Macintoshs success and cementing the companys place in history. Apple continued to use Chiat/Day for TV advertising until 2014.One of my favorite stories.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

An ally of newly-minted president Donald Trump's is arguing that the United States should resume nuclear weapons testing to send a message to its adversaries.Robert Peters, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind the controversial Project 2025, argued in a thread on X-formerly-Twitter that the "US must be ready to test nuclear weapons at the Nevada National Security Site within 3-6 months of being ordered to conduct a nuclear explosive test.""Such a test would occur if there were unforeseen 'political' reasons why a President would want to test one as part of a signaling campaign during an acute crisis or even conflict," Peters added in a followup,adding that it would "allow the US to conduct open-air nuclear testing within the US or in the Pacific over open water or uninhabited atoll."Emphasis on the "open-air," which would be a massive reversal for the country, effectively withdrawing the US from treaties ratified in the 1960s.The thing is, there's a reason we stopped testing nuclear weapons,especially in the open air, which sends radioactive material dozens of miles into the atmosphere, spiking cancer rates in people living nearby. No country except North Korea has detonated a nuclear bomb in a test since the 1990s, and open-air tests were banned by the international community in the 1960s.That's a good thing; the practice was immensely dangerous and destructive for a wide variety of reasons, as nuclear weapons expert Stephen Schwartz wrote in a series of posts on Bluesky."Needless to say except, apparently, for Bob and those who share his single-minded but retrograde point of view such a monumental reversal would be foolish and dangerously counterproductive, (giving carte blanche to every other nuclear-weapon state) environmentally destructive, and hugely expensive," Schwartz wrote.Schwartz pointed to the calamitous damage caused by 100 nuclear devices being detonated at the Nevada test site where Peters suggested new blasts between 1951 and 1962. Communities downwind from the site have suffered from radiation exposure, leading to a variety of diseases, including thyroid cancer and leukemia. The tests also contaminated nearby soil and groundwater.And that's not to mention thedestabilizingconsequencessuch a show of force would have on the international stage.Whether Trump is listening to the nuts in his orbit is a separate question. During a speech at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, Trump said that "wed like to see denuclearization.""I will tell you that [Russian] president Putin really liked the idea of cutting way back on nuclear, and I think the rest of the world, we would have gotten them to follow," he said. "And China too, China liked it."Whether Putin really wants to pull back on nuclear force, despite spending millions to upgrade its nuclear stockpilesreminding NATO members of its existence, remains dubious at best. The Pentagon also believes that China is looking to expand its arsenal of warheads to 1,000 by 2030.One thing's for sure: nobody, anywhere in the world, wants to see more open-air nuclear tests.More on nuclear weapons: General in Charge of Nuclear Weapons Says Heck, Let's Add Some AIShare This Article

Have you ever looked at the sheer number of Sherlock Holmes television adaptations? The number is truly staggering, but when you consider the enduring popularity of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles canon, its not exactly surprising. The Holmes stories have been in the public domain as of January 1, 2023, but television studios have been churning them out for decades before that.So, what makes Sherlock Holmes so TV-friendly, given that he and his adventures were conceived before TV was even invented? Its simple enough: Doyles stories follow a formula that works for televisionshort mysteries in single acts, able to be condensed down into a screenplay that lasts an hour or so. Sherlock Holmes was a case-of-the-week procedural before case-of-the-week procedurals had beeninvented.Theres also an enduring appeal to mystery stories that the Sherlock Holmes tales harnessed, creating storylines and narrative webs that invite obsession and fascination. Its also true that Sherlock Holmes the character, like his friend Dr. Watson, his housekeeper Mrs. Hudson, and his reluctant employer Inspector Lestrade are easy to like no matter what version of the stories youre reading or watching.In that vein, weve decided to rank the ten best Sherlock Holmes TV shows, from lesser-known sci-fi cartoons and Soviet dramas to the modern-day adaptations set in England, America, and even Japan. What makes Sherlock Holmes so popular? Its, well, elementary.The Best Sherlock Holmes TV Adaptations, RankedPut on your deerstalker cap and let's rank the best Sherlock Holmes shows.Gallery Credit: Emma StefanskyREAD MORE:10 TV Shows Everyone Loves That Are Actually BadGet our free mobile appTV Shows We Used to Love That Are Cringe NowWe can't say why we liked these shows, but we can certainly say why we can't watch them now.Gallery Credit: Emma StefanskyFiled Under: Sherlock, Sherlock HolmesCategories: Galleries, Original Features, TV News

About PR Volt:Since our launch in 2017, PR Volt has been on a mission to revolutionize PR for small businesses by making it more affordable, efficient, and transparent. We harness the power of technology and automation to optimize every step of the PR processfrom client engagement to targeting and connecting with journalists.We're seeking a talented and versatile PR Content Writer to join our dynamic team. If you have a passion for storytelling, strong editing skills, and the ability to create compelling content for diverse audiences, wed love to hear from you!Role Overview:As a PR Content Writer at PR Volt, you will craft engaging and impactful content across a wide range of topics and formats, tailored to resonate with various audiences. Leveraging your expertise in content creation, SEO, and storytelling, you will produce high-quality articles and materials that seamlessly fit into the style of leading media outlets.Key Responsibilities:Write, edit, and optimize compelling articles for a diverse array of topics and audiencesDevelop well-crafted prompts to maximize the use of AI tools in the content creation processEnsure all content aligns with the style and tone of target outlets, creating pieces that feel organic and authenticWork off of information briefs to produce accurate, engaging, and data-driven contentIncorporate SEO best practices into content to boost visibility and engagementCollaborate with internal teams to meet deadlines and ensure client satisfactionManage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standardsRequirements:To excel in this role, you should bring:At least 3 years of proven experience in content writing, journalism, or a related fieldExceptional storytelling and editing skills, with a sharp eye for detailComfort with leveraging AI tools to assist with writing and a strong understanding of prompt engineeringAbility to write about a wide range of topics and adapt to different styles and tonesKnowledge of SEO principles and how to apply them to content creationStrong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to work asynchronously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentAvailability to overlap with morning US Eastern Time zone work hoursPreferred Qualifications:Familiarity with PR and US media outlets is a bonusBenefits:Fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in the worldIndependent contractor role with hours ranging from 20 to 40 hours per weekCompetitive pay based on deliverablesAn opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a fast-growing, innovative company

This is today's edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology. OpenAI launches Operatoran agent that can use a computer for you Whats new: After weeks of buzz, OpenAI has released Operator, its first AI agent. Operator is a web app that can carry out simple online tasks in a browser, such as booking concert tickets or filling an online grocery order. The app is powered by a new model called Computer-Using AgentCUA for shortbuilt on top of OpenAIs multimodal large language model GPT-4o.Why it matters: OpenAI claims that Operator outperforms similar rival tools, including Anthropics Computer Use and Google DeepMinds Mariner. The fact that three of the worlds top AI firms have converged on the same vision of what agent-based models could be makes one thing clear. The battle for AI supremacy has a new frontierand its our computer screens. Read the full story. Will Douglas Heaven + If youre interested in reading more about AI agents, check out this piece explaining why theyre AIs next big thing. Whats next for robots James ODonnell In the many conversations Ive had about robots, Ive also found that most people tend to fall into three camps. Some are upbeat and vocally hopeful that a future is just around the corner in which machines can expertly handle much of what is currently done by humans, from cooking to surgery. Others are scared: of job losses, injuries, and whatever problems may come up as we try to live side by side. The final camp, which I think is the largest, is just unimpressed. Weve been sold lots of promises that robots will transform society ever since the first robotic arm was installed on an assembly line at a General Motors plant in New Jersey in 1961. Few of those promises have panned out so far.But this year, theres reason to think that even those staunchly in the bored camp will be intrigued by whats happening in the robot races. Heres a glimpse at what to keep an eye on this year. Read the full story. This piece is part of MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series, looking across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of them here. The must-reads Ive combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 Facebook and Instagram blocked and hid abortion pill posts But Meta denies its anything to do with its recent hate speech restriction U-turn. (NYT $)+ The companys widespread changes are making advertisers nervous. (Insider $)+ A contraceptive drug could act as an abortion pill substitute. (The Atlantic $)2 Donald Trumps staff are furious with Elon Musk His decision to trash talk the Presidents new AI deal is ruffling aides feathers. (Politico)+ For once, Trump doesnt seem to want to wade in. (CNN)+ Stargates newest data center will be built in the small Texan city of Abilene. (Bloomberg $)3 Watch the Trump administration delete agency pages in real timeAn agency GitHub records the documents, handbooks and bots as theyre deleted or amended. (404 Media) 4 Central Europes power grid is vulnerable to attack Its facilities unencrypted radio signals leave it wide open to malicious interference. (Ars Technica)+ The race to replace the powerful greenhouse gas that underpins the power grid. (MIT Technology Review) 5 OpenAIs conversion to becoming a for-profit is under investigation Californias attorney general wants to know more about its asset transfer plans. (The Markup)+ One major obstacle is determining how much equity Microsoft would hold. (FT $)6 WeRide has its sights set on becoming a driverless power playerThe Chinese company has ambitious plans to expand all over the world. (WSJ $) + Meanwhile, Tesla is issuing a safety update to 1.2 million cars in China. (Bloomberg $)+ How Wayves driverless cars will meet one of their biggest challenges yet. (MIT Technology Review)7 How fungi spores can help save endangered plantsBut its a delicate balancing act. (Knowable Magazine) + Africa fights rising hunger by looking to foods of the past. (MIT Technology Review)8 The fight over our tech-addled attention spanIts not that we cant focusits what were focusing on. (New Yorker $) 9 TikTok is still MIA from US app stores Opportunists are flogging iPhones with the pre-installed app for eye-watering prices. (Insider $)10 How random is Spotifys shuffle, really? And can algorithms be depended on to deal in true randomness? (FT $)Quote of the day I cant imagine that I personally can make any difference in their wealth, power or influence. But I cant be a part of offering them my life and my joy to then turn it back around and make money off of me. Michael Raine, a 50-year old Facebook and Instagram user, explains to the Washington Post why he doesnt want to contribute to the sprawling wealth of Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg any more. The big story How to stop a state from sinking April 2024 In a 10-month span between 2020 and 2021, southwest Louisiana saw five climate-related disasters, including two destructive hurricanes. As if that wasnt bad enough, more storms are coming, and many areas are not prepared. But some government officials and state engineers are hoping there is an alternative: elevation. The $6.8 billion Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project is betting that raising residences by a few feet will keep Louisianans in their communities. Ultimately, its something of a last-ditch effort to preserve this slice of coastline, even as some locals pick up and move inland and as formal plans for managed retreat become more popular in climate-vulnerable areas across the country and the rest of the world. Read the full story. Xander Peters We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet 'em at me.) + How two enterprising actors staged a daring performance of Hamlet inside Grand Theft Auto + Warning: these movies are dangerous!+ Madonna released Material Girl 40 years ago this weekand changed the face of pop forever.+ And finally, what everyone has been dying to knowdo dogs really watch TV?

Key takeaways You can earn up to 4.65% APY with today's best CDs.The Fed is likely to pause rates at its next meeting, so there's still time to lock in a high APY.Rate cuts are expected later this year. Want to maximize your earnings? Now's the time to take advantage of still-high certificate of deposit rates.Annual percentage yields, or APYs, on CDs have been falling for months in response to a series of Federal Reserve rate cuts. But with experts expecting the Fed to pause rates at its meeting next week, most banks are keeping APYs where they are for now. That means there's still time to lock in a great rate and protect your returns from the cuts the Fed is likely to make later this year. Today's top CDs offer APYs as high as 4.65%.Here are some of the highest CD rates right now and how much you could earn by depositing $5,000.Today's best CD rates Term Highest APY*BankEstimated earnings6 months 4.65%CommunityWide Federal Credit Union$114.931 year 4.45%CommunityWide Federal Credit Union$222.503 years 4.15%America First Credit Union$648.695 years 4.25%America First Credit Union$1,156.73 Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a CD account to get the best APY possible. Enter your information below to get CNET's partners' best rate for your area.Opening a CD today can boost your earningsAPYs on CDs and savings accounts have been dropping since the Federal Reserve cut rates at its last three meetings. But with inflation inching back up, many experts believe the Fed will hold rates steady at next week's meeting. And banks appear to be hedging their bets by holding CD rates relatively steady, too."We expect no significant action at the next Fed meeting, as current signals suggest a cautious, wait-and-see approach to determine the pace of interest rate cuts this year," said Chad Olivier, Certified Financial Planner and CEO of The Olivier Group. "We still think there's going to be an easing environment for the Fed. However, all of the markets are, in some respect, waiting to see what happens with the new administration before they really step in and get aggressive on lower interest rates."Experts expect to see rate cuts later this year, so securing a high APY now can maximize your earning potential. Your APY is locked in when you open a CD, which means your returns will stay the same regardless of where overall rates go after that.How CD rates have changed over the last week Term Last week's CNET average APYThis week's CNET average APYWeekly change**6 months 4.09%4.05%-0.98%1 year 4.03%4.01%-0.50%3 years 3.50%3.50%No change5 years 3.45%3.45%No change What to look for when choosing a CDA competitive APY is important, but it's not the only thing you should keep in mind. To find the right CD for you, weigh these factors, too:When you'll need your money: Early withdrawal penalties can eat into your interest earnings. So be sure to choose a term that fits your savings timeline. Alternatively, you can select a no-penalty CD, although the APY may not be as high as you'd get with a traditional CD of the same term.Minimum deposit requirement: Some CDs require a minimum amount to open an account -- typically, $500 to $1,000. Others do not. How much money you have to set aside can help you narrow your options.Fees: Maintenance and other fees can eat into your earnings. Many online banks don't charge fees because they have lower overhead costs than banks with physical branches. Still, read the fine print for any account you're evaluating.Federal deposit insurance: Make sure any bank or credit union you're considering is an FDIC or NCUA member so your money is protected if the bank fails.Customer ratings and reviews: Visit sites like Trustpilot to see what customers are saying about the bank. You want a bank that's responsive, professional and easy to work with.MethodologyCNET reviews CD rates based on the latest APY information from issuer websites. We evaluated CD rates from more than 50 banks, credit unions and financial companies. We evaluate CDs based on APYs, product offerings, accessibility and customer service.The current banks included in CNET's weekly CD averages include Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, American Express National Bank, Barclays, Bask Bank, Bread Savings, Capital One, CFG Bank, CIT, Fulbright, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, MYSB Direct, Quontic, Rising Bank, Synchrony, EverBank, Popular Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, America First Federal Credit Union, CommunityWide Federal Credit Union, Discover, Bethpage, BMO Alto, Limelight Bank, First National Bank of America and Connexus Credit Union.*APYs as of Jan. 24, 2025, based on the banks we track at CNET. Earnings are based on APYs and assume interest is compounded annually.**Weekly percentage increase/decrease from Jan. 6, 2025, to Jan. 13, 2025.More on CDs

A new laptop can be a big upgrade. Whether it's for school, work, gaming or just for you, there are so many things to consider when looking for a new laptop. These things include screen size, specs, brands and most importantly, price. Higher-end options are a lot more expensive. But there are some great budget options that work just as well.Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.One of those is Lenovo's IdeaPad laptop. And even better, it's now down to an all-time low price. Amazon discounted the laptop by $65, bringing it down to just $274. Just make sure to clip the on-page coupon to receive the full discount.See at AmazonLenovo makes great affordable laptops, with many models making our best budget laptops list. This IdeaPad is no exception. This laptop runs on Windows 11 and is great for everyday, simple use. It even has Dolby audio to give you a high quality listening experience. The laptop comes with an impressive 12GB of RAM and 512GB of solid-state drive storage. It also has an array of ports for all your needs like a headphone port, an SD card reader, USB-C, USB-A and more. It's also great for students and workers as the laptop comes with one year of Office 365 included with your purchase.For more laptop deals, check out our full roundup of the best laptop deals you can score right now. Top deals available today, according to CNET's shopping experts Curated discounts worth shopping while they last Amazon Blu-ray bundle: 3 for $33Costco 1-year Gold Star membership + $20 gift card: $65 (save $20)Anker 20-watt USB-C charger, 2-pack: $13 (save $6)Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum: $160 (save $40)Sony WH-CH720N noise-canceling headphones: $88 (save $62) Why this deal mattersThe IdeaPad is now less than $300, making it a great time to grab one. Not to mention, it's down to a record-low price. Amazon claims this is a limited-time deal so there's no saying when it will expire. If you're interested, it's better to grab one now before the deal expires or the laptop sells out.