Coinbase on Friday said the SEC has agreed to drop the lawsuit against the company with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again.The move, which is still subject to the approval of the SECs Commissioners, is yet another signal that the Trump administration plans to be more friendly to crypto than the SEC was under former leader Gary Gensler.The SECs lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleged that crypto assets were securities and that Coinbase was operating as an unregistered national securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency.Coinbase fought back, arguing, in part, that the SEC hadnt established clear enough rules concerning crypto in order to sue over breaking them.I remember in 2023, a lot of people were advising on this and they were saying, Do not engage in litigation with the SEC, its going to cost you tens of millions of dollars, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said in a video he posted on X on Friday announcing that the suit was being dropped. In the video, Armstrong also made allegations about the SECs motivations and tactics.Armstrong said he fought because he believed that he was saving the crypto industry in America. Not as many other companies had deep pockets like we did, he said. And ultimately we had to spend $50 million defending this case proving the naysayers right on how expensive the fight would be.A Coinbase spokesperson clarified that this amount included strictly external legal fees, not employee time.Coinbases apparent legal victory aside, Armstrong said that he still believes that the US needs to get legislation for crypto passed to codify favorable regulations, or risk falling behind other nations.

Apple on Friday released its first developer beta for iOS 18.4, which adds a new Priority Notifications feature, powered by Apple Intelligence. The addition aims to help users manage their notifications by prioritizing important alerts and minimizing distractions from less important ones.These priority notifications are displayed in a separate section on the phones Lock Screen. Apple Intelligence will analyze which notifications it believes should be shown in this section, but you can still swipe up to view all of your notifications.Currently, the iPhone will sort notifications chronologically, with the most recent alerts displayed on top. With the new feature, youll see important notifications first even if you received them a while ago when compared to others. According to 9to5Mac, Priority Notifications is off by default, but you can enable the feature by heading to your Settings app, selecting the Notifications option, and then opening the Prioritize Notifications section. Here, you can toggle the feature on.Apple announced today that Apple Intelligence is heading to the Vision Pro as part of visionOS 2.4. A beta version of the software is currently available for developers, while the public version is set for an April release. The tech giant also revealed Apple News+ Food, an upcoming section that will allow users to search and save recipes from dozens of existing News+ publishing partners.

LG Electronics has announced a call for entries in its annual Wonderbox Showcase, a 3D digital art competition for college-level students. Qualifying creatives are invited to submit original 3D anamorphic art that embodies the theme Life's Good When You Protect Wildlife.Now in its third year, the Wonderbox Showcase has awarded $100,000 in money and prizes and created opportunities for student artists to jumpstart their careers.The 2025 animation challenge will focus on advocating for vulnerable and endangered species of North and South America, inspired by LG's partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and The Americas. The 10-part nature documentary series premieres February 23, with two back-to-back episodes on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock.Submissions will be judged on creative storytelling, technical skill, scientific accuracy, and meaningful point of view. Three winners will have an opportunity to win cash prizes, converse with The Americas series creators and wildlife experts about their projects, and have their work highlighted on LG's expansive Times' Square Billboard. The winners will also be awarded LG's CineBeam Q 4K UHD Projector.Cash prizes include:First Place: $25,000Second Place: $10,000Third Place: $5,000Submissions will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including award-winning creatives, filmmakers, and conservationists. The 2025 judges include:Mike Gunton, executive producer of The AmericasHolly Spearing, co-executive producer of The AmericasCarey Stanton, head of innovation and partnerships at the National Wildlife FederationAt LG, we believe in the power of creativity to shape a brighter, more sustainable future, said Jeannie Lee, director of corporate marketing, LG Electronics USA. Through the Wonderbox Showcase, we are not only celebrating artistic talent but also inspiring students to use their creativity as a force for good championing environmental sustainability, protecting wildlife and turning their visionary dreams into reality.Submissions will be accepted from February 12 through May 12.Source: LG Electronics USA Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/P6n1n4Hi everyone! This is my second Real-Time VFX piece, designed as a loot drop for a legendary weapon. I aimed for a more stylized effect this time. Im not entirely happy with how the ribbon trails on the spinning stars fade outif anyone has suggestions on how to improve them, Id really appreciate it!I also posted my first VFX here a few days ago (still need to tweak that one), but Im wonderingshould I post each new piece as a separate thread, or compile them into one ongoing post?Thanks for the feedback!

Announcing the official brand launch of DowelLam.Today, StructureCraft announces the official launch of a new brand, DowelLam. In 2017, the company brought the Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) panel to the North American market with the worlds largest automated DLT manufacturing line. Since then, StructureCraft has delivered over 100 projects across nearly every typology, including significant buildings for Microsoft, Princeton University, and Hines. DowelLams Abbotsford facility, established by StructureCraft in 2017, is a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot manufacturing hub designed to produce DLT, the largest such facility in the world. (Courtesy DowelLam)In 2025, as demand for DLT continues to grow, StructureCraft has formed the DowelLam division to solely focus on designing, manufacturing and delivering DLT products to a growing range of clientele across North America.About DowelLam: The First All-wood Mass Timber PanelDowelLam is a global leader in mass timber manufacturing, recognized for delivering Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) panels to significant projects throughout North America. Since 2017, their team has built over 3 million square feet (over 300,000 square meters) of DLT, including a proprietary profile, Acoustic DLT, across every project type, including educational, office, institutional, public and residential buildings. By merging traditional doweling with cutting-edge machinery and automation, DowelLam delivers mass timber panels that are free of metal and adhesives between laminations.DowelLam manufacturing process (Courtesy DowelLam)DLT, as the first all-wood mass timber panel, uses hardwood dowels (rather than glue or nails) to bond the edgewise softwood dimensional lumber strands together, resulting in structural panels ideal for floors, roofs, and walls. DowelLam offers unique advantages to owners and designers, including structural efficiency, sustainability, architectural quality, and economy. Groundbreaking Innovation in an Acoustic PanelDowelLam is the only large-scale North American supplier of Acoustic DLT (ADLT), a high-performance panel which integrates a built-in acoustically absorptive membrane into the underside of the DLT, allowing the mass timber to remain exposed while meeting both structural and noise reduction demands.Washington State School for the Blind Life Skills Training Center in Vancouver, Washington, built with DowelLams Acoustic DLT. (Lincoln Barbour)The Largest DLT Facility in the WorldDowelLams state-of-the-art Abbotsford facility is a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing hub designed to produce DLT, the largest such facility in the world. The plant houses advanced equipment and automation, enabling the efficient production of panels over 60-feet-long, with precise control over panel dimensions and dowel placement to meet structural and architectural requirements. The production process integrates computer-based technology with sustainable practices to produce minimum waste. Dowel press applying 10 tons of pressure horizontally and vertically on DLT panels and hydraulically pressing hardwood dowels into softwood lumber. (DowelLam)From lumber grading, visual optimization and finger-jointing to moulding, pressing, CNC milling, and coatings, the entire facility is optimized for quality and efficiency. Panels are customized with profiles for aesthetic or acoustic purposes and can be reinforced with structural sheathing or screw systems for enhanced performance. Automated notching and coating ensure panels are ready for site installation, while engineers review dowel placement and panel configurations to meet project-specific demands.StructureCrafts Role in the MarketStructureCraft is an award-winning group of creative structural consulting engineers and specialized builders, having realized over 350 efficient and beautiful structures across the world since 1998. With the introduction of DowelLam, StructureCraft renews a focus on their core purpose: to engineer and build beautiful and efficient structures that people love to own and use.KF Aerospaces Centre for Excellence at the Kelowna International Airport in Canada designed and built by StructureCraft. (Shawn Talbot)Start a Conversation and Stay ConnectedDowelLam is thrilled to introduce its newly established website, highlighting a selection of innovative built projects, DLT profiles, and our updated DLT Design Guide (2025). Follow its social media channels for the most up-to-date news, insights, and exciting announcements from DowelLam. dowellam.com linkedin.com/company/dowellam instagram.com/dowellam

Following the abrupt cancellation of a new building for the Vancouver Art Gallery slated to be designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the institution has issued an RFP that invited 14 Canadian architecture firms to compete for the commission instead. The list of architects comprises of Diamond Schmitt, Formline Architecture & Urbanism, Hariri Pontarini Architects, hcma, Henriquez Partners Architects, KPMB, Michael Green Architecture, OMB, Patkau Architects, Perkins&Will, Revery Architecture, Saucier+Perrotte Architectes, Teeple Architects, and 5468796 Architecture. As previously reported by AN, the Herzog & de Meuron design was abandoned in early December due to institutions inability to cover ballooning construction costs. The project, which originally began in 2014 with a budget of $350 million, had experienced numerous delays and grown to a cost of $600 million. Though the team had broken ground on the new building in 2023, progress was minimal, and the museum expects to start from scratch on the site following the selection of a new design team. In a press release, Anthony Kiendl, CEO and executive director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, repeatedly emphasized that the redesign would be economical to avoid the delay and inflation that plagued its predecessor.Our goal is to create a new building that celebrates art in all its forms and is emblematic both of our country and our mission, but that also prioritizes achievability, practicality, and fiscal responsibility, he said. Inherent in this choice is a careful assessment of how we can engage our community in meaningful ways; build within our means and realize a new Gallery that reflects Canadas extraordinary architectural talent.In the meantime, the institution will continue to operate in its current home, a repurposed provincial courthouse facing downtown Vancouvers Robson Square. The new building will be located further east, near BC Place, Rogers Arena, and the Vancouver Public Library. An expected completion date for the project has yet to be announced.

rob dobi/Getty ImagesA few weeks ago, The World Economic Forum dropped its predictions for the future of jobs and the seismic shift in the workforce over the next five years (2030).Here's a link: The Future of Jobs Report 2025Let me tell you, this thing is really well put together.As a connoisseur of well-formatted PDFs, this one goes hard.Also: Searching for your dream job? Google's new career AI tool can help - and it's freeIt has tons of relatable info and is super easy to follow, even though it's like 10 million pages long (OK, I'm being dramatic; it's only 290 pages).That said, the future of jobs might look much different than what you've heard.The sky isn't falling, or is it? In this article, I'm breaking down:The key takeaways from the report and what caught my attention.The key opportunity I think everyone's sleeping on.Most importantly, how you can make the most of this opportunity with a step-by-step action plan.So buckle up, my friend. This is going to be a good one.If you stick around to the end, I'll share the best game plan for prosperity over the next five years. Quick introIf you're new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les I'm a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I'm the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I'm an award-winning performance marketer.Needless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce is pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.Also: Are public speaking skills a cheat code for IT career success?If you're into data-driven business and marketing insights and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working in the world of business, along with marketing insights and trends I'm seeing.But that's enough about me. I need to tell you all the juicy details about this report. I read all 10 million pages, so you don't have to. Key takeaways I got from the reportAs I mentioned earlier, this report is very thorough and 290 pages deep, but I wanted to focus on the areas that are the most helpful for revenue and understanding the possible landscape. 1. Job creation and declineSo, the hot topic is whether AI will take our jobs. The answer is maybe, but you'll probably have a new one. According to the WEF, a net 78 million jobs will be added by 2030. This includes 170 million new jobs created (14% growth) and 92 million jobs lost (8% decline)The fastest growing jobs are AI-related (shocker), Fintech, and Engineers. Renewable energy engineers are also on the rise. However, a surprising and potentially massive opportunity lies in the care economy. More on that later.2. New skills who this?By 2030, about 39% of skills will be outdated or completely transformed. Honestly, it's not shocking; it's kind of expected. The fastest-growing skills are AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity. What caught my attention was that the report mentioned soft skills like resilience, creativity, and flexibility, but I found it even more interesting that lifelong learning made the list. The report also noted that 70% of employers consider analytical skills the most essential.3. Upskilling and reskillingThe report says that by 2030, 59% of the global workforce will need training. Of this, 29% will be upskilled in their current role, 19% will transition to a new role with additional training, and 11% will risk unemployment without it. The report also highlights that 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling, while 70% aim to hire talent with new skills.4. Talent and workforce strategy64% of employers will prioritize health and well-being to get new talent. I won't lie; I'll believe that one when I see it. The report mentions that diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives have increased to 83% adoption globally. However, President Trump is rolling back some of these programs, raising questions about whether other countries and corporations will follow suit. It's unclear how this will unfold. Nonetheless, wage alignment with a focus on productivity and talent retention will be key, with 52% of employers planning to allocate more revenue to wages by 2030. Again, I'll believe it when I see it, but I'm hopeful.5. AI's impact on workforceAlas, the juicy bit Half of the employers plan to reorient business strategies in response to the rise of AI. In fact, 2 in 3 plan to hire for AI-specific skills (this is where the new jobs will come from). 40% of those same businesses also think their workforce will shrink due to AI automating tasks. On the surface, this might seem like doom and gloom, but remember, we are talking about 78 million new jobs by 2030. It is safe to assume some of that workforce will find employment in companies that don't exist yet.Another insight that stood out to me but deserves its own article is that an aging population will drive the demand for more healthcare jobs.This could be a huge opportunity. Let me know in the comments if you want me to discuss the possibilities.Your big opportunityIt is no secret that AI is supposed to be the next big thing. I believe this topic goes a lot deeper and I talk more about that here.That said, while AI is here and we need to use these tools, we should not focus on hacks like knowing the best prompt or whatever gimmick the influencers are peddling today. Let me explain.A lot of this report stood out to me, but the one thing that will go unnoticed is the soft skills of resilience, creativity, and flexibility.I agree 1000%, but do you know what was not mentioned?Communication!This is probably the most critical skill you can learn as we move into the future.Here's why: Communication is obviously how we interact with different tools from the likes of OpenAI and others.Also:Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?But here is what is not talked about as much: If everyone has access to AI, the market will become more crowded. Businesses are infinitely easier to launch now and everyone is an "expert."How you communicate with your audience to get them to interact with your business will become a premium skill.I promise I am not ranting here, but effective communication is not a skill, it's theeeeee skill. As for your big opportunity, I feel like everyone is so focused on the shiny objects, like what are the best prompts or the best tool? Those are fine, but not enough focus is placed on the soft skills.It's as if we're forgetting that even though we use AI to create, our creations are still intended for humans.If I had to say it another way, it is almost like some businesses are using AI and becoming sloppy. Not caring about the customer, and so on.It blows my mind how someone could use any AI tool, understand the frustrations and the obvious limitations, and then decide, "You know what? Imma use an AI chatbot, so I don't have to talk to customers" bruh, seriously? Also:ChatGPT Search could destroy online businesses - how you can stay aheadImma get off my soapbox, but I hope you see my point.Soft skills!To get the most out of AI, you do not need to know the latest hacks or have access to some secret button or magic prompt.I believe the soft skills are where the money will be made, where you separate the wheat from the chaff. That said, here are a few skills I believe will put you in the best position to maximize the opportunities ahead:Clear communication:This is a twofer. Communication with the AI and your customers.Imagination and creativity:This also doubles with the AI and your business.Pattern recognition:Your brain was GPT-ing before GPT. Do not lose that.Critical thinking:AI is a tool. Decision-making is your job.Patience:The AI will AI no matter how good it gets, so you must be patient and refine your prompts to get the output you want.I am not saying you shouldn't learn best practices, etc., but don't lose focus on the soft skills that separate the elite from the average. If this were a sport, these soft skills would be the fundamentals. My two centsI know I came at you with a lot today, so I'll leave you with this: I am a savage in these AI streets (not bragging) with an elite workflow that has doubled my productivity and keeps my ADD in check. I operate at this level because I know what I'm looking for when I use AI.Just because I have access to OpenAI does not mean I stop learning or working on my craft.Also: ChatGPT's Deep Research just identified 20 jobs it will replace. Is yours on the list?AI can take you from good to great, but it cannot take you from bad to great. I hope that makes sense.If you work on your soft skills, perfect your craft, and embrace AI, you make yourself impossible to replace. Hope this helps; I'm rooting for you.By the way, do you want more data-driven business insights that drive growth? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam and you wanna be besties forever, click here to sign up - it's totally FREE!Featured

A large television can serve as a centerpiece in any home, and at 85 inches, TV displays become truly impressive. Whether you need a new TV for movie night or to cheer on your favorite team, you have options. Brands likeSony,Samsung, and TCL have all made admirable additions to their 85-inch TV lineups over the past few years, and other models may be more affordable than you think.Also:The best TVs of 2025Supersized TVs aren't just for movie buffs and series binge watchers -- console gamers can take advantage of high refresh rates, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, and dedicated gaming modes with low-latency input for better reaction times, smoother motion, and better immersion. Many also offer Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound or even object tracking sound to create room-filling audio for music lovers.What is the best 85-inch TV right now?I chose the Samsung QN90D as my pick for the best 85-inch TV with its support of both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound, cloud gaming support for consoles, 144Hz refresh rate, and enhanced picture quality over previous models. You can keep reading below to find out more about the QN90D and our other top picks for the best 85-inch TVs. Sort by All The best 85-inch TVs of 2025 Show less The Samsung QN90D is an excellent choice for any living room or home theater looking to upgrade or add a big-screen TV. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get smoother action in fast-paced shows and movies as well as sports broadcasts. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's own object-tracking sound technology for audio that follows the on-screen action and provides a more immersive experience.And if you're a gamer, you can say goodbye to annoying screen tearing and stuttering with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support. The dedicated gaming dashboard gives you access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass and Nvidia GeForce Now so you can play your favorite titles without a console.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby Hey Google Pros AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Object tracking audio Cloud gaming support Cons Expensive No Dolby Vision HDR support The Samsung QN90D is an excellent choice for any living room or home theater looking to upgrade or add a big-screen TV. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get smoother action in fast-paced shows and movies as well as sports broadcasts. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's own object-tracking sound technology for audio that follows the on-screen action and provides a more immersive experience.And if you're a gamer, you can say goodbye to annoying screen tearing and stuttering with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support. The dedicated gaming dashboard gives you access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass and Nvidia GeForce Now so you can play your favorite titles without a console.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less A big-screen TV doesn't have to cost a fortune to offer great picture and sound. And just because you're trying to stick to a budget, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice features you want to save money on a new TV. The Sony X90L offers a 120Hz refresh rate for streaming movies and shows as well as console gaming at 4K resolution. And if you have a PlayStation 5, you can use Sony's proprietary VRR technology for smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay.Read the review: This Sony Bravia is my pick for best TV for the moneyZDNET's Editor in Chief Jason Hiner got to try out the Sony X90L and was pleasantly surprised by the color accuracy and brightness offered by the mini LED panel. He also noted the smooth upscaling of 1080p and 720p content to 4K, allowing you to enjoy old favorites in better picture quality.Sony X90L tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Sony Acoustic Multi-Audio | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If picture quality is the most important factor in your decision to upgrade your TV, look no further than the LG G4 OLED. This gallery-inspired model has some of the best images and color accuracy you can get, with an OLED panel capable of producing over 8.3 million colors. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a dedicated filmmaker picture mode so you can squeeze every last detail out of your favorite movies and shows.Review: LG G4 OLED TVThe updated Alpha 11 processor uses AI and machine learning to upscale non-4K content, automatically boost brightness, and clarify music and dialogue. Console gamers will love support for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. With support for both AirPlay and Chromecast, you can share videos, photos, and music from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.LG G4 OLED tech specs: Screen size:83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Pros Excellent picture and sound G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support Automatic brightness booster Cons Very expensive Some slideshow artwork requires purchase If picture quality is the most important factor in your decision to upgrade your TV, look no further than the LG G4 OLED. This gallery-inspired model has some of the best images and color accuracy you can get, with an OLED panel capable of producing over 8.3 million colors. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a dedicated filmmaker picture mode so you can squeeze every last detail out of your favorite movies and shows.Review: LG G4 OLED TVThe updated Alpha 11 processor uses AI and machine learning to upscale non-4K content, automatically boost brightness, and clarify music and dialogue. Console gamers will love support for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. With support for both AirPlay and Chromecast, you can share videos, photos, and music from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.LG G4 OLED tech specs: Screen size:83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less I'm an avid console and PC gamer, and recently got the chance to test out the Hisense U8N for myself. With a 144Hz native refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, motion blur, and screen tearing are virtually nonexistent. It also supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for crisp detailing and virtual surround sound without a headset.Review: Hisense U8N TVThe mini-LED panel is capable of producing bright, bold colors that bring just about any title to life, while support for the PlayStation Remote Play app gives you access to your digital PS5 game library anywhere in the world with internet access.Hisense U8N tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Pros Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support AMD FreeSync Premium VRR Great picture and sound Cons Expensive No G-Sync support I'm an avid console and PC gamer, and recently got the chance to test out the Hisense U8N for myself. With a 144Hz native refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, motion blur, and screen tearing are virtually nonexistent. It also supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for crisp detailing and virtual surround sound without a headset.Review: Hisense U8N TVThe mini-LED panel is capable of producing bright, bold colors that bring just about any title to life, while support for the PlayStation Remote Play app gives you access to your digital PS5 game library anywhere in the world with internet access.Hisense U8N tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you watch TV in a bright room, you know how much it can cause your viewing experience to decline. The TCL QM8 should be your first choice for a bright room, as this set handles light better than almost any other we've seen. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, details and colors are clear regardless of surroundings. It has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for a clean, smooth picture, and with support for Dolby Vision HDR you'll get the best detailing and contrast to make colors pop.Review: This TCL QLED TV I recommend has razor-sharp picture quality and a superpower for gamersI conducted hands-on testing with the TCL QM8 (2023) and stuck it in my office since that's the brightest room in my house (with all of my lighting for photography and filming videos). Movies, games, and shows all looked amazing, with bold colors and clean, crisp details, even when I had my room as bright as it could be.Fellow ZDNET TV reviewer and Editor, Chris Bayer was able to test the QM8 (2024) and was impressed with the 144Hz native refresh rate as well as the Game Accelerator 240 feature which bumps that to 240Hz while dropping the resolution to 1080p. He also noted the automatic volume control, which evens out the audio in movies and shows to reduce sudden boosts like explosions.TCL QM8 tech specs: Screen size:85 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate:144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Pros 2,000 nit peak brightness Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Great picture quality Cons Pricey compared to other options No G-Sync support If you watch TV in a bright room, you know how much it can cause your viewing experience to decline. The TCL QM8 should be your first choice for a bright room, as this set handles light better than almost any other we've seen. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, details and colors are clear regardless of surroundings. It has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for a clean, smooth picture, and with support for Dolby Vision HDR you'll get the best detailing and contrast to make colors pop.Review: This TCL QLED TV I recommend has razor-sharp picture quality and a superpower for gamersI conducted hands-on testing with the TCL QM8 (2023) and stuck it in my office since that's the brightest room in my house (with all of my lighting for photography and filming videos). Movies, games, and shows all looked amazing, with bold colors and clean, crisp details, even when I had my room as bright as it could be.Fellow ZDNET TV reviewer and Editor, Chris Bayer was able to test the QM8 (2024) and was impressed with the 144Hz native refresh rate as well as the Game Accelerator 240 feature which bumps that to 240Hz while dropping the resolution to 1080p. He also noted the automatic volume control, which evens out the audio in movies and shows to reduce sudden boosts like explosions.TCL QM8 tech specs: Screen size:85 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate:144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Which is the best 85-inch TV? My choice for the best 85-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D. The updated Neo QLED panel gives you more accurate colors and bolder contrast while both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ give you a more immersive experience while streaming movies, shows, and music.Best 85-inch TVPriceHDRAudioSamsung QN90D$2,600Neo Quantum HDR+Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+Sony X90L$2,100Dolby VisionSony Acoustic Multi-AudioLG G4 OLED$4,500Dolby VisionDolby AtmosHisense U8N$1,800Dolby Vision IQDolby AtmosTCL QM8$2,500Dolby VisionDolby Atmos*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that the actual price may vary by retailer and depending on available promotions and discounts. Show more Which 85-inch TV is right for you? Once you've hammered out a budget for your new 85-inch TV, the most important thing to remember is what you'll use your TV for the most. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? You'll want to choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video so you can get started right out of the box.Do you have a network of smart speakers? Pick a TV that supports your preferred virtual assistant and has multi-room linking to pump music and dialogue throughout your whole home. This table quickly breaks down which 85-inch TV best suits your watching preferences.Buy this 85-inch TV...If you want...Samsung QN90DA well-rounded 85-inch TV. With object tracking sound, HDR support, and Dolby Atmos, you'll get great picture and sound for gaming and streaming.Sony X90LAn 85-inch TV with great features as well as a great price. With Dolby Vision HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get clean motion and crisp details.LG G4 OLEDAn 85-inch TV with great picture quality. The LG G4 OLED is a high-end, gallery-inspired TV with Dolby Vision HDR and dedicated filmmaker picture mode.Hisense U8NAn 85-inch TV for console and PC gaming. The Hisense U8N has a 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support, and four HDMI inputs. TCL QM8An 85-inch TV for brighter home theaters and living rooms. This TV has a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits for better visibility in daylight and under harsh overhead lighting. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an 85-inch TV Before investing in an 85-inch TV, you should consider the following factors:Use cases: Will you be mainly watching movies, playing video games, streaming TV shows, watching live sports, or a mix of all these? Some sets have specially designed gaming hubs that let users fine-tune settings, some have booming built-in audio that provides a theater-like sound experience, and some have the best picture you'll see. Choose your set based on which performs best in the area you want.TV location: Consider where you'll have your TV set up. Some sets do poorly in brightly lit rooms, while others have special features for brightly lit rooms.Price: Before you choose your set, consider how much money you're willing to spend. There are quality, budget-friendly options, but you'll likely have to give up a few features in exchange for a lower price.Number of ports: Some TVs have a limited number of input ports. If you're connecting a couple of video game consoles, a sound bar, and a cable box or DVD player, you might have to choose which one gets the best input slot. Ensure the TV you choose has enough input slots for your needs. Show more How we test TVs While many manufacturers have reached a consensus on standardizing screen size classes, there are still a few outlierseven at big brands like Sony and LG. Some brands choose to produce 83-inch models, and I have considered many and even included one (the Sony A80L), as they are quite similar in viewing area to an 85-inch model.I've also considered many other factors when testing and researching the 85-inch TVs on this list:Picture quality: A TV is only as good as the images it can produce. With 4K resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rates being the norm, it's easier to get a quality big-screen TV. Sony also produces a large-screen OLED for ultra-detailed images and enhanced contrast.Audio quality: Tinny or cheap-sounding TV speakers can ruin your viewing experience. I've chosen 85-inch TVs that support HDMI eARC connectivity for setting up sound bars and other audio equipment, as well as support for premium audio drivers like Dolby Atmos.Features: While every set on this list will have pretty good picture and audio quality, some truly shine when it comes to extra features. Some sets have extra picture settings that let you fine-tune things to your liking, and some have special gaming modes that let you tinker with options and set things up specifically for your style of gameplay.Connectivity:Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity have become standard for home TVs as more and more people switch from cable and satellite providers to exclusively streaming content via apps like Netflix and Disney+. But I've also made sure that each TV on this list has plenty of HDMI and USB inputs and a hardwired Ethernet connection so you can easily connect DVD or Blu-Ray players, game consoles, audio equipment, and more reliable internet connections.Find out more about how we test TVs at ZDNET. Show more FAQs on 85-inch TVs Can I wall-mount an 85-inch TV? You absolutely can! 85-inch TVs are getting lighter, but they can still be heavy and have larger VESA mount spacing, so you'll want to spend extra money on a heavy-duty mounting bracket. Mounts like the Echogear wall mount can support up to a 90-inch screen size and up to 125 pounds (about 57kg) of weight. Make sure you consult your TV's operating manual for specific mounting requirements so your shiny new screen doesn't come crashing down in the middle of the night, taking most of the wall with it. Show more What's the biggest TV you can buy? The TCL 98R754 is a staggering 98 inches wide if we're talking about conventional televisions. But if you're willing to consider a laser or short-throw projector TV, Samsung's The Premierecan show a screen up to 130 inches. But unless you live in a cavernous McMansion with 18-foot cathedral ceilings and a sprawling layout, you won't get them to fit in your living room, let alone take full advantage of their features. Show more How can I know if an 85-inch TV will fit in my room? The best way to find out is to measure in inches from where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand to where you will be sitting and then divide that measurement by two. If your couch is anywhere from 150 to 170 inches (12.5 to 14 feet) from the TV, an 85-inch screen will be an almost perfect fit. You can, of course, go a bit bigger (if possible) or smaller depending on your budget and what's available from each brand. A screen that is too big can overwhelm your space and even cause motion sickness. In contrast, one that is too small will make it feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around to see. Show more More 85-inch TVs to consider ZDNETs TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends

iPhone 16e UB-C and speaker grilleApple NewsroomTaking a look back at this weeks news and headlines from Apple, including the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apples iPhone 16e promotion, iPhone 17 Wi-Fi upgrade, Apples Indian summer, surprise iOS update, MacBook Air benchmarks, and goodbye Product(Red).Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.Apple Launches iPhone 16eThe community was waiting on the iPhone SE and hoping for a $479 price point, instead, Apple delivered the iPhone 16e starting at $599. It remains the entry-level iPhone but it offers many more features that Tim Cook and his team will be hoping balance out the increase in price:"The price is more than was rumored, but this phone does so much more than was predicted, it seems justified. This is nothing like an iPhone SE. It has Face ID, an OLED display, Ceramic Shield, the Action Button instead of the Mute/Ring slide switch, a 48-megapixel rear camera, USB-C connector, the A18 processor, satellite connectivity, an all-new modem and access to Apple Intelligence."(Forbes).Loving The New iPhoneOf course, Apple loves the new iPhone. It is, after all, the iPhone ever (since the last one). Its faster, its more powerful, its more efficient So why is Apple insisting on comparing it to a phone that is nearly six years old in its press release and marketing details?"Thankfully, iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11. Theres a nice sleight of hand here that glosses over how much the battery life is improved over the iPhone 16. Instead, the numerical comparison goes to a smartphone that is six years old. I would expect a significantly better life for the battery over that timescale."(Forbes).iPhone 17s Upgraded Wi-FiWith the iPhone 16e sporting Apples C1 modem (the first home-grown modem from the company), eptember iPhone 17 family of devices will upgrade the Wi-Fi silicon to bring more of Apples own design into the smartphones:"Following Qualcomm, Broadcom's Wi-Fi chips will also be replaced by Apple's in-house chips at a faster pace. My latest industry survey indicates that all new 2H25 iPhone 17 models will feature Apple's in-house Wi-Fi chips (vs. only the slim iPhone 17 will adopt Apple's C1 modem chip). Beyond cost reduction, the switch to in-house Wi-Fi chips will enhance connectivity across Apple devices."(X via The Verge).Apples Indian SummerWith the threat of escalating trade tariffs between China and the US, Apple is increasing its production capacity in India, with an increasing share of the iPhone produced in a country not embroiled in a trade war with President Trump:"For India, it is an important shift. Mobile phones have now surpassed diamonds as the countrys biggest product export. And although only around 15 per cent of Apples iPhones are currently made in India, this is expected to increase to 25 per cent by 2027, according to JPMorgan and Bank of America analysts. Globally, the company shipped some 232mn iPhones in 2024, according to the International Data Corporation."(FT.com).A Surprise iOS Update For Apple IntelligenceThe team at MacRumors has spotted the next version of iO (18.5) showing up in its weblogs. That indicates that testing is going on with the soon-to-arrive version 18.4 and the next 18.5. Why is a fifth version so close to the end of the iOS 18 cycle, needed? Apple Intelligence:"The new Apple Intelligence features for Siri were originally expected to debut with iOS 18.4, according to Gurman. The enhancements include on-screen awareness, understanding of a user's personal context, and deeper per-app controls. For example, during its WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps."(MacRumors).MacBook Air M4 BenchmarksThe Apple community has been waiting a long time for the MacBook Air to pick up the update to the latest M4 Apple Silicon chipset. The consumer-focused laptop has shown up in online benchmarking tests this week, with more CPU potential but a potential limiting factor for those needing advanced graphics:"The two Geekbench listings that have surfaced so far indicate that Apple has equipped the new MacBook Air with the 10-core version of its Apple M4 SoC rather than its 8- or 9-core variants. The pair also suggest that the fanless design may hold back GPU performance in some areas."(Notebook Check).And Finally...With the removal of the iPhone SE from Apples portfolio, the company is no longer offering any PROUCT(RED) hardware. Previously a mainstay in visibly supporting the campaign, the partnership remains as part of the Apple Pay program, but the option for users to support it through purchases is gone:"Since 2006, Apple has partnered with the (RED) brand to raise money for The Global Fund, an organization that aims to combat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Africa. Through this partnership, Apple has long offered a (PRODUCT)RED option for some products, but availability of the color continues to dwindle."(MacRumors).Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Dont forget to follow me so you dont miss any coverage in the future. Last weeks Apple Loop can be read here, or this weeks edition of Loops sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.

In response to a TikTok trend where people have been posting the top five things that people can say ... [+] in bed to talk their partners through sex, @sirdoglord said in a video post, I thought I would contribute mine, and listed five things that you may not want to say in bed. (Photo: Getty)gettyWhen you are having sex with someone, do you have that persons back? Not in a dirty way but a supportive and encouraging way? Well, on TikTok, people have been posting the top five things that people can say in bed to talk their partners through sex. But when @sirdoglord mentioned this trend in a TikTok video and said, I thought I would contribute mine, what she listed flipped everything on its back. Her post, which has already garnered over 1.6 million views and over 1680 comments, was presumably tongue-in-cheek and offered the following five things that you actually may not want to say in bed:1. Why are you breathing so hard?This could be equivalent to saying, Are you freaking out of shape or Can you not keep up with me? When theres no genuine concern for the other persons well being, this isnt a very nice thing to say. On the other hand, this could be a legitimate question, as breathing difficulties could be a sign of legit respiratory problems like an asthma attack or accidentally (or deliberately) inhaling a condom. It could be evidence of cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack as well. Alternatively, the person could simply be not prepared for the level of vigor that you might expect.Therefore, communication and coordination are important throughout sex. If you are not that familiar with each other, go slowly and be open about where you want to go in order to find good mutual ground. Dont jump right into a tough sexual position like the Suspended Scissors until both of you are ready. After all, werent you always told never to run with scissors?2. Are you almost done?Patience is a virtue in many arenas, including sex. But if you have a train to catch, cookies to rescue from the oven or some other reason to rush, asking are you almost done or pointing to your watch could come across as insensitive. To avoid such situations, make sure that you communicate throughout so that you can have a better sense of where each of you happens to be in the whole process. And remember just because you dont climax and get done together doesnt mean that you cant both have fun.3. Look of disgustThis wasnt a specific phrase but instead a look, and it wasnt a look of love. Such looks can be quick instinctual reactions that arent easy to govern. Trying to suppress it can make it look even worse, given you that constipated look. How you handle this can depend on the nature of your connection. If this is a one night stand, then maybe the two of you are just a bad match. If on the other hand, the two of you are in a longer-standing relationship like friends or more, its better to openly communicate about what specifically caused that reaction. Otherwise, the other person may have noticed your look and keep wondering what prompted it.4. Is this amount of sweat normal, have you talked to a doctor?Sweating is a normal part of sex and any vigorous physical activity, hence the 1990 hit song Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C+C Music Factory. Sweat, also known as perspiration, is the bodys natural way of cooling off, as the sweat glands located in the dermis layer of the skin secrete water containing salts, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids that can help dissipate heat when it evaporates. Someone who doesnt sweat at all during what should be very vigorous sex may have anhidrosis, where the sweat glands arent functioning properly, or just not be trying that hard, especially if the person happens to be ironing a shirt at the same time.But excessive sweating can be a sign of a medical issue like heart problems, low blood sugar, hyperthyroidism or infections like the flu or tuberculosis. Certain medications like antidepressants and beta blockers can cause sweating too. The culprit can also be stress and anxiety, which never occurs before and during sex, right?Then theres hyperhidrosis, which is when a person in general sweats more than whats considered normal. This can occur in largely one part of the body like the armpits or in various parts of the body. A doctor can diagnose hyperhidrosis via a history, physical and two tests: a starch iodine test and a vapometer. Hyperhidrosis can be hereditary. It can also result from the aforementioned issues if they are chronic. Other possible causes are gout, alcoholism, spinal cord problems or menopause.Since you probably dont bring a vapometer to your sexual encounters, it may be difficult to tell what should be considered normal versus excessive sweat. Therefore, if you are genuinely concerned about your partner, you can be open about your concerns as long as you come across as genuine and not judgmental.5. Is this your first time?The answer to this question must be yes once by definition. If the other person happens to be new to the game and youve got more experience around the base paths so to speak, then consider talking the other person through everything. Working together openly and honestly can help you both get hits.This question becomes more of a problem when the other person believes himself or herself to be a seasoned veteran and you are thinking rookie. Such a question then can be akin to You kind of suck and not in a good way. Moreover, just because your partner is not doing what you need doesnt necessarily mean the person has no experience. That person could be used to doing things a different way or hasnt done it in a while.Again, such a question in the middle of sex is a sign of a communications breakdown. Anyone who is new to the whole game should be upfront about it during the pre-game warm-ups. Otherwise, inexperience will clearly show once its game time. So it helps for both of you to encourage open sharing of your backgrounds and perspectives.If you arent enjoying the experience, tell the other person specifically what could make everything better. For example, you can say, Not there, but over here instead or encourage the right actions rather than being critical of the wrong actions like No, not like a Hoover vacuum.These five things listed by @sirdoglord certainly werent the only zingers that people can and will probably will continue to say in bed. Commenters on the TikTok post did add other things like We can take a break if you want, Do you always make that face and Is that it?" All of this is a reminder that ultimately communication is a key part of sex. Good sex involves mental, emotional and verbal coordination along with physical coordination. If the focus during sex is nothing but the physical then yes you may leave it thinking Is that it?