Key European politicians gathered at the AI Action Summit have committed to cutting red tape to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) is able to flourish throughout the continent, signalling closer alignment with the USs light-touch approach to regulation.The Paris Summit follows the inauguralAI Safety Summit hosted by the UK government at Bletchley Parkin November 2023, and the second AI Seoul Summit inSouth Korea in May 2024, both of which largely focused on risks associated with the technology and placed an emphasis on improving its safety through international scientific cooperation and research.However, there are concerns from some civil society groups and AI practitioners there has been a shift away from this focus on safety during the latest AI Summit, as politicians and industry figures are now seemingly prioritising speed and innovation over safety and regulation. US vice-president JD Vance, for example, told the summit on 11 February: Excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry ... we need international regulatory regimes that foster the creation of AI technology rather than strangle it, and we need our European friends in particular to look to this new frontier with optimism rather than trepidation.Vances comments follow US president Donald Trump revoking an Executive Order on 20 January 2025 signed by predecessor Joe Biden that required AI developers to share safety test results with the US government for systems that posed risks to national security, the economy or public health, which prompted concerns at the time about regulatory divergence between the US, Europe and China.Vance added that while a light-touch approach does not mean throwing all safety concerns out the window, focus matters, and we must focus now on the opportunity to catch lightning in a bottle.Adopting a more aligned, light-touch regulatory approach was also encouraged by industry figures, on the basis it would boost productivity and innovation.During a speech delivered on the first day of the AI Summit, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said it was important for different regulatory regimes to be aligned: AI cant flourish if there is a fragmented regulatory environment, with different rules across different countries and regions.He added that while history will look back on today as the beginning of a golden age of innovation, positive outcomes cannot be guaranteed: European competitiveness depends on productivity, so driving adoption is key The biggest risk could be missing out.Pichai also called for governments to invest more in AI innovation ecosystems, highlighting rapid adoption of the technology throughout France: How do we create more of these pockets in more places?Similar sentiments were shared by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in an op-ed for Le Monde published ahead of the summit, who encouraged European politicians to focus on innovation over regualtion: If we want growth, jobs and progress, we must allow innovators to innovate, builders to build and developers to develop.He added: In Europe, much of the conversation has focused on what former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi has called a European innovation gap with the United States and China that poses an existential challenge to the EUs future.Both French president Emmanuel Macron and European Union (EU) digital chief Henna Virkkunen strongly indicated that the bloc would simplify its rules and implement them in a business-friendly way to help AI on the continent scale.Its very clear we have to resynchronise with the rest of the world, said Macron, adding that the French government will adopt a Notre Dame strategy, referring to how the cathedral was rebuilt within five years of the 2019 fire: We showed the rest of the world that when we commit to a clear timeline, we can deliver The Notre-Dame approach will be adopted for datacentres, for authorisation to go to the market, for AI and attractiveness.Virkkunen added: I agree with industries on the fact that now, we also have to look at our rules, that we have too much overlapping regulation We will cut red tape and the administrative burden from our industries.Following the announcement that France is set to invest around 109bn in datacentres and AI-related projects over the next few years, Macron declared that France is back in the AI race.European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, however, dismissed the idea that Europe had been left behind in any way: The AI race is far from over. Truth is, we are only at the beginning. The frontier is constantly moving, and global leadership is still up for grabs, adding that Europes own distinctive approach should focus on collaborative, open-source solutions.She ended her speech by announcing an additional 200bn for EU AI investment, 20bn of which she indicated would be used on gigafactories to help train very large models: We provide the infrastructure for large computational power. Researchers, entrepreneurs and investors will be able to join forces.However, she added: At the same time, I know that we have to make it easier, and we have to cut red tape and we will.While it is hoped that world leaders attending the summit will sign a joint, non-binding declaration a draft of which highlights the importance of inclusive, sustainable approaches to AI, as well as the risks of market concentration around the technology it has been reported that the US and UK are unlikely to sign.Some are concerned that the rhetoric coming out of the summit indicates a worrying shift in the global AI landscape.Kasia Borowska, managing director and co-founder of Brainpool AI a global network of 500 AI and machine learning (ML) experts that build custom AI tools for businesses said that Vances speech in particular means governments are prioritising innovation over regulation, adding there are serious questions around the safety of AIs further development.If we rush to win the AI arms race without establishing robust control mechanisms for existing AI technologies, we will be ill-prepared to manage AGI [artificial general intelligence], she said. Regardless of who achieves AGI first, a race-to-the-top approach that prioritises speed over safety could lead to disastrous consequences for everyone. We must implement proper safeguards now, before we reach AGI, when it may be too late.Chris Williams, a partner at global law firm Clyde & Co, added that while there remains enormous hype around what AI can actually achieve, the focus has clearly shifted away from balancing AI safety and innovation.The safety first narrative around AI, which was once prevalent among those now in government has clearly given way to a focus on doing what is necessary to foster innovation, and a good example of this is the UK which aims to become an AI superpower. No matter the jurisdiction, whether it be the UK or US, the need to create legislative safeguards are being viewed as nice to haves rather than essential cornerstones to developing AI in a way that is safe, responsible and ethical, he said.At this stage, the regulatory response might need to be more fluid and less prescriptive to avoid stifling innovation, but it would likely need to include a long-term view of gradually stepping up checks and balances as AI becomes more advanced.Commenting on the draft deceleration, Gaia Marcus, director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, said that governments must re-focus on the technologys safety, which dominated the previous two international AI Summits.Based on the initial draft, we are concerned that the scaffolding provided by the official summit declaration is not strong enough, he said, adding that while it highlights widespread consensus on key structural risks such as AI market concentration and sustainability challenges, it fails to build on the mission of making AI safe and trustworthy, and the safety commitments of previous summits. There are no tools to ensure tech companies are held accountable for harms. And there is a growing gap between public expectations of safety and government action to regulate.There will be no greater barrier to the transformative potential of AI than a failure in public confidence ... like-minded countries that recognise the costs of unaddressed risks must find other forums to continue building the safety agenda.Read more about artificial intelligenceGoogle drops pledge not to develop AI weapons: Google has dropped an ethical pledge to not develop artificial intelligence systems that can be used in weapon or surveillance systems.Elon Musk capitalises on DeepSeek confusion to bid for OpenAI: The market disruption resulting from DeepSeek has reset artificial intelligence, and now Elon Musk and a consortium of investors want to grab OpenAI.Government opens up bidding for AI growth zones: As part of its AI opportunities action plan, the government is encouraging local authorities to put in bids for AI growth zones.

Laurent - stock.adobe.comNewsAI Action Summit: European AI investment ramps upA number of private companies and European governments have announced large-scale investments in artificial intelligence during the two-day AI Action Summit in ParisBySebastian Klovig Skelton,Data & ethics editorPublished: 11 Feb 2025 14:45 European governments and private companies have committed around 200bn to artificial intelligence (AI)-related investments, including datacentres and gigafactories, over the course of the AI Action Summit in Paris.It follows the inaugural AI Safety Summit hosted by the UK government at Bletchley Park in November 2023, and theAI Seoul Summit inSouth Korea in May 2024.During the first day of the Paris Summit, dozens of major corporations and startups led by venture capital firm General Catalyst launched the EU AI Champions Initiative, to invest 150bn in European AI over the next five years.It has already called for simplified AI regulation in Europe, greater investment in infrastructure, and a public campaign to improve peoples understanding and trust of the technology. By seizing the moment, working with greater intention and embracing deep collaboration, Europe can seize a generational opportunity by leading in applied AI, integrating it into our industrial base to boost productivity, resilience and economic sovereignty, said Jeannette zu Frstenburg, managing director and head of Europe at General Catalyst.Backers of the initiative include Deutsche Bank, German defence startup Helsing, French AI developer Mistral, and Swedish music-streaming giant Spotify.Speaking on the first day of the Summit, European CommissionerUrsula von der LeyenWe aim to mobilise a total of 200bn for AI investments in Europe, she said. This unique public-private partnership, akin to a Cern for AI, will enable all our scientists and companies not just the biggest to develop the most advanced, very large models needed to make Europe an AI continent.Read more about AI investmentSaudi puts $15bn into AI as experts debate next steps: The kingdoms Leap 2025 tech show is the backdrop for huge investment, plus debate over the future of artificial intelligence as a productivity tool but which can also potentially undermine human society.UK government unveils AI-fuelled industrial strategy: Labour plans to implement the 50 recommendations set out by entrepreneur Matt Clifford to boost the use of AI in the UK.Elon Musk distances himself from Trumps Stargate AI mission: Just a few days into the Donald Trump presidency and there appears to be a disagreement brewing around funding of OpenAI and the Stargate Project.In total, the combined investment from private companies and the EU makes it the largest public-private investment in the world.In the run-up to the summit, French president Emmanuel Macron announced the country would attract 109bn worth of private investment in datacentres and AI projects in the coming years, including up to 50bn from the United Arab Emirates for a datacentre, and a further 20bn investment in AI infrastructure from Canadas Brookfield Corporation. Further investments are expected from French companies Iliad SA, Orange SA and Thales SA.On the second day of the summit, the UK government announced its own investment into AI research for cancer and drug discovery, which will be worth 82.6m.The UK government also announced it would expand its involvement in the European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking, by committing a further 7.8m to funding UK researchers and businesses participation. It claimed the investment would enable British AI and computing researchers to work unobstructed with their European peers.The focus of this summit has been on how we can put AI to work in the public interest, and todays announcements are living proof of how the UK is leading that charge through our plan for change, said digital secretary Peter Kyle. Weve already set out a bold new blueprint for AI which will help to spark a decade of national renewal, and key to that plan is supporting our expert researchers and businesses with the support they need to drive forward their game-changing innovations.Today, we open new avenues for them to do exactly that building bridges with our international partners so the entire global community can share in the boundless opportunities of AI-powered progress and backing new innovative companies applying AI to tackle real-world challenges.As part of its AI opportunities action plan, the UK government is also encouraging local authorities to put in bids for AI growth zones, which it has claimed will boost local and regional economic growth opportunities, particularly in deindustrialised areas of the country, through the construction of datacentres and other key infrastructure.In The Current Issue:Digging into the CMAs provisional take on AWS and Microsofts hold on UK cloud marketInterview: Digital tech fuels AutoTraders drive into the futureDownload Current IssueYour three point plan for Safer Internet Day When IT Meets Politics"Just throw more bandwidth at it" - Yeah right... 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If you've resolved to get better sleep in 2025, allow me to recommend one product that has changed my sleep game and could change yours: sleep earbuds.Sound outside my bedroom window is one factor I can't control. That's why sleep headphones and earbuds have been a saving grace for me. Although sound machines can effectively block out noises while you sleep, the best sleep earbuds offer a more compact, subtle, and personal approach that won't wake the partner sleeping across from you.ZDNET staffers conducted hands-on testing and extensive research to find sleep headphones equipped with flat speakers, active noise canceling (ANC) technology, and a long-lasting battery life that can be a game changer for a good night's rest, especially if noise is your number one nightmare. Some are earbuds that stick in your ear for the whole night, and others wrap around your head or eyes for a quicker and easier descent into slumber.Also: The best cheap headphones: Budget-friendly options in 2025What are the best sleep headphones right now?Our pick for the best sleep headphones overall are the Ozlo Sleepbuds for their comfortable fit for side sleepers and the effective white noise they produce that masks disruptions around you. But I've also included alternatives with different price ranges and form factors, from a headphone sleep mask to sleep earbuds. Find out how the sleep headphones we've tested stack up on this list -- and on your pillow. Sort by All The best sleep headphones of 2025 Show less View now at Ozlo Bose had an avid following when it launched its Sleepbuds, but discontinued the product after it "didn't reach the level of adoption" Bose hoped it would, according to a Bose spokesperson. That's when three ex-Bose engineers took the sleep earbuds under their wing and developed a brand and product of its own, under Ozlo. The Ozlo Sleepbuds are the best, most comfortable sleep earbuds I've tried to date.While a new product isn't without its flaws -- the major one being that the app setup was annoyingly glitchy -- the product itself is impressively effective at what it does: getting you to bed. Once the Sleepbuds are in your ears they produce noise-masking (not noise-canceling) white noise that's dialed at the perfect volume to reduce external distractions and help you quickly fall asleep (and you don't even need to connect them with a phone or the app for this to work). My bedroom overlooks a bustling Brooklyn street that is always polluted with noise, like police sirens, screaming ambulances, neighbors singing and celebrating into the wee hours of the night, and pedestrians yelling at each other. These earbuds simplified my descent into sleep -- I put these earbuds in and couldn't hear a song or chatter outside my window.If you download the app, you can customize your sleep sounds with up to 10 to choose from, set up an alarm in the earbuds, and put a timer on the earbuds for them to shut down after you've gone to bed. Some features, like sleep tracking, will also be coming soon in an over-the-air app update.As far as comfort goes, you won't find a sleep earbud that's more comfortable to sleep in. This is thanks to the stabilizing ear wings that keep the buds in place without additional pressure buildup (that tends to cause soreness and sensitivity). I'm a side sleeper and found these the most comfortable to wear as I turned from one side of my head to the other. In my review, I write that they dissolved into my ears, becoming nearly invisible as I fell asleep, which is all that you really want out of a sleep earbud.The earbuds were so good that Ozlo was awarded a Best of CES award in the wellness category, as selected by ZDNET, CNET, PCMag, Mashable, and Lifehacker.Of course, $300 is still a pretty penny to pay for a decent night of uninterrupted sleep. But the Ozlo Sleepbuds are the best earbuds for a reason: they have a thoughtful design, are an effective sound-masking technology, and are a comfortable fit that makes me want to wear them every night.Ozlo Sleepbuds tech specs: Form factor:Earbuds |Connectivity:Bluetooth|Battery:10 hours in the earbuds|Fit:In-ear Pros Prioritize comfort, especially for side sleepers. Sound level and noise masking are effective at dimming down environmental disturbances and getting you to sleep quickly. Cons Some features, like sleep tracking, are unavailable at launch App setup was glitchy Bose had an avid following when it launched its Sleepbuds, but discontinued the product after it "didn't reach the level of adoption" Bose hoped it would, according to a Bose spokesperson. That's when three ex-Bose engineers took the sleep earbuds under their wing and developed a brand and product of its own, under Ozlo. The Ozlo Sleepbuds are the best, most comfortable sleep earbuds I've tried to date.While a new product isn't without its flaws -- the major one being that the app setup was annoyingly glitchy -- the product itself is impressively effective at what it does: getting you to bed. Once the Sleepbuds are in your ears they produce noise-masking (not noise-canceling) white noise that's dialed at the perfect volume to reduce external distractions and help you quickly fall asleep (and you don't even need to connect them with a phone or the app for this to work). My bedroom overlooks a bustling Brooklyn street that is always polluted with noise, like police sirens, screaming ambulances, neighbors singing and celebrating into the wee hours of the night, and pedestrians yelling at each other. These earbuds simplified my descent into sleep -- I put these earbuds in and couldn't hear a song or chatter outside my window.If you download the app, you can customize your sleep sounds with up to 10 to choose from, set up an alarm in the earbuds, and put a timer on the earbuds for them to shut down after you've gone to bed. Some features, like sleep tracking, will also be coming soon in an over-the-air app update.As far as comfort goes, you won't find a sleep earbud that's more comfortable to sleep in. This is thanks to the stabilizing ear wings that keep the buds in place without additional pressure buildup (that tends to cause soreness and sensitivity). I'm a side sleeper and found these the most comfortable to wear as I turned from one side of my head to the other. In my review, I write that they dissolved into my ears, becoming nearly invisible as I fell asleep, which is all that you really want out of a sleep earbud.The earbuds were so good that Ozlo was awarded a Best of CES award in the wellness category, as selected by ZDNET, CNET, PCMag, Mashable, and Lifehacker.Of course, $300 is still a pretty penny to pay for a decent night of uninterrupted sleep. But the Ozlo Sleepbuds are the best earbuds for a reason: they have a thoughtful design, are an effective sound-masking technology, and are a comfortable fit that makes me want to wear them every night.Ozlo Sleepbuds tech specs: Form factor:Earbuds |Connectivity:Bluetooth|Battery:10 hours in the earbuds|Fit:In-ear Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less A good pair of sleep earbuds should be nearly unnoticeable in your ears as you sleep. When I slept with them for a few nights, the new Soundcore A20 sleep earbuds got as close to invisible as a pair of earbuds can. As a side sleeper, I had no trouble wearing these while I slept because the flat end of the earbud doesn't put pressure into my ear or cause discomfort that keeps me up.The A20 improves on the previous model, the A10, through longer battery life, a new find my earbuds feature, and Twin Seal ear tips for added noise masking. But while the updates make the earbuds easier to use, the earbuds still aren't without their flaws. These aren't the best for canceling environmental noise, like a snoring partner, a busy street your bedroom looks out upon, or a loud upstairs neighbor blasting their music.I'd recommend these less for people who want to dim down a loud bedroom setting and for others who already have a silent sleep environment and are looking for a comfortable earbud to use for listening to audiobooks, music, or other soundscapes to fall asleep.Keep in mind, though, that reviews on Amazon say the earbuds' battery is short-lived and the earbuds aren't evenly charged.Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds tech specs: Form factor:Earbuds |Connectivity:Bluetooth|Battery:14 hours in the earbuds and 80 in the charging case |Fit:In-ear Pros A comfortable fit So many soundscapes to layer and listen to through the app Long battery life Find my earbuds feature Cons Does not cancel noise well App experience isn't always intuitive Many customers return the item on Amazon Battery life Up to 14 hoursANC, PNC or other Passive noise cancelingHeadphone type In-earConnection type Bluetooth A good pair of sleep earbuds should be nearly unnoticeable in your ears as you sleep. When I slept with them for a few nights, the new Soundcore A20 sleep earbuds got as close to invisible as a pair of earbuds can. As a side sleeper, I had no trouble wearing these while I slept because the flat end of the earbud doesn't put pressure into my ear or cause discomfort that keeps me up.The A20 improves on the previous model, the A10, through longer battery life, a new find my earbuds feature, and Twin Seal ear tips for added noise masking. But while the updates make the earbuds easier to use, the earbuds still aren't without their flaws. These aren't the best for canceling environmental noise, like a snoring partner, a busy street your bedroom looks out upon, or a loud upstairs neighbor blasting their music.I'd recommend these less for people who want to dim down a loud bedroom setting and for others who already have a silent sleep environment and are looking for a comfortable earbud to use for listening to audiobooks, music, or other soundscapes to fall asleep.Keep in mind, though, that reviews on Amazon say the earbuds' battery is short-lived and the earbuds aren't evenly charged.Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds tech specs: Form factor:Earbuds |Connectivity:Bluetooth|Battery:14 hours in the earbuds and 80 in the charging case |Fit:In-ear Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon My bedroom looks over a busy Brooklyn street, and I can often hear the honks and skirrrrts of passing cars and cyclists while I try to fall and stay asleep. The street outside my window is also well-lit, so I normally wear a face mask to bed. This is all to say that I am in dire need of a sleeping device that not only blocks out sound but also bright light. The LC-Dolida does both pretty well.The sleep mask comes with eye cups that truly block out any light in your field of vision, which I love. And the flat headphones hover over your ears. They aren't notably immersive, but they dampen most sounds if you raise the volume high enough. I like to listen to brown noise playlists with these on to fall asleep, and I can confidently say I'm out in minutes when I have these on. Plus, the battery life is substantial. I can wear these for two nights straight without them dying on me -- for around $20 (Amazon says it costs $40, but is normally around the $20 range with wavering discounts), that's not bad at all.I have a small head, move around in my sleep, and can rarely keep a mask on for the entirety of a night, so I wasn't surprised when I woke up with the headphones off a few times. "If you sleep with a partner who snores, live next to a busy street, or have loud roommates, you will surely benefit from this headphone sleep mask. It's everything I want out of a sleep device: it's got a decent battery life, it's comfortable, and it immerses you in noise that dulls -- but doesn't fully eliminate -- distracting sounds around you," I wrote in my spotlight of the sleep mask.LC-Dolida Sleep Headphones and Mask tech specs:Form factor:Over-ear |Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 |Battery life:8-10 hours |Fit:Adjustable velcro strap Pros No light enters the sleep mask Great for partial awareness Nice battery life for the price Cons Speakers could be louder Charging cord is right next to your face as you sleep My bedroom looks over a busy Brooklyn street, and I can often hear the honks and skirrrrts of passing cars and cyclists while I try to fall and stay asleep. The street outside my window is also well-lit, so I normally wear a face mask to bed. This is all to say that I am in dire need of a sleeping device that not only blocks out sound but also bright light. The LC-Dolida does both pretty well.The sleep mask comes with eye cups that truly block out any light in your field of vision, which I love. And the flat headphones hover over your ears. They aren't notably immersive, but they dampen most sounds if you raise the volume high enough. I like to listen to brown noise playlists with these on to fall asleep, and I can confidently say I'm out in minutes when I have these on. Plus, the battery life is substantial. I can wear these for two nights straight without them dying on me -- for around $20 (Amazon says it costs $40, but is normally around the $20 range with wavering discounts), that's not bad at all.I have a small head, move around in my sleep, and can rarely keep a mask on for the entirety of a night, so I wasn't surprised when I woke up with the headphones off a few times. "If you sleep with a partner who snores, live next to a busy street, or have loud roommates, you will surely benefit from this headphone sleep mask. It's everything I want out of a sleep device: it's got a decent battery life, it's comfortable, and it immerses you in noise that dulls -- but doesn't fully eliminate -- distracting sounds around you," I wrote in my spotlight of the sleep mask.LC-Dolida Sleep Headphones and Mask tech specs:Form factor:Over-ear |Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 |Battery life:8-10 hours |Fit:Adjustable velcro strap Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at DubsLabs If you want headphones made for sleeping, look no further than the Bedphones. These headphones were designed with side sleepers in mind, as the speakers are thin and covered in soft foam padding. They lay flat against your ears while you listen to soothing sounds.The adjustable memory wire ear hooks allow these sleeping headphones to fit all ears. While wireless, a cable connects the two drivers, and you can wear the cable in front of or behind your neck and tighten the cable slider to ensure the headphones stay secure even on restless nights.The 13-hour battery life and inline microphone with a single-button remote are also impressive features.Bedphones Wireless tech specs:Form factor:Over-ear |Connectivity:Bluetooth |Battery life:13 hours |Fit:Adjustable ear hooks Pros Long battery life Comfortable for side sleepers Cable slider and adjustable hooks ensure a secure fit all night Cons Expensive If you want headphones made for sleeping, look no further than the Bedphones. These headphones were designed with side sleepers in mind, as the speakers are thin and covered in soft foam padding. They lay flat against your ears while you listen to soothing sounds.The adjustable memory wire ear hooks allow these sleeping headphones to fit all ears. While wireless, a cable connects the two drivers, and you can wear the cable in front of or behind your neck and tighten the cable slider to ensure the headphones stay secure even on restless nights.The 13-hour battery life and inline microphone with a single-button remote are also impressive features.Bedphones Wireless tech specs:Form factor:Over-ear |Connectivity:Bluetooth |Battery life:13 hours |Fit:Adjustable ear hooks Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This headband headphone design from Perytong is a more budget-friendly option for sleeping headphones. The headband is made of soft, machine-washable, breathable material and features detachable on-ear headphones that can comfortably fit back and side sleepers.The headband holds a decent battery life that lasts 10 hours per full charge and comes in more than 15 color options. These sleeping headphones can also work well for listening to music while you run or for zoning out while you meditate.Perytong Sleep Headphonestech specs: Form factor:On-ear |Connectivity:Bluetooth |Battery life:10 hours |Fit:Headband Pros Affordable Comfortable to wear Cons No auto-off feature Volume can be loud even on the lowest setting This headband headphone design from Perytong is a more budget-friendly option for sleeping headphones. The headband is made of soft, machine-washable, breathable material and features detachable on-ear headphones that can comfortably fit back and side sleepers.The headband holds a decent battery life that lasts 10 hours per full charge and comes in more than 15 color options. These sleeping headphones can also work well for listening to music while you run or for zoning out while you meditate.Perytong Sleep Headphonestech specs: Form factor:On-ear |Connectivity:Bluetooth |Battery life:10 hours |Fit:Headband Read More Show Expert Take Show less Which sleeping headphones are right for you? It depends on what you're looking for relative to the position(s) you sleep in, whether you want ANC, and what price point you're willing to spend.Choose these headphones for sleeping...If you want...Ozlo SleepbudsThe best sleep earbuds you can buy right now, with an uber-comfortable fit and noise-masking that reduces sounds within and outside your bedroom. These are the only sleep earbuds I can see myself wearing every night. Soundcore by Anker Sleep A20The best sleep earbuds for an already-quiet environment. Unobtrusive, these earbuds are no bigger than a nickel, have a 14-hour playback battery life, and track your sleep. They don't cancel noise, so I'd recommend these to people who sleep in a silent bedroom and want to fall asleep to relaxing soundscapes.LC-Dolida Sleep Mask and HeadphonesThe best sleep mask and headphone combo that won't cost you too much. Cancel out noise and sound with this $20 duo.Bedphones wirelessThe best sleep headphones. If you're a side sleeper, the flat and foam-padded design was made with you in mind. You'll also get 13 hours of battery life.Perytong Sleep HeadphonesThe best budget-friendly sleep headphones. Only $20 on Amazon, this over-ear headband is price and comfort-conscious. Show more How did we choose these headphones for sleeping? We selected these top sleeping headphones by doing extensive research into the product category, as well as performing some testing of our own while considering the following factors:Flat speakers:There's no point in sleeping in headphones if they're not comfortable -- and nothing is more uncomfortable than something poking in your ears. We looked for headphones with speakers that sit comfortably in your ears and against your pillow.Active Noise Canceling capabilities:We looked for headphones that cancel or block out noise so that you can have undisturbed rest.Battery life:All of our picks have battery life that will last you through the night from six to 28 hours.Price: The sleeping headphones on this list range in price from $12 to $300. While you don't need to spend hundreds on a pair of good-quality sleep headphones, more features come with a higher price tag. Show more Is it OK to sleep with headphones in? Yes, it is medically safe to fall asleep while wearing headphones. It isrecommended to keep the volume below 85 dB. Also, on-ear or over-ear headphones are preferred over earbuds when considering long-term use since wax buildup and ear canal damage can potentially happen over time with earbud use. So if you're concerned with that, consider a sleep headphone headband instead of one of the earbuds on the list. Show more What about playing music with headphones in? The same goes for playing music. You should try to keep your volume level between 60 and 85 decibels, audio experts confirm. 60 decibels is equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation you have with someone, while 85 decibels sounds like a trafficked city intersection or a loud restaurant. Show more FAQs on sleep headphones Are noise-canceling headphones good for sleeping? Noise-canceling headphones are great for sleeping since they have built-in technology that virtually blocks out any noise in your bedroom, making it easier to fall asleep in silence.However, noise-canceling headphones for sleeping are not the best option in the case of an emergency since you're essentially tuned out to the world -- especially if you already consider yourself a heavy sleeper. Show more Headphones vs earbuds vs Bluetooth sleep masks: Which one takes the crown? That depends on what you want to get out of your sleep companion. Headphones are best for back sleepers who want to listen to something to get them asleep, while earbuds and sleep masks may work better for side sleepers. Earbuds are the most comfortable, while headphones and Bluetooth sleep masks take some finagling and getting used to. Show more Best Headphones for Side Sleepers Our top pick, theOzlo Sleepbudsare going to be a side sleeper's best bet. As a side sleeper myself, I found these to work wonderfully on my side, as they prioritized comfort and dimmed down the noise outside my window. Show more Do sleep headphones block out snoring? Sleep headphones that include noise-canceling capabilities are your best bet for blocking out snoring. That's because headphones with noise-canceling technology use reverse sound waves to nix the external noises around you. A headphone with only sound-masking technology can only do so much to block out the sounds of a snoring partner right next to you. Plus, without a noise-canceling feature in your earbuds, you'll need to raise the volume high on your sleep headphones to mask snoring, but too high of a volume could deter you from falling asleep. Show more Why were Bose SleepBuds discontinued? Bose discontinued its popular SleepBuds because, despite the earbuds' cult following, the earbuds didn't garner mainstream adoption, a Bose spokesperson told the Verge. But the good news is that three former Bose employees revived the Sleepbuds through a new brand, Ozlo, and you can grab a pair right now throughOzlo's website. Show more Alternative sleep headphones worth considering ZDNETs Headphones Guide Headphones & Earbuds Roundups Headphones & Earbuds Reviewed & Compared Headphones & Earbuds Explained ZDNET Recommends

Road warriors and long-distance runners are sure to appreciate the OnePlus Watch 3. Heck, my Pixel 3 is lucky to get just a day of usage with a full charge.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Tesla Motors CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk and Y ... [+] Combinator President Sam Altman speak onstage during "What Will They Think of Next? Talking About Innovation" at the Vanity Fair New Establishment Summit at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on October 6, 2015 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)Getty Images for Vanity FairIn this weeks episode of billionaire deathmatch, Elon Musk attempts a $97.4 billion hostile takeover of OpenAI the multi-billion developer of ChatGPT in an effort to snatch control of the company from CEO Sam Altman.The unsolicited bid presents yet another escalation in the ongoing conflict between Musk and Altman, stemming back to the Tesla chiefs departure from OpenAI, which he helped co-found in 2015.It also throws a spanner in the works for Altmans plans to convert OpenAIs structure to a for-profit amidst other big-time moves, including efforts to raise up to $40 billion at a $340 billion valuation, plans to manufacture AI chips in-house and ambitions to build a $500-billion AI infrastructure.Musk is purportedly leading a consortium of big wig investors including Valor Equity Partners, Baron Capital, Endeavor CEO Ari Emmanuel and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.A Clash Of Visions For OpenAIs FutureAt the heart of the disagreement between Musk and Altman is the latters push to turn OpenAI into a for-profit entity, which could compromise the companys focus on developing safe and transparent AI solutions.Its time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was, Musk said in a statement provided by his attorney Marc Toberoff. We will make sure that happens.Shortly after the news broke, Altman fired back on X with a cheeky response. No, thank you, he said. But we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.Thats quite a deliberate dig from Altman. For one, Musk paid $44 billion to acquire X formerly Twitter back in late 2023. The second diss, obviously, is referring to X by its former name. Lets be honest, though: we all do that anyways.Musk is also working on his own AI effort with xAI, which directly competes with OpenAI.Musk Vs. Altman: A Storied Rivalry For Dominion Over OpenAIThats not where the skirmish between the two founders ends, though.Musk is currently suing OpenAI for allegedly straying from its original vision to develop AI for the common good. OpenAI, for its part, has called the lawsuit a blusterous campaign to harass OpenAI for his own competitive advantage.Without a doubt, Musks latest move is only going to heat up his ongoing battle with Altman. Whether the bid will slow down OpenAIs AI acceleration aspirations is yet to be seen. In any case though, the competition isnt waiting.

High pharmaceutical spending is due to both the prices of drugs and utilization.gettyUnited States healthcare spending increased by 7.5% in 2023* to $4.9 trillion, which is 17.6% of the gross domestic product, roughly twice the average percentage among comparably wealthy, industrialized nations. Theres plenty of blame to go around for high healthcare costs. Across the healthcare system, stakeholders share responsibility. This includes hospitals, drug makers, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and others involved in product and service supply chains. Whats conspicuous is rather than seeing the issue as a collective problem in need of a collaborative solution, the different sides tend to point fingers at each other. The end-result is inertia. And the fall-out for patients is increased cost burden without improved quality of care.In UnitedHealth Groups first public appearance last month since the killing of its top executive, Brian Thompson, leaders recognized the publics discontent with the healthcare system. At the same time, they defended the companys business, laying the blame at the feet of other stakeholders, such as drug companies, healthcare providers and hospitals.Fundamentally, healthcare costs more in the U.S. because the price of a single procedure, visit, or prescription is higher here than it is in other countries, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty said on a January earnings call.Witty acknowledged that Americans pay disproportionately more for prescription drugs than people in other countries, using the example of an obesity drug costing $900 in the U.S. versus about $90 in Europe. But he stressed that PBMs, such as UnitedHealths Optum Rx, arent at fault, and are actually helping keep prices down as they negotiate rebates off of the high list prices. And why such high list prices? Witty pins the blame squarely on drug companies.Perhaps unknowingly, Witty seems to be adhering to a conventional theory. A 2003 article in Health Affairs provocatively titled It's the prices, stupid found that the sizable differences in health spending between the U.S. and other countries were explained mainly by healthcare prices. An update to the study in 2019 concluded that prices continued to be the primary reason why the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country.MORE FOR YOUBut left out of Wittys remarks was that the rebates he mentioned, which lower net costs of certain drugs, dont directly accrue to patients. Moreover, sometimes its in the interests of PBMs to favor medications with higher list prices and therefore higher rebates. So, while there can be a substantial difference between an individual branded pharmaceuticals list and net price, (generic) competitors with even lower net prices arent necessarily preferred by PBMs.Additionally, OptumRx, the groups pharmacy benefit manager, along with its two main peers, Express Scripts and CVS Caremark Rx, have pocketed an additional $7.3 billion over acquisition cost thanks to price manipulation, according to the findings of a report issued by the Federal Trade Commission last month.Fortune reported that CVS Caremark criticized the findings for cherry picking particular treatments in an effort to push what the PBM called an anti-PBM narrative. Nonetheless, questions remain regarding whether certain PBM business practices are anti-competitive.Systemwide Misaligned IncentivesOn prescription drug costs, scapegoating is the theme. But theres a much larger problem at hand than simply the drug maker-PBM feud. The systems financial incentives arent aligned with bringing down costs.Every stakeholder has a financial stake in the business of healthcare: Among others, drug makers, hospitals, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Each wants a piece of the profit pie. In and of itself, this isnt problematic. Profit-seeking behavior generally works towards everyones benefit in most sectors of a smoothly operating capitalist economy, as Adam Smith first described more than 250 years ago. But in healthcare, markets are riddled with imperfections, which some call market failures. For one thing, there are very high levels of uncertainty, starting with consumers making choices about insurance to cover future health events. Theres also asymmetric information, which in very simple terms means that doctors know (much) more about what to prescribe than the patient. Third party payments shield patients from the actual costs of treatment. Finally, the system is rife with misaligned regulations or missing ones altogether.Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act enacted in 1992, for instance, includes an important goal of allocating scarce federal dollars in such a way as to provide the uninsured and indigent populations with heavily discounted outpatient prescription drugs in hospital settings. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must provide the up-front discounts, which can be 50% or more in some instances. But the program does not require hospitals and other eligible covered entities to pass on the savings it gets from mandatory discounts to vulnerable populations. Evidence suggests that hospitals, clinics and other entities, such as pharmacy benefit managers, are creating revenue streams by purchased steeply discounted drugs and then getting reimbursed by the government, Medicare, at higher rates.At the same time, pharmaceutical manufacturers have few if any guardrails around the launch prices of their products irrespective of whether these align with value. Moreover, business models in place such as buy-and-bill, in which doctors who run clinics can purchase physician-administered drugs and get reimbursed at the average sales price plus a 6% markup, incentivize the use of pricey medicines.Practicing physician and professor Adam Brown explains that all who are involved in the healthcare ecosystem bear some responsibility for the dysfunction of a broken system in which quality and access are problematic along with rising costs and corresponding lack of affordability. Not acknowledging each entitys role and shifting blame onto others isnt constructive. Brown points out that we must each do our part to solve it.And yet, no stakeholder wants to accept even partial blame for rising costs. Its therefore far from clear whether the different players would want to collaborate to move towards a solution.The problem with a healthcare system that generates higher costs without necessarily producing commensurate quality of care is that ordinary patientsaround which, supposedly, the system is builtface ever-rising insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but also less wage growth. And for employers and federal and state governments, higher costs imply greater financial burdens to support insurance programs for employees or beneficiaries.

WTF?! Microsoft has removed a recently introduced document called Uninstall Microsoft Edge, which, rather than explaining how to remove the company's browser, did little more than compare Edge to Chrome and highlight reasons to avoid its rival. Microsoft created the Uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 document on February 6, reports Windows Latest. It made several headlines due to the fact that it didn't actually tell people how to delete Edge. Instead, it listed six features that Microsoft believes give Edge an advantage over Chrome: Copilot, Vertical Tabs, Designer, Coupons, Read Aloud, and VPN.Courtesy of Windows LatestWhile there are plenty who will argue Edge is better than Chrome despite Google's product holding around 67% of the global browser share Microsoft's misleading behavior led to significant online backlash. It appears that the company was using search engines to identify those wanting to uninstall Edge and hoped to change their minds.It seems Redmond has now decided the negative publicity wasn't worth it. The page has been deleted, and visitors are being redirected to Microsoft's Edge portal.This is the latest tactic Microsoft has used to try to increase, or hold on to, Edge's share of the global browser market, which is currently around 5.2%, according to Statcounter. // Related StoriesIt was reported last month that searches for Chrome using Edge and via Bing (when signed out of your Microsoft account) on Windows 11 result in a "promoted by Microsoft" banner appearing at the top of the search results. The banner claimed there was "no need to download a new web browser," and hid the Chrome download links underneath, blurring out the small portion visible at the top.Microsoft previously told people that Chrome was "so 2008" and Edge was better, and placed full-size Edge ads on the Chrome website. Edge was also accused of stealing data from Chrome without users' consent in January.Microsoft boss Satya Nadella recently said that Edge has surpassed 30% market share in the US on Windows and has taken share for the last 15 consecutive quarters. However, independent analysis puts a question mark over this statement, though it's likely that he was using a different metric that inflated Edge's market share.

What just happened? Nokia is set for a leadership transition and has appointed Justin Hotard as its new chief executive officer effective April 1, 2025. Hotard, who currently heads Intel's data center and artificial intelligence group, will take over from outgoing CEO Pekka Lundmark. Lundmark is set to depart the company on March 31, though he will remain an advisor to Hotard through the end of this year. The leadership transition comes as Nokia looks to double down on emerging opportunities in AI, data centers, private wireless networks, and edge computing areas where Hotard's expertise could prove invaluable."Networks are the backbone that power society and businesses, and enable generational technology shifts like the one we are currently experiencing in AI," Hotard said in a statement. "I am excited to get started and look forward to continuing Nokia's transformation journey to maximize its potential for growth and value creation."Lundmark's tenure has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. He rejoined Nokia in 2020 after previously working there from 1990-2000, returning to right the ship after the company's acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent struggled to bear fruit. However, the company's share price and revenue have stagnated in recent years.In 2023, Nokia announced major cost cuts, including plans to slash 14,000 jobs or 16% of its global workforce. Signs of a turnaround have emerged, with Q4 2024 net sales up 9% year-over-year, though full-year revenue dipped 9%.Still, Lundmark departs on an upbeat note. "I am proud of the work our brilliant team has done in re-establishing our technology leadership and competitiveness and positioning the company for growth in data centers, private wireless and industrial Edge, and defense," he said. // Related StoriesHotard brings over 25 years of relevant experience to his new role. Prior to Intel, he spent over eight years at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in senior leadership roles focused on high-performance computing, AI, and labs. He also held executive positions at NCR Corporation and Symbol Technologies.As for his Intel tenure, Hotard joined the firm early last year, which was a period marred by setbacks for the company. Though his tenure yielded a mixed scorecard, many of the initiatives both good and bad predated his arrival. On the upside, Intel successfully debuted its next-gen Xeon 6 Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest server CPUs under Hotard's watch. However, the company fell short of its sales targets for the Gaudi 3 AI processor family.Hotard's background aligns well with Nokia's increasing prioritization of AI, data centers, and edge opportunities. Just last year, the company launched an event-driven data center automation platform and struck major data center infrastructure partnerships with Microsoft Azure and Kyndryl.

Circle to Search is one of the best new features released for Android devices in recent years. This feature is receiving a noteworthy software update that should make it easier for users to be aware of the tool.As 9to5Google notes, a new software update rolling out adds a more prominent vibration pattern when Circle to Search is activated.Recommended VideosIt explains: Upon long-pressing on the Android gesture handle, youll notice a more forceful vibration. These haptics leave no doubt that youre activating CtS, which might help reduce accidental triggers.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe changes are currently part of the Google app release version 16.4.36. However, its only accessible on Pixel devices like the Pixel 9 Pro. Its assumed other Android phones will pick up the feature in the coming days.In recent weeks, Google has made a few changes to the Circle to Search interface. It now includes the search bar, song lookup, and translate shortcut in the tools pill-shaped container. Theres also a new feature that assists users when playing games. Called Get Game Help, a new chip activates it and quickly initiates a Google search with the phrase: Get help with this game. Other new features include color adjustments, animation changes, and more.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsCircle to Search is a helpful feature available on select Android devices that allows you to search for anything directly on your screen without switching apps. To use this feature, first activate it in your phones settings and make sure the necessary permissions are granted.To initiate a search, long-press the home button (if using three-button navigation) or the navigation handle (if using gesture navigation). This action will open the Google Search bar. From there, you can circle, highlight, scribble, or tap on any part of the image, video, or text you want to search for. The search results will then appear at the bottom of your screen.You can refine your search by adding text to the search bar. The feature also includes useful shortcuts for translating content on your screen or identifying music. Circle to Search integrates smoothly with your phones interface, providing a quick and efficient way to explore and learn more about your viewing content.When it first launched, Circle to Search was only available on newer Google Pixel devices and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. It has been arriving on other Android devices over the past few months.Its great seeing Google add new haptics to Circle to Search. It should better clarify to the user that the feature has been activated, which has been one of the few complaints about the search tool since it was released last year.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsReverse engineeringWeaving into battleDeconstructing Southern gothicIf all goes according to plan, Xbox has a big 2025 ahead of it. Obsidian will kick things off with Avowed next week, Doom: The Dark Ages is bound to be a hit, and Ninja Gaiden 4 will give a classic series the revival it deserves. All of that is happening in just the first few months of the year, with heavy hitters like Fableand Gear of War E-Daystill to come. The most exciting game in Xboxs lineup might be its smallest, though: South of Midnight.The latest game from We Happy Few studio Compulsion Games left a big impression during last months Xbox Developer Direct. The action-adventure game takes players to the American deep south, which is brought to life with a striking art style inspired by stop-motion animation. Thats the kind of detail thats bound to catch eyes, but it left me wondering what it would actually feel like.Recommended VideosNow that Ive played a full chapter, I have a much clearer picture of South of Midnight beyond its aesthetic. Hardly anything feels out of place, as every system, set piece, and locale connects back to a clear and humble artistic vision. Its a bit of a rarity for a modern game of its size: a tightly crafted adventure thats laser focused on being exactly what it wants to be.RelatedMy demo takes me through South of Midnights third chapter. At that point in the story, a hurricane has already washed over the small town of Prospero. Playing as Hazel, Im left to sort through the wreckage as I move through an eerily serene swamp baking in the Southern sun. Whats refreshing to learn right off the bat is that South of Midnight doesnt burden players with an overwhelmingly large map. This is a classically linear adventure game, a decision that works entirely in its favor.This doesnt feel like a world composed of repeated assets to create the illusion of scale. Every corner of Prospero feels delicately handcrafted. When I walk into a dilapidated house, Im taken aback by how much it feels like a real space. Theres a molding mattress nestled under a stairwell, family photos on the wall, even a quilt loosely draped over a banister. In these cramped spaces, I can feel their old owners trying to solve their storage needs with barely any space to work with.Compulsion GamesTheres an authenticity there that goes beyond aesthetic. What sticks out to me most during my playthrough is the foreclosure signs on houses and notes tacked to doors from a shady company forcibly reclaiming houses in a land grab. I can feel the economic struggle of the community in those details. All of that is by design, as Writer and Narrative Director Zaire Lanier tells me in an interview.Prospero is a small town, and a lot of small towns in America north, south, east, west do have those kinds of problems, Lanier tells Digital Trends. They dont have resources. People move away and dont come back. But theyre still places that matter to people, and places that have a culture and history. The way we have Hazel interacting with those things, shes emphatic. Shell be mad that your house got foreclosed for you! But we also have glimpses of community. Youll go into a house and see pictures of families or leftover quilts. Even though the world is kind of empty because of the hurricane, we populate it to make it feel lived in. This was someones home and it had to be left behind because of a natural disaster.Thats all brought to life thanks to South of Midnights distinct art style, which mimics physical stop-motion animation. Ive appreciated what Ive seen in trailers, but its even more impressive up close and in motion. Early in the chapter, I meet a giant catfish whos in need of help. As I get close to the screen, I can see the attention paid to his construction. Hes a patchwork of textures, as if he was knitted into existence with fabrics salvaged around town. Though everything here is a 3D model, characters look like they were crafted by hand.Compulsion GamesThat look came from research. The team was inspired by fellow Canadians Clyde Henry Productions, an animation studio that Compulsion tapped to create a handmade intro cinematic for the game. Compulsion studied Clyde Henrys work closely, reverse engineering the physical models used in its own films to convincingly mirror them in 3D. Art Director Whitney Clayton explains that the process inspired its artists to break out of their usual habits and take notes from a different mediums nuances.Theres a lot of questions that came up that we didnt realize would be questions, Clayton tells Digital Trends. If this existed in real life, what would the scale be? Because the scale next to a human will determine the size of a knit on somebody, or the amount of detail one could put into something by hand. It brought up a lot of questions of what checkboxes do the artist need to always consider when theyre making a prop. And by the time we got to the third or fourth prop, they started to internalize it.It doesnt take long for me to grasp the straightforward gameplay loop. I walk through the bayou, occasionally poking around for collectible Floofs hidden behind little platforming segments squirreled away in optional paths. I have a double jump, air dash, and glide to help me get around, and I learn to wall run on billboards and hanging quilts midway through the chapter. All of my movements feel fluid, despite South of Midnight boldly opting to replicate a filmic animating on twos look (everything is still running at 60 frames per second under that, and picky players can disable the frame trick).As I explore, I also get a feel for Hazels weaving powers, which play into both exploration and combat. For the former, I can use magical threads to construct platforms, break down debris in my path, and yank fallen scraps of metal off the ground to find hidden Floofs.Those powers mostly come into play during battles against dark creatures, called Haints. These happen in set arenas placed on my path. When I walk into one, the environment closes in around me and I have to wipe out a few creatures to purify my way forward. Like everything else in South of Midnight, the combat system isnt a mechanically heavy hodgepodge of ideas. Every single tool needs to be used in battle, from basic attacks to Hazels primary weave power. Failing to use those is a recipe for disaster. I almost got wiped out in my very first fight because I didnt heed the developers early warnings to utilize my dodge roll.Compulsion GamesHaints hit like a truck and Hazel doesnt have a healing flash to drink out of. Instead, each arena only has one healing aura that can be picked up if she needs it. Otherwise, the only way Hazel heals is when she takes down an enemys health and then unravels them, granting her a bit of health. Its South of Midnights wholesome version of Dooms finishers. Once I understood the flow, it was easy to find the rhythm of battles. Its a game of careful healing resource management, as I always wanted to know when I could push the advantage on an already weakened enemy if I took a hit and needed a quick heal. That makes for some surprisingly tense fights where it feels like Im fighting down to the wire.Aside from slashing, Hazel has a few weaving powers at her disposal. One yanks an enemy towards me while another repels them, two tools that are crucial in letting me manage enemy spacing when I get crowded. Another power lets me temporarily web an enemy up in thread, perfect for shutting down an incoming attack and quickly pushing the momentum to burn down a health bar in a pinch. The spell-casting system calls Hogwarts Legacyto mind, but it pulls more depth out of much fewer options.If theres any worry I have about the full game, its that these fights seem like they could get old fast. I was tossed into a handful of battles throughout the chapter and each felt more or less the same. I only faced off against a few enemy types, from a bug-spewing hive to hulking Haint whose projectiles I could send back with the right timing. I get the sense that Compulsion is being conservative with how much it peppers battles in so as not to stretch its concise system too thin, though Im hoping theres a little more to basic enemy variety in later chapters.Hazel does have more tools that Ive yet to see, though. Theres a whole skill tree that augments each weaving power and gives Hazel a few extra tricks. During my demo, Id unlock the ability to perform a ground slam attack. Later in the game, she also gets a raggedy doll companion named Crouton who can mind control an enemy and sic it against another. Hopefully theres enough in the tree to evolve later fights.Any combat nitpicks dont feel like theyll be terribly significant in the grand scheme of South of Midnight. More than anything, its appeal is in its narrative so far. Its a story forged from film and literary influences, telling a magical realist tale in the vein of Big Fish (in fact, thats the name of Chapter 3). Compulsion drew from a wide range of Southern gothic art history to build a world that fit into that storytelling tradition.I read Alice Walker, Toni Moirrson. I reread Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I watched Eves Bayou, which is a fantastic movie, Lanier says. And this isnt Southern gothic, but I rewatched Spike Lees Crooklyn. Its one of my favorite movies. The mother daughter relationship is a loose framework and I really like how its handled. We pulled from a lot of different things. I felt more pulled to some of the Black ones to create that air of authenticity. What does Black Southern gothic look like, specifically for Hazel?Amood thats a bit contemplative, macabre, and symbolic.That research comes out in the writing. While theres an overarching narrative, Chapter 3 houses its own narrative arc that almost reads like a short myth. The chapter has me freeing my catfish pal from the Benjy Tree. I dont know what that means at first, but I unravel that mystery as the chapter progresses. It builds to a dark revelation about a deadly spat between brothers, turning one into a living tree that I eventually need to climb in a climactic platforming segment. That segment is soundtracked by a full-on musical number, as the other brother sings what happened from his perspective. Its a dark fairytale, but one born out of a grounded pain that runs through Prosperos roots.For Clayton, the goal wasnt to copy scenes from books and movies. Rather, it was to dig into the genre and figure out how its built. Its not so dissimilar to the way the art team took apart Clyde Henrys models to reverse engineer them into video game assets.Theres a deconstructing of what the visual tropes of Southern gothic are, Clayton says. Theres this feeling of being trapped in time because these stories are usually in some way timeless. Theyre usually set in a small, quiet place and everything is condensed in that place. Theres an overarching narrative, but then you have these very intimate stories that follow along with that. You kind of feel like the world stands still a bit. Theres the decaying architecture, the hanging moss on the live oaks. It all makes for a mood thats a bit contemplative, macabre, and symbolic.All of this careful work shows in the final product, at least in the snippet I played. From evocative sound and visuals to a sub story that feels like it was ripped from local legend, South of Midnight looks to be accomplishing exactly what Compulsion set out to do. No more, no less. Thats refreshing in an age of bloated games that try too hard to be everything for everyone. This feels more sustainable by comparison: a focused vision thats appropriately scoped around an audience that approaches games as artworks with perspectives, rather than seeing them as something to consume and spit out. I know which group I fall into.South of Midnight launches on April 9 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.Editors Recommendations