When we award the Polygon Recommends badge, its because we believe the recipient is uniquely thought-provoking, entertaining, inventive, or fun and worth fitting into your schedule. If you want curated lists of our favorite media, check out What to Play and What to Watch.After a dalliance with miniatures painting in high school, I caught the bug again in 2017 with the launch of Warhammer 40,000s 8th edition. Since then, Ive painted dozens and dozens of miniatures, and even had my work published on the official Games Workshop community website. Im not a professional painter, but I am a dedicated hobbyist with a penchant for trying out wacky new tools. Here are the bits that I use on a weekly basis to make spending time with my little space boys more enjoyable.

GameStop is slashing prices on select video games for no apparent reason (not that a reason is necessary!), marking down the likes of Super Mario RPG for the Nintendo Switch, Dragon Age: The Veilguard on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, and more to just $24.99. For many of these titles, this is the lowest price weve seen yet well over 50% off their normal prices so hop on this deal if you want to add some physical versions to your collection. Theres no indication when these sales will end, so get them while theyre still going.The full list of discounted games is a bit all over the place in terms of popularity, but there are some other gems than the ones mentioned already; EA Sports College Football 25 (PS5, Series X), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (PS5), FC 25 (PS5, Series X), Starfield, and NHL 25 (PS5) are key highlights, each selling for $24.99.

Can a simple wood stool be so advanced that it changes its qualities throughout the day? The Fold Stool by Durham, North Carolina-based industrial designer Vivian Chen is a testament to that possibility. Featuring tripod legs and a multi-faceted top, this unassuming piece of furniture doesnt rely on buttons or technology to transform. Instead, its all about the way light plays across its surfaces a clever result of Chens exploration into the interplay of light and form.The inspiration for this design was as simple as a folded piece of paper. By creasing a sheet into three sections, Chen observed how the folds created a dynamic form, casting and reflecting light in unexpected ways. She translated this concept into the Fold Stool, where each component is designed to interact with light in a similarly captivating manner.The stools legs and top are crafted with multiple angled surfaces, allowing it to change its appearance depending on how light interacts with its planes. This design detail elevates the Fold Stool from a static object to one that feels almost alive, constantly shifting in response to its environment. Chens goal was to show that even the simplest objects can take on new dimensions through the interplay of light and geometry.I believe stools should be reliable objects with unique characters of their own, effortlessly blending into any space, says Chen. Their simplicity and reliability allow for quick seating solutions easily grabbed when needed without a second thought. The Fold Stool embodies this philosophy, combining practicality and charm to enhance the character of any environment.The angular legs extend seamlessly through the faceted top via mortises, creating consistency and a structurally sound connection. This thoughtful detail not only reinforces the stools durability but also highlights the meticulous craftsmanship behind its design. Made from locally sourced hardwood, the Fold Stool is available in two heights 12 inch and 17.5 inch with the possibility to be easily scaled up to various heights.This simple piece of furniture, with its humble inspiration, is as much a functional object as it is a conversation starter, proof that even everyday furniture can surprise and delight.To learn more about Vivian Chen and her work, visit vivianchendesign.com.Photography by Vivian Chen.

Twice a month were inviting one of the Design Milk team members to share five personal favorites an opportunity for each of us to reveal the sort of designs we love and appreciate in our own lives from a more personal perspective. Social Media ConsultantMaivy Tranreturns this week for ourTake 5series.1. Architecture for DogsAs a dog owner, lover, and self-proclaimed professional DIY-er, I bookmarked so many blueprints from this exhibition! Architecture for Dogs is such a unique celebration of our furry companions, showcasing creative and functional designs that go beyond traditional pet spaces. From ramps and cushions to a vertical doghouse that lets your dog gaze at you at eye level, I love that this project truly puts pets at the heart of design. Its so cool to see how architecture can foster a deeper bond between humans and dogs while exploring new ways of cohabiting with our pets. Even more exciting, you can download the plans to build these innovative creations for your own dog making it an interactive experience for pet lovers everywhere! (Its currently on view at the ADI Design Museum until Feb. 16, 2025, and you can bring your pet!)View this post on InstagramA post shared by smaller than three (@smallerthanthree.vn)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Haptic Editions (@haptic.editions)2. Traditional Tear-off CalendarsAs we celebrate Lunar New Year today, its the perfect time to reflect on traditions, and these two tear-off calendars make that easy and fun! Growing up, my family always had one hanging, and I love how these capture that same nostalgic feel. The first from @smallerthanthree.vn offers a daily link to Vietnamese culture with its minimalist, elegant design. Each page marks the date and lunar cycle and highlights important events like Vietnamese New Year, lucky hours, and even zodiac signs to guide your daily journey. While its now out of stock for 2025 (keep an eye out for next year!), the second by @duck.ruai x Haptic Editions brings just as much joy with its playful, frame-by-frame animation design. Not only is it a great way to track the year, but it can be reused for years to come, making it both sustainable and super fun!3. The Parcel System from CadenceTraveling over the holiday season made me realize I didnt have a solid system for organizing on the go, especially when it came to my skincare and makeup. Chaotic bags, clutter everywhere it was a hot mess! With some trips lined up for the year, Im hoping the Parcel System from Cadence will help me get it together a bit better. Versatile and featuring a modular design, you can connect multiple bags side-by-side for a completely customizable setup. Plus, its easy to clean and built to last!4. Charles Kaisins Surrealist DinnersOh, to even be a fly on the wall at one of Charles Kaisins surrealist dinners Whether its fishing for ducks at the table or dining under a cosmic sky, these dinners are like something straight out of a whimsical dream! Each one is meticulously crafted around a theme thats as bizarre as it is brilliant, creating a playful, almost Alice in Wonderland-like atmosphere that keeps guests talking for years! The stunning attention to detail, from the setting to the service, is absolutely amazing. Honestly, who wouldnt want to dine in a grand chteau or a secret garden while indulging in this kind of creative madness?5. Teatsy Vortex KitIm a big tea drinker, but I recently learned that teabags can release tons of microplastics, so Ive been on the hunt for ways to steep loose-leaf tea. I came across the Vortex Kit from Teatsy and was instantly intrigued by its 360 rotational strainer. This clever design brews tea to perfection without over-steeping, and the set includes three minimalist teacups and a durable travel case for tea on the go. The best part? You can reuse the tea leaves multiple times, so you can savor every layer of flavor with each steep all without the microplastics!

All of the devices you own and every app running on those devices is eager for your attention, which can make it difficult to actually get anything done and Windows is no different when it comes to regularly distracting you with pings and pop-ups. Leave the default notification settings in place, and it can get a bit overwhelming.Windows does give you plenty of control over how notifications work, though, including which apps and system events are allowed to bother you and whenthere are even various Do Not Disturb options and modes you can take advantage of. Here's how to set Windows 11 notifications up to suit you.Notification settingsTo get started with notification management, head to Settings from the Start menu, then choose System > Notifications. Right away you'll see a Notifications toggle switch: Turn this off and you won't be bothered by any notifications at all. You can also click on the Notifications heading to choose whether or not these alerts come with sounds attached and appear on the lock screen.Further down the same screen you get a list of all the programs installed on your computer, where you can set the notification options for each individual piece of software. If there's an app you don't want to hear from at all, just turn the relevant toggle switch off. Alternatively, you can take more granular control over what each app can do. The notification settings in Windows. Credit: Lifehacker You can choose whether apps can show notification pop-ups, or have their alerts shown in the notification center (which appears when you click on the time and date in the lower right corner). You can also enable or disable sounds for an app's notifications, and choose the priority of its messages in the notification center: Top, High, or Normal.Enable Allow app to send important notifications when do not disturb is on to give the program permission to interrupt you when Do Not Disturb is active (more on that in a moment)what counts as an "important" notification is down to the developer. Note you can also manage an app's notifications from the notification center, by clicking the three dots on any of its alerts.Do Not Disturb and Focus modesThe familiar Do Not Disturb mode, temporarily blocking notifications, is available on Windows: From the Notifications screen, you can either use the Do not disturb toggle switch to enable or disable it manually, or select Turn on do not disturb automatically, which lets you schedule the feature (and have it turn on automatically if you're gaming).Click Select priority notifications and you're able to take more control over which apps can break through the Do Not Disturb restrictions. By default, reminders and alarms are on, for example, because you probably still want to see thesebut you can disable them if needed. Any app can be added here, and all of its notifications will be allowed (not just the important ones, as covered by the setting mentioned earlier). You can set Do Not Disturb to operate on a schedule. Credit: Lifehacker Back on the Notifications screen, you can use the Focus option as an extension of Do Not Disturb: This lets you configure specific sessions of heads-down, notification-free Windows computing, and in addition to applying all the restrictions that Do Not Disturb puts in place, you can also stop badges and flashes appearing from programs on the taskbar. Focus mode will also put a timer on screen, if you want one.To start a Focus session, choose how long you want it to last for, then click Start focus session. You'll notice it's also available in the notification center, where it's easier to access: Click the time and date in the lower right corner, set your timer, then click Focus. Windows opens up the Clock app, which manages the Focus feature, and your session will get underway.Individual appsAs with Android or iOS on your phone, individual apps on Windows are going to come with their own notification settings you can use in addition to the ones available in Windows. For a truly customized notifications regime, you need to dive into the apps you use regularly, and maybe even into alert settings for individual websites.Take Microsoft Edge, for example: Click the three dots (top right) then Settings, then choose Cookies and site permissions and Notifications to see which websites can and can't bother you. By default, sites will ask permission when they want to show notifications, but you can disable this so you're not even interrupted by any requests to display alerts. Accessing site permissions in Microsoft Edge. Credit: Lifehacker And you can dig down even deeper if you'd like to: Plenty of websites have notification settings of their own. There's not the space here to cover every single site out there, but Slack is one of themif you click your workspace name in the top left corner and then Preferences and Notifications, you can set particular times when Slack isn't allowed to disturb you (independently of the settings in Edge and Windows).The Microsoft Store is another Windows app with its own notification settings to dig into. Click your Microsoft account avatar (at the top), then choose Settings: Turn off the Notifications for app installations toggle switch and you won't be bothered whenever a program is updated through the Microsoft Store.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Jabra Evolve2 65 headphones, which earned an Editors' Choice and an Outstanding rating from PCMag, are currently $203.31 (down from $301). (Note that this is up from yesterday's price of 149.99, their lowest price ever on Amazon, according to price trackers, so the price may go down again. Also, the price seems to be fluctuating slightly depending on location.) Jabra Evolve2 65 UC Wireless Headphones with Link380a $203.31 at Amazon $301.00 Save $97.69 Get Deal Get Deal $203.31 at Amazon $301.00 Save $97.69 They look like a regular pair of on-ear headphones, except for the boom mica three-mic MEMS array with a 100Hz to 8kHz frequency response (meaning your voice will sound clear and background noise wont be an issue) that makes it a solid work headset. Flipping the mic up completely mutes it while bringing it back down unmutes and answers calls. You'll find a three-button control for playback, volume, and call management on the right earcup, which also houses a status LED (or busy light) that glows red when you're on a call.Its 40mm drivers deliver deep bass and crisp highs (with no distortion at max volume) across a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. If you like customizing your audio or want more control over your headset, the Jabra Sound+ app lets you adjust EQ settings, disable the busy light, or play white noise to help you tune out distractions. As for noise isolation, it does an OK job, but dont expect it to completely block out loud street soundssirens and honking might still get through. Jabra claims about 37 hours of battery life, but actual mileage will depend on your volume preference and usage.On the connectivity front, this headset works with any VoIP service (is UC-certified) and runs on Bluetooth 5.0, but it only supports SBC, so if you were hoping for AAC or AptX codecs, you're out of luck. That said, it makes up for it with multi-device pairing (it can remember up to eight devices and connect to two at the same time). Plus, you get a USB-A dongle for easy pairing with a computer. Switching between a phone and a computer is mostly seamlessaudio pauses on one when a call comes in on the other. However, playback doesnt always resume automatically, and if youve got a music app open on both devices, the headsets play button can get confused, sometimes toggling between sources instead of stopping the music altogether, as noted in this PCMag review.

OpenAI claims that Chinese startups are persistently trying to copy the technology of American AI companies. Aligned with that, OpenAI says it and partner Microsoft have been banning accounts suspected of distilling its models. The two are trying to identify those behind such efforts and, per The Wall Street Journal, buzzy upstart DeepSeek is among the entities OpenAI is looking into.Distillation refers to the process of bolstering smaller and more efficient AI models by tapping into responses from more advanced ones. The aim is to achieve similar results in certain circumstances by aping larger models reasoning. OpenAI permits business users to distill its models on its platform, as the Journal notes, but under the company's terms of service, users arent allowed to train their own models on the output of its systems. DeepSeek has said that it uses distillation on R1, its most capable model, to train smaller ones.We know [China]-based companies and others are constantly trying to distill the models of leading US AI companies, an OpenAI spokesperson told The Guardian. They added it was critically important for OpenAI to work with the government to best protect the most capable models from efforts by adversaries and competitors to take US technology.The company didnt explicitly mention DeepSeek in its statement, but the Chinese startups open-source chatbot has blown up in recent days. For one thing, it hit the top of the free apps list in Apples App Store. Its success wiped $1 trillion of stock market value from publicly listed tech companies that are neck deep in the AI sector. Its been claimed that DeepSeeks chatbot performs about as well as AI systems from the likes of OpenAI and Google but at a fraction of the cost and with less-powerful chips, undercutting the belief that such technology is very expensive to develop and run.There have been reports that DeepSeek cites OpenAI policies in its outputs. Meanwhile, David Sacks, who is President Donald Trump's AI advisor, claimed there's "substantial evidence" that DeepSeek "distilled the knowledge out of OpenAIs models."Still, all of this concern seems extremely rich from OpenAI, a company that has faced a swathe of lawsuits from authors, comedians, news organizations and others who accused it of using their copyrighted work without consent to train its models. Indeed, the company admitted last year that it would be "impossible to train today's leading AI models without using copyrighted materials." It seems OpenAI would have you believe that what's good for the goose is not good for the gander.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-suddenly-thinks-intellectual-property-theft-is-not-cool-actually-amid-deepseeks-rise-154249605.html?src=rss

Comcast has announced new technology for ultra-low lag Internet on its Xfinity service. According to the company's release, users of select products and software from its partners will experience less delay in situations with bi-directional traffic. The first wave of supported applications include select games from Valve's Steam platform, GeForce Now from NVIDIA, select apps on mixed reality headsets from Meta, and FaceTime on Apple hardware.The reduction in latency comes from the Internet Engineering Task Force's L4S open standard. The tech is complex here's a whitepaper on L4S if you're interested but broadly if a packet traveling between your device and the server experiences congestion, it will report that on arrival, which can improve future packets' journeys.A rep from Comcast told Engadget that the products from Apple, Meta, NVIDIA and Valve are the first to support the tech because they were initial partners for testing this low-latency connectivity. Other developers can choose to take advantage of the open standard technology once Comcast has fully rolled out the low lag option and it will be available to all Xfinity customers then. Atlanta, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, Rockville (Maryland) and San Francisco are among the first cities to receive the low latency tech. Comcast said in its release that it plans to deploy to additional locations in the coming months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/comcast-unveils-ultra-low-lag-internet-connection-150034901.html?src=rss

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man's first two episodes are out now here are all of the Marvel references I found.

Multiple users have reported issues with the Google Pixel 9 Pros camera bar, which in the most serious cases is physically separating from the phones chassis and Google doesnt seem too enthusiastic about fixing things.