MacworldIf you want headphones that are better and (a lot) more affordable than the AirPods Max, the fantastic Beats Studio Pro are 49% off at Amazon. That means you can get them for $180 rather than their regular $350.In our 4.5-star review of the Studio Pro, we gave the headphones our Editors Choice award, appreciating how lightweight they are, the excellent battery life, and the clean audio. Even if they werent $200 cheaper, wed recommend these over the AirPods Max, reads the review.These headphones were built to deliver rich audio with a deep bass. They also come with Adaptive Noise Cancellation so you can block out the world around you and focus on work reading, or whatever it is youre doing. You can also switch to Transparency mode to hear your surroundings, which is useful when youre in public, crossing the street, or you have to mind your safety.The Beats Studio Pro can keep you company for up to 40 hours of play time, which means you wont have to charge them up very often. If you have a portable power bank on you, you can even charge them on the go if need be. A 10-minute charge will give you another four hours of playback.Dont miss out on the chance to get yourself one of the best headphones out there, especially when theyre as low as $180 at Amazon.Jam out with BeatsGet it at Amazon

2025 began in turmoil, with layoffs at some of the largest tech companies despite the support shown by the new US administration. 2024 had been a year of recovery, with the pace of layoffs slowing and IT employment the highest for years following two years of massive IT layoff in 2022 and 2023.According to data compiled byLayoffs.fyi, the online tracker keeping tabs on job losses in the technology sector, 1,193 tech companies laid off 264,220 staff in 2023, dropping to just 152,104 employees laid off by 547 companies in 2024. In 2025, it has already logged 7,003 staff laid off by 31 companies.Here is a list to be updated regularly of some of the most prominent technology layoffs the industry has experienced recently.Tech layoffs in 2025SalesforceMetaFeb. 4, 2025: Salesforce lays off over 1,000At the same time as its hiring sales staff for its new artificial intelligence products, Salesforce is laying off over 1,000 workers across the company, according to Bloomberg. As of June, 2024, the company had over 72,000 employees, according to its website. Salesforce did not comment on the report. In 2024 the company reportedly laid off around 1,000 staff too, in two waves: January and July.Jan. 14, 2025: Meta will lay off 5% of workforceMark Zuckerberg told Meta employees he intended to move out the low performers faster in an internal memo reported by Bloomberg. The memo announced that the company will lay off 5% of its staff, or around 3,600 staff, beginning Feb. 10. The company had already reduced its headcount by 5% in 2024 through natural attrition, the memo said. Among those leaving the company will be staff previously responsible for fact checking of posts on its social media platforms in the US, as the company begins relying on its users to police content.Tech layoffs in 2024EquinixAMDFreshworksCiscoGeneral MotorsIntelOpenTextMicrosoftAWSDellCiscoNov. 26, 2024: Equinix to cut 3% of staffDespite intense demand for its data center capacity, Equinix is planning to lay off 3% of its workforce, or around 400 employees. The announcement followed the appointment of Adaire Fox-Martin to replace Charles Meyers as CEO and the departures of two other senior executives, CIO Milind Wagle and CISO Michael Montoya.Nov. 13, 2024: AMD to cut 4% of workforceAMD will lay off around 1,000 employees as it pivots towards developing AI-focused chips, it said. The move came as a surprise to staff, as the company also reported strong quarterly earnings. Nov. 7, 2024: Freshworks lays off 660Enterprise software vendor Freshworks laid off around 660 staff, or around 13% of its headcount, despite reporting increased revenue and profits in its fourth fiscal quarter. The company described the layoffs as a realignment of its global workforce.Sept. 17, 2024: Cisco lays off 6,000After laying off around 4,200 staff in February, Cisco is at it again, laying off another 6,000 or around 7% of its workforce. Among the divisions affected were its threat intelligence unit, Talos Security. Aug. 20, 2024: General Motors lays off 1,000 software staffMore than 1,000 software and services staff are on the way out at General Motors, signalling that it could be rethinking its digital transformation strategy. In an internal memo, the company said that it was moving resources to its highest-priority work and flattening hierarchies.August 1, 2024:Intel removes 15,000 rolesIntel plans to cut its workforce by around 15% to reduce costs after a disastrous second quarter. Revenue for the three months to June 29 stagnated at around $12.8 billion, but net income fell 85% to $83 million, prompting CEO Pat Gelsinger to bring forward a company-wide meeting in order to announce that 15,000 staff would lose their jobs. This is an incredibly hard day for Intel as we are making some of the most consequential changes in our companys history, Gelsinger wrote in an email to staff, continuing: Our revenues have not grown as expected and weve yet to fully benefit from powerful trends, like AI. Our costs are too high, our margins are too low. We need bolder actions to address both particularly given our financial results and outlook for the second half of 2024, which is tougher than previously expected.July 4, 2024: OpenText to lay off 1,200OpenText said it will lay off 1,200 staff, or about 1.7% of its workforce, in a bid to save around $100 million annually. It plans to hire new sales and engineering staff in other areas in 2025, it said.June 4, 2024: Microsoft lays off staff in Azure divisionMicrosoft laid off staff in several teams supporting its cloud services, including Azure for Operations and Mission Engineering. The company didnt say exactly how many staff were leaving.April 4, 2024: Amazon downsizes AWS in a fresh cost-cutting roundAmazon announced hundreds of layoffs in the sales and marketing teams of its AWS cloud services division and also in the technology development teams for its physical retail stores, as it stepped back from efforts to generalize the Just Walk Out technology built for its Amazon Fresh grocery stores. April 1, 2024:Dell acknowledges 13,000 job cutsDell Technologieslatest 10K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commissiondisclosed that the company had laid off 13,000 employees over the course of the 2023 fiscal year; it characterized the layoffs and other reorganizational moves as cost-cutting measures. These actions resulted in a reduction in our overall headcount, the company said. A comparison to the previous years 10K filing, performed by The Register, found that Dell employed 133,000 people at that point, compared to 120,000 as of February 2024. Dell announced layoffs of 6,650 staffers on Feb. 6, but it is unclear whether those cuts were reflected in the numbers from this years 10K statement.Feb. 14, 2024:Cisco cuts 5% of workforceCisco will shed 4,200 of its 84,900 employees as it refocuses on more profitable areas of its business, including AI and security. The companys last major round of layoffs was in November 2022. Ciscos sales of telecommunications equipment have been hit by delays at telcos in rolling out equipment they havealready purchased. AI, on the other hand, is a growing business for Cisco, with AI-related sales in the billionsand thats before it announcedits recent partnership withNvidia, which is making bank on sales of chips for AI applications.See news of earlier layoffs.

According to a new policy document from Meta, the Frontier AI Framework, the company might not release AI systems developed in-house in certain risky scenarios.The document defines two types of AI systems that can be classified as either high risk or critical risk. In both cases, these are systems that could help carry out cyber, chemical or biological attacks.Systems classified as high risk might facilitate such an attack, though not to the same extent as a critical risk system, which could result in catastrophic outcomes. These could include, for example, taking over a corporate environment or deploying powerful biological weapons.In the document, Meta states that if a system is high risk, the company will restrict internal access to it and will not release it until measures have been taken to reduce the risk to moderate levels. If, instead, the system is critical risk, security protections will be put in place to prevent it from spreading and development will stop until the system can be made safer.

Just days after it was rumored to happen, Apple has officially killed off prepaid multi-year AppleCare+ plans at retail locations, at least.AppleCare+ drops prepaid options | Logo Credit: AppleOn Sunday, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman announced on X that Apple would be shifting its AppleCare+ extended warranty program to a subscription model. Gurman postulated that the change would take place sooner, rather than later.And, as anticipated, Apple has done just that. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

While the new Apple Invites app and service sounds easy to use, it joins together so many Apple Services that it takes several steps and can confuse your invitees. Here's how to use it.How to use Apple InvitesApple Invites has been launched, though at time of writing it's still not rolled out worldwide. If an App Store search does not turn it up for you, try this direct link.The app is so new that there is no Apple support documentation for it, which means there are certain points that are not yet clear. Specifically, it's not sure what Android users will or will not see when they have accepted an invitation from Apple Invites. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The lawsuit alleges that II in One Concrete was held to a different standard than other subcontractors, leading to excessive costs and unfair scrutiny that threatened the companys survival.A $40 million federal lawsuit has been filed against Thornton Tomasetti, the structural engineering firm overseeing the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The suit, brought by II in One Concrete, a Black-owned subcontractor, claims that the firm imposed excessive and non-standard scrutiny on their work, resulting in severe financial strain. II in One owner Robert McGee argues that his company was unfairly targeted while non-minority-owned subcontractors faced fewer obstacles. Thornton Tomasetti denies the allegations, pointing to documented construction issues as the reason for additional oversight. The Obama Foundation has stated that they see no evidence of racial discrimination. The case adds to ongoing conversations about equity and inclusion in large-scale public projects.

Following in Forza Horizon 5s footsteps, Microsofts Age of Mythology: Retold is coming to PS5. Out on March 4th, it will be available alongside the Immortal Pillars expansion. Pre-orders are available, with the Standard Edition costing $29.99.Of course, those who want to play earlier can pick up the Premium Edition for $49.99. It features five days of advanced access, Immortal Pillars, Gods Pack: Freyr and Legacy Deity Portraits Pack. Access to a second unannounced expansion is also included.The PS5 version will include all previously released updates and features cross-platform play. Even better, all versions will have update parity, ensuring they receive the latest patches simultaneously.As for Immortal Pillars, it includes 12 new playable gods, including Fuxi, Nwa, Gonggong, and Zhurong, with different powers and mythological units like Yazi, Zhuque, and Taou. Theres also a new campaign based on Chinese mythology, spanning nine levels and seven new maps. Check out the trailer below to see it in action.

Reaching Rank 40 in Sniper Elite Resistance is a requirement for the Climbing the Ranks Trophy/Achievement. This can be a long, arduous task and can take the entire duration of the game. However, it is possible to grind out the process fast, by farming and exploiting game mechanics.This Sniper Elite Resistance guide has everything you need to know about quickly and efficiently reaching Campaign Rank 40.Multiplayer is unnecessary to attain rank 40, and can be accomplished entirely offline. The XP earned from all actions persists between reloads of saves and mission restarts. In order to farm XP, as well as kill counts towards the other Trophies, simply identify a larger cluster of enemies in any given mission. Next, create a manual save, and then terminate all of the enemies while relying on distance and landing headshots for maximum XP returns. Now reload the save or restart the mission, and do it all over again until sheer boredom sets in, and you are ready to move on to the next mission.The ideal mission for this is Mission 6, Assault on Fort Rouge where almost two dozen enemies can be picked off with a Rifle right from the starting location. Simply scope and kill all visible enemies without worrying about stealth, as the additional enemies can also be targeted as they wander outside. Once done, reload the save and do it all over again.Be sure to gather all collectibles as well as unlock all available Propaganda Challenges by finding the posters in the missions. Completion of these will unlock weapons, but are also a good source for significant chunks of XP.That is everything you need to know in order to grind to rank 40 in Sniper Elite Resistance.

Blue Ghost captured an Earth "selfie" from its orbit. Firefly AerospaceOn its way to the moon, Firefly Aerospaces Blue Ghost lunar lander has taken its first space pictures as it orbits Earth.The Texas-based company has been sharing the breathtaking videos and images in the weeks since Blue Ghosts launch on January 15. The lander was part of a shared SpaceX ride that also carried the private lunar lander Resilience, built by Japanese company Ispace. Packed with science payloads for NASA, Blue Ghost is taking a long, scenic route to the moonand the new visuals prove just how stunning of a route it is.Blue Ghost captured footage of the Earth eclipsing the sun, as well as other dramatic Blue Marble views of our planet from space. On January 31, it recorded the Earth eclipsing the moon. A "Blue Marble" shot of the Earth Firefly AerospaceEarth Eclipsing the Moon - Blue Ghost Mission 1Watch on The lander is currently in a 25-day Earth orbit. In about four days, Blue Ghost will perform an engine burn that will propel it out of Earths vicinity and start the next phase of its journey to the moon. Until then, were going to do a bunch of payload operations, continue with system checkouts, just make sure everything is precisely tuned, saysWill Coogan, Fireflys Blue Ghost chief engineer, in a video update about the mission.As Blue Ghost progresses, we expect to capture even more breathtaking imagery, Coogan writes in an email to CNNs Taylor Nicioli. Most importantly, well be capturing critical science data for our NASA customers all along the way that will pave the way for a lasting lunar presence and unlock exploration further into our solar system.Firefly also shared the landers first two images of the moon. One of them shows the moon from a distancea tiny white speck in a sea of blackand the other captures the landers hardware with a view of the moon in the background.Fireflys first moon and Blue Marble images captured by our Blue Ghost lunar lander embodies everything this bold, unstoppable team has worked so hard for over the last three years. And were just getting started, Coogan adds to CNN. Blue Ghost's first image of the moon Firefly Aerospace The moon, as seen from the top deck of the Blue Ghost lunar lander Firefly AerospaceThe company also plans to capture a phenomenon called the lunar horizon glow in high definition, reports CNN. Spotted on NASAs Apollo missions and by some robotic spacecraft, this bright, crescent-shaped haze over the lunar surface is thought to be caused by floating dust.After the engine burn, Blue Ghost will orbit the moon for 16 days before starting its descent to Mare Crisium, a basaltic plain on the moons near side. There, itll perform scientific tests and collect samples for around two weeks as part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Six NASA payloads are on the flight, per the agency, and all are healthy.Ispaces Resilience lander that started its journey with Blue Ghost still has a few months to go before it reaches the moon, and the company reports that its on schedule.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Astronomy, Moon, NASA, Outer Space, Photography, solar eclipse, Solar System, Space Travel, SpaceX

New ResearchArchaeologists Say Theyve Located Harold IIs Lost Manor HouseA latrine found in Bosham, England, has helped identify the location of the kings long-lost residence, offering new insights into medieval life before the Norman ConquestElla JeffriesStaff ContributorFebruary 4, 2025 2:22 p.m. The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century masterpiece of medieval embroidery, famously narrates the events leading up to and including the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsArchaeologists say theyve finally uncovered the site of the English king Harold IIs long-lost residence, thanks to an unlikely clue: a centuries-old toilet.The manor houses location had been a mystery for years. Now, in a study published inThe Antiquaries Journal, researchers argue that it stood on a site in the village of Bosham, England, thats now home to a private residence. During their studies, they also reanalyzed a latrine that had been discovered at the site in 2006.The latrines presence confirmed to us that this house sits on the site of an elite residence predating the Norman Conquest, says co-author Duncan Wright, an archaeologist at Newcastle University, in a statement. Looking at this vital clue, alongside all our other evidence, it is beyond all reasonable doubt that we have here the location of [Harolds] private power center.Harolds residence is depicted twice in an artwork called the Bayeux Tapestry, a famous 11th-century masterpiece of medieval embroidery that narrates the events surrounding theNorman Conquest of England. The piece shows Harold feasting at his residence before he sets sail for Normandy and again when he returns home.The researchers analyzed the site in Bosham by conducting geophysical surveys, studying historical maps and records, examining existing structures and revisiting discoveries from the 2006 excavation. These techniques revealed the presence of two previously unidentified medieval structures. The researchers also found that the residence was once connected to the nearby Holy Trinity Church, which still stands today.But their breakthrough came from the latrine, which had been built within a larger timber building. Such features, which began appearing in high-status homes around the 10th century, were rare and signified a royal or aristocratic residence.That is absolutely key in identifying a high-status building, Wright tells BBC Radio Sussex, per BBC News Bob Dale. Were as sure as we can be that this is the site of King Harolds residence. You find latrines in other places, but these ones built into grand timber buildings are very much the top end of society.Harold took the throne in January 1066, but he ruled for only nine months. He was killed at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, bringing an end to his conflict with William, Duke of Normandy. By the end of the day, thousands lay dead on the battlefield, and the victorious William was one step nearer to seizing the throne, as English Heritage writes.The rise of Norman power reshaped not just the political structure of England, but also the physical landscape. The remnants of aristocratic centers like Harolds residence offer a rare glimpse into a world that was rapidly disappearing.The Norman Conquest saw a new ruling class supplant an English aristocracy that has left little in the way of physical remains, which makes the discovery at Bosham hugely significant, says co-author Oliver Creighton, an archaeologist at the University of Exeter, in the statement.The Bosham discovery is part of a larger project called Where Power Lies, which examines the origins and development of early aristocratic power centers in medieval England. The researchers have also identified other lordly centers across England, illuminating the landscapes that shaped the elite.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Archaeology, Art, Art History, British History, England, History, Kings, Medieval Ages, Mysteries, New Research, Warfare