Complicated cleaning hacks can be fun projects, but I love a simple one even moreand this one is really simple: You can use the lid of a pot or pan to clean your carpets and fabrics. It works like a charm, which is why its been all over TikTok for the past few years.To freshen up your upholstery or carpet, youll need:The lid from a pot or pan, with a handle in the centerA large microfiber ragA bowl of waterDish soapDepending on what youre cleaning and how you like to do it, you may want to add a few drops of vinegar or vodka, but otherwise, stick to the cleaning recipes youd normally use for whatever upholstery or carpet youre working on. Cleaning the upholsteryFill a bowl with your cleaning solution, whether its a mixture of liquid dish detergent and baking soda, water and vinegar, or a store-bought upholstery cleaner. (I used what I had on hand, which was laundry detergent.) Drop your cloth in the bowl, saturate it with the mixture, then squeeze out the excess, and lay the fabric down flat.Set your lid in the center of your damp cloth and pull the edges up around it, securing them over the handle with a rubber band. If they dont quite reach that far, just secure them tightly over the handle with your hand as you work. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Now you have a fabric-covered disk that you can push around on your couches, chairs, carpets, rugs, or pillows. It will pick up lint and freshen the fabrics without making anything too damp. I recommend pushing the soapy rag around on the upholstery until it's decently damp and clean, then going back in with a plain wet rag on the lid instead of the soapy one and then either drying the area with a hair dryer or fan (or opening a window and letting the outside air take care of it).Why I like this cleaning methodThe goal here isnt to make your carpets and cushions wet, but to give them a damp refreshthe lid provides stability and works the solution in gently and evenly. It's easy to push the lid along the surface of a couch or chair cushion, and the heft of the lid gives you some extra power. When you're just using a rag, it's hard to push down enough to really clean the area, since both the rag and the upholstery are so soft. Inevitably, you end up pushing down too much and making the spot too wet, which is no goodif the cushion doesn't dry out fully, that can lead to mold or bad smells. I recently spilled coffee all over my couch; despite dabbing it up that day, I was left with hideous stains. This couch is old and cost me like $200 on Amazon years ago, so it's not really worth pulling out a bunch of stops or getting a professional machine to deal with. I decided to give the pan lid a try. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson To my horror, just one round of pot-lid scrubbing pulled up a lot of residual coffee. To my pleasure, it required very little elbow grease on my part and did not soak my poor, cheap couch in too much cleaning solution. The entire couch looks much better and was fine to sit on again in under an hour, after just a little bit of air drying. Not every TikTok hack works, but this one sure does.

The extremely popular strategy game Endless Legend is finally getting a sequel, ten whole years after the original game began blowing up sales charts. Developer Amplitude Studios, who made the first one, just dropped a trailer for Endless Legend 2 and it looks pretty darned cool.This game and its sequel fall under the 4X sub-genre of strategy games, meaning the crux of the gameplay involves building an empire of some kind. The Civilization titles are a great example of 4X strategy. 4X actually stands for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit and eXterminate. I guess 4E just didnt have the same vibe.In any event, Endless Legend 2 is set in a new location, the oceanic world of Saiadha. The trailer hints at the mysterious nature of this world and showcases the refined gameplay mechanics. It also looks like players could stumble upon an imprisoned god during campaigns. Good times.Players can adopt the role of various factions in the game, many of which are shown off in the trailer. Theres a human-like race, an insectoid race and a centaur-like race, among others.Here's more good news for fans of the original. While Amplitude hasnt announced a release date yet, it did say that it will enter early access in early 2025. Using my advanced math skills I have deduced that its early 2025 right now. The early access build will let players take control of four of the aforementioned factions, with two more coming with the full release.If that nebulous release date has got you down, there's a way to try the game out even earlier. The company has reopened applications for its insider program. Not everyone will be selected for the initial testing phase, but its worth a shot.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/endless-legend-2-is-real-and-theres-a-mysterious-trailer-to-prove-it-191206441.html?src=rss

Super Bowl LIX is just a couple of weeks away, which means it's a decent time to be in the market for a new TV. If you're looking to make a living room upgrade, we've picked through Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers to find a few Super Bowl 2025 TV deals that are actually worth your time.To be candid, most of the discounts below are the result of TVs naturally falling in price around this time of year rather than any Super Bowl-specific sales. Most sets tend to arrive in the spring, drop a little over the summer, get a larger price cut for the holiday season, then gradually become cheaper until they're discontinued the following year. This pattern is starting to take shape again now, and with the likes of Samsung and LG unveiling their latest TVs for 2025 during CES last month, last year's models will probably fall even further in the months ahead.Still, if you want to upgrade today, a handful of well-reviewed TVs from LG, Sony, Samsung and Hisense are back down to the prices we saw around Black Friday and in some cases, even cheaper. While we at Engadget do not formally review TVs, we've scoured reviews from other sites we trust to find the good stuff and picked through price histories to ensure the discounts below are actual deals.LG B4 OLED TV (48") for $600 at Best Buy ($200 off MSRP): This ties the lowest price we've seen for the 48-inch LG B4, which is the entry-level model in LG's 2024 OLED lineup. While it's not as bright or color-rich as some higher-end alternatives, it still offers the essential perks of any good OLED TV: superb contrast with deep black tones, clear motion, wide viewing angles and the like. It's also a nice value for gaming, as it has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support refresh rates up to 120Hz. It's just better off in a darker room, and this particular model is relatively small. If you want something a little bigger, the 55-inch model is also on sale for an all-time low of $798 at Amazon. That's roughly $250 off.Hisense U7N QLED TV (65") for $698 at Amazon ($300 off): Several reviewers we trust say that the U7N delivers better brightness, contrast and HDR performance than most TVs in its price range. It's built with most of the features expected from pricier LED sets, including quantum-dot color, mini-LED backlighting and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also runs on the handy Google TV platform. Its viewing angles are poor, so it's not great for watching shows with a large group, and you may need to tinker with settings to get an optimal image. But the 65-inch model should be a strong value at this price, which is only about $20 more than the all-time low we saw briefly around Cyber Monday. Also at Walmart and Best Buy.The Samsung Frame TV.Amy SkorheimSamsung The Frame 2024 QLED TV (55") for $868 at Woot ($630 off): This deal from Amazon subsidiary Woot has been live for a few weeks, but it ties the best price to date for the 55-inch version of Samsung's stylish Frame TV outside of a one-off eBay coupon deal. You'd buy this set for its design above all else: It can't match the contrast and color volume of other TVs in its price range, as it lacks local dimming altogether, but it's convincingly built like a framed piece of wall art that can blend in with your home decor. Its matte panel helps it fend off glare in a bright room, and you can display actual artwork onscreen when you're not watching something. It's worth noting that Samsung unveiled a new and improved "Frame Pro" TV at CES earlier this month, but we'd expect that to cost more whenever it arrives.Hisense U8N QLED TV (65") for $900 at Amazon ($600 off): The U8N's picture quality is a broad step-up from the U7N, with better contrast, more vibrant colors and supremely high peak brightness. It still has most of the same drawbacks as the U7N mediocre viewing angles, minor blooming in a dark room, just decent upscaling of lower-res content but it should be a worthy upgrade if you have more cash to burn. This is another discount we saw for much of November and December, but it ties the all-time low for the 65-inch variant. Also at Best Buy.The Samsung S90D.SamsungSamsung S90D QD-OLED TV (55") for $1,198 at Amazon ($600 off): The S90D stands out for its QD-OLED panel, which mixes the benefits of an OLED display with quantum dots to boost color performance. Most reviews say that it can put out a wider gamut of more vibrant colors and brighter HDR highlights than more traditional OLED TVs like the LG C4. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports that can play up to 144Hz. It doesn't support Dolby Vision HDR, however, and Samsung's Tizen interface can be clunky. The company has also made the aggravating step of using both QD-OLED and more standard WOLED panels within the same product line, but this 55-inch version comes with the superior display in North America. (The 65- and 75-inch models do as well.) This deal is the second-best price we've ever seen and about $150 off this variant's average street price in recent months. Also at Samsung and Best Buy.LG C3 OLED TV (65") for $1,197 at Amazon ($303 off): The LG C3 was released in 2023, but it's not a huge downgrade from last year's LG C4, so it's still worth considering when it's available for less. The C4 should be slightly better in terms of brightness and color volume, plus it supports refresh rates up to 144Hz rather than 120Hz, though the latter is only really useful for PC gaming. Neither model can quite match the QD-OLED panel on the Samsung S90D, but the C3 will still look excellent if you're not comparing the two side-by-side and just want to save some cash on a larger premium display. This discount ties the lowest price we've tracked outside of a handful of in-store-only and eBay coupon deals.The Sony Bravia 7.SonySony Bravia 7 QLED TV (55") for $1,198 at Amazon ($100 off): The Bravia 7 isn't as strong of a value as the Hisense U8N, but some reviews suggest that it's a decent alternative if you're willing to trade some contrast and peak brightness for a more accurate picture out of the box. Like the Hisense TV, its image washes out when viewed from an angle and it only has two HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. In general, most people will be happier with a good OLED TV around this price. But if you want a brighter LED TV that looks great right away, this one might be worth a look. This is a new low for the 55-inch model. Also at B&H and Best Buy.Sony A95L OLED TV (65") for $2,498 at eBay via BuyDig ($500 off): The A95L is wildly expensive even with this discount, but many reviewers agree that it's the best TV on the market if money is no object. It's another QD-OLED TV like the Samsung S90D, but it's more color-accurate out of the box and should be better at preserving details in shows that aren't presented in 4K. It also supports Dolby Vision, unlike Samsung's TVs, and its Google TV software is generally easier to navigate than Tizen. The only serious drawback is that it's limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports, which may be annoying for those who own a soundbar and multiple game consoles. This discount from ties the lowest price to date for the 65-inch model; just use the code SAVEBIG20 at checkout. It comes from eBay via BuyDig, which Sony lists as an authorized seller.Roku Ultra (2024) for $79 at Amazon ($21 off): Roku's Ultra set-top box is overkill for most, but it might be worthwhile if you prefer the simplicity of Roku's interface and need built-in Ethernet and USB ports. It supports just about all the major apps and HDR formats, plus it lets iPhone owners cast video from their phone via AirPlay. Unlike the cheaper Roku Streaming Stick 4K, it also comes with a rechargeable remote that has backlit buttons, built-in voice controls and a lost remote finder. We call it the best Roku player in our guide to the best streaming devices. This deal was available for much of the holiday season, but it ties the latest model's all-time low. Also at Roku, Walmart and Best Buy.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-super-bowl-2025-tv-deals-we-could-find-161012455.html?src=rss

Asus' Q-Release Slim feature seems handy, but it could seriously damage your expensive RTX 5090 graphics card.

Facebook's Meta reveals its SeamlessM4T tech can translate between 101 languages.

Meta will begin testing ads on its Threads microblogging service with a few companies in the U.S. and Japan, the company said in a blog post Friday.

Threads, Metas X and Bluesky rival, is testing ads with certain brands in the United States and Japan, the company said Friday.We know there will be plenty of feedback about how we should approach ads, and we are making sure they feel like Threads posts youd find relevant and interesting, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a post. He added that the team will be monitoring the test before scaling it more broadly. The ads will show a Sponsored label as they appear in users feeds. Meta launched Threads in 2023 and has been focusing on growing its user base and keeping people logged on. Now that it has more than 300 million monthly active users (with more than 100 million of those using it daily), better monetization efforts appear to be the next step. After all, social media is just one big way to turn eyeballs into revenue.Meta Platforms, parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is likely to share an update about Threads when it reports fourth-quarter 2024 earnings next week. Its stock on Friday afternoon was trading at near record highs.Responses to Mosseris post announcing the test revealed frustration from some users. You put in ads, there will be no reason to stay. One user wrote. Ill leave the minute the ads start rolling by. Guaranteed.

With a swath of anti-DEI and other executive orders spilling out of the White House during the first week of Trumps second term, many companies are likewise changing or rolling back their own DEI programs or policies. That list includes Amazon, Boeing, Lowes, McDonalds, and Meta, many in the wake of a 2023 Supreme Court decision striking down certain affirmative action programs (which can be somewhat related to DEI efforts).However, one big companys shareholders are bucking the trend.Costcos shareholders rejected a proposal from a conservative think tank on Thursday, which aimed to persuade the company to roll back or nix its DEI hiring practices. Its a notable rejection, given that many other large companies have been more or less giving in to similar requests or proposals, and that Costco is the worlds third-largest retailer. In effect, its a sizable win for DEI adherents.The proposal was floated by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), and argued that Costcos DEI policies were harmful to the company and could open it up to lawsuits.With 310,000 employees, Costco likely has at least 200,000 employees who are potentially victims of this type of illegal discrimination because they are white, Asian, male or straight, reads a statement in support of the change, presented to shareholders prior to the vote. Accordingly, even if only a fraction of those employees were to file suit, and only some of those prove successful, the cost to Costco could be tens of billions of dollars.Costcos Board of Directors had recommended that shareholders vote against the proposal, and shareholders agreedthe proposal was voted down by 98% of them. While that was a win for DEI proponents, an uphill battle remains. This week, Trump issued an executive order aimed at terminating DEI policies.Illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws, they also undermine our national unity, as they deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system, the executive order reads. Hardworking Americans who deserve a shot at the American Dream should not be stigmatized, demeaned, or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex.So while Costco shareholders may have chalked up a win for DEI proponents in this case, the larger war is still ongoing.

American studio CLB Architects adapted a former Kmart department store into a headquartersfor an energy and manufacturing company in Wyoming, adding a weathering steel facade What was once an 82,230-square foot (7,545-square metre) concrete Kmart is now the new EMIT Technologies location expanded to a 119,325-square foot (11,085-square metre) campus on a nine-acre property in Sheridan, Wyoming.CLB Architects has turned a Kmart into a manufacturing headquartersCLB Architects which has offices in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Bozeman, Montana designed the building as a circulatory system for different user groups and created a collaborative environment where a "no collar" workforce could cross-pollinate, exchange ideas, and engage across staff, craftsmen, and the general public."The building form is addressed both additively and subtractively, creating a synergised, consolidated structure that encourages non-hierarchical relationships between office employees and factory staff," the CLB Architects team told Dezeen.The former department store now houses a branch of EMIT TechnologiesThe original Kmart building was transformed into a manufacturing space, and a new office and amenity building was added to the north side of the site."To unify the building from an architectural and visual standpoint, we wrapped those two halves of the building in a steel scarf," Eric Logan, CLB partner, told Dezeen, mentioning that the exterior steel scarf celebrates the "skill, talent, and craft of the building's occupants.The three-story addition is curved on the top and bottom floorsThe weathering steel facade which was custom fabricated and engineered by EMIT Technologies almost entirely on-site is suspended off the surface of the perimeter wall.A laser-perforated scrim serves as both a shading system and a display of the materials and methods of the manufacturing within.An oblong glazed courtyard cuts through the centreThe new three-storey addition is curved on the top and bottom floors but rectilinear on the second level, displaying its stacked makeup.An oblong glazed courtyard cuts through the centre of the addition like a "lung, which disseminates light and air into adjacent office and collaboration spaces."The machine floor is accessible by a pivot-pointA two-storey fire-rated glazing system forms an internal see-through facade between the office and manufacturing spaces."The machine floor is accessible by a pivot-point from the office headquarters, which reflects this spatial dichotomy in its interior finishes by playing raw, industrial materials against more elevated, streamlined, and hard-wearing surfaces," the team said.Read: CLB Architects takes "residential" approach for Jackson Hole AirportThe campus is open to the larger Sheridan community they will be able to access the auditorium, flex spaces, coffee shop, gymnasium, barber shop and library."Rugged but not individualist, the EMIT headquarters embodies the pioneering spirit and redefines notions of 'campus' to engage more deeply with the people, place, and raw materials that make the work possible."Weathering steel clads the facade"Weaving together cutting-edge technology and a community-focused ethos, the structure exemplifies the people and raw materials involved in the making process."The city of Sheridan reclaimed the area surrounding the building as a public park, which is now home to FILTER, a public art installation crafted by CLB and EMIT for the May 2022 NYCxDesign Festival in Times Square. Folded steel shards form an ellipsoid pavilion that has now made it home to Wyoming with a patina that reflects its journey.The photography is by Nic Lehoux.Project credits:Architecture: CLB ArchitectsCLB project team: Eric Logan, Andy Ankeny, Jeffrey Johnson, Danny Wicke, Justin Dhein, Taylor Noel, Sarah Kennedy, Jaye InfangerInterior design: EMIT with CLB ArchitectsContractor: AXE BuildCivil engineering: Nelson EngineeringStructural engineering: KL&A, Inc.MEP engineering: BG Building WorksAcoustical engineering: BG Building WorksTheatrical/AV consulting: BG Building WorksGeotechnical engineering: Nelson EngineeringLandscape: EMIT with CLB ArchitectsLighting: Lux Populi, Thomas Paterson, Scarlett TaylorKitchen consultant: HC Design and ConsultingSpecifications: iBIMClient: Casey Osborn, CEO, EMITThe post CLB Architects converts former Kmart building into manufacturing facility appeared first on Dezeen.

Swatch and Blancpains collaboration evolves once again with the Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pink Ocean, a bold exploration of color and creativity. This release reimagines the iconic Fifty Fathoms in a vivid, magenta-inspired pink that demands attention. By merging Blancpains dive watch heritage with Swatchs accessible design approach, the Pink Ocean transforms a classic into a vibrant fusion of technical tradition and artistic expression.Designer: Swatch x BlancpainBuilding on the popularity of earlier models like the Ocean of Storms and Blue Lagoon, the Pink Ocean carves its own niche. Its not a subtle piece by any means; instead, it leans into its playful design to offer something both unique and conversation-worthy.A Playful Take on a Classic DesignThe 42.3mm Bioceramic case defines the Pink Oceans striking appearance. Swatch has chosen a richly saturated pink, leaning toward magenta, that covers the case, bezel frame, and crown in a unified aesthetic. This vivid color choice brings energy and playfulness to the watch, making it stand out in a sea of more traditional dive watches.To add balance, the bezel insert shifts to a lighter pink tone, with its 60-minute scale filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced underwater visibility. The contrast between these shades creates visual interest without disrupting the cohesive color scheme. This careful use of varying hues makes the watch feel thoughtfully designed rather than overwhelming or excessive.Moving to the dial, the gradient pink surface features a subtle grainy texture that adds depth and sophistication to the bold design. Darker pink is used for the applied numerals, hour markers, and hands, which ensures strong legibility even with such a saturated color palette. The logos for Blancpain and Swatch are seamlessly integrated, while a matching pink date wheel shows the level of attention to detail in every aspect of the watch.An Eco-Friendly Strap with StyleAdding to its vibrant appearance, the NATO strap complements the case with a striped design of alternating pink tones. Made from recycled fishing nets, the strap ties into the watchs marine inspiration while highlighting Swatchs dedication to sustainability. Its lightweight yet durable construction ensures comfort, whether worn during everyday activities or while diving.The matching pink Bioceramic hardware, including loops and a pin buckle, completes the straps design. These elements enhance the seamless integration of the strap with the case, reinforcing the overall theme of unity and attention to detail. The straps environmentally conscious origins further underscore the collaborations modern sensibilities, making it as forward-thinking as it is stylish.A View of the Inner WorkingsThe back of the Pink Ocean offers just as much personality as the front. Through the exhibition caseback, the Sistem51 movement takes center stage, but its not your typical mechanical view. The rotor is decorated in a pink hue, featuring a whimsical nudibranch motif that nods to the oceanic world. This small but impactful detail ties the watch back to its marine inspiration, adding a layer of storytelling to its functionality.The Sistem51 itself is an industrially produced automatic movement, offering a generous 90-hour power reserve and operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Though it cannot be serviced or repaired, its design philosophy aligns with Swatchs approach to accessibility and practicality. Surrounding the caseback are embossed phrases like Passion for Diving and Protect What You Love, reinforcing the watchs connection to marine conservation and the importance of oceanic preservation.Balancing Tradition with InnovationWhile the Pink Oceans vibrant design takes center stage, it remains firmly grounded in the heritage of the Fifty Fathoms. The classic case shape, unidirectional bezel, and water resistance of 91 meters (300 feet) ensure that this watch still meets the standards expected of a dive watch. These elements provide a sense of reliability and function beneath the playful surface, ensuring that the design doesnt compromise performance.However, this collaboration isnt aimed solely at purists or traditionalists. Instead, it appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate design experimentation and enjoy pushing boundaries. Swatchs influence has expanded Blancpains reach, offering a fresh perspective on what a luxury dive watch can be without sacrificing the foundational elements that make the Fifty Fathoms iconic.The Intersection of Fun and FunctionalityThe Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pink Ocean exemplifies the idea that serious craftsmanship can coexist with playful design. It challenges traditional dive watch aesthetics, embracing bold colors while staying true to the functionality expected of a professional instrument. Whether its the vibrant dial, the sustainable strap, or the innovative Bioceramic case, every element of this watch reflects a balance between creativity and practicality.This release goes beyond adding a fun piece to a collectionit offers a fresh perspective on dive watches. Swatchs playful vision, paired with Blancpains technical expertise, creates a watch that sparks conversation and broadens the appeal of the Fifty Fathoms. The Pink Ocean invites wearers to view dive watches as tools that also reflect personality and style.For those unafraid to step outside of traditional norms, the Pink Ocean is a refreshing take on the iconic Fifty Fathoms, proving that innovation in design can be just as important as innovation in functionality.The post Swatch x Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pink Ocean: A Bold Dive into Vibrant Design first appeared on Yanko Design.