Building stuff is fun, but building Pokmon is just something else. These MEGA Pokmon sets are basically the best way to bring your favourite creatures to life without needing an actual Pok Ball. They've got moving parts, sick details, and a ridiculous amount of pieces to put together. There's a solid selection on offer at Amazon, but I think these are some of the best UK deals.UK Deals: MEGA Pokmon KitsAmazon has now knocked up to 38% off some of the best ones. If you've ever wanted to have Charizard, Pikachu, Eevee, or even a light-up Pokdex sitting on your shelf, now's a solid time to grab one.The best part? These aren't just models that sit there. Most of them move, light up, or look straight-up epic. They remind me of the kind of TCG cards you'd flex in a deck like those insane full-art EX cards. Let's break down the best ones on sale right now.MEGA Pokmon Motion CharizardMEGA Pokmon Kanto Region PokdexMEGA Pokmon Motion EeveeMEGA Pokmon Motion PikachuMEGA Pokmon Charizard Action FigureMEGA Pokmon Motion CharizardMEGA Pokmon Motion CharizardCharizard has always been one of the coolest Pokmon, and this build actually lets you make it move. It's got poseable wings, legs, arms, and a tail, plus a hand crank that makes it flap its wings. It's like seeing that classic Pokmon Red & Blue sprite come to life, or better yet, that moment in the anime where Charizard finally listened to Ash and started wrecking everyone.The 1664 pieces make this a serious build, but seeing it in action is worth it. It's a real-life version of the Charizard EX card from Flashfire, with the insane flames and the "Stoke" move. If you've got the patience, this is one of the best sets to put together.MEGA Pokmon Kanto Region PokdexMEGA Pokmon Kanto Region PokdexThis one is straight nostalgia. It's the OG Pokdex, the one Professor Oak gives you before you realize you're about to get wrecked by Brock's Onix because you picked Charmander. The build itself is solid, but the real star is the light-up feature and the five lenticular cards featuring Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Eevee.It reminds me of Pokdex trainer cards that let you peek at your deck. If you ever spent hours memorizing Pokdex entries for no reason (like learning that Magcargo is hotter than the sun), you'll get a kick out of this. Definitely a cool display piece.MEGA Pokmon Motion EeveeMEGA Pokmon Motion EeveeEevee is one of the most beloved Pokmon for a reason. It's got eight evolutions, each one cooler than the last. This set brings the classic version to life with moving legs, a wagging tail, and a head that actually tilts. It's like the perfect mid-run Eevee, ready to dodge an attack before it lands a Quick Attack or a Shadow Ball (if you're running Jolteon).With 1366 pieces, it's a good challenge but not overwhelming. It has the same energy as the Eevee VMAX card from the Sword & Shield sets, with that huge dynamic pose making it a must-have. If you're an Eevee fan, this is an easy pick.MEGA Pokmon Motion PikachuMEGA Pokmon Motion PikachuPikachu's been a legend since day one, and this set lets you build your own and make it move. It's got a hand crank that makes its feet run and tail swing, so it looks just like it does when it's zipping around in the anime, dodging Hyper Beams and hitting opponents with a last-second Iron Tail.The 1095 pieces mean you'll have a solid build session, but the result is peak nostalgia. It reminds me of the Pikachu Illustrator promo card. Rare, detailed, and just one of those things you want to own. If you grew up with Pokmon, this is a must-have.MEGA Pokmon Charizard Action FigureMEGA Pokmon Charizard Action FigureIf you don't want to commit to the big Charizard set, this smaller action figure version still delivers. It has poseable wings and a fire effect coming out of its mouth and tail, instantly making it cooler than most statues you can buy.At 222 pieces, it's a much quicker build, but it reminds me of Charizard GX from Hidden Fates which is an absolute beast. If you're looking for a fast, fun build, this one's worth picking up.Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

Living ThingUsing an ingenious method inspired by the photosynthesis of living things, scientists have developed a new "artificial leaf" that removes CO2 from the air and turns it into sustainable fuels.For years, scientists at various institutions have experimented with similar artificial leaves that can absorb light and CO2 in similar ways to the real thing.Now, researchers at the prestigious University of Cambridge and the University of CaliforniaBerkeley have designed a system that uses that nature-inspired technology alongside microscopic copper "nanoflowers" to create cleaner hydrocarbons, which like fossil fuels are derived from hydrogen and carbon.In a new paper published in the journalNature Catalysis, the scientists detailed how they build on prior Cambridge research into artificial leaves made with perovskite, a crystalline compound that might make solar panels cheaper and more efficient in the future.Despite their success in making carbon-scrubbing artificial leaves in the past, Cambridge chemist Virgil Andrei, the paper's lead author, said that he and his fellow researchers wanted to take the technology further."We wanted to go beyond basic carbon dioxide reduction and produce more complex hydrocarbons," he said in the school's press release, "but that requires significantly more energy."To make that happen, the Berkeley and Cambridge scientists used the light absorption power of the perovskite-based artificial leaves and the copper nanoflower as a catalyst to synthesize complex hydrocarbons like ethane and ethylene with just CO2 and water.The researchers then tacked onto their device some electrodes made of silicon nanowire, which allowed them to add in the chemical compound glycerol and make their device a reported 200 times more efficient and produce valuable chemical byproducts like glycerate, lactate, and formate."Glycerol is typically considered waste," Andrei explained, "but here it plays a crucial role in improving the reaction rate."Right now, this fascinating (and still unnamed) device is still in its infancy and needs work to be scaled up. The team behind it is quite optimistic, however, about its future applications and with climate change-causing carbon emissions increasing unabated, there's no better time for such inspired scientists to get to work.More on alternative fuel production: Chinese Astronauts Create Rocket Fuel in Space Using "Artificial Photosynthesis"Share This Article

Elon Musk's antics have gotten so out of control that even his flunkies at Tesla are starting to get worried.According to new reporting from The Washington Post, there's growing sentiment among employees that Musk already involved in multiple enterprises before his foray into politics has become "disengaged" from the automaker as he serves as President Donald Trump's right-hand man, leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.The employees range from rank and file to senior managers. At a recent staff meeting, some of these managers expressed that the company would be better off if Musk resigned, per WaPo."He seems to have ghosted his own company," Nell Minow, vice chair of ValueEdge Advisors, and who donated the majority of her Tesla stock last year, told the newspaper. "He has inflicted a massive amount of damage on the perception of that company."What's more, many employees fear that Musk may be permanently damaging Tesla's reputation by his association with Trump and of course, his personal conduct, like performing Nazi salutes."While Musk might get away with a [Nazi-like] salute in some parts of the world, European markets reject such behavior," Tim Kraaijvanger, founder of the Dutch Tesla blog Tesla360.nl, . "World War Two still casts a long shadow."These concerns come after a lackluster year for Tesla, with faltering sales, plunging profits, and stagnating revenue.Automotive sales have been particularly bad in Europe, Wired notes, with a 13 percent drop in the European Union. But nowhere are the numbers more damning than in Norway, a country where 88.9 percent of all new cars sold are electric vehicles. Strikingly, Tesla sales fell in the Nordic country by 37.9 percent in 2024.How much of the slump is attributable to Musk's self-immolation is up for debate, but it's undeniably a factor. In the US but especially Europe, various forms of protest have sprung up against Musk and Tesla, including public demonstrations and, more pervasively, vandalism of Tesla cars and locations, which typically involves spray-painting anti-Nazi imagery.Not that Tesla's competitors will be complaining. "We have seen an increase in people writing to us and switching to Polestar in recent months," Michael Lohscheller, CEO of the Swedish EV company Polestar, told Wired.In short, Tesla employees' fears that Musk could tank the company are more than justified. And what threatens to get lost in all the bedlam is that even if Tesla keeps its position as a leading automaker, it's sacrificing its identity. Per WaPo, employees are now beginning to doubt whether Musk still supports the company's mission to accelerate "the world's transition to sustainable energy." For one, Musk continues to support Trump even though the president intends to eliminate federal EV tax credits, which are nominally intended to incentivize a transition away from gas guzzling cars. Trump has also issued executive orders to reverse various climate change policies, while declaring a "national emergency" as a ploy to ramp up the production of fossil fuels.None of this jibes with whatever's left intact of Tesla's original green image."We invested into this vision of what he stood for, and the old mission was for Tesla to build the sustainable future," Kevin Smith, a longtime shareholder who recently sold all his stock, toldWaPo. "I bought into the scam and thats on me but now hes doing the same thing to the country."Share This Article

When you think of livestreaming service Twitch, you might associate it with gamers, influencers andeven politicians playing video games live for all to see. But on Wednesday, Twitch leaped into space, conducting a first-of-its-kind live stream with a NASA astronaut from the International Space Station.The stream took place on NASA's official Twitch channeland featured one astronaut currently in space and another who's back on Earth, with both engaging with viewers live on the platform.The currently-in-space host was NASA astronaut Don Pettit, who joined the ISS crew back in September as part of the Expedition 72 launch. Pettit is knownfor the amazing space photos he frequently posts on social media. He was joined by NASA astronaut Matt Dominick, who's currently on Earth after returning with Crew-8 in October after being delayed by Hurricane Milton. Dominick has also takensome showstopping pictures from the ISS.Here are five things we learned from NASA's live Twitch stream this week. Astronaut Don Pettit participated in the Twitch stream from the International Space Station. NASA/Screenshot by CNETComing back from space sucks Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. The astronauts answered questions from fans and students all around the US, at one point addressing what it was like to return to Earth after spending time in space.Pettit mentioned that it takes about a day for him to achieve "stomach awareness," which he described as a polite way of saying "puking your guts up." Dominick echoed this sentiment.Space photography has its difficultiesDominick spoke about how fast the ISS moves around Earth, and how it affects the time he has to take photos. In one instance, he was tasked with taking a picture of Hurricane Milton from space, and said he only had about 30 seconds to do it because the ISS moves "ludicrously fast."Pettit joined the stream about 10 minutes in and the two astronauts immediately began to discuss the intricacies and difficulties of taking photographs from space. The two talked about taking thousands of pictures -- particularly thunderstorms -- to get pictures of red sprites, which are luminous flashes that appear above active thunderstorms. Both have been successful in photographing red sprites in the past but have been more successful in photographing blue jets, a type of lightning that shoots upwards from thunderstorms.Pettit also showed off his photography setup, which includes a Nikon Z9 with a variety of lenses on a heavy-duty mount.Coffee is still important in spaceAs Pettit attempted a physics demonstration with a yo-yo, the ISS lost contact with its satellite, ending the astronaut's brief Twitch stream debut.Pettit is the designer of the ISS's capillary cup, which allows astronauts to drink coffee (and enjoy its pleasant fragrance) on the ISS without the hot beverage escaping. Pettit's desire to drink in space without using the awkward bag-and-straw method inspired the idea.According to Dominick, this wasn't an assigned task. Pettit invented it on a whim.Per Dominick, Pettit often says that "today's coffee is tomorrow's coffee" since most water, including waste like urine, is recycled and reused over and over again. Over 90% of water waste is recycled to be reused again.The two stranded astronauts on the ISSDominick was asked about astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been two extra guests on the ISS since June, due to the Boeing Starliner not being able to carry its two passengers home.He said that there were plenty of supplies on the ISS and that resource allocation, water and oxygen were not an issue at all.However, if a similar issue happened during a mission to the moon or Mars, it would be much more dangerous and resource-restrictive."I have no idea what we're doing"Dominick noted that scientists on Earth design the experiments, and the astronauts are trained to perform them."A lot of times, I have no idea what we're doing," he said.Dominick finished up the discussion by talking about stress and mental health. Astronauts on the ISS are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities to maintain their mental health.For Dominick, taking photographs was a hobby that helped him fill his off-hours and reduce stress.Cheshier ended the stream by encouraging people to check out Aurorasaurus and Spot the Station, two resources that help you see the aurora borealis better and find the ISS when it flies over your area.How to rewatch NASA's Twitch streamIn many ways, the stream was like any other on Twitch, except this one let people talk to an astronaut 250 miles above the surface of the Earth. The stream can be viewed in its entirety onNASA's Twitch channel.Twitch chatscan be volatile on occasion, but NASA managed to bring enough moderators and nobody got rowdy. The stream maxed out at over 16,000 concurrent viewers."This Twitch event from space is the first of many," Brittany Brown, a communications director at NASA, said ina blog post. "In addition to our spacewalks, launches, and landings, we'll host more Twitch-exclusive streams like this one. Twitch is one of the many digital platforms we use to reach new audiences and get them excited about all things space."This isn't NASA's first rodeoThis isn't NASA's first Twitch chat from outside the confines of Earth's atmosphere. The agencyhas streamed space walks on Twitchand its own NASA+ platform in the past.But this was the first stream where people in the chat had a chance to engage with astronauts, ask questions and otherwise interact with people in space. Prior streams were mostly view-only.

Table of Contents It's time to return to the scandalous world ofThe White Lotus. Season 3 of Mike White's Emmy-winning social satire premieres tonight. This time, the anthology series will call Thailand home. As we've seen from the previous two seasons -- which took place in Hawaii andSicily, respectively -- there's a sinister underbelly waiting to be discovered in thisbeautiful vacation locale. Get ready for the class warfare to begin.The new eight-episode installment will feature a talented ensemble cast of mostly new faces. Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell and Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, Arnold's son) star alongside many more.Natasha Rothwell will also appear; she's reprising her season 1 role of massage therapist Belinda in the new episodes. Creator Mike White returns once again to write and direct all eight episodes.Read on to learn when The White Lotus Season 3 will be available for streaming and how using a VPN can enhance your viewing experience.Read more: Max Streaming Service Review: Loads of Content, but You Have to Make It Fit YouWhen to watch The White Lotus Season 3 on MaxThe new season of Mike White's hit drama will premiere its first episode tonight,Sunday, Feb. 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and be available to stream on Max. New episodes will air every Sunday after until the finale drops. Max/Warner Bros. Discovery/James Martin If you're interested in streaming The White Lotus Season 3, getting Max would be your next step. Subscriptions cost $10 per month (with ads) or $17 per month (ad-free). Want to watch in 4K? The Ultimate plan offers that feature and costs $21 per month. There's also theHulu, Disney Plus and Max megabundleto consider. The ad-based bundle comes with a $17 monthly price tag, while the ad-free version costs $30 monthly. See at Play.max How to watch The White Lotus Season 3 with a VPNPerhaps you're traveling abroad and want to stream The White Lotus on Max while away from home. With a VPN, you can virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to access the series from anywhere in the world.But there are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming. A VPN encrypts your traffic and is the best way to prevent your ISP from throttling your speeds. It's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Plus, streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that'spassed our testsand security standards.You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you're using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommendExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from ourbest list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN. James Martin/CNET ExpressVPN isour current best VPN pickfor people who want a reliable and safe VPN. The service is compatible with a variety of devices. It's typically $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100, you'll get four months free and save 70%.Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. See at Expressvpn Follow the VPN provider's instructions for installation and choose a country where your title of choice will be streaming on Max. Before opening the streaming app, ensure you're connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream The White Lotus on multiple devices, you may need to configure each to ensure you're signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you're logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now, you're ready to open the service to stream.If you encounter streaming issues, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Then, double-check that you've followed installation instructions correctly and picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have built a solar-powered reactor that converts atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into a gas that could one day fuel vehicles, power off-the-grid dwellings, and even produce pharmaceutical products. The researchers say were inspired by photosynthesis and claim that their technology can be scaled up more easily than earlier solar-powered devices. The teams research was published todayin the journal Nature Energy. Carbon capture and storage (which is exactly what it sounds like) is a possible means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The problem is that most carbon capture technologies are themselves powered by burning fossil fuelsnot to mention the fact that the CO2 captured in the process needs to be stored somewhere, such as deep underground. But a new reactor could solve all of that. What if instead of pumping the carbon dioxide underground, we made something useful from it? Sayan Kar, a chemist at the University of Cambridge and first author on the study, said in a university statement. CO2 is a harmful greenhouse gas, but it can also be turned into useful chemicals without contributing to global warming. Kar and his colleagues new reactor is completely solar-powered, meaning it requires no cables or batteries. At night, it filters CO2 from the airsimilar to how a sponge soaks up water, according to the researchers. During the day, sunlight heats up the collected CO2, which absorbs the Suns infrared radiation while a semiconductor powder absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. A mirror on the reactor concentrates the sunlight for greater efficiency in the system.The absorption initiates a chemical reaction in the reactor that converts the CO2 into synthesis gas, or syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) that is an important ingredient in the production of many fuels and chemicals. The team is currently researching how to convert this solar syngas into liquid fuels that could one day sustainably power vehicles like cars and planes. If we made these devices at scale, they could solve two problems at once: removing CO2 from the atmosphere and creating a clean alternative to fossil fuels, said Kar. CO2 is seen as a harmful waste product, but it is also an opportunity.The researchers claim that a solar reactor of this kind could even be used by individuals (as opposed to powering an entire neighborhood or town) to provide energy for remote locations. Furthermore, because of syngas prevalence in the production of chemicals, solar syngas could also lessen the carbon footprint of the chemical sector. Instead of continuing to dig up and burn fossil fuels to produce the products we have come to rely on, we can get all the CO2 we need directly from the air and reuse it, said Erwin Reisner, a chemist at the University of Cambridge who led the study. We can build a circular, sustainable economyif we have the political will to do it. Heres hoping that well be seeing solar-carbon-capture-reactor-powered cars on the market sooner than we think.

First DLC fighter revealed, physical release confirmed.The fighting game tournament EVO hosted its awards show this weekend and also shared some special announcements.One update, in particular, was a release date for the tag-team manga and anime fighter Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact. It will be launching for the Switch and multiple other platforms on 17th July 2025.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Tech Inflatable tiny house with space for six is blowing up Mobile living space that can inflate in as little as 15 minutes Published February 16, 2025 6:00am EST close Inflatable tiny house with space for six is blowing up This mobile living space resembles a space station with its inflatable dome. We've reported on many tiny houses, but none quite like this before. This housing concept is called the Esch 22 Space Station, also nicknamed E22SS PIU!This mobile living space resembles a space station with its inflatable dome, which can inflate to triple its size. The brains behind this futuristic pad is an architectural firm called 2001, and it was developed for Esch-Alzette in Luxembourg, which is the country's second-largest city.Now, I'm not talking about just another cramped mobile tiny home here. This thing can not only grow in size but is transportable, and it's even eco-friendly. Let's dive in and see how this space-age dwelling actually works.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW Exterior of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)A mobile tiny house with a twistAt its core,E22SS PIU! is a 6-person mobile tiny house that can be easily transported to various locations. In its compact form, it resembles a stainless steel trailer, containing essential amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen and dining space. However, the real magic happens when it reaches its destination. Interior of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)Unfolding and inflatingOnce parked, the E22SS PIU! undergoes a remarkable transformation. Two wings unfold from the trailer, creating a circular platform with a 29.53-foot diameter. This platform is then covered with cork, providing a stable and eco-friendly base. The final step in this metamorphosis is the inflation of a double-shell pneumatic dome on top of the platform. A model of the exterior of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)This inflation process, which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, turns the compact trailer into generous sleeping quarters capable of accommodating up to six people comfortably.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Sleeping quarters of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)Innovative features and sustainabilityThe E22SS PIU! incorporates several innovative features. A water recycling system ensures that wastewater from sinks and showers is repurposed for toilet flushing, promoting efficient water use. Accessibility has been carefully considered, with an elevator system ensuring the upper level is accessible to people with reduced mobility.The use of cork for flooring adds an eco-friendly touch to the design, further emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Diagram of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)More than just a tiny homeWhile the E22SS PIU! may not be a practical solution for everyday tiny living, it serves a greater purpose. Created as part of Esch's Capital of Culture program, this project is designed to explore various contexts and environments within the city of Esch. It challenges our perceptions of resource usage in architecture and society, stimulating discussions about innovative housing solutions.Phillippe Nathan, Founder of 2001, an architecture firm developing territories, buildings, spaces and ideas, tells CyberGuy,"E22SSPIU is not a solution, nor does it seek resolution. It is a provocation an experimental construct that redefines collective living by destabilizing conventional relationships to resources: soil, water and energy. It resists fixity, embedding itself within shifting landscapes, absorbing and reflecting their logic. Less an answer, more a system in flux." Exterior of the Esch 22 Space at night Station (2001)How to stay in the inflatable house in Luxembourg's nature reserveWhat's cool is that you can now stay in this unique inflatable house situated at the Ellergronn Nature Reserve. The spacious, inflatable structure is nowavailable to rent. So, it's your chance to explore the surrounding trails and immerse yourself in a blend of innovative design and natural beauty.Kurt's key takeawaysThe Esch 22 Space Station is a bold experiment in mobile architecture. By combining portability with expandability and sustainable features, it pushes the boundaries of what we consider possible in temporary living spaces. While it may not be a practical solution for everyday use, the E22SS PIU! serves as an important conversation starter about the future of housing, resource management and urban development.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you feel comfortable staying in an inflatable tiny home like the E22SS PIU!? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Netflix has secret codes that reveal a treasure trove of hidden categories and genres. Here's where to find them and how to use them.

ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung Neo QLED (QN90D) 98-inch TV lists for $15,000, but is marked down to $13,000 at most vendors. Its picture quality rivals OLED models in contrast and motion handling while exceeding most of them in peak brightness. The location of its connection ports can make setting up such a large TV a bit fussy. more buying choices What's the deal?Samsung's QN90D Neo QLED TV has received a massive $5,000 discount, going from $15,000 down to $10,000.It's rare for me to be blown away by the picture quality of any TV I'm reviewing. But with Samsung's QN90D Neo QLED TV, that's what happened -- in a big-time (ultra-large) way.That's because Samsung sent the 98-inch model to our ZDNET lab in Louisville, and I had the pleasure of spending some time with it, fully daunted by its imposing $15,000 price tag. This is the most expensive model of any TV I've tested. Also: I changed these 6 Samsung TV settings to instantly improve the picture qualitySo, does the QN90D live up to its price point? If your budget falls into the $10K+ cost echelon, then you've already jumped the first hurdle in acquiring one. And if that's the case, then the answer is a resounding "Yes." details View at Best Buy To be clear, there are dozens of 98-inch TVs on the market that are much easier on the wallet than this puppy. For example, you can buy two of TCL's 98-inch QM8 Mini-LED for less than one QN90D. But there's a substantial difference in the technology behind these models, namely Samsung's treatment of Quantum Dot overlays on a mini-LED backlit display.Also:I still recommend this TCL TV model from last yearThis formula is known as "Neo QLED," in which case Samsung has swapped out conventional LEDs for tens of thousands of mini-LEDs. These components consist of manufactured nanocrystals with ultra-fine semiconductor materials, allowing for a higher magnitude of these units to distribute light accurately and efficiently. The result, as Samsung puts it, is "brighter whites, darker blacks, and overall, a better color range in between."I can attest to this. The QN90D offered up a crystal-clear picture with glistering highlights, vibrant colors, and the truest blacks I've witnessed on a non-OLED set. With its spread of UHD micro dimming zones, dark areas are so piercingly black that focusing your eyes on shadows is like staring into a void. This is fine by me because they're shadows, and I'm a fan of higher contrast ratios. Adam Breeden/ZDNETBut in some extreme cases, dark objects were so dark that their features were lost. Picture a black-clad motorcyclist racing down a sunlit road -- black helmet, black jacket, black bike -- and in this distant, wide-angle shot, the cyclist and his bike become almost a uniform silhouette, revealing no distinguishable textures or dimensionality. To be clear, this would be a demanding ask of any TV for the scene I'm describing. A desirable level of detail in such inky blackness may only be captured on Samsung's Neo QLED 8K QN990C, which goes for an eye-watering $40,000 and is the subject of a different review altogether.Also:The best TVs you can buyWhat impressed me most was the in-your-face brightness and extraordinary color gamut of the QN90D. It's bright, but not offensively so. I'd rather call the overall effect "convincing." Viewing the motion graphics at the beginning of Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox productions, for example, felt like looking into the window of an uber-vivid metaverse. In a few instances, the color vibrance was so intense that some viewers might find it off-putting, such as the radioactive red glow of Netflix's logo. There are settings to reduce this intensity. For starters, you won't want to set the TV's picture mode to "Dynamic" because then every color will gleam with supersaturated abandon. (I'll speak more on setting options below.) Adam Breeden/ZDNETOtherwise, I didn't encounter disproportionate levels of color or tonality. This held true in my assessments of glare and reflection, plus a scope of the QN90D's viewing angles. Standing just two feet from the screen at an unreasonably tight angle, the picture only suffered a minor loss of coloration (a slight washout), yet it retained its 4K QLED sharpness.I was equally impressed with this TV's audio output. Even in the absence of a connected soundbar, the volume managed to fill our testing area more than adequately, and it did this at about one-tenth of its potential. While watching Kandahar on Prime, I never pushed the volume past 12. It frightens me to imagine the stentorian result of cranking it up to 100.Also: Looking for Netflix shows? I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalogIn addition to 4.2.2 channel speakers pumping out 60 watts of power, Samsung's OTS+ technology tracks the onscreen action and adjusts sounds accordingly. Its 98-inch panel consists of 8,276 square inches, allowing for more integrated speakers, strategically creating a 3D-like soundscape that seems to envelop you from all directions. No soundbar is necessary. (Although I don't discourage adding one to it.)I did change the QN90D's default sound mode to "Amplify" and noticed a marked improvement in the crispness of whispering dialogue in Dune 2andKandahar. The setting's name is a bit misleading because it doesn't amplify volume but clarity. The two films I mentioned above are excellent for TV testing. Like many movies, they have plenty of whispering dialogue but also gads of sweeping desert vistas.Color variation and rendering become more evident in viewing these mostly stark landscapes, which include everything from jutting rock formations to an actor's skin tone and Dune's reddish "spice" granules within swells of billowing sand. The bright and sunny drone shots in Kandahar, for example, were particularly stunning.My ideal picture settings for the Samsung QN90DWhen orienting myself with any new TV, I spend a lot of time testing out the settings. I toggle the options on and off while scrutinizing select scenes from certain movies. I adjust the sliders if available (e.g., tint). I experiment with Expert Settings (like switching Local Dimming to high and Contrast Enhancer to low, and vice-versa).I do a similar thing with audio. This practice of combining and/or separating setting variables is basically a trial-and-error endeavor in pursuit of seeing optimal results. Naturally, this is a subjective process because it's all about personal preferences.Also: I changed these 6 Samsung TV settings to instantly improve the picture qualityFor the QN90D, I only changed three picture settings from their default positions, and that's in large part owed to the Tizen software's AI capabilities:Under All Settings, you'll find Samsung's "Intelligent Mode" option. Turning that on disables the usual lineup of options under the Picture Mode menu (Dynamic, Eco, Filmmaker, etc.).The Picture Mode options are then replaced with three choices: "Optimized," "Eye Comfort," and "AI Customization." The latter indeed lets you customize your visual preference by selecting one of four image choices (each) for sports, movies, and general viewing.The Tizen OS's NQ4 AI Gen2 processor then used my image selections as ingredients to concoct what was, to me, the best picture possible.After all the experimentation, my selections solidified AI Customization as the clear winner in terms of a preferred picture mode. The contrast, brightness, and sharpness in scenes from these 4K flicks were incredibly satisfying. Adam Breeden/ZDNETConsider these design elements as you shopLike other new Samsung remotes, the QN90D's takes a little getting used to because of its diminutive size and its rocker buttons, which are relatively unconventional for remote controls. These small, flat, capsule-shaped buttons are designed to push toward or away from the TV to adjust the volume and navigate the menu. (The interface itself, I should note, only required a modicum of menu-diving to reach desired selections, making it one of the more user-friendly panels I've tested.)I acclimated to the remote's design swiftly, and I also appreciate the solar panel on its underside for a lifetime of use without cable charging or replacing batteries. But if it's just too much effort to pick up and use a TV remote, the QN90D also offers hands-free operation with its Bixby, Alexa, or Google voice assistants. Disappointingly, the remote is not backlit -- as I wish all TV remotes should be -- because I tend to do any binge-watching after sundown.A common complaint among users of the QN90D is the placement of its input array. Its four HDMI ports, two USBs, and other connection points are on the panel's back right side. This is fairly standard for many TVs. However, for a television of this size, simply accessing the ports and then deciding how to run your wires to the nearest wall outlet can be an awkward affair. These grumblings likely stem from prior iterations of Samsung's QLED models (e.g., the QN95C) having a separate OneConnect box that can marry all your peripherals to the TV through a single translucent cable. For the QN90D, the lack of a dedicated HDMI switch is a practical concern in terms of access and positioning. And it's an aesthetic consideration if you can't stomach visible wires trailing from the electronic centerpiece of your living room.ZDNET's buying adviceI can overlook Samsung's decision to make the inputs a tad harder to reach because this TV is spectacular to watch and listen to. At $15,000, even an ultra-large 98-inch screen ought to be brimming with cutting-edge technology, elevated specs, and a profusion of cool features. The Samsung QN90D certainly qualifies with these traits.Most of all, though, it delivers an exceptional viewing experience that will dazzle your eyeballs and please your earholes. If I were in a higher tax bracket (and had a bigger house), I would undoubtedly put this massive entertainment purchase in my (gargantuan) shopping cart.Should you want a TV of similar size but with a more accessible price, consider the TCL Q6 and QM8, both of which ZDNET has tested and recommended for big-screen shoppers on a budget.Samsung 98-inch QN90D 4K QLED TV tech specsDisplay TypeNeo QLEDScreen Size98 inchesResolution4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)Refresh Rate120HzHDR CompatibilityQuantum HDR 32xScreen Brightness1253 nitsContrast RatioInfiniteAudioDolby Atmos 4.2.2chProcessorNQ4 AI Gen2 ProcessorGaming FeaturesMotion Xcelerator, FreeSync Premium Pro, 4K @ 144HzInput Lag (Game Mode)2.9 msInputs4x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 2.0, 1x Ethernet, 1x RFWi-FiWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Smart TV PlatformTizen OSVoice AssistantBixby, Alexa, Google AssistantStreaming PlatformsNetflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and many moreDimensions (with stand)86.6" x 50.8" x 14.3"Weight (with stand)113.5 lbsHow we test TVsWhile testing and researching the TV featured in this review, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:Price:Not all budgets are created equal. And if you're working with a limited budget, that shouldn't mean you have to settle for a sub-par TV. Each TV model we review has been chosen across a variety of price points to help accommodate different needs.Screen size:The most important factor to consider, after price, when shopping for a new TV is whether or not it will fit into your space. While this specific screen size is exceptional, the QN90D is available in a wide variety of smaller sizes to suit different rooms.Picture and audio quality:A new TV doesn't mean much, even if it costs an arm and a leg, if it doesn't provide a great picture and clear audio. Each TV on this list has been ensured to support various HDR codecs, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as enhanced audio software like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and object-tracking sound.For a more detailed look, check outour extensive TV testing methodology.Featured reviews