SummarySymphonia was released for Xbox Series X|S on December 5, 2024.Custom level design, precision platforming and special features great for speedruns.Deep dive into speedrunning with player perspectives and tips.From its inception, Symphonia was envisioned as a game that rewarded control and timing mastery. Initially designed as a game to bring classical music to the world, it quickly became apparent that its fluid mechanics and open-ended level design also made it a natural fit for the speedrunning community. After many hours spent perfecting the optimal character controls, our goal was clearly set on creating a game that would feel rewarding whether played casually or competitively, with extra layers of depth for those willing to explore them. This vision became the foundation for Symphonias mechanics and collectibles.There are a few things in Symphonia that we baked in, to up the ante of the challenge for those who enjoy it. The protagonist, Philemon, is a violinist who traverses the world of the quiet and sleeping Symphonia with one goal: to reunite the prodigies of all orchestral sections. His greatest tool in the game is his violin bow. As you play through the game, you unlock mechanics that allow you to bounce through levels in different ways. The bow can be used as a pogo stick, a catapult, or a grapple, and this feeling of moving through the air at just the right time is difficult to master but extremely satisfying once you do. Precision in the timing to make every pixel count is something that lends itself very well to the speedrunning mindset of pushing yourself frame by frame.Some of our team members have their own personal history with speedrunning, ranging from enjoying being a spectator, all the way to completing their own runs for Celeste and Katana Zero. Even in Symphonias earlier iteration as a student project back in 2020, our team would speedrun the game, compare times and some folks even hid glitches they found to use them as an advantage! This enthusiasm also reached members of the public. We released a free small demo online which received 500,000 downloads and saw some players submitting entries on speedrun.net. We knew that we were onto something special with this project so after university we decided to start a studio and pitch to work on the full vision of our game. It took us another four years to bring the game to full release.It wasnt just the precision platforming subgenre that attracted speed runners, we also deliberately wanted to keep the speedrunning spirit in mind when developing new features and even in the level design. Sometimes moving a block or a collider by just a few pixels can create an entirely new path with some creativity. Another game feature is the collectible music notes that are placed in hard-to-reach areas of the platforming challenge, rewarding you for risk, experimentation and unlocking different areas in the game. A close comparison would be the strawberries in Celeste. Once you complete a whole playthrough of the levels, you unlock a Shadow Philemon. This is a copy of your character who trails closely behind you with a small delay, waiting for you to slip up and be caught. The player is also able to tinker with unlockable abilities like double jumping, transforming all surfaces into cushions or game speed. These abilities were initially designed to be accessibility options, but some have proved useful in allowing players to experiment and create new challenges.When the game released in December, we were really thrilled to see a sustained level of interest with speed runners and made sure to facilitate discussions and brainstorming with a dedicated channel in our community Discord.In general, its amazing to see how speedrunning has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. Over the last two decades, we have watched speedruns of first-person shooters, platformers and even in genres where one would least expect it, such as roleplaying or strategy games. Thanks to the accessibility of platforms like Twitch and YouTube, speedrunning has been able to engage millions of players and raise millions of dollars for charity through Games Done Quick (GDQ). GDQ hosts two large charity events a year, and weekly Hotfix episodes to keep viewers engaged.Its clear to see the passion driving the creation of such experiences, when I asked Queuety, showrunner of GDQ, why speedrunning is meaningful to him, he answered,Speedrunning turns any game into both a puzzle and a competitive performance, something which fascinates me and keeps me coming back.Our publisher has been enthusiastic about the speedrunning elements of the game, with the CEO Dieter Schoeller coming from a speedrunning background himself with Quake 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog in the 1990s. Dieter says he loves speedrunning because the person to beat is no one but yourself. Due to this shared passion, and visible community engagement, our publishing partners reached out to GDQ for a collaboration. We are all super happy that the showrunners were drawn in by the visuals and premise of Symphonia. We then arranged to participate in a segment of the most recent GDQ Hotfix episode. This was really rewarding and a memory well never forget. I personally got to provide commentary, and the dedicated members of our community supported us by running the game live. You can check out the episode here.If this article has given you a speedrunning itch, the community is still relatively new so you can add a lot just by trying it out or by conversing with other runners and developers. We would delighted if you wanted to give Symphonia a run and check out our Discord speedrunning discussions.Speedrunner or not, we hope you will take a chance on us and enjoy the glorious world of Symphonia in your own way.Symphonia Headup3$19.99Get it nowIn the realm of Symphonia, music acts as a source of life and energy. But since the founders and their orchestra vanished the inhabitants are divided, and the world slowly falls into silence. What if there was a way to gather a new orchestra? That's the question Philemon, the mysterious musician in Symphonia, will have to answer. Embody a mysterious violinist, brought back to life in a declining world. Your violin and bow are both your instrument and a means of transport. Catapult yourself through the world, and complete levels by solving exciting platforming challenges while re-activating the machinery that brings life and energy back to this world. Discover a musical world, based on the symphonic orchestra, and filled with colourful characters. Each area in Symphonia has its own distinct feel and characters, and each room is hand-crafted. Meet prodigious musicians and try to convince them to join the orchestra. A unique soundtrack, based on the romantic musical period, crafted by composer Olivier Esman. Enjoy the performance of the Scoring Orchestra Paris, recorded specifically for Symphonia and written by composer Olivier Esman and his partners Alexandre Bucas-Franais and Lou Corroyer. Play engrossing concerts, each centred around one of the families of instruments Strings, Brass and Woodwinds.Explore, navigate, play the violin, gather musicians. Awaken Symphonia.Features Experience and overcome great platforming challenges with all of Philemon's abilities Discover various environments which combine music and machinery Play the violin to activate level elements and bring life to the realm -Gather musical Prodigies and play breathtaking concerts to bring music, joy, and glory, back to the land

SummaryPerks are exciting new abilities for Overwatch 2Lead gameplay designer for Overwatch, Alec Dawson, explains how Perks work.Overwatch 2 Season 15 launches February 18.Hey everyone! Alec here, ready to spill the tea on one of the most exciting new mechanics coming your way in Overwatch 2Perks! If youve been looking to switch things up with your favorite heroes and add even more strategy and adaptability to your matches, well sit tight, weve got something for you today! This is the story of how the Perks system came to life and why we think its going to completely change the way you play Overwatch 2. The Spark That Started It AllThe idea for Perks wasnt just something we pulled out of thin airit came from some important questions we kept asking ourselves in design meetings. Questions like, How can we bring more dynamic gameplay to Overwatch? and How do we heighten the hero fantasy and give you the opportunity to lean into different playstyles? We wanted to find new ways to challenge and delight our players, and giving you more in-game choice seemed like the perfect solution. Enter Perksa system that allows us to inject a layer of strategy into each match without completely reinventing the game you know and love.The Evolution of PerksOur idea of Perks has been kicking around since early last year, with the bulk of the project coming together in the last six months. Like any good project, Perks went through some stages of trial and error, and (spoiler alert) our first attempt showed promise but had numerous issues to work through. Initially, Perks were just a level-up system with pre-determined upgradesyoud hit level three in a match and automatically get some minor power boost. Simple? Yes. Really changing your Overwatch gameplay? Not so much. It became clear that while having something to work toward mid-match was exciting, we were missing the magic of choice. We wanted to amplify the notion that there was more than one way to switch things up for your hero from game to game.Our next iteration introduced a hybrid system with automatic perks for your first two levels and one big choice for level three. This added a glimmer of excitement, but it still felt clunky. Making that one singular, late game-changing choice during the heat of battle sometimes caught players off guard, since they werent doing it earlier in the match. It wasnt fully integrating into the flow of gameplay.So after some serious playtesting and more what if conversations than I can count, we landed on the version of Perks youll see in-game. You now unlock a choice between two Minor Perks at level 2 and a choice between two Major Perks at level 3 all tailored to your hero. Its enough flexibility to feel fresh and strategic while keeping the games fast-paced tempo intact. Major and Minor PerksWith this split of Minor and Major perks, we really wanted to give you an interesting decision at each level. This meant trying to split up which abilities your perks targeted and differentiating the type of power boost each would provide.For Minor Perks, we wanted to treat these as small upgrades, such as Lucios Bass Blowout perk that increases the knockback of his Soundwave. Minor Perks come early in the match and elevate your abilities, but dont completely change their behavior.Major Perks are more about shifting your core gameplay loop, and even adding new abilities to heroes. Reapers Dire Triggers perk gives him a Secondary Fire that does decent mid-range damage, great for getting that last shot on an escaping foe. Hitting your Major Perk on a hero is a big moment in the match and can totally change how you approach an engagement.Keeping Overwatch OverwatchOne of our most important goals with Perks was ensuring they felt true to Overwatch. Weve all enjoyed our wacky arcade April Fools moments, but the core gameplay of Overwatch is sacred territory. We didnt want Perks to completely throw off the balance or make you feel like you were suddenly playing too far away from the heroes you already know and love.Every decisionwhether it was deciding how powerful perks should be, crafting trade-offs, or ensuring balance across heroeswas made to keep the core Overwatch DNA intact. We spent a lot of time debating scenarios where less is more, striking the delicate balance of giving players fun perks without making things chaotic or unfair.Take Orisa, for example. One of her perks trades her Javelin Spin for a Protective Barrier. Thats a sizable change, but it allows Orisa to hold different positions, something that can be clutch on the right map. Since taking Protective Barrier is more of a kiss/curse decision, Orisas other perk Charged Javelin allows you to keep her typical playstyle intact (with a supercharged Javelin of course). When you choose a perk, your choice should reflect the situation at hand, our goal is to make these decisions meaningful without being overwhelming. Building Player Choice into GameplayWith the gameplay structure set, the next challenge was making perk selection easy. Overwatch is fastblink, and you might miss your front-line Winston jumping right into the fight. Asking players to make meaningful mid-match decisions had to be intuitive, not stressful.We designed two ways to pick Perks:Standard Selection: Hold down Alt (or up on the D-Pad for console), then use Left/Right click (or bumpers) to select.Quick Selection (for the dont slow me down squad): A one-button press to instantly pick your perks.Muscle memory and familiarity will build over time, but these options ensure you wont feel overwhelmed in those clutch, intense moments.Developer FavoritesTo get you started, here are some of our favorite Perks from playtesting:Winstons Chain Lightning lets him charge up Secondary Fire to zap multiple enemies near his target. Its not just useful, its pure chaotic fun.We brought back Hanzos Scatter Arrows, giving you clever shot opportunities. Watch out for some wild multi-killsyoull want to clip those plays for sure.Baptistes Shoulder Turret? Yes, its real. When you pop Amplification Matrix, the turret comes out to add (extra) Automated Healing. Its as cool as it sounds.And my favorite: Ramattras Vengeful Vortex, enabling you to explode Ravenous Vortex in the air and send down those pesky flying enemies. These are just a few examples of how Perks can take your hero and amplify the fantasy.Now Its Your TurnPerks are more than just a mechanictheyre a fresh way to flex your creativity, adapt your strategies, and rediscover the game you love. We cant wait to see the builds, plays, and clips you all come up with. This is Overwatch stepping into a new chapter, but still staying true to its heart with teamwork, adaptability, and buckets of fun.Hop into Overwatch 2, try out Perks, and tell us what you think. Who knowsthe next big Perk idea could come from you. See you in game! Season 15 of Overwatch 2 begins February 18. For more information about Overwatch 2, visit PlayOverwatch.com.Overwatch 2Blizzard Entertainment2002Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedXbox Game PassOverwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatchs 40 distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.Overwatch 2 Season 14: HazardGet ready for an explosive season as we introduce Hazard, the new Scottish tank hero, embodying the spirit of anarchy for the greater good. Then test your skills with a unique blend of past and present in the 6v6 Role Queue event, where teamwork and synergy shine within the 2-2-2 setup. Master the elements with an Overwatch 2 x Avatar: The Last Airbender collab event, celebrating unity, resilience, and the power within. Plus, prepare to wield the hammer of Gods as Mythic Thor Reinhardt and earn up to five Legendary skins with the Premium Battle Pass. Packed with nostalgia, customization, and radical gameplay, Season 14 has everything you need to dominate in style!The Overwatch League Token will no longer be purchasable after December 9, 2024. The OWL shop will remain open until at least December 2025, with limited inventory purchasable with players remaining OWL token balances.

If your living room feels a bit off lately, youre not alone. Maybe it's the awkward furniture arrangement that makes conversation feel like a game of Twister, or that vague sense of stagnant energy that lingers despite your best cleaning efforts. But before you rearrange your furniture for the millionth time, consider consulting the ancient wisdom of feng shuithe 5,000-year-old Chinese practice all about creating harmony between you and your environment through thoughtful placement of objects, colors, and materials.To help guide you on your living room feng shui journey, weve consulted a group of experts: Dr. Hannah Yang, a licensed psychologist at Balanced Awakening who specializes in feng shui; Suzanne Roynon, a member of the International Feng Shui Guild; Classical Feng Shui Master Meena Jagpal-Par; and Gala Magri, a holistic interior designer certified in the practice."The living room is the space where we spend quality time with ourselves, family, and friends. Taking the initiative to create a nurturing and energetically nourishing space is the basis of good self-care, Roynon tells us. Ready to transform your space? Read on to learn how.Esther ChoiFeng shui shaped this curve-filled New York apartment, designed by architecture firm Dash Marshall.Incorporate the Five ElementsCreating balance in your living room starts with understanding and incorporating the five elements. Jagpal-Par provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to weave these essential components into your space:Wood Element (Growth & Vitality)Best for: Promoting creativity and personal growthIncorporate tall, healthy plantsChoose wood furniture piecesAdd nature-inspired artwork featuring forestsUse green tones in decor accentsEarth Element (Stability & Grounding)Best for: Creating a sense of stability and supportSelect rugs and curtains in earthy tonesIntroduce crystals and seashellsUse earthen plantersChoose beige, and light-to-medium brown paint colorsFire Element (Energy & Transformation)Best for: Boosting energy and transformationAdd candles or a working fireplaceIncorporate red accents through cushions and throwsInclude artwork featuring sunsets or warm scenesUse bright pink and orange hues strategicallyWater Element (Abundance & Wisdom)Best for: Supporting career growth and emotional balanceSelect blue and black color schemesConsider a small water fountainChoose artwork with gentle water scenes, but "avoid images of water flowing out of the home, harsh waves, or stagnant water," cautions Jagpal-Par.Metal Element (Clarity & Precision)Best for: Enhancing focus and productivityUse gray, white, and metallic shadesAdd metal furniture and sculpturesInclude metallic picture frames and light fixturesConsider white or gray paint colors"Rooms that have a mix of different elements tend to feel the best," advises Dr. Yang. She suggests a balanced approach: "You might have a picture of a waterfall (water), some live plants (wood), a yellow rug (earth), a steel coffee table (metal), and a candle burning (fire) in a living room, which would be a nice mix of the five elements."Position the Sofa Facing the DoorThe strategic placement of furniture can transform both the energy and functionality of your living room. According to Jagpal-Par, the largest piece of furnituretypically your sofashould be positioned near a solid wall for support, but not directly against it. This allows for optimal energy flow while providing a sense of security.The command position is crucial in feng shui practice. "Position seating with a clear view of the door," advises Magri. "This setup fosters a sense of secure control, making it much easier to relax." When arranging your space, consider creating meandering pathways that allow energy to flow naturally through the room, just as you would walk through it.Photography by Winnie AuTo help feng shui your living room, incorporate comfortable seating that encourages natural interaction and conversation. In this Brooklyn apartment designed by Office of Tangible Space, the the sofa is vintage Ligne Roset.For the perfect conversation area, arrange seating to encourage natural interaction. While many modern living rooms center around the television, Roynon suggests creating a balanced layout that supports both entertainment and communication. Consider a wood coffee table rather than glassit provides more stability and grounding energy, while glass can create a sense of fragility.Clear Your Living Room RegularlyThink of space clearing as your home's energetic reset button. Begin with sound clearingRoynon recommends using sound in all corners of the property to shake up stagnant energy. "Clapping works in a smaller home, but for a larger space use a pan and wooden spoon," she explains.Follow with smoke cleansing, being mindful of cultural considerations. As Jagpal-Par suggests, "Use a smoke-clearing ritual with energy-clearing herbs." Roynon specifically recommends lavender.The final touch comes through intention setting. "Walk around the home and bless it," suggests Magri. "Verbalize what you would like the home to be filled with or how you want it to feel." For example: My intention for the living room is to be a place for celebration, joy and communion.Timing your space clearing is equally important. While some practitioners recommend daily clearing, others suggest aligning with natural cycles. Consider clearing during seasonal changes, after periods of stress or change, when the space feels energetically heavy, or after hosting guests.Opt for Neutral Tonessilvia fozThis neutral living room designed by fashion designer Carly Cushnie is soothing yet impossibly chic.Each element has its own, very logical, color palette," explains Roynon. The key is finding balance while being mindful of each color's impact on the space's energy.Neutral tones should form your foundation. For the living room, it is best to keep furniture in neutral tones for visual appeal and grounding energy, Jagpal-Par tells us. From there, layer in colors strategically through accessories and accent pieces.Earth tones like beige and sand create stability, though Roynon cautions that "too much leads to feeling stuck." Red and its fiery cousinsburgundy, orange, and hot pinkcan energize a space, but use them judiciously as "too much can lead to heated arguments and burnout." Blue and black accessories, representing water, support career growth and emotional balance, while greens bring vitality and growth to your space.Quick Living Room Feng Shui FixesTransform your living room's energy with some expert-approved adjustmentsstarting with a thorough declutter. "Get rid of anything that isn't serving a purpose or bringing you joy," advises Dr. Yang. This includes removing items that don't belong in a living space, such as workout equipment or work-related items.Next, assess your artwork. "Life often mirrors the art we spend most time with," Roynon reminds us. "Is it reflecting a positive lifestyle or leaving you lonely or unloved?"Add natural elements thoughtfully. Jagpal-Par suggests incorporating "live, healthy plants and crystals to enhance the energy of the space." Consider citrine for uplifting energy, clear quartz for grounding, or black tourmaline with mica for protection.Overall, "surround yourself with things you love," advises Jagpal-Par. "The subconscious mind connects to everything it sees, so only keep items that bring joy and positivity."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.

Alexander Spatari//Getty ImagesEvery item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Having kids may slow down travel plans for somebut for others, it might actually become a part of their family's lifestyle. If youre a former jet-setter who now has little ones running around, you have probably at least flirted with the idea of raising your family abroad. After all, who hasn't been inspired by Pamela Druckerman's account in Bringing Up Bb of chic child-rearing, the French way? While Paris may not actually be the best place to make this particular dream a reality (the rental market is incredibly expensive and the city isn't exactly child-friendly), that doesnt mean the dream has to die. There are several countries around the world that are not only a great place to raise a family but also have relatively affordable real estate. So if youre genuinely considering moving your family abroad, here are 10 of the most family-friendly countries where you can comfortably buy real estate as an American. Bonne chance!Related StoriesNorwayWestend61//Getty ImagesThe Hanseviertel Bryggen historic harbor district in Bergen, Norway.It is no secret that Scandinavian countries are considered some of the happiest places to live on earth, especially when it comes to child care. Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have all made early childcare and education a top priority, while their paternal and maternal benefits are some of the best in the world. Norway, which boasts one of the worlds lowest crime rates, has consistently ranked as one of the top three countries in the world to raise children. Plus, there are virtually no restrictions on foreigners who want to buy a home and move to Norway, per Internations. While there may be a shortage of quality homes available right now, the median price for a house in Norway ($258,000) is still relatively affordable. Now might be the time to pack up your best cozy sweaters and move the whole family to Norway. Sure, it can get cold, but think about all that affordable childcare and gender equality.Swedenxbrchx//Getty ImagesRooftop view of Gothenburg, SwedenMuch like Norway, Sweden has consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries on earth for the past several years. Perhaps it has something to do with the countrys long-held parenting practice of friluftsliv, which translates to open-air life. Parents in Sweden are all about encouraging their kids to be outside to foster self-sufficiency and curiosity. Sweden is a bilingual country, with an education system that ranks fifth in the world. There is also a real focus on supporting families here, with a total of 480 paid parental leave days available (per child!), which can be shared between parents. Buying a house in Sweden is perfectly possible without residency, but be prepared to pay a little more for all of these perks. The average house price in a Swedish city is around $350,000, although it's considerably less if youre willing to move to a rural community.SpainSylvain Sonnet//Getty ImagesLookout point in Park Gell in Barcelona, Spain.If you were hoping to move your family somewhere with a temperate climate, consider Spain. Traditionally speaking, family values have long been the center of Spanish culture. Beyond the 16 weeks of parental leave at 100 percent pay that the Spanish government offers parents, there are plentiful childcare options available along with social programs to help families. Add that to the gorgeous beaches, amazing food, and unique culture, and raising a family in Spain is the total packageespecially as foreigners can buy houses in the country without any restrictions. The government has even started a digital nomad incentive program to entice remote workers to buy here. The cost of buying a house in Spain varies drastically depending on where you are looking, and tourist areas like Barcelona and Madrid come in way higher than the national average of $250,000.PortugalAlexander Spatari//Getty ImagesThe city of Lisbon at sunset.Right next door to Spain, Portugal has a lot going for it as a potential option for families moving abroad. The slower pace of the country promotes a healthy work/life balance for parents and kids alike, and the people are known to be very friendly. Another amazing bonus is Portugals Golden Visa, which offers foreign investors and their families with children under 26 years of age permanent resident status if they spend over $275,000. Portugal also recently decided to phase in a new program that offers free childcare for children under a year old, which should make life easier. Portugal allows foreigners to buy houses without restrictions as well, and the average cost of a home comes in around $250,000.JapanSean Pavone//Getty ImagesA street view in Kyoto, Japan during cherry blossom season.Japan is one of those countries that seems to be on everyones bucket list these days. For good reason, of course. The country really does offer everything you could possibly imagine: incredible city living in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, small-town island life, beach towns, and top-tier ski destinations. Families who want to move to Japan need to apply for a visa, which can be complicated, but once you've attained it, you are eligible for free public daycare, Japanese health insurance, and an excellent education system. And if you dont want to have a car, the public transportation system in Japan is one of the best in the world. Americans can buy real estate in Japan without proof of citizenship, and the average cost of a house here is around $337,000.ItalyAlexander Spatari//Getty ImagesView of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.Italy is another top destination that offers a taste of la dolce vita to expats who want to raise a family there. Theres the tiered childcare system, for instance. Parents in Italy have access to incredible childcare options, and the less you make, the less you pay. Vacation time and work/life balance are also high priorities for families in Italy, and the tax-funded healthcare system has been recognized internationally for its excellence. Buying a house in Italy as an American is fairly straightforward, as you dont need to be a citizen. And the average house price ($372,000) is pretty attractive too.Related StoryHungarySergey Alimov//Getty ImagesSkyline view of Budapest, Hungary.Hungary recently made international news when the government offered families money to have children, or at least pledge to have children. Once they do become parents, Hungarian citizens can apply for generous grants, tax cuts, and even heavily subsidized mortgages. New parents have access to a whopping three years of parental leave, which is one of the most extensive parental leave programs in the world. Beyond the financial aspect, Hungary is a genuinely beautiful place to raise children. The capital city of Budapest boasts low crime rates and first-class health care along with plentiful green spaces and famous public pools to use all year round. Foreigners can buy homes in Hungary with government approval, and the prices are attractive. A new home costs an average of $160,000, while a preowned home is around $75,000.Icelanddarekm101//Getty ImagesReykjavik, Iceland at dusk.If you love warm people and cold landscapes, Iceland is for you. This small but mighty country is all about social support and honoring family. Iceland has an excellent parental leave program, providing 80 percent of a parents salary for 12 months after their child is born. There is also a strong focus on protecting the natural environment and encouraging children to live sustainably. The Icelandic people are also all about making sure their children are happy and artistic, with music education being an integral part of every schools program from kindergarten to graduation. Americans can buy homes in Iceland without restriction, but be warnedIceland is an expensive country. If you want to bring your family here to live among the hot springs and the Aurora Borealis, be prepared to pay. The average house price is around $550,000.IrelandPeter Unger//Getty ImagesThe Ha'penny Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland.If you're willing to learn how to drive on the other side of the road, Ireland should also be a consideration. Almost everyone speaks English, and there are plenty of other perks too like universal health care, stunning views, charming small towns, and warm and welcoming people. Americans who work remotely can apply for a Short Stay C Visa to settle in, and can even buy a house there for an average price of around $354,000.Related StoryNew ZealandChiara Salvadori//Getty ImagesCoastline view of Wellington, New Zealand.Imagine raising your children in New Zealand, one of the safest countries on the planet with the most epic natural scenery. New Zealand has so much that makes it an appealing place to raise a family, from excellent health care to free education to the surprising perk of some of the most unique wildlife in the world. The people of New Zealand are known to be friendly and charming, English is widely spoken, and the dramatic landscape should provide newcomers with plenty of adventures. The only downside might be the slightly cumbersome real estate market for foreigners. Americans may have to jump through a few hoops to buy real estate in New Zealand, and the average house price is a little high at around $445,000.Perhaps the best thing to do before uprooting your kids is to visit your prospective new country. Decide if you are comfortable learning a new language, driving on the other side of the road, or even being hours and hours away from your family back home. Its a big change to live abroad. But certainly not impossible.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Apples first M4 Macs launched just a few months ago in early November. But now, you can buy two modelsthe Mac mini and MacBook Prorefurbished at a discount from Apple in various configurations.Refurbished Apple product lineup expands with M4 MacsApples online refurbished product store has been updated with two additions:M4 Mac miniM4 MacBook ProEach Mac is available in a variety of configurations that differ in specs like chip (M4 vs. M4 Pro or M4 Max), size (14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro), SSD, RAM, and more.Like Apples other refurbished products, the advantage of buying used is that theres a discount included. Discounts will vary based on the specific configuration you choose.However, its worth noting that Apples M4 Macs are regularly discounted on Amazon for brand new machines.For example, right now several M4 Mac mini models and both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are available new from Amazon with discounts that are comparable to what Apples refurbished lineup offers.If you buy refurbished from Apple, you get several guarantees and benefits including a one-year limited warranty, and free delivery and returns. Each computer has received the following:Full functional testing, genuine Apple part replacements (if needed), and a thorough cleaningThe original operating system or a more recent versionAll accessories and cables repackaged in a brandnew boxCurrently, the M4 iMac is not available on the refurbished store, only the Mac mini and MacBook Pro.Do you ever buy refurbished products from Apple? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.Best Mac deals and 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

The Apple TV app is finally making its way to Android users. The app is now available in the Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets. This means Android users can sign up to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass directly on their phone for the first time. The app lets users can log in with their existing Apple Account, or create a new account through the app and subscribe using Google Play billing. The app is rolling out now, supporting Android 10 or newer devices The app supports the fundamental Apple TV app features users will be familiar with from the app on Apple devices, including the Continue Watching queue, offline downloads and search. Playback progress syncs across all your devices, so you can start watching a show on your TV and then continue in bed on your Android phone, for instance. However, the app is limited to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass and MLB Friday Night Baseball content. iTunes Store purchases and rentals are not shown in the app at all, nor can users cannot access their previously purchased library through the Android app.In some ways, though, this makes for a cleaner experience with a simple layout of four tabs on the phone app: Apple TV+, MLS, Downloads and Search. On tablet form factors, this interface is presented in a floating sidebar layout. Rather than a direct port of the iOS app, Apple is using native Android UI components where applicable, such as context menus when long-pressing on an item. However, this is still only a 1.0 release and there are some notably absent features; the Android app does not support notifications or casting for instance.An app for Google TV living room devices has existed for many years, but this is the first time the Apple TV app is natively available for Android phones and tablets. Those customers wishing to enjoy Apple originals on non-Apple mobile devices were previously limited to a mediocre web app experience available in the browser. Additionally starting today, the Google TV Apple TV app will also allow customers to subscribe directly to TV+ and MLS Season Pass using Google Play billing. This solves another pain point as previously the app forced users to first make an account and subscribe on another device.Todays launch is both symbolic and significant, and perhaps the biggest statement yet that Apple cares about Apple TV+ becoming successful as a standalone service, rather than a mere ecosystem add-on.If youve never used Apple TV+ before, you can get started with a seven-day free trial through the Android app and check out our comprehensive guide of everything to stream on the service.Add 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

On Tuesday, Donald Trump gave a press conference out of the Oval Office, joined by his "First Buddy" and anti-federal spending hatchetman Elon Musk who, looking strikingly worse for wear, became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.When Trump handed the stage to Musk to talk about what his so-called Department of Government Efficiency was achieving, the world's richest man stumbled into a strange and rambling monologue, replete with such zingers like "some of the things I say will be incorrect" when a journalist prodded him for spreading blatant misinformation.But we won't get into the weeds about every eyebrow-raising thing Musk said here.Instead, let's turn an eye to just how bizarre this whole spectacle is: Musk wearing his "Dark Maga" hat, standing with his antsy four-year-old son for good PR, and who probably shouldn't be there (just ask his mom); Trump doing his best to look patient as he sits at the Resolute desk, head turned as he listens to Elon's intoning, his supposed subordinate looming over him and practically running the whole presser; and back to Musk, who noticeably struggles to finish his trains of thought, often laughing awkwardly and all this dragged out over thirty agonizing minutes."Gravitas can be difficult sometimes," Musk stiffly joked at one point, after being interrupted by his son.In short, Musk's behavior here is weird. Not even his little kid's adorable antics and again, why is he there? can distract from the fact that Musk looks like a fish out of water, wholly unprepared to speak coherently at length about anything. This is a man used to being worshipped at his companies, not someone who's accustomed to having to answer to the public.And it shows. On multiple occasions, Trump intervenes to get Musk back on track, which neatly sums up their whole testy dynamic."And also could you also mention some of the things your team has found?" asked the president, after Musk spent a couple minutes pontificating about the meaning of democracy.Later, Musk is asked about the serious conflicts of interests he brings as someone who is determining how federal money is spent, because his companies like SpaceX enjoy large government contracts. Tellingly, Musk doesn't deny those conflicts exist, and even says he'll declare any that come up himself, which he has yet to actually do. It's unconvincing stuff.Then Trump, an experienced public speaker unlike Musk, puts the issue to bed by simply declaring that his administration "wouldn't let" Musk work in areas where there's a conflict of interest. Deftly, Trump pivoted to hammering home claims that DOGE found rampant "fraud and abuse," though of course without evidence.Needless to say, strange behavior is what we've come to expect from Musk. Before mustering the courage to perform back-to-back Nazi salutes at Trump's post-inauguration party, he looked totally spaced out, twitching his face and eyes like he was high. (Musk has admitted to frequently taking ketamine.)We'll end by highlighting how Musk vowed that he'd be "as transparent as possible" regarding his actions at DOGE. So far, it's been anything but; he and his team of twenty-something lieutenants, themselves not subject to standard background checks, have gained access to federal systems and data in a way that critics argue is unconstitutional.Musk can't hide from the cameras, though, and this showing provided a candid look at a man struggling to explain what it is he actually does for the government, or the American people. So far, what little transparency we've been afforded has looked equal parts damning and absurd.More on Elon Musk: State Department Insider Speaks on Elon Musk Accessing Nuclear WeaponsShare This Article

Empty SpaceAmid President Donald Trump's sweeping push to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, employees at NASA are reportedly being told to hide their love away.According to sources who spoke to former NASA researcher Keith Cowing, people working at the space agency which previously celebrated its queer and trans employees have been ordered to remove all symbols of LGBTQI pride from their physical and digital workspaces."Employees cannot have pride flags, lapel pins, badge lanyard[s], TEAMS backgrounds, clothing, laptop stickers... or anything related to pride in their offices," Cowing wrote on his blog, NASA Watch."The penalty for violating this guidance can result in being put on administrative leave," the ex-NASA-er wrote. "This applies to all employees not just LBGTQ+ but also LBGTQ+ allies."Unlike the Trump administration's other anti-woke orders including the other recent one at NASA that requires all mentions of "women in leadership," indigenous people, and environmental justice be removed from agency sites this regressive decree was not made in writing.Instead, as Cowing's sources told him, the demand was made verbally from NASA's advisory council, which informed management of the change and commanded they "inform/warn their staff" accordingly.Separately, a NASA contractor told The Guardian on condition of anonymity that people working within the agency have been quietly instructed to "leave no paper trail" as they carry out the work of erasing the legacy of diversity efforts at NASA. Together, these claims suggest that the Trump administration is attempting to cover its hindquarters in case of legal action.After news of NASA's alleged anti-LGBTQI order made its way around Washington, a pair of powerful Congressional Democrats used their pulpits to trash it."This is a ridiculous overstep and direct assault on NASA HQ employees free speech and humanity," Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC), the ranking Democrats on the House's Space and Aeronautics Committee, said in a joint statement."Donald Trump and Elon Musks rampant homophobia and phobia of anything that does not serve their narrow-minded view of who counts as American is rapidly seeping into Washington at their direction," they continued, "and according to this report, allegedly without an official paper trail."The pair went on to say that this "government-sanctioned censorship is the latest assault on the rights of federal employees and should not stand" without mentioning any specific or formal censure measures that are very much within the power of Congress.In the fact of such blatant and rampant bigotry, it's certainly important for Congress members like Foushee and Lofgren to call a spade a spade. But as the onslaught of such bold-faced fascism continues unabated, we have to wonder: when are the people who can do something about it actually going to?More on NASA rolling back the clock: Trump Orders NASA to Purge All Mentions of Women in Leadership On Its WebsitesShare This Article

All jobs Backend Developer Consultant Posted A few minutes ago WHO WE AREBitovi helps companies create better software and applications. Were driven by the desire to provide value - to our clients, to the technology community, and to our incredible team.Every day, we design and build a wide variety of high-profile applications. We discuss and design architectures, review code, and research new front-end technologies. We talk to our clients directly, guiding them through the process, identifying potential problems and unknowns, and tackling challenges. We help one another freely. We keep a Slack channel called ask-help and its used constantly. We develop new skills, build better developer tools, and work on new types of projects regularly - and take the time to present at conferences, give trainings, and run meetups. Were huge devotees of open source, and our community of developers is second to none.Our fully remote team consists of about 70 team members located around the US, Canada, and other International locations. Apply now PLEASE NOTE: At this time, we are placing a preference on candidates located in the North and South Americas and Europe who can work Eastern time zone hours.JOIN OUR TEAM!Bitovi is looking for a Backend Developer Consultant to join us as we transform technology delivery. If you want to create exceptional applications for our clients and have ideas on how to make technology delivery more collaborative, validation-driven, and swift, we want to work with you!WHO YOU AREYoure experienced working on technology delivery teams and developing applications at the enterprise level. You thrive when given opportunities to deliver real-world solutions and platforms as an integral team member, and you have the expertise to interface and communicate confidently with stakeholders.Youll excel in this role at Bitovi if you have:Strong working knowledge of a major backend programming language (Go, Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, Java, C#, etc)Some experience with cloud deployments and management (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, etc)A thorough understanding of CI/CD pipelinesExperience with observability techniques including logging, metrics, and tracingUnderstanding of handling complex scaling issues, concurrency, and tiered caching strategies techniquesDeveloped modern, microservice-based or serverless web applicationsDatabase schema design and development expertiseOther Skills we value:Interest in working in multiple major backend programming languages (Go, Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, Java, C#, etc)Experience deploying and maintaining production, and enterprise applications to a Kubernetes clusterExperience with a durable execution framework or workflow management solution such as Temporal, Apache Airflow, or PrefectUnderstanding of queueing and messaging technologies such as AWS SQS/SNS, Kafka, or RabbitMQExperience with authentication and authorization and related technologies (sessions, API tokens, JWTs, etc)Automated testing experience (unit and integration testing, performance testing and benchmarking)WHAT YOULL DO AT BITOVIConsult and Manage. Youll consult with clients to build outcome-driven applications, guiding them through the process, identifying potential problems and unknowns, and tackling challenges. Travel. Teach. Well discuss opportunities for you to present at conferences, attend and give training, plan and run meetups or local groups, and create various kinds of content in your expertise.BENEFITS WE OFFER*:*Dependent on locationCompetitive salary and annual bonus opportunityCompletely remote work with flexible hours4 weeks of paid time off in addition to 8 paid holidaysHealth, dental, and vision insurance offeringsSTD, LTD, and Life Insurance coveragePaid maternity and paternity leaveHOW TO APPLY:*Please note that we are not interested in working with recruiters. All job offers are contingent on passing a background check.Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now Bitovi View company Jobs posted: 68 Related Jobs See more Back-End Programming jobs

These are our top picks for the best TVs of 2025 to make the most of your home entertainment experience, based on side-by-side testing in CNET's lab.These are our top picks for the best TVs of 2025 to make the most of your home entertainment experience, based on side-by-side testing in CNET's lab.