Developer Blind Squirrel Games has expanded into Colombia by purchasing the service-based Distributed Development for an undisclosed amount.The new offshoot, rebranded to Blind Squirrel Colombia, will initially focus on co-developing games for its parent company. Eric Herrera will continue to lead as its studio director, and the team is expected to expand "significantly" to 25-30 employees by the end of 2025.In the announcement, Herrera noted his team previously worked with Blind Squirrel on projects such as Age of Darkness: Final Stand's multiplayer. To him, those team-ups "made clear that formally joining forces would be mutually beneficial. Beyond our studio initiatives, we also look forward to also playing a central role in nurturing and growing talent in the region."Distributed Development's proprietary AI tool a big factorBefore the acquisition, Distributed Development worked with clients such as Microsoft on deep software development. Blind Squirrel hopes to use the Manizales, Colombia-based studio's proprietary AI tool made for Unreal Engine, which it hopes will "improve project efficiency and streamline development, and help the company deliver high-quality game experiences while optimizing resources."Along with Colombia, Blind Squirrel has teams in California, Texas, and New Zealand. The new get is part of "[our] strategy to continue scaling development efforts and tapping into new talent pools globally," said Blind Squirrel.Mainly known for co-developing State of Decay 3 and Warframe Mobile, Blind Squirrel is developing its own original games again. Cosmorons, an arcade shooter slated to release later in 2025, is its first non-support project since 2021's Early Access launch for Drifters Loot the Galaxy.

Weve got more evidence that Apple is developing a tabletop robot for the home, courtesy of a blog post published on Apples Machine Learning Research site. First spotted by MacRumors, the post summarizes a paper by an Apple research team that developed a robot with expressive movements to see how much more engaging it is than a standard robot. And theres a video.This video, published last month on Apples Machine Learning Research website, depicts an expressive tabletop robot with a Siri-like voice assistant built in.The video shows a researcher completing tasks with two robots, one labeled Expressive and the other labeled Functional, and the former is way more fun.Both robots are desk-style lamps on an articulating arm, with what appears to be an LED light, camera, speaker, and projector built in. They respond to gestures and voice commands and have a voice that sounds suspiciously like Apples Siri. One of them exhibits a lot of personality.When the researcher in the video plays music, the Expressive robot lamp dances with her; when she asks about the weather, it looks outside first; when shes working on an intricate project, it follows her movements to shed light more helpfully; when it reminds her to drink water, it pushes the glass toward her. When she tells it it cant come out on a hike with her, it hangs its head in faux sadness.RelatedThe Functional version pictured side-by-side doing the same tasks remains immobile unless required to move as part of the task. Its a remarkably effective demonstration of how adding human characteristics to an object can make it more relatable and even more functional.Numerous reports have indicated that Apple is developing more devices for the home including a smart display and a tabletop robot. These could both act as a personal assistant with Siri, a FaceTime video-calling device, and a smart home control center. Bloombergs Mark Gurman has reported the robotic device could ship in 2026 or 2027 and may cost around $1,000.Not that Apple is explicitly developing this particular Pixar-style lamp for our homes. Its hard to see how a lamp robot without a screen would be able to serve all of those purposes, although the video does show the robot equipped with a projector at one point. But this project which is being led by Yuhan Hu, Peide Huang, Mouli Sivapurapu, and Jian Zhang is designed to prove that a robot needs to be expressive to encourage us to interact with it.After watching the video, though, Im sold on the lamp. This thing is stinking cute and seems to be far more functional than any smart speaker in my house.See More:

Today, 4 minutes agoEmma RothGTA VI is still coming this fall.In its earnings report released today, Take-Two confirmed that GTA VI is on track for a launch later this year:Looking ahead, this calendar year is shaping up to be one of the strongest ever for Take-Two, as we plan to launch Sid Meiers Civilization VII on February 11th, Mafia: The Old Country in the Summer, Grand Theft Auto VI in the Fall, and Borderlands 4.Take-Two also revealed that the over-a-decade-old GTA V has sold more than 210 million copies globally.Take-Two Q3 2025 Earnings[ir.take2games.com]May 16, 2024Ash ParrishGrand Theft Auto VI is launching in fall 2025Image: Rockstar GamesIn Take-Twos Q4 2024 earnings report, the company stated when gamers can expect the next entry in the GTA series. What was previously a nebulous calendar year 2025 for Grand Theft Auto VI is now a more specific but still a bit vague fall 2025.In other GTA-related news, the company reported that GTA V has sold 200 million copies: a staggering feat, making the game the second bestselling title of all time but still 100 million copies short of the number one entry, Minecraft.Read Article >Feb 28, 2024Ash ParrishIts RTO for the GTA VI devs.According to Bloomberg, Rockstar will ask employees to return to the office five days a week beginning in April. In an email sent to employees, Jenn Kolbe, head of publishing, wrote security and productivity were the main reasons for implementing RTO as well as the tangible benefits of in-office work.Security issues are indeed a concern for Rockstar as it suffered a massive data breach in which hackers leaked early footage of GTA VI. But itll likely be a hard sell convincing employees to return to the office full-time and could result in increased attrition.Grand Theft Auto Maker Tells Staff to Return to Office Five Days a Week[Bloomberg]Jan 18, 2024Amrita KhalidGTA Online will no longer support Rockstar Editor on old-gen consoles.With GTA VI expected to launch in 2025, its time to back up all your old car chase vids. Rockstar Editor on GTA Online will no longer support PlayStation 4 and Xbox One beginning on February 24, Rockstar Games announced. The clip editor will still exist for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.Any existing clips will vanish by then, so players should make sure to export their work in the meantime.Double Your Haul This Week on Salvage Yard Income - Rockstar Games[Rockstar Games]Dec 6, 2023Ash ParrishYall really liked that trailer, huh?The reveal of GTA VI was always going to be a moment. The events preceding the games initial reveal were, itself, a moment when the trailer got leaked, forcing Rockstar to release it earlier than intended.In the 48-ish hours since then, the debut trailer for GTA VI has already eclipsed the first trailer of its predecessor, amassing more views in that short time than the GTA V trailer could get in 10 years.Damn.1/2Image: The Verge / YouTubeDec 6, 2023Jay PetersDigital Foundry posted a nearly 37-minute analysis of the GTA VI trailer.I expected nothing less, even though the actual trailer is only 90 seconds long. The trailer looks great, and good news: Digital Foundry is inclined to believe that the footage is representative of the actual game, Digital Foundrys Richard Leadbetter writes in a written analysis.Dec 5, 2023Emma RothThe GTA VI trailer is already breaking viewership records on YouTube.Despite Rockstar releasing the GTA VI trailer early following a leak, it still managed to rake in 72 million views and counting. PC Gamer points out this makes it the most-viewed non-music video on YouTube in the 24 hours following its release a record previously held by MrBeast.Its also getting close to dethroning BTSs Dynamite music video, which currently holds the record for getting the most views on all of YouTube in 24 hours.Dec 5, 2023Jay PetersGTA VI isnt launching on PC.According to Rockstars press release for the just-released Grand Theft Auto VI trailer, the game will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X / S in 2025 PC isnt a listed platform.Unfortunately, the absence of PC isnt too surprising, given that the PC version of GTA V was released more than a year and a half after the game first came out on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Seems like we might be waiting awhile for GTA VI on PC, too.The first GTA VI trailer is hereAsh ParrishDec 4Dec 4, 2023Ash ParrishThe first GTA VI trailer is hereLess than a day before Rockstar was set to debut GTA VIs first trailer, a now-suspended account posted the trailer on X (formerly Twitter). Though the GTA VI trailer was scheduled to premiere Tuesday, December 5th at 9AM ET, Rockstar quickly responded by publishing the trailer in full on its official YouTube channel.The trailer confirms many little details that have slowly come out about GTA VI over the last two years, including the Vice City setting and that the game would star the seriess first female protagonist with Bonnie and Clyde-inspired story elements. The trailer says GTA VI is set for release in 2025, and in a press release published later on Monday, Rockstar specified that the game is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X / S that year.Read Article >Dec 4, 2023Richard LawlerThis is where you can watch the first GTA VI trailer tomorrow.We knew the time, and now we know the place. Rockstar Games has published the YouTube link where it will premiere Trailer 1 for the next Grand Theft Auto game on Tuesday, December 5th, at 9AM ET. Wario64 notes that the clip should be 91 seconds long.Dec 1, 2023Ash ParrishSpeak softly, then drop a hype-ass trailer.We knew it was coming. Then Rockstar confirmed it was coming. Now its telling us exactly when Tuesday, December 5th at 9 AM Eastern.You know, it.The GTA VI trailer.Though a short blog post with just an image and the date and time information doesnt seem like the most exciting of teases, it is in line with Rockstars penchant for understated announcement schemes.Image: Rockstar GamesNov 8, 2023Andrew WebsterandTom WarrenGrand Theft Auto VIs first trailer will debut in DecemberImage: RockstarIts finally happening: Rockstar Games has officially revealed that the next chapter of the Grand Theft Auto franchise will get a trailer next month. Likely to be called GTA VI, the new game is expected to feature the series first female protagonist, influenced by Bonnie and Clyde. GTA VI will also reportedly be set in a fictionalized version of Miami, just like 2002s GTA: Vice City.After reports of a GTA VI reveal this week, Rockstar Games took to X (formerly Twitter) today to officially announce that a trailer for the next Grand Theft Auto is coming in early December.Read Article >Sep 19, 2022Emma RothRockstar confirms hack, says work on GTA VI will continue as plannedImage: RockstarRockstar has confirmed the Grand Theft Auto VI footage leaked online over the weekend was stolen from its network. The user who posted the gameplay, teapotuberhacker, claims they also carried out an attack on Uber that occurred last week, but its still unclear whether theyre actually connected.We recently suffered a network intrusion in which an unauthorized third party illegally accessed and downloaded confidential information from our systems, including early development footage for the next Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar says on Twitter. We are extremely disappointed to have any details of our next game shared with you all in this way. Our work on the next Grand Theft Auto game will continue as planned and we remain as committed as ever to delivering an experience to you, our players, that truly exceeds your expectations.Read Article >Sep 18, 2022Tom WarrenGTA 6 gameplay leaks online in 90 videosGTA V was released almost nine years ago. Image: RockstarFootage of Grand Theft Auto VI, Rockstars next entry in its open-world franchise, has leaked online. PC Gamer reports that a user on the GTA Forums has posted a 3GB file full of 90 videos of GTA VI footage. Its not exactly clear how the footage was obtained, but the teapotuberhacker poster claims to be behind the unrelated Uber hack late last week, and says they may leak more data soon including GTA V and GTA VI source code, assets, and testing builds.The massive leak lines up with some earlier reporting on GTA VI, showing a female playable character in some clips. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that GTA VI would include a female protagonist influenced by Bonnie and Clyde. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier says he has verified the leak is real through sources at Rockstar Games.Read Article >Jul 27, 2022Jon PorterGTA VI could finally let you blow up Miami as a woman in 2024GTA V was released almost nine years ago. Image: RockstarGrand Theft Auto VI, the next entry in Rockstars blockbuster open-world franchise, will reportedly be the first to let you play as a female character in its story mode. Thats according to a new report from Bloomberg, which just published a lengthy feature on the games development. The report also includes new details on the games release, which sources suggest is likely to be at least two years away.Rockstar has reportedly made efforts to overhaul its internal culture ever since the release of its last major title, 2018s Red Dead Redemption 2, was marred by reports of poor working conditions at the studio. According to Bloomberg, morale at the company has improved significantly since then, and the development of GTA VI is being managed in such a way so as to minimize the crunch that employees experienced during the development of previous titles.Read Article >Feb 4, 2022Jon PorterRockstar finally confirms its working on the next Grand Theft AutoGTA5s Michael De Santa. Image: Rockstar GamesA new entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is in active development, Rockstar Games has confirmed. We are pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is well underway, the company wrote in a post on its website. In the more immediate future, GTAV and Grand Theft Auto Online will release on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S on March 15th.The popularity and profitability of GTAVs online component has meant that theres been an unusually long wait for a sequel. The game originally released for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, over eight years ago. In contrast, GTAV released a little over five years after 2008s GTAIV. With the unprecedented longevity of GTAV, we know many of you have been asking us about a new entry in the Grand Theft Auto series, Rockstar Games writes. With every new project we embark on, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we have previously delivered.Read Article >

Edge devices like smartphones, IoT gadgets, and embedded systems process data locally, improving privacy, reducing latency, and enhancing responsiveness, and AI is getting integrated into these devices rapidly. But, deploying large language models (LLMs) on these devices is difficult and complex due to their high computational and memory demands.LLMs are massive in size and power requirements. With billions of parameters, they demand significant memory and processing capacity that exceeds the capabilities of most edge devices. While quantization techniques reduce model size and power consumption, conventional hardware is optimized for symmetric computations, limiting support for mixed-precision arithmetic. This lack of native hardware support for low-bit computations restricts deployment across mobile and embedded platforms.Prior methods for running LLMs on edge devices use high-bit precision formats like FP32 and FP16, which improve numerical stability but require significant memory and energy. Some approaches use lower-bit quantization (e.g., int8 or int4) to reduce resource demands, but compatibility issues arise with existing hardware. Another technique, dequantization, re-expands compressed models before computation but introduces latency and negates efficiency gains. Also, traditional matrix multiplication (GEMM) requires uniform precision levels, which makes performance optimization across different hardware architectures complex.Microsoft researchers introduced a series of advancements to enable efficient low-bit quantization for LLMs on edge devices. Their approach includes three major innovations:These techniques aim to overcome hardware limitations by facilitating mixed-precision general matrix multiplication (mpGEMM) and reducing computational overhead. With these solutions, researchers propose a practical framework that supports efficient LLM inference without requiring specialized GPUs or high-power accelerators.The Ladder data type compilers first component bridges the gap between low-bit model representations and hardware constraints. It converts unsupported data formats into hardware-compatible representations while maintaining efficiency. This approach ensures modern deep learning architectures can utilize custom data types without sacrificing performance.The T-MAC mpGEMM library optimizes mixed-precision computations using a lookup table (LUT)based method instead of traditional multiplication operations. This innovation eliminates the need for dequantization and significantly enhances CPU computational efficiency.Also, the LUT Tensor Core hardware architecture introduces a specialized accelerator designed for low-bit quantization. It leverages an optimized instruction set to improve performance while reducing power consumption.In evaluations, the Ladder data type compiler outperforms conventional deep neural network (DNN) compilers by up to 14.6 times for specific low-bit computations. When tested on edge devices like the Surface Laptop 7 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chipset, the T-MAC library achieved 48 tokens per second for the 3B BitNet-b1.58 model, outperforming existing inference libraries. On lower-end devices such as the Raspberry Pi 5, it achieved 11 tokens per second, demonstrating significant efficiency improvements. Meanwhile, the LUT Tensor Core hardware achieved an 11.2-fold increase in energy efficiency and a 20.9-fold boost in computational density.Several key takeaways from the research by Microsoft include:Low-bit quantization reduces model size, enabling efficient execution on edge devices.The T-MAC library enhances inference speed by eliminating traditional multiplication operations.The Ladder compiler ensures seamless integration of custom low-bit data formats with existing hardware.Optimized techniques reduce power usage, making LLMs feasible for low-energy devices.These methods allow LLMs to operate effectively on a wide range of hardware, from high-end laptops to low-power IoT devices.These innovations achieve 48 tokens per second on Snapdragon X Elite, 30 tokens per second on 2-bit 7B Llama, and 20 tokens per second on 4-bit 7B Llama.They also enable AI-driven applications across mobile, robotic, and embedded AI systems by making LLMs more accessible.In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of hardware-aware quantization techniques for deploying LLMs on edge devices. The proposed solutions effectively address the long-standing challenges of memory consumption, computational efficiency, and hardware compatibility. By implementing Ladder, T-MAC, and LUT Tensor Core, researchers have paved the way for next-generation AI applications that are faster, more energy-efficient, and more scalable across various platforms.Check outtheDetails and Paper.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitterand join ourTelegram ChannelandLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our75k+ ML SubReddit. Sana HassanSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions.Sana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Google DeepMind Achieves State-of-the-Art Data-Efficient Reinforcement Learning RL with Improved Transformer World ModelsSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Deep Agent Released R1-V: Reinforcing Super Generalization in Vision-Language Models with Cost-Effective Reinforcement Learning to Outperform Larger ModelsSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/ARM: Enhancing Open-Domain Question Answering with Structured Retrieval and Efficient Data AlignmentSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Google AI Introduces Parfait: A Privacy-First AI System for Secure Data Aggregation and Analytics [Recommended] Join Our Telegram Channel

Four years since its launch in 2021, the Botanical Collection has become one of LEGO's most successful lines. Targeted at a growing adult audience, the LEGO Botanical Collection features buildable flowers and plants that are, from a distance, indistinguishable from the real ones.That's the point of them to be LEGO sets for adults. Rather than collecting dust, forgotten, on a random shelf, they can hang up on a wall. Or sit on a window sill. Or be placed in a vase as a table centerpiece. This is LEGO as a lifestyle, to be decorative rather than interactive, and they make for great gifts for your loved ones.Featured in this articleLEGO Bonsai TreeLEGO SucculentsLEGO OrchidLEGO Wildflower BouquetLEGO Bouquet of RosesLEGO Tiny PlantsLEGO Cherry BlossomSee it at AmazonLEGO PoinsettiaLEGO Pretty Pink Flower BouquetLEGO Flower ArrangementSee it at LEGO StoreBelow we've laid out allof the details of our 10 favorite LEGO Plants and Flowers sets you can buy right now. Most of the flower LEGO bouquets we've featured can be placed in a vase, while the LEGO Plant sets come with a buildable base or pot.LEGO Bonsai TreeLEGO Bonsai TreeSet: #10281Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 878Dimensions: 7 inches high, 8.5 inches long, 7.5 inches widePrice: $49.99You get all of the zen aura and none of the pruning. The LEGO Bonsai Tree comes with a buildable pot and stand, and tiny bricks to create the impression of pebbles. You can also swap out the green leaves for pink blossoms, depending on your preference.LEGO SucculentsLEGO SucculentsSet: #10309Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 771Dimensions: 5 inches high, 6.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches deepPrice: $49.99Each succulent comes in its own pot, allowing you to arrange them as you please. There are nine succulent-inspired plants in total, and they're split into three instruction booklets, allowing multiple people to tackle the build together.LEGO OrchidLEGO OrchidSet: #10311Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 608Dimensions: 15 inches high, 11.5 inches wide, 9.5 inches deepPrice: $49.99The orchid build strives for accuracy; LEGO advertises that this set has 5 leaves at its base and 2 wandering air roots. The stems and petals are adjustable, so that no two LEGO Orchids look exactly alike.LEGO Wildflower BouquetLEGO Wildflower BouquetSet: 10313Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 939Dimensions: 18 inches tallPrice: $59.99The LEGO Wildflower Bouquet is all about proper arrangement; after you build it, you'll need a glass vase to properly display them. The bouquet has eight different flowers: cornflowers, lavender, Welsh poppies, cow parsley, leatherleaf ferns, gerbera daisies, larkspur, and lupins.LEGO Bouquet of RosesLEGO Bouquet of RosesSet: #10328Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 822Dimensions: 12 inches longPrice: $59.99It doesn't get more classic than a dozen roses. And the build is less repetitive than you might think; this LEGO bouquet includes roses in full bloom, roses in the process of blooming, and roses budding. Buy and build these for someone you love.LEGO Tiny PlantsLEGO Tiny PlantsSet: #10329Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 758Dimensions: 6.5 inches high, 4 inches wide, 2.5 inches deepPrice: $49.99It's nine plants from all over the world, housed in terracotta pots. Some of them are easy to build and some of them are difficult, which makes this an ideal set if you're building as a family. The plants are false shamrock, jade plant, laceleaf, pincushion, pitcher plant, prickly pear, red sundew, succulents, and Venus flytrap.LEGO Cherry BlossomLEGO Cherry BlossomSee it at AmazonSet: #40725Age Range: 8+Piece Count: 430Dimensions: 14 inches long Price: $14.99It's only two twigs, but LEGO went all out with them. The LEGO Cherry Blossoms come with both white and pink buds, allowing you to personalize the build to your tastes. And they're only $15, which is a steal when it comes to LEGO pricing. This is one of the best cheap LEGO sets you can buy right now.LEGO PoinsettiaLEGO PoinsettiaSet: #10370Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 608Dimensions: 8 inches high, 8.5 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deepPrice: $49.99The LEGO Poinsettia sits in what appears to be a woven basket. There are lots of LEGO flowers with rounded edges. But the Poinsettia, by comparison, has lots of points and sharp ends. The red petals and create a bright, visual pop.LEGO Pretty Pink Flower BouquetLEGO Pretty Pink Flower BouquetSet: #10342Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 749Dimensions: 12.5 inches tallPrice: $59.99We built this set for Valentine's Day, and we were impressed by both its color palette and its various building techniques. The set includes nine different plants and flowers: daisy, cornflower, eucalyptus, elderflower, rose, ranunculus, cymbidium orchid, waterlily dahlia, and campanula.LEGO Flower ArrangementLEGO Flower ArrangementSee it at LEGO StoreSet: #10345Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 1161Dimensions: 10 inches high, 12.5 inches wide, 9 inches deepPrice: $109.99The most expensive and elaborate Botanical Collection set to date, the Flower Arrangement has large blossoms of babys breath, bouvardia, camellias, hydrangeas, peonies, lilies, and ranunculus. You mount these vividly colored flowers onto a white pedestal vase. The vase can accommodate other LEGO Botanical sets in case you want to personalize your arrangement further.How Many LEGO Plant and Flower Sets Are There?According to the filter search option on LEGO's official site, there are 21 LEGO Botanical Collection sets available for purchase as of January 2025.Why LEGO Botanical Collection?The LEGO Botanical Collection is a fantastic entry point for new builders; the sets are fairly simple to put together, and the end results can brighten a room. They are pretty and quirky, requiring neither water nor sunlight to keep them looking fresh. And secondly, these sets make excellent gifts for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, anniversaries, graduations, and more. For any holidays that celebrate loved ones or family, LEGO has you covered.For more, be sure to check out our picks for the best LEGO car sets as well as the best LEGO architecture sets.Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.

The Shrek movie universe is a fantastical and comedic world filled with fairy tale characters and charmingly quirky inhabitants. It centers around the lovable ogre Shrek, his feisty princess-turned-ogre-wife Fiona, and their loyal friends Donkey and Puss in Boots a character which has earned his own series of films within this universe. The franchise combines humor, adventure, and heartwarming messages, exploring themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the power of true love. With its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and clever adaptations of fairy tale tropes, Shrek series is full of animated classics beloved by audiences of all ages.With Shrek 5 in the early stages of pre-production, theres no way to tell when it will be released but at least theres always the classics available to stream online. Where to Watch the Shrek Movies OnlinePeacock PremiumSee itWith the promise of a Shrek revival, some fans may come to find that there is an addition to the Shrekverse that they havent seen yet. Considering that there are now 4 Shrek movies and 2 Puss in Boots spinoff movies, it can be easy to fall behind. Unfortunately, it's a little hard to track down the entire franchise on a single streaming service. The first three Shrek movies are all on Peacock, while the fourth is on Max and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish finds it home on Prime Video. All of the movies are available to rent or buy digitally on various platforms, with Puss in Boots being the only title not on a streaming service.Here's our full breakdown of how to watch the Shrek and Puss in Boots movies online in 2025:Shrek (2001)Stream: PeacockRent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TVShrek 2 (2004)Stream: PeacockRent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TVShrek the Third (2007)Stream: PeacockRent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TVShrek Forever After (2010)Stream: MaxRent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TVPuss in Boots (2011)Rent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TVPuss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)Stream: Prime VideoRent/Buy: Amazon, Apple TVShrek Movies on Blu-rayShrek 6-Movie Collection [Blu-ray + Digital]See it at AmazonPuss in Boots: The Last Wish - Collector's Edition [4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital]See it at AmazonShrek 4-Movie Collection [4K UHD + Digital]See it at AmazonShrek - Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray + DVD]See it at AmazonIf Shrek truly is your love, perhaps even your life, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of options for adding the ogre to your shelf. Most of the original Shrek movies are available on Blu-ray, while the Puss in Boots movies have been released in 4K Ultra HD. What's the Best Order to Watch the Shrek Movies?How to Watch the Shrek Movies in OrderThe chronological order of the Shrek movies is somewhat indirect in its presentation, but can be figured out with a closer look at the series of events. One could simply watch the movies based on their release date and get the full picture, or taking a look at our guide on how to watch the Shrek movies in order explainer can help. The list of full-length films does not include the many animated shorts and series and spinoffs; those are only organized into the canon if the viewer wishes to include them. Looking to stream more movies? Check out our list of the best new movies to stream right now.Connor Sheppard is an Oregon-grown entertainment writer for IGN with a love for pop culture and movies.

It has now been two and a half years since Jennifer Waters confronted K.E.V.I.N. in the finale of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and asked, When are we getting the X-Men? According to one reliable scooper, the answer is, 2027.Jeff Sneider, a journalist with a track record of reliable scoops, recently posted on Twitter that hes hearing that the MCUs long-awaited X-Men movie will begin shooting next year for a 2027 release. That means official casting news likely coming in the next few months along with a director announcement, suggesting that casting news might arrive as soon at CinemaCon in April. Sneider doubled down with a second rumor, identifying Once Upon a Time In Hollywood and The Fablemans star Julia Butters as Marvel Studios current choice for Kitty Pryde aka Shadowcat (aka Ariel, aka Sprite, aka Star-Lord, aka you get it). Also rumors are Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) as Jean Grey and Harris Dickinson (Babygirl) as Cyclops. On one hand, the alleged early focus on casting Kitty Pryde seems odd. Shes not Wolverine, Storm, Professor X, or any of the A-list X-Men. Even if its true that Hugh Jackman really will be playing Logan until hes older than Old Man Logan, there are still a few characters better known to the average viewer who one would assume would be a bigger priority for Marvel.On the other, its a good sign that theyre making Kitty a priority. Introduced as a plucky 13-year-old in 1980s Uncanny X-Men #129, Kitty soon became the ideal audience surrogate. Even when writer Chris Claremont put her at the center of some misjudged moments (more than once, Claremont had Kitty use real-world slurs to point out the prejudice launched at mutants), Kitty remained the perfect example of a person whose life was turned upside down by the sudden arrival of her powers. Before Jubilee on the 90s cartoon or Rogue in the Fox movies, Kitty served as Wolverines charge and big sister to younger mutants.By starting with Kitty, it seems that Disneys looking for a way to ease viewers into the very lore-heavy world of the X-Men, which is notable. After all, we have already seen mutants in the MCU, and not just little winks like the tease in the Ms. Marvel finale or an off-hand comment about Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.The aforementioned Hugh Jackman appeared as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine, joined by Channing Tatum as Gambit. Kelsey Grammer reprised his role as Beast in The Marvels and Patrick Stewart showed up as Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But these are all refugees from the Fox Universe, which isnt dead, but is sequestered after the end of Deadpool & Wolverine.That multiversal division highlights another interesting part of Sneiders report. If X-Men releases in 2027, then it comes the same year as Avengers: Secret Wars. While it seems likely that Secret Wars will adapt the 2015 Marvel Comics crossover by the same name, its not entirely clear how that will look on screen. Less substantial internet rumors had suggested that the film will involve even more multiversal variants, including Tobey Maguires Spider-Man and Nicholas Cages Ghost Rider, joining together to fight Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.This next bit is speculation on our part: if the MCU is indeed bringing back a lot of veteran actors in key roles, then the X-Men we meet in the undoubtedly nostalgic Secret Wars might mostly come from the Fox movies, just transposed from an alternate reality. However, the Secret Wars comic book ends with the creation of a new Marvel Universe, which could also influence the MCUs future, including what mutantdom looks like on screen after the finale of Phase 6.Might Avengers: Secret Wars end with an essentially rebooted Earth, one in which the general public isnt quite so used to people with superpowers as they are in the current version of the MCU? And if random people just started gaining powers when they hit puberty, might the general public fear and hate those people, those mutants?Again, this is all speculation. But if Sneiders report is true, then we dont have to wait much longer to see how Marvel will integrate its merry band of mutants.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!

When it comes to home inspiration, TikToks home decor content is a powerhouse of ideas with over 8 million videos and counting under its home sector hashtags. Thats thousands of hours of content (and yes, we watched way too many of them).Between the endless scroll of DIY hacks, room transformations, and controversial design opinions, clear patterns have emerged. While some trends feel like 24-hour phenomena (ahem, #liminalbedroomdecor), others are gaining serious traction with both creators and design professionals.To separate the fleeting fads from the trends with real staying power, we consulted industry experts who are tracking these viral movements. Below, weve identified five major TikTok trends that arent just racking up millions of views, but are also reshaping how we think about our spaces in 2025.Hostingcoreannieschlechter.comDesigner Rebecca Gardner, who loves throwing a great party, is giving us all the best #hostingcore energy with her dining setup. Yes, the plates are antique.TikTok has made entertaining aspirational againand we need it. America is in a crisis of connection: According to recent studies, 30 percent of adults experience loneliness at least once a week.. Lacking social connection carries health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes dailyare we dramatic to say TikToks Hostingcore could help your health?View full post on TiktokThis trend encourages transforming spaces to facilitate meaningful human connectioncreating environments that encourage lingering conversations and spontaneous gatherings. But you dont have to put together perfect tablescapes or Instagram-worthy picture backdropsinstead, this trend encourages thoughtfully arranged seating areas that invite intimate discussions; well-appointed bar carts that beckon guests to stay for just one more; and dining spaces that make people feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and connect. The best-designed spaces lure guests into staying a little longer, Katie Gutierrez, principal of Errez Design says.Food-Inspired InteriorsDouglas FriedmanAndy Cohen did food-themed aesthetics before food-themed aesthetics were cool. In his powder room, the wall is wrapped inFlavor Papers Cherry Forever mylar wallpaper.Its 2025, and according to TikTok, food doesnt belong solely in the kitchenculinary inspiration has spilled into every corner of our homes. Last months deep dive into food-themed aesthetics proved prescient, and even Pinterests 2025 color palette is a mouthwatering menuCherry Red, Butter Yellow, Dill Green, and Alpine Oat.View full post on TiktokFood-inspired decor is playful, nostalgic, and a bit surrealand taps into the cultural obsession with sensory experiences, Phillip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James tells us. Think sculptural lighting that mimics melting butter, furniture that channels your favorite pastries, and paint colors that remind you of your favorite fruit. Were looking for spaces that engage all the senses, and as we move deeper into 2025, this appetite for food-inspired design shows no signs of being satiated.Moody Color DrenchingNicole FranzenThe perfect way to end the night? Sinking into this deep blue-drenched room, designed by design firm Le Whit for Christina Wangs NYC apartment.Color drenching has evolved into its moodiest form yet, and TikTok cant get enough. Its matured beyond simply painting walls and trim in a single huenow were creating immersive, cocoon-like environments using rich, dramatic tones. Color-drenchingwhere walls, trim, ceilings, and even furnishings are saturated in a single hueis gaining momentum, particularly with rich, moody tones like oxblood, deep aubergine, and electric teal. Its an emotional response to the sterility of the pandemic years; people want their spaces to feel dynamic, expressive, and full of personality, Vanderford explains. The key to making this trend feel elevated rather than gimmicky is refinementlayering different textures within the same tonal family (lacquered walls against plush velvets or matte plaster) to create depth rather than visual overload.View full post on TiktokVanderfords suggestions are similar to double drenching, which we predicted would take off in the new year last October. In this advanced painting technique, a room is coated in subtle variations for the same shade and that tone-on-tone application of color creates more depth, explains Ashley Banbury of HGTV Home By Sherwin-Williams.Biophilic DesignPernille LoofHere, noplantdies, interior designer and homeowner Vicente Wolf told us. Words to live by!While plants in interiors arent revolutionary, TikToks approach to biophilic design shows some impressive sophistication. Whats new for 2025 is a move away from the urban jungle aesthetic and toward a more curated, architectural approachsculptural topiaries, unexpected greenery placements (like indoor olive groves in dining rooms), and an emphasis on natural light and airflow, notes Vanderford. And, unlike many others, this trend has an enduring appeal: While colors, textures, and forms will all ebb and flow in popularity, we will always respond to life itself, says Rebel House Creative Director Marli Jones.View full post on TiktokVintage Renaissance Sylvie BecquetRobert Couturiers 17th-century Normandy escape is what dreams are made of. In the library, the painting (left) is by Franois-Xavier Fabre, and the 18th-century portrait (right) of the Earl De La Warr.Whats old is new again. TikToks vintage renaissance mixes periods and styles with contemporary pieces for spaces that feel collected rather than curated. Its a statement against the environmental and social costs of fast furniture and goodsas landfills overflow with discarded particleboard and social media feeds blur into an endless stream of identical interiors, collectors are turning to pre-loved pieces that add character that cant be replicated.View full post on TiktokThe key is in the mix: pairing inherited pieces with modern elements, creating layered interiors that tell a story.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand's social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.

Long before Sonos got in the business of shipping cursed apps, the connected audio company had dreams of releasing a MagSafe speaker for iPhone.Sonos demise documenter Chris Welch at The Verge has the scoop on the product that could have been. According to Welch, Sonos wanted to develop a miniature speaker that could magnetically attach to the back of iPhones, to attract Gen Z customers.Heres more from his report:According to images that Ive seen, Sonos envisioned a more rectangular design. The prototypes were the same overall shape and size asApples discontinued MagSafe Battery Pack, but thicker. Early on, Sonos hoped the magnetic speaker would showcase the innovative transducer technology that came with itsacquisition of Mayht Holding in 2022and deliver surprisingly good sound at a compact size. But technical limitations, questionable appeal, and a limited target market ultimately led to the device being scrapped.A MagSafe speaker for the iPhone isnt the worst idea in the world, and Sonos always finds clever ways to innovate with audio. Hopefully, the company isnt actually in demise either. However, the company did just let go of 12 percent of its workforce, perhaps to make itself a more appealing acquisition target. As long as Samsung doesnt acquire the brand, its quality hardware will hopefully continue to speak for itself.In the meantime, take your pick at any number of mini MagSafe speakers that surely sound worse than the iPhones built-in speaker.Top iPhone accessoriesAdd 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

Severance is one of the biggest Apple TV+ hits, yet it took almost three years for its season 2 return. Ben Stiller, one of the major creative forces on the show, says that shouldnt happen again as season 3 is already underway.Writers room currently working on Severances next seasonRebecca Keegan writes at The Hollywood Reporter:Apple has yet to officially confirm a third season of Severance, but Stiller says there is a writers room underway in L.A. and that he hopes not to keep audiences waiting three years this time. Hollywood budgets have tightened since Apple greenlit the show, but Stiller expects to keep Severance moving forward with the same polish. Everything changed a lot after the strike, for everyone, in terms of the way people are looking at budgets and spending, Stiller says. To Apples credit, they stayed on track with what the show was, and theyve supported it.Apples lack of official renewal for Severance isnt anything to be concerned about.The existence of an active writers room for Severance season 3 is a good sign, to start.More than that, though, Severance is one of the only Apple TV+ series to truly go mainstream. Apple no doubt plans to continue renewing it until the story reaches its end.Its common for Apple to announce season renewals near the end of one seasons run. Fortunately, we still have quite a bit of Severance season 2 to enjoy in the weeks ahead. Expect that official renewal to drop some time in March near the episode 10 finale.Meanwhile, its nice that Stiller acknowledges an intent to release season 3 with less of a gap between seasons. However, as Stiller and creator Dan Erickson recently indicated, their perfectionism doesnt always pair well with strict deadlines.While I certainly hope to see Severance season 3 arrive before 2028, if the shows creative team can keep maintaining quality at a high level, it will be worth whatever wait we have to endure.Apple TV+ isavailable for $9.99 per monthand features hit TV shows and movies likeTed Lasso,Severance,The Morning Show,Silo, andShrinking.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 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